Chapter 14: The Advance on Dawnstar

The next day began with a message brought in by Cario. It had been sent by Legate Rikke, who had already learned of their success via a messenger sent from Kober the last day.

Rikke was pleased. However she mentioned that they had taken Dunstad too quickly and would have to wait a couple days for reinforcements. Additonally she gave an order that they were to continue on and aid her in besieging Dawnstar. Rikke mentioned that they should move on it in one more day if they did not want to wait for reinforcements.

"If you ask me we should attack them now." Said Cario, who walked along with Schmacker.

"And leave Dunstad defenseless? Surely. I say we wait." Replied Schmacker.

"You sound like Cocus, we have momentum Schmacker. We should use it or risk having the gods laugh at us." Said Cario.

"Well I do profess myself a man of Shor…." Said Schmacker.

"I do think you have a good idea, but what if the rebels come back and take this fort back eh? We'll be in a terrible spot with enemies on both sides." Schmacker said.

"Ha, the same will go for them! We've Rikke in the west attacking Dawnstar and if they do take this place from under our noses they'll have us and Tribune Oskar von Fromm coming from their south!" He stated. Schmacker nodded.

"Since you put it that way… I guess you are right." He said.

"But if it was just us? I say we hold." Schmacker added. Cario murmured acknowledgment.

The two heard yelling over by the breached segment of Dunstad's wall.

A load of bricks had been dropped onto the ground by pure accident. They saw Hilvette presiding over the reconstruction of the wall.

"Would you say that destroying that was worth it?" Schmacker quietly asked.

"Compared to what we would have lost otherwise? I'd say so. Besides it was nice explosion." Mused Cario.

"But who is going to accept the blame the Council will place? That could be career ending." Schmacker said.

Cario could only shrug.

"After this campaign ends I'm getting a promotion myself. I just hope this punishment the council generates isn't bad for whoever gets it." He said. The man cringed at the thought of getting politically and militarily executed by the Elder Council.

"What do they know of war?" He asked, his tone twisted it into a statement. Schmacker scoffed.

"Nothing. They know nothing." Schmacker replied simply.

"They refuse to come even close to the battlefield, even in the Great War the moment they heard of Dominion troops marching on the Imperial City they fled without a flight. They left Mede behind the rotten goblin-hearted cowards!" Cursed Cario. He then cracked his knuckles.

"I'm going to have to suppress my own desire to beat them silly when they summon me. That's for sure!" He growled. Schmacker was somewhat disturbed and amused.

He shook his head.

"Let's just worry about beating these Stormcloaks for now, we'll hear what the Tribune has to say." Schmacker replied with easiness.

The pair walked upon Marcus, who was preforming maintenance on his bow.

"Marcus right?" Cario asked. Marcus looked up.

"You've seen me before." He blinked.

"Have you seen Ruigus and Alavia?" Cario then asked. Marcus nodded.

"Yeah, they're over in the hall. If they're still there anyways. You know how they are." Said Marcus. Cario chuckled.

"How are you holding up?" Asked Schmacker.

"Doing alright." He then motioned his bow.

"Just fixing this." Said Marcus. The two men acknowledged it and moved on.

The two officers came across the door into the main hall. Two guards saluted them as they passed.

Inside they immediately found Ruigus and Alavia. Conversing casually with Captain Hilvette and D'lliers. Kober was not in sight.

Cario made his presence known as he shut the doors behind he and Schmacker loudly.

"Tribune! I desire to know what our next course of action is. I am all too eager to continue on!" He declared boldly. Schmacker gave a silent gasp at the man's directness.

"That's funny. We were just talking about that same thing." Said D'lliers wistfully. The presence of Cario seemed to have brightened the mood.

"Show some patience for the moment Cario." Hilvette said to the younger breton.

Alduin then spoke up.

"If you wish to charge and die that badly I shall let you. We will advance tomorrow with the help of our allies." She stated.

"I just wanted to hear an answer." Cario replied simply. Satisfied with it.
He received curious looks from the others in the room.

Cario was certainly a hot-headed man. He embodied the desire for victory all of them felt.

And Ruigus liked him, perhaps for that exact reason.

"I see, tell the rest." Said Alduin. With that Cario and Schmacker bowed, and walked out of the room.

"He's not the only one that's jumpy." Said D'lliers as he looked at Ruigus.
"I want to finish this campaign as well. We need to end this war quick." Ruigus stated.

"That is the goal our Rikke and Governor General are working towards." Hilvette said.

"We must continue strive to prove our worth to them as men and women of the Legion." She added.

"That is what we will do Hilvette." Ruigus replied, smiling.

"That we will." D'lliers agreed.

"Anyways, I am going to go see that all of our winter equipment is still ready to be used. It is still next to freezing out there. I do not wish for anyone to die of the cold out there." He then sighed and saluted.

"If you have no further need of me. I will be off." Said D'lliers.

"You are indeed free to go D'lliers, be sure to stay warm." Alduin replied.
Then after the three could see their meeting was ending.

"I shall go out and train the men, they will be more disciplined and ready to fight by the morrow." Hilvette said, saluting and proceeding outwards.

"Secantius." Alduin looked towards the quiet Colovian man writing a paper, he had been so silent as a mouse. Filling out papers and other types of documents intended for home. Ruigus's examination of him said that he had been working through all night.

"Go take a moment's rest." The man looked up at her.

"Yes..." He said drowsily as he stood up and wiped his eyes.

Then Rolf von Kober walked in.
"I wish to speak to you." He said. The pair eyed him inquisitively.

"Speak what you desire Captain." Said Alduin. The man bowed respectfully. He stood up and placed his hand on his heart. His cold eyes stared back at the both of them.
"When we are ordered to be refit in Cyrodil I will ultimately be punished by the Council and the Legion for abandoning my legate." He said.

"I see. Do you wish for us to put in a good word for you?" Asked Alduin.

"I wish for you both to purchase my safety so that I can serve you." Kober stated calmly.

His words were a surprise to Alduin and Ruigus.

"Why is that? I will have you know that you will be standing in unwelcome company with us." Alduin stated bluntly. Kober was unfazed by that statement.

"It does not matter so long as my value as realized." He said.

"Explain." Ruigus spoke up. Oberstein paused.

"My former commanders were not individuals who sought anything beyond what they had." He said, speaking in a riddle intended only for those two in this room with him.

"It would appear that, after having lost my last commander. Fortune has found me in the service of the dragonborn and a most curious nord." He stated.

"I would rather be here. Than to be placed in court-martial by the Elder Council." He said.
"It is unfortunate that one who returned to the fight would still be punished by the Council." Ruigus mused.

Kober regarded him.

"It is a true crime Kober that those who have not fought even once decide the fate of those who do fight." Ruigus continued.

"You are mistaken in the fact that all they have done is not fight, they flee from it themselves and hide." Kober said.

"The Council is akin to rats." The man declared.

"They left those in the Imperial City to fend for themselves when Lord Naarifin and Eagle King Venril marched on it….I know that your father died when trying to retake it when our Emperor returned." Kober stated.

"My parents both died under the occupation of the Dominion. Since then I have used their fortune to plot vengeance." He stated.

"But ultimately, it was the Council who was responsible. You, as another Colovian know of the many acts they denied to strengthen the legion. They used their money for their own pleasure." He continued.

"Do you understand it? I hate the Dominion and I hate the Council." Said Kober, with the same eerie calmness, with exception of a shake in his voice.

"I offer to aid you both in ending them. By nature it is inevitable that you will seek to end them. I wish to end at least one of them by my own hands." He spoke again and turned to Ruigus.

"Yet on my own it is impossible. I wish, when Mede falls, to usher in you. The Empire will die with him. You are the only who can build a new one from his ashes and still fight the Dominion." He then paused. His eyes showed great emotion, a certain ferocity if not desperateness inside them.

"It is said, that it is the nature of a Colovian to undermine the Elder Council." He stated with conviction.

"How utterly bold of you Kober. Your words are that of treason." Said Alduin.

"Ruigus, as part of our duty to the Empire deliver justice to him." With that Ruigus stood out of his seat and pulled out his sword.

Kober remained in spot, unphased. He looked at Ruigus.

"You as well share what I believe." He said to the dragonborn.

"Do you wish to continue this waste of time?" He asked the pair. He spread his arms slightly, to show that he had no weapon on him.

"Champion Ruigus, are you willing to kill me? I am unarmed. Will you still do so regardless?" He asked. Ruigus took a step forward, staring down the man in front.
"You are not the type of man that would so easily cut down his own countryman, much less as one who believes the same as you." With that said Alduin laughed, almost mockingly towards the Captain.

"And what of you captain? What place do you seek?" She questioned. The man turned slightly.

"In this company I see nothing but those of light, for Emperor Mede I there was nothing but that until he created the Oculatus. I know of them. When the sun goes down a moon appears." Said Kober.

"A riddle! Haha! Ruigus are you amused as I am?" Alduin laughed. Ruigus shared a smile. He then sheathed his weapon.

Kober bowed.
"I thank you both." He said.

"Well then Kober, we shall purchase your safety and we shall use you to advance ourselves. Is that understood?" Alduin asked.

"It is my debt to pay to you." Kober said.

"Your loyalty shall be tested in the future, remember that." Alduin said. To which Kober nodded.

He then straightened himself and saluted.

"We shall see you tomorrow." Said Alduin, dismissing him.

He turned away and walked out. It was just the pair left.

"That was most interesting to have been involved in." Said Alduin.

"We'll be seeing more of it in the future too." Said Ruigus as he wiped his brow, he suppressed a sigh.

"A certainty my dear." Grinned the dragon.

"It's strange." Said Ruigus.

"At any rate. Alduin, it is good for us to have someone who will take our side. If anything drastic happens." Ruigus tacked on.

"You still wish to remain loyal to that ruler of yours?" She asked, indifferent but curious.

"I do. My loyalty shall remain firm." Said Ruigus.

"As though it may blunder me so. It is most admirable of you Ruigus." She complimented.

"Though, I will need to find myself a way to change that." She mused. Her counterpart's expression changed.

"Oh? Do you wish to test me on that?" She asked as she saw Ruigus's look of amusement.

"I think a romantic match will do." Ruigus said, smirking. He choose to consider this idea of Alduin's, yet he was a loyal man. He would not intend to betray the Empire.

"Speaking of that I was thinking for a while, maybe if we can go to Cyrodil pretty soon we can find an area to spar in. I know back home in Colovia and Kvatch there's many places for it. Though I doubt they are private enough for the both of us to practice Shouts and magic but...We can try!" The young dragonborn beamed. Alduin's thumb tapped at her chin.

"You make Cyrodil seem all the more appealing. I do wish to see how the land that took after my legacy has for in it's appearance." She said. Ruigus's countenance then turned sad, his home was still in ruin.

"It is in ruin, reconstruction has finished but the damages of the war are apparent wherever you go. I've said before about the physical damage we took, but not the psychological damage." Said Ruigus. He used a rather eloquent word.

"They are in a state of defeatism?" Alduin asked. Ruigus thought for a moment.

"No...Not entirely, it's more an overall sad atmosphere. Not so bleak as this place I guess. But it has been too long since I have been home. I still often wonder if has changed or not." Said Ruigus. His eyes shifted around a little. An anxiousness came over him as he kept obsessing about going home. Even a week back would satisfy him.

"I have a belief that we shall be going to your home soon. Worry not." Alduin stated. Smiling at the man with her.

"I shall take your word for it." Ruigus replied sweetly as with the atmosphere around him.

"You can be too sweet." Replied Alduin with a soft sigh of her own. A clingy desire was rising inside of her.

"Anyways." Ruigus said with intention to continue the conversation.

"I am curious about something." Slowly said Ruigus.

"With what you taught me days back, didn't you say that I am going to be learning Shouts and words suddenly?" He asked.

"That should be very spontaneous unfortunately, that is a part of my concern as a situation where one would pop up in a dangerous moment would be problematic with no doubt in my mind. Could be sleep, could even be now. And I have no control what it may be. You may even find that it is….One of my own memories." She explained.

"I can handle it!" Ruigus said with enthusiasm.

"So your own memories? Do you know what the nature or length of them will be?" He questioned, a

"I do not, they can be anything." Said Alduin, she spoke with a degree of bitterness, she did not like being unable to control such events as she was now.
"It is a shame, I would have wanted to show you much of the things I have seen, but alas." The goddess in disguise as a woman mourned.

"It is no big issue." Ruigus dismissed.

"Tell me though, last night you told me how you cursed the Atmorans to the age of six. I've got many questions about that for you." He said, eager to change the subject. Alduin was rather eager to oblige.

"Ask away." She said as her brown eyes locked at him.

"For one, I was wondering how you were able to do such a feat. Was it through a Shout? Or did you….Use some sort of other way to do it?" He then made his pause known to her by hand gesture.

"And secondly, could you use such a power on me? I will still age." Ruigus finished, his eyes were intent on Alduin. And his form was angled to her.

"You wish to be a six year old?" Alduin asked in a smug manner.

"Oh be serious." The Colovian said.

"Too bad. It is possible but I am unable to do it. The reason that I am unable to do it Ruigus, is that…..." Alduin shifted uncomfortably. Stress showed itself.

"I am no longer a true goddess." She stated flatly, and with pain. Her view shifted away as her discomfort raised, her refusal of what she had become.
"I…..."

"Take your time." Ruigus suggested. She looked up at him, her eyes showed vulnerability, something so sudden and unexpected of her.

"You shall be one again." He reassured, with a smile.

"I am crazy." Ruigus thought to himself. He did not think of that as a negative quality in the matter of this particular case.

A drastic change happened to Alduin. In a mere moment she brightened up like the lighting of a mage's candlelight.

"I shall!" She exclaimed. She then took a moment to recollect herself.

"My apologies. When I am one, I shall make you immortal my sweet. And I promise a great many other good things." She stated. Ruigus kept his infectious smile.

"Not just for you. But for what we both want." The woman before him said with utmost conviction and confidence.

"She is also selfish." The realization pleased Ruigus. She was unique in it. Ruigus wanted to make himself unique, in that regard he considered himself selfish as well.

"I will strive for the same, as a Dragonborn I am capable of much that I have realized." Ruigus replied. Alduin swelled with a sense of pride for her mate.

"You please me as usual. I shall offer you some words I have never said before: You put more effort into what it is that you do more so than many others around you. In the past I merely teased you with your old state of self. But now I see you stronger, not just body. I see true strength in your mind and heart. To keep it simple. Remain true to yourself." She said.

Spontaneous as her advice was Ruigus was moved.

"I-I shall." He momentarily stammered.

"You're kind." Continued Ruigus. Alduin shook her head.

"I am not, I insist on this with reason. In time you shall see my full self for what it is." Stated she.

"I exist Alduin. I think that perhaps my life has changed the lives of many of those here in Skyrim. You have said once that I changed you. As I do with Skyrim I shall continue with you Alduin." Declared Ruigus.

"Then may you try your hardest. As you always do." She replied. She found herself moved by her husband's stubborn will.

She saw him chuckle as though she had told an inside joke.

"What is it?" She questioned, her head cocked slightly.

"A month ago I near believed that no matter how hard I tried I had next to near no chance against you. I should have decided to face you as quickly as I could, but instead I idled about, I harbored some carelessness towards my duty as a dragonborn and turned my attention to the Imperial Legion."

"I swayed your actions away from my kin, I ordered them all to leave you be unless if they were that eager to perish." Said Alduin. Ruigus shook his head. A certain look was plastered on his face.

"No. Even then with the danger you presented I would have followed the steps of my father, and all that he had fought for. I do not fight or work hard. I do what I am supposed to, what I am meant to. What it is I do as a soldier, and that means more than being a dragonborn." Ruigus stated, his eyes seemed to appear as though he were many years older.

Alduin was bewildered by the sudden monologue. Being a soldier to the Empire meant more than being a dragonborn, a being so incredibly unique that few could compare to their connection with her people, the once mighty species beyond all compared in the Continent of Tamriel.

She realized there was something familiar about his words. It was familiar to a feeling she once had. She would listen to him further.

"Yet without having been the dragonborn I would never have fully dragged myself out of the complacent and overall despicable individual that I was in the two years before….This. Have I always tried my hardest? I do not know. Almost just from birth I was taught what was needed in order to be a man worthy of fighting the Domnion and their Thalmor. And now I have a rising desire to rule. I wish for you to know this, I am a man of my time and not by my birth as a dragonborn. Alduin I shall still live on as a dragonborn. Yet not the dragonborn anyone else ever had desired, I shall not willingly slay any of our kin and neither shall I be against what it was that great men before me have fought and died for." Ruigus's declaration of self earned a most impressed Alduin.

"But in the end I guess I may be what Tullius and Delphine may want me to be. Their chance to preserve our Empire and finish the Dominion. I have aligned myself with those two. Though I now wonder, is what I now do with Alduin against the will of the Divines and their prophecy? Or perhaps is it meaningless in comparison as to what we wish for." Ruigus thought, a multitude of thoughts were spontaneously running their ideas through his head.

"Ruigus, you are one who can be related." Alduin said suddenly.

"Oh? Tell me." Ruigus asked, intrigued.

"Throughout my life my father told me how I was the one meant to destroy the world until…...A more perfect one was created." With her words Ruigus's eyes widened.

"It may shock you but I did indeed gain the title of the World Eater through my actions. I did not once think of anything else otherwise until when my father said that a new perfect world had been created. Nirn is what it was. I had been confused despite his explanations. It was not long before I realized something, there was what I wanted to be. What I wanted to do, what I wanted to lead my kin towards." Alduin said, she stood out of her chair.

"It is no different compared to what you want to do for your Empire in the end. You seek for it to survive, I sought my people to survive." She said as she walked over to a window. She peered outside of it.

"I do fight for the Empire. But I do also fight for Colovia and…..Kvatch." Ruigus stated.

Alduin turned away from the window and looked at the earnest soldier. Her eyes were nearly made gold by the sunlight as she faced him.

"If the Empire were to fall, all that would be left is Kvatch, and I fight for the day where that shall never happen. But what would really be left if the Empire did fall?" He asked, it was a rhetorical question. One meant to be answered, but not now.

"I asked myself a similar question on the day I was sent through time. There was nothing, for my legacy I had assured it's own ruin. For myself there was nothing left as time had eroded it all away. With you Ruigus, I shall make anew." Alduin declared as she walked over to Ruigus.

She cupped his chin, she carried a sweet smile.

"You shall find what lies if it is destined to fall my love. Worlds go to waste while new ones are born." She said cryptically.

"We shall create a new empire, I promise that. And not just to you my love." Said Ruigus with some pain.

Alduin held her smile. The two may have been separated by bonds of mortals and immortals, but it was not impossible for two to have had the same call to action and change they so desperately desired in their dying worlds.

Not much had taken an event for the rest of the day, it seemed that they had still been blessed with a momentary peace.

Snowflakes fell upon those who stayed outside and took it to huddling around campfires, the if not eerie calm before tomorrow. They had to rest up while they still had the time.

A near unbearable wait was shared among the more fiery officers and soldiers. While the more exhausted and grizzled enjoyed this peace.

It was that so uneventful that only the reveal from Kober was there anything left to still ponder to the two conspirators.

It was interesting how influential the man had already proven himself.

Night fell upon Alduin and her troops. She and Ruigus decided to go to rest for the night.

"You know Ruigus, I fought a battle in this exact location once." Said Alduin as she laid in bed, staring at him as he climbed in. His light brown eyes stared back at her.

"It is such a strange coming on how there now lies a fort in this very land." Said Alduin softly.

"Why, this was where my rule over Skyrim was assured." She added quickly.

"You say that so assuredly." Ruigus teased.

"It was what set forth an irreversible course Ruigus. I shall speak no more of it. Sleep comes to us and you in particular need it most." She stated, with a warm smile on her countenance.

The two stared at the other for a few moments before they closed their own eyes.

Sleep had taken most of the weary and proud men and women of the Empire.

Dunstad, the far past

A storm raged on as a cloaked man walked through a dirt road filled with puddles and mud.
He continued through the heavy rain with purpose. There was something that he had to find, but he did not know where it was. All he could do was walk as rain fell upon his cloak and fierce winds blew his hood onto his back.

It was at that moment he heard a great number of stomps. The man lifted his head, his long blonder hair almost swaying in the wind as he tried to make out where the sounds were from.

A great flash of lightning transfixed itself with a roar belonging to only a dragon as the light revealed many horsemen moving at a fast pace on the road with dragons flying overhead them.

At the behest of them the cloaked man saw a most peculiar figure. He stood in place on the right side of it as they approached closer. The aforementioned figure was close enough for him to identify, as the woman upon the steed looked back at him and the world seemed to slow itself down for the wanderer.

She wore no helm unlike the rest of the army sized group behind her, signature black hair flew from atop her head. Gold eyes reflected the man's own dark blue. Her armor was covered by a cloak yet revealed far more of what was under it than his own.
He saw uniquely crafted jet black armor unlike that of any other nord's own craft. He did not recognize her troops. And it would seem she had the backing of dragons.

It was then that this man felt drawn towards following her with all of these men and dragons behind her. He figured her for an important individual, and if she was he had a question that needed to be answered.

He would find what he was looking for. He readied his longsword and began to quickly follow after them. They would come to a halt soon, a chaotic and bloodied one.

Unknown to the swordsman who walked it was none other than Alduin who led this army of dragons and men with her.

She had not brought them to display her power, she had brought them to win a battle.
This night the might of her kin and her few Dragon Priests would prove themselves against those who sought to use sheer numbers in order to defeat her.

A great smirk was written across her lips. The enemy which she sought to obliterate had no clue as to where she and her dragons were, they had been lured by a solitary sound from Wuthdeinkinbok into a trap.

An army of about 55,000 men, as it was reported by cowardly scouts had told her and the rest of her followers. It amused her on how even her most veteran dragons had flinched at such reports. The Dragon Priests and other mortal figures were terrified.

With only a fraction of what her enemy had her superiority would be proven this night. Their leaders would die and the land would be hers, only the daedra would be left oppose her. Her desire to humiliate them would be seen through. Only after this battle would she act against them.

With her eyes she spotted the Nords, clueless to her position on the slope of the mountain as their torches gave themselves away to her. To her and the rest of those up on the mountain the Nordic forces seemed like black ants among the darkness.

A mere 5,000 nords and dragons against such a pitiful foe.

Alduin readied her blade.

Skyrim and the rest of her kin would bow before her.

The swordsman found himself with the Nordic army, he deviated his way towards them. His curiosity had made him skulk around them.

"So few against so many." The Swordsman thought as he stood, waiting.

"Does she truly intend to win?" A great rumbling was heard from the mountains as the Nords halted and looked towards it, the rain was pouring onto their faces. The rain had been coming from the direction of the mountain! The soldiers could not determine what the source of the rumbling was as they stood, dumbfounded.

Another flash of lighting revealed the same horsemen and dragons from before. The Nords before him froze as the charging men on horses let loose their war-cries. Hastily they seemed to try and charge back against the descending horsemen when their lines erupted.

Dragons had flown themselves into their ranks and were wreaking havoc. They had been dark as the night itself and now let terrible flames erupt from their maws.

The swordsman looked on in horror and fascination.

"No, it is they who have been led into a trap. Her trap. This...Woman will only accept total victory." He pondered.

Then he saw the woman from before. The first to charge out of the rest of those men into the enemy. She quickly dismounted herself and took out a sword of which likes he had never before seen.

Her fighting was akin to a bloody dance as she cut through the incapable white-grey clad nordic soldiers. Even with their spears did they fall to her superior quickness and cunning. Blood coated her and her armor. She stood tall and stoic.

"She slays them in such a grandiose display." He noticed.

Her blade continued to kill spearmen and swordsmen alike. Her black clad warriors fought at her side with wondrous fervor and her dragons haunted him.

She continued like this. Then suddenly she was frozen by something.

The cloaked man began to walk towards her.

She had been halted by mages, casting all sorts of spells intended to kill her. The swordsman gasped as he saw what must have been hundreds of lightning bolts hurled towards her.

Then suddenly a bright flash blinded him and all for a second.

Where once stood a black armored woman. Now towered a terrifying black scaled dragon with eyes redder than a ruby.

The man froze, many thoughts ran through his mind as he saw what he had feared most. He recollected himself, and removed his cloak. Armor had revealed itself beneath it.

"I see. So she intends to rule Skyrim." He began a sprint towards her, his blade in hand as he moved.

Her shouts echoed throughout the valley, the swordsman came close to her. Her red eyes stared at him as he stood behind a mage.

In an instant the man slayed the mage in front of him. The expression of the Dragon was emotionless. Her eyes were not.

She was intrigued.

The man continued to slay the magic wielders, their attacks had ceased on the black dragon out of their own futility and fear.
She saw that the man was skilled with a blade, more so than even Hevnoraak. Except that this man held a sophisticated and elegant air to him, his cuts were clean, fast, and lethal.

A group of Spearmen charged him. Disadvantaged against their longer weapons Alduin then witnessed this mortal cast flames and fireballs towards the men. They were incinerated in seconds.

The man who had rushed to her aid paused as he saw the men burn before him.

"A true conscience." Alduin noted with interest.

Alduin then pulled herself back into the fight.

"Strun Bah Qo!" Shouted Alduin. Immediately the storm raged even fiercer with it's lightning now striking everywhere around them.
The swordsman's ears were momentarily deafened before she then began to chant a new one.

"Strun Bah Golz!" With her words the sky turned reddish, and rocks imbued with hellfire fell from the sky onto the battlefield.

Rain, lightningbolt, and rock fell upon the enemies of Alduin and her force of worshippers and kinsmen.

A pair of dragons, Odahviing and Lokyolkriian landed near Alduin.

"The battle goes splendid. The enemy overlord runs as a coward. Rahgot and his mortals on horses have him under spear-point." The stoic red dragon reported to Alduin. In another bright flash Alduin transformed back to a human.

Her gold eyes stared at Odahviing fiercely, her expression emotionless.

"End him." Alduin ordered. Odahviing and Lokyolkriian bowed their heads.
"We shall inform them, my overlord." He dutifully said. He and Lokyolkriian smiled at each other and flapped their wings and lifted off, gliding over friend and enemy.
The swordsman was still fighting the enemy and halting them from getting to Alduin. He had not heard the words exchanged under the yelling and many sounds of roars and blasts of lightning and other magics. Flares helped to brighten the sky temporarily as the barrages continued.

Eventually their enemy began to throw their weapons on the ground and beg for mercy.
The wandering swordsman halted himself as they did so in front of him, three masked individuals, and the dragon's black clad soldiers in metal and leather armors.

Alduin approached them, another man with a mask followed behind her. His mask was unlike the other three. It looked as though it was inspired by a squid.

"Miraak. Do you see these men beg before us? They had come in the hope of defeating I, Alduin, and have failed spectacularly. Their poor training and effort led them to their deaths. But there is something here that I have not seen since I first defeated you." Stated Alduin, the rain seemed to begin dying in it's intensity.

The swordsman who sought Alduin stood, and sheathed his blade. Alduin's eyes considered him for a moment before going to the surrendering warriors.

"What is that?" The man known as Miraak asked. Alduin chuckled before striding towards one of the men.

Her soldiers bowed before her. Dragons flew overhead, the swordsman estimated at least fifty flying around, perhaps more.

"Do you see what happens when you defy Alduin!? Did you expect any other result!?" She yelled at them.

"You are all worthless, pathetic, and scum." Her insult was matter of fact. They cowered in fear.

"Yet I shall offer you all a chance." She announced.

"Serve and venerate me and you shall become greater than you were before. I shall bring you purpose." Stated Alduin. Awe was shared by all of the unmasked men.

"Y-Y-Ye-Yes! W-We shall serve you lady Alduin!" One of the grey clad men of the tribal kingdom of Dawnstar.

"Hail Alduin!" The man said, an they all began to chant. Thankful for her mercy.

Alduin basked in their gratefulness and worship.

She then turned to her masked and soulless appearing dragon priests.

"Arm them and…." She then looked at the swordsman from earlier.

"Nevermind, leave for now." She ordered her Dragon Priests.

Miraak, Otar, Krosis, and Morokei all glanced at the man who gazed back at all of them. The Priests all could tell that Alduin had found herself a new one.

A pang of jealousy went through the one known as Miraak. His posture changed to annoyance as a feeling of dread came over him towards this man.

Alduin approached the blonde haired warrior. Again their eyes met.

"You came to aid me." Said Alduin. She was about to speak when suddenly the man responded.

"I believe you are the one who can bring peace to Skyrim and unite it." He told flatly.

To anyone else, even an indvidual such as Wuthdeinkinbok Alduin would have been furious. But not towards this man, who was brazen and intriguing.

"Watch and you shall see it." Alduin said.
"Whoever you were before this day does not matter. For you who has come to aid the greatest in Nirn, Alduin. You are anew and have witnessed a beginning, and you have proven to be worthy. And from now on you shall fight alongside me." She turned away and extended her arm to him, a gesture to follow.

"Come and see the world I shall create here….Vahlok." Was the phrase that Vahlok would never forget.

Ruigus awoke and shot up out of bed with his head in tremendous pain, the dream had burned itself into his own memory as it had played itself over and over again, each time from different eyes. Different people.

He clutched at his head. The pain seemed to lessen itself when he did so.

Ruigus looked at Alduin, who seemed so different now was awake as well.

"You saw it as well." Said Alduin calmly.

"How is your pain?" She asked him. Ruigus shook his head, it hurt him to do so.

"Bearable Alduin, can you tell me what I saw?" Ruigus asked. Alduin nodded, her hand gripping lightly at his arm.

"What you saw was the past." Alduin stated broadly.

"It is a coincidence, considering what I said last night." Alduin mused. Ruigus's head drooped as he stared at the floor, then he switched back to her.
"I see." Said he, confusion and wonder wracked his head.

"I suppose I shall be seeing more things like that." He added to which Alduin nodded slowly.

"Yes, you shall see what this land used to be." Said Alduin, a wistful tone.

"You seemed so different in that dream." Ruigus stated, Alduin's lips curled upwards.

"That I was, I shall be that like that Alduin I was again when I ascend once more." Said she.

"If she means to say that she will be cruel or evil I doubt that beyond all regards."Thought Ruigus, his eyes narrowed as that ran through his head.
He had to know more about her past. Those names, Vahlok and Miraak. Krosis and Morokei. Names of humans he had never recognized. The books the Greybeards had mentioned Dragon Priests, but never talked about the individual ones, except…...Miraak. Now that he remembered.

"Who were those men? The ones with the mask and that man….Vahlok." Asked the brunette.

"My dragon priests. The one with that unique mask as was as you heard it. Miraak, and he was quite a character." Alduin said with no lack of amusement.

"Miraak was most interesting, like Vahlok." She then said right after.

"Yet. There was none that were anything like Vahlok. Admittedly at times you remind me of him Ruigus." She continued. A silent sigh was detected by the dragonborn.

"You are better. And I shall answer no more for the moment. You shall see it all, do not take my own word for the events that happened then." A sentence most unlike her passed through.

"I want to see what led to…...well everything." Said Ruigus, he turned his head towards a window. Light came out of it's corner, morning had brought itself forth.

"I believe the next time you dream it shall be no coincidence." She assured.

"I am eager then." He replied dryly.

"A wondrous attitude Ruigus. However, you may hate what you may see. Of me." She warned. Ruigus shook his head.

"I doubt that." He replied.
Alduin's eyes gleamed at the man in front of her.

"Heh." Chuckled Alduin.

"Let us ready ourselves. We've a war to fight." Said the brunette dragonborn as he marched on to a far more grim task that would soon rear it's ugly head.

The pair armored themselves in their issued Imperial armor and walked out of the main keep. Malborn as well as their four friends were dutifully waiting for them.

"You really should not have waited for us." Ruigus greeted them incredulously.

"We just woke up." Said Aethan. Marcus smirked.

"It's our job to wake you up." Said the man with a smug demeanor.

"Good that it is part of it then!" Ruigus agreed, suppressing a chuckle to his wily battle-brother.

"Alavia, Ruigus. The others are awaiting you by the gate." Said Hadvar, his voice lacked emotion and was stiff.
Ruigus noticed something was off with Hadvar but decided to move on.

"We shall go see them, come with us." Said Alduin.

The group moved forward, Marcus made small talk with Aethan and Hadvar while Hans remained silent. Malborn awkwardly followed behind.

Their fellow officers spotted and saluted at them immediately. It seemed that they always detected their commanders quickly. Perhaps, it was in part to the sheer presence that radiated from the dragonborn and Alduin's commanding personality.

Of course, they like all others here in this pass save for Ruigus himself did not know who she really was beyond her alias.

"Morning ladies and gentleman." Said Alduin, saying a phrase she would not often use.

"Good morning sir! We were just waiting for you." D'lliers said, spry as ever.

"I pray in the time you have waited you have had time to ponder over our new task. What, I ask you has caused the assembly of all of you at this time?" She questioned.

"Legate Oskar von Fromm's unit has been spotted." Kober said, he seemed unchanged from the other day before. He would keep hid pledge in secret. It would have been suicidal not to.

"Perfect. Time until he arrives?"

"In an hour sir." Replied D'lliers.

"Good, let us get the men ready to move out. Hilvette!" Yelled Alduin, the blonde nordic woman stepped forward.

"Yes sir?" Asked the woman, standing straight and tall. Her face was stoic and emotionless.

"I want to have all of the men get ready. Kober, D'lliers. See to that they are accounted for and suited up." Said Alduin, her expression firm.

"Erm, Sir. What will you be doing?" D'lliers then asked, nervously.

"I will ride out with a few to meet Oskar." She said.

"Very good sir!" D'lliers acknowledged.

"Kober, in the event of an enemy attack you are also in command." She stated. And with that she took Ruigus and his friends to go with her. They would make the move to meet their ally first.

"You want me to go along?" Malborn asked Alduin as they walked towards the horse posts. She regarded him.

"Do you wish to stay?" She asked, her voice almost uncaring.

"Y-Yes, I will be able to pack up everything that was laid down." Said the middle aged bosmer.

"Go on with it. Have Secantius aid you." She dismissed. Ruigus smiled to reassure him as he left.
"So does anyone know who this Oskar is?" Marcus asked loudly.

"Well. I have never heard of him." Alduin said first, broadly.

"His name is Colovian, but I don't think I've heard a name like his back in Kvatch or the rest of the old land." Said Ruigus, he too shared curiosity with the man they were to meet.

"What about you old man?" Marcus directed to Hans.

"Nothing." The old halberdier said.

"I think both I and Hadvar only truly know anyone from Skyrim. I thought Alavia would have known but…. I suppose not." Aethan said, he was frowning as he spoke.

"We will find it out soon Aethan." Said Ruigus.

After mounting their horses they rode past the breach in Dunstad's wall to meet with Oskar.

Oskar's Imperials had been surprised to see them come out like this, but welcomed and led them to their commander.

Oskar trotted to meet them, his entourage behind him as he met Alduin and Ruigus for the first time.

The man, Ruigus thought was a quite handsome individual. He was not one to notice beauty outwardly on his fellow man with the exception of those who were more unappealing to the eye.

Oskar's appearance brought images of heroes of the old into his mind. Young soldiers in particular. He zoned out of his thoughts as the two dark haired commanders conversed.

"Tribune Alavia. An honor to meet you in person." The man said with a reserved respect.

"It is appreciated. Are you here to take over our holding?" Alduin questioned. Oskar responded with an incredulous look.

"I am here to re-take Dawnstar, we shall be working together for this. But as for the matter of Fort Dunstad itself Tullius has given me a small group of militia to hold it." Oskar announced. Ruigus could hear Marcus whispering something to Hadvar.

"Excellent. Come with us to Dunstad. We were getting ready to head out as soon as we spotted you." Alduin spoke as she turned her horse around.
"Of course." Said the man respectfully.

Ruigus zoned out as the images of Alduin standing in front of all of those men as she faced that Miraak and Vahlok echoed in his mind. Ruigus was taken out of that as he felt a light punch in his shoulder.

"Hey Ruigus, we're heading back." Hadvar said, noticing the day-dreaming that Ruigus must have been having.

"Oh…...Yeah." Said Ruigus slowly, he kicked his horse slightly to get to the side of Alduin.

"You were quiet." Alduin greeted Ruigus wistfully.

"I was thinking." The soft response earned the usual curiosity.

"Oh?" She asked him. They could hear the horns and music signaling Oskar von Fromm's unit to move.

"Just about the dream when I saw you talking to that man." Said Ruigus.

"It's a twisted repeat, do you not think?" Alduin mused to the brunette.

"If you mean to say that you are going down the same path as before I disbelieve in that." Said Ruigus who spoke what his mind and heart had both thought.
"Your stubborn forwardness is adorable, but I did not mean that just for me." Alduin giggled.

Wordlessly the young dragonborn stared at her. Hadvar, Marcus, Aethan, and Hans heard the exchange from behind. They were mystified to say the least.

Soon after they re-entered Dunstad. And in that time their men had been ready.

Alduin's lips curled upwards. These mortals were quick and efficient. She had noted it before but she had realized it was a part of the ethos that all mperials operated with.

"Good as ever." She remarked as she met D'lliers and Hilvette.

"Thank you!" The pair said with a salute.

"Now tell Kober we're heading out towards Dawnstar immediately. We shall indeed be backed up by Oskar so I suggest the two of you converse with his unit when you have the opportunity." Ordered Alduin.
"Of course Tribune." Hilvette said. Ruigus, listening could not help but get a sense of frustration with their formalities. He and many others had to as well but it was not as though they were with a strict commander who cared about such things as formalities in particular. The core of the Imperial Legion's belief was to get things done.

"Ruigus, you should meet with that Oskar. He has the air of a man who will be of value to us later." Alduin whispered to Ruigus.

The man gave a small smile.

"I was planning on talking to him myself. I'm starting to like talking to everyone again. Er, I kinda used to try and do that a lot back when I was around...10 I think." He ran his hand through his hair. He felt as though he had embarrassed himself.

"I'll get going." He then added, fixing his headband and then running to hop back on Trun.

Alduin smiled as he rode off, he was an adorable if not wonderful being that had so much potential. She remembered when she first made out to do her father's bidding all those worlds ago. Time had passed so long, yet so short. She had potential for anything back then. She still did now.

Oskar recognized Ruigus, of course he had seen him just a few minutes past when Alavia as Oskar knew had come to inspect. He was humbled by the dragonborn's arrival.

"Greetings Dragonborn." The man said.

"What brings you here? Not a change in plans I would assume." He then asked.

"I just came here to see you for myself sir Oskar." Said Ruigus.

"You humble me. Champion Kessel, see too it that we win the battle for Dawnstar." The man stated boldly.

"I shall, we shall know no defeat." With that Oskar smiled at the dragonborn.

"Good. Now, I met Tullius the other day and he had a great good amount of words to say about you." Said the Legate.

Ruigus's eyes widened. The Legate felt a smile creep over him as he studied the man's expression.

"What did he say?" Ruigus asked, riding at the side of the Legate. A group of officers and other important men and women followed behind.

"He has expectations of you Ruigus. You are his rising star. Or as I would think pessimistically, his hope. Many would envy you, even if you were not the dragonborn." The man stated, expressionless.

"I try to act beyond the trait of dragonborn Oskar. I cannot blame anyone for jealousy, as much as I hate for being the subject of such feelings. Do you feel jealousy towards me yourself Legate?" Asked Ruigus, fixing his loosening gear.

"Your suspicion is correct Ruigus. I have no doubt it will grow larger in the future, if I am to live to see you rise to a general or the like." He said, then the man smirked.

"You have my approval. When we join up with Rikke you should meet my dear friend, Pius Forianus. He is a legate as well. I have a feeling you would get along well with the man." Oskar said. Ruigus nodded.

"I shall take up the suggestion." Said the silver-red armored Ruigus.

"Smart of you. I wish to see you in action and live up to your reputation." The man paused.

"It has to be seen, if our enemies will make us bleed for every inch." He added.

"The Stormcloaks will be fighting in their homes, I expect the worst." Said Ruigus.

"Hm, I suppose they would." Oskar mused.

"Then we shall fight them with the upmost strategy we can muster in a siege." The black haired legate determined.

"Only you, or the other commanders can make such a thing a reality." Said Ruigus. Oskar's eyes locked onto the slightly younger fighter.

"I shall do my part." He replied.

"Do you wish to return to your unit?" Oskar asked after a minute of silence.

"I'll switch around." Said Ruigus, wind blew upon his face, the ends of his headband blew in the wind.

"You're a most funny man." Smiled Oskar.

With the end of that conversation began a series of events that would form an attachment.

The two armies marched over a hill that led downwards towards Dawnstar itself.

All could see both smoke and flames as they erupted from the wooden nord houses and military structures. The Stormcloak hold on Dawnstar was most definitely in peril.

Hurrying downwards, the two armies of Alduin and Oskar maneuvered to join their allies. Rikke and Pius would be to their west.

"We're going to have to charge through the enemy holdouts if we are to join them." Alduin stated, helmet-less and wind blowing her hair as she spoke.

"Their hold on the western residences shall fall with our men, there may still be citizens still inside them. I cannot help but question what shall be their fate." Oskar replied, uncomfortable.

Ruigus, with his sword ready pointed it towards the city.

"Is it not obvious?" He asked, the intention rhetorical.

"We have a duty to protect them no matter the side whether they chose it or not. They are of no harm to any of us either." Said Ruigus to the two.

Oskar smiled slightly and nodded.

"I agree with you. It would be wrong to go and barge into their homes like barbarians with no reason to." Said the tall colovian legate.

"If they do not create a reason." Said Alduin. The two men turned towards her.

"They should know to not side with their former leader once we re-assert ourselves into their lives. They would face punishment otherwise." She stated with a cold logic.

"They will know better." Said Oskar, the man's eyes scanned the city in front of them.

"For their sakes I hope they do. But…..I am not going to allow anyone to take advantage of their poor state." Said Ruigus. His expression wrought with some melancholy as he too stared at the burning buildings in Dawnstar.

"That is to be decided by Rikke, another person of sound logic such as yourself dragonborn." Said Oskar.

"In any case, let us aid her immediately. The Stormcloaks will undoubtedly send help." Said Oskar before turning around and quickly making his way back to his army.

Out of the corner of her eye Alduin watched the man leave.

"Ruigus, we shall hurry in as well. I have a grasp of a feeling that says you are going to want to be the first." She said calmly.

The man gave a slight nod. His expression was conflicted as though he were about to say something but if he was he kept it to himself.

"I shall stay and ensure all with us are in order. It pains me that I am not able to fight with you." Alduin added, a hint of anxiety.

"Take, Hadvar and the rest with you. You all fight well together." She finished.
"I will." The young soldier replied.

"I shall come back to you soon." He then said, and turned around. A small smile on his face.

"Of course."

The attack was called soon after.

The two armies would move to aid their western allies as they attempted to gain a foothold, their flank on the rebels would ensure annihilation of at least some of the enemy forces inside the city.

Then afterwards they could eventually push to take the rest of it, whether it be a matter of days or not, but what they would do would ultimately be entrusted to Legate Rikke, the nordic woman who was in charge of this whole offense.

As Ruigus and his men rode down while the rest advanced alongside he then saw how the streets were narrow, the terrain uneven.

"Alright, dismount!" He ordered.

"This battle is not in the favor of the horse. Neither is the city itself. Be careful!" He informed his companions.

The lot of his friends and allies dismounted and quickly tied their horses to makeshift posts. Thankfully undisturbed as they did, but they hurried. If the Stormcloaks were so numerous they would be going in to kill them whilst they were busy.

The area around Ruigus and his men remained quiet. They could see villagers peering out of their windows and staring at him and his group.

Marcus froze, Hadvar and Aethan remained wary though Hans seemed to not pay any attention to them.

"They won't bother us." The old soldier said to Ruigus.

"You sure about that?" Marcus nearly yelled, scared. Hadvar quickly calmed the young Nibeneean.

"They aren't idiots Marcus." The taller nord said to the man.

They could hear sounds of fighting close, interrupting them.

"Lets get running, we're going to help our allies." Ruigus announced.

He led the way through a couple streets before coming upon a fight between Imperials and Stormcloaks. As it appeared it was two organized blobs of men fighting the other. He had come up behind the Stormcloaks.

"Wait up. Let's reform and catch our breaths real quick." Ruigus yelled, some of the Stormcloaks noticed him and his men, in a panic the back line of the rebels reformed to face them. They were surronded on both sides, yet they could escape through the spaces between the wooden houses if they so choose to.

After a minute his men let out war-cries Ruigus and his fellows charged into the rebels.
Blood and steel stained and smashed against the armors of both of the bright red and bright blue clad forces.

The brutal fighting continued, men and woman screamed alike and died or were left bloodied and wounded.

Yet Ruigus with his sword and shield in his hands prevailed against the valiant Stormcloaks.

Just as they were about to finish off the group of rebels Hadvar brought to attention that there was more Stormcloaks coming from behind.

"Damnit!" Hadvar thought, there was a great number of them angry and energized.

"Shieldwall!" Ruigus yelled. Quickly finishing off the last of the Stormcloaks that had attempted to hold out. Now it was their turn to make a stand.

As though it were a miracle sent by Julianos, Cario Idwal and a larger group of infantry charged the rebels from the side.

"Help them, quick!" He yelled.

Hans and Marcus helped pull up an injured man who had his arm almost severed from his body and placed him next to one of the houses. A civilian was standing outside and insulting them. The pair ignored it as they waited for one of the attached mages to make their way to them.

"Hey Hadvar!" Yelled Marcus as he saw the man running. The tall brown haired nord turned.

"We got a few that are really freaking messed up here, can you go fetch a mage or something?" Hadvar blinked at the hot-headed archer's question.

"I can do that!" He yelled back, and ran off to the south to where presumably friendlies were.

As he ran off Hans and Marcus, with their weapons sheathed or placed on the ground in the case of the old soldier looked at each other.

"Let's help these idiots, poor guys are dying." Said Marcus breathing heavily.

Hans nodded without saying a word.
Marcus cursed under his breath as they lifted another man up. Not to the old man, but a different thing entirely.

Ruigus found himself fighting side to side with Aethan and Cario as they brawled with the reinforcements.

The rebels were quickly being pushed back by the combined strength of these three and their troops.

Meanwhile Hadvar ran alone through the streets to try and find a mage to help out Marcus and Hans in saving the wounded.

He grew more anxious as he could not find any allies anywhere, he grew frustrated as he found himself unable to find his way back.

It was then that he spotted a column of Stormcloaks running through a street next to him.

Pressing himself up against a door he believed that they were going to see him and kill him. He heard more loud, clanking footsteps coming even closer.

Suddenly the door behind him opened and before he could turn he was pulled in.

"A young man like you has no business dying in front of my house." Said an elderly female voice. Hadvar turned to see a forty or so year old woman standing behind him, hair blonde with white streaks.

"T-Thank you." He said quickly, his heart pounding out of his chest.

"Hmm. Come in, if you are hungry I have some food ready. If there is any left." The old woman said with a sigh and smiled, age had not stricken this woman terribly.

Hadvar said nothing as he quickly sheathed his shield and sword, his bow still remained on his back.

Following the old woman he came into what seemed to be a living a room with a small pit with firewood burning lightly as a cooking pot stood over it.

Hadvar almost gasped as he saw five children sitting around eating soup.

"Are these your kids?" He asked the woman, who turned herself around.

"All five of them." She said, a weak smile came across her face.

"Now get a bowl." She then said.
Hadvar stood over to the big pot and saw there was still some of the soup the kids had been eating, he identified it as tomato soup. Grabbing a bowl he went back to the pot and half filled his.

The children, three girls and two boys stared at him in wonder. The man found a small table he could eat comfortably at, the woman went over to her children.

He ate the food quickly, for the sake of time and not wanting to disturb this woman or her children much longer.
He noticed the kids staring at him. He smiled at them, causing them to look away out of a sort of embarrassment or pressure.

Finishing his food he grabbed the bowl and looked at the woman, a funny look on his face as he tried bringing the words asking what to do with it.

The old woman giggled.

"I will take care of it. You full?" She asked. Hadvar nodded and straightened himself.

"Thank you miss." He said.

"Hmmn hmmn." She responded. Hadvar stood for a second.
"Say miss, you have a large family…..Do you take care of these children on your own?"

"My own?" She asked, her expressions turned bleak.

"My husband used to be here with me, but I did not see him that often this year, he was in the Imperial Legion." She said. She stayed silent for a couple minutes as her children listened. There was pain in her eyes.

"I….I see." He replied. Yet the woman continued.

"He died….Five months ago at that Helgen." She said, staring off into the distance.

"I cannot imagine the suffering that's been had." Said Hadvar to the woman. Memories of running with Ruigus away from that black dragon invaded his mind.

The woman smiled weakly.

"Oh, life is fine. But it's been so hard without him." She said, sighing once more.

"Have you lost a loved one young man?" She then asked.

"I haven't miss." He said.

"You're lucky, for now." She said grimly.

"Soon these kids might lose me. I don't know what fate has in mind." She said softly.

Hadvar, feeling nothing but pity reached into his pack and procured a small bag of septims he had.
"Here." He thrusted the bag towards her.

"Young man..." She said, alarmed.

"Just take it." He said kindly.

Reluctantly she accepted the gift.

"Thank you sir." She said gratefully. A small smile on her lips.

"Just think of it as payment for the food and rest." He replied.

"I should get going." He then said, smiling at the woman her children.

"Sir, I have a question of you to ask." The old mother looked at him.

"What is it?" He asked softly.

"Are the deaths of any of you soldiers like my husband worth it?" She asked, the question confounded Hadvar.

He thought about it for a good minute before coming to a conclusion.

"Yes. I used to be not too sure about how this war would end but after meeting a few people I think I know that no matter who it is that perishes in this war it brings it closer to an end. But at the same time I can't help but think they could be avoided. I may be wrong about all this but every man died for peace here, and there are people that will bring it." Said the short haired nord to the lady.

The woman smiled again.

"Thank you sir, I think I may be able to sleep in peace now." She said, sniffling.

"Just remember that your beloved will watch over you from Sovngarde. I think he would want you to raise the kids well." Said Hadvar.

"I shall leave you now, I have to rejoin my friends and help save others. Take care miss." He said, and left. Hoping that he would not be too late.

How many other men or women were like that here in Skyrim, or Cyrodil?

The Stormcloaks made a city wide retreat, giving up the west and some of the southern sections and districts of the city to the advancing Imperials.

The attackers would be forced to head into whatever the rebels were trying to prepare for their advance.

Ruigus wiped his forehead of the cold sweat that dripped from his head, something he had thought impossible in such weather yet his body felt fatigue upon it. He knew that the day was not done yet.

"It was a blessing of you to come Cario!" He finally said to the man who smiled grimly.
"Couldn't miss an opportunity to fight with you Ruigus." He replied cooly.

"The same for you friend." He replied before motioning back to the street where he originally fought the Stormcloaks.

"Let's collect the wounded and go find the Legates." Ruigus said.

"Erm, I may be late. I gotta look for….Oh! There's Marcus and Hans." He said noticing the pair.

"I'm here too Ruigus." Said Aethan, surprising the brunette.

"I could barely hear you. You alright? You fought well." Ruigus asked.

"I am fine, just battered." He replied. He looked over at the pair in front.

"Seems they've been doing healer duty." Cario remarked.

"Ruigus, can you do it?" Aethan asked as they walked closer.
"I nearly forgot I could do that, can you help me Aethan? I don't know how to bandage and the rest. I don't think my magic can really do the work otherwise." He said to the nord, who nodded in acknowledgment.

"Hey there you are!" Called Marcus as he walked over to Ruigus, intending to see if there was anyone alive.

"We're going to help these men. Have you seen Hadvar anywhere?" Asked Ruigus.

"I sent him to get a mage but it's been a while….Damnit!" Cursed Marcus.

"What?" Asked Aethan calmly.

"I think I might have gotten him killed, he would be here by now if he wasn't." The nibeneean man panicked.

"I'll look for him." Said Aethan. A strange quiet came over the city as the Imperials seemed to begin settling in, soldiers, mages, and other Imperial corps walked or ran through the streets.

"Did you see where he ran off?" Aethan asked. Marcus stopped himself to think.

"Ah I think he went that way?" He said, pointing to a small alley to the west. Aethan then nodded slowly.

"Got it." Aethan began to run off in search of his friend.

He exercised caution as he ran. He was expecting the rebels to be hiding around any corner, perhaps even inside some of the residences.

He'd ignore it until it became life threatening.

Aethan halted to check both sides of one of the streets seemingly close to one of Dawnstar's mining quarters.

He continued through in search. He was panting and needed to pause for a moment. That was when he heard a voice.

"Aethan is that you?" The Riften man turned back to see Hadvar, eyes wide.

"The one and only." He chuckled hardly in between breaths.

"Were you being chased?" Hadvar asked quietly.

"No but I could ask you the same. I tired myself trying to find you. The others were looking for you." Aethan said dryly. Hadvar placed a hand upon the back of helmet.

"They were? Damn I got caught up, there was rebels all around and I had to hide b-"
"It's alright, Ruigus is taking care of it." Said Aethan. Hadvar looked both disappointed and relieved.

"At least he can do it." Hadvar said so quietly it was as though it were a whisper.

"We've pushed them back, take it easy Hadvar. Now follow me, let's go find our friends." Aethan assured.

The two men started a trekk back towards their comrades in arms.

"Oskar, Alavia, Ruigus, it is a pleasure to see you again in good form." Said Legate Rikke to the three who were now sitting in chairs as the Legate stood above a table with a map of the city. There were drawings and red and blue markers on it.

Rikke had called this meeting inside one of Dawnstar's inns. The "Nightbreeze inn" in particular. The owner currently resided in the basement, for his own safety.

Another man was in the room with them one with mustache shaped blonde hair and light brown eyes.

"Tribune Alavia, Ruigus meet Legate Pius Forianus." Rikke introduced.
"Greetings to you two, it is a pleasure to meet you in person after all you have done!" The man said with a large, friendly smile.

"Likewise." Alduin responded simply.

"Legate Oskar, you already know Pius." Said Rikke in a matter of fact tone. Oskar nodded.

"It was not a long journey now was it?" Pius asked the darker haired Colovian man.

"Not at all." Oskar agreed, sinking comfortably into his chair.

"You came from Whiterun?" Asked Ruigus, the two men looked at him.

"Yes we did, we split up from there after meeting the governor-general." Oskar explained. The man then turned to Rikke.

"Now Rikke, you are aware that I am bringing nothing but disorganized recruits and other lazed soldiers." The man reported, Rikke regarded him and waved it off.

"And I have hastily gathered volunteers and citizens. We will do fine so long as we command fine." Said Rikke.

"Don't forget that our legion has prided itself on it's superior and near peerless discipline." Pius said.

"That is true in practice, but now when they are put in a mess of a city like this." Oskar shook his head.

"I shall see how they do when we make our next push." The dark haired legate said, his hand were lightly clenched.

"What is our next order?" Alduin's question interrupted. Rikke straightened herself.

"All of you take a look at this map." The nordic woman brought to attention.

She pointed to what seemed to be a large collection of buildings that was cut off by rocks.

"If you have not noticed we are on a hill that can overlook the port, which is still under Stormcloak hands. It is important as we have the Imperial navy making their way here, we'll get their support but if they are going to dock we will have to take it today." Stated Rikke, her eyes switched from all those with her.

"What about the Stormcloak navy? Any word about them?" Asked Pius, his hand on his chin.

"No word. If they come the few ships that have been dispatched will fight them. We will continue to uphold our end." Rikke replied.

"What about the rest? Is the port our only goal?" Ruigus now asked, anxious.

"For the moment." Rikke replied.
"I think we should commence a city wide attack, we can take all of it today Rikke." Said Ruigus.

Pius was the first to stand up.

"It can be done Rikke." The man agreed with Ruigus.

"I would like to put my men further into their test of mettle as well." Said Oskar, who too arose out of his seat.

Alduin said nothing.

"Legate Alavia, your opinion on your Champion's idea?" Rikke asked.

"He speaks for me." She stated cooly.

"Then it shall be in motion, Ruigus divulge more on your plan." Rikke demanded.

"We had the Stormcloaks on retreat, they are likely to be still regrouping even at this time. If we attack only the port they will undoubtedly send as much as they can to repel the attack. I think it will be too bloody for us that way. But, if we can attack them now all across Dawnstar we will break their morale and send them routing, they will be unable to reinforce any of their flanks they'll crumble right then and there." Ruigus said, he believed in his plan.
Rikke's lips curled upwards

"Then I shall assign all of you." She said.

"Oskar, you shall take the port. Pius, you will aim for the city center. Alavia, take the mining section and move to aid in capturing the city hall, I will be granting you a couple of my staff." Issued Rikke.

"Is the Jarl still in the city?" Pius asked.

"We do not know, that Jarl Skald has evacuated or not. If he remains stubbornly in his hall apprehend him, if he attempts to kill anyone take no chances. It is preferred that he remains alive. Skyrim and the Empire have no need for martyrs." Stated Rikke.

"Will do Rikke, rest assured you will have him." Said Pius.

"There are also two more subjects of importance." She stated.

"We have to send some troops to protect a Brina Merilis located here at this residence." Rikke pointed to a house among others close to what they would believe to be their lines.

"She has some bodyguards with her but we do not know if the Stormcloaks will act, since we aim to re-claim it all now I would say that even sending a single soldier there will be sufficient." Said the stern nordic legate.

"What importance does she have?" Questioned Alduin casually.

"She will be replacing the jarl." Rikke replied smoothly.

"I know a few that can be trusted with that Rikke." Said Ruigus. Normally a Champion like him would be excluded out of a meeting such as this, but his standing and reputation made a man like him considered.

"Good, send them over." Said the woman.

"And what is the second?" Asked Oskar, curious.

"The second is that I have heard disturbing rumors of magic placed upon this city, it will not affect us in daytime but it would seem that sleep is prolonged here. Perhaps that was the reason we pushed in so easily. It seems to be a curse."
"Do we know the cause?" Asked Pius, concerned.

"No." Rikke replied. Holding a soft sigh.

"Have some men stay up in rotations for the night, we will meet in the hall with the new jarl when the battle has ended."

"Any other questions?" She asked.
None of them said anything.

"Perfect. Let's win the day and have the end in sight for this war." Rikke said with good energy.

"Dimissed, you will begin the attack in an hour. Have all troops rest and ready in the meantime. I shall hold here, by Tsun and Kyne we will bring swift victory." She declared.

A feeling of conceitedness spread throughout the four humans. Alduin as ever remained calm. Ruigus noticed that. And he had a question for her.

Pius, Oskar, Alduin, and Ruigus walked out of the inn.

"I would offer you all a drink before battle, but it would seem that there's been some stores that have been looted." Oskar said dejectedly.

"We can toast when the day is ours." Replied Pius.

"To all the men for a hard fight." Oskar added.

"Do you two care to join us?" Oskar then asked Ruigus and Alduin.

"I'll be there but….I'm no fan of parties." Said Ruigus. Pius chuckled.

"Neither am I, a military celebration is much different from the ones in Cyrodil." Said Pius.

"Thankfully." Said Oskar.

"I will come as well." Alduin then said.

"Good." Replied Oskar. The four reached a temporary post station.

"Well then, good luck to you all." Said Oskar, leaving.

"I look forward to fighting with you. Take care Tribune Alavia, and to you Champion Ruigus." Said Pius, his armor gleamed with the bright sun.

Now it was just Alduin and Ruigus, standing as legionnaires walked around.

"We'll do good." Said Ruigus.

"Of course." Alduin agreed.

"Just what Rikke said about the sleep spell confuses me, would you know what is?" Ruigus's question was met by a knowing smile.

"Vaermina." She said.

"The Daedra!?" He quietly exclaimed, eyes wide.

"Exactly who it is. The why of this spell is simple. It is her nature, though I find it odd this is happening around the time of my return and a Civil War. No matter." Said Alduin.

"We can deal with it tomorrow, if she does not cancel it herself in fear of our presence." Alduin then said, smirking.

"In any case, Aethan and the other three will be sent to protect that Brina. I shall handle the other affairs." With that she gave the dragonborn a quick kiss on the lips. She then broke it and began walking away.

Ruigus stared at her, stupefied.

"Yeah." He said quietly.

"Yeah."

With that he made a quick check of his sword and equipment as he walked to go find them. He felt lighter. He found a soldier passing out food to his fellows.

"Hey have you seen this one group? A Nibeneean with a bow and three nordic men. One has a halberd the other two with a mace and sword." He asked the pot carrying man.

"Yeah I did." The man then pointed to a pair of two story houses.

"Right through those on the opposite side." He pointed.

"Thanks!" Said Ruigus.

Ruigus walked on and saw many of his brothers and sisters in arms resting themselves all around the village, catching some rest before their next assignment. Some of them waved to him, he responded in kind.

He then came across his four companions.

"Hello Ruigus, you want us to do something?" Asked Aethan, noticing Ruigus.

"You know it Aethan. It's special." Said Ruigus, standing over them.

"What's the task?" Hans, the oldest of them all spoke.

"There's somebody you need to protect, you'll have to be bodyguards essentially. Come, I'll tell you more about her." He led them back to the inn, he decided he'd show them the map as it was the only way they'd know.

"Sir! Rikke's given the order!" A runner had run up to none other than Pius. The man's expression hardened.

"Alright. All units are to charge, Dawnstar shall be liberated! Be ready to assist our good men and women in this fight, our breakthrough means nothing if the others cannot do the same." Said the blonde Legate, his eyes were lit with a burning desire for victory.

Over to Pius's west another runner approached a man.

"Legate Oskar, Rikke says to start the attack." Oskar regarded the man's words.

"Good." Said Oskar.

"Today there will be total victory or a failure upon my name." The man thought.

"Tell the Tribunes to exercise caution." He said calmly.

With Alduin, Ruigus had just come back.

"Alduin, they've been sent to protect that woman. And, I've been told to tell you that we are to begin the attack." Said Ruigus. Alduin nodded slowly, some snowflakes fell upon them.

"Ruigus, work the very same splendor that you have seen me once use. Pierce through their strategy and overwhelm. Take that Cario with you, I believe that man is in line with how you act in warfare." While Alduin usually seemed so otherworldly it was not that Ruigus saw her warm, if not supportive and wise even.

"You have noticed that too? I shall. Just say the word and I shall do my duty." He replied.

"Attack, Ruigus."
The calm that had lasted for a mere two hours had ended in a massive attack, there would be victory or sovngarde.

"So Brina is going to replace that Skald man eh?" Remarked Marcus as he and his three comrades in arms moved carefully.

"Yeah, new Jarl. Born in Cyrodil, now going to rule in Skyrim." Confirmed Aethan.

"Seems kinda messed up that someone not born here is going to rule a city." Said Marcus with a frown.

"Then what about the Emperor?" Hans asked, chuckling.

"That's different!" The younger Cyrodilic man said.

"This is a provincial matter, the Emperor is….A matter to the whole world? You get the point don't you?" Marcus barked, frustrated.

"Get worked up when we fight Marcus." Said Hadvar. Marcus sighed, and muttered.

"We agree with you." Said Aethan.

"Yeah you better." Marcus replied softly.

"Now where's the residence?" He then asked. Hans stopped.

"Perhaps it may be the two story building in front of us, I even spot the last name etched on the wood." The old soldier said.

"Makes sense to me." Muttered Marcus.

Hadvar led them to the door. He knocked.

"Imperial Legion! Brina, we've been sent by Legate Rikke for your protection!" Hadvar yelled.

"Hold on." A masculine voice answered.

"Did we get the wrong person?" Marcus quietly asked.

"Bodyguard." Aethan whispered to him.

After a moment of silence the door opened. A man dressed in Imperial Legion armor stood before them, he was nearly bald, and he had green eyes.
"Come in, thank you for coming." The man said. He held it open as they passed through, he stopped one person.

"Hans? Is that you?" The man excitedly asked.

"Horik, it's been many years." The old man said, smiling.

The two men bear-hugged. Marcus cringed

"Godsdamnit old man." The man thought as he watched them.

"Battle brings you back once again eh?" Horik asked.

"That it does, that it does Horik." Hans walked on in.

"All of you feel free to take some food and drink, I am going to go get Brina." The man said with a smile. He walked down into a basement.

"Thanks old friend." Said Hans.

"It's courtesy!" Yelled Horik.

"So you know him?" Aethan asked. Hans nodded, taking a seat on a rather modest chair.

"The old war." He said.

"Such a long time ago." Aethan said wistfully.

"Yes, it has been." Sighed Hans.

"There are good and terrible memories, he's been in both." Said the old nord. They were silent until they heard footsteps from the basement.

Out emerged Horik, a woman dressed in mage's clothes and a noblewoman.

The apparent mage was an older woman, her blonde hair had seemed to be in it's beginning stage of withering.

The noblewoman seemed slightly younger, blonde hair and hard blue eyes.

"This is what the Empire sent?" The mage said warily, it was clear she did not appreciate their presence.

"Disregard her, it is a pleasure to meet you all." Said the noblewoman.

"I am Brina." The woman said in a stern manner that reminded them of Legate Rikke, the few times they saw her.

"Thank you madam. I am Hadvar." He greeted, rather uncertain how to talk to a woman like her.

"I am Aethan, thank you for taking us in." Said the long haired nord politely.

"Name's Marcus." Said Marcus. Brina turned her attention to the last.

"Hans, good to see you in top form." She said.

"I am afraid I do not remember you." He said sadly.

"That is fine, it was only once." She replied.

"You've met Horik, this here is Madena, she's the court wizard who's come to us for refuge." She explained.

"I am just here to stay out of this pointless war. Your people can kill each other as you please. I will save whoever's left." Madena spoke bitterly. She was urged by Brina to take a seat, she complied.

"I would like to tell your commander that my concern is Dawnstar, if this Rikke and Tullius intend to let this city be in peace then I will work my magic for them. Do not be mistaken, I will not use my magic for war." Added the old mage.

"Madena, let them be." Said Horik with contained anger.

"I am afraid that we cannot speak for them. But we have people fighting for the ultimate peace of this city and Skyrim." Said Hadvar with all respect.

"The usual words from you Imperials, but it is good words." The mage half-agreed.

"In any case I wish to again thank you four for coming." Brina said. Breaking the last topic.

"It is our job Brina." Said Hans. Horik nodded in agreement.

"Regardless, thank you." Said the woman.

"Now, how goes the battle?" She asked warily.

"We're commencing an all out attack." Hadvar reported. Brina seemed bewildered.

"It seems that the Empire has become that much bolder. If I am being honest I almost thought all the spirit in it had died, it is good to be wrong but now it seems an old commander like me has no grasp on the new ways of war anymore." Brina sighed.

"We have new and young commanders, they're really smart." Hadvar praised.

"It would seem so, I just hope they can win." The Jarl to be replied.

"Brina, we'll win. You'll see." Said Horik, a small smile on his face. The woman smiled back.

"You make it easy to believe anything Horik." She said sadly.

"As a legate in the great war myself I won many battles, it's just that now…...We fight a different enemy." She then stated.

"We can only adjust." Said Hans.

"Heh, Horik I can finally see where you got your behavior from." Said Brina smiling.

"Legate, I am afraid I have no clue what you are talking about." Horik's words made Brina giggle.

"There are always new ways to fight and conduct battle. It's soon that my time to do the same will come." Said Brina.

"All this talk of war." Growled Madena.

"Sorry Madena, it's just that I worry." Brina mused.

"That is what a man like me and our good friends here for we will handle it." Said Horik.

"Of course, Horik." Brina smiled once again.

"Erm, miss Madena. What made you hate war so much?" Marcus asked the mage. She looked downwards.

"Fighting in it. With my magic I made Altmer that were all so young perish in the most terrible ways. Have you seen someone burn alive soldier?" She then asked. The man nodded slowly.
"What did you think of it?" She asked again. Her eyes laid on him.

"I did not think about it, I thought that something similar could have happened to me, how the men died they died. I cannot feel bad about it because I cannot afford to." Marcus said, uncomfortable.

"I….Hate it but, at the same time what can I do. War is war." He said.
There was a silence.

"Good words from you Marcus." Thought Hans, pleased with him.

"Madena. Do you remember the battle of the Gold Road?" Hans asked. Madena seized up, she eyed the old soldier.

"Hans I know what you are going to say." She said.

"I will never forget the men who died to their magic. They will not stop in using their magic for the next war. If anything they will use even more. My old mind can tell you that." He said.

"Hans, shut up. Just shut it." Said Madena quietly. Brina placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I am sorry." Said Hans.

Brina and Horik's eyes said what needed to be said.

Hans would not openly say it, but he envied the woman's ideals. They were wonderful, pure and simple. Yet they desired a pure world.
Tamriel, and the sub-world that was the Empire of Tamriel itself were on their last breaths.

"Ruigus! You are still alive eh!?" Yelled the voice of Cario, bloodied and exhausted.

Ruigus who was panting, gave him a thumbs up. They had pushed back a company of Stormcloaks with the blood of their own soldiers. One final push would kick them out of the mining quarter.

"Let's continue in a bit." Said Ruigus, Cario nodded with enthusiasm.

"Of course my friend." The man said.

Then they heard a strange sound out in the distance, a whistling noise.

"The hell is that!?" They heard a man yell.

A black ball crashed ahead of them. Cario was alarmed.

"That can't be…." The man said. He then reached into his belt and pulled out a spyglass. He took a look towards the ocean.

"By Akatosh and holy Stendarr take a look at this Ruigus!" He handed it to the dragonborn.

Ruigus spotted a ship, single decked and with a mast of the black Imperial dragon.
A lone ship of the Imperial navy had come to support them.
He saw a puff of smoke from what must have been one of the ship's cannons as another black object was ejected from it.

"This is what we live for!" Yelled Cario excitedly. The men's morale had skyrocketed, all because of a single ship.

They cheered it's arrival.

With Alduin however, grew a great curiosity. One that would soon be shared by Ruigus.

She had witnessed a cannonball smash into a Stormcloak formation, killing a couple. It wasn't the effect that interested her but it was the device itself. She thought back to the cannon they had brought with them but had not used.

"Yet another invention of the new Tamriel." She thought with interest.

Suddenly she had a new topic to talk to Ruigus when the battle ended.

Meanwhile with Oskar von Fromm he had encountered great success with the new arrival. It's cannons had mostly focused on the Stormcloaks on the port, being the closest and immediate target to it.

His push was continuing steadily but he still had much to take.

Legate Pius Forianus's attack was renewed and nearly leading from the front he led his men, quickly breaking through the hastily constructed defenses of turned tables and stick palisades set-up by the rebels who had created such things with help from some of the citizens.

Nevertheless the man seemed be making quick progress, with only near equal losses.

Rikke who held the Imperial quarter was worried.

The IMS 'Wings of Solitude' had crushed the spirits of the Stormcloaks in the meantime. How long that would last was unknown as she still feared their response to it.

There was also the fact the boat had been firing deadly close to civilian targets. If these houses were to be hit they would create obstacles from their ruins, and these ruins would block and halt advances.
Additionally by Imperial Law they had to compensate those who had their houses damaged by the cannons with double the money for the repair fee.

The law was in thanks to the followers of Stendarr and their Primate, a man with very radical ideas.

"Send a messenger pigeon to them. Tell them to halt fire on the city, concentrate on military targets in the port, but do not damage it." She told her orderly.

She, like Tullius believed in the value of the lives of all those who served. Yet there was also the damages of war to be considered too.

"Well. That's a sight I thought I would never see!" Exclaimed Ruigus.

"It's a wild war Ruigus. Come, let's not be the types of men that pay attention only to the beauty of the world. We've a city to win and some reputation to go for it." Said Cario enthusiastically.

"Yeah. If the men are ready let's finish up here." Said Ruigus.

"We have momentum, but I think there's only a small window for it to be used." Stated Ruigus once more. Ruigus then saw a sergeant go to his side.

"Sergeant, are your men ready?" Ruigus quickly asked him. The man saluted.

"Yes Champion, we're ready to go into the thick of it!" He said. A valiant man.

"Finishing off the last pocket in this district is good enough sir. Advance, with me!" He said.

"Ruigus, I'll begin the rendezvous with Pius. Don't get yourself killed." The man warned, smiling as he did.

"Likewise Cario." Replied Ruigus. He then turned away to go charge the Stormcloak positions.

In a rush with a large squad of legionnairies Ruigus ran towards the blue clad foes.

They backed and trembled in fear as the blood covered Imperial soldiers charged madly towards them.

An especially strong feeling of pity arose through Ruigus as they clashed, sword and axe swung amongst their wielders.

Ruigus found himself in increasingly precarious fights as he continued through, his awareness dying down in the chaos.

A small respite came as he slayed what must have been the last one.

He next to the entrance of a mine with a few of his soldiers loyally around him. All with their swords drawn and listening for the sounds of footsteps, if there was any more left.

"We're clear sir!" Reported one of them, a sentinel in particular.

"Good. Sergeant, collect the wounded and hold. You've all done good. I will go and join Cario and the Tribune." Ruigus quickly saluted them and ran off.

"He's a fast man ain't he?" One of the men remarked, a remark that Ruigus heard.

Alone, he made his way to the new front.

Ruigus was going to, until he saw a peculiar individual walk into an alley alone.

"An assassin!? Or….." His thoughts were interrupted as he made out the face or rather the eye slit of the individual's cowl.

It was the eccentric Blade's woman he saw a week ago.

"Agent?" He asked.

"The one and only." She replied, blue eyes bursting with splendor.

"Erm, did you need to talk to me about something?" Ruigus asked awkwardly, not knowing how to approach a sudden meet-up like this.

"I was wondering if you had something to say to me rather." The woman said.

"I've been keeping a close eye on you since you entered, safety reasons. Don't want the one person we've been waiting for all this time to die now." She said, expression changing under her cowl.

"That is….Good to know, are you going to be doing this from now on?" Ruigus asked quickly.

"Yes. I will let you be aware of when I am doing it, but it will not just be me." She stated.

"With this war and all. Delphine's mentioned having some of us follow you." She then said.

"I need to talk to her soon." Said Ruigus, missing the Blades Commander.

"I hope you can, anyways do you need me for anything?" She repeated her original question.

"Continue as normal…...Can you tell me your name?" Ruigus asked. The woman giggled.

"Nope." Ruigus pouted with that word.

"Why is that?" He asked. She leaned herself forwards, amused.

"I pride myself on my secrecy." She said with a giggle.

"Well, bye!" She then said, walking away. Ruigus shook his head.

"I wonder why the Blades recruit such a woman, but she must be a good guardian regardless. I think I will see how good she will do soon." The man smiled as he turned himself back into making his way to the fight.

He entertained the idea of having the woman aid him in this battle. But what could she do?

He stopped himself and took a chance to look.

There was a watchtower off in the distance next to a church that stood defiant with Stormcloaks, shooting down at what must have been Imperials. With that he made a decision.
"Agent!" Ruigus yelled

It was her turn to run back.

"What is it?" She asked him.

"You see that tower full of Stormcloaks?" He asked.

Her eyes searched upwards. "I see them."
"Can you stop them?" Ruigus asked. An expectant but sweet look in his eyes.

"Likely." She revealed a Blade's sword in her right hand and a blue colored spell in her left.

Ruigus stared at her, his eyes softened.

"I'll see you around, good luck." Gratefully he spoke, and then continued to go.

The blade's woman checked her pouch, a jar of oil perfect for lighting all sorts of floors on fire hanged carefully. It would be the time to use it.

She just had to get ready her two remaining invisibility potions and find a disguise.

Fortunately, the battle seemed to be coming to a closing in Dawnstar. All that remained of resistance was the Stormcloak lines between the City Hall and a few pockets of the port. However they were now holding off the Imperial attack even under bombardment.

Cario Idwal and Ruigus Kessel found themselves joined once again. Cario and a few men pressed themselves next to a large two story house next to a main street, there was a church opposite of them, a modest structure.

"What's the matter?" Ruigus asked quietly.

"Waiting for you, I've been told this is to be our final attack. It's just the City Hall now Ruigus. We've a Jarl to capture." He grinned.

"I pray you were not all waiting for me." Said Ruigus frowning.

"Alavia insisted that you be the first and Pius agreed on it I heard." He said.

"You're lucky you are the dragonborn, someday they'll be singing about how you led us to aetherium and so forth." The man sighed softly.

"Anyways, the go is on you." He said. Ruigus nodded.

"Let's go, if there are to be tales they better add all of you in there." He replied. A couple of the soldiers laughed.

"Right behind you." Repeated Cario. Who then sounded a horn.

With that a cheer came from their left. With Cario's men behind him, Ruigus made the turn right and saw many Stormcloaks in front of him all ready with their assortments of melee and ranged weapons.

For all he knew every single one of them could have aimed their weapons at him, yet there was no fear that grasped at him. Instead there was a wild desire for victory, to make those who would expect him to die surprised when he refused it.
Already the rebels were beginning to find cover when Ruigus came close enough for a shout.

"Yol Toor Shul!" Flames erupted from his mouth as the rebels hid, the flames washed over their heads. Some of it arced below to their doom.

Ruigus nearly pounced at one and engaged him in combat as the arrows that pelted his now damaged shield flew themselves at his rapidly approaching allies.

All of those that aimed for the City Hall clashed and fought for every inch of the way there and back.

Ruigus, with Imperial troops by his side continued. Then a horn sounded.

The Stormcloaks began disengaging and retreating as what must have been their commander sounded a warhorn. They all either retreated to the west of the city hall which led to it's port, or the north, a direction leading out of the city.

The watchtower from where this order had come from was burning, it seemed that the Blade's agent did her work.

The Imperials, with Pius and Alavia right behind, them were ordered to halt.

Something seemed so abrupt and odd about the retreat. Why would they leave the City Hall so quickly.

"Ruigus!" Yelled a voice belonging to Pius.
"Come with me, if the Jarl still resides within he will be arrested. Let us hurry!" He said quickly to the man.

Alduin, Cario, and a few other important looking men and women followed.

Among them was Rikke herself.

"Where's Oskar?" Pius asked as they moved as a group towards the Jarl's residence.

"They're still holding out fiercely out there, Oskar's been delayed because of it and the ship has left, for the reason we were not able to communicate." Rikke said.

"Not good." Whispered Ruigus. Looking around he saw his four friends coming towards them with two peculiarly dressed individuals and what he assumed to be another Imperial soldier.

"Is that the new Jarl behind us?" Ruigus asked.

"Correct Champion." Rikke confirmed.

"Open the door. Weapons at the ready." Ordered Rikke as she pulled her sword and shield out.

Ruigus stepped up to the large set of double doors and began to open the one on the right, Cario opened the one on the left. Alduin stood in front of the doors.

"Jarl Skald!" Yelled Rikke. Alduin walked in first, Pius and Rikke followed behind her with Ruigus and Cario at their sides.

"Come out! It is over for you, your men retreat and have abandoned you." She yelled once more.

Nothing stirred as the hall became clear, the rooms that were to their sides were wide open and visibly empty.

There was further silence, a woman burst herself from out of the group of soldiers and stood in front of the throne of Dawnstar.

"Skald, I know you are here." The blonde haired woman said.

"Brina, you ignorant rat." Said an elderly voice.

Out of the furthest room away from the Imperials and Brina out came Jarl Skald, an elderly, near boney looking man.

"Skald. Please stop this, there are hundreds dead out in the streets of our city! Do you not know what will happen if this war continues?" Brina questioned.

Skald said nothing.

"The people have suffered because of you! They are scared in their homes, their stores have been looted! Their livelihoods ruined, their peace is gone now!" She said to him in such a great pain.

"I should have had you executed when I had the chance, you coward." The old man finally said. He pulled out a war-axe. Ruigus and Horik rushed in front of Brina.

Skald looked at Horik.

"You too." He growled.

"Mark my words, The Divines stand side by side with the Stormcloaks. You Imperial backbiters will lose. There will be no more false kings brought up by you mongrels any longer. Ulfric is a true king and he is invincible. With my sacrifice the blood that will shed the Divine's tears will bring retribution upon you! By nightfall, the dragons shall feast on you!" With that a terrifying war cry was heard as he rushed towards Brina.
Ruigus was about to yell when suddenly Hadvar crashed into the old man sending him falling down.

"Help him!" Someone yelled.

Quickly Ruigus jumped onto the Jarl and tried to restrain him.

Ruigus heard a scream to his right.

Hadvar fell onto his back. He had been stabbed repeatedly in the chest. He could not tell how bad it was. The mage-woman and a few others ran to them both.

A murderous desire came over Ruigus as the old Jarl tried to do the same to him.
He beat the dagger out of his hands, sending it flying towards the man's axe.

Not thinking, Ruigus began to choke the man to death. He felt a hand on his back, he could not check for who it was.

"J—Jar—ll Sk—ald I—di-e fff—o-r you!" He choked. Then the man stopped squirming..

He had actually done it. Ruigus jumped off. Terrified of what he had done.

A sudden pain was felt in his right side as well. Had he been stabbed too?
He could not check on it as Alduin swiftly placed her hand on him, concerned and inspecting him.

"He's been stabbed too!" She yelled, immediately summoning a healing spell.
"He. He was a fake." Said Ruigus calmly to Alduin.

"A double?" She asked. Ruigus nodded.

"I am fine, help me stand up. I think he's made a run to the port." Said Ruigus.

Cario ran up to them.

"I've got bandages, should cover it up." He said.

"Can you put it on? Quick." Said Ruigus, growling a bit. He looked towards Hadvar, he seemed alive.

"H-Hadvar!" Ruigus called out as Cario put the bandages on. Alduin quickly made her way to Rikke. Brina sat herself next to Hadvar along with Madena.

"You alright?" Hadvar responded weakly to him.

"Yeah. I'm going to get up." Said Ruigus as Cario finished his work. It had been quick.

"Finish patching them up. All officers with me, we're going to chase the Jarl!" Rikke stated.

"I don't think I can join you." Said Hadvar as Ruigus and Cario walked over.

"That's fine." Ruigus then looked at Hans, Aethan and Marcus.

"I need two of you to come with me. The other stays, let's hurry!" Said Ruigus, who then began to run out of the hall with Cario after him.

"You still okay Hadvar?" Asked Marcus.

"Yeah." Hadvar said softly.

"Marcus." The voice of Hans said standing up with Aethan.

"We're going, stay here and guard Hadvar and Brina." He said.

"Why can't I come instead?" He asked angrily.

"With what happened to Hadvar I can't risk that happening to you. You remind me of my youngest." The old soldier said.

"Oh yeah? How old?" The young man asked.

"Seven." With that Hans and Aethan walked out of their.

"Assh-" Marcus was interrupted by the sound of the closing doors.

He didn't finish his word and instead sighed.

"He seems to get along with you." Said Horik.

"Tch, yeah." The young man replied noncommittally.
"I am sorry Hadvar, I just stood when he went for you and that other man." Said Horik, wiping his brow.

"Don't worry, just a little pain in the side." Said Hadvar, chuckling lightly.

The mage, Madena stood silent as she stared at the body of Skald's double being taken away by a few Imperial soldiers.

"This damn war." She said.

"I will still refuse to use my magic on another person. No matter what." Madena said to Brina.

"I know Madena. Just stay with me and save as many that can be saved." Said Brina. She now stood in the middle of the hall.

Madena said nothing in response.
Brina had now finally become the Jarl.
But the chase for the old Jarl was reaching a turn.

"Stormcloak ships!" Announced Pius in all astonishment.

They seemed to have had landed themselves perfectly next to the frozen ice that covered most of Dawnstar's sea route.

Jarl Skald had been spotted along with his retinue running for one of the ships, all were firing upon the Imperials and shattering their morale.

At the same time the rebels unloaded a few troops from the ships for the sole protection of the Jarl.

Ruigus and his two friends peered over a small brick fence as they watched this event unfold.

"I am going to do another charge." Announced Ruigus.

"You're really going to charge through the sheets of ice?" Aethan asked incredulously.

"If they break you can drag me out." Ruigus said gently.

"I'll try it if my hands do not freeze." The long haired nord replied.

"They won't." Replied Ruigus, grinning.
Standing up, sword and shield in hand, Ruigus chased after the retreating Jarl.

The hole that had been created through the broken blue clad Stormcloaks had given him a small window.

Pain reared itself in all of Ruigus's body as he ran, the Jarl was so far but could be reached.

He dropped his shield, it weighed him down as reached the ice. He now had to watch himself. If he did not he would break ice and fall into the sea.

"This is crazy." He muttered to himself. Thankfully the retinue could only go at the pace the Jarl could.

Here Ruigus, nearly alone was chasing after the retreating Stormcloak army.

He continued his chase he smelled something peculiar, the smoke of the ceaselessly firing cannons had made it a bit harder for him to breathe.

He was unused to such a stench that he thought he was being choked by it.

Then, the cause of the smoke reared their ugly heads at him.

That strange sound blared into his ears as cannonballs flew into the ice around him.

The ice broke due to the force and weight of it all.

Ruigus looked on helplessly as the Jarl he was so close to just continue on unhindered.

He had to run back, he had failed in his task to capture the Jarl.

Not even his shouts would be enough to hold back these cannonballs coming from multiple directions and heights.

Defeated, he made his way back towards the city. The end of the day was at a close as the sky darkened.

In Dawnstar's city hall Brina Merilis was crowned as the city's new Jarl. Her faithful bodyguard Horik stood by her side.

The Imperials who had fought for this city bowed before her in the ceremony. There were some exceptions to this act of respect and homage, Alduin was one of them.

It was a quick event, but it brought about a celebration posthumously.

Spirits were still high, why would they not be? The Imperials had taken an important territory perhaps more valuable than any loss they could have received.
The city that had earned an infamy of defeating empires had found it's reputation in tatters as legionaries patrolled the streets.

They were triumphant, but retained discipline as they enacted their role as peacekeepers.

"Ruigus, I toast this drink to you!" Said Pius as he raised himself a wine glass and drank it.
The aforementioned man was blushing in embarrassment.

"Thank you legate." He said.

"No thank you. By sheer existence you are winning us a war." Said Pius, a warm smile graced onto his lips.

"We would still be winning this conflict regardless. There are men like you and Oskar that can do good against odds like these. I am starting to think it's silly to just pray yourselves to a single man." Said Ruigus.

"Those men include you as well. However I do wish to become a better commander. I say that today was terrible. I am inexperienced with sieges and city battles and I am far more capable in a field battle, I need more practice to be good Ruigus. Though we all do rely on you for both of these crises." Pius said to Ruigus, the two men stood in proximity to Oskar. Alduin was nowhere to be seen for the moment.

Ruigus threw his arms up.

"I wish to see you in such a scenario then. I haven't seen any dragons that have actively attacked anyone, sure there was what happened at Dunstad but other than that…...They're hiding." Ruigus explained.

"They fear your might." Said Oskar, the man was smirking.

"Well…I imagine it is a bit more complicated than that." Said Ruigus.

"How so?" Oskar asked innocently.

"I just think that there is an alternative to fighting. Oskar do you think me a madman for thinking that there can be a sort of agreement or use for them?" Ruigus asked.

The question unphased the two men.

"Why, there are already dragons in the Empire Ruigus." Said Oskar. Ruigus's eyebrows raised.

"What?" He asked.

"We've had some ever since Tiber Septim. They're greedy and are rarely ever deployed but we have them. I do not see why we cannot convince any other dragons to serve us in that regard. The only issue is of course, money. Or some other objects of value." Said Oskar.

"Or so I would assume." The darker haired colovian man said to his countryman.

"I see…I am surprised this is not public knowledge." Said Ruigus.

"It sort of is." Said Pius awkwardly.

"Just that…..Some people are not as well informed as others." The man said politely.

"I understand." Ruigus caught onto his meaning. People who lived in smaller towns and the like were not exactly that knowledgeable.

"That is something for me to think about tonight, thank you both for telling me about that." Said Ruigus, running his hand through his hair.

"A pleasure to Ruigus. Do you wish for a drink with us?" Pius asked.
"I would but, I don't think I have been having a good time all round when it comes to drink." He said nervously.

Thankfully to his rescue came Alduin. She lightly grabbed him by the arm.

"You are still wounded, come with me." She said simply.

"L-Later, I'll be seeing you tomorrow. I hope." Said Ruigus as he followed Alduin out of the hall. The two officers waved goodbye.

"What an interesting man." Said Oskar.

"Same goes for that Alavia, closed in as she is she is very talented." Pius agreed.

"Still, what a dynamic." Pius added.

"Oh?" Oskar asked.

"I just miss my wife." Said Pius, who took a sip of his drink.

"You'll see her soon. Don't worry Pius. As for me? I'll do what I please." Said Oskar.

Pius made an audible "Pfft" at his words. A man like Oskar would marry and settle down someday.

In the Church which had opened itself to injured and tired Imperials housed Hadvar and his three battle brothers.

He had walked his way there for the night and seemed content to rest by one of Arkay's shrines. A sort of coincidence considering how he may have had died so many times in the day.

There were many taking shifts of watch. The effects of the curse were repeatedly told to everyone and in the case of counterattack there had to be strong vigilance.

The bell-tower would be a signal to wake the whole town up in such an event.

He kept thinking about that one woman he had met way earlier. It lingered on his mind with sadness on the topic.
It would be smart to marry after the war was over, but what about the next one? Would there be another war? He pondered these questions until he abruptly fell asleep.

Marcus was the one who stayed awake, he stared at the moon as it hung over the night sky.

Alduin who smiled to herself had Ruigus with her, resting in bed soundly. Any nightmares he may have been received were carefully warded.
However, there was something that disturbed her rest.

As she stared outside a window her eyes caught something unique, something she had never seen before.

The Black Moon. The curse of one Altmeri man against the world of those who lived in all of his hatred for it. The very same celestial body that shaded Arkay's protection over the deceased.

While his physical presence from Nirn had been erased forever, it was his curse on the living that still plagued the planet.

This night the mad spells of necromancers all across Skyrim would come to great and unexpected success far beyond what half of them could have controlled.

The scheming of undead whose ambitions was to make the world of living suffer for the sake of their own dark desires would no longer be contained inside dark halls or tombs.

The thirst of Vampires would be unquenchable. The desire for blood grew stronger and more primal each passing second. The wish to dominate mortal-kind was all too enticing. The timing, too right.

Mannimarco, from the bleak hell he had doomed his soul into laughed in great pleasure.

Death and undeath would make it's great challenge through the blood of mortals.
Skyrim would find itself in a new and much more terrifying war, a fight to the bitter end.

I shall never forgive myself for being unable to complete this by the end of October.

Now, about the flashback with Vahlok. I may or may not make separate chapters for each of the sort of memories of the events that took place in his time. I wish to make separate chapters for the sake of having less confusion but they will be very much important to the story.

Though you won't have to worry about the next chapter being one of Vahlok's memories. I will be soon introducing something similar which I will give the same separation as Vahlok's tale.

Aside from that. It's a pleasure to keep on doing this once again.

I think you will like what I will be doing over the next few chapters.

Take care, I shall work hard for the next chapter.