Chapter 20

"Three days-three days without so much as a proper meal." Cat groaned as he trailed along to my right. His eyes were sunken into his scaly head, and he looked pale(no doubt to the poor conditions we've had to endure these past few days)

We've been walking for a week, only stopping when we could no longer see in front of us and the moon refused to guide our way. Surviving on what we could scavenge, berries, tree fruits, and whatever prey that walked in our way or caught our eye. Our provisions ran out three days ago and Cat refuses to let the memory fade. We walked on towards Cyrodiil, following the road signs that dot the various turns and paths that snake through Morrowind. It's been harsh, particularly for the two of them. It reminds me of the days that I spent fleeing from Moria and heading towards my ticket to Tamriel, the wind at my back, the dirt under my feet and that feeling of hunger. The only difference is that we're not being pursued, nor are we fleeing- instead we wish to find our place in the world, a land we can call our own.

It's a good goal, but ambition fades in the eyes of hunger and fatigue. They're not used to such harsh conditions(especially Cat), Abhuki hasn't complained once yet, but then again she just continues being ditzy. I never noticed how air-headed she actually was before, maybe I thought it was her trying to cheer us up after work in the mines or trying to joke me out of a stupor. She's good for morale at least managing to sire a few chuckles from my self and a snicker or two from Cat when he's not complaining that is.

"At least the weather is nice!" Abhuki smiled, flicking her brown tail in the air as she skipped on ahead.

Cat gives her a look of irritation and half-heartedly mumbles to himself "I'd rather have a full belly and a warm bed."

I let out a raspy chuckle at his reply, he sure never changes. My raspy chuckle seems to get Cat to smile at least-momentarily forgetting our poor position.

Abhuki gives me a wry smile, and chooses to ignore Cat's cynicism. She starts humming a tune as she skips, sending her brown dress twirling about her ankles. The sound of dirt and rocks crunching under her feet remind me of the long journey I have taken. From the cave in which I was born and raised, knowing nothing of the outside world or the marvellous things that I have seen. Here I stand in a land beyond the great sea, a land so very foreign from the one that I knew.

I look up at the sky, its as blue as the ocean with not a cloud in sight. The sun bearing down upon us like a watchful mother, the odd bird singing in the distance or a cricket chirping to its friends in the knee high grass that borders the road. We are walking through a large field, in which the grass flows like and endless bed ready to embrace any that lay upon its inviting surface. The grass swaying back and forth is calming, as the scent of the great outdoors fills our nostrils. Its a nice smell- calming, comforting compared to the smell of rocks and dust that I have grown accustomed to in the last few years. Butterflies covering a wide array of the rainbow play around in the grass in a game of tag with the other butter flies that soar around. Wild flowers beam out of the grass in almost as many colours as the butterflies, their petals facing out inviting the world into their beauty- a beauty in which the various insects seem to be drawn to.

Breaking my internal monologue I hear Abhuki start to speak again."We should catch a rainbow. They look tasty!"

Yet another fluff-brained remark.

"You can't eat a rainbow." Cat sneers, curling his lip to reveal his pointed teeth. Jutting out from the gums in every which way like a poorly maintained fence. His irritation and bitter outlook is only matched by his cynical mood.

"I wonder what they would taste like? Maybe a stew?Cooked venison chops? Ou maybe Sweet rolls!~" she chimes, smiling and letting the light from her yellow eyes shine like a polished coin.

"Stop!Stop! My stomach is receding in upon itself at these descriptions! Sustenance, I need sustenance not rainbows!" Cat cries, rubbing his stomach with both hands and making an odd murmuring sound with his tongue.

"Maybe an apple pie, maybe a warm hug!"

"You cant eat a rainbow or a hug!" Cat roars, causing a few birds to fly out of the thick grass and into the blue void above."They are not real!" his voice doesn't change tone or malice.

"Of course they are, look there's ones right there." she giggles pointing up towards a rainbow that cuts through the sky.

"That's not what I meant!"

"Its what you said~!"

"That's not...You know what I meant. I meant you couldn't eat them!"

"You said its not real though?"

"I meant in a physical sense, like the blisters on my feet, your fur, or even Roark's creepy stubble!" he gripes, pointing to me at the last bit as if to increase his argument. I let out a gruff grunt and continue walking alongside them.

"Hugs are physical."

"Bah, hopeless fool! Roark back me up her with cotton for brains." he replies throwing his hands above his in an exaggerated gesture as he spins around in front of me.

I grunt again in reply"You have enough energy to lollygag, so use more of it on walking."

"Walking is for the weak." he replies, ending the silly argument before it takes fruition.

I'm slowly growing more and more irritated with their interactions with each other. I'm not sure whether its the hunger or the sleepless nights on watch that have sullied my mood and expression, but whatever it is its here to stay for a little while longer. I reach up and pat some dirt off my face, feeling the oily skin and the dark heavy bags that hang under my eyes. The few nights I'm not assigned to watch are disturbed by rustling in the bushes or Cat's loud shivering and griping, preventing me from getting some much needed rest. Such is the way of the traveller I suppose.

For the next few hours I focus my attention on putting one foot in front of the other, wishing nothing more than to reach our intended destination. Slowly the grassy heath fades away and instead we are once again walking through a thick forest filled with various trees and insects. The light is obscured by the leaves that hang high above our heads, in which various birds perch and eye us with great curiosity. The forests in these lands have no tales of walking trees or riddling oaks, but I still feel an uneasy feeling surround me. I have heard stories of the spirits of the forest in these parts and that causes me more unrest than any walking tree or riddling oak. They are said to attack weary travellers or those that cause harm to the forests in which they dwell. I can only pray that no such tragedy befalls us.

I shift my ruck sack around on my shoulder and paw at my amulet, that hangs over my sternum. Pawing and mumbling prayers for Stendarr's protection.

Breaking me from my trance Cat asks me "How much further?"

"Hmm?" I grumble in reply hoping he takes my questioning answer as an irritated grunt and leaves it be. Sadly he persists "To Cheydinhal I mean."

"At a decent pace I'd say.." I scratch my neck letting the sound reveirberate around me as I sratch at the stubble."A day and a half, if we make good pace and the weather does not hinder our progress."

"Guys!" a voice yells out from in front, causing both Cat and I to look at Abhuki questioningly. As she waves her hands and beams a large fanged smile at us.

I tilt my head quizzically and redouble my pace, approaching her with great speed that causes Cat to have to lightly jog up to us.

When we approach her I notice a soft mewing sound like an animal in pain. I look around and follow her finger as she points to a large deer off the path lying in a pool of its own blood. A large claw mark measuring from its back to its chest, part of its horn is missing-no doubt broken off in the fight with whatever predator deigned it to be its meal. The creature cries out in more pain, what i mistook was mewing was more of a cry in agony. The poor creature was left to wallow in agony until it succumbed to its wounds left by a fleeing hunter.

The creature looks up at me with large black eyes, a look of imploring-to be released from the hellish pains it must now be feeling. It pulls deep in my chest and causes my throat to become dry and in need of a drink.

"Can we save it?" Abhuki whimpers from my side.

"Save it, lets eat it. I can practically see the cooked venison!" Cat grins, no doubt drooling at the idea of a fine meal.

"No!" Abhuki shrieks, stepping in between me and the injured creature. She is by no means an intimidating individual, barely standing up to my chest she looks up at me with eyes of pleading. As if she was begging me to save this creature's life, full well knowing that I can do no such thing.

I let out a sigh and slide off my rucksack, shoving it into Cat's chest. He looks at me oddly before holding onto it silently. I turn back towards Abhuki who is looking sullen and defeated, I put my hand on her shoulder, my rough hands lay upon her brown blouse and I squeeze lightly. I let out a slight smile before saying" The poor thing is dying, we can't save it. It's lost too much blood. It would be more merciful to put the thing out of its misery than let it suffer like this."

She looks at me, and I can swear I see the welling of tears in her eyes, but she quickly shakes them away and gives a slight nod and smile."I understand." Her words seem to contradict how her heart feels, but every moment stalled is a moment longer on the road. She shuffles around me and faces away from the beast as I unsheathe my dagger from my boot and head for the deer.

It gives me a look of horror and tries to kick its legs to get away, but all they do is jerk limply as it lets out a scared cry. I do my best to shush the deer as I slowly approach it my palms held towards the creature. I do my best to smile as I bend down towards the injured beast. "I will end it for you my friend, may you feed upon the grasses of heaven and forever roam the land of peace.". It seems to understand what I'm saying and nuzzles my free hand with its snout, as if to say "go ahead. Release me." I pet the creatures snout and quickly shove the dagger into its chest, the creatures gives a slight jerk before falling to the ground, released from its pain. For a few moments I continue kneeling, my one hand petting the creature and the other grasping the knife deep within its chest, before rising to face my two companions and returning my dagger to its home.

"Well she's gone with the divines now. Cat you have your meal, we will scout ahead and find a place to set up camp for the night and cook. We will need energy, for we need to redouble our pace today to make it to Cheydinhal by dark tomorrow. I year for the sight of a town." I reply pointing forward as I pick the heavy creature up and lay it upon my shoulders.

We walk for a few more moments before coming to a clearing in the woods, where we chose to camp for the remainder of the day and night. I gently put down the deer, then lay it on the grass. A great weight feels to be lifted off my back. I let out and exaggerated stretch and a loud moan as I crack my back and neck in short succession. By now the sun is slowly dipping in the sky casting orange rays of lighting through the holes in the canopy far above. The sounds of birds frolicking is slowly dying down as the day comes to a close. Not long before the moon is chariot-ed into the starry sky. Setting up could have been postponed for a few more hours, but its too late now to set out again. It will be nice to have a full stomach once again, I let out a slight smile lick my lips and feel a slight rumble in my stomach.

"Roark why don't you take it easy for a bit? Cat and I can handle it from here." Abhuki's voice beams from somewhere to my left as I gaze up. Its got a sound of relief to it, but also one of hopefulness- as if she really wants me to take a break.

"I can manage Abhuki, its fine."

"I really think you should take a break, you've been burning the candle from both ends for a while, I'm surprised you haven't crashed yet." she replies.

"It's true, you look like a withered husk." Cat larks with a snide laugh.

I let out a frustrated sigh, but see the truth in their words and refuse to argue. I give a slight nod and slump down next to a nearby tree, the iron cuirass scrapes the bark as my body succumbs to gravity. I land with a loud thud before flopping my head backwards onto the tall oak. I feel the fatigue of the past week catch up to me in a massive barrage, I give a slight cough. Then continue looking up at the leafy canopy. A vast array of green leaves stretch as far as the eye can see clinging onto their skeletal limbs, only moving with a slight gust of wind or animal scuttling around above.

The sound of Cat and Abhuki rummaging around me, has faded to a dull hum as the familiar ringing in my ears returns. It's been a long journey, I wonder how the others are fairing? I wonder if Borkul has ran out of mead yet. The thought makes me give a slight chuckle as I remember the man who I parted with only a week ago. It feels like years have gone by, like that was another life. By reasoning this is my third life, respectively anyway. The analogy makes me feel like a cat with their mythical nine lives, I wonder if that applies to Khajiits? I probably shouldn't ask Abhuki in fear of making a derogatory remark about her people-it wouldn't be the first time I've done it by accident or foolish curiosity.

I still find it a hard reality accepting the pure variety of species this place has, but then again I always decided that mother's stories were blown out of proportion and highly exaggerated. It's interesting to see I'm wrong, I'm sure they'd bat an eye or two at some of the stories of my youth. From the time I climbed an Ent and nearly got trampled in the process if the thing wasn't senile and forgot what I was. Or the time that I ran into a group of dwarves who had no idea I was an Orc and instead spent half the time studying me. Their faces grew into horror and anger when I revealed that I was in fact an Orc, not a new species. I may have appeared different due to my mother's genes, but I was born an Orc and raised an Orc.

As I stare above my eyes slowly lose focus and I find it harder to see as black spots fly around my spectrum and eventually I can't make out any thing other than how my other senses perceive things. Maybe I should take a nap, before we eat, would be wise considering my state. I balance the two choices here and eventually make the choice to follow the natural process of sleep than trying to "tough it out" and sleep for a few hours tonight. I close my eyes and instantly feel like I'm falling away from the world as the comforting darkness surrounds me. Sending me into the land of dreams and realm of imagination.

"Wake up, you loaf!" I hear a voice say then feel a strong kick to my boots, jutting me awake.

Groggily opening my eyes and staring at the brave soul that has awoken the sleeping bear, I relax at the sight of Cat illuminated by the campfire. The light has long faded, now replaced by darkness and the orange glow from the campfire. It crackles and spits, filling the air around us with comforting noise like a hearth at home. He's holding a bowl filled with stew in his scaled hand as he leans over me, examining me with his parietal eyes like a jeweller examining a new gem. No doubt he is pleased with the appearance of a hearty meal and as such he has calmed down.

"Finished?" I reply, my voice showing the fatigue of my body and the recent nap seeps into my words with a groggy tinge.

He gives a nod then shoves the bowl into my hands along with a crude iron spoon, then walks back to the fire and flops down, retrieving a bowl for himself. No doubt uninterested in any conversation. My attention however is drawn to our other companion-Abhuki. She looks at the food longingly; disturbed almost, perhaps seeing the deer that was alive within. Her objections are soon crushed when she takes a spoonful and smiles at the meal. Looking down at my meal, I notice the odd texture that it has taken on. It looks very thick with pieces of meat floating around like ice bergs. What looks like blades of grass are floating around in the brothy liquid, as well as petals from various flowers. Can this be called a meal and not a child's concoction? Food is food I suppose, no use for it to go to waste.

I put my spoon in the bowl and take out a spoonful and bring it level with my mouth. Smelling the pungent odour emitting from the food almost causes me to gag at the sheer intensity that it is found in. Ignoring the smell I shove it into my mouth and am immediately greeted by a burning fire spreading around my mouth and scorching my cheeks. Doing my best to stop the stew from roasting my mouth I swallow and immediately start to choke and cough. I do my best to avoid coughing up the stew, and try to swallow the rest which makes my situation worse. Half choking-half drowning in my meal, I cough and splutter in my seat sending some of the stew sloshing onto the grass beside me. Cat and Abhuki look at me like a child having a tantrum, little do they know the situation I've got myself into. After a few moments my body seems to calm down and I manage to usher in a sentence.

"Tastes good... hot though." I cough again at the last part before resuming my meal. We eat our food silently. The minutes painfully drag on, the only sounds are that of Cat hurriedly slurping and gulping down the food we prepared. He almost looks too happy, if there is such a thing. I look at him, as he pours himself another bowl of stew. He is very delicate with his movements, doing his best as to not spill a single drop. I'm not sure whether out of gluttony or agility that he does so, but I quickly settle on the former as he digs in again with the same gusto. For a slim guy he can sure tuck his meals away faster and more impressively than I can. I find myself staring as he greedily slurps down his meal, refills and repeats. Before I get the chance to say anything he looks up at me, stew smeared onto the scales around his mouth- a quizzical look on his face.

"What? You gonna eat that?" He asks, stew spitting out from his mouth in a disgusting fashion.

"I had, planned on finishing it." I say still staring.

"Then what? Why are you looking at me and not eating? Is there something on your face?"

"Cat, the expression is 'Is there something on my face'"? Abhuki giggles from across the campfire.

"I'm asking him, if he something on his face. Maybe that's why he's not eating. Have you ever thought maybe he was stung by a Jack wasp?"

"A Jack wasp?" I ask, confused as to what exactly that is.

"You know. The size of my forearm, black and yellow, flying insect, likes to sting people?"

"The size of your forearm? That's disturbing."

"One time my friend Sam got stung on his butt, and it swelled up to the size of a barrel!"

"Ugh! God, ju-just end it there. I do not want to hear about this!" I sputter.

"Pfft fine. It was really funny though!"

He gives a sigh of resignation, realizing that neither Abhuki nor I want to listen to his tale. He resumes his eating, and fills up yet another bowl. What? Does that make it his seventh or his eighth bowl, I think I lost count. I'm not sure whether to be amazed or disgusted, maybe both?

The night drags on, the sounds of owls and crickets fill our ears, with an orchestra of nature's music. The orchestra plays a song to appease the night and its god-the moon. The moon is large and full, its white light shines down upon us and helps illuminate the dark spots at the edge of campfire. Shining through the thick canopy of the woven tree branches far above our heads, seeping through like water through cracks in a boat hull. A boat... I let a frown slip onto my face, before wiping it off and continuing to eat my meal before heading to sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, we're so close to our goal yet so far away; all at the same time. I can almost reach out and touch it, but yet it skirts on the edges of my vision. I let my wander as I slowly fall asleep.

I look around me, my eyes squinting to see through the thick white fog that surrounds me. Its so thick I find it hard to breathe, with every breath the fog enters my lungs and leaves thick and heavy moisture behind. I can feel it weigh my lungs down with every breath. I'm not cold at all, quite the opposite really. I'm warm, the air is humid, no doubt thanks to this perpetual fog. Where did it come from anyway? Where even am I? Last time I remember I was sleeping next to the fire after eating dinner, oh dear. Please tell me those herbs we put in were safe, that this is not some disturbing drug trip. Unlikely considering that Abhuki knows every herb in the wilds, she wouldn't make such a mistake, would she? Who knows maybe I'm foaming at the mouth and twitching on the dirt as my eyes play tricks on me. The more likely is that this a dream, but why can I think and act like it was reality? Maybe its a lucid dream, but even then it takes some time to figure out that you're actually lucid dreaming. It doesn't just come to you, in a brief moment. I guess its a mystery.

I look around the thick fog, unable to see anything beside myself. I look down at myself and realize that I am not wearing anything other than a simple white robe. I can't even feel the fabric touch my skin, its almost like I'm being wrapped in the fog itself. Its pure white, almost blindingly so- the closest thing I can compare it to is a cloud. It moves around as if blown by the wind, yet I can't feel the wind upon my skin. Its surreal, the dream is so vivid yet lacks the basic fundamentals of reality. Does this dream have a purpose, It must. I've heard one time from Father Louis that dreams are manifestations of our subconscious, I guess my subconscious likes me to wear robes. Maybe if I push through the fog I will find the answers I need.

I step forward and slide through the fog, It too thick to think, but I feel that I can see things on the edge of my vision- yet when I turn there is nothing there. I can occasionally hear clicking in the distance. Like the sounds of mandibles or many legs clicking together, I feel a shudder run up my spine. Ignoring what ever is out there I decide to press on, my bare feet slapping against what feels like tiles, beneath my feet. I can't see them, but by my guess they would be as white as this accursed fog. I seem something out of the corner of my eye and snap my head to my left. I manage to catch the movement of some sort of insect. No, wait an arachnid? A spider may hap, too many legs for that and too long. Most likely a centipede or other, I let out a gross grunt before shuddering. I continue pushing my way forward, hoping that I do not run into whatever that- thing is.

The fog does not lighten up like I thought at all, instead it stays as thick as when I arrived here. I continue moving on and see a shape in front of me. Its obscured, and only its shadow gives way to what it is, a person? It certainly looks like a person, I quicken my pace and walk forward determined to find answers. When I approach the shape I'm almost knocked back by what I see. Rather who I see, I can feel a rush of emotions come back and hit me like a buffalo charging. I'm looking at a familiar face, its been so long I almost forget that I've seen him before. Yet his grin, calms me and makes me remember. His large yellow eyes, brown ruffled skin, and a mop of brown hair.

Shelog...

"Long time no see Pal!" he laughs, clearly not as brought to tears as I am.

I just look at him shocked, surprised. I can feel tears run down my eyes, but I'm left speechless at seeing him; here of all places.

"Wow, I know I'm gorgeous, but you don't need to cry." he winks before continuing with a sigh "As you know, I'm... no longer alive. Well, physically anyway. This universe has more secrets than either of I can ever understand. Philosophical garbage out of the way, do you know where you are?"

I just shake my head, unable to usher in any words. I feel as if my vocal chords have been cut and not even the slightest sound could escape.

"You've been called, you're in a place of his design now. However, if you want to meet the one who called you. You need to bypass his doorman- the voice thief. He goes by the name of The Koe Dorebo. He has been here for longer than all of mankind's existence combined, since the beginning of time I would say. You're probably wondering why he's called that. Well if you speak or make a nosie, he will steal your voice. Not just in this world either, no- in the real world. What happens in the spirit world does not usually have any impact on the real world. He's different that's all I can say. By the sounds of it, you're doing just fine." he gives a grin at my current state.

"He will try to trick, you know he's there. If you hear a voice. It's from him, even if its someone close to you. Well I got to head out here, good luck Roark. You're destined for greatness my friend, your mother and I both saw that in you."

With that he vanishes, in a blink of an eye. Not even leaving a trail of smoke or anything, just this damned fog. I clear my head, and wipe the tears from my eyes and move on into the fog.

"Roark, I need to say one more thing." Shelog asks from behind me.

I go to open my mouth and ask 'what', but then realize whats actually going on. I keep my mouth shut and continue walking forward; not looking back. I hear a loud hiss emerge from behind me as I ignore it and realize he's following me. I can feel his cold breath upon my neck, it causes me to wince and almost let out a cry of fear. I restrain myself and feel the fear clench my heart and twist it within my chest as I walk forward ignoring the thing behind me.

I can hear voices surrounding me, yelling from within the fog. Calling my name or repeating phrases I've heard them say before.

"Roark!"

"My little Uruk."

"My love."

"Welcome home"

"You're a mongrel, a disgusting filthy mongrel!"

"Roark! Roark Help me!"

I can feel the voices tear at me, tear at my soul. They rip me up and through me in the wind, spreading my pieces around in this fog. I can almost feel my ears bleed, my heart rip itself apart. As I hear the voices of everyone. Mother, Cat, Bolg, even Talsi. Gods...Talsi why? Why use her voice, what unholy beast would do this. What manner of fiend would do this?

"Roark! Roark Please! He's hurting me! He's hurting us! He's hurting our child!" The last phrase causes me to fall to my knees and sob.

A memory briefly flashes in my head before fading away in a rush. I can see the memory play out in front of me like a show.

Talsi stands in front of me, dressed in nothing, but a sheet that clings to her delicate curves. Her purple eyes glare up at me, happy, filled with joy. Her lips are curved into a smile. I can feel my heart beat fiercely in my chest, wanting to pop out and claim my love for itself. Her mouth opens and I can feel the tears pour from my eyes like a river.

"I'm pregnant."

The words have haunted me for the long years, the long years after her death- their death. At the time I could barely contain my joy, I finally had a life. A child and a beautiful woman who I would take as my wife. Everything seemed to be going my way. That was until the beats from the water. Then everything I had been given was so horribly ripped from me, I wasn't even given a chance to fight! It tore me apart, every night! I would close my eyes and my mind would wander, thinking of what life would be like with the three of us. Would it be a boy or a girl? I was never even given the chance to know, before everything was taken away!

I sit in the fog cradling my legs, tears rolling from my eyes as I rock back and forth. Wishing desperately to scream, to cry, but I know If I do that thing wins. Its playing with my emotions, and I'll be damned if that thing wins. I sit rocking back and forth for a long time, eyes closed as the voices call to me.

"Daddy?" a voice calls from behind me. This is cruel too cruel, the tears rush from my face as I try to block out the sounds.

"Daddy don't cry, don't cry Daddy." the little voice says from behind me.

I look behind me and see a beautiful little girl behind me. Her skin is a dark green, and her eyes are large and purple. Her black hair s done up in little pig tails and she wears a pink dress. She is smiling and I know who she is. She is my daughter, or rather who my daughter would have been.

"Daddy? Daddy are you okay? You're still crying. You know what will cheer you up? A story, lets read a story together Daddy! Let me start!" The girl says, smiling and jumping up and down.

I want to reach out and hug her, hug her and never let go. To say 'Yes sweetheart, lets do that. Daddy will read you a story.' I know I can't though, she's not real. All the chance I had at that life is long gone, my life is not meant to settle down right now. ... And it infuriates me. Why can't I be happy? Why does everything bad happen to me? WHY!

I stand up, my fists clenched, and the anger prevalent in my eyes. I can feel the anger rise up in me like a volcano ready to erupt. I storm forwards and the girl disappears. It changes into some sort of unholy centipede creature, with the face of a man. It gives out a hiss as I reach down and pick the thing up by its face. I can feel all the disgusting legs reach up and graze at my forearms as It tries to free itself from my vice grip. I lift the creature up and hold it next to my face, I look the spirit in the eyes. Showing the blood red anger that flows throughout my body. As the creature writhes and twists in my grasp. Hissing and spitting everywhere. I begin to squeeze, I can feel the creature's cartilage skull begin to break. I begin to grin, grin like a mad man, no-not mad. Like a man who lost everything than had it flaunted in front of him. The creature begins to scream and flail in my grip, I take my other hand and grab onto one of its many spindly legs. I tear the appendage off ferociously, letting black ichour spew from the wound. Leg after leg, I rip and tear. The creature cries with pain, but I know its a spirit. Soon it will be whole again, but for now. For now it can feel what I have felt all these years. I crush the skull and face of the spirit. I throw it to the ground, as the black liquid pours from everywhere in its body.

I can feel the anger slowly release itself like steam from a kettle, as I stare at the mangled spirit. The fog begins to disperse and I realize where I am. I'm in a forest, Its not as big as I first thought. The forest floor is filled with white tiles instead of dirt and grass, its like nothing I've ever seen before. Its calming, the anger I once felt is gone and replaced with calm.

I look out and realize the spirit is gone, the only thing left in the forest is myself and on old man holding a horn. He looks so familiar, but I can't place where he is from. He has white hair, and a long trailing beard. He wears a simple blue robe, that clings to his bony frame. He is very tall, taller than even myself. I walk forward towards the man, and he begins to speak.

"Sorry about that Roark, sometimes he gets carried away. Its good to see that you have the courage and determination to see it through. I think you have what it takes." The old man says, smiling beneath his beard. His voice is smooth and calming, like nothing I've ever heard before.

"What it takes for what?" I ask, now suspicious. I killed this man's beast and now he has a job for me.

"To be my champion of course." he chuckles.

With the chuckle, the horn and robes I should have guessed sooner. He's my lord, my patron- Stendarr.

"My lord! I apologize for my transgressions." I bow low and begin to kneel before he stops me. He holds up a hand to prevent me before motioning for me to stand up again.

He looks at me with his wise, blue eyes and says" Please, I invited you here. I should have been more gracious. It's my pleasure to host you."

"The pleasure is mine my lord."

"Very well, pleasure! Pleasure all around." he laughs. "Back to the reason I brought you here. I want you to be my champion. A great evil is about to be unleashed, and you must be there to stop it. You will be my champion. The Champion of Cyrodiil. The Vigilant of Stendarr. Do you accept?"

"It would be my honor." I smile bowing and placing my hand over my heart.

"I'm glad to hear this. Drink from my horn and let the light fill you, from this say forth may you be blessed by myself and the nine. The world will put in your hands Roark."

I nod and step forward as he puts the horn into my hand. Its cold,and filled with ice water. I take a sip from the horn and feel the water flow down my throat and warm up my body despite having bits of ice in it.

"From this day forth, you are Stendarr's chosen. The Champion of the world and protector of Nirn for as long as you may live!" He gives me a bow before taking the horn back and holding his hand up towards the sky. A blinding white light shoots up from his hand and I begin to feel myself wake up, and be torn from this spiritual world.

"Roark, let the path of life take you where you're adventure begins."

With Stendarr's final words I wake up and emerge back to reality. A smile licking my lips, and happiness glowing in my heart.

I groggily open my eyes and look around the camp, it seems Cat and Abhuki are packing up. Deciding to let me get a few extra winks before we set off in the day.

"Get a good sleep?~" Abhuki asks grinning, as she folds up a blanket and places it in her pack.

"Better than I've slept in years." I smile, pushing myself to my feet.

"Glad somebody got a good sleep." Cat mumbles, his eyes surrounded my black rings and his bloodshot yellow eyes.

Abhuki and I let out a loud laugh at Cat's expense. Its good to be happy again, to emerge from the river of sadness covered in gold. The future is bright and I can feel it.

We pack up camp and set off for the bright future that awaited us. For my glory, for our friendship. We would always be friends, until the last of draws breath.

[Underneath the book you see writing emblazoned in gold within the leather back of the story]

Shortly after the events within the book, Roark Thar was placed under arrest for his "crimes" in Morrowind and being an escaped slave. After his escape from prison and saving the world from the clutches of Mehrunes Dagon, he sat down and wrote this autobiography. His tales as the champion of Stendarr were written by the historian Plitinius Mero. As Roark Thar once told the publisher of this book, "The Story of Roark Thar ended when he entered Stendarr's domain. The story of The champion began when he woke up.". If you wish to continue reading this check out the story "The Champion of Stendarr and Defender of Nirn by Plitinius Mero.

*Thank you guys so much for staying with this story. It means so much to me! I love you guys so much! Hope you have enjoyed this story as much as I have. When I first started writing this I was a sad person, I didn't think anything could make me happy. I started writing this to pass the time, but I soon found myself wanting to write. In class I began to doodle scenes from the stories, and write bits when I wasn't busy. Here is the finished story. If you guys want more let me know! I've changed because of this story and you guys! Hope you liked it!

Sincerely,

KaiserOrc*