A/N: I know I haven't been active much for this whole year (2015) but I have a good reason. Firstly, I was working after I finished school and secondly, I am enlisted into national service for my country (it is compulsory enlistment, not like I have a choice, well, I sort of do, but I am not going to reveal it). And now I only feel like playing games on the weekends instead of writing. Sorry, but this story might not get updated in the near future, but I promise I will finish it. Now that I have finished Fallout 4, I think I may be able to get back to writing.
All characters, place settings and other items belong to their respective copyright holders, Bethesda Games Studios/Bethesda Softworks LLC./ZeniMax Media Inc.. Characters that does not appear in the original content of The Elder Scrolls (OC, or original character) that bears, but not limited to, a name similar to other popular story character names and/or character behaviour and attitude are purely coincidental.
Chapter 25: The calm before the storm
"Yes, I have to wear my armour everywhere I go, and I suggest you do the same!" Janice yelled at Derkeethus as they head for breakfast the next day. "There are assassins."
"You being an assassin makes it even more weird. Tell me, just how many people you managed to piss off in your journeys?" Derkeethus asked.
"The Thalmor, several Daedric Princes for working under their enemy, a Morrowind house and a few others." Janice listed. "I think this assassin is from the Thalmor though, I pissed them off the greatest."
"Great, mortal enemies with the people that have the largest army in Tamriel." Derkeethus commented as they walked into the dining room.
"But not the one that will have dragons." Janice replied.
"Are you planning to go to war?" Derkeethus asked. "And where are you going to get dragons?"
"I have a plan if we are going to war, I just need to confirm my suspicion of the Thalmor mistreating people." Janice said. "The knights should be back at any moment."
"Mind telling me where are you getting the dragons?" Derkeethus asked again.
"I will just morph a few soldiers, they don't need to be trained in the way of the voice, they just need to fly. The men on the back are doing the firing. Fireballs and arrows are going to cover the battlefields, hehe." Janice laughed creepily.
"You sure enjoy laughing to fighting." Derkeethus commented as he begins eating.
"They won't survive, haha!" Janice laughed.
"I am going to go now." June awkwardly phased out of the ring and floated away.
"Usually I am the one who laugh hysterically at the image of utter destruction." Alduin said as she entered the room.
[3 hours later]
"The knights have arrived!" A guard yelled as four figures appeared, walking into the throne room bearing the custom sword Janice had given them for the occasion.
"Ah, the knights! Welcome back to the palace!" Derkeethus announced.
"Pleasure to be back Your Majesty." They bowed.
Using the Throw Voice shout, Janice directed the knights' to go to her room, secretly.
[Later, in the Emperor Quarters]
"So, how did it go?" Janice asked anxiously.
"The Thalmor embassy in this city doesn't seem to be hiding anything secret." Jordis report as she clutches Calder's arm in a loving embrace.
"What happened to you two? You were just enemies in the arena several weeks ago." Janice asked, astonished to see them like this.
"We fell in love," Calder answered, stroking Jordis' hair.
"Anymore unexpected love stories?" Janice asked.
"No, Your Majesty." Iona and Argis answered.
"Where is Vex anyway? She is definitely not under my bed this time." Janice said as she checked under her bed. "How was the mission for you two then?"
"High Rock was quite uneventful." Argis reported.
"So was Valenwood." Iona reports.
Just then, the door opened and a familiar face appeared.
"I have news about the Thalmor." Vex said gravely.
"So lets hear it." Janice replied as she counts the coins to pay off Vex.
"The assassin they sent is a dragon. It's name is Fyensesot." Vex started. "Nirrne planned to kill you before you discover that she has been taking salves. Here, I have some documents regarding slave trading in Skyrim"
"Oh no, not him. I was hoping he was dead, killed by you before he knew you were resurrected." Alduin gasped.
"Who is he?" Janice asked as she paid a hundred thousand gold to Vex.
"The one who killed you. It seems that he intend to kill you again." Alduin replied.
"How did I die anyway? You seem to be quite sacred of the name." Janice asked.
"I mentioned that you had to die because you was always interfering with my plans. Fyensesot took it as a challenge and slew you by tricking both of us into believing that there wasn't an asteroid heading to a planet we were going to hold a meeting. Me and him got out before it hits but you stayed back to help the others escape. You were the last to leave and by that time, the planet blew up just before you took off. After that, Fyensesot scattered your bones so you may never be resurrected." Alduin explained.
"I see. He will pay for it!" Janice proclaimed.
"I won't be so confident. He has mastered combat as a dragon and as a human. That assassination attempt was just a small taste of what he can do." Alduin said.
"It sounds like I need more than just what I have right now." Janice said as she pays off Vex and dismissed her.
"Perhaps a dose of your deadly poison might work." Derkeethus suggested.
"No, he would see that a mile away." Alduin shot down the idea immediately.
"Then we just need to brute force it, I mean I can probably hit him in the inside of his armour using the Ghostblade." Janice thought out loud.
"That might work." Alduin said.
"So, in any case, the Thalmor has indeed been mistreating people. Well, I guess we can all forget about the White-Gold Concordat and get down to fighting this war we have on our hands now." Janice declared. "But first, I need the cooperation of the Khajiits in Elsweyr. Time to go south to see what my race has to offer."
"You may find them a little less welcoming since they are quite the friends with the Thalmor." Derkeethus said. "Besides, if they see you, they surely aren't going to take you seriously since you do not follow any of their traditions at all. I mean, you were raised as a Nord!"
"All I need to follow is that I should call on the Mane, the one who is in charge, right?" Janice asked.
"No! The Mane is just a figurehead." Derkeethus faceplamed.
"Really? Then who is in charge then?" Janice asked.
"It would be someone in the same position as Cocceius. And there are two states in Elsweyr. Didn't your parents teach you anything about the Khajiits, at all?" Derkeethus exclaimed.
"I was too scared of Jane to do anything like teach you the ways of the Khajiit." A voice sounded from behind the bedroom door.
"Dad? Is that you? I am so glad that you are fine!" Janice exclaimed in excitement as she opened the door and gave J'Zhar a big hug.
"Glad to see you too. How long have I been out? And why are you in your armour?" J'Zhar asked.
"A few weeks. There has been an assassination attempt, but it failed." Janice replied as she let go.
"I see. Anyway, have you seen your mother anywhere?" J'Zhar asked.
"No, I haven't. She is probably out buying things." Janice suggested.
"Good, now sit down. I need to talk to you about the Khajiits if you ever want to fit in in Eslwyer." J'Zhar said.
"Knights, dismiss." Janice said as she dismiss the knights in her room.
"Right, now, the first rule that you must observe is that the moons is very important to our culture. So never insult the moons or do anything that might be related to the moons." J'Zhar explained.
"Alright, moons are sacred. Got it." Janice noted.
"Do not ever say moon sugar are bad for the people, we like them. You can have some if you want, it does not affect our race as badly as others." J'Zhar continued.
"I had some before, they taste good." Janice said.
"And they are meant to be that way to our race." J'Zhar said.
"I think that is all you need to know. The other things aren't that important since you would not be staying long there." J'Zhar said.
"Great, lets all pack up and go." Janice declared.
"Just need to wait for your mother to get back." J'Zhar said.
"I am here and I heard it all." Jane stood up from a corner of the room.
"Would you stop spying on me, mom?!" Janice shouted in surprise.
"Well, I just have to ensure your safety, especially after that assassination happened." Jane said.
"At least Derkeethus' mother don't do that..." Janice mumbled.
"So what are we waiting for? Let's go." Jane said.
[Later]
"How long would it take to get there?" Janice asked Cocceius.
"About two days." Cocceius replied. "I will be here managing the affairs."
"Great. And how long will it take by flight?" Janice asked Alduin.
"About five hours, if you are slow." Alduin replied.
"Flight it is then." Janice announced.
"But what about the entourage?" Cocceius asked.
"There is no need for them, they should know who I am." Janice declared.
"It is not that I am concerned about, Your Majesty, it is about your safety." Cocceius said.
"I don't think that is an issue for me, I am well armoured, the assassin's weak blade can't possibly pierce this strong armour." Janice replied.
Janice transformed into her dragon form and Derkeethus and Jane board her. June manages to sneak back into the ring on a claw.
"Good luck negotiating with the Khajiits." Cocceius shouted as Janice took off.
[1 hour later, in the city of Rimmen, Anequina]
Landing near the entrance of the city, Janice transformed and waited for everyone's stomachs to stop churning.
"So this is Eslweyr." Janice said. "Kind of dry here."
"Half of it is a desert and the other half is a jungle." Derkeethus said after vomiting his lunch. "And could you fly slower next time?"
"So where to now?" Janice wondered out loud.
"Freeze dragon!" A small legion of guards shouted as they approach the group cautiously. "State your intentions!"
"I am the Empress of the Empire and this is the Emperor! We just want to talk to your leader." Janice shouted.
"Stand down! Ra'Reed will take it from here." An Ohmes-raht Khajiit commanded from behind the group.
"Hello, I am Empress Janice Septim and this is Emperor Derkeethus." Janice introduced themselves. "Would you lead us to your leader?"
"Welcome Your Majesties. It is a pleasure to have you here with us today. Ra'Reed will bring you to see his Leader, yes." Ra'Reed said as he dismiss the guards.
On the way into to the city, Janice asked "what kind of Khajiit are you? You don't look like me."
Quickly grabbing Ra'Reed aside, Jane whispered "please forgive my daughter's lack of knowledge, she wasn't raised as a Khajiit."
"Ra'Reed understood, your Highness." Ra'Reed replied.
"Ra'Reed is an Ohmes-raht, one of the many Khajiit breeds. Ra'Reed's breed is distinguished by our more human-like aspects." Ra'Reed replied.
"Is the leader a Mane, I presume?" Janice asked.
"No, unfortunately. The Pellitinians to the south has the Mane as their leader. We have a Suthay-raht as our leader. He is King Ri'Saad. There is only one Mane at any given time." Ra'Reed replied.
"I wonder what my breed is?" Janice wondered.
"You are a Suthay-raht, one of the common Khajiit breeds, Your Majesty." Ra'Reed replied as the group reached the city gates.
The city is filled with Khajiits going about their everyday businesses as well as a few stray Alfiq purring for food.
"Are those cats Khajiit as well?" Derkeethus asked.
"Yes, they are Alfiqs, a breed of Khajiit. They are able to understand spoken language but are unable to respond." Ra'Reed explained. "The castle is this way."
At the castle gates, two huge Khajiits towers over the group. "What breed are those?" Janice wondered, amazed that the Khajiits can be taller than Altmers.
"They are the Cathay-raht, large and imposing are they not?" Ra'Reed replied.
"Welcome back, High Councilor." One of the Khajiits bellowed as both opened the heavy castle gates.
"Before we go in, Ra'Reed want to say to you to be careful of what you say, you are just a visitor to this land, nothing else." Ra'Reed reminded the group.
"Agreed," Janice replied.
"Welcome to Elsweyr, Emperor and Empress of the Empire!" Ri'Saad greeted in ecstasy as they entered the courtroom.
"He is even worse than you," Janice whispered into the ring in which June resides.
"What is that supposed to mean?!" June shouted.
"Have you been consuming moon sugar before meetings again?" Ra'Reed questioned his King.
"It calms Ri'Saad's nerves!" The hyper King replied in between sugar fits. "Would our kind guests like some?"
"No thanks, I had some before, it made me so hyper that I accidentally destroyed a ruin that the College was investigating. The next morning I woke up in my underwear on the top of the Throat of the World with a splitting headache." Janice replied.
"It is that bad, even for a Khajiit like you?" Derkeethus asked.
"I didn't had the chance to get used to the effects of moon sugar." Janice answered.
"Well, more for Ri'Saad, hoho!" Ri'Saad shouted in excitement as he eats more of the sugary crystals.
"Ra'Reed believes the Empress came with a message, yes?" Ra'Reed tries to get the topic moving.
"Yes, I came to discuss about the Thalmor. I have reasons to believe that they are taking other races and making them slaves for hire. I have some evidence of their work from their Skyrim embassy." Janice said as she pushes the papers Vex gave her into Ri'Saad's trembling hands.
"These are interesting reports, here, Ra'Reed, what do you make of this?" Ri'Saad struggles to pass the papers to Ra'Reed.
"These papers describe the selling of Khajiit, Bosmer and other races as slaves to the High Elves." Ra'Reed looked through the papers.
"What is your goal?" Ri'Saad asked.
"We are hoping that you will cooperate with the Empire in taking down the Aldmeri Dominion, to put it bluntly." Janice stated in a blunt fashion.
"TAKING DOWN THE ALDMERI DOMINION?!" Ri'Saad shouted, immediately coming out of his state of ecstasy. "And you just came directly to a province that aligns themselves with the Altmer?"
"Umm, yes?" Janice answered.
"Guards! Seize them!" Ri'Saad ordered. "Maybe we can stifle this revolution before it starts!"
"Brace yourselves!" Janice shouted as she unsheathed her sword.
Derkeethus took out his bow and started aiming at the nearest guard. Jane readied her dual swords and started slashing at the guards. Janice manages to get her shield out to block some of the attacks from the guards. They successfully kill all of the guards in a few minutes. "Bring in the Cathay-rahts!" Ri'Saad commanded.
Several big and hulking Khajiits entered the room, armed with large weapons that makes even Janice's greatsword look like a toothpick.
"How are we going to fight those?" Derkeethus' motivation fell immediately.
One of the guards rushed at Janice with his weapon raised. Janice readied her shield to block the attack. With a mighty swing, the guard manages to knock Janice back a few metres.
"They are strong…" Janice said as she recover from the blow.
"Duh, Captain Obvious." June sounded from the ring.
"What does that even mean?" Jane asked as she dodge an attack.
"Nevermind that, mother, I think I know what we can do, use Unrelenting Force together!" Janice shouted as she blocked another attack.
"FUS… RO… DAH!" Both of them shouted, knocking all the guards off their feet and into the wall.
Rushing forward, both of them start slicing the necks of the guards before they could get up.
"That was smart," Derkeethus commented.
"Now, give me those papers back!" Janice demanded from Ra'Reed. "Or do I have to pry it from your dead hands?"
"No need for that… Ra'Reed will give you what you want…" Ra'Reed shivered as he handed the papers to Janice.
"Where to now?" Derkeethus asked as they head out of the castle.
"We will need to find a place to stay for the night, preferably away from here." Janice replied. "Let's go to Torval to find the Mane."
[An hour later, Torval, Pellitine]
Landing near the gates, the group was greeted with a large brigade of soldiers.
Transforming, Janice asked, "what is with the soldiers?"
"Halt dragon!" The general shouted.
"Hah…" Janice sighed. "Has anyone told you that the white dragon is the Empress of the Imperial Empire? I am here to see the Mane. I mean no harm."
"Fine, Do'Fah will escort the Empress and company to the castle." The general said as he disbanded the soldiers.
Inside the castle, the Mane greeted the group, "Ri'Zhar is pleased to have the Empress of the empire as a guest. Ri'Zhar ask what is it that you want?"
"I want to ask for an alliance against the Thalmor. I have reason to believe that they are taking Khajiit and other races as slaves. I have evidence of this happening." Janice said as she handed the papers to the Mane.
"These are interesting reports, Ri'Zhar see what you mean. Ri'Zhar ask what the Empress want Ri'Zhar to do?" Ri'Zhar said as he flip through the papers.
"I just require your word that I would not run into any Khajiit led army while I fight the Thalmor in the coming wars. I understand what the Thalmor means to you, but I am quite sure that they did not brought back the moons through their magic, it was just that the moons disappear and reappear in a cycle. I learnt that in the college." Janice said.
"A cycle you say?" Ri'Zhar asked. "Ri'Zhar understands. Ri'Zhar will make sure he does what the Empress requires."
"Glad you see it that way, King Ri'Saad from Anequina disagrees." Janice said.
"Ri'Saad always jumps to conclusions, don't mind him. Ri'Zhar will see to it that he understands as well. Would the kind Empress be staying for the night?" Ri'Zhar offered as he tries to stand up, servants coming to help him up due to his large mane weighing him down.
"We would love to, do you have anything to eat? I am starving." Janice said.
"Anything without moon sugar in it?" Derkeethus asked.
"Ri'Zhar afraid not…" Ri'Zhar said as he head for the dining room.
"We are going to have a bad time…" Jane whined.
[After dinner]
"What is this food?! This is so great!" Jane shouted like a madman.
"I know right? This food is sweet!" Janice shouted back.
"I guess I am going to starve for tonight." Derkeethus said as he did not eat anything for fear of moon sugar.
"Ri'Zhar thinks they may have not eaten moon sugar before." Ri'Zhar commented.
"My wife had some once, it didn't end well for her. Let me put them in their rooms before they do something they regret later." Derkeethus said.
"You married a Khajiit? Haha, Ri'Zhar thought you were their servant!" Ri'Zhar said.
"Yes, I married a Khajiit, now really, I need to get going." Derkeethus replied.
"Isn't this great Derkeethus?" Janice shivered as she spoke during the sugar fits.
"Yes… Yes… Now let's find your room so that you may rest." Derkeethus said. "Where are the rooms, by the way?"
"To the left of the dining room. J'Ro will lead you to them." A servant offered.
"But we haven't finished the desserts!" Janice and Jane complained as Derkeethus dragged them both towards the guest room.
"It is time for some rest, we will head back tomorrow morning." Derkeethus announced as he climbed into a bed. "Goodnight."
"I am not tired, are you tired?" Janice asked Jane.
"No!" Jane replied as both jump up and down on their beds.
"What should we do then?" Janice asked.
"Well…" Jane trailed off.
[Next morning]
"My head hurts…" Janice complained as she got off the floor, being upside-down making it a bit harder for her. "And why am I in my dragon form?"
"Everything is a mess and… OH MY GOODNESS, why am I a troll?!" Jane exclaimed as she stood up from the floor.
"Just shut up, I want to sleep some more…" Derkeethus the dog complained from his bed.
"What happened last night?" Janice asked as she turned her mother back.
"Apparently we partied too hard last night. Moon sugar is the worst…" Janice replied as she turned back herself. "We need to start cleaning this mess up."
After cleaning the room, Derkeethus awakes.
"I have this weird dream where I dreamt about being a dog- WHY AM I A DOG?!" Derkeethus exclaimed.
"Sorry about that." Janice said as she turned Derkeethus back just in time before a servant knocked on the door for breakfast.
"Breakfast is ready, Your Majesty." The servant said.
"Does it have moon sugar in it? I hope not." Janice asked.
"No, J'Har cooked up some special meals for you after your husband wasn't eating dinner yesterday." The servant replied.
"Great, let's go." Janice motioned.
[Imperial Palace 3 hours later]
"Welcome back Your Majesty, we were about to send troops to search for you after you didn't come back last night." Cocceius greeted.
"Glad it didn't came to that." Janice replied as the group head into the palace.
"How did it go? Were you successful in convincing them?" Cocceius asked.
"Well, one of them attacked me when I said it and the other offered to help convince the other of my purpose." Janice replied. "Is the army ready for war?"
"Not quite, they still require further training and we need more men." Cocceius replied.
"Hmm, I am thinking to seek recruiting in Skyrim since the Nords hate the Thalmor so much. I am sure we will gain lots of support on that front." Janice said as she sit down on her throne.
"We also need a declaration of war written by you, Your Majesty." Cocceius said.
"I will get to it when we are ready. Are there any mages in the army?" Janice asked. "I want to teach them a spell I learnt from the College of Winterhold."
"There is a regiment of mages, they are in the barracks training their magic skills as we speak." Cocceius replied.
"Great, I can get started immediately." Janice said as she stands up.
"This way, Your Majesty," Cocceius said, leading the way to the mages' barracks.
"Your Majesty, we did not expect your arrival. I am general Zenori, leader of the mages regiment of the Imperial army. What can I do for you?" Zenori greeted as Janice and Cocceius walked in.
"What spells does the regiment knows?" Janice asked.
"We are trained in Thunderbolt, Incinerate, Fireball and Icy Spear along with Grand Healing and Heal Other. We train hard to improve the spells' damage and decrease spell cost." Zenori replied.
"Well, I have a spell that I want to add to that list. It is call Lightning Storm and it is a master tier spell. Do you have an available range for me to show it off?" Janice said.
"Of course Your Majesty, this way." Zenori lead. "Hey! Gather round mages! Her Majesty is about to show off a Master tier spell!"
With the crowd gathered around a range Janice is at, Janice began to charge up the spell. With a blinding light, a beam of lightning shot forward from her palms and into the dummy at the end of the range. "Ka-me-ha-me-ha!" June screamed from the ring.
"What? Would you shut up for once and that does not make any sense whatsoever." Janice said after being ripped from her concentration by June's peculiar speech. "Anyway, the spell is very powerful and it requires a lot of concentration."
"Would Your Majesty care to demonstrate again? I did not quite catch that." A mage asked.
"Sure," Janice replied before firing another beam at the dummy.
"That is a lot of power, Your Majesty." Zenori commented as the dummy disintegrated.
"Now you all see how much power it can deliver. I will write down the spell notes in a book and you all can learn from it." Janice announced as she took an empty book and started writing the knowledge down.
"Great work, Your Majesty. Where do you learn this spell?" Zenori asked.
"I learned it from the College of Winterhold back in Skyrim. I had to do the legwork to uncover the three master tier spells' secrets." Janice replied as she finishes writing the spell. "How do you do if you were at the frontlines?"
"My men and I will follow Her Majesty to the death!" Zenori shouted in reply, the room echoed with the roars of the mages.
"Good, you will be standing in a row in front of the army from now on. Use the Lightning Storm spell to destroy any resistance." Janice said as she and Cocceius left the barracks.
"Is the army ready for an inspection?" Janice asked Lydia as she entered the throne room.
"Ever ready, Your Majesty." Lyida replied, "this way, Your Majesty."
Leading Janice to the barracks, Lydia called upon General Impellia. "Impellia, gather your men, Her Majesty wants an inspection."
Hastily, Impellia gathered his men on the short notice that was given to him. "They are ready for inspection, Your Majesty!" Impellia announced.
"Hmm, what would you say if I was to put you at the frontlines defending mages from arrows?" Janice asked one of the soldiers.
"I would gladly defend him till the end of my life, Your Majesty!" The soldier replied.
"What about you, archer? Would you continue shooting your bow till your last breath?" Janice asked an archer.
"I will carry on shooting in the afterlife!" The archer replied.
"Good, now listen up! I need willing soldiers to stand at the frontlines with their shields to shield the mages from arrows. One soldier per mage. Who wants to volunteer?" Janice announced.
"I will!" The soldiers erupt in response.
"Good." Janice said before leaving the barracks.
Heading to the alchemist laboratory, Janice was greeted with the aroma of the deathly Jarrin Root.
"How are the bombs going?" Janice asked one of the alchemist.
"It is doing well, we managed to perfect the recipe and made bombs that can be launched at enemy forces. Sorry about the stench though, we need a lot of Jarrin Root to make it work." The alchemist replied.
"Good, start mass production right away. And make it small enough so that I could fit hundreds of them on a dragon's back." Janice said.
"Hey, you said something about transforming some men into dragons?" June sounded from the ring as Janice exited the laboratory.
"Thanks for reminding me. You are useful sometimes." Janice commented.
"What is that suppose to mean? I am the most useful soul you know of!" June complained.
"Well, you never actually helped me much and you never seem to shut up." Janice shouted back.
Onlookers, those near the palace, look on in wonder as to why their Empress seem to be going crazy talking to a ring.
"'Shut up?' I was quiet the whole time we were in Eslwyer!" June argued.
"Well whatever, let's go before this become really awkward." Janice said as she head for the barracks again.
"Impellia, would you kindly assemble your men again? I have something to offer them." Janice asked Impellia.
"Men! Assemble!" Impellia called out.
Within a few minutes, the soldiers all assembled before Impellia.
"Right, who wants to be a dragon? Only fifty though, can't take more." Janice announced.
"A dragon? Why?" The soldiers whispered among themselves.
"Well, she must be planning something great." A soldier reasoned.
"You must be wondering why, well, I doubt I would be able to recurit real dragons and instruct them, so transforming some of you would be the next best thing. I only require you to be abke to fly so that the person riding you are able to drop bombs and use magic to beat the enemy from up high. So who wants to volunteer to become dragons? Don't worry, I will turn you back upon request should you want to go home to your wives." Janice said.
"Well, I always wanted to see the world from a different angle, sign me up!" A soldier said as he stepped forward.
"Yeah, me too!" Several other soldiers said.
"Alright, I still need forty more." Janice announced.
"I am willing to join!" A familiar voice sounded from behind.
"Hadvar? No you can't possibly mean that. I need you as my backup General if things go wrong." Janice said.
"Backup General? Wow, I can't possibly deserve such a high position, I mean, I am just a Legate." Hadvar said.
"And if I am not wrong Legate is just a step down from being a General?" Janice said.
"I see, Your Majesty, sorry for distrubing you." Hadvar apologized.
"It is fine. Anyway, I need more volunteers!" Janice announced.
[Later, outside the walls of the city]
"Now, who knows what a dragon is?" Janice questioned the troops.
"I only heard stories from my dad about how a blazing avatar of Akatosh appeared in the city to vanquish Mehrunes Dagon during the Oblivion Crisis. The form it took was of a dragon." A soldier replied.
"I seen one with me own eyes before, I was part of the army sent to Skyrim to stop the Stormcloaks. They were as large as twenty men with wingspans as big as the walls of the city is tall!" Said another.
"Right, I assume the rest of you only know of the statue of Akatosh's true form in the Temple of the One inside the city walls. So I am going to teach you about a dragon with a live demostration." Janice said as she transforms. "This is the form of a dragon. You will be turned into a different dragon than me because I am special. I am the direct daughter of Akatosh, meaning I have the same power and status as Alduin."
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, but how do you intend to teach them how to fly?" Impellia asked.
"Watch, Impellia," Janice said as she begun to glow before beams of knowledge start shooting out and entering each soldier's bodies.
"Woah, I suddenly know how to fly as a dragon." Exclaimed one of the soldiers.
"That is the magic of the Greybeards, they can impart knowledge simply by doing that." Janice explained. "Now, please space out so that you are far away from each other."
With utmost concentration, Janice manages to transform each one of her soldiers into a bronze dragon.
"Now, let's see what have been taught to you be put into good use. Take off and hover in place!" Janice commanded.
"Alright, men, you heard her!" Impellia commanded.
"That would be all, Impellia, from now on, these men will be under the command of a new leader." Janice told Impellia.
"Right, of course. I will be heading back to the barracks should you need me." Impellia said as he walked away.
"Now, who is brave enough to lead the pack?" Janice asked the hovering dragons.
"I would like to lead!" Said a sprirted dragon.
"Alright, please fly forward, I have a surprise for you." Janice said.
As the dragon flies forward, Janice begun transforming him into a legendary class dragon. "This is your new form, you are one of the strongest dragon forms. The rest of you are bronze dragons, the weakest types of dragons there is. Anyway, regardless of strength, all of you will be performing the same job, which is to carry a mage and poison bombs over the battlefield. The form just makes it easier for you to identify the leader." Janice announced as she takes off.
"Alright, time to do some training. You all know how to fly theoretically, but can you really fly? Follow my every move." Janice said to the troops.
"I think it is better for me to do it." Alduin said as she flew towards the group. "I have better flight experience."
"What are you doing here?" Janice asked.
"Nothing, just doing my usual rounds around the city, scaring innocent people, not that it works, they just laughed at my size..." Alduin said.
"Alright, fine. You have better experience than I do anyway." Janice said. "But I want to see a formation being executed correctly. That is critical."
"I agree." Alduin said. "Alright, on me!"
Alduin soared up high with Janice and the other dragons following behind their leader. "Lesson one, you must be used to this altitude."
"Don't look down, don't look down" whispered a few of the dragons.
"I smell urine..." Alduin said.
"Sorry, I am a bit scared of heights." A dragon said.
"Let's hope nobody is below us..." Janice said.
"Lesson two, flying in formation." Alduin announced. "Each one of you form a triangle of three, two behind the Empress."
The dragons formed their groups of three with the extra two behind Janice.
"Alright, we will be flying north towards the Throat of the World. Stick to your formation and follow me." Alduin instructed.
[Two hours later]
"That is a large number of dragons." Ohdaviing observed with Paarthurnax.
"And they are from Cyrodiil heading this way..." Paarthurnax said. "What is Haassotkul planning? It can't possibly be an invasion of Skyrim, could it?"
"I don't know, let us go ask them." Ohdaviing said as he hovers.
[Meanwhile]
"Come on, we are almost to the Throat of the World." Janice announced.
"So tired..." Some of the dragons groaned.
"Well, hauling around a large body like that will wear you out. You will get used to it after some time." Janice said.
Ohdaviing and Paarthurnax begin to fly towards the group. "What is the meaning of this?" Paarthurnax asked as they meet in midair.
"Nothing, just training my men before the upcoming war." Janice stated.
"Out of my way Paarthurnax, before I kill you. These men need some rest." Alduin said. "You look so vulnerable as a tiny dragon."
"Your men? These are dragons!" Paarthurnax exclaimed. "And would you please turn me back to full size?"
"Well, clearly you did not hear their su'um. They are not dragons, they are my warriors. And I will turn you back as long as we can land on your mountain." Janice stated.
"Alright, fine, though it is going to get really crowded." Paarthurnax said.
[Later]
"So you are certain that the Thalmor is doing this slave trading and you want to defeat them to free the slaves?" Paarthurnax summarises after being told what was happening.
"Yes, I am training these men how to fly because I want them to be flying overhead to drop poison bombs and have the mages on them shoot spells from above." Janice said as she turn Paarthurnax back to normal.
"I see. So what makes it so special to come here?" Paarthurnax asked.
"Yes, what makes this place special? I am freezing!" A dragon exclaimed.
"Well, it is not me who chose this place, it was Alduin, ask her." Janice replied.
"I just want them to be used to high altitudes." Alduin replied. "Now, fly up and we can begin lesson three, maneuvering. Follow exactly what I do."
Alduin lead the group around the peak, first banking left and right to turn and then doing a dive by pointing downwards. After that, she taught them how to rise quickly and effectively, followed by teaching them how to fly faster to dodge incoming attacks.
"I think I am getting a hang of this!" A dragon shouted. "What is next?"
"We all go back. That is it, so we are flying back and eating lunch." Alduin announced.
"Alright, lunch time." A dragon said.
"We need to build some sort of dragon stable outside of the city." Janice said as she fly parallel to Alduin.
"Well, you get your men on it and fly onwards to get these men some dragon worthy feast. They are going to go hungry with their normal human meals." Alduin replied.
"Alright, see you later." Janice said as she fly away.
[A few minutes later, outside the palace]
"I need someone to prepare a big feast for fifty dragons!" Janice shouted as she transforms.
"Fifty dragons? Judging by how much Alduin eats with her tiny body, scaling that up would mean needing all food in the city just to feed fifty dragons! And where did you get fifty dragons?" Derkeethus asked as he was outside the palace tending to some business.
"I transform some of the soldiers so that we can use them in battle. And I need someone to built stables for them too." Janice replied.
"I see," Derkeethus said. "I will make arrangements for the food and stable, you just concentrate on writing the declaration of war."
"Alright, time to show the Thalmor a piece of my mind." Janice said.
"You are going to show them your superiority as a dragon demigod, aren't you?" Derkeethus asked.
"Pretty much," June sounded from the ring.
"Hey, you know that it is true." Janice replied.
"You sound just like Alduin now." Derkeethus commented.
"Hey, I am the direct descendant of Akatosh, I can do what I want." Janice proudly proclaimed.
"Whatever, so, any plans for recruitment?" Derkeethus asked as they head into the palace.
"I will get Tullius to do the recruiting in Skyrim. He and Legate Rikke did a fine job with the whole civil war affair, I trust them to be able to recruit people who hate the Thalmor as much as I do. For local recruitment, I can send the Legates here to do it." Janice replied. "You, fetch me some parchment, I need to write some letters."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The servant replied.
"I will get down to business on those dragon food and shelter, I will meet you in the dining room." Derkeethus told Janice and left.
"So what to write to the Thalmor about the upcoming war? I am thinking writing in all capital letters to tell them that you really hate them." June said.
"That is not a bad idea." Janice said.
"Really?" June asked.
"No, of course not! You need to learn how to write a formal letter! They would not take it seriously if I write such a letter." Janice replied.
"Then about the recruitment letter to Tullius." June said.
"It will be fine, he is no longer my superior, so he takes orders from me." Janice replied as she sat down on her throne and the servant gave her the parchment to write upon.
"Alright, first, the letter to Tullius." Janice started.
[Letter to Tullius]
Dear General Tullius,
You may not be aware, but I am planning on launching a full scale attack on the Aldmeri Dominion. They have violated the terms of the White-Gold Concordat in that they have facilitated slavery. I want you to recruitment former Stormcloaks and any other men that have a strong hatred of the Dominion. Explain to them that I am on their side and will fully support them even though they might have different views of the Empire. I am counting on you and Legate Rikke to recruit these men and bring them to Cyrodiil.
Signed,
Empress Janice
"I think that is a good letter," June said, looking over Janice's shoulder as she pen the letter.
"Send this to General Tullius in Solitude in Skyrim." Janice instructed the servant.
"Alright, next is the Declaration of War. I am so excited." June exclaimed.
[Declaration of war]
The Empire has reasons to believe that the Aldmeri Dominion has broken the terms of the White-Gold Concordat by enabling salve trading throughout the Dominion. In this letter, you will also find the evidence of such salve trading and attempted assassination of the Empress of the Imperial Empire. While the Empire had also broken the terms of the White-Gold Concordat, we find that the Dominion has done the most harm. Since the White-Gold Concordat has been broken, we are now formally at war.
Signed,
Empress Janice Septim
"Well said, though it could be better in all capital letters and written in a very angry tone." June said.
"Stop talking nonsense." Janice commented as she rolled the parchment.
"Seal it and send it to Nirrne, the head of the Aldmeri Dominion, please." Janice directed a servant.
"So what now?" June asked.
"Now, we train. I need a sparring partner, would you like to spar with me?" Janice asked the ghost.
"Sure, I have been practicing for a long time." June said.
"Let's go to the training grounds near the barracks." Janice said. "Actually, hold on, I think I need to train Derkeethus, his melee skills are sorely lacking."
"Why? He will be hanging back with the archers, so melee skills are kind of unnecessary." June said.
"Just in case he got ambushed." Janice replied.
"I see, anyway, isn't it time for lunch?" June said.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Janice said. "I need to check in with Derkeethus about the food for the dragons."
"I will be here then, just sitting in your throne, looking exactly like you to the point where your servants might mistake me as you..." June sighed.
"I think it is better for you to come along." Janice said as the ring begun to glow and June was sucked into it.
"Aww... I was enjoying my five seconds of ruler-hood." June said.
[Outside the city]
"Just put the food there, in a pile, for each dragon." Derkeethus instructed.
"So, how is everything, dear?" Janice asked Derkeethus.
"It is going smoothly, I have already gather up the resources for the stables and food for the dragons. Turns out we have way more food than what is required." Derkeethus answered.
"All is good, they are coming, I can see them on the horizon." Janice said. "If everything is going well, why don't you come with me and I will train you in melee combat."
"Do I have a choice?" Derkeethus asked. "I am so weak, look, no muscles unlike you."
"Hey, are you a man or a woman?!" June asked.
"I am just looking out for you in case there is an ambush and you need to fight using swords." Janice said.
"Nope, I am fine with the specially enchanted bow your father bestowed to me. It can pick off close range attackers as well!" Derkeethus defended.
"And when met with a stealth assassin who got you by the throat, how are you going to repel that attack?" Janice stated plainly as June snuck around and grab Derkeethus by the throat.
"Argh, what arrrre you do-ing?!" Derkeethus screamed as he tries to overpower the powerful ghost, totally failing as he does.
"June! I didn't mean it now!" Janice shouted.
"Don't worry, I am just holding on to him, not strangling him!" June answered. "I am using only a small portion of my strength. Try to overpower this Derkeethus!"
"You win! I can't even lift your hands the slightest!" Derkeethus admits defeat.
"See, with training you should be able to overcome anything." June stated as she let go.
"You finally said what we all agree with..." Janice commented. "I think the only training you need is to train those muscles."
"Well, let me finish up here and I will meet you at the training grounds after lunch." Derkeethus said as the first of the dragons make landfall.
[After lunch, army training grounds]
"Alright, don't hold back," Janice told June as she prepares herself.
"Wait! How am I going to lift these?" Derkeethus shouted as he look at what Janice has given him to train, a full barrel of mead, several warhammers bundled together, and some heavy barbells that June summoned in.
"Just try it, come on it isn't that heavy..." Janice said as she grabbed the heaviest barbell and threw it like it is nothing at Derkeethus.
Derkeethus caught the barbell and immediately fell off balance onto the ground with the barbell in his hands. "My hand!" Derkeethus cried.
"Ok, so it might be a tad heavy for you." Janice commented.
"Would you help out here? My hand is trapped and I am pretty sure some bones are broken." Derkeethus said.
"Alright you wuss." June said as she lifted the barbell with one hand and healed Derkeethus' hand with the other. "I will summon some weights more your size."
"These things, what do you call them? It doesn't look like it belongs here." Janice asked.
"They are called barbells and they are for weight lifters and bodybuilders from Earth. They use these to train their muscles." June told everyone.
"But they are so light." Janice said as she toss the heavy barbell up and down like it is nothing.
"Well, your godliness, you are infinitely more powerful than any mortal." June stated.
"Oh, right, I forgot about that. Hehe." Janice said.
"How do you even... Nevermind." June spat.
"Now this is better, I can feel it!" Derkeethus shouted as he curl a ten kilogram barbell.
"Well, let us continue our fight!" Janice announced. "Don't hold back!"
June summoned a pair of swords while Janice got her sword and shield. June lept and brought both swords down as Janice managed to block the attack. The other soldiers training in the square gathered round to watch the fight.
"Stop blocking!" June shouted as she brought down both her swords heavily onto Janice's shield.
"Well, here I go then!" Janice shouted as she swung her sword down onto June as she kept her shield up.
Using her swords, June manages to parry the strike and hit Janice on her waist.
"Ow..." Janice complained as she recovers.
"Being in that chair has made you soft." June commented.
"No it hasn't!" Janice screamed as she brought down her sword on the ghost.
"Ahh! You severed my arm!" June screamed as the ghostly arm fell onto the ground and disappeared. "Or did you?"
The ghost grew back the arm in seconds. "Like you can really harm a ghost." June teased.
"That is some messed up thing," Derkeethus commented as he tries two barbells instead of one.
"Stop this little battle, this is nothing compared to a war, in a war, there will be multiple enemies coming at you, not just one." Jane's voice sounded behind the crowd.
"Mom! What are you doing here?" Janice asked.
"I wanted to spar with your knights." Jane said as the crowd move aside for Jane and the knights to walk through.
"Do you do that often?" Janice asked.
"Very often, they are very well trained I will give you that." Jane replied. "You must be dragging them through dungeons often."
"Thanks for the compliment. Anyway, am I to be challenged by all seven of you?" Janice asked. "Cause I faced worse, 3 dragons and an army of dragurs in fact."
"Trust me, this isn't going to be like anything you face before." Jane said as she ready herself.
"Well, you have my used equipment, this is going to be easy." Janice said as she equip Chillrend in her off hand.
"Here we go!" Jane warned as she lunges with both swords.
Janice managed to parry both strikes as more came her way. Janice manages to block off attacks coming from every direction, at the cost of not launching any attacks.
"Stop being on the defensive!" June yelled.
"Fine," Janice replied as she blocked another blow with her Ghostblade and striked the ghost with Chillrend, immediately freezing her solid for a few seconds.
"Frozen! C-c-c-completely frozen!" June muttered as a breeze knocked her off balance and onto the ground.
Twirling, Janice fend off attacks as well as striking out whenever possible.
Meanwhile, in Skyrim, Fyensesot was training as well.
"My spies told me that that inexperienced buffoon of an Empress has issued a declaration of war against the dominion." Nirrne said as she entered the training room where Fyensesot trained often in.
"Good, she will soon see what dragons are truly capable of!" Fyensesot proclaimed.
"All in due time, my dragon." Nirrne said.
"I am nobody's pet dragon!" Fyensesot angrily spat at Nirrne, nearly spitting out fire as he did so.