Chapter 30: Dawn of the Elves

Disclaimer: I do not own The Elder Scrolls Series or the Dragon Age Series.

Elder Scrolls belongs to Bethesda and Dragon Age belongs to Bioware

A/N: Surprise, I'm back. I know I said it was on hiatus but with quarantine and everything, school has become much easier to handle. Which means I have more free time to write. However, before I continue, you may be wondering; hey, what's with all these rapid updates. Well, truth is my writing was a bit lackluster in the beginning and with not enough detail. So I've gone back and edited the previous chapters and fixed any mistakes. You'll also find that certain chapters are... a bit more different in scope as some didn't feel as if important. Well now, they do, they really do. I'll just say, if you skip the Marcus chaps, then the ending of the story isn't going to make sense.

Without further ado, here's the latest chapter


"Excuse me, your Imperial Majesties. May I enter?" Celanya asked.

"In a moment, General," Serana replied, setting a book down onto a desk. "Gaius, please get dressed. It is already noon."

Serana's voice reached across the tent to a lazy Gaius, happily stewing a warm bath in a marble tub. His eyes were still closed as he waved off to Serana.

"Please Serana, this is one of the few days that I don't work on," Gaius said.

"Gaius…" Serana said.

Gaius let out a sigh, closing his eyes as he frowned. "Very well," he said, exiting from the tub and placing a towel over his waist. Droplets fell off his body as he walked behind a folding screen.

"General Celanya, you may enter," he called.

The flaps of the tent parted as Celanya walked in, hands behind. "Thank you, your- oh… you are changing. I'll come back later," she said as she began to walk out.

"It's fine, Celanya," Serana replied, calling the Altmer back in. "What is it you wish to speak about?"

"My apologies, Empress and to you as well, Emperor," Celanya said, bowing in both of their directions. "I know that it is your day off but I have urgent news."

"All news is urgent, Celanya. We're in a war," Serana replied. "Is it regarding the siege?"

"The siege is going well, Empress. It will be but a couple of weeks until we take Lydes, as instructed by the strategy Commander Marius has laid out. But the news involves a situation currently going on in the Arbor Wilds."

"What about it?" Serana asked.

"It is on fire, Empress. And soon it will be entirely engulfed by it."

"What?" Serana and Gaius exclaimed as Gaius momentarily stuck his head from behind the screen.

"Engulfed how, Celanya? Have our mages set it alight?" Serana asked, crossing her arms.

"No, Empress, they have not. But it would be best explained by those who witnessed it first hand," Celanya said. "Send them in!"

Gaius proceeded out of the screen with his Imperial Robes, tying his hair behind as he watched an Imperial enter in along with a Nord and a Dunmer. They wore assorted pieces of armor but what caught Gaius's eyes were their faces covered with soot.

"Your Imperial Majesties," the three men bowed their heads low.

"Rise and tell me your names," Gaius commanded.

"Thank you, your Imperial Majesty," the Imperial said as he and his companions rose. "My name is Captain Contubo of the Colovian Band. To my right is Lieutenant Sylonis and to my left is Sergeant Alaso."

The Dunmer and Nord silently nodded to the Emperor.

"I don't recall hiring the Colovian Band," Serana said, narrowing her eyes at Contubo. "Who hired you - and answer truthfully."

"A... General Heidkar, your Imperial Majesty," Contubo replied, pulling forth a scroll from his pocket. "We were presented with this bill of credit for the contract."

Serana and Gaius widened their eyes as they unraveled the scroll, their faces subsuming into one of displeasure as they scowled. Why would Heidkar, one of their most loyal, would go behind their backs?

"And what did the contract you receive entail, Captain?" Gaius asked.

"It was a mission to lay explosives disguised as a supply drop, your Imperial Majesty," Contubo answered. "General Heidkar explained to me that we would use the explosives to set a controlled fire. That way, he said, it would ensure to burn out any resistance from Thedas hiding out in the forests."

"And yet you set them off?" Gaius questioned, his eyes piercing into Contubo and causing the Imperial to cower away to his men.

"N-not intentionally, your Imperial Majesty," Contubo stammered out. "Sergeant Alaso was captured during one of his scouting patrols and allowed Inquisitor Trevelyan to ambush us."

"Trevelyan?" Gaius asked. He speedily marched and towered over Contubo. "She's in the Arbor Wilds?"

"Not anymore, your Imperial Majesty," Contubo shook his head. "I-I hastily set off the explosives earlier than intended, which caused the fire. And during the confusion, the Inquisitor managed to escape."

"That fool, Hiedkar," Celanya interjected. "He is too hasty on his judgments, Emperor. I shall bring him forth and-"

Gaius raised his palm, halting Celanya's words. His eyes still focused on Contubo as he glared at the mercenary in silence. Serana then spoke up.

"Tell me, Captain. Is 50,000 septims enough to burn down an entire forest and to somehow fuck it up?" Serana asked.

"I- I- I would never have done this without care. Not ever in my career. I-"

"How many people know about this?" Serana asked.

"O- only the General, your Imperial Majesty," Contubo said, coughing into his fist. "Along with everyone present here. When Inquisitor Trevelyan captured us, I told her it was a supply drop. There's no way she could know. I swear it on my reputation."

"Do you?" Gaius questioned as he slowly walked over to Conutbo. His eyes glowed in red light, furiously shining over Contubo.

The Imperial tried to stand his ground, nodding his head in affirmation as he looked Gaius in the eyes. Contubo's hands twitched at his sides, his legs shivered and shook as his body began to buckle at Gaius's gaze.

"I see," Gaius said as his eyes' glow disappeared and Contubo let out a large sigh. "Hmm… While you may have gone on an unauthorized contract, you have presented us with an opportunity Captain. Celanya, show them out please."

"At once, Emperor," Celanya bowed.

"Hey, what about our-" the Nord, Sylonis, said before grunting from an elbow to the gut by Alaso.

"Do not speak so casually to the Emperor, ingrate!" Celanya yelled out as she proceeded to pull out her sword.

"Celanya…" Gaius said.

"Emperor, please. They show you no respect, they-"

"Listen to your Emperor, General," Serana said, stopping Celanya midway of unsheathing her sword.

Celanya blinked back towards the Empress then to Gaius. Gaius knew that she knew that he was serious otherwise they wouldn't have addressed Celanya as 'General'. She placed her sword back into its sheath and knelt before the Emperor.

"I am sorry, your Imperial Majesty," Celanya said.

"It's alright Celanya," Gaius said.

His gaze turned towards Contubo, who just as quickly knelt down and forced his two companions to do the same. "I am sorry as well for my lieutenant's behavior. I-"

"Enough, Captain," Gaius stopped him, gesturing Contubo and his companions up. "I have other things to do, just tell me what you want. Pay? For a job that I didn't authorize or even complete?"

"Of course not, your Imperial Majesty," Contubo said, shaking his head. "But when we failed our contract, we thought we could make it up by capturing the Inquisitor during the confusion of the fire. While we failed that, we did manage to get one of her friends. Alaso, please retrieve him."

Gaius and Serana exchanged a glance at each other, raising their brows and shrugged as Alaso exited the tent. The Dunmer returned forth and hauled in a large wooden box with a cold cloudy air fuming out.

"Your Imperial Majesties," Contubo said, rubbing his hands together.

Contubo held out his arms and on cue, Alaso opened the box. A tiny explosion of the cloudy air spewed out, chilling the ground as Alaso reached in. And pulling out what was inside shocked even Gaius for a second as his muscles became rigid.

Alaso held out the head of a man, the face still holding the dead eyes and gaping mouth in place. The tips of the hair were encased with ice along with the big bush of a mustache it had. But disgust filled within Gaius as he began to piece together who the head was.

"May I present to you-"

"Thom Rainier," Gaius said flatly, silencing Contubo. "A member of Inquisitor Trevelyan's inner circle. Formerly passed on as a Grey Warden under the alias of Blackwell to hide from crimes he committed in Orlais. Accomplished warrior in defensive battle tactics."

"Oh…" Contubo sounded, "so I take it-"

"Yes, I know who this man is. And that brings me to another question. Why should I care?" Gaius asked.

"Well…"

"Well, what Captain?" Serana asked in a venomous tone. "Did you honestly believe that killing this man would make up for your gross negligence? Or a reward perhaps?"

"I-I…" Conutbo stammered, "well... yes. He was a key member of the Inquisition so I thought that by killing him, it would deprive them of a tactical advantage."

"Yes, it would have," Gaius said, walking at a calm pace to Contubo. "If you had brought me Commander Cullen or the Inquisitor herself. But instead… (sigh) instead... you killed her friend."

"I… assumed-"

"Do not assume what I want!" Gaius exclaimed.

In a burst of anger, Gaius grabbed hold of Contubo's neck. The mercenary trembled, his gulp for air trapped beneath Gaius' hands. The color drained from his face and a croak escaped forth from his throat.

A touch to Gaius' back then released him from his rage. Glaring disapproval from Serana made him sigh out a loud calming breath, letting go of Contubo.

"Forgive me, Contubo," Gaius said. "It was nothing personal."

Contubo, still shaken, nodded in silence as he backed away to his men. They too were choked in fear, sweating beading down their faces. Even Celanya looked somewhat terrified, her eyes closed for but a moment.

"But your actions have made the Empire's goals considerably more difficult," Gaius continued. "You killed Trevelyan's friend and now she'll be completely committed to revenge. Not just against you but the entire Empire. And she won't stop until either she or we are dead."

"H-how can… you know, your Imperial Majesty?" Contubo asked.

A question too painful for Gaius to answer. His mood turned somber as he looked away and Serana tenderly held his arm. The Second Great War… Gaius knew what the Inquisitor would feel and act.

Serana then spoke. "Celanya, please escort the Captain and his men out. Have their band sent back to Tamriel… without pay," she said, glaring at Contubo.

"B-"

"Captain, if you would like to avoid spending time in the Stormvault," Celanya said in an icy tone, "then the next word that will come out of your mouth is 'yes, your Imperial Majesty'."

Sound eluded from Contubo as whimpering frown took hold on his face and then to his men who showed the same. His eyes drifted to the Empress and her cold stone glare drove him to bow.

"Yes, your Imperial Majesty," Contubo said.

"And take that head with you and dispose of it," Serana commanded.

The three mercenaries bowed and marched out with the head in tow. Celanya also affirmed a bow, thanking Gaius and Serana for the audience and leaving them to discuss.

Serana circled around to face Gaius, lifting his cheek up. "Are you alright?" she asked.

Gaius nodded, compressing his lips. "I am, just… I don't want this to fail. I overreacted I know, but we can't be certain we'll win this war. Last time we thought so and-"

"We almost died, nearly lost everything," Serana finished. She leaned in. "But we fought on and made it out together. And it was your spirit that made it possible. You remember… back when we were invading the Summerset Isles, we all wanted to give up. Yet it was your spirit that kept us all going on."

Gaius clasped her hands. "It wasn't just me, Serana. I had you, the dragons, our friends."

"It was because of our friends that they gave us the chance to win. You made sure that they didn't die in vain and we were able to stop the Dominion. Here we still are, one hundred years later, no worse for wear and in better shape than ever."

"I know."

"That's why we will succeed," Serana said. "We've faced worse odds before. My father, Miraak, Divayth-Fyr. As long as we're together, we'll get through this. Not just for our sake but for our family and the world."

A chuckle escaped from Gaius as a great big smile formed over his face.

"Something funny?" Serana asked.

" 'As long as we're together, we'll get through this'," Gaius repeated. "Those are the same words I told you before we left to face your father."

Serana smirked a wry smile. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were also the emperor of genuine platitudes. Clearly, I should have asked for your oh so valuable wisdom in originality."

"Well it would be, more so than what you said every time we went outside," Gaius replied as he placed his hands above, imitating a hood.

"'This must be that beautiful Skyrim weather I've always heard about'," he said mockingly.

Serana scoffed. "Ass," she said, lightly shoving Gaius.

The two rulers chuckled in a burst of joyful laughter, together in bliss. Their eyes locked on and for a moment, Gaius forgot his mission, his destiny. They shared a soft tender kiss, embracing each other for as long as they could. Moments like these would be rare soon enough.

"Thank you, Serana," Gaius said. "I needed that."

"As did I, Gaius," Serana said. "Though I have to say, it's been a while since it's just been the two of us. When this is over…"

Serana slid her hand over Gaius' arm, gently rubbing and caressing before Gaius slid away. A slight frown was shared between them, wanting nothing more than time.

"We can think about that later," Gaius lamented. "For now, we have to deal with the problem at hand."

"You're right," Serana sighed, facepalming. "That bumbling idiot of a mercenary has ruined our plans. We'll have to proceed with our next steps carefully."

Gaius sauntered over to a map over a small desk. "But how? The fire has probably spread over most of the Arbor Wilds by now. No doubt it'll begin to spread out into the grasslands of Dales considering how dry it has been this year. Hmm… how important is that area, dear?"

"While I would love nothing more than to ignore it, dear," Serana said, "I'm afraid it's not so simple. While the forest holds no importance to us, it does culturally to the Thedosian elves. If they learn that a mercenary band from Tamriel was behind the fire, we might lose their support."

"And the Inquisition no doubt is going to capitalize on this and blame us," Gaius added. "If we send our soldiers in to put out the fire, it'll only prove their point and strengthen their cause."

"If that's the case, Gaius, then let's not fight back against their message. We'll let nature take care of the problem."

Gaius cocked his head, confused as to what Serana meant. Then a nervous feeling as Serana looked at him with arms crossed, expecting him to deduce the next part. She rolled her eyes and drifted them over to their bed where the symbol of the Empire was carved onto a headboard.

"The dragons?" Gaius questioned. "But that's only proving their point, isn't it?"

"No, silly," Serana said. "You and the dragons should use the shout of yours that summons a rainstorm. Fly far above the smoke where nobody will see you and the storm will take care of the fire."

"Okay, that solves one part," Gaius said, stroking his chin. "But how then do we completely deny involvement without…"

His mind veered into deep thought as to how to prevent great loss in elvhen support. Then it struck Gaius as his eyes lit up and turned to Serana.

"We enact our plans we had for Orlais," Gaius said in earnest.

Serana eyes widened. "Now?" she questioned. "It's a bit too early for that, Gaius. Orlais has not submitted yet."

"They're not the ones I'm concerned about," Gaius said. "You know as well as I that it's not Orlais, Tevinter, the Qunari, or even the Inquisitor we should worry about."

"Fen'harel," Serana stated. "So… if we announce our plans now, not only do we have a cover for not burning the Arbor Wilds but also severely weaken Fen'harel's support. Of course, in doing so, we lose any support from any Orlesian nobles leaning towards us."

"It doesn't matter what they think," Gaius said as he went behind the folding screen. "They'll accept it or face our wrath; just like the nobles of High Rock did."

"Well, it'll be much easier this time," Serana said as she followed Gaius.

The Breton changed out of Imperial Robes and slid into his Nightingale armor as the Empress watched on.

"I haven't seen that in a while," Serana commented.

"Truth be told, I've actually worn this quite often," Gaius said, putting on his boots. "Remember those nights when you or the court couldn't find me?"

"Were you thieving again, Gaius?" Serana asked as she helped put on his gloves.

"Of course not. Deserius just wanted some practice in magic with me. But you or the others would have insisted otherwise."

"Because you're not the best when it comes to magic."

"True," Gaius said as he pulled his hood over. "But Deserius wanted to train with me and he was a bit too shy to tell you. Hopefully, his time in Alinor will open him up."

Gaius and Serana departed from the tent and made their way through the camp. Every person they passed bowed, proclaiming their greetings and message of respect. For the most part, however, they ignored them as the loud noise of catapults and mage spells drowned out their words.

"Your Imperial Majesties," a soldier bowed at the camp's entrance. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm going out, soldier," Gaius said. "It is of importance."

"Please, my Emperor," the soldier protested. "I cannot allow you to go yourself. Allow the Praetorians to accompany you and-"

"That will be unnecessary," Gaius replied, callously strolling past. "The dragons shall protect me."

"But-"

"The dragons shall protect me, soldier," Gaius repeated stoically.

"I-" the soldier raised, "at your command, my Emperor. Shall you be accompanying also, my Empress?"

"Only to see him off, soldier," Serana said. "Don't worry."

"As you say," the soldier replied, exhaling a large sigh.

The two proceeded until they stood in a flat field. The camp was not far off along with any scouts hiding in the grasses, irritating Gaius. But well enough he supposed. This way he would have an audience.

Gaius stretched out his arms, taking in deep breaths to prepare his throat. It had been months since he had to shout.

"OD AH VIING! DOK AH SIIV! NAU WUTH MIR! STRUN VEN KRO!"

His thunderous filled out into the air, rippling out through the grass. That feeling of power, of strength, filled into Gaius just as it did all those years in Skyrim. He was welp back then but now a king of the dragons, summoning them for his bidding. Though Serana reeled him back from his pride as the roars of the dragons shouted back in fervor.

With blinding speed, the dragons flew high above from the horizon. They circled in formation, descending down before the Dragonborn and Serana, each landing one after another as if synchronized.

"Dovahkiin," the dragons said.

Four powerful air forces landed on Gaius as they spoke. It shredded the grass and sediment beneath the Dragonborn, who stood unaffected by the blasts as he grinned with pride.

"That was quick of you all to come," Gaius said. "I assumed you'd all be at Redcliffe."

"In truth, we found the place," Odahviing said, "how do you say… boring?"

"In the land of the dok, just those lowly creatures, and mountains," Dokahsiiv said, "but here, we find everything and much more room to roam the lok."

"Since you've been roaming the skies, can you confirm something to me?" Gaius asked. "Have you seen a great fire to the south? Over a forest?"

"The yol is what brought us to you so quickly, dovahkiin," Nauwuthmir said. "A great smoke clouded our vision as we enjoyed the sky's freedom. Even as we escaped its grasp, we could still spot it chasing us."

"If they just came, then there's no time to lose, Gaius," Serana said.

"Ha, how observant for the kiim," Strunvenkro remarked.

Gaius snarled at the dragon. "Strunvenkro…"

Serana raised her hand. "No, no, it's alright, dear. Strunvenkro can't help it that you're married, much less to a joor. Of course, be that as it may, he won't dare to refuse your orders. Right?" she asked in a mocking voice.

Strunvenkro growled, flaunting out his teeth as Serana grinned with a smirk. Steam puffed from his jaws as the dragon turned away and whispered a no.

"This is not the time, Strunvenkro," Gaius declared. "Now listen well, all of you. We are going to the fire and summon a rainstorm to put it out. Odahviing, you'll lead and fly us high as we can above the fire. Got it?"

"As you command, Dovahkiin," the dragons said.

Odahviing lowered his neck for Gaius to climb aboard and the dragons began their ascent. Serana shielded her eyes away as their dragons' wings kicked up dust and grass. Gaius' voice then reached down as she looked up.

"Serana, have all our elvhen allies gather in Halamshiral in two weeks!" he said.

"I will! Just go!" she yelled back, waving him to leave. "You got a fire to stop!"

"Right!" Gaius replied. "Odahviing, onward."

The Dragonborn pointed south and the dragons flew off at breakneck speed.

25th of Justinian, 9:45 Dragon/ 25th of Mid Year, 305 4E

"Hold, soldiers! Do not let them through!"

"Qunari massing on the right flank!"

"Get the reserves!"

Each command carried forth with blistering urgency, shouting across a chaotic filled hill. Yet unlike the orderly fashion displayed by Imperial forces, dread and fear permeated the words.

Boom!

Cannon shots barreled forth, creating thunderous explosions as they striked a magical dome. On and on they fired in rapid succession, weakening the strength of the dome and forcing the Imperials back.

Qunari soldiers followed upon the cannon's success, blitzing out in waves of heavy infantry uphill. Such savage inhuman ferocity they displayed, rivaling even that of the Orsimer and a far cry from the usual stoic manner they presented.

Grueling close combat of unceasing fury was fought in a desperate but decisive manner. For every Qunari that passed through the dome, they were met with walls of steel, spears thrusting between the gaps. Mages and arbalists shot as fast as they could; hails of ice, lightning, and bolts cutting down those that came. But it was an unending grind.

More and more Qunari kept running up the hill, their sheer numbers overwhelming even the disciplined legionnaires. And like the Orsimer, not even death would keep them down as they fought hard with bloodied bodies.

Minute by minute passed, then hours. The sun rose to its highest peak, it's glistening rays thoroughly blocked from the smoke of the cannon shots. Imminent defeat seemed to be on the horizon, the Qunari rampage cracking the battered Imperials. All was lost.

But a miracle happened. A great roar stretched over and pierced into the combatants' ears. The furious assault of Qunari stopped in their tracks and the barrage of cannons became silent. Relief came sooner for the Imperials as their vigor reignited.

Without a second to come to terms, a bright red and blue light ignited the sky. Long streams of fire and ice spewed down toward the Qunari lines, engulfing them in a vicious hellscape. Explosions from afar rocked the very earth, gigantic mushroom clouds shooting up from where the gaatlok cannons were placed.

The Qunari wave halted and shock for the first time strewn across as they looked back to their encampments. Then back to the Imperial line, whose soldiers stood at the ready though not capitalizing on this impediment.

Their confidence then realized as gigantic scaly dragons emerged out from the smoke, their fearsome power dazing the most hardened Qunari. Several flew en masse and circled above the magical dome. They looked down and their giant maws opened wide.

"GAAN LAH HAAS!"

Purple energy ejected down the hill and coated over the entire Qunari force. They etched out in disgust as the hue covered their bodies. In an instant, violent energy overtook them all and an onrush of agonizing screams haunted the hill. Their bodies flaked, their flesh shriveled like prunes, and all while their screams became moans. With a swift end, they turned to dust and carried off into the wind.

"Krongrah!"

The dragons' clamor rang true, the battle was over. Any force left of the Qunari was all but depleted, their encampment down below but smoldering ruins of fire and icy slush. A great victory for the dragons. But to the soldiers below, it was humiliation.

Hundreds, perhaps even thousands by the look of it, of Imperial soldiers laid strewn over the hill. A large number of Orsimer and Redguards stood out the most among the casualties; several weapons stuck in their bodies. The dragons' attacks had burned and frosted a few who were closer to the bottom, some unrecognizable. And the injured… so many of them scarred and covered in soot from the cannon, cauterized cuts between the armor and skin. The mages barely had enough to heal, having exhausted their magicka. A question stood out in their minds as they went to clean the mess… how could they have suffered so much?


An hour had passed by when the sound of blaring horns echoed off in the distance. Imperial reinforcements marched out from the forests with wagons of relief for the weary battered soldiers. A camp was established a bit north of the former Qunari encampment. Stone towers were built and every soldier committed to a task from finishing the walls to cleaning and retrieving their fallen comrades.

"Captain Urteus, have the reports been finalized?"

General Antossia had penned the question to her captain as he quickly exchanged several papers with other captains. Here they stood, surrounding a wooden table out in the open as Antossia and Larshnag waited for their answers.

"Um…" Urteus said, flipping through several papers. "We still don't have a full count General but I can still give a very close estimate. I doubt the results will change much once we're fully accounted for."

"Very well then, Captain. Relay them," Antossia said.

Captain Urteus nodded and spoke. "By our reports, the 15th Legion has suffered heavy casualties with 60% out of commission due to injury and death. Our entire squadron of mages has also been effectively wiped out with only three surviving unscathed."

"I still can't believe it," Larshnag said. "How could the 15th have suffered heavy losses? Our scouts reported that the Qunari only numbered half of ours in the area."

"But we won, General," a captain exclaimed. "The Qunari force here has been wiped out."

"At too high a cost, Captain Saraldsen," Antossia interjected, slamming down on the table. "We… underestimated them."

"But how?" Larshnag asked.

The generals looked at the map of Rivain, pondering for an answer as the captains passed out papers in hopes of finding a clue. Fingers drummed across as they tried to connect the dots when a young man approached. He whispered something into Captain Urteus' ear, handing him several pieces of paper.

"Dismissed, soldier," the captain whispered to the boy. He then brought himself to attention with a loud cough and he handed off the paper to Antossia. "You may want to see this, General."

Intrigued, the Imperial general grabbed the paper. Her eyes scanned over it, widening the longer she read.

"Here," Antossia said, handing the paper off to Larshnag.

Larshnag's reaction was the same as Antossia though more visible than hers as his hand crunched the table's corner. Anger rose out from him, his pointed teeth opening to curse to Malacath before Antossia rested her hand over his shoulder.

"Calm yourself, Larshnag," Antossia said. "Getting angry won't solve anything."

The Orsimer snarled and huffed, slamming the paper down. The captains, perplexed to the situation watched on as Antossia directed over for a servant. Several game pieces were laid over the map and the general gestured for them to come close.

"Captains, do you know how the Qunari fight?" Antossia asked. She spoke in a lower tone, her eyes glaring at the captains as she arched forward.

Captain Saraldsen raised his hand. "Through a high amount of heavy shock troops and indirect fire. Qunari military tactics and strategy are to soften the enemy with infiltration and disseminating false information, weakening their position. Failing that, they resort to heavy bombardment on enemy positions with gaatlok and mages followed up by overwhelming numbers of heavy shock infantry."

"But this time, the Qunari did not have the numbers," Larshnag said. "We had four legions present in this area totaling 20,000 whereas the Qunari only had eleven thousand soldiers."

"And… ten thousand is what we faced, General," Urteus said.

"It was a ruse, Captain," Antossia said.

The general moved the game pieces around and separated them into two groups, four pieces each across from each other.

"When we last communicated, we had decided to hold four hilltops in this area. With our numerical superiority, we would have forced the Qunari to bring reinforcements from the east and divide their strength."

"And they did, correct?" Urteus asked rhetorically.

Antossia responded with a silent shake of her head. "No, they attacked with the same number of troops. They adapted."

"Why do you sound surprised, General?" Saraldsen asked.

"Because Qunari do not adapt to situations," Antossia replied, sighing as Larshnag took over the board.

"You see, we assumed they would wait for reinforcements so we became confident in our defenses," Larshnag said. "But the Qunari wisely deduced how far apart the four legions were from each other. So they pooled together all their soldiers and attacked the 15th Legion while sending sacrificial troops to attack the other three."

The Orsimer general demonstrated his words by moving the pieces around, illustrating his point and revealing their mistakes.

"Qunari society does not go for adaptability, generals," Saraldsen said. "Their culture and way of life are about following predetermined paths and only those paths. To find another is blasphemy."

"Perhaps because they've never faced such a powerful enemy," Urteus suggested.

"That's hardly enough to make them change," Antossia said. "No, there's only one answer. They are receiving some type of outside help, one that is making its presence to them unknown."

"I agree," Larshnag said. "Probably something magical."

Suddenly, his eyes shot up and turned to Antossia. "Do you think it's that elven mage the Emperor informed us about?" Larshnag asked.

To say the others were shocked was an understatement as the captains' thoughts were filled with a question. Could it have been Fen'harel?

Antossia waved her hand, silencing their murmurs. "I do not think so, Larshnag but we can't deny that possibility. We'll have the mages check out the battlefield for any signs," she said.

"I'll go inform them," Larshnag replied.

Antossia turned to the captains as Larshnag left, her gloom demeanor gone as she spoke. "I trust you'll take this meeting into consideration. We must adapt as well. Our legions shall stay together and have regular communications with the east."

"Yes, General," the captains said.

"Good. I shall contact the Commander for more soldiers to be sent. Dismissed."

The captains saluted and marched off to their respective legions as Antossia retreated off to her tent.

Pulling out her communication device, a blue static image fizzled above. It took the form of an Imperial man and she bowed her head to Commander Marius.

Antossia relayed the information to the Commander, telling of the 15th Legions' casualties and possibilities of interference from Fen'harel. Marius took the news in stride, not in the least surprised, though hinted some worry. He promised to send some reinforcements and then relayed the Emperor's request to send all of her and Larshnag's elvhen advisors to Halamshiral.

After her talk with Marius, a Dunmer mage entered into Antossia's tent and bowed before her. A pant of breath exited from the Dunmer as he raised to look towards the general.

"General Antossia, I have something to show you," the Dunmer said, scrambling into his bag. "General Larshnag wanted you to see it."

An intrigued Antossia raised her eyebrows as the Dunmer pulled out a small statuette. The statuette was of elvhen design created out of marble. It was quite clean, almost brand new and in the shape of an elven female hunter. Highly stylized, the statuette's face and body were in perfect proportion with almost god-like perfection.

"Where did you find this?" Antossia asked.

"In the old Qunari encampment, General," the Dunmer replied. "We found it curiously laying beneath the soot in that condition and we could sense a hint of magicka inside. I believe that is the clue we are looking for."

"Indeed it is," Antossia said, tilting the statuette over. "I must report this to Commander Marius immediately."

"I'm afraid that won't be possible, General Antossia."

Antossia and the Dunmer mage pivoted to the sudden voice, revealing the face of one Adamas Jereia of the Blades. His face completely shaven, he grinned as he approached the two.

Antossia scowled. "Excuse me?"

"I'm sorry," Adamas replied, chuckling as he looked down. "What I meant to say was that… you can, of course, tell your superior but I'm afraid you must hand me the statuette."

Antossia cocked her head at the mage, gesturing him to leave before glaring at Adamas. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't tell me you've forgotten, General," Adamas jeered. "In accordance with the Emperor and Empress, all artifacts and events of a magical nature are to be under the purview of the Blades."

"The task of finding and securing artifacts is being undertaken by Battlemage Marcus, under direct orders from the Emperor," Antossia said. "He is part of the Imperial Legion thus it is under our purview."

"True but Marcus' task involves specific artifacts, which means anything else is our jurisdiction."

"This item is a clue that might reveal the change in tactics of the Qunari," Antossia said, holding the statuette high.

Adamas threw his head back. "Please, it wasn't a magical interference," he said. "I talked to Captain Urteus; the Qunari simply adapted. Overconfidence is what caused the 15th Legion to suffer heavy losses."

"Do not talk as if you know the answer," Antossia said, glaring. "I wouldn't expect a spy to know about warfare, much less a Blade."

"You sound just like the Battlemage, don't you?" Adamas asked, waving his hand dismissively. "Ah… as much as I'd like to continue our banter, I'm afraid I can no longer. The statuette, if you please."

Adamas gestured out his hand for the item, his large grin adamant to Antossia. The Imperial herself though did not return a warm feeling, turning her shoulder away from the Blade along with the statuette.

"I see," Adamas said. "If that is how you want to be, then why don't I contact the Grandmaster. You can contact your Commander, we'll make a big fuss about it, and then be court-martialed by the Emperor for dereliction of our duties. Your choice."

The Blade shrugged and once again held out his hand. The look on Antossia's face turned promptly to one of anger, her face flushed with red. Her fist clenched near her sword as if ready to strike the man and in a fell swoop, placed the statuette in his palm.

"Get out," Antossia.

Adamas huffed an exasperated sigh and departed from Antossia's sight, leaving the Imperial to steep in her anger.

9th of Solace, 9:45 Dragon/ 9th of Sun's Height, 305 4E

Halamshiral, one of the largest cities in Orlais. Though not as large or grand as Val Royeaux, Gaius could tell why it was once the capital of the Dales. The golden lions carved into fountains and buttressed out the walls and churches, white cobble paths accentuated with lush green gardens, and a mild breeze as the sun's ray basked him in warmth. It was no wonder that the Orlesian Imperial Court would spend summers here.

Yet for all its beauty, it brought him great sorrow. Gaius had walked through the real parts of the city, where the elven majority lived and could only feel his heart tugged at the seams. Many of the buildings were already in a state of deep decay, their foundations barely holding up. Now, many were destroyed or caved in. No doubt some from the siege but as he looked closer, it was more due to neglect and years of destruction by the Orlesian nobles.

As Gaius continued down the street, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes. His entourage immediately closed in on him as he shielded his eyes away but he waved them to stand down and look for the source of the light.

The streets were filled with several elven residents, many of them hiding away in their homes. Another glimmer flashed again and directed Gaius to an old elven man slumping against a rotten hovel. As soon as his eyes laid on the man, the man clambered into his hovel and hunched into a fetal position.

"Shall we retrieve him, Your Imperial Majesty?" a Legate asked.

"Don't you dare," Gaius whispered. "Just stay back for now."

Clasping his arms behind, Gaius leisurely strolled to the old elven man. The inside of the hovel was quite dark and he could barely see the elf's face. He knelt on a knee and waved out his hand.

"Hello there," Gaius said.

The old elf hunched closer to his body as a tiny whimper escaped from his mouth. He clearly wanted to be left alone but Gaius couldn't allow such fear to continue.

"Am I scaring you, good man?" Gaius asked, leaning in close. "You have no reason to fear me. I'm not mad that you shined a light at me."

"P-p- please go… away," the old elf replied. "I'll do what you ask of me."

Gaius complied, shuffled a few inches. "Is that better?" he asked.

"A little," the old elf said.

"May I ask why you are afraid of me?" Gaius asked.

"Y-you… I don't trust humans."

"I understand. I don't trust humans either. We're greedy, deceitful, filled with the capacity for violence. That is why I have punished those here for their crimes."

"Punished?" the old elf questioned, perking his head up.

Gaius smiled at his openness. "Yes… punished," he repeated. "For too long, the Orlesians have trampled on your people, humiliated you, and reaped the benefits of your work. But worry no longer, for the Dragon Empire has come to rectify."

The old elf peeked further out from his huddle, his head barely at the edge of the hovel. "What does the Dragon Empire offer then? Why should I trust what you say?"

"Why? Because I have witnessed such racism from my home continent; humans against elves but also elves against humans. By under the Empire I have established, such divisions no longer exist."

The old elf emerged forth, half of his body scattering out. "Your empire? Then that means-"

Quite a sudden change in demeanor. Gaius couldn't help but smile and nod. "Yes. I am your emperor, Gaius Dracos."

The old elf's jaw wide opened at the statement and without a word, leaped out of his hovel to bow before Gaius. It cringed Gaius to no end that people would do that, changing their demeanor to one of submission. But as he noticed a crowd of elves beginning to emerge from their homes, he knew this would be his opportunity to connect with them.

"There is no need for you to bow, good sir," Gaius replied. "In fact, I should be bowing to you as I would apologize if my army's presence has caused you any distress. May I ask what your name is?"

"Uh… Hudis, your Imper-"

"Please, call me Gaius," Gaius interjected, closing his eyes as he smiled. "Here, let me help you up."

He held his hand out to the old elf, who paused and looked away. Gaius raised a brow, wondering why the man was silent as he then saw one of his legs limping.

"How rude of me; my soldiers shall help you," Gaius said. "Sergeant Qorano, Lieutenant Ivudres, come here please."

The two soldiers, an Altmer and Dunmer respectively, marched as soon as their names were called. As Gaius watched them approach, he paid special attention to the onlookers of elves as they began to crowd out into the street.

"Hudis, allow me to introduce you to my soldiers," Gaius said, raising his voice so as to reach the whole street. "Sergeant Qorano and Lieutenant Ivudres, talented soldiers with a bright future in the Legion."

"Hello, sir," the two bowed.

"Sergeant Qorano, would you please heal Hudis' leg?" Gaius asked. "And Lieutenant Ivudres, please help him up."

At his command, the soldiers put to restore the old elf's leg. With Qorano's magic and Ivudres' assistance, Hudis rose tall to his feet and stared straight into Gaius' face. The fear in the old elf having faded away, replaced with awe.

"My... leg feels better," Hudis said as he examined it over. "Um… thank you, your- I mean, Gaius?"

"I'm glad my soldiers and I could be of service," Gaius replied. He held his hand out to shake but instead received a gold coin. "What's this?"

"A Royal," Hudis stated as he looked down. "It's the coin I flashed in your eyes. I took it off a dead Orlesian during the siege and I was scared you were going to confiscate from me. But I haven't eaten in so long that I-"

A push from Gaius snapped the old elf from his apology, leaving several septims along with the royal coin in his hands. The old elf could speak no words, slack-jawed at the amount he had received.

"As I said, it's alright," Gaius said. "Now there will be no more talk of apologies. You should join me."

Gaius turned to the crowd of elves that had been watching on and tossed his arms out wide.

"All of you should come as well," Gaius said. "Join me at the Winter Palace. I have wonderful news to tell the people of Halamshiral and I would love for everyone to attend. There shall be food and drink aplenty for any that come along with stipends of coin."

Eyes and ears of the elves perked and widened, especially at the words of food and drink. Several more elves gathered out from their homes, intrigued by Gaius' words. And exactly as he had wanted.


"What is the meaning of all this?"

"What do you think? They've gathered around the palace."

"Yes but why?"

"Does the mere presence of elves unnerve you so, Count Alain?"

"Do not insinuate what you're suggesting, Briala. I was told that the Emperor wished to speak with us."

"Us? Don't get ahead of yourself."

The voice that spoke those last words whirled Briala, Count Alain, and every other elf in attendance to a skinny Altmer in a fine red robe. Every one of them bowed before the Altmer save for Count Alain flustering to do so.

"A- Ambassador Runnian…" Alain stumbled, his face reddening.

"Hmm… such a sudden change in demeanor, Count," Runnian scoffed. "As you're aware, the Emperor only requested his elvhen allies to attend. You are only here to observe and only because you wisely chose to align with us. But observe is all you shall do, remember that."

"As- as you say, Ambassador," Alain replied, stuttering off to a corner.

Briala snickered as she approached Runnian. "I must say Ambassador Runnian, I never expected to see a human, much less an Orlesian cower before our people."

"Our people?" Runnian questioned as he squinted. "Sharing ears does not make us the same people, Briala. More importantly, do not act as if you're friends with us. We know about your past dealings. While I understand the necessity due to Orlesian politics, that still doesn't negate your capacity for scheming."

"I didn't realize the Empire was a utopia?" Briala questioned with half-smile.

"It's not but our schemes do not endanger the Empire," Runnian replied. "We keep them to ourselves and only to the parties involved. And even then, it's much more feasible and less bloody to go through the legal channels."

"An ideal state… Sounds too good to be true."

"Oh but it is… it is."

The doors of the room swung open for a squad of Praetorians to enter, gesturing the elvhen allies to follow back out towards the balcony. The quiet hums turned to a loud chatter as thousands of elvhen residents had gathered in the courtyard. Though many had come at the Emperor's behest, many seemed more focused on consuming the large quantities of food and drink that were set aside for them.

Awaiting on the balcony stood the Empress Serana with a small cadre of soldiers to which among them was Grandmaster Nilssa, intently observing the crowd.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Runnian said as the group all bowed.

"Ambassador Runnian, a pleasure," Serana greeted.

"I must say, my Empress," Runnian observed, "I didn't expect our meeting with our allies to be like this. It is quite a crowd you have gathered."

"This? Oh, no," Serana assured, "this is my husband's doing. He has quite the talent for stirring up the masses for support."

"That's another question I have," Runnian said. "Support for what?"

Serana turned away and walked back to the edge of the balcony. "You'll see."

On the mark, the entire cadre of soldiers took a knee in lockstep. The elvhen allies and other advisors stirred in confusion when they spotted a head crowning up the stairs and quickly followed the soldiers' lead.

"Ah, hello friends," Gaius said, greeting them all with a wave. "Serana."

"Gaius," Serana replied. With a gesture, she had everyone raise to their feet. "Did you have to bring such a large crowd?"

"A large crowd is how you spread the message," Gaius laughed. "And more importantly, to gain legitimacy. Of course, now begs the question to gain their attention. It seems they're more focused on eating than-"

"Silence!"

The sound of Nilssa's voice boomed over the courtyard with magnifying force, laying the sole focus to the balcony. Even Gaius, master of the Voice, was taken aback.

"The crowd is yours, my Emperor," Nilssa said.

"Uh… thank you, Nilssa," Gaius replied, cringing a smile before straightening out to the crowd. "Hello, my friends. Thank you all for attending this tremendous ceremony."

A slow clap ensued in response, a tepid one at best. Gaius pushed his chest out as he continued.

"I know this must confuse you all, what with a war having ensconced this city. And I could tell from my walk here that there are fear and confusion for the future. But that worry ends today."

With a heavy pause, Gaius leaned forward as he continued. "For too long, your people have continually suffered under the boot of human ignorance, cruelty, and stupidity. Orlais, Ferelden, Tevinter; they stuffed you in alienages, treated you as nothing more than common dirt, and you barely have enough to survive. Well, that ends today. As of this moment, every elvhen resident of Halamshiral shall receive a stipend of two hundred septims and no taxes shall be paid for two years. In addition, funds shall be confiscated from Orlesian nobles in payment of reparations for new homes."

The crowd rose in elation, their attention now focused on Gaius as words began to garner their interest with chatter and murmurs among them. With a wave, a gust of wind burst from his hand and silenced the crowd.

"But wait, there is more," Gaius said. "During my time here, learning and watching the elvhen people has brought me great sorrow. Not because of your state, no... but because of the lost some much history and prestige. Your ancestors accepted to live under human rule and customs centuries ago but what have you gained? Condemnation, fear, regret, and humiliation. And the Dalish that try to live as your distant ancestors? More of the same, worse even."

Gaius paced left to right, raising his arm over the balcony. "Yet there are those who claim that you must return to what your ancestors did. That only then can you finally be free and be restored to greatness. But ask yourselves, what have they done for you? They haven't stopped your suffering at the hands of the Orlesians, they haven't freed the slaves from Tevinter, and have most certainly turned humans against you. And for all the power they claim to have, why have they stood by for centuries and done nothing?"

A pause from Gaius stirred the questions into the crowds' minds as each one of them exchanged looks and words. And the longer they did so, anger and frustration grew as they nodded and yelled in affirmation of their grief.

"I'll tell you why," Gaius answered. "It is because they are too weak, too afraid to do what is right. They only care for themselves, tossing you all aside once you've served their purpose. They are fools, the lot of them, and they do not deserve you!"

The crowd hollered in a cacophony of applause and cheers, raising their fists as Gaius' commanding voice echoed out over the courtyard. Even some of the elvhen allies had joined in, clapping in tandem while the human observers aback nervously exchanged looks.

"You deserve a society that recognizes one, a society that appreciates you!" Gaius roared. The cheers jubilantly roared back as the crowd pumped their fists. "One that is not afraid to fight for the rights you so deserve; to live in peace, to be respected and acknowledged as equals, to be proud of who you are and not at the behest of others. You deserve freedom!"

Gaius stretched out his arms as an ovation rocked the entire palace. Chants of freedom bellowed out from the very soul of the crowd, speaking with one mind. It continued on for a good few minutes before quieting down at the behest of Gaius, who held his head high and spoke.

"And that is why…" he paused, winding the anticipation. "The world shall know today. By the grace of the Dragon Empire, by my decree, a new state shall be crafted for every elvhen of Thedas. A state that stretches all of southern Orlais, ruled by the elvhen and in league with the Empire! As of today, on the 9th day of Sun's Height of the 305th year of the Fourth Era, I declare the creation of The New Dales!"


Dragon Language Translation:

Krongrah - victory

DOK AH SIIV - Dog Hunter Find

NAU WUTH MIR - On Old Loyal

STRUN VEN KRO - Storm Wind Sorcerer

kiim - wife

joor - mortal

GAAN LAH HAAS - Drain Vitality