Hello all. Sorry for the long wait time, but I started work in another state, and I had some stressful finals, and before I knew it almost a month had passed. Either way, I may eventually change the story name to suit the new story better. Either way, I hope you've all had some nice times, and if you haven't then I hope things get better, because miserable people suck and being miserable sucks even worse. I know, because I've been both.
I will randomly skip points if you aren't familiar with my writing, because usually it's because I wrote myself into a situation I have no idea how to write, so instead I just pretend I wrote some beautiful words and keep going with some really quick summary if I feel it's relevant.
Just enjoy the story, and I'll spend my time making an adult website playlist of giant robots like the normal person I am.
The carriage rattled hard as it hit another bump in the road. I scowled as yet another smear was added to the paper in front of me. Before me, half completed, laid a treatise petitioning for Imperial aid and sponsorship in restoring the College. In my bag lay several copies of staff requests and a letter to the Black Horse Courier. Swift action would need to be taken, as the Thalmor were undoubtedly spreading the story of what happened to the College across the continent as the Thalmor espionage service worked its magic, and every second worsened any chance the College had at resurrection.
"You know it won't be enough. No one will trust the word of the Dovakhiin who failed to protect the first batch of students unless you force them to." I kept my mouth shut and didn't respond as the carriage driver had been eyeing me the entire journey to Solitude, though whether it was suspicion or fear, I wasn't sure. Either way, appearing to talk to myself would be pointless, as explaining that an ancient evil dragon man was living inside of my head would at best leave me walking the rest of the way. Looking down at the letter, the ink smear seemed to leer at me with an evil gleam, covering several of the previous lines. I gave a sigh, and with a flick of my finger, opened a small hole to Oblivion, where I gave some quick instructions. Finishing the stream of Dovahzul with a PEL, I closed the small gateway.
Suddenly, I realized that the carriage had stopped moving, and I looked towards the front, expecting to see the point of a sword or the back of a terrified man following what must have been a stream of gibberish from the cat in the bone robes and cat mask. Instead, I saw the walls of Solitude rising before me. The carriage driver had turned towards me, and a strange look was in his eyes. "Here we are, sir. Let me say, it's an honor to have served the Dragonborn". I froze for a second, my eyes narrowing as I looked for a sign of deceit from the man, perhaps a rustle of bushes that indicated the presence of ambushers, or anything that would explain the sudden kindness. Then it clicked, as the sole proprietor of the Winterhold stables, he'd likely be a native and thus know that I was the Dragonborn. I had spent so long arguing with Jarls pretending not to be intimidated by me and Mages disregarding the power of the Thu'um that I had assumed most people held me with a distaste, as if they had just found an undercooked potato. This was a surprising change. Recovering from my shock, I flashed him a smile, and replied "It was Khajiit's honor to have your company. Blessings upon you and your loved ones." He paled slightly at the smile, which was likely due to Miraak flaring up as he laughed at the bullshit coming out of my mouth. He was lucky that the Tribunal mask covered my eyes to outsiders, or else he would have likely pissed himself.
Hopping off the carriage, I wondered what his drunken stories would entail given he had the thrill of hearing me swearing in several languages and snoring. I knew by tonight there'd be at least some stories about my silent strength or fighting off bears or whatever someone needed to seem more impressive when talking about an experience they never had with me. I resisted the urge to shake my head and started walking through the outer walls towards the main gate, debating whether to head towards Castle Dour or the Blue Palace. While the Civil War had been completed for some years past, Castle Dour remained heavily manned, serving as the military headquarters for the province given the strength of the anti Imperial propaganda that seemed to be fighting to become a cultural phenomenon, such as the drug dens of Elsweyr and the racism of Morrowind, and equally as repellant, However, the fortress would be filled with recruits at this time as the Second Great War would create a large flurry of patriotism that many would be bemoaning and fighting against for centuries due to the inconvenience it held for them, nevermind anyone else. Thus, while it served as a military center, it remained largely a logistical occupation due to the distance of the fighting and the influx of unblooded recruits. Entering the city, I was unsure if to present myself towards the High Queen or the General, as both seemed equally likely to just hand my message off and look for someone else to do the thinking as they were to try to assist me.
While usually any requests made would be responded with cries about the Legion and service, I felt quite willing to bleed the Dominion personally, and thus I turned towards Castle Dour, reasoning that the General would likely know a better place I could provide assistance in punishing the Thalmor, and at least get in contact with someone more proactive. Just then, Miraak spoke up, "There's a courier here for you". "What?" I turned and was face to face with a young lad, not even an adult, who was surrounded by a posse of guards. He stepped forward and said "Excuse me sir, but I have been looking for someone of your description all morning. The High Queen expects you".
Well, that resolves that debate. I followed the boy through the streets of the city. Surrounding me was the usual hustle and bustle of the city, merchants hawking their wares, visitors staring wide eyed at the large walls, laundry being hung, farmers passing through with baskets of produce. They all seemed to be strained, with false laughter and tight smiles. Every face stared at us as we passed, clearing a wide berth for us. Gossipers lurked at the edge of crowds, eyeing us as we passed. I leaned forward and asked the guide "What has everyone on edge?" The courier looked around, then said "The Thalmor provoked several terror attacks. A few days ago the College up in Winterhold was attacked, and word had just reached the city that Jorrvaskr was attacked after assassins killed their leader." He then leaned towards me and said "Word is that many believe the Dragonborn will save them, but personally I doubt it. Probably across the mountains hunting Thalmor and that Dragon Nest in High Rock."
Clearly, he had no idea who I was, which made sense as most would not be able to identify me due to my usual avoidance of people coupled with Imperial Propaganda being so off most assumed I was some tall, muscular Blond Nord running around in Iron Armor killing Dragons with my sheer balls. That, or I was some red eyed Dunmer wonder with large tits and long shapely legs. While I wouldn't mind the second one myself, Miraak clearly disagreed as I felt him angrily stir at the ignorance. However, I tried to ignore his emotional spike as the anonymity would give me a better chance to pry some more information out. I purred out an affirmative, then said "Ra'zikaar understands their worry. But does the High Queen plan on doing anything about it?" He rolled it eyes at my obvious bait for information, but was clearly under orders to appease me as he willingly bit my bait. "Given the restrictions on trade with the war effort and the pirates, she's likely going to try to look for greater recruitment and smugglers." The last word was clearly addressed to me, but I shrugged off the assumption as we had finally reached the Blue Palace. The guards moved away from me as my guide opened the door and guided me in, closing it behind me as I moved in.
The Blue Palace was as sparsely crowded as ever, with only a few guards watching over the entrance as several guards stood around the open area. From up the curved staircase I could hear several voices shouting. I felt my mind pulse as the Seekers placed in charge of writing my petition had finished. Walking up the steps, I came face to face with the court of the High Queen. A man and a woman stood in the middle of the room shouting into each other's faces, clearly thanes due to the presence of several hanger-ons around them clearly looking confused while their housecarls stood and had a silent dick measuring contest, based off their flexing biceps and stare off. Behind them sat the High Queen Elisif. Despite being older than when I had met her during the Stormcloak Rebellion, she still maintained a youthful glow, and the slight hardening of her face over the years only added to her beauty, at least in my opinion. Her housecarl stood behind her looking far older by contrast, his arms crossed and his heavily lined face set in a permanent scowl. To my right by the throne stood the Court Wizard Sybille, her vampiric features mainly covered by the hood of her robes. Reaching the top of the stairs I walked towards the Steward Falk Firebeard, now an older man and looking as if he held the weight of the world on his shoulders. Likely still having trouble letting the Jarl rule even after all this time.
Worry filled me as I saw a look of relief that looked to touch something deeper than the annoyances shouting themselves hoarse, but it was too late to turn back as he pounded a goblet against a table, drawing attention to him and breaking off the argument mid word. He then spoke "My Jarl, Thanes, our esteemed guest has arrived." The Thanes broke apart, still glaring at each other as I walked up the carpet towards Elisif, who broke into a smile. "Dragonborn. I had worried you had perished in that cowardly attack by the Dominion raiders." Miraak regarded her with some amusement and said "I doubt you'd be nearly as pleased in any other circumstances." Pushing him back down, I regained control over my voice and responded "This one wishes no inconvenience and wishes our reunion could have been under better circumstances."
"Regardless, it is a pleasure to see you, though I must request your service for the people of Skyrim." Can't get anything for free. "Of course, this one is pleased to serve." I doubt it, but it pays to be polite to the person controlling your Hold's umbilical cord. Elisif's smile lessened as she took a formal air, and began a speech. Based on how perfectly recited it was and the chaos before I arrived, she clearly had been preparing for a while and ignored the court for my favour. The realization filled me with a strange sense of awkwardness as I realized just how important her request must be. Miraak was as helpful about feelings as normal, saying "Of course she respects you, as all should respect the Dovakhiin." Elisif's words were "The same tragedy that struck your College struck the people of Whiterun yesterday when Thalmor Agents disrupted the peace, murdering some of the greatest warriors in their beds and rampaging through the streets. Skyrim cannot let this stand, as our greatest warrior and a victim of these attacks, I hereby request that you help us avenge our fallen brothers and sisters, and join the war against the Second Aldmeri Dominion. The people of Skyrim require the Dragonborn just as they had during the time of the World Eater."
Despite my temporary emotional imbalance, I kept my wits, and kneeled on the ground, bowing as I said "High Queen. This one hears your call and responds. Ra'zikaar will stand for Skyrim." She clearly knew the only response I could have given, the smart girl, and she stood up and moved towards my kneeling figure. The theatre continued as she ordered "Then rise, Dragonborn, and take your blade." Standing, I saw a beautiful glowing Daedric sword lying on a purple pillow she was holding. Clearly, it was for me, though I have no idea where she could have hid it, and as I grabbed it, I heard Firebeard cry out "For Skyrim!" The rest of the court repeated his statements as Miraak chimed in "Skyrim? They honor us! We are the hero they begged for." Ignoring the look of concern that flashed over Sybille's face as Miraak spoke, I raised the sword and gave out a Thu'um enhanced cry that shook everyone in the room.
"FOR THE HIGH QUEEN AND SKYRIM!"