In The Gaze of The World Eater

by The Kaiser is writing

The World Eater returns on a day of despair for one young Imperial. With her action the despair is brought to ruin and out of that ruin leaves a young man determined to change. The desires of these two lead the world into a time of love, hope, chaos, war, and valor. The lives of many peoples shall be forever changed by the time of the World Eater and the Dragonborn. Slight AU.

26. Chapter 22: To Move Onwards

Chapter 22: To Move Onwards

---

Alduin and Hildeguard had gone over what was perhaps their fourteenth cup of tea, of which Hildeguard had repeatedly made for her to the point she was running out of them.

Alduin grew a large appreciation for tea.

However as they conversed Alduin noticed Hildeguard becoming distressed by something.

"Are you alright, Hildeguard?" She asked.

Hilde was silent for a few moments as her expression changed.

"A month and a half ago…...There was a Thalmor agent that visited me." She stated.

"Them? Here!?" She thought with a most fearing line of thought over the matter.

She remembered clearly all that they had done thus far, if one visited Ruigus's mother she was surprised that she was seemingly fine.

"All he did was ask me some questions, he told me that his name was Ondolemar. But he was a kind man whilst he was here. I know it had to do something with Sieg…..And you've told me what it is now." Said Hildeguard.

"I'm glad that you are fine." Said Alduin as she looked on with concern.

"But why didn't y-"

"Alavia, I think….It is poor for ones such as you and my son to be so unfocused on what….what is going on in Skyrim. I will be fine, I promise you. I just worry that if Sieg knows he'll worry endlessly about it, more than anything else." She stated with a near desperate tone in her voice and being.

She reached for one of Alduin's hands and took it with both of her own.

"I trust you deeply my daughter, I hope that you can support him as much as he can support you as you move on in your life. I think that everything is not impossible, if things look bad think of what good can be made of it all." She said as she imparted her own wisdom.

Alduin believed that in some part it was delusion to, but she recognized the need for….hope nonetheless.

"Perhaps, you are more correct than I." She wondered.

"Do you think that it may depend on the situation?" Alduin asked.

"You mean as in what kind of ordeal. Like the civil war or this with the undead?"
Alduin nodded in response.

"Oh, I mean it anywhere." She replied with all certainty.

"I see…..I do not mean to doubt you."

Hildeguard giggled her response paired up with a light smile.

"Alavia, it was so good to see him again." She said as she stared out a window.

"You're speaking as though you won't see him or me again." Stated Alduin worriedly.

Hildeguard burst out in a sweet laugh.

"I have no intention of not being there for you next time, I may be old but I am not that old enough dear." She stated with a humorous smile, poking some fun at her Daughter in Law's concern.

Alduin was silent for a moment as a blush came across her face.

She was the older one in a twist of irony.

She realized that she in her own actions made herself the younger one.

"Hildeguard, can I have one more tea. Please?" She asked.

Ruigus's mother looked at her with a nervous smile.
"Your teeth will stain if you drink too much of it." She giggled.
"That happens?" Alduin nearly exclaimed.

"Tea is one of the few drinks that can do that if I remember." Stated Hildeguard, remembering the fact correctly.

"I'm about to run out as well." Said Hildeguard in a sad manner.

It was only then that Alduin realized she had drank it so much.

"Oh!"

---

At the same time, Border of Southern Colovian Highlands, Northeast of Chorrol, Drach family estate

Ruigus alongside Helmut walked into the main hall of the estate, by far the largest he had ever been in even in comparison to that of the entrance to the White-Gold Tower.

That was to say that all estates had something similar to this, in the estate lands themselves and particularly in Nibenay.

However, the difference here was that Nibeneans usually used them for balls or parties whilst most Colovians had some history not limited to one's family as in the manner of Bretons and Nords. As of ever since the Oblivion Crisis there was more iconography, paintings, and various artworks of Colovian history more prevalent than that of family history or that of other events on Tamriel.

In part due to an ever growing pride and love for their times of unity as the gap left by the Septims after the death of Chancellor Ocato in 4E 10 in particular. Civil war gripped the land since then, even Mede the first was in a sense, merely an opportunist that aimed for the Capital. It was only until the 'Fourth Great Warlord' Siegward von Berlin that there was internal peace once more, and what peace there was would usually fall apart after the deaths of such great unifiers. Now, it seemed that inner war had come to a relative end.

Ruigus and Helmut stared at the near gigantic artwork that showed the Warlord and all eighty and more lords on horseback with him.

"I heard at Whiterun you had a wonderful fight, they say you killed a thousand!" Stated Helmut as the two looked it over, enjoying one conversation before they went onwards.

"Oh hah. Helmut I think I only killed a couple hundred. I guess I might have wounded couple hundred more but….That was all so unimaginable to think about still. I've no idea how you and Reinhard made it through all of those times." Stated Ruigus honestly.

"Even Alduin admitted it to me later as well, she was mainly trying to coordinate people around whilst trying to fight." He thought with a faint, amused smile.
"It's as the songs describe. Good and bad." Replied Helmut.

"Mostly good isn't it?" Asked Ruigus.

Helmut nodded with a smile.

"Yes. The days of glory." He stated.

Ruigus felt the glory seep in through the sheer presence of this piece of art.

He often wondered the true feeling of it that his family and everyone else before him felt during the unification days.

"Hey Helmut?"

The old retainer looked at him.

"Let's go see her, the staff are starting to recognize me now I think." Said Ruigus.

The two took to the stairs on each side of the great artwork of the Great Warlord and his vassals.

He now ascended to ask a favor from his only daughter.

"S-Sieghard!" Saluted a retainer as Ruigus approached, he smiled kindly at the retainer.

"It's good to see you still around. Is she here?" He asked.

The man nodded vigoursly.

"I'll get her at once sir Sieghard, but be careful….She didn't take too well to the new of you joining with the Lord." He ended nervously.

"I know. Thank you." Replied Ruigus as he bowed his head.

The man bowed, and he entered through the door.

"Young master, I must head back." Stated Helmut.

Ruigus frowned, but understood. He put his hand on the retainers shoulder.

"I see. Tell Tirza that I hope she has been well since." He said with a smile as he removed his hand.

"I shall, young lord." Said Helmut as he walked away, Ruigus's eyes lingered as he stood with his mouth slightly agape.

How he wished he could stay. Yet he had an obligation.

He faced the double doors once more, waiting for the guard to return.

He didn't know how to quite proceed.

Soon the door opened and the man emerged from the door with a smile.

"She's in there right now….You know how to go through it Sieghard." He straightened as he went to the side of the door.

Ruigus gave acknowledgment in the form of a smile, and entered the room.

He entered a throne room, far smaller and less grandiose than that of any true lord. But it held significance.

He walked following along the red walkway and came to a kneel, and slowly transformed the position into that of a butterfly position with his head bowed completely downwards as the sight of his own boots and the floor itself filled his vision.

Elisabeth von Drach stared at him.

Her long hair black as night, dark blue eyes full of pain, a most noble countenance that expressed a sort of extreme disappointment.

She was but in her mid 30's, 35 if Ruigus remembered it in accordance with the current date, her birthday must have had been but two weeks ago.

"My lady." Stated Ruigus, the only person who he'd ever refer to that title.

He remained expressionless as he did raise his head.

"I always told you to not join in his footsteps, you did not have to throw your life like that." She stated calmly, pity and sadness tinged her voice.

"I should have known the moment that you wrote to me that one day that you stated you were going to Skyrim I should have had you stopped instead. And by Kynareth there was no way for me to have known the reason my husband was sent there." She added as she tried to understand.

Elisabeth sighed wistfully.

"It's accursed fate? Is that what is meant to be said? You became Dragonborn, something that must have been predetermined before your birth by the gods, you are two creatures, Sieghard."
Ruigus felt a tear crawling into his eye.

"It's dragged you and husband, I want no more of it. Sieghard, whatever are you here for?" She asked.

Ruigus raised his head to face her.

"I wanted to see you, and I wanted to ask two favors of you. If you can permit it." He requested softly.

The Dragonborn's heart had twisted itself, he knew the answer yet…..

"This is your home as well, has your mind so full of killing have forgotten that?" She questioned rhetorically with a cold tone.

"Use as you see fit, Sieghard." She finished, and stood up out of the small throne.

"Please wait." He asked softly causing her to halt herself.

"Can you have a letter sent to my home? I want an Alavia to come here, she's with my mother." He asked.

"…...I shall send one." She stated, and began to walk away.

"How is Alexi?" He asked.

She froze.

He had asked about her son, Reinhard's son.

"He is at school with Sir Richten, the younger one." She said.

He nodded, he had wondered why he had not seen the young boy. He had half come here to check up on him.

"Thank you." He said as she left.

Elisabeth said nothing in response, but halted for a moment and looked at him as if to say something, but proceeded onwards.

Ruigus felt a mixture of pity and sadness.

There was a certain pain in his chest.

He sat for some time staring in thought, stood himself up, and returned the way he came.

The retainer was still there, he gave Ruigus a pitying look.

"How did it go?" He asked.

"Bad. She's…...never gotten over the war. I think I've come to see that now." Answered Ruigus.

"Yeah. 'Tis funny, if she were any other woman I'd call her crazy but…...She's the last we have of our Golden Age. Still though, she shouldn't be so snobby about things sometimes."

He paused.

"I wish I had been born back then to be honest, what I would give to have seen Lord Berlin and understand it all." The man finished with a light sigh.

"She has her reasons to be that way, even if I don't like it either. I think time will give her the solution." Replied Ruigus.

"You know better than me." The retainer stated.

"I guess. Say, is the Blacksmith at the same spot? I'm planning on getting something from him before I go to sleep."

The retainer nodded in response.

"Same spot it's been for twenty-eight years."

Ruigus chuckled heartily.

"Thanks, will any of the guestrooms do good?" He asked one final thing.

"They're all unused currently." The man replied.

"Good! I'll be seeing you around then."

Stepping off and descending down the stairs Ruigus came back the way he came from.
Heading outside with the moon now hanging over him he went to visit the old smith's place, if he remembered it right he'd be still hammering away at that anvil of his.

He walked through a small field of cotton as he made his way there from the mansion.

It was something he had barely even seen up in that cold, northern land. Among other things.

Hearing the hammer striking, and taking in the horrid smoke, Ruigus reached the open forge.

Which was rather shaped like a closed in smithery, but the blacksmith usually left his doors opened as Ruigus remembered.

He made sure to make his presence known as he approached.

The old man at the forge, with white in hair regarded him and put away a finished blade.

"Haven't seen you around in a while." He stated in almost a grumble.

Ruigus never knew this man's name, he'd seen him quite often in the past.

"Same to you!" He chuckled.

"Let me guess, broke your weapon in Skyrim?" He asked.

Ruigus nodded vigorously.

"You called it, got it broken by a Vampire of all things, a big one too if you can believe it."

"Hmph, I can." He replied, and faced his forge.

"Whad'dya need?"

"A….Halberd, I think that would be best." He stated.

"I think I've picked up some good notes from Hans and some others. I recall training with a spear once, heh. I think I cowarded my way out of that one back then." Smiled Ruigus to his own self.

He knew this was a weapon he would have to work with. He'd heard it's reputation of being a far more potent spear, and he supposed he had seen it in action.

A sword and shield had served him very wonderfully, however his growing powers gave way to another way of fighting.

He believed himself to be a quick learner enough to pull it off in good time, he admitted he was just overall eager to get his hands on a new weapon.

"Good choice." The old man stated.

"It will take 2 days to make."
Ruigus's expression soured as he had come to the realization, it could not be made in time.

The old blacksmith then let out a hollering chuckle.

"I've enough fire salts on me, it'll be done by tomorrow afternoon."
The Blacksmith grinned and wiped off some sweat from his brow.

"I don't get personal requests as much anymore." He said with a sigh as he gathered up some materials.

Ruigus stood where he was as he was rapt with attention.

"It'll be made from Colovian steel, should cut through beasts regardless, heh. The only thing better is that steel they have on that island up there." He informed.

"He must mean that one island to the north that is in between Skyrim and Morrowind, what was it's name again?" He asked himself.

He recalled it started with the letter S, and his memory on the island faded along with the old lesson from Secantius.

Still, fire salts were a bit of an expensive resource.

"How can I repay you?" Asked Ruigus, his hand going for his near comically large coinpurse.

The blacksmith ceased his action.

"Hmm…."
"I'll think of it tomorrow."

He then turned, and faced his forge once more.

Ruigus remained silent, smiled, and left. Intending to rest.

He soon got himself in the guest bedroom halls. He took the closest one and quickly fell into it after he stripped off his formal clothing.

It was all too good for him to have slept in these sheets once again.

He had difficulty at first, but a rest came to him not long.

---

Imperial City, Civilian section of the Arena District

Malborn had just walked himself out of a small tavern.

He had given the recent report to the Blades, there was some four following them around discreetly whom he'd been reporting to and forwarding any requests since he joined up with Ruigus.

It was a bit taxing on the timid Bosmer, but he'd no trouble with it.

Ironically as they had put him in great danger in the first place they offered great protection now.

Yet, a certain figure approached him, clad in the clothes belonging to an Imperial Officer, and cold blue eyes that kept an eye over him.

Malborn froze as the man stood right in front of him, with that inexpressive countenance as he seemingly looked down on him.

"I would like to make contact with the Blades, take me to them so that I may." Stated Rolf von Kober, as he stood in the darkness, his face only visible by a small ray of light from a street light.

Malborn remained petrified as though he was haunted by the ghosts of his ancestors.

"It is merely something particular I would like to inform and discuss them of."

"Uh s-sure." He broke.

He then gasped after Rolf took a step forward.

Rolf paused.
There was a shortsword hovering just a couple inches away from his throat.

"Speak." Came a voice from behind Rolf, that of a woman.

Rolf seemed most unfazed.

"Archaic and barbaric is it for a blade to threaten one in the middle of night." He stated.

Rolf felt pressure on his throat.

"The Synod have sent an expedition to the Dwemer ruin 'Mzulft'. They will be going without a proper escort."
"And this would be important to us?"

"Idiot." Thought Kober.

"A mutual contact of ours has shown an interest in the area, some expeditions have been canceled because of their interference."
"They have stayed their hand enough times, and now only direct force can stop the Synod. I should not have to utter their name." He informed, in a matter of which seemed to challenge the blades woman.

After all, it was something that should catch their attention.

There was silence on her end as Kober eyed Malborn who eyed the woman.

"Thalmor, huh?" She whispered, threatening a growl.

Kober did not reply.

The Blade Agent sheathed her sword.
"The Oculatus are spread thin." Kober stated after some moments, ever so matter of factly.

"And they are looking for something, an artifact. It must not be passed up."

"Where we go is what the Dragonborn should decide." Sneered the woman.

"Loyalty to your leader is worthless if you lack your own initiative to serve one whilst they are incapable." Replied Kober.

The Blade's Agent considered striking down Kober for an instant, then turned around and walked away.

Kober continued to face Malborn, still staring stupidly.

Their business was done.
"I shall escort you back." Stated Rolf Kober.

Malborn merely nodded.

He'd need to check his back more often than he did before.

---

Morning, Kvatch

Alduin had awoken and found herself pondering as to what she would do this day as she awaited for the return of Ruigus. Having thought over it some she decided she would give Hildeguard some time to live her life and perhaps wonder about more of the city itself.

However, a knock on the door revealed this was not to be.

A young girl's voice was heard.

"Hello! Ms. Kessel I have a brief und zeitung zum you!" It was all but the latter part of it Alduin understood, she took pride in that.

(Hello! Ms. Kessel I have a letter and newspaper for you!)

"Ah, thank you zum this!"

(Ah, thank you for this!)

And she heard a flurry of footsteps from the outside as she heard Hildeguard laugh some, and closed the door.

Walking into the room with Alduin she opened it, she held something else in her hands.

It was most definitely a large paper of some sort. It read in large, colovian letters as : 'Schwarz Pferd Kurier'
(Black Horse Courier)
"What's that?" Asked Alduin as she pointed at it.

"Oh this?" Replied Hildeguard as she set the letter down on the table and held it out.

"It's a newspaper."
"What?" Asked Alduin once more, utterly confused.
Hildeguard blinked, and then had a realization.

"I'm sorry! You must have not seen one yet! It's….a….chronicle or report of some events, current and old. Dependent on whenever the name of the company behind it being the Black Horse Courier finding such information." Explained Hildeguard.

Alduin's mind somewhat spurred itself in honest amazement.

"So they publish…..all sorts of information on what is happening on….that large paper?" She asked rhetorically.

Hildeguard was at somewhat of a loss for words as the secret god in front of her, came with a conclusion.

"Amazing!" She stated as her hands took hold of it.

She looked through it all, generally all but unreadable due to the Colovian language but she understood how it overall conveyed messages through what were 'sections' as it seemed to her.

Hildeguard smiled, her hands went to delicately open the letter in her hands.

Her expression deteriorated some as she read.

"Sieg shall not be returning." She stated as she stared over it.

"What?" Blinked Alduin, as she raised an eyebrow.

"He'll be staying there for the day, I don't know why as Elisabeth has not said as to why only that he is."
"I see. Who is Elisabeth?" Asked Alduin.

"Tullius's wife." Informed Hildeguard.

"Oh, her." Recalled Alduin, she then bit lightly on her own lip some as something came to her mind.

"Everyone seems to refer to her as Lady Drach, not her….first name." She noted.

"The three or four Colovians you've met?" Joked Hildeguard.

"I might have met more?" Alduin replied, unsure of herself.

Hildeguard laughed.

"She holds importance to many with her being the daughter of the great warlord. It is something said in great respect. I would not think too much on the matter." She finished softly.

"Interesting use of titles." Alduin remarked in response.

"She seems somewhat of a…..key figure, an idol of sorts from what I seem to gather in how she's viewed by you and Ruigus." She added.

Hildeguard giggled.

"To us all, you are quite right I think. It's just that she's one of the last memories of what life before the war happened."

"She is among those of the last of my greatest memories, before my son was born." She finished with a sad smile.

"In the end, I think our prayers became true." Stated Hildeguard.

There was a silent moment as she read over it once more.

Alduin contemplated over it.

Prayer meant much, if there were these, perhaps millions of souls in such despair in the war it seemed likely something would grace the mortal world itself that was not herself. Simultaneously, prayer was not enough to bring in something like a Dragonborn.

"Perhaps….." Her thoughts trailed as she focused on a reply.

"I do believe it has." Murmured Alduin.

"However, it seems I must leave you so early now." Alduin added with a grace to her lips.

Hildeguard nodded.

"I suppose it is until next time isn't it?" Giggled Ruigus's mother.

Alduin smilled and gave a slight nod in response.

"I suppose I ought to give you directions whenever you're ready."

"I'll have to tell you them, you seem to have a great memory perfect for everything that is said." Stated Hildeguard as her eyes lighted up.

Alduin nodded as she held her smile, eliciting a small giggle.

She went to her room to gather the items she and Ruigus had taken on this trip.

Hildeguard merely stared out the glass window, and smiled as she closed her eyes for some moments, then opened.

She held the locket which her son had given back to her.

A single tear fell from an eye.

---

Skyrim, the misty mountain of Sky Haven Temple

"So you want us to continue as normal then Esbern? At the very least I hope we're fully stocked up on cure disease potions." Stated the Breton Bladesman, Charles.

Esbern nodded in response.

"'Tis nothing to worry as long as we stick to the shadows we are all in." The forty-five year old mage of a Nord said in response.

"Well that makes two of us then, bloodsuckers could be anywhere and I'll have to keep my eyes lingering about on more than just maidens then." Charles joked with a slight crack of his expression, before returning to a serious countenance.

"Need we send anymore to aid Florin and the excavation groups in Blackreach? I've yet to hear any worries from our private groups but that may change at any instant." Brought up Charles.

"Aye, another squad should suffice as the mysteries of the Dwemer reveal themselves."
"Hmph, knowing what we know I'd rather that we find these mysteries first." Spoke the Breton with some dejection.

"Last thing I don't want is that we'll find in one of these is some world ending device I swear." He then thought, sighing as the thought passed him.

A woman entered the room, the pair noticed her arrival.

"Complaining again to master Esbern, aren't you Charles?" She stated.

Charles frowned at the Dunmer woman.

"Last I checked the three of us here were 'masters' shall I say to you Knight-Sister. And no, I'm just concerned with this whole 'undead are everywhere' ordeal, Rayloru." Explained the Breton.

Rayloru seemed pleased with the response.

"Tis fair, I was just about to make a report myself." She stated as she looked up to Esbern for permission.

"Speak, Rayloru." Stated Esbern, expressing a smile to her.

"I would ask that you come see Alduin's wall, it is no longer befitting of the name." She stated calmly.

"Befitting?" Elicited Esbern in shock.

"Come with me, you'll understand what I mean." She motioned.

The two followed her to a sight of a near dozen blades staring where Alduin's wall was. Once was.

As it filled into sight Esbern felt his mouth involuntarily open at the sight in shock.

Inscriptured thus was the sun, amongst the backdrop of a withered field with what appeared to be an arrow being fired at the sun.

The next panel was that of a gigantic wolf standing over a cliff, a few figures appeared to face it.

The third panel was that of a blackened sun, and what appeared to be masses of bodies mashing against each other in battle. Strange, bat-like humanoid creatures were over-head them.

And finally a fourth had formed as the final part of this unholy change, it was of some notable several figures standing in front of one strange creature, not much unlike the humanoid bats. Yet, there was something to note about the sheer presence it had. From one of the figure's hands blew smoke, as Esbern picked up.

Esbern was quick to recollect himself amongst the dumbfounded and shocked blades.

"Lydia, find Delphine." He ordered calmly, his left hand had two fingers placed upon the left side of his forehead, thinking as he spoke.

The young nord girl seemed to be shaken out of her staring.

"A-Aye!" She shot up.

The fledling blade sprinted out of the room.

"Well, another mystery from the days of old and that of the Akaviir eh? Or perhaps Reman had some secrets to make old lord Tiber humbled." Uttered Knight-Brother Charles, making light.

Esbern nodded in agreement.

He had much to study.

---

Streets of Kvatch

Alduin had begun her way out of the city when she saw a curious sight.

A bunch of armored and robed in white persons appeared to be doing inspections of houses. However, given their armored appearances they seemed quite a relatively professional group. Alduin noticed an Hourglass insignia on some of them.

"Looks like they're searching for yet another unregistered mage. Wonder if they'll keep whichever ones they find." Remarked a Colovian man as he sighed.

"Who are they?" She asked.

The man's brows raised.

"Eh? You're new to Kvatch? That's a first in a while." He stated.

"I'd say it's my first visit." Said Alduin.

"Ah, well I'd say welcome but it seems like you're on the leave. Anyways, those people are part of the 'Order of the Hour', the Kvatch Akatosh holy order. I am rather surprised even an outlander isn't familiar with them, they've been around here since the near beginning of time." Informed the man.

Alduin was quite thankful the man spoke in words she actually knew.

"I see, and they take away people who use magic, I gather?" She asked.

"Yes, been an occurrence ever since the Oblivion Crisis after this city was razed for the hundredth time, funny how daedric worshipers can cause that." He finished with a snort, before turning to look at Alduin.

"They do it to regulate it by getting recruits for themselves or the two mages colleges, you'd have to have the count love you quite a bit if you want to be safe, not sure if you are one mind you."

"….I would be one, but I'll be leaving anyways even if I were not armed with that knowledge." She replied.

"Fair enough Nord, good luck to you." He stated politely before walking off.

Alduin stared at the Akatosh militants as her body half turned to them as she thought.

"Your touch permeates this land ever so deep as well, father?" She thought as her eyes subconsciously narrowed.

She gave it some more thought, then shook her head.

There was little time to be lost.

She rode off, Hildeguard's instructions were the most clear thing to her at this moment.

---

Ruigus was awoken by a knock.

"M'lord? Are you alright?" A man's voice asked.

"Y-Yes." Ruigus shot up as he stayed himself in the sheets.

He figured something was wrong considering the question.

"Is something wrong?" Asked Ruigus.

"Nay, just that you've been sleeping until midday. The lady and us were getting worried to say the least." The man stated.

Ruigus shot up out of bed.

"Oh, thank you! I was just very tired last night." Replied the young dragonborn.

"Aye, understood." Stated the man.

Ruigus heard footsteps moving away from the door.

He took it up to himself to get dressed, unsure of what he wanted to do for his last free day.

Nothing came to his mind, only the matter of his new weapon.

"Perhaps I should train around with a weapon like that." He thought to himself, there was a private training yard that Tullius had used with him in what was many years ago.

Though at the same time a wooden stick wouldn't show much, he had the belief that actual combat with it could prove it's worth.

He peered out the window and saw the fields being worked.

He smiled, a couple memories of his own work in them were brought forth.

Much more simple, yet almost as laborious days.

He figured he might as well make the small journey there, he didn't feel like saying hello to everyone at the moment.

Considering the time of day he figured he wouldn't even have the time to.

He sat back down onto his bed for a moment as he fixed his shoes, he soon stepped out afterwards.

He descended down the steps of the main hall as he made his exit of the mansion, some staff regarded him well, they were all but mostly new faces.

They all eyed him with such wonder.

He felt the hair on his skin rise some.

Ironically, he'd have to leave the Estate through it's main gates to reach the training ground.

Ruigus figured he might as well tell Helmut or whoever who was at the gates of Alduin's arrival as it should be soon.

He walked with contentment as he paced himself slowly.

He came up to Helmut and another, the most immediate guards at the gates. Ruigus recalled that there were usually at least twelve here at daytime, eight at night, a mere fun fact he remembered.

"Good noon to you, young master!" Helmut greeted before he could.

"Good noon Helmut! I'll be taking a walk to the training ground, the personal one if it's still in that spot." Stated Ruigus.

"Hasn't moved an inch, I need not be the mistress or master to tell you to use whatever you want." Smiled Helmut.

"Thank you Helmut. I won't be gone for long." Said the Dragonborn as the gates were pushed open.

Ruigus walked halfway before he stopped himself.

"Ah!" He exclaimed.

"Hey Helmut, if any of you see a woman….A Nord, jet black hair, same civilian clothes, quite tall and by lonesome. She should be pretty unique, stands out in comparison to other nords I'd say." He informed.

"Ah, I see! You want me to direct her to you?" Asked the old Kessel warrior.

"Oh, certainly if you get the chance!" Replied Ruigus.

Helmut gave his acknowledgment with a happy, excitable nod.

"I will await your return!" He stated, dutifully if not dramatically so.

Ruigus kept his smile as he parted and began to follow a footpath.

A thought came over his head.

A spar could be done.

At the very least, he could learn something with his new weapon.

He figured it would be a good lesson overall, Alduin would be a great opponent, even if the both of them couldn't use their Shouts without attracting attention.

She would most definitely enjoy it too.

If there was one thing he'd learned from her and his short interactions with her dragons is that they seemed that they enjoyed a challenge.

Although, he'd come to the suspicion that Alduin herself was distanced in a sense to her kin. It was obvious that she could live both worlds as man and dragon, he wondered if somehow she did not fully fit in with either.

There was one thing he meant to ask her, it was about another one of those memories he had seen last night.

Why did the Divines truly go against her? He had no doubt that it was more than just a desire for the freedom of the Nords against the Dragons and…..themselves, as the Dragon Priests and their followers practiced oppression against their own. He'd need to see more, all he understood now was that the first Dragonborn was Miraak for whatever reason, and that he consorted with some daedra in his confusion at his own self.

Now that he thought about it, what he had seen brought the Alessian Rebellion into question, he knew it started around the same time that the Dragon War was in it's middle state but since it was part of the work of the Divines as well with such haste put into it he had to question as to why? He trusted and loved them but it also scared him some, especially given the implications as the truth to their relationship with Alduin, and what Miraak seemed to be saying about her, that she was abrasive in nature.

He noted at his own self how much he was thinking over it already. 'A mind that ponders with constance is an enlightened one' came the proverb of one of Julianos.

Ruigus found himself into the training field, the one he and Tullius, that Reinhard in his true name had used when he was young.

He never understood why Reinhard trained him as he grew older.

It grew more apparent, Elizabeth's own words could be made out as proof.

Neither of them wanted him to become a warrior.

But that went against almost every action that Reinhard had taken with him, all that he had gone through with him.

He stared at a small dueling arena, he faintly recalled an old memory.

…

..

.

---

Sieghard gripped his wooden sword tightly as he faced off against Uncle Reinhard, who towered over him.

"Good grip, a real blade will be heavier to get a hold of however." Reminded Reinhard.

"I understand." Murmured young Sieghard.

"Do you remember my saying?" His uncle asked softly.

Sieghard let loose of his grip.

"Be f-fierce and passionate as a fire, be swift and terrifying as lightning….relentless and calm as rain….and uh..." Sieghard shifted as he tried to remember the last saying.

Reinhard gave a rare smile.

"Be as unbreakable and unyielding as a wall." Completed Reinhard.

"I'll try to remember it next time." Pouted the child.

"You do not have to. It's a mere lesson I want you to reflect on."

Sieghard stared stupidly into him.

"Why?" He asked.

"It was something taught to me. It's…...aided me ever since, I want it to do the same for you." Gently spoke his guardian.

Sieghard's eyes were wide.

"I see." He replied.

"It just sounds...scary. Whoever taught you it must be scary." Added the child.

Reinhard took a moment to process the sentence before he burst out with a laugh.

"Yes…Yes he was." He finally spoke after some moments as his expression beamed.

"He…..He is someone you'll learn about soon like my own father. I do not want to speak much of him."

"Why?" Asked Sieghard.

"I do not like to speak of the dead much, it does not sit well with me." He replied.

Sieghard didn't much understand what he was talking about.

"Like Dad?"

"Yes like him, him and everyone else." The mid aged man appeared to struggle.

"You'll understand some day." He said, he placed a hand on Sieghard's head who still looked up at him.

Reinhard gave him a pat on the head and opened his mouth to speak.

"Do you want train more?"
Sieghard nodded vigorously.

"Your goal will be to score three hits on me, be fierce and as passionate in your strikes as a fire, right?"
"Yes Uncle!" He beamed as he drew his sword into a silly stance, before returning to something that he was taught.

It had taken almost an half hour but in the end he had not tired himself out by the time he finally succeeded.

---

.

..

…

Ruigus clutched at his head in pain as the memory seared itself into his mind. He'd just remember it just as vividly as the day itself.

The out of body experiences were getting to his nerves, what was so unnatural to him was how he remembered it so accurately only now.

He walked to the weapon barrel and picked up a spear.

It was a strange one for a wooden spear, it was that 'Cross spear' he'd heard about in the past, the wooden 'blade' and the two sharp ends right at the base of it.

Ironically it was the only other type out of all those lined up that resembled that Halberd he wanted done, and was eager to learn with.

He gave it a quick few swings as he tried to get a good handle on it, it was a different weapon for sure.
This was among the first few times he'd wielded one, when he was younger he had a strange avoidance to it, it lacked…..a sort of excitable factor to it.

Now he felt excitement for a new weapon to use, now that he would have his hands on a halberd and that pistol, of whom's instruction book he still needed to read.

He half wondered practicing more with it here but the ammo and overall noise were an issue.

At the same time, his own Shouts broke the laws and by extension ears of Nirn and Mundus each time he did it.

He practiced his hold on the spear to get a good, solid grip on it. His training gloves felt comfortable as he got into a stance with the butt of the spear on the ground as he stood with it much akin to how a Legionary bannerman would stand with his flag.

He raised it up and swung it into his other hand as he switched to holding to just above his hips as he stared down a training dummy.
He'd witness spearmen in formation do this, Hans himself as well.

He charged at it with the intention of seeing how much force he could put into this blunted stab.

He felt a rush of adrenaline as he did so, the blow connected as it caused it the dummy to fall to the ground.

Dropping the spear, he brought the dummy back up.

He was planning on getting used to the motions of stabbing, and of slashing and swinging the spear around onto it as he waited, it would serve him well during the duel if she agreed, and then just about any other application he'd have to use it for once he crossed back, and fought whatever manner of monster needed fighting.

He'd train as hard as he could.

---

Alduin had to double back into a path after a confusing fork in a road looked as though it no longer fit the directions. The thick forests truly served to confuse her, it was only akin to some parts of the Jungles in Akavir, and their own forests. It continued to amaze her.
Even flying she imagined it would be hard to pick out something along here, ironic even with more plains about.

She found this path that followed along with the directions have a noticeably properly paved road much like that of a city's. It seemed to indicate she was just about to arrive, most likely there as this fit in with the end of what Ruigus's mother had said to her.

She had nearly gotten mixed up an hour before, there were two other estates right in the middle of this land. Weren't they all supposed to be further up north up above that sub-kingdom known as Chorrol?
She was impressed however that so far everything she had seen of Colovia was both quite isolated and backwards but in a contradictory manner was also well developed and advanced, at least these were her impressions of her staying away from the more lived in places, full of people that would give her funny if not cold stares as Ruigus and Hilde had warned her.

She had seen a few that gave her such stares, but paid more attention to their own business and did not seem hostile in demeanor.

However, as she approached the gates, a somewhat aged man in armor.

He held a scowl.

"Hello I don't know you. What are you, one of the Warlord's spies or thugs?" He accused.

Alduin's eyes betrayed total abatement.

"No not at all! My name is Alavia, I am with Ruigus, er I mean Sieghard." She clarified, she hoped he understood what she was saying as she spoke in his language.

The man's demeanor instantly changed to where he just about beamed with light.

"I see! Please forgive me, we've had some strange visits of late Mistress Alavia. In this time of crisis you must be wary of opportunists!" He stated excitedly.

"Why are these Colovians so peculiar?" She questioned herself, as she drew up a response.

"You aren't in danger, are you?" She asked.

"No no, murder ban says we can no longer kill each other in our estates, now you get pushed out, the Warlord has done it to a few families." The old warrior said.

"Oh, I see." She responded.

"Is Sieghard around? And what is your name?" She asked.

"He is! My name is Helmut. I've been with the Kessels and Drachs for thirty-nine years." He stated proudly.

Alduin didn't quite know how to respond to that, in regards to what Ruigus what would say he was a living relic of a time before the greatest war Tamriel had ever seen graced it.

"Master Sieghard went to the training yard! I can have someone go with you if you need a room to stay." He stated.

"Oh no thank you I'll be leaving along with him, can you take my horse to his? I'll be going to the training yard….Wherever it is?" She asked.

The man nodded.

"It's that way! Just follow the path." He said as he pointed it out. "I will see to that whatever you have on your horse is untouched Miss Alavia!" He bowed.

She was humbled.

"Thank you." She said, unsure of how to continue as he gently took in her horse. She was surprised it didn't grow angry at him.

She followed along the path which stretch for about five minutes at a steady pace, she thought it unnecessary for it to be so spaced away but she supposed that perhaps Tullius and his family merely wished to train in absolute peace here.

She enjoyed absolute peace. She always referred to be left to her own self as to not be bothered by her own kin who were impetuous and much like her as she realized, without much for patience with some exceptions, like her four friends.

Strangely, she ended up finding herself not disliking talking to Mortals most of the time, most of her Dragon Priests were most despicable things but there were those that were decent, even in their betrayals. They were interesting creatures, they were the exact product of her refusing to bow to the wishes of her fellow Aedra, if they could be considered in an equal status to her.

She was between them and the Daedra as the only one to truly sustain her presence in Nirn in it's entirety, when banished, she spent her time in what she assumed was a plane of Aetherius. She was only ever to have the power to send a Phantom with the aid of Orkey; that estranged fragment of Arkay who appeared as but an Orisimer, the only one aside from Mara who ever spoke to her in any significant way, and none ever told her of any going on as she drifted.

It was funny to her, in truth she knew only a small trove worth much more than perhaps the most enlightened being in this world.

She hated them all, Aedra and Daedra. In the end their 'status' made little difference to her when at best they were impartial to her actions. Even her 'mother'.

She knew not how to express it to Ruigus, much less anyone else that could be aligned with herself and him.

After an eternity, her eyes locked to the form of Ruigus practicing amongst some targets with a wooden spear.

"You used a most common weapon back in my time, I see it only in battle now." She said as she approached to draw his attention.

"I figured I'd switch up, a sword I did fair with and the shield was a fallback. I want to use something a bit more fitting for what I must go up against." He stated. Before he turned with a mischievous smirk.

"With some notable exceptions."

"A poor joke." She chided as she smirked, she took up a wooden greatsword and glanced at some training gloves.

"Do you wish to test out your new weapon against me?" She asked.

"You didn't tell me you could read my mind Alduin." He giggled as he wiped some sweat from his brow.

"I could try, I've yet to." She admitted.

He half thought about asking if she really could before something else crossed his mind.

"Speaking of, do you want to use magic against me?" He asked.

"I could hurt you with them." She reminded.

"There's nothing that gives like a light singe or sting?"

She gave him a stare after those words.

"It would feel a little bit worse than that."

"It will be fine." Shrugged Ruigus.

"Sometimes I wonder if you have any concern for your life." She mused.

"I do. It is just that I put myself in risky situations if I believe I can get out of it mostly alive." He said as he got into stance with his spear.

"You speak cutely, but intelligently." She giggled.

She held the greatsword one handed, reminding Ruigus again of her strength as she held a tiny; elemental orb in her free hand.

"When do you want this to end?" She asked.

"Three hits should be good, I'm ready when you are." He said.

"Good." She said, before she flashed a grin. "Begin!"

To her surprise Ruigus charged at her.

A quick summon of a small shock spell was readied and pointed at him, he took it halting his charge and ducking the moment she shot it at him.

He managed to lunge at her with his spear trying to get a swipe at her legs. She took her first hit and used it to try and strike at him only for Ruigus to dodge backwards with shocking speed.

The two stared each other down once more.

"If I ever wear any heavier armor than I would normally. I don't think I'd ever pull something like that off at least for how I am right now." The Dragonborn thought rapidly to himself as breathed in.

Alduin opened her mouth as if to say something before she went for it to close the distance between her and Ruigus.

She went for an exaggerated appearing, but powerful downwards slash onto him with both of her hands on the blade.

Ruigus quickly assuming he could not successfully block or dodge decided to go for the parry as he swung right at the Greatsword to knock it off away from him.

In the heat of the moment Ruigus's spear connected with her blade which came upon him with a great amount of force, his attempt to knock it off would have succeded. Her slash hit directly into his shoulder.

Alduin stepped backwards.

"I suppose you miss an arm now!" She teased as she held a most confident grin.

Ruigus remained silent as he reflected on his 'injury'.

He was an idiot, Alduin could just merely brute force him in melee. Although, by the way she fought overall with one she lacked some technique, she was certainly experienced to a small degree but she had never once been trained by anyone.

He supposed his best way to win was to just stay on the offensive and either run, roll like a fool, or just step his way out of her attacks.

She did actually rely generally on magic, now that he thought about it, still he could never underestimate her or anyone.

Alduin on her part noticed how he stared at her so seriously.

"Ruigus?" She asked.
He shot up.
"W-What's wrong?" He stammered.

"You look as though you see your own life in the balance." She giggled.

"Oh." He chirped, unsure how to respond when they still had to continue their duel.

"I shouldn't be so on edge." He thought.

"Well then. What's with you hitting like a wagon?" He said teasingly.

"It comes natural you sil-" She was cut off by the thrust of his spear at her which she couldn't block in time as it went straight to her chest.

In half anger she summoned a small icicle and shot it straight into his abdomen which shattered harmlessly on impact.

Ruigus pressed the attack, there was only now one hit for the both of them to go through with.

He recovered and went for a swipe at her of which she stepped back on, taking a step forward Ruigus swung again at her, she blocked this time and used her momentum to strike back.

He jumped backwards, giving a weak but deterring slash as he did so.

"Trickster." She growled.

Ruigus rushed forward for an attempt to get a final stab at her to end it, to his shock Alduin grabbed his spear by the head just as it was about to reach her chest.

She tried to pull it away from him as he tried to pull it back to him.
Ruigus impressed his own self by how he was able to hold on as well as he did in this tug of war.

Knowing it was a losing fight, he tried to thrust forward.

Straight into Alduin's neck.

But he felt something at his chest.

The tip of Alduin's sword.

"You should be grateful I did not freeze your spearhead." She stated.

"And I was so close." Ruigus murmured to her.

Alduin's lips curved upwards as the two withdrew their weapons.

"You should be proud, it is not everyday that I am injured."

"Heh, I suppose." Replied Ruigus.

"I treated it too seriously." He added in the same breath.

"I could see you were focusing. There is nothing wrong with that. You just took me by surprise." Remarked Alduin in response.

"Ah, I'm sorry." He apologized.

"You do not need to. However, I will not forget you taking advantage of my behavior. I will think of a punishment for you when I get a chance." She said coolly.

"I think I've earned quite a few now." Replied Ruigus with a near pout.

"I will make use of them one way or another." She said.

"Do you wish to train more?" She added.

Ruigus smiled.

"Sure, not as serious but I'll try learning this thing a bit more, that grab you did is something I really have to watch out for."

"Hmm yes I agree, although not many will have as fast reflexes as I. Save for the like of those blood sucking creatures of that overconfident prince who fashions itself as a lizard." Said Alduin.

"One you know would call you something similar." Ruigus said softly.

Alduin had a look of curiosity before a realization hit her.

"Ah you're speaking of Miraak. Vahlok told me as much of what he truly thought of me after his betrayal. I always knew him as a difficult one, and…..You know what I thought of him as a Dragonborn." She said.

She halted herself.

"We've gone off the topic." She said.

"I don't mind, we still have time."

"Hmph. You may have seen the particular memory where he learned of what he was. I do not regret calling Dragonborns a leech to Dragons, yet it is just a trait. You were given something ultimately special in the end. I'm interested in seeing what you can end up doing with this gift or gene or whatever it truly is."

"But Miraak….Miraak was…..right in a way." She said as her eyes cast downwards.

"What do you mean by that?" The colovian asked innocently.

"I shall await for you to see why, in time if you are not able to learn I will tell you. I think I will not have to however." Her reply ended with a small smile.

"I must keep some secrets for the time being." She stated.

Ruigus was about to change the topic when two figures came into view.

Helmut and a courier strolled towards them, the courier began to speak.

"Hello! I have a two messages for you Sieghard, one from the President and one from Reinhard himself. One from Reinhard to….Alavia? Apologies if I mispronounced your name, don't see foreigners here much." He stated. The names mentioned took Ruigus off guard.

"Truly?" He asked as he went to accept the two letters. He noted the courier was dressed atypically of that of a courier of the Estates, who shared an outfit with anyone he'd see in Skyrim or Cyrodil but wore green clothes.

"Their seals are on the front of these letters." The Courier said as he thrust them quickly into Ruigus's hands.

"I recognize them both Master Kessel, they are real." Affirmed Helmut.

"Wonderful! Thank you both." Said Ruigus as he looked over them.

"Master Reinhard has one meant for the Lady, I'll be bringing it to her." Informed Helmut.

"I see." The Dragonborn replied.

"I will await your return." Bowed Helmut as he turned to follow after the Courier who was already leaving.

Ruigus turned to the two letters, he figured the first he'd read would be that of the President, of whom he met briefly yesterday. He was surprised he'd send a letter so quickly.

He did live up to his promise though.

"The President? What kind of a strange title is that? And what's the name?" Alduin asked confusedly.

"Christof Balabanov is his name. The 'President' title is because he was…..He was voted as the leader of the Estates since they're their own sub-kingdom like how Colovia itself is but the high kingdom of Colovia is both." Ruigus thought how to explain how the voting worked off his best memory as Alduin asked the question.

"Voted?"

"Families like Tullius's here have 2 votes for their status as an established name to choose anyone to be the new Estate King-Queen or President as they know them to be. The Estates are just a combined alliance of all the families with land that they own. I think what sort of government that they work with here is called a Confederacy." He stated.

"That is surprising to hear of. Is there any significance with this President? For us." She asked.

"He's young, a year younger than I, I believe." He paused before he continued.

"Not much to say to be honest, he's the youngest son of the President that was alive during the entirety of the Great War and since up until he passed. I can't think of anything off the top of my head other than he's known for being a bit of an airhead, and that he likes hunting and friendly dueling. He's alright enough, not a bad man in the slightest and he seemed friendly when I met him yesterday. He told me he'd send this, wasn't expecting it so soon!"

"Let's see what he has to say, funny that you met him only yesterday." Murmured Alduin.

"Yeah, you should have seen the armor he wore. He was wearing the Estate Dragon helm." Ruigus said rather excitedly.

"….Made from the bones of a dragon?" Asked Alduin.

"No! No!" Laughed Ruigus. "There's a gold-silver dragon fashioned onto the top of the helm. Was nice to see it myself!"

"Huh. How did that come to be?"
"Oh it's an old artifact of an armor for sure along with the rest of his gear. A gift from the Nords perhaps after their war with you to the North Cyrodilians. Now it also stands for unity with the Empire and the Estates. I don't know what sort of enchantment or powers are in it." He said.

"I'd like to see it myself now." Said Alduin as she folder arms and put one hand on her chin.

"Strange to know they fashioned one after my kin." She added as Ruigus opened the President's letter.

What he saw said as much:

"Dear Sieghard Kessel

I pray your time at home is well despite your mentioned misgivings. I write this letter informally to you so I must apologize if I seem unbecoming. I wanted to know of how your travels in Skyrim went, particularly I want to know of your fights and encounters with Dragons. I've heard of how they were creatures the size of barns that spewed death from an ancient tongue. Do you happen to have a chance to describe them to me? I've always thought to ride one. I also wish to learn more of your Shouts, I've seen it is something you cannot quite recreate over writing but perhaps when the war and crisis is over perhaps we could duel or hunt sometime Sir Kessel, I would like that very much. Before I finish I wish to ask once again that you work alongside my retainer, Gunter Sturnhell as his skills are exemplary. He's been somewhat wanting to see you in action as well, I recall him lighting up at the sound of your name being mentioned along those going. I hope to see his skills put best to use.

I wish you the best against the undead.

Yours truly

Christof Balabanov"

Ruigus blinked a few times as he read over the ending.

He was both articulate yet…..Youthful in his writing.

Ruigus was strangely touched by the writing as he thought of best how to write back to him.

"I doubt one of my kin would be willing to allow anyone to ride on them so trivially." Giggled Alduin as she read it over with Ruigus.

"His description is that of a half truth." Mentioned Alduin and Ruigus agreed.

Size wise, Dragons could be the size of a house to a barn itself, some even larger like how Alduin's Wuthdeinkinbok was; as he was nigh gigantic in comparison to some.

"He seems to be more interested about my kin in a childish manner…..Which seems unbecoming as he so mentions at the start."

"He's a decent man, he'll work towards it given the opportunity. In time he'll grow." Replied Ruigus.

"I agree, he's an important person I will not discount him given everything I have learned. If he does not grow hostile to us." She mentioned as her eyes wandered.

"Gunter Sturnhell? What a name." She giggled.

"You'll see some names like that around." Replied the Dragonborn.

"He's known for being the first man to break his way through the gates into the Imperial City during the Battle of the Red Ring, the one that ended the war. He was only sixteen at that time, and he's moved on to serve the President since." He then remarked.

Ruigus recalled clearly the tales of his exploits reached his ears once in a while when he was about nine. He earned a reputation of having some rather notable fights in what were generally insignificant incidents in High Rock and for a brief time in Morrowind. And of the expulsions of Daedra he was known for in his homeland, even if they were just singular Dremora after a botched or malevolent summoning.

"A hero of yours it seems." Spoke up Alduin with a most teasing expression.

"I suppose so." He replied, as he felt a strange embarrassment.

"Looks like he'll get acquainted with us at that fort we're supposed to go to. I forgot the name." Added Ruigus.

"Fort Dawnguard?" Reminded Alduin.

"Oh yeah that's the name."

Ruigus folded the letter and went to open up Tullius's letter for him, he'd reply the President when he had the proper quill.

"Anyways I can't wait to see what we'll do there." He said as he bit his lip. There was an attachment to Tullius's letter as he pulled it out.
The message read as:

" Ruigus

At Dawnguard Castle it has been proposed and confirmed that they will be restoring a former fort that has fallen into mere rubble that currently lays on a highway leading into Morrowind. It's location will be explained to you at Dawnguard.

It is your duty, not Alavia's directly, that the building plan must be created as per my attached schematics and layout as you will read. If you come under question you will state that this plan was submitted to you by Hugo Koegel, I should not need to remind you who he is and what he has done. This should not come under question, if it does you must fight for it to see that the plans are utilized, anything else and it will be a detriment to our position and struggle for present and future for us.

Fight hard, and endeavor your best."

Under it was something that seemed hastily written.

"I have a gift for you, Elizabeth will grant it to you the moment she reads what I sent her, use it well. You will not have to worry about any bureaucracy about it."

Thus did the letter end.

"He predicted that we would come here." Said Ruigus.

"At the very least, I suppose."
He reached to look at the schematics as Alduin pondered silently.

The schematics were rather massive, Ruigus was surprised they had managed to fit so well into the letter as it did.

He had gone into some research on castles when he studied under Secantius but he had not quite known how to actually construct one. He noticed one thing immediately, the walls were to be done Colovian style in that there were 'archer ports' on them. Again something only typically seen in Tamriel in his homeland. It led to walls that had higher risk of breach but offered a lot of ranged firepower for the defenders as well as near perfect protection if the enemy did not possess siege engines, at least with the materials listed that they'd have to work with it'd be the case.

He stowed it away for study later as Alduin began to read hers aloud.

" Alavia

Your duties will be to handle the imperial military wing of the Dawnguard order in your time with them. I am informed that Lucis Caesar, the Emperor's Pupil will be there to assist you and handle most of the civil affairs, however I suspect him to be a foolish and bratty man. If he attempts to order you about as though he commands your army remind him that you make your own judgment as an Officer of the Empire, work well with the other figures at this Castle. Inform me of any developments from your own words when you get chances for them. I will place my trust in you and Ruigus for this.

Do your best. And regards."
Her oration of the letter finished.

"Looks like the weight is being placed upon our necks again." Remarked Ruigus as his half grin held.

"You're taking it better now." Replied Alduin.

Ruigus merely gave a comical shrug.

"I think to follow what he says, I trust his intuition on all of this that much. I do not wish to disappoint." He stated.

"Against mine?" She asked, a serious question asked with a tinge of humorousness.

"Tell me yours." Implored Ruigus.

"We burn the abominations of Bal, wherever they are." She said, there was a fiery look in her eyes to match her words.

"...You both are right. Tullius wishes to focus securing settlements up while you want to be active in stopping them, I think that is the very reason the Dawnguard are being created." He imparted to her with an air of thoughtfulness.

"That is wise, brother would say something of such wisdom belying your years. Or whatever truthful nonsense he would articulate." She stated with a fair gaze in her eyes.

"I merely only take it from what I have learned from Tullius, from all of my foolish experiences here, I've hardly learned from the likes of the Greybeards or Paarthunax when I should have, I have learned from you though."

That of which Alduin crooked her head and took up her wooden sword and pointed it at the nape of Ruigus's neck.

"I do not know if to be honored or insulted." She remarked cooly as she stared at Ruigus. Who stared a bit strangely back at her.

"Is something the matter?" She asked.

"No, no. It's just…...You reminded me of when…...When you took what was Solitude way back then." Stated the young Dragonborn.

Alduin's eyes widened slightly as she pulled the sword back, the memory of it all searing her mind.
"That was a terrible time. One that led to countless others."

Ruigus remained silent to those words.

"I was betrayed, in the end I went along with what I believed was just and by extension all that followed. The lives I ruined and propelled forwards both benevolent and malevolent were as nothing but the mere specks I could see as I would fly in the skies. The life of that loyalist Rhald was the same as them, even in his betrayal he was still loyal."
"In such time, I thought more of Aetherius and my rage towards it than I did about my own plane, or the realm that was what I held of Skyrim, and Atmora."
Her eyes stared right through Ruigus as he held his gaze with her, listening raptly.

"I failed the promise of my dearest friend and forever alienated my own brother, my forgiveness to him that you saw was a lie. At the very end when I was banished, I thought only that the madness of Sheogorath had finally prevailed into my own mind and that of all beings, and nothing more than my unending frustration. I cared and still care very little for life; you must have seen that, much less have heard it from my own self, my kin and mortals mean little, both betrayed me in the end, some did not. My existence and strength in the past was made up by the pillars that were my four, and my priests who did so out of their own selfishness. Must I state this again and again to you and those that will listen? I shall, until all changes."

She remained silent for a moment, before she blinked and gave a smile.

"Yet I ramble on, words are always meaningless without an action behind them, you know that more than I do, all mortals do." She remarked.

Ruigus remained silent, in truth he knew not what to say to reassure or give her something to ponder over herself.

Her failure gnawed at her own being, was that not conscience and self awareness to move on with no guilt over one's shoulder? To speak of things he had no definite answer on?
He closed his eyes for a moment in a brief mediation.

Both he and Alduin were right, time would give the answer, perhaps it may, perhaps it was useless.

They were both fools.

He opened his eyes again as she stared at him.

"You should not think so hard about my own sins."
"Alduin, I think to reflect on myself of your words and my own experiences. I think it is worth to rest it for another time when we both know to work towards the future. You have said it before." He said, as he maintained an amicable expression.

Alduin's smile returned.

"I know. Perhaps we should set our minds to other things. Do you wish to duel again?" Thrusted a request of hers.

Yet as he was about to reply a yell was heard.

"Master Kessel!" Boomed the voice of the aged retainer.

"Helmut, what is the matter!?" He responded as Alduin took to his side.

"The lady requests to see you immediately!" Informed Helmut as Ruigus understood as to why.

"Just a moment to put away all the training gear and we will be right with you!" Said Ruigus as he began to almost frantically take off the training gear to go and jog to his retainer.

With Alduin behind him, Helmut gave a smile and led them.

Through the gates and the pathway to the field as they earned curious stares from those that worked them the trio were bowed to by the guards with spears as they entered the estate.

As they walked towards the stairs Alduin noticeably stared at the massive painting of Warlord Berlin and his vassals, there were multiple more all over the hall of similar depictions her eyes scanned through.

"Like I was saying, Lady Elizabeth is the daughter of him, she always looked up to him and her family." Caught Ruigus as she stared about.

"And Tullius…..I suppose he wished such a reminder of it, a lot of families have these paintings of him now." He added.

"It seems many idolize him, it is almost close to a divine." Said Alduin as they went up the steps.

"That is true Ms. Alavia. Our Warlord brought many families to status with his rise and reforms and brought an end to our internal war while those in the capital did nothing. He brought a change to our lives, the battles I followed the Kessels and Drachs when they were sworn into his service were always beautiful. I wish to see more from them both once again before I join with all the others where the lords are." Spoke up Helmut with a quiet passion.

"I see, many most owe him for granting a purpose to their lives." Replied Alduin.

"Yes. Many good lords gave up when he was gone." Replied Helmut.

"I miss Sir Sieghard and Sir Reinhard's families, they would know what to do for us now." He said with a sigh, he talked more to his ownself it seemed.

Alduin took a glance at Ruigus who's gaze was downcast. He was discomforted with such talk.

Ruigus remained like this until they reached the doors to the throne room. The guard that was posted there previously gave them a smile. In silence he opened the doors for them.

Inside Lady Elizabeth sat upon her throne as Helmut led the pair in.

"Lady." He said as he bowed and went to the side as Ruigus motioned Alduin forward to where they would sit.

As Alduin copied Ruigus's movement she felt a hard, cold, and hostile stare from the lady.

"Sieghard." The Lady stated firstly.

Ruigus raised his form to look at her.

"My husband wishes for you to use his father's armor as long as you fight. Go to the fitting room and mantle it, for whatever good it is." Stated Elizabeth.

"And then I will wish you farewell unless there is something else you need." She said, her tone was hostile but not inhospitable in a contradictory manner as Alduin detected.

This woman seemed as though she cared for Ruigus, but as to the why of her hostility eluded her.
"I can lead you there." Said Helmut quietly.

Ruigus stood up.

"Let us go."

"Wait." Came Elizabeth. As she stared at Alduin with that same glance she had given her earlier.

"A moment with you, I shall make it short."

"Of course." Said Alduin, as she stuck to what Ruigus had done and sat on the ground once more.

She said nothing until the pair exited.

"What is the meaning of you? I see the look of a warrior in your eyes and I know that of what sort of creature you are."
Alduin stared up at her as Elizabeth looked as though she pitied her.

"My uncle, my father, and my brother have all been claimed by war and you think to take away another of mine? As though my own worries of my husband were not enough."

"I wish to help Sieghard's wish come true, we know of the growing dangers of our lives and what the future holds for us both." Alduin replied gently, masking her fuming spirit.

"You do not know of what the future will bring, I know that more than any. What may be right will be wrong in but mere moments as was the death of my family's world. Yours may end the very same, and I do not wish to see another one of mine harmed." She spoke sternly as her hostile gaze did not change.

"Miss Alavia, I wish for you to now begone, and keep my words to your northern heart, for however much it can remember." She stated, as though matter of fact.

Alduin glared as she rose up.

"I shall. I will not forget it." She replied, she turned away and made her exit.

She exited abruptly, seeing the guard as well as Helmut and Ruigus waiting for her.

"It was not long." Said Alduin, masking her anger towards the woman.

There was no reply, a silent understanding was reached.

"I will show you to the fitting room, the Lady will have some pages there if you wish to put it on." Said Helmut.

Ruigus gave a smile.

"I suppose that will be the only way to know if it is comfortable, I'll make use of them." Stated the young Dragonborn.

"Of course young Master, to think you would wear the armor of Isebrand! He must be honored!" Exclaimed the senior estate guard.

"If only he were alive." Murmured Ruigus as they walked on.

The father of Tullius had long died, Tullius only ever spoke of him in passing. Helmut and Secantius often described him as a somewhat of a cunning fox in along with Ruigus's Grandfather; who at the time formed an infamous duo.

Isebrand was known to be a master at playing an enemy in a siege or overall urban fight, Grandfather Alwin was the one to play the enemy on the field of battle, both held the well regarded small groups of infiltrators and saboteurs, something Tullius modeled in the middle-late periods in the Great War. As Ruigus remembered it.

In silence they entered what was the fitting room, or rather was truthfully the armory of the family.

Alduin noticed instantly all the armors, weapons, and unique artifacts that lined on the walls and shelves in a rather large room.

Noticeably, and the most prominent of all was a weird red flag that had a diamond as though filled with a blood red color.

Three pages approached, all holding individual pieces of armor on stands.

"Sir Kessel! We bring you the armor of Isebrand." Greeted one as he bowed, setting the stand of armor on the floor.

Ruigus replied silently with a bow himself.

"I thank you."
Helmut, spun to face Ruigus.

"This will not be the true set, the helm will be the standard war mask that Isebrand would wear in his earlier days, and the jacket is not the pure Colovian one, you can see that it is the half-Colovian half-imperial." Pointed Helmut as Ruigus noticed the large cloth rims of the jacket.

Ruigus remembered the tale Tullius had told him about the armors of his Grandfather and his own father.

Isebrand had the fox mask and cloth with the four Kvatchian foxes on the left side; four Imperial dragons on the right, Alwin had it so his helm had metal ears in the shape of a Colovian Shepherd's on his helm with the cloth on his jacket having the four Kvatchian foxes on the right side; and four Imperial Dragons on the left. It was the jacket they were supposedly to put on while they fought in the Great war, they both had another following only their fox pattern.

It was an abstract thing, but one of the few of which that they shared amongst their fellow lords. Much like the fact that their jackets were deceptive, the insides had striplings of armor all in the interior making it light and giving good defense.

Colovian armor much was a strange hybrid of that of the Akaviri. As Ruigus remembered and Alduin realized as her eyes grew wide as she stared at the set.

Ruigus felt a measure of pride as he examined the decoratively half-plated armor of the Colovian lord, made to be lighter than most heavy armor, but give more protection than most of it's make in pure Colovian steel.

"I have a question." Alduin stated to nobody in particular.

"What is it Master Alavia?" Asked Helmut.

"That armor….Your armor is Akaviri, is it not?" She asked.

Ruigus wanted to explain it, but he had forgotten by now.

"It is a long tale my lord, when Reman led our people to victory against their invasion of Tamriel when they reached our fortress at Sancre Tor he allowed those he took in to influence our own people in many ways, the Nibeneans took some of their traditions and would form the Blades, the Heartlanders used their name in nobility for a reason I do not know, but we crafted their armors into our own making mostly due to how it could be stylized and customized to look and we took some of their teachings of warfare, to put it as best I know." Said Helmut slowly.

"Ah, I see. I have some reading up I should do then. Thank you Helmut." She said.

One of the Pages spoke up as Ruigus finished his examination of the armor, it was exquisite, and yet it was the armor of one who had perished in it.

"Are you pleased Master Kessel?" Asked the head page.

Ruigus replied with a smile.

"I almost say I do not deserve it. I shall not ever lose this."

"If you do I'm afraid both Isebrand and Alwin will haunt you!" Joked the head page.

The joke took Ruigus off guard before he burst with laughter.

"That'd be the end of me, let us put it on."
The Head page ceased immediately, and cooly nodded his head.

"Enter this room with us, it should only take a couple of minutes." He said.

Alduin tapped the shoulder of Ruigus.

"I will stay here, I wish to see all of these." She stated, a strangely bright look of wonder in her eyes.

"Oh alright, I will see you in a thousand years." He replied with a terrible smirk.

Alduin felt half tempted to hit him lightly in the back of the head with that.

Helmut smiled as they entered the room.

"It is good to see the young master happy again. I thank you." Said Helmut as he bowed at Alduin.

She didn't quite know how to respond to that sudden gratitude.

"It is my pleasure." She merely replied.

"I noticed you staring at the Blood flag of Colovia." He said, bringing up the subject to her.

"You have good eyes." She replied in an instant.

"I earned it from my time during the unification, had to keep an eye for assassins."
She was not sure how that translated to people but was nonetheless impressed.

"I see, although yes. Why does Tull-Reinhard have this?" She asked.

"Ah it was given to him by the Warlord during the battle of….Some place on the border between us and that of Valenwood and Elsweyr. It was the fifteenth battle between him and Falcrion Salingorin, a prominent general and our Great Warlord's best rival I think he was described as a second coming of Trinimac. Anyways, it was in that battle the Warlord's greatest friend and our best tactician Numerius died, and so did the Warlord's brother Wolf who's Imperial name that Master Sieghard has beared since his birth."
She was about to ask how it was made before he spoke again, he seemed distant the more he spoke.

"They both had fallen upon the flag of the same bannerman. Their blood filled the diamond of our flag in a most bizzare event. And the Warlord gave it to his son in law as a remembrance of what sacrifice was, as Lord Reinhard told me. Each time I look at it, I remember the days before our Great Lord died." He finished gently, hints of tears in his eyes.

A sorrowed expression took hold of him as he turned to look at the flag appeared.

"I wonder if one day again shall we ever see another bunch like how myself and all the lords that he propped up will ever repeat itself, all the happiness, the glory, and the struggles we all shared as we moved from one victory to the next. If again there will be those that will be saved from misery and becoming forgotten, that will feel the winds of Kyne after each day as a fire of Zenithar burns in their hearts to keep them awake the next day. The beauty of Dibella in the ability to show their own lordship and respect over the people much like that of my lords did. Each day I remember what Alwin, what Isebrand, what Wolf, what Siegward, what Erich, what -"
He caught himself and turned to Alduin, he appeared horrified at his own self.

"Forgive me, I must not dwell on the dead, as Lord Reinhard says."

Alduin could hardly think of a proper response.

"No need, your loyalty to them far exceeded what most today deserve." She replied.

"There is such a passion in you Ruigus, to that past." She thought, she drew a comparison to her own self and realized, it was possible, that what existed before she came here could have been a parallel or as a lesson to that of her own rule back then, as what Vahlok tried to make her learn.

It was all too coincidental, too fated perhaps. Her desire to know more increased.

Helmut was at a loss of words for a second, before he spoke up again.

"You are right, there is nobody else I wish to serve aside from Reinhard, Elizabeth, and Sir Sieghard!" He stated, a certain youthful flame in his eyes full of pride.

She could gather, there also was a schism between the Colovians and the Imperial government itself. She knew it had existed previously, but it seemed more and more apparent that there was bitterness, and some hate to those in the capital that dared to burn. At the very least, that was the very air of emotions she felt in this land.

"If only I had servants like you." She thought inwardly.

"Did I deserve anymore people like that….Vahlok?" She asked to a spirit that could not respond to her.

She nodded with a light smile.

The door from the side room opened, and out walked Ruigus, fully clad in the armor of Tullius's father, the Akaviri like mask hung on a collar like piece of his chest armor.

Helmut, who had stood at a somewhat sloop earlier, seemed to stand to attention as he stared at him.

"You look as though you are but one of the old lords readying before battle again." The old retainer stated.

"I will wear it with as much spirit as I can, Helmut." Assured Ruigus.

"It does feel a bit strange." He added.

"It will not last, one day Lord Reinhard may wear it yet himself, and so will Alexi."

Ruigus nodded, it took a bit of effort with the helm. It was strange not having to wear armor for a while, even if only for a week.

"I know."
Ruigus then turned to face the pages and bowed at them, and they responded in kind as they made an exit in silence.

"What were you two talking about? It was all very muffled in there." Said Ruigus, as he checked the armor of his arms.

"The old Blood flag." Said Helmut.

"Oh, I remember the tale. I sort of wish I did not know that my name comes from Wolf's, it is all a sad thing." Said Ruigus as he stared at it.

"Did they tell you of your armor's blessing?" Asked Helmut, not quite wanting to go back to the origins of the bloodied flag.

"They did, a resistance to the effects of magic like most of the Lord's armors were."
"Very good, it should protect you from those accursed Vampires and Mages as much as it can young Master." Said Helmut.

"Yes, it will be invaluable in that." Replied Ruigus.

He truly felt a different aura wash over him in this armor.

"Has anyone ever found Grandfather's armor…..Helmut?" He then brought up.

"No, it was destroyed when they found him." Helmut said, his mood dropping at a slight.

"I see." Replied Ruigus.

"I must grab a weapon I had ordered from the Head smith before I leave Helmut….Unless Alavia, do you wish to see more of these artifacts?" He gestured around the room.

"Someday later, as much as it pains me to see some that look as though they were from ancient times, I will learn about them some other day." She smiled.

Helmut gave a bow of respect.

"I will be at the gates, young masters. I will go ensure your horses are brought to it." He said as he made his own exit.

The pair stood, rather awkwardly before Alduin spoke.

"Perhaps we should have left with him?" She asked at a slight tease.

"Oh you're right, I just got lost in thought. It truly does feel weird wearing the armor of Tullius's father, it'd be like wearing the armor of my Grandfather or my blood related Uncle…..But neither of what they wore is around anymore. It's sort of…..wrong to wear this I think, even if it is a better armor than all of what I have used so far." He explained, shifting uncomfortably in it.

"You must not dwell on the dead, as Helmut said to me."

Ruigus managed a smile in response.

"Did he? Never expected him to say that." He replied.

"He told me that Tullius once said that to him, something along those lines."

The Dragonborn gave a frown.

"Strange, I just remembered he said something about that…..." He trailed.

"Er, we should get going." He added next.

"Alright, you said you had a weapon to pick up from a smith?" She stated as she opened the door for Ruigus to proceed.

"Yeah, a halberd. Which is why I wanted to use the spear." He stated neutrally.

"Oh. Right." She said as she made her way to his side.

In silence they walked up to the main doors, two guards with swords knelled without as much as a word.

Exiting the Estate manor they stepped out onto the long pathway to the Blacksmith.

"Ruigus." She said suddenly.

Ruigus turned his head to look at her.

"What's up?"
She blushed a bit at the rather odd style of speech he replied with.

"Do you wish they were with you?" She asked.

He hadn't expected that question, it was the very one of the reasons why he half went on his adventure to Skyrim, to get away from that sort.

It was another sort of thing he could no longer run away from, to get upset by words would mean his failing.

"I do, a proper family is something I needed most, it is far too late for it now." He said.

"But my mother, and these people did their best for me, I had those I could love and rely on, I think that is…...enough to hope for."

"I...I hope Elizabeth will think the same some day, she hates war too much to...Think of that I guess."

There was silence between the two as they walked.

"Why cannot she be happier, why cannot mom be happier, why cannot Helmut be happier, why cannot Tullius be happier. I think about that from time to time."
"You may pity me, for lack of better word, but they all lost more than I have. I want to help them." He said.

"No matter what could happen, I would owe it to them to try. It just hurts to get yelled at by Lady Elizabeth now." He said, giving a sad smile.

"I….Understand." Acknowledged Alduin.

She never quite had a family of her own to identify with, only that facsimile with her own brother.

War had taken much from Ruigus, even if he believed it were not so bad as it was. Not to mention all of what this family they were with must have felt when whenever it was they lost seemingly their entire future, and all that they had built and bled for.

She supposed, that was something in common she had with Ruigus and this family of Tullius.

Perhaps it was too coincidental, despite the differences between hers and theirs, of which she was interested to learn, no matter how simple it could have been.

Stepping into the smithery Ruigus walked his way to a single, old man in the clothes befitting such a place.

"Welcome back." Greeted the old smith.

"Good day! How are you doing?" Ruigus said, in a genuine care for the man.

"I still hold a hammer and I still work, a perfect day as any." The old man grinned.

"You here fer your halberd?" He asked.

"Yes sir. If it is done."

"Aye." Was all he said as he went to a barrel full of weapons, and pulled out the corresponding weapon, Ruigus was a bit surprised he had not spotted it before given it's location.

"Put some love into this one those fire salts did, came out nice, can cut through just about any hide, maybe you can get through a Dragon's eh?" The Head smith flashed a toothy grin.

Ruigus giggled.

"I think it may!" He replied as the Smith handed it too him. He had been very accurate to his words from yesterday.

It was surprisingly light, despite being made of Colovian steel.
"If I had some Stahlrim this would have been better." The smith grumbled as Ruigus looked over the large blade on the front, the smaller blade in the back and the stabbing point.

He was certain that a normal Halberd didn't have the small blade in the back but he figured it would be useful.

Excitement washed over him.

"It is a perfect weapon, I thank you. And wish to repay you back for this." Stated Ruigus as he bowed.

"Repayment?" Asked the Old smith in the sort of manner that was rhetorical.

"Hm, will you listen to what I have to say before you leave?" He grumbled.

He then pointed at Alduin.

"This is meant for your ears too!"
She nodded in response.

"I saw the requests of many young kids like you and the younger lords all over my years. All with what they wanted before they headed off to some campaign or battle. As the days passed less and less of them made it home. When it got worse, hardly any of the spirited young ones that used to be full of life I ever saw again. Almost every day I remember those faces and I often wonder if it was that failed them."

The smith sighed forlornly.

"What an old, rambling man like I means to wish is that you do not join those young'uns. I can hardly bear with it." He stated, looking downcast.

"I swear to you that I will not. I can't say I won't risk my life often but I know that no matter what I must survive." The young Dragonborn assured, an aura of stoicism came about him from the very expression he wore.

He looked a lot different from Alduin's perspective, in just for this moment.

The old man gave an earnest smile.

"Aye, do so. I wish to pass away some day with knowing my work at used to it's fullest by some young fools. Thank you." He bowed his head.

With not much else to say Ruigus replied with a nod and motioned Alduin to follow with him, taking all that the Smith had prepared for him alongside his halberd.

Thankful that the armor of Isebrand had a special holster meant for such a large weapon on his back, he'd finally leave his second home in his brief visit here.

"It's strange, to see a man who survived the rule of another." Said Alduin, garnering a glance from the man at her side.

"I would say, that one that survived my own times whether they sided with my loyalists or not would have had some to impart both of good and ill about my cult and those that came after. I speak of that retainer of yours." Clarified Alduin.

"I imagine so, given everything that's happened." He replied.

"Yes. I am glad I did not follow what I was meant to do." She said, leaving no time for a response as they approached the gates.

Three of the guards kneeled without much as a word, Helmut stayed standing as he stared at them.

Two of them held the reigns of their horses.

"Oh! A great weapon it is I see!" He intiated as he saw the tip of the blades of Ruigus's halberd.

"I think it'd be better than the old sword and shield, I have those Shouts of mine to rely on for protection. And this wonderful armor." He stated.

Helmut gave a very energetic nod.

"Without a doubt young master, the Spear and Halberd are the weapon of our land. I am proud to see you wield one."
Ruigus blushed as he remembered that fact about his home.

That was right, ever since the creation of the Alessian Empire the Sword and Shield became the two honored weapons of Tamriel, somewhat in part due to being the weapons of Pelinal himself if he was not mistaken. It was strange, he half recalled hearing something about the Spear being the better weapon but it was shot down by some Elitists in the Legion.

"Yeah, it's just what's best to use I believe." Ruigus replied simply.

"A better mindset than those city boys." Chuckled one of the kneeling guards.

"Yes, they're worse than the Dominion." Replied Helmut.

Ruigus didn't quite understand the statement as a half-awkward silence filled the air but nonetheless he smiled.

"Yet we must go and try to save Skyrim on their behalf I suppose. Before I go I want to thank you Helmut, for holding on." Said Ruigus.

Helmut fell to a knee.

"I do my best for you and the family." He said simply.

Ruigus felt a bit of pride in his chest.

"You always did." He said as he went up to his horse, the corresponding guards stood up to aid him and Alduin as the last of Estates-men opened the gates.

"Take care all of you, and until next time." He said to all of them as Alduin rode up, giving them a hint of a supportive smile.

"The Good luck of Kynareth with your exploits, Lord Kessel!" Blurted a beaming Helmut as Ruigus began to ride off, the sun had begun to set.

"The armor of old Isebrand and a spirit like that to boot. It's like seeing one of the old lords off to battle yet again." Sighed one of the guards alongside Helmut.

Helmut for his part said nothing and turned to look at the Manor.

Lady Elizabeth was barely visible through the window of which she looked out from in the dead center of the manor.

A tear fell from her face.

"Do not be harsh to Sieghard no matter your feelings on what it is he and I do. What path he now follows is my own fault. Do not think it was his choice or a curse from the Divines. Know that I will not hear that your prayers were for nothing, so were my own. Yet as the life we once knew died, we had to change, it is as the way of our world.

Yours, Reinhard"

Those last words repeated in her head endlessly.

She had prayed each year for a good life for the young Kessel. One of the last few she could care for as time moved on. Her desire for the salvation of the youth had been twisted into his becoming of a Dragonborn. It was a joke, a curse crueler than anything else in these wretched days.

She had three heartstrings of which that kept her waking each day, all but one threatened to sever at any moment.

"Sieghard." She whispered, pain gripped at her chest and throat as she forced out his name.

Her sole tear fell from her face as she watched the pair ride onward.

…

..

.

---

"So…." Came Ruigus's voice as he led Alduin onto a new path.

He spoke in Tamrielic as they were riding along and opposite of travelling parties in caravans, the road was somewhat busy at this time.

Alduin poked Ruigus with a rather stealthy use of magic.

He suppressed a yelp as she gave an expectant look.

"So how did it go with my mother?" He asked gently.

"I must not tell him about that Thalmor agent." She casually reminded herself as she gave a response.

"Well of course, I believe I may have drank all of her tea."

"Well of course what?" He replied cheekily.

"That it went wonderfully well." Said Alduin, realizing her intial words.

"She is a most kind woman. She gives both good memories and good thoughts."

"I would very much like to see her again some day, she is truly a unique person."
"My mother, unqiue?" Thought Ruigus as his brow furrowed.

"She taught me your language of course too, there's a meager amount I do not understand anymore." She said, in a manner of pure pride.

"How zufällig"

(fortuitous)
Alduin stared at him blankly as a small measure of said pride was instantaneously destroyed.

"Ruigus…..You….." She raged.

"Eh? What?"
"You should know that I do not understand advanced language!" She exclaimed.

"S-Sorry." He said, almost coming off as a question of whether or not it was something he should be taking seriously.

"Idiot!" She declared before she giggled, unsure if Ruigus took the playfulness the right way.

"She taught me about what that Black Horse service does, a group that provides and finds information throughout the entirety of the Empire is…Fascinating, especially in such strange ways." She stated, continuing from before.

"Again I do not understand how such a thing as that still can be the sole source of….Written news throughout the land."
"Ah yeah, everyone is supposed to have some low maintenance, local knockoff of their own in their states." He explained.

"That I recall. What does 'knockoff' mean?" She asked. Shooting Ruigus with a very innocently curious countenance, it almost seemed uncharacteristic of her.

"Oh it is another word for a copy or replica. Meant to be on the more negative side as with them, they are just taking the scraps of whatever is given to them to continue until an emergency happens." He explained.

"The Imperial Government expands in most fascinating ways." She mentioned as her eyes wandered about the land, she spotted something peculiar in the sky that was rather large and boat-like in shape. She pointed at it.

"Is that some strange illusion Ruigus? A floating boat must be one powerful effort, I laugh at whoever thought it was a clever idea." She laughed as she stared at it, many of those on the road were staring at it and murmuring about one another.

"Oh that's real."

Alduin stared miles into Ruigus.

"What?"

"It's an Airship."
"What?"
"Flying boat." Blinked Ruigus.

"Your explanation is most excellent." The sarcasm was not lost on Ruigus.

"I mean, I hardly know much of it myself, it relies on those…...those….Engines I think they're called, and some other magics if I remember. I think the engines are supposed to be on the back, the glowing things with the trails sticking out of them. I think those are supposed to be new." Struggled Ruigus as he had some awe in the midst of trying to explain as best he could with his limited knowledge.

"So it is not an Illusion then! What is it for!?" Her curiosity grew.

"Just transport usually I think, sometimes you'll see some governor or other type of very important person using one." He stated.

"Ah, that is sensical considering how I've been yet to see one. Are they all like this?"
"I don't think so, there's a lot of old types, this is one of the newer ones I think, they are very rare." He said as they watched it fly on, the mast of the ship was a noticeable figure of a Dragon.

They could see it was heading to the Imperial City

"Must be top of the line." Thought Ruigus.

"Well, perhaps we may race it to the City in time, perhaps before that Lucis can chide us for being slow eh?" Grinned Ruigus to which Alduin smiled.

"If I do not give into my temptation to transform and tear it down, it may be one we will lose." She smirked, before kicking her horse into full gallop after him.

The hum of it's engines in the far distance ingrained on her mind.

Strange and useful inventions had long caught her admiration, no matter who made it.

Beautiful curiosities, all over a land of waning peace.

..

.

---

Dusk had come an hour before they entered the Immortal City of Cyrodil. As they made their way to the Arena now turned Military district, Ruigus asked a question in the rather silent side streets.

"Well, I suppose we'll be stuck in the city for another day after this, guess we can stop by my Cousin's yet again if we need to rest."
"Alright, Sieghard." She stated, purposefully speaking his Colovian name.

"And now you start saying that, you know which one I prefer." Said Ruigus.

"You could do with some nagging." She replied.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He replied.

"I love your reactions, that is all." She stated with what was the closest to an innocent smile.

"O-Oh right." He stated, a slight blush upon his cheeks.

"This whole day has been nothing about us pretend bickering." He sighed mentally.

The pair were let through and saluted by the attending orderlies as they made there way to where their two enigmatic allies had chosen to await them.

Proceeding into what was once a VIP observation room meant for the viewing of the Arena's games had now been turned into a closed topped, mere office room as it now were.

Inside sat the pair on opposite sides of a small table on lounge couches.

It seemed that they had concluded a game of chess, judging by the way that Rosario Vinceti's Rook had managed to line itself up in perfect sight of what was Lucis's Arch Mage, the replacement for King in the Nibeneese variation of the game. It had been a close game, due to the large amount of pieces taken off the field, only five were left total for both.

"They arrived two days ago, I believe that you may underestimate your own men." Lucis greeted with a near chastising tone.

The counterpart pair immediately knew of what they spoke of.

"They've all been informed?" Asked Ruigus.

"Yes, they know of what they will be marching with, expect that Captain Kober to make a full report to you of your inventory." Responded Rosario.

"Excellent, are what you are bringing all prepared?" Questioned Alduin.

"Yes." Replied Lucis.

"The zealots are young and eager, there appearance misrepresents their experience." He said dejectedly.

To Ruigus it seemed that he and everyone else were all but speaking out of a weird turn with each other already.

"It appears we have forgotten mere pleasantries, how fared your visit to home?" Asked Rosario, kind in his intention.

"Oh uh, it was well. I had somewhat of a bad run in with the Warlord and that was the worst of it, there were two other private matters that were not well, but all is right with me." Stated Ruigus.

"I must thank you for not mentioning that man's name in my presence." Snorted Lucis.

Ruigus opened his mouth to speak before Rosario let out a chuckle.

"Oh I beg that you tell us about it on our way, say Sir Kessel, that armor you wear belongs to…..Sir Drach correct?" Asked Rosario.

Ruigus perked up as his eyes grew wide for a split second.

"Yeah, Tullius gave me his blessing to wear it, I apologize for wearing it in here but I'm trying to get comfortable with it." He explained.

"Erm, how do you know what this is?" The Dragonborn then asked.

"I and Lucis are both well read to say it trivially. It looks almost as typical as the rest of the Colovian lords armors but it possesses a unique little fox emblem right on your breastplate adjacent to your right arm." Pointed out the masked Nibenean.

"O-Oh I didn't even notice that." Said Ruigus with a blush.

"Neither did I." Murmured Alduin.

Rosario grew a wry smile beneath his mask, Lucis was reading through a report as they spoke, his face held an unreadable expression.

"My eyes are meant to be keen. Now Lady Alavia, what do you think of Cyrodil? Assuming even despite that it is your first visit?" He asked, intrigued.

Alduin was a bit surpised, her usual habit of silent listening was broken by this mere question.

"Of Cyrodil? I have only been in the Imperial City and in Kvatch for this brief time but I will state that I am most impressed how technically impressive this land is, it is far more developed. It is as though I step into another world, truly I am amazed. I've yet to visit any other land but in my short time I know that I wish to spend years time here if given the chance." Stated Alduin.

"I will offer you one thing Miss Kessel, you two should visit Morrowind someday, I think it more intriguing than our own land admittedly." Smiled Rosario.

"Ah. That it must be." She said, she had not given it much thought before.

"You two, tell me what is the key difference between Skyrim and Cyrodil that you have noticed, I have yet to go there myself but I know the answer very well." Challenged Lucis with a question.

Ruigus couldn't help but look at Alduin.

"Uhm, you've probably noticed it more than I do."

"I thought a man like you from this land would notice it right as soon as you entered that land." Blurted Lucis, his left hand twirling around a knight piece.

"Er, when I first arrived some Legionnaires thought I was a Stormcloak or something along those lines and knocked me out and took me prisoner, and in the next moments the first dragon attack in what centuries happened, it didn't strike me then and now I still do not know." Stated Ruigus.

"It is funny, to think that it is still not taught of how long and influential Dragons have had for those centuries."
Before Ruigus and Alduin could speak their own questions to Lucis's peculiar remark, Rosario spoke up.

"What we mean to ask, is Skyrim backwards?" He put bluntly, and to the point.

"That is what we, who have not been there and only have heard of ask, it is a matter of great importance to us." The masked nibenean explained.

"Oh, of course! From all the time I've been there everything's just about lacked what we have here in home, I didn't want to be rude or disrespectful but…I suppose it is a beautiful land that doesn't have all that we have both basic and advanced. I guess that in the view of these Imperial City men here they must see them living in barbaric conditions." Ruigus Internally concluded.

"Yeah, it is." Piped the Dragonborn, incidentally cutting Alduin from speaking.

"In comparison to here it lacks in much of what you have in a city such as Kvatch, or as evidenced on the roads themselves." Said Alduin

"Do elaborate further." Requested Lucis as he stared into them distantly.

"It becomes obvious upon gazing upon a city and comparing it to one such as our aforementioned Kvatch here. They have what I think is the necessities but none of what say that what is here in terms of scale, they have seemingly one temple a city, where as I was told that Kvatch had five for an example. I think, that what it simply lacks is that there are more people living outside of the cities than there are that wish to be in them." Stated Alduin.

"It's a bit strange, I don't get why'd they ask us even for our perspective…..But perhaps I should not be cynical." Further internalized Ruigus as Rosario's voice sounded.

"There are many millions in the countrysides of all Cyrodil despite all appearances Miss Kessel, we understand that there is a minor difference of that respect in Skyrim. The issue is as clear faced as what you see, however it is only a mere part."
Rosario gave a short pause.

"The true issues are not with infrastructure only, it is what some people considered the cause of the war. To be blunt, it is those in the Council and governance view and treat the Nordic culture and religion in comparison to that of our own as a whole, disregarding the individual differences in the provinces of ourselves and their own." Explained Rosario.

"He speaks with a very calming tone all the time, I don't think I've yet to hear a change of tone from him yet." Noted the Dragonborn.

"Although, I suppose this is the second time anyways, he does have a very unique voice."

Ruigus now turned his attention to what he had now said.

"That's right, somebody mentioned this to me before, was it Rikke that mentioned something about this to me first?"
"See, Imperialization of Skyrim may have been the main cause of the revolt as well as overall decades of unrest, Talos ban not to be forgotten even in the very slightest although as much of it as a cry as it is from the Stormcloaks it is inconsequential to the overall situation of both them and us. We as an Empire are….Weak, and unable to provide proper support as it has been even before the Great War, as a matter of fact, we leeched off of all the provinces amidst it.

"You mean to say, that the problem is that Skyrim's backwardness is the cause of Imperial neglect, but I am to also assume the problem is the stubbornness of our people on the other hand, but there are extraneous factors on both sides, it is the fault of both but the end result is that Skyrim is considered behind the rest." Summarized Alduin.

Lucis managed a hint of a pleased smile.

"So, you are intelligent." He said, hardly more than a whisper.

"Very correct, it is also not every day I hear the use of that one particular word Miss Kessel." Complimented Rosario, emitting a light chuckle.

"What do you mean about Religion?" Piped up Ruigus.

"You should discern that as a Citizen of the Empire." Dejected Lucis as Rosario reciprocated him with a glare.

"Mister Kessel, it is the same as your Northern and Southern homeland, West Skyrim through Falkreath and our successes in Markarth and traffic in Solitude have been typically changed to that of our native views on the gods whilst all the Eastern provinces are still staunchly in favor of their own views and interpretations, their own truth vs our truth so to say it as the conflict goes. Although, our most key success was when they willingly removed the idea of that one Dragon, Alduin, from their pantheon and replaced it with Akatosh as we know him here for ever since the first era. This has been a move made with Mede the first." Explained Rosario, his soft voice emitted a cough a moment after.

"Have no fear, it is mere allergies, Peryite has not come for me yet." He joked.

"Does he wear that cloth mask because of Peryite?" Thought Ruigus as he took the joke for what it was but it fueled a small suspicion of why he wore such a thing, it was not typical of the Nibenese.

"Ha! It is no worry Sir Rosario, thank you for your explanation to us, I do not have another question." Smiled Ruigus, Rosario merely gave a light bow in response.

"And that is all I have to tell you of unless Ruigus wishes to add anything on." Stated Alduin.

Lucis, holding the attention of the three in the room was silent for a few moments.

"That is fair, I and Rosario shall find out for ourselves when we are in the lands, however I doubt our confinement within Fort Dawnguard will provide much of a useful view if anything." He stated dejectedly.

"Now, I hope you understand to make your own questions and observations while we make our own should you take it heart, it would be prudent of you to if we are to work together in any regard."
"That wily brute Tullius can only end the war with the Stormcloaks and provide aid against our new pain, not elevate Skyrim to a higher level in any way. It appears that it is up to I and Rosario to amend this. It'll be seen if he truly is the miracle worker that the Lords of Cyrodil say that he is." Ended Lucis.

Ruigus gave a hard glare, in the instant his adoptive Uncle had been called a Brute he snapped, the matter of the Warlord's thoughts on Tullius among all the other things levied against him had grown into pure, unyielding defense of him.

"Do not insult him, you bastard." He growled.

Lucis seemed unfazed.

"What does it matt-"

Rosario motioned with a stop to both Ruigus and Lucis for a moment.

"Lucis I ask that you apologize to Mister Kessel, for one who criticizes Tullius for being as culturally insensitive as those in the capital you are being as such with Mister Kessel here who has close ties with him. And Mister Kessel I ask that you do the same, you require some understanding here in what it is he says here."

Lucis replied instantly.

"I did not mean that as an insult to either Tullius or you. It is a mere fact. I know and owe it to him for holding Colovia long enough for the Diamond Offensive, had he not been able to it would have been the very end of our Empire and that is a certainty. I recognize his strengths and weaknesses without have even met him for more than a lengthy period of time. I am only curious to see if he can continue his feats in the service of Great Emperor Mede." Related Lucis in a calm, genuine manner.

"I apologize then, Lucis. It's just that I've come to realize that he has been having a hard time that's going to get worse if not already, I know that the same extends to our Emperor and all those close to him but as is already clear with me, it takes a toll on me as well. It does not help that the Warlord spoke so terribly of him, I guess you know the closeness of my and his family one way or another." Replied Ruigus, being genuine as well. Alduin saw as such.

"We know of it, the Kessel family was one of the families that came from nothing raised to status by Warlord Berlin. They betrayed the King of Kvatch and handed their own city to the Warlord without a fight, it was treachery but they were fervently loyal to their new master. Yours was known for being the more cunning leaf of the Warlord's great tree along with the Drach family on that same branch, perhaps in another life I would have bowed to you. But failure reached the Warlord and your father and thus ultimately you are in the service of our Emperor."
"Either way, it is a shame. Had your family survived their skills would have been needed, I hope that you can can handle that plate." Ended Lucis.
"He must know everything then….." Thought Ruigus.

"I shall do my greatest in their stead if you'd wish of them that then. I won't fail home or the people of Skyrim." Replied the Colovian boy.

Lucis showed the hint of his first smile to the opposite pair.

"I still hope that you do."

"Well then, if there is nothing else. Rosario, I see that you have something to say?"

"It's all too…..curious, how Ruigus and Lucis seemed to argue and now respect each other in mere moments. I do not think there is bitterness among them over such words, anyone else anywhere else would bear a grudge for such things. Do I perhaps read too much into this?" Pondered Alduin as she studied them both.

Rosario made a motion.

"It is best that we make progress before the day ends, Mister and Misses Kessel, are you perhaps ready to make your leave as of right now?" He requested.

"Are we not to be imprisoned in Cyrodil for one more day?" Asked Ruigus.

Lucis's mood dropped to mild disappointment.

"Think, it will take almost a week for us to fully leave Cyrodil, and a day to enter that Fort." He informed in a matter of fact manner.

"I see, I had not thought about it." Said Ruigus.

"Perhaps I should just let Alduin handle the rest of this." He mentally conceded.

"Is that your best or worst estimation?" Asked Alduin.

"Worst." Replied Lucis.

"Then we march at speed, I pray the stamina of these civilian soldiers that have been gathered are well for it."

"At worst they are spoiled brats." Lucis replied casually who took a moment of pause.

"I understand that a march will naturally drill such into them, if they cannot handle it then they were unable to be of use to our campaign for the time being. Perhaps they will not cry to us then." Stated Rosario as he arose out of his chair, a wry expression could be seen upon in his visible features.

"Let us inform our officers then, it will take some time before nightfall that they are mobilized. We will simply have to move in the dark, a luxury of our infrastructure here. That is to say, do you know that we have light posts across our major roads and cities that are lit up by magicka powering stones? I dare say that it is the only known and effective use of such things but nonetheless it is something currently unique to our land, I imagine that the Summerset Isle has their own counterpart of such a system." Shared Rosario.

"Out of everyone, I think that this man truly loves to speak to others." Thought Alduin as she gave Rosario a curious glance.

"I see, we took the scenic routes on our way here." Said Alduin as she arose.

Ruigus followed in suit.

"Ah that's right, another thing I didn't see in Skyrim, none of those, they had to naturally light everything wherever you where." He stated, turning his form to Lucis and Rosario.

"A shame, perhaps such a thing would be helping them in such dangerous night-times." Lucis replied dryly. He then motioned to the door.

"Rosario, lead us the way."
Rosario merely bowed his head.

"Very good, Alavia and Sieghard, may we coordinate this in good cohesion." Voiced the proud heartlander.

…

..

.

---

…

..

.

"Her excellency, this concludes the report given to us by the Owl." A gruff voice sounded across a well decorated and sized Imperial office, ten figures were in the room that had been long listening to the man.

The man that was speaking to Her Excellency, Field Marshall Praxeloria Salvol, the daughter of a General Jonna from two decades before.

Praxeloria held a sly smile upon her expression as the man who stood at her side carried such a great grin.

"To think, that our dear Eagle would be so willing to divulge that detail of his plan, what a man." He stated in response.

"It is certainly controversial good lord Motohira. I dare say we have little choice but to agree to it, as the situation permits." Voiced another advisor.

All of these advisors were most certainly generals.

The Field Marshall's right hand, Lanerus Motohira smiled.

"I suppose, it does seem out of character to not kick a man whilst he is down. Though I suppose things are becoming untenable up in Skyrim, aren't they?" Remarked Lord Motohira.

"Indeed, the North has become much of a waste as we believed. I wonder if that…..Miracle worker of our dear little Emperor is capable of turning such tides to the other wave, it is a different matter altogether to fight monsters." Spoke a female voice among those standing before Her Excellency.

"Our Blonde brat is departing today to join that order of vampire hunters resurrected by the will of the zealots of the gods, perhaps if he survives he will no longer be insufferable." Replied the other advisor, holding a rather smug expression.

Her Excellency's expression turned from that of content amusement to a more faint smile.

"That is enough I think of your disrespect of our infallible ruler and his heir, good friends." Stated Praxeloria.

"Such manners are not befitting we, who decide the Empire's future." She finished with a sly grin, running a hand through her own hair in a bored manner.

Motohira chuckled.

"Of course it is not that we mean disrespect to our colleagues, after all, I must admit I have fewer complaints with that bottomless of time that is Lucis than I do with the doubly worse Council currently." He stated.

"Oh indeed, I just happened to hear of good Councilman Caligula. Found avoiding yet another one of our meetings to betray the vow of Mara on his wife it appears." Came another male advisor in a rather humorous tone.

"Dear Marzio it is bad taste to speak so ill, of tardiness in this most recent instance when her excellency herself was not present. Pleasant time in Kyenoshel I take it?" Asked one as she and all others save for one stared at Praxeloria.

"Good comrades it was a great visit and I am most pleased with the recent developments." Her Excellency stated with a wide smile.

One nodded.

"I must admit, the news of our newest model had me giddy with excitement. To think such power is still achievable by us, we have the blessing of Magnus himself." He replied, in pure awe as he spoke.

"And it is his strength that we will one day possess whether it be in our lifetimes or not. Comrades, speaking of such a thing; I am now convinced that should the gods abandon our Empire, we have the strength to oppose their decision, even should those fiends ever open their gates upon our lands again. None can stop the progress of our world." Said Her Excellency, a feeling of reverence blew across the eight of those who stood with her.

"To think, the savages of this world would kill for a hint of it." Shuddered one.

"Despite the current situation I have no doubt things will proceed favorably, after all, we have that Dragonborn with us now."
"My lord, I have his record ready for you." Came one's voice.
"Oh? Perfect timing, yes I am also aware that our favored guest from the southwest is going to be with that expedition of Caesar and that Dragonborn." All eyes and forms faced the one silent man in the room.

The apathetic one of all the humans in the room stared intensely across the room at nothing, his fists clenched but not with any hint of rage, something she usually noticed with him. He was notably dressed radically different than the others, he wore black robe like clothing befitting an elf, with a yellow; almost gold color as secondary in comparison to the brightly red and flamboyantly orange colors of the Imperials.

Noticeably, his dark gaze appeared to be a natural one, steeled features belonging to a colovian.

"They must be more sadistic than I thought to send you ought like this, but I suppose their skills have all but fallen off as of late whilst you as ever matures like fine wine in talent. I suppose I could write a letter of concern, but I suppose it also fits they send you here yet again to hunt more vampires, which was it this time that you guessed Motohira? The aquatic Volkihars correct?" She asked, a falsely interested look crossed her expression as she raised an eyebrow.

Lanerus let loose a laugh.

"As is suspected, in no doubt the obvious locations. I wonder how long it will take our fools to figure it out, Tullius should be able to first, if he is not feeling entirely hopeless now."

The man in black winced internally, however the others in the room held a great enough perception of a person's true feelings.

"You must hide your emotions even better." Remarked Her Excellency with a most amused expression. "Ah, I forget. That you as a man of Southpoint would feel such a connection to your fellow Colovians, it heartens me to know that not all of us abroad are without their sense of true home. If you truly are from Southpoint, good friend." She finished with a smirk.

Her expression grew disappointed.

"Still nothing? Dear me after all that you have done here you've still nothing to say to me when I want you to."

"I hope, for your sake that even they are more sociable to you. I can grant as much courtesy as I can but it does grate on even my nerves."

"Either way, should you meet. I am curious to see what will happen with you."
Praxeloria Salvol smiled.

"Fate, destiny, those two are quite cruel aren't they? Fear not, those concepts shall find themselves destroyed."

Their guest's fists tightened.

…

..

.

End of Chapter 22.

Hey everyone, it's been a while yet again.

To just kinda put it out there in a terribly blunt way: In my message of last chapter I said I have not heard from my friend in a while I found out ended up having committed suicide, to be honest that really screwed me up then and I still somewhat am. I've effectively gotten over it though by now.

I don't know what to say about it really, I enjoyed the time that was spent with him in the time before he did it, I understand why he did and don't blame him but I think that even now he should have pushed on. But it's too late for that to be of meaning I guess.

I pray that all of you remain well in return, I've got nothing helpful to say for all the situations one might be in, for all I know we all could be in some really helpless spots but I just think it's good to keep thinking forward.

One thing, or multiple of them. I truly need to do a lot of typo fixing in the earlier chapters now, some of them will be fixed with the release of this chapter. It's been the biggest bane of me so far when it comes to writing these now and it doesn't help due to how much of it there is.

The Intermission will come along tomorrow, or perhaps later this day even. It took a lot longer than I thought to complete here. The main killer is the formatting, which might not survive FF's processing considering my experience with it so far.

Until next time, take care.