The Legacy of the Dragonborn
CHAPTER 1: The Noble House of Trebil
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" – Lao Tzu
As the bard's song goes, Nirn is a markedly ephemerous world. It is the land left by the Aedra for the mortal races. The birthplace of Mer and Man. The final resting place of the Ayelids and the Dwemer. Where the Alessian and Reman empires began and ended. No scholar would ever deny that Nirn saw a whole lot in its past and will probably see even more in the future.
But our story is not about Eras passed, neither focus on the ever-unpredictable future divined by an Elder Scroll. In truth, it is hard to say which point in time should this tale start. Nonetheless, for most, the very first chapter began in a typical Middas morning. It was the fifteenth of the First Seed from the 433rd year of the Third Era. This was the day when, faithfully to the troubadour's claim, everything we thought we knew about the world suddenly changed.
Cyrodiil, the prosperous heart of the Septim Empire, is divided into many counties. The largest and most prominent of them are widely known as Chorrol and Chedynhall. However, there are many smaller and more inconspicuous territories belonging to lesser lords and ladies. Trebil is one such place.
The county of Trebil comprises a small area of the Great Forest the size of a major city. It is located along the southern portion of the Silver Road (about 2 days trip north of the capital). The village of Bleaker's Way is the only settlement.
Bleaker's Way is quite your average village. Its citizens are manly farmers who plant cabbage, carrots, and the like. It is especially famous for strawberries! Residents sell their harvest to Bruma in the north and to the Imperial City in the south. The roads are mostly safe with legion soldiers and your local guardsmen patrolling the region.
The settlement of 7 farm holds was originally established by Ulf the Bleaker many eons ago. The county, on the other hand, is much younger. Land and title were awarded to Captain Remus of Trebil by late empress Morihatha Septim, in recognition of bravery and loyalty during the Black Marsh's rebellion.
The family moved to Evergreen Hall, a small fort turned official residence, and has been of little notoriety ever since. The last time the Trebil made headlines in the Black Horse Courier was when Count Joseph married Ria Silmane. That bit of gossip was considered especially scandalous at the time. After all, Lady Ria was not of a noble lineage and only a minor member of the court.
Your Ladyship untimely death, however, quieted down most rumors. Her only son, Count Marcus of Trebil, was the current lord of Evergreen Hall. The count was an imperial of average high, jet black hair and, big and expressive green eyes. He was generally known as a decent administrator and a good husband, even if a bit of a recluse.
If asked, he would probably say he preferred the simple problems of the country to the grandiose schemes of the city nobles. Problems like how to fix the local barn, how to take care of a group of road bandits, or, as in his current predicament, how to get his daughter ready in time for Countess Valga's open fair…
"Sophie, please! It is almost nine. The royal family will be there. It will be offensive if we arrive after them."
"Just a moment," came the reply in a sing-song voice, "my hair is nearly done. I just need 5 more minutes…"
"But that is what you said 15 minutes ago," murmured the lord of the house.
"Do not fret over this, my dear," said the more serious but equally melodious voice.
"But Elena, it has been over an hour!"
"I know, but she is sixteen and has not seen her friends in two months."
"I understand," sighed the count, "however, at this rate, we will only be leaving by tomorrow."
"I will go there to speed things up. You go double check if everything is ready with the coach."
"Thank you, my angel."
The count swiftly delivered a gentle kiss to his lady's hand before leaving through the main door. Happy that now he had a task to focus on. Countess Elena of Trebil smiled briefly at the door before taking the stairs to the second floor.
As a former military facility, Evergreen Hall was a stone structure. It was a two-store building covered by ivy leaves from the outside. In order to make it more hospitable, the floors were covered with light green rugs, glass chandeliers were placed at the ceiling and the walls were lined with red tapestries that illustrated a galloping brown horse (the house's shield).
The first floor was marked by the entrance hall from which sprung one staircase from each side. The left side led to the family's quarters and the right one to a group of rooms destined for visitors. Opposite to the main entrance was a corridor that gave way to the dining room, the kitchen, the servants' quarters, and the barracks. At the top of each staircase, there was an open common area with sofas and bookcases where one could relax or engage in conversation.
The lady of the house was Countess Elena of Trebil. She was the second child of the Tremonts, a small noble house based on Kvatch. She was a petit, blonde, blue-eyed imperial.
Upon reaching the wooden door that gave access to her daughter's room, Lady Elena could hear the familiar shuffling sound of clothes being thrown everywhere. She took a deep breath before raising her hand to knock, preparing herself for the chaos she knew was on the other side.
Lady Sophitia's room was well illuminated by the many windows. The white stone floor was covered by a light green carpet. Sidewalls were lined with dark wooden cabinets decorated with delicate floral motifs. The centered four-poster bed was also dark wood, and the bedding comprised of fine white silk linen with golden patterns that formed circles and waves along with the tissue.
In the north wall was a small dressing table with an oval mirror and the lady's harp in the corner. On the opposite wall was the armoire usually filled with vivid and colorful dresses. Said dresses, however, were currently scattered around the room; the only remaining outfit was her horse-riding gear.
At last, if one were to look around the cabinets, he would easily spot a set of 10 beautiful porcelain dolls. She won her first during a trip to the Imperial City and loved it so much that it became a family tradition to gift one on her every birthday.
And it was those very dolls that Lady Sophie was staring at in dismay.
"Is something the problem, my lady?" asked her maid-in-waiting.
"It is not fair."
"What is not fair?"
"That they look beautiful all the time and I never do."
"I am fairly sure that is not true, my lady," the maid answered while stifling laughter over the childish comment, "your ladyship always looks lovely."
"Thank you, Bianca. But I am the one who is sure you are only trying to make me feel better," Lady Sophitia sighed.
As well-intended as Bianca's insight was, Lady Sophitia was probably right. Her long fiery red locks were tangled and spurting out in different directions. Her rose dress was wrinkled and falling off one shoulder. She only had one of her shoes on. The makeup was uneven and there was a smear of lipstick over her forehead. If there ever was a picture of perfect grace and elegance, the young woman could not be farthest from it.
The conversation was interrupted by a light knocking on the door.
"Sophie, may I come in?"
"Of course, mother."
Lady Elena entered her daughter's chamber carefully not to step on anything. She quickly led her gaze to said daughter to assess her situation.
"You are not ready yet," she stated with a calm voice and only a small hint of reproach.
"Oh, mother, it is terrible!" came the considerably more emotional reply, "I have nothing to wear!"
The older woman looked around the messy room before glancing back at the young lady. Raised eyebrows emphasizing the questioning look.
"None of these will do today," Sophie answered rather emphatically.
"And why not?" asked Lady Elena while cleaning some space in the bed crowded with dresses, ribbons, and the like for her to sit.
"Because there is something wrong with all of them," said the youth while sitting by her mother.
"What about the yellow one? You love that dress."
"Sarah wrote me saying she will wear yellow today. I cannot do this to her."
"The green one?"
"Albert will be there!"
"Oh, I was not aware you were interested in Lord Rominus's grandson."
"I am not, but Anna is. We all promised that we would let her be the center of attention today. And THAT dress calls attention."
"Right, the red dress?" Lady Elena said while chuckling.
"I wore it in the last ball. I cannot use it twice in a roll."
"The white dress with blue bands?"
"Catherine made fun of me."
"And since when do you care about what Lady Caro thinks?"
"I do not!" said Lady Sophie with fire in her eyes, "but people laughed," she completed in a less enthusiastic tone while lowering her head.
"All right, all right," Lady Elena petted her daughter's head, "Bianca?"
"Your ladyship?"
"Would you be so kind as to fetch us the blue gown stored in my chest?"
"Of course, your ladyship," the maid smiled, bowed, and left.
When the door closed, Lady Elena pointed to the dressing table.
"Let us take care of your face and hair in the meantime, shall we?"
Lady Sophie jumped out of the bed and quickly seated in front of her dress table. She grimaced at the image reflected by the mirror. Lady Elena offered her a handkerchief which she promptly accepted and proceeded to clean up.
Meanwhile, Lady Elena walked to the doll cabinet and picked two distinctive toys. By the time she was back, Sophie was undoing the knots in her hair. The youngest appraised her dolls with inquisitive eyes.
"When you look at these two, what do you see?"
In her right hand, Lady Elena held an imperial who wore a delicate and very ornamented white and gold nightgown, complemented by an elegant bun. In her left hand, there was an orc with a decorative plate armor dress and a broadsword full of colorful stones.
"A lady and a warrior princess."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because… the imperial wears a gown and the orc an armor?" she answered uncertainly.
"Would our orc friend forget how to use her sword if were she to wear a pretty dress?"
"Of course not!"
"So, you understand, right?" Lady Sophie looked up to her mother confused, "the lady makes the dress. As long as you act like a lady you will be a lady. What you wear and what anyone thinks of it do not change that."
"I understand," answered Sophie with a smile while her mother put away the dolls.
The exchange was interrupted by a soft knock coming from the door.
"My ladies, I brought the dress. May I come in?"
"Of course, Bianca."
Bianca entered carrying in her arms a simple but lovely light blue dress with long sleeves and details in gold. Lady Sophie's eyes bulged.
"Oh, mother! It is perfect!" she exclaimed while running to where the maid was.
"It makes me glad you like it. I have been meaning to give it to you for some time."
The young lady eyed her curiously.
"This was my favorite dress when I was your age. My mother gave it to me, and I wore it all the time. I was wearing it when I first met your father."
Sophie's semblance was suddenly brighter.
"I will cherish and take good care of it. I promise."
In a heartbeat, she ran behind her folding screen to change. A few minutes later, she reappeared wearing the blue gown. Lady Elena smiled.
"It fits you perfectly… Now, Bianca, the blue suede shoes, and a golden ribbon on the waist to match."
"In a minute, my lady."
The maid quickly started looking for the items while Lady Elena aided her daughter with her make-up and hair.
Count Marcus was about to check the coach a second time when his wife and daughter finally emerged from the stairs. He could not avoid smiling when he saw his daughter in the blue gown.
"You look wonderful," the young lady's smile widened.
"Thank you."
Once they arrived at the bottom of the stairs, the count tilted his face to the side inquisitively while pointing to his daughter's red locks.
"But I thought you were finishing your hair…"
"Ah, about that," she smiled nervously, "haven't you heard, father? Loose strands are a high trend this year."
She left for the door before more could be said. The count looked at his wife questioningly while offering his arm.
"Do I even want to know?"
"Hardly," she answered while accepting the arm with a chuckle, "just remind us to bring back something for Bianca. She certainly deserves it."
"Agreed."
Outside, the family's butler was standing near the carriage in case some last-minute arrangement was needed.
"Good Morning, Mr. Binkus."
"Good Morning, Lady Sophitia. How goes your day?" he answered with a small bow.
"I cannot complain so far. And yours?"
"Cannot complain about it either. Thank you for asking."
The lady looked at the stables entrance to her right. Through the open door, she could see a mare with impeccable black fur and a white manner. She smiled at the bosmer tending to the horse.
"Good Morning, Mr. Rosesky. I hope Midnight is not giving you a lot of trouble today."
"Very good morning, Lady Sophitia. She is very lively but is behaving well. I think she wants some exercise."
"I see. I will be sure to take her for a ride tomorrow," the lady then sees her parents entering the carriage by the corner of her eye, "I must go. Please, take good care of her. Goodbye, Mr. Rosesky. Goodbye, Midnight."
"Goodbye, Lady Sophitia. Have a nice day," was followed by a horse's neigh.
A couple of minutes afterward Sophitia was sitting inside the carriage opposite of her parents.
"We can leave now, Nameric," said the count to their rider.
"Yes, my lord. We will arrive in no time."
"So, I hope."
The sound of horses' hoofs reached the occupants' ears and the carriage soon started to move. The count admired the passing trees and the occasional wild animal through the window.
"It is a nice day. I hope moods will be merry."
"Countess Valga was very excited about this fair. It would be a shame if it rained."
"Knowing the countess; rain would not have stopped it. But many of the guests would not show up. The empress surely would be bitter."
"When is the empress not bitter, my dear?"
The three shared a good round of laughter.
"I heard the countess hired a theater troupe," commented Lady Sophitia excitedly.
"Yes, and two bard companies it would seem. So, there will be music for the whole day."
"I also heard she hired a bear tamer."
"I am fairly sure that one is not true, Sophie," answered the count.
"She really is going all out for this event, is she not?" commented Lady Elena.
"She has always enjoyed grandiose parties as far as I remember. Besides, her granddaughter has just come of age. I guess it is an incentive."
"That is odd! Considering the influence of Leyawiin and Chorrol, it is hard to believe they would have trouble finding suitors," the countess responded.
"I do not think that is the problem," the count replied with a grimace.
"Then what is?"
"I think they have their eyes on someone of even higher rank than themselves."
"You must be jesting!" Lady Elena furrowed her eyebrows in shock.
Lady Sophitia looked between her parents confused.
"I do not understand."
The count let go of a very deep sight before answering.
"The Caros probably want to marry their daughter to one of your royal highnesses."
It was Lady Sophitia's turn to be shocked, letting her mouth form a perfect O.
"They are probably after Prince Ebel," she realized.
"That would be the obvious choice, yes."
"But that would be in such poor taste. His wife just died," Lady Elena grimaced.
"I doubt even they would consider Prince Enman. The man has amassed enough of a reputation by now that is not offensive to hide your daughters from him."
"He has exchanged wives as one exchanges clothes," the countess agreed not hiding her distaste.
"That if you ignore all the other women that never acquired wife status," the count shook his head.
"Would Prince Ebel accept it? He would certainly find it disrespectful to Irene's memory to take another wife so soon. Especially one so much younger than him."
"He does think that for sure. But they are all above fifty now and neither of them has any children."
"He will probably be pressed by the Elder Council," Lady Elena realized.
An uncomfortable silence befell the three carriage occupants. After a few moments, Lady Sophitia restarted the conversation on a lighter note.
"Oh, I almost forgot! Did you know Midnight likes strawberries?"
"Oh, really? And how did you find out?" the count chuckled.
The rest of the journey to Chorrol county was uneventful and filled with merry laughter.