Author's note: Hope everyone is doing well. As promised here is the next chapter. There will at least be 3 more chapters. For whoever is reading please enjoy.
Preparation: Day 1
It is a fresh day for the Dragonborn. After a long night with his adversary/acquaintance, he awakens in a daze in his home within Riften. While he likes his other home in Solitude better, the Dragonborn was in no shape to travel. His head was a blur from the events that happened, and he soon remembered what he must do. The Dragonborn must prepare for the fight of his life. With only 3 days to come up with a strategy to defeat this formidable stranger, he must make good use of his time. He decides to go through his potion compartment in his main home, Proudspire Manor, a forest mansion built just as the Dragonborn likes. He walks out of his home and begins his trek back.
The Dragonborn was traveling on horseback and was making excellent time. He knows the lay of the land better than any native due to his early years being a wanderer. Looking for treasures lost to time was something the Dragonborn did as a hobby. Being able to slaughter whatever he found in the ruins was just a bonus. As he rode, he heard some rustling in the brush, something was stalking him. He sighed and got off his horse.
"You can stop hiding now, it's rather unnecessary."
Out from the brush appeared to be 3 bulky nords, all wielding orcish weapons.
"Aye, we have been looking for ya. Someone paid a pretty penny to have you dealt with. We are just fulfilling our end of the bargain."
"Oh of course you are! I completely understand. In fact, I'll be nice and take you on using nothing but this old iron sword."
"Heh, boss said you would be a tough one, didn't say you were borderline suicidal!"
The 3 men laughed, taking their eyes off of the Dragonborn for a few seconds, more than enough time for the Dragonborn to slow time and begin taking them apart. He first slashed the throats of those behind the big one, ensuring to make it a killing blow before he approached the big one face to face, letting time resume as it once did.
"Now lets get him boys!"
…
"Um boys?"
The leader turns around and sees his comrades are slain, blood seeps out of their necks and bloodies the grass around them, combining to create a small pool of crimson. As the leader turns back around, he is met by the Dragonborn's sword to his throat. His fear only grows.
"I'm going to ask you this only once, who sent you?"
"I… I'm not supposed to say otherwise they'll ki-
The Dragonborn digs the sword lightly into the brute's throat, drawing a thin line of blood.
"Kill you like I did your associates?"
The brute trembled before sighing and putting down his weapon. He knew he was defeated long before he reached the Dragonborn. He was desperate, not stupid and only took the job for his own reasons.
"His name is Aramaeus, he was pretty upset that you stole something from him, and he wanted it back."
"Interesting, and where is this man located?"
"He travels a lot, I'm not really too sure where he could be."
The dragonborn applies a bit more force, turning the scratch on the brute's neck into a cut.
"Think hard, as if your life depended on it."
The man gazed at the Dragonborn, he knew that he was a hero but he didn't see that in this moment. He saw an aspect of terror, a man that was filled with animosity and rage. The Dragonborn's voice was velvet, but carried the weight of a black hole in a void, rendering him powerless. Like he was a child in the dark.
"U-uhm he said t-that he might go to Solitude for a f-few days for business but that's all I know I swear!"
There was a pause as the Dragonborn's sword remained where it was. There wasn't a sound besides the calm breeze and the rustling of leaves.
"I guess that will suffice, you've done well in giving me the information that I wanted, for this you have earned a reward."
"A reward?"
"Yes a reward. You may have 10 seconds to do as much damage to me as you can. I won't heal and I won't attack. Hell, I'll put both arms behind my back if that makes you feel better."
The Dragonborn stayed his blade and sheathed it, watching the man rise to his feet.
"Can I just go? Please Dragonborn?"
The Dragonborn just eyed the man, unamused by his words.
"If I let you go, you'll just run back and tell this Aramaeus about our little encounter, won't you?"
The man looked at the Dragonborn, afraid of what response to give back. He knew his attacks would be meaningless against such a warrior. His armor alone wouldn't buckle let alone the titan standing within.
"I won't say nothing I swear to you please just let me go!"
"What insurance can you offer me to prove you won't?"
"I have nothing but my word, but you know it's rare to see mercy in these lands. If you show me this kindness, I-I have no choice but to honor my word."
The Dragonborn eyed the man, he was shaking and intimidated, posing no threat to the Dragonborn. He smiled underneath his mask and sighed once more.
"I guess it can't be helped huh. Fine leave this place, I have no more to say to you."
"Thank you Dragonborn."
The man turns and runs away as the Dragonborn shakes his head. He knows that the man will not hold his tongue, once the man is out of sight, Dragonborn casts detect life, and follows him on horseback. He is going straight back to Solitude.
…
The brute enters a home just before the Blue Palace, he sits down and waits, holding his neck before a man dressed in fashionable attire and 4 bodyguards enter. The brute looks up at the man and gestures to his wound. The gentleman snaps his fingers and a lady in robes approaches the brute and heals him. She steps back and her presumed master steps forward.
"Tell me about your little mission I sent you on."
The stylish man sneered, he hired him and his buddies mostly as bait to locate the Dragonborn. Seeing one alive and two dead was a bad sign.
"Me and my men found him, he was quick as you say, dammit he was quicker than wind in my opinion. Killed both of my men before I could react. He is something scary, the only reason why I'm alive is because I told him about you."
The man stepped up closer to him before he held the brute's face in his hand, guiding his chin upwards to look him in the eye.
"So you and our HeRo had a little chat did you?"
The brute was once again in a precarious situation. He knows what happens to those who betray their boss. He simply smiled and shook his head.
"I know you're going to kill me, but compared to what the Dragonborn did, I am neither afraid nor impressed by this anymore. I have met a man who became a God and he proved to me that, in the grand scheme of things I'm nothing in this world. Only reason why I bothered coming back was to ensure that my family would be taken care of as promised."
"Well, I'm glad you know your place. But yes, your family shall be taken care of… by our lady of course."
"You don't mean…"
"Of course I do! you betrayed me and for that you and your family will perish."
Aramaeus smiled as he said this, releasing the man's face from his hand and turning his back towards the brute.
"You bastard! I did what I could Dammit you can't hold me at fault here, I didn't stand a chance and was vanquished."
"No, you were SUPPOSED to be vanquished idiot! Not give away where we are! If you just did your god-forsaken job we would be tracking him by now, not vice-versa."
"You sent me out there to kill me?"
"Well, I certainly didn't expect you to win now did I? I just want my damn statue back!"
The man turns around and smacks the brute repeatedly before backing up, snaping his fingers again before the lady in robes heals the man again, nearly unconscious.
"Now let's go visit your family."
The man holds up a small necklace. It was made of solid gold and enchanted with an obscure sky-blue enchantment.
"I have to contact our fair lady. You can greet her when we get there, I'm sure that there will be plenty for you to talk about then when your whole family is dea-
Before the man can finish his sentence an arrow flies by and pins the necklace to a wall. He looks in shock before turning around and seeing him, the Dragonborn. The Dragonborn walks in with open arms.
"My my, cozy place we have here huh?"
The four bodyguards rush the Dragonborn at once, all raising their weapons before the Dragonborn rolls out of the way. He fires his chaos bow at one foe, all 3 arrows hitting their mark in rapid succession, simultaneously burning, freezing, and electrocuting him with each hit. He was dead before he hit the floor.
"Might have been a bit overkill for that one huh, lets try something else!"
The Dragonborn equips a glass greatsword, enchanted with a devastating electrical enchantment. One of the bodyguards took another swing. It moved at the speed of molasses to the Dragonborn, countering it with ease, staggering his opponent before making a quick horizontal slash. The man was bisected down the middle, shouting as he turned to ash from the electrocution. The two remaining bodyguards looked at the Dragonborn before looking at each other. They nodded before dropping their weapons and fleeing. The Dragonborn lowered his weapon before looking at the brute, the lady, and the man.
"I guess in their position I would do the same, now how about us four of us have a little chat?"
The Dragonborn gestured for the man and the lady in robes to sit down at the table with the brute, who watched in awe of what was one of the most impressive displays of unconquerable skill and immense power he has seen. The lady looked at her comrade who gestured for her to take a seat before he did the same. The Dragonborn then closed the door before pouring himself a drink and taking a seat of his on. There was a moment of silence before the sharply dressed man began to speak.
"Well since we aren't already dead, I trust you have some business that you want to discuss?"
"Oh, don't worry, you will be dead very soon, I just wanted information about that necklace. I was eavesdropping when I heard you talking about a lady. Just who is this lady that is soo formidable that one would abandon their word to me?"
The Dragonborn gestures to the brute in the chair. He shrinks a bit in his chair. He knew he was done for. The mercenary has only heard of enchanted weapons before but never saw them in action. Saying he was anxious would be an understatement. Aramaeus spoke up.
"Ah she is who we call the Matriarch, perhaps you have heard of her?"
The Dragonborn has heard of rumors of her at a forsworn camp. Perhaps this tribe and her are interconnected?
"Well, I have heard bits and pieces but I'm sure you will elaborate for me?"
"It would seem I have no other choice in the matter, do I?"
The fashionable man looks towards the massacred carcasses strewn before them.
"She is one of the leaders of the Forsworn. You have met one of our rulers Madonach already, but I do not serve him. I serve our renowned Matriarch. She is a master sorceress and rather *ahem* persuasive."
The Dragonborn chuckles in amusement, he has already seen the master wizard from the Telvanni house in Morrowind. Their first encounter the wizard was about the same level as the Dragonborn. There was no comparison to be made now, the Dragonborn has obtained a level with magic that the Aldemari Dominion would have difficulty approaching, let alone meeting.
"I see, so you do what for her exactly?"
"I am but a humble accountant. She has expensive experiments, so she has investments in multiple holds. I only aid her in these financial pursuits."
The Dragonborn has always had an affinity for treasure and riches. He presumed he was the richest in Skyrim thanks to all his adventures. He was well known by the nobility and had the acumen to acquire wealth by not just brute force, but with his wit and sharp tongue. The Dragonborn has invested in merchants himself, but this was the first time he has heard of another person taking interest. Whoever this Matriarch is, they must be wealthy to have their own accountant. Could be a potential mark for the Dragonborn.
"Tell me more about the financial pursuits of your lady"
"Well, she is involved in a skooma trade, ships the Moon sugar straight from Elsweyr. She then distributes her own product among the reach. Cutting out the middleman of finding a cook and distributer. She also has dealings with criminals throughout the holds. Something about "the underbelly is just as important" but really I think its cause no one else would be foolish enough to get involved."
The Dragonborn was aware of skooma and various criminal families and organizations. He was the Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild and the head of the Dark Brotherhood. It might be beneficial to make this Matriarch an ally, at the very least a business connection.
"Interesting."
The Dragonborn paused before asking his next question.
"And do you have any powers or abilities?"
Aramaeus chuckled lightly.
"Only those money can buy of course; you wouldn't happen to be for sale, would you?"
The Dragonborn chuckled back.
"I have treasures even those in the Cloud District would find pompous and obsequious."
"Ah I see, no use trying to barter my way out of this one huh."
"No but if you tell me what I want to hear, you could come out in one piece."
"Well then what would you like to know?"
"Where is this Matriarch of yours?"
Aramaeus paused. Looking back at the Dragonborn he knew he didn't really have much of a choice in the matter.
"Well, she is far away from here, probably near Windhelm by now. Although she can be contacted and can travel extremely fast to wherever that necklace is. This is how we keep in touch so to speak."
"Which is why you were gesturing to it earlier."
"Precisely."
The Dragonborn looks at the lady in robes.
"You there, what is your association with this man?"
She looks towards Aramaeus and he nods before she speaks, soft in tone but intense in her message.
"I serve with loyalty for all he has done for me. He brought me in as a young girl and I had nothing. I owe him my life."
The Dragonborn nodded at her and smiled.
"Would you be willing to die for this man if he asked?"
"My life would not be if it wasn't for him. So yes, in a heartbeat"
"How touching…do you think you can kill me?"
Her anger towards the Dragonborn raised slightly with the question. Here is this man that killed two of her friends and he has the audacity to ask such a question. Just who does he think he is, Akatosh himself?
"Well I have slain multiple people in the name of my Lord Aramaeus, I could do the same to you if my Lord wished it."
She was about to get out of her seat before Aramaeus held out his hand over her, calming her down.
"Please forgive her, she is quite adamant in regard to my safety."
The Dragonborn laughed heartily. No one was so bold to take him on in a while.
"Oh no please, all is forgiven. When I was starting out, many comrades were firebrands like this one. However, the story with all of them ends the same.
The Dragonborn took off his mask and looked at the woman with a face of stoicism.
"They all ended up dead and forgotten."
The lady was taken aback by how the Dragonborn looked. He was a beautiful man, but his face showed something else. Years of war, turmoil, and slaughtering took its toll on him. His face was marred with scars. But it still had a vigor of youth to it, one that she noticed in the bodyguards that were decimated a few moments before.
"Much like how your master here will be unless he continues with this lovely conversation we are having."
Aramaeus chuckled nervously, feeling the force of the Dragonborn's words.
"What else would you like to know, Dragonborn?"
The lady gasped once she made the connection. Aramaeus held back that piece of information from her to stay her nerve. She has never seen him in person, only through hushed whispers and songs in the taverns they have made their homes.
"Dragonborn! This is who we are battling against?! The hero who brought down Alduin and ended the tyranny of vampires?!"
The Dragonborn looked at both men in front of him and raised an eyebrow.
"Clearly you haven't told her of my reputation, but I'm guessing that is no longer necessary."
Aramaeus looked down in shame of his ward's behavior.
"Aye, I knew she would react like this."
The Dragonborn chuckled at this before turning to her.
"Well under different circumstances I would shake your hand and say pleasure to make your aquiantance but unfortunately. We might not have a chance to ha-
"ARE YOU KIDDING! OBVIOUSLY I WANT TO SHAKE THE HAND OF THE GREATEST HERO!"
The Dragonborn was silent and taken aback, did this woman forget that he just slaughtered two of her master's men. He could use this to his advantage.
"Well I see no harm in a handshake. Would you say the same sir?"
Aramaeus looked back up at the Dragonborn.
"Uh, uhm I guess not by all means."
The lady and the Dragonborn shake hands, both smiling politely towards each other.
"Pleasure to meet you sorceress."
"Oh please call me Ignacia."
"Ignacia, what a lovely name."
Ignacia blushed and all but fainted after hearing the Dragonborn call her by her name. Her heart pounded within her chest as she gazed upon this man's rugged face. She loved everything he stood for, and she was starstruck.
"Ahem."
The Dragonborn and Ignacia turned and looked towards Arameaus.
"Yes yes, we have heard allll about you and your honeyed words, blah blah blah my life is at stake here, right?"
"Actually, not really. I've taken a liking to your sorceress here. I was going to kill you rather gruesomely and say your soul is still intact as a joke, but I have changed my mind. Just tell me how to work the necklace and I'll be on my way."
Arameus looked puzzled briefly but was not one to turn down luck, good favor, or whatever the Dragonborn was offering right now.
"Sure, to speak to the Matriarch you whisper into the back of the necklace. For her to grant an audience with you, you must put it on."
"Just put it on?"
"Yes, she will see that someone is wearing her treasure and know something is going on that requires her presence."
The Dragonborn stands up and walks over the corpses and ash, picking up the necklace.
"How fast will she arrive once I do put it on?"
"I do not know; I have never put it on before. I mostly use it to threaten people."
"So how do I know if you're telling the truth?"
The Dragonborn dashed back to the table and put on the mask and held Arameus at daggerpoint in one fluid motion. The well-dressed man trembled and made a poor attempt to keep his composure.
"A-At this p-point I wouldn't l-lie to you. I'm almost out of here u-unscathed and I-I-I wish to keep it that way if you allow it o-of course mighty D-Dragonborn."
The Dragonborn held the dagger at the man's throat before lifting the man out of the chair and outside.
"Come on we are going for a stroll. Bring your friends as well, Ignacia and… hm you know I never got your name."
The Dragonborn gestured to the brute, who was amazed by what he witnessed.
"Who me?"
"No no, the man behind you."
The brute turned around before the Dragonborn shook his head in disappointment.
"Yes, you what is your name."
"Lubar."
"Well then Lubar, come along, I want you to witness what I am about to do."
Ignacia braced herself and stood up.
"My Lord, what should I do?"
Ignacia looked at her master's precarious position and began gathering magic energy.
"You are to follow what the Dragonborn says obviously. He clearly can overpower all three of us so we will go where he likes."
Aramaeus smiled politely at the Dragonborn while [Ignacia lowered her magical stance.
"Fair enough, lead on Dragonborn."
"I intend to, now this way!"
The Dragonborn led the group to the woodlands just outside Solitude until he stood in an open plain. A lush green surrounded them from all angles. When they arrived, he let go of Aramaeus and proceeded to walk out in front of them. The Dragonborn prepared himself, this could be a trick to provide Aramaeus time to escape or at the very least, buy him a few more moments in this world. The Dragonborn turns around and faces the group.
"Now I will speak to your Matriarch and settle our differences so I may be on my way. Sound fair?"
Ignacia shuddered at the thought of seeing the Matriarch again. She studied directly under her for a few weeks, but the method of teaching the Matriarch specialized in was too hostile for Ignacia's tastes. She can recall her pale blue skin, flowing white hair and crystal blue eyes. She would have been in love if it weren't for her unhinged behavior. Arameus called back out to the Dragonborn.
"By all means, give her my regards will you!"
Ignacia looks up at her master, noticing a smirk on his face. A smirk signifying an upper hand. Perhaps he was telling the truth after all?
The Dragonborn turns back around before putting on the necklace. He braces himself for a poison or other negative enchantment to be cast on him but feels nothing. He only feels the slight weight of the necklace. 5 seconds pass and the Dragonborn relaxes his stance. He looks around in case he missed something. He turns back to the group before calling out.
"Well?!"
Arameaus calls back.
"Well, what!?"
"Well, where is your lady friend?!"
Aramaeus smiled
"Well, she's right behind you by now!"
The Dragonborn feels a cool breath behind him and smiles before turning around to greet the stranger.
"Well how do you do miss?"
The Dragonborn was met with a pair of piercing blue eyes gazing back at him. There was an eerie silence between them that lasted for an uncomfortably long period of time. The lady backed away from the Dragonborn before beginning to levitate. She then opened her mouth to speak, using a whisper that crept into the Dragonborn's ears alone.
"I am the one you have been seeking… Dragonborn."
"Aye, its true that I was seeking you out. I just want to clear the air here. Your associate has been giving me trouble and I would like to seek out proper restitution from you if you wouldn't mind?"
The Matriarch looked down at the Dragonborn, he had manners like a master level bard but there was something off about him. He wasn't quite unlike herself; she could sense it. A dark and sinister air about him underneath the guile of a hero.
"Why how unfortunate, I'm sorry we didn't quite get off on the right foot."
The Matriarch lowers herself back to the Dragonborn's level.
"I was expecting you to attack but I think we both rather not fight?"
"Aye it is a waste of time and Aramaeus mentioned some business dealings that you were involved in. Perhaps an arrangement can be made".
The Matriarch smiled, she has heard of whispers of the Dragonborn's dealings and was aware of his wealth. He had connections to the lighter side of Skyrim that her shadowy dealings all but made it impossible to reach. Depending on how the conversation goes, serious money could be made.
"Well, I'm sure he said all good things."
"I can safely say he has made you seem like a grotesque hagraven guarding her treasure."
The Matriarch and the Dragonborn chuckle politely at this joke. A moment of silence passes before the Matriarch beckons Aramaeus over. He jogs over to where they are and stops in front of them, taking in short breaths indicating light exhaustion.
"You beckoned for me my lady?"
"Yes, I would like to put the Dragonborn on my list of favor."
Aramaeus was confused, this list was reserved for those who served the Matriarch with unwavering loyalty. They were granted one of the Matriarchs necklaces and guaranteed wealth and the Matriarch's favor. What was discussed?
"O-Of course, as you wish my lady."
Aramaeus runs back to the group and whispers something to Ignacia, she smiles widely and summons a pale blue scroll. She speaks in a daedric language before the scroll adds the word "Dragonborn". She waves to the Dragonborn and the Dragonborn does a small wave back before turning back to the Matriarch.
"Well, I'm touched. I guess I should repay this favor hm?"
The Dragonborn summons a dragon using the thu'um. The Matriarch's eyes light up as the Dragon lands next to him. He whispers a few words to the Dragon before it turns back to the Matriarch.
"The Dovahkhin has requested I aid you for a week. The Dragonborn is Zinaal, is honorable, and I will follow his command."
The Dragonborn's vanquishing of Alduin put him in a position of great power. There will always be dragons that want him dead, but there will always be more that will do what he tells them to do.
"I believe this will suffice no?"
The Matriarch could not believe her ears. Money can buy a lot of things but a full-fledged dragon? Even in her wildest dreams she couldn't imagine talking to one, let alone commanding one. And to command one for an entire week, she could only think of so much chaos she could cause amongst her adversaries.
"This is a gracious gift Dragonborn, I accept whole-heartedly. Perhaps there can be more gifts in the future for both you and I?"
"If we are still on our best behavior that is."
They share a laugh together, knowing that their next meeting may or may not lead to one another dead. Although this small gesture symbolizes good faith, they have both used flattery and manipulation to kill without mercy. They still were hesitant to turn their backs towards one another. The Dragonborn extends his hand before the Matriarch does the same. The Dragonborn feels a chill passing up his arm as she shakes the Matriarch's hand. He looks at her while she gazes back. The Dragonborn lets go and is the first to speak.
"Well, this has been a pleasure. I'll be sure to contact you when I need to get in touch."
"I would hope so Dragonborn. Our relations will be very… interesting."
She smiled seductively at the Dragonborn, testing the waters and weaknesses of him, she saw none.
"Indeed. Make sure your people stay away from dangerous people, wouldn't want to have another accident now, would we?"
The Dragonborn said this kindly and full of concern, but the Matriarch knew this was a threat to both her and her organization. She knew offhand that she could not kill the Dragonborn and attempting to do any hostile actions would be met with a swift death. Powerful people such as herself knew to pick and choose their battles, aligning themselves with more powerful people to build mutually beneficial relationships. As long as she was on the Dragonborn's good side, she wouldn't be overtaken.
"Oh of course, these lot will be punished greatly for intruding on your fine day."
"Oh no need for punishment, I killed two of your financial advisors' bodyguards. Clearly, they have had a rough day already. In fact, reward them for getting you in contact with me. I insist."
The Matriarch was looking forward to torturing those beneath her. It was rare anyone received a gift. However, she was dealing with the Dragonborn who's word should not be taken lightly.
"Whatever it is you desire… Dragonborn."
She teleported to the group behind them and whispered to Aramaeus and Ignacia. Ignacia looked towards the Dragonborn then back at the Matriarch. She turned once more and ran towards the Dragonborn, stopping right in front of him and speaking at a rushed pace.
"Dragonborn! Our lady has granted us favor thanks to you. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you or your journey. You have but to ask and I will gladly serve you. I am just so glad to have you as an ally rather than an enemy. It just wouldn't be right to go against a hero, that would make me a villain. Not saying that I would go against you or anything because you are so great I just-
The Dragonborn took off his mask and smiled. This wasn't the first nor last time someone would be infatuated with him. He held her face in his hand before looking at her.
"Listen Ignacia, I'm flattered that you are so eager to help me, but I don't need the help. How about you take this from me instead."
The Dragonborn pulled out a necklace made of ebony and moonstone. The design was of a lotus flower on the front.
"I got this during one of my adventures, it has a vitality enchantment to keep you healthy. Maybe the next time you find yourself in a bind, this will protect you."
Ignacia gasped as he put the necklace around her neck. A tear rolled down her eye as she heard the Matriarch call out to her.
"Thank you Dragonborn…I'll wear it always."
"Oh and here"
The Dragonborn takes out a statue of Akatosh
"Return this to your master, we are on good terms, and I would like to start fresh."
Ignacia smiled warmly as she skipped back towards the group with the statue. Aramaeus called back towards the Dragonborn.
"Many thanks Dragonborn!"
"Your welcome sir, stay out of trouble!"
The Dragonborn looks towards the Matriarch before walking towards the group. They all look at him puzzled. The Matriarch speaks.
"Yes Dragonborn?"
"I have something very small that I would like your help with."
The Matriarch teleports the group back to Proudspire Manor, the Dragonborn's adopted child was playing in the yard when they returned.
"Papa your home! Who's your friends?"
The Dragonborn kneels and hugs their unrelated offspring, before standing up and turning towards the group.
"These are some nice people I met along the way. They were giving me a ride back home."
Ignacia, Lubar, and the Matriarch introduce themselves to the child. The child smiled and introduced himself.
"I'm Sergio, any friend of dad's is a friend of mine!"
"Lubar, hold on a second."
Lubar shivers when he hears the Dragonborn call his name. The Dragonborn walks into the house before walking out.
"I heard something was wrong with your family. Here you go, for your troubles."
The Dragonborn holds up a pouch of rare gems and gold. Despite the Dragonborn's murderous tendencies and instincts, underneath was a man who cares for those less fortunate. He also wanted to look good in front of impressionable Sergio. Now that they were on the same side, the Dragonborn felt ok giving him a miniscule portion of his wealth. Lubar looked inside and tears welled up inside of him. He did not think he would survive and now he was richer than he ever thought he could be.
"T-Thank you Dragonborn! I will be sure to sing songs of your mighty name, detailing your kindness and fierceness in battle."
The sun was setting as the Matriarch gathered Ignacia and Aramaeus before teleporting away. The Dragonborn pointed towards the direction to the nearest town for Lubar. Lubar gave one final wave as he went off down the road before the Dragonborn and Sergio went back inside Proudspire Manor.
"I like them papa, they seem nice."
"Aye I guess they are alright. Have you eaten?"
"Yes papa, I saved some for you just in case you came home today!"
"Well that's wonderful for you to do son! What am I having tonight?"
"Just some beef stew and bread today."
The Dragonborn serves himself and eats. Him and his son talk about adventuring and being a hero. Our hero does well in keeping his more underhanded pursuits away from the child. He then spends some time playing with Sergio before tucking him into bed.
"Goodnight papa"
"Goodnight Sergio, get some rest and be sure to do your chores tomorrow. I'll be sure to leave some gold for you to go to the market."
"Yes papa"
The Dragonborn goes back to his room before opening his chest of potions. He collected hundreds of different potions, all of varying degrees of effectiveness. The Dragonborn does not recall the last time he used a potion to aid in his fighting. But lest he underestimates the Ebony Warrior, it would be in his best interest to use all advantages given to him. He sets to work with organizing what to take and what to leave. After a couple hours of sorting, the Dragonborn had a symphony of potions and concoctions that will lead him to victory. At the very least, empower him. He lays down to sleep and dreams of murder and cries of mercy. A familiar dream that has haunted him for many moons.