Chapter 5: Return to the Imperial Legion, Return to the Blades, Return to the Greybeards, And return the Jagged Crown.


"Gah…..." Was all I could manage as she began walking up towards me.

"Uh! I was just sent to clear this fort out by the Imperial Legion. So sorry for interrupting!" She was getting closer and looked at me curiously.

"And what is your name boy?" Somehow that sounded familiar, how she said it.

"Ruigus Kessel!" I blurted out as I was fearful for my life. She gave an intoxicating giggle at it.

"So The Imperial Legion?" As I was about to say something three bandits came out of the keep of the Fort, charging straight for her.

"Slaughter that damned witch!" She cleaved through all of them, the upper half's of their bodies were separated from the bottom half. This had to be the most powerful person I have ever seen in my life…And the most beautiful.

"How rude of those little arrogant curs to interrupt me." She mused without much of an emotional change in her voice. However snarled in rage. I remembered her question. Taken aback but what I just witnessed

"Yeah, yeah, they are stationed all across the Western part of this land, this place included. They are stationed in the capital city of Solitude. The General there, Tullius and his supporting Legate Rikke ordered me to clear out this fort but you did it!" She gave an attractive looking confident if not pleased smile.

"This was supposed to be the mission that would make me join the Imperial Legion, so I guess you would be able to recruited instead?" She gave a thoughtful look.

"Perhaps I will come with you, I would certainly like to see how this 'Imperial Legion' stands up in a fight." Definitely like one of those Nordic Valkyries in those made up legends she seems. But something more too.

She then took place by my side. Looking at her my thoughts became tainted as I examined her completely, for all she was she was certainly unique. She had….a great bosom, of which embarrassed me to think about despite it being a natural thing to like, the armor made it out a bit more than it should. I think whoever made it lived in High Rock, I noticed her hips too, she could very well crush anything with those, with the armor on in particular. Dibella help me, I know it's good to admire one's form but it still feels off.

"Finished gawking?" Her voice dragged me out of my thoughts before I could examine anymore. She brushed off a part of her hair that was in her face, I was surprised more of it had not gotten in the way but she knew how to take care of it.

"Er yeah just follow me. This road will lead us to the city and the Castle Dour itself." She began to walk with me. I forgot to ask for her name!

"What is your name if you don't mind me asking?" I said politely as I could.

"Alavia."

"That is a wonderful name." I commented, she gave a smirk.

This would be kind of an awkward walk.


Walking through the gates with Alavia she seemed to have never been in a city before, she looked at all of the buildings with upmost curiosity. But her face remained with a plain expression. She earned many stares from people and guards but she did not pay them any attention.

Her ethereal brown eyes now laid themselves upon me.

"This city is rather nice." Alavia commented.

"Yeah, I think it is beautiful." We began walking up the steps to the Imperial Keep. I directed the mysterious woman into the Command building.

Behind us however were hundreds of Imperial soldiers raining with all manners of weapons. It seemed war would be starting soon. For real.

We saw Tullius and Rikke, Hadvar along with Hans, Marcus, and Aethan were with them.

"You were able to find the location of the Crown?" Tullius asked Hadvar.

"Yes General it is to the North of Whiterun, in an old Nordic ruin known as Korvanjund. I think the Stormcloaks may be after it soon." Tullius seemed to think for a moment.

"General, I can lead a team of soldiers to get the Crown without any incident with Whiterun or Jarl Balgruuf." Legate Rikke said to the General.

"Good, I want you to take who you want on this mission. I just do not get why we are wasting men after a fairy tale." He said irritably.

"If Ulfric gets his hand on that crown, it won't be a fairy tale. It'll be a problem." As they conversed about the issue with Hadvar and the rest of my fellows waiting around in the room still not having noticed us and especially Alavia who I should introduce them to.

"Alavia, the two that are talking are General Tullius and Legate Rikke, Tullius is in charge of the Imperial Legion by the way but anyways the other people in the room are Hadvar, Hans, Aethan, and Marcus. I met them in a town called Helgen a while back when I first came into this land." Her eyes focused on them all for a little bit.

"Hey, you are still alive?" The friendly voice of Hadvar came.

"Hehe still here in the land of the living." We shook hands.

"Tullius informed us that you were sent off on a mission to capture Fort Hraggrstead and it seems like you did it and brought somebody else with you." He said as he noticed Alavia, before I could talk to the others both Tullius and Rikke looked at me and Alavia.

"Welcome back soldier, I'm glad you made it in one piece. I'll send men to garrison the fort right away. You did well. I'm impressed. But who is this with you? A recruit?" Rikke greeted I had to tell her what Alavia did.

"Actually my Legate Alavia here cleared out the entire fort by herself. By the time I arrived every single bandit in the Fort was dead. She slaughtered them horribly with perfection." The two superior officers of the Imperial Legion looked at her, impressed.

"I want to join the Imperial Legion along with this boy. You also seem to be an interesting group." Rikke looked confused for once and the look Tullius had seemed as if he thought it were just another Nordic thing, I thought the same way as well. The others were staring at her too.

"Well then, it is time for you both to officially join the Legion. General Tullius will administer the oath." Rikke said as Tullius now walked up to the two of us, Alavia towered over him as she did me.

"In joining the Legion, you'll be taking an oath binding you to the service of the Emperor and thus to every citizen of the Empire." Alavia still had a plain look on her face, but I think she was coming up with an idea of some sort.

"I am willing to take the oath." She said.

"I am too, General." I called him by rank, he taught he me that they always would do that in the Legion. Good idea to start now.

"Good then. Now repeat after me. Upon my honor I do swear undying loyalty to the Emperor, Titus Mede II..." The Emperor, I felt bad for our leader considering all that has happened, while I do not like him essentially bowing to the Thalmor I think he may have done what he had to.

We repeated the line after him.

"….And unwavering obedience to the officers of his great Empire." There were few officers that were dis-likable.

"May those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty." The Divines judge and watch over us all, the Daedra can only take us if we fail the Empire.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!" He said rather tiredly but with he did so devotedly. May our Empire last for as long as humanity does. May the Emperor return to glory.

"Welcome to the Imperial Legion, soldiers." I saluted with a fist on my chest. Alavia quickly looked at what I was doing and did the same. I wonder where she came from, the thought crossed my mind for a couple of seconds before Tullius announced.

"Just remember, we take care of our own. Once you're in the Legion, you're in it for life." I pray this doesn't take away all of my time from other things, I do need to tend to the Blades and the Greybeards. I don't think I have told anyone in here that I am the Dragonborn.

"I would recommend to for you both to visit Beirand a very good blacksmith of ours, but it seems you two have picked up superior armor, we can let this pass so long as you put Imperial markings at some point onto them." He informed.

"Now, if I'm not mistaken Legate Rikke? You have a special assingment for everyone here?"

"Yes, but first to ranks." Said Rikke. I was now eager to receive mine.

"Alavia, for clearing out Fort Hraggrstead you are now hereby a Trooper." I felt happy for Alavia even though I only have known her for a short while, I think she meant well.

"And Ruigus you for carrying out my task as instructed will be…..." I had to be a Trooper as well!

"An Auxillary." Immediately I heard Hadvar laughing mockingly at me along with Marcus, Hans was chuckling while Aethan along with Tullius were trying not to while Rikke was close to facepalming. Alavia looked at me, a certain look I have never seen anybody's eyes as I now began to weep rather comically.

"Nooooooooooo!" Alavia cracked up and joined in it too, a small blush on her face. I soon joined in, accepting my lower rank.

Eventually the laughter died and the Legate now spoke. We all payed attention to her as I gave my fellows from Helgen a quick smile and they returned it.

"Now listen up. Ulfric's right hand man, Galmar Stonefist, has located what he believes is the final resting place of the Jagged Crown." Never heard of it before.

"We're going to make sure he doesn't get his hands on it." If it doesn't belong to us, it will soon.

"I am assembling my men outside Korvanjund, it will take 10 days for me to finish here and for our men to arrive there. I do not think the Stormcloaks will be faster than us so have no fear." 10 days should be enough to get back to the Blades and the Greybeards.

"What is the Jagged Crown?" I asked.

"A legendary crown, dating back to King Harald's time, or before. A powerful relic of a golden age, long since passed." As Rikke explained, Alavia's expression changed to curiosity.

"Have you an idea of when this time was?" Alavia asked the Legate.

"Well legend has it that the crown is made from the bones and teeth of ancient Dragons, and is said to increase the power of the wearer. So I could only imagine sometime after the Dragon wars." She responded. Alavia's face darkened for a second, almost menacingly then went back to normal. At least as normal as when I was walking with her.

"Any other questions Legionaries?" Everyone looked content and was silent.

"Good, dismissed and be there within 10 days." Wait I forgot to tell them something.

"Oh right I forgot to tell you all, apparently I am the Dragonborn." Hans spit out some of his drink. As all but Tullius and Rikke gave me strange glances.

"So it is you that the rumors were about, however I already knew of that." Tullius said with an emotionless expression.

"Well...Yeah." I said plainly, and stupidly.

"Good to have you with us." Came Rikke her hands on her hips as she looked at me as though I had something funny as of the last sentence.

"You do realize this makes you a potential heir to the Imperial throne if the Emperor does die, you know that Ruigus?" Tullius continued to look at me, a tiny bit incredulous.

"Not really…." I lied, the Blades had already pretty much told me.

"Just don't go crazy on any sort of ambition on us Ruigus." He said rather seriously.

"I promise I won't!" I don't think I will, unless if something crazy happens to me.

Tullius then switched his expression, appearing smug.

"It is unfortunate that no longer works the way it should anymore, I was lying to you Ruigus, but you should know what weight it is that your title carries. If you cannot handle it, ask me if you need to leave the service of the Empire, you have a home you can return to." He reminded.

I looked up at him, a bit at a loss for words.

"I understand, I still won't though, and I won't go home either" I replied. There was some silence in the room that grew awkward until a certain man spoke.

"Ha, so which of your parents was the Dragon?" Hadvar said. Hans sighed as Rikke gave him a dead glare, Alavia just looked on at us.

"I don't know?" I was confused myself.

"Hadvar, I have seen many strange things and have heard them. That was the most silliest thing to come out of anybody's mouth save for Marcus." Came the old Halberdier.

"I heard you!" Marcus said as our small team now went into the waiting room of Castle Dour.

"Ugh." Hans gave another sigh.

"How does it brother?" Aethan said to me.

"All is fine, you Aethan?" He looked a bit somber.

"I like being with this squad that has been created by Rikke, Hadvar leads us if you have not noticed, heh this beats the Dungeon." He said as a smile cracked on his lips.

"So Dragonborn? I take it you went past my hometown of Riften to get to High Hrothgar." He came from Riften? Conversations had been started with the other members of our team.

"Aye brother, Riften was where I was born. When the war started I was assigned to the old man in Helgen." He seemed to be hiding something about his time in Riften. But I had to really get going, there was much for us all to talk about.

Saying my goodbyes to everyone I walked out to find Alavia coming next to me, she was fast.

"I will go with you." She said, I blushed at the suddenness and at her presence.

"S-Sure." I realized that she was a higher rank than me and could probably order me around, I needed to somehow convince her to take a detour with me so I could complete all of my tasks.

"I will follow you wherever you go." That sounded, kind of creepy Alavia. But she meant well I think. But I guess I would not need to convince her, though I was sure she would rather be taking me with her instead at her side….What am I thinking!? I think I might going daft now.

On the road to Markarth, getting close to the Temple night had fallen. And I was getting tired while Alavia was undaunted. Coming up to one of those small camps that are usually scattered around and left uninhabited to travelers could use them.

"Alavia, can we rest here for the night?"

"Yes." It came off as an order. I checked my rucksack for any food, there were some drinks I sill had but no food.

"Ah heck, I'm out of food." Alavia perked up at my woe.

"I will get you some food." She said, preparing to go off in a direction to the East.

"Thank you, but don't tire yourself out please?" She gave me a confident smirk.

"Ruigus, I never get tired unlike most of you." Who's you? Me? I was too tired to figure anything out.

"Rest, and I will have everything prepared for you in the Morning." As if by magic I was rapidly falling asleep, her words commanded me to sleep.
In my sleep I saw things I could not understand.

Yet I heard one thing that confused me more than anything.

'I l- yo-.' I could barely even hear it yet the words brought bliss upon my sleep. I probably would have heard it if there wasn't some flapping noises in the background. But I was certain, the voice of my mother.

I hope Dad is alright, up there in Aetherius.


Waking up I saw Alavia standing next to me, and also next to me was a feast. Literally.

There was bread and meat with some vegetables laid very neatly on some cloth that kept them preserved. I couldn't eat all of it, but I could take some. And with the campfire and cooking pot over it I am sure I may be able to cook something for us.

"This is amazing Alavia!" I could see a pleased if not prideful look on her face.

"It was but a trivial task for me." A tone of pride in her voice. As I began to eat I looked at her to witness some of the food being eaten raw, I looked on in horror at what she was doing, my mouth gaping.

"What is it?" She asked me.

"I can cook that food you know? You don't have to eat it raw which can harm you." I said with care. Her expression was blank still.

"It does not matter." She took another bite out of some meat. Gah! How could she manage this?
"Can I at least make you something so you don't get infected with something?"

"I am sure I will not ever get infected by anything, though I could go with more food." A look of greed crossed her face.
"I am pretty sure I can make you Salmon-Steak along with Tomato Soup considering what you have given me." She gave a nod, intrigued to see how it would go.

"Hey Alavia, where were you born?" The thought came to mind as I started.

"I….Cannot tell you." Maybe she came from some Mountain tribe or something like that who existed near Solitude.

"I am curious to know where you live, tell me." Her voice came out as an order though softly.

"Oh me? I was born in Cyrodil the capital province of the Empire, but the city? Kvatch, a good city, just with a sad atmosphere. I guess it could be different from you but having lived there and known people, it is not one I would like to return to usually, though I guess I would, I'm just surprised I'm not homesick yet." I said with a sad sigh.

"Yeah all of it is from the war we had with the Thalmor or Aldmeri Dominion as some call them many years ago. I was born during it you know? Well I mean at least the very end of it." I said, feeling an ounce of pain in my heart. Alavia's eyes narrowed a bit.

"I have heard of them, rather recently as a matter of fact. But you were born during the war?" She seemed to be intensely drawn into my history.

"Yes. I am just sad that my father never got to see me." Her eyes widened, she showed intense concern for once, it was unlike her so far.

"Your father died before you were born?" My eyes were a bit teary.

"Y-Yes. He too had been in the Imperial Legion I guess you could say; he wasn't and was at the same time because of a different army but he was still considered Legion, ah I hope you get the idea, but he died when we were going to retake the Imperial City; the very capital of the Empire that was lost to Thalmor during the war he took part in one of the final assaults in retaking it. I heard he had died saving his men and some civilians the Thalmor were going to kill out of spite." I said, trying not to cry while thinking about him as I finished my sentence. I should have slowed down and thought on what I should have said a bit more, I think I blurted everything too quickly.

"His name was Andred. Mother told me he died doing what he had loved doing. And I guess part of him brought me here." Alavia seemed a bit sad? At my own words.

"I am sorry." She said.

"It is fine, I just find it a shame he does not live." Alavia then asked.

"What of your mother?"

"Mom? Her name is Hildeguard, she has been with me all of my life until I came into Skyrim. Heh, she said to me not to write or return home to her until I finally fulfilled my promise and that she would have heard my name on the lips of everyone else at Kvatch."

"What is your promise to her?" It was kind of funny how my question to her turned into many for me.

"Well it was to her, Andred, and a caretaker of mine who acted like a father. I promised that I would one day be a great adventurer, hero, or soldier. To make them proud of me." Alavia turned dark in her expression.

"You cannot do that if you are weak." A dark comment from her. Instead of being offended by it I contemplated it.

"Perhaps..." I did not like the whole idea of being weak or strong. I swear Secantius did say something about it back when I was still a kid. 'Strength is not a match for intelligence or resolve Ruigus.' I wonder how he is doing these days, I miss him.

"I have not seen my father or mother in a long time." Came my black haired comrade's beautiful voice. She said it rather emotionless.

"Do you miss them?" I had now finished and gave her the food.

"I do not know myself." She began to eat what I had made her. Her eyes widened for a few seconds.

"If you are a poor warrior you can at least take up cooking, I enjoy it, a great amount of enjoyment really." I beamed a bit.

"Heh, I do not think that will divert my dreams but I will keep that in mind, thank you." She finished it all rather quickly, like a hungry predator.

"Now let us go to where you were supposed to be." She stood up, her powerful and impressive form towered over me as she now picked up a few things and waited for me to go in the direction I had pointed out yesterday.

"Ready to go?" I quickly took everything I needed and nodded to her.

I wonder if I should introduce her to the Blades?


Elenwen was not pleased with the situation, the Dragonborn had managed to kill quite a few of her soldiers and had managed to steal their well earned dossiers and ruined the floors by staining them with blood.

'A small expense that last one.' She thought.

She now walked towards the meeting that was being held where her fellow Justicars would be who were posted in Skyrim. Undoubtedly about the Dragonborn. Entering inside she saw all the other Justicars: Ancano, Ondolemar, Rulindil, Ancarion, Estmoro, and Valmir.

And someone else came in the room. Wearing the armor of the Supreme Justicar. The only one in the Dominion, all now bowed before him.

"Arise you true sons and daughters of the Aedra." All complied in perfect sync.

"It seems that the heretical Dragonborn is on the loose in this province, as Justicar Elenwen has reported to me he is responsible for a sabotage in this very Embassy." The Supreme Justicar continued.

"This is disturbing news coupled with the sudden reemergence of the Dragons. On my wisdom as Supreme Justicar of the Thalmor, I order you to put them both down one way or another." Some chatter was going on between the Justicars as they were somewhat bewildered by this order.

"Silence! Dragons can be easily felled if you so much as use the superior tools, weapons, and soldiers at your disposal. In the case of the Dragonborn however…...We need more care and much more subterfuge. He is an eligible candidate for the Imperial throne, and we do not want to risk all of the old Empire coming back together this time with fervor similar to that of the old times, when humanity was so wrongfully the dominant force in Tamriel." Everyone stared in obedience.

"Ancano, I task you to go to Cyrodil. I will give you more specifics on what I want done later."

"Estmoro, hunt Ruigus Kessel down, I know that you are rather familiar with the name as well as Ondolemar."

"And Ondolemar, you managed to survive that disgusting city in Cyrodil when the Imperial Legion ever so feverishly attacked us and retook their capital. If I am correct you also have been involved with that family name more so than the rest of us who have only just heard of it at most. You should know on him where it will hurt."

"Valmir, make sure to keep investigating Forelhost to get one of those Dragon Priest masks so we can find out it's power."

"Elenwen, I want you to start helping out the Stormcloak rebellion from the sidelines unnoticed. We are giving you access to as much coin as you need so that the war can continue and perhaps have them win over the Imperials. While I find it to be a rather risky thing for if they win, but it will not be as bad if the Empire wins along with the Dragonborn admist their ranks."

"Rulindil, interrogate even more people. We still need to go after those who worship Talos, and perhaps see if they have any info on Ruigus Kessel, if there even is anyone who would know anything intimately, what matters is that we gain a track on where he's been and his patterns."

"Ancarion, study the special weapons that the little and most intriguing island of Solstheim has.

"You all have your orders. Carry them out for it is the will of the Eight. Dismissed." The Justiciars along with the Supreme Justicar began to leave the room.

Elenwen for once in her life felt a bit worried at the thought of the Dragonborn. While he had seemed weak he still managed to cause some havoc, and with Dragons coming back.

She knew that their work was going to be hard.

A quick moment of wonder hit her, what was Ancano being sent to Cyrodil for? He was being dragged out of the Winterhold College and being sent to Cyrodil for some odd reason. It may have been Ruigus Kessel's homeland but her mind could not guess what the Supreme Justicar had in mind, unless it was completely unrelated, and that perhaps he something else in mind.

She had no idea on how Ondolemar had known the Kessel family either, though she knew that he had fought practically everywhere in Cyrodil, he was bound to have crossed even Ulfric at one point.

'Why was he not being sent there?' She thought.

She and the other Justiciars would see soon.


In the end I decided to bring Alavia with me. She should know about them if she does want to fight with me in this accursed Civil War. Though, a part of me thinks she would learn about the Blades and their ambition for me to become Emperor.

We now walked up to the Bridge, a Blades member was there to greet us, Lydia.

"Ruigus you have returned! Malborn came by and is safe with us Delphine says thanks in advance." She said happily.

"Er, who is this?" She said, peering over at us. Alavia looked back, somewhat un-intentionally menacingly.

"Oh this is Alavia, you can trust her Lydia. I know she means well. But can we get in? I just need to check on a few things." I had to say loudly.

"Sure thing my Emperor." The bridge lowered and Alavia went first.

"Nice to meet you." Lydia said.

"Hmph, you seem to be a half decent warrior. More so than he is." She started off, and I was taken aback along with Lydia. She was about to say something when I tried to immediately calm things down.

"It is fine Lydia, I know she means well. Just….You know." Alavia growled a tiny bit. She could be so calm and so strange at times.

"Ruigus tell me, who is she with and where are we going?" Alavia asked forcefully.

"Lydia is a member of the Blades." Alavia betrayed a shocked expression.

"You mean, that you are a candidate for the Emperor in their eyes? How many of you are left?" She now began to shake Lydia, who seemed to be being shaken around like a ragdoll in response.

Alavia was still so crazily strong, even Lydia had been reduced to being weak as a ragdoll, a dog's chew toy. It terrified me even though I laughed at the comedic situation and image of the Blades member being thrashed around by Alavia for answers.

"W-Wo-Woah! Okay! There are 39 of us left. And yes we do see Ruigus as the true Emperor." She said quickly.

"I see….." Alavia pondered this.

"You can see them in the main chamber of Sky Haven Temple. Do...Do you want to join!?" I said to her. She looked at me.

"Do show me them." A somewhat lighter tone came from her some sort giddyness. And also ignoring my question.

"I will await here my Emperor, just need to wait for my head to stop spinning." Lydia stated, staring widely as she remained calm.

"Heh, you alright?" I asked

"Alavia is the most strongest warrior I have ever seen, even amongst the Blades." Lydia remarked as Alavia went on, showing an ounce of terror.

"Are you sure you can trust her?" She said, incredulously.

"I believe she truly is good." The words came to my mouth, as if some ethereal force put them there, that or I too was too intimidated to say otherwise, that was probably it.

"I pray to the Nine you are right." She said solemnly. I now guided Alavia into the main hall.

Almost immediately Delphine and Esbern came to see us.

"Ruigus, it is great to see you are still alive and well. Lydia should have informed you on what happened after you left but who is this that is with you? An initiate into our order?"

"No I am not here to join you. Your member, Lydia did however inform us." Alavia took the initiative. Delphine frowned

"She is fine. Alavia here has joined me in the Imperial Legion." Esbern gave a nod while Delphine softened.

"Hm, that certainly brings up a few good options for you Ruigus." She remarked.

"Is there anything you need of us?" Maybe a couple of things…

"Esbern can you give Alavia a full explanation of Alduin's wall?" Alavia's eyes widened, a look of shock was on her face.

"Alavia?" The look went away.

"Oh nothing, the name was a bit familiar, that is all it was. Ruigus." She said oddly, perhaps the name of Alduin was some kind of curse where she came from?

"Come with me, I will show you." The old voice of Esbern was heard as Alavia now began to follow him to the wall, intrigued.

"And Delphine I need to see what I can do with the Blade's first assignment." She brightened, a cheerful look in her eyes.

"Anything for you. What do you want us to do?" The thought of Eltrys came to mind.

"There is a recent pregnant widow by the name of Rhiada, I want someone to keep an eye on her to make sure she stays safe. Her husband was killed by the Forsworn. And I want to give the Blades some live practice, if the Forsworn are not too deadly." I wanted them to hurt nobody else anymore, but…...

"Will do, we will secure any money and items of interest they have, also I am aware of the Word Walls you use. I will mark them if there is any report of them on your map or one of our maps, or just give you the damned directions." Delphine said, her hand on the sheath of her sword.

"Oh one thing, can you tell me where we get all of this money from? I want to know how you all keep the Order running." Delphine gave me a pleased look, I guess I was asking the questions proper of one who could become an Emperor.

"We get our money from some sympathetic leaders and officials of the Empire who know of us, but not our location. We have agents all over the territories of the old Imperial lands save for Hammefell. And we do get it from helping people out anonymously as well as merchants and other people. We do not fall into corruption by helping out those who seek to take advantage of the Empire's people. There is also the benefit that we have trained to live off the land and be self sufficient, we can mine and make anything we want as well." That was mostly straight to the point.

"I think that satisfies mostly everything I need to know at the moment, thank you." I bowed my head.

"My pleasure." As I began to leave she stopped me urgently.

"Wait a second Ruigus! Esbern knows that there is an untold Shout that could defeat Alduin. I think it were the accursed Dragon we met at that village who flew away so arrogantly." A Shout?

"Ruigus, you must talk to the Greybeards about this Shout. They may be a bunch of old cowardly fools as far as I am concerned but they are knowledgeable old cowardly fools. If we are to have any hope of defeating the World Eater you must pressure them my Emperor."

"I will do so. Is Esbern going to inform Alavia about it?" She contemplated.

"I believe so, be careful. We must not allow this information to fall into any hands other than ours or the Greybeards who already know of it. Your friends should be safe however. That is all I have for you now."

I decided to talk to some of the Blades members, to let them know I cared for them and wanted to know them. It wasn't much really, just small talk much like how I suppose a General or any high ranking person could ask one how their day was.

They were a good lot who had suffered again and again and began to want the old times to come back. Except more grander and better. If I ever do become the Emperor, Divines. The idea itself is crazier than being Dragonborn or the idea of Alduin being the World Eater. But if I do become Emperor I pray I do live up to their dreams and wishes.

Then Alavia came back to me.

"I think we have spent enough time here. Let us go." She said, there was a rather confused look on her face it seemed to be confusion and something else?

Regardless we went, saying goodbye to Lydia again, who carefully eyed Alavia.

I think the Blades will do a good job on the Forsworn. I think I may come back soon enough to ask more of them as I go along this route.

Delphine did thank me for their dossiers as we went. Looks like it might help them sneak around a lot better, at least if they hadn't made other copies. I doubt they are that dumb.

I am still surprised she did not ask about Alduin. Maybe next time when I can afford to talk to her more, then again she might not just care for that Dragon.

"Do you plan on becoming the next Emperor?" Alavia asked.

"I am not sure. I do not want to betray him. Unless you mean if he passes, then even then I am not sure." She gave a sigh.

"Were you sincere when you toke the oath?" She looked at me, a small evil smirk. I felt a strange sensation in myself as I noticed it. It I think I was blushing. I looked downwards.

"No. I will not bound myself to anything other than I." She sounded a bit resistant at herself.

"I see." I said, a kind tone took my voice. She stared at me curiously.

"For a Dragonborn you are a strange one." She almost muttered.

"What do you mean by that?" I became confused myself.

"Nothing Ruigus." She said with a hint of mischievousness. Whenever she said 'Dragonborn' and 'Ruigus' her voice seemed familiar to one before. Perhaps I was just losing myself to Sheo, I sighed lightly as to suppress such mad laughter and walked. She just sounded like she was gonna say "Dovahkiin!" with that authoritative and amused tone.

We were to go the Greybeards next.


Amazingly it only took us a couple of days to make it there. I don't know if I got faster or somehow Alavia was somehow pushing me both physically and mentally to get to there but we did, my chest really hurts from all the jogging though, I think I'm getting used to running with all this much. It will suck the one day I grow old to regret it, but I suppose I should be keeping this up.

I shivered from the cold as we went into High Hrothgar. I showed her the Emblems along the path, while the only ones I could remember were the names and the one that I think either mentioned or alluded to Talos, she finished each one with a look like it were a bad memory.

Though I did feel the air around her change when she saw the one that had Talos, she seemed curious and muttered something to herself. Her beautiful black hair was blowing in the wind, it was still so amazing that despite how long it was she kept it in perfect condition.

Entering High Hrothgar we saw nobody in the main hall. I went to check one of the side rooms and I found Arngeir along with Borri. Alavia looked at them curiously. I had told her what I knew about the Greybeards on the way here, she seemed surprised that they knew the Thu'um. Wait a second, how did she know about the Thu'um herself? It was not from me muttering about something was it?

Walking up to Arngeir he greeted me.

"Sky guard you."

"Master Arngeir, I learned about a shout that could defeat Alduin." Alavia seemed to be staring me down.

"Where did you learn of that? Who have you been talking to?" Arngeir said, both frightened and worried.

"The Blades told me." Surprise took his heart. He must have been more worldly than I thought, I thought I was going to have to explain it to him.

"The Blades! Of course. They specialize in meddling in matters they barely understand. Their reckless arrogance knows no bonds." They seemed very humble to me. And Esbern, while I did not really talk to the man a lot I knew he was a wiser sort. The guidance of the group. Delphine even was reasonably careful, but perhaps, they had tried to force knowledge of the Thu'um in the past.

"They have always sought to turn the Dragonborn from the path of wisdom." Did he mean by me being a candidate for Emperor? I didn't want to become Emperor unless I had to, Uncle scared me and then joked about it. But that's right, he meant to be talking about all Dragonborns.

"Have you learned nothing from us? Would you simply be a tool in the hands of the Blades, to be used for their own purposes?" My Black haired companion was intrigued, but kept her silence.

"They have done nothing but offer their services to me! You have done the same along with your meditations and markings of ruins! They do not seek to make me a tool, they trust me even. But I know my own limits myself and want to fix them!" The Master of the Greybeards sighed lightly as he closed his eyes. Perhaps I was too brash, too wrong, but I needed to try.

"Forgive me, Dragonborn. I have been intemperate with you." He stated with a kind expression.

"But heed my warning – the Blades may say they serve the Dragonborn, but they do not. They never have." He was wrong. Dead wrong. But I would let the issue go.

"Are you able to teach me this Shout?" I asked but he shook his head slowly.

"No. I cannot teach it to you because I do not know it."

"It is called 'Dragonrend', but it's Words of Power are unknown to us." I thought I heard a noise coming from where Alavia was when he said 'Dragonrend' but she sat quietly giving me an intense look that made me feel weak in comparison to her, wonder what the Gods were thinking when they created as someone as scary but not evil such as her.

"We do not regret this loss. Dragonrend holds no place within the Way of the Voice. You see, the knowledge of the Shout was lost in the time before history began." I shifted a little, he spoke of a concept I surely don't understand.

"Perhaps only it's creators ever knew it. But I am not the one to speak of it to you." Then who can?

"If it is lost, is there any way of even finding it?" I asked, some desperation.

"Only Paarthunax, the master of our order, can answer that question, if he so chooses." Alavia was now fuming, I felt an evil aura around her as the name of their master was uttered. A suppressed emotion was in her eyes.

I saw Arngeir merely stared at her, boring his own gaze into her eyes. I switched glances between the two. He grew a welcoming smile.

"Wait, before we go on about your master. Why is the Shout so evil to you?" He looked into my eyes.

"Ruigus, It was created by those who had lived under unimaginable cruelty of Alduin and her Dragon Cult. Their whole lives were consumed by hatred for Dragons, and they poured all their anger and hatred into this Shout. When you learn a Shout, you take it into your very being. In a sense, you become the Shout. In order to learn and use this Shout, you will be taking this evil into yourself." The very hatred they felt? That learning it could be that transformative?

"There is no other choice Arngeir, if I must sacrifice my goodness so I can save this world. I am willing to do so. It's just that if I really do become evil, I pray that I die along with her. The evil buried, with my death. I just wish that there was another way you know? I don't want anyone to die. When I saw Alduin I felt anger and fear when she destroyed the town of Helgen. But I want this to end, if I could…..If I could ever convince her otherwise I would try with all my life for the sake of my home and my family, but I must learn it Master." I begged to him.

I could hear absolute silence behind me. Alavia had not been expecting me to say that I think, perhaps she never thought I would have ever said something like that, and I know it was a grim and naive thing of me to think.

"That is your decision Dragonborn." Arngeir's tone was caring but neutral.

"I need to speak to Paarthunax either way Arngeir." His scolding yet soft tone came back.

"You weren't ready. You still aren't ready." I looked downwards my fist clenched slightly.

"But thanks to the Blades, you now have the questions that only Paarthunax can answer." I looked up again.

"Who is Paarthunax?"

"He is our leader. He surpasses us all in his mastery of the Way of the Voice." I thought I heard Alavia scoff at that. Did she have some kind of history with this man? His name sounded familiar to me I must say, wasn't his name on one of the Emblems?

"Why haven't I been able to meet him yet?" I asked, blinking.

"He lives in seclusion on the very peak of the mountain." He must be freezing to death out there, even if he is a Nord.

"He speaks to us only rarely, and never to outsiders. Being allowed to see him is a great privilege." I could see why. He is the Master of the Greybeards after all.

"Er how do I get to the top of the mountain to see him? Isn't it almost impossible to make it up there?"

"Only those whose Voice is strong can find the path. Come. We will teach you a shout to open the way to Paarthunax." I saw Borri and Arngeir get up, Alavia followed suit with a calm expression on her face. It was impossible to read her emotions right now.
Walking outside all four of the Greybeards were assembled at a large pile of wood in flames.

"The path to Paarthunax lies through this gate. I will show you how they open the way."

"Lok." The word now appeared, etched onto the stone snowed out floor with blazing letters.

"Vah." Another one appeared.

"Koor." 'Clear Skies.'

The meanings glowed through me as Arngeir gave me his knowledge of the Shout.

"This is our final gift to you Dragonborn. Use it well."

"Thank you." Alavia now spoke up.

"I will stay here Ruigus." Arngeir looked at her.

"You could not go anyways. He would not permit it." She snorted.

"As if you can stop me anyways." Her retort carried confidence, and power. And I was blushing again, she really had a way of doing to me in the smallest of ways of just how unfiltered she was. I'm going to find a way to get her to be normal, at least act more like it.

"The path to Paarthunax is perilous, not to be embarked upon lightly. Keep moving, stay focused on your goal, and you will reach the summit." Giving them a thumbs up, a gesture I guess they don't even know, and the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller of which I almost forgot about, I went to go meet and Paarthunax.

And see a whole bunch of animals that somehow wanted to live so high in this mountain.

Life always finds a way, I suppose.


The sky was a most beautiful aurora as I now reached the top of the mountain. I had never seen anything like this back in Cyrodil. Cyrodil, I am surprised I am not homesick yet. I pray Mother and everyone else in Kvatch is doing alright.

On my way here I thought about Alavia a little bit nothing special really but I felt a certain burn in my heart when it came to her. I had not really known her and I think already I was starting to fall for the powerful warrior. Her personality was…...Odd compared to everyone else I met. Specifically female. But I could not help but feel a desire to bring a smile upon her face. A blush creeped onto my cheeks she was so weird, a cool figure, and also an ass, an endearing one.

Then they turned to Alduin I felt a certain dread, yet hopefulness. Perhaps I was capable of doing something to at least change things.

Across from me now was a Word Wall that I now approached, curious to see where Paarthunax was.

Suddenly the living daylights were scared out of me as I saw a Grey-ish brown Dragon land right in front of my own eyes onto the Word Wall. I knocked myself onto the ground.

"Drem Yol Lok. Greetings, wudnuniik. I am Paarthunax." A legendary sounding voice came from the Dragon. It sounded old just like his appearance as there were some ruined and old scales on Paarthunax as well as a few missing spines.

"Who are you? What brings you to my strunmah….My mountain?" He said while I was getting up.

"Ru-Ru-Ruigus Kessel! I am the Dragonborn of this time!" His Draconian face shifted more comfortably. He was almost as big as Alduin.

"Dovahkiin…..What brings you here?" He asked.

"I want to learn the Dragonrend Shout, can you teach me Master?"

"Drem. Patience. There are formalities which must be observed, at the first meeting of two of the Dov." My eyes blinked a couple of times.

"By long tradition, the elder speaks first." The wizened Dragon said.

"Hear my Thu'um! Feel in it in your bones! Match it, if you are Dovahkiin!" He turned his huge form over to the broken Word Wall and Shouted.

"Yol Toor Shul!" The words appeared, burning onto the surface of the Wall. I moved to it and stared.

"A gift Dovahkiin. Shul, feel the power of the Sun that you blast out of your mouth." He said as the final meaning of the Flame Shout was known to me.

"I understand it now Master." I informed him, I must look nervous to him.

"Now, show me what you can do. Greet me not as mortal, but as Dovah!" I looked towards the Sky.

"Yol Toor Shul!" The fire came spewing out of my mouth and into the air, I was both frightened amazed and really feeling a burn in my throat.

"Dovahkiin, now direct the power of your shout at me! Do not worry of my state of being." Excitement was in the old Dragon's voice.

"Are you sure Master? I don't want to cause pain to you." He looked at me kindly.

"The pain will last only for a little while." I breathed in again, my throat would probably hurt for a while.

"Yol Toor Shul!" The flames reached him. Paarthunax made a small hiss of pain. But he seemed very pleased.

"Ah, yes! Sossedov los mul. The Dragonblood runs strong in you. It is long since I had the pleasure of speech with one of my own kind." A happy smile that I really did not know was possible for a Dragon appeared on Paarthunax. I felt a tiny bit proud of myself.

"So. You have made your way here, to me. No easy task for a joor…..Mortal. Even for one of Dovah Sos. Dragonblood." It really wasn't that hard…

"What would you ask of me?" I perked up a little bit.

"Can you teach me the Dragonrend Shout Paarthunax?" A sad look showed itself on him.

"You would not come all this way for tinvaak with an old Dovah. No. You seek your weapon against Alduin." Woah! I don't meant to just use him like this!

"Paarthunax! I do want to talk to you as well, it's just that I need this knowledge if I am to truly fight her in the end. But I really would like to talk to you, truly!" It seemed to help his mood.

"I must give you what you want first then Dovahkiin, I understand. The Shout called Dragonrend." I curiously looked at him.

"I knew you would seek this first Dovahiin, Alduin and Dovahkiin return together." He knew this would happen? Returning together? Am I missing something?

"But, I do not know the Thu'um you seek. Krosis. It cannot be known to me." He stated with some sadness.

"Your kind, joore or mortals created it as a weapon against the Dov…..The Dragons." A weapon against Dragons that was a Shout, that seemed almost unbelievable.

"Our hadrimme, our minds cannot even…..Comprehend it's concepts." I thought Dragons were superior to us in every way. Is he saying that they are mentally weak?

"Do you know how or where I can learn it Paarthunax? Please, I must know of it."

"Drem. All in good time. First, a question for you. Why do you want to learn this Thu'um?" My eyes searched around meaninglessly as I pondered it a tiny bit, a plain expression on my face.

"I want to save this world." I said softly yet slowly.

"Pruzah. As good a reason as any. There are many who feel as you do, although not all." Images of the Thalmor, Thonar Silver-Blood, Maven Black-Briar and many members of the Imperial Council came to mind those of whom I always heard talk of that were in powerful positions yet did nothing. I wonder what Alduin was fighting for, unless if she really was to live up to her name. I wondered what Alavia fought for as well, for the fun of it? The challenges the World had? I could not tell with either of them, two similar names breed two similar conflicts in this case. I just hope that Alavia finds something truly worthwhile, I still have yet to really find mine, but I know that I love my home.

"Some would say that all things must end, so that the next can come to pass." Mehrunes Dagon. That accursed damnable Daedra who destroyed my home province all those years ago and made the Emperor sacrifice himself for us. I hate almost all Daedra but honestly I am not even studied up on the nature of most of them, even the best are morally loose as I remembered the tale of the Knights of the Nine, my childhood heroes.

"Perhaps in order to save this world you would have to fight Alduin. Dovahkiin why do you want to stop her from ushering in a new kalpa, world?" I could not tell if he meant literally or figuratively, was she truly going to end the world, or just enslave it?

"I do not think even with a Shout that can defeat Dragons could do anything to stop her. And truth be told Paarthunax I will do my best anyways but there is only one thing: I do not think she wishes to endanger us at least not now, if she does she is biding her time well beyond, well beyond what seems to relevant to now. There is a war I must win, two of them I suppose. Is it not possible that I can do something else, convince her somehow Paarthunax!? My reason, my will is to save what can be saved." I asked and declared, stressing my own self, as I was unsure how I could compare right now, to something like her's strength.

"Forgive me Divines, if only I were not so weak. By my own foolishness." I whispered to myself.

"Perhaps, it is not impossible for peace, perhaps you seek to even recreate the Dragon Cult of old. Or perhaps this world is doomed no matter what. Or perhaps you instill a love in her for the world itself." Paarthunax suddenly said. Yet I stayed dead silent, the idea of a second Dragon Cult scared me.

"That is insane I do not wish to do that, I want peace, I think things can change, I do! But not that!" I replied in panic.

"I thought it insanity when the Nords originally rebelled against her rule, that I too was insane. She is capable of changing forms Dovahkiin, it is a part of what convinced many to submit to our rule through her deception and power of her Dragon self." The appearance as though they were being conquered by another who could become an Aedra.

"That is possible!?" I don't think she would have done this now, would she?

"It is." He said calmly.

"Alduin is the firstborn of Akatosh and Mara as she proclaims. The eldest among all of the Dov." He stated. My eyes widened. So she really is a Goddess…...I stand not a chance in Oblivion when it will come to facing her. I am certain even a single one of her strikes can finish me off.

"She could destroy all of Keizaal, mey, Taazokan in a single Shout or action as we so speak. If she ever goes back to her most empowered." The old Dovah said factually.

"But it is perhaps because of this world that she hesitates, the world itself was always different to her. That is one thing I cannot understand, fahdon. Perhaps you know."

"I see." I was lost in thought. But why did in Oblivion he think I would know?

"You have indulged my weakness for speech long enough. Krosis. Now I will answer your question." He said, changing the subject.

"Do you know why I live here, at the peak of Monahaven; what you name Throat of the World?" I shook my head.

"This is the very spot Alduin was defeated by the ancient Tongues." The Nords of the past banished her here?

"They used the Dragonrend Shout then, right?"

"Yes and no. Viik nuz ni kron. Alduin was not truly defeated, either. If she was, she would have come back later and you would not be here today, seeking to…..Stop her." I began to sit on the boulders.

"The Nords of those days used the Dragonrend Shout to cripple Alduin. But this was not enough. Ek mulaag unslaad." So they did not 'kill' her.

"It was the Kel; the Elder Scroll. They used it to…...Cast her adrift on the currents of Time." That seemed insane! An Elder Scroll would surely drive those who read it either blind or crazy. How they even came into the possession of one was insanity.

"They sent her forward in time!?"

"Not intentionally. Some hoped she would be gone forever, forever lost. Meyye." He finished condescendingly.

"I knew better. Tiid bo amativ. Time flows ever onward. One day she would surface." And that time would be now.

"Which is why I have lived here. For thousands of mortal years I have waited. I knew where she would emerge but not when." A very long time of waiting, too long.

"Don't tell me an Elder Scroll is needed to get the Shout, that is what you are going to say aren't you?" I feared, and wished that were not the case. How would I even obtain one? I remember them in schooling but if I am right they just pop in and out of places.

"Yes, if you brought that Kel, that Elder Scroll back here…..To the Tiid-Ahraan, the Time-Wound…..With the Elder Scroll that was used to break Time, you may be able to…..Cast yourself back. To the other end of the break." Oh, I think I understand how it works here.

"You could learn Dragonrend from those who created it." Akatosh's teeth this was going to be odd, but I would do it.

"Any idea on where it is?" I asked him as he looked downcast, somewhat saddened.

"Krosis. No. I know little of what has passed below in the long years I have lived here." Hmm, I don't think anyone has made any mention at all of seeing Dragons before this year.

"You are likely better informed than I." Perhaps Esbern might know of a place, if not the College of Winterhold will.

"I think I know someone who can find it." I decided to bow before him. "Thank you, thank you so much!" I said, trying my best to pay him in respects before I proceeded to ask one final question.

"And Paarthunax, would it be fine if I learn a few words from you? I would like to keep you company for a little while as well." The old Dragon smiled.

"Of course fahdon."


I had learned quite a few words from Paarthunax indeed. Though I would just have to wait for the right times to use them.

"You finally are done wasting your time." Alavia said, not unfriendly nor jokingly.

"Yeah, after we are done with getting the Crown. I am going back to Cloud Ruler Temple." I told her as we began to leave, quickly saying goodbye to the Greybeards.

"What did you learn up there?" A curious look in her beautiful eyes.

"Apparently Alduin was banished by an Elder Scroll that the Nords back then sort of used in the hopes of banishing her forever. Though sadly for them it was foolish, in the end."

"You don't find her return unfortunate?" I was taken aback by this.

"I-I don't know. Don't you!?" I tried my best to bark back. She gave me an odd look before giggling.

"You really are an adorable one Ruigus." I don't even know what to say to her, this

"Er I guess so?" I replied meekly, this was getting very strange yet again. I don't think I regret having her along just yet.

She burst out with laughter for a good ten seconds placing a heavy hand upon my shoulder.

"And how was this Paarthunax?" She eventually asked as we now were descending down the 7,000 steps, already 100 had been passed so far.

"I like him, he is a Dragon apparently too. I don't know how he knows Alduin, but he seems kind and a bit wiser than most people I have met in my life. He asked me some things I never thought about before." I replied honestly.

"I see." She said, a dark overtone in her voice, I didn't want to pry into this emotion of hers by asking.

"Anything else you want to ask Alavia?" She seemed to think for a little bit.

"No, not for now." She said coolly.

"But you are being too slow for my tastes." I was about to question what she meant or was going to do before she picked me up, in a bridal fashion.

"Wa-What in!?" I exclaimed as her she picked me up as if I were but a leaf in the wind. A full blown laugh came out of her.

"You really are a weakling." She bullied, softly this time.

"Could you at least let me down if anyone sees us?" She gave me a wicked smile, I had awoken this accursed sadistic torture in her, Stendarr grant all life mercy.

"No."

This was going to be the most humiliating thing that has ever happened to me as I began to cry at her enjoyment. The meanwhile she laughed at me.

"The true problem, is your shortness. You've gotten a bit better." She stated.

"Short!? Short!? How am I short? I'm nearly as tall as you are!?" I exclaimed, she is the only person to have called me that, even the other tall Nords like her wouldn't say that to me.

My point stands in all cases.


We finally made it to Korvanjund, she had set me down the Night before, saying that it was because we were close. Though, I had a feeling she was not going to do it in front of anyone.

I was still blushing in embarrassment and shame.

Going near the place we saw campfires near by, Imperial Soldiers. Thirteen of them with Legate Rikke, Hadvar and my friends from Helgen. I ran up to greet them.

"Good to see you, my friend I knew you'd make a proper Legionnaire, though you look more like a Knight." Hadvar said, fully dressed in heavy Imperial armor. I had applied the red coloring to my armor last night myself, now taking a look at my armor it was not as leather of hide looking like the most of Skyrim's armors. It rather reminded me of the Knights of Skyrim, and Morrowind who wore heavier armor but this was only close to that in terms of protection. Appearance wise I could make myself out as a Knight because even my helmet which I had to put on, had a visor with it.

"Good to see you boy." Came the hardened and old voice of Hans.

"Heh you too guys." Aethan seemed to be thinking while Marcus gave a happy smirk. Alavia was leaning on a pillar that was holding one of the tents they had set up. Looking at us with her arms crossed.

"So you have finally made it you two, good. I know I can count on you." The authoritative voice of Rikke made our reunion short lived. All the other Imperial soldiers assembled.

Rikke began briefing them as well was getting a report from a random Legionnaire accompanying us.

"I'm glad you'll be with us in there. I don't like the looks of this place….And I'm not talking about the Stormcloaks." Hadvar whispered to me while Rikke and the Soldier talked on the reports of the Stormcloaks.

"Ah yeah, I think some Draugr may be in here." Hadvar shifted uncomfortably.

"I think it may be them, and they like these ruins won't want us here." He said.

"But never mind all that. We're the Emperor's soldiers. We'll do our duty no matter what stands in our way, right?" He asked.

"Of course!" I replied. As Rikke now seemed to announce something.

"Looks like the damned rebels got here first. No matter, we have the element of surprise. Prepare to move out." Snow fell around us as we began to head out for the Ruin. We trudged through some of the snow that reached our knees. Though for Alavia it was nothing to her, I don't think anything was when it came to her.

"Ulfric the Pretender wants that crown, but we're not going to let him have it." She yelled to us while we moved.

"I realize some of you may know men on the other side. But remember this. They are the enemy now and will not hesitate to end your lives either." A sympathetic tone in the Legate's voice manifested.

"General Tullius is counting on us to bring back the Jagged Crown, and that's exactly what we're going to do." She began to put on her helmet, fitting for a Legate.

"Let's show these rebels what real soldiers look like!" We now reached the entrance to the Ruins and spotted a few Stormcloaks guarding it.

"Charge!" Ordered Rikke as we stormed them down as we outnumbered them.

Alavia casted a spell which set two of them on fire, leaving only three left. I subconsciously realized I had never seen her use magic before. But that was soon gone as we slayed the last of them waiting outside.

"Let's hope that was all there was yeah?" Said Hadvar. We chuckled quickly before Rikke motioned us all to enter the Ruin.

Walking inside we felt cool air go among us, a couple of the Imperial soldiers were shivering and I almost did so along with them. Rikke crouched behind a large fallen pillar, a few Stormcloaks were up ahead.

"Everybody ready? We charge on my signal." Hans lowered his huge Halberd so they would not see us. Marcus and another soldier readied their bows. Alavia had her magic ready. And everyone who wielded a shield readied their weapons.

"Time to show what you're really made of." Yelled Rikke, we got up.

"For the Empire!" She yelled zealously as she led the charge. Three had already fallen from Marcus's attacks and Alavia used lighting to electrocute one. Our swords clashed amongst the Stormcloaks, their blue-ish armor in contrast to our red. A huge battleaxe came down upon me, and I would have lost my arm. Had my armor not saved me.

My attacker came with four others, a perfect opportunity to and grunting through the pain, I unleashed my venegance.

"Yol Toor Shul!" They were now ablaze, their screams filling the chamber as we cut down the rest with no casualties from our side.

After checking our wounds and making some quick small talk Rikke had us close in.

"You two, stay and guard the entrance. We don't want any Stormcloak reinforcements taking us by surprise." Hans and another Imperial soldier now took postions to defend. Hans quickly said something to me.

"We will hold this room, don't worry about me as I do not think they have sent anyone else. Make sure Marcus stays alive boy." He tasked me.

"I will." And with that he gave me a pat on the back.

"Everyone else, with me." Rikke turned to the next hallway, I was beside her.

We came into another hall, though this one was for more complex with two floors instead of one. More Stormcloaks were in here. And they knew we were here.

"Die rebel!" Hadvar said as a couple came his way, I joined to help him.

Aethan paired himself with Marcus as a group came towards them.

"Let me get a clear shot." Marcus said, trying to concentrate with his aim. And an arrow was let loose as Aethan crouched. Killing one of them.

Alavia teamed up with Rikke and the rest of the Soldiers as they provided assistance to us.

"Kill them where they stand!" Rikke yelled.

"Die Imperial bastards!" Another wave of Stormcloaks came in. Alavia came beside me and killed them as quickly as the gust of wind going around in the hall. We all looked at her amazed, save for Rikke who merely was impressed.

"Good job, now keep it up." Rikke said.

We came to another door in the 2nd floor of our area, a set of double doors was in the 1st floor, leaving us a couple of options for going into the next room.

"I don't like the look of this. Perfect spot for an ambush. Ten to one they're waiting for us on the other side." Most definitely.

"But there isn't any other way through, Legate." A comrade pointed out.

"Let's not jump to conclusions soldier. The Legion always finds a way." Our Legate said confidently.

"I'd rather take a moment and look around than walk blindly into an ambush." She was right, still I could help but feel zealousness was it's own strength sometime. She looked at me and Marcus.

"Auxiliary, Archer. See if you can find another way through. We'll charge in to help as soon as we hear fighting." Looks like it would be our time to shine.

"Ruigus, you go in first. I may be good at all fighting, but I would rather have you get injured first." He said jokingly as I went in first, shield drawn. I think I heard Alavia growl protectively during that.

We began to go through, my peripheral vision was somewhat obscured as I lowered my visor. If there were to be any arrows, the chances of them getting a hit on me would be lowered.

I entered into a giant hall with Marcus, we were on a little bridge of ancient stone as we crouch walked past Stormcloak soldiers who were on the 2nd floor of this great hall to our left.

He gave me a quick pat on the back as soon as we reached some stairs down. I now got up and ran as he readied an arrow and got one unlucky Stormcloak in the head.

"What was that!?" A Stormcloak said.

"It's got to be the Imperials! Find them!"

"There! We have got o-!" One pointed at me right before an arrow went his head.

All the Stormcloaks who turned away from the double doors found themselves surprised as they opened and Alavia burned them all down efficiently.

The last couple were hacked down by Hadvar and Rikke. The Legate now proceeded to another hallway entrance, she quickly looked into it.

"Be careful men. There's bound to be more up ahead." She said warily. We now walked into a room with a bunch of urns and a dead Stormcloak next to a Draugr. An Imperial Soldier walked up to it.

"What in the nine holds is that?" He asked, prodding it with his sword.

"Is this what killed that Stormcloak over there? Can't be. It looks like it's been dead for a hundred years." He continued.

"Steady now. The Legion has faced down worse than a few dusty old bonewalkers." Rikke replied evenly.

"I think they are called Draugr, sir." Aethan said.

"Regardless, we're not leaving here until we get what we came for." She said to him.

"Now let's keep moving." Into the next hallway we went.

"I really don't like the look of this place." One Legionnaire said to me nervously.

"Neither do I, but it will end soon." I said trying to give him some hope.

"Yeah, hopefully so."

Going through a door another hallway had a group of Stormcloaks ambushed us. One had me pinned before Alavia got her off of me. She actually offered me her hand and got me up, it was soft to the touch.

"Thanks." I graciously told her.

"Don't expect any more saves from me unless you really need it weakling." She knew how to hurt my feelings.

"Okay." A dumbfounded look came across her face.

Along our warpath I found a room with axes going across, Rikke looked at me.

"Are you sure you can go across?" I nodded, probably.

"Wuld Nah Kest!" I went past them in a flash to loot a chest, not much in there really other than an enchanted sword, but it was nothing compared to Dragonsbane.

"Good." She said as I deactivated the trap and jogged back. We found a hall that was similar to what I had seen back in Bleak Falls Barrow.

"And this must be the Hall of Stories." Rikke mused. We now sheathed our weapons and began moving upwards, some of us checked the walls out, staring at the inscriptions and drawings. Alavia seemed to be moving her hand across them religiously with her eyes closed. She was beautiful.

"Oh….. I've heard of this. These walls are supposed to show the history of the ancients who built this place." Hadvar said. I noticed Alavia open her eyes and caught me looking at her, she stared at me curiously. A half smile written on her face.

"One thing at a time soldier. Focus on our primary mission. We're searching for the crown." Rikke stated as we reached the end of the hall. Two dead Stormcloaks with arrows in their chests had a claw and a torch next to them.

I went to pick up the claw.

"Know how to use it Auxillary?" Rikke asked.

"I have used one before, I do not think this one is any different really." I now adjusted the symbols on the door to match that of the claw's, our team began staring at the door.

I placed the claw on the door and it now opened, it was a strange contraption made by the Nords back then come to think of it.

We now entered into a big room, crypts all around us.

"Oh this is not good." I said somewhat scared.

"Alright Legionnaires! Spread out and see what we've got." Rikke looked at me.

"Auxiliary, do what you do best. See if you can find some way to get that gate open." I gave a thumbs up.

"Just be sure to stay in the middle of the room comrades. The Draugr might pop out of those crypts and try to overrun you." I said to them as I went up the stairs to another floor. Looting a chest, I saw a handle on a wall next to me.

I quickly pulled it and jumped down to the floor below me. They were in a perfect circle formation. As I hit the ground my legs hurt as if a mammoth had charged into them.

"Ah Oblivion my legs!" The door opened as I cried over my pain.

"Alright, let's move men! We've got more..."

The crypts began opening. Draugr charged outwards towards us as the Imperials braced.

"Steady, Legionnaires! We've been through worse. Just keep your guard up!"

I was cut off from them as I decided to hold my ground. Heads of Draugr flew as we cut them down waves of them. It was not long before the last of the crypts opened. The remaining Draugr was stumbling over the bodies of it's dead comrades. When it fell over Alavia deftly put her sword into it's head.

Looking up, her eyes met mine with a crazed smile. I returned a kind one. I thought I saw a small blush on her face for only a second.

"Excellent job. Follow me. Let's see where this leads." She went through the door and the rest of us followed her through another door.

We quick-marched ahead into what seemed to be a small and odd looking throne room. A Draugr was on a throne.

"The Crown should be around here somewhere. Spread out, and keep your eyes open."I moved in for a closer look with Hadvar and Aethan next to me. Rikke and the others were behind us, ready for support.

"Hey! I think this one has it!" I was about to take the crown from the dead looking Draugr as it rised up, my hands still on it as it did.

"Gah!" I screamed, my hands came off the crown and I quickly hacked into the Draugr's heavy Nordic armor. It died quickly. But the tombs next to me opened. More damnable Draugr came.

And they were killed, again.

"Take the Crown Auxiliary." Rikke ordered as I now picked it up.

"Take that Crown back to Solitude Ruigus. You have done well like the rest of the Soldiers here. Quaestor Alavia, go with Trooper Ruigus back to Solitude. We were promoted! Yes!

"We'll stay here and see if we can find anything else that can be of use." Rikke stated.

"Good luck friend." Hadvar said to me.

"You too." I decided to check in with the others.

"We make a good Archer and Swordsman team don't we Ruigus, well Archer and Dragonborn-Swordsman." I laughed heartily.

"That we do my friend." A Soldier came up to me.

"Thank you, you saved my life more than a couple of times I think." The Legionnaire that talked so much before said.

"It is what we do in the Legion friend." He smiled.

"Heh, guess we really do after all." After a pause Rikke came up to the man and told him to do something really quick and he moved off, checking some books with another.

Moving up to Aethan I saw him climbing a little bit as he was trying to reach a bowl of Gems.

"Odd how these things are well preserved after such a long time." He mused.

"Good to have fought with you Brother!" He said happily.

"You too Aethan." I saw Alavia fuming, her patience wearing off.

"Gotta go!" And with that I was gone to be with Alavia as we went through a path that would lead us to the entrance of this place.

"You talk to those soldiers too much, Dragonborn." She called me by title.

"I want them to know that their comrades or brothers in arms are looking out for them you know? I want to give them hope." She scoffed.

"Hope….Is that what you want to bring to so many as Dragonborn?" She asked me.

"Yeah, I think that is what I want to give to people." I told her softly.

"You prove me more and more that you are a weakling." She said with confidence in her voice.

"…..." I said nothing as she now laughed at me like it were an inside joke. We found the room Hans and the other soldier were posted to. They seemed to be sitting around somewhat bored right now.

"Everything alright?" I asked Hans. He got up and looked at me.

"I was correct boy, nothing happened at all to us. Is Marcus alright?"

"Yeah, we did not have a single casualty here. We did excellently." Hans smiled.

"Good work to you all." He said, his beard bristling.

"Good to have fought with ya." He extended his hand to Alavia, she seemed surprised at first then shook it.

And with that we left to go give the Crown back to Tullius in Solitude.


Emperor Titus Mede II looked out across the land sadly. It was nearly nothing but ruined buildings of the once great city of the Empire. He was also disturbed to have learned of even more Thalmor agents entering Cyrodil.

The Commander of all Penitus Oculatus agents of the Emperor, Maro stood by to ask him something, concern was in his voice.

"Are you alright my Emperor?" Maro asked him, as the bald Emperor turned to face him.

"No." The Empeor's eyes were baggy and dark. He had not slept much at all ever since the Concordat was signed.

"You know Maro, I think my time may be coming to it's ultimate end." Titus mused. Maro raised an eyebrow slightly.

"My Emperor?" Titus looked at him.

"You heard me. I think a replacement is soon needed if this Empire were to live. Somebody new." The Oculatus Commander looked dumbfounded.

"Do you mean Lucis should handle affairs for a few days?" Maro asked, incredulously.

"Oh well, it is nighttime." The old Emperor said, walking tiredly to bed. Tired with Maro's own ignorance. For his position, he seemed to take a willful ignorance of his true desire, perhaps that is the reason why he worked so hard.

The Commander could only look at him.


And that is the end of another chapter, happy late Halloween guys and Merry Christmas if I am somehow unable to post a chapter next month.

To:Baconlord53: It will get even more real soon my friend.

To Frostwolf: I promise I will finish it until the very day I stop breathing.

To Guest: Oh I knew what you meant! I was just trying to mess around playfully.

To Oscarmike12: Thanks! And by the way you are the best character in Battleborn (Admittedly I do not really care much at all for either Battleborn or Overwatch as I do not have them.)

To Jack vile Ripper: YES!

To Kiliani: Aw cheers man, someone has to hop on the bandwagon that has now been created by well talented people too. Good luck with your stories as well!

Side note, I have been playing Warhammer Vermintided a lot recently as it was just on sale. A really fun Warhammer game kind of done in the style of L4D2 but except this time you are in a Warhammer setting against the Skaven Rat men. Very intense game with a great soundtrack. I'm sorry, I love both of these series quite a lot.

Admittedly I was listening to the "Immediate Loss", "End boss" and "Horde theme 1" songs from that game while writing.

If there anything you see wrong with this chapter, let me know.

Update: Fixed a mistake where I called Arngeir "Borri" and fixed the name of the Emperor as well as the name of Sky Haven Temple which I confused for Cloud Ruler Temple. Woops.