Chapter 11: Stepping Stone
Alduin and I began our trek back towards the Imperial Camp, feeling more motivated than usual I walked a bit faster than her.
"Going without me?" I heard her snicker. I stopped and turned to look at her, she had stopped too.
"I am going to go request for two of our kin to burn the defenders at that fortress as we thought they should do." She said.
"You're going to transform out here?" Asked I.
"Yeah, I'll be doing it here. Will you be fine the rest of the way?" Said Alduin.
"Of course, not like you'll be gone forever." I replied.
"Likewise." She replied, I shook my head with a small amused smile.
"I'll see you soon, need me to stash your armor?" Upon me saying this, Alduin brought her hands out and summoned very olive looking orbs of light that seemed to make her armor fade away.
"What kind of magic is that?" I asked.
"Alteration funnily enough, it stores it away in a sort of dimension of mine. My dimension is weakened beyond what it was before and I've only a sliver left, it shall grow with more worship. I should be the only one able to do that on this world at the moment. You may be able to use it too someday. We'll see." She said, giving a thumbs up.
"That might be a while." I said, my tone sly.
"Sooner than you may think." She grinned.
"Turn around, I do not want to risk blinding you." I turned around, like the last time she did it. The bright flash that signaled her transformation occurred and I turned around to see her.
"I'll see you soon." Said Alduin as she flapped her wings a few times and began to take flight. The strong force of her wings made the branches of trees begin to sway chaotically and I held onto my helmet with a strong grip. She kept her eye on me as she flew until the trees covered any sight she had.
I stared in the direction she took off towards. I adjusted my helmet once more. I kept it on for a while before taking it off, there was no reason to wear it right now, and the metal inside it was getting too cold. I'd have to get some furs to pad into it soon.
Sighing to myself I walked on. I took it to myself to look at the surroundings, the plants and trees were now becoming covered by fresh snow, I could tell that in the summer this forest had been very colorful and all the more beautiful to have taken any hike or stroll in.
I've had the thoughts of so many other of the places I've been here in Skyrim. Aetherium itself will know of when I shall stop dreaming of the many wonders that I can travel through. Yet already with Alduin I have been through many, despite that I cannot help but feel a desire for even more ventures.
Maybe I could wait, I have a long time still left to go before I ever pass. That won't be happening now. It's absurd to think that I could be immortal at any point, but it's something that will happen.
Touching a leaf off a low hanging branch I enjoyed what little of nature I could, I would not be a proper man of Kvatch if I did not have a sort of sentimentality towards nature itself.
Disregarding that it was time to think of both my and Alduin's future in the empire.
Our future in the military will be quite easy so long as we both do not serve anyone who is obsessed with bringing glory to themselves rather than someone more like minded such as Rikke and Tullius who both possessed a strategic mind. I could trust the two of them to be our commanders up until the point I and Alduin are able to lead ourselves properly, for now we will have to accept what they do. For now what they want us to do is right and I have no grievances. If Alduin does I will persuade her to be patient. We've gotten so far in such a short time and it would be terrible if we squandered some of our honor.
I put my hands into the pockets that were in my pants and hunched myself over.
Once we get further into the web that is the Imperial Legion and the rest of our organizational structure we will have to deal with arrows coming from behind us too. What strife that will be. Things will get even more dramatic if Emperor Mede himself decides to make me a noble, with my fame from the battles I have been in being ignored would be out of the question. Father himself would have become a noble, if he had not refused the honor. I could hate him for that, but I know he had his own reasons. Nobody ever talked about it to me, it was something to be accepted that father did not want to become one.
I doubt I will ever understand him, despite any story that mother or any caretaker could say. Helmut, gods bless your soul. You used to tell me all about him, you were his closest friend and even then he was enigmatic to you. Or I just never understood.
Why did father have to die?
I shook my head as I continued to walk back to base. I felt disdainful reflecting on that.
If I did become a noble with Alduin officially written down as 'Alavia von Kessel' and the both of us as Commanders that are Nobles would be seen as poor and young upstarts who rose too quickly through the ranks like a couple of brats. It's ironic.
Politically things for the both of us will be tricky. An arrow in the back could be expected by those who hate us out of their own arrogance and pride, there are individuals who would do this and I suspect those treacherous good for nothings in the council to try it, the thought of them makes my blood turn to bile in such disgust. Only Amaund Motierre was someone who I could remember as being any sort of decent and a good friend of the Emperor. The rest such as Gripus Luzi, Philto Castorius, Egmont von Varus in particular were those who accepted their own private payments from Thalmor agents as part of their interests in our Empire. It angers me to know that our nation is vassalized by one who wishes only for our destruction.
Sometime I will voice my knowledge and input to Alduin when it is relevant, for now I should just focus on building a reputation among my men and the people that I will continue to meet. It is better to worry more about my own self in the meantime and support Alduin and myself. I have to keep a thought in mind as I proceed.
"Halt who goes there!?" Yelled a Legionary by one of the hastily constructed wooden gates.
"Oh! It's you!" He said immediately after. He and five other fellows with him saluted. I returned it.
"Did you not leave with her highness Alavia?" Asked the same man. I ended the salute and they followed suit.
"I did, she had to take her own personal leave. She will be back soon." I said to the man.
"Understood sir. Good to see you." He said in standard fashion. He then motioned his men over to open the gate a crack.
"Would have made a larger opening, but it's a bit of a pain to have to do it over and over again. My apologies." The guard said to which I laughed at and waved dismissively.
"It is nothing to worry about." I replied kindly. The man smiled.
I decided to make a trip over to Secantius first, remembering where his tent was I followed the direction I knew where it was.
Upon reaching his tent I found it to be completely empty. I could not help but feel slightly disappointed to see that he was not there. A fair looking man with green eyes approached me. His helm marked to represent he was a rank of that of a Lieutenant.
"Hey you're Ruigus aren't you?" He asked. I nodded.
"I am."
"Ah, nice to meet you. My name's Bruno Stosch." He bowed. I bowed in suit of him.
"Pleasure too Stosch, what business you have with me?" I asked.
"It's that Secantius is out with Rikke and the other officers assigned to the Tribune. They have the men with them and they're being prepped a day early." I nodded.
"Good, how many are with us?" I asked.
"Myself included and about 1,999 others." I had to hold back amazement.
"Akatosh! What numbers right there." Said I as Bruno shrugged.
"It's nothing to what we can really get nowadays sir." He said simply, I scoffed.
"It's a bit hard to believe." The man smiled.
"You'll get used to it soon enough sir." The man's smile was infectious, and I could not resist smiling back.
"Of course." I replied.
"So where are they at?" I asked.
"Over by the north end, where the rally field is." Informed the Lieutenant.
I hadn't been over there myself.
"Can you lead me there?" I asked him.
"Of course I can." Replied Bruno.
"This way." He added.
As I began to follow him a few questions entered my mind.
"What is your unit?" I asked him.
"1-5th Swordsman units of the same troop you and I are in. My group of 100 specifically with me as per usual for a unit." I smiled as I walked at the man's side.
"Any experience beforehand?" I asked him.
"Academy back in Skingrad. Aside from that a few fights with the masses of beasts that gather up every now and then because of rogue mages. 'Course I can't do that any longer as I was reassigned here last month." The man said with a bit of sadness.
"Miss being at home?" I asked him.
"I do." His response was so simple it was a bit disappointing.
"It's a common thing among us Imperials." I said. Ruffling my own hair.
"Certainly, let's hope that our commander's got a good mind to win this quickly." The man said.
I would have to remember this man's name, I may use him in my detachment if things at that first village go well.
Upon seeing Rikke the man stopped.
"Well, that's it for me. I'll go get into formation with my unit, be fighting with you soon Champion." He gave a friendly wink before taking his spot among the large mass of troops.
Rikke then spotted me, I saluted her and she saluted back. Secantius was at her side as well as the familiar face of a bosmer. I would have had more time to recognize him if I weren't at attention to Rikke.
"Ruigus. You have good timing, where is Alavia?" She asked. Straight to the point.
"On some personal preparations. She should be here soon." I said. Silently praying to Stendarr, I prayed that she would not press it any further out of suspicion not because I am afraid of her finding anything out, she has no concept as to who Alduin truly is. But I am eager to prove myself on the field for real this time, the less idle talk the better.
"That will do. Stay with us for the time being." Replied Rikke. Mentally I gave a sigh of relief.
"Will do, Legate." I replied.
Glancing over, I saw Secantius and what I now realized to be the very Bosmer servant that had helped me at the Thalmor Embassy months before. Malborn, who had taken to staying with the blades up until now.
Keeping my eyes looked on him, I approached and shook the hand of Secantius.
"I was looking for you first when I got back." I told Secantius.
"Apologies, I left a Lieutenant there in the case you would come back. We're being mobilized very early." He said, then motioned over to Malborn.
"Ruigus meet Malborn, he's a new servant of ours. He'll be helping me with my papers and you and the good Tribune with menial tasks, such as handing out the tea." Remarked Rupert Secantius with a grin. I gave Secantius a judgmental glance before going up to Malborn.
I offered my hand to Malborn, which instead, Malborn bowed.
"Good to be under your service master." He said with a humble tone, he then rose back up. His acting, if it even was that. It was decent.
"Nice to meet you as well Malborn. I know that you shall serve us well." I gave him a knowing wink. The Blades must have pulled some strings in the Imperial Legion to get him in here, they like to always keep a tab on me. A smile broke out across my face.
"Do you know him already?" Secantius asked curiously.
"First time, I sense good things in him however." I stated. Secantius who I swear is almost aloof, nodded.
I stood in place between Secantius and Rikke, we were on a platform that had an overview over the bunched up soldiers that were chatting among themselves. I scanned around the formations for my fellows. I saw that they were in their own little formation at the forefront of the rest.
"This is quite a large number of men Rikke." I remarked.
"That it is, you and the Tribune have been entrusted with them. That is all the Empire can spend on this offensive at this moment, reinforcements are coming as I have said before. They'll be useless if more of Ulfric's men are coming to reinforce their positions." Explained Rikke. Her eyes searching for Alduin.
"How long will she be gone for?" Asked Rikke.
"About 10 more minutes." I replied.
"That shall have to do in the meantime." Replied the Legate.
The four of us remained silent for a few moments. I saw the faces of Hilvette and D'lliers come into view. Malborn bowed and went down the stairs to take a place by the staircase as they both came up. They saluted us and we saluted back.
"Now von Kessel, there are commands you have to know in the event the chain of command falls down to you. I and the two captains shall tell you, when Alavia arrives we shall show you both what they are." Stated Rikke with a stern look that only betrayed some benevolence.
"I am eager my Legate." I replied. Rikke's countenance turned into that of a pleased expression. I could see Secantius beginning to take some notes.
"Good, you should know the basics already such as marching forward, halting, charging, retreating, withdrawing, standing ground, firing, and so forth. The advanced maneuvers are what you need to know. Have you heard of 'about face'?" She said.
"No sir." Replied I.
"About face has you order your men to turn opposite of the direction they are currently facing, this is good in the event you have to back up or face an enemy that is closer to you as you are surronded. Pray that you never get surrounded by an enemy Ruigus. Left face has your troop face left, Right face has them face to the right. Simple." Said Rikke, Hilvette and D'lliers nodded from time to time with her words to reaffirm her.
"As for formations you have line, column, square, staggered, and skirmish formations. There are more though these are again, the basics. There are als-"
"Tullius taught me when I was his pupil back in Cyrodil Legate. I know formations, I never heard of the facings up until now." I said. Bowing in respect. I half expected her to be angry at my interruption, but it would have been redundant to have it all said to me once more.
Rikke raised an eyebrow, and looked at me curiously.
"Since you are a good soldier I will overlook that. Ruigus, if you are good enough remember that you can be a Pioneer of tactics and strategy. You may be called insane for creating something new, but make a distinction of creating something in your 'insanity' rather than merely being insane." A bit shocked with what she said I pondered over it. Rikke turned to face the crowd of men, some of them were still looking at us, some were still chatting with one another.
Alduin soon arrived thereafter. Rikke grabbed a horn looking like object and spoke.
"Tribune has arrived!" The horn projected her voice so loudly that I doubt there was a single man that could not hear it even among the commotion.
Rikke turned around and saluted Alduin as she walked up the steps. I, Secantius, Hilvette, and D'lliers followed in suite with Rikke.
Alduin had a near cocky expression on her countenance. She was eager.
"Legate." Said Alduin. Saluting with her arm as we all did, her only mistake was that she did not salute Rikke, a higher ranking officer first. Though, I doubt it is something she would really want to do.
"Tribune." Said Rikke. Then offering her hand.
Alduin shook it. Secantius brought the horn object that Rikke had previously used and held it in between them so both of their voices could be heard by the men.
"Upon this day you are now to lead 8th division's 1st company of High Governor General of the 2nd, 5th, and 10th Imperial Legions of the Mede Empire as your own." Said Rikke, a scroll in her hands.
A feeling of excitement suddenly burst throughout the camp it seemed, men from other units stared at our own as Alduin began her reply.
"I accept Command." Said Alduin.
"I relinquish command to Tribune Alavia." Rikke then bowed before stepping off of the stage.
"Time to make your speech Alavia." Said Secantius. Alduin looked at me. I smiled at her. She got one too before bringing the horn up to her face.
"Soldiers of the Empire. We have the honor of capturing the fortress known as Dunstad that dares to remain in the hands of our enemy, we will be going to change that. And so that we will be able to win this campaign quickly. Fight hard to win great rewards for yourselves men. Know that I, as well as your Champion and Captains are with you." Said Alduin to the men.
There was a moment of awed silence, but then the soldiers all started cheering. Some of the men threw their helmets in the air and I heard the faint sounds of clapping.
Alduin looked at me. Hilvette, Secantius, and D'llliers were at my side.
"You said what they wanted to hear." I said.
"I'm surprised I managed it. To be honest." Replied Alduin.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Hilvette and D'lliers look at each other.
"Unconventional for a leader she is." Said Hilvette. Whispering to D'lliers.
"She gets to the point, there are few soldiers who don't like that." Remarked D'lliers.
"What should we do now?" Asked Alduin. More directed towards me out of the four.
"We tell them we march Alavia." Said I. Alduin then brought herself back to the horn.
"1st Company! Prepare to march!" She said with a perfect amount of charisma and authority in her voice.
Horns sounded out and the sounds of drums playing graced my ears. A feeling of wonderful glory took root in my heart. I was in awe as well, of the events that we will now experience and the accolades that we shall achieve with these men. I must ensure that they will feel the same. I have to be an excellent co-commander.
Alduin will need to focus on the task ahead, I do not think she will have an issue with focusing. It is something I need to remind her on.
Following her down the steps with the rest of we went to go to the front of our formation which had now done an about face towards the now open gate.
We were now the most important factor of the Imperial Legion's struggle here in Skyrim. There will be many Stormcloaks to fight, but I think we can manage.
Thalmor Embassy of Skyrim.
Serdan Permaer stared out the window of his quarters. Refusing to get out of bed he had taken up to staring at the falling snow.
Serdan heard the footsteps of a certain page of his walk into his room.
"Serdan? Get up! It's morning."
"H-Huh? Oh Enac. What time is it?" Replied Serdan groggily.
"It's morning." Said Enac Jonan. He set down two cups of coffee on a table
"Ah." Said Serdan as he reluctantly got out of bed. The older altmer stretched himself out and yawned.
"How are you this morning, Enac?" Asked Serdan as he sat at the table with Enac.
"Studying, as you have me do." Serdan laughed.
"You make it sound like I force you to study Enac." Serdan said wistfully and with a small smile. Enac shook his head.
"I did not mean it like that, I like to study." Serdan smiled at the young altmer boy with sunflower colored hair.
"The history of the world we live in is something wonderful. Only that it's plagued by page after page of plots and war." Serdan remarked.
"That's just when it get so boring." Serdan added.
"If you think war is boring why are you a soldier Serdan?" Asked Enac.
"It pays well Enac. And I've got friends here, although most of them are back at home while I we are here." Said Serdan, glimpsing outside the window again.
"I hope we do get to go home soon." He said. Serdan then looked at Enac.
"Anything you need yourself Enac? Thanks for the coffee." Said Serdan, fixing his blonde hair with his right hand.
"Not right now." Said Enac.
"Alright, remember Enac that it is best for someone young like you to use your elders as best as possible before you become one yourself. Don't hesitate to ask alright?" Enac nodded.
"You've still got five years before you are an adult yourself I remember when I was 175 myself, how things were so difficult back then before I the army. It's a shame I could not become a teacher." Serdan mused once more, sipping some of the Rosefield coffee that came all the way back from home.
"Isn't it being selfish by using your elders?" Enac asked. Serdan shrugged.
"The humans like to shove their problems on the next generation that is born. The next generation ought to try and get something back in return from them." Said Serdan. He then thought of that Ruigus von Kessel character, the Dragonborn for a moment.
Then there was knocking on the door to Serdan's room.
"Should I get it?" Asked Enac with his green eyes glittering. Serdan was already up.
"I got it Enac." He said. Opening the door he saw his Lieutenant, Neldor Bryna.
"Hey Serdan, thought I would stop by. Is it alright if I can come in?" Said the Lieutenant, saluting. Serdan saluted back but then waved it off.
"You don't have to salute when we don't have to Neldor." Serdan said. The red haired altmer smiled.
"I keep forgetting too, everyone's so especially uptight around here." Said Neldor as he walked in.
"We're a frontier group. Officers try to act like this is a serious assignment when it is truly just where they send all of their worst." Serdan said. Neldor walked up to Enac and offered his hand.
"Enac, how are you?" Neldor asked.
"Studying, having a good experience here otherwise." Neldor laughed.
"You're bored, you ought to go on one of those expeditions with those Justicars." Neldor said.
"Not for me." Shrugged Enac.
"I don't think there will be anymore chances for a while." Said Serdan. Neldor looked at him.
"There won't be anymore." He then looked at Enac.
"Hey Enac can you make me some of that Apple cider of yours? Everyone loves your cider here." Neldor requested. It was quite true that everyone in the Thalmor Embassy of Skyrim often drank Enac's well brewed cider, Serdan noted that it was one great skill that Enac had.
Serdan hid his own frown. 'Is there something you want to say to me that you do not want Enac hearing?' He thought. Enac looked at Serdan.
"Please make some Enac." Enac nodded and walked off towards the small kitchen.
"The Thalmor are getting spooked Captain." Neldor said.
"They're planning on leaving?" Serdan asked.
"It appears to be that way. They're having all of their agents rush assignments here as you can tell Serdan. It seems they just want to get those artifacts and leave." Said Neldor.
"The only question there is why?" Serdan said.
"I don't think we aren't going to be welcome that much longer." Neldor said. Serdan raised an eyebrow.
"We still have time before the Dragonborn attempts to take the throne." Said Serdan.
"Still they're quite cautious." Replied Neldor.
"In any case looks like we'll be going home. Say Neldor you've heard about the criticisms of Orndacil Venril." Said the Captain, his green eyes distant.
"Citizens are criticizing the Eagle King? Thought they'd know better by now." Serdan smirked at the words of Neldor.
"Venril's hired thugs can't silence all of them. There's only so many the Shields of Auri-El will beat up or kill, not without sabotaging his reputation anyways." Serdan said.
Serdan's thoughts paused for a moment. He recalled there was peculiar line in 'The Book of the Dragonborn' Tome that all Thalmor in Skyrim as far he knew were required to read. It spoke of misrule in all eight corners of Tamriel. He chuckled mentally as he then then thought that the prophecy would have never been able to predict Eagle King Orndacil Venril.
Neldor seemed deeply unsettled. A few moments later his expression turned to anger.
"Damn! What a bastard he is!" Enac, who had now finished the cider was shocked.
"Oh, sorry Enac. Those are words you shouldn't hear." Said Neldor. Serdan looked with a sad expression.
Enac set the cider down as he sat in the third seat at the dining table.
"It's okay." Said Enac.
"Neldor, when we get back home I'll have to show you a friend of mine you haven't met before. His name is Pyrder, he's a really great man. I'm sure you'll like him." Serdan said abruptly. Neldor looked at him with interest.
"Tell me about him." Asked Neldor.
"Great man, he's married and he and I were best friends back in the academy. He's an officer like one of us too. He's smart but the thing is he's under utilized as a subordinate." Neldor narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Sorry, just thinking about him. I hope he's doing alright." Said Serdan as he stared out the window, the snow was piling up outside.
Serdan and Neldor knew that there would be war soon for it was foretold and inevitable, his thoughts of his friend would be a but an omen of things to come.
Alinor, the Crystal and Glass made Capital of the Glorious Aldmeri Dominion
Pyrder Yesnan had gotten off of his shift and was walking back to his home. Pyrder off lived in a small street close to the capital square itself. In Pyrder's block notably his friend's house, a house belonging to Serdan Permaer was opposite of the Yesnans. Pyrder thoughts were always flooded with memories of his best friend and how the man used to visit him and his wife all the time.
But Serdan was in Skyrim and would not be returning for a some time. It nearly bothered Pyrder how alien the street seemed without his neighbor. The others never came by to visit their neighbors, they were perfect Dominion citizens as Serdan said once.
'It is the right of the citizens to keep to themselves.' Serdan mused to Pyrder when such a topic came up for the first time.
Pyrder remembered this incident in particular, what he could not remember was when it happened. He brought out the keys to his front door.
'Had it been but a few months ago or had it been 30 years before now when he said that?' Thought Pyrder.
Before he could twist the keys to unlock, the door opened and his wife stood there. She had a bright smile on her face so full of beauty.
"Welcome home Pyrd." Said Shyael. Pyrder smiled and proceeded to kiss Shyael.
"Shyael you say that as though I have been gone for many a cycle." Said he in return.
"Every moment you are gone is an eternity, the time that in which I complete a song on my piano ends with you still not home where you should be." Said Shyael with a tinge of sadness, her silver eyes locked onto the pure amber of Pyrder's eyes.
"You should make a new song my love, and then I shall be there by the time you finish." Replied Pyrder. His wife laughed sweetly.
"How was your day Pyrd?" She asked.
"It was fine. But I do not think I will be here in the morning. Venril is having a speech tomorrow, as an officer I have to attend it. It's a military event." He said. Shyael's face turned sad.
"We're going to war soon." She said, it came more as a statement. Pyrder nodded.
"The King has been looking for an opportunity to gain some ground over in Hammerfell, with their own people selling themselves out he will plan a full take over." Pyrder said. Walking to the couch in their living room. He sat on it, with his wife joining him.
"I may have to go."
"I don't want you to." Shyael cried. A tear streamed down her face. Pyrder moved himself over and hugged her to bring comfort.
"I don't want to either." Her husband said.
"Why must our people have to fight all of these wars at places we have no business with?" Said Shyael, planting her head into her husband's shoulder.
"It's what Venril wants. The Thalmor, like us all do as he says because he's ruled us for so long." Said Pyrder
Shyael eyes filled with the flames of passion.
"Then we should vote for someone different the next election! We'll convince everyone that he's nothing but a warmongering fiend who uses such a cause of Elven supremacy as a pretense!" Shyael's beautiful voice cursed out.
Pyrder's face betrayed his pity and his own sadness.
"If we try hard enough things can go around, and then we will have a new King." He replied, running his hand through his wife's hair to calm her. Shyael's eyes widened a bit before looking away in shame.
"Sorry Pyrd, I ranted again didn't I?" Said Shyael, sniffling with her hand upon her head.
"It is something that needs to be said." He replied.
It was a statement that Pyder spoke wholeheartedly.
Who knows where life would take the young dominion officer?
Orndacil Venril.
Orndacil Venril was an Altmer born to a well-off family. Using their fortunes in order to gain more fortunes he ventured out all across the world, during his travels he encountered many a man and beast. He explored many locations as well, one in particular was a great shrine hidden out in High Rock devoted to Akatosh, of course to most elves they perceived Akatosh as the bastardized version created by the Humans, yet they still worshipped Auri-El at these temples perhaps out of open defiance.
The official story about Orndacil Venril's ascendance and of the revelation that was given to him here was that this shrine in particular was that of origins dating back to the Ayleid occupation of High Rock. There he made contact with the elven priests there and experienced the sheer heritage of they Ayleids that Venril felt as well as the connection Auri-El was said to have profoundly changed him. Of course that is what the official event is.
The truth of the story at that shrine as ever, is much darker.
Venril upon returning home with a wealth of stories and trinkets and items he brought from the continent garnered the attention of many of those interested in the land, and especially those interested in the Ayleids and Auri-El.
Orndacil Venril got into politics shortly after his return, his words were those that most never spoke of the entirety of the Summerset Isle's history, much less that of any Mer kingdom ever before.
Venril spoke in great length of the glory of Auri-El with a charisma that was not matched by any other Aldmeri citizen. It was not long before he began to talk of how that Mer should rule over all others. He convinced many to his side. Using his own treasury he funded groups that would attack and silence those that spoke ill of him. The most famed and recognized of these groups is known as the Thalmor. Surprisingly to the people that lived in Tamriel during the time of Ruigus's birth and onwards the Thalmor were not originally a religious or racial organization and were instead merely a political one focused on changing the minds of people by force or by coercion.
It is noteworthy that some time after Venril was named by the Altmer people as Eagle King the population of the Summerset Isles dipped for an amount of 10 years before rising back up, much before than there was before. It was also a period of time when there was complete silence from the Summerset Isles, the only way people knew of it's state was through merchants and Altmers that were moving over to other lands such as Cyrodil. The Altmer that did move never spoke of their homeland.
Rumors spread that the Dominion was creating advanced weapons never seen before on the face of Nirn as a whole. Something that would unsettle the Empire of Tamriel, if they had not been busy fighting among themselves.
It was during that time that he made repeated contact with Valenwood, after months of talk they agreed to join the Dominion under terms of self-governance. The Kingdom of Pelltine, nation of the Khajiit in Elsweyr would ally with the immensly powerful Aldmeri Dominion.
287 years later the Aldmeri Dominion, under the leadership of Venril and the Thalmor, now as all know it as to this day, would declare war on the Mede Empire of Tamriel.
Venril, unlike Titus Mede II never fought with his army. It was said amongst grumbling Altmer and Bosmer that he was a more fearsome statesman than he was a fearsome warrior.
The Aldmeri Dominion has aforementioned elections by the people, however Venril changed that by making it so that the people elect Thalmor Supreme Justicars who in return represent who the people want to vote for. There are elections every 300 years, a tradition of the Summerset Isles. The tradition of government that the Altmer have had was a unique one compared to all others.
Venril is the supreme leader of the Dominion, as long as the Supreme Justicars believe so.
Orndacil Venril is a man on the page of history, like all the others in this story.
Skyrim, The Pale, Outskirts of Frostmere
The first written history of Ruigus and Alduin's journey was made by a private of a crossbow unit. The man's name was Staturio Celer and would continue to write until his death in a battle dated in year 4E 203.
Ruigus and Alduin began a steady approach towards Frostmere, Ruigus himself made it a habit of learning the names of many of his troops as he could rushing through it he did learn the overall feeling that the men of his company had.
The older me were cynical yet curious of their leadership and were considerable of the previous feats of their commander, their concern was not about the combat ability of the two. It was nearly indisputable among anyone that Ruigus and Alduin were the best warriors out of the lot of them, instead they wanted to be certain that they would not be lead to their death.
The younger ones were impetuous and impressionable. 'It will have to be seen whether they would preform well or not.' Ruigus thought, an observation that he shared with Alduin along with the two accompanying Captains.
Alduin, for her part had an aptitude for commanding a company of Imperials. Her mate had rubbed off on her, she always noted that her love's discipline whenever it came to a fight was stellar, it was one of the things she admired about the man. Nevertheless, she made use of his and Secantius's vast knowledge, the help of Hilvette and D'lliers would ensure their stability of their command structure.
"We're getting close Tribune." Said to Alduin. The officers were all on their horses. A spare horse had been brought for Alduin, who much preferred the Divine blessed steed that was in the possession of Ruigus.
"Good, we are getting close to enacting our plan." Replied Alduin. Secantius spoke up.
"It is best we deploy our forces now lady Alavia." Said the adviser.
Alduin nodded, and then looked at Ruigus.
Ruigus had an eager, if not brave look to his expression.
"Just say the word Alavia."
Alduin smiled.
"All right, give the orders to the Company to reform into what's been planned earlier. To battle we soon go." Said she. Hilvette and D'lliers saluted and trotted off on their horses.
"Secantius, are the messengers ready?" She asked.
"They're ready at any moment, both I and Malborn shall handle it." Replied Secantius, his voice duteous.
"Very well then. Send a message to all seargeants in accordance with the formation. Tell them to balance out aggression and cautiousness as well as their luck." Said Alduin, the woman's face was serious and her eyes piercing any soul.
"Of course." Secantius then took his horse and went to Malborn and the team of the assembled messengers and rode off.
She then turned her attention to the only person beside her.
"Ruigus...How are those mages that Rikke gave us?" She asked.
"They're ready Alduin. Half of them are restoration mages, and the other half destruction. The typical small battlemage unit we get." Said Ruigus.
"We'll see how they do against those strange priests of those rebels, I don't think I've seen anything like them before. Must be worshipers of the old nordic pantheon using older practices of magic." Mused Ruigus, bringing attention to Alduin that they will not be the only ones with magic capability. Ruigus looked philosophical for a moment, his thoughts were of the nordic pantheon.
"I do not think we'll encounter those walking anomalies soon but we must beware of such things for our troops." Said Alduin.
"Things should be fine unless if they've got some Elder Scrolls with them." Alduin raised an eyebrow at the words of her beloved.
"If they plan on sending me back, I'll take you with me this time." She was both joking and being serious about it.
"Thankfully, the Stormcloaks shall not know what will hit them. Is our kin going to harass Dunstad?" Questioned Ruigus.
"They shall do it for us. It is good to exercise myself over them every now and again I must say." Said Alduin.
"Does the separation from them get to you?" Asked Ruigus, curious.
"When I first came up to you I thought I would. You know, you make up for it." Was her reply. Ruigus thought as if her eyes were shining at him.
Ruigus merely blushed and nodded.
"It's such a different world we're in Ruigus." Said Alduin suddenly. She sighed softly.
"Yet, you're going through a path similar to of my own journey. One difference is that I am here with you." She remarked. She formed a small smile.
"You get better and better each day. Keep it up and you shall be perfect for yourself and for me, you know how much I'd hate to see you falter. It happens, even to me as it did drastically though I know in the end you can make it through." She ended.
"I shall continue to better myself Alduin. I know that I shall not falter for these next few days." He paused. "I'll get going to the front." Said Ruigus, moving the reigns of his horse, Trun.
"If you are seriously injured I shall forgive nothing nor anyone for it." Said Alduin as Ruigus began moving away, the young man turned around.
"Can't say I'll be careful!" He replied, Alduin merely shook her head.
"You can be such a lovable fool sometimes Ruigus, though I know you merely act it." She said to herself.
Staring at him go she turned to her bodyguards, Ruigus's friends. They had been behind the two of them, but unable to hear the conversation due to distance.
"You four should go to the left flank. I shall be out of harm's way unless if it goes poorly." Said she.
"Will do Alavia, though I don't think we'll be running for the hills here." Said Hadvar.
"Of course we won't." Replied Alduin.
"Looks like we're going to a battle first thing off." Said a private to another as they marched with the rest of their unit to Frostmere.
"Yeah. Our Commanders are eager to get us killed, typical." Spat the one responding to the private. This one in particular was a Sentinel, one rank higher than a Private.
"I bet you they'll come out to prepare for us right now. With all the sound of metal in the distance they're going to be ready. I know we fight with good warriors but they better not be damned fools." Said the Sergeant, who eavesdropped on that conversation.
"We outnumber them, I don't think we'll die." Replied the private, his voice hopeful.
Before the private's cynical friend could say anything they saw Ruigus upon his armored white horse take the front of the rest of the army.
In his hands were a lance that adorned the flag of the empire and a shield, his armor as required by the Imperial army was that of an Imperial officer, properly marked and inscribed for a Champion. He'd given his other pair of much superior armor to Malborn to take care of. One thing he wanted to do after this battle was talk to the bosmer.
'Such a thing can wait.' Thought Ruigus. He felt slightly nervous about being the one to lead the front line of the main force into battle, but with the plans that both he and Alavia designed he was more than confident in the overall process of this.
He decided he'd make his own speech to swell the hearts of the men around him. He'd keep it short like how Alduin did. There was no need to exude all of his charisma yet. Using a spyglass, he could see the enemy outside and inside the town, they were certainly fewer. But could kill a lot of them if they charged in tactless.
"Men! Today we go into battle against the forces of Ulfric Stormcloak! We shall show them that there must be reckoning when you betray your brothers and sisters of Skyrim and the Empire! As your Champion I shall fight with you and shall take victory with you! To battle!" Yelled Ruigus into the horn, he was certain even the Stormcloaks could hear him.
'Think I did put a little more effort into it than I should have. Though, I think it matters not.' Thought the young man as the troops erupted into a cheer as they marched onwards. They could all now hear the taunts of the Stormcloaks as they approached. The rebels could be seen through the trees.
Suddenly the sounds of bolts and arrows could be heard as the men of the empire stopped their march to stare down the Stormcloak garrison. They were nothing but mere townguards these rebels in particular were, Ruigus noticed that they made the bulk of the Stormcloak army thus far.
The projectiles hit the shields of the Stormcloaks or simply missed. Ruigus, with keen eyes noticed that there was no sight of any more professional or offensive unit types in the service of the rebels here.
Stormcloak guards with spears were protecting the front of the village, but the matter was that there was not enough of them.
What these Stormcloaks would face would be complete encirclement.
Ruigus and his horse, going fast as they could went to go join the light cavalry as they maneuvered to a position where both the infantry and cav could do the encirclement without interfering with the other.
A fiery looking breton lieutenant greeted Ruigus.
"Good to see you Champion! We're going to be charging right in on your orders, I'd rather we do it now." Said the breton. Ruigus smiled at the breton's anticipation.
"Let us wait for the other unit across from us to get into position, we shall charge the rebel archers then." Said Ruigus.
"Hmph, fine then. This irritates me Champion that our fellows are slow on the step." Said the breton.
"Your name?" Asked Ruigus.
"Cario Idwal, odd name I know. I've got some Nibeean ancestors." Said the breton.
"It is a good name lieutenant, I am a Colovian myself but since my father was Nibeean my first name is Ruigus, last name Kessel." Replied Ruigus.
"Not one of those vons eh? I heard that says if you Colovians are nobles or not. Your people is an odd bunch too, like how mine are." Said the breton, the other unit was in position as he said this.
"Aye, not yet my friend." Smirked Ruigus.
"Time to charge, move men!" Yelled Ruigus. The musician, using a horn, played a tune to indicate the charge.
'I am so terribly sorry for these Stormcloaks' Ruigus thought as he and Cario's men plowed into the Stormcloak archers.
Quickly putting his lance away after getting it's messy kill he put pulled the sword out of his scabbard almost panicky. One rebel charged him with his shortsword but ended up with his head flying through the sky thanks to a well timed slice by Ruigus. His own horse was kicking and trampling over the Stormcloaks as he and the light cavalry carved a path through.
The moment of triumph was interrupted when some of the men died with arrows through the helmet and into skull or were killed by the rebels they were engaged with, now taking advantage of the slowness of the horsemen.
"We need to pull back now, we're not heavy cavalry so we can't stay in this fight any longer!" Yelled Cario to Ruigus.
"Alright! Pull out men!" Yelled Ruigus to the near top of his lungs.
Cario's men turned around and went back to their previous formation.
"Really wish I was a bloody knight!" Said Cario, quite mad.
"One day you might be one lieutenant! What do you think we should do now?" Questioned Ruigus.
"I say we wait a moment to rest and then charge in there again to finish the job! We have to keep pushing into them as much and as many times as possible!" Said Cario, the fire in his temperament remained strong.
Ruigus looked around the battlefield. He could see that Alduin, leading the center was smashing through the poorly trained town guards with little to no casualties of the heavily armed great swords as they made mincemeat out of the rebels with little losses.
He could also see fireballs flying throughout the air and burning some of the rebels alive. It was a slaughter.
Ruigus choked for a moment.
In any case, he was glad that the defenders choose to sally out of the village to negate the risk of burning down some buildings due to the fireballs. And no chance of any unarmed casualties as well.
"You ready to go again Ruigus?" Asked Cario.
"Let's go." Said Ruigus, Cario grinned at the young Champion.
Charging into the backs what remained of the Stormcloak defenders was when the noose around the necks of these remaining defenders was truly tightened.
Ruigus, having killed around a dozen in this fight saw that the few left were surrendering.
"Stop! Stop! Stop! They've surrendered!" He yelled to all of the men in proximity.
In a mere moment the fighting ceased. It was in this town that Alduin and Ruigus would claim their first true victory, a victory all too easy to have, but a victory nonetheless.
The surrendering Stormcloaks were rounded up by the work of Marcus, Hadvar, Ruigus and Cario.
Back with Alduin and Secantius, they quickly managed to figure that only 97 of their men perished in the lighting fast battle against the aproximate 500 of the garrison. Thankfully, the casualties were low thanks to the excellent use of combined arms that Alduin enforced in this battle. Of course, she'd had help in her original stratagem with Ruigus, who had more comprehension with how an army of the empire fought. The battlemages of restoration assisted in helping the wounded, 80 survived their injuries thanks to their help.
She now had a glimpse into what could be the ultimate glory in a fight with such a tactic. Only gripe that was had was that archers had wasted too many volleys. They still had enough ammo for more battles, the subject was pursued by Secantius who insisted on conservation.
Ruigus would end up disagreeing with that notion.
"Conserving supplies is a fundamental part of this army if we're going to survive the long term campaign, Ruigus!" Said Secantius.
"Secantius, it's better to waste a few volleys of ammo than it is to lose men. We've the money for more ammunition if need to after we're done." Replied Ruigus as he argued with Secantius. The young man's temper was beginning to flair.
"There's nobody that can resupply us yet. And yes we shall get paid very soon but we'll be foolish if we continue to engage in such an amateurish action." Said Secantius, his expression was displeased.
"Tch! You've a very funny criticism there! I still refuse to see such a point of logistics of yours if it is the lives of our men are on the line, do you forget that!?" Ruigus spat with anger towards the older man.
"You'd make a terrible commander you foo-!" Secantius was cut off.
"That is enough of your arguing!" Alduin exclaimed.
Secantius quickly turned around and saluted. Ruigus merely stared at Alduin with a calm look on his face.
"Rupert Secantius, I am in agreement with Ruigus yet your observation of munitions is noted. We have the money to support although the more we keep the better. It is no issue so long as our command remains competent and not divided among itself in it's overall feelings towards the way our company is going." Said Alduin, sounding collected and calm.
"Very well." Replied Secantius meekly. Ruigus felt a string of irritation towards his former mentor, it would be an irritation that would continue to build up within the young dragonborn.
Alduin turned her gaze to Ruigus, she appeared as if she wanted to say something to him before turning her focus away.
"Come, we must go see our prisoners." Said Alduin.
Ruigus paced himself ahead of Secantius to take place next to Alduin. The goddess once again looked at him, but his eyes remained focused ahead. The man's face was fierce.
'Must you be bothered by such a fly in comparison to yourself?' Alduin thought to herself. She then thought of her dear brother Paarthunax.
'I thought you a fly once before Paarthunax. Perhaps Ruigus too thinks the same of that Secantius, an old mentor of his. Like my own brother was once before he was no longer needed so much.' She added to her previous thought.
The three of them came upon the center of the village the prisoners had been moved there along with the majority of the army.
Alduin had taken it earlier to securing the entirety of the village. Thankfully for the Imperials none of the civilians raised a weapon against them, for the moment.
Hadvar came up to them.
"We caught 80 of them prisoner, rest of the bodies are being buried or burnt by the villagers, they're cooperating so there was no need to have us do it." The Nord said, sounding a bit saddened.
"The fate of the prisoners is up to you Alavia, since you're our commander. I ask that you be merciful." Hadvar said, concerned for the lives of the rebel prisoners. Alduin was thoughtful for a moment.
"We should show mercy." Said Ruigus. His eyes steely and full of that usual altruism. Secantius looked a bit uncomfortable.
"We've a garrison force coming to aid us, they can take care of these men but we'll have to go soon if we are to take Dunstad my lady." He said.
Alduin paid more attention to the eyes of Ruigus. The man's eyes seemed to reflect her own soul, and she knew what his reasoning was.
"There is no point in killing these prisoners, they are Nords. People will begin to see us as good again if we continue to spare their kin. I do not argue for this not just morally but strategically." Ruigus said. Secantius nodded and Hadvar smiled at his friend.
"They should have nothing to worry about so long as they do nothing wrong. Their fate shall remain in confinement until the war ends I would guess from here on." Alduin said in a matter of fact tone.
"Hadvar. Tell the others that I say that they can now be at ease. Question, is the Mayor's manor empty?" Asked Alduin.
"Yeah, me and the others cleared it. Mayor's in custody. Do you want to talk to him?" Alduin shook her head.
"I would like that you, Captain Hilvette, Hans, or Aethan speak to him. You are Nords, he'll be easier to talk with if it's either of you three." Spoke Alduin with a bored tone.
"Right then, I'll head out." Hadvar said.
"Secantius, tell D'lliers to have the men to prepare to rest for the night same goes for Hilvette if she is not preoccupied, next morning we shall devise a plan and head out. Meeting will be at manor, we're going to have to prepare breakfast." She said, dismissing Secantius who saluted, and then walked off.
Alduin grinned at Ruigus.
"Let's go investigate that manor of that mayor shall we?" She said. Ruigus smiled in response.
"I wonder if there is a good wine selection in there." He mused to her.
"We'll drink to our hearts content for the night if you so wish, I admit I am quite curious myself about such tastes." Replied Alduin.
"It's going to a good night." Said Ruigus.
'So long as I do not think about those who died.' He shuddered.
"Eh? Cold?" Asked Alduin.
"Guess so." She smirked in response.
"Don't worry, you will be warm soon."
The two approached the front double doors of the manor, four Imperials with halberds stood at the door and saluted and Alduin and Ruigus saluted back, two of them opened the doors for their commanders.
"The servants are decommissioned at the moment, you've it to yourselves my lords." Said one man, a plain looking nord.
"Apprecieated, feel free to liberate some of the alcohol to yourselves. Do not drink too much, we're going tomorrow. Other than that you are free to join the rest of the men around the village." Said Alduin to the man, who had a big smile on his face now.
"Ha thank you my lord! We'll get to it at once." Replied he.
With the four soldiers following them Alduin and Ruigus opened up the wine cellar which had indeed not been raided yet, after looking through it for a while the soldiers got what they could carry and walked out. Ruigus and Alduin stayed in.
"Huh, says here it's a 3E 105 Nibeean mad back in Cheydinhal wine right here." Alduin peered at the barrel containing the said wine.
"Let's have it." Alduin said.
Ruigus grabbed a wineglass for himself and his wife.
"Never really thought that one day I would be in a wine cellar like this." Said Ruigus, pouring a drink for himself and Alduin.
"Additions to estates like this never existed back in my time. By utility it can be likened to a dungeon." Alduin mused. Ruigus raised an eyebrow at her.
"You should see the expression on your face." She said. Ruigus shook his head. He took a sip of the wine.
There was a long silence from Ruigus.
"The mention of one reminds me of when I was put into that dungeon all the way over in that one city. Markarth was the name. I think you may have seen it, made of dwemer stone that city, looks nice on the outside but so terribly rotten on the inside." Said Ruigus, tinged with regret, sadness, and frustration.
'Markarth is much like how this empire will end up being if we do nothing.' Ruigus thought. He downed his glass and went to fill it back up again.
"You never told me you were imprisoned!" Alduin said, shocked at that revelation.
"Did I not tell you? Well, anyways I was imprisoned for doing the right thing." Ruigus sighed. He remembered Eltrys. Ruigus downed his wine once more, the sweet taste could not get rid of the bitter feelings that his soul felt towards that incident.
"They arrest me because I tried hunting down these freakish Reachmen called the Forsworn. I get into the conspiracy, find people that are murdered with the help of this one man his name was Eltrys." Said Ruigus, filling up another glass of wine.
"These Forsworn, they killed people because they wanted revenge over something they were wronged for a long time ago, these people never sought peace. They just continued to scheme and plot their revenge. Was peace so out of the question? I cannot believe it would not be, but I guess they really are just mad. And so terribly stupid!" Ruigus said, some sweat was on his forehead.
"Me and Eltrys, we were about to find out the whole truth on why the Forsworn was so powerful in Markarth when I went to go meet him at our usual spot, a shrine of Talos and I…I-I found him lying there dead. The city guards killed him because he knew too much, they were in on the whole thing too. By Stendarr, a married man with a child on the way was killed because they wanted to keep the Forsworn, who do nothing but cause evil, safe from proper justice? What horse shit." A couple tears were streaming down from the eyes of Ruigus. He downed another bottle. Alduin wiped away those tears, concern written all over her face.
"Those disgusting guards arrested and framed me for murder, they brought me to their prison, Cidhna mine is the name they send all kinds of unfortunate low lives and poor scum there. It's a glimpse into a Daedra's world I imagine. Turns out, a noble family in Markarth the Silver-Bloods or some petty nonsense was working with the Forsworn leader some self proclaimed king named Madanach. Had to get my way into his own special little chamber that was guarded by some greenskin. I found the old man writing down some orders when he tried to make a deal with me but I would not have it."
"What did you do?" Alduin asked. She suspected the answer but wanted to hear of such an action from Ruigus, it would help him get over it if he talked about it. She thought.
"You don't think I would have let someone so repulsive get away with it did you?" Ruigus said, slowly and more calm than before. Incidentally, he sounded threatening without intending too.
"I killed the old demon, I pray he gets tortured like the monster he is by whatever disgusting daedra that took that black soul of his." Ruigus spat.
"Don't think his death would have changed much now that I think about it, but I killed one Forsworn, I am glad for that. And I shall kill the rest of them as well. Stendarr may frown upon some of the actions of which I do, but to kill them is a mercy to the rest of this world. That is for sure." Ruigus's speech was bit slurred as an effect of getting intoxicated off of the wine. He downed his wineglass once more.
"It infuriates me that someone can be so treacherous and so pitiful as those silver-bloods. They, who use deception and corruption to get their wealth and power. Alduin, promise me that we will never stoop to the level of these Silver-Bloods and the rest of all ilk such as them." Ruigus stated.
'What wonderful seed has been planted inside your heart Ruigus?' Alduin thought upon his words.
"We shall not my love. These other beings use secrecy, deceit, and underhanded tactics to get what they desire. What shall be a major difference for us is that we use our own superiority to our advantage. We take what we want through honest force. You and I both exert this." Said Alduin. There was some silence as Ruigus sat, staring across and at another barrel full of wine.
"That is a terrible experience to have befallen you. Though you shouldn't hang yourself up over it anymore Ruigus, I am here and you've a future ahead of you and it is bright and wonderful." She added. Rubbing Ruigus's back.
"I still remember what we want for ourselves. I am just full of grief over past events, do you not think the same about your memories too?" Ruigus asked.
"I do, you know that? It is awful when you go over your own mistakes and your own impotence but you should never beat yourself over the head with it. It will only ever make it worse." Alduin replied, a glint in her eyes.
"Come, you're getting drunk off the wine. I am surprised you are able to talk so straight after having that much." Said Alduin, as she got a drink for herself.
"Not until you stop at the very least, and I shall continue until I can no longer handle it." The young man replied. Filling up his glass after she did.
"I'll have to carry you again, won't I?" Alduin grinned.
Ruigus rolled his eyes. "Maybe." He said. Alduin gave a contented sigh.
"You need to get out of that scrap they gave you first." Said Alduin, gesturing at his armor. With a sigh Ruigus stripped the armor off piece by piece until he was in his regular clothes.
"Can you get up?" She then asked. Ruigus, leaving his glass on the ground used the barrel as support.
"Not too drunk." He said wearily.
"My point of view differs with that." Said she with a sly grin.
"Let's go to sleep, you need and deserve it. It is my desire to rest as well." Said Alduin as she tugged on Ruigus's standing body, threatening to topple him over.
"Come, come." Was her words as she led Ruigus to bed. A contented feeling came over her and she looked at the happy face of her beloved.
The light of the dragonborn's eyes shone in the way that she loved so much, so full of life and desire they were to her.
"I should start being mean to you again. Things are not the same as they used to between as when I did." Mused Alduin.
"You pretended didn't you?" Came the drunken accusation of Ruigus.
"It cannot be helped when I see a great deal of humanity within you Ruigus."
"You." Sighed Ruigus, as he now stumbled into bed.
Ruigus fell into bed exhausted as Alduin checked around the room, it was a guest's room but it was perfect to her nonetheless in such a mortal dwelling.
With a small skip her step she spread the curtains of windows in the room. They both could see the Aurora in the sky above them.
Alduin turned around.
"I thought you'd like it." She said. Ruigus smiled.
"I do." Replied the young man. Alduin ltook off her own armor and lifted the covers.
Crawling in she stared at the same window she uncovered.
"It's one thing that I took so much appreciation to in both Atmora and here. There are some unique wonders in this world in particular." Alduin stayed silent for a few moments after having said that.
"Never forget that you and I are two of them." She said. She then turned to look at Ruigus.
"Ah, asleep in an instant." Said Alduin as she noticed the closed eyelids of Ruigus.
Alduin remained silent, a tender look on her as she stayed staring at him for many a moment before turning over to sleep.
That night Ruigus would dream of home, happier days of past and future, dreams of fighting a minotaur with Emperor Mede II with only their bare fists, of a man whose gold hair has started to wain away, and an arm wrestle with a peculiar woman with golden eyes.
Alduin on the other did not dream, she created dreams sometimes. Sometimes she saw her own dreams, the dreams of others, and the nightmares of more.
Hadvar along with his three companions were about to go to sleep. They had been playing a game of cards, as it stood Marcus was winning again and again. His successes mattered only to the hot-head's own pride. It was a friendly game with custom rules.
"Alavia and Ruigus did good today." Remarked Aethan as he drew some new cards from the pile.
"They did, but this was an easy thing for them." Replied Hans. The men nodded.
"If it were any harder they still would have been able to it with a good victory." The old man added. A moment of silence took place.
"They'll make sure this war ends quickly. We'll all get to go home soon when they win this war and we'll all take a nice rest." Said Marcus wistfully.
"Just think, Alavia and Ruigus will be off somewhere important and we'll be going back to our normal lives. They're stuck to the paths of heroes now and we're just a bunch of nobodies." Marcus said once more. Hadvar frowned so slightly and shook his head.
"I don't think we'll be nobodies Marcus. You're not one to be confined to a normal life. I think that I will just return to Riverwood after this. Hans, I know you'll be going back to your family and you Aethan, you're royalty back in Riften and you may even be a Jarl if we retake it. I know Ruigus will put in a good word for you but I just think that..." Hadvar paused for a moment.
"Maybe more will happen to us than just winning this war. There's still the Thalmor and since Ruigus is the Dragonborn…." Aethan leaned in.
"You think he'll try to become the Emperor?" Aethan asked. Hadvar stared into Aethan's light brown eyes.
"I think so. He's seemed so spirited as of late and I think he's not going to hold himself back anymore now that he is getting more power, I may be wrong about that however. Ruigus remains a good man no matter what, we know him and he's a noble soul." Said Hadvar.
"We'd best be noble as well." Replied Hans.
"Has anyone else noticed that Alavia might be contributing to that? The woman has been getting promoted along with him and outranks him so slightly. It's a hunch but with how mysterious she can be I get the feeling they're in cahoots." Said Marcus. Hans facepalmed.
"That is obvious youngling." Replied Hans.
"Well what I am saying is that maybe she's been pushing him?" Marcus shot back.
"That may be harshly worded, Alavia is a good woman." Said Aethan. Marcus nodded at that.
"I don't disagree with that man. It's just that she acts more headstrong." Marcus said.
"She does, and Ruigus handles himself well despite that. Of course, it helps when she loves him, our luckiest of friends and of men." Hadvar said. Another moment of silence took place.
"Who's go was it?" Asked Marcus.
The Pale, West of the Laintar Dale, Near Loreius Farm
Captain Rolf von Kober had so far found his attachment to Legate Cassius's army to be a misery that afflicted the man.
He had gathered from the Legate's own words and the opinions of the men who served under him that he was a complete joke, and a fool of an Imperial officer. The man's temper was sour and his constant outbursts were similar to that of a child's.
'If I am right I shall not be with this man for much longer.' Thought Kober.
Kober knew that the majority of Cassius's 3000 man force were Nords. He did not care if they had Stormcloak affiliations already or not he was wondering when they would make the turn on their commander.
Cassius was not a man that raised the morale of his forces, and his control was limited to threats and insults.
Kober knew that there would be an ambush in the forest near a landmark known as the 'Weynon Stones'. How he knew this would happen, was tied into a few connections he made with the Penitus Oculatus who in turn had some eyes in certain places. Of course, he knew more than just the Oculatus to turn to when it came to info.
For a moment he wondered if the dim-witted Legate would know of what would await him as they marched onwards. He then shook his head.
'No, any thing that he may realize is soon ruined by his own worthlessness as a Commander. In the last war he was known as a good fighter, but such a man as him is limited to that.' Thought Rolf.
If Cassius were to fail indeed. The Captain would need an escape plan to save himself and anyone smart enough to listen to him. While he valued his own life more, the more men saved the better the Empire could be in the next fight.
Rolf von Kober's dark brown eyes stared off into the many lights and colors of the aurora above. Kober's eyes to one could be described as terrifying and a cold, calculating feeling.
The night would mark the end of 4E 202, the 22nd of Sun's Dusk. Only a few months had passed since the arrival of the World Eater and the Dragonborn.
The fate of Tamriel and ultimately that of Nirn's would soon change drastically once more as fate itself would spin on it's head.
Thank you for reading, I hope all is well!
Until next time.
