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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 4
"So you saw him."
'I should have tried to talk Tigre into find another time to wash up. Then Lim wouldn't be in this state.'
Fenris mentally muttered to himself as he was in Ellen's office when she called him. Moments later after his arrival, Lim burst into the office and told what happen at the well. He was standing near the right of the desk, between the two.
Her face was red with an enraged expression and her body was shaking all over. Based on her story, she ended getting an eyeful of Tigre's entire body as he was washing up.
Yet, Fenris felt amused when he heard what she did as a result, which was no doubt an ordinary reaction if a woman ended stumbling upon a man who was washing himself. It was then that Ellen said words that a woman like her is supposed to say.
"What was he like? I've yet to see it."
Fenris ended up getting a little disturbed of her question as Lim ended up recalling to her dismay the incident.
"Ellen, I don't think this is the best time to discuss such matters…"
"He is right! I have nothing to comment!"
"How about this? Fenris, what would you do if you're in Tigre's place?"
Fenris could only facepalm in embarrassment at the new question while Lim's face went redder as she made a light shriek.
"Now you just making this meeting awkward for me."
Ellen only made a light giggle, "Well, you treat everyone here with respect, I just wanted to see what would do in such a situation."
He could only make a deep sigh as he gave in, knowing that she was the type not to back down so easily.
"Alright. If I was in Tigre's place, I would apologize, get clothed as quickly as possible and be on my way. I am willing to also take a barrage of buckets to the head from Lim in the process. After that, I will find ways to make up for the incident like asking what she wants and getting it for with my own money."
Both Ellen and Lim had the feeling he was going to say that. During his time in Leitmeritz, everyone has seen his friendly demeanor; will it be listening to one's problem or providing assistance. Yet, he could also act professional if the situation warrants it like when acts as an instructor in the training field; acting strict if they go out of line. It was these qualities that won the respect of the soldiers and those around him.
Fenris could see the expression on their faces; expression of trust. They had the thought that he was a mere mercenary when they first met, wanting to join for the sake of glory despite his use of magic. It only through his display and bravery in the thick of the battle in Dinant that changed their minds.
Lim saw that he was looking at her and she turned away. She was more tolerant and accepting of Fenris presence than Tigre's. He respects her abilities as both a warrior and leader and she respected him in return during his time here.
She saw that he had similarities to Ellen personality-wise by being friendly to allies while having the strength to back up their words and take action; able to act according based on the situation.
While she was inwardly pleased that he would take steps to get on her good side again if something between occurs. But she is worried if he founds out what her favourite item.
'If he founds out of my collection in my room, he will never see me the same way again…'
Breaking out of her thought, she quickly regained her compose and spoke out what she wanted to say when came into the office. With it, the awkward feeling in Fenris vanished
The topic changed to Tigre and to restrict his movements, no doubt to her previous experience. Obviously, Ellen seeks to have Tigre accept her offer and restricting him to his room wouldn't do much good.
Fenris however felt that the odds of Tigre accept her offer is slim due to his devotion to his home. As the discussion about Tigre continue, Ellen took a document from her desk and it to Lim while Fenris looked pass her shoulder.
Their thoughts became one of concern as the document explain the situation in Brune. Fenris skimmed through the document and develop a darkened expression.
"A civil war is about to begin…"
The document explains the ongoing situation in the country. The King of Brune was no longer the same after losing his son in Dinant. Shutting away from politics all together, two powerful nobles named Thenardier and Ganelon were at each other throats. The conflict between the two is raising every day.
"Based on this situation, having Tigre return to Brune would be put his life at risk. It also affects his ransom since the nobles there are now fighting amongst themselves, especially the amount is so high."
"True Fenris. Alsace alone will not be able to pay off the ransom and Tigre is at the rest of being sold to the slave merchants in Muozinel."
"So is that why you want Tigre to become your subordinate?"
"His archery skills will be wasted otherwise Lim. If he is trained properly in a matter of time, he could become a close aide."
"So Ellen, what should we do with Tigre? Continue on as we did before?"
"Yes. If any soldier complains about him, I will deal with it."
"Understood." Lim lowered her head and left the office. Fenris was able to do the same, but he saw that Ellen was gesturing him to stay put.
"There is something you need me to do Ellen?"
'Does she want to talk about what I did to calm Lunie?'
"Just a question Fenris. Do you like the attention you get back in your homeland."
'He always reluctant to talk about himself. Asking about what he did could agitate him, so I will get him to open up his past slowly.'
He had a confused look since he didn't expect such a question, but Fenris nevertheless answered the question honestly.
"At first, I enjoyed the attention I was getting when started to make a name of myself. However, I was getting tired of people gazing on me and the praises I receive. If I wanted to rest up in peace whenever I enter a town or city, I had to dress up and act as a normal townsperson."
He then made a small laugh, "You be surprised of how much people could only recognize who I am by my armor and weapons. If I just wear plain clothes, I could pass up as an ordinary person. It was a complicated process since I had to put my equipment in a bag and pass it up as a travel bag."
Despite what he said, he deeply cared for the people and they only acted that way since they look up to him. 'I wonder how Skyrim is handling my disappearance. They bound to notice that I am not sighted anymore.'
He looked at Ellen's face and saw a pleased expression. She got up and approached him until they were face-to-face. "Is that so? For that, I have something special planned for you."
"What is it Ellen?"
"Well…"
'This is not what I have in mind. Then again, never thought Ellen is the same like me…'
He was outside the castle and beside him was Ellen who was dressed up in a common dress and had her hair tied into a ponytail. He was also wearing a set of commoner clothes as she requested him to change after securing his equipment. Their weapons are covered with cloth and they were currently sneaking among the trees near the castle and towards the town.
She told him that she sneaks out of the castle and walk around the town as a commoner girl. Fenris could see at that moment, she ended up acting like her age.
'Why did she told about her walks? Did she really trust me that much or is it that I hide secrets well?'
Despite the questions he has, he couldn't help but admire Ellen's appearance. Regardless if she dresses up like either a noble or commoner, she nevertheless a stunning beauty.
His thoughts were broken when his instincts kicked in of an unknown presence and he turned around. She noticed this and turned around as well.
To both their surprise it was Tigre, who was more surprised than they were.
"Tigre?"
"What are you doing here…!"
"I just wanted to ask you something and I saw you and Fenris outside."
Ellen scanned her surroundings before grabbing his arm and dragging him and Fenris kept up as they made their way to the town.
The town was as busy as it was every single day. The paved streets, stone houses and the people doing their every lives reminded Fenris of Solitude, the capital of Skyrim. The three looked around as merchants sell their goods such as pottery and food as the people around them were chatting about current events.
As they chatting among themselves, Fenris decided to change the topic. "I am guessing this is one of your favourite pastimes."
"Correct. It is among my few pleasures; to pretend to be a normal girl having fun while walking through town."
"Is that why you panic when you saw me?"
"You just surprised me Tigre. I never expected you to follow. What do want to ask me? Does it involve the book you're holding?"
"I wanted to ask you something, but will ask another time."
"Very well, then accompany me until I'm satisfied. I planned to have Fenris walking along side me, but it feels refreshing of being in a group of three."
As Ellen made a happy expression, Fenris eyed on the book in Tigre's arm. It had black bindings and had a few decorations.
"Tigre, do you mind if you let me look into that book when we return back?"
"I guess that would be alright." Fenris was always friendly with him, so Tigre felt it wouldn't hurt to lend him the book as long he returns it.
A lot of things have happened as they walked across town. They lay their eyes on various types of food and even tried out some out. Tigre was constantly bombarding Ellen with question of the type of food they saw. Fenris can't help but try out the food at the vendors they pass by.
While the food in the castle was good, he enjoyed commoner's food more. It was his stable food back in Skyrim when his adventure began and is still is to this day. He used the money he received from his services in Dinant from Ellen to pay for his food.
It was then he decided to get payback on Ellen for her question from their meeting by wiping a speck of jam from her mouth with is finger after they finished eating some honeyed bread with a spread of apple jam. He smiled he saw her embarrassed expression, but she turns the tables by doing the same thing to him. Despite being both embarrassed, they couldn't help but to laugh lightly.
While having many friends in Skyrim, Fenris usually travelled alone. Being beside someone like Ellen was without doubt a refreshing experience, which he was happy to feel once again
It was then they reached a stand which prizes could be won by shooting down knight figures with a toy crossbow. While being highly skilled with a crossbow, Fenris give Tigre a shot. After Ellen told him to target at two figures, one of them being rather difficult to knock down due to its large size. Given only 4 shots, Tigre was able to knock down the smaller knight figure with one shot. However, the other figure only shook a little after a shot to the head.
With keen eyes, Fenris noticed that its movement was like something was supporting it from behind and Tigre noticed the same thing. Beyond Fenris' expectations, he shots the figure down through a ricochet shot from behind, which showed its small supports on its feet as the figure fell. After Tigre had brief chat with the stand owner, the three received the prizes. With the small amount of money paid, the prizes were not that bad, for they were a teddy bear and a decorated purple ribbon.
It was then that Ellen put the ribbon on hair. "So you two, what do you think? It suits me right?"
"Yes, beautiful…"
"True, but Ellen is beautiful regardless what she wears."
Ellen's face was red and she tried to hide her embarrassment. As she was regaining her composure, Fenris looked at the teddy bear he was holding.
"You have an interesting hobby Ellen. To be collecting stuffed animals…"
"Its not for me. It is for Lim." Both Fenris and Tigre surprised of her response.
"She'll be mad when we return back. She'll will be in a better mood if we give her the bear. You two will see that it will work."
Fenris was surprised of what he heard and find it hard to think Lim have such a hobby. But it isn't his place to judge since he had a hobby which doesn't matches well with his position back home.
They all sat in a town square with some food when asked Tigre what he wanted to ask about. He then showed the book he was carry and Fenris saw it was a history book about Zhcted.
"Mind if I skim through its pages while you talk to Ellen?"
"Sure. Here you go." Tigre passed the back to him and started to discuss with Ellen about what he read.
Fenris skimmed through the pages and saw that describe the legend of the founding of Zhcted. He been in the castle's library, but have yet to look into the books due to his given duties. What he read about the legend caught his eye.
300 years ago, a lone knight appeared out of nowhere calling himself the incantation of the Black Dragon promised victory to any of the warring tribes who serve him. Only seven tribes joined him and as a sign of loyalty, a skilled and beautiful woman from each tribe is presented as a wife. It was then the Black Dragon knight presented his seven wives with Dragon Tools and declare that will be Vanadis. After many battles, the Kingdom was found and divided into 7 provinces, each ruled by one of the knight's wives. Then strangely, after two decades of rule, the knight disappeared as he came.
Fenris could see that the legend matches some details he learned about Zhcted, but found some passages in the legend to be disturbing. There were phases like "bold voice", "strong shout" and more eerily "one of dragon blood". He was more disturbed of the final passage, which claim to be spoken by the knight himself when he was crowned king.
'"Even if I vanish from this world and return to where I came, my legacy will be eternal. Await the day when my blood has passed and my voice return to echo across the land." What does that mean and why does it feel so strange…'
He then listened to the ongoing conversion with Tigre and Ellen, who was talking about some of the responsibilities and duties of the Vanadises. It was then he felt a gentle flow of air around his body and he turned to Arifal, which was slightly exposed from its cloth covering.
'Arifal is no doubt is pleased of my presence, but I have yet to discover why. Will the rest of the Dragon Tools I meet will act the same way?"
He made a sigh as looked at the book again. "Now I have more questions than answers about this world." He ignored it however, so he could enjoy the rest of the day in town.
When the three returned to the castle, they were meet by Lim at the gate who display an angry aura.
"You sneak out again didn't you…"
"Don't worry, I have a present for you."
It was then she pulled the teddy bear from the sack and gave to Lim. Her expression was like a child who received a favourite gift, which astonished both Tigre and Fenris. Lim soon glanced at the two and regained her composure.
"Why did you return? It was the perfect opportunity for you to..." Her words were directed to Tigre, but Fenris interrupted.
"Easy there Lim, I was there to keep an eye on him. Even I wasn't there to watch, I am sure he knows the price for an attempted escape as a prisoner."
"He has a point, so don't be so harsh on him. Besides, Tigre got that for you."
Lim was silent after hearing Ellen, but slowly developed an awkward feeling when Fenris eyed on her.
"Enjoy your gift Lim. Having a stuff animal is one way to relive stress after a day's work, regardless of age. It is good to hug something is you're down."
It was then she merely told Tigre to always have someone accompany him when outside the castle before she ran the opposite direction, no doubt due to embarrassment.
"That is an interesting response Fenris."
"Well, I like to collect books from my travels, even those commonly found. While many see as mundane for someone like me, but it is good to have a hobby that doesn't revolve around combat."
Ellen was pleased to see him slowly sharing about himself, but she knew it was going take a while to get everything from him. She then asked Tigre and Fenris to accompany her in following Lim.
It has lead to them spying on Lim in her room. Fenris was surprised of what he saw, which was Lim hugging the bear, thinking what to name it and surrounding her was a collection of stuffed animals.
While he was surprised that Lim loved stuffed animals greatly, he didn't lose any respect for her. While those from his home would frown on such habits for a girl her age, he is pleased she has something to calm her nerves after her duties.
Ellen said that Lim would be forgiving if given a stuffed animal, yet Fenris could only think of her reaction if he was the one giving it to her.
Days have passed since the walk in town and Fenris was getting his armor on. It was close to midnight, but due to his experience travelling Skyrim and the adventures he been on, he builds up his stamina to the point he could fight repeatedly for an entire day and night. Since he only need close to 6 hours of sleep, he usually does an activity that doesn't bother anyone in their sleep. Today, he was about to do a night patrol outside the castle.
He recalled what happened a few days ago. He heard Tigre asked Lim to teach him about Ellen's governing in case he returns to Alsace. He kept his hopes up despite the deadline for the ransom is coming up. Fenris thought of telling Tigre about Brune's state of disarray, but decided to push the young man to limit. Then again, he may learn about it when the deadline is reached.
After suiting up and equipping his usual armaments, he opened his quarters doors to leave. But he was surprised to see Ellen in front, as she was expecting him. She was wearing a long-sleeve shirt and a skirt, which wasn't suited for sleeping. It was as she was preparing for something.
"Oh Ellen. You need something?"
"Yes. I need you to accompany me. It is regarding Tigre."
He nodded and followed her and made their way to the castle gate. They heard chatter and Fenris could tell Tigre was among the chatter. It was then Fenris realize what the chatter was about.
'Tigre's home is going to be attacked by an army from one of those bickering Brune nobles! This Prince Thenardier… Knowing him, he is going back no matter what after hearing about it. Okay then Tigre, show me your resolve. Show me your devotion to your beliefs and your home of Alsace'
He developed a strong interest in Tigre due to the dragon blood in his veins due to his status as Dragonborn. The blood initially allowed to sense if a dragon is nearby, but he could now feel the nature of people. However, the feeling is always unclear and only work in certain times.
Fenris knew he always helped people in need, but he knows when the odds are stacked against him. Even with his powers, he cannot stand against an army alone. But there always seem to be something to him more than meets the eye.
He may be a hero to his people, a hero cannot be everywhere at once and always save everyone. Fenris knew this well, but he still tries to save as much to the best of his abilities.
The two stopped at the right side of the gate as Ellen leaned on the wall as Fenris stand by her side.
"Thought it was noisy here…" She said as he got Tigre's attention and turned to see her and Fenris. Fenris saw Rurick and some soldiers with Tigre, trying to stop him from leaving. They bowed when they saw Ellen.
Fenris then saw an old man wearing ordinary cloths with a cloak around him behind Tigre. He saw his expression became on of fear.
"A suit made of dragonscales…! Young Lord, is that…!?"
"Yes Bertrand. He was in Dinant and against our army. His name is Fenris."
"Ah, seems there were survivors from Dinant to spread the tale about me. Hard to believe, but it was true Bertrand." He then channels the spell Flames into his left hand in a standby state for all to see.
The old man named Bertrand could only look in fear. He heard of the story of the "Demon of Dinant" from rambling survivors, which many believed they gone mad from the devastating defeat due to the unbelievable their tale is. To think he actually exist and his standing before him was without doubt scary.
Tigre however was calm and spoke to Ellen. "Please let me pass. I must return to Alsace."
"What will you do when you get there?" Her tone was serious and was not sweet from days before.
"I will defend my people."
"Noble of you Tigre. But it is also foolish."
Everyone turned to Fenris as stopped channeling Flames in his hand.
"Ellen and I acknowledge your skills with a bow, but it is not enough to stand against an army of 3,000 men. You will only end up perishing along with your home and everyone there."
"I know! But What I am supposed to do!"
"Escape calls for death. If you are heading towards your death, it might be better to end your life here." Ellen then unsheathed Arifal and pointed the tip at Tigre.
Fenris then stepped forward and turned to her with a sigh. "We should just let him go. He could take comfort in the end that he died defending his home."
"Quiet Fenris. Don't interfere. This is between me and Tigre." She ordered him.
He merely nodded and stepped back. He then lay witness to the talk between the two. Despite all this, Ellen did not lay a hand on Tigre and merely ask him to use his head. Fenris could tell from how she gripped Arifal, he wanted him to think. After what look like to bystanders a tense standoff, Tigre made a request and it surprised both him and Ellen.
"Please lend me your solders."
While everyone around were speechless of his request, Ellen only laughed while Fenris shook his head with a smile. 'Once again Tigre, you exceeded my expectations.'
In the end, Ellen will provide her soldiers to assist Alsace in exchange for control over it. She order Fenris to return to the castle to prepare her forces. It was clear they are about to go to war.
"Alright men! Check your gear and be prepared to be move at a moment's notice!"
Fenris was outside giving orders as the men around were preparing to move out. Ellen intend only to bring 1,000 soldiers to battle. While they are outnumbered three to one, there are a number of advantages of a smaller army such as speed and flexibility. Speed was indeed important since the enemy army have a head start.
He was waiting for Ellen and Lim who are changing into their battle outfits. He was always amaze that Ellen could go to battle without much protection and leave with no injuries. Lim however wore armor befitting her status.
'Everything was sure was interesting for the past month.'
Fenris recall the day he found himself in this world, meeting Ellen and Lim, fighting at Dinant and meeting Tigre, the days spending in Leitmeritz assisting in a number of activities.
He have done nothing but spars and practice sessions, so he help feel the relief of going into battle once again. His skills would dull considerately if he constantly just spars and do not experience actual combat. He broke from thoughts and return back to his duties overseeing the troops.
A few moments later, Ellen, Lim and Tigre arrived to meet him.
"Is everything ready Fenris?"
"The men are ready Ellen. We can leave at your signal."
"Which is now. Let's depart for Alsace!"
At that moment, Fenris put on his helm and the small army began their ride to Alsace. During the trip, Lim express her thoughts of their odds of victory. Ellen responded they could due to the number of advantages they have thanks to Tigre's information.
So from what he been told, Thenardier have little knowledge of the land, so his army are in a terrain disadvantage. In addition, his army will not be expecting a counter-attack since they believe they are up against civilians. Ganolen, his rival in Brune is also factor, so Thenardier would not allocate mass number of troops without risking exposure.
A key advantage against the larger army however would be Fenris himself. With rumors of his existence known in Brune, the opposing army would no doubt suffer a drop in morale if they see him in person. His abilities will also turn the tide of battle to their favour even if they are outnumbered.
'Okay, today is the day…'
Fenris thought his tightened his grip on the horse straps as he prepared his heart. Ever since speaking in the Dragon's Language to Lunie to calm it down, he felt guilty for hiding it away from the others. He knew that Ellen was suspicious of what he did that time. While he didn't like to reveal everything about himself, he knew it was wrong to hide everything from his newfound allies.
He talked little about his past to people back in Skyrim, but it was now different as he was in an unknown world. Despite being here for a few months, he hasn't explored the other parts of Zhcted. People in the other parts of the country may not be as accepting of him if he retains an aura of complete mystery. Some may even see him a threat if he kept hiding secrets
Fenris decided the battle would the time to reveal his Shouts, one of his greatest secrets. He was concerned if Ellen and the others will forgive and accept him to hiding such a secret, especially the unimaginable power that the Voice is capable of. As painful as it is to be rejected for hiding such power, he would move on wander this new world just like he did back in Skyrim, assisting others in need if possible.
Instead, he was more worried of have he felt yesterday when he meditated in his quarters at nighttime. Fenris does it once a week to ensure the power of the Voice within him is balanced and strong despite not using it for a few months.
His meditations somehow now expand his dragon sense to vast distances, which occurred months ago back in Skyrim. Initially overwhelmed due to sensing the presence of every dragon in Skyrim, but he could control the sense so he could meditate in peace. Fenris believed that it was due to absorbing many dragon souls through his past travels, which also enhanced his overall abilities.
He allowed his dragon sense to flow freely in his meditations, but he didn't feel anything. He saw that the sense didn't apply to the dragons in this world, which was proven true when he met Lunie days before and sensed nothing from it.
He thought the same thing would occur yesterday, but he was wrong when was shocked out his meditation at the time.
He didn't now how it was possible, but it seems two dragons from Skyrim ended up here. Yet, there was one feeling he got that felt familiar.
A feeling he only get when he fighting alongside with his greatest ally, called only in his hour of need…
'I be happy to see you again, my friend.'
He muttered in his thoughts as the army from Leitmeritz began their match to Alsace.
Information about Fenris – Personal Background
Race: Nord (Skyrim, Tamriel)
Age: 20
Build: Average (Stronger than his appearance shows, No scars due to using Restoration spells)
Hair: Brown (Medium length)
Eyes: Heterochromia (Left eye – Green, Right eye – Brown)
Current Occupation: Under contract in serving Eleonora Viltaria and in extension Zhcted
Likes: Helping others in need, Peaceful resolutions, Traveling, Learning something new
Dislikes: Unnecessary battles, Losing someone close, Atrocities, People being mistreated
Traits: Friendly, Determined, Integrity, Courageous, Honest, Cautious, Trustworthy
Notable Aspects: Reluctant to share his past and exploits, but slowly having second thoughts due to his situation of being a stranger in an unknown world. While having heterochromia eyes, he prefers that thoughts about them are spoken truthfully than in false compliments. He willing to give second chances if someone is redeemable in his eyes, even if others don't share such sentiments.
Author's Note:
My workload for college is low for the next few weeks, so have plenty of time let my creativity out for my stories. With the time I have now, I should be able to upload a new chapter in less than a week. However, I will be going on vacation in the 2nd week of December, so I can't do any writing or uploading during that time. I should be back on the 1st week of the new year. After that, uploads may not be as frequent as before.
I am surprised that the Lord Marksman and Vanadis series have many light novel volumes and yet there are few stories on the site. I can't help to allocate my focus on this series and related stories due to rereading the volumes again and renewing my interest. Don't worry about my other stories, as I will update them at some point.
The bio about Fenris may be small, but I will make additional bios such as his experience in each Skill category in future chapters. I am aware the Dragonborn in the story seems overpowered, but I based his enhanced power from a mod I used when I played Skyrim. The mod adds a mechanic which positive bonuses are given to the player when a number of dragon souls are absorbed.
I decided to go through with my previous plan of a harem. It would look like this, but it is not finalized yet and could be subject to change in the future as story continues on.
Harem: Ellen, Lim, Mila, Sofy, Liza, Valentina (1), Olga, Sasha (2)
(1) Without doubt, it would take a lot of convincing and reasoning to get her to realize that her ambition is misguided and wrong. In Skyrim terms, a number of persuasion checks of increasing difficulty have to be passed for her to abandon her dangerous ambition. I see it as the only way for this pairing to work.
(2) I have yet to decided if her sickness will be cured instantly or very slowly in a period of time through the use of Restoration spells and Alchemy.
On a final note, I replayed a game on the PS3 which was put the Playstation Network like three years ago. After that, I remembered much what I learned about the concepts in the game and saw high potential of a crossover between the game and Lord Marksman and Vanadis.
If you heard of the game, The Legend of Dragoon, share your thoughts. If not, look it up.