Disclaimer: Except for original ideas, everything else belongs to their original owners.
Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 13
"No, no, no…"
The young girl trembled as looked at Fenris with wide, fearful eyes and she was on the verge of tears. Her breathing became increasingly unstable like she was on the verge of a panic attack as she was clutching her chest.
While the girl sitting up on the bedroll she was laying down previously, it was now like she wanted to bolt up and run for dear life.
Tigre was wide-eyed of the girl's reaction and was going to speak when Fenris interrupted him.
"I knew this was going to happen… You handling things from here Tigre." Upon saying those words, Fenris disappeared from Tigre's view; seeing that his own presence was scaring her to no end.
"Is it me or did I see someone like her before…" Fenris muttered as he moved to another part of the camp.
Tigre saw that the girl calmed down slightly seeing Fenris was gone. However, she was very anxious by the fact that he was in the camp.
"Don't worry. He is friend and he helped me many times before." He spoke to the girl and tried to assure her that Fernis isn't a threat.
"You mean… He… He is not going to kill me…?" The girl spoke in a fearful voice.
'Where did she get that idea?' Tigre thought as he was shocked what she said. While he knows many of the rumors in Brune regarding Fenris portray him a merciless demon in human form, he never thought he meet someone who made the immediate assumption that Fenris was a heartless killer.
While Fenris did kill his foes with deadly skill, he didn't do it for the mere pleasure of it. He fought for the sake of protecting innocents lives.
"I don't know what you heard about him, but Fenris is not like the rumors portray him. He is both kind and considerate to everyone around him. He even saved my life when I was seriously injured…" Tigre then continue to speak of the deeds that Fenris has committed.
The girl however remains silent as she listens to Tigre. The way he spoke about Fenris showed at the archer held him at high regard.
"Can you a least trust him? I assure you, he is not going to harm you. I promise." Tigre said to her, who after a few minutes, made a quick and simple nod.
Tigre wasn't sure if the girl was being honest on trusting Fenris, but he was sure that she would accept Fenris in a matter of time. Tigre then switched to the subject from Fenris to something else.
"By the way, I haven't learned your name yet…"
"It's… Regin…"
"Nice to meet you Regin. I am…"
"Tigrevurmud Vorn."
Regin spoke his name before he finished. Tigre isn't surprised though since he introduced himself to her when he rescued her.
They soon brief discussion of why they are here in the region. Tigre spoke that he was here to repel the Muozinel invasion, but Regin spoke he was supposed to be the lord of Alsace. Tigre was surprised, but he assumed that she was a traveller that visited Alsace. He didn't push the subject towards Regin though, seeing she had her reasons.
After they ate their soup, Regin then made a bold request towards Tigre, which embarrassed him greatly.
She aske him to wipe her back, saying that there are parts that she couldn't reach by herself.
Tigre said he would get someone else to do it, but seeing that the whole camp has nothing but men, he doesn't have much of a choice.
"Okay. Call me when you are done undressing." He said as he turned his back on her with a blush on his face. It was a stressful situation when are you are in the same tent as a beautiful girl who about to undress.
After a few moments, Regin called for Tigre in a shy voice. When he turned around, he saw Regin's body free of clothing. He involuntarily let out a breath after seeing her figure, which she blushed in response.
Nevertheless, Tigre kept his composure and wiped the dirt off Regin's back. In few minutes, Tigre was finished and asked Regin to finish the rest of her cleaning herself. While she thanked him for his help, she also said sorry to him.
While confused what she meant, Tigre had more pressing matters as he left Regin's tent. He has to deal with Muozinel Army. Even with both Ludmila's and Fenris's support in the battle, it was still going to be a brutal fight.
The Battle of Ormea was going to be Tigre's greatest challenge yet.
"Fenris, are the men ready?"
"They are ready as they will ever be Tigre."
They just arrived in Ormea a few days later and were getting everything in place for battle with the Muozinel Army as morning was coming up. While they know that Ludmila's plan is sound, there wouldn't be a second chance if they fail here.
Despite Fenris's efforts in using Restoration spells on the exhausted soldiers of the Silver Meteor Army last night and this morning, he knew that it couldn't truly bring back to full strength. As least they were in much better condition than before. It was also hoped that Fenris's display of his magic would demoralized the enemy, evening the scales slightly to their side.
Fenris was reading the layout of the map that Ludmila prepared. He reviewed the ambushes and deception maneuvers that would be used when the opportunity comes.
"Do we have a chance?" Tigre said as he was looking the landscape, which will soon be the site of a bloody battle.
"The odds may be against us, but all I can say is that we will not go down without a fight." Fenris replied honestly. As grim as it is, this fight could easily be their last for they were heavily outnumbered.
Even with his skills, spells and Shouts, the Dragonborn know that attrition was going to be his greatest enemy.
On the other side of where the Silver Meteor Army and Olmutz Army were positioned, there was a large camp which the Muozinel army were positioned at. They send a whole day's match to traverse Agnes and about to move futher inland into Brune.
Kureys Shahim Balamir, the one leading the invasion into Brune, was sitting down on an ornate chair in his tent as he was listening to his messenger. He was of medium build and has a turban on head like the rest of soldiers under his command. The most noticeable feature of him was his red beard, which goes well with his nickname.
A day ago, he sent an envoy to Ludmila after hearing that she was here in Brune. It was hoped that she would agree to a joint attack into Brune. However, he received the opposite as the messenger recite the Ludmila's response just as it began to snow, much everyone's surprise.
"We have left our kingdom and came here to aid an important member of Brune, who asked for our aid. We differ from your army which lawlessly entered this country. Should you interfere with our task, we are more than willing to go to battle. I pray that you return safely to where you came from."
"So she is saying to turn back or we will be harmed…" Kureys was summarizing the meaning of Ludmila's message before he made a laugh.
"Very well. Let see which one of us will be in pain."
With that, Kurey prepared his army for battle. Learning from the defeat that occurred to the advancement force and the information that was provided by the late commander, he organized his army into seven smaller unitss with a single reverse force.
This way, the whole army would be able navigate the narrow path through Ormea while able to react more easily to surprise attack.
Also, scouts report that a group of 2,000 people were at the northeast and their clothing were of the slaves that were rescued by Tigre.
However, they also report that the hill that was overlooking the path which the slaves were taking was is where the Brune and Zhcted army were positioned. Based on layout of the hill, it was a small stronghold to keep the enemy at bay while the slaves get to safety.
It was then Kurey devised the battle plan for his army. The 1st to 4th units will encircle the hill and prevent those on top to leave. Knowing Ludmila's reputation as a defensive expert, Kureys ordered them to not attack the hill and instead seal the enemy in. The 5th to 7th units will proceed through the highway and recapture the slaves.
After receiving reports that the snow-capped hill behind the defensive hill was void of people, Kureys then gave the order to mobilize the army and accomplish their objectives.
With this move, the Battle of Ormea has finally begun.
Moving quickly, the seven units that made up the Muozinel Army were already onto their objectives. The first four units have successfully surrounded the fortified hill while not getting close to avoid the arrows and stones thrown at them. The rest of units were making their way to the slaves that still moving northwest as midday approached.
"Is this any movement on the hill?" Kureys asked a messenger that came from the units surrounding the fortified hill. He was currently stationed in the 7th unit.
"No. If we approached the hill, we will be rained by arrows and stones." Upon hearing that, Kureys felt that Ludmila knew that the Brune and Zhcted army were outnumbered, so being on the defensive was the best option.
However, his reading of the battle was off as a soldier from the units going after the slaves came in to report.
"Your excellency! The enemy has appeared, numbering about 3,000!"
"Where did they come from?" Despite the report, Kurey wasn't upset and remained calm.
"On the other side of the hill we once thought was uninhabited." The soldier answered his general's question.
Kurey saw the Ludmila was indeed live to her reputation. His men were so focused on the fortified hill that they negated the fact the other hill could hide the enemy.
It was then a report came from another soldier from the units on the highway.
"Your excellency! The slaves that ran away were now turning around as soldiers!"
Remarkably, Kurey maintained his composure well upon hearing the report and stroked his beard as he looked at the flag flapping above him. The symbol of the flag was a golden helmet and a sword.
"Well then… Will Vahram, the War God, hunt down the dragon and horse… Or be overrun by both claws and hooves." However, as he finished his words, another messenger came to him. Many were concerned when they saw the messenger's face; he was very shaken.
"Your excellency…! I have disturbing news…!"
Kurey and his aides were very surprised of what they heard from the messenger, for it was unbelievable to their ears.
"There is a demon fighting alongside the enemy…! He wears a suit of armor like no other and wield destructive magic…! Already he slew many of soldiers…!"
"Demon you say?" Kurey was stroking his beard as he found report to be very hard to believe, but the shaken messenger says otherwise.
Prior to the messengers moving back to Kurey with their reports, the 5th to 7th units were moving through the highway with haste. It was then the Brune and Zhcted army moved from their hiding place beneath the snow-covered hill and charged in battle.
Arrows rained upon the Muozinel 5th unit, who in return fired their own volley of arrows. However, Ludmila used Lavias to freeze the arrows launched at them and they break down into tiny shards of ice.
Little did Muozinel know that she used her Lavias to alter the weather in Ormea, turning it into a winter climate. With it, Ludmila was forcing the enemy to fight in an environment they were not prepared for.
While Tigre was amazed of the power of her Dragon Tool, he remained focused on his enemies as he fired his arrows with deadly accuracy. Many Muozinel soldiers were killed as his arrows struck their necks and heads.
"Not bad." Ludmila made a short praise for Tigre's skill as she charged into he Muozinel lines with her Dragon Tool in hand. Many soldiers lost their lives as the Ice Vanadis cut them down with ease; their armor and weapons were useless in blocking her attacks. The blood that were spilled from the bodies froze due to the cold air and those spilled on the snow stained it red.
The Muozinel 5th unit was in shock that they were being pushed back by a young girl and boy; wielding unnatural strength and skill.
However, the greatest shock came when they finally witness the Brune and Zhcted army's trump card in action.
"What the!?"
"He is throwing fireballs!"
"A demon!"
It was one of the many statements that the Muozinel soldiers were shouting out as they saw Fenris entering the fray; easily recognized by his dragonscale armor.
He rode down with Tigre and Ludmila, unleashing a barrage of Fireballs upon the Muozinel lines. Many of them watched as their comrades were blown away from the fiery blasts or scream in agony as their bodies were covered in flames.
When Fenris closed in on them, he draws one of his katanas and slew them as skillfully and swiftly as Ludmila. With his free left hand, he then channeled Frostbite and released a stream of freezing ice upon the soldiers that got close to him. Those hit by the spell soon drop died as their skins on their bodies turned blue and were frozen by the magical ice.
None of the Muozinel soldiers could try to lay a hit on Fenris without getting killed by his hand and soon were demoralized by the merciless attacks he was bringing forth to their ranks. The sight of charred, frozen and bloodied bodies surrounding Fenris was something out of a nightmare.
"Excellent." Ludmila said as she saw Fenris battle the Muozinel soldiers. As she hoped, they were losing morale from seeing his destructive spells and intimidating appearance. She was amazed when Fenris begun to keep his distance from the enemy, only for him to cast Bound Bow.
With the spectral bow and arrows in hand, Fenris begun to fire a deadly barrage of arrows. Unlike Tigre however, he wasn't hindered by his ammunition; the arrows in the spectral quiver on his back were limitless no matter how many shots he made.
Ludmila was also impressed by Tigre, who was taking out the enemy commanders despite the battlefield being chaotic. The chaos would make identification of officers among front-line soldier difficult, but the red-haired archer was not hampered by the problem. He would be out of arrows though if not for Gerard riding in and throwing him another quiver.
She could help but be envious of Eleonora, for she had the services of two exceptional individuals.
The Muozinel 5th unit was now in deep turmoil. The ambush has caught them off guard and the fact that the slaves they were chasing turn out be soldiers caused them to be surrounded.
Against them was a Vanadis who was skewing them with grace with her spear, an archer who was striking at their officers with pinpoint accuracy and a fearsome warrior who was turning men into ashes with destructive magic.
With Ludmila's skills, Tigre's archery and Fenris's powers, the whole 5th unit collapsed very quickly.
As the enemy was being routed, Ludmila, Tigre and Fenris took their soldiers to regroup with Rurick, who leading the soldiers who disguised themselves as the slaves that escaped Muozinel's grasp.
"Lord Tigrevurmud, are you safe?"
Rurick spoke to Tigre as the two forces were able to united after the defeat of the Muozinel 5th unit. Tigre ask the same thing to the bald general as Fenris looked at the fortified hill.
"I hope their doing alright…" He muttered out as he knows that the slaves that Muozinel were looking for were the ones defending the hill. He dispersed his Bound Bow and drew his katana once more.
A few nights ago, Tigre and Fenris came to the freed slaves to ask for their assistance. Many of them were shocked to see Fenris, for many were from Agnes and heard of the rumors about him. However, Tigre have somehow managed to ease their worries after explaining that Fenris fought with him many times and can be trusted.
The former slaves were reluctant to go into battle, but one of them accepted Tigre's proposal. He spoke that through their efforts, they would be able to save people from the fate that they experienced firsthand.
Despite having concerns of bring them into battle, Fenris couldn't help but smile at the resolve the former slaves has against Muozinel. To him, it was better to die a free man than live in slavery.
As Fenris scanned the battlefield, he notices that the remaining Muozinel soldiers were started to pull back.
"The enemy is pulling back!"
"Don't let them get away!" Upon hearing Fenris, Ludmila ordered everyone to give chase before the enemy reorganize their forces. It was also hoped that if their get close enough, Tigre would be able to get a clear shot at Kurey. If the enemy general goes down, then those under his command would be demoralized and will rout.
Fenris however felt that something was off. Hearing from Ludmila previous regarding Kurey, there was a good possibility that the enemy general is preparing a counterattack.
Nevertheless, he still accompanied Ludmila and Tigre in the chase. No matter what, he would risk his life to protect them from harm.
As they gave chase, Fenris noticed that they bypassed Muozinel 6th unit, who went to the other side of the path. While it made a path for the Muozinel 7th unit unhindered, there was the dangerous possibility that they are being baited.
His fear was realized when a soldier reported that the enemy unitthey bypassed began to turn around attack the Brune and Zhcted army from the rear. Fenirs had a good feeling that he, Tigre and Ludmila were the targets.
"Order the Brune detachment to attack immediately!" Tigre order the soldier to give the order to the detachment. The goal was for them to hold back rear while the rest of the army rush in to kill Kurey.
The Brune detachment soon were engaged against the Muozinel 6th unit, but they struggle to push the enemy back. While Fenris's restoration spells prior to the battle helped them regain their strength, the climate and the constant fighting has taken their toll.
As they were beginning to lose their ground, the rest of the army still made their way to the Muozinel 7th unit.
"They are reaching their limit. The detachment will not last long."
Fenris said to Tigre as he looked back at the Brune detachment. Tigre could see that the men were heavily fatigued, but he hoped they could hold the rear attack long enough for them to accomplish their task.
Sadly, by the time they clashed with the Muozinel 7th unit, the Brune detachment were almost wiped out and soon, the Brune and Zhcted army were soon surrounded when the enemy from the rear closed in.
Fenris, Tigre and Ludmila were effectively fighting for their lives against an enemy that outnumbers them.
"This is all we could do..." Tigre could only mutter as they were now on the losing end of the battle. He continued to fire arrows and Ludmila slew much soldiers with her Dragon Tool. Fenris began to unleash volleys of Destruction spells, but the enemy refuse to relent seeing that they could overwhelm him with sheer numbers. In the end, the three begun to feel the strain of prolonged combat.
Many bodies fell into the snow, staining it red with their spilled blood. But it would be matter of time before they either join the fallen soldiers in the snow or be forced into slavery.
"I have no choice…" Seeing that they were being overwhelmed, Fenris know what must be done. He, Tigre and Ludmila were getting exhausted from the constant fighting. He in turn was running low of magicka, so he is unable to use even his Restoration spells to restore their stamina.
Taking a deep breath, he unleashed a shout directed at the enemy before them.
"FUS RO DAH!"
Tigre and Ludmila watched in awe of him using Unrelenting Force; unleashing a powerful force which blasted many Muozinel soldiers back in clusters and knocking into their comrades. Fenris then turned to two with a serious expression as the enemy became frightened by his power.
"You two get out of here! I will hold them off as long as I can! I have my honor to protect my comrades after all!" He shouted as he used what remain of his magicka to channel Wall of Flames to keep the enemy back. Those not in front of the wall charged at them, but he cut through them with his katanas.
"Silence."
Ludmila spoke out with a serious expression as she continues to cut down many enemies before her.
"I have my pride as a Vanadis. Like my mother and my grandmother before..." She then rode to the side of Fenris with the intention of fighting alongside him. Despite her seriousness, she smiled at Fenris's bravery against all odds.
She then turned her head to Tigre. "You look terrible… We will cover your back."
Tigre had a blank look before he then rode to Ludmila, much to her and Fenris surprise.
"Fenris have his honor. You have your pride. I have my determination. I got that from my father and many others."
While Ludmila called him a fool with a smile on her face, Fenris didn't say anything but had a smile on his own. He was internally happy that he had such brave allies fighting by his side.
Just as they were able to re-engage the enemy once more. It was they heard a battle cry and turn to the distance where it came from. They thought it was enemy reinforcement, but they soon saw the banner that flew above the approaching army.
It wasn't the banner of Muozinel, but of Brune.
"To battle! Push the Muozinel Army out of our lands!" From the north of Ormea Plains, thousands of knights wielding swords and lances began to charge into the enemy.
Fenris, Tigre and Ludmila were confused of what was going on as the battle turned to their favour. It was then they heard a call from the Brune reinforcement called fro Tigre.
Signalling their position, they were approached by three knights who bowed to Tigre as the enemy charged at them, but were slew by their escorts.
"The name is Emile and I have heard of your name from Earl Mashas Rodant. I pray you will permit me and my 1,500 Perucche Knights to fight under your name."
"Scheie of the Lutece Knights and brought 1,500 followers with me. I have come at the request of Viscount Augre and I will follow your command."
"I am Auguste of the Knights Calvados along with 2,000 men. Allow my knights to help, Lord Tigrevurmud."
Tigre didn't know what to say to the appearance of 5,000 knights that arrived to aid him. Fenris learned from the knights that they heard of him, but Mashas and Augre told them that he is fighting alongside Tigre for the sake of Brune.
Fenris and Ludmila were catching their breath as Tigre talked to Auguste as Emile and Scheie left their lead their knights against the Muozinel army. After a few moments, Ludmila called for Tigre as he was wiping his eyes. Being asked if he was ready, he replied with a nod.
It was then Fenris give around him a surprise. Using what is left of his magicka, he used Grand Healing as the glowing orb in his hand disperse and unleashed a flow of healing energy around him.
Auguste was intrigued as he felt a pleasant feeling throughout his body, but Tigre and Ludmila felt it the effects more profound. They felt their strength return by a significant margin and no longer felt as tired as they use to be. Any scratches they received prior to the spell vanished like they never existed.
"You two are ready? We have a battle to win." Fenris spoke to Tigre and Ludmila with a tired smile as he gripped on of his katanas.
"I'm ready. I can't let my supporters do everything themselves.
"I'm ready as well. Show me more what you can do."
Nodding his head to Tigre's and Ludmila's respective response, Fenris then charged into the enemy once more and they followed suit.
With reinforcements, the Silver Meteor Army began to even the scale with the Muozinel army as the bodies of the latter began to pile up on the snow once more.
As long last, the battle was turning into their favour. Kurey devising a new strategy now that Brune's Knight Squadron has entered Ormea. Despite losing the chance at a quick victory, he remains calm despite the bloodshed that his army was facing.
However, everything once more changed when he received reports as another Brune army was approaching from the northwest. It was the armies of Mashas and Augre; numbering about 3,000 men.
Kurey saw that the battle beyond his expectations; his army was being attacked from multiple sides and he was unsure if there are any more reinforcements coming for them.
Seeing that prolonged fighting will not beneficial for him, Kurey reluctantly ordered his army to withdraw from Ormea until he get more intelligence on the enemy. They were able to withdraw, but their enemies didn't chase after them.
In the aftermath of the battle, Tigre's forces have suffered almost 1,000 casualties but the Muozinel Army lead by Kurey suffer much more; about 6,000 casualties.
Regardless of the amount of blood spilled in the snow-covered plains, it was a victory nevertheless; the Battle of Ormea belonged to the Silver Meteor Army and their allies.
Back the Silver Meteor Camp, a messenger on the behalf of Kurey arrived. Tigre, Ludmila and Fenris decided to meet with the messenger in the main tent within the camp.
They listened as the messenger praised Tigre's skill in archery and spoke of a legend of man who could even shoot down the stars themselves; Silvrash the Star Shooter. He spoke that Tigre was as worthy as the legend.
Fernis smiled that Tigre was being praised for his skills, but it was then the messenger turned to him to speak.
"Your skills and powers… It could only be found in legends. What we have seen today will forever be burned into dreams. On the behalf of Kreshu Shaheen Baramir, we wish to learn your name."
Silent for a few moments, Fenris give the messenger what he wanted.
"My name is Fenris. If I had a title, it would be Dragonborn…"
After that, the messenger has left the tent, leaving him, Tigre and Ludmila alone.
"Did we win?" Tigre said.
"Yes, the enemy has withdrawn from Brune completely." Ludmila replied.
It was then Tigre began to feel the effects of fatigue. Despite Fenris's use of Grand Healing, the climax of the battle drained him once more. He leaned over and was about to fall onto Ludmila if not for Fenris catching him.
Fenris laid Tigre on the carpet as he looked across his body. He was covered with scratches which he sustained once more and there signs of frostbite from fighting in the cold environment.
"He fought well. Don't you think so Ludmila?" He spoke to her as Ludmila was looking at Tigre as well with a smile.
"Indeed. He was splendid. You were splendid as well. Ludmila complimented Fenris as she turned her own smile to him.
She was looked in amazement as Fenris channeled Healing Hands and used on Tigre; making his wounds disappear before her eyes. However, the treatment took up much Fenris's magicka reserves, which was almost drained from the battle.
Ludmila fulfill her end of the alliance against Muozinel, she was free to leave to return back to Ztched. But she intends to stay in Brune until Tigre accomplished his task in ending the civil war; out of interest in Tigre's ideals and also learn more about Fenris. This was likely her best chance to get a better understanding of the warrior from another world.
After making Tigre comfortable with his Restoration spell, who was sleeping peacefully, Fenris was about to leave the tent when he was stopped by Ludmila.
"Is there is anything you need?" Fenris spoke in a questioning tone. Ludmila nodded in response before she spoke.
"You spoke about yourself back in Silesia, but I know you were brief with your story. I wish to learn more about you and world you came from." She said much to Fenris's surprise.
He recalls the time he had to explain himself to everyone after the Battle of Molsheim Plains by Ellen's orders. They were among the only people in this world who knew much of his life in Skyrim.
It looked like it was Ludmila's time to learn about his history in detail and Fenris more than willing to share.
"Lets go to my tent and I will tell you how I became the warrior I stand today." Leaving Tigre alone to let him rest, they left the tent and made their way into Fenris's tent. It was there when Fenris begun his life story as Ludmila listen to him with interest.
Ludmila were astonished of Fenris's accomplishments as he fought to save his homeland of Skyrim and along with it, the whole continent of Tamriel. Despite Fenris's story was taking hours to explain, she still listens intently; knowing it was a life-time opportunity to learn about Fenris and Tamriel.
She learned about his struggle against Alduin and was shocked that a black dragon, a prized symbol of Ztched, was deeply feared in Skyrim. She saw that Fenris destroying the World Eater was justified after he given full details of Alduin's atrocities on humanity.
Fenris then began to explain about his battles against vampires lead by Harkon, one desire to cover Tamriel in darkness. As Ludmila listen to how he defeated the threat, she was shocked that vampires, which she only learned from stories, were a reality in Tamriel.
Finally, Ludmila listened when Fenris spoke about Miraak, the First Dragonborn. The final battle between the two was destructive as the Shout users struggle to defeat each other. In the end, Fenris engages victorious against Miraak and was now the most powerful user of the Shout currently alive.
However, Ludmila was concerned of Hermaeus Mora, who given Fenris much power to accomplish his quests in exchange for his services. Her mother told her much about monster and demons, but it heard to imagine that the Daedric Princes were worshiped by those desiring power and glory. While Ludmila know Fenris was good at heart and was wary of Mora's true thoughts, she has concerns of his ties with the Daedric Prince.
It reminded her of a legend that her mother told her in the past. She spoke off a demon of unknown form that promises great power in exchange for servitude. However, the demon was very fickle and killed many of his followers when he found a much more promising one.
Hearing that Miraak was disposed in the end by Mora and chosen Fenris as his new companion made her think Mora was fickle like the demon from the legend and could turn on him at a whim.
"Where do you stand with Hermaeus Mora?" Ludmila asked Fenris with worry in her voice.
"I may be Mora's chosen champion, but I am quite cautious when dealing with him. While I am afraid that my services had bonded me to Mora, he would allow me to live as I wish as long I time-to-time undergo tasks for him."
Fenirs replied honestly, seeing her concerns and doubts on Mora. He knows that Mora could replace him, Mora rewards those who display loyalty and appreciate his gifts. Also, Mora knows Fenris's aspects and powers; disposing him would not be beneficial for the Daedric Prince whatsoever.
Seeing that they were sitting down for so long, Fenris recommend that they take a break before he talks about the history of Tamriel. That is if Ludmila wanted to call it a day, but she declined and wished to learn about the world he came from.
Ludmila agreed to the break, but as Fenris got up and she followed suit, she ended up tripping. Due to sitting down for hours' end, her legs felt heavy due to lack of movement.
She would have hit the ground if not for Fenris reacting quickly and caught her while maintaining his balance, so not to fall down from the extra weight from Ludmila.
However, the result of the action was a scene that many would misunderstand if they saw the two.
Fenris and Ludmila ended up grasping each other arms and looked at each other faces close up, which looked like an intimate moment to bystanders.
Fenris ended up making a blush a bit as he turned his head away, hoping she didn't see his embarrassment. Despite not having a physique like Ellen, he could tell that Ludmila was nevertheless attractive.
However, Ludmila had a stronger blush and after a few seconds, she let go of his arms and tried to regained her composure as she felt her breathing becoming heavy.
"Sorry. You were about to fall and…" Fenris was apologizing for what happened, Ludmila stoped him there.
"Its alright. I was my fault, so I will forgive you." Ludmila responded as she finally got her breathing under control and was still blushing. While was embarrassing for her when Fenris caught her like that, she couldn't help to feel a sense of happiness in her heart.
It was currently nighttime in the camp and the majority of the occupants were preparing to go to sleep. Fenris and Ludmila however merely took a short nap and were about to check on Tigre and see if he was awake. While a nap isn't enough to relive themselves after the battle, it was better than nothing.
They went into Tigre's tent and saw that he was waking up. Ludmila asked if he wanted to join them in having tea in her army's camp and he agreed.
As they walking their way to her army's camp, Tigre asked Ludmila on what is she going to do know.
'That right. Ludmila said she would provide assistance in fighting the Muozinel Army." Fenris thought as he realized that now that battle was over, the deal between her and Tigre was over.
However, her reply was something that surprised both Fenris and Tigre.
"I will need to confirm the status of my army. Eleonora has not yet returned, so I slould ask you if you need any more assistance."
There was no response however as Fenris and Ludmila felt a dark presence and turned their gaze to where it came from. Tigre quickly followed suit.
They lay their eyes on a dark shadow-like being, which brought chills into Tigre's body yet his companions were calm and were not fazed by its presence.
The strange thing was that they could see the figure, but no one else in the camp could see it. The soldiers were minding their own business as the shadowy being made a sinister laugh that only Tigre, Fenris and Ludmila could hear.
'What was that… The feeling doesn't match a daedra…' Fenris thought as the figure continue to look at them. He fought against many dangerous creatures, both natural and unnatural. But this shadow before him was something else…
Ludmila muttered it was like the stories she heard before, but she was seeing it for real with her eyes instead of words. Lavias was in her hand and it was channeling cold air around its user, like it was warning her of how dangerous it was.
Tigre merely gripped the Black Bow tightly as he agreed with the Ice Vanadis; before their eyes was something out of fairy tales.
Nevertheless, they gave chase the figure when it begun to walk away from them at a disturbingly fast pace. Fenris found the eluding figure to indeed special if it could hide its presence from everyone in the camp and only made itself know to him, Ludmila and Tigre.
The three chased after the unknown figure until they were some distance away from the camp. It was then it stopped in its tracks and turned around towards them. They prepared for a fight when the being before them begun to take shape of a young man of average physique. He wore a coat with fur lining along with a green cloth around his forehead as he looked at them.
"I finally found you… And it looks like you have company... No matter." The unknown man spoke with a bright smile showing sharp teeth as he took an unusual stance, which he learned forwards with widened legs.
"You will come with me, "Bow" boy." It was then he jumped towards them at a height that was beyond human norm. Realizing that the target was Tigre; Ludmila and Fenris quickly got in front of him with their weapons drawn.
"Get back Tigre." The two shouted at the same time as the swung their respective weapons at the man. To their shock however, he caught their attacks with his bare hands like it was nothing.
"You are in the way, Snow Princess of the Frozen Wave." He then delivered a swift and powerful kick at Ludmila, who blocked the attack on time. Fenris was about to use the opportunity to strike back, but the man caught on with his intention.
"You as well, unknown warrior." Seeing that the man was delivering another of his kicks at his head, he quickly took a defensive stance and blocked it. Fenris was surprised of the force of the impact.
'This person… Is not human…' Fenris thought as he noticed Tigre firing a shot at the man and Ludmila attempting to lay a hit. Remarkable, the man blocked the Ludmila's attack was ease and at the same time, used his tongue to catch Tigre's arrow. The three were shocked of how long the tongue was, for it was longer than a man's arm.
"Huh. This is pretty normal…" The man commented on the attacks as he jumped away from them and was back in his unusual stance.
"Who or what are you? You are not human…" Fenris questioned the man, who merely laughed before he made his answer.
"My companions call me Vodyanoy." His answer caught Ludmila's attention for she then spoke it was the name of a frog demon from an old story. Fenris and Tigre were surprised that the demon was indeed real and was right before them.
"Snow Princess of the Frozen Wave and the unknown warrior, I have no business with either of you."
However, Ludmila and Fenris merely response by pointing their weapons at him.
"Oh I do. My predecessor once said that Lavias was also meant to exterminate demons and you stand before me."
"As for me, I fought against countless horrors to protect many lives back in my land. If I must cut you down to protect Tigre, so be it."
"Oh really." Vodyanoy was intimidated by the Ludmila's and Fenris's statement and instead was amused.
Ludmila and Fenris continue to fight him, but Vodyanoy was surprisingly quick and durable for he blocked their attacks with ease and without a scratch. They have yet to recover fully from the previous battle, but they nevertheless gave it their all.
"Impressive…" The demon became intrigued with Fenris when begun to use Destruction spells despite having his magicka reserves being low. The way he channeled fire, ice and lightning impressed Vodyanoy, who assumed that Fenris was just a talented swordsman.
However, Tigre took action seeing that he was what the demon was after and fired three arrows at him. Vodyanoy merely spit out purple liquid which melted the arrows before they hit him.
'Must be acid…' Fenris thought as he saw the arrows dissolving as they hit the ground and become nothing.
It was soon that Tigre, Fenris and Ludmila were in trouble as the demon before them remained unharmed and not breaking a sweat.
Tigre then draw his Black Bow once more with resolved eyes, which Fenris realized what his intention was. He was concerned though due to Tigre's physical state.
"Can you do this Tigre?"
"Don't worry about me." Tigre replied, knowing Fenris's concern of using the power of the Black Bow. However, he doesn't have much of a choice in this situation.
"Can you stop his movements? Even a single moment will do."
Ludmila soon shared Fenris's thought of Tigre's intention, remembering what the archer said about his Black Bow. Fenris responded to Tigre with a nod before turning to Ludmila.
"Stay close to Tigre until he is ready. You will be in for a surprise."
"Understood."
With that, Fenris charged at Vodyanoy to get his attention. He kept a cautious assault on the demon, who once more displayed superhuman abilities by parrying his attack with his bare hands. Vodyanoy tried tiem-to-time to charge at Tigre, but Fenris always moved in front of him.
The demon soon was becoming frustrated of Fenris's persistence as they battled for a few moments, but his attention soon switched to powerful force building up behind Fenris.
Tigre, wielding his Black Bow, notched his arrow as dark energy began to emit from the arrowhead. Ludmila beside him was holding up her Dragon Tool alongside with the bow, causing cold air to mix with the energy.
Before Vodyanoy could move, Fenris saw it was time to immobilize him. Using up what is left of his reserves, he mustered out a Shout at Vodyanoy.
The demon was in deep shock as he felt the hidden power that resonated within the shout. It was something he never thought he would sense once again in his long life…
"IIZ SLEN NUS!"
"Impossibl…!"
Yodyanoy never got the chance to finish his word for Fenris's Shout, Ice Form, completely encased the demon in ice.
Fenris knew that Yodyanoy could break out in a matter of seconds, it would be enough time for Tigre to fire his arrow.
"Now!" Fenris shouted at Tigre as he got out of the way for the upcoming arrow. Tigre, seeing that the power of the Black Bow was at its peak, fired at the demon.
'Blow him away…"
Upon firing, the arrow flew with a trail of frozen air behind it and at an unnatural speed. Vodyanoy broke out of his ice prison, but it was too late for him to react to the Tigre's attack.
The arrow struck the demon on the right arm and was covered with ice, which soon spread to the rest of his body. His body broke down into many pieces before melting until nothing remain of Vodyanoy.
"Did we get him…?" Tigre muttered as he fell on his knees out of exhaustion through using the Black Bow. Ludmila then came to help him up as Fenris stared at the ground where Vodyanoy once stood.
"I am not sure…" Fenris replied to Tigre's question. Seeing that Vodyanoy was a demon, there was a possibility that he has a trick to escape.
'Only time will tell if he survived or not…' He though was walked back to Tigre and Ludmila, but without trouble. He once more strained his stamina and magicka reserves that he recovered from the battle with Muozinel. Tigre was in a worse shape for he had to lean on Ludmila's shoulder for support.
It was then they heard the sounds of horse hooves some distance away in front of them. Ludmila thought it was an enemy army, but Fenris and Tigre soon saw the banner that flew in the middle of the army.
It was the flag of the Black Dragon.
"Tigre! Fenris!"
The voice confirmed who they were for in front of the army was two recognizable figures.
It was Ellen and Lim along with the Leitmeritz army, who all finally arrived from Ztched. They smiled as they saw the two men still alright.
"I just go back…" Ellen soon stopped talking when she finally laid her eyes on Ludmila, who was helping Tigre stay on his feet.
"What are you doing her Ludmila?"
"So you came back early Eleonora."
The two Vanadises spoke to each other with a displeased tone with strained smiles on their respective faces. Fenris and Tigre couldn't help but be a little nervous due to knowing the relationship between the two.
"Why are you here and let Tigre lean on your shoulder? Perhaps you wish to take Tigre with you and possibly Fenris as well?" Ellen spoke coldly.
"There is nothing wrong l to lend my shoulder to Tigre, who is so very important to me. If it was Fenris, then I would do the same since he is as important to me as well." Ludmila wasn't fazed however and spoke back calmly.
"When did you start calling Tigre and Fenris so intimately? And what do you mean by important?"
"Oh many things have happened to us since you were last here."
It was then Ludmila spoke which caught the ears of everyone around her. "Tigre. Fenris. Please call me Mila."
The tension grew stronger when Ellen got off her horse and came face-to-face with her. The two Vandises glared at each other intensively to the point one could see a phantom lightning bolt between their eyes.
Fenris wasn't as nervous as Tigre as they look at the scene. Yet he knows that attempting to cool down the situation was going to be rough. Lim soon approached Fenris with an awkward expression on her face.
"Fernis. Could you please explain what just happened while we were gone?"
He made a tired sigh as he just wants to now rest after all what he has been through. Despite that, he was nevertheless happy to that everyone was together once again.
Author's Note:
This update marks the 1st year anniversary when I first started this story and I have to admit, it is quite a feat for me to do. I found writing this enjoyable and I hope you feel the same.
There been a change of plans; the chapter after this one will mark the end of the fourth Volume of the light novel and begin the fifth Volume. In turn, a certain character will be introduced and you will be for a surprise when that comes.
Harem: Ellen, Lim, Mila, Sofy, Liza, Valentina, Olga, Sasha, Fine(?)
(?) For now, I will place in Fine in the harem. However, I may make changes based on what I could learn about her.