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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 14
"And that is what happened…"
Everyone was in the command tent as Fenris was explaining to Ellen and Lim on what happened the past few days. Mashas was with them and told the two girls of Roland's fate, which Fenris made a bitter expression.
Prior to the Battle of Ormea, Tigre told him about Roland's execution, which angered the Dragonborn. He couldn't believe that a powerful, but honorable warrior like Roland would meet such an undignified end. Despite that thought, he managed to calm down before anyone noticed his dark expression.
Mila decided to leave a few moments later, but not before whispering in both Tigre's and Fenris's ear of keeping the fight against Vodyanoy a secret. She also spoke of doing some research on the matter when she returns back to Olmutz.
'I hope she learns something, but there is chance that these demons may strike again.' Fenris thought as he knew that Mila was right. It would cause panic to the whole army if they learn that demons actually exist.'
However, Ellen soon followed suit and left the tent, leaving only Fenris, Tigre, Lim and Mashas only the only occupants.
"By the way Lord Mashas. Why are you up this early?" Fenris asked the old Earl.
"Well…" Despite being reinsured that Fenris was no threat, Mashas always felt a sense of uneasiness whenever he was in the Dragonborn's presence.
Fenris, Tigre and Lim listened as he heard of someone resembling the Prince of Brune, Regnas. Fenris and Tigre was surprised since they assumed that Ellen slew him at Dinant. Ellen told them herself.
While there is the possibility of meeting a double of someone, the odds of such a chance occurring is very slim.
From what Mashas said, the Prince had blue eyes and short, golden-like blonde hair. Fenris couldn't help but recall the girl that Tigre introduced him before. She eerily matches the description of the prince.
"We may have someone who…"
Fenris was interrupted when a soldier came into the tent, wanting to talk to Tigre.
"Excuse me, but a young girl named Regin wants to speak to the Earl."
'Regin…?' While Tigre knew it was girl he rescued before, Fenris, Lim and Mashas were clueless who it was.
The girl entered as she exchanged position the soldier. Mashas was utterly shocked when he saw the girl while Lim remained indifferent. Fenris was surprised that Regin was the girl that he met days before.
Regin then looked at Fenris and her body shook as a result; a replay of what happened a few nights ago.
"Regin. Don't worry about Fenris. I told you he is not going to hurt you." Seeing that she has yet to get use to Fernis, Tigre tried to assure her once again.
Lim was confused of what is going on and turned to Fenris with a questioning look. He sighed for he knew what she was going to say.
"Don't misunderstand Lim. She acted like that when I first met her a few nights ago. I think she may have taken the rumors about me too literally."
Hearing from him, Lim nodded in response for she knows that there are some people who takes rumors seriously. Seeing that Fenris fights under Ellen and thus Zhcted, it would be without doubt he would have a negative reputation to the people of Brune who doesn't know him in person.
It was a few moments that Tigre was able to help Regin regain her composure.
"I apologize for taking your time, but I wish to speak with you alone."
"Alone…" Tigre was surprised of Regin's request, but nevertheless agreed to it. However, she had to speak before everyone else in the tent. While he told her that Mashas, Lim and Fenris could be trusted, she nervously gazed upon three; especially the Dragonborn.
"…I understand. But can I ask that you all keep what I am about to say confidential?" Regin spoke in a concerned tone. Tigre looked upon the rest of the occupants in the tent and saw them nodding; agreeing to Regin's condition.
"We understand." Tigre said, which reassured Regin that what she was going to say was safe with them. Yet, everyone noticed that Regin kept on looking at Fenris with fear in her eyes. Tired of dealing with this issue, Fenris spoke up.
"Regin. I know the stories you heard may portray me as a monster, I am not a threat to you and everyone in this camp. You have my word and Tigre can vouch for me."
Regin was silent for a few seconds before she mustered the breath to speak. However, what she revealed was something that that Tigre, Mashas, Lim and Fenris never expected.
"Recently, I have been living under the name of Regnas. But my real name is Regnas Estel Loire Bastien do Charles."
The girl before them claimed that she was the prince of Brune, who was said to died in the Battle of Dinant.
"That can't be right... We heard that he perished in Dinant months ago and he was a man." Fenris spoke in a questioning tone.
"Regin, do you have proof of who you are?" Lim made a follow-up to Fenris's response.
Regin was quiet for a few moments until he spoke to Tigre if he remembers what happened in Vincennes six years ago. Tigre remember that his father brought him there when he was invited alongside other Brune nobles by the king, Faron. He and Regnas, the prince, sneaked away from their hunting parties and met each other. Regnas watched as Tigre shoot down a bird, cooked it and shared it with him.
Regnas however asked Tigre to keep their encounter a secret, so no but the two knew about the event that that took place. However, Regin knew the event clearly and it was apparent that she was indeed Regnas back then.
Tigre and Lim were surprised of what they heard while Mashas was like he was going to faint. Fenris merely studied Regin, feeling that he met her somewhere or someone that looked like him. Then it hit him like a lightning bolt.
'I see now! She was…'
His thought was broken by the bickering outside the tent, which also caught the attention of the rest of the occupants.
"I have something important to discuss with Tigre and Fenris!"
"Well, I will make tea for the three of us to share!"
Fenris merely shook his head as Ellen and Mila were at it again. Even since he begun to call the Ice Vanadis by her casual name, Ellen has been in a bad mood whenever he spends time with her.
'Despite her personality, Mila isn't a bad person once you understand how she thinks.' He thought as the Vanadises entered the tent and saw Regin.
"Who is this girl?" Ellen spoke rudely as she saw her. Tigre and Lim couldn't say a thing as Mashas finally fainted from the Wind Vanadis's remark.
Fenris could only make a sigh at the awkward scene.
As Lim was currently helping Mashas after he fainted, everyone else in the tent were questioning Regin on her claim.
"Didn't you kill him in Dinant?" Mila questioned as her eyes were on Ellen.
"I actually don't know. It is not like I taken his neck." Ellen replied.
Regin was nervous of being in the presence of the Vanadises, especially Ellen for she was the commander of the force who defeated the Brune army at Dinant.
Tigre however managed to calm her down and spoke that the Vanadises can be trusted. Fenris watches as Regin agreed and told her story.
It seems a conspiracy between the dukes, Thenardier and Ganelon, was made to eliminate Regin with attracting attention to themselves. In Battle of Dinant, it would be easy to make people believe that she was killed by the enemy.
When Ellen and army begun to rout the Brune army after making their surprise attack, assassins came for her in the chaos of the battle. Lucky for her, her guards put their lives on the line to protect the "prince" and she along with her servant, Jeanne, fled the assassins.
"As we were escaping, I ending up meeting…"
"Me." Everyone turned to Fenris in surprise after he interrupted Regin with a complicated expression.
"Care to explain Fenris?" Ellen questioned him for she wanted to learn his side of the story. He response with a nod.
Fenris said that during the Battle of Dinant, he managed to cut his way deep into enemy lines without much difficulty. Many of the enemy soldiers fled when they caught a glance of him and those few who dared to fight ended up dead moments later; either by his blades or magic.
As he was pushing his way through, a pair caught his eye when it was apparent they were escaping the battle. Seeing that one was wearing a set of ornate armor, he believed it was a commander fleeing for his life with his bodyguard.
Fenris was about to launch a Fireball at the supposed officer, but a group of soldiers caught on his plan and rushed in. When he casted his spell, one of the soldiers took the blow meant for the officer and died as his body was set ablaze. The rest of the soldiers charged at Fenris, but he cut them down with ease. More soldiers then came at him, but Fenris merely did his work and soon, their bodies piled beneath his feet.
After that, he saw that the officer and his bodyguard were some distance and chose to fire a variety of Destruction spells at them like Ice Spikes and Lighting Bolts. However, he failed to hit them due to the distance, yet the pair had some close calls with his spells. Seeing that it would be a waste of time to chase after them while the whole battle rages on, Fenris decided to let them flee and went back into the fray.
After seeing Regin's face and then recalling the officer's own face back then, he had the revelation that the person he was trying to kill at Dinant was Regin herself.
"I understand know why you were so afraid when you saw me. You thought I was hunting you down right?"
Regin made a nervous nod as she recalls the moment when she saw Fenris. She crosses her arms and gripped her sleeves as she spoke.
"Yes… I remember the soldier burning alive when took that attack, the screams of those being cut down by your blades and the feeling of an ice shard almost cutting my cheek…"
Everyone listened as Regin continue to speak of her near-death experience just by meeting Fenris. "I couldn't shake the feeling that you were hunting me… Wanting to finish off what you couldn't do at Dinant… When I finally saw you a few days ago, I thought it was the end…"
Fenris had a concerned look on his face as he saw that the girl was likely scarred from his attempts to kill her. He spoke softly in hopes of easing her.
"I am aware that our first meeting was no doubt terrifying… But I am here not as an enemy, but as a friend. I know that you may never trust me, but I do wish for your cooperation."
Regin was quiet for a few moments, but Tigre then spoke to her. "Don't be afraid of him. You can trust him. Please…"
She made a nod, but time would tell if she had the heart and courage to put her faith in Fenris like Tigre did. The display that Fenris had done in Dinant is without doubt something that young girl will never forget.
After the tense talk regarding meeting with Fenris, Regin then talk about what happened after escaping from Dinant. She thought of returning to the capital, but Ganelon is said held a fake funeral; making the populace believe that the "prince" was dead. It would be impossible to reveal the truth due to her actual gender.
While Jeanne was lost during the escape, Regin made her way to her servant's hometown was in Agnes. Yet, it was also the time when the Muozinel Army invaded Brune. She had to once more flee, but it was then Tigre came to her rescue.
"Why did you go through the trouble of pretending to be a man?" Ellen question Regin and she explained that queens that only give birth that daughters are scorned. There also the matter that succession for daughters are almost an impossibility.
"That is reckless for you to pretend you were a prince." Mila remarked.
Soon the conversation changed directions to the issues of helping Regin. Thenardier and Ganelon would merely try to kill the girl if Tigre proclaim that the "prince" was alive. There was also the problem of convincing the people of Brune that Regin was royalty without solid proof. Mashas, who recovered, spoke that only Regin's father, the king, knows the truth. However, he spoke that the king is said to lost his sanity when he heard of his child's "death" in Dinant.
It was then Fenris asked Regin an important question. "You put a lot of trust in Tigre in revealing your secret. Why do you choose him?"
She briefly looked at Tigre before turning to him. "Because he doesn't have any ulterior motives."
Regin spoke that despite all the battles he entered in Agnes and Ormea, he didn't ask for anything in return and he fought against enemies that other commanders may flee from.
What surprised everyone is when she spoke of Tigre not being rough when he consorted to a favour of hers. Fenris saw that Tigre and Regin blushed, which Ellen made a frown when she noticed their expression.
"...What was your favour?" Ellen asked young girl in a questionable tone.
"…I asked him to wipe my body." Regin replied honestly, but was embarrassed.
Everyone was shocked of what Regin said. While Tigre was good in nature, it was risky for any girl to present her body in such a manner. Fenris could however tell that with her situation; she will have to take drastic measures, but expose herself in such a manner is quite dangerous.
"Regin, do you have anything to prove that you are his Majesty's child?"
Fenris turned to Tigre when he asked her. He could see that the archer went to help Regin despite the problems it would bring.
'As I expected of Tigre… He isn't the type to abandon others in their darkest hour…'
He thought as Fenris watches Regin entered a thinking state as she tries to remember anything to could prove her status.
She was quiet for a few moments before she had something in mind. Apparent in Lutetia, one of Brune's territories, there was a point of interest in its capitial, Artishem. There was a passage which was said only those in the Royal Family of Brune could open. If it was true, then Regin can prove her royal status.
The problem is that Artishem was Duke Ganelon's territory, who will oppose her in every opportunity. Ellen asked Tigre on who he wants to fight first; either Thenardier in Nemetacum or Ganelon in Artishem.
Unsurprisingly to Fenris, he chose to help Regin and thus directed his attention to Ganelon. While he was uncertain about what Thenardier has planned, he knows that a battle with him is inevitable.
"My apologies for having kept you waiting, your Excellency."
In the wilderness near a camp, was an old figure who bowed to a middle-aged but well-build man in armor. The man was Duke Thenardier.
"You brought me more than I expected, Drekavac."
Behind Drekavac was an astonishing sight, five dragons which appears to be all tamed. It consists of three Earth Dragons and two dragons with unique appearances along with greater statue.
One had long hairs between its red scales and the other had black scales, but had two heads.
"A Double Headed Dragon..." Thenardier muttered out as he looked at the dragon with two heads.
He noticed that while the dragons have chains around their necks, the Double Headed Dragon had much thicker chains and it was wrapped around its body.
"Was this chain made specifically for this dragon?"
"Indeed. In the case of this Dragon, it would be able kill even a Vanadis."
Drekavac replied, in which Thenardier smiled like he felt that his victory in the civil war was secured. He then took the five dragons to boaster the strength of his army while Drekavac merely observe the scene.
When he was finally alone, he heard a voice behind him.
"It must be difficult in obtaining a Double Headed Dragon…"
Drekavac didn't turn his head and instead spoke as a shadow behind begun to materialize itself, revealing it was Vodyanoy.
"How did it go?"
"You may not like this, but I was defeated. He was with the Snow Princess of the Frozen Wave and that unknown warrior..."
He spoke in a carefree tone, but Drekavac noticed that the tone died down when he spoke of the unknown warrior. Apparently, the rumor of the unknown warrior still remains on the lips of everyone in Brune.
"I am aware of that. Was the wielder of the "Bow" strong?" Drekavac spoke with interest.
"As of now, he is weak. But he may come to master the "Bow" in time. He will become troublesome if he does, so what should I do for now?"
Vodyanoy asked as he took out a gold coin and begun to gnaw at it.
"We will watch until then…" Drekavac replied before he changed the subject. "So, what can you tell me about the unknown warrior?"
Much to his surprise, he witnesses Vodyanoy made a shudder; something that he never seen before from him.
"The rumors were true that he wields magic, but I also found he also…" His smile turned to a frown.
"Wield what…?" Drekavac remain confused by Vodyanoy's reaction, but his eyes widen when he was given his response.
"The speaker of the "Tongue"…"
Drekavac's eyes widened when he processed the information. While the two didn't say a word, but they shared the same thought.
The unknown warrior is a much greater issue than Tigre and will trouble them to no end as long as he breathes.
As for the unknown warrior that was Fenris, he was in the middle of a prairie, looking at the night sky. He chose the occasion to take off his dragonscale armor, but then he carried in a large bag with him. Many would see it as strange since he could store it in a chest, but he rather not risks a theft of his prized armor.
He was currently clearing his mind as his time at the camp. He made efforts to talk to Regin, but she remains rather cautious in his prescene. He could tell that despite Tigre's reassurance, she remains fearful of his presence. He also chatted with Mila a few times, but Ellen tend to try to split the two up; either by telling him that she needs his presence or even attempting to drag him away.
As much he found such situations to be quite troublesome, Fenris nevertheless found the experience to be strangely welcoming.
He soon felt a presence and turned around. Much to his surprise, it was Tigre and Ellen.
"So you were here Fenris."
"Ellen. What are you doing here with Tigre?"
"Oh, she told me to join her."
Ellen and Tigre sat down as they felt a gentle breeze around them. Fenris then felt the same breeze and realized that it came from Arifar.
Noticing this as well, Ellen gestured Fenris to join them and he agreed. Sitting beside her on her right, he saw Ellen take out a liquor bottle.
"I wonder if anyone n the camp will notice you are gone?" Since Ellen was a commander, Tigre spoke the obivious.
Ellen merely took a quick gulp from the liquor bottle and spoke in a gruff manner to him.
"You… You should more aware. I leave for a few days and you start drooling when Ludmila comes by..."
Fenris could only shake his head as Ellen make some remarks about Mila. He wishes one day that the two would end their bickering, but it was going to be a while before they talk to each other in a civil manner.
"The same applies to you Fenris… For you to reveal your past so openly to her…" Ellen then turned her direction. Apparently, Mila told her that Fenris reveal his past adventures to her in the same manner as he did to Ellen months ago. As usual, the Wind Vanadis didn't like it one bit.
Fenris sighed as he made his reply calmly. "It was my choice to speak about my past when I want to Ellen. But it doesn't change the fact I still serve you. Please remember that."
Ellen made a slight puff of her right check before she turned back to look at the night sky.
'Even if she is a Vanadis, she can be quite childish…' Fenris thought as Tigre was given the liquor bottle. As he took a gulp, he turned to Ellen and bowed his head down as he sat.
"I am sorry… I let many soldiers die…"
Ellen and Fenris knew that he was referring to the soldiers that perished during the Battle of Ormea. While the Silver Meteor Army won against incredible odds, they still suffered significant losses.
"Lie down." Ellen merely replied back with small smile as she lay her back on the grass. Though embarrassed to lie down beside her, he nevertheless agreed.
Fenris was still sitting upright until he felt a soft feeling on his left hand. He turned to see it was Ellen's hand lightly grasping his own.
"Join us Fenris." Ellen spoke with a tiny blush on her cheek as she looked at him. It was a new experience for her to finally touch his hand without his gauntlet on.
Fenris also made a tiny blush since he never expected Ellen's hand to be this soft. He merely nodded and soon, all three of them were laying on the grass with the moon gazing upon them.
Ellen then lightly grasps Tigre's hand and soon, she was holding hands with her valued subjects.
Fenris listened as Ellen talk to Tigre that there is no need to feel regret for his battles and should pray to any deities he worshiped for the men that bravely perished in their duty.
It was then Ellen directed her attention to him. "You feel the same way Fenris?"
He moved his head towards her own as she continued talking. "You fought in civil war back I your world and lead your men into many battles…"
Fenris closed his eyes as recalled the battles and sieges he participated in during the Skyrim Civil War as his face turned towards the night sky. During these times, he witnesses many soldiers met their ends; Imperial and Stormcloak alike. He always felt regret killing his own kinsman and seeing those under his command die in the line of duty.
It was then he finally spoke. "The men under command knew the danger and willing sold their lives to bring peace back to my homeland. I do feel regret of seeing time fall in battle, but I know that even with all my powers, I am just one man."
Ellen and Tigre listen with interest as Fenris continued on. "Losses are inevitable in battle, so I just fight and lead to the best of my ability in hopes to minimize losses."
Fenris then moved his body up as he looked at Ellen and Tigre with serious eyes. "Remember this well you two… There is nothing wrong feeling of a hint of remorse or regret whenever you take a life. It is what makes us human. Only a beast kills without feeling…"
"That is insightful…" Ellen could only mutter in surprise for Fenris once more showed his philosophical side. Tigre was quiet, but acknowledge that he was right.
"Thank you. A comrade said once to me that the ghosts of the men he killed haunt his dreams. He asked me if those I killed haunt mine. What I said to you two was my reply to him."
Ellen and Tigre could only nod in response as Fenris once more lay down on the grass. They knew that he was right. While they have a civil war to win, their victory will be hollow if they threw away their humanity in the process.
For now, Ellen, Tigre and Fenris relaxed as they looked up to the star-filled sky before battle beckons them once again.
10 days have passed since the Battle of Ormea and everyone was currently resting for the night in Perche Fortress, the headquarters of the Perche Knight Squadron of Brune. The Silver Meteor Army have rested there for a number of days to recover from their prior battle before moving out into battle again. Everyone was having a peaceful sleep, but not Fenris…
Physically, Fenris was laying down on his bed without his armor on. Mentally however, it was a different story.
For his master once more entered his dreams…
In the dark void that is Fernis's own mindscape, he was kneeing before Hermaeus Mora once again.
"What do seek now, my lord?"
"My champion… I decided it is time to introduce you… To my new servant." As usually, he spoke in a calm, but sinister tone.
Fenris remembered that before the 2nd Battle of the Orange Plains, Mora told him that he obtained a new servant. How she contracted the Daedric Prince was unknown to him, but Fenris was surprised at the time that someone in this world willing chose to serve his lord.
"Is she in the fortress…"
"No yet, but she will enter your room in a matter of time…"
"I see... Is there anything you want me to do prior to her arrival?"
"Yes. As of now, the relationship between you two must remain a secret. You must ensure that no one learn about this meeting and you must also not speak about it to anyone… Silence the entire room and lock the door."
Fenris was silent as Mora's eye gazed upon him before he replied.
"I understand my lord. It will be done…"
"Indeed it will, my champion. But before that…"
Mora's tentacles then moved towards Fenris's head. The Dragonborn felt them wrap around his head lightly before an aura begun to form around his head.
He never made a complain though since he experienced this serval times in the past.
"Ahhhh… Very interesting…"
Mora was actually looking to Fenris's memories to obtain anything that would be interesting to him. A few minutes in the mindscape, Mora's tentacles let go of Fenris for he got what he wanted.
"You may now leave to prepare for the meeting, but keep a close eye on the wielder of the Black Bow... For the one watching him… Don't welcome to your presence…"
"What do you…" Fenris couldn't finish for the dark void suddenly was filled with light and upon opening his eyes, he was back in reality.
'I don't know what Mora think about Tigre, but I will find out when I talk to Mora the moment he comes into my dreams once more.'
Fenris thought as he was breathing hard from the experience, but he nevertheless has a task to do for Mora.
Getting off the bed, he casted a spell known as Silence across the entire room. Fenris learned the spell from an old scroll and originally, it was designed to counter mages. By preventing them from speaking, the mages would be unable to incant their spells.
However, by the Fourth Era, the usage of spells has evolved to the point which it could be casted without any incantations. Silence, once the bane of all spellcasters, have now been deemed useless.
With his innovation however, Fenris made his own version in which he could form a field in which any sound made within it couldn't be heard outside.
By casting the spell in his room, it ensured that anyone outside the room wouldn't hear a thing. He also altered the field that it prevents any magical feedback from leaving, ensure that even Ellen's and Mila's Dragon Tools could detect the new arrival.
Fenris also made the precaution of casting Lock on the door, in which no one would open it even with the proper key.
"It is all set…" He muttered as the last thing left is to wait. Though he was unsure why Mora told him to lock the door and feeling a bit of guilt of doing this behind Ellen's back, his duties to the Daedric Prince sadly take priority.
Fenris then felt an unusual presence from his right. He turned to see a shocking sight; a distorted space appeared as a blade sticking in the middle. The blade was jet black with crimson outlines as he saw the blade emit an barely noticeable dark-coloured aura.
He felt that the aura from the blade was not meant to threaten him; it was more like it was welcoming his presence.
'This feeling… This can't be…' Fenris thought out as he realized that the feeling was something that only came from any Dragon Tool that got near him.
The distorted space grew bigger to which a figure slipped through feet first onto the floor. Remarkably, it was quiet even to Fenris's own ears.
He kept his composure for he saw what many would see as a breathtaking sight. Out of the space was a young girl in her twenties. She had long dark navy blue hair, purple eyes and a voluptuous figure.
With a smile on her lovely face, she was a beauty that challenges even Sofy's own. Her outfit was more revealing than Ellen's in which it was more like to entice men. The roses on her person help enhance her beauty.
However, Fenris could tell that she was far than ordinary for the weapon in her right hand was a large scythe and it was unique in appearance. The blade was much larger than an ordinary scythe and there was a sizable blade at the bottom of the staff.
"At long last… I am pleased to finally meet you, Fenris…"
The girl introduced herself to Fenris in a kind tone. The scythe in her hand began shake like it was happy like its wielder.
"Seems Ezendeis shares my sentiments…" She said as she touched the blade. "Please don't get too excited. We cannot let the others know that we are here."
Fenris soon realized what kind of girl she was. The aura that he gets from her was one that comes from exceptional warriors. Like Ellen and Mila…
"You are a Vanadis…" Of all the people that would willing pledge their support to a Daedric Prince like Hermaeus Mora, he never expected this possibility.
The only difference with the aura of this girl was that it has a feeling of both secrecy and ambition.
The girl wasn't fazed by his words and merely smiled in amusement.
"Seems Mora was right about you…"
She then walked towards her without making a sound until she was face-to-face with the Dragonborn. Much to his surprise, she lightly touched his cheek with her left hand.
"But he never mentioned how handsome you are…" She spoke in a seductive tone with a light blush on her face.
Fenris was not like an ordinary man and lightly moved her hand away from his check with the back of his own hand. When dealing with women like her, he knows better to keep his guard up and foolishly fall for their dark charms.
"He also never mention your name to me…"
The girl walked back a bit before she finally introduced herself with a slight bow of her head.
"My name is Valentina Glinka Estes. I am pleased to make your acquaintance with you Fenris."
He responded in kind with his own bow. "I can say the same Valentina, but I never expected a Vanadis to get involve with my lord's schemes."
"I have my reasons… Just like you have your reasons for serving Eleonora."
Fenris merely kept silent as he was studying Valentina. While she would be seen as a pleasant person to be around, he saw there something secretive about her. Mora told him before that she had an ambition, but it felt like it was for her own self-interest and not for Zhcted.
As much he wants to learn more about her, Fenris doesn't want to incur the displeasure of Hermaeus Mora since he always has something special planned for all his servants. For now, he will cooperate with Valentina like his lord would have intended.
"I can see why you have those twos' interest, but I don't why they would be interested Tigrevurmud Vorn."
"I hope you don't intend to..." Fenris narrowed his eyes at Valentina. While he knew she would be interested in Ellen's and Mila's relationship with him, he was concerned of Tigre due to his status.
"Don't worry. I just teleported into his him and watched him as he slept. He doesn't know about my presence." She replied and wasn't daunted by his glare. "He does have a cute face while he is asleep, but when I see you… You are much better."
"Enough… Is there anything else you want to talk about? We have to be brief though since the enchantments I casted will wear off in time." Fernis once again repulse her attempts to charm him.
She maintained her smile as she spoke in response. "There is a lot I want to learn from you, but Mora did tell me I can't stay here too long."
Fenris was intrigued for he thought Mora told her about his history. "My lord didn't tell you about myself?"
Valentina shook her head. "I am afraid he only told me that you are his champion. But with the rumors about you spreading across Zhcted, I have to assume what they say about your magical talents is true?"
"It is true alright, but I am rather cautious about telling my past to others." Fenris honestly replied. While they both serve Mora, they only knew about for only a few minutes.
"You don't trust me Fenris?" Valentina kept a smile even through she should be frowning at this point.
"My apologies, but we only met so I feel it is inappropriate to talk about my past at this point. Besides, it would take hours to explain everything; time that we don't have."
Fenris gesture to the whole room and Valentina saw a barely noticeable flicker on the walls, showing her that the enchantments that he casted is starting to wear off.
"I am afraid that is the case." Valentina then turned back to the wall which she came from via the distorted space.
"I just hope Mora would let meet again soon…" Valentina spoke with a seductive smile and her fingers on her lips as she looked back at Fenris. With her Dragon Tool, she made another distorted space which was as large as her body. She went through it and vanished alongside with the portal.
Just as she left and Fenris was the only one in the room, the spell, Silence, has finally worn off.
He rubbed his neck as he found himself in a complicated situation. Mora's newest servant was a Vanadis. The way she acted around him was no doubt meant to seduce him into her will. From what he could tell from a glance alone, Valentina was one who prefer to act in the shadows and avoid getting her hands dirty.
I left an unpleasant feeling in him since she reminded him of the assassins that tried to take his life back in Skyrim; hired by his enemies to do their work for them.
"I need to keep an eye on her…"
Fenris muttered as he canceled the spell, Lock, on the door and want back to bed. He could only hope that Ellen and Mila didn't sense anything.
It would be a challenge in explaining what happen this night if that was the case. Something tells him that Valentina have a mysterious relationship with the rest of her Vanadises.
In the fortress's war room, there was seven people sitting around a table.
Tigre, Ellen, Lim, Mila, Fenris, Mashas and Regin were making preparations to move out to battle once more. During the past few days, many Brune knights and nobles chose to support Tigre due to their dislike for Thenardier and Ganelon. However, there are tensions due to having to work alongside with soldiers from Zhcted, but Mashas was there to mediate such issues.
There was also tension due to Fenris's presence and reputation. Despite Tigre reassuring his supporters that he could be trusts, the situation was similar to dealing with Regin. While they would cooperate with Fenris, they have yet to fully trust him.
"How many soldiers do we have?"
"Currently, we have 4000 knights from Brune. As for the Zhcted Army, we have 6000 infantries and 3000 cavalries." Mashas replied to her question.
"Since we are not originally meant for a long-term expedition, 300 of my soldiers have returned to Olmutz."
"It would be nice if you went back with them as well."
"I am here as an inspector, so that is not possible."
"I recall that I didn't ask for one."
Fenris sighed as Ellen and Mila begun to start one of their bickers again. As of now, he currently acts as a mediator in getting those two to cooperate. Tigre also helps out, but Fenris tend to do a better job due to his vast experience in dealing with such matters back in Skyrim.
"With the enemies we are fighting, it would be wise to obtain support to boost our chances for victory. Mila and her men already provide much help, so to push them away would be seen as foolish." Fenris spoke honestly, describing a few moments which Mila provided much needed aid in the Battle of Ormea.
"As least you appreciate my help, Fenris. Unlike Eleanora…" Mila spoke with a smirk as Ellen made a frown.
While she knows that Fenris doesn't take sides when mediating people and tend to be right with his words, she doesn't like it when he speaks of good things about Mila.
Lim smiled at Fenris since he always tries to prevent Ellen from doing anything rash, but she decided to make her own input in the conversation.
Fenris listened as Lim told Ellen that she would have to report her actions to king Victor. Regarding Mila's status as an inspector, she is the prefect one for Ellen due to their strong dislike for each other.
He recalls his time in the Imperial Army back in Skyrim. Few of the commanders committed war crimes, but made lies to make themselves like innocent. Each of their second-in-command have different views in dealing with such people. Some provide testimonies that their commanders were guilty while others turned a blind eye as long they receive something from their commanders in the end.
However, the subject of conversation soon turned to the whole civil war in Brune. As of now, Thenardier and Ganelon were clashing at each other. However, Tigre's actions against the Muozinel Army have caused confusion that a third faction has appeared.
There were also issues that Tigre noted that while he had many supporters, he has yet to gain their full trust. He was after all been stripped of his title for bring the Zhcted Army into Brune. Now that Regin was with them, it would cause trouble if her real identity was revealed. For now, she has to keep her head low and avoid contact with people lest they catch on to her status.
There was the issue of the two duke's own respective strategists; Steid follows Thenardier while Greast follows Ganelon. Fenris frowned when he recalled Greast, which was shared by Ellen and Tigre.
Based on the information known, Thenardier was marching his army towards Artishem, which will inevitably clash with Ganelon's own army. It was hoped that they would weaken each other during the struggle so the Silver Meteor Army could defeat them with ease.
Despite these issues, everyone in the war room still made their plans in reaching Artishem despite the obstacles ahead. The moment they decided that they would depart in a week, the die has been cast.
In Artishem, Ganelon, Greast and Etis previously meeting regarding the state of the civil war. Seeing that he accomplished his objectives, there was no need for them to stay in Brune.
He spoke of a plan which the three men would flee the kingdom in secret while pretending that they perished. Ganelon knows about Thenardier's dragons and intend to use the cover story; which after learning of own army's one-sided defeat, he have brunt down the Artishem in a state of madness. Greast in turn would be said to be incinerated in the raging fire that consumed the city.
Etis was a special exception, due to his own face and name are only own to Ganelon and Greast. Whenever he went out in public, he would wear mask and give the impression that he was the Duke's mute bodyguard. For the plan, Etis would act as Ganelon's agent; he would observe in secret the state of Brune and Zhcted, then return back with information that would be valuable to their future plans.
While Etis wishes to crush Fenris with his own hands due to the threat he poses to him, he knew that it would a challenge if the two Vanadises he heard of fights alongside him. With that, he ultimately agreed to Ganelon.
Moments after the meeting, Greast and Etis went their separate ways; returning their private chambers. Ganelon however then visited the latter for another discussion, but on a much different subject.
"So are you finished setting up your experiment?"
"Yes. It is in a cave north of Brune. Very remote and far from prying eyes."
The short Duke made a sinister smile. "Good. I provided with many books regarding Brune's and Zhcted's respective histories, I would something in return."
The taller man made a similar smile. "Let me guess? My studies, is it not?"
"Indeed. I am very interested in your research on Necromancy. Since I already made the arrangements for your experiment, I would like learn about your progress."
"Guess that is fair. The Black Knight's remains still remain a fine specimen despite the way he was executed. Though I remain concern about the Dragonborn."
Ganelon kept his smile up as he replied. "Don't worry about Fenris. We will deal with him in time."
Etis can't help but notch one of his eyebrows. Ganelon always remain calm despite learning he told the Duke of what he learned about Fenris. Despite he told Ganelon about the "Shouts" and what it was capable of, he didn't even flinch.
Surprisingly, Ganelon referred "Shouts" as "Tongue", which was a another wording of the latter back in Skyrim.
Etis then changed the subject. "Do you still need my assistance in making your king's "medicine"?"
"There is no need. With the instructions I given him, it has seeped into his bones. I hope the "medicine" does as you claim."
"Fear not. I added a special herb which makes it highly resistant to the effect of Restoration spells. I doubt even Fenris could cure him, if he does make it to him in time."
The two men maintain their dark smiles as they look at each other. Despite being from different worlds, they saw the same aspect.
They have ambitions and seek to achieve them by any means necessary.
Author's Note:
Here is another update to my story, but I just recently started another semester at my college. I will be slow in my writing due to this, but I will always find time to continue my stories.
Hermaeus Mora is starting to become more precedent now that it has Valentina as a follower. Only time would tell if she would be able to meet Fenris, the Daedric Prince's champion, once more. Also since Regin finally revealed herself, it would be a challenge for Fenris to form a friendship due to her remember what he had done at Dinant.
On a side note, I recently read the first chapter of Volume 13 of the light novel. As of now, I kept thinking of different scenarios on how Fenris could impact the events there. I will leave it to you all to guess what I am referring to.
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.