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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 22
"Good to see that you are back Fenris."
Back in Leitmeritz's Imperial Palace, Ellen greeted Fenris when he walked into her office. As usual, Lim was with her to aid in handling the usual paperwork.
"Good to see you as well, Ellen." Fenris greeted her in return. "I have good news about the bandits."
Regarding Fenris, he parted ways with Fine when the two left the cave in the morning and made their way out of the forest. Since nothing disturbed them in their sleep last night, they surmised they manage to destroy the entire bandit group in one swoop.
Before they went their separate ways, Fine told him that give her regards to Ellen, which made it clear to Fenris that there was some history between the mercenary and the Wind Vanadis.
He kept it in mind when he returned back to the village to report to the chief that the bandits were dealt with. As expected, the people there were overjoyed to hear the good news and were eager to reward the Dragonborn. Fenris however politely refused the gold offered to him, telling them that they would need that to repair the damage that the bandits caused last night.
As expected, he received much praise for being the hero that that they heard so much about.
After getting his horse back from the hunter that lead him to the forest, Fenris then made his rode his back to Leitmeritz's capital and was as of now giving his report to Ellen that the bandits are no more.
"I knew you were able to do it." Ellen said. "But what this about working alongside with a mercenary?"
"Well, the village that was hit hard by the bandits hired a mercenary to deal with them. We ended up meeting each other and decided that it would be best to work together against the whole group."
"Do know the name of this mercenary?" Lim asked in interest.
"She introduced herself as Figneria..."
The moment Fenris spoke that name, he felt that the atmosphere throughout the office turned cold. Ellen and Lim were caught off guard for a few moments before they both narrowed their eyes at the Dragonborn.
"Figneria..." Ellen said bitterly; a sudden shift from her usual cheerful personality. "You're saying you actually met her...?"
"Yes."
Fenris was slightly taken back by the bitterness of her tone, but he still maintained his composure as he explained what he and Fine did against the bandits.
He was correct in his assumption that there was indeed history between her and Ellen. However, he realized there was actually some bad blood between the two.
From the sudden change in Ellen's attitude after mentioning Fine, Fenris quickly surmise that the former may even have a long-time grudge against the latter.
"She helped you against those bandits huh..." Lim was more in control of herself than Ellen, but Fenris could tell that her tone had some bitterness in it. "Why did you ask for her help? You could have handled those bandits yourself."
"That may be true, but it never hurts to have some assistance." Fenris reasoned. "Besides, she was rather cooperative."
"Is that so?"
Since she been always by Ellen's side, Fenris could only guess that she knows something about Fine and like Ellen, she isn't fond of her.
"How did Figneria know about you?"
"With all the rumors about me spreading around the kingdom, I'm sure she knows about my reputation." He said. "She clearly knew who I was the moment she saw my armor and I could take she taken an interest in me."
Ellen's face scrunched up a bit as she listened to Fenris. Soon enough, the discussion became more unpleasant when Fenris told them he used his spells against the bandits, all in front of Fine.
"It wasn't wise for you to show your magic in front of her." Ellen scolded him. "She can't be..."
"That is enough..." Fenris interrupted her. "What is your deal with her?"
"That is none of your concern." Lim stated.
"Is that so... Then there is no point being here any longer." He replied with a hint of displeasure in his voice. "I'll you two alone then."
He told the two as he turned around and begun to walk out of the office.
"Fenris, wait!"
Ellen called out, but he merely ignored her as closed the door behind him without looking back.
While he knows that she would be mad at him for abruptly leaving like that, Fenris would deal with it another time.
Fenris then went to his room and unlocked the chest containing both the Dragonbone blade and ebony hilt. While Ellen and Lim were hopefully taking the time to cool their heads, he would attempt to finish the assembly of the weapon at the end of day.
At the same time, he took of his Dragonscale armor and wore a commoner's outfit along with a blacksmith apron.
While Ellen provided him a forge for his personal use when he constructing the Dragonbone Greatsword, it was in the middle of town and he wanted to avoid unnecessary attention.
"Like old times I supposed..."
He muttered as he looked himself in the mirror. The outfit does give Fenris a sense of normalcy; the feeling of being an ordinary person and not one who stands out among a group of people.
Something that Fenris couldn't fully regain the moment he was forced down the path that made him who he is now today. Even when he disguised himself as a commoner and acted like one back in Skyrim, he wasn't able to truly relive the experience that he once took for granted in the past.
"I can't return back to those days..."
His mind soon drifted back the heated discussion with Ellen. With her status, she was supposed to keep her emotions in check. Then again, she was still young girl and clearly acting her age.
As for him, he endured battles and ordeals that could break even a hardened warrior and he wasn't even twenty at the time. In a sense, he matured quickly as a youth.
"Maybe I matured more quickly than I should have..."
Fenris muttered quietly as he packed up his tools along with the greatsword components in a leather bag, left his room and then the Imperial Palace.
'There are always like this...'
Fenris whispered to himself as walked past a group of people chatting amount themselves and they didn't take heed to his presence. Even without his Dragonscale armor, he was very sure they would recognize his face.
Then again, Fenris remembered that Ellen does come out here time-to-time dressed as an ordinary girl.
'Maybe they are just respecting her personal space.' He thought. 'Or it is just something they are used to.'
From what he could tell, the people in the city were giving the same courtesy as they do for the Wind Vanadis.
As for what Fenris did the past few hours, he was finishing the assembly of the Dragonbone Greatsword. He was currently wielding the blade in a number of stances to see if its properly balanced and ready for combat.
"At last, it is finally complete."
After deeming his newest weapon to be ready, he placed it on a table and wrapped a cloth around it.
"Looks like I will not be using this place again for a while." He muttered as he scanned through the forge one last time.
Days ago, Ellen allocated a small forge for him for his private use, but it was located in the middle of the city. To avoid unnecessary attention, Fenris wore a set of ordinary clothing like the one he wearing right now.
For the moment, the people have no clue what Fenris is doing at the forge, but they would learn soon enough when Fenris provide a demonstration like Ellen requested days ago.
However, it would be best to wait until she and Lim regained their composure and explain what they know about Fine. He shared his past with the two along with the others before, but they don't need to tell him their respective pasts. All he wanted to know is why they despise Fine.
Hopefully that would be the case as Fenris leaves the forge with his greatsword at hand and returned back to the Imperial Palace; navigating the hallways as usual.
As he was returning back to his room to change back to his usual clothing, Fenris saw Lim knocking at the door.
"Anything you need Lim?"
"Fenris." Lim was startled to see that he was in the hallway and not in his room like she assumed. "Eleonora-sama wishes to speak with you in her office."
"Alright, but let me get changed first." Fenris said before he asked a question of his own. "So, how are you feeling now?"
At first, Lim wasn't sure what he meant before she realized he was referring back to their previous discussion a few hours ago.
"We're alright now..." She replied in an apologetic tone. "I wish to apologize for how I acted back there, but when you mentioned Figneria..."
"So would you mind to tell me what you know about her?" Fenris requested.
Lim only shook her head before she spoke once more.
"Eleonora-sama will explain everything to you. Meet with her as soon as possible."
Fenris only sighed before he nodded his head in agreement. After going into his room and changing into a fresh set of clothing, he made his way to Ellen's office and knocked on her door.
"Ellen?"
"Come in Fenris."
Getting confirmation, he entered the office and saw Ellen standing up while looking through the window; her back turned on the Dragonborn.
"I believe you wanted to speak with me?" Fenris asked her as he took a seat in front of her desk.
"Yes." Ellen replied as she turned around to face him while taking a seat as well. "Fenris, I wasn't pleased what you did a few hours ago. Abruptly leaving like that..."
Fenris didn't a say a word in a word in his defense. He knew this was going to happen and waited for the Wind Vanadis to vent before speaking.
That didn't happen though for Ellen's disappointed expression soon soften.
"But I'll admit that I wasn't acting myself back then. The moment you mentioned Figneria, I..."
"I know." Fenris interrupted. "I had a feeling that you know something about her. Especially since she asked me to send you her regards."
"The nerve of her..." Even though it is considered a kind gesture, Ellen didn't find it comforting since it came from Fine.
Soon enough, Fenris made the same request like he did with Lim back in the hallway.
"Ellen, months ago I shared with you and everyone else about myself and my past. Today, I wish for the same courtesy and..."
"Hear about my history with Figneria? You will get more than that Fenris for I'm going to tell with you about my own past."
Fenris was quite surprised to hear that Ellen was going to share her past with him. Truth be told, he wasn't expecting this.
The reason he was willing share his life story with her and the others months ago is because he wanted to show he was sincere and have no other secrets to hide. Due to his unknown origins and dangerous abilities, it would arouse suspicion and mistrust if he tried to hide his past.
Nothing good comes from being in an unknown world with no friends and allies to provide help when it is needed. It was truly a stroke of luck that Ellen and rest willing accepted him back then.
"Why?"
Fenris asked.
"Like you said before Fenris. You shared your past with me, so it is only courteous that you know about mine."
Ellen stated before taking a deep breath.
"Besides, I knew Figneria since my childhood..."
Hearing that peaked Fenris's interest and he gave Ellen his full attention as she started to speak about her past; her life before she became a Vanadis.
Ellen spoke that like him, she doesn't remember about her own parent or where she was born. Even so, she does have a foster father back then and he was the leader of a mercenary group which was renowned across the land.
The leader's name was Vissarion and the group he commanded was called the Silver Gale Mercenaries.
Much to his astonishment, Fenris realized that his and Ellen's upbringing was virtually identically with each other. They both know little of their origins yet the two were raised by mercenaries.
Apparently, Lim was also a member of the same mercenary group and in time, the two developed the very bond that he sees now today.
It was then Fenris learned that Fine was once Ellen's teacher in the art of combat. Apparently, Fine visited the mercenaries' camp where she meet both Ellen and Lim; befriending the two in the process.
Ellen was just ten years old back then.
Even through the Silver Gale Mercenaries helped Fine a number of times and was helped by her in turn, Fine never became a full-fledged member.
From what Ellen know back then, Fine was said to wander from one battle to another as an independent mercenary. In time, she soon gained a well-known reputation as Fine of the War Blade due to her deadly skills and prowess.
While Fenris was keeping her attention on Ellen, the latter then changed the subject to something else for the time being.
"By the way Fenris, what do you think of a peaceful kingdom?"
"Huh?" He was taken back a bit from the sudden question. "Why are you asking?"
"Because Vissarion had a dream of creating a kingdom." Ellen stated. "A kingdom where everyone lives in peace and without any worries."
"If you ask me, that is quite the dream your foster father have in mind." Fernis spoke honestly. "While it may sound too idealistic and may never come to fruition, I see it as something worth fighting for.
"I'm pleased with your answer." She smiled at him. "I too believed in Vissarion's dream and believe me that I seek to achieve it in his place."
"So, what happened to him?"
Fenris asked Ellen, who only looked down at her desk with a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"He was killed in battle when I was just thirteen..." Very soon, there was now a hint of anger in her eyes. "By Figneria."
Fenris's eye widened as his realized that his previous assumption of Ellen having a grudge on Fine was indeed correct.
Ellen told him that on during that particular battle, Fine was fighting alongside an army that opposed the Silver Gale Mercenaries. Fenris however couldn't hold it against Fine for that is how the life of a mercenary usually plays out.
Most mercenaries tend to fight for the sake of gold and their own ambitions. They usually don't get attached to a particular group for they could be contracted as their enemy one day. It was apparently the case for Fine for she never fully attached herself to the Silver Gale Mercenaries in the first place.
Despite their previous bond with each other, Vissarion and Fine challenged each other in a duel during the battle, which ended up resulting in the former's death.
Vissarion's death also marked the end of the Silver Gale Mercenaries. Without a someone like Vissarion to keep them together, everyone soon went their separate ways.
"So that is why you despised Figneria..."
Fenris could sympathise with her since he too lost his foster father on the battlefield. However, he was worried that Ellen could do something rash to Fine if the two ever meet each other again.
He knows too well that grudges and revenge never helped anyone in anyway.
"Ellen, I know I'm asking too much but you must let go."
"Let go?" She caught on what he was referring to and raised her voice. "But Fenris, she killed him! She shattered his..."
"Killing her in revenge will not bring Vissarion back or fulfill his dream." He raised his voice as well, but in a calm manner. "Killing never does..."
As if her voice was suddenly ripped from her, Ellen quickly went silent as Fenris told her the straight truth with undaunted eyes.
"Know this Ellen, I too witness the death of my foster father before my eyes." Fenris told her. "I actually remembered the face of the one who took his life and I even once had an opportunity to take revenge on him."
It was now Ellen's turn to listen as Fenris told her what happen when he was seventeen; a year after his foster father's death.
He and his fellow mercenaries were in Skyrim at the time and were staying in village for a few nights. There, Fenris came across a hunter who lived there and upon looking at his face, he recognizes him as the very man who killed his foster father.
The hunter doesn't recognize Fenris however and merely greeted him as a new arrival. He told the young man that he was a formerly a mercenary, but he then became haunted by the things he committed and after his last battle, he wanted nothing more than to live out the rest of his days in peace. The battle he mentioned was the very one that Fenris and his foster father fought in, which lead to the latter's death.
Fenris have yet to learn about his fate as Dragonborn at the time and he was still reeling from the lost of his foster father, resulting him in being more emotional and impulsive. While he made a friendly façade, he deep down thought of taking revenge on the hunter for what he did.
He thought of tailing the hunter during one of his hunts and kill him while making it look like an unfortunate twist of fate. Either by luring a pack of wolves to overwhelm the hunter or slit his throat and make it appear to be the doings of a bandit, no one would suspect him for the deed...
"You had your opportunity, but you chose to let him go." Ellen said as he looked Fenris in the eyes.
"Yes. At that time, I wanted to kill the one who took my foster father away from me. I could have easily done so back then." Fenris replied before closing his eyes. "But during the night, I recalled all the times I spent with my foster father and realized it was not a life that he would wanted for me... And I am sure it is something that Vissarion wouldn't have wanted for you as well..."
Ellen didn't say a word as she took in everything that Fenris just said. If she was more emotional, she would have yelled back at him, but she could see that there was some truth in his words.
"Are you okay?" Fenris asked her.
"I'm fine..." She replied. "I just need some time to think about what you said."
"Think about it carefully." He said. "I don't wish for you make a mistake that you would then regret. Revenge always have a habit of making the avenger feel empty instead of fulfilled.
Wanting to give Ellen some time alone, Fenris was about to get up and leave the office. However, the Wind Vanadis wasn't done taking to him just yet.
"Wait Fenris. I want to ask you something before you leave."
"What is it?"
Ellen took a deep breath before speaking.
"Truth be told, I always wondered why you act so serious and mature for your age. It is clear that we both have similar lives and endured similar tragedies, but at least I take the time to relax and enjoy life."
"With what dangers I had to endure to protect my homeland during the years, I can't afford to take it easy..." Fenris replied with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"But surely you must have taken the time to relax and have fun back then. Long before you became a Dragonborn."
Fenris sighed in resignation as he knew Ellen was indeed correct about that
"That is true... Back then, I enjoyed watching entertainers, hanging out with my friends and going taverns." He smiled only for a few moments before frowning. "However, reliving those days isn't easy after my ordeals as Dragonborn. Fate has a nasty habit of dragging back to battle whenever I tried find peace."
"Then keep trying." Ellen stated. "I'll be blunt, there are times that you act like an grizzled old man. You should lighten up for a change."
She smiled as her outgoing and mischievous side started to make a come back after the difficult discussion.
"Is that a recommendation or an order?" Fenris said. "The contract between you and me is still valid."
"I'll not force you, but I believe it would do you good if you started act your age. Try being immature for once."
Fenris was deep in thought for a few moments before he sighed once more. While he had his doubts he could go back the days that he wasn't a Dragonborn, he wish to disappoint Ellen especially since she shared her past with him.
"Well, I can try to lighten up, but don't expect a miracle."
"That is all I want to hear." Ellen soon changed the subject once again. "Now that is out of the way, I also want to know if you are done with this Dragonbone Greatsword of yours?"
"Yes, it is finally complete." The Dragonborn nodded. "Do you wish to inspect it?"
"Not now." She shook her head. "I wish for Lim and Tigre to see it as well if you do mind."
"I don't mind. Tigre is supposed to come back tomorrow from his hunt, so I can present it tomorrow."
After agreeing that the presentation of the Dragonbone Greatsword would have to wait, Fenris left Ellen continue on her usual duties as he left the office. While their talk has provided him with much needed insight on Ellen's strained relationship with Fine, he knew it is far from over yet.
Fenris had a feeling that he would meet Fine again sometime in the future. If not, then there was still the chance that Ellen would meet her face-to-face once more. While he would expect Ellen and Fine to act civil when that happens, the former's antagonism for the latter would nevertheless will nevertheless be strong. Grudges after all are something that one cannot let go easily especially if it is personal.
While Ellen may be calm and in control during stressful situations, but her emotions can slip through and get the better of her. What Fenris didn't want was for the Wind Vanadis to make a mistake that would inevitably haunt her in the end. He already seen the aftermath of many revenges and they tend to destroy the avenger; physically and mentally.
"If that day comes, I must be ready..."
Muttering to himself as he returned back to his room, Fenris was determined to make Ellen make with peace with Fine and rekindle the friendship the two once shared.
Though difficult to be sure, he always has a knack for exceeding expectations in the most complex of situations.
On the next day after he had his important talk with Ellen, Fenris was walking through the city while under the evening sky. As usual, he wore set of common clothing to avoid attention from bypassing civilians.
Deciding to follow through with Wind Vanadis's recommendation from yesterday, Fenris was trying to lighten up spending more time talking to Ellen and Lim instead of usual duties. He even tried to make a few jokes while hanging out with the two, but they were mediocre at best.
Lim was quick to note that Fenris isn't the type to tell jokes, but Ellen was quick to tell her that at least he was trying and was pleased to see that he was attempting to deviate from his usual serious personality.
While Fenris continue his walk, he then saw Tigre walking towards his direction.
"Welcome back Tigre." He greeted the archer. "How goes your hunt?"
"Glad to see you again Fenris. My hunt went well." Tigre greeted back. "I have to say I'm a bit surprise to see you out here. You tend to stay back at the palace helping Ellen or something."
"Well, I need a break and thought a walk through the city would do the trick."
Despite being a bit surprised since Fenris is similar to Lim in personality, he was nevertheless happy that the Dragonborn was finally taking it easy.
"By the way, Ellen wanted to see you right now. She says it's rather important."
"Yeah, Titta already told me."
With that said, the two walked together towards Ellen's office. Upon arrival, they found that she and Lim were once again busy with paperwork.
"Ellen, Tigre is back from his hunt." Fenris gestured to him, which Ellen and Lim were pleased that the archer is alright.
"Seem you made it back safely."
"I am back indeed."
Tigre took a seat on a chair while Fenris closed the office door. He chose to remain standing, but Ellen insisted that he sit down as well.
For some time, Tigre was briefly explaining what happened during the hunt, where he had to take down a buck who was causing trouble to a village. During the explanation, Lim prepared wine for the four of them and they did a toast for Tigre's success.
When Tigre changed the subject to what important matter that Ellen has for him, she and Lim exchanged glances for a few moments before she spoke.
"Tigre, Fernis... Have you two heard of Asvarre?"
Author's Note:
As you can all see everyone, I am still alive and kicking! Sorry for the long wait, but my sickness and personal matters took up a lot of my time. I assure you all that I will not stop writing this story, even if it does takes months to prepare a single chapter.
However, I been lately going through writer's block and it looks I need to take a break from my writing to regain my bearings. At best, it should be just a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, I will be looking through my other stories. Since I been so focused on Dragonborn to Vanadis, maybe it would help me creatively if I try to update my other stories; thinking of fresh new ideas, etc.
Even so, hope you enjoy the newest chapter, which finally marks the start of the Asvarre Arc.
Harem: Ellen, Lim, Mila, Sofy, Liza, Valentina(1), Olga, Sasha, Fine(1)
(1) I have decided to include these two to the harem, regardless of their actions in the Light Novel. I've already have some ideas how to make such a thing feasible, but that is only much later on in the story.