A/N: An Idea that popped into my head over the weekend, and I had free time. If I'm in the mood to write at the same time as I'm interested in Elder Scrolls, there might be further chapters where we can see the Grey Fox join the thieves guild, ect. So if you would like to see that, leave a review.
Sevika Vandram was irritated. She was the Hero of Kvatch, Divine Crusader, Champion of Cyrodiil. But here she was in the back of a cart on the route to execution. She could have escaped of course, fought her way through the soldiers, or just ran from them. But then news of a Dunmer woman would doubtless reach nearby towns and cities, and she would have to answer difficult questions wherever she traveled. So no, for now she would wait until she could speak to someone of actual rank.
In the centuries since the Oblivion Crisis, she had mostly faded from memory. After helping mop up the chaos following Martin's death and installing the Mede dynasty, she had returned to her roots, a wandering adventurer. Her assorted positions had been given to those suitable for bearing them, many of her artefacts had been sold, hidden or given back to their respective daedric princes while her wealth had been donated to various charities and orphanages across Tamriel. Some combination of Daedric and Aedric blessings, former vampirism and unusual magical effects slowing her ageing, so that even now at 327 years old, she appeared no older than 200
But still, people knew the name of Sevika Vandram. Someone of high enough rank would recognise it, and after proving it, she would be free to go.
"You there, step forward." Sevika stepped forwards, rolling her eyes. "Who are you?"
"Sevika Vandram," she said, reaching upwards with her bound hands to push her cloaked hood back. The brown haired Nord paled, his eyes filled with disbelief, before rushing over to an elderly Imperial wearing the armour of a Legion general. Speaking frantically and gesturing towards her. The general seemed sceptical, but nonetheless, walked over to her.
"So, you claim to be the Hero of Kvatch. Prove it."
With a flick of her wrist, Sevika burnt through the ropes binding her hands. Raising one eyebrow as the Imperials drew swords or readied their bows.
"Really General? You do realise that If I wanted to fight my way out, you couldn't stop me."
Reaching for her amulet, which was commissioned after the Crisis and akin to those of the Elder Council, it served as a sign of identity. Holding it forwards towards the General, who looked it over before signing his soldiers to stand down.
"My apologies for the mistake, Lady Vandram. If I might ask, what brings you to Skyrim, especially to this border pass." Tulius said, stepping backwards and giving a bow.
"I prefer to avoid official borders General, having to give my name usually comes with too much gawking and scraping for my liking"
"Very well. You are free to go about your business. Welcome to Skyrim m'lady"
Tullius turned back towards the Stormcloaks - who had been watching the exchange with interest, especially Jarl Ulfric. "Give them their last rights"
Sevika watched as the first Stormcloak bravely faced the Headsman's axe. She wasn't too sure what to think about the rebellion. It seemed like they had genuine reasons behind them, but from what she had heard, acted on them in the wrong way. On the other hand, while she would have willingly fought for Martin or his descendants, the Mede Dynasty held none of her loyalty.
Her musings were cut off as a large roar echoed throughout the valley. From the clouds, a large winged shape descended to land on the watchtower, one that had even Sevika, who had fought the worst that the Deadlands had to offer, momentarily frozen in shock.
With a gesture, her bow flew to her hands from where it had been confiscated. Ebony arrowheads found countless weak spots on the Dragon, but they were little more than fleebites to the gargantuan beast.
Soon, only Sevika and the Dragon remained in Helgen, the Stormcloaks making a break for it while the Legion evacuated the civilians. All the while Sevika, who was quickly identified by the Dragon as the only true threat, fought. Arrows had proven ineffective, so she had fallen back onto magic. Her wards parted torrents of ice and fire while lightning flew at the beast.
This proved far more effective, even as her magika reserves failed, the dragon descended to the ground before her - its wings torn and broken.
"Pruzah Krif. A good fight, never before have I been challenged so well. Your name, mortal? So I might remember you when you are dead.
"Sevika Vandram, and yours?
"I am Alduin, firstborn of Akatosh. Daar Lein los dii."
"If you want this world," said Sevika, drawing the Ebony Blade from her back. "You'll have to go through me first."
Charging forwards with a savage warcry, Sevika rolled under Alduin's bite, dealing a savage blow to his shoulder before leaping backwards. Drawing what energy she had left into a ward as flames surged towards her.
While a little singed, she survived the flames. But did not see the tail that came after it. Alduin had spun around, his tail striking her solidly in the chest. Sevika was flung backwards, pulverising several trees even as most bones in her body were broken.
As she breathed her last and the light left her eyes, the last thing Sevika saw was Alduin staring down at her.
"Really Champion?"
Opening her eyes with a groan, Sevika took in the faces staring down at her. Boethiah, Mephala, Azura. All 3 of the Reclamations who she (like most Dunmer) served and worshipped. Although ever since she had been given the Amulet of Kings and stood in opposition of Mehrunes Dagon, they had taken much more interest in her.
"300 years on Nirn, ended because you face the World Eater in single combat."
Sevika pushed herself off the ground, before kneeling before them. "Dying is part of being mortal. I'd already survived far more than I should have."
"Perhaps. Or perhaps your story is not yet over." said Azura, gesturing behind Sevika before the 3 princes faded out of sight. Sevika turned, to see a familiar face looking at her.
"Martin?"
"So you're telling me that It's now my responsibility to hunt down and kill a Dragon God because there is no-one else capable?" Sevika was rather incensed.
"I'm afraid so, Sevika." Martin's, or Akatosh's, voice was apologetic. "Alduin wasn't supposed to be freed until the end of days, to bring about the rebirth of this world. The twistings of Fate are beyond even Aedra, and we too are not ready to see the world end. Hence this action."
"Alright, but you better have a way for me to do this. Alduin has already killed me once."
"As the Elder Scrolls foretold, 'The wheel turns on the last Dragonborn'. But rather than giving that power to someone else and hoping they rise to the occasion. We would prefer to give it to you, someone I already know is capable of saving the world.
With a gesture, Martin's form faded into lights. Sevika watched as a fraction split off shooting into her. Once more her vision faded away as a thunderous song seemed to ring through her mind.
"Sir. She is waking up"
Leaving Oblivion and opening her eyes, she saw the face of General Tulis looking down at her in shock.
"Lady Vandram, you're alive?"
Sitting upwards with a groan, Sevika responded. "The god's aren't done with me yet, General. Where are we?"
"Whiterun, the Temple of Kynareth. We recovered your body from the ruins of Helgen and were bringing it back with us to the Capital when your wounds began to mend, so we brought you to the nearest healers."
"My weapons?"
"We recovered them as well."
"Good. Thank you, General." Sevika rose to her feet with a groan, a healing spell helped to mute the agonising pain. Through the shutters of the temple, she could see that night was falling. "Where can I find a bed for the night?"
"The Bannered Mare would be your best bet. My soldiers and I will be camping outside. Jarl Balgruf is neutral in the Rebellion, so Legionnaires aren't welcome, but an exception was made."
Sevika headed to the Inn. When the morning comes, she would have work to do - but for now, some slow acting healing spells and a warm bed was all she wanted.