Memento Mori

by IllusoryStatic

Taya Draven is the Champion of Cyrodiil, the celebrated hero that saved all of Tamriel from the forces of Oblivion. But now that Martin is gone and Taya now has the weight of the expectations of the world on her, she must now hide more than ever if she is to continue her worship of Sithis... and deal with the aftermath of Martin's sacrifice.

1. Introduction: Champion's Disdain

"All hail the Champion of Cyrodiil! All hail Martin Septim!"

The crowd chanted with fervor, the petals in the air followed the trail of the upcoming autumnal wind. It was the 4th of Heartfire, which meant that soon the world would begin to grow colder. Never as cold as Skyrim, but cold enough to make everyone besides Nords shiver.

The chants seemed so far away to me. I felt like I was watching while my head was being held underwater. I could feel it enter into my stomach, when I looked down to the people that were suddenly celebrating my existence.

"Hail, Champion of Cyrodiil!" Chancellor Ocato smiled at me, Altmer lips stretched out into a sigh of relief that he would pretend wasn't there. I could feel myself smile, but it never met my eyes.

They chanted my new title. They chanted my new name. Champion of Cyrodiil replaced who I was in the lips of everyone, and as I waved at them and received the new armor gifted to me by the Chancellor, I realized what I felt for all of them was not love, nor was it excitement or joy. I looked upon them and I knew what I felt, an old feeling that kicked up the thin layer of dust it was covered with.

I felt nothing but disdain for all of them.