The next morning found Jon in his cellar, putting on his armor with the help of Jordis. She was fastening the chest piece of his favorite armor, Deathbrand. The chill from the enchanted ice helped counter his overly warm body.
Ever since coming to Skyrim and learning he was dragonborn, his body had been different. The only fire that could burn him was dragon fire, and even then, the burns left his skin pink instead of red and inflamed. They also healed quickly, even without the help of a healing potion. The cold had never bothered him, being from the north. Now he welcomed it, even in the fiercest of blizzards.
"Are you sure you do not need me to go with you?" Jordis had always been the most protective of his Housecarls. Before Jon answered, he finished attaching Mehrunes Dagon's Razor to his hip.
"No, I'm not going anywhere dangerous. I will be fine, Jordis." He gave her a reassuring smile and double checked his gear. He had Dragon's Breath, his own creation, a dragon bone sword with a powerful fire enchantment, attached to his hip, opposite of the Razor. He also had enough supplies to get him there and back. After all, it wasn't but a four-day journey.
He made his way upstairs, where his family was breaking their fast. Lucia and Sofie were discussing the various houses of Westeros. Elisif had gotten a book of the all the houses for Serana and the girls to familiarize themselves with. They had stayed up late and gone over the book together. Even now, they had it open on the table while eating.
Serana looked up from where she was feeding Kodlak. "Leaving already?"
Jon smiled grimly, "I'll only be gone for a few days, I want us to be on our way as soon as possible."
Serana understood her husband's eagerness. She too was excited to meet her good family. Jon talked about them in such detail, she felt like she already knew them.
"Be safe, my love. And no unplanned stops! You always seem to find trouble, wherever you go."
Jon chuckles good-naturedly and walks over to his daughters. "You girls be good for Jordis and your mother. I love you." He bent down and wrapped his daughters in his arms. They were quick to return his embrace and gave him a kiss on both cheeks. He then walked over to give a kiss to his wife and a peck on the head for his son.
"I'll be back before you know it." With those final words Jon makes his way to the streets of Solitude. Seeing him in his armor the people shout words of encouragement and wish him luck. He walks until he is a few miles away from the city and stops in front of a clearing.
OD AH VIING
After Jon's shout, there is silence. Then a roar can be heard in the distance. After a few minutes, Odahviing can be seen in the sky. Soon he lands in front of Jon.
"You called, Dovahkiin?"
"I need to go to Solstheim and retrieve a friend to assist me in battles to come. Soon I will be traveling to a faraway land. I trust you will come with me?" Jon looks at the dragon, expectantly.
Jon had dealt with many dragons over the years and could still barley discern their facial expressions. He would still swear at that moment, Odahviing had rolled his eyes at his request.
"I will go where the Dovahkiin goes."
Jon laughs, "Of course, my friend. Let us be on our way."
It takes them the better part of a day to get to Solstheim. Jon lands in a secluded spot a couple miles away. From there he makes his way to his home in Raven Rock and goes over his Inventory.
He will be sending all his extra supplies by ship, to Solitude. Considering the importance of his task, he will probably be in Westeros for a while, maybe even years. He loads all his surplus supplies into boxes and sets them aside to be loaded onto a ship in the morning.
The night he had told his family about his dream he had sent out many letters all throughout Skyrim. A letter had been sent to each Jarls saying he would be on a diplomatic trip to his homeland to establish relations and trade.
His letters to his housecarls were a little different. He expressed concerns that their stay would be prolonged, from months, to years. He had all of them to pack the supplies in each of his homes and bring them to Solitude. Once they all got to Solitude, he would be bringing them to Westeros as members of his honorary guard.
He had also sent a letter to the emperor. After The Dragonborn's Wrath, the Emperor had formally thanked Jon for defending not only Skyrim, but all of Tamriel. He had promised to reward him, offering anything within his power. At the time Jon didn't need anything, so he had accepted one favor from the emperor. This favor could be used at any time.
Jon had already discussed this with Elisif. He had told her that in the event that they successfully located Westeros, Jon would use his favor to ask that the emperor allow him to travel to Westeros to establish diplomatic relations. She admitted that it was a good idea. He had already proven himself a strong diplomat when he had successfully convinced Hammerfell, Morrowind, and Black Marsh to united with the Imperial Army to help push back the Thalmor.
He had sent a letter to Vilkas, asking that he send two Companions to Solitude to accompany him to Westeros. He has asked for Aela and Farkas, but he wouldn't force any of the Companions to leave their homeland, the choice would be theirs.
His letters to Delvin and Tolfdir had been much the same. He told them to keep up the good work and continue to update him on their progress. He had asked Tolfdir to send a volunteer from the College to assist him in Westeros, preferably a mage that specialized in fire magic. Delvin would be sending as many recruits as he could spare to assist Jon and Brynjolf in Westeros.
He had sent letters to his property in Riften and Heljarchen, to Marcurio and Illia, respectively. He and Marcurio had struck an unlikely friendship. His friend was blunt and proud, but also kind and strong. His unusual humor had been like a breath of fresh air after a long and hard fight. It helped that he was an excellent mage and loved by Jon's children. He had let Marc stay in his home in Riften since he wasn't using it. This made it easier to correspond with him and continue their friendship. However, Marc and Iona, his housecarl in Riften, did not get along. Jon found this endlessly funny considering their blunt personalities. Somedays he would get letters from both, complaining about the other. Jon secretly thought the two had some suppressed feeling, he was looking forward to the ship ride to Westeros with those two on board.
It was the same with Illia. After they had killed her mother, who was trying to use innocent travelers as sacrifices, he hadn't felt right leaving her alone. For a while they had adventured together. At one point he had suggested she attend the College in Winterhold with him. She had accepted and stays there even after he had become the Arch-Mage. Years later she now stayed at his home in Heljarchen to practice her magic in peace. He would want people like them by his side in the battles to come.
After getting some rest, Jon heads out to Raven Rock's shipyard the next morning. He meets with a trader who would be going to Solitude in a weeks' time. Jon pays him not only to deliver his supplies but to leave for Solitude the day after tomorrow.
The Dark Elf's eyes nearly pop out of his head at the large sack of gold Jon gives him. "Of course, sir! We will leave out the day after tomorrow at first light. I'll have my men prepare your lodging." It wasn't everyday he got a wealthy and mysterious client to board his ship.
"There will be no need, I have other arrangements to get home. However, I will have some quests who will need passage. I'm not sure how many yet, but you will be fairly compensated." The Elf looks at him strangely, clearly confused. After a moment he shrugged it off. What did he care if the coin was good?
Less than an hour later the same dark elf watches as a dragon flies around Raven Rock, in the direction of the Skaal's village. Needless to say, he knew how his not-so-mysterious client was getting home.
It didn't take long before Jon was climbing down from Odahviing and making his way to the Skaal's village. He is greeted almost immediately by Nikulas.
"Dragonborn! We haven't seen you in sometime!" Nikulas had wanted to become an adventurer. He had asked Jon to convince his mother that he was ready to make his own decisions. Jon had convinced her, promising to provide funds for armor that would help keep him safe. He had even given him an enchanted sword to defend himself, one that he had made himself with Stalhrim.
"Well met, friend. I'm here to see Frea. Is she around?" Jon observed the young man for the first time in almost three years. He had definitely put on some muscle since last he had put eyes on him. He looked much happier too. His armor looked warm and well cared for, as well as the sword he had gifted him.
"Yes, she is in the Great Hall. I'll take you there." Jon knew his way around the village, humoring him, he followed. As they made their way through the village Jon waved and spoke to the people he knew. Some people stopped them for several minute, offering him gifts or their ware, some asking if he was married yet.
What should have taken a few minutes took the better part of an hour. Finally, they entered the Great Hall. Frea was sitting by the fire, sharpening the Stalhrim axe he had enchanted for her during their adventures on Solstheim.
She looks up and widens her eyes. "As I live and breathe." She sets down her axe and makes her way over to Jon. Grinning, she pulls him into a hug and slaps him, hard, on the back. "The famous Dragonborn has finally decided to grace us with his presence. I heard that you were a Prince now, is that true?"
Jon winces, at both the slap and that the news had travelled even here. "It's good to see you too. And, yes, that is true. But please, do not treat me any different."
Frea pulled away and took on a faux serious expression, "Oh sorry, no can do. You're a fancy prince now. How can I, a simple village girl, treat one such as yourself like one of us common folk?" She held her serious façade for a moment longer before they both broke out in laughter.
"Don't you worry Jon. You'll always be a friend of the Skaal and my fellow shield-brother. Not only that, but I've also seen your dumbass try to tame and ride a Bristleback. It would be hard to bow and simper at your feet after seein that." Frea gave a bellowing laugh at Jon's expense. Jon chuckles, blushing a bit at his own foolishness. That had not been his best or brightest moment.
"Wait did he really?" Jon and Frea turned to Nikulas, having forgotten he was there. At Jon's embarrassed smile and Frea's continued laughter his eyes widened. Then he too was laughing as loudly as Frea.
"Okay, okay, laugh it up. Everyone makes mistakes."
After some time, they both settle down, someone clears their throat from the door. Morwen stands there with a little smile on her face. "What did I miss?"
Just as Frea is about to speak, Jon steps between them." Nothing! I was just about to tell Frea what brought me here."
Morwen gives him an amused look but relents. "Alright, do you need us to leave?" She motions at Nikulas.
Jon's face grows solemn. "No, you can both stay. Come, join me by the fire, it's going to be a long story." At once everyone becomes serious and takes a seat.
Everyone takes a few minutes to think about what Jon had told them. Jon looks at the people around him. Nikulas was staring into the fire with a troubled expression marring his otherwise handsome face. Both Frea and Morwen had perturbed expression and worry between their brows.
Nikulas spoke, "These Others, are they different from the draugr?"
Jon thought for a moment. "As far as I know their pretty much the same. The only difference I can think of is that they all have one source, the night king. He raised them all to join his army."
Frea turned her gaze to Jon. "You haven't come all this way just to tell us this."
Jon looked back at her, gaze still solemn. "I came hoping to get your help. Your people are some of the best warriors I know, the Skaal are also well versed in killing draugr. Your knowledge and fighting strength would be invaluable."
Frea smiled viciously and stood. "Your damn right. You saved my people, that is a fact I will never be able to repay. We may not be a large people but any of our men or women are worth 10 mainlanders. You will have my axe, friend of the Skaal."
Nikulas stood as well. "You believed in me when I wanted to follow my dreams and helped me pursue them. All that I am I owe to you. You will have my sword as well." His face was serious, his eyes taking on a stubborn glint. Jon had seen those eyes staring back at him through his own reflection many times. He knew he could not dissuade the boy.
"I may be older than you young ones, but I can still fight. I was the strongest shield maiden of the Skaal, up until Frea came of age. I will come with you. I will protect your family, just as you did mine." Morwen gives him a gentle smile, but there was a sharpness to her gaze.
Jon was touched by their words. The Skaal where much like the men of the North when it came to loyalty. It was why he liked the little village and all its people.
"Nikulas, go spread word around the village that all the Skaal are to gather in the Great Hall tonight." Nikulas left quickly to do as he was told. "Morwen, gather some other Skaal and prepare for a feast. Come morning, some will be leaving the village, perhaps for the last time. We will make this a night to remember."
After Nikulas and Morwen had left she looked to Jon. "Now then, tell me all you know of this land, Westeros."
All the Skaal in the Village, including the women and children, were gathered in the Great Hall. There were well over a hundred people gathered there. The building was the biggest in the village and was able to fit them all comfortably. Jon thought of the Great Hall in Winterfell, how it would fit more than five times the amount of people as this one. The thought that he would soon be returning to those very same halls excited him. Around him everyone was waiting for the announcement they knew was to come.
Finally, Frea stood. "Thank you, everyone, for coming today. As you all know the Dragonborn has come to visit our village."
Her eyes search the ones of her people. "Almost three years ago the Dragonborn came to us, in our greatest hour of need. Without him, none of us would be standing here today. He is a dear friend of the Skaal, and he has come seeking our help."
Hushed whispers can be heard around the hall. Men and women both straighten themselves and face Jon, waiting for him to speak.
Jon stands, bringing himself up to full height. "Not all of you know this, but I was not born in Tamriel. I hail from a land called Westeros. I know not how I ended up in Skyrim, nor does it matter. That is not what I came to talk about today."
Jon pauses and looks around the room filled with nords. "Almost eight thousand years ago, Westeros faced a threat just as powerful, if not more so, than Miraak. This threat was that of the Night King. An undead with skin as pale as snow and horns on his head in the shape of a crown. He was like the draugr, but different. He was smarter and could raise as many dead as he wanted. He assembles a massive army and almost destroyed all of Westeros."
"However, my ancestors, as well as beings known as The Children of the Forest, were able to push him and his army back. They erected a massive wall of ice, interwoven with magic, that the dead could not pass through. This Wall is seven hundred foot tall, three hundred foot thick, and three hundred miles long, sealing Westeros's northern border."
Many of the Skaal balked at this. Even Frea, who already knew of the wall, looked impressed still. "In all these years the Wall has been guarded by the Sworn Brothers of the Night's Watch. A once respectable order that has now fallen to near ruin. There were once seventeen fully manned castles on the Wall. Now only three are manned."
"Most of Westeros believes the Others are myths used to scare naughty children into behaving. That couldn't be farther from the truth. The Others are real. I've seen the Night King's army in my dreams. His forces number approximately three hundred thousand."
At once the people started talking urgently amongst themselves. A man from the front raised his voice with a question. "You said you saw this in a dream? How do you know it real? That their real?" He seemed skeptical, but not overly so.
"It was a dream that brought me here, to face Miraak. I saw the stones that were enslaving your people and Miraak himself in these dreams. These aren't simple dreams. These are visions disguised as dreams. I've had them ever since coming to Tamriel and discovering I was Dragonborn. If not for these 'dreams' I may have never come here."
At his final statement the room became silent once more. Most looked worried, some looked determined. There were some who still looked skeptical. One of these few spoke up. "You said that The Wall had stood for eight thousand years, what's to say it won't stand for eight thousand more?"
That created some more murmuring and curious looks shot his way. Jon spoke once again. "In my vision I didn't just see the army of the dead. I saw The Wall crumble and fall. I saw a beach; from this beach I watched as the water froze over and the dead marched across it."
The room grew as silent as the grave. All eyes stared at him in horror, as the reality of his last statement sunk in. However, the Skaal weren't known for being cowards. A man who looked to be in his late thirties stepped forward. "Frea said you came here seeking our help. You would have us fight these Others?"
Jon nodded his head in confirmation. "I will tell you what I told Frea. The Skaal are some of the hardiest warriors in all of Tamriel. You all have invaluable experience with fighting draugr. I won't force you to leave your families, I only ask for volunteers."
Jon held this Skaal's gazed until finally he gave Jon a determined smirk. "When do we leave?"
Jon returned his smirk with a relieved smile of his own. "Anyone who wishes to fight with me, to fight for the living, will leave the village in the morning. We will make our way to Raven Rock. I have a ship ready to leave out at first light the day after tomorrow."
The Hall broke out in noise. Men and woman talking amongst themselves, and rowdy laughter rang out across the room. Frea smiled at him and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.
"You did well, my friend. Any volunteers we get tonight will have been hard fought." Frea looked out at her people and eyed them proudly.
Frea takes a large breath. "Skaal! You have heard the Dragonborn's request. If you wish to volunteer, you may do so by coming to me or Jon. Until then, let the feast begin!"
Cheers rang out through the hall, and everyone took to the tables to begin the feast.
By first light they had twenty-two volunteers, an even twenty-five counting Frea, Nikulas, and Morwen. Jon traveled with the rest of the Skaal by foot towards Raven Rock. They encountered some bandits along the way, they were quickly dispatched by both Jon and Frea.
Upon returning to Raven Rock, Jon secured rooms for all the Skaal. He purchased rooms at The Retching Netch and let some stay in his own home for the night. He made sure all were comfortable and had what they needed before returning to the dark elf captain.
As he was approaching the port he was spotted by the very same captain. "Dragonborn! Greetings! What can I do for you today?"
The elf rung his hands nervously while waiting for Jon's response. "I have brought twenty-five Skaal who will need accommodations, will there be enough room?"
Jon was smiling kindly at the elf. However, he still looked nervous. "Yes, o-of course! We will have plenty of room for your goods and men. Please, do not worry."
"Thank you, here, for your trouble." Jon handed the man another bag of septims before returning to Frea to say his farewells.
He finds Frea at The Retching Netch with the rest of the Skaal. "I'm going to head back, take this." He hands her a box with a crystal on top.
She looks at it skeptically. "It's pretty, but what's it for?"
"If you put a letter in it and tap the crystal on top three time the letter will disappear. It will then reappear in the box at my home in Solitude. I want you to keep it, incase you run into any trouble."
Frea gives the box a double take and stares at it in disbelief. "By the All Maker, you really are something."
Jon chuckles and pulls her into a hug. "Safe travels friend."
Frea laughs fondly, "You as well, friend. Try not to fall off that dragon of yours."
Jon says his goodbyes to the other Skaal and makes to exit the city.
Jon gets back to Solitude by the next morning. He had stopped briefly in Dawnstar and slept at the Inn for a couple of hours before resuming his trip.
As he walks through the door to his home he is immediately greeted by Serana. She looks worried, which immediately sets Jon on edge.
He quickens his pace until he is in front of her. "What's wrong? Are the children safe?" He gently sets his hands on her shoulders, trying to comfort her, as well as himself.
Despite the situation Serana smiles at her husband's reaction. His first instincts were always to protect and comfort. I never imagined I could be loved like this.
"Everyone is fine, my love. We are in no danger." Jon lets out a sigh of audible relief. "You received a summons from the emperor last night. You are to immediately report to him. He says it is a matter of national importance."
That does not bode well. Jon knew he would have to leave again, despite just walking through the door.
"I will need to leave immediately then. I will go down to the cellar and resupply. Tell the girl I am sorry."
Serana smiles sadly at him. "They will understand. Their father is an important man. Now go, I'll at least put a hot meal in you before you go."
Jon makes his way down into the cellar to restock on supplies. He then, quietly, makes his way to his room to grab an extra change of cloth for court. When he was ready to leave, he goes down to the Kitchen where Serana and Jordis are talking quietly to each other.
Jordis spots him first and meets him halfway to them. "My Thane, I will be coming with you." Her tone brooked no argument.
"Alright, I hope your ready to travel by air." Jon smirks when she frowns.
"I will manage. You need to have someone by your side when you meet with the emperor. Especially with the open hostilities with the Thalmor."
Jon nods in agreement. Serana sets out two bowls of porridge. "It's a long ride between here and the Imperial City, eat up."
He and Jordis eat quickly. Once done, Serana follows them to the door. "I will meet you at the city gates, my Thane." Jordis leaves, giving him some privacy to say goodbye to his wife.
They embraced, holding each other closely for a moment. They both were thinking about what a summons from the emperor could mean for them and all of Tamriel.
A little over a year ago, the Thalmor had brought an armada to the shores between High Rock and Skyrim. They had docked in the Icy Coast and taken Farrun with overwhelming force. From there they had planned to march straight to Solitude and take the capital city of Skyrim.
It had been thirty years since the First Great War. The Imperials were back at full strength at this point. However, elves do not procreate as fast as the human races. This posed a problem for the Thalmor. One they had hoped to counter by building an enormous armada and invading where no-one would have suspected.
They would have been completely unprepared; the people of Skyrim would have been quickly and soundly defeated. That would have been the case, had it not been for Jon's dream. A week before the invasion was to arrive Jon was granted a vision. He was able to prepare himself and all of Skyrim, thanks to his enchanted boxes.
The Thalmor had planned to take advantage of a weakened Skyrim. Once Skyrim was under Thalmor rule, the emperor would be forced to send troops to defend the border between Skyrim and Cyrodiil. If he didn't, he would have left himself open to invasion from the North.
While the Emperor positioned his troops, the Thalmor would have used their overwhelming numbers and the element of surprise to simultaneously invade Hammerfell and Morrowind. Once they successfully conquered these two provinces Cyrodiil and High Rock would have been completely surrounded, with no help in sight.
However, that never happened. After the battle of The Dragonborn's Wrath, the current Emperor, Titus Mede II, launched a counterattack on the weakened Aldmeri Dominion. The Thalmor never suspected they would be defeated. When the Emperor sent all his forces into Valenwood and Anequina the Thalmor were caught completely unprepared. However, the Thalmor had almost conquered Tamriel all those years ago for a reason. Even with a vastly depleted force the Aldmeri Dominion still fought on.
Last they heard, the Imperial army had taken both Anequina and Pelletine, what used to be the Elsweyr Confederation. The Imperial army was stationed inside Valenwood at Elden Root and Vinedusk Village.
After Jon defeated the Thalmor, the Emperor had ordered Jon to travel to Morrowind, Hammerfell, and Black Marsh. He had hoped that Jon being both the Dragonborn and the voice of the emperor himself, would be able to convince these nations to rejoin the Empire.
In Morrowind he had used his influence with House Telvanni and his part in preventing Miraak's return to convince them to rejoin the Empire. It helped that Jon was a natural born leader and very charismatic. By the time Jon left Morrowind, to go to Black Marsh, the dark elves looked upon him with reverence.
The argonians of Black Marsh were a lot harder to convince. He traveled to each known settlement within Black Marsh. Not much was known of the Argonian culture because of their reclusive nature. Jon spent a whole month getting to know them and convincing them to trust him.
He did finally convince the Argonians to rejoin the Empire. A lot of concessions had to be made, one of which was the past enslavement of their people. If this was to ever happen again the Empire would have to intervene. Jon had given a passionate speech in front of the argonian Shaman, who led the people of Back Marsh, stating that if his people were ever force into slavery again Jon himself would come to their aid. He promised to have the heads of any who would dare enslave another. His speech had been the deciding factor for the Argonians. When the Dragonborn himself had sworn to protect his people, the Shaman had signed the agreement, then and there.
Surprisingly, Hammerfell had been the easiest to convince. Most thought that since the Empire had practically abandoned them thirty years ago, they would be completely against rejoining. Upon arriving, Jon was taken to meet the acting king of Hammerfell. The man who greeted Jon had shocked him.
During the time Serana had disappeared, Jon had begun to wander aimlessly around Skyrim. It was during this time that he met the mysterious Ebony Warrior, who had wanted to fight Jon to the death. Jon had been victorious, but just barely. In the end he had spared the Redguard's life by knocking him unconscious and taking him to his home.
Jon had worried that he would react violently when he woke up. However, his worries had been for nothing. Upon coming home from Solitude's market, he had found his daughters talking the ears off his simi-unwilling guest. The redguard, who Jon had discovered was named Divad, was quickly endeared by his daughters.
He never did learn much about his guest. He had left after two weeks, saying that he had something he needed to do. He had seemed to come to some kind of realization during this time. He had thanked Jon for sparing his life and been on his way.
Upon meeting the King of Hammerfell, Divad, had embraced Jon and introduced him to his daughter. Jon had been more than a little confused at the time. After the initial introduction, Divad had explained his situation to Jon.
When The Second Treaty of Stros M'ka was signed the Crowns and Forebearers had ended centuries long civil war with a marriage between Divad and his wife. His wife had died giving birth to their daughter, which had caused unrest between Forebearers and the Crowns. Divad had decided to stage his own death so that his throne would pass onto his daughter, despite her wishes. He wanted to avoid another civil war at all costs.
Jon had saved him from that fate, so he felt as if he owed Jon a debt. In the end, Hammerfell's King had signed an agreement to rejoin the Empire, with a lot of concessions, of course. Thanks to Jon the Empire was stronger than they had been at the beginning of the Fourth Era.
With the additional soldiers the Empire was said to be doing quite well in the fight. Many were calling Jon the Hero of Tamriel or the Bane of the Thalmor.
Jon gives his wife one more kiss before letting her go and walking towards the door. Before he can reach the door, he hears a voice from the hallway.
"Papa? Are you home?" Sofie walks into the entranceway, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She looks at his happily, before seeing his hand on the doorknob and his sad expression.
Sofie's face turns into a pout, as she realizes that her father is leaving again. "Oh, u-uh."
Jon sets down his bag to kneel in from of his daughter and pulls her gently into his arms. "I'm sorry, sweetling. Your papa received an urgent summons from the emperor. I don't know when I'll be back."
Sofie pulled away from him and smiles sadly. "Just be safe, papa." Sofie laid her head back on her father's shoulders and hugged him tightly.
It takes them three days to get to the Imperial City. It would have taken Jon less than two, but Jordis couldn't ride for as long as he could. They arrived during the late afternoon and were escorted straight to the emperor's sloar.
Along the way Jon noticed an open door. From previous visits he knew this room was a sitting room for important guests. When they passed by, he glanced inside. He only looked for a few seconds, but a few seconds was all he needed. Inside were Thalmor wizards and a few guards. In the middle of all these mer and men was the leader of the Aldmeri Dominion.
What is going on? Jon walked into the emperor's solar, his mind racing with questions. Conveniently, the one man who could answer all of them was waiting for him just inside. Jordis and the attendant that escorted them stayed outside while Jon walked in.
"Your Majesty." Jon bowed before standing to face the Emperor, Titus Mede ll.
The emperor glanced at the seat before him. "Jon, have a seat. I'm afraid this will be a lengthy conversation."
Jon sat in front of the emperor and looked at him imploringly. "Excuse me, your Majesty, but why is the leader of the Aldmeri Dominion here?"
The emperor sighed, giving Jon a fond smile. "Please Jon, its just the two of us. I believe we've come to understand each other over the years. Humor this old man and speak casually."
At this Jon smiled a bit and nodded. "Good. Now, as to why the altmer are here. Its quite simple really, they've come to surrender."
Jon stared at him, blankly. "The altmer came here to surrender?" Jon stress the words altmer and surrender. Even saying it out loud sounded ridiculous. The High Elves were a proud species, the Thalmor of the Aldmeri Dominion even more so.
Titus let out a little surprised laugh. "Yes, they did. We were very suspicious when we got word that they wanted to arrange a meeting with me."
The emperor picked up a stack of papers on his desk and handed them to Jon. "Two months ago, my main forces pushed the Altmer out of Valenwood. From there we set up a blockade between the Summerset Isle and the rest of Tamriel. This wouldn't have been possible if you hadn't burned well over half their fleet during The Dragonborn's Wrath."
"According to one of our spies, six months ago, mid battle of The Second Great War, there was an out break of what the High Elves are calling dragon pox. Apparently, the Summerset Isles have been devastated by this disease, mostly the children. Several thousands have died, almost an entire generation of their young have perished."
The emperor looked grim, the death of children was always a sad affair, even if it was the enemies' children. "Myself and my trusted advisors sat down with the Thalmor yesterday. They came to sue for peace. At one point they tried to make demands, I promptly shut them down. I informed them that we knew of their epidemic. I told them that the war was over. They had lost."
Jon finished reading the reports and handed them back to the emperor. "What happens now?"
"I had already written the treaty to end this conflict before they arrived. I informed the leader of the Thalmor that it was nonnegotiable. That they would sign it, or we would finish them off."
The emperor paused. Jon looked at him and raised his eyebrow imploringly. The old man and his dramatics. "And?"
He smirked at Jon's exasperation. "They signed it, not without a lot of grumbly, of course. The terms were rather straight forward. The Aldmeri Dominion is to be henceforth, disbanded. The Summerset Isles will once again become a province of the Imperial Empire. The Altmer will govern their province with strict empire enforced restrictions. They will not form a military force for the next thirty years; empire generals and solders will occupy Summerset as its military and law enforcers in that time. The empire will send its best healers from all over Tamriel to help offset the spread of the dragon pox."
Jon thought those terms were fair, after all it had been the Altmer that had started this entire conflict. "What about the other provinces? Will they be okay with these terms? Some may think them lenient."
"There are a couple other stipulation, the ones I told you of are the most important. I suppose we will find out tonight if it appeases the other provinces. I invited envoys from all over Tamriel. I intend to announce the signing of The Treaty of the White Dragon at tonight's dinner."
The emperor's smiled brightly at Jon, making him more than a little nervous. "I will also have another announcement to make, one concerning you and the future of Tamriel."
The emperor smile dimmed as his expression turned solemn. "As you probably already know, I have no heirs." Jon's froze, his breath catching. Oh gods, not again. "Both of my sons were killed in The First Great War and my one Grandson more recently in the Second. I am the last male descendant of the Mede line. However, there is one last female. Three months ago, my grandson's wife gave birth to a daughter. She is the spitting image of her father, a strong and healthy babe."
Jon was starting to feel like he knew where this was going. "I would like to betroth my granddaughter and your son, Kodlak. Also, in the event that I pass on before your son is of age, you will be names Lord Regent and acting emperor until you deem the two ready to rule."
Jon sighs. "Your grace, you honor me-"
The emperor smiles kindly at Jon before interrupting him. "I already know you do not want it. You are not a man consumed with greed or envy. You are a good man. I know that you have done things you have regretted, we all have. However, because of you, all of Tamriel is united once again. My family united Tamriel through conquest, you united them through your own actions and words."
"That is not the only reason I have chosen you and you line and my successors." The emperor stands and picks up the box that had been sitting to his left while they were talking. He speaks as he makes his way around the desk and towards Jon.
"At the beginning of the Third Era, the Septim Rule was established. Most believe the High Elves were responsible for the end of the Oblivion Crisis. They would be wrong. It was the sacrifice of the last Septim that closed the oblivion gate for good and ended the Third Era."
He was now standing in front of Jon. As he sat the box in front of them Jon also stood. He opened the box and took out an amulet, handing it to Jon.
"The Amulet of Kings was shattered in order for the last Septim to close the Oblivion Gate. However, soon after the Gate was closed, the Amulet reformed. Noone was sure why, not many knew it still existed. I believe it existed for this very moment. It exists for you."
The emperor motioned for Jon to put the amulet on. Jon did as he was bid, the amulet fastening around his neck. The amulet shone brightly; Jon felt adrenaline rush through him. He felt his entire being overflow with power. It was similar to when he absorbed a dragon soul but multiplied tenfold. After the shining stopped, the feeling still lingered for a few moments before it seemed to settle within him. He traced the edges of the amulet with reverence. It felt so familiar, like a piece that he never knew had been missing.
When Jon finally looked back at the emperor he was still smiling gently, with a look of amazement in his eyes. "You were glowing, just now. It felt like the whole room swelled with power. I've never seen something so amazing in all my years."
The emperor rests his hand on Jon's shoulder. "Please grant an old man this selfish request. Let me put a worthy emperor, with dragons' blood, back on the throne. With a father like you, I'm sure your son will be the emperor this country needs in these coming times of peace. As well as the emperor to defend the peace, should the need arise."
"I am not from this country, are you so sure that the people will accept me and mine?"
"The people have already accepted you. If that were not enough, you are the dragonborn. The blood of Akatosh runs through your veins. The people are calling you Talos reborn. The only province you are not practically worshiped in is the Summerset Isles. Even there the people fear and admire you."
Jon knew he was right. All over Skyrim the people treating him like some kind of God. When he had visited the other provinces, they had treated him with respect and reverence as well.
"If I accept, will you still allow me and my family to go to Westeros?"
The emperor started making his way around his desk, back to his seat. "If you do accept, I think it would be best if you planned for an extended stay in Westeros. While the people may admire you, I will need some time to convince the nobility to come around. I wouldn't put it past them to go after your family. What better way to get my heirs out of harms way than sending them to a faraway country that we know nothing about?"
He smiled mischievously. "They won't try to kill my granddaughter; she is the key to holding the throne. That is, if they take care of you first. If my granddaughter does not make it to adulthood, I still intend for the throne to pass on to you and your son."
Jon thought for a moment about what Serana had said to him when he had told her about Elisif asking him to be her heir. She had told him that he should follow his heart. He should do what he thought was right and she would always stand beside him.
He had always wanted to do more for the people of Skyrim, he just hadn't had the power. After being made heir, he did. While traveling through the many provinces his mind had been racing with thoughts of how he could help the people of Tamriel, how he could improve relations between the many races.
He had fought beside so many different people, mer, and beastmen. He had come to know their customs and beliefs. He knew there were good and bad in every race, he had met many of both. If he were to accept the emperors offer, he would have the power to act on all the ideas had formed over his venture in Tamriel.
He would also be leaving a legacy for his son to inherit. If he were to have a second child, they would be the future King or Queen of Skyrim. If he and Serana could have one child, surely, they could have more. In the event that they couldn't, Elisif would live for many more years. More than enough time for his son to ascend the throne and Jon to go back to Skyrim to rule.
Jon realized he had already made up his mind. Tamriel was his home, he would see peace last, and its people grow strong.
"Your grace, I will accept. However, I will not force either your granddaughter or my son into an arranged marriage. However, I will accept a tentative betrothal."
The emperor nodded. "That will have to do. I had expected you to refuse outright, this is more than I could have hoped for."
The emperor stood once again. Jon noticed he was quite spry for his old age. Jon hoped he would live for many more years to come. "I will announce you as my heir tonight. I will also announce the tentative betrothal between your son and my daughter. I will give you time to prepare." The emperor reached Jon and extended his hand. Jon stood as well, take his hand in his own. They exchanged meaningful looks, before parting ways.
When Jon arrives at the party he is dressed in mostly black, his signature color, as his wife so often loved to point out. He spotted Divad almost immediately, considered his large size, and made his way over to his friend.
"Jon! Its good to see you! Here, have some wine I brought from Hammerfell, I even brought the kind you like." Divad hands him a goblet of wine and starts introducing him to people around him. After talking with these people for several minutes, he starts glancing around the room.
He catches the eyes of an altmer, who had already been staring at him. His eyes held so much hatred Jon was taken aback for a moment. He held his gaze for moment before looking away. Jon understood that many of the altmer were going to hate him, he had killed thousands of them on the battlefield in one of the most gruesome battles in Tamriel's history.
Jon tried not to let it affect him. It was the altmer who started this conflict. Had he not acted how he did this war would have dragged on for decades and resulted in thousands more deaths.
Jon made his way through the room, talking to those he knew and those he didn't. If he was to rule these people, he would need to get to know them. Many of the others in the room stayed far away from the altmer. Most shot glares and hateful looks their way.
After an hour the emperor made his entrance. "Introducing his Imperial Majesty, Titus Mede ll."
Everyone looked up at the terrace as the emperor came out, all bowing when he was in sight. Jon notice the altmer bowed last and not as low as others.
The emperor thanked everyone for coming and announced the reason for the summons. He told them what he had told Jon, the stipulations of The Treaty of the White Dragon. They were all shocked to hear about the epidemic in the Summerset Isles. Most seem pleased with the treaty, some seemed less than, but stayed quit on the matter. Around the end of his speech, he grew a bit more somber.
"I'm sure many of you have heard of the death of my grandson, he left behind a wife and a daughter. He was dearly loved and will be dearly missed." Everyone grew quit, a silent respect to their past prince.
"With his passing I am left as the only male decedent of the Mede line. As such I have need of a successor. As it would be, my first choice has done me the honor of accepting. As of today, I name Jon Whitewolf my successor and heir."
His decree is met with hushed whispers. At once all eyes are on him, the altmer are, unsurprisingly, outraged. The emperor beckons him forward, towards the terrace. Jon makes his way to stand beside the emperor and looks out at the many in front of him. For the most part the people seem pleased.
The Bretons of High Rock seemed mostly indifferent, though some seemed to welcome the news. Jon hadn't travelled to High Rock yet; he didn't know its people as well as the other provinces. High Rock was the first province invaded during The Second Great War, though only a small area. Most of the people who were unable to flee from Farrun had been ruthlessly murdered by the Thalmor. They saw the Bretons mixed blood as sacrilegious and tainted.
The people of Hammerfell seemed more than happy with the announcement. The nobles of Hammerfell were probably thinking of their king's close relationship with their future emperor and how they could use it to their advantage. Divad had a huge smile on his face and seen content to see the young man acknowledged for his feats.
The dunmer of Morrowind looked to be overjoyed. Most of the Great Houses had supported him, especially Telvanni. His stay in Solstheim had left him a friend of dunmer and an honorary member of house Telvanni.
The Argonian seemed contented, some more than others. Jon hoped he had made a lasting impression on the argonians of Black Marsh. He had left there feeling confident that the people thought better of him than most others.
The Khajiit of the now reinstated Elsweyr Confederation and the bosmer of the more recently freed Valenwood seemed mostly indifferent as well. Jon hadn't been to either of these provinces either. He did, however, know many bosmer and Khajiit personally. Jon felt confident that he could win them over.
The High Elves of the Summerset Isles were none to pleased. The leader of the altmer didn't look enraged like the rest, just resigned. When Jon looked at him, he notices how tired he looked, like all the fight had been drained out of him. Jon remember the epedemic in the Summerset Isles. He wondered if that had anything to do with their leaders mood.
The emperor begins to speak once again, his strong voice resonating though the room. "It was those with the dragon's blood that united all of Tamriel many hundreds of years ago. It would be my honor to restore the dragon's blood to the throne once again. Jon, the amulet?" Jon pulls the amulet out from under his shirt for all to see. Those in the room are shocked to silence. Even the altmer forgot their hatred long enough to gawk at the amulet Jon had revealed.
The emperor wore a cocky smirk before speaking once again. "Many believed the amulet lost to time or destroyed. As you can see it was not. My family has kept it safe, until now. Soon we will usher in a new era. An era, once again, of dragonborn emperors."
With that the room erupted in clapping and cheering. Jon smiles pleasantly, hoping his nerves didn't show. He felt the emperor's hand once again on his shoulder. He looked at him and saw him smiling mockingly, as if to say, I told you so.
Jon spent the rest of the week getting to know the representatives that had attended the emperors summons. He tried to focus on the representatives of High Rock, Elsweyr, and Valenwood, as he hadn't formed any relationships with their provinces as of yet.
When he mentioned that he would be journeying to a newly discovered continent the High Rock representative, a Breton by the name of Olyver, was very interested in knowing more. He explained a bit of what he knew about the customs and people of Westeros. By mid-conversation he had attracted quite the crowd. Even some of the altmer were listening and asking questions.
Jon didn't know what to think of the interest many were taking in his homeland of Westeros. Olyver expressed interest in coming with him. He offered to provide more of his own ships. He also offered too map trade routes between the continents of Tamriel, Westeros, and even Essos.
Jon didn't see any harming in allowing him to join him on his journey. The more relations he established with his homeland, the more excuses he would have to go and visit. He promised to meet with Olyver in the morning to draw up the details. Jon would meet with many over the course of the week for various reasons. He tried talking to some of the altmer representatives, this did not go over well. Their conversations were stilted and brief at best. He had a much easier time with the bosmer and khajiit. He listen to their stories of be under the Aldmeri Dominions rule and what they were hoping to accomplish now that they were free. His most accomplished relationship was by far with the bretons of High Rock. They had been overjoyed with the results of their meeting. The emperor himself had approved of them joining Jon on his journey.
By the end of the week Jon was exhausted, he had never suffered so much politicking in his life. On the last day, Jordis had to practically drag him out of bed.
"Jon, please, you have a meeting with the emperor right after breakfast, you must get up." Jordis was absolutely done with Jon after three failed attempts to rouse him out of bed.
Jon peeks out from under his pillow to blink with exaggerated disbelief at her. "Did you just use my name? Am I about to die?" Jordis makes as if to grab his pillow. "Alright, alright, I'm up."
Jordis gives one more glare, promising retribution, before leaving Jon to get dressed. Having wasted most of his morning Jon quickly breaks his fast before he makes his way to the emperor's solar.
The emperor is waiting for him as he enters. "Ah, Jon. Glad you could make it. I hope you are faring well. This can all be a bit tiresome for a person not used to this sort of lifestyle." He gave Jon a knowing look and gestured for him to sit opposite of him.
"I will admit I've found it a bit tedious. It is much more demanding than the court in Skyrim." Jon was constantly being harassed by different nobles, constantly trying to win his favor or force their opinions on him.
"Its not always so bad. Things are much more hectic with the end of the war and all the different representatives visiting. It's been a long time since so many important figures have gathered in one place at one time. You've helped make history once again, my boy." The emperor laughed mirthfully at Jon's exhausted sigh.
The old emperor had grown quite fond of Jon, and Jon of him. Whatever Jon had expected when he had met Titus for the first time was not what he got. Titus was a friendly and most times soft spoken man. He had a pension for dramatics, much to Jon's dismay. He could also be serious when the need arises. He had a presence about his, when he entered a room, he commanded the attention of all within.
After the emperor was done laughing at Jon's expense he spoke again. "I hear you will be leaving today." He didn't seem upset, more like he expected it.
Jon nodded. "Yes, I'm expecting several friends and allies to arrive any day now. I want to be there when they do. I'm sure some have already arrived." Jon was eager to see some of his friends he hadn't seen in years.
"Yes, I'm sure you are also eager to be home with your family. The High Rock Representatives left out yesterday. It should take them two to three weeks to get to solitude. That should still leave you with plenty of time to prepare for your departure. I won't keep you much longer. I just wanted to wish you luck and see you off. I do have one last piece of advice before you go."
The emperor gazed at Jon solemnly for a moment. He seemed to be gathering himself before speaking. "While you are in Westeros do not forget who you are. There, you're just a bastard of a great lord. Here, you are the future of our nation. Keep your family close and remember, you are dragonborn, and dragons bow to no one."
Jon smiled slightly, taking his words to heart. "Thank you, your highness. We already have everything packed. Would you like to be on our way?"
The emperor stood up with a spring in his step. "Yes! Let's be off! I've always wanted to see a dragon!"
Jon laughed at the emperor's excitement. When he had asked Jon to let him see him off and meet the dragon he was known to ride he had been surprised. He really shouldn't have, knowing the emperor's, eccentricities.
Jon and the emperor exited the solar. The emperor was escorted to his guard unit while Jon went with Jordis to get their supplies and gear. They quickly change into their armor and riding gear and meet the emperor and his guards at the entrance to the city and make their way to an open field.
OD AH VIING
The emperor and his guards all watched in fascination as Jon uses the Thu'um. A few moments later Odahviing lands in the clearing near Jon. He eyes the men nearby distrustfully, his body coiled tightly, ready to attack and second.
"Be calm, friend. These people will cause you no harm. These are friends of mine who wished to see me off and meet you."
Odahviing grumbled in displeasure. "I can barley stand the stench of that woman who insists on following you everywhere. I'd like to distance myself from the mortals," he says the word mortals as if he is disgusted by the mere thought of them, "as soon as possible."
Jon laughs outright. "What about me? Are you saying I stink too?"
"You have dragons' blood, you smell like any other dovah to me." Jon didn't know how he should feel about that.
The emperor spoke then. "What is he saying?"
Jon snorted. "He says you stink and he's ready to go."
The emperor looked shocked for a moment before breaking out in laughter. Jon wondered if he would be okay, he had never seen him laugh like that. The guards didn't know whether to be more shocked about what Jon had said to the emperor or that the emperor was laughing like this so openly.
Finally, he seemed to calm down. Wiping tears from his eyes he spoke once more. "Well, don't let me keep you waiting. Good luck, dragonborn."
Jon smiled warmly. "Thank you, your highness."
Jon looks to Odahviing. "Alright, let's go!"
The dragon lets out an exasperated snort. "Finally."