Welcome to my little fanfiction, which, by the time of the posting of the first three chapters already completed, it's been about half a month old! This is my first published to the world, and if anyone has any comments or criticism on things I might have missed, overlooked, or gotten wrong, please tell me in your review, if you would. This fan fiction started out as a school project, after I had gotten the latest game in the series, Oblivion. This sparked my interest, and now here I am, publishing the first chapters of this huge adventure my characters are undertaking! A note however, to fans of Oblivion. Some things, like places, people and events are somewhat changed for better story effect, at least in the first chapter. Thanks for reading!

--Chapter I—-

Another day, another threat, right? Such thoughts were part of Avery's everyday way of life. But then, not many gods had called him on it. That still doesn't make him believe some Undead or Daedra is lurking around every corner, though. Those who didn't know him (And know him well, I might add!) said that he was a rather peculiar fellow, borderline on paranoia. But he had done his service defending his country, and that's all one person could ask for in the service of the Emperor. Lately, though, rumors had surfaced of the Emperor's assassination. Avery knew that it was the truth, concerning that he had also found out earlier in the week that his three sons were also ambushed by assassins, and killed, at that. He had got to his little house on the outskirts of the Imperial City late in his shift, due to being called in to quell some startled citizens who also had gotten a hold of the rumors. It seemed only a mere 5 minutes ago when he laid down and went to sleep, in his little house in the small area of Beur, just outside of the main bridge leading to the Imperial City. Most everyone lived farther out, or inside the city itself, so Beur comprised of only an inn, a couple farmers, and of course, Avery.

As he woke up, it was about 7 AM. Although it was his day off, he felt something strange going through the very fiber of the town. He's no mage, of course, but something felt. Well, odd. Ignoring it until he got done with his morning ritual, he combed over his black hair, which never failed to get in a mess every night. He wished it wouldn't sometimes. If it were as long as a lady's hair, he'd be in trouble, he always reminded himself. After finishing with that, and washing up, he opened his little cupboard and had a little bit to eat. Roasted meat, apples and milk were on the menu today, so he grabbed those and began chowing down, while walking about his quant cabin. Glancing out the window, he noticed an odd, although not unusual sight; everyone from the innkeeper, to the Imperial Guard that walks the trail from the Imperial Gate to even the couple farmers around the area. What made this look odd was that they were all talking to each other in a rather excited manner. This interested him. Finishing off his drink of milk, and washing out the dishes, then leaving them to dry, he walked outside to see what all the commotion was about. It always amused him out the innkeeper, Shai Lendrill, being a High Elf, always towered over most people, sometimes even intimidating them when asking her for a favour!

"I heard that the emperor was assassinated!" Called out Ewan, one of the farmers, to which his wife Mary piped in

"And his three sons were killed too!"

"We're not sure of that yet, but the Elder Council has closed its doors." Replied the Imperial Guard.

"This could cause serious problems." Shai stated grimly.

"No doubt, but don't worry, we have the situation under control."

"I do hope so, and hello Avery!" Shai added cheerfully, waving at Avery, who was leaning on his gate, eavesdropping.

"Hello, having fun with the gossip are we?" Avery chuckled.

"Quite, but this is a serious matter." Mary stated matter-of-factly.

"Still, I haven't seen the place so lively before, it's good for it nonetheless. I'm sure the Elder Council will find a way to resolve this problem. Anyone know who did it?"

"The guard said it might be the Dark Brotherhood." Said Ewan.

"That's our best guess at any rate," Added the guard. "Oh, by the way, Avery, this note came to you from the Elder Council shortly before dawn." He tossed it at Avery, who promptly caught it.

"Thanks." He then turned around and went back inside his cabin., wondering what it was.

It most certainly wasn't often that notes came from so high up to simple guards. He toyed with the idea of him being the Emperors secret heir or inheritor to a vast fortune, perhaps given instructions to explore some hidden land or even been elected to the council itself. Chuckling at the absurd ideas that came to his mind, he laid the note on the table while he went to fetch some water. After he came back, he noticed the note was glowing with a slight blue rune on the ribbon. It meant IMPORTANT, so to speak, so Avery, sighing at what possibly it could be, unraveled the scroll. What was written in it changed his life forever.

Ye who read this note, are called upon by the Elder Council to server your country, Cyrodiil once more, by charting an unknown land, out far West. You are permitted to bring up to two companions with you on such a journey, of which the legend is inscribed upon the back of this note, however, as with this note, only you and the ones you trust will be able to discern the differences of this note, this legend, and blank parchment. You will depart for the town of Anvil, due west. Talk to to boatman named Dennis, and he will set you up with a boat. Three days to make final preparations, write letters to your companions, and depart.

Signed Malif Bloodstone, High Elder Council Member.

At that, he promptly turned the scroll over and saw a map, unlike any landmass he had ever seen on the map of Tamriel, the only known landmass in the current world. From the map, it looked pretty big, how could sailors have missed it? Turning this thought over in his mind, he realized that the note had said three days. He had to be quick. Grabbing parchment, quill and ink from his drawers, he began writing notes to his friends, and hopefully, future companions. He made a brief explaination, but nothing vital, in case the letters were intercepted. Looking it over, he made a second copy, and as luck would have it, the mail horseman had just passed by the Inn, and was nearing his house.

"Two letters going out today? One to Kvatch, and one to Chorrol? Very well, good day to you!" the Mailman said as he rode off. Biting his lip, Avery realized that he had to suit up, and head out straight away. Gathering up his mail armor from a nearby stand, and also clasped his steel longsword, and iron shield.

"Off to adventure again, old friends?" He regarded his sword and shield. Holstering his sword, he exited his cabin, and had hoped to slip off quietly, but Ewan saw him all suited up.

"Avery, I thought it was your day off."

"I got some business to attend to in Anvil, and might not be back in some time." Avery replied, without meeting his eyes. He wasn't a very good liar, and Ewan saw right through it.

"More like some important order from the Council, don't worry, I won't tell anyone!" Ewan quickly added when Avery opened his mouth, then promptly shut it again.

"Thank you, old friend. I will be back, perhaps in a year or two!" Setting off on foot, he took the left road, on the crossroads separating the road to Chorrol from the road to Skingrad, Kvatch, then Anvil.

Halfway to Skingrad at the time of dusk, and making good time at that, he decided to set up for the night. He found a relatively enclose circle of rocks to make his campfire, and campsite. Laying out a bedroll, he sat down, and tended the fire, poring over the events of the earlier day's letter in his mind. He pulled it ouf again, just to make sure that he wasn't seeing things. It was all still there. He looked at the map a few more times, then rolled it back up and put it back in his backpack. Putting those thoughts to rest until tomorrow morning, he took off his armor, set it aside, put out the fire and went to bed.

He rose early that next morning, at around 6 AM on Tuddas. Packing his things up, but kindering the fire once more to cook some of his leftover meat, he had breakfast. An hour later, he was walking on the trail again. It wasn't long until he saw the gates of Skingrad in the distance. Haunting city, he always thought, he didn't like it at all. It wasn't the lack of people, it was that stupid wood elf Glarthir, who went around causing everyone pain, and of course every traveler had to endure him, he asked every one of them about some sort of conspiracy against him. Total nutcase. Shaking his head, he opened the giant door to the east side of Skingrad. It was already sunset there, so he looked for a place to stay. He always liked the Two Sisters Lodge, very nice hospitality. He entered, and the first thing he saw, was Glarthir roaming about. Nearly panicing, he tried to exit quietly, when Glarthir turned and saw him.

"Ah! Mind helping me out?"

"No absolutely not, get off me, Glarthir."

"How rude!" scolded Glarthir, and exited the lodge in fury.

"Sorry about him" Said Issa Weln, one of the two innkeeper sisters. "Can I do anything for you?"

"I'd like a place to stay for the night, if you can spare any rooms."

"Sure thing, we have a spare open, it'll be 20 gold for the night."

"Here you are!" Avery said cheerfully, setting 20 gold coins on the counter, to which Issa handed him a key for the last door on the right and then set up the stairs.

Entering his room, he once more took off his armor and set it aside. He wondered if it'll ever rust just from sheer boredom. Taking out the map once more, he studied it. He reckoned he'd be at Anvil in a couple days at this rate. Kvatch isn't far off, and only twice as far from Skingrad to get to Anvil. Once more putting the map away, he blew out the candles and went to sleep. When he woke up, on a table at the foot of his bed was a prepared breakfast. Always surprised at the hospitality of the two sisters, he made a mental note to thank them for it after he got done. He ate his breakfast, then as he put on his armor, he noticed something, his gauntlets were no where in sight. But after a few minutes of searching, he found that the ever-tricky things had rolled under the bed at some point. They always managed to do something to annoy him. As he returned the key and breakfast plate, he gave thanks to the sisters, and departed.

Almost at Kvatch, the mailman overtook him.

"Avery, I have replies of your letters, here they are, good day!" Handing them to Avery, he took off for Kvatch.

Avery watched him go, then unraveled the scrolls they had sent back. The first one, from Khazura, a Khajiit archer, read

Avery,

Sounds like fun, I shall meet you in Anvil as soon as I can. It will be fun seeing you and Leon again!

Regards,

Khazura

Well that was a good sign in Avery's book, she was always reliable, but now he unraveled the scroll from Leon, his Breton friend, an accomplished mage in his own right.

Hello Avery,

I like the sound of a good adventure, I'll be there. I haven't seen you or Khazura in ages; this should be lots of fun.

See you later,

Leon

Happy with the replies, and somewhat dreading the new adventure he'd have to tell his newfound companions about, (Since, with the emperor assassinated and such, he couldn't relay THAT kind of information via mail!) he set off towards Anvil, since he had just passed Kvatch by the time he had gotten done reading the replies. He would be able to get to Anvil by nightfall. However, that didn't go according to plan, near the entrance of Anvil, he spotted a red hooded and cloaked figure by the side of the road. When he saw Avery approach, he raised his hand and commanded him to halt.

"Who are you, and why do you block an officer of the Imperial Legion?" Avery demanded.

"Dawn is breaking. Greet the new day." Replied the hooded figure.

"Answer my question." Avery was growing agitated, it was most likely a beggar or something of that nature. But something seemed really odd here with this fellow.

"Turn back, or you will face certain death."

"You're a prophet, I'll assume. Step aside, I have business to attend to."

"Very well," Bowed the robed and hooded person, who stepped aside. "But these were your only warnings." He menaced.

Hearing those last words, and sensing a sudden threat, he turned around, sword drawn, but where the figure was standing, there was nothing. He didn't like the look of it, at all. He wondered if Khazura and Leon were alright. Nothing he could do about it right now anyway. Sheathing his sword, he lodged at an Inn for the night.

When he woke the next morning, it was around 8 am. He went downstairs, and called for the innkeeper.

"How can I help you, traveler?" He asked.

"Did any people come here the previous night looking for me?" Avery inquired. "Maybe a Khajiit or a Breton?"

"Nope, no one asked about you during the night, are you expecting someone?"

"Actually yes, I suppose they haven't arrived yet, though." He bade the innkeeper farewell, and stepped out of the Inn. It was located close to the road, so he could keep an eye on it. Sitting in a chair near the door to the Inn, he watched the road for half an hour, pondering if something may have happened. If they set off as soon as they got his letter, they should be in Anvil by early morning at the latest. His thoughts turned to the red clothed figure who gave him a warning, and to the map. Something occurred to him.

"Maybe I'm not the only one with knowledge of the map. I should go look for Dennis, and try to get a boat ready. I must leave today." He murmured to himself.

Heading towards the docks, he caught sight of a newspaper stand, the Black House Courier, A most respectable news source in the eyes of many people. Paying a couple gold and taking his copy, he opened it up on the way to the docks, reading about the surge of Mythic Dawn 'prophets', rise of bandits in the past few months, and of course, the Emperor's assassination. Normal news topics. But something caught his eye. A few sentences in a small off to the side column. A deranged archeologist was ranting about an undiscovered continent, but before anyone could get hold of him, he had vanished without a trace. The authorities suspected foul play, perhaps a secretive organization had taken him to their holdings. This worried Avery, perhaps this organization is the Mythic Dawn, who was warning him not to go on his adventure. Well, that's just too bad, because in Avery's opinion, he didn't have much of a choice.

Folding away the Black House, he looked around the docks. There were quite a few, it could take ages to find Dennis. But he caught a passerby.

"Excuse me. Do you know where Dennis is?" He asked.

"Dennis? Hmm…Oh you must mean the boat manager, he's down by the east end of the docks, I believe." Replied the man, and walked off.

At least it was a start. Soon, he found Dennis tending to an old boat, not very big, but good enough for 5 people. It would do.

"Hello Dennis!" Greeted Avery, to which Dennis turned around from his work, which was fixing a broken steering wheel. He was an old fellow, late in his 70s, but he refused to quit his work, and he's quite adept at it as a result.

"Ah, you must be Avery. I was just getting this boat fixed up for you, it's one of the oldest, but it's still in fantastic shape. It'll work for your task." At the last word, he winked at Avery to show that he knew. "And where might your companions be?" This to which Avery frowned.

"I'm not too sure, they were supposed to be here this morning, but they haven't showed up."

"Well, you should go look for them, you're supposed to be out of here by 5 PM today, which is when the boat should be fixed." Dennis stated, pointing an old finger at him, who then resumed his work.

Turning around, and walking back to the entrance, he sat alongside the outside wall, waiting for some sign that his friends would arrive. It wasn't long, only an hour later, did he see something move out from the trees on the northern side of the road. It was Khazura, limping backwards, with her bow drawn, and Leon shortly followed, his robes ripped and torn. Avery jumped up with a start and ran towards them. Khazura lowered her bow and turned towards him. Leon began casting barrier magic on the roadside. As Avery got closer, he saw that they both had many cuts and bruises, most likely from battle.

Leon was a Breton, a human with a natural gift of magic, like all Breton can boast of. It makes them pretty much born to wield the forces of magic. Khazura was a Khajiit, a feline-like race, whose appearance ranges from nearly elven in stature, to the 'jaguar-men'. She was of the latter. They are very adept hunters and archers, and their stealth makes them very good thieves.

"What happened to you both!" Avery asked with surprise, helping Leon to his feet, and handing Khazura a healing potion he had on him. She was walking normally now, helping Avery Support leon, they headed for the Anvil chapel. As the main priest there was healing Leon with the restorative magic available to the healers, Khazura turned to Avery, to explain their plight.

"We were ambushed, just as soon as we met up north of Kvatch in the wilderness. We thought it best to avoid the road, we heard of the increase in bandits," She began, "But we didn't count on one thing, the Mythic Dawn. Vile things they are, they demanded that we halt our progress to Anvil! Yes, they knew we were going there! We refused, and the Mythic members that we had encountered, has summoned a legion of skeletons and zombies at his heels, and then vanished into the shadows, leaving us to deal with them. We had no choice but to run against a score of such creatures. We had battled them all throughout the night, attempting to shake them off in wild turns throughout the wilderness, but we were slowly being worn out…Leon was running out of Magicka, and I was running out of arrows. Early this morning we managed to shake them off, or so it seemed. As we neared the road, they ambushed us again. We spent the last of our powers in that final attack, in what we think we finally dispatched them all. I have but one arrow left in my quiver, and that is how we end up here with you."

She finished, resting on the chapel steps. Avery stood at the base, glancing toward the road, in case of a massive assault on the town, to prevent them from sailing off. Uneasy, he turned back towards Khazura.

"Well, I'm happy that you're both still alive. This adventure has turned a deadly turn, and it has barely even begun. Here," He handed her the scroll, entrusting her to read it over. "You should be able to read this. No one except the ones I trust can. I'll go check on Leon." Leaving her with the scroll, he entered the chapel, where Leon was just beginning to walk towards the door with the priest.

"Hail, Avery!" Leon exclaimed, meeting Avery and shaking hands.

"Leon, old friend, you are lucky to be alive!" Avery said gravely.

"Do not worry, your friend is all right now, patched up, good as new. In fact, I taught him some basic healing spells in case this kind of thing happens again. Farewell!" Said the priest, stepping through a side door, leaving Leon and Avery.

"We were ambushed by-" Leon began

"No need, Khazura already told me about it. This adventure may be far more dangerous than from what I told you before." At which point Khazura entered the chapel.

"This is amazing, Avery!" She exclaimed, as she handed the scroll to Leon. "Take a look, Leon, this is where we are headed, out west!"

Leon read the letter, then turning it over, and studying the map, he nodded to himself.

"So this is what the archeologist was babbling about, and people wouldn't believe him. Khazura, I think that's what the Mythic Dawn members are after. This map."

"So it would seem. We need to get out of here, and quickly. Khazura, Leon. Old friends, I ask you this only once. It could turn far more dangerous than what you have already encountered. We are going to explore a new LAND! There could be far worse things there, and even yet, there could be more Mythic Dawn members there, making our task very difficult." Avery said, adding a note of seriousness to his voice. But that didn't shake his old friends, they both agreed without pause, to come with him. He was overjoyed, and asked them to come with him, the boat might be ready to depart.

On the way to the docks, Leon had a question.

"Avery, are we going to sail due west immediately, or stop at Summerset Isle on the way out?"

"Most likely we'll stop at Summerset to re-supply and then head out again within a day."

Soon they arrived at the dock where their ship was being prepared, and Dennis was waiting. At this time, it was 4:30 PM.

"Avery, found your two companions I see, well, the ship is ready for takeoff whenever you see fit. I've stocked supplies that should last you until you get to Summerset, which from there you might need to re-supply." Explained Dennis.

"Thank you, you've been a great help. We will get underway immediately," Beckoning for the other two to follow him onto the boat, he then turned to Dennis again, who was beginning to walk off. "Oh, and Dennis."

"Yes, Avery?" He turned back around, wondering what the problem could be.

"Watch out for strange people, they were after us, we're not sure if they will come after you or not."

"Will do, you kids have fun now."

Looking over the town of Anvil one last time, he then turned around and began prepping the ship for takeoff.

As they were sailing out, Khazura secured the anchor, while Leon went below deck to survey the rest of the ship. Avery continues steering the ship out of the Anvil bay, and out towards the westernmost point in Summerset Isle, home of the High Elves, or Altmer, as they call themselves. Lillandril wasn't far off, it would take about a day or two to get there. Pulling out a map of the known provinces of Tamriel, he surveyed Summerset Isle, and was certain they'd be able to reach Lillandril before the week is done. Satisfied with this fact, he locked the steering wheel in place, so that the ship wouldn't veer dangerously off course during the night. It was already dusk, the sun having set beyond the horizon.

Turning around, he went down the steps towards the lower decks, to see Khazura milling about in the two-man kitchen of the ship.

"It's not bad, for such an old ship." She remarked as Avery passed. The cupboards were filled with supplies, which would last them a long time. Happy with this fact, he left the kitchen, and then went down the hall towards the crew quarters. He spotted five doors, one of course being the restroom, and the other four doors being wide open. The rooms themselves had considerable space, enough for one or two people apiece. Luckily, there were only three of them, so they could use the fourth for storage for now. Leon walked out of one of them.

"Spacey rooms, it'll work well. I'd say this ship is well suited for our adventure." He proclaimed happily, and went to go explore the kitchen.

Avery was quite satisfied with the ship. Most of them didn't have glass portholes in the sides of the crew cabins. At least, none this old. Dennis did well, and so did the Elder Counsel. At least they made sure that it was a pleasant journey to a new land.

As night fell, Leon and Khazura turned in, but Avery stayed above deck, studying the mysterious map that has propelled them on such a strange adventure. Already assassins are at their heels, and who knows what else may come. Looking up from the parchment, there was a slight fog gathering. He wondered how far they were towards Summerset. Checking his compass, the stars, the speed of the ship, and when they departed, they should be within sight of Summerset Isle at noon tomorrow. He decided that he might as well get some sleep, tomorrow will be a busy day. Going below deck, he put out the torches on the walls, slowly extinguishing light as he went. After storing his armor, weapons and backpack in the spare room, he closed his door enough so that it blocked a major view, but also wasn't closed all the way. He drifted off the sleep right away. It seemed only seconds later that he woke up, and it was very early morning. He didn't know why he was up; the sun wasn't even beginning to rise yet. He frowned at the morning sky outside his window, and then lay back down. It was at that moment that he thought he heard a voice. It was barely audible, but it was getting louder. He heard a door open, and as a figure passed by his cracked door, that he identified the sound: Sobbing. Soon enough, as soon as he saw the drooping tail, he knew who it was. His heart sank like a stone in cold water. Khazura never got over the destruction of her hometown at the hands of the Argonians. All of her family killed, the buildings razed, she was the only one left in the town of Rai-Enga, which in the native tongue of the Khajiit meant Little Wood. She had never told anyone else about it, and never mentioned it again, nor had she ever mentioned the nightmares she has, perhaps every night. Leon never knew, he was a sound sleeper, but it always saddened Avery. He knew he wouldn't understand, but it depressed him nonetheless. After she returned to her room a while later, the sun was beginning to rise, the sky's light was turning bright outside of Avery's window. Knowing he couldn't do back to sleep, he rose, and went topside to check on the boat.

A calm breeze had settled over the seas that morning, no clouds in sight. Any fog that was there the previous night had vanished entirely. The sun was slowly climbing as Avery stepped on deck. Checking their position, he was surprised. They would be within sight of Summerset Isle within the hour! A Quick breakfast will be in order, as the seas will gradually shift in current and in depth from this point on. Going down the stairs he almost ran into Leon, who was running up them.

"Hey, Avery, Khazura made breakfast for us." He said cheerfully, putting on his wide brimmed purple hat, matching his robes.

"Man, Leon, you should take that off, otherwise you'll look like a walking mushroom when we head ashore!" And with that they roared with laughter down towards the dining room.

As they walked in, Khazura had just finished getting ready.

"Breakfast is served, eat up!" She said, seating herself in one of the chairs.

As they all sat down and started eating, Avery took a pause in between mouthfuls.

"We're going to be at Summerset far sooner than we expected."

"How soon?" Khazura asked.

"Within the hour, so we all better hurry up, we got some work to do!"

His words couldn't have been truer. Not minutes after they were done, they were scrambling across the deck. The wind had violently changed direction, much against their favor, trying to drive the ship onto coral reefs. Eventually though, with much effort, they managed to navigate out of that dangerous situation, and were now heading towards the westernmost port of Summerset Isle, Lillandril.

"That was fun, wasn't it?" Avery grined at the others, double bent over the railing, catching his breath, his dark hair all over his face.

"Speak for yourself." Khazura pouted, trying to shake the water out of her fur. Meanwhile, Leon was below deck, supposedly going to check for leaks, but they both knew he got seasick easily. Happy with their victorious outcome over the violent costal seas, Avery turned to guide the ship into dock.