Chapter 4: Scrolls and Tomes
Ruin of Blackreach, Province of Skyrim, Tamriel
14th Peacekeeper Company, 3rd Platoon
[ERROR] 0900 Hours
It was directly after breakfast when camp activity had truly begun to take gear. It was at this point that Darion was now ready to go and leave at a moment's notice. However he was hoping for a ride up the ramp, it seemed to be quite a trek if he were to tackle it by foot. But for now he had decided to provide any form of help, especially in the terms of transporting boxes from places, under watch of course.
"Aicantar, friend. We are about to leave for Markarth, do you want to give your Uncle Calcelmo?" Lieutenant Clarke asks.
"Ah yes, please hand these over." Aicantar hands them over some Dwemer struts and a rather large pile of papers.
"If I may, I require some books and tomes on Dwemer ruins. I hear the College of Winterhold has quite the library." Aicantar adds before their departure.
"Where is this Winterhold?" Lieutenant Clarke asks as he pulls out his map.
"Over here. However be careful, Winterhold is Stormcloak city. Best not to show any affiliation with the Imperials." Aicantar points out the location on the map.
"Lucky for us then we do not have any affiliation with them. Darion! Get your ass in gear, it is time to go, friend." Lieutenant Clarke says as he gets into the cab.
"Of course." Darion says as he gets into the back.
"Private van der Wel, let us get moving." Lieutenant Clarke instructs as Private van der Wel starts the vehicle.
The climb takes a usual seven minutes with the Strf 9040A right behind them as they start their day on patrol as usual. At some point they eventually reach the surface and stop for a moment. The commander's optics swing left to right as the units of Globe 1 and 3 interchange positions for the new shift.
"It's clear, he can go." Sergeant Drakenberg's voice comes over the radio.
"Darion, this is your stop friend." Lieutenant Clarke says as he opens the window separating the cab from the back.
"Thank you, friend. Thank you for keeping me alive. Safe travels." Darion says as he gets off the truck.
Sergeant Linehan gets off the top of the Strf 9040A and approaches the Elf and gives him directions. "Head that way, it's more shallow than the rest of the cesspit. You'll eventually find a road and then you can make your own decisions."
"Thank you." Darion says as he walks off into the direction, on his way to restart his life.
The rest of the peacekeepers then get to their duties. Globe 1 spreads out across the swampy terrain, while Globe 3 and 4 return back to their camp. Globe 2 however would continue their way towards Markarth once again.
They had passed through the same route as before, this time without hindrance, in exception to the Forsworn controlled castle and mines where they drove much faster than usual to avoid conflict.
Understone Keep, City of Markarth, Province of Skyrim, Tamriel
14th Peacekeeper Company, 3rd Platoon
[ERROR] 1030 Hours
The path back to the Understone Keep had a bit of a dark mood, no one was sure why however they did not mind. They had gone through the usual security checks and questions before entering.
They still saw that they had problems with their Hall of the Dead, however this time it seemed that the guards were going to take action as a small group of them entered the crypt. Lieutenant Clarke has decided that this hall must be expansive to send five armed men.
Taking the turns they eventually reach the makeshift laboratory of Calcelmo. He was still hunched over his table, studying something that looked like an inscription. At this point they knew they had to avert him from his trance.
"Calcelmo, friend! We have returned." Lieutenant Clarke greets.
"Has my nephew been of any help?" Calcelmo asks as he puts the inscribed stone tablet down.
"Very much so, however he is in need of more information, we would like to ask if you have any books he could use before we go to Winterhold." Lieutenant Clarke hands Calcelmo the papers his nephew gave him.
"I am afraid I need my books here. The ruin of Nchuand-Zel is still barely explored, and new things appear everyday." Calcelmo says as he gets the papers and examines them.
"I cannot spare men because of the possibility of injuries, I guess we will have to go to Winterhold instead." Lieutenant Clarke says as he hands over the map to Calcelmo to mark the location.
"Safe travels, and keep your wits about you." Calcelmo says as he turns back to the stone tablet.
The group turns around, this time having to now deal with their Justiciar associate. Lieutenant Clarke enters a larger chamber where he sees the gold like shine of Elven armor which these Thalmor agents use. Climbing the stairs he eventually sees Justiciar Ondolemar who is oblivious to their presence. Perhaps it was a ruse?
"Justiciar. A word please?" Lieutenant Clarke calls, hands behind his back in formality.
"Of course, please follow me." Ondolemar gestures.
The group follows the Justiciar to a more secluded room, most likely used for meetings with the rest of his staff. It was spartan, very bare in terms of decorations, obviously he didn't want to stay for too long. A few of the peacekeepers however stay outside as they close the door.
"We found your boy." Lieutenant Clarke says plainly.
"Whatever do you mean?" Ondolemar says with years of practiced acting.
Lieutenant Clarke then proceeds to get from a backpack and retrieves the crushed armor and helmet and drops it on the table. "Does this clear up your memory?"
"Ah, I see." Ondolemar says with a hint of annoyance.
"The poor boy was crushed by an animal, we found him almost dead, the internal bleeding had taken him. So I will tell you this once and only once, we do not take prisoners, he was lucky to have been killed by an animal." Lieutenant Clarke lies but tries to make a point.
"Very well. I take it we are done here?" Ondolemar asks with evident annoyance this time.
"That depends on you." Lieutenant Clarke shoots back, hand on his holstered sidearm.
"I understand. Now if you'll excuse me I have some important business to attend to. I trust you know your way out?" Ondolemar says as he opens the door.
Simply nodding the group leaves the Understone Keep. now they had to travel to Winterhold to get some books to help in their attempt to return home. However upon leaving they hear the sound of tables and chairs being tossed about, presumably in rage.
En Route to Winterhold City, Province of Skyrim, Tamriel
14th Peacekeeper Company, 3rd Platoon
[ERROR] 1600 Hours
The route to Winterhold had them pass by the cities of Morthal and Dawnstar which had resulted in them being eyed and chased for awhile until Private van der Wel maed it a point that chasing them would only do the pursuers less good. However the main problem was that the area they had entered was covered in snow. Something a few of them are not adept at, especially Lieutenant Clarke, who was now freezing.
"H-how long until we get there, friend?" Lieutenant Clarke asks as he buries himself further in the blanket of his sleeping bag.
"You tell me, sir, you have the map." Private van der Wel says as she lifts back up the blanket as steering had caused it to occasionally fall off.
As Lieutenant Clarke checked the map it was evident that they were already in the gid square of Winterhold, however they were not close yet, they were on the exact opposite of Winterhold's location. He then clings on to a heating device which came from an MRE, however having eaten and used it two hours ago had forced the heat to leave already.
Eventually making a turn, Lieutenant Clarke sees an expansive sheet of ice, meaning that they were close to the sea. "It is the fucking sea on the right, friend. I am going to freeze to death."
Eventually they reach a small town and stop there. Parking the truck parallel to be able to leave without taking the entire trip in reverse they get out, in exception to Corporal Hoon, and Privates Madsen, and Grey.
"Halt! Who goes there?" a guard asks.
"Y-yes, h-hello, friend. Is this the city of Winterhold?" Lieutenant Clarke asks, attempting to stop his shivering.
"It is. What brings you strange travellers here?" the guard looks towards the group.
"We are l-looking for the College, could you p-point us in the direction?" Lieutenant Clarke pulls the blanket closer to his body.
"Bah, another one of you college seeking mages. Follow the road, you'll get there." the guard says as he turns around in annoyance.
"We are not mages, we j-just seek answers, f-friend." Lieutenant Clarke says as he leads the rest of the group towards the road.
"Just follow the road." the guard says.
Following the road they eventually see that it leads to a stone bridgeway, connecting to a larger building. However there is one person who is there standing guard, a female Elf, who immediately sees the group and approaches them.
"Cross the bridge at your own peril! The way is dangerous and the gate will not open. You shall not gain entry!" the Elven woman says.
"W-we seek knowledge of D-dwemer c-constructs, friend. May we enter?" Lieutenant Clarke asks.
"It seems you want to enter the College for the library and for knowledge. The question now is what can you offer the College? Not just anyone is allowed inside. Those willing to enter must show some degree of skill with magic. A small test, if you will." the Elven neophyte says.
"H-how do w-we do that? I-I'm sorry, f-friend, what is your n-name?" Lieutenant Clarke asks, trying to stand still.
"My name is Faralda. For your test, you must cast the spell Healing Hands. If you do not know the spell yet, I can sell you the tome for it."Faralda says as she holds out the book.
Lieutenant Clarke brings out a handful of coins and shows it to her. "P-please be honest, f-friend, and t-take what is n-needed."
"I will only take eighty nine gold pieces, as is the standard selling price of this magic's tome. I will not swindle you, don't worry." Faralda says.
Lieutenant Clarke calls up Sergeant Sheikh, who is also shivering but not as extreme as he was. Sergeant Sheikh counts the gold to 89 and then hands it over to Faralda, starting the exchange of goods.
"How do we execute this spell?" Lieutenant Clarke asks.
"If someone in your group is attuned to the magic in the air, they can read this tome and learn its content. Once he or she has learned it, cast it on me and you will be recognized." Faralda informs them.
Lieutenant Clarke opens the book with the group huddled around him which definitely helped in the freezing situation and read it together like it was some sort of school activity. Each person takes a turn reading the tome, eventually they decide that they think they are done and can perform the spell.
"S-so who will g-go first, friends?" Lieutenant Clarke wraps his blanket around him tighter.
"I'll go." Private Axelsson says as he walks up to Faralda.
"Please cast the spell on me." Faralda asks.
Private Axelsson holds his hands out and closes his eyes in concentration, feeling the energy around him, he casts the spell, in failure. Seeing nothing happen he decides to move his hands more and more, and then gives up as he walks back to the group.
"Well I tried my best guys." Private Axelsson says as he returns back to the group.
"I'll try, maybe it needs a marksman's breathing and concentration." Private Grey says as he passes Private Axelsson to Faralda.
"Watch this." Private Grey then holds out his hands much like the instructions said, he does the breathing exercise taught to him in training, however it is evident nothing is happening, causing Faralda to stop him.
"No need to force yourself, dear." Faralda says as she puts his hands down, causing him to walk away.
"I'll give it a try." Private Holland says as she walks past Private Grey.
Adjusting the blanket on her she holds her hands up once again. However does nothing else, believing that it will happen naturally. However nothing happens and Private Holland walks away.
Private Yeo-Jin then walks up without anyone knowing until she is in front of Faralda. She holds out her hands and concentrates, temporarily forgetting about the cold. Then all of a sudden a yellow light comes out of her hands, much like what that medic did when he healed General Tullius.
"Ah, someone who is attuned with magic. The College has recognized your affinity with the school of restoration. You and three others may enter. The others, I'm afraid, have to wait in the inn." Feralda says.
Private Yeo-Jin jumps around in joy and excitement while Corporal Bæk stares in awe. "Can you teach me that?"
"C-corporal Bæk, Private Axelsson, you will be going w-with me and Private Yeo-Jin. The rest of you stay in the i-inn." Lieutenant Clarke says.
Everyone then goes to the inn nearby as the rest of the group who are to enter the College of Winterhold stay there. It is at this point Faralda leads them into the grounds via the bridges.
"You, you said you wanted to learn magic? Would you like to try with restoration or another school?" Faralda asks as she guides the remainder of the group.
"I am a medic, ma'am, I believe my talents may be better suited if I could heal others faster." Corporal Bæk says as he assists Lieutenant Clarke, who is almost about to succumb to the temperature.
"Then please try casting the spell." Faralda says, stopping for a moment.
"If it i-is not t-too much to ask, p-perhaps w-we could try e-experimenting in a w-warmer p-place, f-friends." Lieutenant Clarke manages to say as he becomes increasingly dependent on both Corporal Bæk and Private Axelsson to stand.
"Here, let me make some fire for you as we walk. We can continue this inside." Faralda says as she casts a small fire ball in her hands and holds it near Lieutenant Clarke as they walk.
"We might need a stretcher at this point, sir." Corporal Bæk says as a joke.
"I'm o-ordering all b-banter as of t-this moment i-illegal." Lieutenant Clarke says in return.
"Alright, sir." Corporal Bæk says as they pick up the pace.
Faralda eventually leads them to agate which opens automatically. A comment would be made however Corporal Bæk warns the rest of them that Lieutenant Clarke is close to going into shock.
"I see that you are unwell in this cold temperature. We shall stop by the Hall of Attainment. Students have quarters they can access here, and your friend seems like he could use a bed with warm furs." Faralda says as she leads them inside the Hall of Attainment.
Inside they are greeted with a rush of warmth emanating from a blue fire in the center. All the students there immediately look to the source of commotion and see strangers in earthy colored clothes with blankets around them. Faralda leads them to a room with a bed and a wardrobe.
"This will be your bed and room, Please tell me your name as I will prepare a plaque with your name on it." Faralda turns to ask Private Yeo-Jin.
"Oh, I cannot stay here, I have to return with them." Private Yeo-Jin informs.
"No worries. Students come and go, you may access this whenever you need to, my dear." Faralda informs her.
"In that case, it's Hwang Yeo-Jin." Private Yeo-Jin says as Corporal Bæk and Private Axelsson put Lieutenant Clarke on the bed and cover him in his blanket and the other one already present.
"Shall we continue with your test or must you tend to your friend?" Faralda asks.
"Axelsson, are you familiar with treating patients close to hypothermia?" Corporal Bæk asks.
"Somewhat, I grew up in Lappland. He just needs to roll around in his own body heat. I'm sorry ma'am, do you have a warm beverage? Even hot water will do." Private Axelsson says.
"Yeah I think I can take the test." Corporal Bæk answers.
"Of course. J'zargo! Please heat up some water for our guests." Faralda instructs one of her students.
"Whenever you are ready, please cast Healing Hands on me." Faralda says as a bipedal cat begins to heat up water.
Corporal Bæk puts his hands in the inscribed position and focuses. He steadies his breathing, the only thing going through his mind was the want to heal people faster. However soon enough he gives up, knowing nothing would happen.
"Hmm, nothing. Please try reading this and casting it. It will summon a sword in your hand." Faralda hands him another tome.
Corporal Bæk sits down near the fire and opens the tome. While reading the bipedal cat known as J'zargo hands over the hot cup of water to Private Axelsson, who receives the cup and thanks him. After a few minutes Corporal Bæk stands up again and heads over to Faralda.
Corporal Bæk focuses on forming the sword in one hand, he closes his eyes for a moment but nothing happens. Sighing in defeat he puts his hand down and closes it into a fist, causing a purple sword-like construct to appear in his hand.
"Hvad fanden?!" Corporal Bæk yells in shock, holding the blade "It's like the one that Elf summoned to attack Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy."
"Huh what else can you do?" Private Axelsson says as Lieutenant Clarke looks from a gap in the blankets.
"Hey! We're classmates now." Private Yeo-Jin exclaims.
"Ah, a conjurer. Most exciting. I shall go check if there are any other rooms available. It shouldn't take me too long. Please, help yourselves to some food and drink." Faralda places four wooden cups filled with a tea unknown to them on a table, the only clue being the scent of berries.
"Thank you, madam." Corporal Bæk says as he grabs one of the cups, he starts to feel drained, breathing deeply as if he had been running, muttering under his breath. "Damn… I am tired."
"Ah, you must've ran out of magicka. Here drink this potion, it should help." Faralda hands him a blue vile.
"Tired like having ran for awhile?" Private Axelsson says as he sips the tea.
Removing the cork like it was a bottle of wine, Corporal Bæk drinks the liquid. However he immediately gags at the taste and was more than willing to spit the contents out on the floor, however Faralda notions him to continue, which he does in agony.
Wrenching at the after taste, Corporal Bæk chugs the tea given to him. "It was tiring but without physical exhaustion. That tastes horrid."
"Glad to see you have the stomach to try new things, Corporal." Lieutenant Clarke says as he climbs out of the blankets, finally warm enough to move on his own.
"When you're ready, I'll be in the Hall of Elements. Take your time to warm up." Faralda passes to them bowls of soup, presumably a pork broth.
After some time everyone finishes their soup and tea. Arming back up with blankets to cover them, they tell Faralda that they are ready to head out. Knowing that the group was ill prepared for the cold, Faralda had hastened her pace so that they spent no longer than a minute crossing the courtyard.
Faralda opens the doors and is greeted by warmth and a circular room, whereupon a Thalmor agent was standing, roaming around the room. Lieutenant Clarke nudges the foot of Corporal Bæk with his boot and gestures towards the agent, making another hand signal to be vigilant.
"Welcome to the Hall of Elements, most practical and applied classes happen here. The library, which we call The Arcanaeum is upstairs, please follow me." Faralda moves to the left and opens a door for them to follow.
The stairs were dark but surprisingly not humid or musky, thanks in part for the seemingly perpetual snow that falls. Eventually they reach the Arcanaeum. They are greeted to a rather small amount of bookshelves, however it is most likely that this is a vast amount of knowledge for the people of Skyrim, paling in comparison to a school library.
"You are now in the Arcanaeum, of which I am in charge. You might as well call it my own little plane of Oblivion. Disrupt my Arcanaeum, and I will have you torn apart by angry Atronachs. And no I do not have an Elder Scroll here. Now, is there anything I can help you with?" an Orc says in a displeased tone.
"Yes, of course, we'll be careful. That grumpy Orc over there is our librarian, Urag gro-Shub." Faralda says as she grabs a book and unfurls a scrolled paper as she sits on a nearby table.
"We are not looking for an Old Scroll, but we are looking for information on Dwemer constructs, friend." Lieutenant Clarke asks as he leans against the counter.
"Books on the Dwemer, eh? I'm sure I have some. What kind of constructs do you need to study?" Librarian gro-Shub asks.
"Who can draw the construct?" Lieutenant Clarke asks.
Immediately Private Axelsson walks up and grabs his own pencil and a paper from Lieutenant Clarke's notepad. He sketches the construct, the six legs and its bell-like shape, in a few minutes after he passes it to the Librarian who looks at it with interest.
"Never seen this before. Give me a minute, need to peruse what books I have that might help." Librarian gro-Shub says as he goes over to a few bookcases.
The group sits down on a table and talks amongst themselves, going over what they need to find in the books they may be provided with like they were college students doing research on a topic. However at some point a door opens and the sound of metal clinking at every move emanates.
"Urag gro-Shub! Haven't seen you in ages! How've you been my good friend?" a man clad in plate armor calls out. A woman follows right behind him, clad in leather and fur, with metal shoulder guards, utilizing face camouflage as well. What she wore seemed rather impractical for the weather of the place.
"Stroeus, I've been good. What brings you back to the College?" Librarian gro-Shub replies.
"Well I found what I was looking for, and you won't believe this: Septimus Signus is alive." the man known as Stroeus replies back.
"He's alive? Where? Why didn't you bring him back here?" Librarian gro-Shub says in surprise.
"Septimus has gone senile and is obssessed with his research. I don't think I could've brought him back either way." Stroeus says in slight defeat.
"That is a shame. Excuse me for a moment, I have an errand I need to do for these folks." Librarian gro-Shub turns back to the bookshelf he was searching.
"No problem, good friend, no problem." Stroeus says as he grabs a book and sits down on a nearby table, his companion following suit, except she pulls out a dagger instead and sharpens it with what the peacekeepers assume is a whetstone, causing Lieutenant Clarke's right hand to slip down into his holster.
"Hey, Lieutenant, wasn't that the guy in the Solitude tavern?" Private Yeo-Jin asks quietly.
"It is, how odd, friend." Lieutenant Clarke comments.
"Forget tin man, look at his friend, practically not wearing any clothes and she's still alive." Corporal Bæk says in a medical concern.
"You should be more worried about yourselves. All of you look like you're about to freeze to death here." the companion says. Causing Corporal Bæk is visibly startled at this, expecting to have been quiet.
"Now, now, Aela. I'm sure they meant no offense, and that they were genuinely concerned for you." Stroeus attempts to calm his friend down.
"Aye, I suppose. I am a Nord after all. Cold like this is nothing to me." the woman now known as Aela says.
"Well they are doing much better than me, friend. I on the other hand almost suffered from hypothermia." Lieutenant Clarke tells them.
"Be glad it wasn't frostbite. Losing limbs to the numbing cold isn't fun." Aela informs them of an obvious fact.
"Have you warmed up, strangers?" Stroeus asks.
"We have, thank you for your concern, friends." Lieutenant Clarke says from his place.
"Losing a limb to an IED isn't any fun either." Corporal Bæk mutters under his breath, causing Private Axelsson to kick him lightly.
"That's good to hear! What brings you strange folk to Winterhold? Let alone the College?" Stroeus asks.
"We come looking for information, friend." Lieutenant Clarke tries to keep it vague.
"Information? Do you mind if I pry a bit more?" Stroeus asks.
"Here's all I could find on that weird sketch of yours." Librarian gro-Shub places four books on their table. Each one of them grabs one and pulls out papers or notepads from their plate carriers, Private Yeo-Jin resorts to using the blank part of the map of the Cox Bazar to write down notes.
After an hour or more of flipping through pages, and papers full of notes, they stop, finally having reached the end or the book no longer provides them with information useful to them. However they were determined to extract as much knowledge as possible, and the only person they knew who could do that was most likely Aicantar.
"My friend, would it be alright to borrow these books?" Lieutenant Clarke asks.
"I can't let you do that, unfortunately. All the books in this room are like my children, and I need to watch over them." Librarian gro-shub says in defense
"Still a stingy old man aren't you, gro-Shub? I'm sure you can let them borrow one or two books?" Stroeus comments.
"Fine you can borrow two, but you must return them in this condition or better, or else no more borrowing books for you lot." Librarian gro-Shub threatens.
The group decides to take the two books that were not taken note of properly, putting them in the backpack of Private Axelsson. At this point Lieutenant Clarke checks his watch and sees that it was now roughly 1800 hours, and the darkness would set in soon.
"We best get going, thank you, friends." Lieutenant Clarke says as his group begins returning the chairs of the table.
"Stay a while! I'm sure you don't want to travel to wherever it is you're going on an empty stomach, hm?" Stroeus tells them.
"He's got a point, sir. We didn't exactly pack MREs for all of us." Corporal Bæk informs.
"I'm sure the Frozen Hearth has enough warm meals and drinks to fill you up. Shall we?" Stroeus gestures.
"Very well, lead the way, friend." Lieutenant Clarke accepts.
Stroeus leads them towards the exit and eventually leaves the Hall of Elements. Eventually they make their way back down the bridges connecting the city, or town of Winterhold and the College. Albeit this time they descend much faster as to shield themselves from the harsh cold winds the sea brings forth.
Eventually they reached the inn known as Frozen Hearth, it was now that the rest of the peacekeepers remembered that this is where the majority of them went. Outside, Private Grey brandishes a lit cigarette, talking to Corporal Hoon who refuses a stick, going over their experiences prior to their transportation into Skyrim.
"You think we've been listed as Killed in Action? Back on… Earth I guess?" Private Grey asks as he inhales the burning tobacco.
"Probably Missing in Action, or deserters. If we were listed as deserters, I don't want to return then." Corporal Hoon looks to the ground.
"But would you rather die here than back in Korea?" Private Grey asks.
"Maybe, it would be nice to see my yeoja chingu." Corporal Hoon responds.
"You're what, sir?" Private Grey takes another drag.
"Girlfriend, shit for brains. You got one too?" Corporal Hoon replies.
"I wish, been single since my mum shat me out." Private Grey says as he laughs about it.
"You'll find one, don't worry. LT is back." Corporal Hoon points to them. "Find anything useful?"
"Notes and books, but we should eat before we make the trip back, friends. What are the rest doing?" Lieutenant Clarke asks.
"Sitting around the fire, Watts bought a drink." Corporal Hoon informs.
"Is he wasted?" Lieutenant Clarke says as he climbs the steps.
"No. I told him he could only have one." Corporal Hoon tells them the restriction.
"Very well, let us have a meal, friends." Lieutenant Clarke says as he leads them into the inn.
"Uhm, sir. Who are they? Why is she not dead yet?" Private Grey asks as he flicks the cigarette butt away into the snow.
"Some friends, I guess. Are you our friends?" Lieutenant Clarke asks Stroeus and Aela.
"Of course. As long as there are no open hostilities between us, we can all be friends. I am Stroeus Cannalla, from High Rock." Stroeus introduces himself.
"I am Aela the Huntress, a native and a Companion. I'm not dead yet because I can kill most things from 70 paces with my bow" Aela chimes in.
"Ha, with one of those Accuracy International rifles and a good day, I can hit 500 meters." Private Grey brags.
"I'd like to see you shoot a moving hare with a bow instead of… that." Aela returns the favor.
"Oh sure, let me call up the Ministry of Defence, ask them for a bow, oh wait, I can't do that." Private Grey says.
"You have to ask for permission to buy a bow? Are you that bad of a shot?" Aela says in a suppressed shock.
"Oh, either you're a bad shot, or she's not updated. I think it's you being a bad shot." Corporal Hoon fans the flames.
"Bows are about as outdated as throwing rocks at the enemy, luv. Rifles are where it's at nowadays." Private Grey tells Aela.
"I've never heard of this 'rifle.' So it's either an Imperial secret, or for cowards who can't lead an arrow."
"Well at least a coward can hit 500 meters." Private Grey responds.
"Perhaps everyone would be friendlier with a meal." Lieutenant Clarke says as he enters the inn to end the banter before he freezes to death.
Once they enter the inn, they are greeted with wooden furniture and a homey feeling, for its time anyway. Immediately they see the rest of the squad already occupying two tables, some of the other patrons looking at them in interest or some other moods. As Lieutenant Clarke passes by he is met with acknowledgement of his presence.
They find a table and sit down, the table now relatively full. Lieutenant Clarke stands up however Stroeus stops him and calls over for a server to come over instead. A woman in a red and white dress comes over to the table and asks why she was called over.
"Haran! Could you give everyone in this table a bowl of clam chowder, bread, and some salmon steak please? Myself and Aela will have some Black Briar Mead. Thank you, dear." Stroeus orders for the immediate group.
"The same goes for my friends in the two tables over there, I will cover their expenses." Lieutenant Clarke adds in.
"Ah, more friends! Brilliant!" Stroeus says in a cheerful manner.
Haran repeats the orders and then heads over to the counter where her husband is and then heads into another room, most likely the kitchen. After ten minutes she goes in and out to serve the food to the groups. Everyone digs into their orders, talk and jokes mixed in.
"I have a very exciting story to tell, if you would lend me your ears." Stroeus says as he drinks his mead.
"Very well, friend. A good story should never be passed." Lieutenant Clarke spoons another mouthful of the clam chowder.
"Well, where do I begin? Ah, yes. I was on the way home to High Rock when some Imperials thought me to be a spy. I was brought to the town of Helgen as a prisoner, and would you believe it, one of the prisoners with me was Ulfric Stormcloak himself!" Stroeus recalls.
"Is that not the leader of the insurrectionists?" Lieutenant Clarke inquires.
"You'd best keep quiet, mate. We're Stormcloak territory here." Stroeus warns.
"Anyway, we arrived in Helgen, an Imperial town, and we were about to be executed! I was next on the chopping block when… Alduin, or the World Eater, appeared out of nowhere and killed almost everyone!" Stroeus says in a hushed tone.
"I ran like hell away from everything, met up with Ulfric, then eventually some Imperial soldiers, and managed to escape the town. After that, I made my way to Riverwood, a nearby settlement, went on the Whiterun, and met this beautiful lass, Aela." Stroeus notions to Aela beside him.
"Beautiful? Me? You're jests are getting better Stroeus." Aela says, controlled but obviously flattered.
"World Eater? Like the Traitor Legion Astartes?" Private Magnusson jokes.
"Stop that, he doesn't even know what that is, nor do I." Private Yeo-Jin hits her large squadmate.
"Did this, Ulfric make it out alive, friend?" Lieutenant Clarke asks.
"Oh yes, it's why the Civil War is still ongoing." Stroeus takes another swig of his mead.
"But what of a chain of command? Would it not continue regardless of his… disappearance?" Lieutenant Clarke says in a quiet tone, cutting a piece of salmon.
"From what I know his second in command, Galmar Stone-Fist took over. Other than that I don't know much else." Stroeus fills them in.
"So where do you stand in this Civil War?" Corporal Bæk asks.
"I'm not sure myself. While I understand the strife and tribulations of the Stormcloaks, their racist and bigotry has gone too far." Stroeus tells them in a hushed manner.
"Ah, does he also have a square moustache? Put people in camps? Generals clambering over each other for his favor?" Private Axelsson puts a piece of salmon in his mouth.
"Uhm… no. But what he does want is for Skyrim to be purely for the Nords. I hear anyone who doesn't support their cause in the city of Windhelm, his capital, is outcasted by most, if not all the Nords in that city." Stroeus informs them.
"Interesting, perhaps we shall take the advice of Steward Firebeard and stay away from those cities." Lieutenant Clarke says as he drinks his cup.
"You know of Falk? Great man, that steward. Love him to bits!" Stroeus says enthusiastically.
"He was very accommodating, the wizard there was not very friendly however." Private Yeo-Jin adds.
"Ah yes, her. Something is off with that court wizard, aside from her rude personality." Stroeus comments.
"Maybe we will learn that reason one day, friend." Lieutenant Clarke jokes as he finally finishes his meal.
"Perhaps, perhaps. Anyway, where are all of you headed? You surely can't be travelling far at this time?" Stroeus mentions the current circumstances outside.
"We can actually, maybe a six hour journey back?" Private Yeo-Jin mentions.
"Six hour journey? You're planning on going to Morthal or Solitude? That'd be at least half a day's worth of travel or more on horseback." Stroeus says in a shocked manner.
"Well we have… something like a horse." Lieutenant Clarke says as he calls for Haran to ask for the bill.
"Yes, sir. What do you need me for?" Haran asks.
"We would like to pay for the food and drink." Lieutenant Clarke says.
"That'd be 50 gold pieces for everything, sir." Haran counts as Lieutenant Clarke hands her the 50 pieces.
"Thank you, kindly." Haran says in courtesy.
"Haran! I'll pay for this lovely table here. Here's 100 gold for the food, and drinks." Stroeus pays.
"Always the best eater and payer aren't you Stroeus. Thank you." Haran jokes.
"So where are you going now, Stroeus, friend?" Lieutenant Clarke shifts in his seat to feel more comfortable.
Well, I'm on the way to look for a Dwemer ruin called Blackreach. I heard it's somewhere further below the ruins of Mzinchaleft." Stroeus says casually.
"Oh? What is this Blackreach, friend? What are you looking for there?" Lieutenant Clarke suddenly returns to an on guard mode.
"There is some sort of… artifact in the ruins. One that will help me on my quest. Aela here is meant to accompany me, and make sure I don't get into trouble." Stroeus tells them.
"Which you always get into no matter where we go. Especially in Falkreath where you love to kick random chickens." Aela reminds Stroeus.
"Aela, dear. That was an accident! I swear!" Stroeus says, apparent in its true form as a joke.
"Give me a moment friends, I just need to have some fresh air." Lieutenant Clarke says as he motions to Sergeant Sheikh and Private Madsen to follow in a while.
In a few minutes the two others Lieutenant Clarke called for met him in the back of the truck, this time with the tarp tied down to protect them from the assault of cold air.
"So what's up, sir?" Private Madsen asks.
"I need to speak with Sheikh first. Our plate armor friend needs to go to Blackreach to find an artifact, should we let him come with us?" Lieutenant Clarke adjusts the blanket on him.
"It could be inscriptions on how to make the construct work, it is worth the risk." Sergeant Sheikh mentions.
"Very well. Madsen, fire up the long range radio." Lieutenant Clarke orders.
Madsen places the bulky radio on the floor and turns it on and switches to the proper frequency and passes the receiver to Lieutenant Clarke. "You're good to go."
"This is Globe Lead to Base, come in base." Lieutenant Clarke says.
"This is Globe 4-1, proceed with transmission, Globe Lead." Sergeant Drakenberg answers.
"Gather the other sergeants, Drakenberg, we need another vote." Lieutenant Clarke says.
"All here, send it, sir."
"Alright, a new friend needs to go to Blackreach to find an artifact, should we let him come with us? It could lead us to clues on how to use the construct." Lieutenant Clarke repeats.
"We're all for it, except Şÿrÿfaddinsoy, sir."
"Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy, what is your reason, friend?"
"It could be a trap by those Thalmor, sir, for revenge. Or maybe a spy, there are too many variables at play here, sir."
"Would you be amenable if you would watch him during the duration of his stay?"
"He cannot go to the quarters or the armory, if he needs to stay he needs to be under guard."
"We'll see, however I will respect that and honor it if he allows it. Would that be fine?"
"... yes, sir."
With that they all go back, one by one into the inn. Lieutenant Clarke sees Stroeus in his attempt to befriend, or maybe even flirt with his companion. It was none of his business however, but it was time to tell him about Blackreach.
"Would you like to go with us, friend?" Lieutenant Clarke sits down.
"Where to?" Stroeus faces Lieutenant Clarke.
"Blackreach." Lieutenant Clarke says in a hushed manner.
"You're headed for Blackreach? Well this makes mine and Aela's lives easier. Shall we go with them Aela?" Stroeus looks to Aela.
"I don't see why not. Never liked staying too long in those kinds of ruins anyway." Aela finishes the last of her mead.
"But, there are a few conditions, friend." Lieutenant Clarke leans forward to support his body weight on his arms.
"Please, name them." Stroeus listens.
"One, you cannot enter certain buildings we have used. Two, you will be under guard for the whole duration of your stay." Lieutenant Clarke lists down.
"No worries! I don't think Aela and I would explore too much of the actual ruins of Blackreach. I'm sure that whatever it is I'm looking for is in a specific room." Stroeus assures.
"Very well. Globe 2! Mount up!" Lieutenant Clarke yells as he stands up, but not too loud to catch the attention of the other patrons.
"Let's go, Aela." Stroeus and Aela stand up as well and join the group as the last in the file.
As they go outside almost immediately everyone puts on their blankets as the night brings much more ferocious freezing winds from the sea. They all pile into the back, in exception to Lieutenant Clarke and Corporal Bæk getting into the cab.
"So… is this the 'horse' you were talking about?" Stroeus reluctantly grabs onto the end of the now down tailgate.
"What in Oblivion is this thing?" Aela looks at one of the tires of the truck.
"Well, it's got horsepower." Private Watts laughs at his own joke as he holds out a hand to help them get in..
"You could say it's the future of transportation for you folk." Private Yeo-Jin extends a hand as well.
"How does it work?" Stroeus asks, not boarding the vehicle yet.
"It uses… oil to move, let's leave it at that. Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy can tell you more, now come on, let's move before Lieutenant Clarke freezes again." Private Yeo-Jin attempts to explain.
"That's an odd first name. Yes, that would be best." Stroeus finally accepts the hands and is pulled inside with Aela following suit.
"It's not a first name, mate. It's a rank." Private Watts lifts the tailgate and sits back down.
"Sound off, friends. No one gets left behind." Lieutenant Clarke says from the front as everyone announces their presence.
As Corporal Bæk turns the truck around to follow the road, Stroeus and Aela are seen to be rather shocked at the movement, however eventually they calm down and relax. Sadly they could not see the outside as the tarp covering the back was tied down to avoid the harsh cold winds.
Somewhere in between Morthal and Dawnstar, Province of Skyrim, Tamriel
14th Peacekeeper Company, 3rd Platoon
[ERROR] 2145 Hours
Most of Globe 2 were now fast asleep in exception for those near the tarp covering the opening and those in the cab. Stroeus and Aela however seem a bit nervous in their predicament inside the machine. The temperature was beginning to increase that some of the other members had removed the blankets and placed them back into the sleeping bags in their bags.
With the only sources of light being the headlights and the moon, it was still particularly dark. Both Lieutenant Clarke and Corporal Bæk were weary of a bandit attack this late at night, however nothing had happened thus far, luckily.
A gust of wind was heard by everyone awake, however it put Stroeus and Aela on visible edge. "Did you hear that, sir?" Corporal Bæk looks around while still trying to follow the road.
"Yeah I heard that friend." Lieutenant Clarke looks around as well, eventually seeing the silhouette of an aircraft in the sky.
"It does not have the lights of a civilian plane. More lost peacekeepers?" Lieutenant Clarke mentions, however the unmistakable roar that sounds puts that theory to rest.
"Pull over and hide us!" Lieutenant Clarke yells as he grabs his M4 and opens the window separating the cab from the back.
"Everyone, wake up! Draw whatever arms you have with you. Aela, with me!" Stroeus says as he stands up, however being put off balance by the sudden turning and stopping of the truck.
Everyone gets up and jumps out and scatters into the nearby shrubbery. Weapons drawn and loaded, aimed high up into the air. Eventually a roar sounds again and this time they all see the dragon as it flies over them. They clutch their weapons and stay still.
"Just let it pass, friends." Lieutenant Clarke says over the radio.
"I've lost eyes on Stroeus and Aela." Private Watts chimes in from behind a rock.
"Shit, I see them, they're standing in the damn open." Sergeant Sheikh hisses. "What are you doing? Do you want to die?"
"Aela, go over there, provide me some cover fire when this damned dragon lands. And you, I suggest you either find some cover and hide or do the same thing. This dragon is mine." Stroeus conjures a bow and pulls the purple energy back and lets loose.
"Get down!" Lieutenant Clarke yells as the dragon makes a strafing run as a hail of ice rains down upon the road.
Stroeus dives out of the way at the perfect moment, dodging out of the way to avoid freezing to death instantly. In a swift move he fires another purple arrow towards the sky, the hit was obvious as the purple arrow disappears.
"Don't just stand there, shoot!" Stroeus yells as he pulls another arrow.
"He already has its attention, open fire!" Lieutenant Clarke flicks the safety switch of his M4.
The road had lit up with the yellow white muzzle flashes of the weapons, some firing in precise single rounds, while others fired in automatic fire. Stroeus and Aela temporarily look towards the peacekeepers and their strange magics, however they avert their gaze back to the dragon at hand.
"It's coming back around! Scatter!" Private Grey jumps away from his position and into a new one.
The dragon unleashes its frozen fury upon his targeted area, narrowly hitting the truck and a few others. However this left a few of them in the open and prime for an attack. The dragon came back around just as quick as it had attacked, however Private van der Wel grabs her last flashbang, pulls the pin and throws it as hard as her arm could.
"Flash out!"
The brightness and deafness causes the dragon to avert its attack and fly rather aimlessly, crashing into trees and rocks, however it maintains its flight, albeit much slower. The problem was it also affected two other people who were not intended to be caught in its blast.
"What happened?!" Aela stumbles a bit as she tries to regain her sense of sight.
"Stop shooting for now, Aela! We don't want to hit anyone else." Stroeus yells as he attempts to both regain his sight and hearing while Private Madsen hauls him to safety.
"Magnusson, Axelsson, Grey! Aim for its wings!" Lieutenant Clarke fires his M4 at the silhouette.
The trio, from their positions, opened fire upon its wings, however they continuously moved and thus made it a harder target to hit. However in the night, it was hard to tell what they were hitting until the tracer round of their magazines were fired.
"We need to aim at only one wing!" Private Grey fires once again with his L1A1 Self Loading Rifle at the leftmost wing.
However they had to stop again as the dragon was on another attack approach and had to stop firing as to not attract the attention of the dragon. As soon as it flew past after its icy attack, the trio had begun to pour fire into the left wing once again, the effect had taken a while however the leathery part of its left wing had begun to tear, thus causing the dragon to lose thrust.
"Good job, friends! That should make it fly off." Lieutenant Clarke lowers his M4.
However the dragon crashes particularly hard onto the cobblestone road, causing splintered trees and rock fragments to fly. In its fury it still refused defeat and had begun to trudge its way to the group. Spitting ice and anger in its roars, its want for revenge taking over its need to heal instead.
"Aela, with me!" Stroeus conjures a blade of purple in his right hand and a ball of crackling light.
"Aye! I'll take the right!" Aela runs off while preparing another shot.
"Wuld, Na!" Stroeus covers a large distance in the blink of an eye.
"What the fuck?" Private van der Wel says in confusion.
"Nevermind that, advance!" Lieutenant Clarke sprints off with others in tow.
To a normal person the act of engaging a beast such as a dragon on such close combat was illogical and dangerous. However to Stroeus it seemed to be something like a second nature as he dodges and weaves, casting lightning from his hands and slashing at it from time to time.
"This guy is a Sith Lord." Private Magnusson tells the group, getting no reaction as everyone sets up onto a shooting position.
The fire of the peacekeepers is more precise now, instead of automatic fire it became precise bursts in order to avoid hitting Stroeus or Aela. However a killing blow was coming and Lieutenant Clarke saw this and reacted accordingly.
"Stroeus! Watch out!" Lieutenant Clarke fires his M4 at the head of the dragon.
Dodging out of the claw swipe, Stroeus stands up and yells. "Yol, Toor!"
Suddenly fire sports from Stroeus' mouth and stops the dragon from his next attack, but it does not stop there as the dragon tries for another claw attack, resulting in Private Grey attempting to push Stroeus out of the way.
"Feim!" Stroeus yells as he becomes see through.
Private Watts is instead met with hitting the ground, luckily his helmet had absorbed most of the impact. The dragon's bite is met with nothing, however its attention is not diverted to Private Grey, who has now switched his L1A1 to full auto in an attempt to injure it. The first rounds to hit the dragon do make damage, however only instigated the ire of the beast.
Lieutenant Clarke and the others could only stand and watch as Private Watts is flung towards a tree, his body disappearing into the bushes below the tree.
"Watts!" Private Grey yells from atop a tree.
"Go and deal with the boy! Leave this dragon to me and Aela." Stroeus orders the peacekeepers.
"Bæk! Take someone and get Watts!" Lieutenant Clarke orders as well.
Stroeus decides that the fight must end now. In a bold move he clenches his left hand into a fist, the lighting now going around his gauntlet. The punch delivered was both of concussive force and shock, causing the dragon to flail its head in disorientation. Capitalizing on this he mounts the head of the dragon and stabs the top of its head multiple times until a sizable hole was left.
As the dragon fell limp and lifeless its flesh and scales began to disintegrate and burn up. Stroeus stood there as it began to glow a hue of yellow and white. Suddenly a surge of energy hits him, wrapping and absorbing him into the energy. And as quick as it started it ended as he simply inhaled and exhaled, letting the conjured weapons dissipate.
"What did you do?" Lieutenant Clarke walks closer to the scene.
"I apologise for not telling you. I am Dragonborn. A hero of sorts if you will. The Greybeards up on the Throat of the World believe me to be a chosen one sent by the gods in a time of great need. My calling is slay Alduin. I apologise for not telling you earlier. The Thalmor seem to be hunting me down." Stroeus informs them.
"Okay then, how about we get a move on then?" Lieutenant Clarke asks.
"I'd like to gather some of its scales and bones. I've a good idea of what I can do with these. Give me a few minutes." Stroeus pulls out a knife.
Lieutenant Clarke simply nods and runs to the direction of Corporal Bæk and Private Holland who are now attempting to put Private Watts on a stretcher. The sight had calmed down Lieutenant Clarke a bit, he did not want to bury another person.
"How is he doing, friends?" Lieutenant Clarke helps support the stretcher as they move.
"We won't know for sure until we have an X-ray or when he wakes up, but I am sure that he would have one hell of a concussion." Corporal Bæk steadies his run.
"Maybe he will just be fine, let us hope for it." Lieutenant Clarke helps hoist the stretcher into the truck.
Lieutenant Clarke dusts himself and straightens the fatigues under his plate carrier. "Friends! Let us mount back up! Let us leave before more dragons arrive."
"Alright, let's go Aela." Stroeus sheathes the knife and leaves the carcass.
"You need to work on your aim more, Stroeus. Most of your arrows didn't hit well." Aela notes, or perhaps banters.
The two locals banter as they close the distance to the truck. Everyone boards the vehicle in either triumphant moods or neutral moods, however it was relatively silent regardless.
"Hey, at least we killed it right?" Stroeus attempts to lighten the mood.
Private Watts stirs for a while and softly says. "Go fuck yourself, tin man."
"You're a fool to put yourself in danger. You fight with distance, then stay at a distance." Aela criticizes.
"At least he was willing to save a life, that of a stranger mind you." Corporal Hoon extends one of his legs, K2 assault rifle still in hand.
"It is an honor for us to die in battle. Sovngarde calls our name whenever we enter the fray." Aela says in a preaching manner.
"Sounds dumb." Corporal Hoon replies.
"To those who have never been so close to death. But to us who struggle with survival everyday, Sovngarde is a place us warriors go to sing, drink mead, and relish in eternal life." Aela explains.
"Look at that, a bunch of crusaders. Just don't be an ass." Corporal Hoon adjusts himself to sleep.
The rest of the trip was uneventful for the most part. The only part eventful was the entering of the swamps, causing everyone to wake up as they forded swamp water and holes, causing fits of complaints to whoever was driving.
Ruin of Blackreach, Province of Skyrim, Tamriel
14th Peacekeeper Company, 3rd Platoon
[ERROR] 0800 Hours
When the members of Globe 2 arrived, Private Watts was immediately sent to the rest of the medics. After an inventory count with Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy who was not very pleased to know that they had expended more ammunition. However everyone went to sleep, with Stroeus and Aela put into one building under the watch of Globe 3's skeleton crew.
Breakfast came in the form of bread, scrambled egg with a poorly shredded cheese, and coffee from some MRE packs, watered down that it almost tasted like nothing. The skeleton crew had gone ahead and rested for a few hours at this point.
"So this is Blackreach. It's… darker than I imagined. This place is unnerving." Stroeus scoops up more of the scrambled eggs.
"The sooner we find what you're looking for the better." Aela sips her coffee and questions the taste of water and bitterness.
"Are you ready to go look for your scroll?" Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy asks politely but with no facial reactions.
"Give me some time to prepare. I need to cast a spell before leaving." Stroeus stands up.
"Very well then, We'll be waiting." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy turns around and leaves.
Stroeus walks outside the mess hall and holds his hands out, closing his eyes he holds out his hands and mutters. "Show me the way to the Elder Scroll."
In his mind's eye he sees a path light up towards a tower and sees mechanisms made out of glass and Dwemer metal, however he does not see any threats, but one cannot be sure.
"Follow me, and stay close. We don't know how many Falmer, Chaurus, or Dwemer Constructs there are in the place we're going." Stroeus starts walking as Aela follows.
Sighing at the lack of warning, Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy calls out for those who weren't part of the skeleton crew. "Vaino! Schwarzmann! Tame! Avila! Let's move"
The four aforementioned peacekeepers get up and throw their rifles behind their backs on a sling and run outside, however Lieutenant Clarke is quick to stop all of them. "Friends, bring Aicantar, perhaps he can read some hints to avoid traps."
"Aicantar? That High Elf with Calcelmo in Markarth?" Stroeus walks up to Aicantar.
"Are you sure sir? The boy could get killed." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy finally catches up.
"That is why we gave him the vest and helmet, friend. You can defend yourself right?" Lieutenant Clarke asks.
"I can use magic to protect myself, yes." Aicantar replies.
"There you go, now off you go, friends." Lieutenant Clarke sends them off as he makes his way to the mess hall.
The trek towards the tower had taken longer than expected, however it was not as tiring. As they crossed the bridge they saw the stalagmites and the now bloated and or rotting carcasses of the deceased Falmer. The smell of rot had been mostly masked due to most of them being submerged underwater, however it was still a frightening sight to behold.
"What is that stench? I don't think I've seen any other living creature down here other than us." Aicantar covers his nose at the olfactory assault.
"Trust me, it's a lot more mild than you think." Private Vaino puts a hand on Aicantar's shoulder.
"Smells like dead Falmer to me. You did well dealing with them. Lucky you didn't run into Shadowmasters and Warmongers." Aela observes the carnage.
"Are they the ones with sticks and cast magical stuff?" Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy asks.
"Yes, but with a lot more potency and effectiveness. Their poisons are the most lethal among the Falmer." Aela mentions.
"I think we did, maybe." Private Tame points to the recently dug up dirt.
"Then how many casualties did you suffer? Not many survive a Warmonger's poison without an immediate antidote. Not even I or Stroeus." Aela stands back up.
"Two are KIA, three were wounded." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy says.
"KIA? Well in any case, be thankful to whatever god you worship that the three wounded didn't meet the poison of a Warmonger. Here, take these." Aela grabs three bottles from her satchel.
"Give them back to the medics at base, we cannot carry them for now." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy tells Aela. "Enough gawking, let's move."
"I suggest you take them. We don't know how soon we're going to encounter Falmer, and I assume you want to keep these men alive." Aela insists.
"We did not bring bags, thank you." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy says in a slightly annoyed tone, but still grateful.
"All right, we're here. Step onto the platform, and brace yourselves." Stroeus flips a lever.
Suddenly gears start to move as a hiss of steam erupts from the four gears in the corner. The platform lifts itself up in a slow but methodical manner, however the initial start had caused some of the peacekeepers to fall down.
Once the lift stops they are greeted with a very small space to move and a tight spiraling passage way on the left. Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy makes a hand signal and immediately, Private Schwarzmann takes point. The rest of the peacekeepers have their rifles either pointed up or facing rear. Eventually they reach a platform with an even higher one overlooking the area. The machinations looked like they were designed by an artisan primarily using glass.
"Magnificent craftsmanship." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy walks up to the platform.
"Indeed. Most Dwemer Oculory that are in good condition are as beautiful as this one. But these always come with a puzzle." Stroeus walks up to what seems to be a control area.
"So does it form a picture of a horse? Like putting together a picture using smaller pieces." Private Avila jokes.
"Close, but not quite. I know that most Dwemer Oculory contain some sort of interesting or dangerous." Stroeus inserts a cube into a receptacle and begins studying the table.
Looking at the buttons, Stroeus observes for a moment before pressing one, causing something to move and noise to emanate, causing everyone to cover their ears.
"Keep it, cabron! We might attract more of those Falmer creatures." Private Avila says as he steadies himself.
"Someone go watch the entrance, take another person as well." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy orders as Privates Vino and Avila rush downwards.
Stroeus presses the buttons once again in a random order, until another button appears from its pedestal. "By Ysmir, what is happening? Give me some time to figure this out."
After a few more minutes another button pops out. Having a slight idea, Stroeus begins to press the buttons in his own sequence. At some point however after pressing in a sequence the machinations began to move in a continuous manner, until a circular casing made of the glass-like metal material and Dwemer metals descended from above.
"There we go, now we're getting somewhere." Stroeus walks down to the platform as the casing opens.
Once the canister opened they saw a very intricately designed scroll, presumably the one stroeus was looking for. However inside were a few books, of course they could not read what was on it, however Aicantar could.
"Aicantar, come over here, can you read this?" Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy calls over.
"I can read these yes." Aicantar picks up a book.
"I think this book is something that would help in my research, and the others are schematics of an airship, and dwemer constructs. However, the page for the core has seen better days." Aicantar flips through the books.
"Airship? A ship that runs on air?" Aela asks.
"No, a ship that sails through the air from the looks of it." Aicantar clarifies.
"Is that even possible?" Aela looks much more confused.
"If the Dwemer made schematics for it, then maybe they were prototypes of some sort." Aicantar puts down a book and picks up another one.
"It is possible using lighter gasses or hot air to create lift." Private Tame mentions.
"Hot air sounds most possible due to the extensive usage of steam the Dwemer use." Aicantar notes as he places the books in his satchel.
"Tin man, have you found your scroll?" Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy turns to Stroeus.
"Yes, I do. However, please do not read it, or ask me to read it. There are many unknown risks that come with it." Stroeus says as he stores it carefully on his back using some rope.
"Alright let's go and get you on your way." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy says.
That'd be best. Alduin must be stopped immediately. Aela, let's go" Stroeus and Aela walk towards the platform.
"Tin man, wrong way." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy points to the lift they used a while ago.
"There's a quicker exit here. The Dwemer did alway like blocking off their shortcuts from the outside." Stroeus stops for a moment.
"Well it makes our job of security easier. We'll walk you out then. Vaino! Avila! Keep watch for a moment. Schwarzmann! Tame! On me!" Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy and the two privates follow Stroeus and Aela.
One short elevator ride later they are met with the howling cold once again as a gate opens up.
"Ah, the beautiful sun. Oh look, it's Windhelm."
"I hate the cold." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy puts down his combat goggles due to the snow flying around.
"Well we best be on our way, please extend my gratitude to your superior. I'd also suggest you lock this gate up when we leave. Don't want anyone or anything to come in without you knowing, do you?" Stroeus says.
"Of course not. You definitely are not a threat, hopefully we will meet again under better circumstances." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy extends a hand to shake.
"Hopefully we do indeed. I bid you all, a very fond farewell." Stroeus shakes the sergeant's hand and leaves, almost as if he disappeared into the wind.
"Let's go back down." Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy orders as Private Tame pulls the lever.
Going back down, Sergeant Şÿrÿfaddinsoy realized that perhaps that was the reason why they found the Elf wizard down here. Perhaps this Thalmor group was looking for these schematics, but for what reason? War? One thing for sure was to make sure these don't end up in their hands.
