Marius was awoken by rays of sunlight finding their way into his tent, blinding him. Grumbling as he got up and stretched his limbs. He went outside and was instantly greeted by a courier, who stated that he was to report to the leader's tent, as soon as possible. 'Damn how do these guys keep finding me?' Wanting to keep his magic hidden Marius went back inside and called forth some bread and ate it before leaving to find leader's tent.

The tent was easy to find, to start off it was much larger than all the other tents, as well as red and had multiple guards surrounding it.

Some of the guards were of a species that he had read about. They looked like orcs, only much bigger and had more horns, 'Urgals'. Another was a species was that of men half his size, perhaps they just had little people here, 'Dwarves' they looked nothing like the descriptions of the dwarves of his homeland. The dwarves of his land were mer and not in fact short. He was doomed if he didn't figure out what to do around the races, while the books he had read from had help describe them it did little to describe how to act around them, he might accidentally insult one of the many races of the land.

Heading for the entry, one of the Urgals stopped him and asked.

"Who goes there?"

"I am Marius, a messenger came by tent this morning and informed me that your leader wished to speak to me."

Turning towards the tent, the man bellowed.

"A man by the name Marius seeks an audience with you Lady Nightstaker."

"He may enter", came a voice inside.

Entering, he looked for the one they called Nightstaker. The woman sat in a large chair, her tent was basically empty, aside from the furniture which consisted of a mirror, a table with many chairs lined up. There were more guards on the inside just like he suspected.

The woman had ebony skin and dark curly hair, not looking that much different from the Redguards of Tamriel. On one of her arms was wrapped in many layers on linen bandages.

"Greetings," he said, "You sent for me."

Her face became angry, wondering if he had said something wrong. The closest guard to him quickly cleared up the problem.

"Do you not bow to your superiors, ruffian?"

He didn't, in fact, bow to his superiors. He was not one of those to bend the knee and lick the boots of those who held a seat of power. Most of the time, it was the high-folk came to him for help and they were groveling at his feet because they couldn't solve their problems by themselves. Besides, he was a dragon in everything but his body, and dragons do not bow.

"I do not bow", he said cheekily smiling, "And it goes against everything I am, so I will not. Unless, of course, you happen to be my father. Though, I still have yet to bow to him. However, most leaders are not beautiful women." He said by placing his hand near his dagger.

The guard made a move to attack, but Lady Nightstaker raised her hand to stop, and her eyes narrowed at him.

"Eragon told me that might you might resent that idea and of your snaked tongue."

"Did he now?" he said smirking.

If looks could kill he would be lying on the ground.

"Eragon told me of your deeds. You helped him fight the empire's soldiers, but you also attacked him and Arya."

That wasn't the entire truth, but he let her finish her anyway.

"Marius, I do not know what to think of you, and I can't be too cautious about who I let into the Varden. The one way I know where your loyalties lie is to have one of our mages check your mind. If you do not resist, it will be quick and painless, and you'll be allowed to join the Varden after you swear an oath of fealty."

"Lady Nightstaker, you think I would let anyone one of your petty little mages into my head. I suggest you rethink your plan. Whose idea was it to have my mind probed, Eragon? No, wait it was the elf!" He spoke with a calm voice.

"I haven't even been here a day, and so far I have been assaulted, physically and mentally, by both you and your dragon rider. I came here to aid you in the battle against Galbatorix. I have done nothing to you to warrant such actions. Perhaps the king will be more welcoming because I currently hold no allegiance to the Varden, I can easily put my talents elsewhere. Every time you insult me, the closer I am to leaving and joining the king, an-'

He was cut off by the sound of the tent flap opening, and a little girl walking in while laughing. Looking at her, he noticed that she had vibrant violet eyes and a strange marking on her forehead.

"He does have a point you know, Nasuada." The child spoke, but with a woman's voice not that of a child's.

She walked in his direction, stopping in front of him and looking into his eyes.

"So much pain in this one," she started, "such great lose, and an even greater battle within."

Sensing where she was going, he sent the girl a quick warm smile. 'How did she know? What does she know?' His mind was flying all over the place, as his thoughts of questions flew through his head. He decides to ask that question in a less exposed place, eyeing the Lady Nightstaker or Nasuada with distrust.

Bending down to a knee so that he was at her level he said "No need to fear for me little one, I've suffered worse and come back better."

One of the guards outside called out to Lady Nasuada.

"My lady, Greta the caretaker request an audience."

"Let her through."

She turned her attention back to him.

"Marius we will continue our conversation another time, I have more pressing matters that require my attention." She quickly added, "As well I would like you to return here tomorrow so that we may test you."

As she finished talking an elderly woman entered the tent. Marius stood and began to leave when he felt something small and warm grab his hand and gave it a tug. Looking down you see that Elva had grabbed his hand.

"Stay, please."

"Elva, this does not concern him," Nasuada said.

"The matter concerns me, and I want him to stay."

Turning his gaze back down to Elva and giving a calm smile, "I will stay little one." Hearing this she smiled up at him.

Before Nasuada could continue, his least favorite people among the Varden entered the tent. Eragon was followed by a woman with curly brown hair.

"You are late", said Nasuada as Eragon and the woman moved to find a place to sit. It dawned upon him that he was the only one who remained standing, moved quickly and found a seat.

Lady Nasuada told Elva of her importance to the Varden and how she could be the turning point in battles yet to come. Elva had been cursed as a baby by Eragon, who had been trying to give a blessing. The curse made her feel all the pain of those around her. What made matters worse, was that Nasuada wanted Elva to keep the curse in order to help them in the war. He was disgusted. They wanted to use the child in such terrible ways.

Nasuada spoke again, trying to appeal to Elva sentiments, the ones that had been robbed from her by Eragon's blessing. When she had finished, Elva raised her head and simply said, "No."

He was proud of her for refusing them, she did not deserve any of this. She spoke of her suffering and how much it affected her if she tried to refuse. How she had been shunned by all those around her. When she finished he had been horrified, she hadn't even celebrated her second birthday.

They tried again and again to convince her. Finally realizing that they could not convince her, Eragon stepped forward to remove the curse.

After several minutes of Eragon trying to remove the curse, he failed to remove the curse and he gave up. In an unexpected twist, Elva realized that she could now ignore the side effects. The shock that Elva was no longer bound to them, was shown on Eragon and Nasuada's faces.

It bothered him that Elva still could not have the closure she sought. A stray thought occurred to him. Elva turned to leave and he rose from his seat to intercept her.

"Wait, Durkiir." She stopped and turned to face him.

"Yes?" she said.

"I might know a way to give you peace, but it will only last temporarily." As she looked up at him, her eyes showed signs of hope.

"Do it." she said, her voice faltering.

Kneeling down to her level, he reached out and pulled her into his embrace. Not wanting the other occupants of the room to hear the words. Ever so slowly her petit arms moved to embrace him. Bringing his lips near her ear and whispered.

"Kaan Drem Ov!"

He felt Elva instantly relax in his arms as his shout washed over her. The goddess' blessing was normally used to tame wild beast for a short while. The same effect could be achieved by simply changing the words. They remained like that, for a couple of minutes, absolute silence the entire time. She suddenly stiffened again, the blessing had reached its end. She removed herself from his embrace and smiled up at him, tears flowing freely down her cheeks.

"Thank you", she said, knowing full well that she was being honest. She then turned to Nasuada.

"Nasuada? If you wish for my aid in this war then I have a few things I want in return. First, he stays, and no mind reading." She paused, before giving a cruel smile, "I will give you my other demands when I see to fit to use them."

With that said she left the tent. Nasuada had shock and disbelief written all over her face. Eragon was stiff from the shock of the girl's previous verbal attack. Quietly chuckling to himself, he started leaving but he walked into Arya, who had just entered. This caused her to fall backward due to his momentum. Acting quickly he offered his hand to her, she took the presented hand. Pulling her up and mumbling apologies, giving a quick smile and exited the tent.

He went straight to the nearest training area. As he arrived there he went to the nearest dummy. Draw his sword, he began with the standard attack's movements, followed by his own variations. He was moving around the dummy, with the elegance that an elf could envy, as he prolonged the practice he slowly started increasing his speed.

An hour had passed, he had finally gotten bored with training. He noticed that many soldiers had been watching him train, staying here any longer would draw unwanted attention to him. He made his way back to his tent.

Upon arrival he removed his armor and placed in it the chest along with his weapons, changing out his regular clothes. He kneeled down and began to meditate to calm his soul and the words of power. He remembered what his master Paarthurnax has said, "Doc wahlaan fah rel. We were made to dominate. The will to power is in our blood. You feel it in yourself, do you not?"

Being in close quarters with a friendly dragoness was one of the strangest things that had ever happened to him. He felt his need to combat the dragoness and show her the power of the thu'um. Thinking of his old master, it summoned up wrath that he had thought he had long since forgotten.

Shortly after the defeat of Alduin, the blades had confronted him about Paarthurnax. They told him of his atrocities during the time of the dragon cult, and that he deserved to die because of them. If he did not kill his master that they would no longer aid him.

He had refused to kill Paarthurnax and he banished them from Sky Haven Temple. He would return to the throat of the world and find the body of his master. Seeking to avenge his master, he spent nearly two years hunting them all across Tamriel, until he killed them both. He had gone deep into mediation after avenging his master, he spent months looking into the deeper meaning of every word of power he knew. He sat there for an hour before, he fell arrest while still mediating.

Awakening, he slowly got up, donned his armor and placed his sword on his belt, and left his tent. As he began to walk to the training area he mused to himself. 'Wonder what I am going to be doing to prove my worth.'

Getting rid of those thoughts as he arrived at the training area. He noticed that a fairly large space had been cleared out. In the surrounding area, he saw Eragon and some elves with him. As well as Saphira, who appeared to be quite bored. The crowd also housed a large number of nobles and commanders, acting chummily with Eragon. 'Bluebloods, bloody boot lickers the lot of them', Nasuada was waiting there, along with her guards.

"Hello, Marius. Thank you for coming." Nasuada spoke.

The talking soon ended as Nasuada announced his presence, the crowd's attention was quickly diverted towards him. Some of the crowd were shocked at how he was dressed.

"We will be testing you today." She started, "This is the reason why we are here today. You will be doing battle against Arya. This is merely a sparring match, not to the death."

Giving them a nod, and moved to the chosen area.

Arya walked into the area, they drew their blades and took up their battles stances. They stood a good distance apart. All attention had been given to the fight that was about to happen.

"Begin!" Shouted Nasuada.

Wasting no time Arya ran at him to deliver the strike. As she ran she was almost a blur to most of those gathered.

Marius had experienced many fights where the odds were stacked against, back when he started. But due to nearly a century of fighting, such battles had become increasingly rare occurrences. Twisting to the side, he brought up his sword block her attack and followed through with his own. Only for it to be blocked by her blade, before she created distance between them.

Rushing towards her with his sword at the ready, he brought it down, only to be blocked and paired. Rolling under the elf's counter, coming up behind her. He stabbed forwards, only to be met with air. Swinging his sword to the right, he deflected her sword. She struck again, swing her sword from the side, pushing her blade to the side he closed the distance between them. Their blades met at a deadlock, punching her in the stomach with his free hand. She pulled back, as he swung his sword, pushing her blade to the side.

He attacked again, bringing his sword up to slash only to quickly lunge at her. Only to receive, a kick to the chest. Barely flinching, he swung his sword again, leaving an opening for her attack. Bringing her blade across his armor, leaving barely small scratch against it. Before bringing her blade back around to attack again.

Bringing his blade down, he hit her cross guard. It became clear that this fight was getting nowhere, pulling his arm back to put as much force possible into his next attack. In doing so he created a large opening.

Taking the chance, Arya thrust her sword forward. Marius turned his body to the side and swung his blade upwards sending her blade up, before Kicking out one of her legs, sending her to the ground. Pressing his advantage, he brought his sword down on her.

"Enough!" Nasuada shouted.

His blade stopped over Arya's heart, hers had found its way over his own.

Neither willing to back down, they held their position, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd. Arya stood up and sheathed her blade, following her example, he sheathed his blade as well. Turning to Lady Nasuada.

"Arya, what do you think?"

Curious to see what the elf had to say, he turned his head to her.

"He fights well, even though…he's human." Arya stated. 'You fought well, for an elf. Maybe I should not have held back' he thought.

"Very well. Marius, I welcome you to the Varden, you may return to your tent."

Giving a nod, he turned to leave the training area, before turning his head slightly to the side and spoke aloud, "Don't expect me to be a pawn or any type of puppet." Before continuing to leave the area and return to the tent.

Arriving at his tent he sat down and cleared his mind of the battle. He didn't know how long he sat there but he felt another presence in the room, opening his eyes and see a familiar figure standing in front of him, Elva.

She had spent the twenty minutes watching him sitting there meditating, she wondered if he knew she was there the entire time but chose not to acknowledge her entry. When his eyes finally opened she spoke without hesitation.

"I came to see if you were adjusting… properly."

Thinking about how to properly phrase his words, he answered "I could be more comfortable… but this is not the first war I have been in, and it most likely won't be the last. You eventually get used to not having a lot."

Remembering what she said early, he decided to start asking questions.

"How much do you know?"

She stared at him, trying to put her many thoughts in order to answer.

"What I saw was that you are a stranger to this world. Also that you bear the weight of many heavy burdens."

"I would like it if you didn't go into my head. There are things in there that I would not like anyone to know at the moment."

"I can do that for you, but don't think you can keep secrets from everyone, least of all me for long."

"I figured as much. But I will share my secrets when the time is right."

"Fine, I will not look for answers anymore." She said looking disappointed. Deciding to give her a bone he told her some things.

"Yes I carry many burdens, but I do not let them define me. Yes, I am from another world; Nirn to be specific, but the rest is for another time."

There was a cry coming from outside, which peeked the Dovahkiin's attention, moving towards the entrance he saw a woman walking around shouting.

"Elva! Where are you Elva?"

"Is that a friend of yours?" He asked with a smirk.

"Ya, I guess you could call her that…" she said with a hushed tone.

"What her name?"

Taking her sweet time she answered.

"That would be Angela…"

"Angela?" he questioned, puzzled.

"She is a witch and herbalist." She explained.

'Perhaps we could discuss alchemy' he thought.

The shouting got louder as 'Angela' approached. Turing she saw Elva standing next to him.

"Elva! I've been looking for you everywhere!"

"Well, I was seeing our new guest, Marius."

Looking back at the man, who gave a nod saying that she was telling her the truth. Looking back to Elva, she said.

"Well I was just looking for you, Nasuada wishes to speak with you."

"It seems as though, your needed elsewhere little one'

Looking back at him, Elva said that they could talk later if he wanted over a game and said her goodbyes. Turning to return to his tent, his entire frame went ridged, both sets of eyes stopped and looked at him. There was a feeling deep within him that told him something awful was going to happen soon. Looking to the East he could feel great hatred and anger approaching, and his soul began to sing. Elva put her hand on her forehead near the mark and said the word that set things into motion. "Dragon!"

Sprinting into his tent he quickly called forth his daedric armor, fastening the straps to his body; making sure they wouldn't come to lose during the battle. As he was finishing the last one, a warning horn rang throughout the camp, and the Varden war drums began. Picking up his shield 'Old habits die hard' he thought to himself and grabbed his sword and moved for the exit.

Outside there was nothing but chaos, soldiers scrambling to their tents to retrieve their weapons and armor, running to their battle positions. Moving towards the increasingly negative feeling, he sprinted through the masses, trying his best to plowing into a soldier. He could see a hoard of soldiers approaching, not enough to be a full-scale attack, his gut told him that it was most likely a distraction.

Looking to the skies, he saw there was a blood red dot moving along the sheet-like clouds. The dot was steadily growing in the skies, it was no doubt a dragon. He could see the edge of the camp, where he could see Eragon mounting Saphira, running in that direction he noticed that Nasuada and Arya stood near.

As he arrived, he saw Eragon and Saphira take flight, he got a few glances from some of the other soldiers. Standing amongst the soldiers, there were several elves, they were varying in looks, but he had concentrate.

"Why are you here?" Arya demanded angrily.

"Besides the obvious? I'm here to fight, and there's a dragon!" he answered quickly.

She looked at him in disbelief, but quickly masked it and Nasuada grabbed his attention.

"Then you will help defend the Varden," Nasuada said.

He nodded and looked up into the sky, the two dragons faced each other. To his eyes, it would appear that the two riders were talking. The dragons were similar in size, but Saphira was the larger of the two and held the advantage. Seeming like nothing was going to happen, he turned his attention to the advancing army.

Both sides were waiting for the dragons to start the battle. With a roar, the two dragons flew at each other and clashed in the sky. The way that they battled was intense but graceful in its own way. Claws and teeth ripping at each other, the riders had a fight of their own. Saphira clawed at the other dragon's wing, leaving deep wounds in the membrane. Blood seeped from the wounds and rained down to the ground.

Turing his attention back to the charging army, he unsheathed his sword and charged, followed by others. He led the attack, as he was nearing the hoard of soldiers he unleashed the thu'um.

"Wuld Nah Kest!"

He flew at incredible speeds and barrelled through the enemy ranks, knocking down many of them. Many of those following him looked at him in shock. When he stopped, he turned to his right and blocked a downward strike with his shield. Thrusting his sword forward into the man's gut. Another soldier attacked from behind, but he rolled forward and bashed the nearest man.

Parry, slash, block, parry, kick. He was moving through the soldier easily. They posed little threat to him alone, he would ward off the attack like they were nothing and kill them. If they decided to attack in unison they could probably do something. The Varden was doing a fine job at fighting the army. He bashed another soldier, disorienting him and slashing the man's neck.

He finished the group he was fighting, and Varden soldiers passed him, continuing the battle. He looked back to the sky, the two dragons were still at each other's throat, but the red dragon had the advantage, the riders casting magic at each other. Looking back he saw that the elves including Arya were mouthing the same thing, feeling their magic flow to Eragon for support.

Looking back up, he saw that the other rider had managed to get along gash across Saphira's neck. Loud cries filled the air, as she and Eragon broke off the attack. The elves started falling to the ground appearing to have depleted all their energies. He did the one thing he could do from this distance to help Saphira and Eragon, he shouted.

"Joor Zah Frul!"

He watched as the dragonrend shout collided with the red dragon, causing the blue energy to leech off of it. The dragon let out a scream of pain and agony and broke off its attack against Eragon and Saphira, as it plummeted towards the ground, at breathtaking speed. Its wings had become useless, the shout had made sure that the dragon would crash into the ground.

The rider was able to slow their descent by casting a spell, but it wasn't enough to stop them. They still hit the ground and formed at small crater from their speed and weight. Running towards them, he gripped his sword tighter as the chanting in his head grew stronger as he approached. Looking at the rider, he saw that he looked exhausted from using that kind of magic.

The dragon turned to him and unleashed a stream of flames. Raising the Spellbreaker in front of him, it's ward activated and absorbed the flames, while he kept running, unharmed. As the flames finished, he jumped forward and landed on the dragons head. It shook its head violently, trying to throw him off, but he was used to this so he grabbed hold of a horn.

Looking across the battlefield Arya watched as Marius, knocked a dragon out of the sky and had then charged into the dragon's flames, coming out unscathed. He was climbing onto the dragon without a problem and moving towards Murtagh.

Moving towards the rider, he pointed his sword in their direction, suddenly the dragon took flight, and he was forced to grab the nearest hold. The dragon began performing air acrobatics to try and rid it of its unwanted passenger, it tried barrel rolls and dives, but it was no use.

The dragon suddenly evened out, and the rider began moving towards him. Pulling himself upright, he pointed his blade toward the rider.

"If I am to fight you, might I know your name?" he asked putting the Spellbreaker in his pocket realm of oblivion.

"I am Murtagh." He said suddenly slashing at him.

The two lunged forward and their blades clashed, creating sparks where they met. Every time Murtagh attacked him, it was blocked by his sword. He was starting to enjoy the battle and his soul sang with battle lust, and the need and want to dominate those around him.

Using the power within himself, the dragon inside him and many others took hold of the reins. He moved forward at a speed that Murtagh could hardly see. He swung his sword, which blocked by the shining crimson blade. Murtagh seeing an opportunity to use his magic shouted.

"Brisingr" and his blade burst into flames.

The flames were a shock to the Dovahkiin, it was but a moment Murtagh needed. He swung his sword at Marius. The attack struck true, thanks to his armor the attack only slightly winded him and would do little to stop him. Charging up a frost spell his hand lunged forward and grabbed the blade, releasing the spell on the sword dousing the flames, leaving a stunned opponent. Quickly changing up another spell he sent an electrical current into the blade, which traveled up into the wielder. Murtagh dropped his guard, and received a punch to the face, sending his head reeling back.

Moving forward and placing the tip of the blade against Murtagh's throat.

"The battle is over surrender now, and your life and that of your dragon might be spared"

Murtagh stared at the man that had bested him and appeared to not be afraid of dragons. Sending a telepathic message to his dragon 'Drop from the skies' he quickly grabbed on to the saddle attached to his dragon.

The scarlet dragon dropped from the skies, and the Dovahkiin grabbed onto the saddle and held on as tightly as he could. There was suddenly a pain in his lower back and let out a painful cry. He grabbed the satchel next to him pulling it free, he let go of his hold on the dragon, and fell from the back of the dragon and plummeted towards the ground. Doing the one thing to prevent any further harm he shouted.

"Feim!"

He hit the ground and tucked into a roll without sustaining any damage, he looked up and saw the red dragon fleeing, being followed by what was left of their army.

His ghostly form returned back to its solid form and began walking back to camp. Quickly sending the satchel to his pocket dimension. As he was passing by the elves, he received many different looks, fear, anger, confusion, and doubt. His vision began to have little black dots and he collapsed to the ground, and then he saw the elves running to him, and then nothing but darkness. 'Oh, shit...' was the last thing that passed through his mind.

'Finally...'

Arya approached she saw the dagger sticking out from his lower back and pulled it out. Looking at the punctured area she saw that the skin around the area was being slowly eaten away. Quickly realizing what it was, she informed the other elves. They began to move him so they could stop the effect of the poison but were stopped by Nasuada. One of the elves stated,

"He has been poisoned by seither oil, he needs immediate medical attenti-"

He was cut off by Nasuada. She said, "I want him in a prison cell, you can tend to him there."

Deciding that this was probably the easiest way to help him the elves took him there and began to remove his armor, so they could get to the wound. They cleaned the wound and dressed it. They began to concentrate on their magic and began to chant the words of healing together. After a while, they managed to stop the spreading of the poison, but their magic could not heal the wound. Knowing that was all they could do they left.

What they missed was the wound slowly stitching itself back together.