Marius grunted as he sat up into an upright position. Looking around he noticed that he was not in fact in his tent but rather within a forest. Surveying the area around him, he saw that there were deep marks among the trees and on the ground in the surrounding area, as well as burn marks and black blood in the surrounding area. Remembering last night's events and going hunting in the woods. Standing up he moved over to the nearest tree and began to climb.
Reaching the top of the canopy, he overlooked the landscape before him trying to get his bearings. He was in a vast forest. The Varden camp was to the south. Looking to the east he watched as the sun began to rise over the peaks of the horizon, illuminating the land in orange and red. He stayed there for a while watching as the earth was bathed in light. Climbing down the tree, reaching the ground he set out to the south.
It didn't take long for him to return camp. Everything was as it was any other day, patrols and shouting. He made his way through the camp, he passed some elves who appeared to be going through some kind various stretching poses, and he passed them without a second thought. He came to an abrupt stop when something caught his interest.
There were several people were practicing what appeared to be this worlds form of magic. From a distance he sat and observed them, taking small mental notes about a few things. It was strange the fact that the magic did not originate from aetherius, but rather came from one's owns power and life-force.
Some of the spellcasters noticed and stopped what they were doing and stared at him.
A woman stepped forward and made her way towards him. She was quite the individual, startling blue eyes not uncommon among the Nords of Skyrim but the only difference was her black hair. Along one of her arms was a golden shaped snake bracelet. She held an air of authority.
"What is it? What do you want?"
Marius hummed, "I simply wish to observe."
She regarded him briefly before demanding, "Why are you spellcaster?"
"In a manner of speaking yes." He answered. Mages, wizards, spellcaster all relative meanings, one who can use magic. "I was told that I have the potential to be one."
She was quiet for a moment before plucking a stone from the ground and placing it in his hand then gesturing to the stone and saying, "Then make this stone rise."
He stared at it for a moment before saying, "I do not know the words." Some of those that were there chuckled at his lack of knowledge. If only they knew.
"The words are Stenr Reisa." One of the other members shouted. Marius nodded in thanks.
"Stenr Reisa."
Marius felt a small strain in the back of his mind as the stone remained still. Saying it again the stone began to wobble and slowly rise from his palm. It lasted only a short time before falling back down into his hand.
Some spellcasters around him laughed while others looked sympathetic.
He caught sight of a large rock nearby, placing the stone in his pocket he turned to the rock.
He sighed and casually lifted his hand pointed it at the stone and cast the telekinesis spell, his hand began to glow orange and the stone lifted off of the ground and then he pulled it towards him.
Reaching out he grabbed the rock out of the air and turned back to the woman and the group.
The woman had donned a look of pure shock.
Looking around he noticed that the other 'spellcasters' shared the same look.
"Yo-You just performed magic without the use of the ancient language!" She exclaimed eyes wide and mouth agape, voicing the collective thoughts of all those around him.
Marius glanced to his hand then back at her, thinking to himself whether or not he should tell them that he uses a different sort of magic.
"How!"
He simply stared at her. Some of these spellcasters before him had potential, how much was another question. He might have been the Arch-mage back in mages guild where his extensive knowledge and experience helped him master spells and create some others. Here in this new world, his magic might be powerful, but he knew so very little about the magic of this world.
From what he had read magic here was rare, unlike the Tamriel where just about anyone knew some form of basic spells such as healing and flames. Here in Alagaesia most of the people who had magic were either killed or forced to swear loyalty to Galbatorix. While there were other races here that used magic, but one only stood out among them, the elves.
According to what he had learned from the scrolls and tomes he had read the elves, most of them were gifted with magic. They had a deeper knowledge of magic compared to the other races and were considered wise and highly intelligent. As well as they lived for vast amounts of time. But, the elves of this land apparently withdrew into their borders at the end of the dragon rider war, and the rise of Galbatorix.
He didn't have anything against wood elves, dark elves or even elves in general. It was just the high elves, hailing from Summerset Isle, these elves were the most gifted in the arcane arts out of all the races, and some of largest superiority complex, egos, and stuck up attitudes. He had the most experience with these elves, probably because they were the most notable members of the Thalmor. He could always ask the elves that were among the Varden to teach him the magic. As long as they did not turn out to be like the Thalmor, he shouldn't have a problem with them. Except for 'Arya', she seemed to despise him simply for existing, for being who he was. She would probably sooner attack him then aid him.
If they refused to teach him, in that case, he could only be taught by those who were before him. There was much to be desired in his opinion he would still rather have the elves, but learning is still learning. But then again, he did know Angela and Elva perhaps they could teach him.
"It's a unique gift I acquired years ago." He lied, if the information that he came from another world wielding unknown magic became a public knowledge it could cause chaos. If he taught the wrong person and they went out and started talking where they learned it. Eventually, people would come to him expecting him to teach them his magic, some would ask others would expect to be taught, after all, he had seen it before having been arch-mage. Marius turned around and walked away dismissing the shouts for him to come back.
Returning to his tent he went inside and pulled out the chair, and placed it outside. Marius sat down and pulled out his tattered journal and decided to continue working on some of the magic formulas he had been working on.
It was truly remarkable how much time he had spent on some of these projects. Most of the projects came to him during his times of meditation, others seemingly appeared in his mind for no reason at all. Many of the spells were combat-related increasing one's senses or inhibiting another's senses. Others could simply be used for transportation, such as teleportation.
Some of these spells could be described as unethical or labeled under the term of dark magic. Binding a soul to another body. He wasn't sure where he got the idea but it had suddenly sprung up within his mind. When that happened he had been horrified that his mind had come up with such a thing. He had tried to forget about it but there was an unending desire to create the spell. Eventually, he did create the spell but he never used it for any reason it was just another spell added to his vast collection of knowledge.
His musing came to an abrupt halt when he sensed someone standing in front of him. Looking up he saw that it was Angela who stood over him staring down at him, more specifically his journal.
Before he could act her hands shot forward and snatched the book from his hands. She turned around and began skimming through the pages of the book, seemingly enthralled by the contents of the book. She started walking away. Doing the first thing that came to mind he charged a spell and shot her with it.
She simply froze up and keeled over. The paralysis spell was always handy, as well as quite amusing to watch people make strange poses while being paralyzed. A smile made itself known to the world as he approached the paralyzed woman, squatting down he plucked the book from her hand.
"Looks like you got more than you bargained for, huh."
Marius knew that while she under the paralysis spell she could not respond to him. So he promptly cast the counterspell, and Angela regained her ability to move around. She sat up and glared at him while appearing to be pouting.
"You could have simply asked and I might have imparted some knowledge to you. Though in the future please refrain from taking my property without my permission, there are things in there that are not meant for mortal eyes. Now I propose an exchange in knowledge."
Angela seemed to consider his words before nodding. Marius stood up and offered Angela with hand, which she accepted and they made their way back to discuss the exchange.
Not long after Angela had left Marius received a summons from the Varden leader. Deciding that it was in his best interest to just get it over with, he immediately made his way to Nasuada pavilion. Upon entering he caught a glare from one of the guards, who had been here last time. He turned and addressed Nasuada. Going against his own beliefs he bowed his head slightly.
"Lady Nasuada, you asked for me."
Nasuada looked up from the map she been hovering over. She seemed pleased that he was at least somewhat willing to show a small amount of formality towards her.
"Yes, Marius thank you for coming on such short notice. Please have a seat."
He nodded at her before moving to sit in a chair that was vacant. He looked at her waiting for her to explain his summoning.
"Marius I have two reasons as to why I called you here. Firstly, I received a request from the leader of Du Vrangr Gata to speak to you.
Marius confused, tilted his head to the side, "Who?"
"A group of spellcaster that is allied with the Varden."
He nodded, the group he had spoken to earlier.
"But, that can wait I wish to discuss a possible mission for you."
He nodded, his interest was piqued a mission was definitely what he needed, something to do. Sitting around could only keep him around for so only. His desire to go and explore the new world would eventually overcome him, his inner adventure could only wait so long.
As well as get him away from the group of spellcasters.
"What would you have me doing?"
"It is a scouting mission, I need some more information on the village that we will be driving the empire out of."
"Am I going alone?"
"No, I will be sending a small detachment with you."
"Who will be accompanying me?"
"No one of importance."
"Of course. When are we departing for this mission?"
"Within the next day. I would suggest resting up before the mission starts."
"Is that all?"
"Yes."
"Lady Nasuada," Marius said as he gave another head bow before turning and walking out of the tent.
Vague answers that are all he really received from her. She was avoiding giving him information. Marius hated being given vague answers, though he would be a hypocrite if he denied that he has done the same.
The following day, Marius donned his armor and left his tent and went to find the group he had been assigned to.
He asked some soldiers where he could find the company. Soon after he found a large group of men and walked towards them. They were preparing to leave. As soon as he got there, he approached the captain and reported in. Who shouted at him for making them wait, all he would say to this man was "Yes, sir" as the captain continued his rant.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a Khajiit. But upon closer inspection, he realized it was, in fact, an elf, an extremely hairy elf. It was strange back in Tamriel it was rare to see an ungroomed elf, they seemed to need to be perfect all the time.
"Where is your horse?" the captain asked. Shrugging, Marius stated that he wasn't given one, so they gave him a horse and they set out.
He rode alongside the hairy elf, whose name he learned was Blödhgarm. He seemed to be one of the more friendly elves he had met here, which in reality in this world was only two.
After days of riding the horses, they finally reached their destination. The village held barely over a dozen houses. The villagers had long since vanished, probably because of the apparent advancing Imperial forces.
They split up into small groups to move further in and survey the area and possibly find any of the villagers who might have stayed behind.
Marius went along with Blödhgarm. They were making their way towards one of the buildings when Marius suddenly spoke.
"It reeks of death here."
"You can smell too?" Blödhgarm said seemingly surprised.
Marius sighed, "This is not the first time I've been in situations like this."
They opened the doors on one of the houses. As they entered they were hit by the smell of decomposing bodies. Mounted on spikes were heads of people who may have once occupied this home. They could hear the buzzing of the insects over the bodies. They moved to the bodies they turned them over.
"Judging by how far the bodies have decomposed we are about two weeks late."
Blödhgarm suddenly perked up. Marius turned and observed him as his ears twitched at the slightest sound.
"We need to regroup right now!" Blödhgarm said a hint of worry had leaked into his voice.
Marius breathed in as he extended his own senses to see what Blödhgarm had spooked. Realizing what had been felt by the elf. He didn't need to be told twice, they both bolted from the house and shouted for everyone to regroup.
Most of their platoon had heard their calls to regroup. Some stragglers were just arriving while others had yet to return.
The captain stomped up to them and started shouting about insubordination, and how they were trying to relieve him of power. Marius and Blödhgarm tried their best to rectify the situation. But a sudden shrilling sound of laughter brought them back to the more important situation.
Arrows began to rain down onto them.
"Ambush!" One of the soldiers shouted.
Marius managed to erect a ward to block some of the arrows. Other soldiers raised their shields to block arrows. Some were not as lucky. As they were returning to a defensive position. The laughter returned and was followed by the sound of boots against the ground. Soldiers from the empire charged forward at them. Killing those unable to react fast enough.
A skirmish started, their captain was an incompetent leader, how a man such as he rose to command was beyond him. He was far from being worthy of command, he threw the lives of his men away with straightforward attacks, which ended in a massacre. When the battle seemed to be going in the enemy's favor he gave an order to the troop when everyone looked back the captain had disappeared. The coward!
With their forces severely diminished, the odds were against them. For every single enemy death, four of the varden died. They were fighting men that had been tampered with, they could not feel any pain. If you hurt one of them, they would just start laughing at the wound.
Marius was having no trouble killing these sort of things, for he has fared far worse back home. The hairy elf, whose name was Blödhgarm was having no problem either, but as the battle progressed the seemingly unending empire soldiers were starting to wane on them.
"Stick together!" Blödhgarm shouted, ducking under a sword. Bringing their own weapon up, and bringing it down onto the man's head. The sword went through the steel helm and crushed the skull, small grey chunks stuck to it as he pulled it free. Bringing his blade across another man's neck, he detached the head in a clean swing, before moving to his next target.
A spear flew through the air past his head. Marius's hand snapped up and grabbed the spear. Spinning it around he launched it back the way it came. Spearing an enemy soldier, who appeared to be an officer. The death of that man seemed to cause some chaos to spread within the enemy ranks, but it was minimal. Even with their temporary confusion, the laughing dead kept advancing, ignoring all pain. But the chaos and confusion quickly turned into fury.
They charged in shouting battle cries in rage.
Blocking an incoming blow, he based his attacker with his shield, knocking their weapon from their grasp sending it clattering to the ground. Before cutting their head off.
Marius was being overwhelmed by the number of soldiers, deciding to try and kill them with his magic. Some of the spellcasters that had been assigned to the mission said that they seemed to be more resistant to magic. Charging up a flame spell, he burned the soldiers that had surround him. Yet they issued no cries. Leaving nothing but calcified remains.
"Don't get separated!" A soldier shouted.
The endless assault of the enemy was starting to wain on the varden forces. They were slowing being driven back if this kept up there would be no choice but to retreat. Marius turned to Blödhgarm. The signal for retreat was given.
"I can slow them down while you regroup!"
Looking confused and shocked, Blödhgarm spoke.
"What!? No man can stop an army! We stic-"
Interrupting him, Marius shouted over him.
"Just GO! Find some cover!" His eyes burning with hunger and bloodlust. Heading his words Blödhgarm shouted for the men to regroup at the church at the center of the town.
Turning his attention back to the enemy. Marius called upon his magicka, and a cyan glow appeared in his hands, waving them in arcane patterns, he cast the Dragonhide spell. His body shone in the color before becoming a faint outline.
Pulling a large blue vial from his pocket dimension. He uncorked it and tilted his head back drank the entire thing, almost immediately feeling his magicka reserves refile. Dropping the vial on the ground, shattering, as his gaze met with the approaching soldiers.
"The Laughing dead, they call you…" He spoke evenly as he faced the advancing enemies.
The soldiers were confused. One man standing in their way. Why would he stay when all others flee? How would one man stop a small army? Perhaps he simply wished to die. But looking at him they could see that he did not fear them, the way he looked at them was that of predator preparing to deliver the killing blow to its prey.
"Ha! I've fought many creatures of the undead…"
Slowly the air around them began to fill magic. It was thick and powerful, you could almost taste it.
"…the lack for fear of pain or death does not make you undead…"
Their confusion turned into uneasiness, they were having second thoughts against fighting this man, yet they could not change their minds, orders are to be followed.
"…and you are nothing compared to them…"
Waving his arms again in arcane patterns, lightning arcing along his forearms. Dovahkiin opened his eyes, which were glowing gold. He spoke with a voice full of power causing the ground to quake, which could only be described as divine.
"You shall draw breath no longer!"
It was upon this statement mean they realized they were dealing with no mere man.
"Strun Bah Qo"
The very ground shock, causing many of the advancing enemies to stumble. For a few short moments, the entire area became deathly quiet. The skies turned dark as clouds formed almost instantaneously. Once a light breeze turned into powerful gusts of wind. The clouds let loose a full blown deluge, turning the once dry ground into thick mud. The sky rumbled, and the heavens unleashed their fury upon the land.
Bolts of lightning fell from the skies, striking soldiers left and right. Smiting them where they stood.
Having little choice left, the enemy soldiers charged into the heart of the storm shouting and laughing their battle cries. Some slipping on the muddy ground and getting trampled by their comrades.
Raising his arms into the skies, Marius called forth bolts of lightning down upon himself, yet causing no harm to him. Only increasing the potency of his spell.
After mere moments of gathering power, he unleashed the tide of magic. Dark amethyst bolts of lightning shot out of his hands, passing through several ranks of the soldiers incinerating them. Electrocuting those further back from the sheer power shown and the minor amount of the lightning that reached them.
Once emptying his magical reserves he discharged his spell, he drew his sword and shield charged into the fray of the battle, uttering a battle cry.
"Zun Haal Viik"
The weapons that were in the hands the charging laughing dead were ripped from their grasp and thrown a distance away from the wielders. They continued to charge without their weapons, only to be cut down when they got to close.
Reaching another soldier he swung his sword in a downward arc bisecting the man from shoulder to waist. Bashing another man disarming, then kicking him in the chest, and moving to the next enemy. The laughing dead managed to surround him and he shouted again.
"Iiz Sle-"
Halfway through his shout, his voice faltered. One of the laughing dead had managed to strike him in the back of his head. While his helmet did its purpose and provided protection, softening the blow. He fell to the ground, immediately several soldiers began to beat down upon him. He felt a familiar tingle within his mind. A shiver went through his mind before he felt it spread down his back and to the rest of his body. Dread filled his being. Shit!
His mind went blank and his instincts took over, with only one purpose.
To satiate his inner dragon.
To destroy.
To win.
To kill.
Kill… Kill… Kill them all!
A blood-curdling cry eclipsed the sound of thunder and echoed over the battlefield. A potent wave of killer intent followed the cry.
Everyone felt a shiver run down their spine and involuntarily took a step back.
Without a second thought, his body moved. His shield dropped to the ground, forgotten. Waving through more arcane patterns, swirling violet vortexes opened up around him. Appearing from them were several figures, all donning the same twisted armor that Marius was. They stepped forward and drew their great swords before charging into the fray, shouting battle cries.
"A challenger is near!"
"You meet your end, mortal!"
"I will feast on your heart!"
They viciously tore into the enemy. Their great swords tore through weapons, shields, and armor. Blood coated the wicked blades. With each strike, the soldiers received they would burst into flames for a short time. Arms, legs, and heads were severed from bodies, bisecting men from the torso, it did not matter to them, just to kill those who opposed their summoner.
There were no cries from the laughing dead, as they felt no pain. They simply died. The unholy blades were created with the sole purpose of killing, to kill anything.
Every so often one of dremora lords would be struck down would shout out before disappearing in a vortex.
"It cannot end like this!"
"No! Not by a mortal!"
Blood and guts covered the ground. The water that had begun to cover the ground turned red.
Marius was hunched over, his arms limply hanging at his sides carelessly. His sword arm barely maintaining his grip on his blade. With a sudden burst of speed, Marius charged in after them.
His sword cutting through the bodies of soldiers.
Again…
An ice spike launched into a skull
Again…
Ferociously tearing into the soldiers.
Again! Again! Again!
Even against the vast number of soldiers from the empire, the dremora lords showed little signs of slowing down. When the empires numbers began to dwindle and it was becoming clear who the victor would be, the order was given for a full retreat. A horn wrung over the field. All the soldiers still alive turned tail and began to flee and regroup.
Grinning behind his helmet, he grabbed the nearest soldier by the head and slammed it into the ground, repeatedly. The man cried out, whether it be in pain or fear no one would know as a sickening crunch accompanied another blow to the ground. The helmet cave and the man's head was crushed.
Blood dripped from his clawed gauntlet as he stood back up. Turning his attention back to fleeing soldiers. He and the daedra began to pursue the stragglers, cutting them down without remorse or mercy.
When the empire had completely pulled its forces out, all that remained was the bodies and the constant sound of rain. Marius raggedly breathed in and out.
A voice whispered inside his head.
Good, now dispose of those behind you...
Marius turned towards the Varden soldiers.
Show them your strength…
He took a few steps forward a bloodthirsty grin across his face hidden by his helmet. Within those few steps, magical runes covered his armor restraining his movements. Magic tendrils shot out from several runes that surrounded him which wrapped around his limbs and body restraining him. He struggled against the bonds but they did not give.
The runes changed color as they took effect, he slowly began to regain control over his body the voice inside his head along with his primal side were subdued and silenced.
Noooo… it's too soon…
The runes disappeared along with their restraints. Marius collapsed to the ground. A faint groan emanated from him as his eyes slowly opened. His vision was a complete mess, there was an impossible assortment of colors barraging his brain causing him to shut his eyes in discomfort. Forcing them open again, still, in discomfort, he looked up from the ground as the last of his vision cleared.
The storm he had summoned still ragged on but it was far less powerful than it had been initially. He shouted.
"Lok Vah Koor"
The once dark skies cleared, leaving only some grey clouds. Coming out their shock, Blödhgarm and the rest of the Varden soldiers. Marius ran up to Marius.
"Are you alright?"
Marius responded with a grunt and gave a few nods of his head.
Blödhgarm gave orders to the men, to pursue the enemy. The enemy forces were but a few small pockets of soldiers still trying to win the battle, which was lost.
The battle ceased as the last of empires forces died, the varden soldiers raised their weapons into the air and cheered in victory. The varden regrouped, they started tending to those who were injured during the battle.
Marius was helping the wounded, casting healing spells on them, tending to the most seriously wounded and then moving to those less grave. He was finishing up when he was approached by Blödhgarm.
"How are you not tired? Nay, how are you not dead!?"
"No, I am exhausted, I just happen to have a large reserve of magical energies." He paused "That and the fact that my magic does not run off my own strength."
Blödhgarm was flabbergast, he had never heard of someone not using their own strength to cast magic.
"Are you capable to teach this method?" he asked his voice full hope and curiosity. Marius hesitated, while he teach the elf before, he thought back to the group of mages. But part of him felt that he could somewhat trust the elf. So he went with his gut.
"Truthfully I do not know if I can teach anyone here." Marius stated, Blödhgarm looked down, feeling slightly dejected, "But who's to say I cannot try to ease your connection so you can perform your spells easier."
"I will perform a minor spell that gives a small boost in magical power. Truthfully, I do not know what will happen to you because you use a different type of magic than me. The effects may vary if anything happens you must inform me immediately. It is your decision whether or not you want this. So, what will it be?"
Blödhgarm paused and gave it some thought. Will the effects may be an unknown the promise of easier flowing magic was quite the offer.
"Do it."
Marius charged up the spell. The spell glowed a vibrant cyan color. Performing the spell a small ball of similar color launched itself at Blödhgarm. It was a strange feeling, a warm feeling overcame him as the spell washed over him. He could feel his magical aptitude increase, it was as if an invisible barrier has been removed.
When the spell finished, he out a shuddery breath. Whatever he had just felt, was beyond what he had ever experienced before.
"T-Thank you for sharing this." He said, mesmerized by the new feeling of his magic.
"It was not a problem." Marius said, "Just make sure to remember that if anything begins to feel strange or becomes harmful, you come and find me immediately. Also, don't forget that you control your power and not the other way around." He warned.
Blödhgarm nodded and left shortly after to go continue to tend to wounded. A few hours and the wounded were done being tended to.
He came across Blödhgarm again, as they gathered up their supplies and the wounded, before departing to return to the Varden.
"That was quite the display of magical and battle prowess," Blödhgarm said giving a small smile.
"Thank you. You weren't so bad yourself, Blödhgarm." Marius replied, grinning.
They started to converse about the good things in life, but the mood was soon killed by a certain Captain. The captain had returned and began ranting about insubordination, ranting about how they all were going to be punished.
The company did not see it that way. Upon the captain return, they began yelling out that he was a coward and did not deserve to be here among them. He tried to defend himself claiming that if they had lost he would have returned to the Varden to report the mission a failure. Eventually, the men grew tired of hearing his sob story and surrounded him and dragged him to the ground, his cries for forgiveness were unheard.
They stripped him of his weapons and armor, leaving him in his breeches. They tied him up and placed him on his horse. A cloth was shoved into his mouth preventing him from speaking.
"Well, that was rather unpleasant."
"It was, wasn't it?" Blödhgarm started "There will be some sort of punishment for him when we get back."
"Well personally, I believe you did an excellent job at rallying the soldiers. If that idiot had continued to lead, we would have lost many more soldiers. He is unworthy of the title of command. I would gladly fight by your side, Blödhgarm."
"You and your honeyed words," Blödhgarm said before they both started laughing.
With rest of the soldiers leaving they mounted their horses. Spurring the horses they soon joined the rest of soldiers on the journey back, while continuing their conversation.
Shortly after returning to the Varden Marius was summoned to Nasuada's pavilion. Apparently, the reports from their mission had been reviewed and questions had arisen.
Grumbling as he marched his way through the camp to his destination. When he was finally given permission to enter he was surprised to find that the woman from before who was apparently the leader of the group of spellcaster was also there. Apparently, she had 'politely' asked to see him.
"Lady Nasuada." She nodded at him and motioned for him to take a seat. The woman sat down in another chair.
Marius sighed as he sat down. He knew a conversation was due soon, but he would have liked to some time to relax, especially after his little slip-up.
"This is Trianna, the leader of the Du Vrangr Gata, our group of magicians. She said that you already have met, briefly though. She is part of the reason you are currently here." He nodded and waited for her to continue.
"So you're a spellcaster?"
"Yes, I am a spellcaster among other things, but I prefer the term mage."
"And you choose not to share this information because?"
"I don't have a reason, no one asked me if I was able to perform the arcane arts."
"As the Leader of the Varden, being informed of one's capabilities, so is there anything else you would like to inform me of?"
Marius lied and shook his head. Having been a part of the underground, he knew that there are things better left unsaid and in the dark.
She hummed in response, before turning her attention to the other occupant of the room. Who was looking at him rather intently, a strange glint was in her eyes he could not figure out if it was anger or curiosity.
"As I said before she is here to speak to you."
"What is it that I can do for you?"
"As of your recent feats, the Du Vrangr Gata would like to invite you into our ranks."
"I will have to respectfully decline."
"What?! Why?!" Trianna was flabbergast.
"While I have nothing against your group, I simply wish to remain independent."
"But you lack the knowledge of the ancient language. We could teach you."
"To gain knowledge there is often a price to be paid, and knowledge is often traded in return, and I have had enough dealings for knowledge." Memories of black books and an old shaman being impaled all over his body resurface in his mind, his mood souring, "When I required help I will ask for it."
Maintaining his calm outward appearance, he stood up "At your leave Lady Nasuada."
She apparently noticed his change in mood and nodded, he turned and left.
As he was walking through the crowd of the Varden soldiers. He listened to the chatter of the soldiers. Apparently, his expedition had returned early, and many those who were not a part of it probably thought it ended in failure.
'It's only a matter of time before the news spreads and then I'll have to listen to more speeches and end up getting dragged into more politics' He mused to himself and continued on his path. He paid no heed to those around, passing them with relative ease even with his heavy armor.
Entering his tent, he placed his weapons next to his cot and sent his armor back into his pocket dimension. Leaving himself in a loose hanging shirt along with black trousers.
Sitting down he pulled out his journal he wrote down a few key points of what had happened during his mission with Blödhgarm. Adding a few names of the list people he knows in the Varden and enemies he has fought here.
The laughing dead;
These magically altered men have been augmented to no longer experience pain and they manage to survive most fatal wounds. When wounded they begin to laugh maniacally. It is possible they do this to demoralize their enemies. Though strike them in the head or simply removing it does work effectively against them. Though they will eventually succumb to their loss of blood. As well as simply incinerating them works just as well. Blödhgarm was unable to immediately detect them with his magic, perhaps on our next encounter with these men, I shall try to detect them.
Blödhgarm;
At first, I mistook him for Khajiit, but as it turned out he was an elf. He is brave, determined and a natural leader. He is willing to put his life on the line by rushing into dangerous situations to simply achieve his goals, something that many people lack. Blödhgarm took command and rallied the company during our fight with this 'undead'. He allowed me to cast a spell that would increase his magical aptitude, how much remains to seen. He is not bad for an elf. All in all, I would not mind him fighting at my side if the occasion should arise.
When he was finished writing in his journal he closed it up and flipped it over. When it reversed he cast a spell and the colors shifted from brown to black. Opening up the book he was greeted by the sights of many of his drawings he had created over the years.
Closing it up he got up he quickly cast a spell over his weapons and left the tent. Using his soul to guide him to his desired destination. Which happened to be Saphira.
Approaching the dragoness, he came up next to her and stood there holding his book and pen. Saphira had turned her head in his direction when he appeared.
"Drem yol lok, greetings Saphira."
"Greetings, Dovahkiin."
He decided to try and exploit one of dragon kind's greatest weaknesses.
"I was wondering if you would allow me to take the time to capture your gracefulness in a picture?"
She seemed to be taken back by his question. When she spoke in his head again, he could feel some of the emotions rolling off of her, one on the strongest was vanity.
"You wish to draw me?"
'The arrogance of dragons never ceases to amaze me.' He thought to himself as he nodded at Saphira and decided to humor her.
"Indeed I do, I find the whole process relaxing. And I would be adding you to the many beautiful sights I have taken the time to observe and take note of."
When he had spoken, a low hum of approval filled the air, "Very well" Saphira spoke and then laid her head back on the ground and went back to rest.
Sitting down on the ground Marius opened up his book and started to draw the dragoness. Quick precise strokes began to cover the page and the form of the dragoness began to take shape. Constantly looking up at the dragon and the surrounding terrain for any changes. Using magic to change the color he needed to draw, as well as cleaning any smudges accidentally created.
He became so focused on his work he ignored the flow of time, as well as the eyes of Varden soldiers that were watching him.
As he worked on his drawing, he was currently thinking about how his recent mission will end up affecting his role in this war. Here he was an unknown variable thrown into a civil war, he had very little connection to anyone here. The sound of steady footfall brought him back. Looking down at his finished creation, he closed the book.
Angela stood before him with a strange smile on her face. Her curly hair blowing about in the wind.
"Hello, Angela, a fine day to see you." He said closing his journal and standing up.
She tilted her head to the side slightly, before she spoke.
"I see that you are back early."
A quick thought passed through his mind, 'Oh that's why she is here.' He decided that he would casually play it off.
"Yes, we were successful and returned early. It was a routine mission."
"That's not what I heard, apparently your company was ambushed by a large group of laughing dead."
He waved his hand nonchalantly, "The enemies' numbers were greatly exaggerated."
"Well from what I've heard, you turned the tide of the battle, unless of course I'm mistaken?"
'Shit' was all he could think before his arm was clasped in the firm grip of Angela and pulled him in a random direction. Angela pulled him through the entire camp getting many different glances, most of which were in amusement or pity. At some point, he lost feeling in the limb that was in her grasp.
When his arm was released he was forced into a chair inside of Angela's tent. Angela sat in a chair across from him staring intently at him, he stared right back at her.
"I assume you have questions?" he said ending the silence, a squeal of pure joy soon followed. What happened next truly terrified him.
"What is the spell you used?" "How long much energy did you store?" "Where did you store it?" "How powerful are you?" "…" Angela kept rambling questions even though Marius had long since stopped listening and was now drifting off into his thoughts. 'I wonder how Odahviing is doing.' 'I have to repapply the seals on my armor.' 'How much longer is she going to talk?' 'By the Gods save me!'
Apparently, the gods decided to be merciful for once, as his pleas were answered in the form of Elva. But it was short lived as she went and sat down next to Angela.
"Please continue Angela." She said as she sat down.
All of his hopes of salvation came crashing down upon him. Those who sat across from him gave amused smiles.
The varden soldier moved out of the way as they made their way to Nasuada's pavilion. Whether it be out of fear or respect, it mattered very little to them. The guards stationed around it knew who they were and simply let them in without a second glance.
Pushing the tent flap aside they stepped inside. Nasuada was seated on her throne waiting for them. They were alone, save for the guards stationed inside.
They came to a halt in front of her. "Nasuada, you summoned for me."
She nodded before raising a hand and gestured to the guards. Upon seeing the raised hand the guards bowed and left. Now they were alone.
"Yes, I did. I have a mission for you…"
Happy New year everyone. Surprise, I'm back!
I have no excuse as my lack of updates.
Anyways thanks for reading. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I enjoy feedback so if you got a question or something to say leave a review.