Heroes of Old
By Kaimaler.
Well, I'll admit I'm on a muse binge. I can't work on other stories if another haunts me so; it interrupts my train of thought and plot. (ha, rhyme)
So, for now, I'll keep working on this, perhaps move back to my sci-fi fanfics, then back here. I need my inspirations or else I'll start publishing useless, boring, poorly written chapters that make no sense.
I did that once, published a chapter written for my Transformers story and it got in my Halo story. Not sure how that happened, but I'm an idiot. So... I figure that's all I will get outta' it.
Read, enjoy, hate, leave, whatever. I'm just insane right now, any suggestions? Tell me! I'm more then happy to try and work things into my story. :)
Shianni was a great tour guide, she led S'jirra straight to the market place, showed her the most important stores and then the ones for leisure.
S'jirra knew people were looking at her cautiously when she approached a stall or continued her talk with Shianni. It unnerved her to a certain extent, but she supposed it was better then having every citizen swoon over your feet like you'd randomly begin pouring out gold for them.
Now that she thought about it, it was much better.
With her helpful guide, S'jirra bought herself a particularly enticing apple at a fruit stand and one for Shianni as a thankful gift. The two ate in silence, enjoying the rush of people as they prepared themselves for long trips across Ferelden or those just arriving.
A few worried glances and S'jirra caught sight of an oddly clad man. Nothing came of it, but the Hero of Kvatch quickly realized that her aching for adventure was beginning to directly affect her every day life.
She would leave, tomorrow morning, for now, Shianni wanted her to meet the King and Queen.
As strange as walking up to royalty in a tavern sounded, seeing it was much different.
There was this blond haired man with a black haired woman beside him, both clearly enjoying their evening outside the castle. The people of Denerim sure seemed to enjoy it as well, even though it risked these two royal's lives. Assassins, hired thugs, it didn't matter what, these people where the King and Queen.
Royalty always has powerful enemies.
Staving off her own confusion of their obvious disregard for safety, S'jirra was moved forward when Shianni took her hand.
Shianni suspected her feline friend had claws, but hadn't seen them yet. She wore gloves all the time, it was only when she was up close and touching S'jirra's hand did she notice the sharp points and almost poked her finger on one.
Dangerous, more then likely a defense and attack mechanism. Shianni could care less; she knew the rulers of Ferelden and was proud to say she was their friend and that her words held weight in the Ferelden courts now that elves were given a place with the humans.
S'jirra stood patiently when Shianni greeted her friend, the Queen first, then mockingly bowed to the King... Who looked very young for such a title.
Waving her over, Shianni introduced her feline friend.
"Who is this, Shianni?" The Queen asked, catching the attention of her husband who turned to see a dark cloaked figure.
Suspicions rose, people spoke quietly while this mysterious person met the King and Queen. "This is S'ji-" Shianni blinked, the name given was difficult to pronounce for an untrained tongue. "I can't say your name, sorry." She bashfully stated to her friend.
"Quite alright Shianni." With a low bow to honor the royalty in front of her, she continued where Shianni could not. "I am S'jirra; I have only just arrived in your land yesterday."
"Well then, let us give you a royal welcoming." The Queen was brave to stare down the shadowed face of her guest. "I am Elissa Cousland, Queen of Ferelden and Warden-Commander." She spoke as formally as she possibly could in such a lighthearted situation.
If one could call opening up your armor, announcing your royalty to everyone in Denerim, and leaving your guards behind a lighthearted situation.
S'jirra didn't take kind to this display of carelessness. It was distasteful and showed her ineptitude for being Queen and his for being King.
"I'm Alistair Theirin, King of Ferelden I suppose." He chuckled, he hadn't been King but for a little over a year. Already he fought against Orlesians who were thinking of reclaimed what they freed themselves from.
"Thank you your Majesty." S'jirra growled out, Martin sacrificed himself knowingly and these royals paraded around like they were invincible. She knew it wasn't hatred for their behavior that ground on her nerves; rather it was the belief that, had she saved Martin, this was what they would be doing.
Enjoying their lives to the fullest, reveling in each others company. They were friends and would've been even before the oblivion crisis had that not been what brought them together.
S'jirra never thought a priest could be so entertaining, but on those long nights in Cloud Ruler Temple, studying books about Mehrunes and Oblivion; she couldn't help but try and amuse her to-be Emperor friend.
Martin had such a caring heart and, in the end, it was his downfall. Though S'jirra knew that to stop Mehrunes, he had to die.
Akatosh be praised, they were alive still and, without an Emperor, they survived.
"So, tell me my foreign friend, what brings you to Ferelden land?" The King asked, he wasn't too suspicious of their dark guest, but he was interested genuinely in her.
"I am seeking something personal, your Highness." S'jirra replied, her envy was powerful, but as she tried to hate the royalty before her to get her mind off of Cyrodiil and the battle against Mehrunes (as it was much easier) she felt guilty for even trying. "It is purely selfish, I admit."
"Well deserved I hope, you must not have traveled here just to taste our fine wines." The Queen, Elissa Cousland, asked.
"It is, I believe, very well deserved." S'jirra stood in the presence of the King and Queen while the commoners ignored them now. This was an occurrence between them and the city folk apparently. "Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Hero of Kvatch, Champion and Savior of Cyrodiil, S'jirra."
"Hero, Champion, and Savior?" The King sounded impressed, "The only person I know with so many titles is you, my love." He addressed the Queen.
"I saved the city of Kvatch and was deemed their Hero. After which I traveled across Cyrodiil in order to rekindle our Emperor's bloodline through his last surviving son; Martin Septim." S'jirra explained, sensing their apprehensiveness to believe her. "We fought something akin to Thedas' Darkspawn. These creatures were highly intelligent, worked on a functional hierarchy, and were called daedra."
"Then we can relate, S'jirra." The Queen smiled. "I was the one who slayed the Archdemon, did these daedra have an Archdemon too?"
"No, they had..." S'jirra weighed what could come of explaining her homeland's troubles. Nothing good, at all. "It is unimportant; right now I am here with Shianni to relax after a long day. If you'd permit me, your Majesties, I would very much prefer to stay in Shianni's company."
"Of course, S'jirra." The King smiled at his wife, "Join us, we're just enjoying our time away from politics."
Like the Darkspawn and Daedra threats, S'jirra could relate to them. "I know what you mean; I have tired myself out from dealing with nobility and royalty for quite some time."
"With a title like ours, I suppose you would have the same duties in politics as we do." The Queen mused, "Do you have a King or Queen in your homeland S'jirra?"
"No, your Majesty." S'jirra replied, taking her seat at the table with the two royals and Shianni. "We have an Emperor and if he desires it, then we also have an Empress."
"If he desires?" The King, who sounded younger and younger as time went on, questioned. "You mean, he doesn't have to marry or produce heirs?"
"It is necessary for the survival of Cyrodiil that he does have at least one heir. If the Septim bloodline dies, so does our protection from the daedra." S'jirra furrowed her brow. "Actually, that is exactly what has happened; the Septim line was assassinated by a secret organization. So we stand without an Emperor currently."
"How would a bloodline stop something like these daedra?" Elissa paused from her treated meal, S'jirra interested her. Perhaps it was the secrecy of the cloak and hood, but she wanted to know.
"Blessed by Akatosh, one of the Nine Divine, the Septim bloodline is sacred. On every Emperor for generations was an amulet that passed this heritage down from one Emperor to his sons. When the amulet is not worn by one of the Septim line, the gates to Oblivion open. The amulet worn by a Septim keeps the Dragon fire lit, which shields our world from oblivion." S'jirra knew these Ferelden royals understood nothing of which she spoke.
All fine enough to her; they didn't need to understand.
"Gates to oblivion?" Alistair was now picking up on his beloved's interest. "What is that?"
"It is like a gate to hell itself, when one is open, the daedra emerge and destroy whatever is in their path." Shianni didn't bring her here to talk about serious matters of past and present; S'jirra would stop this soon. "Gates may open wherever the daedra choose without Akatosh's protection. Shianni explained to me that your mages reach a world beyond yours, one called the Fade."
"A home of demons." Elissa nodded, "Then I understand S'jirra, I've been into the Fade before."
Shianni said only mages could enter. Is the Queen a mage? S'jirra thought, "You are a mage then?"
Laughing just as S'jirra had done earlier that morning; the Queen shook her head, trying to contain her laughter. "Oh Maker no! I was dragged unwillingly into the Fade by a Sloth demon, a creature that puts you to sleep, gives your dreams of your desires, and feeds off your body while you dream. Very unpleasant experience."
"Yes, love, and you saved us." Alistair smiled back at his Queen, "She was the only one who resisted the Sloth demons' pull. I believed it was real, our friend Wynne believed it too, yet she fought back, slayed the demons holding us captive and we were freed."
"What is the Fade like then, if you do not mind me asking." This was a topic S'jirra would be more then pleased to hear. "Our mages know of no such thing, as far as we know, it doesn't even exist."
"Your mages are free from the torments of demons? Are they all Tranquil?" There were few things Elissa couldn't stop herself from being angered at. The unlawful use of turning a mage Tranquil for no other reason then because they questioned the Templars and slavers from Tevinter; stealing people from their homes.
"I do not know what Tranquil is, your Highness. Forgive my ignorance; my land has minimal things in common."
"Ah, then never mind. I'd rather not get into that tonight. Please, go on." Elissa hated when a mage was made Tranquil and Alistair knew it, thankful she caught herself before lecturing their guest about the Templars and mages.
"I will not lie to you both, but in my home, everyone can use magic. It is a naturally occurring skill that one can train in like... learning how to use a sword or how to build a home." S'jirra shrugged, "Some of the races back home are better at it then others, but it all depends on a great many things. Unfortunately, I spent this morning explaining this to Shianni; I'm tired of the subject."
"Then we will not speak of it." Alistair smiled, beaming with joy. "How long will you be in Ferelden, S'jirra?"
"For quite some time, I grew tired of politics back home and came here. After all the battles, traveling into oblivion time and time again; dealing with nobility bores me so. I require a more adventurous lifestyle." She tapped her claw on the cup in front of her, "It was my decision to leave my home of Cyrodiil and come here. I heard there was a great many disturbances, but it appears I am too late to lend my blade."
"Too late indeed S'jirra," Elissa smirked, "It has been little over a year since we stopped the Blight once and for all. Though, in Thedas, there are a great many wrong doings that need a more... hands on approach."
"Like what, your Highness?"
"I cannot do all the things I once did, slaying the Archdemon got me title of Hero of Ferelden and marrying Alistair made me Queen. However, I do wish I could help more lands then simply my own. We are still rebuilding, but other lands suffer from a great many other troubles."
Shianni knew Elissa quite well, if this was going where she thought it was... Then she was particularly pleased she brought S'jirra to meet the Queen.
S'jirra was being selfish again and she knew it, but oh, how she loved it too. The Hero traveled all this way for adventure she once knew, the danger in saving people and lands from doom.
It was a rush that S'jirra couldn't learn to live without. So many titles, some public some not so much, had topped her deeds. As the Gray Fox, S'jirra could break into almost any building, steal any treasure. Her position as Guildmaster of the Fighter's Guild gave her access to weaponry only given to the masters of swordsmanship.
Archmage gave her knowledge and renown, but nothing as packed with action as watching Mehrunes Dagon stepping over armies to destroy Cyrodiil's hope; the Dragon Fires.
She wanted that again, to feel herself fear not that she may die, but if she fails, others will. It was an emotion and responsibility that spurred her onward; convinced her that, no matter what, she could always triumph over her enemies.
S'jirra usually worked alone; once or twice she fought with another at her side. During those times, her companion usually died or fled. Not many can handle the battles S'jirra finds herself thrown into.
This could be another time where duty would move her forward. She only had to coerce the King and Queen to accept her offer of aid.
"If you wish, your Highness, I came in search for a way for me to offer my services as a Champion to those that need it. I am here for purely selfish reasons; perhaps aiding you in defending Ferelden can satisfy my need for adventure." S'jirra raised her brow, she was propositioning a Queen whose own laws restrict her from helping other lands.
"I would more then happily accept that offer S'jirra, though I couldn't officially support you. Rumors at best, but nothing solid. Having a friend of Ferelden trying to thwart our neighbor's plans would only make things worse." Elissa leaned back, looking slyly over to S'jirra. "Under a code though, I can unofficially fund you and your actions."
"That would be sufficient for me, your Highness." S'jirra nodded.
"You would be paid well, right Alistair?" Elissa turned to her husband, who smiled in return. "Depends, you're a Hero and a Champion, did I hear that right S'jirra?"
"Yes, your Majesty. I single handedly closed the Great Oblivion Gate threatening to destroy the northern city of Bruma. Closed the gate that controlled Kvatch, and saved the last son of the late Emperor Uriel Septim, thereby stopping the daedra from taking control of Cyrodiil." S'jirra added detail to her accomplishments. When royalty asked, you had to answer.
"If you can aid our neighboring countrymen, I will not complain. We're on bad terms with many of them too; sending someone to create a bridge of trust between us and them would be beneficial." Alistair sighed, thinking it over. He came to the tavern to enjoy a quiet no politics night out. His wife was intent on not doing so.
Elissa always mentioned to Alistair about Orlais and Tevinter. How those separate lands would eventually try to take advantage of Ferelden's current weakness. If they were postponed, then in a few years Ferelden could heal from its wounds and be ready to stand against them, possibly ending any and all questions if the Orlesians should reclaim the land they lost.
"Fine, so long as you can do it and if you insist, my love." Alistair almost groaned, "Can we do this later? I need to relax before Tegan finds out I'm gone."
"Aw, Alistair. Stop whining, handsome." Elissa joked, something between them and their old companions that they all poked fun at. "We'll discuss details later; all I ask is that, if you can help in any way S'jirra with your skills and history, I'd be more then happy to accept your help."
"Then it is settled." S'jirra wanted adventure and she got it. She had to make sure and thank Shianni after this. "I depart in the morning; I do not know where I will go unless you have suggestions."
Elissa snapped her fingers, "Orlais is talking with us right now and so far so good, I'm more concerned about the Tevinter Imperium. Those people are insane; they... associate with questionable allies and enslave my people. I'm not worried they'll invade or attempt to since they are currently fighting the Qunari for Seheron, but perhaps you should head that way."
"Is this Tevinter Imperium far?"
"It is quite a ways, yes. However, there are many cities on the way. During the Blight a great number of Ferelden refugees fled their homeland to the north, trying to escape the Darkspawn. Unfortunately, this landed them all in the same place." S'jirra remembered the same happening in Cyrodiil. People fleeing their homes in all directions to lose the oblivion gates behind them.
"A city called Kirkwall. It's very tiresome to work with them since it is generally controlled by the Chantry; should you travel north to Tevinter, stop there and see if there can be anything done for the Ferelden refugees there. If so, stay, lend a hand, do what you can until you are no longer of use there." Elissa felt terrible for the loss of the southern cities and farmlands like Lothering.
People either fled or died; Kirkwall was where most of the refugees went and Elissa wished she had the resources to return them to their homes. Alas, it was not possible at the moment.
"I will do as you ask, your Highness."
Alistair did groan this time, "Good, then we need not speak of it anymore." Rolling her eyes, Elissa stopped business. "We'll talk location and payment tomorrow; stop at the palace before you leave and all will be taken care of. My thanks S'jirra; I want nothing more then my people to know I am thinking of them and how to return their lands to them."
"Of course, your Highness." S'jirra excused herself, standing in front of the table. "If I must leave in the morning, I should rest before my journey continues. Goodnight, your Majesties, I will be at the palace early so I may have enough time to travel."
"Then I shall see you in the morning, good night S'jirra." Elissa gave curt nod, "Yes, talk about business tomorrow; I was just starting to have fun before you interrupted it." Alistair accused.
Shianni waved S'jirra off. She'd stay at the inn tonight, she didn't wish to spend her sleep in the abandoned house in the alienage again, and it was terribly uncomfortable.
Walking to the proprietor, S'jirra dropped the coin for a room at the every end of the hall. Having a waitress lead her there, S'jirra tipped her and entered the room.
It was nicely decorated, the warm colors soothed S'jirra's eyes from all the attention she had earlier. It was still hard to think that a King and Queen would spend their time with commoners.
Very hard to think of it.
Instead, S'jirra dropped her cloak next to her bed, removed her armor and went straight to sleep. She'd have a busy day tomorrow.
Okkaaaaay, I want to hear some readers! I know crossovers don't usually get much attention, but I can't help myself now. I want reviews, soon, like any other author.
I'll probably write this anyways, I may delete it and rewrite it to see what happens, but come on. Show a little love? :)
S'jirra is the Hero of Kvatch, Champion of Cyrodiil, and dear friend to the last Emperor; Martin. As a Khajiit, she had to prove herself stronger and more agile then others of her people; as fruitless as it seemed.
Elissa Cousland became Queen, it makes for a better plot and hook. Alistair is King as it only makes sense; if you dislike S'jirra as Khajiit, Cousland as Queen, or Alistair as King.
Then what's wrong? It's all planned out and I promise, this story will pick up the pace once S'jirra arrives in Kirkwall. :)