Heroes of Old
By Kaimaler.
Ah, just a friendly warning! This chapter is short, I'm not sure what else to stuff it with since the next one is considerably longer and I didn't want my readers to wait soooooooo long for one chapter.
So, here's a filler, and we're off to Kirkwall!
Review Replies:
Forever-Nobody:
Ah, you don't have to say anything helpful. You just have to tell me what you like, what rubbed you the wrong way, and I'm happy with that.
Thanks for being the first reviewer! (This story isn't getting much attention and I may have to rewrite it)
Dragginninja:
It's a "Khajiit" and yes, I couldn't help myself but play as a furry kitty with a sword, staff, and some mean conjurations. :)
A fellow crossover author? Well met then! I myself have only just begun my first two crossovers. This on and my Mass Effect 2 x Dragon Age crossover, which is much more popular then this one. Not sure why.
I may have to rewrite all of this, make it more... exciting. But, we'll see how it goes.
I could simply write two versions of the same story, yet where would that get me? Not sure, but who knows; maybe the rewrite will get more readers?
Anyways, thanks for reviewing! And good luck on your own crossovers! :)
"Who is she?"
Alistair sighed, "S'jirra, she's from some place called Cyrodiil."
Tegan shook his head, "You don't know who she is!" He crossed his arms, "She could be an assassin for all you know."
His wife defended the decision, it wasn't his after all. "Listen, Tegan. I've chosen this course." She stopped him, stepping in front of Alistair. "You know that since I became Queen all I've wished about is that I could help people beyond my reach. The political system holds me back from legally aiding those in other lands."
"The refugees, Elissa." Tegan sighed, "I know you mean well, you became the Queen to help people and I understand that. I just wish you'd think about the implications of..."
"Being caught with our hand in their pockets?"
"Exactly." Tegan held Elissa's shoulders, "I know that neither of you wished to be the rulers and that the time called for these measures, but you must understand that sending a foreigner on our behalf to, again, foreign soil. How could that even sound like a good idea to you?"
"Because she was in a tavern, meeting with a friend and a stranger." Elissa looked aside and there stood S'jirra. "Greetings your Majesties, I do hope I have not arrived too soon." She bowed.
"Think nothing of it S'jirra." She chuckled, "I admit, I was drinking and perhaps my decision was made in haste."
S'jirra rose, "I understand, your Highness. Do you wish me to leave?"
"No, do not mind me. I am somewhat hung over." Elissa approached S'jirra, "We simply need to discuss this is further detail."
"Of course, you Highness."
Tegan joined Elissa and Alistair as they led S'jirra into a more private room. Usually reserved for meeting with other royalty without the curious ears of fellow nobles around.
S'jirra entered the room with the royalty and a man she was unfamiliar with. When the door shut, the deal began.
"S'jirra, this is Tegan, Alistair's sort of Uncle." Elissa introduced and as S'jirra did before, she bowed to the man. "A pleasure to meet you Tegan."
"Likewise." His voice hid his distrust well, when they all took seats though, he couldn't stop trying to see under her cloak and hood.
"Tegan is questioning if you are the right one for this delicate matter. Since, in this case, you cannot be discovered. Our intents are pure but people in politics will bend anything to fit their needs." Elissa began, "We cannot be associated with each other, especially a foreigner like yourself."
"I cannot say I blame Tegan's suspicion, I thought you quick too accept my offer." S'jirra shifted in her seat, it was uncomfortable being stared at. "What do you wish of me, your Majesties?"
"I wouldn't know how to continue and quiet Tegan's suspicions at the same time..." Elissa glanced to Tegan, "Do you have anything in mind that could resolve this?"
S'jirra sat silently for a moment and remembered her initial thoughts when she heard of royalty mingling in the local tavern. These were far more carefree rulers, those who'd accept an act of good on their behalf.
Didn't she hear something about slavery being an issue in Ferelden?
"I heard you are having trouble with slavers here in Ferelden, is there anything I could do about that to prove that my intents are pure?"
Elissa had killed the Tevinter during the Blight that were advertising as healers where in the back they'd transport slaves to the docks. She could still see the elves in cages who begged to be freed.
She knew, in her mind and heart, that she wasn't there soon enough to save those who had already been taken to the Tevinter ships and carried off as slaves.
Looking back at the docks she'd always wonder if one of those ships had people crying out to be free.
"Yes." Elissa thoughtlessly replied and Alistair leaned forward. "A... deed perhaps, that will prove how trustworthy you can be."
"I was thinking," The Queen smiled, "You go north to Kirkwall where most of the Ferelden refugees fled to. Tevinter Slavers have been kidnapping our people and shipping them across the sea to their lands. Many ships arrive and leave in one day, but Tevinter own some of them and within their cargo holds are captured slaves. Now, I can stop them here, but once they're onboard and leaving the docks, there's nothing I can do."
"That sounds more then it seems I'm sure." S'jirra replied, scratching her nose. "How am I supposed to end slavery in an entire city?"
"You're not going there to end it, simply stop this one shipment." Elissa corrected. "In Kirkwall there are Tevinter slavers who run the operation, bribing or blackmailing the law in order to get by. I know, from what the Viscount has told me of, that there are Tevinter's staying at the docks."
"Am I to find these slavers?"
"Not just find them, but their leader. There is always a captain, always the head of a group. Slay him and the Tevinter slavers will be reduced to a crawl; from there, I can handle it." A led must be destroyed, else the enemy only replaces them, how would killing one slaver stop them? S'jirra contemplated if the Queen had thought of this already.
"If I find him, kill him and his subordinates; how will that have an impact on their operations? They would only send a replacement."
Elissa smiled darkly, "It will reveal their presence in Kirkwall and from then on, as required by Kirkwall regulations, their docks and ships will all be inspected before departing."
A chance mission, one that rested mostly on luck. Tevinter bribed guards, what's to stop them from bribing scouts? They certainly have enough gold from enslavement.
"How will I reach Kirkwall? I do not have enough coin for another ship and I had bought a trap from a cargo carrier; I have my horse traveling with me. I do not trust anyone with Shadowmare."
Elissa shrugged, "I have a coral outside the city; we will keep your steed with our horses. Cared for in as much luxury as us." She chuckled, "I'm afraid all cargo from royal vessels are checked; just to make sure it isn't a cover to dock without paying fees. If they find a horse aboard, it'll look suspicious."
"I expect her in good health when I return." S'jirra wanted to see Shadowmare in Kirkwall, but Elissa was right. Finding a lone horse in the cargo hold would be extremely disconcerting for the guards conducting the search. "She was a gift from a good friend and a fine horse, I'll only release her if I have your word she'll be safe."
Dedication to a horse. Huh, that's a new one. Elissa placed her hand over her heart, "I swear to you, S'jirra, I'll see that she is kept with a full belly and enough field to roam personally."
S'jirra stared down the Queen a moment, before redirecting her attention. "You said royal vessel."
Alistair took over, "The Tevinter ship is probably nearly there already and by the time you arrive, they will have unloaded the slaves. However, Tevinter's probably have sent the first shipment to their lands, but their leader will still be in town. Stop him, free the slaves, and they'll return to Ferelden on the royal vessel we will send you aboard."
"In other words, by the time I arrive, they'll be outside Kirkwall; most likely." S'jirra confirmed, "How will I go about finding these slavers?"
"There are many Tevinter citizens visiting Kirkwall, use enough force and they'll talk. Shipments from Ferelden grow rare with our grip on docking ships tightening. If you can stop these slavers, it'll act as a message to others. That our reach is far and we tolerate nothing." The Queen ground out, how she hated slavery; more so, the slavers she couldn't stop herself.
S'jirra thought for a moment, if she accepted she'd have a main quest to track, if she declined, she'd have to find her own way through Ferelden and, possibly, to Kirkwall. Slavery though? It wasn't unheard of. Morrowind still practiced the capturing and training of people as slaves, sometimes they did so in other lands.
It wasn't a main concern to the Empire, but it was there.
Passing up the chance to save innocence from a life of torture though? Even if she had barely any chance at suceeding, she'd feel worse for not even trying.
"I suppose I have no choice in the matter. I will not let people be shipped off to be slaves when I have the power to end it." S'jirra sighed, "I agree to the terms, but afterwards, what happens?"
"We'll send a letter off every week with soverigns inside, six per week, ten if you do more then you are asked." Elissa held out ten gold in her hand, "With my contacts, I'll inform you about all the going on's in Kirkwall; if we're lucky and if your skill holds up, S'jirra, we could be saving many innocent lives."
"I see, very well your Majesties." Take the opportunity, take the gold, free the slaves, clean out the scum of Kirkwall as much as possible, and be paid for it? She could live with that.
"Good then, the ship is already waiting for you at the docks. A guide will show you to it." Elissa stood, handing S'jirra the gold. "Down payment, I want those slavers gone S'jirra; I cannot stand my people being forced into slavery like so. Do good and I'll make sure you're treated like royalty."
Standing with the Queen, S'jirra bowed once more. "This will be the last time we speak personally for some time, your Highness. I bid you farewell. I will keep my end of the bargain and send you word when I complete it."
"Thank you S'jirra, this is a great help, not to mention, the illegal kind." Elissa laughed, "Take care, my friend, I will await your letter."
After S'jirra bowed and left the royals to their own business, Tegan glowered at Elissa.
"That wasn't what I meant and you know it, child."
Giggling, the Queen patted Tegan's shoulders. "I know, but this way I get what I want and, if fulfilled, you do to. It'll be fine, even if she's not trustworthy and doesn't do as asked, all that will have happened is us giving a stranger a free trip to Kirkwall."
"Supplies cost a lot, Elissa."
"And adventuring is a dangerous game; S'jirra takes a risk by aiding us."
At the docks, S'jirra dismounted Shadowmare and followed the guide to the royal ship.
From what she was told by the guide, Elissa and Alistair would send letter that a gift for the Viscount of Kirkwall and the Grand Cleric was aboard. That was the cover story at any rate. S'jirra would take this ship to Kirkwall and begin her quest for the enslaved Ferelden's.
Tevinter Magisters... New terms meant nothing if they were all criminals anyways. S'jirra spited slavery as much as the next citizen, but it was always going to exist all she could do was disassociate herself from those who practice it.
At the docks, S'jirra was met by a ship meant for these very purposes. Shadowmare was being led back to Denerim with the guide and S'jirra was taken aboard.
"Alright, stranger." The Captain, an older human addressed her. "You'll be stayin' below deck. Captain's orders, you canna' be seen by guards when we dock; so you'll be slippin' through the lower levels when dey come aboard. You can do whatcha' want 'til we near the city, but afta' dat. Below deck, understand?"
"Of course Captain." S'jirra nodded, "I will be in the cargo hold if you have need of me. My thanks Captain."
S'jirra wouldn't risk herself being seen, this was a discreet mission that Elissa entrusted to her and she'd see it done.
It wouldn't have mattered if she wasn't being paid, slavers deserved more then just a quick death, but S'jirra wanted to see more and fight more then just slavers.
She'd deal with the stolen Ferelden slaves and free them, send them back to the ship and then continue her adventure.
Perhaps, in her travels, she'll come across one of these demons Shianni spoke of.
It'd only be too sweet if she found herself new challenges along the way; demons sounded life threatening which was right up her alley.
Once more, she began her journey on a ship and found herself dragged aboard yet another ship rocking back and forth from the crushing waves. It sickened her to no end; she wasn't built to withstand being thrown around so much.
Not that Mehrunes Dagon himself didn't toss her around.