Chapter 29

"You have gall to walk into my palace and make demands, especially since this is Ondolemar of Markarth, the commander of the Thalmor's Justiciars, whom you speak of. Why should I release him for you? He has crimes to answer for. Saving a peasant girl does not grant him absolution."

Ganir flinched because he felt as though punched in the gut. This would definitely complicate matters to secure Ondolemar's release, so what could he say or do now to convince Ulfric? His mind reeled when suddenly, it was Ancano who stepped forward.

"If you hope to make some political statement by persecuting Ondolemar of Markarth, it shan't yield the results you hope for as he is no longer counted amongst the Thalmor's ranks." Ancano's tone was sharp but sophisticated and resounded strong through the throne room."Nor am I, for that matter, but Ondolemar has been my most loyal and trusted subordinate and I am sure the code of honor for brothers in arms are not limited to one's heritage. I'm sure even your second in command would do the same for his men."

Ganir's gaze shot from Ancano to Ulfric and Galmar, wondering what the hell Ancano was even thinking by making such a bold move. Galmar shifted his weight from one foot to another, uncertain what to think. The High Elf had just blatantly admitted his association with the Thalmor…That certainly took balls. Once it dawned on Ganir what Ancano was up too and they exchanged glances, the High Elf's lips betrayed the slightest sign of a smirk.

"Whether you believe me or not, you would do Lady Elenwen a tremendous favor by ridding the world of Ondolemar, a loose end that caused her quite some trouble…" Ancano folded his hands together behind his back. "It would furthermore prove you are intimidated by a lone, former commander who has nothing at his disposal to harm you. More importantly you would obstruct our joint efforts with Ganir to put a stop to the Dragon Crisis. As I'm sure you remember, Jarl Ulfric, you and Ganir here were present in Helgen when the dragon appeared."

"I care very little for your fancy word-play, Arch-Mage, nor do I believe I addressed you." Ulfric spat as he regarded Ancano with nothing but disdain and distrust.

Who did this goddamn elf think he was to speak to him like he was some milk-drinking clod?
But he knows more than he lets on…and if I have to believe the rumors…All across Skyrim had tales from Winterhold reached even his ears and it had all centered around this Ancano and the two elves from Helgen. Igritte would have met a cruel death that day was it not for that she-elf. Of course I damn well remember Helgen!

He would never forget how the Dark Elf had seemed content to meet his end while he, Jarl Ulfric, had even prayed to the Nine regardless of how glorious his reception in Sovngarde would be. "But what of Helgen and this dragon, Dark Elf?" Ulfric asked. "My men have seen plenty of dragons appear since and there are rumors of a Dragonborn…"

"Certainly even you would know that was no ordinary dragon but Alduin the World-Eater," Ganir said. "He wasn't there by sheer coincidence. He had come looking for me, the Dragonborn."

"The Dragonborn? You?!" Ulfric exclaimed in disbelief, not sure whether to laugh or be offended. The claim was wild and preposterous, but the rumors… "So it is you who claims to be the one the Greybeards summoned to High Hrothgar?"

"I am the Dragonborn." Ganir looked Ulfric straight in the eyes and understood why the Jarl had been unable to stay with the Greybeards. Had Ulfric even listened to a word they had said? All he had done was challenge everything they had said. "I am not just here to retrieve my friend and ally, but I have also come here on behalf of the Greybeards. They summon you to High Hrothgar to meet with them and the delegates who represent the Empire in Skyrim to negotiate a truce and put an end to this war so I can stop Alduin."

Of all the reactions, the last thing they expected was for Ulfric burst out in derisive laughter which was nearly overshadowed by the bellowing laughter of Galmar. The guards posted at the doorways in the throne rooms had been tense, but jumped to reach for their arms and teach these elves a damn lesson, but no such orders came even when this Dark Elf dared make such a bold claim.

"I turned my back on the Greybeards years ago. While they cast their gaze to the skies, the land bled under the Empire's yoke and I knew my fate did not lie with them, but with my people!" Ulfric had the attention of everyone in the room when he spoke, approaching Ganir. Ancano narrowed his eyes at the Nord, not trusting it when the Jarl prodded the Dark Elf's chest. "And suddenly, the Greybeards cast their gazes from the skies with the intent to intervene, sending you of all people, claiming that you are Dragonborn…"

"And you will be honor and oath-bound to oblige." Ganir's red eyes bore holes into the Nord, who was slightly shorter than he. Now that Ulfric wasn't clad in his steel and ornamental armor, he didn't look as imposing to Ganir. Aside from the finest wool and fur clothes, he wore a bearskin cloak and a medallion of Talos and a silver bear's head hung from a chain around his neck. Ganir's eyes slid to his right to glance over to where Ralof stood and he wondered what made his friend from Riverwood so passionate about following this man. Ralof's eyes shot from his superiors to the Dark Elf, whom he had been so glad to see, but now he wasn't so sure what to think.

"And you think I will simply answer their call like some kind of dog because you walk into my palace with your wild claims?" Ulfric taunted. "If you truly are Dragonborn, we shall put it to the test, right here and now!"

Ancano's eyes shot to Ganir, who gave him a reassuring nod before locking eyes with the Nord again. "On the condition that you release Ondolemar if I am victorious."

"Then draw your blade, elf." Ulfric stepped back and he grabbed his axe, which was strapped to his belt with a clasp. "And if you lose, I'll have both your heads!"

"Stand down!" Galmar snarled at the guards when they made to protect their Jarl. "You too, elf. If I see one of your magic tricks I will rip your arms from your torso."

Ancano, who had scowled at the notion of his shared fate with Ganir if the Dark Elf lost, shot the brutish Nord a haughty and disdainful glare. As if… But as much faith as he had in Ganir to be victorious, he wasn't so sure if that was the best in the long run or not. Nords held grudges and were known to be very sore losers.

Ganir had barely unsheathed his daggers and stepped back to create some distance, when Ulfric charged at Ganir head-on without warning or hesitation.

Ganir side-stepped the upwards blow the Jarl made to deal and the Dark Elf intended to slam his elbow against Ulfric's ribs but Ulfric ducked and turned away, giving him the momentum to swing his axe at Ganir's jugular, forcing the Dark Elf to back away.

"What are you afraid of, elf? If you are Dragonborn, then you should fight like a true Nord!" Ganir was not on the defensive without reason but regretted raising and crossing his daggers to block the overhead blow as the strong impact numbed both his arms. Then again, still better than have my skull split in half… Upon colliding, the enchanted glass daggers and axe sent sparks flying and Ganir kicked the Jarl in the chest. Ulfric stumbled back against the long table in the center of the throne room, but grinning from ear to ear, Ulfric grabbed a bottle of mead and downed it in one go before he smashed the bottle and threw it at the Dark Elf.

Ganir ducked out of the way but anticipating the move he would make next, Ganir slashed his dagger at the Jarl's stomach before shadow-stepping him to the right, briefly confusing Ulfric, which only angered the Nord. "Enough of this!" he roared. "ZUN HAAL VIIK!"

As if invisible hands had grabbed hold of his daggers, they were torn from Ganir's hands and sent flying. The brief confusion gave Ulfric the chance to ram into the Dark Elf. Ganir tried to stop him, but the Nord was immensely strong and with the wind knocked out of his lungs, the Dark Elf was sent skidding over the long table on his back, sending the dishes, cutlery, sheets and what else flying everywhere.

The guards and Galmar began to cheer, which only boosted Ulfric's confidence. "Well, Dragonborn? I have yet to hear any of your Shouts or do I need to beat them out of you?!" Arrogance got the better of Ulfric, who buried his axe into the long table and he climbed on top it. He strode over to Ganir, who had gotten to his feet. To the Nord's dismay, Ganir bared his teeth in the rogue-ish, trademark smirk and took a deep breath that made his chest rumble.

"FUS RO DAH!"

The Jarl of Windhelm didn't stand a chance against the sheer, raw power of the Dark Elf's voice and Ulfric was sent flying before making an ungraceful landing near the steps up to his throne.

Ancano scoffed. Show-off. But Ganir's approach had been efficient as the Dark Elf had intended it to be because the silence that followed was one of disbelief. "I believe we have settled our…'differences', Jarl Ulfric?" Ancano tried his hardest to not sound too smug, but seeing Ulfric as disheveled as he was, was priceless. Ulfric's face was flushed red with anger and he glared daggers at the Dark Elf for humiliating him so.


"-,Ulfric had little choice but fulfill his end of the bargain." Ganir concluded his retelling of how they managed to get Ondolemar out of Windhelm as the High Elf had been rather eager to know.

"What I wouldn't have given to be a Skeever under the table to see that." Ondolemar couldn't deny he was impressed.

The Dark Elf grinned and knelt down at the hatch to the Midden. He grabbed hold of the solid, metal ring and pulled the hatch up to reveal the way down. It had been quite some time since he had last ventured down here. Once they had made their way in, they closed the hatch behind them and the two elves were briefly engulfed by complete darkness until Ondolemar cast a spell of 'Night-Eye' to see in the dark like Ganir could.

"Look." Ganir grabbed hold of Ondolemar's shoulder. "If you prefer to wait here, I really don't mind. What I'm about to do…It's rather gruesome and…" The Dark Elf scratched his scalp. "Just…wait here, all right?"

"I would appreciate it if you stopped patronizing me like I'm some queasy rookie that can't stand the sight of blood." Ondolemar crossed his arms over his chest as he glared at the Dark Elf. "So, let's go. I'd rather not leave you alone with him either."

Ganir heaved an agitated sigh, "That's not the point! I just think it would be best-,"

"That we do this together without further delay." Ondolemar said in a firm tone. Just why is he being so difficult over this all of a sudden?

The Dark Elf let out an annoyed growl. "Fine," he grumbled. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

"Wait." Ondolemar had just sorted things with Ancano and the last thing he wanted was to be at odds with Ganir. "Why are you suddenly doing this? I thought we'd agreed…"

"I didn't exactly want to bring this up in front of Ancano…" The Dark Elf was clearly frustrated and ran a clawed hand through his dark hair as he sought the words. "Do you even grasp the concept of what I'm about to do? I just rather…" Fuck it. Ganir thought with an agitated sigh."Just because you might know what I'm about to do doesn't mean I want you to see it, simply because I don't want you to think of me differently."

The High Elf was at a loss for words because he had no clue how to respond to this. He had been well-aware of Ganir's true nature and while he had been worried about his safety at first, he had no reason not to trust Ganir. He felt safe with him and not once feared for his life even though he knew very well what the Dark Elf was capable of. So why would the Dark Elf damn well care now?

"Just do me a favor and stay here." The Dark Elf turned and made his way down deeper into the Midden without another word, leaving Ondolemar behind. Ondolemar's confusion was soon replaced with anger. As if he, in all his years with the Thalmor, had not committed or witness countless atrocities that haunted him to this day! But was he dwelling on the past? No. He had to move on and redeem himself where able.

Even if Ganir was an 'abomination', Ondolemar hadn't looked at him like that since their venture to Blackreach. The Dark Elf no doubt could have massacred the Falmer, but instead chose to get the both of them to safety. And he wasn't about to let the Dark Elf push him away and make the same error as Ancano had. Under the shroud of an invisibility spell, Ondolemar snuck after Ganir as silent as possible to where Thorelas had been incarcerated.

Auri-El be damned it's dark and cold in here...But he froze, a chill running down his spine when he drew closer to the make-shift cell where Thorelas was bound by chains and held behind bars. The General had not been treated with any cruelty but despite that, had lost weight. When Thorelas saw it was the Dark Elf who had come, he swallowed and a flicker of fear could be seen in his eyes. This could not bode well, but deep down Thorelas had known this would be his fate. But surely even if the Arch-Mage was no longer with the Thalmor, Ancano wouldn't be this cruel to have him executed so suddenly and cruelly for no apparent reason? "Is Ancano too much of a coward to kill me that he has his vampire pet do it for him?"

Ganir looked at him with hollow eyes, trying his hardest to suppress the beast that stirred within him and not look at Thorelas as a prey to devour. His whole body thrived as he could smell the cold sweat of fear, see the dilation of the High Elf's pupils and hear his heart race.
"Don't make this any harder than it is…" Ganir felt like a wolf on the prowl as he eyed the High Elf. The darkest thoughts surfaced but Thorelas saw nothing of Ganir's inner struggle to suppress these urges. "It will-,"

"Hurt?" The High Elf's expression was one of contempt. "Why? What has possessed the Arch-Mage to do this to me, regardless of what I've done?!"

He could have stopped from killing innocent people you loved, the beast hissed in Ganir's ears. Look at the fool, shaking in his boots. Make him scream…"Were you in my shoes, I believe you would have done the same. You know as well as I that we can't keep you here nor can we trust you to just let you go…"

While Ondolemar watched the scene before him from the veil of darkness and invisibility, the High Elf was all too aware of how his body had broken out in cold sweat and he swallowed when Ganir approached Thorelas. The general looked outright terrified as he backed away, his eyes darting from the left to the right, unable to find any means of escape because he was bound by the chains. "Please…No. I beg you even!" Thorelas' scream was stifled when Ganir pinned him against the wall and held him by the throat. Panicking, the High Elf thrashed, kicked and punched but all was to no avail. "Please…the lady Valanocke…"

Only now in the face of death was he going to talk in the hope of mercy? Ondolemar had even gone as far as offer him amnesty when he had interrogated Thorelas, but the general had been defiant, distrusting and too proud. Ganir's temper flared and snarling, he tightened his hold on the High Elf's throat. You look so pitiful without your Lord Exarch, fancy armor and your men. The beast briefly gained the better of him and Ganir rammed the High Elf against the wall again for good measure. He dug his claws into the Altmer's throat. "Then talk, s'wit. Where are her parents?!"

"I don't know!" Thorelas wanted nothing more than scream for the help that would never come. No matter what he tried, the Dark Elf wouldn't budge. "I knew Falintaor. He must have known the situation would escalate. The Valanocke estate was abandoned by the time we arrived!"

Ganir's hot breath came in puffs of smoke as his eyes locked on the High Elf's. "I'm sorry…"

"Please, no! NO!"

Thorelas' cry went unheard and the Dark Elf caught the Altmer's arm mid-swing, pinning it against the wall. Ganir used his other hand to forcibly turn Thorelas' face away from him to expose the High Elf's neck. He pushed all of his weight against the High Elf to keep him in place before he sank his teeth into Thorelas' neck, whose screams were reduced to nothing but pathetic, indecipherable whimpers.

The moment Ganir's teeth cracked the surface of Thorelas' skin, Ganir groaned as the coppery scent greeted his nostrils and tasted the warm blood that poured into his mouth. Thorelas stood paralyzed in pain and fear and he slowly felt his strength leave his body but…it didn't hurt. He cried out when the Dark Elf sank his teeth deeper into his neck without warning and he screamed. A deep, feral growl reverberated from Ganir's chest while his claws tore at the ragged robes Thorelas wore and the Dark Elf's claws sank into the High Elf's body. With what little strength he had left, Thorelas began to thrash and clawed at Ganir's head and arms, but the fear that overwhelmed the High Elf, and his struggle to survive only seemed to fuel the vampire's cravings and determination. Thorelas felt his strength leave his body and that it went limp…and it was so cold.

This is … I never wanted…Black dots danced before Thorelas' eyes. Of all the ways he thought to meet his end, this was not one of them. And just when he thought death would embrace him, the Dark Elf pulled back and tore his own hand open, forcing the Altmer to drink the blood that poured from the wound in the palm of his hand.

Thorelas sank through his knees and gagged. The stench and taste of all that blood would never leave him. His eyes rolled into the back of his head and all he could think of as the darkness welcomed him, was that he would wake a monster like Ganir was. Closing his eyes, he could hear the almost sensual, silken murmur of the Dark Elf's incantations that eased Thorelas into the fate of his undeath.

Ondolemar realized he had held his breath all this time, unable to tear his eyes away and when he swallowed, it felt as though his rapid-beating heart sank down back to his chest. He had dealt with a vampire in the past and he had seen the mutilated bodies…But this…

Ganir caught Thorelas in his arms and laid his lifeless body down on the cot. The Dark Elf then grabbed a tankard that stood on a small table and used the contents of it to rinse the blood off his armor and out of his beard. He then took a swig and spat the mixture of water and blood out of his mouth, gagging and heaving.

Realizing the Dark Elf would be done soon, Ondolemar turned and made to sneak back to the Midden's entrance, when the wind was suddenly knocked out of his lungs as he was rammed against the wall. Ondolemar's mind reeled to comprehend how the outright livid Dark Elf had been able to not only detect him, but also make his way to him so blindingly fast out of nowhere.

Upon impact, not only did his invisibility spell wear off but the wound on his back had been torn open again and began to bleed. Ondolemar froze when he could see the terror written all over his face in the reflection of the Dark Elf's red eyes that held a vivid, wicked glow.

"What did I tell you?!" Ganir had his lip pulled up in a snarl and while Ondolemar couldn't see, Ganir again struggled against that monster deep inside of him. Because he had just fed, all his senses piqued to the highest sensitivity. Ondolemar's scent and warmth…It all woke the darkest and most carnal of urges and desires he had suppressed since long before he met the High Elf. Right now, he wanted nothing more now than ravage Ondolemar and sink his claws and teeth into his flesh. "Is this what you wanted to see?!"

"I've seen worse monsters when I look in the mirror…" Ondolemar winced when his back scraped against the wall as he tried wriggling from underneath the vampire. He had known the Dark Elf was strong but if Ganir lost his control now, he would be as good as dead because he'd be no match for the vampire. "You don't even know a thing about the things I've done…" When the executioner pulled the lever, the trapdoors gave and the ropes fastened around the necks of the men and women on the gallows either choked the life out of them slowly, or killed them instantly with a nauseating crack. Their bodies were left dangling for the days to come for the crows to feast on. "So yes…I've seen what I wanted to see…" Ondolemar could not look away from the razor-sharp teeth but forced himself to look into Ganir's eyes, even if it chilled him to the core. He grabbed hold of Ganir's hand that could strangle him with ease. "…I see a man who tries to do what he thinks and feels is right after all that's gone wrong..."

The involuntary yelp that escaped Ondolemar was stifled by Ganir when he claimed the High Elf's lips and sank his claws into the High Elf's lower back and shoulder. Ondolemar was torn from his initial daze and disbelief when Ganir bit down on his bottom lip and slid his tongue into his mouth. Ganir's tongue was as sharp and slick as his wit and it was clear he was in control.

Having fed, Ganir was warm to the touch and he was far more passionate than Ondolemar could ever have imagined. Ondolemar was unable to suppress the groan that escaped him as they kissed. Ganir ground his body against Ondolemar's to keep him in place. Ondolemar reached for Ganir's ear and stroked the length of it before he ran his fingers through the Dark Elf's black hair. A deep, sensual growl emanated from the Dark Elf's throat as their kiss deepened, but unable to restrain himself, the Dark Elf tore at the sash that kept Ondolemar's robes in proper place.

A shudder ran down Ondolemar's spine as the tips of Ganir's fingers traced his abdomen and his thumb drew circles over his waist, slowly inching towards his hips. "Ganir…" Fuck…Ondolemar hissed and swore under his breath when the Dark Elf reached behind the High Elf with his other hand and dug his claws into Ondolemar's ass without warning, causing him to jolt forward. When the Dark Elf pulled away and inched closer to Ondolemar's neck, the High Elf instinctively raised his hands, but Ganir grabbed hold of them both and pinned them against the wall above Ondolemar's head. "What are you…?"

Ondolemar's eyes rolled into the back of his head when Ganir's lips and tongue found that special, sensitive place in the nape of his neck and just below his ear. He could feel the Dark Elf's lips curl into a smirk against his skin as he was in full control and had his way with the helpless High Elf who enjoyed every minute of it. Ondolemar writhed, painfully aware of his cock rising to attention for more but unable to return the affection. Holding both of Ondolemar's wrists together above his head, Ganir placed his free hand on the back of Ondolemar's head and kissed him again. As his hand explored the sharp contours of Ondolemar's chest, Ganir took long, deep breaths to regain some control. Everything about the High Elf had been fucking intoxicating and now that he'd seen his chance, he'd taken it…And not without pleasing results.

Their tongues coiled around one another in the High Elf's mouth, who writhed in an attempt to break free from the Dark Elf's grasp who knew exactly how to push his buttons. Nor was he used to not being the one in charge of things and on the receiving end of things, but he found he liked it even if it meant he couldn't hold or touch the Dark Elf. He ground his hips against Ganir's hand, who stroked the length of his erect cock. It hurt as it was still trapped in the confines of his attire, but as things were going , it no doubt would be long before... You fucking...smug... A frustrated growl escaped Ondolemar's lips when the Dark Elf began to toy with him and tease him. The Dark Elf's fingers would tug at the waistline of his pants and stroke his thighs before cupping and stroking the length of his throbbing cock again. Just when he expected and craved more, the Dark Elf would deny him.

Ondolemar felt the pre stain the crotch of his pants and hissed when the Dark Elf's claws raked over his back in a loving fashion until Ganir felt the blood pour from the wound. Startled, Ganir pulled his hand away and broke the kiss as if burned.
His chest rose and fell rapidly as if he'd run a great distance and looked at the blood that stained the palm of his hand. "Did…I do that?"

"It's fine…" Ondolemar assured him, out of breath. His face held a glow from both the arousal and adrenaline that still surged through his whole body. If he hadn't found the wound was bleeding...

"I'm so terribly sorry. I got carried away and…" Ganir took a deep breath to gather himself. I really let myself go… He released his hold on Ondolemar's wrists and stepped back. Ondolemar felt no shame or fear when the Dark Elf's eyes lingered on his exposed chest and the bulge in his pants.

"Don't give me that look. It's not like you've not seen me like this before…" Ondolemar rubbed his sore wrists and was rather aware that Ganir had left a few claw marks across his torso.

"If we'd be in Blackreach right now, I would be doing a lot more than just looking and you would be screaming." Ganir leaned against the wall and exhaled. If it wasn't for the fact they would hear us…

The High Elf's cheeks colored bright red and his eyes shot to where Thorelas lay. "I'd prefer all that without an audience..." He made to grab the sash of his robes, but Ganir was quicker and used it to pull Ondolemar close to him by the waist.

"I'm going to play it straight forward with you…" Ganir's eyes sought Ondolemar's. "I don't know where this will lead, but…as long as I'm in this 'state' and we're in this situation, let's just take it slow, all right?"

"A class statement coming from the man who nearly ravaged me." Ondolemar said dryly. Not that I would have minded… "But I would appreciate it as well." He then nudged his head in Thorelas' direction. "Is he…dead, or?"

"He will wake the night after this. I'll need your help to smuggle him out of the College." Ganir replied, trying his best not to stare at Ondolemar. He wasn't an idiot and had known the High Elf had been attracted to him, but he'd been careful to act. But he was fine with how things were for now. "We should probably head back up and inform Ancano once you're…proper again."

Ondolemar ran his fingers over his scalp and exhaled. "I think I need a bath first..."

"Don't worry, I can inform him on my own," Ganir assured him. "Unless of course you need someone to scrub your back."

"Oh shut up." Ondolemar snorted as he adjusted his robes.


ZUN HAAL VIK - Disarm Shout

Sidenote: I –hate- elaborating on things, to be honest, but I had to in this scenario. But throughout the story, I've tried to be subtle about the hints as to how easily Ganir can meld into the shadows, which is an ability he obtained as a vampire. Hence why he could so easily detect Ondolemar and ram him into the wall as fast as he did.

The same sort of goes for the sexual scene. I would honestly appreciate any comments or criticism on it because it's been quite a while since I've written something like that.

I hope that in either case, you enjoyed reading this chapter. Thank you for taking your time to read. If you want, you're free to leave a review with your thoughts on it all.