Ok it's not really long like the last one... but I think the next one might. I had the hardest of times writing this stupid chapter, hehe... I just didn't know which way I should take it after the last chapter. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

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From the depths of the Temple, Jerald had called to his son. Daelon's head had pivoted and his ears had perked as he heard his name being beckoned. Quickly he had returned his gaze to the lifeless form of his sister and the Hero. A grimace had become of his face as he could clearly see that he was not needed here. He could no longer help his sister—that would be the knight's ambition now, just as it was Xilivicus'. "... My father is calling me... will you two be alright?"

The Hero had tossed his gaze up with a nod. His arms had wrapped tightly around the maiden who sobbed gently into his chest as the memory of Broga now became scorched into the walls of her mind. Her chest heaved suddenly every once and a while as she was struck by those two piercing lustful eyes. Her own eyes clenched close as she attempted to shove the very thought of him from her; alas, it was futile. Just as Daelon had departed from the warmth of the room and closed the sliding door, the Hero had pulled back his head as he endeavored to look upon Elizabeth's face. His dense dark eyebrows fell over his shimmering woodland eyes as his soothing voice had called out to her, "... Elizabeth... I need you to tell me what happened."

Her nose had shifted a few times as she had sniffled a few sobs. Her head had drooped down as she leaned back and attempted to form the scenario into words. A trembling hand had lifted to wipe away freshly fallen tears. Her eyes were now red from all the sobbing she had done as she weakly answered his demand, "... I... I dreamed o-of Broga." Her eyes lifted and she could already see the malice swirling within her friend's eyes. "You... you had a dream o-of Xilivicus and... h-h-he told you things... w-which you couldn't imagine, right?" She seemed so desperate, the Hero had thought as he had replied with a head nod. "Broga... he... he came to me in my dream. He told me... this wasn't the l-last of Dagon. That he... he would return. I don't know how they could r-return with... with us so close to victory. A-after that... he..." her eyes became misty and they had clenched shut as she could not repress a frightened sob. Her head had lowered in embarrassment and she shoved her head into the man's chest as she gripped tightly at his tunic; frantic.

The Hero embraced her yet again in a way to calm her tattered senses and her fleeting cries. His eyes had narrowed as he looked upon such a beautiful disaster. What had he done to you, Elizabeth? He questioned himself as he opened his parched lips and uttered, "... I need you to tell me what happened."

"... He raped... me." Her head lifted and she looked at the Hero with such a great amount of fear. Her body was trembling all over as she could practically feel his strapping warm body pressed against hers. She could still feel his deep burgundy tongue run against the smooth porcelain curve of her neck. His fingertips still seizing her hips and fondling her bare body. "He raped me," she repeated miserably, "It felt so real—I...I could feel the pain and the heat. I could hear my heart crying out for myself to wake up, but I didn't. I... I only could lie there..." her eyes became misty again as she snarled, "I could only let that bastard have his way with me."

He suppressed the burning fits of anger that were blossoming on the dark side of his heart for now was not the time. He needed to show this Altmer maiden how much he cared and how much he had wanted to right the situation. His lips had pursed and he held the maiden even tighter in his arms. He could feel her fluttering heart beat out into his chest as their bodies were constricted together. He buried his face in her bare shoulder soon breathing his warm breath out upon her skin. Even though this action reminded Elizabeth of her nightmare, she could not help but to feel comforted by him. He became her guardian more and more with each passing moment that they were together. He guided her from the darkness and led her into the light so she was able to see that the world could offer so much more then just sadness. The maiden's fingertips loosened upon the fabric of his tunic and softly she began to caress his back. His back lifted and fell with each breath he took and gave off. His coiled golden hair held an aroma of wildflowers. Elizabeth had always loved this smell. Her eyes fluttered closed and for once in such a while it had appeared that her heart had been calmed. Her breaths gradually slowed and became serene. Her pouted pinked lips gave off a choppy profound sigh as she could feel all the worries begin to slip from her like heat in a wintry storm. Just as Elizabeth had thought this storm of inequities had subsided, she heard the Hero croak, "... I'll be leaving tonight to find Mankar Camoran."

Elizabeth's heart had been struck by the arrow of truth and her eyes had widened. Her breath became shifting and she pulled away from the man's embrace with a softened glare. Her head had shook frantically and she wheezed, "W-what?"

The Hero had lowered his shamed gaze as he knew that moment before now he had told her that he wouldn't leave. He swallowed a lump in his throat as he told Elizabeth while lifting his gaze ever so slightly, "We need to get the Amulet of Kings back before Mehrunes can strike again. It's the only way to stop this anarchy and restore Cyrodiil to the land it was before."

"...w...why you?" she questioned while tilting her head considerably to a side. Confusion had run across her mind as she began to think of all the capable Blades that lingered within these ancient halls. Did they not have the experience to accomplish such a task?

The Hero had smiled dimly as he had formulated an answer in his mind that had stroked his ego quite a bit. "Elizabeth, I am the strongest and fastest Blade. Possibly not the smartest, but I digress. Martin and Jaufree need me to do this. I am willing to give them my life if needed be. Anything for Cyrodiil to at last live in peace... anything for you to live in peace."

If not for the confusion that had hindered her emotions from being expressed, she would surely brandish a cherry blush upon her cheeks. With a calming voice she had inquired of him, "Can I not come with you?"

"This will be a journey I must take alone. I could not stomach the thought of my actions leading to you or one of your brothers getting hurt... not again." The Hero had told her truthfully as he had placed his hands upon her own.

Elizabeth shook her head with a creased brow. How could she possibly alter his mind upon this very delicate matter? The fate of Cyrodiil now lay within his hands as it had before. She was grateful that she knew the man behind the armor and shield. She was indebted to the man who saved her from Oblivion and swore to protect her even through the period where they did not care for one another. Her fingertips wrapped around his hands and she held his hands tightly in her own. They emitted a comforting warmth that she hadn't felt in such a long time. Her eyes lifted to his and she heaved a profound and burdensome sigh as she told him her opinion on the matter, "Two warriors are better then one, my friend. Please, you must reconsider and take someone with you! You may not stomach the thought of us being hurt, but I can hardly imagine the scenario where you might indeed die."

"I won't die," he told her stubbornly.

"What if you do?" She urged while gripping his hands tighter, "... I worry."

"Worry for what?" He asked with a friendly chuckle. His head had bowed as he contemplated for a moment. He wished to seize the right words that might soothe her senses and allow him to walk into Paradise without having to fret about the wellbeing of his Altmer friend. "This is the part where you should tell me the Gods will be on my side, so they'll see me through and bring me back with the Amulet of Kings so we may reunite the heir with his destiny."

"Oh... how I wish it were that simple," she had moaned while leaning back. Her shimmering eyes were cast upon the floor. Her stomach became entangled and she knew not if she would be safe during his departure.

The Hero withdrew his hands from the maiden's and quickly he had placed his fingertips upon her sallow yet rosy cheeks. He could feel the warmth that had lingered there from the fit she had earlier. As he turned her face to his she inclined toward him to heed his words. A gentle smile caressed over his face and he shook his head allowing some coiling golden locks to fall across his sun kissed brow. His shoulders shrugged as he spoke, "I vow to you, Elizabeth... I won't leave you here. I won't allow myself to let you live without a guardian—without someone who will... will look after you and... and take care of you. Now that is the least I can do for the pain I have caused you in the past. You must let me go for a day so I might spend the rest protecting and serving you." He laughed and cocked his head as he sheltered a dashing grin, "Afterall, you are the potential Countess of Kvatch, and we all know that Countesses and Counts need the most protection overall."

"What about Martin?" Elizabeth had asked with a furrowed brow. "You swore to protect him."

"And so I shall," He told her with a nod of agreement. "I shall personally guide him down the streets of the Imperial City to light the Dragonfires, but after that moment my loyalty belongs to you. I am sure Martin would surrender me to a greater cause. No offense, but you aren't the greatest fighter."

Elizabeth laughed jovially which soon turned her eyes into crescent moons. That's what you think, is it? She giggled in her mind as she thought of herself fighting the greatly renowned Black Daedra Commander, Broga, and she still lived. The Hero laughed with her and as she listened to him laugh she felt her heart flutter in her chest. He was a blessing to have around for within a few moments he had soothed her senses and for a trice she had forgotten the sorrows which burdened her so. "So, you think that you're the liable candidate that shall protect me from all harm?"

"I know so," he had confidently told her while posing a Heroic face which only made Elizabeth giggle. Her head pushing down against his hands.

"Then, good sir, do tell me what you should do if I was attacked," she cooed while propping up an eyebrow.

He thought for a moment about the question while withdrawing his hands from her face. He arched his back and leaned back soon heaving a relaxed sigh. He inclined yet again and told her uncomplicatedly, "I would give my life for yours."

Silence had become of them as a smile blossomed upon the maiden's heart-shaped lips. Her brow rose and she asked him gently, "... truly or... are you merely saying that to please me?"

"Truthfully, milady," he had told her while nodding his head and closing his eyes for a mere moment. His lips had pursed and as he opened his lips he looked upon her and told him with a gentle smile, "The world would be better off with losing just some guard then a cultured and charming Countess."

Silence befell them again and they merely stared at one another. A mixture of woodland brown and ocean blue ran together in one swirling tide. A smile blossomed upon both of their facades as they purely enjoyed the silence together. Just as the Hero began to think of such a wonderful moment, his mind became invaded with those piercing tangerine eyes. His skin nearly crawled from the bone as he could feel the hatred passing from the afterlife and striking him down. Elizabeth was still and would always be Xilivicus'. If would be foolish to think she would want any part of him after what he had done. Suddenly, those tangerine eyes turned to darkness and the Hero sheltered a frown as he asked peacefully, "... why haven't you told your family about Xilivicus?"

The question had stunned the maiden for she surely had not seen that coming from him. How did he even know about her keeping the fate of her lover a secret? Her head had lowered and she surely knew that no more tears who be shed for her lost guardian. Now was not the time. When she had lifted her eyes she said, "... my father hated him. My brothers avoided the mere thought him, I am sure. They wouldn't care to know of his death."

Two thick eyebrows fell over the Hero's lovely woodland eyes as he looked upon the maiden with sorrow. He knew that Daelon had cared for him, but it was true that Jerald had hated Xilivicus and would more and likely rejoice in his passing. The Hero's firm strong hands fell over the maiden's and he had whispered into the dimness, "... I am sorry."

"Don't be," Elizabeth had smiled weakly while tossing her serene gaze upon him. "The past is past; let us focus upon the now and the soon-to-be future."

"Your mercy astounds me," he scoffed while shaking his head. "I don't think I could ever forgive anyone if they took..." he trailed off in his words and turned his head away in absurdity. He bit callously into his tongue and within his mind he had battered away at himself.

Elizabeth's gaze remained serene; nevertheless, her brow did curve upward as she heard this. She turned her eyes to their hands and then urged him on, "If they took who?"

The Hero laughed weakly and shook his head as he told her truthfully yet forlornly, "How can they take someone away from me when I have no one?" His eyes were casted downwards as he could feel his heart ache in that fact.

"If it is any constellation," Elizabeth had said with a petite sigh as she withdrew a hand and propped it under his firm square jaw. She turned his head up and told him, "You will always have me. It's not much, I know, but at least it's something, right?"

"That means a lot, Elizabeth, it really does." His mind was impatient as he looked upon that beautiful smiling face. Kiss her, go on then! He heard himself snarl in his ear, why else do you think she said that? She's lonely, go comfort her!

I'd be comforting her for the wrong reasons, he had told that voice rather foolishly. He needed to push the thought from his head. Xilivicus was a sparkling diamond in the eyes of the Altmer; he would only be a speck of rubble compared to the Dremora's brilliance. You're missing the opportunity to be what she needs!

That's an opportunity I never had... could you possibly just piss off? He had asked the voice within. His eyes shifted back and forth between the maiden's and he could only force that smiling mask upon his face that he had held in moments like this when he knew the chances of ever becoming anything to Elizabeth Asquerana were slim to none. I understand... you're waiting for the right moment.

He ignored that voice once he heard the sliding door fall back and the heavy booted footsteps of the Grandmaster. The Hero cocked his head and quickly withdrew his hands from the maiden's, directing all his attention to Jaufree. The old man grinned as he saw the young couple sitting close upon the divan. With a nod of his head, the Blades Master had spoke out with his raspy voice, "... It's time, my friend."

The Hero frowned and quickly nodded. With each moment he delayed this event, it had strummed one of his nerves and made him even more anxious. The man lowered his head and then asked of the Grandmaster Blade, "... could I possibly have a moment with Elizabeth before I leave?"

"Of course," Jaufree permitted him with his gloved hand still lingering in the handle. "Get suited up and come down when you're done. Martin and I will be waiting for you in the Temple."

The Hero nodded his head and turned his eyes back to the Altmer. His ears perked when he had heard the sliding door close and yet again they were left alone. His hands clenched together and then relaxed as he endeavored to get himself prepared to hold his silver sword once again and trudge into a realm that he had never been to. He swallowed a lump in his throat and said deeply, "... I guess I shall see you again when I return."

"I suppose," said she with a weak smile.

"Will you and your family still be at Cloud Ruler Temple, or... are you leaving for Anvil?" His eyes were desperate as he looked upon her.

"My father hasn't said anything, I am certain he would like to contribute to these events as much as he can. I'm sure this is a dream of his to personally help the heir to the Septim throne." Elizabeth laughed as she gave a glance to the door.

The right moment, the voice cooed. The Hero could feel himself lean forward and as an excuse he had quickly leapt to his feet and coughed, "... If... if it's not much to ask I would like you to help me get suited in my armor. The damn cuirass... it's like trying to wear a house." He laughed weakly.

Elizabeth rose to her feet allowing her elongated silver tresses to fall across the front of her dress. A grin beamed up at him and she said, "I would be honored to help."

The Hero became hindered as he thought of something to say. Something that might calm her mind... or possibly something that might be a wonderful phrase for his grave if he didn't make it out of Paradise. Ironic name for the place, isn't it? "... Elizabeth," the word fell over his tongue and flopped to the floor like a lifeless fish.

The Altmer's long curved ears perked and she raised her brow in response as if awaiting his words. The Hero watched her with a grave façade and quickly he had rushed forward and enveloped her in his embrace. His lips fell upon hers and he kissed her so deeply and lovingly.

... Now why can't you act upon that daydream? His voice had snarled in his ear as he still merely stood before the Altmer maiden like a thoughtless lunatic. He shook the thought from his head and smiled weakly, "... I... I..." the words became sour and his stomach had not spat them out. His lips remained parted and his brow furrowed as he saw the reality. He turned to the door and bleakly said, "... I think we've let Martin wait long enough."

Elizabeth nodded and walked to the door and opened it. The Hero lingered for a moment with a saddened gaze and then soon he had followed the Altmer out of the room and down into living quarters where she would suit him up.

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It had taken Elizabeth only moments to help the Hero suit up. He had gotten the steel greaves and boots on rather easily. The only trouble he had was with the cuirass. True to his words, it was rather heavy. The maiden attempted to lift it; however, it appeared as a boulder and she had nearly strained herself trying. The Hero hoisted it up simply; his muscles bulged underneath a layer of sun kissed flesh. Perspiration already burdened his brow. Elizabeth had directed it over his head and when it had been finally put on she had situated it. Just as they were to walk out of the quarters, Elizabeth couldn't help but notice the dullness of the once refined steel armor. The Hero heaved a groan as Elizabeth insisted that she polished his armor before he left. She had got a tattered taupe rag that had been used to shine other armor around the living area and with some grease she had began polishing the cuirass. The aroma from the oil had lifted and singed the Hero's nose forcing him to turn his head up and stare at a cobweb which had been strung to a rafter in the ceiling. His eyes narrowed and he could think not of what to say to shatter this awkward silence.

The steel began to shine and with each shimmer it reminded Elizabeth of the day that he had come to rescue her. She had almost forgotten what a human had looked like since she was surrounded by so many Daedra. Her eyes had narrowed and she worked around his shoulders moving a little closer. Her soothing melodic voice shattered the silence at last, "... are you afraid?"

He finally realized she was asking him and he looked down to her. Her face was inches from his as she leaned in to polish between the crevices of his shoulder plates. He blinked rapidly and replied in almost a sputter, "... I... I do not fear for my life."

"Why not?" Her eyes narrowed and she moved around his bulk to polish his back.

The Hero's calm woodland eyes fell to the dusty floor as he had contemplated the answer. Why hadn't he felt fear creeping in through the cracks of his soul? His brow creased and he retorted softly hoping the words would find their way behind him and to the maiden's ears, "... I... don't know why. Ever since I can remember I have never truly feared. I have been shocked in moments, indeed, but I never feel fear in my heart."

Elizabeth finished and lowered her gaze considerably. Never being able to fear sounded like a great reprieve from her worried mind. Her fingertips lingered upon his slick armor as she began ponder the mere thought of having no fear. Was it even possible to the human mind? "... You fear nothing—nothing at all?"

That's a lie. His voice snapped into his ear. That's a lie and you know it. He hushed that voice by ignoring it completely. He feared nothing. That was what he believed and there would be nothing to change his mind—period. His eyes narrowed and with a head nod he had expressed his answer. Elizabeth laughed gently as she looked at him amazed. Her hands fell to her side and she told him, "You must be very courageous and brave under the armor, then. You have the heart of a true hero!"

True heroes fear... true heroes don't lie. That voice chimed again in his ear. True heroes don't murder.

"Yeah," he chuckled weakly while turning to the temple door. "I... I guess I'm a true hero then, aren't I?"

"I think so," Elizabeth had told him with a nod. "You have saved so many lives by putting yours in jeopardy, you have closed Oblivion gates all over Cyrodiil single-handedly, and not to mention you have sought after the heir to the Septim throne and saved him from death. If that does not make you a true hero then I do not know what will."

The Hero's lips became parched as he walked to the temple door. He hoisted it open and stood back allowing Elizabeth to go first. She thanked him with a beautiful beaming smile and a head nod. He quickly entered after her to see Martin Septim standing in the center of a great crimson diagram that had been mapped out on the floor. His eyes lingered there for a moment or two before returning to Martin. He heaved a profound sigh as he stepped forward to speak with Martin. Behind him, standing around the tables and pillars stood a few faithful blades and most of the Asquerana family, Orrick still would not leave the comfort and solitude of the training area.

Martin's eyes were desperate as he walked up to the Hero and told him with his soothing rich voice, "... I have found a way to open a portal so you might travel to Paradise and retrieve the Amulet of Kings. The portal is only temporary; however, and will vanish once you travel through." The heir had placed a comforting hand upon the man's shoulder plate as he had asked him, "... are you ready to go through, my friend?"

The Hero nodded solemnly with his distant eyes upon Martin. The heir had turned around and at two points of his diagram he had placed the Great Sigil stone which pulsed a deep sinister crimson. At the other end he had placed the Great Welkynd stone which emitted a pure and serene blue haze. As Martin had done the incantation to open the portal, the Hero had tossed a glimpse over his shoulder to see Elizabeth. He felt his heart beginning to shred to pieces. He wanted ever so much just to... embrace her... like he had back in her quarters. When she grasped at him in desperation. She needed him back there. Could she not tell that he needed her now?

A blazing portal had been summoned forth and a warming sensation swept over the Hero's body which forced him to turn his gaze forward. Martin stood by its side with saddened eyes. No one had been into Paradise; therefore, no one could warn him of the dangers ahead. The Hero stepped to the portal and just as he was to slide within its fiery embrace—

You fear nothing—nothing at all?

He stopped.

His body had tensed as he knew the true answer to that. That answer could only be expressed now. He did not know if he would escape death's grasp this time or if he would be claimed for eternity. He pivoted and walked away from the portal which caused Martin to stand there speechless. The heir had almost chased after him, but he saw where he was going and allowed the Hero to leave. The portal was stable enough to wait, so would the heir then.

The Hero walked with haste and a burdened tensed posture as he slid between Daelon and Jerald who watched him warily. Elizabeth furrowed her brow and looked up to the Hero and questioned with a hushed whisper, "... what's-"

His hands lifted to her cheeks and a kiss of metal ran across her skin which caused chills to roll down her spine. Her eyes lifted to the Hero's and before she could muster another phrase, the man had lowered his head and pressed his lips firmly upon hers. His brow furrowed and for a second he had allowed the sorrows and frustration to seep through his grinning façade. Elizabeth's eyelids fluttered closed as she melted within his hands feeling like she wasn't here. She felt like she was back in Kvatch. She felt like this war had never happened and the many sorrows that had gathered within her had vanished in the breeze. The Hero slowly pulled away from her lips and mustered a few words that only the Altmer could hear. Jerald and Daelon stood there astonished with their ears perked to hear what the man was saying; alas, it was futile for them to even try.

Elizabeth's eyes became misty and she looked back and forth between his eyes with a weak smile pulling across her blushing face. She seemed to be attracted to his touch for she only had moved closer as he had caressed her cheeks and felt the warmth that they emitted. His heart did not release that sadness that he had sheltered. He felt like tearing his heart out for how bad it had ached him. His forehead leaned against hers for a moment as he had finished whispering to her. His hands had withdrawn from her face and he stepped back knowing it was time to leave her.

Elizabeth's body had leaned forward as he retreated. Her brow furrowed and she watched as the silhouette of her hero had loomed over her and finally turned and sauntered into the portal. A flash had erupted from the portal which blinded the maiden. Her hands had lifted and covered her eyes, but she wasn't fast enough to stop the searing pain from burning her eyes. When she had finally got back her sight she tore her hand from her eyes and looked forward to see scorch marks upon the limestone ground.

The portal was gone.

Her hero was gone.

Her eyes searched rapidly around the room as though she thought it was a mere joke— a silly illusion that Martin had set up. Regrettably, it was not. The Blades had cleared the room and so did Jaufree and the heir who could only wait for the return of the Hero. The only people who were left were the Asqueranas. Jerald gave his daughter a wary glance as the thought of early had once again plagued his mind. He kept his frozen eyes upon her as Daelon had asked her in a wheezing voice, "... what... what did he tell you?"

Elizabeth's eyes were frozen in the air as if the Hero was still standing before her. Her petite pasty fingertips had lifted and pressed against her supple pouted lips as if the kiss still lingered there. The memory became engraved in her mind and finally Daelon's question had broken through the barricade and was sung into her ears. Her head lifted and she looked at her brother with a distant look. Her voice was plain as she had told him, "... he... merely told me goodbye."

Jerald narrowed his eyes and finally slipped away back to his studies, Daelon had done the same. Elizabeth's head turned back to the living quarter's door and silently she had glided over and slipped inside. She drifted up the stairs and upon the way she could hear the echoes of the Hero's soothing wavering voice, "... I do fear, Elizabeth, I truly do..." Her hand had grabbed the handle of the door and slowly she had pushed it open as she allowed the words to wash over her like a tide being thrown in the ocean's grasp. "... The thing I fear the most..." She sauntered into the room and closed the door behind her. The silence had escaped from the room and she was left with those words which repeated themselves like a resonance across a cavern wall. "... Is failing to be your guardian... and in the end losing you."

She moved over to her bed and laid down upon it. Her form sank into the pleasing mounds of down and as she closed her eyes she spoke to herself;

... You sound just like him. A few innocent tears slipped between her eyelashes as she attempted to rest. ... Why should I attempt to conjure him... when he's living inside of you

A trembling smile pulled across her lips and she opened her eyes and laughed gently, "... Mara... how devious you are." With that, she had succumbed to her weariness and allowed slumber to overcome her. Her heart ticked like a clock; awaiting the return of her Hero, until then. She would dream—and this time she would not be burdened with the memory of Broga.

... But the memory of another.

--TBC--

Alright then... for everyone who DOESN'T like the Hero.. I'm sure you didn't like this chapter much. Unless you rejoiced in his sadness. I have decided that I won't do a sequel. I'll leave you with just one written work of mine that has an ending... that more and likely you will be happy-- but you will be sad as well. Please READ and REVIEW, my darlings! Have a wonderful week!