Sorry I've been gone for so long. I've been on vacation and well... I had no idea how to take this next chapter. It might seem like more of a filler or... whatever. But I just really needed this chapter to connect the previous story to the next chapter of events which would be getting Elizabeth the Hero and Daelon to the Imperial City with the Amulet of Kings. Well, I hope you enjoy. You better write a review. It took me long enough to write this chapter so, 'grrrr'

"Pathetic sac of pus," Dagon's voice had boomed from the depths of his stomach. His blackened claws gripped at the limestone armrests as he looked upon the betrayer. "I give you a task," he waved his hand towards the guards. "... a simple task... and even with all my armies at your feet you could not accomplish it?!"

They caught glimpse of his gesture and together they raised their war hammers, whose sinister spines twisted wickedly, into the air waiting for the blow. They were finally swung down and together they collided with the back of the betrayer. The bruised and bloodied body had toppled forward and rolled across the darkened filthy granite floor. The darkness had encased the criminal, no matter; the Council knew precisely who it was. With each swing of the hammer the council members cringed. They heard the distinct and bloodcurdling snap of bones and the shrieking tear of skin. The beaten man's body was just a rag doll tossed carelessly around for the amusement of Mehrunes Dagon. As the beaten man forced himself up onto the base of his palms, the guards had proceeded and together they had lifted their hammers and forced them down upon their brethren's back. The man was brutally forced back upon the ground with a yelp of sheer pain pulsing through his shatter bones. The Daedric Prince lifted his hand and called off the guards for he wished not to kill his leading Commander so easily. "...Commander Broga, what say you to such a heinous defeat at the city of Bruma?"

The Commander lifted his heavy head as he heard his name beckoned by his Lord. Thick droplets of sinful blood rolled over his blackened lips as he hardly the strength to speak. His arms trembled as he pushed himself up and pleaded, "Sire," he spat a glob of blood which coated his jagged teeth and had merely made them invisible, "There was nothing I... I could do. The armies had failed... most and nearly all of the Daedra had been killed! We've... we've been underestimating the opponent, my Prince. Their Champion... he must be i-inhuman! We've tried again and again, milord! He's nearly indestructible!"

Dagon had rolled his eyes in annoyance soon glancing away. He hadn't mind if his temper had gotten out of control and his devoted worshippers would perish in his rage. He could always fashion himself new ones who were more physically able then these lot of rubbish. His jagged dark hand lifted to his chin and he propped his head up as he thought to himself. He finally turned back to his Commander and while motioning towards him, the Prince had demanded ruthlessly, "Fetch me the scholar... we shall see what she has to tell us about this so called 'indestructible' Champion."

"I... I'm afraid I can't do that, sire," Broga had whispered out dejectedly while bowing his head in shame. So much pain had overwhelmed him like a furious tide tossed within the eyes of a hurricane. His eyes clenched closed as he prepared himself for these next words and the beatings that would follow them, "... she had escaped with the Hero."

Dagon's black eyes gave off a spark of malice and hastily he had lifted his hand and motioned for his guards. This time, he would not pity the useless and failing Commander. The guards came forth with their hammers thirsting for another taste of the Daedric man's darkened blood. He was beaten mercilessly, his blood slithering through the cracks of limestone staining it forevermore. His bones became distorted with every blow and no longer had he appeared a willed and physically built Commander, but a fragile and shattered onyx vase. Mehrunes had placed his claws over the armrests as he watched these events unfold. His main Commander had failed his prime mission. This would be the beginning of a series of hellish days to come for Broga. His agonizing screams echoed out into the council chambers. Many a Dremora had turned their eyes away after some time for they could not stomach such a merciless beating. Bones jutting from the skin and finally the Dremora had collapsed lifelessly to the floor. His raspy breathing was choked down by blood that slipped down his throat. He coughed and let his weary eyelids fall over his now serene crimson eyes. I shall sleep but for a moment... and maybe in that moment- his eyelids had closed and his last glimpse was that of Dagon calling off his guards. It shall be Elizabeth who haunts my dreams. His fingers twitched uncontrollably and the pain became so unbearable that it had forced him unconscious. He lay upon a blanket of crimson waiting for that angel of dreams to descend upon him and take away all his sorrows and burdens. She had saved his life back in that plane of Oblivion... if only she were here to save his life now.

"Take him to dungeons. Maybe the next time I send him off to Tamriel he shan't fail me," Mehrunes façade became a fiery blur in the faltering eyes of Broga. He had finally cascaded into sleep hearing only one last phrase from his master, "... for the sake of his immortal life... he better not fail me."

-+-

Hours had passed by like birds soaring through clear skies, and soon and rather lively Elizabeth had opened her eyelids while lying upon her bed. Her head nestled within a blanket of silver. When her eyes had opened, they seemed rather hazy in the dimness that had befallen her room. She dreamed of him again. Her body had formed over his as he cradled her lovingly in his arms. Together they had rested beneath a flourishing tree upon a hilltop in Cyrodiil. The rushing wind was kind to their faces giving them a bustling cool sensation that went well with the warming rays of sunlight that shattered through the treetops and fell upon them like shards of gold. Strands of his fiery hair had fallen and cascaded into her face. Her eyes slowly opened and she saw the dark royal purple skin that she had learned to absolutely adore. Her fingertips brushed across its surface and faintly she could feel the heartbeat of the man. Her head rested across his chest allowing the sound of his innocent heart thump into her ear. She grinned and pulled her head up soon looking upon his face. He looked serene and gentle compared to what he usually had. His eyelids cracked open and his tangerine eyes fell upon Elizabeth with a shimmering admiration. His lips had pulled upward and he shifted his head soon looking her in the eyes. His brow had furrowed and he purred, "... good morning."

She sheltered a gentle laugh and her head had leaned up and she kissed his soft violet lips feeling all the warmth inside his body rush within hers. It felt so good to be in that dream that she never wished to wake up. Reality was a golden garden and this dream became the weeds that strangled the plants making them wither. Xilivicus raised his hand and lightly had he placed his fingertips upon her round cheek. They slid back across her face and ran through her lengthy tresses. His eyes shifted between hers and he looked so... happy.

As Elizabeth reflected more upon this dream, she could feel an aching throb rush through her heart. Her eyes had fallen closed and she continued to tell herself, He is dead, Elizabeth, you have to let him go. Just as she was to rise from the bed, her nerves had been bitten in her lower abdomen. A hand had flown down and seized the pain and her brow had furrowed. Before she even had time to think of why this might have been she felt a sickening contraction in her throat. Her mind now fell deeper into her head as it became a warning of sickness. She clenched her lips together and heaved a sigh trying to calm this sudden illness. She gave it a few moments to subside; however, nothing had changed. Her stomach continued to wage a war within her and she could feel her entire throat contract. Gradually, she had risen from her bed and stumbled to the door. It'll go away... all these emotions are just really getting to you. She had told herself as she moved a little faster down the stairs that led to the living area.

Her lips became sealed in fear that if they parted a sickening bile would escape them mixed with whatever else she could have eaten in the prior hours. Her arms wrapped around her body attempting to protect it from harm as she went. When she entered into the main temple, the maiden saw hardly no one for it had seemed that everyone was off doing their own things. Jerald was possibly getting things situated for their travel back to Anvil. Daelon was more and likely honing his swordsmanship in case he had encountered Broga again. This time he would not lose.

Elizabeth slid across the heated marble floor with a shaky wobble for her stomach began to ache her and vivid embarrassed images came to her head making her ache all the more. Her eyes were cast to the fire and as she looked within the promiscuous dancing flames she couldn't help but to be seduced. Her crystal eyes were drawn to this inferno and she couldn't break herself, she felt like a moth drawn to a candle. Images of Oblivion began to liter her head as she let these flames embrace her mind and smolder her nerves which were once in contact. The fire had burned her soul.

Just as Broga's eyes used to.

Just as Xilivicus' harsh voice used to.

Just as Oblivion used to.

Had it been awkward if it had happened that the thing she feared the most also was the thing she adored the most? Oblivion both frightened her and intrigued her. She was drawn to it and she would never escape its embrace. She was bound to it by chains now. She had played with the fire and now she had been burned.

But here she was... alive. She was now experienced and renowned. She had walked through Hell's fire and she was healthy.

Her stomach lurched in her stomach and she had nearly fallen off her feet in pain. Possibly... she wasn't healthy. Her eyes clenched shut and gradually she had made her way over to a seat. When she had sat herself her eyes were tossed down to her stomach where the pain had settled like a sparrow making its nest in the crook of a tree. Her brow furrowed and she pondered the thought of a nurse. She had been exposed to so many elements in the last week or so—certainly something had polluted her lungs or something much worse.

Immediately, she could see Xilivicus' handsome face. The knots in her stomach doubled and so much worry became of her as she pondered the thought: Could she be pregnant? Certainly not, that was outrageous. She was ever so sure that Daedra could not reproduce sexually. That worry which burdened her mind had warily settled down ever so slowly until she thought, but he wasn't a Dremora at the time...

The worry flew off its feet in a wild rage causing her stomach to churn. She couldn't bear his child. The mere thought could bring tears to her eyes; a baby of a Daedra and Altmer? The babe would be a pariah upon its own people if they were to find out where the infant had come from. Elizabeth's hand had lifted to her lips as she silenced the moans from her stomach which had crawled up her throat and escaped her parched lips. For now she would only listen to the rational voices of her head. She could always pass the child as the Hero's if it had come down to it. He had sworn to protect her and this would be the exact way he could express his devotion.

... But he would have to bear watching a child grow into the very image of the man he had murdered.

Would not the memory haunt him until his death? An irreconcilable chill rolled across her bones and she swore that the spirit of her deceased lover attempted to soothe her. She thanked him within her mind and quickly shed the thought from herself. Her hands folded across her lap and she continued to focus her gaze upon the flames. They, too, soothed her. Elizabeth fell into a world of her own allowing all the burdens of this world melt like wax and drip into the abyss. Just as she had nearly left the world behind her, she felt smooth fingertips press against her shoulder. Her eyes refocused and her head pivoted around to see Daelon standing behind her with a distraught look painted across his sun kissed façade. The maiden's brow had furrowed as she had situated herself all the more to her side to look upon him. Her parched lips finally cracked, "... is everything alright, brother?"

He had remained silent for a considerable amount of time before answering. His eyes tossed to the side as he drew himself closer and sat by his sister's side. His legs crossed and his hands fell limply upon his thighs as he compiled the words. How had he even come to the temple? He hadn't remembered traveling here. He only remembered thinking of Elizabeth and how awful she must feel at the moment. His dark raven hair fell before his face hiding his amber eyes as he thought. When the words had finally come to him he looked up at Elizabeth, "... where is Xilivicus?"

This question had surprised her and for a moment she, herself, hadn't known the answer. Her lips had pursed and she looked back to the fire as if the answer had been held captive by the embers. Her eyes narrowed tiredly and she questioned, "Why do you ask this?"

The male Altmer's shoulders fell at this and he looked to the flames while answering her, "So many things have been happening to us recently. Most of these things have been happening to you, Elizabeth. Obviously I can tell that you and Xilivicus were separated and he lays in Oblivion and you here. At first I thought the best would soon come, but then the Hero had..." he trailed off and his mouth remained agape as he formed together his next words. "Elizabeth, please... shed some light upon this situation. All these things are so confusing to me. Allow me to glimpse into these events—I want to help you!"

"No one can help me," Elizabeth had told him while giving him a gloomy glance. "There is nothing that anyone can do."

"Elizabeth," Daelon pleaded, "... what has happened? I want to know."

As he begged her to go further into the subject her eyes became misty. Painful memories were resurrected from the depths of her mind and she could see the Hero shoulder-blast Xilivicus. His body tumbled through the air and with a fleeting glance he had looked her way. His eyes shone brighter then the lava and in that moment he had said, 'Goodbye'. His body melted away and turned to ash before it plummeted into the depths of despair. The maiden closed her eyes as these memories stung her and continued to draw up emotions which she had gotten rid of, or at least she thought she had. She turned her head away as she considered laying it all at Daelon's feet. He was possibly the closest to her besides the Hero—would he not understand?

But then again he was the son of Jerald Asquerana.

What if he had the same point of view that her father had? What if he would only scold her and expose her to the world? She couldn't let that happen. She wouldn't let strangers curse the name of her former-lover. Her head shook frantically and she told her brother, "I'm sorry, Daelon. There's nothing I can tell."

"Lies," he hissed while unfolding his legs and forcing himself up to his knees. He planted his hands upon the armrest of the chair. The wood gave off a wary yawn as the Altmer leaned upon it. His eyes narrowed and he continued with concern in his tone, "You are hiding something from us, Elizabeth. You are hiding something from me! Please, I beg of you, tell me. I will understand—no matter what you may think I am nothing like father. I will not spurn you from the family."

"It's so complicated," Elizabeth tried to explain while keeping her gaze from him. Her eyes scanned the floor as a few forgotten tears were hampered.

"Then simplify it for me," he told her.

She lowered her head even more and continued, "It hurts too much."

"Then let me carry the burden," he told her while placing his hand upon her own.

Her head twirled around to him sending a few long tresses of silver to kiss his cheek. Her hair glistened like snow in the firelight. Tears were nearly overflowing her innocent eyes. Her lips trembled and she whispered vulnerably, "No one knows what it is like..."

"Then force me to understand." He continued to tell her. His other hand had lifted to her cheek wiping away some of her tears. His lips had pursed and his thin eyebrows curved downwards as he could feel the sadness already. "Make me understand."

As she looked into those loving amber eyes she couldn't help but to feel herself beginning to shatter. Those eyes were so much like Xilivicus' and yet so different. Daelon's fingertips upon her skin were gentle and loving; a brotherly touch that calmed her. How they had never been close before she hadn't known. Her lips fell to pieces and she had begun her story. It began many days before this.

When Xilivicus was human.

Daelon's eyes shifted between her own as he listened. His face fell as time went along and her story unfolded even more before him. So many things began to piece together now. Things were finally beginning to make sense. When Elizabeth had told Daelon that she and Xilivicus had made love, her brother's grasp upon her hand had tightened. Not out of anger—but out of tolerance and compassion. She had explained what happened within the last realm of Oblivion, and how the Hero had murdered Xilivicus. When she began this part of her epic tale, she began to cry.

There had been an interval as Daelon soothed his sister by embracing her tightly. He kissed her forehead and rocked her lightly in his arms. When she had finally been settled, she carried on. She explained of his death and how it had affected her from that day. She told him of how the Hero had come into her room and saw her Conjuration books. She told of him embracing and loving on her and how she had the nightmare of Broga. Her life story had been placed before her brother and the entire time... he had only sat there with his eyes fastened upon her. He did not interrupt or even scold her after she had finished telling her tale. He only sat there; listening.

When she had finished he looked upon her and told her, "... you must not tell father."

"I hadn't planned upon that," she told him while wiping her eyes with the base of her palm. She looked back to him and heaved an irregular sigh as she asked him, "Daelon, what am I to do? If... if the Hero's intentions are true—when this war is over he will wish to..."

"Elizabeth," interrupted he, "... do you have feelings for him?"

Silence overcame them and all that was heard was the sizzling of the fireplace whose chips of wood became ash and flames erupted into the air. Elizabeth cocked her head and slowly looked to her brother while answering him, "... sometimes... when we are alone I believe I do. When he is so near and I can hear his heartbeat. It reminds me... of Xilivicus. He had said that he lived on in this realm, Daelon, what if he meant that he lived on in the Hero?"

The Altmer sat back and lowered his gaze as he thought. Just as he was about to answer, he saw that Elizabeth embraced her stomach and closed her eyes. His brow furrowed and he asked, "Are you alright?"

She smiled meekly and retorted, "I am slightly nauseated, that is all. I believe all these emotions and events are getting to me. It is nothing."

A grimace overcame him and when he looked back upon his sister malice and sadness swirled like a cyclone in his amber eyes. He sat in silence for a moment or two allowing the warmth of the hearth to overflow him. Slowly, but surely, he had risen to his feet and kept his eyes away from his sister. Elizabeth watched him warily as he turned away and stalked over to the living quarter's door. The maiden called out for him and he stopped for only a minute to hear her ask him, "... Daelon... what is wrong?"

He glanced over his shoulder and refused to answer her question, "Call to me when the Hero arrives. He shouldn't be much longer."

Elizabeth furrowed her brow and watched as her brother slipped into the darkness and disappeared leaving her to herself.

-+-

The sun was high in the midday sky casting the long darkened silhouettes of many trees. From the darkness came a large and sinister form whose eight legs trudged across the ground carefully. Its two human-like hands folded before it as it moved. The wild wind blew its long silver hair and its pure eyes lifted across the terrain observing the gardens of Cyrodiil. Velthada moved leisurely as she climbed the hilltop and made her way to the shrine of Mephala. This was a rather pleasing day, or at least she thought it was as she ascended the hillside. When she saw the limestone statuette of her Prince she felt a rushing pride and loyalty overcome her heart. However, it hadn't overcome the sadness which she felt.

Xilivicus was dead.

Mephala would not be pleased.

Velthada climbed across the rocks and soon she saw she was alone with the statue. When she drew close she heard the voice of her Prince whisper to her tiredly, "...Velthada... you have returned to me with news?"

"Yes, my prince," the Spider-Daedra had told her in her melodic rich voice. She bowed considerably and when she had risen she sheltered a frown across her blackened lips, "It has come to my knowledge that one of your pawns has fallen into the clutches of death, milord."

"Which unfortunate Daedra was it, my servant?" Mephala questioned.

"Dremora Xilivicus," Velthada replied while lifting her eyes up to the statue's eyes. A frown creased over her face and she continued, "There is more as well."

"I grieve over the loss of such an admirable pawn in my weaved plans. But he had played his part... what else is there to tell, little one?" Mephala hissed. The Prince's voice echoed around the Spider Daedra nearly making her cower.

Velthada's eyes shifted across the statue's base as she thought of how to word this, "... It has come to my attention that... even though Xilivicus has passed on to the next life, he lives again."

"Lives again?" Mephala snarled, "... what do you mean?"

Velthada closed her eyes and answered her Prince, "His spirit lives within the womb of the Altmer maiden Elizabeth," as she spoke this she could remember the night she had taken Xilivicus into the Watch's Keep. She sat by the slumbering maiden's side and when her hand had fallen upon her stomach she could feel the life filling her womb. She could sense the growth of an infant within Elizabeth. "Before his death, my brother had lain with the Altmer and together they concieved."

Mephala laughed wildly as she heard this. Oh, the web had just gotten even larger upon this news! So much betrayal and hatred would rise from this event! This would not be the last of Oblivion and Tamriel mixing together in such malice. The Prince felt very pleased and with a soothing voice she had told her servant, "... leave me now, Velthada. Run back to Oblivion and make certain no one learns of our meeting."

"Yes, milord," Velthada bowed and just as she turned to leave she heard Mephala whisper her last words.

"Oh, Velthada, what a web we have weaved!" The Prince had sighed.

-+-

A few more hours had passed and night began to fall over the land. The moon reached its head into the sky as it breathed darkness over everything. Many things had fallen into a slumber awaiting the new day; however, there were still a few people still wide awake. Cloud Ruler Temple became anxious as their Hero had not returned. Most of them had feared the worst and they had set themselves up in chairs waiting for his return. Daelon and Elizabeth were two of these people. The rest consisted of Martin Septim, Jaufree, Jerald and even Orrick had showed. The youngest of Asquerana men had placed himself the back of the room away from everyone else. Within him the war still waged as he tried to fight back his rising emotions. His twin brother had been murdered before him. Neither he nor anyone else knew how long it would take before he was well again.

Daelon's arm was draped around Elizabeth's body as he sat in silence. His eyes were plastered upon the flames of the fire. Darkened circles slept under his drooping eyes and his fingertips caressed his sister's shoulder lightly as he knew she was deep in sleep. Her head leaned upon his chest with her hair covering her like a broad silver blanket. He glanced down to her with a grimace as he knew that the Hero would not show up tonight. This had became apparent for many people and slowly the crowd began to thin until there was only Daelon and Elizabeth left.

The male Altmer heard his sister sniffle a few times and he glanced down to her seeing a smile pull across her face. His brow furrowed and he pushed back a few strands of hair to see her beautiful smile. Those happy tears slid through her thick dark eyelashes and slid down her round cheek. She must have been dreaming. Oh, how he praised the gods that they let her sleep in peace. If the world would not show her happiness at least her dreams would. He caressed his fingertips through her hair hoping this would keep her asleep. His neck and back began to ache as he had been sitting awkwardly so that Elizabeth would be comfortable. The hours slipped by and Daelon could not keep his eyes open any longer. The Hero would not return tonight. With a last burst of energy Daelon had shifted Elizabeth and picked her up. He cradled her like an infant and took her to the living quarters. As he ascended the stairs he tossed his eyes down to her.

He remembered a long time ago when she was merely a babe and he was five or six. She hadn't yet learned to walk so he had carried her around. He held her tightly to himself as he walked to the living room and up the stairs to the play area where Bromus would be waiting. She had always looked so innocent and oblivious. It pained him when people would use her and treat her awfully. He shifted her onto one arm as he pushed open the sliding door and stepped in. Gradually he shuffled his booted feet across the ground until he was to her bed. He hunched over and placed her comfortably upon the bed hoping that she would not have another nightmare. Just as he slipped his arms from her he had heard a distant crash. His ears perked and his eyes widened as he had realized what it was. Elizabeth stirred for only a second before falling back into the clutches of sleep. Daelon raised himself and hurriedly rushed from the room sliding the door softly into its slot behind him. He made his way down the stairs and exited the living quarters quickly and surely, he had thought right.

The Hero breathed heavily while tossing a bloodied wooden staff to the floor with a soiled blue robe wrapped around it. Blood stained his once polished armor and sweat burdened his brow. His coiled golden hair hung into his face and he slowly turned to look at Daelon with a weak smile. He lifted a heavy gauntlet and showed the glistening ruby of the Amulet of Kings. "I've got it."

Daelon looked unimpressed. He stood as a statue merely looking over the Hero with hardened eyes. The Hero's gauntlet slowly fell back down to his side and his breath still rushed a faltering smile upon his lips, "... what... what's wrong?"

The Altmer walked forward with a lowered gaze and just as he came close enough his arm launched backwards and swiftly he propelled his fist through the air and it collided it with the Hero's jaw. The man stumbled backwards and the weight of his armor caused him to come crashing down. He collided with the granite floor sending off a loud ruckus from beneath him. The Amulet of Kings became loosened from his grasp and it slid across the floor lying idly in the wide open. He groaned as he felt some of the jagged parts of his armor pierce into his back causing him a throbbing pain. His brow furrowed and he lifted himself up with a broken lip whose blood shimmered like the amulet.

"You son of a bitch," Daelon barked vilely with tapered eyes, his hand shaking the ache away for he hadn't expected to hit him that hard. His face throbbed with a reddening malice and a vein showed upon his forehead as he continued, "How could you do that to her?! How could you kill him?"

"What are you..." his voice trailed off and suddenly he knew. His brow furrowed and his anger was lost within the tide and he attempted to explain, "Daelon... please... it isn't what it seems."

"He's dead, isn't he?" Daelon stepped around the Hero with a tensed structure. His hands were gripped into fists and rationality was lost within his swirling malice. The warmth of the fire behind him provoked his anger all the more. The rising flames became his hatred and the heat that pulsed from it was his annoyance. "You were jealous of him, that's why you did it! You understand what I understand now, don't you? You know precisely how Xilivicus lives on—don't you?!"

There was silence and slowly the Hero had avoided the question with an explanation, "I was overcome by hatred and envy, Daelon. You must believe me that I never meant to cause Elizabeth this much harm. I'm doing all I can to justify—"

"Justify?!" Daelon scoffed, "You're trying to justify the situation?! You think that protecting and being with Elizabeth for the rest of her life will justify this? I had thought you heroes smart. I suppose I was mistaken."

The Hero stepped nearer with a creased brow and eyes that pulsed annoyance. His teeth gritted and he snarled softly to the Altmer, "Her child is fatherless... who else can she turn to?! Who will understand her?! Who will protect her?!"

"I will," Daelon hissed while leaning closer. His nose wrinkled as he sneered, "She is my family; she is my little sister. I'll do whatever I can to provide for her and keep her safe. I won't let the murderer of her beloved to be the step-father of her child!"

"We can't have anyone know of the origins of the baby," the Hero argued while lifting a gauntlet to his head. He rubbed his temples harshly while continuing quickly and silently, "I must pretend to be the father so Elizabeth will be safe. What would people say if they knew the baby came from a demon?"

"He wasn't a demon," Daelon retorted. "He was more human then you are."

The Hero's darkened eyes narrowed as he glared upon the Altmer. His structure became tensed as well as the two of them walked circles around each other. An army of brown and an army of amber fought as they continued to hold a fierce look. The man turned his face away and then questioned lightly, "... are we even sure she is...?"

The Altmer lowered his gaze and shook his head, "... the only actual proof we have is the fact that elves conceive children at a higher rate then any other race. Altmer is an ancient tribal collection and to continue the species the birth rate is exceedingly high. The possibility of Xilivicus and Elizabeth..." he trailed off while tossing his eyes away. At last the truth had hit him and his heart began to fall within his chest. A hand lifted to Daelon's lips and he placed the pads of his fingertips against the smooth texture of his lips. "...what are we going to do?"

"You're going to pretend you knew nothing," the Hero snarled while stepping closer. "When it comes to it I shall confess to sleeping with your sister—"

"We can't just pretend we don't know the truth!" Daelon argued.

"If we want your sister to be safe—if we want the child to be safe—we must pretend." When he had finished speaking, he quickly made his way to the Amulet of Kings and scooped it into his grasp. He held tightly to the precious jewel as he pivoted his head and told Daelon, "In the morning I shall present the Amulet of Kings to Martin and we shall begin our journey to the Imperial Palace. I want you to come with me—you and your brother as well as your father."

"...and Elizabeth?" Daelon inquired, "She won't let us leave so easily without her."

"Dagon had sworn to attack again and I am certain that it would be upon the way to the Imperial City or even within it. It may not seem brilliant, but the safest place for Elizabeth is with us. We can't allow her to stay here. If Broga were to find out we had left her here..." he trailed off with a head shake and he had finished lightly, "... I won't let him kidnap her. Not again."

Daelon nodded and crossed him arms, "So by midday tomorrow we leave for the Imperial City, by nightfall we should be in the palace and before the next morning Martin shall light the Dragonfires and stop Oblivion from overtaking Tamriel." A weak smile spread across his lips and he laughed meekly, "... is this how it feels to be a Hero?"

The man grinned and nodded solemnly, "I wouldn't trade it for the world."

"What about after the Dragonfires are lit? Elizabeth will have her child in a few months from now. Are you to stay with the Emperor or with the woman who bares the child of a Daedra?"

"As I live I shall protect and serve Cyrodiil," said he. His eyes turned to the flames and he continued lightly, "...but I, too, must serve my heart. For that reason I shall remain by Elizabeth's side. I am forever indebted to her."

Daelon turned his eyes to the flames as well. The pulsing brilliance caused him to narrow his eyes. The anger seeped from him as reality set in. He couldn't continue to hate the Hero for his past doings. There was nothing he could do about it now, so he must move on just as the world had. He chuckled lightly and questioned the Imperial, "... I can only imagine what if would be like if Xilivicus was alive."

The Hero furrowed his brow soberly and continued to watch the flames dance before him. His lips had sealed for a moment as he merely thought over it. He would continue to serve under Elizabeth Asquerana, but he would have to watch as the only woman he loved married and bore children to a Daedric man. The heartache would be unendurable and he would indeed die not long after. But Elizabeth would be happy, and she would live on and spread the word of the Hero who had saved Kvatch and protected her until his final days and also saved all of Cyrodiil. He would die in peace. But... this daydream would never happen for he had murdered Xilivicus and all Elizabeth's hopes and dreams that lied within that Daedric heart. "... I never heard of a Daedra being grieved over like this before."

"He wasn't really Daedric in our eyes," Daelon had corrected him with a faltering smile; "He was family."

The Hero turned his eyes downwards to see the sparkling Divine gold and ruby of the Amulet of Kings. His grasp had tightened upon it soon hiding it from his sight. His dark woodland eyes lifted and he said, "...go rest, my friend. Tomorrow is an exceptionally significant day."

The Altmer man gave a nod in comprehension and he turned towards the living quarters to head off to bed. Just as he was to walk through the door the Hero had called his name. Daelon gave a glimpse over his shoulder as the Imperial man told him, "... Xilivicus would have made a wonderful father and husband to Elizabeth. I am genuinely sorry that I had taken him away from all of you."

Daelon bowed his head and glanced back to the living quarter's doors as he replied to the man's apology, "You are but a human, my friend. You sin just as the rest of us do and I can tell that you are going to serve your punishment. I only wished that you would have come to your senses before that fateful day in Oblivion. Xilivicus is indeed dead, but his spirit lives on. If it were not for him we all wouldn't be here right now."

"... Indeed," the Hero spoke softly as he thought over it.

"Get some sleep, my friend," Daelon grinned while walking through the doors. "You need it more then the rest of us." With that, he had departed leaving the Hero to himself.

The Imperial man stalked slowly towards the fire looking it deeply into its ember eyes. The warmth of the hearth had overcome him and dried the once fresh blood upon him which belonged to Daedra and Mankar himself. The heat had burdened him and caused him to sweat even more turning his sun kissed skin golden with a gleam. His eyes were alit as he contemplated over the thoughts that loomed within his mind. His eyes scanned the embers thoroughly and gently he questioned it, "Who is the one that is protecting us and bringing us further down this rickety and darkened path? Is it the Nine Divines who we worship daily?" His brow furrowed and he whispered lightly for only the fire and himself to hear, "... or is it a Daedric Prince whose intentions are thus far anonymous?"

The sound of gold against gold was music to the man's ears. He narrowed his eyes and turned his back towards the flames with that question looming in his wayward heart. That night he held loosely upon the Amulet of Kings, for he knew with the coming morning the true trial would begin and not everyone would walk from this war alive.

--TBC--

Hope you enjoyed this filler-sort of Chapter. Usually no one likes fillers because they don't have a lot of action and such-- but I know a lot of you are praising me for giving the beat down on Broga --although it pained me to write it since I love Broga and I think he's a sexy beotch-- and there were things I needed to clear up so here you are. Final chapters ahead. I think maybe three more. Maybe only two. But I think three. READ AND REVIEW!!! You know you want to tell me what you think. Except you, flamers, who only want to bash the story.