Nylia and other unrecognizable characters, and their personalities are my creation.
Nylia and other unrecognizable characters, and their personalities are my creation.
I headed eastbound to the other side of the Imperial Prison, running alongside its wall. While on the lookout for city guard, so that I could avoid. Gradually picking up more speed once I found a bridge that leads in and out of the city on the other side, and I was relieved at this mainly because I did not feel like swimming across right now. Plus, I was not much of a strong swimmer being a werewolf and could get attacked by something easily. On the other hand, it would mean I would encounter the city guard. Something that I was not looking forward to.
After a few feet, I quickly stopped and stood up to survey the area, as soon as I saw the huge white circular walls of the Imperial City, with the White Gold Tower sticking up from the center of it. It was all familiar to me. As I could still remember the times that the kids of my old family would take me into the city with them to explore, while the parents ran errands within the city. Which consisted of us sometimes getting into trouble, and the parents having to step in when it happened. Other times we would just eat at a local shop. Sighing once more. I definitely still missed them but, I was afraid to try and find them. Fearing that they would hate me or, I would hurt them.
After a few minutes as I thought of them. I got back down on all fours, continuing my way down a nearby path. The path then led into a fork in the road. Stopping, I turned to my left and saw a large stone bridge leading to the other side of the lake and headed in that direction. The other path leads into the Imperial city with the guards standing there stunned. Which made me nervous
"STOP MONSTER!" I heard a male voice who was at the city gate shout. Great I thought to myself.
Most likely alerting other nearby guards to what is going on. As I neared the bridge, I heard a sword being drawn from its sheath some distance away. I tensed at the sound struggling to decide whether I wanted to obey the urge to fight them or flee and deliver the Amulet.
While I disliked and not trusted all guards. I did not want to fight and injure anyone right now or even be injured myself. I just needed to deliver the Amulet to Jauffre at Weynon Priory and, find Martin. With that, I sprinted even faster toward the bridge to cross it more quickly. Once I was in mists of crossing, I saw the citizens trying to scramble out of the way. Probably fearing I would eat them if they were not lucky enough to get out of the way. However, I just passed them without bothering them
"RUN!" a woman screamed while shielding her children from the danger as I passed. Briefly, Out the corner of my eyes, I saw children peered out from behind her with fear and amazement on their faces.
I rolled my eyes at their assumptions about me. Though their fear was not misplaced. I knew I was immensely dangerous when I wanted or needed to be. It was a given. Especially if I could lose control. As I reached the end of the bridge I stopped abruptly and stood upright on my hind legs again. Realizing that I had absolutely no idea where Weynon Priory even located, and it would not help if I got lost. So, I really had no choice much to my dismay, but ask one of the guards for some directions.
Apprehensively, I turned around to see only the guard I heard earlier charging at me with his sword drawn flanked by two others. I flinched slightly, they were still not far away but were still approaching fast. The citizens were at the sides of the bridge staring at me. Some edging toward the other end of the bridge. I refocused on the lead guard again. Perhaps he knew the way to get Weynon Priory.
"Excuse me" addressing him calmly, once they were within four feet of me. He stopped abruptly in front of me shocked. He looked around him and at his fellow guards following him. Who could not hear me as I was only speaking to the lead guard. He turned back to me, sword still drawn and ready as did the other two.
"Yes," he said wearily as the other two looked at him in confusion. Now approaching with caution until They stopped directly in front of me. I also readied myself in case they started to attack me.
"Hello" I greeted, looking down at him staring at him as he glared back at me.
"Ma'am, I would suggest you stay back," he said slightly turning his head. I guess he thought that my voice came from one of the bystanders. Fool.
"I am the one in front of you" I responded dryly. Rolling my eyes. At the that his attention focused back on me, eyes widening in alarmed. He stepped back a little but looking still ready to counter just in case I attacked.
"I won't hurt you or anyone else, I just wanted to ask a question," I said to him. Glancing at the guard behind him, before returning my focus to him.
"Erm... Sure" he responded back a little confused. However, he still looked to be on guard in case I attacked suddenly. The other two shots more look at him as if asking what was going on.
"How do you get to Weynon Priory from here?" I asked him.
"Why do you want to know?" He asked with suspicion. Clearly trying to figure out my intentions to going there in the first place.
"I was sent on an errand for someone" I answered, giving the most basic information to keep my mission a secret. After all, It was none of his business
"What kind of errand" He pressed the question
"I have to deliver something to someone" I responded, again giving the barest of detail. I also knew it would be dangerous to tell him what my true mission.
"Why should I trust what you say," he said defensibly
We both stared at each other and studied each other's movement for few minutes. However, he looked like he was thinking something over. But if he refused to answer would not bother me. I could easily get away and try to figure it out myself. As inconvenient and annoying as that would be.
"You will need to follow this path north east" He finally said reluctantly, pointing to the road past the very small town that sat in front of the behind me." Then you follow it until you see the priory, you can't miss it."
"Thank you," I said trying to give a giving a friendly half-smile, showing my teeth, with a wag of my tail in hope that I could break the tension that was between me and the guards. But all three of them flinched a little when it did so
"What is your name" he demanded giving me a glare. Not amused at my attempt neither were the other two and they did not know what was going on.
"My name is Nylia, what is yours" I answered, then returned then asked "What is your name" trying to be friendly.
"Bryan Taslin" he answered, but he also looked like he was debating something in his head.
Behind him, I noticed there were two other Imperial Guards running towards us with their weapons were drawn coming to give back up to the Guards in front of me. Even though my instincts were telling me to defend myself But, I knew if I attacked then it would create even more problems than solve them. Plus, I did not want to harm them. So, I maintained my defensive position. But if they attacked me then I would gladly retaliate.
As soon they reached us they take a defensive stance ready to help counter my attacks at a moment's notice. One the guard that was already here stepped forward toward to Bryan. However, he never took his eyes off me as did the others.
"What are your orders? Sir" He asked appearing puzzled as to why his superior looked to be having a half conversation with what looked to be a monster. The other looked like he had already figured it out
Bryan's brown eyes scanned me once more before turning to his men. "This monster apparently named Nylia said she was headed to Weynon Priory and needed directions" at this the others braced themselves for any attack again.
"Sir, is that a good idea?" one of them asked skeptically probably not liking the thought of what might happen when I got there.
"I don't know. However, I have decided to go with her just in case" he reassured them. What! Thought to myself. There was no way I was going to let a guard come with me.
"I just need to head to the barracks to inform our superior and to prepare then go home and say goodbye to my family for now. In the meanwhile, stay here and keep her right here. Use force if you have to if she tries anything.
"if they try anything with me. Then I will not hesitate to defend myself." I said directing it at all of them.
"Yes, Sir" was all they replied anyway.
He then turned to me "You better stay here" not needing to say the rest of the threat. No that was made perfectly clear. He turned back around and started making his way toward the city. The rest of the guards were uneasy about me being there, so we just stared at each other in silence. Never lowering each of our guards down. While I was not willing attack them, they could attack me thinking that I was going to strike. To which I would strike back or just flee. After all there was not much they could do to stop me.
I did not know why I was even agreeing to stay here and let him escort me. But I suppose It might be a good idea to let him do so. To put his mind at ease. As much as It annoyed me
An hour later he came with a bag and an extra sword and scabbard attached to his hips. which the scent of it was irritating my nose. however, I chose to ignore it for now. No matter how suspicious it was. Once he reached us he addressed his men. "Everything is taken care of, so you guys can go back to your post now". With that, they all just turned and left but not before giving me a glare. To which I returned to back.
He then turned to me. "Are you ready to leave now?" he asked a little hostile.
"Yes," I answered irritability back though I was still not happy that he was coming along. With that, we then started heading the direction of Weynon Priory
We gradually made our way along the road through the forest walking in silence, as the bird chirped their songs. We would occasionally glance at each other. Each of us trying to make small talk once and while. I also started to get used to him to the point while I fully did not trust him. He was nice to have around just to talk to. But we did not talk about anything that we both did want to, such as family. Though, I could tell he probably was not really liking this as much as I did not. And I was more annoyed the pace we are going at as well. As I kind of liked the speed I was going at earlier when I first got out of the sewer. Giving me the chance to stretch my legs.
After an hour past, we came across an abandoned fort that appeared to be crumbling. It looked very old and white. There were all sorts of plant growing alongside the path leading to the door. It looked like it was the kind of place that was a perfect hideout for bandits. I really did not really feel like dealing with bandits right now. Not when I had a job to do.
"What is this place," I asked Bryan as we kept walking going past it. He looked around at the white structure before looking back at me.
"From what I heard It is called Fort Ash. It was once an old imperial fort" he replied studying the structure.
"Do you think there might be people hiding out in there?" I asked readying my claws just in case.
There is a chance yes. Bandits prefer this type of areas to set up camps" he said drawing one of his swords as well, however leaving the other one suspiciously still sheathed. After a moment we continued our way to our destination.
Once we passed it completely. The only delay was when we were almost to the priory, I noticed some rustling and panting sounds coming from nearby. However, Bryan did not seem to hear it though. I guess it was because my hearing was better. From the sounds and the deep rich woodsy smell, it could only be wolves. It was only a few minutes later that he stopped, drawing out his left sword. I guess he must have finally heard the noise. "What is going on," he asked incredulously before yelling "Who is out there"
"Wait and see" was all I said, wanting him to see this. He frowned at what I had just said before turning to the source of the noise.
After a couple minutes two brown wolves and their three puppies, one white and two browns, finally made themselves known. I relaxed a little while Bryan braced himself further in case they attacked. One of the parents approached me cautiously, while the other one growled at the both of us in warning. just as the first one began sniffing at my satchel and then it occurred to me. They were probably interested in the dead rat that I had in my satchel, which both them and I could smell. Bryan stepped forward ready to defend himself if necessary. His eyes mainly on the growling male. "Wait," I said as I held up a paw. He shot me a questioning look probably wondering what I was thinking.
Knowing what they wanted I took out the rat from my satchel and placed it on the ground in front of the both of us, and backed away. Then heard Bryan's footsteps backup as well. The wolf sniffed the dead rat then stared at me for a few seconds making sure it was safe. I nodded my head toward the rat and stepped back. It then grabbed the rat in its mouth before taking off into back the woods with the three puppies trying to keep up. The other parent gave me a happy bark before leaving too, which I returned. Perking up my ears and waging my tail to show my delight.
After they were gone, he turned back to me putting away his sword. "How did you know what they wanted?" He asked.
"I just figure they were hungry and could smell that rat" I answered.
"Where did you get a dead rat?" He pressed, raising his eyebrows.
"From a cave" I answered smugly not going to share anything about further. He stared at me in disbelief before letting it go for now.
We then turned and continued our way to our destination. Once again, a couple more times we tried to start up brief conversations, but they went nowhere. I guess we were still trying to get used to traveling with each other. But at the same time, I don't know about him, but I was starting to warm up to each to him a bit more. I still did not trust him enough though. But I was sure he was not going to put a sword in my side. It was in the afternoon when we finally reached Weynon Priory. As we neared closer we saw a dark elf flinched then froze in place as soon as he saw me. Of course, he was not alone, there were two others that were working with him outside. Clearly, they were all stunned at the sight of a huge wolf walking on two legs and were not sure what to do.
That was when Bryan stepped in "She won't hurt you I promise" he said trying to reassure the man. Though the man only relaxed a little.
"Hello, is Jauffre around here?" I asked stepping forward
"I-I- I, I'm the shepherd here. Mm-my name is Eranor. And this is Weynon Priory." He said a bit still shook up before continued. "If he's not sleeping or eating, he'll be fussing with his books, I reckon, over in the Priory House." He finished pointing at the castle-like building behind before quickly walking away. We then started heading toward our destination.
"Thank you" I called out to them as we headed towards the priory house.
"Thank you" Bryan called out as well
Before we went in I turned to Bryan. What I was about to discuss with Jauffre was sensitive information that I did not think he needed to know. Information that was given to me by the emperor to let Jauffre know about.
"Bryan, I think that you should stay out here," I said to him
"Why?" was all he said question. "How come, look it is my job to make sure you don't harm anyone"
I huffed "I am aware of that, it is just that what is have to tell grand master of the blades Jauffre is sensitive information"
"What kind of sensitive information?" he asked.
"The kind that is crucial to stop a threat" was all I said, not wanting to talk any further about. I could tell that he was not going to just drop it like what happened with the rat.
"Crucial? look I may not be aware of what going on. However, I want help" he said with sincerity
I rolled my eyes "I thought you just said that you had to make sure I don't kill anyone" I said a bit teasingly.
He smiled "That too since you just said the information you have is crucial to stopping a treat of some kind. As a guard, I cannot just ignore that kind of thing. Plus, I actually do want to help you" he said with genuinely. I smiled a toothy smile that he cared.
"Though you might not want to show your teeth when you smile. People might get the wrong idea or get intimidated by it" he said, and I closed my muzzle this time giving a toothless smile instead. he returned it and, we went inside.
Once inside the first thing we saw was that the interior of the building was made from stone like the outside and directly in front of us were some stone and wood stairs in the middle of the room leading in two directions upstairs. To the left of the stairs was a room that contained a dining room and a fireplace. The rooms themselves were it by candlelight. Before we headed up the stairs. I turned to him "Remember, it is ultimately up to the grand master on whether you can know this information and if he says you cannot know this you will have to wait outside". He nodded once, and we went up the stairs. As we reached the middle we both looked around wondering which way to go. I looked both ways and turned to Bryan.
"You take the left side, and I'll take the right" he nodded, and we went separate ways and I went up and turned the corner and saw an old man in a brown robe sitting behind a desk looking straight at me. I let out a couple barks to let Bryan know I found Jauffre. Thirty seconds later Bryan arrived we walk forward towards Jauffre. He did not seem too afraid of me like the others, or at least he was not showing out. Instead, He seemed amazed in fact that I was here.
"I'm Brother Jauffre. What do you want?" He asked us straight outrightly.
Bryan and I then walked forward stopping in front of the desk. "This is Nylia and my name is Bryan," He said before I continued
"The Emperor sent me to find you" I answered so both Bryan and Jauffre could hear me.
"What do you mean by that, has something happened to the Emperor?" He asked now shocked and worried, but also getting a bit defensive probably not knowing not to thinK. Bryan looked equally shocked at what I just said.
"Before I continue, I would like to request that my partner be allowed to hear what is being said," I said turning to look at Bryan, who nodded. Before I continued. "He would be a definite help in what may be coming"
Jauffre was silent for a few minutes. as if debating whether to grant my request. Finally, he spoke.
"I will allow it. Now what has happened to the emperor" He said asking.
"The Emperor was assassinated by a strange group wearing red robes" I explained my ears flattening with sorrow as I remembered that I was too late to save the emperor, and it was my fault.
"How come he sent you here before he died," he asked still shocked before sadness crossed his face as well, as my ears perked up again.
I pulled out the Amulet of Kings and gave him it. He studied the Amulet and put it on his desk before speaking again.
"By the Nine! This is the Amulet of Kings! Who are you? How did you get this? What do you know of the Emperor's death?" he asked me quickly demanding answers about why a strange werewolf had the Amulet of Kings.
"The Emperor give it me saying that I must stop the Prince of Destruction by finding the Emperor's last son and "close shut the jaws of Oblivion" I told him promptly
Before he answered. The sound of flapping could be heard coming closer before. A bird appeared on the window sill. He then got up and walked over to the bird before pulling a small paper from its leg, opening it and then reading what was on it. He then turned back towards us as the bird took off again, and then sat down at his desk. "Now tell me what happened," he said once he was seated. I then told both him and Bryan about what had happened with the Emperor and what was said there. As well as a little bit of what had led up to it.
"As unlikely as your story sounds, I believe you. Only the strange destiny of Uriel Septim could have brought you to me carrying the Amulet of Kings." He said once I was finished recapping what the emperor had said.
"I'll say, though I think both Nylia and I have a few questions," Bryan said
I nodded "Who is the Prince of Destruction?" I asked.
"The Prince of Destruction he referred to is none other than Mehrunes Dagon, one of the lords of the demonic world of Oblivion. The Emperor's words- "Close shut the jaws of Oblivion"- certainly suggest that he perceived some threat from Oblivion. But all the scholars agree that the mortal world is protected from the Daedra of Oblivion by magical barriers." He replied picking up a nearby book and looking through it,
"How can Oblivion threaten us, then?" Bryan inquired it seem that both of us did not really understand what he meant.
"I'm not sure. Only the Emperors truly understand the meaning behind the rituals of coronation. The Amulet of Kings is ancient. Saint Alessia herself received it from the gods. It is a holy relic of great power. When an Emperor is crowned, he uses the Amulet to relight the Dragonfires in the Temple of the One located in the Imperial City. With the Emperor dead and no new heir crowned, the Dragonfires in the Temple will be dark, for the first time in centuries. It may be that the Dragonfires protected us from a threat that only the Emperor was aware of." He said answering my question then setting the book back down.
"The Emperor asked me to find his son. He said you would know what was going on." I said.
"I am one of the few who knows of his existence. Many years ago, I served as captain of Uriel's bodyguards, the Blades. One-night Uriel called me into his private chambers. A baby boy lay sleeping in a basket. Uriel told me to deliver him somewhere safe. He never told me anything else about the baby, but I knew it was his son. From time to time he would ask about the child's progress. Now, it seems that this illegitimate son is the heir to the Septim Throne. If he yet lives." He explained.
"Where can I find Uriel's son?" I asked.
"His name is Martin. He serves Akatosh at the Chapel in the city of Kvatch, Southwest of here. You must go to Kvatch and find him at once. If the enemy is aware of his existence, as seems likely, he is in terrible danger. And please, let me know if there's anything you two needs. My resources here are limited, but I will help in any way I can." He finished as I prepared to leave for Kvatch.
I turned back to Bryan who was silent from most of the conversation. He looked at me waiting to see what need to be done "I need to go to Kvatch to find Martin Septim alone," I said speaking only to him.
He looked surprised "Don't you need my help finding him?" He said confusion coloring his voice.
I smiled appreciatively then answered, "No I doubt anyone would want to mess with me, can find my way" I said smiling before continuing, "Besides, I need you to stay here and protect the Jauffre and the rest of the monks here as well as guard the amulet, they might need your help here." I replied, and he looked like he was about to argue, but decided not to pursue it. He sighed then said "Alright, you make a good point. I Will stay here and keep watch but get back here safely with Martin alright" I nodded one and headed toward the door.
"However, I would be easier If you knew where you were going don't you think," he said with a smirk. He had point it would bad to just aim aimlessly around Cyrodill
"That Is probably a good idea" I admitted
"the way to get there is follow the path back to the Imperial city and go west from there. It should be past Skingrad." I instructed me. I nodded. "thank you"
"No problem. Now go before it is too late" He replied, and I head out.
As I started to leave I heard Jauffre say "Waste no time. You must find Martin before the enemy does"
"I will not let you guys down" I called back making my promising to get Martin here safely. So that he may light the Dragonfires and end this mess before it gets any worse.
I headed back down the stairs towards the door to leave and head towards Kvatch. Once I was downstairs I headed out the door. Once I was out I sprinted back down the path that we came from once again taking me past the Imperial City and with the Bridge town like Bryan told me. The trip towards Kvatch was uneventful consisting of a few caves and a mine. Which I did not bother going even into because I had an important mission to complete. A little while later a city that was probably, Skingrad came to view. And I was nervous once more.
I knew there would be trouble if I took the road lead right past the entrance. So, I took the road around it not wanting to deal with the whole werewolf in the city reaction again and have any guard chasing me trying to stab me, which would happen every time I go near a city for now. I think a few guards saw me, but I continued my way to my destination before they could do anything. The road after that had a few more caves and mines.
Though a couple of times I encountered all sorts of creatures ranging from fly skinny creature to bears. which all attacked me as soon as they saw me on the path. I took out the creatures with ease. But also ran from the bears not wanting to tangle with them. A few hours later after passing a camp probably alerting the inhabitants, most likely but could not do anything since I was already gone. As I neared my destination I noticed some odd storm clouds above Kvatch and saw an Altmer man come running in my direction. He screamed as soon as he noticed me. Jumping back a few feet before beginning to panic again.
" Ahhhhh the Daedra are everywhere," He said screaming again.
I let out an annoyed huff. This guy obviously could not tell the difference between Daedra and werewolf then again, the sun was still up. And I am giant dog walking on two legs, so his panic was not unwarranted. But something he said caught my attention. Wait what did he say about Daedra? I thought suddenly alarmed at what he had said. What on Nirn was going on at Kvatch? The alarm had now turned into worry for both Martins and the other people in the city's safety. As a puppy, my family would sometime talk about the Daedra. And it was usually that they were bad news.
"Firstly, I am a werewolf, not a Daedra. Secondly what is going on here?" I demanded, and he looked shocked, on top of the panic from before, that I had spoken to him but then Quickly recovered.
"I have to run while there's still time! The Guard still holds the road, but it's only a matter of time before they're overwhelmed!" He exclaimed.
"Why though?" I asked impatiently while wrinkling my muzzle revealing my sharp canines and flattening my ears.
"Gods' blood, you don't know, do you? Daedra overran Kvatch last night! There were glowing portals outside the walls! Gates to Oblivion itself! There was a huge creature... something out of a nightmare... came right over the walls... blasting fire. They swarmed around it... killing..." He answered even more frightened, and every thirty seconds, his eyes would dart down to my razor-sharp claws before meeting my eyes again.
"Go and see for yourself! Kvatch is a smoking ruin! We're all that's left, do you understand me? Everyone else is dead!" He cried out as I perked my ears back up and covered my teeth again.
"How did you escape then," I asked still trying to figure out what exactly going on here since I was not getting anything further from him.
"It was Savlian Matius... He and some of the other guards... helped some of us escape... they cut their way out, right through the city gates. Savlian says they can hold the road. No... No, I don't believe him. Nothing can stop them. If you'd seen it, you'd know... I'm getting out of here before it's too late! They'll be here any minute, I'm telling you." He answered getting more hysterical by the minute.
"Where is Martin What about him," I asked getting more and more worried myself.
"I knew a priest named Martin once. I'm sure he's dead, just like the rest of them. They're all dead, don't you understand?" He said before taking off towards the way I just come from.
I really hoped that Martin was okay. I continued towards the way the Altmer came from till I came up to a refugee camp. There were dozens of brown tents already set up and people scrolled about waiting to see what would happen next in the moment of uncertainty. I noticed that some of the refugees, that made it here this far here safely, were staring at me in horror as I passed them. The others were too busy doing chores or in some of the children's case playing with each other to notice I was there. But could not afford to care right as I continued heading on my way up to the Daedra infested Kvatch. The refugees were probably wondering if they were safe as they thought they were. I continued to follow the path up the mountain that led to the city. Along the way, I passed saw more scared people running hoping to get to safety and even started running faster at the sight of me. As I got nearer to the top I noticed that the sky gradually starts to turn an ominous reddish color.
When I finally got closer to the city I was both horrified and shocked at what I saw there. By that time, the sky had finished turning a blood red and then I saw why. In front of the city gates was a huge fiery portal surrounded by a frame-shaped into the Daedric letter Oht. Which by the look of the eerie demon eye like portal I could guess was an "Oblivion gate"? If that was the case, then this was going to be a bigger problem than I thought as I jumped back slightly. Unnerved at the sight of it