"3 daedric lords?" Namira nodded. "yes. these lords have gone by many names, however you would probably know them as Vivec, Almalexia and Sotha sil."

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CHAPTER 13

BRANKA'S POV

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Branka growled as she brought the blade of her nordic hero battleaxe, down on the falmer in front of her. she grinned as the decrepit elf's head slit open as the blade buried itself in the skull. A heartbeat later Branka snapped her wrists to the side splitting the skull open even further. Wrenching the axe from the elf's head Branka rehooked the axe to its harness and turned, to find dog was still with her. smiling at the dog Branka chuckled as dog dug his feet dug backwards kicking up a small wave of dirt and dust and covering his own falmer kill. Turning back to the job at hand Branka slowly made her way down the large earthen ramp that led deeper into darkwatch cavern.

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As it turns out she had been here before. when she had recovered one of the elder scrolls. However then she had been directed here by a man who had a less than sane mind. Moving through the darkened cavern Branka smiled as she found herself nearing a large underground castle. When she'd first been here she'd seen the fortress; and she had been interested in it. But she had also been carry a ton of gear, and was working on a clock to try and stop alduin. Now though she was looking forward to exploring the castle. Stepping onto the large stone stairway Branka did flinch slightly as the stone let out a loud creek. Looking up towards the top of the stairway Branka felt her blood begin to burn as forms began to emerge from the darkness. Reaching behind her Branka drew her battle axe. Rushing forward Branka let out a battle roar, as she slashed at the shadows.

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Ducking a swing from a falmer sword Branka spun around and slammed the pointed end of her battle axe into the falmer's chest. Ripping the point out of the falmer's chest and tearing out a small portion of the falmer's innards. Branka brought the blade down on another falmer's head splitting it open, like a melon and allowing blood and brain matter to drip out. Letting go of her battle axe, Branka pulled her orcish dagger from her belt and slammed it into the neck of another falmer, before ducking down and pulling her axe out of the now dead falmer. With a final falmer left Branka charged forward and at the last moment spun to the right; slashing at the falmer's arm, and cleaving through skin, muscle, and bone. The famler dropped to the ground writhing in pain as blood gushed from the loss of its limb. Branka finished the decrepit elf off a second later.

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With no more falmer in sight Branka slowly made her way into the middle of the castle courtyard. Looking up she found that the large crystalline moon hung from the ceiling directly above her. taking in a deep breath Branka braced herself "FUS….RO….DAH!" the air around her seemed to explode away from her as her shout raced towards the crystal moon above her. for a moment the moon's light dimmed and then it returned accompanied by an ear splitting roar that shook the ground she stood on. Staggering backwards Branka watched as a blinding beam of light seemed to split the 'moon' in half. A moment later Branka was almost swept off her feet as massive wings beat the air creating whirlwinds in the air and kicking up massive twisters of dust and dirt.

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Branka watched as from the light a dragon emerged; unlike other dragons she'd fought and killed this one was not a dark brown, or even green, or the rare blue. No this dragon was a light pink, with brown spines and was giving off an obviously female feeling. Branka sighed as she watched the dragon soar through the underground cavern and away from her. it seemed liked no matter what she was doing it involved chasing dragons.

ASUM'S POV

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Asum's head felt light. He was gasping for breath, and his scales were covered in sweat. "so you're saying that, Vivec, Almalexia and sotha sil were not living gods, but daedric lords?" Namira nodded. "yes. and since their mortal vessels died, their souls go to sleep until another vessel is created that is strong enough to house their souls. Then and only then are they reincarnated." Asum nodded slowly. "ok…..so which soul is inside me?" Namira looked to Mora who floated closer for a moment before speaking. "Almalexia murdered Sotha sil, and in so doing absorbed his power into her own, Sotha Sil is truly dead, or as dead as any daedric lord can be. For her treachery she was killed by an emissary of Vivec." Again Asum nodded. everyone had heard the legends of the Nerevarine. Mora continued to speak. "but the Nerevarine was not a daedra. And so Almalexia's soul went to sleep. And now a vessel has been born that can hold it. But Almalexia was deranged her powers weakening, her mind warping, and so even in death she plotted and planned and now she will enact this plan. And only one person can stop her."

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Asum cocked his head. "I thought you said anyone could kill their mortal vessels?" mora nodded. "but only being can destroy her soul…the reincarnation of vivec. The soul that slumbers within you." Asum felt his eyes widen. "what?" peryite spoke from his spot in front of the fire. "Vivec's soul slumbers within you. And when the time comes it will awaken to do final battle with Almalexia." Asum took a step back, his head was buzzing and he felt like he might faint at any moment. "but how…I don't know, how to find Almalexia…..how am I supposed to beat her?" again Mora spoke. "she will seek you out. unlike you Almalexia's soul is awake and is using her vessel. Even as we speak here the daedra can feel her coming closer. When she gets close enough the eye of magnus will activate and the barriers around nirn will waiver. It will be just long enough of a waiver so that the daedra will be able to weave a spell. A spell that will allow them all to walk nirn again in, their pseudo-avatars." Asum gasped for air.

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"how do we stop it?" Namira shook her head sadly. "you cannot. This is written, not only in the stars but in the elder scrolls as well." Asum shook his head frantically. "then what can I do?! What is the point of being here if I can't stop this from happening?!" the daedra around hic laughed making his scales stand on end. "You mortals see things so linier. You think you can only stop something before it has happened. If you're being attacked by a mage can you not stop his magic after he has cast it? Can you not slit his throat or cut off his hands while the magic is building?" Asum shivered. He wasn't sure he liked the way that had been said. "the point is that you CAN stop something once it has started, but has yet to take effect. In weakening the barriers Almalexia will be weakened. And will need time to rest and rebuild her power. It is in this moment you will need to strike."

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Asum nodded, but as he did a thought popped into his head. "why are you telling me this? Why are you; daedric lords, trying to prevent something that would allow you to walk on nirn?" Asum's eyes narrowed as he watched the lords in front of him shift uncomfortably. "because it has always been this way. Since the beginning of the cycle, we have always stood on this side of the battle, against our brothers and sisters; just as others have stood to the side unable, or unwilling to pick sides in this battle." Asum shook his head. "I still don't under-" but he found himself cut off as mora spoke. "we cannot tell you everything now. And our time is growing short. You cannot escape this fate, even if you try to leave Skyrim you will be pulled back. you cannot run from this." Asum opened his mouth to speak again but hircine raised his hand and silenced him instantly. "you can believe us or not Asum the choice is yours. Just as you can choose to believe that this really happened, or is just a dream fueled by your sudden use of magic." Asum watched as hircine stepped closer. "but if this is a dream. Then it's time for you to…" hircine raised his hand and put it in front of Asum's face. "to wake up." a second later Asum felt hircine flick his forehead with his finger.

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Asum sat bolt upright. His scales were drenched in freezing cold sweat, and his blankets and sheets were twisted so tightly around him that he was having trouble drawing breath. Struggling to get free Asum began to panic. The blankets were too tight, he couldn't breathe he couldn't…..instantly his claws snapped out and soon the room was filled with the sounds of ripping and tearing fabric. Tearing through the last sheet Asum felt his body begin to relax as he was able to draw in a full breath of air. His scales were freezing and he quickly began to pull on his robes before tossing several logs into the fireplace before igniting them with a spell. Kneeling down in front of the fire Asum did his best to get warm and push the thought of what might or might not have just happened; out of his mind.

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OKAN'S POV

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Okan groaned as he pushed open the door to Savos's office. Scanning the office Okan found Savos sitting down pouring over a large scroll; but looked up as the door had opened. "Okan I trust….okan….are you ok?" Okan only groaned as he dropped down into a chair in front of the fire place before running his claws through his head feathers. "the thalmor were waiting for us." Okan heard Savos get up from his desk and sit down in the chair next to him. "what?" Okan repeated himself. "the thalmor were waiting for us. We'd just left the canyons and the thalmor were waiting for us. They tried to trick us into giving them the eye. And when we didn't they attacked us. They killed a lot of people….including me."

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Savos cocked his head at Okan who paused long enough to lean forward and pull his chair closer to the fire. Gods it felt like his scales would freeze off at any moment. Behind him Okan heard Savos speak. "what do you mean they killed you?" Okan sighed and unconsciously ran his hand over his chest; indeed his body had healed the stab wounds. Not even a scar was left. A thalmor agent, stabbed me….3 times. I died Savos, I left this world and went to the eternal marsh. I….I…..I was confronted by a tender. It told me….it wasn't my time…and then I was back here." For a moment neither of them spoke, then; "I'm afraid I'm not as familiar with argonian culture. What is a tender?" Okan sighed. Of course Savos wasn't well versed in argonian culture. Since the thalmor had begun spreading blackmarsh had closed it boarders and virtually cut itself off from the rest of the world.

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"the tenders are the guardians of the eternal marsh, our version of the afterlife. They alone decide who may or may not remain there." Savos nodded. "and you met one." Okan nodded and felt his sclaes prickle as the memory came back to him. "yes. it told me…..told me I wasn't welcome. That my time wasn't now." Savos nodded again. "isn't that a good thing?" Okan shook his head. "only a few people have ever come back from the dead; in argonian mythology. And when they do they bring with them disaster. I'm scared at what I might bring back with me. You know my past Savos. You're one of the few that do. If part of that old life comes back….i could lose everything I hold dear to me." "including the youngling?" Okan didn't move for a moment. "Asum…before I was cold. I was moving but not feeling. But Asum…he's changed that. I care about him. I want him to be safe, and happy."

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Savos leaned back in his chair. "it sounds like you love him." Okan nodded. "I do. More than I'd like to admit." Again Savos nodded. "and you're scared if he finds out about your past that he won't love you back?" Okan nodded. "yes." Savos shrugged. "it's a tough place to be in. but a bit of free advice. Hiding it will only make it worse. as for this disaster…..dont worry over something you can't control. You either can stop it or you can't. no point in worrying if you don't know what it is." Okan looked at him and opened his mouth to speak. But Savos silenced him by raising his hand. "never the less….be on your guard. These are trying times we're in. and it would do us all well to be on guard." Okan again opened his mouth, but Savos cut him off. "Okan…it's late, and it's almost time for dinner. Perhaps we should continue this after we've all eaten?" As Okan stood up however Savos spoke again a hint of amusement in his voice.

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"Okan….. you seem to be missing something." Okan cocked his head at the dark elf. "what?" Savos laughed. "your eleven greatsword. It's not with you. Did you not feel the lack of weight from it?" Okan felt his eyes widen as realization dawned on him. hissing in anger Okan's hands turned into fists and he did his best to not strike the wall in fury. He had indeed forgotten his sword, and no doubt now it was buried under several inches of snow. But even as his anger at himself grew Savos put a hand on his should. "relax Okan. It's a little consequence. Remind me later and I'll have one of our swords brought up to you." Okan narrowed his eyes in confusion. "why would a bunch of mages have a greatsword laying around?" Savos shrugged. "from time to time we bring back exquiset examples of ancient Nordic craftsmanship; I belive we brought the sword back up in hopes of learning some previously unknown enchantment from it. Alas we did not and since then the sword has been gathering dust on a store room. But as I said let us be off to dinner. I dare say your young companion has much to tell you." Okan cocked his head. "why would that be?" Savos chuckled. "I'll let him tell you."

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LATER

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Okan chuckled slightly as he listen Asum talk. The youngling had been going on for almost a half hour about all the new spells he had learned and how several teachers had told him he seemed to have a talent for magic. Plus Okan loved that a few places settings away J'zargo was gritting his teeth in annoyance or jealousy; Okan couldn't tell. As Asum took a bite of his seared slaughterfish Okan spoke. "sounds like I'm sitting next to the next member of the blue eyed court." Asum froze the fish halfway to his mouth, as he stared at Okan. "me? In the blue eyed court? Me?...you think they would really take me?" Okan chuckled "I don't see why not. Keep using magic and your eyes will change and you'll be accepted for sure. Just don't forget about this tired old warrior when you do." Across the table Savos spoke. "again I must confess my ignorance of argonian culture; what is the blue eyed court? The idea of joining seems to have rendered young Asum a bit senseless."

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Okan smiled. "the blue eyed court is a group of the most powerful argonian mages in blackmarsh. Unlike other races argonians have a physical response when they are around or cast a lot of magic. Our eyes…" Okan stretched his scales so Savos could see his eye clearly. "they turn completely blue. When that happens they are allowed to travel to the kintero region of blackmarsh and join the blue eyed court. Once accepted an argonian undergoes many trials and tests until, they have proven their prowess with magic. Only then are they allowed to leave and travel blackmarsh again to seek out an apprentice to train and guide." Savos nodded, next to Savos Arcano spoke. "sounds as though blackmarsh has many complicated and tedious traditions. Care to give any more examples?" Okan bristled at Arcano and next to him he felt Asum do the same. "no elf…" Okan put as much venom into 'efl' as he could. "I would not. As you know blackmarsh is one of the last places the thalmor have left to spread their influence. And I have no intention of betraying my homeland and giving up secrets that might help the thalmor to take over; as they are trying to do here in Skyrim."

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Across the table Arcano glared at Okan. "we're only interested in helping the governments rule more effectively. Okan rolled his eyes. "Yeah. by taking over, and subjugating the other races. You might have forgotten elf that while your kind of had just figured out magic; argonians had an empire that spanned half of the world." Arcano chuckled. "yes. and then you lost it all." Okan bristled again; but it was Asum who spoke this time. "it was punishment. The gods punished us for our arrogance and blasphemous behavior. We didn't lose anything. It was taken from us by the gods. And then you and the other races saw fit to clasp us in chains and do their best to destroy our way of life." this time Arcano stood bolt upright knocking his chair over. "I will not stand here and listen to this slander." Arcano turned to Savos. "if you have need of me I'll be in my bedrooms headmaster." And with that the elf stormed away from the table.

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Okan smiled at the elf's retreating form; and turned back to Asum who was breathing raggedly, his head feathers standing on end in rage; his hand still clenched in a fist around his knife. Reaching out Okan touched Asum's wrist and watched as the boy's head feather flattened out in embarrassment. "sorry." Okan shook his head. "it's alright Asum. But you can relax now. Go back to eating. Asum nodded and slowly went back to eating his fish. Okan smiled as he could see the tints of red in the youngling's scales. As they ate Okan groaned as J'zargo began to talk; bragging about the spells he knew. Next to him Okan felt Asum shift uncomfortably.

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ASUM'S POV

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It's his voice. Something about J'zargo voice is drive me crazy no matter what I do or how loudly I chew my food I cannot seem to block out that arrogant khajiit's voice. Chewing my fish roughly I hear another voice pop into my head. Attack him. that would make his be silent. I shake my head and keep eating taking a loud sip of my wine. No attacking him wont solve anything it will just make it worse; but gods be damned if it doesn't sound like his voice is getting louder. I grit my teeth as I bight through some grilled leaks. Even though I can hear myself chewing the still crunchy stalks I can hear his voice; and it still feels like it's getting louder. Just attack him. Silence him once and for all then you can eat in peace. Again I shake my head. No. attack him won't help. But I growl as his voice again grows in volume.

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Next to me Okan has noticed my growl and is looking at me. "are you ok?" I nod and set down my knife and fork; gods that khajiit is almost shouting his voice is so loud. "I'm fine. Just need to use the bathroom." I push away from the table and stand up doing my best to ignore the khajiit who is speaking even louder now. I grit my teeth and bite me lip; the taste of blood flavoring my mouth as I walk away from the table and towards the main doors to the hall. Behind me the khajiit's voice echoes behind me sounding more like bellowing then speaking. Every word echoes off the stone walls; and seems to push upon me making it sound even loud. I clasp my hands to my head and try to muffle the noise, but it's no use. Releasing my head I shakily reac for the door handle only to have the door swing open as a guard walks through it. "hail argonian. I hope all is well in here." I open my mouth to speak but wince as J'zargo's voice gets if possible even louder now. It's echoing all around me. His bragging, his laughing, his…mocking of me. ATTACK HIM!

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All at once I snap. I grab the ground by the front of his armor and rench the sword from his belt before shoving backwards and bashing his head against the stone wall next to the door. I slam his head against the wall with so much force that it dents the steel helmet he's wearing. GODS PLEASE MAKE THAT KHAJIIT SHUT UP! I spin around and face the table I've just walked away from. His voice is so loud, I can think of nothing else but shutting him up. "SHUT UP!" everyone I the hall jumps in surprise and stares at me. But I don't care; I just want J'zargo to SHUT UP! "SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" I charge back to the table. The imperial sword is clutched in my hand, and all I can think of doing is plunging the blade of the sword into J'zargo's throat. "SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!"

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AN: WELL FOLKS CHAPTER 13 IS UP AND DONE.

HOPE YOU ALL LIKED IT. SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO WRITE AND POST.

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS AND REVIEWS.

SEEMS LIKE ASUM IS HAVING A BIT OF A MENTAL BREAKDOWN…..OR IS HE?

AND WHAT IS OKAN SO SCARED OF ASUM FIDNING OUT?

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I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THIS LITTLE SNEAK LOOK IN LIFE IN BLACKMARSH. EVER SINCE I SAW YOU COULD MAKE ARGONAIAN EYES COMPLETELY BLUE I WANTED TO WRITE ABOUT IT. SO NOW I HAVE. AND IT FEELS GREAT.

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HOPE YOU ALL LIKED IT.