I Do Not Own Elder Scrolls or the Gamer System. These things are owned by their respective creators

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"Inner thoughts"

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Chapter 9- Bandits and a spectacle

It has been around a few minutes since we left and I caught up to Miranda, with Vilkas and Aela, who was tapping her foot impatiently. I shook my head and then continued to walk towards her and then I motioned for her to keep walking with us as we made it there. "About time you three show up. We have bandits to kill already! I want to clear that tower before Alduin can cause anymore trouble and we can start to take him down." Thinking on it, and hearing the confidence in her tone, I would have believed her, had Aela not made the bet with her. I looked back at the two Companions and then I saw Vilkas wearing a small smirk and then Aela grinning ear to ear like a cat that caught the canary. I would have been worried for my own sanity, but was happy to see her attention directed at Miranda instead.

"So..." I started as I gained the attention of the three there. "... do you two know of this fort? What defenses we can expect? What are the people inside looking like? I don't want you all to take a risk that is unnecessary when we have the coming conflict." I was gonna continue when Aela looked at me like I said the dumbest thing ever, and Vilkas was the opposite as he laughed at my words. Why is it funny for me to worry about the future?

"If you spend your time worrying about us Fist of Talos you will miss seeing our potential and experience. If anything I would just worry about the farm girl right there." Aela said as she pointed to Miranda, who looked offended at her gesture and declaration. It finally dawned on me from the history books. Nords are a very battle hungry race and they seek glory and honor in fights as well as a good death so they may take a seat in Sovngarde. I see why my words have caused them to react now. I sigh and then I hear Vilkas speak up.

"While it is good to worry for your shield brothers and sisters, don't treat them like milk drinkers." Obviously a slang for something bad and I gathered a bit more of the slang used from the archers back in Helgen. I nodded and he continued as he lifted up a finger. "As for the second thing, the fort usually trades hands every few months. Last month it belonged to forsworn, the month before Imperials, the month before that it was under the watch of Whiterun guards. There is no way to keep track of the capabilities of the people inhabiting it, so we will be blind in that front. I will say that bandits are not the most organized of individuals or good for anything more than erecting a few wooden barricades. We should be fine in a frontal assault, but it will also have to play into how well equipped and trained they are. A bandit group could be made of people who never held a sword in their lives or they could be elite mercenaries/deserting soldiers. When we find that out we will know for sure." I nodded as I absorbed the information into my mind and then began to plan a way for quick information. I could just Consume one, and when I do I could infiltrate the place after viewing his memories, thoroughly.

Miranda was the next one to speak up. "I think we should stock up on supplies before we go. Like more arrows for me and fire crotch." She pointed to Aela, and Vilkas and I snorted at this. Aela found it amusing as well and I can tell from her grin she was happy to see some backbone from the girl. I guess Nord girls like rivalry or something like that, but Miranda continued. "We also need to get YOU armor soon. I don't need you biting off more than you can chew in the future." I put up a dismissive hand and then patted her head.

"Take it easy little dragon, no need to burn the town down with your declarations there. You see that normal weapons don't harm me so any armor would be for aesthetic reasons only. I'll be fine for now and after we get this Summit area clear I can spend some time searching for armor or something, alright." She looked at me with a very pensive expression as she scanned me for lies. I wasn't faltering and then she turned her nose up and kept walking. Thank god, cause with only 20 gold I doubt I could get anything to make armor out of, let alone purchase a custom fit.

"Fine! We need more arrows though, or at least I do, I don't know if Aela has more back at her house or something. I can only carry so many and they aren't the best quality of arrow." Seeing her near empty quiver I second that thought as I look to Aela and Vilkas. I see Aela has a full quiver of high quality arrows, look like steel arrows from what I can see. I nod and then look forward.

"You two mind if we make a quick stop for some arrows?" I ask the two.

"Not at all Bjorn. You two need directions to a shop?" I heard Vilkas reply. I looked to the top of my vision and saw the minimap was almost filled, but a Hunter's Pulse could fill it the rest of the way. I decided not to though because this will give me a chance to explore the city at a later date. I then turned back to Vilkas and nodded my head and motioned for him to take the lead. He did so and then started giving us a tour as we went to the shop. "Over there is the market where we have food stalls and jewelers. The market sees a lot of traffic, but thankfully we will be away from there. The building we are going for is ran by Adrianne Avennichi, and from what I heard she makes good steel. It isn't skyforged steel, but it will get the job done." I nodded and made mental notes of all the people and places he pointed out. I may actually hit that tavern he pointed in the market out to me. Didn't catch the name, but it is the only building that has drinking and singing and... a chair just flew through the window. Right that place looks fun!

Eventually we make it to the shop of Adrianne and she comes around to see us. She was one of the people that were eyeing me when I came into town with Ulfric. Guess she was unsure of me, but now that I am with the Companions she seems to have fully relaxed. "I haven't seen the Companions come to my shop for anything. Usually you go to Eorlund at the Skyforge. Not gonna complain, so what can I help you with?" She has a cheery smile and a dark complexion, but looking closer I can see that she has dirt and soot on her to attribute most of it. She wears a red dress that looks like an apron of leather is stitched into the front of it and her hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and is as dirt filled as her skin.

Miranda was the one to walk up and then begin to talk business with her. I couldn't quite hear what they were talking about, but I did see Vilkas and Aela look at each other and to me. I guess they could hear and as I was gonna question it I hear Adrianne speak. "Alright well the arrows will be inside and are a gold each. I will cut them down in price since you are on a personal mission from the Jarl to clear the old fort out west, so they will be 1 gold for 2 arrows." She then opens the door to the shop and then walks in to talk to someone because I heard a greeting as she did. I then saw Miranda standing in front of me with her hand held out. I looked at it and then raised an eyebrow.

"What? I need to pay for them and you are the one with the money here. I'll pay you back for this I promise, but just give me the gold and go get measured." Measured? Whatever... I reached into my pouch and pulled the gold from my inventory, handing it to her. She then smiled brightly and then walked into the shop with a pep in her step as Adrianne came out with a string of measuring tape. I looked at it and then mentally facepalmed. "She is already getting someone to measure me for this shit. I told her I would do it, but noooo gotta do it Miranda's way."

I was gonna deny it, but honestly the woman went to the trouble to get it so I can at least humor her. I seen her motion to a bench and then I headed over to it as Vilkas and Aela watched. I then heard Aela pipe up. "I would have gone to Eorlund for something like this, Bjorn. He makes the best steel in all of Skyrim and is a favorite of the Companions." Little rude to say that in front of Adrianne on her property, but surprise to me when she simply nodded and took a quill and ink, with some parchment and placed it an armor bench.

"I don't claim to be the best blacksmith in Whiterun. Eorlund Gray-Mane's got that honor. The man's steel is legendary. All I ask is a fair chance." I nod to that and she then takes the strip of tape and then wraps it around my arms to take the circumference of them. She nods and then dips the quill in ink and notes it down. "Besides, if you choose not to follow through over here, I can send the measurements to Eorlund and I won't have hard feelings. Alright arms up." I raised them up and she went down my side with the tape and then got the length of my arms and a few more after that.

"I don't mind who makes my armor. It really makes no difference since I don't need it. I can't be harmed by anyone with a normal weapon so it will just be to make me look good. Don't want to embarrass an army of people or a dragon from being taken down by a man in a suit right?" I get a few chuckles from that and I even start to mentally laugh as I see myself in a butler outfit folding Alduin into a origami bird. It would be pretty entertaining and definitely memorable. I look back to see that Adrianne is now measuring my waist. "What kind of work do you do anyway? I would like to no if you do custom looks actually."

"Well I can do any look you would like, but you have to help me have a design to go off of. I'm not a miracle worker so I can't just spit out your dream gear from description alone. You have any ideas, then you can draw them up for me." I shook my head and I pointed to a amulet that a passing priest was wearing.

"I want you to make me armor that looks just like Talos' battle gear. I think it will fit me more than you know." She had a wide eyed look and then went to open her mouth, but stopped as she went lower to measure my legs. I wasn't really paying much attention after that as I thought about if Talos would even be fine with that, but I had no reason to try. I looked back at her when she wrapped the tape around my thigh and then she looked up to me.

"If you wear armor like that, then the Thalmor WILL come after you. They hate Talos and call him a false god and the Imperials have outlawed Talos as a icon of worship. To wear his armor, or something to look like it, would paint a target on your back. I have to know if you are sure this is what you want!" She says with worry slipping into her voice at the end. I can see that she is torn up about it and then look to the Companions. They seem to be waiting to see my answer. I shrug and then look at the ground to see Adrianne.

"Let them come. I dismantled a giant with my bare hands, a few elves that think themselves mighty will fall like grass in the wind." I stated as I moved to stand with the rest when she was done measuring me. "Besides, I will have their ire when word reaches about who I am. Talos' will personified is who I am and I will not run from some who would hate me for my existence." She looked surprised at each word leaving my mouth and I smile warmly to her. "Have no fear Adrianne, I am here to protect Skyrim and all of it's denizens for the rest of eternity. The Thalmor will be wiped away in their entirety, by the time I am done with everything here. Then I will disappear until Skyrim needs me again." She searched my eyes for a lie and was unable to find one in my words. It really helps when you believe them too. I will watch over these people till they no longer need me and then I will disappear. I wanna explore more multiverses, but that will be for me in the future. I will be doing this for a long time.

Around this time Miranda came out and I seen her look at me with a full quiver of arrows and a half quiver on her back. She seemed really happy and then I smiled as I waved her and the others along. We gave Adrianne our thanks and she looked at me with a new light. Like she was interested in seeing if my words were just a bunch of hot air. I felt her eyes on me till we had left the gate and then looked to Vilkas and Aela. "You both take the lead. I don't know where the fort is and I bet you'll have it easier to find the place better than I." They both nodded and took the lead as I, and Miranda, walked from behind them. Time to go to work and take out this fort.

Timeskip to the fort:

We had arrived outside the fort and were tucked behind some rocks with the setting sun to our backs. In the distance I could see the western watchtower and the faint silhouette of a guard on top of it. Must have been a few 100 yards away, but it wasn't my, or the others', concern at the moment. I looked over to see Vilkas, Aela, and Miranda watching the fort like a pack of hawks. I focused more on it as well and could tell immediately that there were tents all over the place out front and I could see how much the place had fallen into disrepair. The walls seemed to be crumbled over the eastern side, and when I looked closely to the entrance I could see hanging cages with people inside of them. They looked starved, beaten, and all around abused. Their faces spoke of pain and I clicked my tongue in anger at the situation. "Cowards."

This turned a few heads my direction and from the way they looked I could tell that they were a little shocked at my expression. I was going through all the ways I can enter into the place when Vilkas spoke up and pointed to his eyes. "Your eyes... were they always red?" I raised an eyebrow and he seemed to catch on that I was confused by this and then pulled out his sword. It glinted in the light of the setting sun and the polish on it reflected the sky above. When he put it in front of my face I could see my face and the eyes of mine glowing a crimson red like two coals inside of a flame. I tried to relax my anger a bit, since Gamer's Mind didn't deem it to be threatening enough to negatively influence me, and as I did I saw them blink out and go back to normal. I nodded to him in thanks and he, as well as the other two girls, didn't break their gaze from me.

I sighed and then spoke to clear the air. "I didn't know they did that and just found out just now. I was angry at the fact those innocents over there are suffering for the bandits' amusement and I guess my eyes glow like that when I am angry. I really don't know what else to say." Aela and Vilkas seem to not drop it and then Miranda speaks up.

"Maybe it has something to do with your memory loss. You may have known at one point and then forgotten, so I don't think it is that big of a deal." She says with a casual tone to her voice and with that Aela and Vilkas nod. "Still though, how are we going to get in there? I don't see any clear way of doing so."

"They have it locked down tight, but nothing we can't storm into and handle. There's only 30 or more and there's 4 of us so I like our odds." I looked at Aela like she grew a second head. She looked over to me and then smirked as Vilkas shook his head. "What? Mr. Divine doesn't like the odds? I could help you practice after this to earn some more confidence." She chides me and I just groan, which gets a laugh.

"Let me check something really quick..." I sent out a Hunter's Pulse and when I do the group looks back at my eyes just as quick and I see the hair stand on Aela and Vilkas. "Seriously? What is wrong with these two? They act like scared animals! Observe!" I pull up Aela's stats and then I go through them.

Name: Aela

Title: The Huntress

Race: Nord (Werewolf)

Lvl: 78

Description: Aela the Huntress is a Nord werewolf, thief and member of The Companions. She is one of five members of The Circle. Residing in Jorrvaskr with the other Companions. She is an amazing Archer and finds all kinds of new tricks to mess with people before she picks them off, playing with her prey. She joined the Companions by being born into it as her mother and grandmother and so on were apart of the Companions. There are rumors that her and Skjor are romantically involved, but that is untrue as they are more like brother and sister and always leave at night to hunt as werewolves.

Thoughts about you: Scared, Excited, Eager

"Oh she's a werewolf that's why."

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...

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"Ohhh... oh no. Does Hunter's Pulse set off animal instincts?! Wait is Vilkas one too?" Looking at Vilkas I see that he too has the same, well somewhat same look in his eyes, while Miranda seems to have a small worried look. I decide to break the ice with a good old joke. "What? I'm not the moon so I can't be that beautiful?" I then chuckle and see very different reactions from the three of them. Miranda groans and then Vilkas and Aela look like their world is shattering. I give them a small smile and try to disarm it, but they seem to be still shocked at my remark. I see Miranda turn back to the fort and then I mouth to them "I won't tell anyone. Calm down." I then notice that they let out a breath and then I blow out a breath of my own. After it all calms down I point to a tree top and get the attention of Aela and Miranda. "Hey you two... there's a eagle up there in the trees. Shoot it for me." They both look at me confused and then I say quickly. "Don't look at me like that, just shoot it so I can get a closer look at the fort."

Aela still looked unconvinced, but Miranda draws her bow and scans the trees. She soon spots it and then let's loose an arrow to the eagle and nails it through the chest. It falls to the ground flapping wildly and then it lands on it's head and breaks it's neck, killing it instantly. I nod to her and then walk over to it and pick it up. I walk back over to the group and remove the arrow from the carcass, handing it back to Miranda, who nods in thanks. I then take it and then Consume it as red and black tendrils reach out and pull it into my body as it is broken down. "If I am right then I can now turn into the Eagle since I just attained it's knowledge on how to fly. So if I Consume creatures I take their knowledge, their form, and am able to apply it to my own when I take their form or use it as mine. Interesting." I smirk at the looks on their faces as I shift into the form of the eagle and take off towards the fort.

Vilkas POV

I had never thought I would see the day when a mountain of a man would turn into an eagle and fly away. The Fist of Talos is truly an interesting man and will make for a great shield brother in the future. "Incredible." My words were echoed by the two around me as we watched Bjorn fly to the highest tower and it was their that we saw him shift back in the air to fall onto the scout and do the same he did to the eagle to him. We had then seen Bjorn turn into the scout and grab his head as he then shook it and turned back into the eagle and make his way back towards us.

Bjorn POV

Magna, why didn't you tell me that focusing on the memories as I take them hurts like hell!?" I flew back to them and as I landed I heard her speak in my head.

[Sorry Bjorn! I didn't know that would actually hurt you. Am I a bad system?:'(]

I sighed. "No you aren't. I just was angry and snapped a bit. I'm sorry Magna." I then made my way back to the group and heard her pleased noises in my head. I looked to see the 3 of my companions and then pointed at the fort. "Alright, scout gave me all the information we need. They'll change the watch to a skeleton crew at the end of the day and towards midnight. At that point most of the camp will be asleep. Once they are all knocked out for the night we can then sneak in and take out the new watch. After that we'll kill all the one's that are asleep and kill the boss inside of the fort that has his best guards there. They will usually go to bed around sunset and get up early before dawn. Any questions or is this plan good for everyone?" I got no negatives and so I then sat down and began to meditate. "This is the first step. Once it is completed then we can move to unite. I can only hope Ulfric and Balgruuf can convince the Jarls of this threat."

I waited with the rest of the group until the night came and I felt a hand touch my shoulder and I seen Miranda. I looked up to see the stars were out and that Vilkas and Aela were ready to go. Taking one last look at the fort I saw that they were very much asleep and the skeleton crew were on the walls. I then grabbed a rock and walked towards the fort with the rest behind me. When we got to the edge of the wall, after waiting for the watchman to pass, I lifted the three of them up to the top of the wall and they climbed up top and began to silently kill people. I ran up the wall and flipped on top, scanning with my eyes for anyone, and then saw down below that there was a bandit manning a forge. With one fluid motion I plucked the rock and it flew into the bandits skull and he slumped over dead. I looked up to see at the top of the tower was a new nightguard and I lunged up with my claws out and slashed through him like butter. 2 more were up there and they fell just as quickly.

After looking down and seeing the others kill the last of the crew I waved to them and motioned that I was gonna go inside and for them to go kill the rest outside, and inside, the walls. They gave me nods and I turned to see a hatch with a wooden frame. I made my way to it and seen it was locked, but just ripped it out. Honestly fuck being quiet with walls this thick, I'll just slaughter them all inside and we'll clean it up later. I jumped in and then noticed the first bandit walking around the main room. He was decked out in armor from head to toe and I could tell this was the leader. So he put his room next the exit for the roof. Let's you know who is on duty at least, so that's smart. I rushed forward as he noticed me. "STO-AKH!" I made it towards him and crushed his head and he flowed into me. After that I felt myself get stronger than I ever had and then looked to the new stats.

Sword mastery 68 (97%): Your ability with a blade is unparalleled, never has their been one like you in this world. Except Hatchet ;)

"Ha ha... very funny Magna." I heard the psychic giggle and then began to make my way through the fort, ripping, tearing, and Consuming as I went. I had gotten a few good levels on some skills and some new ones. Mace Mastery was at level 46 and Archery soon reached level 80. This fucking power is insane and I love every bit of it. I reached the last room and saw a old woman cleaning sheets. I cocked my head and then she gave me a small smile, like a grandmother. "Are you the new owner of the fort now? I haven't seen you so you are a bandit with this group or someone new." This gave me a bit of pause.

"Ummm... yeah I took the fort back with the Companions for Whiterun. Does it... does it change hands often? I heard it did, but I was a bit skeptical." I asked and my expression made her laugh and then she stood up and handed me some of the leftovers from the bandits' dinner. I took it, but I didn't need to eat. After a quick Observe I saw it wasn't poisoned. I smelled it and made a satisfied noise as I took a bite and looked at her with thanks.

"Yes, I'm afraid it is true, but I worked here all my life so I am a package deal with the old place. I like to see new faces and everyone is so friendly to me after awhile. Seeing it is back in the hands of Whiterun I may get to see old faces again and that brings me so much joy!" I smiled at her as she went on about the fort for awhile. It was nice to relax for a bit and just listen to the prattles of an old woman. She enjoyed the company so I didn't see the harm in waiting for her to be finished. After she was done she gave me a hug, thanked me, and then went off to bed for the night. I guess she really doesn't worry too much about what is gonna happen here now. Good.

I made my way out and then ran into the dungeons, after doing so I Consumed another bandit and took his form as I went down. When I got to the jail cells I seen a bandit twirling some food in front of a starving boy in a cell in front of him. I walked next to him feeling disgust at the way he treated the child and then noticed all the other eyes on me that are in cells. I heard the bandit laugh and then he noticed me. "Hey Grishin! Get over here and look at how much the kid scrambles for food!" I walked next to him and looked at the kid. "Stay here and I'll get you so-Akh!"

"That won't be necessary." I said as I lifted him up with my claws coming through his chest and then I dropped his lifeless corpse to the ground. I then shifted back to normal and looked at all the scared faces around the room. I shook my head and then began to rip the cell doors off their hinges and freed them all. Nobody dared to move and when the last cage door was ripped off I told them all. "You're free. Go on... Whiterun now controls the fort again." I got a few looks as they were obviously traumatized, but decided to let it be. I wasn't a doctor so I can't help them and I left them to go meet everyone outside. That is where I found people being let out of their cages by the Companions and Miranda. I waved to them and then motioned towards the camp.

"All of them were hunted to the last. Unfortunately though Miranda here never fired a shot into the enemy and I did so I guess I win the bet. Are you ready for a nice night Bjorn?" I could see Miranda get red in the face from both embarrassment and anger. Yeah that dragon side of her is really influencing her.

I sighed and looked at Aela. "Gonna have to pass on that for now. Cash in your bet at a later date because right now we have a lot of work to do." I didn't wanna just flat out tell the werewolf no and this will at least delay it for a bit. Still she doesn't seem deterred at all by me putting it off so I guess that is good.

"Very well... I won't forget though Bjorn. I intend to make a claim myself, if Miranda isn't going to." So she's teasing Miranda hard. I get it. She does make it easy and Aela isn't bad looking either, but I don't wanna hurt Miranda's feelings. Plus if she gets mad enough she may just leave and not come back and I can't kill these dragons without her.

"You can do that then. Still Miranda was first so you still have to beat her in time of knowing me. Don't think you will on that one though." This gets a small smile from Miranda and then a few laughs from Vilkas and Aela. Vilkas is amused by the back and forth and then helps the last victim out of the cage. "Anyway, all the bandits, including the leader, are all dead inside. The fort is ours and the Summit point can be used now. Let's head back to the city, now. I saw a tavern I wanted to try and I am curious if your mead can get me drunk." At the sound of a celebration the 3 of them feel even more happy to leave and get back to the city.

Before that though Vilkas then speaks up. "Well before we head out I want to say that, to me, the both of you pass." Me and Miranda look over with confusion. "Kodlak usually has me weed out the new bloods and hopefuls wanting to join in the courtyard. I can see that your abilities and prowess in a fight, if this morning was anything to go by, are among the best warriors I have seen. As for Miranda I see her able to make killing blows with almost no hesitation. For a farm girl she is certainly battle hardened, but she is also a Nord so it is in her blood! You were both already in the Companions if you were to accept Kodlak's offer, but now you have my seal of approval. I wouldn't want to waste the opportunity to not go into battle with two new capable shield siblings." He finished and I saw Miranda tear up a bit and then Aela grinned and patted her shoulder. I felt happy to hear that, it honestly gave me a bit of pride to hear approval of someone like that. Hopefully this isn't the last time I go on a mission with either of these two.

We were broken from our good times by a bright flash of fire at the western watchtower. I looked over there and then I saw it as the silhouette went over the moon. A dragon is over there. "Shit."

Author's note:

Hey guys! Xerxes here and I am happy to drop another chapter to you all. I can't wait to start working on the next chapter where we see our first real fight against a dragon. I will do my best to make it a fun chapter as well! Next Chapter is called The Dragonborn Comes! See you all tomorrow and have fun reading! Also thinking of doing another fic on the side and have the person have Talion, from shadow of war, powers. MC who is a Gravewalker would be cool as shit!