Epilogue

"I am pleased to say that, even though he didn't want to admit it, Jarl Korir doesn't fully blame the College," Tolfdir was saying to me. "He acknowledges that we did our best to protect Winterhold, even if it was from a disaster of our own making."

"Well, it's not like I expected him to give me a hug and a fruit basket," I replied. "We can't hope for miracles, Tolfdir. Little steps first."

"Indeed, Arch-Mage," he agreed. "You certainly handled the proceedings well. Everyone was very impressed with how you acted."

"Glad they think so," I said, smiling at this small success.

Just yesterday, I had spoken to the Jarl and the people of Winterhold about the events that had transpired a week ago. We would have come sooner, but we still needed to repair the damage that Ancano had done during his abuse of the Eye of Magnus, as well as hold a funeral ceremony for Savos and Mirabelle.

There was also a slight aftershock of sorts, following the Eye incident. Near Whiterun, more 'magicka wraiths' had appeared. Taking the Staff of Magnus and my good friends, and girlfriend, we had ventured there, beat them back and sealed the breach before more came through. I'd been busy, let me tell you.

They had, of course, put all of the blame on the College, that we had done it deliberately in an attempt to destroy Winterhold. Some even made reference to the Great Collapse, that we were at it again. The whole crowd might have charged in, baying for our blood, if I hadn't been there to calm them.

I had stepped in, literally into the crowd and set the record straight. I reminded them how we had protected them during the crisis, inside their own homes. If we tried to protect them, why would we have caused the disaster? Ranmir testified, saying how I'd rescued him from certain death.

I went on to say that the events were due to Ancano and his lust for power. I then apologised, on behalf of the College, for tampering with forces beyond our control, but that it was due to the meddling of one man, not the whole College. I told them that we too had our share of deaths, and that they had been to protect the town. They were not the only ones to have suffered.

Thankfully, this had worked. The people were quiet again, no doubt still grumbling about the College and 'those blasted mages.' Well, it was better than nothing. I should have been relaxed, satisfied that this had happened.

But there was still something that dwelled in my mind, something far bigger than a town riot.

"Tolfdir, I'm leaving soon." He stared at me.

"What? Whatever for?"

"You know who I am," I said to him. "What I'm destined to do. They're still out there, gaining strength. Every day, they grow stronger."

"The dragons," he nodded.

"Yes. I don't want to, but I have to, because no-one else can. I need to gain my own strength, to find what I can that'll help me beat them, stop their return. I can't do it here. I need to be out there, learning how. I'm sorry. I wish I didn't have to go..."

"It's fine, Sauron," he assured me. "I understand entirely. Don't worry, I can handle the day-to-day business while you're gone. You get out there, do what you need to do."

"Thank you." I shook his hand gratefully. "I'm going leave the Staff of Magnus here. There's too much risk that it'll be stolen or fall into the wrong hands. Keep it guarded."

"Don't worry, it'll be safe here." He smile sadly. "I shall miss you, Sauron. You've given an old man hope, that there's still good people in the world. I am honored to have taught you."

"It was an honor to be taught by you," I replied. "Thank you, I'll miss you too."

"I'll tell the others your decision. Safe travels, my lad." With that, he left my quarters.

Feeling like I wanted to be back with the common folk, I changed out of the Arch-Mage robes and back into my Novice robes. To be fair, there was still a lot I needed to learn about magic. Might was well be honest. I fastened my dagger, packed the few belongings that I carried that wasn't back at Whiterun or staying here and fixed my bow and quiver on.

The mask of Morokei was back in the College, locked behind a glass case with the staff of Magnus. I had tried it on a few days ago, and discovered that it gave me even more magicka power, allowing it to recover my strength quickly. I decided to letit remain here with the staff, just in case someone more scrupulous got their hands on it. One could never be too careful.

Besides, if I had need of it, I could always come back and get it. I didn't really like wearing it anyway, despite the power it gave. It felt too much like the vile being I had taken it from.

Satisfied I had everything, I walked down the stairs, out into the cold and crossed the bridge into Winterhold. Faralda bade me farewell from her guard spot at the entrance. As I approached Arthur, I stopped and turned to look back at the College. I would certainly miss it, one thing in particular. Well, person really.

Brelyna had been so great with me. She was always willing to talk to me, let me confide in her. She slept in my bed every night, I helped her with her studies and experiments if she needed it. I made sure I always set some time aside to spend with her and it was always worth it.

We had taken another walk back the Shrine of Azura, 'our first date,' she'd said. Where she had first learnt the truth. The skeleton of the dragon we'd slain was still there, being buried by the snow. It was seeing it that reminded me of my duty, my destiny. It was why I hadn't really spoken much to her on the way back. She didn't intrude. I was grateful for that. But I think she knew.

I wished that I could bring her with me. I couldn't bear to think of a single day without her by my side. But I couldn't ask her to drop her studies, pack her bags and follow me on a dangerous quest. Her education was too important. I knew her family certainly wouldn't be happy.

That was why I'd left without seeing her, or J'zargo or Onmund. I didn't want this harder than it already was. It didn't make it any easier though. I'd miss them all, but especially her.

"I'll be back, one day," I vowed to myself. I climbed onto Arthur's back, feeling tears well up in my eyes.

My thoughts drifted to Brelyna. I could still feel her lips on mine, the gentlness of her embrace, her voice calling my name...

"Sauron... Sauron!"

Wait, hold on. That was her voice. I was sure of it. I could hear her, calling out to me. I could see her, running across the bridge like her life depended on it. I leapt off Arthur and found myself running to meet her.

"Sauron, wait!" She stopped when she reached me, panting heavily. She had her travel bag strapped on, her grandfather's bow on her back.

"Brelyna!" I found myself stuttering for a bit, finally asking. "What are doing here?"

"What does look like? I'm going with you!" Her smile faltered, probably because I was looking at her like she'd turned into a frostbite spider. "What's wrong? Don't you want me to?"

"What? No, of course I do!" I told her. "There's nothing I'd want more!"

"Well then, what's the problem?"

"What about your studies?"

"I'm sure I'll learn all sorts of things with you."

"Your parents, what'll they think?"

"They're in Morrowind, what can they do?"

"But-" She raised a hand to silence me. I complied.

"Sauron, I want to go with you. All of my life, my family has decided what I'll do, what decisions I make. They sent me here, expecting me to become as great as my ancestors. No-one asked me what I wanted to do, what decisions I think I shoud make . Now, this decision is mine. I love you, and I won't let you shoulder this burden alone. Not anymore. Let me share it with you, fight by your side. I want to go with you and face the dragons. Together."

I stood there for the longest time, not quite believing what I was hearing. Then, I let the smile grow on my face. I grabbed her, this wonderful woman, and kissed her. When we broke apart, she smiled up at me.

"Shall I take that as a yes then?" she asked, flirtingly.

"I think so," I replied. "Brelyna, thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me, how happy I am right now. I love you."

"I love you too," she said. "It's the least I can do, my love. You need someone by your side, and I want it to be me."

"So do I." I hand in hand, I led her to her own snowy-white horse, helping her up before getting back on Arthur.

"So, where are we off to first?" she asked.

"Folgunther," I told her. "There's a lost legend and the time has come for it to be found."

"Alright then. Lead on, lover," she encouraged.

Giving her my best smile, I kicked Arthur's sides and led him off with a gentle trot. Hooves hitting the snow behind me came closer and I looked to my left to see Brelyna, smiling from her horse and riding by my side.

So, off we went, leaving Winterhold behind and riding off together. All of these things I had to do, fighting the dragons, going on dangerous quests and helping others, when I could, I didn't feel as nervous about them. Because I was with her, Brelyna Maryon. Because she would be at my side. Because I was no longer alone.

That was enough for me.

Whew, I'm done! I can finally put a complete stamp on this!

That said, I had a ton of fun writing this story, and I hope I did a good job of it.

A big thanks to my readers and reviewers, including my regular reviewers, Ronin Kenshin and Darvahkiin. Thanks and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you for reading about Sauron's adventures. But don't go anywhere, because it's not over for my Dark Elf Dovahkiin! We will have more of his escapades coming in the future, some shorter ones perhaps.

I may take a break to write a new batch of stories for my sci-fi heroes, the Chosen Ones. They'll be getting a few changes. Still, keep an eye open.

Thanks again, and farewell!