Kuroinu Dawnbreaker - A light shining in darkness: chapter 7 – A night of blood, toil, tears, and sweat
A few weeks after the end of the 'Dragon Crisis', during Thorson's days as a battlefield healer in an Imperial military camp, the tall man had a single question on his mind as he looked at the countless injured soldiers around him: "What else could I have done to prevent this?" the Dragonborn asked himself as he mentally listed all hypothetical scenarios.
"Did I make the right choice?" Thorson asked himself as he recalled a recent memory, one that led him on this current path where he directly got involved in Skyrim's civil war, one where he ultimately chose his side to save its people...
It all started a few days after Alduin's defeat, as the Dragonborn decided to personally organize new peace negotiations in an attempt to permanently stop the war just before the previous ceasefire would be rendered void by both sides. This previous ceasefire was once created between both sides during the height of Skyrim's 'Dragon Crisis' for the dragon slayer to call and trap a particular dragon in the highly contested Nord city of Whiterun.
This red-scaled dragon, who would later become his trusted ally, assisted Thorson in finding the 'World Eater' Alduin, who at that time was gathering strength in the Nord afterlife of Sovengarde. Here, the Dragonborn, with the assistance of several ancient Nord spirits, managed to vanquish the 'Firstborn of Akatosh', fulfilling his supposed destiny...
These new negotiations were held again on neutral ground, at the 'Grey Beard' monastery of High Hrothgar, and during these negotiations, the Dragonborn himself made sure that any unwanted and unrelated guests like the Thalmor remained out of these talks. However, after several difficult and failed attempts, the Dragonborn finally lost his patience after just a couple of days.
"I've been tolerant with you these past negotiations, Jarl Ulfric." A now impatient Dragonborn addressed the leader of the Stormcloak rebellion from his stone seat at the negotiation table: "Even with all the evidence about the Thalmor's involvement I showed you, you still refuse to set aside your differences and see the bigger picture."
The Jarl of Windhelm could only fume in response: "You would rather forsake Talos and join up with those faithless Imperial dogs?!" Ulfric argued back.
"This isn't about some religious matter like Talos; it's about the people of Skyrim after so many years of war!" Thorson reminded the stubborn rebel leader before pointing toward a wall next to him, "I've seen enough orphaned children out there who lost their parents in this war! If this keeps going, then Skyrim may have more war orphans than adults!"
"You know nothing of Nord culture, boy." Ulfric narrowed his eyes, glaring intensely at the Dragonborn. "And what would you know about Talos? You and the rest who follow that damned Concordat refuse to even acknowledge his existence!"
The Dragonborn took something from his satchel, "More than enough..." Thorson simply replied before showing the Stormcloak leader an iron amulet that glowed faintly—an amulet that depicted a mixture of a blade and an axe."
After seeing a familiar amulet hanging from Thorson's right hand, Ulfric's expression remained tense and silent. The Nord looked like he couldn't summon the strength to argue back against the Dragonborn, who showed the rebel leader a glowing amulet of Talos.
The Imperial General Tulius, who represented the Empire, leaned forward from his seat, "Thanks to the Dragonborn, we all know now that the Thalmor see you as some sort of 'asset', unintentional or not."
The Imperial then crossed his arms, "Do you still want to 'help' the Dominion by continuing this civil war?"
"That so-called 'dossier' is all lies! I'm no pawn of those elves!" Ulfric yelled defensively, "It must be some fabrication from them to fool you all! Turn the races of Men against each other!" the proud Nord argued back while his forehead became increasingly wet from the beads of sweat that appeared.
The Dragonborn in turn, was not convinced by Ulfric's arguments: "A dossier like this... a fabrication? The same one I found inside the Thalmor's embassy?" he asked the rebel leader.
Thorson then shook his head and asked, "For what then? Just in case someone like me infiltrates their compound so it can be taken from right under their noses? Very unlikely…"
Ulfric was quick to respond, "Even so, it's..."
"And besides!" Thorson abruptly interrupted the Stormcloak leader. "There were other similar dossiers where I found this particular one, and one of them led me straight towards one of the Blades who was hiding in Riften..." the tall Dragonborn informed Ulfric.
The Dragonborn then placed both his hands on the stone table: "This so-called 'fabrication' led me towards one of the last members of an organization that the Thalmor had been actively hunting for many years."
"A Blade archivist who was considered to be a very high-profile target for the Thalmor at that time!"
"Tell me, Ulfric..." Tulius joined in after Thorson's outburst: "Do you still wish to continue this meaningless war? Or let history remember you as a fool, one that both the Thalmor and Dominion used for their end goals? A fool who sacrificed countless Nord lives for so little?"
"Little?! Meaningless?! No!" Ulfric exclaimed angrily as he slammed both his hands on the stone table, "Sacrifice for our freedom?! Yes!" he then retorted, "It's the price we Nords will pay gladly to safeguard our people's future and its traditions! We won't become the elves' playthings and forsake the worship of Talos forced upon us by them and their Imperial puppets! We will…"
The Dragonborn had enough of the proud Nord's stubbornness.
"By the Nine! Enough with your damned pride!" A now displeased and impatient Thorson interrupted Ulfric, "The Dominion is currently laughing at you both as you tear each other apart! They want this conflict to happen to weaken the races of Men, both Nords and Imperials!"
"Hi mey!" the Dragonborn ended his rant by voicing his frustration in the dragon tongue, causing the room they were in to vibrate from his Thu'um.
The Nord rebel leader audibly swallowed his spit, closing his eyes after hearing and feeling the dragon slayer's Thu'um from up close: "We will win this war, and we will come out of it much stronger!" Ulfric retorted, his stance and voice displaying a measure of confidence.
However, both Thorson and the Imperial general noticed a slight change in Ulfric's body language, showing some visible signs of doubt that the rebel leader attempted to mask with his boastful words, "Skyrim's people have endured much worse in the past..."
The room then became silent for a minute until Ulfric made his next move, either out of sheer hubris or desperation.
"But we do need the support of a certain individual to free Skyrim and to further support our claims," the rebel leader admitted before looking straight at the tall Dragonborn.
"You should join us, Dragonborn; you are after all part Nord!" Ulfric proposed, now attempting to recruit the legendary figure to his cause by addressing the man's mixed heritage and his past struggles on Skyrim.
"You also were a target of these elven persecutions, as were many of Skyrim's people! Together, we can drive them all out of Skyrim!"
Past events seemed to resurface within the Dragonborn's psyche as he began remembering the numerous occasions where he witnessed the Thalmor's deeds on Skyrim. Memories where he personally saw several of Skyrim's people being brutally hunted down and tortured by the elven Justiciars.
The Dragonborn then too, would face similar struggles as he and his allies fought numerous times against Thalmor agents who wanted to capture or assassinate him.
At certain times, Thorson felt tempted to bring the fight to the Talmor elves and those who support their activities on Skyrim, just like Ulfric proposed.
But the rebel leader then made a fatal mistake as he continued his attempts to influence the Dragonborn.
"Forget about your Imperial side! We are your true family!" Ulfric declared proudly, "For me, you are a true Nord, and Skyrim is your only home!"
"You Nikriin…"
The room vibrated again as the Nord-Imperial Dragonborn once again voiced his displeasure: "This isn't the time nor place to attempt to enlist me." the tall man grumbled before slamming his hands on the stone table.
"And now you are willing to see me as a Nord and not some 'half-breed abomination' you and Galmar so proudly described me during our first ceasefire negotiation?!" Thorson yelled towards the rebel leader, "Hi los ni mul, Ulfric!"
Arcs of lightning then began appearing around the Dragonborn, causing both older men present to be somewhat unnerved by this sight.
"And now you even dare to dishonor my father?! Hi Lost No Zin!"
Now visibly sweating, a now nervous Ulfric attempted to deflect his past mistake: "N-no, I-I didn't mean to..."
"Enough!" Thorson interrupted the Nord rebel leader firmly before narrowing his eyes.
"The words you just spoke are hollow, without any substance or strength behind them." A now-apathetic Thorson stated after seeing Ulfric's dubious behavior.
"Same for your convictions and vision for Skyrim's future. As expected from a short-sighted Nikriin as yourself..."
Thorson then pointed a lightning-charged finger toward the Stormcloak leader. "I still want to give this peace negotiation one last chance... For Skyrim's people," the Dragonborn informed Ulfric before he slowly relaxed.
Not before issuing one last warning to the Jarl, "Remember that, Kul Se Keizaal."
After Ulfric's latest mistake and the Dragonborn's threat, negotiations between both leaders continued with a 'charged' Dragonborn acting as their middleman.
But it became clear to the dragon slayer and all parties involved that Skyrim's civil war wouldn't be solved by words alone…
As night fell on Eostia, both the Dragonborn and the former High Queen walked down Ken's temple stairs to help the injured below. From a distance, the tall man noticed the human crowd below dispersing as a large green dragon landed in the middle of Ken's main plaza in front of a circular fountain.
"Well, it looks like Durnehviir will soon return to the Soul Cairn," Thorson observed, "but not before relaying something to me, it seems..."
Celestine, who was still tightly holding onto Thorson's arm, also observed the green dragon landing near her people. However, the sight of the plaza below caused Celestine to recall foreign memories. Memories that kept reminding Celestine of what she had done on that very spot a few weeks ago—shameful images the elf wished she could cut out of her mind.
"All their hands touching every inch of my body, their laughter, all the... That woman was 'not' me!" Celestine mentally screamed to herself.
The Dragonborn felt the elf's body tensing. "Celestine, are you alright?" Thorson asked the elf in concern as he then attempted to reassure her, "Don't worry about Durnehviir; he won't attack your people."
"Nono! it's not that." Celestine corrected the man before the pair stopped their descent. "I-it's nothing serious, really!" the former queen stammered in an attempt to deflect the subject.
The Nord man looked at the elf's green pupils as if he were gauging her current thoughts: "Something is troubling her... My gut tells me that she's still having a hard time digesting those new memories."
"Come to think about it, Inigo did mention that I used to act the same way when we walked by Dibella's temple in Markarth."
The Nord then briefly shook his head as he pushed those memories from his thoughts. "
Alright..." Thorson sighed before looking towards the green dragon below. "Just asking in case, since I know from experience that many feel intimidated when they see a Dov like him up close." the man informed Celestine, "But trust me, Durnehviir may look strange and intimidating, but he's a good and trustworthy friend of mine."
The elf relaxed a bit. "So, how did you two meet?" a now curious Celestine asked the Dragonborn while they continued their descent. "I remember reading that 'Auriel's children' often have a troublesome relationship with the mortal races."
Thorson laughed, "'Troublesome'? Oh, that's putting it lightly, but you are correct about that part..." he informed the ancient High Elf.
"Now, how did I meet Durnehviir? First, a bit of historical background to begin with." Thorson began to tell his tale to Celestine, "Durnehviir was a dragon that lived around the time of Skyrim's 'Dragon Wars' during the Merethic Era a few millennia ago, but he was then enslaved by a powerful entity after he made an... 'unwise decision.' A decision that cost him his soul and freedom.
Celestine's face tensed. "That sounds familiar. sort of..." she thought.
A smirk then appeared on the Nord's face as he continued telling his tale: "Until I arrived a couple of years ago and gave him an opportunity to his soul a bit..."
"That too…" The High Elf discerned it with a faint smile.
Celestine looked quite interested to hear more, but she had a lingering question for the Dragonborn ever since she first saw his green draconic ally.
"Why does he look so sickly compared to your red dragon friend? I can see the bones sticking out of his flesh. To even imagine the pain?" the High Elf asked out of pity as her usual caring nature resurfaced once again.
Thorson let out a slight chuckle. "Like the many subjects we still need to discuss at a later time, it's another long story." Thorson replied with a hint of amusement, "Sufficient to say, it all started during our search to find two Elder Scrolls; one of them was hidden in another realm called the 'Soul Cairn' where I encountered Durnehviir for the first time. All to find 'Auriel's Bow' before..."
The former High Queen's eyes became bigger after hearing Thorson's last words, "Wait!" Celestine loudly interrupted the Dragonborn, "'A-Auriel's Bow'?! I-It exists?!" the High Elf exclaimed as she suddenly turned and grabbed both of Thorson's forearms, "The same b-bow that was used against Lorkhan, the 'Missing God' in the 'Beginning Times'?!"
Celestine received a smile and a single nod from the Dragonborn. "Not only that," he continued, "but we also found 'Auriel's Shield' during that particular event."
"Y-You have both of them?!" Celestine yelled after hearing Thorson's last words.
Celestine then began to shake the man's forearms. "W-Where are they?!" she asked the Dragonborn vocally as a forgotten part of Celestine's past life resurfaced once again.
"H-How do they look? What c-can they do? Wha…" Celestine continued her frantic questioning.
"Easy, calm down." Thorson answered with a chuckle after hearing the elf's sudden enthusiasm, "I do have both stored at my place in Skyrim; well, for as long as I can keep it, of course... Such Aedric artifacts are known to have minds of their own."
The Dragonborn then gestured towards the crowd below with a sideways nod. "But we have more important work to do now," Thorson reminded the former queen as he gently released himself from Celestine's tight hold.
Celestine blushed, suddenly feeling awkward and ashamed after realizing her sudden outburst. "Oohh, right. I'm sorry..." Celestine apologized: "I-it's just something I always dreamed of seeing after so many centuries... Back when I..."
The Tamrielian stopped Celestine with a single gesture of his hand: "It's nothing." Thorson interrupted with a smile. "Sounds like another story to add to our list of discussions for the future, heh?" Thorson playfully reminded Celestine.
The elf couldn't help but giggle softly. "Indeed, you're quite interesting, Thorson Brightsong, 'Son of Auriel.'" Celestine stated with a warm, visible smile plastered on her face.
The Tamrielian briefly shook his head in slight amusement after hearing this: "Come, Celestine, we still have to help your people." Thorson reminded the former queen.
The Nord then walked forward before looking back towards Celestine. "Walk with me, Celestine..." he smiled, offering her his hand.
Hearing this, Celestine could not help but widen her smile even further as the blonde High Elf eagerly grasped the Dragonborn's gauntleted hand.
The former 'Shield Princess' Alicia showed little visible emotion as she anxiously awaited the pair's arrival, but she did wonder why Celestine seemed more enthusiastic and almost cheerful after seeing the blonde elf descending the temple stairs, holding Thorson's hand...
"A moment ago, she was crying her heart out, and now this? It's like she became a different person," the blonde princess observed. "I've never seen her act this way in all my years at her side. It's like she's acting like a young girl that found..."
Alicia's eyes then narrowed in suspicion: "What did he do to Celestine? Is it magic or those strange powers of his?"
"And what about this 'Auriel's bow' Celestine just cried out a minute ago?" the young woman then asked herself.
"So many unanswered questions; I don't like it." Alicia thought before continuing to observe the descending pair. "She's really fond of him. As if…"
Realizing what she was about to say, Alicia immediately shook her head. "No, it's not that!" She refused to believe that particular thought. "And what would I know about 'that' anyway…?" Alicia then asked herself, All the potential suitors I've met in the past turned out to be 'pigs' in disguise, all seeking my wealth and... my body for their sick and perverted goals."
The young princess's grip on Dawnbreaker's hilt tightened as memories of her recent past re-emerged: the betrayal by those she once trusted with her life, the enslavement of her cousin, the acts she committed in a desperate attempt to save Prim, and the shameful pleasures she felt during her enslavement.
All the sacrifices she made to save her only remaining family, only to end up in failure...
Alicia forced her eyes to close in an attempt to block those painful and shameful memories until a recent memory gave the princess some measure of comfort as she heard a more appealing voice calling out for her.
"Alicia..." the young woman heard the Dragonborn's voice, whose mental image offered her his ethereal sword, "Here, use this, end it... get your revenge."
The blonde smiled at this new and more appealing memory, remembering every moment of herself killing Hicks afterward, figuratively cutting away a part that had tormented her ever since her enslavement.
"From that moment Thorson stepped into our prison cell, his stance and confidence as he confronted Vult and Hicks... A faintly blushing Alicia dreamily recalled those past hours, "Caring for both of us when we were so vulnerable... no ill will or anything."
Alicia's body began to unconsciously shiver as she kept daydreaming, "His eyes when he looked at me, concerned about my well-being..."
"And his commanding presence as he rallied Ken's remaining knights, and... no, not again!" Alicia continued her dreaming until another part of her suddenly recoiled in protest.
"Don't even go there! Prim is still in danger!"
The blonde opened her eyes as Alicia's heart skipped. "And I should not even be thinking about 'that'! I mean, I just met him!"
Another part of Alicia then tried to warn her. "No, all men are the same!" a part born from her recent traumatic and agonizing past reminded her, "Don't fall for it again!"
The young princess's expression then tensed as she tried to refocus. "I have to get to Prim and rescue her... That is all that matters!"
A darker part within the young woman then emerged, "After that, kill all the men responsible for my pain!" Alicia's vengeful side raged within her until she realized something else, "After that! I..I… I'm not sure... maybe... no.
After Alicia's mind recollected itself, she stared at her former queen and the Dragonborn as they neared her location. "It won't happen, not with him." Alicia shrugged her shoulders in defeat.
"And besides, if Celestine already likes him..." Alicia stated before turning towards Elora, the Dark Elf, who has also shown interest in her savior, "Or her…"
She then looked down at her own body, "Then I have no chance…" A now defeated Alicia concluded as her self-confidence took another hit.
As both Thorson and Celestine finished descending the temple's stairs, the Dragonborn first noticed the large group of female victims now lying almost motionless at the base of the structure, some already wrapped in some cloth or blanket while most were basically naked.
Thorson also noted that while most of the injured were humans, he could still spot several female elves who also needed urgent help. "Poor souls...
After seeing this distressing display, Thorson let go of Celestine's hand and quickly summoned two Flame Atronachs. The Nord healer then immediately instructed the female-looking fire elementals to take positions near the incapacitated women.
Ignoring the crowd's mild surprise after witnessing both fire elementals appear out of thin air, the healer from Tamriel then looked towards a small group of former knights who were currently trying to help some of the injured women.
"You all!" Thorson addressed the knights, "Carry those who are unclothed and position them in a circle near my flame elementals! And also make sure their legs face them!"
After hearing their liberator's orders, the former Eostian knights immediately got to work, carrying those who would suffer from the cold toward the mage's fire summons.
"Some among them are in really bad shape, sir!" one of the men informed the healer while carrying an unconscious girl who had blood coming from her groin, a now familiar sight for the Dragonborn healer.
The Dragonborn pointed towards the Flame Atronach nearest to him, "Place those who are in critical shape like her near that elemental! I'll do my part!" Thorson instructed the knights before turning towards Alicia.
The tall Nord noticed that the young woman in front of him seemed distressed as she tightly gripped Dawnbreaker's hilt. "How are you holding up, Alicia?" Thorson asked the former 'Shield Princess' in concern, "Did they give you any trouble?"
It took the young woman a moment before she calmed down after hearing the man's concern for her.
"I-I'm fine… things were a bit tense a moment ago." Alicia answered before looking straight into the man's eyes, "But, what happened up there? We all saw some bright light, then Aurelian's group descended the stairs with several people... you and Celestine..."
"My apologies; questions for later." Thorson calmly interrupted the blonde princess with a gesture of his hand before having a quick look around.
The Dragonborn could feel the tension in the air as a now-silent crowd was just staring at him, Alicia, and Celestine. He also observed that some among the civilian population were even looking at both blonde women with utter contempt.
Alicia, for her part, looked quite miffed after the Nord denied answering any of her questions, "There are more urgent things to focus on." the man reminded the young princess while pointing a finger toward the rows of incapacitated women.
"Me and Celestine better get to work treating these poor souls first. Perhaps you can assist us and ask those questions you may have." Thorson offered an alternative.
Celestine stepped next to the Dragonborn and gave her friend a reassuring nod before everyone present heard a deep voice coming from the plaza's center.
"Qahnaarin, a moment..." Durnehviir called for the Dragonborn, "My Tiid here is short."
Hearing this from his draconic ally, Thorson faced the ancient dragon who waited for him.
"Durnehviir, my apologies for the frequent summons, old friend." the Nord first apologized before returning to the subject at hand: "So, did you find or notice anything unusual from above?"
"I don't mind being summoned repeatedly, Dovahkiin." Durnehviir laughed as the large green dragon lumbered towards the Dragonborn while those present near him hastily moved out of his path.
"Just being in Vus, even for such a short time, brings comfort to my cursed Zii…"
"The tone of his voice... it's filled with so much regret." Celestine noticed after hearing the dragon's words.
The Dragonborn in turn smiled after hearing his draconic companion's bittersweet words, "As for what I've seen... Durnehviir began as he now stood in front of his mortal kin, "A small group of both Jul and Fahliil fled westwards when I confronted them."
"A group consisting of both Man and Elf?" A now curious Dragonborn repeated, "Could they have been those who fled the city when we attacked?"
The dragon shook his large head, "Ni, they looked organized and well-armed." Durnehviir replied, "And one of them, a female Fahliil, attempted to conceal their group's presence with magic."
"A female elf assisted them? So, they were definitely not part of Vult's band." Thorson speculated out loud as his mind processed this latest information.
"I just warned them not to attack the city, just in case," Durnehviir added.
The Dragonborn nodded in agreement. "Good call; we are strangers in this new land after all, and we know absolutely nothing about other possible factions in all of this," Thorson said before turning towards the two women next to him.
"Alicia, Celestine, do you know anything about possible groups or organizations around here that fit that description? From what I've heard, this particular group does not seem to be part of Vult's forces, knowing his methods.
"Just rumors, I'm afraid..." Alicia shook her head. "Vult nor his thugs never felt the need to tell us everything when we were in captivity, you know…"
Celestine then joined in, "I think... I've once overheard about some group attacking Grave's men near Geofu, but for the rest, nothing else."
The Dragonborn's definite answer eventually came from an unexpected source, "Wait! An armed group of both elves and humans that also uses magic?" A female voice from within the human crowd repeated Thorson's last words out loud.
From within the crowd, an elderly woman gave the Dragonborn his answer, "They must have been part of Klaus's 'Wolf Pack'!"
Alicia's expression turned into one of genuine surprise. "H-Hold on, Klaus? Klaus Levantine is leading an armed resistance group?" the blonde asked the woman for further clarification.
"Yes, Klaus and his 'Pack' have been quite active these past weeks ever since their daring jailbreak, from what I've heard." A man next to her replied. "And the days after that, Klaus frequently attacked and harassed his father's forces and their convoys near Geofu. Something must have ticked him off badly for someone of his background to fight with such ferocity…"
"I-I think I know why..." the woman next to the man responded somberly, "I've overheard that his father, Grave; abducted his wife a few weeks ago…"
Celestine bowed her head in realization. "Claudia, he's fighting to free her; it must be..."
"But Klaus? He has little to no combat experience to speak of!" Alicia questioned Celestine: "I can't believe that someone like him would take arms against his own father and the entire Black Dog organization."
"Never underestimate the drive and determination of someone willingly fighting to the teeth for their loved ones," the Dragonborn quoted before changing the subject. "But for now, we still have some more pressing issues to deal with."
The blonde Arcturus princess looked towards the dozens of incapacitated women in front of Ken's main temple, "Yes, of course..." Alicia simply acknowledged the Nord with little to no emotion behind her voice.
Before he could start, Thorson first faced his draconic companion.
"Thank you, Durnehviir…" the Dragonborn slightly bowed his head towards the ancient dragon. "If you wish, you could remain here until you are dragged back to the Soul Cairn…"
A smirk appeared on the dragon's face as the beast glowed purple and faded away. "Or not…" a deadpan Thorson responded.
"Poor thing…" Celestine pitied the green dragon before stepping next to the Dragonborn.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Celestine asked Thorson, eager to start helping her people.
"I'm ready for this." the former queen reassured the Dragonborn in turn, her voice displaying some measure of confidence.
The man nodded. "How proficient are you in healing magic?" Thorson asked the High Elf while both walked towards the wounded women, ignoring the stares they received from Ken's civilian population.
"Someone as talented as you should have some experience with healing magic, am I correct?"
A faint blush appeared briefly on Celestine's face after hearing his compliment. "Not as good as yours, I think... But I can treat most ailments." Celestine informed the Dragonborn before she voiced some hesitance.
"But my magical energies are still drained a bit, so I can't heal at my full potential…"
"Strange, her Magicka should have already regenerated to a reasonable level ever since her rescue..." Thorson pondered this new information, mentally listing all possible causes.
"Is something hindering her regeneration? Her captors may have fed her something unusual, or maybe she has large reserves. Or perhaps her birth sign…?"
The man then briefly shook his head, "No matter; this is no time for speculations." Thorson reminded himself before looking straight toward Celestine.
"Alright, good enough. We should first focus on the most critical of the injured." The Tamrielian healer instructed before stopping in front of an unconscious, naked girl, her unresponsive body kept warm by the flame elemental stationed near her.
"Looks like we have a few similar cases like Caroline," the healer from Tamriel noted out loud after noticing the blood coming out of the poor girl's groin.
"We better get to work, Celestine."
Celestine nodded. "Right, I'll do what I can."
A brief smile appeared on Thorson's face. "Don't strain yourself; just call for me if you need help," the healer advised Celestine. "You are not alone after all."
Alicia, not willing to stand by any longer, walked towards the pair. "I'll help too, but…" the young woman volunteered; however, a hint of hesitation was still present behind her voice.
"'But' what?" Thorson asked the blonde woman after noticing her hesitance.
Alicia looked towards the many incapacitated women in front of the temple. "Can't you use the same magic you used before to heal them all?" Like, when you helped Aurelian's men in the dungeons?" the blonde asked, remembering that golden spell Thorson used after they freed Aurelian and his men from their imprisonment.
The Nord hummed at Alicia's seemingly valid question: "The 'Grand Healing' spell I've used before is good for fatigue, various surface wounds, and bruises." Thorson began explaining to the young woman.
"And that spell was also created for battlefield conditions, one to keep soldiers in the fight. Not for 'these' cases." the healer informed the blonde princess as he walked towards a naked, unconscious woman in front of him.
"Some among them suffered internal injuries that need a more 'delicate' method of healing. In this case, utilizing both 'Restoration' and 'Alteration' magic to 'suture' their internal wounds while stemming the bleeding."
Celestine was quick to understand the healer's explanation: "So that's how you helped Caroline... Tamriel has sure improved their handling of magic these past centuries," the curious High Elf commented, while Alicia partially understood the man's previous explanation.
"I-I see..." she simply responded, not sure if she was qualified to argue about the man's magical abilities.
The healer from Tamriel then briefly looked at both women, observing their stance and current emotional state. "While I would not have them get involved in this kind of work, especially after what they experienced," Thorson noted, a faint smile appeared on his face.
"But I think they handle it, and it should at least also keep their minds occupied with something."
However, the Nord's brief smile disappeared after the Nord noticed the city's inhabitant's idleness during their brief conversion.
"What are they waiting for?!" a now dumbfounded Thorson asked as a large group of Ken's population just quietly stared at him and both Alicia and Celestine as if they were waiting for something to happen.
"Well, don't just stand there and gawk at us!" Thorson loudly addressed the human crowd after growing irritated at their passiveness: "There are still others within your city who need help; go and assist them!" the Nord shouted towards the citizens before pointing a finger toward the incapacitated.
"Or at least help these poor women and bring us some spare clothing and blankets!"
The Dragonborn then pointed towards the hundreds of freed elven slaves who were still dressed in their rags, "Same for these elven women; they are probably also cold and hungry!"
"B-but they are elves! They are all responsible for..." a middle-aged man protested before being promptly silenced by the commanding voice of the Dragonborn.
"Now is not the time for that past; your 'Great War' is over! Now, you all face a new, darker reality! One everyone here needs to cooperate to confront it!" Thorson spoke out.
"And if you don't, then you will all die alone! Now go!" the Dragonborn barked out, leaving no room for further discussion.
Murmuring within the human population followed after they heard the Dragonborn's command. Currently, most of them are still unsure about this strange man, but most of them realize that they have no other choice left.
Either accept Vult's subjugation, where their loved ones would be enslaved by his forces. Or resist and face overwhelming odds for a chance to be free once again.
And if Ken's population wanted to free themselves from Vult's grip on their lives, they all needed support from their newest liberator and his draconic allies.
A stranger some assumed to be a divine being, one who decimated several hundred of Vult's mercenaries and their demonic horde within their city in such a short time.
In the end, their final choice was obvious...
Thus, it did not take long before small groups of citizens began to spread out in all directions, some heading home towards their family and children, some attempting to find some spare clothing or blankets for the injured, while others tried to help the former 'Holy Knights' with their search for more of the kidnapped women within the city.
However, certain parts of their liberator's request were too much for the mostly human population, one who recently suffered greatly at the hands of the Dark Elf queen Olga, her demonic horde, and elven supporters...
Only a few of Ken's civilian population stayed behind, and Thorson immediately recognized a few among them; some among them were the grieving and formerly enraged families who confronted him earlier, the same ones he once threatened with death.
One of them, the blacksmith to whom the Nord spoke early, addressed the tall Nord. "Dragonborn, sir, allow us to assist you." the elderly man respectfully offered the Nord their aid.
The blacksmith then looked towards the rows of injured women. "Some among them used to be good friends with our sons when they grew up together, before... they changed…" the man said somberly. "It's the least we can do for what they may have done to these poor girls…"
The Nord gave a grateful bow after hearing the older man's offer, "Much appreciated..." Thorson humbly thanked the blacksmith, "We may also need buckets of water, towels, and the like to help clean them."
The blacksmith acknowledged the healer's request, "That we can provide; anything else we can do?" the blacksmith then asked the Dragonborn.
"Watch over each of them, check their breathing and their heartbeat, and also warn me if you notice anything unusual." the healer instructed the remaining men and women near him.
The blacksmith and those behind him nodded in understanding as they then quickly sprang into action. Some stayed with the injured, while others returned to their homes to find the required supplies to help the wounded.
Thorson then looked towards both Celestine and Alicia, who in turn gave the healer a single nod in return, signaling to him that they were also ready to assist him.
After seeing both women's eager expressions, the Nord momentarily grasped Mara's amulet that hung around his neck before removing his Dragonscale gauntlets.
"Assist me, Lady Mara. Help these poor souls..."
After a quick prayer, Thorson began his arduous work on this cold night. But the healer was not alone, as he was assisted by several of Ken's civilian population and two determined women whom he saved on this very eventful day.
Within the fortress city of Geofu, a purple-haired woman wearing a revealing black-red corset with matching boots was busy unloading several boxes from her carriage in front of a local tavern.
While the fortress city was known as the military heart of Eostia, functioning primarily as a military academy combined with several guilds responsible for manufacturing its weapons and armor, the city still had the usual stores and taverns that needed certain goods imported from outside the city.
Especially now that Geofu was under control by Vult's Black Dogs, who consumed most of the liquor available daily.
And for Geofu's now oppressed civilian population and those who were not part of the Black Dog troupe, seeing an attractive woman working undisturbed, delivering crates of liquor and supplies for a local tavern without the mercenaries harassing or sexually assaulting her, was indeed a strange sight ever since their city fell to their new overlords and their degeneracy after Grave's betrayal.
"She sure does look 'tasty', hmmmm..." A burly, half-drunk Black Dog muttered while he and his friend stared at the luscious woman who had just entered their tavern.
"I don't understand why we can't touch her; I mean, look at her!" the merc shouted before gawking again at the purple-haired woman standing at the tavern's counter, drooling at her busty figure.
"Hush! Don't let her hear you! You see that golden rose she wears on her clothing?!" his colleague hissed, snapping the half-drunk mercenary out of his aroused state.
"You know the boss's orders: 'Don't disturb Sall's business'! And that also means his associates who bring in the 'goods'!" the man warned before having a quick peek himself.
"A real shame, though; she's quite the looker. I just can't stop staring at her." the man sighed in disappointment.
His partner groaned in frustration after hearing this: "Bah, what would happen if we did not follow that ridiculous rule? I could practically give my life to have a go with her…"
"That I don't know, but what I do know is that Morris's group tried to ambush her outside of Geofu a couple of days ago, but I haven't heard from them ever since."
The perverted Black Dog laughed at this, "Yeah! My guess is they chickened out, or they just failed miserably and are now ashamed to show themselves!"
Both men shared a hearty laugh before one of them brought up another topic: "Do you still have that chill in your back? You know, after what happened a couple of hours ago?"
"Yeah, those shouts in that strange language and the quakes that followed..." the burly Black Dog quietly recalled before taking a large swig from his drink.
"I can't shake the feeling that things will turn ugly in the future as if we angered something big out there."
"Aye… and with Levantine runt's little group constantly harassing our comrades outside the city..." his colleague added while pouring more liquid into his mug, "To be honest, I expected... less hassle after what Vult promised us all when we took over..."
"Well, nothing like a good drink to forget our worries, I guess," his partner replied as both mercenaries resumed their excessive drinking. "Too bad this stuff is not strong enough..."
Outside the tavern, Sall's associate finished the last of her deliveries, "Why am I doing this kind of labor again?" the purple-haired woman complained as she finished covering her carriage.
"This is beneath a Mazken... I should be out there, gathering power and thralls, working on the next phase, but my Lord keeps saying that I'm not ready."
As the disguised Dark Seducer stood in front of her carriage, her thoughts drifted towards a particular event she experienced a short while ago, one that caused her body to unconsciously heat up from excitement.
"Who was responsible behind those strange shouts? That amount of anger and power behind it... the woman wondered as her heartbeat quickened, "Did it come from a man or beast? What is this…?"
"Daydreaming again, Radomira? a new voice interrupted the Seducer's thoughts, "As always, you still have a lot to learn before you can start your work on the mortals here…"
The woman now named Radomira stiffened after hearing a voice she was all too familiar with: "L-Lord S-Sanguine..." she stuttered as her golden pupils shrank at the sight of the individual behind her.
Behind the surprised Seducer was a dark-haired man wearing black robes, one that displayed a golden rose insignia.
"Y-You've arrived..." Radomira stammered nervously as the disguised Daedric Prince looked quite displeased at his subordinate's current behavior.
The Dragonborn's triage and treatment of the female injured on this chilly night became one of his most challenging tasks, eclipsing his restoration duties during Skyrim's civil war. The only time the Dragonborn healer felt this kind of pressure was during his time when he assisted the Breton people in the eastern regions of High Rock, who at that time were suffering from a plague, one produced by the Daedric prince, Peryite.
With Celestine and several of Ken's citizens at his side to support him, the Tamrielian healer first concentrated on treating the injured women who needed the most urgent help.
From what Thorson heard from Ken's citizens, many among the injured were victims of Vult's demons. It appeared they enjoyed torturing their victims while sexually abusing them.
Some of the unfortunate women had the same kind of internal injuries around their uterus, similar to what Thorson saw earlier when he previously treated the unconscious female knight, Caroline.
However, not all women suffered the same kind of injuries as the Dragonborn healer moved from victim to victim.
While most injuries were located around the victim's vagina or uterus, the healer also had to deal with injuries surrounding their anus and rectal areas. Here, things sometimes got messy as several of them unconsciously lost control over their bowels...
Thorson also noticed that several of the victims were in the early stages of their pregnancy after sensing the recently implanted ovum within their bodies.
But unlike Rona, another female knight he also helped before, Thorson could not afford to waste time and magical energy trying to help those affected at this time. The healer then ultimately decided to postpone the necessary procedures until the situation within the fortress city had stabilized.
But what worried the Nordic healer were the other types of injuries that these poor women suffered, including fractures and lacerations.
"Those 'demons' must be responsible for this; these types of injuries are not typical if they were violated by human hands unless the bastards were real sadists." Thorson speculated while he continued his treatment.
However, after seeing more of these types of injuries on multiple women, doubt began to build up within the Dragonborn psyche. Thorson began to fear that he may be indirectly responsible for their injuries caused by the chaos when he attacked the city.
The Dragonborn clenched both his fists, unwilling to believe that he may be responsible. "No, the blame is on them," Thorson reassured himself as the healer drove out his inner doubts.
"All on them. They are responsible." Thorson repeatedly defended his previous actions, "The pain those animals brought upon these poor women is greater than anything I may have done when I saved them on this day."
As the Nord healer refocused, he heard a faint voice coming from the elven girl he was currently treating, "W-wha? W-where am I-I?" the young elf asked as she slowly regained consciousness.
The first thing the white-haired elf saw was a robed man casting a gold-colored spell on her, W-who? Who a-are you?" the confused and fearful elf asked as her heartbeat and breathing began to quicken.
"Shhhh, you are safe," the Dragonborn healer gently reassured the scared elven girl while casting a calming spell on her. "Your nightmare is over; rest for now."
As if it were not enough for the Dragonborn, he frequently had to stop his healing to help calm down the women who began screaming and crying, all obvious signs of the trauma these poor souls experienced after what they were forced to endure for weeks.
While the Dragonborn healer had the experience and skill to heal and treat these poor women, the amount of work and concentration affected the Dragonborn's mental state while also rapidly draining his Magicka reserves.
"The potions I still have don't regenerate my Magicka fast enough, not to mention waiting for my butler to retrieve them." Thorson mused before letting out an auditable sigh, realizing his last option left to him: "It has been a while since I last used this spell..."
Thus, when the Dragonborn healer moved between patients, the Tamrielian healer's hand would glow red as he cast the "Equilibrium" spell on himself.
"Lord Zenithar and Stendarr, please grant me the fortitude to see this through…" Thorson prayed while he converted small portions of his life force into extra magical energy, not willing to waste more time as he rapidly moved from patient to patient without any pause.
Unbeknownst to the Dragonborn, A High Elf sensed the man's sacrifice from a distance as she felt his life force decreasing. "Is there something wrong, Celestine?" Alicia asked the blonde elf, who seemed distracted.
The elf shook her head after hearing her friends' concern, "No... it's nothing, Alicia..." Celestine replied with a sigh before resuming her work, healing the nasty gash the young, unconscious girl in front of her suffered around her stomach.
However, at frequent times, Celestine couldn't help but look towards the Dragonborn, increasingly getting worried every time the black-haired man cast that red-colored spell on himself.
Fortunately, the Tamrielian healer would soon get some much-needed relief as more of Ken's civilian population and former 'Holy Knights' joined in to offer their assistance to the Dragonborn. Some among them even brought blankets, towels, buckets of water, and other essentials, while others offered to help the healer in his efforts by helping him clean and carry those stable back to their homes or at least a safe location.
However, not every one of the unfortunate had a family in the city to return to; either they were once sold into slavery like some of the elves or were abroad at the time they were kidnapped.
Fortunately for these poor souls, several of Celestine's former knights informed the Dragonborn healer that they still had plenty of room left in their barracks where they could stay and rest for the time being.
While this new development relieved some of the pressure on the stressed Nord, there was one more thing that bothered him greatly as Thorson looked towards several of the incapacitated elves near him.
He observed that the human injured received as much attention as possible from Ken's civilian population, while little to no attention was given to the injured elven women.
The Dragonborn also noticed a similar trend when he looked at the group of freed elves. He saw that neither elf had so far received any meaningful aid from the civilian population.
Seeing all of this earned a disapproving sigh from the Dragonborn. "Did their 'Great War' cause so much pain that even now, they won't even assist these helpless individuals?" he asked himself.
"If nothing changes, then I'll be forced to act again..."
It was not only the elves that received such a cold 'welcome' as both Alicia and Celestine were also ignored by the city's civilian population. However, there were also times when things got violent towards both Alicia and Celestine. Things from being harassed or scolded by several of Ken's citizens to sometimes physical altercations.
Many among them also kept calling both women 'traitors', and other unsavory terms. Others even threatened Celestine and Alicia with death before being promptly silenced by the Dragonborn's commanding voice.
"Divines, have mercy on them…" Thorson prayed as he briefly looked around for his next patient to treat, "This whole situation here is one big mess... I hope they all put aside the past; otherwise, there is no future for them."
Near the Dragonborn, the freed elves grouped up together after the majority of humans had already moved away from the city's main center. Many among them are discussing their next plan of action and how to best approach their human savior to ask for his assistance.
However, a few among the elves were just staring at the exceptional man who had saved them and so far stood up for them. Among them, a young Dark Elven mother and her young daughter.
"We must help him, sisters." Elora suggested out loud, "It's the least we can do for what he has done for us," the Dark Elf suggested.
Elora then stared at each elf near her, "He cares about our people. A human. A very unique one," the Dark Elf mother finished before looking fondly at the Dragonborn, who was now healing an injured High Elf.
"I believe you...", a High Elf woman next to Elora voiced after seeing the human man helping a fellow High Elf.
"Maybe this man can bring change... and perhaps he can help us with our 'curse'."
Another Dark Elf joined in, tugging the collar around her neck. "And maybe also with these cursed things..."
While the Dragonborn continued his work on healing the injured, both Celestine and Alicia found the time to have a much-needed talk as they mostly discussed the events they experienced these past hours. However, the answers Alicia received were difficult to digest for the blonde princess.
"No Alicia…" Celestine shook her head after hearing Alicia's most recent question, "All those things I did here—the surrender and all that followed—I was manipulated by an ancient and powerful entity; after that, I lost control over my own body and mind." the former queen explained everything to her trusted 'Shield Princess.'
"The days followed after that; it's all a blur to me." Celestine continued, "B-But... I don't want to talk about that now." the elf sighed heavily before continuing her work, treating a young Dark Elf woman in front of her.
Alicia couldn't fully understand or believe that another godlike figure managed to influence her 'Goddess' on that faithful day she and her city 'surrendered' to Vult's Black Dogs. But in a way, Alicia felt relieved knowing that her High Queen and close friend didn't voluntarily submit at all, unlike what the blonde princess kept hearing from her tormentors during her enslavement.
The Arcturus princess's mood further brightened after Celestine mentioned that both of them were not yet pregnant at this point.
"Thank goodness! To even think of carrying the spawn of those pigs!" a relieved Alicia exclaimed in earnest, earning a similar response in return from the former queen.
"As do I… As do I." Celestine agreed sincerely just before she finished healing the Dark Elf. "I'm done here, Alicia. Can you clean her up a bit?" the former High Queen asked her 'Shield Princess' who now eagerly acknowledged Celestine's request.
Near Celestine's location, the Nord healer continued treating the injured. Thorson was then briefly interrupted by the blacksmith who informed Thorson that he was needed back home.
The Dragonborn briefly turned his attention towards the older man, "Hey, I know you lost something dear to you by my actions on this day." Thorson began with a heavy heart, remembering that he was partially responsible for his son's demise.
"But if you or any of the other families need a talk or anything, I'm here, you know."
The elderly blacksmith closed his eyes and sighed heavily. "T-Thanks... I do have a single request, just in case you encounter more of Vult's men in the future. if I may?"
Thorson gave the man a nod in return, "Ask ahead, mister...?"
"Nostos... Nostos Herevelus," the blacksmith quickly introduced before continuing with his initial request, "There are still other families out there in similar situations; those who also 'lost' their sons after they joined the Black Dogs recently, so you know..."
The Dragonborn momentarily blinked before straight at the blacksmith, "I understand; I'll keep that in mind, Nostos." Thorson acknowledged the older man's request.
"I'll try to be merciful when possible, but I can't guarantee that all of them will comply…"
Nostos gave his liberator a questioning look in return, "It's peer pressure that will make it hard for them to change their ways at this stage." Thorson clarified, "And I'm not even sure if they were drugged or if there was some magic involved in their indoctrination..."
"Or that they were always woman-hating degenerates..." Nostos added, earning him a questioning look in return from the Dragonborn.
"Not my son," the blacksmith quickly corrected as his eyes began to fill with unshed tears. "But I always knew that some among our youth were not… 'raised properly', even before the Black Dogs came into our lives during the 'Great War'."
Thorson shook his head. "I understand; I'll do what I can," the Nord healer reassured the blacksmith. "But for now, stay strong for your remaining family and those around you."
"There is still someone I have to look after—my sick wife," the blacksmith informed the healer as he wiped the emerging tears from his eyes.
"I'll go back to her first, and then I'll return." Nostos informed Thorson, "She... my wife has been sick for a while, and I can't leave her behind for too long."
The Nord man held up one hand as he interrupted the Eostian man, "I understand, and don't worry if you can't help now. You do what you need to do for your wife." Thorson reassured Nostos.
"And perhaps I can help your wife with her condition when this is over. Well, if that is what you wish, of course."
Nostos gave the Tamrielian a single nod before hastily returning to his workshop, leaving the Nord behind with his thoughts.
"Nostos and Aurelian..." he recalled the names of the blacksmith and knight sergeant. "Typical Imperial names; could there be a distant connection?" Thorson wondered before resuming his work, healing the injured and unconscious woman lying in front of him.
"Questions for later, as usual, it seems..."
A few paces away, Celestine was tending to one of the injured along with Alicia as she overhead Thorson's conversation with the blacksmith. Celestine couldn't help but smile at the Dragonborn's empathy towards the blacksmith.
"Thank Auriel for bringing him here…" the elf softly prayed out loud.
Alicia, who also overheard everything, including Celestine's prayer, remained silent. That was until she heard a loud request coming from the Dragonborn.
"Can someone tell me more about this Klaus individual and his 'Wolf Pack'?" Thorson asked around as he walked towards his next patient, "Sounds like he and his group can perhaps assist us against Vult in the future."
After hearing their liberator's request, several of Ken's citizens near the Nord healer offered to inform the Dragonborn what they knew about Klaus's 'Wolf Pack' and their recent deeds near the fortress city of Geofu. Alicia then shortly joined the Tamrielian to tell him more about its supposed leader from what she knew before her capture.
As Thorson continued his work, he heard the tale of Klaus Levantine, a scholarly individual who, against all odds, was now leading an armed rebellion group named the 'Wolf Pack' against Vult's forces and his own father, Grave Levantine.
All to save his beloved wife and kill the 'monster' that was his own father...
Author's note: Another chapter after a few months; my apologies to those who couldn't wait. I had a rough couple of months after a recent death in the family combined with a busy work schedule and a minor writer's block.
Again, there is no real action in this chapter, but it does contain more character and story development, and certain story plots, like the triage, are explained in more detail here. This way, these parts won't be repeated in detail in future chapters (especially when more places get liberated).
Chapter 8 is 75% complete after splitting it from this one, so its release should take less time than now (I hope...). Chapter 7 would have been around 16K-17K words long, but I decided to split it up to make it more readable.
Anyway, many thanks to those who reviewed/favorite/followed/PM'ed me, and if you have any ideas or suggestions for this story, feel free to let me know.
Also, as a reminder, I'll try to post frequent status updates on my profile for future chapters for those interested. ;)
Note 1 (02/06/2023): Edited/updated chapter 7 (removing and correcting grammatical errors without changing story elements).
Note 2 (07/01/2024): Did some grammatical changes in this chapter (no changes made within the story)