Kuroinu Dawnbreaker - A light shining in darkness: chapter 9 – A good shepherd
After a couple of hours of intense exchanges of words and insults between General Tulius, Jarl Ulfric, and the Dragonborn, the latter realized that these peace negotiations were not progressing any further.
Thorson momentarily closed his eyes in thought. "It seems I'll have to step in after all to end this civil war." The Nord realized this before looking briefly at the Imperial general. "And I know who I'll support."
While the Imperial Empire his late father once served had its flaws, the Dragonborn had to think further than his nose as he knew of another threat that loomed in the south, one that waited for the right time to strike at the human population of Tamriel.
The Dragonborn let out a deep sigh as he finished weighing his current options. "Negotiations are over," the Nord man unexpectedly announced to both men present, who in turn stopped arguing. "It appears this conflict won't be settled with words but only with blood and steel," Thorson concluded grimly.
The tall Dragonborn looked towards the Imperial general. "General Tulius, I'm willing to join the Imperial Legion as my late father, 'Theodor Arcadius', did before in order to end this civil war as quickly as possible."
Tulius's usual stoic expression now showed signs of surprise, while an almost desperate yell could be heard from the other side of the table. "No, Dragonborn! You can't forsake Talos and your Nordic brothers for those faithless dogs!"
The Dragonborn turned towards the rebel leader. "Enough! I've made my choice." Thorson responded firmly, "You can leave now; you had your chance, Ulfric."
Sensing he wouldn't be able to sway the Dragonborn any further, Ulfric angrily ran out of the room towards the monastery's exit. "You betray your people, Skyrim and Talos, by doing this; you won't put us down! You hear me, traitor?!" were the last words the Stormcloak leader shouted before leaving High Hrothgar.
The Dragonborn closed his eyes. "Stubborn fool," he whispered before opening his eyes. "We shall see whose Thu'um is stronger on the battlefield, Ulfric." The Nord finished before walking towards one of the Greybeards, who stood by the door leading out of the negotiation hall.
A grunt could then be heard from the negotiation table. "I knew it was naïve to think that Ulfric, of all people, would be convinced by words alone." Tulius said, "These damned Nords and their honor..."
After thanking the Greybeard, Arngeir, for hosting this last negotiation on High Hrothgar, the Nord dragon slayer turned towards the Imperial general. "Not all Nords are like Ulfric; some are wise enough to see the bigger picture in all of this." Thorson corrected the Imperial.
"But let's discuss the details as we travel to Solitude, General." Thorson suggested as he stood by the doorway, "I may provide you with some new options that may help in ending this conflict much sooner and with less bloodshed."
Arngeir, leader of the Greybeards, watched on as both men left their secluded monastery. "Wear your title of 'Stormcrown' with pride, Dovahkiin. For many will look up to you in the future."
And just a week after that last failed negotiation, Ulfric Stormcloak died after his capital city of Windhelm fell to the Imperials. While many of the city's defenders also fell at the hands of the Dragonborn and his dragon allies, other Nord rebels surrendered after seeing the legendary figure shouting their comrades and their defenses down.
With the Dragonborn's recent actions on Skyrim, ending the Civil War, and defeating Alduin, the young Nord would inadvertently be responsible for creating a cult of personality around himself, one that gained a large following around the northern parts of Tamriel.
Thus, wherever Thorson traveled, he would attract much attention as various rumors about him began to spread. Most of these were told by those who viewed him as an avatar or incarnation of Talos, a 'lost' Divine brought back to Nirn to save or even lead them. Either out of pure devotion for the Ninth Divine or out of desperation after the worship of Talos was banned after their last 'Great War'.
And while the Dragonborn tried to distance himself from such rumors, Thorson would also inadvertently attract the attention of many young women wherever he traveled. The young man, however, chose not to settle down after the civil war, as the slayer of Alduin felt that there was still some work to be done, for he knew that another 'Great War' was looming on Tamriel and that he needed to be prepared for it.
Thus, the Dragonborn chose a life of solidarity, maybe out of necessity or perhaps out of fear for what he had experienced in the past.
The man smiled as he felt the hope emanating from the Serenian elves after they asked him about the existence of his home continent. "Oh indeed, Tamriel exists!" Thorson answered enthusiastically before his voice quieted, "But about my so-called 'divinity', I honestly can't give a satisfying answer... Many wise scholars on Tamriel are currently struggling with that question on this day."
The Dragonborn then momentarily turned towards the young elven mother, who initially asked him that question. "If you asked me that a few years ago, then I may have said no, but now... I can't give a clear answer." Thorson admitted it with a shrug. "Fate often surprises us, after all, but you can say I'm currently on a journey to discover my true destiny."
"But we all saw your power—how the world around you seemed to obey you when you shouted. How could you not be a god?" A white-haired High Elf next to the Dragonborn argued.
The Nord from Tamriel shook his head. "No… What I've done is use the power that was bestowed on me by the gods." Thorson to the elves: "But does that make me a god too? If you ask the elves on Tamriel that question, they'll immediately dismiss such a thought."
The man then briefly looked to his left. "While others would be more open to that possibility," Thorson added more quietly.
The Serenian elves around the Nord began murmuring among themselves as they tried to digest his words.
"And besides," the Dragonborn continued, "some of the most talented elven spell casters on Tamriel are known to display almost similar feats with their magical abilities." Thorson admitted, "But my current abilities as a Dragonborn are still unique due to the way we manipulate the world around us with just our 'Voice'."
As Thorson was about to continue his work, dispelling the remaining slave collars, the surrounding elves slowly moved closer before they began asking the Dragonborn various questions about Tamriel, the Aedra, their distant elven cousins, and even about the Dragonborn himself.
But it did not take long before the flood of questions ceased after a single question caught everyone's attention, not from the question itself but from who it came from. "What is a Dragonborn?" Elora's daughter, Lyra, asked curiously, "You don't look like a dragon, right?"
After Celestine and Alicia heard Aurelian's report, the former queen could feel a fire that paralleled her savior emerge from the blonde 'Shield Princess', who gradually became more riled as she heard more about Freoud's misdeeds.
Suddenly, her 'Shield Princess' gave Celestine's 'Holy Knights' their next orders. "Find that traitor and bring him in alive." Alicia ordered Aurelian and his men, "He and those who collaborated with those animals need to..."
Something then snapped within Alicia as the young woman just realized that she spoke out of turn. "Lady Celestine, forgive me. I should have..."
"It's nothing, my dear Alicia," Celestine reassured the young Arcturus princess as the elf held up her hand. "I was about to suggest the same thing."
The former High Queen then addressed her knights herself. "The former archbishop may know more about what Vult and his men are planning for the future, and perhaps more about the fate of our 'Shield' colleagues." Celestine said, "And he may provide us with the names of Ken's nobles who collaborated with the Black Dogs."
Aurelian saluted in response to Celestine's order before facing one of his knights. "Olaf, gather some of your men and break into the Archbishop's home." He instructed the blonde knight, who in turn saluted his superior, "And be sure to make a sweep of the city sewers for possible stragglers."
Hearing this, Alicia jumped in. "Let me help them, Lady Celestine! I've waited for so long for this!" She eagerly asked the High Elf while tightly gripping Dawnbreaker's scabbard in her hands. "It would be my pleasure to drag that fiend into the light!"
Celestine looked at the enthusiastic Arcturus heiress. "Just be careful, my dear Alicia." She warned her friend, "Some among the population may still react negatively to your presence."
"I don't care." A now-determinate Alicia replied, "If they dare to lay a hand on me, they will lose it!"
"We will stay with her," Olaf informed Celestine, somewhat reassuring the High Elf.
Olaf then turned towards Aurelian. "I'll gather some able-bodied men and head out! We and Lady Alicia will bring him and those who worked with Vult to justice!"
As Olaf spoke with Aurelian, the blonde 'Shield Princess' briefly looked towards the Dragonborn, who was currently conversing with the elves. "Just what are they talking about?" Alicia wondered. "Are those elven 'witches' telling him lies about the 'Great War' and Celestine? Turning him against us?" the Arcturus heiress speculated, as she was still wary of the elves, especially since she lost friends and family to those who worked willingly with the 'Dark Queen' during their 'Great War'.
It all began several years ago, after several of Olga's Dark Elven infiltrators managed to open the large fortress gates, letting in a large group of the 'Dark Queen's' demonic creatures.
During the attack, Alicia first had her hands full protecting her cousin, Prim, and her family, who were visiting them at the time. After several hours of fighting, under the leadership of Alicia, Feoh's soldiers, and her 'Holy Iris' knights, they managed to repel the demonic attack.
However, the young Arcturus heiress then heard that both her parents were assassinated in their rooms just before the attack by several of Olga's Dark Elves.
"Alright, you have your orders! Move out!" Aurelian announced, breaking Alicia's thoughts. Shortly after, she, Olaf, and a few 'Holy Knights then began running towards the city's 'Sun District' to apprehend one of the traitors in their midst.
After Olaf left the group, Celestine addressed her loyal 'Holy Knights' again: "And with the city secured from outside threats, see if you can muster some men to further assist the city's inhabitants, Sergeant. It appears everyone could use some extra hands after all that happened."
The veteran knight nodded after hearing Celestine's request: "Yes, I've already assigned a group to assist the civilian population, while I ordered others to move the remaining Black Dog corpses to a more central location for identification."
Another of Aurelian's knights then joined in the conversation. "And several of us are attempting to gather whatever weapons we can loot from the corpses to arm ourselves." The knight named Sven informed his superiors, "But their weapons were already in bad shape, so we could use some better equipment if Vult and his boys decided to attack us again."
Aurelian gave an acknowledging nod after hearing Sven. "Indeed, and while we have enough rations for a couple of months, we still have a serious lack of proper weapons and armor," the Eostian knight informed his superiors.
"Not to mention, manpower... A black-haired knight next to Aurelian remarked.
Celestine momentarily looked at the Dragonborn, who was currently helping a large group of elves, before she looked toward her knights. "Let's all focus on helping Ken's citizens first." The elf instructed her human subjects, "' He'll protect us; buy the city some time to prepare for Vult's counterattack."
Aurelian noticed the High Queen staring at the tall Dragonborn. "I think I know what you mean, your Grace," the veteran knight replied while he looked at the Nord. "Sir Thorson's abilities may buy us enough time to train our militia while reinforcing the weak points within the city's defenses."
Celestine nodded. "Yes, so it's for the best to focus our efforts on keeping the peace within the city. We can't properly mount a defense when the city itself is still in chaos."
"We still need more weapons and supplies if we want to muster a larger force." Sven reminded both Celestine and Aurelian, "We can't defend ourselves with just sticks and stones."
"I think Thorson spoke about bringing in foreign aid from where he came from. If he really would do such a thing, it would definitely help us." Aurelian commented.
The former queen acknowledged the knight's concerns. "Yes, the Dragonborn has sworn to assist you; I'm sure he would be able to bring in weapons and aid from Tamriel." Celestine reassured before turning her attention towards Aurelian again: "So for now, focus on bringing stability within the 'White Citadel', Sergeant."
Aurelian saluted in response. "Yes, of course, My Grace! I'll do my best!" The veteran knight affirmed vocally, which earned him a smile from the High Elf.
"I know you can, Knight Aurelian," Celestine reassured the Eostian man. "And I'm sure you will be able to manage this city's defenses under the leadership of the Dragonborn."
Celestine's last words caused the eyes of the remaining knights to open wide. "W-What do you mean? Are you all right? A-Are you leaving us?" Aurelian hesitantly asked Eostia's former queen.
The High Elf gave her loyal knights an understanding look after hearing their concerns. "Do not worry about me; it's just that me and Alicia decided to seek asylum on Tamriel for the time being."
Shortly after saying this, Celestine informed their loyal knights about everything they had experienced these past hours, including how her subjects began harassing and almost assaulting them. The former queen hoped that her 'Holy Knights' would at least understand her reasons for their self-imposed 'exile'.
The elven group remained quiet as the man smiled after hearing the young elf's question. "No, no. I don't have the body of a dragon or anything like that." The dragon slayer from Tamriel laughed.
"But, simply put, a Dragonborn is a mortal born with the soul of an immortal dragon, who some speculate are also part of the Dragon God of Time, Akatosh, also named Auriel for the elves on Tamriel," Thorson explained his nature to the Serenian elves, who listened closely.
Thorson then briefly looked at Celestine before returning his attention to the elves. "While others say I'm Auriel's 'son," he added with a faint smile.
The Dragonborn began to hear murmuring coming from the High Elves after hearing his words. "But what I do know is that a Dragonborn is chosen and blessed by the gods for when the world is in great peril." Thorson continued.
The elves around the man continued listening with growing interest to the man's words. Some of them slowly realized that they were in the presence of an extraordinary individual. A man from a strange land, seemingly sent by their forgotten gods, the Aedra.
Thorson then recalled what he knew and heard from his many travels. "And that I'm part of a prophecy spanning many centuries ago, where the Dragonborn was destined to kill the black dragon, Alduin, the 'World Eater'. All to prevent him from devouring the entire world."
The Dragonborn then looked at his hand as young Nord remembered the many battles he fought against his 'brothers'. "A Dragonborn is also capable of permanently killing an immortal dragon and absorbing their soul, knowledge, and power to further empower itself."
"So, you are some kind of demi-god?" A young Dark Elf woman carefully asked after listening to the Nord's words, "Since you are part of a god and all of that?"
The man from Tamriel laughed faintly. "As I said before, it's just a theory scholars on Tamriel put together," Thorson shrugged nonchalantly. "But if you want to discuss this any further, then it's better we do this at a later time. Because it's a subject that can't be fully explained in just a few sentences."
His face then frowned. "Well, that is, if you want to stay here any longer after this, of course, with all the racial tensions here." Thorson added before resuming his work on another slave collar, "I can't blame you all if you want to return to your homes and be reunited with your families and loved ones as soon as possible." He finished after removing another collar.
Thorson was then greeted by silence, one that slowly unnerved him. "Uhm, did I say something bad or offend you all in any way?" The Tamrielian carefully asked after noticing the blank stares he got from the elven women.
Elora was the first to give the Nord man his answer. "We can't return... for some, their villages are too far, and it's also very unsafe to travel by foot with all those Black Dog humans and demons around," the Dark Elf mother somberly informed the Dragonborn.
Another Dark Elf woman then joined in their conversation. "And most of our kind fled or were captured when the human slavers ransacked our homes... So, most of us have nothing left to return to."
The Nord momentarily paused his spell as what he heard hit him right in the heart. "That is unfortunate... I-I'm sorry to hear that," Thorson apologized sincerely.
A horrific thought then crossed the healer's mind. "What about your spouses or partners? Did they escape the slavers or did they...?" he reluctantly asked Elora, fearing what her answer may be.
Hearing the Dragonborn's question, the elves looked at each other, including Elora, who seemed confused by the man's question. "None of us here were married or bonded for life with a male partner when we were captured." She answered out loud before looking straight at the Nord, "Since there are so few male elves around..."
The Dragonborn stopped casting his spell as he looked straight at the Dark Elf in astonishment. "W-What?" Thorson simply asked, unsure if he had heard the Dark Elf right at that time.
After their queen explained everything, her 'Holy Knights' seemed to understand the elf's reasoning for her 'voluntary exile'. "So, you and Lady Alicia will still return to Eostia in the future, my Grace?" Aurelian asked.
The High Elf looked relieved, as Aurelian and his men seemed to have understood her reasoning. "Of course. I can't abandon my people now." Celestine replied, "And I'll make sure we assist the Dragonborn with his efforts while on Tamriel, for he will need our knowledge of Eostia and her people."
Celestine then closed her eyes. "And our 'exile' is not something permanent; just until things calm down here," the elf further reassured her knights. "Many of Ken's citizens are still mourning the loss of their loved ones after the Dragonborn's attack."
The elf then looked towards Ken's 'Holy Temple'. "While others still blame me for my 'voluntary surrender' and letting Vult take over Eostia..."
Eostia's former High Queen then briefly looked around, observing several of Ken's citizens eying her with contempt. "Not to mention, the Dragonborn would need my presence since I suspect it would be required to help him convince his people to send us aid," Celestine added.
Aurelian looked at the ground after hearing this. While he understood Celestine's reasons, the veteran knights still had some questions about the stranger, this 'Dragonborn', who would lead them. "You really trust that man? My Grace?" the veteran knight then asked his queen.
Celestine gave him a questioning look, unnerving the man. "Don't get me wrong, my Queen!" Aurelian hastily corrected himself: "From what we all have seen, he seemed to be an honorable man."
A knight named Victus joined in. "Even if he freed and healed us all, he's still an outsider—one we just met today."
The blonde elf looked towards the Dragonborn, who seemed to have briefly stopped his work to listen to the elves. "I do, with all my heart," the former High Queen simply responded with a faint smile on her face. "You will have an exceptional man leading you, one that has been blessed with divine powers," Celestine reassured her men.
The High Elf then looked at her knights again. "But he will still need your guidance and assistance, so I ask you all to be at your best to help him with what is to come." Celestine instructed with a smile towards her loyal knights: "But be assured, you won't find a better force multiplier against Vult's Black Dogs and his demonic legions than the 'legendary Dragonborn' himself."
The veteran knight momentarily looked at his men. "I think I know what you mean. Just hearing him address us... as if his voice gave us all a boost in confidence and reassurance during his speeches."
"Yes, he does indeed..." Celestine commented out loud, remembering all too well how much hope, confidence, and purpose he gave her these past hours—enough to at least make her momentarily forget parts of what she had to endure these past weeks. As long as she was near the 'Son of Auriel', the High Elf felt she could find salvation and deliverance from her recent and distant past.
"And Thorson did say he had experience leading soldiers in battle; I think he may have been some kind of commander where he came from." Aurelian continued while looking towards the Dragonborn. "And after what he had done today, I just feel that we could fight everything Vult would throw at us with him by our side."
A few of Aurelian's men followed the Knight Sergeant and also looked towards the tall Nord. "Not to mention his dragons assisting us," Victus added.
Aurelian nodded at this. "Yes, indeed," the Eostian knight simply replied before turning his attention towards Celestine. "I'll talk with the rest of my men about this. But I reassure you, you still have our loyalty, My Grace." Aurelian informed the former queen. "Even after all that happened these past weeks."
Celestine's eyes began to moisten after hearing Aurelian's words; those last ones brightened her soul after hearing that some among her people believed and supported her. In response, the Elf gave each of the knights a warm smile. "Your words warm my heart, Sergeant Victus." A grateful Celestine said, "And I'll do my part to bring back peace on Eostia; you all have my word on that."
Celestine's knights in turn saluted after hearing her words before Aurelian addressed his men. "Come men, we still have work to do this night!"
Shortly after the knight's announcement, Aurelian and his men began helping the population wherever help was needed: some stayed near Celestine to help her with the remaining wounded, while others began helping the city's inhabitants, trying to keep the peace within the 'White Citadel'.
Thorson was not sure what he had just heard from Elora. "Surely she must be pulling my leg now, right? None of them don't have a male partner to speak of? What's going on?"
"You truly don't know about our 'Húta', our 'Curse'?" Elora interrupted Thorson's thoughts as if she heard the question in his mind: "The one plaguing both our elven races?"
"Húta? Curse?" The curious Dragonborn asked in response before shaking his head. "No, I'm afraid not... I'm not from around here, you know."
Another question then crossed Nord's mind. "Wait, what about you? Your daughter must have had a father, right?"
Elora stared down at her daughter while she looked back towards the Nord. "My Lyra had no father when she was conceived," Elora answered with little emotion before looking straight at the healer.
Thorson's eyes widened after hearing this. "W-What is she talking about? How is this possible?"
"My 'little moonlight'... She was brought into this world with the help of our elven magic." Elora informed the Nord before her tone turned serious, "Even with no father to speak of, she's still my daughter, no matter what." Elora proclaimed sincerity.
Thorson scratched his head in astonishment after hearing this new revelation. "By Mara, new life conceived in such a way, an artificial method of autogamy with magic."
"By Her Benevolence, why are they using such magic to procreate? And why are there so few of their male counterparts? Is it because of their so-called curse?"
All was quiet for a minute before the Dragonborn looked at the elves around him. "I-I don't know what to say," the Nord stammered, still unsure what to say after hearing all of this. "A-Apologies; this news is still quite overwhelming for me. I've never heard of something so dire."
Thorson then looked back at Elora. "Forgive my ignorance, but what is this 'curse' you just mentioned? What do you know of it?"
Elora gave the man an understanding look. "From what I've been told by our lore keepers millennia ago, both our elven races used to prosper on Serenus." The Dark Elf began explaining to the Tamrielian. "Until the 'Ciltië', the 'Divergence' caused both Dark and High Elf societies to collapse and later split up."
The mother looked at the elves around her. "Later, our ancestors realized that they were cursed in some way after the 'Ciltië', a curse that influenced future newborns within both elven races."
Elora then looked at the ground. "Our numbers further decreased when the humans began encroaching on our sacred lands, while our male population continued decreasing rapidly in the coming centuries, most perishing in battle against both demonic and human forces."
Thorson continued listening to Elora before a High Elf woman provided some extra clarification. "And with little or none of our male counterparts around, both our races' existences are at risk—so much so that the most experienced magicians of both our races joined up in desperation, devising a plan in an attempt to repopulate our species."
"I've read of such practices used by several Altmer families who were obsessed with their familial lineage or purity, but to think that such methods are used on such a scale..."
Another Dark Elf, whose collar had just been removed by the Nord's magic, also joined in the conversation. "Yes, by using ancient magic, many of our sisters volunteered to have children that way, but their plan did not fully work as intended, as our population still declined, all because of that damned curse!"
"By the Nine..." Thorson responded solemnly as he digested Elora's last words.
The Nord then looked at the elves surrounding him. "What does this 'Húta' do to your people? Does it affect fertility or the development of the fetus?" Thorson asked. "And where did it come from? What are its origins?"
Elora was the first to respond to the healer's questions. "That is a long story," she answered. "But, like you said before, you have more important work to do, right?"
The Nord diverted his gaze towards the elf's collar in front of him. "Aye, indeed," Thorson replied as he resumed his efforts to dispel it. "But after hearing all of this, I need to hear more. I can't just stand by after hearing this."
Some murmuring could be heard from the elven group before Thorson turned his attention back toward the Dark Elf mother. "Can you at least give me a condensed version of both races' histories, religions, and the origin of this curse while I work? That would be much appreciated, Miss Lunarin."
The white-haired Dark Elf, who was gently stroking her daughter's hair, showed the man a smile after hearing his request, "Yes, of course!" A seemingly excited Elora eagerly agreed before looking towards her elven sisters.
"Correct me if I get certain parts wrong; I always had trouble remembering certain parts of the stories 'Lore Mistress' Shantra often told us."
At the same time, the Dragonborn removed another collar. "Good enough for me," Thorson replied with a faint smile before looking around. "Now, whose collar shall I remove next?"
As Celestine continued her healing, she could overhear small parts of Thorson's discussion with the other elves, and her mood fell when the Dark Elf mother began to tell the story about the struggles the elves faced on Eostia for millennia.
"What will he think about all that I have done these past centuries?" Celestine asked herself while staring at the Dragonborn, "I know I've made mistakes towards my elven brethren, but it was for the greater good."
The elf then briefly closed her eyes. "I hope…"
The former queen then looked towards the cloudless sky above as her thoughts turned towards the fate of her 'Shield Princesses'. The former High Elven priestess then began praying for their safety and quick liberation from their captors. "Tur Auriel, A ilpa av ni...ame," Celestine prayed in the elven language before switching back to the common tongue. "Watch over them; keep them safe."
Some distance away, far east of the 'White Citadel', lies the fortress city of 'Ur'. This smaller fortress city compared to others on Eostia once functioned as an important supply hub for the region since both Ur and Feoh were located nearest to Olga's forces in the north, who frequently attacked its thick fortified walls during the 'Great War'.
The region around the fortress city was once overseen by the Fiorire family, with their daughter and youngest 'Shield Princess', Prim, acting as their fortress city's symbolic figurehead, who was also becoming quite popular within Eostia for her innocence and beauty.
Supporting the growth of the young Fiorire heir was Alicia, heir of the Arcturus family, who protected and trained the young Prim for knighthood ever since the young woman lost her parents as she protected the entire Fiorire family during a surprise raid several years ago. Ever since she saw Alicia in battle, defending her against multiple demons, Prim's idolization of her cousin would later grow into adoration and then into a one-sided crush.
However, all changed a few weeks ago after its ruling family was betrayed from within by several elite merchant clans, including the 'Mortadella brothers', two pigmen merchants native to Serenus who sought more profits and power by collaborating with the Black Dogs and their leader, Vult.
With the help of the Black Dogs, who managed to coerce the 'Shield Princess', Alicia Arcturus, to reveal the city's hidden passages. And with this information, Vult and his men swiftly conquered the fortress city from within, capturing and imprisoning any of the ruling elite who resisted their new overlords.
Shortly after taking control of Ur, both Mortadella brothers wasted no time in repeatedly venting their carnal lust towards the young Fiorire girl whom they imprisoned high up within one of Ur's keep's. During their frequent acts of sexual depravity, both pigmen brothers would frequently torment Prim, telling her that if she cooperated and submitted to their whims, she might see her imprisoned parents again and, most importantly, her cousin, Alicia.
At first, the young 'Shield Princess' resisted their repeated attempts to break her, both in mind and body. But after a few weeks of constant sexual abuse by both pigmen and Black Dog mercenaries, the young Fiorire girl realized that any hope of potential freedom and escape from her torment was meaningless as she slowly began succumbing to her captors and her own betraying lustful desires.
But at times, Prim would be granted some respite within her chambers, which became her new prison. During such moments, the desperate girl frequently pondered ending her life by jumping out of the keep's balcony towards her death. A part of the Fiorire heir's psyche wanted to end the humiliation and physical torment that way, as she realized that it was her only option left to her, all to escape this nightmare she was forced to live in.
Part of Prim still hoped to embrace her imprisoned parents and Alicia again, but the young Fiorire heir knew she would have to endure many days, weeks, or even months of abuse and sexual servitude to please her captors. And with this dilemma, all hope for normality seemed to die off within Prim's soul.
However, today would bring some much-needed change for the young Fiorire woman, as before dawn, her city, like many others on Eostia, became the subject of an attack by a mysterious force. An 'attack' that caused the entire city to shake after it was hit by loud and powerful shouts coming from the east. For several hours, panic and chaos ruled the streets while frightened turncoat soldiers and Black Dog mercenaries had great difficulty restoring some semblance of order within the small fortress city.
At that time, in one of Ur's keep's, a young, half-naked woman whose broken body and clothing were stained with dried-up semen from the pigmen brothers stared out the keep's balcony towards the city below her. The young girl's eyes were filled with tears as she recalled those dear to her. "Alicia..." Prim quietly whispered before staring at the twin moons above her as if she were praying to them for someone or something to save her, her parents, and her dearest cousin from this living nightmare.
A nightmare created after their long war against the Dark Elf 'Queen', Olga, her elven followers, and the demonic legions.
"By the Nine, such a waste of life... Even here, both man and elf can't help but fight each other…"Thorson commented out loud after hearing Elora's abridged version of the Dark and High Elves' struggles on Eostia, one that began after a calamity a few millennia ago, after their supposed arrival on Serenus.
"And as I suspected, both elven races seemed to have arrived from Aldmeris several millennia ago. So did the land here change them so much in appearance, though?" Thorson asked himself, as he still wondered why these elves looked so different compared to their Tamrielian counterparts. "Or were they already like this when they left Aldmeris?"
Aside from their appearance, the Tamrielian especially felt pity for what the Serenian elves had to endure for many centuries after their society collapsed: being constantly harassed and driven out of their lands by the Eostian humans while also suffering from their 'Húta'. A mysterious curse that seemed to have caused a severe gender imbalance and later decline within their elven societies.
Their situation became so dire that the races on Serenus began viewing the elves as a 'female-only' species, attracting much unwanted attention from human slavers and entrepreneurs who viewed them as a ' mere sexual commodity', one only fit for servitude.
It seemed it was not only Vult and the Daedra that he had to content himself with while on Serenus. "What these elves had to endure... by Stendarr's mercy."
Thorson then wondered who was responsible for their condition. From what the Dragonborn could understand, either the Aedra or the Daedra could be the cause of it all.
"Is Azura responsible for their struggles? I won't be surprised if she's involved, knowing how she once cursed the early Dunmer people." Thorson theorized, "Although this 'Húta' of theirs does not seem to be the same as what happened with the Chimer, as their changes were purely cosmetic."
A more disturbing thought then crossed Thorson's mind. "Could the Divines be responsible for this? History has shown that they would punish their followers if they broke their oaths."
The Dragonborn, a devout worshipper of the Nine, quickly shook his head in denial. "No, they wouldn't cause this amount of suffering, not on this scale."
Thorson also heard about Celestine's role during the Serenian elves' struggles these past centuries as 'her' humans harassed and plagued the Eostian elves during her rule.
"And Celestine was aware of all of this during their 'Great War' against Olga's forces?" A now-serious-looking Dragonborn asked the elves. "She practically turned a blind eye to your suffering and the actions of her human followers. Am I correct?"
The healer could hear many "yeses" from the elves around him, earning a disapproving grunt from the Dragonborn. "She's a traitor to her people!" one High Elf woman exclaimed. "We High Elves suffered greatly, while she enjoys being worshipped by these barbaric humans!"
A Dark Elf voice then interrupted the High Elf. "You think you were suffering?!" she rebuked loudly. "At least that 'traitor queen' did not constantly harass you High Elves!"
"W-What?! You dare insinuate that we did not suffer?!" the High Elf responded vocally as old grudges reappeared, causing a small argument between several High and Dark Elves to erupt. "Some among your kind assisted the 'Dark Queen' and her demonic horde! Further aggravating the humans!"
As the elves continued arguing, the Dragonborn momentarily turned towards Celestine, who seemed to have overheard everything. The blonde High Elf immediately looked at her side in shame after seeing the Dragonborn staring at her. "I'll ask for her side of the story after this; there must be more to this," Thorson said to himself after seeing her avoidance.
The Dragonborn then turned towards the arguing elves as their shouting increased in frequency. "These unfortunate elves, kidnapped from their homes and villages, then brought here, only to be sold as slaves..." the Nord realized as he balled his fists. "I certainly won't shed any tears for the slavers' lives I took today."
An armed Dark Elf shouted towards several High Elves. "You, 'Highborn', are also to blame! A few among you even volunteered to assist the humans and Celestine!"
"Only to assist the injured caused by Olga's demonic legions! We did not want to take an active part in that war started by one of your own! We've already suffered enough!" One of the High Elves angrily exclaimed in response.
"And that's why you High Elves are cowards! Do you think the 'traitor queen' will help you after all that happened these past centuries?! Your matriarchs must be desperate to even consider that!"
"C-Cowards?! You…!"
Before their argument could further escalate, both Dark and High elves heard a single, loud command from their savior. "NAHLOT!"
The Dragonborn's sudden shout silenced the elves and all those present at Ken's central plaza. "That's enough! That's all in the past, and this argument isn't helping you now!"
Under the gaze of the Dragonborn, the elves submitted as their previous argument died down. And after Thorson had the full attention of the elves, he continued in a softer tone. "I know the past is hard to forget, but you should all now focus on the present."
A reserved voice from a Dark Elf woman could be heard, one who confronted the Dragonborn. "B-But my L-Lord… Do you realize what Celestine has done to our people? What have her human followers done to us?"
The Dragonborn immediately reacted. "I heard it all but let her be." the tall man simply warned in a low tone that shook the earth, causing the Serenian elves to recoil in response. "The Aedra Stendarr, Lord of Mercy and Judgement, gave her a second chance, either to atone for her mistakes or something completely different. That's for her to discover on her own." Thorson informed the elven group with a piercing look that momentarily took their breath away.
Thorson's words seemed to silence the elves, who were unsure what to make of all of this. Just then, they all heard a declaration coming from the tall human, "But mark my words: while my first priority is to help liberate Eostia from Vult's Black Dogs and his demonic legions, I swear that I'll do everything within my power to find a way to help the elves on Serenus with their curse." The Tamrielian proclaimed it with fervor. "After all that I've heard, I can't just ignore the plight of your people."
The Nord briefly looked towards the twin moons in the sky. "I remember reading stories and tales about Aedra or Daedra cursing the mortal races. And how some even manage to overcome or even break it." Thorson recalled what he knew out loud before looking at each elf in the group as he began reassuring them. "So, have hope; we will find a way to break your curse. I'll do anything within my power to achieve it; I swear upon the Divines."
The Nord's confidence and his words surprised the elves; this human, who may as well be a 'demi-god' in their eyes, swore to help them with their 'Húta'. And for many of the Serenian elves, his words were the first signs 'from the gods' that may lead them towards their salvation after so many countless years.
Thorson noticed that the Serenian elves began showing some signs of optimism and hope on their faces. "Too bad I can't shout away' their cure," the Dragonborn joked lightly within his mind. "But it should be theoretically possible, knowing the nature and potential of the Thu'um to influence reality. But finding the right words will prove difficult."
The elves remained silent as the 'Last Dragonborn' briefly looked at the night sky. "I remember reading about Wulfharth and the ancient 'Tongues'. I may perhaps find some inspiration from their past deeds if I can find out more about them."
The Nord then looked back towards the elves. "But first, I need to focus on matters here. Then on stopping Vult and his gang from further causing harm to the people here."
A faint smile formed on his face before he asked a now familiar question to the elves. "Now then, whose collar still needs to be removed?"
It did not take long before the next and last elf stepped forward: "I'm the last one..." Elora announced while approaching the Nord man with a flirtatious smile on her face.
Seemingly ignoring the Dark Elf's advances, the Dragonborn immediately began dispelling Elora's collar, while the Dark Elf just silently stared at the Nord who was so close to her.
As the Nord worked, he wondered something after seeing Elora's collar. "Lady Lunarin, what kind of magic do you practice? From what I understand, those who adapt with magic only receive these collars, right?" A curious Thorson asked the young Dark Elf, "You must be quite powerful, right?"
"Oh, I-I," Elora stuttered, suddenly feeling embarrassed. "I can do a bit of 'Shadow magic'," she answered nervously, "but I'm just a novice in comparison with my other Dark Elven sisters."
"'Shadow magic'…" Thorson repeated the Dark Elf's previous words. "A blend of both Illusion and Mysticism schools, I've read that Tamriel used to have individuals who utilized such magic; people called them 'Nightblades', agents of stealth and subterfuge. Survivalists who constantly defy the odds."
While not understanding a few of his words, the young Dark Elf showed some mild interest after hearing the Nord. "I'm not sure if I would be considered this 'Nightblade' you speak of." Elora replied sheepishly, "But I once served my tribe as 'First hunter', where I used my 'Shadow magic' to cloak myself during hunts."
"A very useful skill to have indeed in your line of work." Thorson commented before finishing dispelling the elven hunter's collar, "So, you too are also free from these magical restraints."
The Dragonborn then looked at the elves surrounding him. "Your magical powers should return soon; just don't get into trouble for the time being, alright?" A worried Dragonborn then appealed, "The last thing you all need is to face even more hardship from the human population if something happens in the middle of this city."
As the Dragonborn addressed her elven sisters, Elora felt her magical power returning to her body, and for a young mother like her, this act greatly mattered to her as she now at least had something to defend her young daughter in case something threatened her. As the elven hunter stared at the healer in appreciation for helping her once again, Elora's first response was to hold both the Dragonborn's hands before thanking him again: "Thank you." She thanked him softly while staring into the tall Nord's eyes.
Thorson nervously bit his lip in response, unsure what to say to the tanned elf who was tightly holding his hands. "Uhm, my pleasure, Miss Lunarin." The man responded shyly, earning him giggles and soft laughter from the High and Dark Elves around him.
After their brief exchange, Elora eagerly walked back towards her daughter, who looked quite exhausted as she sat next to Thorson's Fire Atronach. "Poor girl, this is no place or situation for a young child to be in right now, surrounded by all of this," the healer from Tamriel observed.
The Nord then looked around. "At least they are all free from their magical shackles. Perhaps they can help the city's inhabitants with their magic. It should at least lessen the tension between both races."
Just then, Elora walked back towards the Dragonborn with her daughter, who seemed to have some difficulties staying upright. "Thorson, I'm worried about my Lyra; she's hungry and sick," the young elven mother warned the Nord healer. "These past days have been hard on her," an almost desperate Elora then added as she tried to keep her daughter warm in her arms.
"Hungry and..." Thorson's mind repeated the Dark Elf huntress's words before he realized something. "Wait, did no one here help them?!" The Dragonborn's mind exclaimed in shock at the sudden realization.
The faint smile that once occupied his face disappeared after he saw that the elves received practically no aid from Ken's population. While some may have been given some old pieces of clothing that a common beggar would even be ashamed to wear, others only received a few pieces of food, sometimes even spoiled beyond eatable.
And the worst part was that the High and Dark Elves, who were previously injured, were left alone in the middle of the city's plaza without much covering them. As the human population focused their attention purely on helping their 'own'.
This was certainly not acceptable for the Dragonborn. "Lord Stendarr, have mercy on these people." A disappointed Nord clenched his fist in frustration. "The gap between both elves and humans here is bigger than I realized... But if I don't help them."
On the height of an eventful night, as most of Ken's residences were still assisting the remaining knights, they suddenly heard a loud shout that took them by surprise again. "By Stendarr's mercy!" they heard a loud shout coming from a disappointed Dragonborn, their liberator. "If none of you ignorant simpletons will help these elves, then I will!"
After letting out his outburst, the Dragonborn then looked at an empty spot near him. "DUR NEH VIIR" Thorson shouted, causing those around him to recoil in surprise as a familiar green dragon once again appeared on Nirn.
"My friend," the Dragonborn immediately addressed his draconian ally, "I'll be heading to Tamriel to get some things." Thorson informed the ancient being, "Stay here and watch over these people while I'm away. It should not take too long."
Durnehviir briefly showed his mortal kin a toothy grin. "Zu'u Mindoraan, Qahnaarin! I shall follow your command and await your return."
The Dragonborn nodded. "Many thanks, Durnehviir." Thorson said as he then took a green gemstone from his satchel and received questioning stares from the surrounding elves, "If some among you could follow me to Tamriel, I could use some extra hands carrying some things for you all." Thorson appealed to the elves, who in turn looked confused after hearing his request.
"Well, I can't leave you all shivering in the cold and hungry, can't I?" Thorson commented after seeing their questioning stares.
The healer then pointed towards the forsaken elves next to the 'Holy Temple'. "While I'm away, could some of you carry them towards the second fire elemental to keep them warm?" Thorson appealed to the large elven group. "And stay with those who are already awake; keep them company for the time being."
Some among the High and Dark Elves seemed eager to oblige the Nord's request, as he received several enthusiastic nods in response.
Thorson then turned towards the tired young Dark Elf child, who now leaned heavily against her mother's body. The Nord then kneeled down and gently held the child's cold hand. "Well, young Lyra, do you want to come along? I have something back home that will help you feel better." Thorson said with a comforting smile.
After hearing these comforting words from her hero, it did not take long before the sick girl slowly nodded her head while her worried mother looked somewhat relieved, showing the Dragonborn a faint smile in gratitude.
The Nord then looked at the elven group, which seemed more lively than usual. "When we return, I'll also see to it that I talk some sense into these people. I can't leave the rest of you without a roof over your heads for the coming days." Thorson reassured them, "But for now, you can find some warmth with the Fire Atronachs until we bring back some appropriate clothing and other essentials."
Hearing this, several elves eagerly volunteered to follow the Dragonborn; some of them were also curious about visiting this new land where their savior came from.
After this, the Dragonborn then began casting a particular spell within Eostia's 'White Citadel', a spell almost forgotten on Tamriel by the passage of time ever since the 'Second Era'.
Those present near Ken's main temple witnessed their liberator opening a white portal, one that illuminated the entire area in front of the temple with its bright light, a portal towards Tamriel, 'Dawn's Beauty' in the elven language.
The Eostian humans then saw their liberator and several elves entering the portal before it closed, and this caused many questions to arise within the human population's minds.
Durnehviir let out a grunt after seeing the Dovahkiin's portal disappear, as he then began observing both humans and elves around Ken's main plaza.
As night began to fall on Skyrim's hold of Falkreath in Tamriel, a blue-haired Khajiit wearing ebony armor was about to leave Lakeview Manor after some much-needed rest. "Thanks for your hospitality, Rayya, but I need to head back to Solitude."
A smiling Redguard housecarl waved the Khajiit off from the manor's main hall. "It's nothing, Inigo; any friend of my Thane is welcome to stay here, but should you not wait until it's morning?" she suggested.
Inigo grinned, "You know how much I dislike waiting," the Khajiit said as he slowly opened the manor's front door. "But I hope your Thane returns soon; I do quite miss adventuring with him," he then admitted before giving Rayya a wave and leaving his friend's manor.
As Inigo was about to step outside, the Khajiit was greeted by a sight that was certainly unique for the experienced adventurer. "W-Wha...?" Inigo blurred out after seeing a very familiar figure in front of him.
Standing in front of the manor was his Dragonborn friend, followed by a dozen half-naked elf-like women and one young child. And behind these new arrivals, the blue-haired Khajiit saw a glowing white portal that illuminated the dark forest around the homestead. "Thorson, my friend, what is...?"
A clueless Rayya stepped next to the blue Khajiit. "What is going on, Inigo? Is something out there...?" the Redguard steward asked before her eyes widened after seeing what was in front of her. "M-My Thane...?"
"Inigo, Rayya, good to see you both." The man in front greeted his companions as if this whole thing were nothing special, while some among the elves looked at the blue Khajiit with suspicion.
An embarrassed laugh followed from the Nord. "It looks like we have to break open our stores; can you both assist me?" Thorson asked before looking next to him, noticing several among the elves shivering from Skyrim's chilly weather: "Our visitors are also in need of some proper apparel."
The Tamrielian then looked at his companions, who still looked at him questionably. "Let's all head inside first; I'll explain it all," Thorson said before closing the bright portal behind his group.
Meanwhile, on Serenus, after helping one of the last remaining female victims, Eostia's former High Queen was in deep thought as the memory of Thorson loudly reprimanding her former subjects was still fresh in her mind.
While the former queen would not approve of the Dragonborn berating Ken's civilian population, she could understand his disappointment after seeing the current condition of the elves within the city, both recently freed elves, and those who were already captured and enslaved these past weeks.
As she looked towards the elves, Celestine remembered seeing Thorson actively helping the elves, and this image triggered memories of a distant past—memories from when she first appeared before the fledgling humans many centuries ago.
"They all look at him like the humans did when I assisted them so many years ago." Celestine realized the similarities to what happened to her in the past: "All before they began worshipping me as one of their deities, thinking I'm a reincarnation of Laurentia..."
But Celestine then recognized that this was not the same, as it was now a human helping the Serenian elves. A man from Tamriel, guided by the Aedra towards Eostia, who in turn performed his task while also remaining humble so far.
The fallen High Elf then looked at her feet. "Why didn't I stop there? W-Why did I lose track of my task given by Lord Auriel?" Celestine asked herself those difficult questions.
The High Elf clenched her fists. "What I've done here was not enough to spare our people? I tried so hard to..." Celestine defended herself before her eyes widened as she realized her error. "Or was I afraid to lose 'it' all?"
Celestine's body suddenly tensed at this realization. "Was it my vanity? Did I succumb to it these past centuries without realizing it?"
The lost High Elf then looked at the necklace of Stendarr around her neck, one given by the 'Son of Auriel', its faint glow inspiring her to continue seeking absolution from her past while also reassuring Celestine that she is not alone.
A familiar fire within her heart then flickered as Celestine felt the same sensations she felt shortly after she was freed. The disgraced queen of Eostia now had another purpose in life beyond following the Dragonborn. "No more! I have to set things right! For both elves and humans on Serenus!" Celestine's confused and conflicted mind finally decided on what she had to do, for the future of the whole continent may depend on it.
We all have to set aside our differences! Make a stand against the Vult, the Black Dogs, the demonic legions, and the Daedra, just like Tamrielians have done in the past against Bal."
Celestine then held Stendarr's amulet around her neck in her left hand. "And I swear upon the Aedra that I'll do anything within my abilities to set things right again, for all people on Eostia!"
After she resolved her internal conflict, Celestine looked towards the area where Thorson summoned his portal toward Tamriel a few minutes ago. A feeling of emptiness then began to fill her thoughts as her heart yearned to be in the presence of the Nord, the Dragonborn. "Please come back soon, my 'Silta Aka." Celestine muttered longingly.
Celestine's thoughts were then interrupted as she heard two voices addressing her. "Lady Celestine!" the former High Queen heard as Aurelian and Alicia approached her. We've got him!" Alicia announced the news somewhat enthusiastically. "We've detained Freoud!"
Eostia's former queen looked towards both Eostians, showing them both a smile after hearing this news. This 'distraction' is what she needs now until the 'Son of Auriel' returns from wherever he may be.
As Alicia stood in front of Celestine, the young 'Shield Knight' looked around as if she were looking for someone. "Wait, where is Thorson? We heard him shouting just a moment ago, Is everything all right?"
As the Dragonborn and his elven 'guests' entered the manor, away from Skyrim's cold night, the Nord quickly explained to them that the blue-furred Khajiit was no demon and that he was part of one of the few beast races on Tamriel. And after Thorson gave both his companions a very abridged version of what he experienced this day, the interior of Lakeside Manor became a hub of activity as the Tamrielians began distributing spare clothing and gear to their elven 'visitors'.
The clothing that Thorson provided to his elven 'guests' came from a surplus of clothing that he once bought in bulk a year ago, one meant to help the people of east High Rock after they suffered from a plague released by the Daedric Prince, Peryite. So far, the Nord has had no use for the remaining articles of clothing.
Until now.
The weapons and magical staves he donated came from his personal collection, one that the Dragonborn had stockpiled for several years. Inigo would often joke with his Dragonborn friend by saying that he was acting like a hoarding dragon. But the Nord argued that he stockpiled them in case his companions or allies needed a weapon in the future. "It's better to have them than to have none at all," Thorson would often say in defense.
In the end, the Dragonborn's stockpile of gear would prove useful, as it was used to assist the Serenian elves.
With some assistance from his housecarl, Rayya, the elves immediately began changing in one of the spare bedrooms of the manor.
Inigo, meanwhile, gave several of the now-clothed elven women some of the spare weaponry and magical staves that Thorson had stashed within the manor's cellar. The Nord couldn't leave these elves defenseless after what they experienced.
At the same time, the Dragonborn kept receiving words of gratitude from the elves wherever he went within his manor. Thorson also heard countless requests of the same kind, as mostly Dark Elves then appealed to him, asking if they could repay him in any way. To these questions, the Nord politely replied that their safety and well-being are more important at this time.
"They are all so 'obliging' to repay me in any way." The Nord observed as he took a couple of potions from a shelf above the manor's alchemy table. "That whole thing must have been a nightmare for most of them—to be robbed of their freedom and the dreadful anticipation after that.
After receiving their donated gear, the now grateful Serenian elves took the time to look around the large but modest home of their savior. And while some talked among themselves, others eagerly ate from the food they were offered by the Dragonborn and his companions.
Those curious about Tamriel also began reading eagerly from the many books they could find within the manor, ranging from religious to historical subjects. Several of them seemed quite interested as they read from a few books, especially one that was labeled "Varieties of Faith in the Empire."
Near the manor's entrance, sitting on one of the benches, a few dark elves seemed quite engrossed as they read from another book, one that had no text written on its dark cover as it just showed a silver dragon.
With all this, it did not take long before more elves began to feel more relaxed within the Dragonborn's home, some wondering if all Tamrielians on this mysterious continent were like the man who saved them.
Meanwhile, Thorson walked up the wooden stairs to the first floor, encountering a more relaxed Elora standing at the entrance of the master bedroom, her arms crossed under her generous chest. The Dark Elf huntress was now wearing white pants with a green and black strapless tunic that tightly hugged her curvaceous figure.
The young Nord had some trouble swallowing his spit after seeing Elora's attractive form. "Of-of all the clothing, s-she just chose to wear 't-that'?!"
The Dark Elf, who was leaning against the door's frame, flipped her long white hair after noticing the tall Nord. "Hey." Elora casually greeted the tall man with a coy smile, deliberately feigning her innocence.
Thorson tried to remain oblivious to Elora's advances, immediately turning his attention towards the Dark Elf's golden eyes. "H-How are you and Lyra holding up?" A slightly flustered Thorson asked the elven huntress, who seemed somewhat amused by what she just saw.
A grin appeared on Elora's features after hearing Thorson's question, either after seeing the man's stumped reaction or because of what she was about to show him. "Have a look for yourself," she answered, gesturing towards the bedroom behind her.
Hearing her, Thorson walked past the Dark Elf mother, and he saw a young Dark Elf girl, now dressed in a light blue dress, lying on a double bed while tightly hugging one of the pillows in her sleep.
Seeing Lyra's sleeping form, Thorson could not help but sigh and smile at the sight. "Well, I can't blame her... The poor girl needed some good rest after she had to experience these past days." The Nord man commented.
Thorson then turned towards Elora. "Being in such a place, locked up and then dragged away from her mother. It's not something a child should ever experience."
The Dark Elf showed Thorson a faint smile before turning her attention towards Lyra. The elven huntress then gasped slightly as she realized something: "Isn't this your bedroom? Shall I carry her somewhere else? I'm sorry if this..." Elora asked before being gently interrupted by the Nord.
"No, it's alright," Thorson reassured the Dark Elf with a few hand gestures. "Let Lyra get some sleep here, as do you, Miss Lunarin. She will also need her mother to be close to her."
Elora's eyes widened after hearing him. "Y-You mean, we can..." Elora tried to ask before the man interrupted her with a smile. "Yes, you both are free to stay here for the night," Thorson said to the huntress. "while me and the others here return to distribute the remaining supplies to the elves in Ken."
The Nord healer then placed a small green bottle on a small table on the nightstand before looking back at the elven mother. "Let her drink this," Thorson advised Elora while gesturing towards the bottle. "This potion should cure her from any disease she may have contracted while also restoring a bit of her stamina."
As Thorson glanced towards the young girl, memories of what he saw this day briefly emerged, including images of how a helpless Elora begged the Black Dogs to spare her child as they dragged Lyra away. And it did not end there, as a few images of his traumatic childhood then appeared in the Dragonborn's psyche, including one where he was unable to stop the Foresworn from brutalizing and killing his parents.
Elora could see the pain in the Nord's face as his fists shook. "After what you experienced, it must have been hard as a mother, especially," Thorson said before ending with a heavy sigh. "To think many other mothers are suffering similar fates on Eostia..."
The Nord then looked straight into Elora's eyes and grimaced. "Seeing your child taken away in front of your eyes... being powerless to do anything to stop it." Thorson said in a more somber tone, "After all of that, you also deserve some sleep, in the arms of your daughter, in a safe environment without any danger towards you and Lyra."
Elora's eyes began to glisten from the man's empathy for her while the Nord walked back towards the bedroom door. "And if you both are hungry, you can take what you need in the kitchens below or ask my housecarl for assistance," Thorson informed the young mother.
As the Dragonborn was about to walk by the Dark Elf, Elora's right arm suddenly tightly gripped Thorson's left one, pulling it towards her body. "T-Thank you for everything—for my sisters, for me, and my dear Lyra." She softly thanked the Nord, seemingly on the verge of crying. "I mean it, Thorson." the Dark Elf mother said before saying his name in a much softer tone.
The man's body stiffened in surprise as his arm was tugged between the Dark Elf's bosom. "I-I'm glad to help you, Miss Lunarin," a now-awkward Thorson replied, trying to maintain some measure of formality.
The Serenian Dark Elf then pulled the Nord even closer to her, further burrowing his left arm between her sizable chest. "And if you need anything from me, anything! Please ask!" A teared-up Elora eagerly offered herself to the Dragonborn.
Those last words and his close proximity to the attractive elf momentarily excited the Nord as his body warmed up. At this, Thorson swallowed his spit as he tried to push away any of the improper thoughts now emerging within his psyche. Fortunately for the Nord, it did not take long before his willpower prevailed, and Thorson managed to regain his focus.
And as his body relaxed, Thorson briefly closed his eyes in thought. "Maybe she can help me... I'm running low on certain ingredients for the potions I'll need to help Ken's population."
He then recalled a more recent memory where several of the Serenian elves also asked him the same thing. "To be honest, I could use all the help from what I've seen." The Tamrielian thought before exhaling.
"Maybe you can help me, seeing that you are an experienced hunter," Thorson responded to Elora's offer. "You could perhaps assist me by gathering certain alchemical ingredients while also providing us with a steady supply of meat and pelts to be used as bedrolls and clothing."
The Nord then looked outside through one of the manor's windows. "I can't say I don't need all the help I can get." Thorson admitted before looking back at Elora with a faint smile, "But I would welcome your aid, Lady Lunarin."
The man then looked back toward Elora's daughter. "And of course, Lyra is also welcome to stay here with you while you help me. Away from being hounded or enslaved, she is free to live her life in peace on Tamriel." Thorson said before looking back at the Dark Elf, "Should you accept, of course."
Elora's eyes widened after hearing the Dragonborn's offer; it was more than she had hoped for, for herself and the future of her dear daughter. To stay with 'him', away from any of their usual hardships, and most importantly, a place where Lyra can grow up in peace.
A faint smile then reappeared on the Nord's face. "And if you like it here, then perhaps you can build your own home in the future." Thorson proposed to the elven huntress. "And maybe the other elves may also find a new home on Tamriel if they wish."
And as Elora silently stared at the Dragonborn with an unreadable expression, the Nord continued. "And perhaps we can together find a way to help break your..." Thorson said before he was interrupted by Elora's soft left hand holding his cheek.
"W-Wha...?" Thorson asked while turning his head towards the elven huntress, who just stared longingly at him with a warm eye-smile on her face. "I would be honored to help you, My 'Silta Sil'. After all that you have done for me..." Elora replied affectionately before scuttling even closer to the Nord.
The Nord's heart then skipped as he felt more of her body touching his while the distance between their faces kept shortening. "By Dibella, I know that look...!" Thorson's mind screamed as he now felt the elf's breath touching his skin.
Just then, as if Mara had mercy on her follower, both Dark Elf and Nord heard a dry cough coming from the manor stairs, where they saw a now-perplexed Inigo and Rayya staring at both of them. Thorson also heard some feminine giggling coming from the other side of the manor, as several High and Dark Elves seemed amused by what they just witnessed.
Inigo was the first to react. "M-My friend, you..."
"N-Not now, Inigo," the now-bashful Nord interrupted with a heavy breath. "It's not what it seems; I-I can explain it all later."
After hearing the flustered Nord, Elora let out a faint giggle before giving the man a quick peck on the cheek before letting go of his arm. The smiling Dark Elf then turned around towards the manor master bedroom, where the huntress took the potion the Nord prepared for her daughter before settling next to her on the double bed.
"While I'm not sure what just happened," Thorson mused as he touched his cheek before letting out several deep breaths, attempting to calm himself down. "I can't afford to be distracted now!"
It took a few seconds for the Nord man to regain his composure before his expression turned serious and he began addressing his companions. "Is everything in order?" Thorson asked both Khajiit and Redguard.
Inigo nodded. "Yes, me and Rayya packed up everything they would need. Several filled containers are prepared in the hall's backroom."
"Good," Thorson replied before turning his attention to the Redguard woman. "Rayya, can you also prepare two beds? We will have some guests staying here for a while."
The Dragonborn's housecarl placed her right hand over her chest. "Will do, my Thane," she acknowledged the man's request.
Thorson then again looked outside the manor's windows. "After that, prepare a couple of letters for Erandur, Serana, Illia, and Lucien. Inform them about what I've encountered and ask if they are willing to offer their assistance." The Nord instructed his Redguard steward.
"I hope Serana is not so resentful after what transpired a few years ago." The Nord pondered, remembering their regretful fallout after the last vampire crisis. "But I do hope she managed to move on without me."
The Nord then looked at both Inigo and Rayya. "I'll also talk to General Tulius and High Queen Elisif the next day. See if they too can spare any help." The Nord added.
Rayya gave him a nod and turned around, after which the Dragonborn walked towards one of his alchemical storage crates near him. "Give me a minute, Inigo, and we shall move out," Thorson informed his Khajiit friend while he searched for a few specific potions.
Thorson then heard Rayya's voice behind him as she began descending the stairs: "And my Thane..." She began before pausing. "Congratulations!" The Redguard finished with a laugh, pleased to be the one teasing the Nord this time.
Before the Nord could respond to his steward's teasing, he heard another familiar voice teasing him. "Wow, you work fast!" Inigo commented, giving his Dragonborn friend a toothy grin, "You should give me tips. I can't seem to attract this much attention from any women I meet!"
It did not take long before he heard more laughter around him as several Serenian elves joined in the Tamrielian's laughter.
Thorson groaned and let out another sigh of embarrassment before drinking one of the red potions, partially restoring his stamina and healing his strained body.
After that, a now-seemingly unamused Thorson turned towards his two laughing friends.
"You can make fun of my suffering at a later time, but we still have some work to do," the Nord sternly reminded the Khajiit and Redguard. "These relief supplies still need to be delivered."
After being reminded by the Dragonborn, their laughter ceased as they began walking down the manor's stairs. And from the first floor, Thorson began announcing the next plan of action to all present within the manor: "Listen all, we have prepared supplies for your elven kin on Serenus. If you can help us carry them through the portal, we can start distributing them to them!"
With that, all Serenian elves within the manor eagerly helped the Dragonborn by carrying various containers filled with relief supplies through a new white portal he created outside. Some carried them using their hands, while those who were magically adept used their magic to levitate several of the containers through the magical gateway.
While the food that Thorson gave to the Serenian elves was not much, it should be sufficient until he can acquire more supplies the next morning. So, it would seem the Dragonborn had a big 'shopping list' to complete in the coming days.
The Nord also allowed the elves to take several books with them through the portal, books that contained information about the Aedra, Daedra, different cultures on Tamriel, the history of the Imperial Empire, various myths and legends, and various other subjects they may find interesting. Thorson felt that they could help the Serenian elves prepare and acclimate should they decide to seek refuge on Tamriel in the near future.
Or at least keep them busy for the days to come.
During this, some of the Serenian elves wondered if they could stay on Tamriel like Elora and her daughter in the near future. If the people of Tamriel are this tolerant towards them, perhaps they can live a better life here. While others were eager to assist their liberator in finding a way to help them get rid of their 'Húta', which plagued them for many centuries.
Inside the manor's master bedroom, Elora's trained ears heard Thorson's awkward exchange with his companions outside her room and just smiled at the man's discomfort as they teased him.
Back on Serenus, the Eostians present at Ken's central plaza witnessed the Dragonborn emerging from a white portal carrying a large wooden crate together with a cat-like humanoid. Behind the two, they also saw a dozen elves appear from the portal, who also brought through several containers, either by hand or with the help of magic.
But, compared to before, these High and Dark Elves were now clothed appropriately; some were even armed with staves and various weapons. The Eostians could see that some of the swords the elves carried were pitch black, while others looked like they were made of pure ice.
As they approached the surprised but relieved group of Serenian elves, both Khajiit and Nord placed their crate on the ground. "Get those supplies to your elven sisters; I have something to do first," Thorson instructed the elves behind him.
After hearing their savior's instruction, the elves gave the Dragonborn several nods, while some showed the man a smile, quite eager to oblige the man's request.
The Nord then looked at the other elves in front of him, who still wore their rags. "This crate contains the clothes you all need, so feel free to take what you want." Thorson offered with a small smile as he opened the crate in front of them. The Dragonborn shortly received many words of gratitude as several among the elves began rummaging through the large crate.
The Nord then turned his attention towards Celestine, Alicia, and Aurelian, who just stared at him from a distance. "Inigo, assist the elves. There is still one thing I need to discuss with these people." Thorson instructed his Khajiit companion before walking towards the Eostians. "It has been a long day for all, and I want to make sure 'everyone' here has at least a roof over their head before moving on."
As Thorson walked towards them, the three Eostians could see that the approaching Dragonborn had a serious expression, and Celestine had a good idea why.
"Are you settled in?" Elora then heard a female voice coming from the master bedroom entrance, where she saw Thorson's dark-skinned companion looking at her. "My Thane told me you were a guest in this home, so if you need anything, ask me," Rayya informed the Dark Elf mother.
Elora gave the Redguard a nod, and the elven mother could swear she saw the Tamrielian woman giving her a faint smile before turning around to prepare the manor for her Thane's new arrivals.
Elora's mind then drifted towards the tall Nord she met today, a man that definitely enthralled her, a blessed individual sent by their ancient and forgotten gods, a 'messiah' that would guide her and the rest of her elven sisters towards a better future. A man she and the other Serenian elves would be quite eager to assist after all that he had done for them.
The Dark Elf huntress then gently stroked Lyra's white hair. "Everything will be alright, my dear," Elora whispered softly to her sleeping daughter before humming a lullaby, seemingly trying to comfort and reassure the sleeping elf.
Meanwhile, Rayya, who was preparing the guest room, heard the sound of someone humming in a strange language from the room next to her. And while the manor's steward did not recognize the melody, she could sense the sorrow emanating from it.
What the Redguard woman did not know about Elora's melody was that it had been passed down through many generations of Dark Elves on Serenus, a song that spoke about their past, their struggles, the sacrifices those before them had made, and their determination to survive at all costs.
And with her mother humming, it did not take long before Elora's daughter woke up from her short nap, after which the young huntress had Lyra drink from Thorson's potion before she began looking for something to eat within the Dragonborn's manor.
Rayya, who was observing Elora from the first floor, saw that the Dark Elf occasionally glanced towards the front door as if she were awaiting someone's arrival.
The next upcoming chapter will end this single day in the story and mark the point where even more crossover elements with The Elder Scrolls will be introduced.
At first, I was worried that I may have 'bloated' the chapters with 'too much' or 'unnecessary' story details. But I feel that with these 10 chapters, I've certainly set 'the stage' for several story plots in the next phase of the story.
I've also posted this story on AO3 to reach a larger audience and in case this story gets removed for some reason. (Perhaps if this story gets reported for certain parts that may seem 'too extreme' or 'inappropriate'.)
As always, many thanks to those who reviewed/favorited/followed/PM'ed me. If you have any ideas or suggestions for this story, feel free to let me know. I'll also try to PM in response to a constructive review or valid question when I have the time.
And if you have additional suggestions/ideas for this interwoven lore or story, feel free to share if you wish.
Update 05/01/2024: Did some additional checks for grammatical errors and fixed them.