bopdog111: It been a while everyone.
Ulrich362: True, a bit too long. Sorry about that.
bopdog111: Well like the Forsworn Conspiracy, Ulrich had never actually done Lost to the Ages himself.
Ulrich362: Actually I had... just, not in a very long time. I recently decided to review that particular quest though.
bopdog111: How'd it go?
Ulrich362: Well... a certain enemy was a huge pain to beat but I managed somehow... even if magic isn't the best against the enemies in this quest. Though lets see how the Wolf Empire handles itself. Enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: We don't own The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim but we own the OCs!
Noel, Potema, Madanach, Borkul, Uthgerd, Atub, Silus, Kesh, and Rhiada along with several Forsworn Guards all entered the ruins of Arkngthamz looking around after hearing a female voice telling them to turn back while Madanach advises them to be careful from the tremors that come off after every few seconds walking around carefully sticking together while Borkul tells Rhiada, "Stay close, you, and your child are not good to be dead after all Eltrys done."
"I'll be safer with you all then back on my own to be fair." she pointed out.
They all walked around together before Silus notices something, "Look over there!"
They looked over what he's pointing at seeing the dead body of a young Nord woman looking like she died from a defenestration heading over Madanach, and Noel knelled over her as Madanach checked for a pulse while Noel looks to him, "Well?"
"Dead, likely from the fall." Madanach answered.
Suddenly they heard someone sigh as they looked over to see a ghost. "What are you still doing here? Let me guess. You're here for the treasure, aren't you? Just like all the others."
"Whoa!" Silus, and Atub readied magic but Potema quickly said, "No! Stand down!"
They looked at her before they lowered there hands on there guard before Noel stood up, and asked the ghost, "Sorry, who are you?"
"The name's Katria. I am - was - an adventurer. Raided ruins like this for nigh on twenty years. I was on the trail of something big. It led me here, and... I didn't make it." the ghost answered.
"Katria...?" Uthgerd asked blinking, "You mean the same Katria from 'The Aetherium Wars'?"
"Oh. You read the book, didn't you?" the ghost, Katria, asked before she then scowled. "That was my theory, you know. My research. My life's work. All of it, lost! Stolen by my own damn apprentice! That's how I ended up here." She sighed before looking at them, "I can't rest. Not until I find the Forge, until I can prove that it was my discovery. Mine, not his!"
Noel frowned. "What if we helped you find the Forge?"
"I died here, just like all the others. Turn back. Turn back before you become the next victims." Katria stated over to them.
"Hey look lady, we can all handle ourselves here as long as we have our Emperor, and Empress with us." one of the Forsworn said over quite rudely while gesturing towards Noel, and Potema.
"Hmph... maybe so. Then again, I thought I could, too." Katria pointed out before sighing. "I'm not going to talk you out of it, am I? I know, I know. I was just like you, once. Well, if you want to reach the summit, you're going to need some help. You... want a hand?"
Noel smiled as he stood up, "Sure, it can help to have someone who knows about the Aetherium Forge with us. We can even give your body a proper burial back at Markarth."
"That's kind of you, I'd appreciate that." Katria admitted. "You should probably take my journal, it might come in handy."
They nodded as Madanach checked over Katria's body taking her journey before Potema turned over towards two of the Forsworn, "You two."
"Ma'am?" one of them asked her.
"Take Katria's body to the carriages outside, and guard them while we're here. Do not let anyone else in or out." Potema ordered them.
They nodded carefully picking up Katria's body as they carried it out of the ruins.
"Is there anything we should be wary of?" Silus asked Katria.
"Well, there's the Falmer, to start with. Deadly rapids. Major earthquakes. Massive chasms. Unstable ground. Lethal falls. And then you get to the real danger. We can discuss that when the time comes. If it comes." she answered.
"The Falmer? What are they?" Potema asked confused having never heard of it.
"They are what remains of the Snow Elves." Noel explained over to her. "From subterranean slavery spent underground they went blind, and insane. Now what remains is a vicious elf race who's only instincts are to kill."
"Lovely, well they shouldn't pose much of a threat." Potema mentioned.
"Do you remember what it was killed you?" Kesh asked Katria so they can be careful of what it was.
"I... fell. When the earthquake hit. The ground just... opened up. Even so, I almost made it... another foot or two to the side, and the water would have broken my fall. But... nothing I could do." Katria frowned.
"I'm sorry." Noel apologized over to her from that.
"Thanks." Katria mentioned before sighing. "Nothing I can do about it now... I know where we're going though so I guess follow me."
She started walking farther into the ruins. With that everyone else started following her as they transverse the ruins taking careful care to be aware of the tremors every few seconds. During this which time Madanach had asked Katria, "So what exactly happened here in this city?"
"An earthquake like I told you, the same one that ended up killing me." Katria answered. "Before that, you wouldn't be able to find a better preserved dwarven city, now... there isn't a room that isn't in ruins."
"Such a shame, this would've been a great stronghold against our battle with the Thalmor." one of the Forsworn admitted as he looked around.
"Well I have a location in mind for a perfect stronghold." Noel mentioned over to his soldiers, "But this isn't the time to talk about it, let's just focus on the task at hand boys."
"Sir." the Forsworn nodded at that.
"Why is he ordering them around?" Katria asked Potema confused from thinking one of the soldiers mistaken Noel as the 'Emperor' from earlier.
"Because, he is the Wolf Emperor, and my husband." Potema answered.
"What? Isn't he too young?" Katria asked surprised.
"It's a long story but we will talk about it later." Potema answered.
Despite looking confused Katria nodded deciding this isn't the best time to ask, or be explained. They continued walking together before stopping seeing a corpse of a pale elven eared bald creature with small eyes, and a pushed up nose wearing bug like armor.
"Falmer." Uthgerd recognizes the corpse, "If there is a Falmer corpse here they are bound to be more along with some Charus somewhere around."
"Had any of you ever fought one?" Noel asked the fighters.
They all shook their heads.
"Well just be aware that they respond to sound, and are vicious to kill. So be careful." Noel told over to them.
"They're blind, so even if you don't hear them they can hear you." Katria added.
They continued forward before they heard something making them stop looking around before something jumped, and landed on a Forsworn, "Ah, ah! AHHHH!"
They all looked over seeing a Dwarven Spider popped out, and landed on the Forsworn attacking him with it's spear like arms. Borkul frowned drawing the Volendrung. "Looks like we'll have to fight."
"Get down!"
They all crouch down as Borkul carefully aimed before letting out a battlecry swinging Volendrung, and slammed it against the Dwarven Spider smacking it against the wall, and saving the Forsworn.
That was before Noel drew Mehrunes' Razor, and stabbed down taking another Dwarven Spider that was about to ambush him defeating it already. Pocketing the razor they moved to the injured Forsworn checking him over before Kesh takes something, "Here, this potion from Kesh will heal your injuries. Fair warning, it smells like rotting corpses."
That... was probably not a good metaphor to use. The Forsworn frowned as he drank it only to gag before turning to Noel. "My apologies your highness, I didn't expect... whatever that was."
"It's alright. None of us are experts at checking for ambushes, or sneak attacks." Noel assured him before saying, "Though be more on guard, we can't risk lowering our guard in places like these especially if it's crawling with both Dwarven Machinery, and a Falmer Village around here." He then turned over to Uthgerd, "Help him around until his wounds heal."
She nodded at that. They walked around before they came across a device that seems to spin around. Confused Silus stared at it. "What is this?"
"The dwarves called them 'Kinetic Resonators'. Don't see them very often, least not among the clans in Skyrim. Just hit them, and they'll... do whatever it is they're supposed to do." Katria answered.
"You mean like this?" Rhiada asked punching it which made it react spinning raising up.
"Yeah, like that." Katria nodded as a door opened nearby.
They progress further down while keeping a better eye on any attacks arriving at some ledges that are steep, and a bit narrow. Seeing this Noel turned over to them, "We better be careful as small groups since these paths are narrow. Be careful where you step."
"How many in a group?" Madanach inquired. "We need to be cautious in case the Falmer hear us coming."
"Groups of four. Me, Rhiada, Katria, and Silus will go first." Noel answered.
Madanach nodded as they started following Katria in groups of four while keeping their ears open for the Falmer or more dwarven machines. Seeing something Noel raised his arm making them stop before he directed a Forsworn Archer to take out a Falmer that he spotted on the next part of the ledge in front of them.
With that they continued further being careful of how they progress further down taking care to silently eliminate the Falmer they come across. Entering a passageway they see 2 Falmer in a room with a large black centipede like bug that seems to be resting right now.
"Madanach at the count of three we charge in, and take them out before they know what's going on." Noel whispered to Madanach.
He just nodded.
"Careful." Katria whispered. "The Falmer might be blind but the Chaurus definitely can see."
"One... Two... Three!"
Alarmed at the sound the Falmer turned while the Chaurus got up to see before what happened next is Noel charged smacking the two Falmer with the Mace of Molag Bal, and Madanach fired an ice spike impaling the Chaurus killing them while the Falmer's souls were absorbed in Soul Gems by the Mace.
"Wait a second, that mace... and the hammer from before. I feel like I've seen those weapons." Katria mentioned. "Where did you get them?"
They looked over to her before Borkul said to them, "From the Daedric Princes themselves."
Katria's eyes widened in shock. "Those are Daedric artifacts?"
"Yeah. We been collecting them to strengthen our numbers, and gain the Daedric Prince's favors." Atub answered that question with a nod, "So far we have them, the Razor from Mehrunes Dagon, and the shield Madanach has."
Madanach turned showing Spellbreaker on his back to Katria.
"Plus Sanguine was going to give you his artifact wasn't he?" Borkul recalled to Noel. "That makes five."
"Yes the Sanguine Rose. But we decided to come here to try making an artifact to show a symbol of office here to the empire." Noel said over to Katria, "Without it the morale of the army won't be ready for the Thalmor."
She just looked surprised before nodding. "Right, well if you have five Daedric artifacts already you just might be able to pull it off."
"Well no point sticking around."
They all nodded from Potema's sentence continuing forward. They all moved getting further up before Katria looked around with a frown. "Here's where I fell. Feels like ages ago." She then widen her eyes pointing over, "Hey there's my bow! There, out on the log." They looked over seeing on a log was a bow, "Wondered what happened to it."
They all headed over to the entrance of the log before Noel turned over to them, "I'll go get it stay here."
"Be careful." Atub whispered.
Noel slowly stepped on the log carefully walking over before reaching over grabbing the bow, and walked back with a smile presenting the bow towards them.
"Take good care of it for me." Katria requested.
"Right." Noel nodded looking at the bow.
(Obtained: Zephyr)
Noel placed the bow on his back as they continued there trek eventually arriving at a large dwarven building with more of the resonators above them.
Seeing it Katria paused. "Hold up... we need to talk. I mentioned that there was one more danger. Here it is. You know what this is? It's a lock. A 'Tonal Lock'. Simple, and very, very deadly. See the Resonators up there? Strike them in the right order, and the doors should open. Get it wrong, and... well. You've seen what happened when I tried it."
"Wait that was what triggered the Earthquake?" Silus asked shocked.
"...Yeah. I thought I was prepared for anything." Katria admitted before scowling. "How can you prepare for a damned earthquake? And that was just one trap! Look around!" She spread her arms around as they see numerous other things, "Who knows what else this thing is capable of?"
"Any piece of advice?" Madanach asked her.
"I put some notes in my journal to try and figure out the order, and maybe one of our predecessors figured out something else that can help." Katria suggested.
Noel stepped forward staring at the resonators while a Forsworn checks the journal over to try to find the combination, "This is gonna be a dangerous guessing game."
"All of you that can't fight you should stand back, this is gonna be deadly." Madanach told them.
They all nodded moving back.
"So what's first?" Borkul asked looking at the journal.
"I'll figure the combination." Noel said over to them, "I'll trust my instincts to figure it out."
One of the Forsworn blinked noticing something. "Is... that corpse holding something?"
Hearing that Noel looked over and saw a scrap of paper in the body's hand. Noel takes it seeing some smudges with numbers. Nodding Noel turned over to Borkul, "What's first?"
"The resonator the farthest at your left."
Taking Zephyr, Noel raised it readying an arrow shooting it. The resonator spin raising up after getting hit. Noel smiled as he readies a second arrow.
"Now the farthest right."
Noel shot a second arrow hitting the other resonator as it raised up.
"Now the smudged paper shows where the next one is." Noel takes another arrow aiming at the top left one, and fired the arrow hitting the resonator, and it spin raising up not triggering another trap.
"Keep going..." Katria whispered seeing that.
"Which one is next though?" Madanach frowned. "It's a blind guess and if you're wrong... an earthquake might be the least of our problems."
Noel checked over the remaining two wondering which one to hit. 'This will be a hard guess... here goes something...' He aimed at the top right shooting an arrow hitting the resonator, and it raised up. After a few seconds a trap wasn't triggered.
"Almost..." Katria whispered in awe.
"Well, it does make sense the last one would be the one in the very center." Atub admitted.
Noel aimed striking the final resonator as it spin raising up just as two gates in front of them opened.
"Got it." Katria smiled.
They all headed in looking around behind the lock while being assured the Centurion that is there won't be activating. They arrived seeing numerous dwarven ingots, and metals around. But on a podium was a shard of a glowing blue gemstone that seemed to be a part of something.
"So that must be..." Uthgerd trailed off in awe.
"A piece of Aetherium..." Noel walked over slowly taking the gemstone off the podium staring at it raising it for everyone to see.
"So, it is real..." Katria whispered only to blink. "Wait look there, it's cut so precisely... almost as though if you had another similar piece... of course it would form a key. A key to the Aetherium Forge!"
"So pieces of Aetherium form a key to the forge..." Potema trailed off cupping her chin as they view the shard, "Which means we should find the other pieces."
"There should be, hmm... three more. One for each of the four cities that worked on the Forge." Katria recalled after thinking on it, "I had a map, in my journal. That's where we should start."
"Then we should split to get the other shards." Noel said over to them, "Me, and the people that can't fight will head to the location where the Aetherium Forge is while Borkul, Madanach, and Potema get the other three."
"That sounds like a plan." Borkul shrugged.
They all exit out the ruins heading out.
For the half of the day leading to night everyone was at work with Borkul entering a Dwarven Ruin named Raldbthar which was a bandit stronghold lead by a man named Alain Dufont while Madanach heads to a location named Bthardamz in Deep Folk Crossing, and Potema found a shard in the ruins of Mzulft which is small.
While they find the shards, Noel, Silus, Atub, Kesh, and Rhiada all traveled to a dwarven ruin near Riften that's suppose to contain the entrance to the Aetherium Forge as marked '5' on Katria's map waiting for everyone. Soon they see the three walking over having gotten the shards, and Noel smiled to them, "Did you find the shards?"
"Yeah, though I think I had the easiest one..." Madanach admitting showing his shard.
"At least those bandits were a challenge, there leader had half a brain." Borkul shows his own piece.
"Well I probably have the smallest of the ruins since this was in only one room." Potema raised her own shard to show the point.
"Who's there?" asked a voice as they noticed a group of three bandits nearby.
"Thought we cleared them out." Noel gestured the Forsworn to take them out which they shot down without trouble already dispatching them. "Okay now that's done with..." He pulls out his own shard before he then asked, "What do we do now?"
Katria at that voiced over. "Look at the device here - the gear in the center is just about the right size." She gestured to a round hole over. "Try putting the shards in and... we'll see what happens."
Noel nodded as they walked over placing the shards into the hole as it formed together. When there all gathered it all merged together as they stared at it in awe.
"Is that..."
"The key to the Aetherium Forge." Noel softly removes it which triggered a tremor below, "What's going on?"
Noticing something from the ground, a Forsworn widen her eyes, "Move, move! Something's about to raise!"
They all moved back as the altar started to spin and rise up revealing a hidden door.
"Amazing... This must be the entrance..." Katria was in awe as she walked into the door.
"Come on, the Forge must be there." Noel said to the following Katria.
"Something feels off about this place, we should be careful." Madanach frowned.
"I agree, something that was this well protected likely has dangerous traps inside." Potema mentioned thoughtfully.
They all entered looking around seeing a large cave with some statues of dwarven machines, and a path laid out for them.
"Amazing." Silus whispered seeing it.
"Careful, I don't like the way those statues look real." Uthgerd warned everyone looking at the statues.
Nodding they walked down a path as braziers lit up with flames as they did. Soon they all arrived at a large area with dwarven metal all around with steam cockpits all around the area with something in the center, and lava behind it.
"So hot, is there a way to turn that steam off?" Borkul frowned.
"I think the heat is probably the point of working with the Aetherium." Kesh wiped his head to get the sweat off.
"Still, we should try and turn the steam off in case something tries to ambush us." Atub mentioned.
"It looks like there are some valves up these stairs." Silus mentioned indicating two red valves in the room.
They all walked around with Borkul, and Uthgerd turning the valves shutting off the steam. Suddenly they hear a noise as they looked around.
(Battle Theme: Brave Heart (Rogue Galaxy))
Just then Dwarven Spiders jumped out of holes around the area while spheres rolled it disforming into mechanical upper bodies around the area surrounding everyone.
"More of these things?" Borkul frowned drawing the Volendrung. "Careful, the spheres are quicker than they look."
"Got it." Uthgerd nodded as they readied themselves.
"Guard the ones that can't fight." Madanach told the Forsworn as he charged in with the others to fight off the Dwarven Ambush.
Noel draws the Mace of Molag Baal, and Mehrunes' Razor readying just as a Dwarven Sphere moved to slash with it's sword arm which Noel blocked before spinning around striking the Razor at an exposed joint before smacking the Mace against it's upper body before dodging a jumping attack from a Dwarven Spider before kicking it away, and then quickly leaning down to avoid a Dwarven Bolt from another Sphere to hit him before he then called, "FUS RO DA!" The Unrelenting Force Shout charged blasting away the Sphere.
Meanwhile Madanach, and Borkul charged in battling some of the Dwarven Machinery attacking with Borkul landing hard strike attacks with Volendrung while Madanach fired magic at them but due to the resistances the Dwarven have it didn't deal much damage but he blocks there attacks with Spellbreaker while shield bashing them to make them stumble around while Borkul tackled one Sphere away, and then spin smacking a jumping Spider away from them before Uthgerd charged in slashing with her greatsword against them, and kneed a Spider back.
Potema drew two Dwarven Swords attacking the mechanized forces with slashes, and blocking the attacks she would take before kicking one away, and shoulder tackled one to push it back before moving stabbing a Sphere at a exposed joint before turning around blocking a slash, and then slashed horizontally at the side pushing it back before she turned over to another Sphere, "YOL TOR SHUL!" The Fire Breath struck the Sphere which resisted it but stunned it enough for Potema to land another attack at it by a tackle, and then stabbed it's head shutting it down.
The numbers of the ambush were reduced, and they were soon all gone but then steam started to exit again which Silus, Kesh, Atub, Rhiada, and the Forsworn shut off during the fighting to prevent it from cooking the fighters while keeping there distance.
"Is everyone alright?" Noel asked after defeating another Sphere.
"I think so your..." a Forsworn started only to cry out as a more powerful looking Centurion emerged from the lava and instead of steam it shot lava at him killing him instantly.
"What the hell!?" Uthgerd after bracing over with the others looked over seeing the larger Centurion as it stepped out of the lava blazing red.
"That must be the Forgemaster, the Guardian of the Forge." Katria realized what it was.
"And odds are must be more dangerous then a Centurion..." Madanach trailed off remembering the Centurion that he had fought while finding Spellbreaker before saying, "This is gonna be dangerous..."
"Has it never been?" Noel asked before getting in a stance. "Either way he's our last obstacle, get ready!"
(Boss Theme: Desire For All That Is Lost (Original))
The Forgemaster slowly approached them shooting more lava at the group. They all dodged before Madanach shot ice which quickly melt, and didn't do much to slow it down as it stomped forward to attack which they quickly avoided before Borkul charged in striking it's leg with Volendrung while wincing a little from the heat radiating before Uthgerd stabbed at a exposed joint at it's left side where it's arm connects to it's body before quickly backing off when the Forgemaster moved to swing it's arm at her before it then moved to smash down which they rolled to dodge before Potema, and Noel got together charging an attack. "FO KRAH DIIN!"
The combined Frost Breaths collided striking the Forgemaster which cooled off some parts of it's body but still hot to the touch which Borkul charged in striking one arm with Volendrung before spinning to dodge a hammer strike from it before Madanach jumped up firing a ice spike hitting the top of it's head landing on his feet at the otherside just as Uthgerd slashed it's front with her greatsword, and then quickly moved behind it striking it's back allowing Noel to bash it's left knee with the Mace of Molag Baal while Potema strike it's legs with her Dwarven Swords.
Suddenly steam started to fill the room again which forced the fighters to back off while the Forgemaster stands unaffected by the heat.
"About time one of these things puts up a fight." Borkul smirked as he let out a battlecry and swung Volendrung into the Forgemaster's leg again.
The Forgemaster stumbled before it turned to slash down at Borkul as the non-fighters quickly moved to cut off the steam. The moment the steam vanished Katria drew a ghostly bow and fired an arrow into the Forgemaster's eye.
The Forgemaster moved to shoot more lava which Katria managed to dodge as Madanach shot frost vapors at the Forgemaster which Noel moved smacking it's other leg with the Mace of Molag Baal, and then slashed down with the Razor just as Potema moved jumping up, and slashed down at the area around it's head before the Forgemaster turned to smack at them which they mostly dodged before Borkul then moved smacking Volendrung against it's metallic gut which pushed it slightly before Noel, and Potema gathered together. "FUS RO DA!"
The combined Unrelenting Force pushed the Forgemaster back slightly before it moved to shoot more lava making them avoid while the non-fighters focused on cutting off the steam so it won't burn the fighters while they fight. Katria fired another arrow striking an exposed joint in it's leg before Noel then moved smacking against a knee, and Madanach shot two ice spikes at the front of it's head pushing it back against the lava.
They noticed that the Forgemaster is in front of the lava visibly weakened from the hard battle before Noel called over, "Borkul, finish it off!"
He let out a battle cry as he jumped and smashed the Volendrung into the Forgemaster's head. The Forgemaster's head was caved in from it as it stood unmoving before then falling backwards splashing into the lava before it crept around it enveloping it, and ending it's threat for good against the group.
"That... we did it." a Forsworn whispered in awe.
They all breathed a bit exhausted from this but the rewards ahead are well worth it. They all gathered more as Noel smiled to them, "Well... Dare I say it... The Aetherium Forge is now ours to command!" He spread his arms to symbolize the legendary Aetherium Forge is now the Tamirel Unification Front's property.
Everyone cheered loud at this while Katria stared in awe. "I... I almost can't believe it. We did it! We actually did it!" She then turned over towards them. "There's only one thing left to do. We have to prove this actually works. That this is the real Aetherium Forge."
"How do we do that?" Rhiada asked her curiously.
"By forging something, of course!" Katria pointed out before then telling them, "Go ahead. After everything you've all done, you all should do the honors."
"Uh, that might be a problem is there any Aetherium left?" a Forsworn asked bringing out a really good concern.
"There is." Potema answered. "The key itself is made of Aetherium."
"It's not much, but it'll do. With them, and the materials in this room, we should have everything we need." Katria agreed since this will be the one, and only time for them to forge something.
"Okay... let's get the crown made." Noel grinned as they moved grabbing some dwarven ingots, some flawless sapphires, and some gold ingots they moved to the forge where Noel takes the Aetherium Crest. He takes a breath before turning over, "Okay everyone... we're all gonna witness history right here... The creation of the Tamirel Unification Front's symbol of Emperor, and Empress."
"The crown." Potema smiled softly.
With that Noel places the crest in as it lowered while he places in some materials while they hear the Forge wiring, and working with sounds of materials being cut, and wielded together. In the end what resulted out of the slot on a tray to behold was a small crown shaped as a circlet pieces of Aetherium shaped as jewels at the center, and two on each side. Noel slowly takes the crown in his hands, and raised it up presenting it to everyone, "Everyone, the Aetherial Crown, the symbol of Emperor, and Empress is now complete!"
Everyone all cheered seeing this. Katria smiled seeing it as she started to fade. "And with that... it's done. No one could possibly deny what we've found now. For me? I've done what I set out to do. But you... take that out into the world. And if anyone asks, tell them what we discovered. Together. And now... I think I can rest. Farewell, my friend, wherever your travels take you. And, long live your empire."
With that she faded completely.
Noel smiled before he looks at the crown, and turned to Potema, "Well Potema... as the real leader of the empire, you should be the one to wear the Aetherial Crown." He presents her the crown for her to wear.
Noel chuckled at that before lamenting, "Well that was our only time with the Forge... It's useless to anyone else now..."
"If only there was more Aetherium..." Madanach mused off crossing his arms agreeing that the Forge is so legendary that it's now worthless without more Aetherium.
Suddenly while stepping forward to look at the crown a Forsworn stepped on a hidden tile as they hear something. Suddenly they noticed the lava behind them is being drained. When it was cleared everyone widen there eyes stunned.
Alongside the Forgemaster's defeated form there was also...
Aetherium... Lots of Aetherium all around the area that the lava was covering.
"That... it's incredible." Silus whispered in awe.
"A hidden trove of Aetherium..." Uthgerd said in shock.
"Oh imagine Katria's look if she would see this..." Rhiada said stunned.
Borkul then started laughing, "We are SO gonna use the Aetherium Forge a lot with this much here!"
Noel then grinned as everyone celebrated from the big discovery turning to Potema, "So... about that crown of mine?"
She only smiled. "Go ahead."
With that Noel had went ahead, and made new things with all the Aetherium, and materials.
Noel had made himself an identical crown that looks lesser then the Aetherial Crown but should be just as strong.
He had also had Borkul a Dwarven Shield that has Aetherium Shards all around it with a large one shaping as the crest called the Aetherial Shield that when Borkul used it to Shield Bash turns opponents ethereal for 15 seconds to allow Borkul to quickly heal, and charge up without worrying about an attack.
For Madanach, Noel made him the last piece of Aetherium Equipment he knows, the Aetherial Staff, which can allow Madanach to summon either a Dwavern Spider, or a Dwarven Sphere for him to have the aid of a strong machine due to his status as a sorcerer since he will become tired if he uses too much magic or needs time to charge it.
After that Noel decided it be best to stop using the Forge since he wants to save them for important members such as him, Potema, Madanach, and Borkul. They exited the ruins before they moved to start the tradition of the crowns. Or just Potema's crown cause as discovered by Noel his own crown is different.
"Actually wait, I think we should head back to Markarth first." Potema mentioned. "I need to think about this a bit more."
"Are you sure?" Noel asked her curiously as they were loading into carriages with Borkul's new shield on his wrist, and Madanach's new staff on his back that can easily detach when he needs to use it.
"I am, I need to think about the different Standing Stones before committing to any of them in particular." Potema answered before smiling as she kissed him gently.
Noel smiled, "Okay if that's what you want. Okay let's head back to Markarth to plan our next move ahead. I was thinking of getting Lady Boethiah, Lady Vaermina, and Lady Mephala's favors, and artifacts next."
Potema frowned. "Actually, before that... we have a few things to talk about first... in private."
Noel looked confused but nodding, "Back at the Understone Keep then?"
She nodded. They all left the Forge making a note to have guards, or a garrison built to protect it later as they then arrived back at Markarth entering the town. Just then a Dumner male with some mercenaries were outside chatting before the Dark Elf spotted them, and widen his eyes seeing the Aetherial Equipment, and ran over to them, "Your crowns, shield, and staff!"
Confused they all looked over as he said in shock, "...gods, there made of Aetherium! Pure Aetherium!" He then looked serious demanding, "Where did you find them? Tell me!"
"Why do you want to know?" Borkul questioned.
"I'm Taron Dreth. The world's foremost expert on Dwemer forging techniques." the Dark Elf explained why first with an introduction before then demanding, "Now answer my question!"
"Taron... the author of the Aetherium Wars?" Silus recalled. "Katria's apprentice?"
"Yes the same one, I made the book in her memory after she suffered that accident." Taron Dreth answered impatient.
"Well we found the Forge, and created these items." Noel answered the dark elf's question.
"What? You... you found the Forge? The Aetherium Forge?" Taron Dreth asked completely shocked.
"That's right." Potema nodded.
"With your mentor's help too no less." Kesh added over to them.
Stunned from what he just heard, Taron Dreth had only questioned them holding his head, and shook his head. "Katria? No, no that's not possible!" He then glared towards them. "You... you all know too much. I can't afford to let you live." He then told his mercenaries, "Guards! Kill them!"
The two stepped forward drawing there swords passing Taron Dreth to do what he ordered.
"Borkul, Madanach show them what your new toys can do." Noel ordered them.
Madanach nodded taking the staff and aiming it at the guards while Borkul drew the shield.
A mercenary moved to slash which Borkul blocked before then shield bashing turning the mercenary ethereal which he notices looking at himself in shock, "What? How am I, a ghost!?"
Madanach shot a blast from the staff which summoned a Dwarven Sphere which his mercenary paled, "Oh shit..." He know the strength of these machines, and avoids the ruins to avoid running into one which isn't much luck from this.
The Dwarven Sphere fired a bolt striking the scared Mercenary's knee making him yell in pain collapsing down while Borkul's mercenary turned back to normal which confused him on what just happened before Borkul grabbed his arm, and spin him slamming him down on the ground beside Madanach's as he yelled in pain.
Taron Dreth himself watched stunned from seeing how easily his mercenaries were taken down now finding what he had ordered to be a bad idea.
"That's enough." Noel gave the order to stand down since he doesn't see a reason to kill the mercenaries or Taron Dreth since it would just be needless blood being spilled.
"Who are you people?" Taron Dreth questioned.
"We're royalty, and inner council. You are addressing the Emperor, and Empress here in Markarth." Noel answered much to Taron Dreth's shock, "We heard that you stole Katria's research, and took the credit for her discoveries from her, and now you just ordered to kill us. Such as that is grounds for execution since it is a regicide on two royalties."
Taron Dreth flinched from the glare Noel, and Potema gave him before the younger of the two shrugged, "But since we're in a good mood right now, we're gonna let you keep your life... however you will be instead working in Cidhna Mine working up ore for the rest of your life. Maybe that'll give you some time to think about stealing Katria's research, and then order murders upon a king, and his queen." He then snapped his fingers, "Guards take Taron Dreth to Cidhna Mine immediately, and his mercenaries to a healer, and brought to the barracks for them to become guards."
"Sir." two of the Forsworn nodded grabbing him and dragging him off.
Noel sighed before he smiled to Potema, "Shall we?" He offered his hand to her.
"We shall." she smiled. "To celebrate, but also to discuss matters."
Noel nodded as they walked off.
Meanwhile...
Nepos was checking notes, and managing other things for the empire before a Forsworn Guard walked over, "Nepos? Some jester is asking for you."
"What does he want?" Nepos frowned.
The Forsworn gestured as what walked in was a short man wearing a black, and red jester outfit with a dagger sheathed on his hip looking, "So, you are the Nepos the Nose, that Cicero had to find from the note?"
"Cicero?" Nepos asked only to pause. "Tell me, what is life's greatest feeling?"
'Oh this must be the question for the passphrase that note left.' the jester, Cicero, thought in his mind before answering, "Indulgence, my brother."
Nepos nodded hearing that. "Come with me, there's someone you need to meet."
"Of course, of course." Cicero nodded as he followed Nepos to meet up.
Noel, and Potema meanwhile arrived in there room as Noel turned over to his wife, "You said something about something important to discuss?"
"Yes, your former avatar." Potema answered starting to take off her armor. "We need to start planning for how we'll address him, and the dragons."
As Noel starts to remove his own armor to rest up he said over to her, "Well on the way over to Whiterun for the Companions we had heard that he is an Argonian that had killed the dragon outside of Whiterun. So he must be on his way to the Greybeards or is meeting up with Delphine."
"What would you have been doing at this point in your world?" she asked him.
"Well I take on side quests like trying to take a side in the Imperial War, I usually go for the Stormcloaks." Noel answered.
Potema nodded before getting in their bed. "Then it's possible he'll be looking into the war. We need more allies."
Noel nodded with a smile as he moved to join.
Knock Knock.
Frowning from the interrupting he asked. "Who is it?"
"Nepos, the jester is here to see you." Nepos answered.
Noel gasped at that, "Cicero's here?" He quickly moved placing on some clothes to make himself decent before Potema quickly joined him before Noel called, "Alright send him in!"
The door opened as Cicero walked in. "You're the one who left Cicero that note?"
Noel stood up nodding with a smile, "Yes that is me. I'm Noel, the Emperor of this Empire you see here. This is Potema Septim my wife." Potema gave a small wave before Noel turned to Cicero with a smile, "I'm glad that your now here from my note."
"Cicero came, but I haven't agreed to joining any empire. I have to stay with mother after all." Cicero mentioned.
"And by that you mean the Night Mother." Noel said with a smile which surprised Cicero, "Yes, I know that you gotten her out of Bravil due to Imperial Strife that destroyed her tomb. But don't worry, I have an idea that can benefit us all. If you stay to listen, I can propose a special weapon for you that can give your killing a sharper edge, and a chance for the Dark Brotherhood to be feared once again."
"What are you talking about? You have Cicero's ear." he noted.
"As you know the Dark Brotherhood are a guild of assassins having been formed by Sithis, and the Night Mother. There ways of carrying through death from the shadows are hard to gauge, and there methods are clever, and calculative. However years before they taken a large blow wiping out most of there edge. Now the Dark Brotherhood had been forced into hiding, and those same assassins don't follow the Five Tenats." Noel first explained over to Cicero before then shaking his head, "I for one, think things differently... The Night Mother, and the Dark Brotherhood's history, and place cannot be denied... Even if they are frowned upon they have a place here in Tamirel, and as such should be brought back in order... That is why I sent the note to bring one of the few supporters of the Dark Brotherhood here for us to talk."
He then brought the point, "I mentioned a contract on the note, I sent you. This contract is probably the most important you all will do, and will take the Dark Brotherhood by storm, as with it, the Dark Brotherhood will be feared once again, and everything you all worked up towards will be back to normal as before."
"You performed the Black Sacrament?" Cicero inquired.
Noel stood up before he then grinned over to Cicero, "In a matter..." He walked passed Cicero to show something.
Noel while busy with something earlier had did preformed the Black Sacrament, and knows that without the Night Mother, the current Dark Brotherhood won't get to him so he had to get Cicero with him. Now that worked he can talk business. He then takes out a small chest, and walked over to Cicero, "Cicero if you accept the contract, and become a part of the empire not only will the Night Mother be protected, and the Dark Brotherhood will have free reign over Tamriel, then this weapon will be yours."
He opened the chest showing Cicero what was in it was Mehrunes' Razor as it can chance a kill on hits which makes it a perfect assassination tool for someone of Cicero's stature. Seeing it his eyes widened. "Tell Cicero, who is this contract on?"
Noel closed the chest looking at Cicero building a few seconds before then revealing the name of the contract.
"Emperor Titus Mede II."
"Emperor… of course." Cicero smiled only to pause. "Oh, but Cicero must find the Listener."
"Of course, the Listener is the Dark Brotherhood's leader, and whoever leads the Dark Brotherhood here is merely a 'pretender'." Noel said the name of what Cicero had called Astrid in the Dark Brotherhood questline. "Does that mean you aren't?"
"No, Cicero is not the Listener. Merely the Keeper of mother's coffin." Cicero answered. "I must find the Listener."
"Well, the contract is still open and once you find the Listener you both can come join our empire." Potema told him. "Agreed Noel?"
Noel nodded at that before then saying over, "Well just before you leave you should stay the night. Due to all that's happening there are bound to be crazies to happen with the Imperial Empire. So Cicero stay the night with the Night Mother for the time being, we will discuss more later."
"Very well, and thank you for the generous offer." Cicero mentioned walking out with a crazed giggle.
Noel placed the razor as he sighed turning to Potema removing his decent clothes, "Well now the hard part tomorrow... The Listener happened to be my avatar. And he won't be willing to come join our ranks. So now the hard part is finding someone with us as a Listener."
Potema stripped her own clothes. "Perhaps you could be the Listener yourself. Though, that's for later. Right now, we celebrate our success."
Noel smiled at this walking over getting into bed with Potema, "Of course, after all of that, I DEFINITELY needed some time to relax."
She only smiled at that. He kissed her deep before starting to squeeze her breasts. Potema let out a soft moan as she embraced him.
Ulrich362: Well then... the Wolf Empire has access to the Aetherium Forge, that's quite the useful resource for them to have. Oh and potentially an ally in the form of Cicero... well maybe.
2m agobopdog111: The Dragonborn won't be the Listener here, and it also can't be Noel, or Potema, or even Cicero. Instead it be someone completely unexpected.
Ulrich362: Oh, interesting. I wonder who'll get the honor.
bopdog111: That be next chapter along with some more artifacts. First should be the hardest one, Lady Boethiah's Ebony Mail.
Ulrich362: Sounds like a plan, see you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!