Chapter One

Aurelia

The 15th of Evening Star, in the early hours of the morning, just before dawn, Queen Elira gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Her arrival, two months sooner than expected, but nonetheless a joy for all.

As Elira's baby entered the world, Sybille took immediate action, the child was so small her breathing irregular. As Sybille spoke incantations to heal the child, Elira watched a tear falling from her cheek and sad smile on her face. Her vision a blur.

"Bring her closer Sybille please" she asked

"Of course" Sybille steal healing the child brought her onto her mother's arms. The infant reacting to her mother's warmth began to stir and let out a soft cry.

Sybille continued her incantations, her hands glowing softly as she worked to stabilize the newborn. Her heart ached as she watched Elira hold the little one, knowing there was little she could do to save the queen.

Elira's smile faltered, but her voice was steady, full of love as she gazed at the tiny baby in her arms, "Aurelia…. My light," she whispered softly.

The baby's small fingers curled around Elira's hand, and the faintest glimmer of life seemed to stir in the queens eyes. But Sybille could see the toll childbirth had taken on Elira. Blood loss, exhaustion, and the strain of premature labor had weakened her beyond recovery.

Sybille heart twisted as she realized the inevitable, Elira was slipping away.

With a final, gentle breath, Elira's eyes closed, the light of her spirit leaving the room. Aurelia still nestled in her mother's arms stirred once more, unaware of the loss.

12 years later, Aurelia is a young girl with golden hair and an adventurous spirit, wandering around the wooded hills just outside of Solitude. As she walks among the trees, she hears a soft high-pitched mewl. Aurelia ventures toward the sound.

Pushing aside snow-laden shrubs, she finds a small sabre cat cub, its golden fur glinting in the light, his tiny body trembling from the cold.

The cub looks up at her with wide frightened eyes and lets out another soft mewl. Aurelia kneels and extends her hand cautiously to the little cub. Despite its fear, the cub carefully steps toward her, pressing its tiny nose to her palm.

Once Aurelia returned to the blue palace the small cub in her arms, she quickly took him to the palace gardens. She tuck him behind a cluster of shrubs and left him with a few sweet rolls before dashing towards the throne room.

Before she could make it, Sybille steps out from the shadows, "Aurelia!? Where have you been? You look like you've been rolling around in the mud."

Aurelia freezes, "I was…. Exploring." She says with a slight shrug, brushing the dirt from her dress.

Sybille sighs, reaches out and rubs the dirt from Aurelias cheeks, " your father is expecting you. He has someone he would like for you to meet. You must not keep them waiting any longer. " Sybille looks into Aurelia eyes, "remember what I've taught you."

Aurelia nods and makes her way to the throne room, her walk with a bit more grace and her head held confidently.

Aurelia takes a deep breath and smooths down her dress before taking a step into the throne room. As she enters she can feel the weight of her father's gaze. High King Torygg, is seated on his throne, his expression calm, though there is a hint of pride in his eyes as he watches his daughter approach.

Beside him stands a tall figure, his back straight and poised with his hands clasped behind his back, dressed in Thalmor robes. His hood is pulled low, casting shadows over his sharp features, but his piercing eyes - a shade of pale amber - are visible, assessing her.

"Ah, Aurelia. " king toryggs voice rings out warmly, " I see you've finally arrived. " he gestures to the man beside him, " This is Justiciar Ondolemar, Head of the thalmor justiciars. He will be your mentor during the coming years, guiding you in matters of diplomacy and politics. You will also receive lessons in Aldmeris. "

Torygg pauses his gaze shifting briefly to ondolemar, then back to Aurelia. " I trust him to help you refine the skills and knowledge that you will need to one day lead Skyrim. His wisdom and experience are invaluable. I expect you to learn from him and treat him with respect. "

Ondolemar gives a slight nod, his hands remain clasped behind his back as he observes Aurelia with a calm, but discerning gaze. His voice is smooth and deliberate as he speaks " It is an honor to meet you." His tone respectful but formal, " I look forward to guiding you, helping you understand complexities of leadership and diplomacy. Together we will prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. "

Aurelia standing tall, meets his gaze with confidence. " It is an honor, Justiciar Ondolemar. I look forward to learning from you. " She replies, her voice steady despite the tension from his intense scrutiny.

As Aurelia stepped onto the corridor outside the throne room, she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

A justiciar as a mentor. Even at a such a young age Aurelia understood the implications, they were watching her.

Walking down the corridor alone, she tries to shake off the unease that had settle onto her chest. As she rounded the corner the soft rustle of footsteps behind her made her turn sharply, only to find Sybille stepping into view. She gave Aurelia a soft understanding look.

"Sybille, have I done something wrong?" She asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sybille shook her head, "No Aurelia, but you must tread carefully. Trust him as you would trust any other tool of the Thalmor. " Sybille smiles softly at student. "Do not be afraid. Stay sharp and true to yourself. Challenge him when you feel it is right. "

Aurelia nods with a new found confidence and determination.

" Now off to dinner with you. I've heard her Odar has made a batch of sweet rolls for dessert. " Sybille says with a wink.

Then Aurelia gasp, " I've got to go!" The worry evident in her voice.

She rushed to the gardens and parted tge shrubs where she left the Sabre cat cub. Her heart still beating rapidly as she looked down to the see the cub nestled on the ground sleeping peacefully.

Relived Aurelia took a moment to smile at the small beast. Lying there so innocently completely unaware of the storm brewing in her life at the moment. Her mind wandered back to the advice Sybille had given her. 'Trust him as you would a tool of the Thalmor'

Her father described him as having experience and wisdom she could learn from. As she made her way to the dining hall Aurelia continued to reflect. Perhaps she could make the best of her situation, she could learn from the Justiciar but remain guarded as Sybille had implied.

The next day Aurelia enters the palace library with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Her first lesson is to begin today and she is determined to prove herself.

Ondolemar is already seated at a large oak table, several scrolls and books open in front of him. His expression is impassive, but his amber eyes lock onto her as she approaches. A brief cold, nod acknowledges her arrival.

"Sit" he commands, his tone measured but firm.

Aurelia takes a seat across from him, she glances at the papers spread across the table, Elvish. She recognizes it and knows the language is notoriously difficult.

Without wasting time, Ondolemar slides a scroll across the table toward her.

"High Elven," he begins, "is more than just a language. It is the key to understanding the Aldermeri way of thinking- our history, our culture, our place in Tamriel. And it is essential for your future, both as a leader and dealing with the powers of this world."

Aurelia unrolls the scroll, the intricate characters swirl before her eyes. She tries to conceal how overwhelmed she feels.

"Do not mistake this for a mere academic exercise," ondolemar continues, his gaze unwavering. "A deep understanding of the Elven language will sharpen your mind and allow you to see the world with clarity. Now let us begin."

It becomes clear ondolemar is a calm but firm teacher. Though Not lenient in any way, always expecting perfection. Every time Aurelia made a mistake he would correct her sharply, but without anger. His corrections were precise and calculated. She heard him say, "That is not right. Again Aurelia," many times, but Aurelia was determined to get it right. Each time she started over she was steadier and more confidant than before.

After a few hours, Aurelia finishes reading a scroll herself. The words are harsh and foreign on her tongue, and she stumbles over the syllables. Her cheeks burn with embarrassment but she bites her lip trying not to show it.

Ondolemar keeps his gaze on her not speaking for a moment, before finally saying "Your pronunciation is… lacking." His tone is a bit colder than before, "The nuances in High Elven are not to be taken lightly. Every word, every letter, carries meaning behind its surface. It is a reflection of how the Aldermeri view this world. There is no room for error."

Aurelia tries again, attempting to hide how discouraged she feels.

Ondolemar leans forward slightly, "Better, but still not enough. The elven language requires precision Aurelia. If you wish to understand the complexity of our culture you must speak with intent. Each word deliberate."

Ondolemar rose swiftly, "That concludes are lesson for today," he said, his tone cool but measured. "You have made some progress, though I expect greater focus moving forward."

He gathers the books and scrolls with practiced efficiency, stacking them neatly before looking toward Aurelia. "You are dismissed, Lady Aurelia."

Aurelia gathered her things and left the library, leaving ondolemar alone once more. Wasting no time ondolemar quickly made his way to his private quarters. Each step he made was with purpose. It was there he would write his first report to the Thalmor.

It was some time ago that ondolemar received news of his new posting. Not only would he continue his duties as the head of the Justiciars in Solitude, but he would be overseeing Aurelia, the future heir.

Ondolemar reports to the thalmor embassy for news on his new posting. He stands tall, his hands clasped behind his back as he waits for word from his superiors. Across from him, a senior justiciar scanned a parchment for what felt like an eternity. The justiciar look up, their expression unreadable, " Ondolemar," they began, " the dominion has chosen you for a new assignment. You are to be stationed in Solitude, under the guise of serving the high king. Your primary task: the oversight of his daughter, Lady Aurelia."

Ondolemars eyes flickered with a hint of surprise, "the high kings daughter?"

"Yes," the justiciars tone grew colder, their gaze sharp. " She is young but will one day wield considerable influence over Skyrim. It is essential that her education align with the Dominions interest. You will act as her mentor, ensuring her loyalty to the Thalmor. She is to be shaped into an ally whether she realizes it or not."

Ondolemar nodded, "I understand."

The Justiciar leaned forward,"Failure is not an option, Ondolemar. You will report back regularly on her progress. If she resists, you are authorized to use… subtle measures to ensure compliance. Is that clear?"

" Perfectly," Ondolemar said, bowing his head slightly.

A few days later Ondolemar received a written report from Ambassador Elenwen, concerning Aurelia.

Dossier of the Heir

Subject: Lady Aurelia

Age: 12 years

Personality Assessment

Strengths:

Intelligent, with a demonstrated ability to grasp complex concepts.

Inquisitive, often seeking knowledge through unconventional means.

Strong-willed, rarely discouraged by initial failure.

Weaknesses:

Impulsive tendencies, particularly regarding personal decisions.

Empathy that may cloud judgement.

Independent, potentially resistant to external guidance.

Skill assessment:

Academic proficiency: Above average for her age. Displays natural aptitude for learning.

Magical Ability:

Proficient in Destruction magic for her age.

Minimal, but growing aptitude for Illusion/restoration magic.

Mentorship under Sybille Stentor has accelerated her training.

Diplomatic Potential:

Limited experience, but demonstrates natural charisma. Her confidence suggests she could excel with proper refinement.

Recommendations:

Cultural Conditioning: she must be subtly guided to view the Aldermeri dominion in a favorable light.

Observation: close monitoring is necessary to ensure she remains manageable and does not deviate towards Nord nationalism.

Influence: Establish rapport and gain trust. Use her education and intellectual curiosity as tools for ideological shaping.

Control: Employ subtle reinforcement of Elven Superiority.

Conclusion:

Aurelia represents both a significant asset and potential liability. Properly cultivated, she could serve as a valuable ally or even a puppet ruler of Skyrim.

Signed,

Ambassador Elenwen

Aldermeri Dominion