bopdog111: Another chapter here already.
Ulrich362: True, and likely a very interesting one considering what's about to happen.
bopdog111: Since Jin had himself known by being a killer on the Thalmor's side, and Frisk not being identified really well she's the ideal choice, and already dressed for it thanks to Sheogorath's magic, and the invitation in hand by Delphine. But the monsters, and Delphine have there own discussion in mind.
Ulrich362: True, a very tense discussion... mostly between Asgore and Delphine of course... though Toriel might also contribute.
bopdog111: Well should we have them get there discussion first or wait for Frisk?
Ulrich362: Probably discuss first.
bopdog111: Okay let's find out what Asgore, Toriel, and Delphine should discuss about.
Ulrich362: Sounds like a plan to me, enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: We don't own Undertale or the Elder Scrolls Series, all we own are the OCs.
It been close to 30 minutes since Frisk headed off towards the Thalmor Embassy for her to carry out the plan if the Thalmor are involved towards the return of the dragons, and from a 'shortcut' from Sans, the group, and all arrived back at Riverwood back in Delphine's secret room in the Sleeping Giant Inn to wait until she returns hoping she'll be okay. Jin wasn't present among them either which he explained over towards everyone that he is heading to High Hrothgar to finish his trial, and inauguration to the Greybeards to try doing something productive to his role as Dragonborn while they wait.
Asriel and Chara both looked nervous for Frisk as Asgore closed his eyes and sighed before turning to Delphine. "What do you know of the war where we were sealed underground?"
Delphine looked over towards him while she leaned over the table with her hands on it. "From what I gather so far the Septim Dynasty had been formed, and the Tamriel Empire had been established however you, and your kind had felt that it threatens your future so you went to take action."
"No, nothing of the sort." Asgore told her calmly. "Humans were and still are far more powerful than monsters, we attempted peaceful negotiations and for a time it seemed that we would be able to exist on the surface together."
"So what had happened?" Delphine raised an eyebrow.
"The details have been lost to time, but a human and monster were trapped in a cave-in, the human succumbed to their injuries and the monster took their SOUL after they perished... humanity misunderstood what happened and accused the monster of killing a human in cold blood... and despite efforts to correct the misunderstanding war broke out... and it was during that war we became the enemy of the Dragonborn... she was ruthless and slaughtered so many of us... we had no choice but to retreat underground where the barrier was created." Asgore answered.
"That sounded kind of similar when..." Asriel trailed off before frowning turning to Chara.
Chara flinched slightly but nodded that she agreed.
"Not one soul was taken by monsters in the entire war, and we don't intend on seeking revenge either... the mistakes of the past shouldn't be repeated." Asgore told Delphine.
"Hmph... well so far you are proving over that you are speaking the truth. You sure you don't know what exactly called the cave-in?" Delphine asked over.
"No, I don't." Asgore confirmed. "If I knew I would tell you... I understand your hatred of monsters due to what happened in the past but things are much different and we can exist peacefully if you give us an opportunity."
"Dad's right, monsters are good people." Chara agreed only to look down. "They're better than me at least."
Asriel frowned again hugging her close. "It's okay Chara... No-one is blaming you for what had happened."
"I killed someone." she shivered hugging him tightly. "I'm a murderer Azzy."
"So move forward." Hearing that everyone looked over seeing Jin had returned looking solemn. "Tell me Chara, how did it felt?"
"It felt...?"
"How did it felt taking a life for the first time?" Jin asked over to her.
"In the moment, I was so angry I couldn't think but... it was horrible." Chara admitted starting to tremble. "It's awful, I can't get that horrible image out of my head... I thought I could bring myself to kill six humans and take their SOULS but... there was no way... I... I..."
She started trembling even worse.
"Fighting is one thing but murder I..."
She just started to shake even more in Asriel's embrace.
"So grieve." Jin spoke suddenly that confuses them.
"Grieve?" Chara asked him. "What do you mean?"
"Let out all of the pain, and sadness you are feeling for your first kill. It's a natural reaction to be scared, and afraid upon having blood on your hands on the first time." Jin explained to her as he reaches into his pocket. "There are some fighters who close there hearts to there victim's suffering so they can keep going, and continued fighting. Fighters like me, and Delphine. But you are not like us, so open your heart, and take in there suffering. Do not hold back your feelings for your first kill. Release it." He pulls out his music box opening it as it started playing the tune.
(Music Box Theme: Davy Jones Music Box)
Hearing that music Chara shuddered before just starting to sob as she hugged Asriel and trembled. Asriel hugs her back rubbing her back to help her release all of her feelings of her first kill.
"So... now we wait for Frisk?" Undyne asked.
They just stayed silent as they watched Chara cried her heart out over watching as Asriel keeps hugging her for several minutes. Soon she pulled back sniffing just as Jin closed the music box ending it's tune. Asriel rubbed her head with a soft smile. "Feeling a little better?"
"A little bit... for now." she answered weakly.
"Your not a solider, or a fighter Chara. Your just a little girl." Jin told over towards her. "Even if your training to fight, killing your first will always leave an impact. You don't have to fight and you definitely don't have to kill... but if you want to keep going, your going to encounter much more of this so the most important thing you can do to better yourself, is by remembering what your fighting for. The Music Box I have is proof of that, what I fight for. And you have your family, brother, and Frisk."
She turned to him before taking a breath and nodding. "I just... she was horrible but defenseless... it wasn't a fight."
"I'm not justifying why you done it." Jin said placing his hands on his hips. "Sometimes things like this happen as more often then not there are more deaths out of anger then on the battlefield. We all had a slip at some point, and we can either live with it or abandon our role. So your gonna have to live with it if you want to keep going."
Chara took a slow breath before nodding. "I just hope Frisk is ok."
"She's in unholy territory that's for damn certain." Jin agreed before then growling. "And that bitch Elenwen will be there." He turned over towards Delphine. "You sure your comrade will keep her safe?"
"Malborn has already smuggled her gear into the Embassy by now. What she needs to do is find the documents if the Thalmor know anything about the dragons." Delphine answered over. "It's gonna be dangerous I'll admit that much but if she can handle an entire mountains worth of monsters this won't be a problem."
"She didn't fight or kill any of them, this is different, they will all call for death." Jin pointed out over. "Well guess the only thing we can do is hope she can get out alive."
"My child, be careful..." Toriel whispered nervously.
Meanwhile...
Frisk takes a breath as the carriage arrived at the small Thalmor Embassy dressed in the clothes she had gained from her experience with Sheogorath, making sure her invitation is in her pocket, and checks everything to see if she's ready for anything in case things go south so she takes a breath to calm herself jumping off waving to the carriage driver who gave a small nod to her.
She sees a Reguard arriving at the same time as her which he grinned over waving. "Ah! A fellow latecomer to Elenwen's little soiree. And arriving by carriage, no less! I salute you, ma'am! My lateness is due more to getting lost on the way up this gods forsaken mountain than to any desire to actually arrive late." He shrugged over. "I prefer to arrive early. Often the day before the party. So as not to miss out on any of the drinking. There's not enough drinking in the world today, wouldn't you agree? I will just... rest here a moment." He sat down on a bench sighing. "Although it is damnable cold out here. I don't look forward to the trip back down... Perhaps we might share a carriage after the party?" He looked at Frisk who stared over at him. "I know, I know - we've just met. But think, by the time the party is over we'll no doubt be fast friends. I look forward to it. I'll go after you. Although these fellows know me. I never miss one of Elenwen's parties, you see."
Frisk stared more before slowly walking over where a Thalmor Guard is stationed to check over the Guests noticing her. "A noble child hm?" He checks over her before shrugging over. "Welcome to the Thalmor Embassy. Your invitation please." He held a hand for her invitation.
Frisk took her invitation and handed it to the Thalmor. "Here you are."
The Thalmor opens checking it over before nodding gesturing her in. "Thank you ma'am go right in."
Frisk nodded walking into the embassy as she looked around nervously knowing one mistake could be fatal.
She sees a large house party around with several people of different races including the man she met outside were chatting, and talking while the smell of ale lingered in the air making her cringe from the scent. She looked around nervously more from it before noticing a brown haired child about her age was there wearing a pink dress was there seemingly in a corner staring around at everyone but her in particular. She isn't quite sure but someone stepped in before she can talk to the girl.
"Welcome. I don't believe we've met." Surprised Frisk looked seeing a Thalmor woman having long green hair walked to her staring at her a little suspicious before introducing herself. "I am Elenwen, the Thalmor Ambassador to Skyrim. And you are...?"
Frisk's eyes widened before she gave a polite curtsy. "You're Elenwen? I've heard so much about you! It's an honor."
"Have you? All good, I trust." Elenwen gave a courtesy wave her hand feeling a little prideful this child knows about her but still looks suspicious. "But you have me at a disadvantage. I'm afraid I know nothing about you... Please, tell me more about yourself." Frisk looks a bit nervous from it over while Elenwen then asked over. "What brings you to this... to Skyrim?"
Frisk isn't sure how to answer not expecting to be caught by the Ambassador of the Thalmor herself, and the same person who had ordered Jin's home, and family to be destroyed. But luckily she's saved when a familiar voice broke off.
"Madame Ambassador, I'm so sorry to interrupt..."
Sounding, and looking annoyed Elenwen turned over to the bar. "What is it, Malborn?" Frisk widen her eyes turning over seeing Malborn is there at the bar like in Delphine's plan.
"It's just that we've run out of the Alto wine. Do I have your permission to uncork the Arenthia red..." Malborn started only for Elenwen to frown.
"Of course. I've told you before not to bother me with such trifles." she frowned.
Malborn nodded at that. "Yes, Madame Ambassador."
Using that as a distraction Frisk moved to try and mingle with the party guests only for her eyes to widen seeing someone engaged in conversation, an all too familiar Thalmor mage.
It was Ancano conversing with a Thalmor Justiciar chatting over from this. Feeling a stare he turned over that she quickly turned while Ancano checked over while the Justiciar asked him. "What is it?"
"...Nothing." Ancano deciding to ignore the feeling turned back to his conversation with the Justiciar.
Frowning Frisk moved only to notice the Redguard from before as she walked over to him. "Hello."
"What does a fellow need to do to get a drink around here?" Then hearing her spoke turned over, and grinned to Frisk. "Ah, pardon me, friend. I didn't see you standing there. Allow me to introduce myself: Razelan. Imports and exports, by trade. Observer of human nature, by avocation."
Looking over him Frisk couldn't help remarking. "You look thirsty."
"My friend, you are very perceptive! I have a powerful thirst that cannot be slaked!" Razelan grinned before then shrugging. "And none of the waiters will bring me a drink, Elenwen must have told them to cut me off, the frigid bitch. Afraid I'll cause another scene, I suppose..."
"A scene?" Frisk asked hearing that as she noted that could help her. "I could try and get you a drink."
"Ah you'd do that my friend? Tell you what, if you do get me a drink, if there's anything I can ever do for you, do not hesitate to call upon me!" Razelan grinned over to her.
Frisk smiled. "Of course."
Turning she walked over to Malborn. "Pardon me, do you have anything to drink?"
Malborn turned as he's wiping the bar seeing his comrade but blinked. "Sorry, but your not old enough to drink..." He's just doing his job not refusing cause he doesn't believe she can use the drink for her advantage but people would be suspicious if he gives alcohol to a minor. But giving it to someone is something else.
"Oh, a friend asked me to get it for them." Frisk clarified. "That's all."
"Oh okay then." Malborn nodded before moving handing her a bottle. "Here you go, ma'am. The finest Colovian brandy. Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"No thank you." Frisk smiled taking the bottle as she walked back over to Razelan. "Here you go."
Razelan turned, and grinned over. "Ah, the one generous soul amongst a gathering of pinch-pennies and lick-spittles!" He takes the bottle opening it, and takes a drink wiping his mouth before grinning to her. "If there's anything I can ever do for you, do not hesitate to call upon me!"
"Actually, there is something you could do for me." Frisk admitted for him.
"Of course! I would do anything for you, my one and truest friend!" Razelan spoke with a grin over. "What do you need from me?"
"Do you think you can get everyone's attention for a few minutes?" Frisk asked him.
"Is that all?" Razelan softly stood up from his seat grinning. "My friend, you've come to the right person. You could say that causing a scene is some what of a specialty of mine." He placed the bottle down on the bench before crackling his knuckles, and takes the bottle again. "Stand back and behold my handiwork."
Frisk nodded standing back while watching to see what he would do.
He walked raising his bottle. "Attention, everyone! Could I have your attention, please! I have an announcement to make!" Hearing him everyone turned over to him confused while he kept his raised bottle. "I propose a toast to Elenwen! Our mistress! I speak figuratively, of course. Nothing could be more unlikely than that someone would actually want her in their bed."
"Razelan." Elenwen spoke up warningly more then a little offended by that last line. "What are you doing?"
"Although... most of you are already in bed with her! But again... I speak figuratively, of course!" Razelan said again chuckling.
Ancano enraged over walked over. "Who do you think you are, talking about my wife like she's some slut! I should have you hanged for this you cur!"
"Hey come now no need to get hasty."
Finding an opening from the scene Malborn quickly whispered over to Frisk for them to move. "Let's go, let's go! Before anyone notices us."
Frisk nodded moving quickly behind the bar with him and through a door in the back, letting out a sigh of relief that Ancano hadn't recognized her from the College of Winterhold.
"So far so good. Let's hope nobody saw us slip out." Malborn turned over to her to tell her there not out of the woods yet. "We need to pass through the kitchen. Your gear is hidden in the larder. Just stay close and let me do any talking, got it?" She nodded over from this. "Follow me."
Frisk nodded staying close to Malborn at that while looking around to make sure nobody was watching them.
They entered the kitchen walking together over while seeing a female cat person who is a Khajiit turned over, and frowned. "Who comes, Malborn? You know I don't like strange smells in my kitchen."
"A guest, feeling ill. Leave the poor wretch be."
"A guest? In the kitchens? You know this is against the rules..." the Khajiit frowned over at this crossing her arms.
"Rules, is it, Tsavani?" Malborn stopped walking giving the Khajiit a stare. "I didn't realize that eating Moon Sugar was permitted. Perhaps I should ask the Ambassador..."
"Tss! Get out of here, I saw nothing." To quickly save her job unless she wants to lose it, Tsavani gets off there back turning back to work which Malborn nodded before opening a door, and allows Frisk in first.
Frisk walked in only to see a chest as she opened it seeing her supplies as she quickly got into her armor and made sure she had everything.
"Your gear is in that chest." Malborn told her before turning seeing she's already at work. "I'll lock the door behind you. Don't screw this up. I need to lock the door behind you or the patrols might notice something's wrong."
"I understand, and thank you." Frisk told him as she made sure she had all her gear before nodding and going through the door.
Malborn closed the door locking it leaving her alone. She walked keeping an eye before hearing some laughing hiding beside a doorwar as she eavesdrops on a conversation.
"Did you see those robes march in this morning? Who're they with? More of the Emissary's treaty enforcers?"
"No. They're high mages, just in from Alinor. I guess Herself is finally getting worried about all the dragon attacks."
"Ah, good. I've been wondering how we were supposed to defend this place from a dragon."
"If a dragon does show up, maybe we'll get lucky and it will eat the mages first. Might give us enough time to kill it."
"Ha. I'd like to see those arrogant bastards taken down a notch. Always looking down their noses at us lowly footsloggers."
They gave off mean-spirited laughter from it over before one of the guards told the other. "Well, we'd better get back to our rounds."
Frisk's eyes widened. 'The Thalmor aren't connected to the dragons? But... maybe they know who is? I should keep looking and try to avoid being seen if I can.'
She sees a Thalmor Soldier walking out of the way she's eavesdropping but turned the other direction where she's at but will turn back if she doesn't move. Frowning Frisk tried to find a place to hide before she could be seen. She sees the other Thalmor Soldier in the room had walked behind something where she can quickly move to exit out to the courtyard before they can notice her providing a window of opportunity. Taking a slow breath she ran quickly while keeping her eyes and ears open for any other Thalmor guards.
She exited outside feeling the cold air. She silently, and slowly moved peeking out. Much to her displeasure she sees lots of Thalmor Guards around both mage, and close-combat oriented patrolling around while also chatting. There was also one guarding the door she needs to go too. This won't be easy to sneak by...
Pausing a thought came to her, it was a crazy idea and if it didn't work she'd be completely out of luck and probably killed but it might buy her enough time to find any information the Thalmor had on the dragons so with a slow breath she began to focus her magic and summoned a Flame Atronach.
"What's ho...?" Hearing the summon, a Thalmor Soldier looked over seeing a Flame Atronach had appeared nearby. "Hey, who summoned that Atronach?"
"Don't look at me, I stopped using Flame Atronach's for a while." a Thalmor Wizard admitted seeing it.
"I didn't summon it either." another wizard agreed before the Atronach moved, and fired a firebolt which one Wizard blocked with a ward. "It's hostile!?"
"Get it!" with that the Thalmor chased it as it lead them away to give Frisk an opening to distract them.
Feeling a bit exhausted summoning it but not as much as the first time she managed to slip past in the confusion and get inside before looking around for where she might find the information about the dragons.
"But, I need that money! I earned it. I have my own expenses you know-"
"Silence! Do not presume, Gissur. You are most useful, but do not presume. We have other informants who are less... offensive."
She begins overhearing another conversation from this moving over to overhear what this two men are talking about knowing the first man is some informant that sounded desperate. "But no one else has brought you such valuable information, have they? Etienne, he's talked, hasn't he? He knows where that old man is you're looking for, he told me himself."
"You'll get the rest of your money when we confirm his story. As agreed." the Thalmor he is talking too stated.
"So he has talked! I knew it!"
"Everyone talks, in the end." the Thalmor sounded like he's getting up. "Now, I have work to do. Leave me to it, if you ever want to see the rest of your payment."
"Can I... I could help you. He'd talk to me. He trusts me."
"You'd like to come downstairs with me, is that it, Gissur? Shall we loose his bonds and put you in a cell together? You can ask him anything you like, and see how he answers." the Thalmor's voice sounded threatening as if daring the man to say yes.
"No, no. I'll... I'll wait outside."
"That would probably be best. Now get out!"
After a few seconds a Nord man looking insulted walked out of the room but the Thalmor didn't follow but she heard sounds of a door from the room he came from. Frisk peeked not seeing the Thalmor, and headed inside thinking over the conversation they just had.
'An old man, the Thalmor are looking for an old man? Who could that be, and... who's Etienne?' Frisk thought as she looked around the room.
Just then she sees a chest in the room. Taking a peek she finds a key, and two books alongside a written letter. It looked like important stuff with one book labeled as Thalmor Dossier: Delphine. Widening her eyes she looked around before opening the book.
Thalmor Dossier: Delphine...
Status: Active (Capture or Kill), High Priority, Emissary Level Approval
Description: Female, Breton, mid 50s
Background: Delphine was a high-priority target during the First War, for both operational and political reasons. She was directly involved in several of the most damaging operations carried out by the Blades within the Dominion. She had been identified and was slated for the initial purge, but by bad luck was recalled to Cyrodiil just before the outbreak of hostilities. During the war, she evaded three attempts on her life, in one case killing an entire assassination team. Since then, we have only indirect evidence of her movements, as she has proven extremely alert to our surveillance. She should be considered very dangerous and no move against her should be made without overwhelming force and the most careful preparation.
Operational Notes: She is believed to still be working actively against us within Skyrim, although we have no location on her. Assumed to be working alone, as no other Blades are known to be active in Skyrim, and she has in the past avoided contact with other fugitive Blades for her own security (one of the reasons she has so far evaded elimination). Her continued existence is an affront to all of us. Any information on her whereabouts or activities should be immediately forwarded to the Third Emissary.
Seeing that Frisk frowned a bit but decided to keep the book to show Delphine. She noticed the second book which is another dossier this time labeled as 'Thalmor Dossier: Ulfric Stormcloak'. That caught her eye but before reading it she frowned and opened the letter first.
Dragon Investigation: Current Status...
First Emissary Elenwen,
We anticipate a breakthrough in our efforts to uncover the party or power behind the dragon resurrection phenomenon. An informant has identified a possible lead, whom we have brought back to the Embassy for a full interrogation. The subject is obstinate, but by all indications is holding back the information we seek. I have authorized Intermediate Manual Uncoiling - I do not expect more will be necessary, unless you feel time presses.
I know you prefer to be present for the final questioning; I will inform you immediately when the subject is fully receptive. Two days should tell the tale.
In the meantime, if you wish to audit our technique, your expertise is welcome, as always. I have placed the prisoner in the cell closest to your office stairs, for your convenience.
-Rulindil, 3rd Em.
"They really don't know... but then, who is behind all of this?" Frisk asked before shivering as she knew the answers were probably through the door the Thalmor left through.
Before then she checks the Dossier about Ulfric
Thalmor Dossier: Ulfric Stormcloak...
Status: Asset (uncooperative), Dormant, Emissary Level Approval
Description: Jarl of Windhelm, leader of Stormcloak rebellion, Imperial Legion veteran
Background: Ulfric first came to our attention during the First War Against the Empire, when he was taken as a prisoner of war during the campaign for the White-Gold Tower. Under interrogation, we learned of his potential value (son of the Jarl of Windhelm) and he was assigned as an asset to the interrogator, who is now First Emissary Elenwen. He was made to believe information obtained during his interrogation was crucial in the capture of the Imperial City (the city had in fact fallen before he had broken), and then allowed to escape. After the war, contact was established and he has proven his worth as an asset. The so-called Markarth Incident was particularly valuable from the point of view of our strategic goals in Skyrim, although it resulted in Ulfric becoming generally uncooperative to direct contact.
Operational Notes: Direct contact remains a possibility (under extreme circumstances), but in general the asset should be considered dormant. As long as the civil war proceeds in its current indecisive fashion, we should remain hands-off. The incident at Helgen is an example where an exception had to be made - obviously Ulfric's death would have dramatically increased the chance of an Imperial victory and thus harmed our overall position in Skyrim. (NOTE: The coincidental intervention of the dragon at Helgen is still under scrutiny. The obvious conclusion is that whoever is behind the dragons also has an interest in the continuation of the war, but we should not assume therefore that their goals align with our own.) A Stormcloak victory is also to be avoided, however, so even indirect aid to the Stormcloaks must be carefully managed.
Frisk's eyes widened in shock reading that. "This is... this changes everything... I need to get this to Jin... we might be able to stop the civil war and stop the Thalmor with this information."
With that she places the three things along with the key before heading downstairs. Arriving she suddenly heard sounds of hitting, and screaming. Widening her eyes she hides and peeks to see what's going on.
(Cue Theme: Blood of a Villain)
She sees she is now at the level of the ground floor seeing the Thalmor that had talked to Gissur was sitting in a chair where he can see a cell where a blonde man was captive with his wrists bounded to the wall while a Thalmor Soldier is torturing him. It makes her sick to her stomach seeing this over knowing the kind of people Thalmor are but never thinks to witness they can do this without batting an eye.
"Stop. Please. I don't know anything else. Don't you think I'd have told you already?" the man asked crying from the torture.
"Silence. You know the rules. Do not speak unless spoken to. Master Rulindil will ask the questions." the soldier spoke up uncaring over.
"Let's begin again." the Thalmor at the desk identified as Rulindil spoke up from this readying to write on a sheet of paper.
"No... for pity's sake... I've already told you everything..."
"You know the rules." was Rulindil's cold response.
"Noooooo!"
"Start at the beginning, as usual. If you persist in this stubbornness I'll have..."
The blonde haired man panicked from this. "No, wait! I was just... catching my breath... why wouldn't I tell you again? I don't even know anything... There's an old man. He lives in Riften. He could be this Esbern you're looking for, but I don't know." Frisk widen her eyes hearing the name. "He's old and seemed kind of crazy. That's all I know."
"And his name is...?" Rulindil pressed on for more info.
"I don't know his name. Like I've told already a hundred-" the man tried to deflect it only for the Soldier to attack him again. "Ahhhh!"
"You know the rules. Just answer the questions." Rulindil warned over to the man, "And where can we find this nameless old man?"
"Like I said, I don't know! I've seen him down in the Ratway. Maybe he lives down there, but I don't know for sure."
"That will be all for now. I must say I continue to be disappointed in your lack of cooperation." Rulindil spoke up sighing incredibly annoyed. "I hope next time you will do better."
"What else do you want from me? I've already told you everything. Listen, if you let me go I can take you to Riften, show you where- Gaaaaah!" the man started to speak to be away from the torture but the soldier cut him off with another attack.
"Silence, prisoner!" the soldier spat over at the man before moving to inflict serious damage which Frisk decided enough is enough, she has to save him.
"Hey!" she called while trying to focus the Magicka she still had. "What are you doing?"
Startled Rulindil, and the soldier turned over seeing her over while the soldier completely stumped questioned. "Who are you!? What are you doing here child!?"
"Don't you know places your not suppose to poke your nose in? This is none of your business." Rulindil spoke to her coldly as he raised up posing an intimidating aura.
Frisk frowned running down to him.
"Stay back child!" the soldier spat over moving, and drawing his sword attempting to strike with a slash over to her which she blocked with her Blades Katana catching the soldier off guard over before Rulindil charged lighting firing them at her that she avoided electrocuting the soldier who screamed before collapsing dead.
Rulindil frowned seeing his comrade's corpse. "Useless trash..." He then turned to Frisk glaring over. "Your causing me quite the inconvenience child... perhaps I can question you for information like the other one?"
Frisk frowned knowing that the other Thalmor must have heard her so she decided to try something and so slashed at Rulindil using only one hand knowing she couldn't overpower him.
(Battle Theme: Keeper of Lust)
Mini-Boss: Rulindil
Rulindil conjured up a purple sword blocking the attack before moving attacking Frisk with a overhead slash which she blocked before trying to kick that Rulindil dodged jumping back, and fired lightning that she quickly summoned a ward blocking the lightning but destroyed it stunning her before he ran attacking with a slash that she dodged. Frisk tries to attack with some slashing attacks Jin had been teaching her that while there alright, isn't enough against someone like Rulindil who blocked, or dodged them over before he kicked her away.
"For a child your experienced." Rulindil glared as he walked to her while she gets up. Then seeing her weapon he blinked over before staring over. "I see... that's why your capable. Your a Blade. And you chose to get yourself involved in a deathtrap such as us? Your quite bold." Frisk then notices that the cell next to the prisoner's is open... if she can trap him in there, she can get Rulindil off her back so she can keep going but she needs to time it carefully. "But like all children, they should know that this isn't all fun, and games, you can seriously die. So tell me which to do you prefer? Dying quickly, or die slowly?"
Frisk frowned. "Come and get me."
"Very well..." Rulindil readied over from this before charging in to attack again intending to kill her in one stroke.
Frisk shuddered and held up her sword to block the attack while focusing her magic.
The attack was blocked pushing her into the cell while her hand generated conjuration magic like she had for the Flame Atronach. She also has one shot to pull this off, and if she isn't successful she could die, and the operation will fail... here goes! After a few seconds she called a spell before something slowly generated in her hand, a small dagger in the same design like Rulindil's sword. Speaking of said Thalmor he notices the dagger a bit late, "Bound Dagger...?"
The moment he said that Frisk stabbed him in the gut, a painful but not fatal wound.
"GAH!" Rulindil registered the pain from this stopping his push to cup the wound allowing her a chance to retaliate or lock him in the cell quickly.
Pushing with all her strength she caused him to stumble into the cell as she locked it before quickly trying to find a way out of the embassy.
"Is... is someone there?" spoke the tortured man looking from hearing the sounds of the fighting before noticing Frisk. "You... your not one of the Thalmor are you? I know a way out of here, please let me go!"
Hearing that Frisk nodded opening his cell. "Ok let's go."
She also walked undoing his bounds over which he rubbed his wrists relieved over which he smiled over gratefully. "There's an old hatch over there." He gestured to a trap door. "I've seen the guards use it to get rid of bodies. It must lead somewhere." He then looked over to her. "But before we leave, you need to get something from down here. That Thalmor, Rulindil had written a dossier about who there looking for. It's in the chest beside his desk." He gestured to Rulindil's desk.
Hearing that Frisk walked over to the desk and opened the chest. Seeing a book in it she takes it before before she can open it to confirm her suspicions the door overhead opened up.
"Listen up, spy! You're trapped in here, and we have your accomplice. Surrender immediately or you both die."
Hearing that Frisk looked seeing two Thalmor Soldiers had walked in with her shock Malborn who had been caught.
"Never mind, I'm dead already-" Malborn tries to tell her to leave without him only for one of the Soldiers to punch him.
"Silence, traitor! Move. Slowly." They proceeded to move downstairs to look for her. The captive man who moved to the trap door tried opening, and frowned turning to Frisk. "It's locked, we need to get a key. Maybe one of the guards that came in has one."
"Soldiers! Kill them all!" Hearing reinforcements Rulindil after healing himself ordered the soldiers to kill all three of them from the cell he's locked in. "Don't let them escape!"
Malborn tripped a Thalmor down the stairs as he cried out tumbling down stunned before turning grabbing a key from the second soldier before pushing him resulting him landing hard on the floor while Malborn quickly ran with the key over to Frisk, and the captive man. "What are you two waiting for, a red carpet!? Get that door unlocked!" Malborn hands her the key.
Nodding Frisk opened the trapdoor. "Come on quick!"
The captive man jumped in followed by Malborn, and Frisk jumped in with the trap door closed behind them. Rulindil scowled from this while the soldiers ran in out of there daze. "Damn Blades, and there arrogance..." Turning to the soldiers he yelled. "Search all around, do not let them get away!"
"Yes sir!" the soldiers nodded running to quickly find Frisk.
Rulindil growled glaring at the trap door. "This isn't over!" ...Then he remembers he's still in a cell. "Oh shit! Probably should've asked them to free me..."
In the trap door...
The three headed down over while Malborn looks panicking over from the close call. "I should have known this would end badly. I can't believe I let Delphine talk me into this."
"Don't concern yourself, your friend has gotten some info about who there looking for." the captive man assured Malborn. "So it's not all bad."
"Let's get out of here, for pity's sake!" Malborn snapped as they arrived in a small area.
Suddenly a growling got there attention where they looked seeing a troll was snoozing on a pile of bones growling softly from the noise warning them to not wake it. Frisk's eyes widened before to their shock she collapsed to her hands and knees breathing heavily.
"Hey you alright?" the captive man knelled to her worried.
"I used... almost all my magicka back there." Frisk admitted taking a breath. "One Flame Atronach, and a bound dagger... I think that's my limit without resting."
"Can you still move?" Malborn asked her so they can move to get pass the Troll.
"Yes... just, give me a second." Frisk shuddered taking a few breaths before getting up.
After that the three of them carefully moved while staring at the Troll for them to escape. They stopped when the troll started moving but was only turning for a more comfortable position. They continued before noticing a way, and they exited seeing there now back outside.
Malborn sighed relieved they gotten away before frowning turning to Frisk with crossed arms. "Now the Thalmor will be hunting me for the rest of my life. I hope it was worth it." Without as much of a thank you, Malborn ran out to try to catch up so he wouldn't be caught by the Thalmor.
"Well... thank you for helping me escape..." the captive man said over to Frisk.
"You're welcome, where will you go now?" Frisk asked.
"Right now? Back to the Guild to stay hidden... They grabbed me in the Ratway. The nerve of these bastards... they need to be taught a lesson." the captive man growled before then looking at her. "Oh sorry, I didn't introduce myself. My name's Etienne Rarnis."
"Frisk Dreemurr, I have... a long trip of my own." she admitted. "Maybe we'll meet again."
"I shall wait for the day we can. Now if you'll excuse me." Etienne bowed before running off.
Frisk stared before heading off finding a place to hide. Pulling out the Dossier she opened it so she can read if it's who she thinks it is.
Thalmor Dossier: Esbern...
Status: Fugitive (Capture Only), Highest Priority, Emissary Level Approval
Description: Male, Nord, late 70s
Background: Esbern was one of the Blades loremasters prior to the First War Against the Empire. He was not a field agent, but is now believed to have been behind some of the most damaging operations carried out by the Blades during the pre-war years, including the Falinesti Incident and the breach of the Blue River Prison. His file had remained dormant for many years, an inexcusable error on the part of my predecessor (who has been recalled to Alinor for punishment and reeducation), in the erroneous belief that he was unlikely to pose a threat due to his advanced age and lack of field experience. A salutary reminder to all operational levels that no Blades agent should be considered low priority for any reason. All are to be found and justice exacted upon them.
Operational Notes: As we are still in the dark as to the cause and meaning of the return of the dragons, I have made capturing Esbern our top priority, as he is known to be one of the experts in the dragonlore of the Blades. Regrettably, we have yet to match their expertise on the subject of dragons, which was derived from their Akaviri origins and is still far superior to our own (which remains largely theoretical). The archives of Cloud Ruler Temple, which is believed to have been the primary repository of the oldest Blades lore, were largely destroyed during the siege, and although great effort has been made to reconstruct what was lost, it now appears that most of the records related to dragons were either removed or destroyed prior to our attack. Thus Esbern remains our best opportunity to learn how and why the dragons have returned. It cannot be ruled out that the Blades themselves are somehow connected to the dragons' return.
We have recently obtained solid information that Esbern is still alive and hiding somewhere in Riften. Interrogation of a possible eyewitness is on-going. We must proceed carefully to avoid Esbern becoming alerted to his danger. If he is indeed in Riften, he must not be given an opportunity to flee.
"An expert on the dragons, he might know... we have to find him before the Thalmor do." Frisk whispered as she started heading back to try and get to the others.
Although it was difficult she eventually founded a carriage in a hold, and paid for a carriage to head to Riverwood taking the rest of the way there while avoiding Thalmor. When the carriage arrived in Riverwood she ran thanking the carriage over to the Sleeping Giant Inn. Entering she nods to Ognar who nodded back before walking in Delphine's room closing the door, and opened the dresser.
Overhearing the dresser covering opening everyone inside turned over where they see Frisk walking down arriving.
"Frisk! Your okay!" Asriel ran with Chara as they hugged there sister close with tears.
"Yeah, but... I found some things we need to look at." Frisk mentioned handing Delphine the Dossier on her first along with the letter.
Delphine takes them reading over the Dossier of her before frowning over. "So they know this much about me. But it'll take more then assassination attempts to deal with me." Next she opens the letter reading it over, and frowned again. "Damn! I had a feeling, they know something about the dragons returning... there as much in the dark as we are." Before then looking at Frisk. "Did you find any useful information at least that might give us some answers?"
"Well, they're looking for someone in Riften, another Blade... named Esbern." Frisk answered.
Delphine widen her eyes hearing that. "Esbern!? He's alive!? I thought the Thalmor must have got him years ago." She then shook her head chuckling slightly. "That crazy old man... Figures the Thalmor would be on his trail, though, if they were trying to find out what's going on with the dragons."
"But what would the Thalmor want with Esbern?" Jin asked her.
"You mean, aside from wanting to kill every Blade they can lay their hands on?" Delphine asked rhetorically to Jin before proceeding to explain over. "Esbern was one of the Blades archivists, back before the Thalmor smashed us during the Great War. He knew everything about the ancient dragonlore of the Blades. Obsessed with it, really. Nobody paid much attention back then. I guess he wasn't as crazy as we all thought." She then turned over towards Frisk. "And if I have to guess, had to be the one who helped her learn the Dragon Tongue."
Frisk nodded at that only to frown. "But, there's something else, something that might be really important."
"Is it involving what the Thalmor are gonna do with the dragons?" Jin asked her.
"No, but... I think they're behind the war on both sides. I found this in the embassy." Frisk said giving Jin the dossier on Ulfric Stormcloak.
Jin blinked taking the dossier, and reading it over. He growled over when he finished reading it. "So these damn elves had used Ulfric as some sort of golden pawn for them to make there operations much more smoother!"
"If that's true... then the entire civil war was a set-up to weaken Skyrim and the empire... we need to find a way to let them know right?" Frisk asked him. "Lives are being lost for no reason."
Jin growled over before then taking a breath to calm down. He then looked over towards Frisk. "Well... even now it can't helped. The dragons are a bigger threat then the Thalmor right now, and we need to put a stop to them now. I will keep this with me, it might be in handy." He places the dossier in his bag over. "In the meantime, let's try finding this Esbern, do you know where he's at in Riften?"
"The Ratway." Frisk recalled before frowning. "I... I hate to do this, but can we rest and move tomorrow though?"
"Why should we wait right now? If the Thalmor's intel is correct, they'll get to him before we can." Delphine pointed out to Frisk.
"Can't you see Frisk is worn out, if she goes now it would be too dangerous." Chara told Delphine. "She just broke into the Thalmor Embassy for you."
Delphine looked seeing Frisk is exhausted, and worn out. She had gotten caught, and had been forced to fight alongside heading all the way out here so that she can get the information safely. Delphine frowned but acknowledges they need to rest, and get back in top shape before heading to where Esbern is. "Alright, we can rest for the day. Spend the rest of the day here at the Inn, and don't worry about pay, it's on me."
"Good cause we have a bit to discuss." Jin said before turning to Frisk. "Probably involves your experience with your Grandfather who's apparently the Daedric Prince of Madness."
Frisk nodded at that.
Ulrich362: Well, it sounds like the group has a plan.
bopdog111: They managed to find some important info about the dragons, and now on the road to Esbern.
Ulrich362: Well... most of them will be anyway.
bopdog111: Well next chapter someone of Jin's past will appear, and then they encounter well... shall we say persuader of a certain Guild for info?
Ulrich362: Interesting, see you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!