bopdog111: Well this had been a few months guys.
Ulrich362: True, apologies are in order, and also... you might have noticed a few things missing from bopdog's profile?
bopdog111: We done a little operation cleanup, we had been a little carried away popping up new fics, and not focusing on others like these.
Ulrich362: True, so apologies if some of the fics you enjoyed are gone, that aside though it's time the Wolf Empire to make its next move... so what move is that bopdog? They have a few options available to them right?
bopdog111: Yeah a bit to list from. Most important was the contract about a Aventus Aretino.
Ulrich362: Sounds good to me, enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: We don't own The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim but we own the OCs!
It had been a bit after they defeated the dragon, and now are heading back to Markarth with Noel wearing the Ebony Mail over, and is in discussion with Potema about what next for them to tackle. But then they felt the carriage stop in the road over confusing them.
"What's going on out there?" Borkul questioned to driver.
"Sorry sir a courier is here to deliver something for his majesty." the driver of the carriage voiced over.
"A message for you?" Potema inquired curiously.
Noel blinked as he stepped out where a Nord man wearing clothing walked over. "I've been looking for you. Got something I'm supposed to deliver - your hands only." He looks into his bag for it. "Let's see here..." He then smiled pulling out a letter. "Ah a letter."
"From who?" Noel asked as he takes the letter.
"From Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun, he asked me to make sure you get the letter no matter what." the courier answered over to him. "And also..." He pulls out an axe handing it to Noel who blinked. "This is something he said about if your friend or foe." He then nodded. "Looks like that's it, got to go."
With that he ran off to do more deliveries while Noel stood confused before entering the carriage.
"What is it?" Borkul questioned before seeing the axe. "A new weapon?"
Noel looked at the axe as the carriage continued moving. "No... this is the way Nords settle there differences. Let's read his letter first."
"Agreed." Potema nodded.
Noel opened the letter reading out loud.
Jarl Balgruuf's Letter...
Dear Emperor of the Forsworn-Markarth Coalition.
We had been hearing about your deeds, and acts around Skyrim including collecting certain artifacts. I worry about the strength of my Hold, and with the Civil War going on, and dragons attacking everywhere, I knew I need to do something to keep my people safe. I haven't sided with the Stormcloaks, or the Imperials as I didn't want to endanger my people in there efforts but I heard your a place that's also neutral, and free for anyone be it Vampire, Werewolf, and other things including Talos Worship.
You also have a bone to pick with the Thalmor which I'm glad about since you know the kinds of people they are. I'll admit I am skeptical about the kind of person you are but you helped the Forsworn take back Markarth after Ulfric driven them out years ago, and had rid Skyrim of one of the most corrupted families we know. I'd much rather not be an enemy of yours, and I don't know if your a Nord, so I sent you something to have you decide if your friend or foe. A Nord will explain what it means.
From the Jarl of Whiterun,
Balgruuf the Greater
"A potential alliance with the Jarl of Whiterun? That could prove beneficial." Madanach noted thoughtfully.
"Honestly, I'm quite surprised but then again maybe I shouldn't. Balgruuf is clearly someone who cares for his Hold." Noel admitted over.
"I don't personally care either way." Borkul mentioned.
"Though can someone explain to me how this axe is suppose to tie in?" Being an Imperial who moved to Skyrim recently, Silus has no knowledge about what Balgruuf is doing.
"It's a symbol, by sending this axe he's asking the emperor if he is friend or foe." Madanach answered. "If we choose to keep the axe, it implies trust and that we're willing to ally with Jarl Balgruuf, if we return the axe it a sign that we consider him an enemy."
Noel stared over before he smiled. "Well Whiterun is near in the middle of Skyrim where it's located close to Riften, and Windhelm. It's also home to the Companions, and has the Dragon Trap Palace which can be useful for us in the near future." So with that he asked. "All in favor of siding with Whiterun, raise your hand." He raised his.
A majority of the people there raised their hands.
"Okay then it's decided. When we return, let's hire a courier." Noel smiled from this before turning. "And here Potema, keep the axe safe." He handed the axe to her.
She nodded calmly taking the axe. After a few minutes they arrived at the Markarth Sanctuary, and after saying the passphrase heading in where they see the guards are cleaning the place while Cicero, and Rhiada are chatting.
"Keeper, Listener?" Noel brought up to get there attention.
"My emperor?" Rhiada asked.
"We been informed of a contract by a Aventus Aretino." Noel explained over. "Tell us all of what the Night Mother told you, Listener."
"Of course... the Night Mother... she told me that we need to go to Windhelm and speak to Aventus Aretino." Rhiada answered. "He has a contract for us."
"Well right now there are only 2 members of the Brotherhood, so it should be wise, that we send someone who's experienced in stealth to head in." Noel explained over. "This would probably be a initiation test too, you guys need more members even setting up the Black Hand. Right now we only have the thumb who is Rhiada, we need to set up 4 fingers, and the nails both the Speakers, and Silencers each for you guys to be stronger."
"Do you have someone in mind?" Madanach asked him.
"Somewhat." Noel answered looking over. "Madanach, let's send Braig."
Braig is a member of the Forsworn who had a tragic story about injustice where years before he was sentenced to prison, and his daughter had begged the previous Jarl before Thongvor to take her instead. So the Jarl executed her in front of Braig, and thrown him into the prison anyways. Braig always had a sore spot for injustice, and Noel figured he be the best person as he knows the kind of person Grelod is.
"I'll inform him of his task." Madanach nodded calmly.
Noel nodded before smiling over to Rhiada, and Cicero. "If you two need anything be it food, furniture, or anything else be sure to inform us. The Dark Brotherhood is welcomed to us."
"Of course, thank you my emperor." Rhiada nodded.
"And Rhiada?" Noel asked over to her.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Be sure to take care of yourself." Noel smiled to her. "Your baby is the only thing you have left of Eltrys so please be careful."
"I will." she nodded putting a hand on her stomach.
"How far are you right now?" Potema asked curiously seeing a small bump.
"Two months." she answered.
"Well for your safety you should stay here or have someone with you so you can be alright." Noel said to Rhiada.
"I understand." Rhiada agreed.
After they chat more they walked out heading back to Understone Keep where they noticed a yellow robed man was looking troubled staring at the path of where Calcelmo's lab is.
"Huh, who are you?" Borkul questioned.
The priest turned over seeing them. "Oh Emperor..." He bowed over to Noel, and Potema raising up. "Sorry, I'm Brother Verulus, I'm a Priest of Arkay that was tasked to keep watch over the Hall of the Dead by the Jarl before Thongvor."
"The hall of the dead, did something happen?" Potema inquired hearing that.
"Well... We've discovered that some of the dead have been... eaten." Brother Verulus explained looking pale, and sick to his stomach. "Flesh has been chewed off, bones were snapped to get at the marrow inside. We haven't caught anyone or anything yet. It's like it knows when I'm there..."
Immediately Noel knows what this is; a Daedric Quest. He had almost forgotten that Markarth is the place of 2 Daedra Quests, one is about the Mace of Molag Bal, and the other, the Ring of Namira that starts with investigations of corpses being eaten in the Hall of the Dead. He finds cannabalism revolting but in order to claim Namira's favor they have to go along with it.
"That's... disturbing." Borkul frowned.
"We can set up an investigation about it." Noel brought over. "Brother Verulus if you'll give me a little time, I'll send someone who can help with this problem."
"Thank you my Emperor, I'll be waiting, and please don't take too long... Lots of the Nords are pretty pissed off we closed the Hall of the Dead so we can investigate." Brother Verulus looks relieved over it.
"We'll do what we can." Noel nodded.
They walked from this before Noel out of public eye turned green covering his mouth. Seeing that Potema rubbed his back.
Soon Noel got his color back breathing. "Sorry..." He sighed before turning to them. "Well everyone... it almost slipped my mind about something important that involves this investigation."
"Are you going to be alright?" Madanach asked him.
"Yeah... I don't think I'm someone who can handle it." Noel admitted to them. "But... this involves another Daedra Prince. The Prince of Dark Spirits, Namira."
"Then I'll handle this personally." Potema stated. "I am a necromancer."
"Are you sure Potema? They will have you be a cannibal too." Noel said over to her.
"I am, unless you'd rather go yourself?" Potema asked him.
Noel turned green at that covering his mouth again. "...No thanks."
"Exactly, so I'll take care of this one." Potema nodded.
Noel slowly nodded before kissing Potema after his color returned. "Be careful love."
"Of course, and you as well." she smiled. "When I get back, shall we... enjoy our evening?"
Noel nodded over with a soft smile. "Of course. Good luck."
Potema nodded walking off. She walked eventually reaching back to Brother Verulus who blinked. "My Empress, your going by yourself?"
"I am." she nodded. "The emperor is… unable to assist in this matter."
"Well here. Take my key, and be careful." Brother Verulus handed her a key gesturing down a path in the direction Calcelmo's lab is.
Potema calmly took the key and followed the path to Calcelmo's lab. Arriving she waved at the Altmer Wizard who waved back focusing on his work before reaching the door to the Hall of the Dead. Unlocking it she walked in closing the door looking around smelling the scent of decaying flesh which she was used too looking around. Seeing a coffin lid uneven she walked, and looked in seeing a corpse that looked to be have munched on.
"Lovely." she frowned seeing that.
"Not many would walk blindly into a crypt, smelling of steel and blood, but not fear. I feel the hunger inside of you. Gnawing at you. You see the dead and your mouth grows wet. Your stomach growls. It's all right. I will not shun you for what you are. Stay. I will tell you everything you have forgotten." stated a feminine voice.
Hearing that Potema stepped from the coffin looking around waiting for who talked to her. A female Breton approached her with a strange look in her eyes. "You were young when you first tasted human flesh, weren't you? A brother or sister had died? An accident, of course. Then the hunger set in. Curiosity. What's the harm in just one bite? It's okay, now. You've found a friend who understands you. You can let go of your guilt."
Potema looked over to her from this. "So your who's been eating the dead? What are you trying to do to me?"
"A lot of our kind block out the memory of their first meal. The shame is too much. But you don't need to hide anymore. Namira, the Lady of Decay, accepts you for what you are. She has a place for us, where we can sate our appetites without judgment." the breton told her.
"And where is that at?"
"It's inside Reachcliff Cave. But the dead have stirred from their slumber recently, and I was forced here. Meet me there. We will fight our way to Namira's embrace together." the Breton said before then smiling stepping backwards. "Until then, tell the people of Markarth that their dead won't be disturbed, anymore. We have bigger plans ahead." She turned on invisibility as she escaped out from the Hall of the Dead.
Potema frowned at that but closed her eyes. "This may take a bit longer than I anticipated."
With that she turned and walked off before approaching Brother Verulus. "The dead won't be disturbed any longer."
"Divines preserve you, you're a hero. We'll re-open the Hall right away." Brother Verulus smiled from this bowing. "And here Blessings of Arkay upon you." He handed her an Amulet of Arkay.
Taking it she nodded before sighing and closing her eyes. 'Now, Reachcliff Cave, I believe I remember where that is... and this cannibal will be waiting for me there.'
With that thought in mind Potema walked off to the cave. Exiting the cave she sees an old balding man wearing a cloak for assassins was checking things before noticing her. "My Empress, you going out for a task?" This must be Braig already informed of a task by Madanach regarding the Dark Brotherhood Contract.
"Yes, I have a matter to attend to, as do you." Potema nodded.
Braig nodded over. "Then I wish you luck my Empress."
She nodded calmly at that. So they traveled together, and split apart where Potema checked her map to head to Reachcliff Cave. Soon she finds the cave walking over where the Breton from before dispelled the invisibility smiling. "You've come. The draugr infesting Namira's sanctuary are inside."
"Draugr, I see well I could use some assistance in dealing with them." Potema noted calmly.
"I was hoping you would say that." the breton smiled over from this nodding.
Potema nodded as the two of them entered the cave. They looked around as Potema summoned a Bound Sword over while the Breton turned over. "I apologize, I neglected to introduce myself. I'm Eola, Namira's High Priestess."
"Potema, Empress of the Tamriel Unification Front." Potema nodded as they noticed some Draugr.
"Well then Empress let's see how good you are in a fight." Eola drew a sword over while summoning a Flame Atronach.
Potema nodded shooting some lightning at the draugr. The Draugr were zapped before it charged in attacking with blades that they avoided before Eola moved slashing over as the Flame Atronach fired flames over which the Draugr were burned from it but still attacked over, and one of them slashed down that Potema blocked with her Bound Sword before decapitating it turning over to another about to swing it's axe at her. She blocked the axe before smirking as she fired flames into its head.
They fight there way before a powerful Draugr walked over with a large two handed axe which they turned before the Draugr takes a breath. "Fus..." He then blasted an attack at them. "RO DA!"
The shout sent them crashing into a wall a bit dazed as Potema frowned. "Alright, you want to play that way? YOL TOOR SHUL!"
A large wave of fire burst from her engulfing the Draugr who growled from the intense heat. Taking advantage of the Draugr's pain she decapitated it. Eola rose up admiring Potema's handy work. "Well you know the Way of the Voice?"
"I do, as does my emperor." Potema confirmed.
Eola smiled from this before they continued moving down. Eventually they find themselves in a large room where a lot of Dragur are at growling from seeing people not like them readying to fight.
"TIID KLO UL!" Potema shouted quickly.
At that time suddenly slowed down with the Draugr about to draw there weapons. Taking advantage of their slowed reaction Potema moved and stabbed or decapitated a large number of the Draugr before time returned to normal. After that only one remained which it turned seeing all of it's comrades are dead before turning to Potema not moving.
"Eola, do you want this one?" Potema smirked.
Eola grinned walking over where the Draugr turned only to be decapitated by the woman.
"I believe that's all of them." Potema mentioned calmly.
"You've done it. The shrine is ours again. Now we need to prepare a grand feast to welcome you to Namira's coven." Eola smiled before turning to her. "You will have the honor of bringing a fresh kill for the main course. And I know the perfect person."
"Oh, who do you have in mind?" Potema inquired.
"A priest, filled with the taste of an easy life. Brother Verulus, from Markarth. Give him this gold." Eola handed her a bag of gold. "Tell him you need Arkay's help exploring an old cavern for treasure. And when he stands in Namira's presence, she will take care of the rest."
Potema took the gold. "Of course, I'll go and get him."
So she turned returning back to Markarth over. Heading she quickly finds Brother Verulus walking around before noticing her. "Oh my empress."
"Brother Verulus, I am in need of your assistance." Potema told him. "I require Arkay's assistance."
"You are looking for Arkay's protection while you delve some dank tomb, I take it?" Brother Verulus frowned knowing what this is about. "My duties keep me busy in Markarth. I don't know if I can help you." He then shrugged. "But your the Empress so you can decide what my duties are so I will follow."
"I appreciate this Verulus, I can lead you to this tomb." Potema told him.
He nodded as they headed to Reachside Cliff over with Potema entering back the entrance. They arrived in the large room where they find several people were at the table food ready while Eola walked over smiling while Brother Verulus walked over confused. "Who... who are you? What's going on?"
"Priest of Arkay. I'm your friend."
"You're my... friend..."
"Yes. I'm your friend, and I've invited you to dinner."
"I've been invited to dinner... I'm so hungry..."
"Why don't you lay down and rest, while we get the meal ready?"
"I need to lay down. I'll just be a minute..."
All three walked to the altar where Eola lays Brother Verulus on it with the Priest hypnotized closing his eyes. Eola then turned over towards Potema with a smile. "The meal is on Namira's table. Go ahead. Carve." She gestures Potema to kill Brother Verulus, and then eat his flesh.
Potema frowned taking a bound sword and killing Verulus with it. The blow was instant killing the Arkay Priest instantly which Eola smiled over from this. "He looks so... sweet. Go ahead. Have the first bite."
Potema frowned cutting a small piece from his shoulder before sampling it only to frown slightly. Just then she felt a deep chill, something on her finger which when she looked is a ring, and heard a voice in her head.
"So the Wolf Queen has come for my favor as well... I am Namira, the Lady of Decay. I know what you want, Wolf Queen, and after seeing the consumption of Arkay's Own, I grant it to you. Wear it, and when you feast on the flesh of the dead I will grant you my power." was a female voice which is Namira speaking to her.
"I thank you for your blessing." Potema replied. "Though I have to return to my emperor."
"Very well. This has been interesting ever since your escapes from Coldharbour." Namira spoke more. "I look forward to continue this game so please, keep at it."
Potema nodded walking off.
Meanwhile...
Braig had finished arriving in Windhelm under instructions from Madanach to head there for a task. He like the rest of the Forsworn felt insulted, and angry that he is in the stronghold of the Stormcloaks, the same guys who had kicked them out of there rightful home 20 years ago. Still he is loyal to his King (and in turn his Emperor) so he has to do this.
Arriving up at a house he sees a dark elf woman, and a child talking but only ignores them figuring this is the right house. He picked the lock opening the door, and hears a young boy talking. "Sweet Mother, sweet Mother, send your child unto me, for the sins of the unworthy must be baptized in blood and fear." He walked up silently over while hearing the boy talk.
"Please... How long must I do this? I keep praying, Night Mother. Why won't you answer me?"
"Die, Grelod! Die!"
"So... very tired..."
"Grelod, you old crone. You'll get what you deserve. The Dark Brotherhood will see to that..."
"What are you doing?" Braig asked him.
The boy in a room with a skeleton jumped turning over, and smiled bright. "Finally my prayers have been answered!" Braig blinked from that over. "It worked! I knew you'd come, I just knew it! I did the Black Sacrament, over and over. With the body and the... the things. And then you came! An assassin from the Dark Brotherhood."
"The Dark Brotherhood, I'm not connected with them." Braig pointed out.
"Of course you are!" the boy argued over. "I prayed, and you came, and now you'll accept my contract."
"Contract?"
The boy looked saddened over as he explained his tale. "My mother, she... she died. I... I'm all alone now." He then clenched his hands angry. "So they sent me to that terrible orphanage in Riften. Honorhall. The headmistress is an evil, cruel woman. They call her Grelod the Kind. But she's not kind. She's terrible. To all of us." He then looked excited again over. "So I ran away, and came home. And performed the Black Sacrament. Now you're here! And you can kill Grelod the Kind!" Hearing he lost his mother, and encountered injustice himself had made Braig think it over...
"Grelod the Kind in Riften's Honorhall orphanage?" Braig asked. "I'll look into her for you."
With that he left and went to hire the carriage for Riften.
"Please don't kill Constance Michel. She really is kind." the boy said after him.
After arriving in Riften (while not worrying about the visitor's Tax as he voiced he is a comrade of the group), Braig walked into Riften looking around before seeing a sign that said 'Honorhall Orphanage'. Walking over he entered inside the building, and overheard something appalling.
"Those who shirk their duties will get an extra beating. Do I make myself clear?" questioned an old female voice.
"Yes, Grelod." came several children's voices.
"And one more thing! I will hear no more talk of adoptions! None of you riff-raff is getting adopted. Ever! Nobody needs you, nobody wants you. That, my darlings, is why you're here. Why you will always be here, until the day you come of age and get thrown into that wide, horrible world. Now, what do you all say?" Grelod instructed
"We love you, Grelod. Thank you for your kindness." the children stated automatically.
"That's better. Now scurry off, my little guttersnipes." Grelod told them before walking off.
He walked seeing an elder woman with a permanent scowl glaring at the children over before proceeding to complain to a poor young woman who looked exhausted but still has a smile.
"Grelod the Kind?" Braig asked walking over to her. "Do you have a moment?"
Hearing him the old woman Grelod turned, and scowled. "What do you want? You have no business being in here!"
Braig took one look at her before frowning as he drew his blade and stabbed her through the gut.
"Aiiiiiiieeeeeeee!"
Hearing the scream all the children turned, and looked shocked seeing the murder of Grelod happening. The young woman stepped out for a moment to get something, and thus, didn't witness this. Then all the children started to cheer over.
Braig frowned at the cheers as he started to wonder just how bad she was. "You're cheering murder, murder isn't something to admire."
"You were sent by Aventus weren't you?" one of the boys asked with a smile. "You should've came sooner, she was terrible! Some of us think she was a Hagraven in disguise!"
"Well, don't grow up to become murderers." Braig told them as he left to let Aventus know what happened only to pause as a red-haired man approached him.
"Never done an honest day's work in your life for all that coin you're carrying, eh lad?" the man asked over with a kind smile.
"I'm sorry, what?" Braig questioned.
"I'm saying you've got the coin but you didn't earn a septim of it honestly. I can tell."
Braig frowned from this over. "And how could you know that?"
"It's all about sizing up your mark, lad. The way they walk, what they're wearing. It's a dead giveaway."
"My wealth is none of your business."
"Oh, but that's where you're wrong, lad. Wealth is my business. Maybe you'd like a taste?" the man offered over to him.
"Break the law? Are you kidding?" Braig frowned. "Sorry, I'm not interested."
The man frowned over from this. "Sorry... I usually have a nose for this kind of thing. Never mind then, lad. If you change your mind, come find me." He turned walking off disappointed. Braig felt a bit odd from this guy, and figured to tell Noel about him when he returns. Which he exits the town back to Markarth.
Back at Markarth...
Noel stretched yawning a bit shirtless left in only a pair of pants while working on paperwork, and then turned over to the window walking, and seeing over Markarth from where he is. Soon someone knocked on his door.
"Enter." Noel didn't turn around as he stared out of Markarth.
It was Braig who frowned. "Grelod the Kind is dead, and the boy gave me this as a reward... though there was something else, a man talking about my wealth."
Noel turned over to him at that. "Can you describe this man?"
"A red-haired nord, he was talking about how I never earned my money honestly. He asked if I wanted a taste of wealth but I had no need for that." Braig answered.
Noel nodded over. "So you didn't accept his request. Good." He turned back to the city. "We're not suppose to have contact with the Thieves Guild under later anyway."
"The Thieves Guild, so that was his game. I'll leave you to your work my emperor." Braig mentioned leaving the room.
"Braig?"
"Your highness?" he asked at that.
Noel smiled as he stared out. "If you receive a letter from a dark figure, turn it over to the Markarth Brotherhood immediately."
"Of course." he nodded though he seemed a bit confused.
As he left Potema walked in with a ring on her finger that she calmly put down. "Namira gives her blessing."
Noel turned over to her as she places it down. "That's one more Daedra Prince giving us there blessing. That means we have six left to collect."
"True, though... I believe we have business of our own?" Potema smirked.
Noel smiled from this walking over. "I been waiting for a while. Even gotten prepared." No shirt or footwear on just pants, and undergarments. "But... did you wash your mouth before coming here?" Despite what they do, he DEFINITELY doesn't waste to taste the lingering scent of human flesh or dead human flesh which he thinks he'll puke in her mouth if he did.
"I did." Potema nodded. "I may be a necromancer but even I have my limits... the smallest amount to appease Namira but I doubt I'll do it again."
Noel nodded as he climbed in the bed followed by Potema. "Well then... let's make love darling."
"I thought you'd never ask." she smiled kissing him gently. "Tell me, did you ever imagine you would be one of the most powerful people in Skyrim... no, in all of Nirn?"
Noel thinks before shrugging as he moved to undo Potema's outfit. "All honesty...? Not really... I mean I don't really care for being the most powerful, if anything I want to live life to the fullest here... and be able to stop the Thalmor, and get rid of them."
"Fair enough." Potema nodded letting him undress her before she smiled gently. "That's part of why I chose you after all."
"Other reason is cause we're together?" Noel guessed as he did his bottom clothes.
"Something like that." she chuckled.
Noel grabbed her breasts squeezing as he kisses her deep. She moaned into the kiss embracing him close. Noel kissed as he kept squeezing her breasts over before pulling away. "Oh Potema..."
"Yes?" she asked kissing his nose.
"You really are perfect." Noel sighed from the feeling over at being loved. "Let's make sure we both survive this war." He began moving his hips which rubs there privates together.
Potema shivered a bit. "We will, I assure you we will."
Noel kissed her again as he kept moving his hips eventually pushing into her moving out, and in. Potema moaned softly as she kissed him again. Noel kissed again moving more loving each other.
The next day...
Noel was already dressed in a office writing something down waiting for a courier to arrive for him to deliver something.
"My emperor, what should our next move be?" asked one of the Forsworn that was in the office with him.
"Well right now, I'm focused over sending a letter to Whiterun. We will head over in 3 days time to discuss more but for now, I wish for Balguuf the Greater to know we're not enemies." Noel answered over to him.
"Of course my highness." the Forsworn nodded leaving the room to let the others know.
Noel kept writing before after a minute a courier arrived over which Noel smiled. "Alright sir, I need you to send a message to the Jarl in Whiterun."
"Of course." the courier nodded.
Noel hands him an envelope. "See to it that you get this to him as soon as possible."
"Of course, is there anything else?" the courier inquired.
Noel shook his head no. "He is probably expecting his axe back but I'm not giving it back to it. Your a Nord, figure out why."
Noel nodded getting up, and heading down to discuss the next piece of business.
The next day...
It was a tense day in Whiterun for the Jarl, Balgruuf. It haven't been long since he had sent a courier over with his message, and is worried if he had made the right choice. His steward, Proventus, believed that sending the axe was a bad idea since they were welcoming of the Daedra, and other things even been rumored to also be in league with the Dark Brotherhood. Still it's welcoming for all which is why Balgruuf sent the letter to see if there is a chance for them to be alright for his Hold. His housecarl, Irileth seemed to think so...
Just then a Guard walked over. "My Jarl, I'm sorry to interrupt..."
"What is it?"
"A courier has arrived saying he has a message to you from the Forsworn-Markarth alliance." the guard explained over which made Balgruuf's eyes widen. A response!
"...Did he carry the axe?"
"I don't know sir, he said it's for your hands only." the Guard admitted over. "Shall I send him in?"
Balgruuf paused at that before looking. "Yes, send him in."
The Guard nodded walking off over with a balding Imperial who was Proventus paled over. "A response already...? Did they already think we're enemies?"
"Don't cower so easily, Avenicci, it just means we can worry less about the lack of response. Though admittedly I am a little nervous if they didn't take the Axe." a Dark Elf, Irileth, admitted over with crossed arms.
The guard soon returned with the courier over as he bowed to the Jarl. "I've been tasked to come here my Jarl, got something I'm suppose to deliver - your hands only." He went checking inside his delivery bag. "Let's see here." The three held there breathes for what there gonna receive hoping they don't see an axe. "Ah here we are a letter." The courier smiled pulling out the envelope tasked him to write.
"...Anything else?"
Hearing that the courier looked inside his bag for anything else from Proventus asking. Then he shook his head. "No, I'm sorry the letter is the only thing that is from the Forsworn."
"They kept your axe?" a Dark Elf named Irileth noted.
To not get his hopes up Balgruuf figured to listen to what the letter says. "Read the letter." He ordered the courier who blinked.
"My Jarl... are you sure?"
Balgruuf pushed on. "Read it."
The courier nodded opening the letter.
Response...
Dear, Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
I have to admit, you surprised me, but then again perhaps I shouldn't be. You remain in neutral territory, and so you don't side with either the Imperial Legion, or the Stormcloaks during the events of the Skyrim Civil War, I also know that you still worship Talos even if the Imperial Legion banned it following the signing of the White-Gold Concordat which we have no bad blood against, Talos deserved his ascension into Godhood.
Your right about me not being a Nord but I am fairly versed into Nord Traditions which you displayed with the axe you had a courier delivered over to me. I will assure you, we do not mean harm against you, and your hold, Jarl, if anything I'm glad you reached out to seek an alliance with us. Your Hold is definitely what we strive for; peace, and freedom all over, and one day we can destroy the Thalmor, and the Third Aldmeri Dominion too. Your people will be safe with us around, I can promise that. So we will be keeping the axe. In three days (or less depending by how long the courier takes to deliver the letter), be sure to expect us coming, we have much to discuss about. Including one of the 'certain artifacts' you've mentioned. Yeah, I know about what your thinking of.
From,
Noel Septim, the First Emperor of the Tamriel Unification Front.
"Three days? And wait Septim?" Proventus questioned. "I was under the impression the last Septim died over 200 years ago."
The courier looked over. "It took me a day to arrive so it's 2 days now. And it's probably nothing but I had been hearing a rumor about a Septim being reborn."
Balgruuf's eyes widened at that. "I see, well we'll know the truth in two days time... in the meantime Irileth, any word from my Thane?"
"I'm afraid he had been out of Breezehome a lot my Jarl. Lydia does report he is going around finding Words of Power to train his power of the Voice." Irileth explained over to the Jarl. "But recently she had mentioned something about him heading to Kynesgrove with someone from Riverwood."
"I see, call it intuition but I feel things in Skyrim are far more complicated than we assumed... though the truth will be revealed in two days time." Balgruuf noted thoughtfully.
bopdog111: And now we have more events here including another Daedra Artifact collected.
Ulrich362: True, things are getting very interesting to say the least.
bopdog111: What's gonna happen next?
Ulrich362: Well, two days before heading to Whiterun... maybe it's finally time we get to see what the Dragonborn is up to?
bopdog111: Well it's all just pretty much canon events for him.
Ulrich362: He must have heard rumors of the Tamriel Unification Front at least... though we'll see what happens, see you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!