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Civil War Aftermath Chapter 2: War of the Sundered Dragon


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Falkreath
Baldur, Rebec, Alef, Samuel, Valindil,

Two days after Marius’ ceremony

 

Baldur was sitting in his war room tent looking over a map that had locations of his guerilla warfare teams deployed. He was in civilian clothing, having not yet put on his armor. It was a simple green shirt with tan wool pants. Farmer's clothes. He was worrying about Boldir and his plan, wondering if they could really pull it off. Baldur gave a sigh, as he started to plan his next move after a few more days of guerilla warfare, when a soldier came in the tent.

"Hello, General Red-Snow. I have a message for you. Some courier came by here and told me to give you this."

Baldur signaled the soldier away.

I bet I know who this is from.

The note read:

 

Baldur,

We need to talk about Marius. Meet me at Glenmoril Coven. Come alone.

Alef

 

 

Yup, just like I thought.

Baldur stepped out of the tent and went to tell Rebec he'd be gone for a while.

 

**

"Are you sure this will work?" Bahgras looked at the young Dunmer right in front of her, who simply nodded in response without saying a word. Around them they could hear many feet move about, but no one were to be seen

**

Rebec was also reading reports, sitting in the half-tent she used for such things, and smirking as she read.  A courier from Solitude had come in with letters from the Vice Admiral.  The prisoners taken off imperial ships, Sigrid reported, were half starving and raving about things in the water and specters in the air.  The Sea of Ghosts had gotten its reputation for a very good reason.  Her own ship was named for such a specter which had followed her for a time, wailing.  Rebec almost had to feel sorry for those imperial sailors, so far from home and friendly ports, freezing and harassed constantly by Stormcloak ships, with only the ghosts for company.

"Reb, can I have a word with you?"

Looking up from her letter, Rebec's smirk faded.  "Something up?  Are the imperials moving?"

Baldur raised his hand to let her to know to settle her nerves.

"No, no. Nothing like that. It seems your contacts finally reached out to me."

Baldur took the note from his pocket, and gave it to Rebec for her to read.

The admiral took the note and read it over.  "That didn't take long.  You're not going alone, I hope.  I'll follow at a distance."

"No, you stay here. Don't worry, I'm no fool. I'll take 10 Redguards with me and have them follow in the shadows. Samuel's contact will probably just want to make some new deal, threaten me, blah blah blah, then I'll be back here before you know it. I should be back in time for dinner. But on the odd chance that I don't for whatever reason get back in time, you're to act as commanding officer until I get back. Keep the guerilla warfare going, and if the enemy forces them back, retreat to Falkreath. The new walls I had built could hold back any force for a long time. But like I said, I'll be back before you can say Nerevarine."

"Ner..what?  Never mind.  Baldur..."  Rebec stood up from her chair and came a step closer.  She met his eyes and then her mind blanked.  Her thoughts went to what he had almost said the night before, and about how he was doing all of this for her.  "Thank you," she said finally.  "Be careful."  It was lame and inadequate, but all she could manage.

Baldur gave Rebec a hug with his left arm, then a reassuring kiss on the forehead.

"I will."

After that, Baldur walked back to his tent, and prepared for the trek to the cave.

**

Rebec watched after him until Baldur disappeared into the activity of the camp, then sat down and tried to put her mind back on the naval war.  What Marius had told them about how things stood in the Imperial City had made some things clear to her.  She picked up a quill to reply to the Vice Admiral:

 

Henceforth and unless countermanded by High King Ulfric, I order you to cease all ramming and boarding operations of imperial ships.  There are to be no hostile engagements by any captain if they can be avoided.  Evasive and merchant escort operations only.  You are free to board any ship believed to hold Thalmor operatives and take captives, but preserve vessels intact whenever possible.

 

The admiral sat staring at the letter for a long time, wondering if she was doing the right thing.  Her mind riffled over the conversation with Marius.  "Do you even know what kind of man Samuel is? Do you even know what he's done?"  Rebec sat a moment longer, then her head came up, and a little rake of fear went over her spine.  She drove it out, however, and set about finding the return courier.

**

Baldur was very impressed by the skill of his Redguard allies. He had to whistle out numerous times to make sure that they were even still following him. The forest was relatively quiet, which suited Baldur just fine. Every now and then he'd hear a deer rustling through the trees, or birds chirping. But nothing more, not even the snaps of twigs from his redguard companions. As Baldur progressed further, he eventually came across a dirt road leading up a hill, which would take him to the cave where Samuel's contacts would be waiting. As Baldur continued down the path, he saw strangers off in the distance wearing mage robes. Further inspection showed that they were Vigilants of Stendarr. Baldur walked around them on the path, not wishing to be preached at about Stendarr's mercy by the Vigilants as they were all known to do. As Baldur passed them, one of them called out to him.

"Hey, you! Come here!"

"I have no time. I have business to attend to."

After Baldur said this, he heard arrows shooting, which sent him diving to the ground. When he looked back, all the Vigilants were dead with arrows sticking out of their necks. Just when Baldur was about to lose his temper, he looked to the left of the path and saw a pile of leaves with a hand sticking out of it. When he went to inspect it, he saw what appeared to be a family of 5 dead from under the leaves, freshly killed. As he inspected the bodies, he saw that their necks had all been gnawed on like a piece of rib meat.

"Ugh, Volkihar Vampires. Good job!"

The men gave him a whistle acknowledging they heard him, then Baldur moved on. Another hour later, Baldur finally reached the cave. It had two goat heads spiked next to the entrance as well as nets with taproot hanging from some trees nearby, and of course, some deer heads as well.

Of all the places, they had to meet here? Well, I heard the companions cleared this place of witches already, so there shouldn't be anything to worry about...Besides, not all Hagravens are out looking for courtship.

Baldur stepped within the cave, and proceeded through into the darkness. As he was looking around, he didn't notice his men following him into the darkness, until one tapped him on his shoulder.

Shit, these guys are good.

**

After reaching the main room of the cave, Baldur would see a lone figure. It was a Dunmer woman of small stature, dressed in dark leather and holding a torch. She looked right at him and waved for him to come closer.

Baldur approached the woman in a hurry, wishing to get this over with.

"Ok, skip the part where you threaten to help the Imperials and get to the part where you tell me the real intentions of Samuel. I'm sure he knew I wouldn't kill Marius. I convinced him not to attempt to go after Moon Balls, however, so it's not an issue."

"Do you honestly think I will accept such a silly notion? Marius will not end his hunt for me, only take a temporary break at best," the Dunmer spoke, but there was no voice that would fit such a creature. Instead it was a very familiar one, except it was not arrogant and mocking, and not sad. It was as cold as the Sea of Ghosts in winter.

The woman before him changed in the blink of an eye and none other than Samuel stood there, torch in hand. A small disturbance in the air before him went almost unnoticed by Baldur.

"So, General Red-Snow," he continued in the same cold voice, more unnerving than many a battlecry heard across the battlefields of Skyrim. "Convince me."

Baldur was taken aback at the sudden appearence of Samuel before him, but he tried not to show it, which in the low light of the cave was easier to pull off than normal.

"It's simple. I convinced him that in the long run, what you did to get him with me was necessary. He's fully committed to our cause. He even took the oath, and became one of us. He knows that if we're ever going to free Cyrodiil from the Thalmor, the Legion needs to fight with us against them. To do that, they'll have to rebel and overthrow the Imperial government. We'll never convince the Emperor or the Elder Council to side with us, but the Legion can be persuaded, once they know a second option exists. Marius will be an example. If he stayed, the Thalmor would continue it's course, and continue to infect the Empire. This is the first step in the right direction. Marius's reputation has a lot of weight within the Legion."

Baldur had been practicing that speech on his way here. After explaining it to Rebec, Marius, and the camp, he had plenty of practice.

"An impressive speech. And clearly practiced, so you should be complimented for it. Yet, it did nothing to convince me," Samuel turned around. Didn't he even care to look at Baldur as he made his case? The slight disturbance in the air came into view for a split second in the light of the torch again.

"Why would Marius stop hunting me? Because he is helping you? That won't last forever. I don't care about your little war, I have ways to stay out of them when I need to. I care about the old fool you now call a brother. If you had come here when Marius was still a prisoner, I would have taken your word that there was no loose end on your part, but alas that is not what I hear. What I hear is that he is now a Stormcloak. What would you do in my shoes? When the ones holding someone who wants me dead captive makes them join their cause? Ignore it? Ignore a loose end that can, and will try to, come back to haunt me later?"

"I think you missed the part where I said he understands why you did it. He's likely thankful you did. You can ask him yourself if you want to back at the camp. Either way, I don't have time for this, as I have a war to run. I only came here to see if you wanted me to do a favor for you that I can actually fulfill, seeing as I'm still thankful for your gift. Seemed to me like that's what you wanted in the first place, seeing how a General with Ulfric's ear is more valuable than a dead one. Surely you knew I wouldn't kill Marius, yes?"

"I knew you were prone not too, but I had hoped your affections for the Admiral would be enough to sway you. But the answer you are looking for is that; true, I am not surprised in the least."

The Colovian turned back to him, with a strangely satisfied expression. It was so unlike the arrogant satisfaction he had seen in the camp. "I want to ask you something, General. Who do you think I am? What do you know about me?"

"Obviously nothing beyond you have a tenancy to be a snobby dick and a know it all. But I see you can turn that on and off. It's a facade you put on so that people you do dealings with get the impression that you're intelligent, and that you know things that they don't. I'd imagine it's a useful intimidation tactic for others who deal in information such as yourself. Lucky for me, I'm not one of them. Now...do you have something to ask of me within the moral boundaries of my abilities?"

"No, I ask because I am curious and because you are one of the few people recently who have seen more than one side of this act- and you are right, it is an act for the most part- I put on. Samuel, Moon-Balls, Flin Caven, Maurice... names can be so misleading, don't you agree?"

Something changed in his tone. Anger. Calm, controlled and undeniably cold anger. "Do you really think I would do something as foolish as to give you my real name? I suspected you weren't to be trusted and your actions towards Marius suggest that I was right. What are you planning?"

"I'm planning on winning this war. You gave me the key to that. You remember the last time I saw you? That letter you left me? Marius is the key to the vengeance of your brother. Isn't that what you want? Why would you want him dead after all this? Fear of Marius? I already told you he understands why you gave him to us. Is there another reason why he would want you dead that I should know about?"

"Didn't you catch what I just said? Samuel Caven never died in the Great War, because there never were a Samuel Caven. It was a ploy, a joke, a game played for my own amusement. A similar ploy to that I once played on Marius and I think he is just starting to realize it. Have you ever loved someone who turned out to only fake it, then leave you broken and used? Ask Marius, it is a horrible feeling."

Something that sounded like a step came from the shadows at Baldur's side, but he was quickly distracted by Samuel who continued to talk.

"You mentioned having the ear of the High King and all the standard resume talk. What is it that you offer me for sparing Marius' life? You obviously need him, so tell me. Convince me to take his death of my agenda."

Baldur pondered what he could offer the man that would actually interest him, but had a hard time thinking of something, anything.

"The only thing I can really come up with is coin. I can get you the five thousand gold coins you wanted. I can't do it now, because I'm in a war, but once it is over, and Marius proves his worth, I should have no problem convincing Ulfric the gold is worth keeping assassins off of Marius's back. That is what you had planned, correct? Besides that, all I can promise you is information that doesn't put Skyrim in harm's way. Nothing that would betray Ulfric. That or any other favor I can grant you with his influence, such as a free pass if you or your men get into any trouble here. One time only."

"Coin? Do you really think coin is what I want? No, the five thousand is my offer for him dead, not the price for me to not want him dead. I am disappointed, I had expected you to be able to do better than this. Well, it is time for this meeting to come to an end. Gentlemen from Hammerfell, it is time to step into the light."

When Samuel said the last sentence, the bodies of the Redguards Baldur had brought fell into the light before him, dead. Before he could react to it, a steel clad fist collided with hi face and threw him of balance. Someone took a hold of his arms and applied pressure behind his knees, forcing him down on them. A pair of cold hands found themselves wrapped around his neck from behind. In a matter of seconds, Baldur had lost all opportunity to fight back, and were held in place by people that were almost invisible.

"I am sorry, Baldur, I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but I cannot leave this loose end without tying it up. Put the ring on his finger," Baldur's body started to turn stiff.

"Paralyze, an interesting effect," Samuel continued. "Now, Valindiil, you have your gift."

Valindil stepped out of the shadows with a grin on his face. “Nice work, Samuel. You have proven your worth to me. I’m sure we can do business again sometime in the near future, no?â€

Valindil was right above Baldur now, and he scoffed at him. “You poor man. You see, if you hadn’t defied the Empire and the Dominion, you wouldn’t be in this situation. I’d rather quit worshiping a false god than to have my life taken away.â€

"I wouldn't take that tone, Thalmor," Samuel shot back at him. "I didn't do this to 'prove' myself to anyone. You are just a convenient way to tie up this lose end. For business, we might. We'll just have to see in the future."

"Hmph, I was just trying to be friendly." Valindil replied, with a fake tone of hurt. "Very well, if you say so."

Hmm, I like this guy. Valindil thought. The Thalmor needs these kinds of people as contacts. 

He kicked Baldur in the stomach and asked, "What next, then?"

"And Thalmor 'friendliness' has a bad habit of requiring kissing them where the sun doesn't shine. I don't do that. And now? Now I am my men leave, pin this whole thing on you elves and disappear. For good. The persona of 'Samuel' will not be seen again, except through contacts that will maintain the illusion that I am still around."

"I intend to do no kissing with you, if that's what you mean. Very well, leave then. How will we be able to contact one another in the future?" He asked.

Samuel cracked a smile. "Contact me? You won't, simple as that. When I want to make a deal, or I get wind of a rumor that you want to make a deal I consider worth my time, I'll find you. If people could simply contact me, I'd be dead many years ago."

"Men, take the bodies of the Reguards and make sure they are not found."

With that he turned around and walked towards the exit. The sound of the partially invisible group of men he had brought with him followed suit, carrying bodies who appeared to almost be floating in the air. Before long, the elves were alone with general.

 

**

 

"We'll see about that." Valindil said to himself.

He crouched and looked at Baldur. He was disgusted with him, as he had a deep hatred for all Nords. He couldn't explain why, but he could never forgive the Nords for what they did to the Snow Elves. He knew he was Altmer, but he couldn't help but feel somehow tied to the Snow Elves. He kicked the Nord once more and cast a levitating spell.

"Let's go." He said, and he and the other Elves left for the fort.

 

**

 

Alef moved through the city of Falkreath, looking for the Admiral of the Stormcloak forces. After some searching, she saw a small crowd of people gathered around just the person she was looking for.

"Rebec," she yelled at her, to get her attention. "We need to talk. It is about the General."

The admiral was looking for an excuse to get away from Falkreath's very worried citizens, having had her ear bent by them for two hours.  "Thank you we'll see to your concerns," she called, extracting herself from their midst.

As she gets to Alef, Rebec's mind turned to other worries.  "Where is the general?  I thought he was meeting with you?  Look, Alef, Samuel has to know that I tried.  Marius can't do anything now, we'll be watching him like a hawk.  If Samuel wants to expose me, he should go ahead and do it.  I warned you that Baldur was stubborn, but I won't cross him, even if it means I lose my command."

"What are you talking about?" Alef looked confused. "I am here to ask you where the General is. I couldn't find him in your camp and he never showed up at the meeting location."

"He went to meet you hours ago."  Rebec flips through possibilities and discards them.  If Baldur had changed his mind, he would have come back to tell her.  The camp had been quiet, so there was nothing to pull him away.  Maybe it was too quiet.  The admiral had started to think that already.  "Did you see any imperials in the area?  Thalmor?"  Baldur only had ten guards with him.  If they captured him...

"No Imperials, but I thought I saw an Altmer in the forest. But with the Priest of Arkay I didn't think much of it. Just another hunter, I thought, but now?" Alef looked more than a little discomforted. "This isn't good. If the Thalmor knew, they could have infiltrated Samuel's network..."

Rebec's anxiety rapidly turned to anger.  "I thought you people were supposed to be all knowing.  Gods damn it, why did you pick such a remote location anyway?!  You have no trouble finding me wherever I'm at."  An idea pricks at the back of the admiral's mind, leading on from what Marius had said about Samuel.  Why such a remote location indeed?  Taking a step back, Rebec pointed a finger at the Dunmer.  "Alef, if this is some kind of trick...  if you laid a trap for him..."

"I'm sorry I don't know everything, but I am not Samuel! I am just trying to do my best here, but I don't have the memory or eye for detail he has," Alef appeared to be on the brink of breaking into tears; her voice cracked and her hand had started to shake, and in her eyes one could see the water start to emerge. "I am just trying to do my job."

Unimpressed, Rebec said, "You still haven't explained why you chose that cave.  Samuel strutted around our camp like he owned it.  If anything happens to the general, I'm holding you and Samuel personally responsible.  I wasn't able to fulfill his little favor, but we could still be useful to your organization and you to us.  Remind Samuel of that, please.  Now excuse me, I have to go try to keep this war from being lost because of your stupid games."

"You are smarter than you look," the orcish voice from her first meeting with Alef came from an alley. Bahgras came out and laid a hand on Rebec's shoulder. "But still wrong. Alef here have no idea what is going on. Samuel altered the location of the meeting after she had written the note to Baldur. The 'remote location' Alef waited at is a clearing an hours walk into Falkreath forest. Hardly a place for an ambush."

Spinning away from the hand on her shoulder, Rebec glared at Baghras.  "Take a walk up that mountain and look towards Pale Pass.  This entire hold is ripe for an ambush.  I want to know where Baldur is, or this meeting is over."  She had started to shake, but fought to keep it under control.  Now more than ever she needed a clear head.

"As far as I know he was captured by the Thalmor," Bahgras said, ignoring her glare and hostile tone. "Whether or not Samuel was involved, I wish I knew. My latest orders suggest otherwise, but one never knows with that man. Here."

She held out a note. It read:

 

Bahgras,

 

Find Alef and inform her that I have taken personal control over the meeting with Baldur. Keep an eye out for Thalmor activity, I have reason to suspect they are hunting me to find the location of General Marius.

 

S

 

The bottom dropped in Rebec's stomach.  Grabbing the letter out of Baghras' hands, she read it quickly, then threw it back as she turned to run.  The admiral called back, "Find him!  I'll do anything you ask." 

 

** 

 

Rebec was halfway back to the Stormcloak camp before she realized that if Samuel really were being chased by Thalmor, his employees wouldn't be wasting time talking to her.  It didn't matter.  The result was the same.  Within the half hour, there were Stormcloak patrols sweeping the forest towards Glenmoril.  Meanwhile Rebec was searching for Witchie, who also was nowhere to be found.

Rebec, in her worrying didn't notice a caped blue figure approaching her, it was Marius, he spoke in a thick professorial tone 

"Ma'em what the hell is happening?"

Rebec looked up from the letter she was hastily writing to Boldir.  A messenger stood nearby waiting to take it.  "You.  I don't have time for you.  Get back to your tent and don't make trouble."  The admiral started writing again and then stopped.  She didn't have a Khajiit's whisker of trust for Marius, but he did know Samuel.

"Marius!  Wait."  Stepping closer, she asked, "Does Samuel have Thalmor contacts?  Does he do business with them, too?"

Marius stared at the admiral with a confused look, "Samuel? Thalmor? He might...that son of a bitch doesn't care who he deals with as long as he gets results, so yes, its more then Likely he does." 

"So you don't know."  Rebec closed her eyes a moment, trying to think.  She had to go from the assumption that the Thalmor now had Baldur, no matter how they got him.  It was long past when he had told her to expect him back.  If they did have him, the imperials would likely want to take advantage of the chaos and try to attack the camp.

Opening her eyes, she regarded Marius suspiciously.  "So was this entire thing a setup?  Did you and Samuel play out this entire drama for our benefit?  And we danced to every part of your tune.  I should have known he was a spy all along.

Marius's narrowed his eyes at the Admiral,

"I have nothing to do with Badlur's disappearance ma'em, the only person to blame is Samuel. I tried to warn you Admiral, this is the price of dealing with that man."

"Yet you say that you dealt with him to get here.  Well, Marius.  Baldur wanted me to give you a chance, so here it is.  Samuel is nearby, and so is Baldur.  They can't have gotten too far.  I'll assign some Grim Ones to you to make sure you don't just run to the imperial camp and tell them what is going on here.  Find Baldur, or find Samuel and get him to tell you where Baldur is, and you can prove your worth to us."

He saluted the Admiral,

"Right away ma'em..."

 

**

 

"Rorek, do we still have contact with Honmund on Solstheim?" Samuel and his companions were near the border to the Reach, on their way to the Pale.

"The Reaver, sir? Yes, he has been working with us for a long time."

"Good. I want a meeting with him, he has a special task to perform."

His companion looked a bit confused. "Why would you want him? You are not going to stay on Solstheim, are you?"

"Of course not. Too close to Skyrim. With the loose ends I had to cut here, there will be some time before I can get to work on this."

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Princesss Dales Moitre
The sanctum of the Witch King
Night

 

Dales Moitre, the imperial princess, was currently lying on a dark altar, in some sort of secret lair, surrounded by "Snake things" , being hosted by a creepy man who's face is cloaked in shadow, and just had some sort of dark ritual performed on her....she was utterly terrified,

I don't feel so good...

Indeed, she felt...sick in the stomach for some reason, and she felt odd...She decided to stand up, and stretch out, which she did. The room she was in felt...bad...unclean. She decided to go for a little stroll. She left the dark room and went to the dark halls, occasionally glancing at the weird "snake things", she kept going until she was at a cross roads, she decided to take the south hall.

The room it lead to a rather large room, not as large as the previous one she had been in. Along the walls was weapon racks filled with swords in a dark metal, not dark enough to be ebony, more like a metal of steel mixed with ebony. Above the swords hanged daggers in their own weapon racks, the daggers looked to be of the same metal as the swords. But in the middle of the room were similar weapon racks, with eight stahlrim swords with middle one missing and nine daggers hanging above the swords and the empty spot. The daggers were the same as the other ones except the one hanging over the empty spot. Its blade were slightly broader and it's cross-guard's ends were slightly bent down towards the hilt.

The princess starred at the Icey material, along with the dark-steel, her eyes we're filled with admiration for the dark beauty,

"So pretty..."

She moved closer to inspect the dark daggers.

She wanted to touch them, but somthing in her gut told her not to. Instead, she merely went in close to inspect them down to every detail. Despite almost no experience with weapons of any kind, she knew they we're very-well crafted, not the cheap stuff issued to the imperial legion, but the real deal.

The princess, despite being intrigued by the dark weaponry, decided to head back to the crossroads, and this time she took the east hall-way.

The princess entered the room, which was quite...empty. Anti-climatically empty. The princess expected to see at least something darkly horrible...infact the only thing in the room was a small golden statue.

The room was as large as the weapons' room but this had chests and tables, that seemed to be meant for display, along the walls. But the chests were open and all them appeared empty. There was nothing in the room except a small table in the middle with a golden statue on it. Upon closer inspection of the statue she could see that it was statue of a woman and it was so perfectly shaped, down to every detail one could almost think it was a real person. She was beautiful with long hair and a soft smile.

The woman wore a dress that was in a style she had never seen before but it had some details similar with nordic fashion. The dress appeared to be royal and fit for a queen.

"Don't touch."

The princess instinctively backed away a good deal before turning around to see the hooded man once again.

He walked up to her and crossed his arms.

"Ummmmmmm...." she stuttered out, along with "Who is the woman in the statue?â€

"That's not important. But I will say that her death was the final reason for why I became who I am."

The princess started looking down to her feet, "What now..."

"Have you been able to figure anything out? Like who I am or rather who I was. And what this place is."

She looked confused for a second, before replying, "No..."

"I had hoped you would be smart enough to figure something out from all the details. Come, I'll give you a brief history lesson so can get perspective on all of this." The hooded man started to walk out the room at a slow pace.

The princess walked behind the hooded man, eager to find out what the hell was going on.

"Before the snow elves made Skyrim their kingdom, nords lived here. But the land was split into many kingdoms and all these kings bickered among themselves. During that time the elves that lived in today's Cyrodiil was slowly expanding into Skyrim from the south. At first they only settled peacefully in little villages along the nords in the forests of Falkreath. But that soon changed and they became more aggressive, sending raiding parties against the nords villages. They later became more daring and sent their raiding parties further north while building new villages where the nords once lived before they drove them away.

I was part of a coven back then, but soon took it over after I got into a disagreement with the three leaders. After that I gathered people with the rallying cry that the elves needed to be driven out of Skyrim. It wasn't soon before I had my own little army that I used to thwart the elves raids and raid their villages. That went on for two decades before the conflict started to escalate, slowly at first. The kings of Skyrim was too busy to bicker among themselves and blaming each other to actually do anything about the elves advance. So I killed them and conquered their lands, uniting Skyrim under my rule. It was soon after my conquest the elves started to increase their hostility and organized skirmishes broke out across the southern border. There was moments of relative peace but it never lasted long before the fighting continued. It went on for 200 years before the conflict stepped up again. Now the elves got more desperate in expanding into Skyrim and their kingdom declared full-scale war on my kingdom. I crushed their first army and then 100 years later I crushed their second attempt. The conflict then continued for a decade but it was only because I sent raiding parties to their villages now, to make sure they knew what they would face if they tried to expand into my land again.

My elite troops were called Wraiths. They were the best fighters in the land and equally as good mages. To become a Wraith one had prove their loyalty and skill in both sword and magic. Once someone had proven their worth they would undergo the initiation, increasing their physical and magical capabilities, as well as binding their will so they couldn't try to rebel. Almost all of them were so loyal they never knew they were bound, only a few ever figured it out.

You are the first to have undergone the initiation without proving your worth and your incompetence is an insult towards my old elite. But you are probably wondering why I forced you to undergo the initiation.

Back then after I had ruled Skyrim for 700 years I decided it was my time leave. I appointed an heir and had my sanctum sealed and hidden. I put myself in a dreamless sleep. How long I slept only the gods know. The oblivion crisis caused a form a rupture to that sleep and I awoke soon after the crisis had ended, weakened. Now almost two hundred years after my awakening I find elves seeking to undo my work, forcing themselves into the very land I had once driven them out of." The hooded man stopped, they had now arrived in the weapons' room. He walked up to the weapon racks by the walls and took down a dagger. He walked then walked up to her, holding the dagger by the blade while reaching it out to her.

"You will aid me in driving them out."

"Driving them out? By why, daddy tells me the dominion are here to help us?"

"You really think so?"

"That's what my dad told me..."

"I remember when your people were slaves to the elves. Your father is a fool that is turning things back to that time."

"My....father a fool? He say's by helping the elves, we're helping us humans...he say's Mede wanted to plunge us into  another blood thirsty war...my father say's he was the fool..."

"What do you really think of the elves? And I don't want to hear what your father told you."

"They-" she paused for a second un-sure if she should talk or not, she had an afraid look.

"They look at you like if you're worth less than them. They squirm for having to answer to someone they believe to be beneath them. Am I right?"

She looked down to her feet once again, before replying, 

"That's true...they always give me weird looks like i'm a bug..."

"And they will enslave or kill you when they no longer find any more need of you."

"Why...why would they do that?"

"Because they think humans are vermin."

"So your saying they want to kill all of us?"

"Kill, enslave, torture. Whatever they feel for. Do you want wear a slave collar while being forced into the bedchamber of some arrogant elf? Or chained to wall deep down in a dungeon while being tortured to death? That is just examples of what the elves did to your people and they'll do it again and more if given the chance."

She looked at the hooded man, once again confused,

"But then why would my father want to help them?"

"Because he's a blind fool. I've seen his kind before. They believe the elves will the elves will ally with them and 'help' them. They just draw the short end of the stick."

"So by doing what my father asked of me...i've been helping them?!" she asked, with a horrified look.

“You're quickening your own demise."

She looked really frightened now, "Is there any way we can stop them?"

"Taking up your new dagger would be a start."

She gulped for a second, and starred at the dark weapon, before nodding and taking the blade from the hooded figure.

"This dagger may not look like much, but it’s enchanted to drain both the life force and magicka of whoever you stab with it. And it will recharge itself when you deal a killing blow with it. But this is just the start. You're a Wraith now and I'm going to make sure you uphold the elites honor."

She nodded, before kneeling, and putting on the best tough voice she could, "I am yours to command my....ummmm, what do you want me to address you as?"

"Sir will do, I'm not the king I once was. Now tell me, you studied with the Synod, right?"

She eagerly nodded her head, "I did sir, for...ten years."

"Who was your teacher?"

"Master Dalton, a female breton." Witchie could see she had a slight blush, Witchie payed no heed.

"When you get back to camp I want you to act like if none of this ever happened. Then you are to send a request to the Synod; asking for Dalton to come and teach you again."

She looked confused for a second before nodding,

"Alright sir."

The hooded man put his hand on her shoulder and before she knew it she was back in the forest. But it was dark now. 

"I chose you because of your position. Now head back to camp and make up an excuse for being gone for so long."

She nodded, but before heading back she heard heavy breathing, it was...Lorgar he was still alive. She instantly rushed to his downed body,

"Sir, this soldier is still alive"

"Then bring him back to camp then, he'll help with the excuse. But now I must leave, I have to see if the Synod still remembers me." A black horse came running up and hooded man mounted it at full speed. And they were soon gone.

 

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Legate Gracchus Ceno, Specialist Eduard, Prefect Lorgar
Fort Pale Pass
Afternoon, after the Princess' return


Gracchus grabbed the attention of a guard, whom he told,

"Go find Specialist Eduard and Prefect Lorgar. I have a special task in mind, and I think those two are perfect for the job."

The guard replied, "Yes sir," before going off to find the men.

Several minutes passed, and the guard returned, with both the men.

Lorgar stood at attention and saluted the officer,

"Sir..."

Eduard nodded to the Legate, signaling that he was paying attention.

Gracchus turned to them and said,

"At ease. You are both excellent at remaining hidden, which is why I contacted you. To take on the Stormcloaks, we'll need to enage in guerrilla tactics until we can take Falkreath. To provide a distraction for General Red-Snow, I would have you two infiltrate Falkreath and assassinate the Jarl."

Gracchus let his words sink in, and awaited his soldiers reply.

Eduard looked slightly puzzled for a split second, and then replied "The Jarl? Yeah, I'd call that a distraction. That's quite the assassination. What do we know about the Jarl?"

Lorgar wore his dark cloak, so Graccus gaze could not pierce it, but he thought he could see...a smile on the prefects face...

"Sounds simple enough sir..."

"It may not be as simple as we'd like. He resides in his longhouse, and is extremely paranoid. Their defenses have received an upgrade, as the Stormcloaks have constructed a wall in our six month absence. There are several dozen guards that I know of. It may do you good to recon a little before you go in there," Gracchus told Eduard and Lorgar.

Eduard almost looked a little insulted. "Yes, of course. Recon is a necessary tool for an assassin. You can't expect to be prepared, if you don't prepare."

Gracchus replied to the men,

"Are you two willing to do it? If so, I'd have you leave as soon as possible. I want this done quickly, so we can move to take Falkreath before we begin running low on supplies."

Lorgar nodded his head,

"Sir I'm ready to leave right now, I just need to get a few things from my tent."

Eduard nodded. "Yes, we'll get to it right away. However, quickly is a matter of opinion. I gotta ask, what's the timeframe your looking at sir?"

"Good. I would prefer the assassination be done by the end of the week. I already have had the Legates pick men for the guerrilla groups, and they should be ready to move out by tomorrow morning. If you don't have any more questions, you are free to leave," Gracchus told the two soon-to-be assassins.

Lorgar saluted his officer and nodded to his partner, before heading out of the war room.

Eduard nodded and headed out of the room. He knew this would probably interfere with his own plans, but he would find a way.

After the two men left, Gracchus began the process of organizing his men to engage the Stormcloaks in guerrilla warfare, in hopes of driving them back, so they could take Falkreath.

Within an hour, the preparations had been made, and Gracchus watched as the guerrilla groups headed off to fight the Stormcloaks.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Boldir and Jodun
Pale Pass
Midnight


Boldir peered above the fallen rock he and Jodun had been crouched behind for the past half hour. They'd managed to slip by the first few sentries outside the pass with ease. They were now hiding right at the eastern fringe of the Imperial camp in the pass. Boldir heard a scream come from the forest and could just make out the shapes of what must've been the men Baldur sent to create a distraction. They were killing the sentinels. He could see confused Imperials hastily crawling out of their tents. Undoubtedly because they thought they were under attack. He nudged Jodun. "They're here. We'll move on my cue."

"No offense, Captain. But I think it'd be wise if you follow my lead. See ahead? They've fortified the pass. It will take some creativity to get past them."
 
"I'm aware. They're further north now than before, but the route I took last time is still an option. When Baldur's men have drawn enough attention, we can move toward that crevice over there. See it? About another twenty feet further, at the ridge, there's a spot that's perfect for climbing. It can get us up on the slope where the archers were during the battle. From there we can sneak a good way through the pass from above, bypassing a lot of the more recent fortifications."

Boldir looked to the north. A small skirmish had broken out. He could now see that Baldur had sent some Grim Ones. "I used this method to get within sight of the fort. But that's as far as it goes. We just need to wait for the soldiers to get riled up enough so we can make the climb unnoticed."

"We'll never get that far. See those archers? They'll see us if we try that. There's too many men up there accustomed to seeing far away and in the dark. Some may even be using night eye spells."

"That's why I chose midnight. Those ain't Dominion. They're just tired Imperials who're pissed that their shift won't end at midnight thanks to the attack. Besides, they're focused on the battle and we're not dressed as Stormcloaks. Hell, unless they have night eye, we could probably make it now. But I'll hear you out. What do you have in mind?"

"It's a little risky, so before I tell it to you, lets test them out and see if you're right. I think the leader there would be more strict after the last attack, so lets find out. Be right back." Jodun left Boldir to himself and temporarily ran off. After about ten minutes, he arrived back with a wild rabbit in his hands.

Boldir saw Jodun reappear shortly before he made it back to the rock. Jodun had been gone long enough for the Imperials to regroup and many more men had arrived to fortify the area.

"Your plan better work. You cost us an important window. I don't think we'll be able to make it to the ledge anymo-" Boldir paused. "A rabbit?"

"Yes, it's a rabbit. Watch." Jodun pushed the rabbit forward into the middle of the path, and used his telekinesis to persuade it to walk forward towards the ridge. At first, the rabbit seemed like it would make it. "Hmm, looks like you may have been rig-, wait."

"Sir, movement over there. Nevermind, it's just a rabbit."

Jodun turned his attention back to Boldir with a worried look. "I was hoping you'd be right. This will require a little risk."

Boldir sighed. "Perhaps if we'd moved ten minutes ago when I suggested, it would've worked. You know, when they were half this number, tired, and distracted? No matter though. What's your plan?"

"Hahaha, you Nords. Always so quick to act. If you were wrong, this whole plan would be squashed. Here, take off your clothes and put it in your pack. Then leave your pack up in that tree. I'll be back."
Jodun took off again once more, and after about another 20 minutes, Jodun returned with two imperials unconscious slumped over his shoulders. Jodun dumped them next to Boldir, and tossed a uniform to Boldir. "I killed two men from the shadows and took these from them. We'll bring these two injured men.."

Jodun took out one of his ebony scimitars and stabbed both of them in their guts and made them gush blood. They weren't dead, but their wounds bled enough so no one would question their condition, "And walk right in to get them healed. Then we slip past the fort, and continue down the pass unhindered. No one will have us report to anyone with these men in the condition that they currently are in. So, what do you think? It seems risky because it involves direct contact, but they won't see us with these helmets on, and it has a high success rate."

This wasn't Boldir's first stealth mission. He knew a lot of the factors involved in remaining undetected. Especially for a large and conspicuous person like himself. He was certain that his plan would've worked. But that window had been a short one. One that they'd missed. Jodun's would have to do. "The wounded soldiers is a nice touch."

Boldir strapped on the Imperial Legion armor. This wasn't the same variant that he'd worn when he was in Skyrim's Legion. It was the heavier and more protective Cyrodil style.

"Bit of a tight squeeze. Sure ya couldn't have found a bigger victim?" Boldir said jokingly. The armor was obviously meant for a man a much smaller than himself. Boldir put on the helmet last. Thankfully, the man must've had a disproportionately large head, as it fit him better.

"Hopefully nobody will notice in the darkness. Let's go." Jodun and Boldir approached the fort with the bleeding men, and the plan was working smoothly. The soldiers asked no questions as they ran past the defenses, and around the fort. The man on Jodun's shoulder began to stir, and when he was sure no one was looking, he elbowed him back into the lands of unconsciousness. When they approached the darkness of the other side of the fort, they dumped the injured men in some bushes and continued further down the path.

"They'll bleed out soon. No need to worry about them. Now, where are we going from here, Boldir?"

Boldir pointed at a high mountain peak further south down the pass. "That's the spot. The guards should be thinner as we get further south Nothing to defend from down there. What sentries they do have posted will be easy enough to deal with."

Boldir and Jodun kept walking. They came across what seemed to be the southernmost fortification. At least as far as Boldir could see. There was just one bored-looking sentry standing guard. Boldir motioned for Jodun to stay back in the shadows as he approached the guard.

"I'm here to relieve you."

Boldir couldn't see the guard's face in the darkness, but he was obviously skeptical.
"Already?."

"This is... It's a punishment. I've gotta take this shift for the rest of the week."

"You too? Sorry to hear it. But I can't say I'm upset. Perhaps you won't hate it as much as I did. Some actually people like this gods forsaken shift."

As the man headed off, Boldir beckoned for Jodun to fall in. The cliffs they'd have to climb were just ahead. They'd be able to travel the rest of the distance from here unhindered, or at least Boldir hoped. It wouldn't make much sense to post lots of men down here with the war to the north. "Time to move. Stick to the shadows along the eastern ridge all the way to the mountain. I don't think there are any more men this far south, but you can't be too careful."

As they made their way to the ridge, Jodun spoke up. "Sorry back there when we were planning on how to get in. You're right, your plan would have worked. I'm just not used to taking orders, and I wanted to stretch my legs so to speak. I'm just too polite to say it straight forwardly, so I had to make up a reason to do it my way." Jodun admitted.

"Don't worry about it," Boldir replied. "You got us through without incident. That's all that matters."
The mountain they were to climb seemed much taller as they approached it. Boldir looked up the side. This would easily take a couple hours. "Now for the fun part."

The climb up the mountain was just as Jodun feared...cold...windy...scary...and very very high. Boldir was making his way up at a steady pace, while Jodun struggled to take even baby steps up. Jodun was uncharacteristically swearing under his breath as he struggled not to look down. "You damn nords and this damn cold weather...stupid cold...stupid wind...stupid mountain! Are we almost there yet Boldir?"

Boldir stopped climbing and looked down at Jodun, who was several feet below. He grinned. "About halfway!"

Boldir reached up and grabbed ahold of a narrow crevice, about a foot wide and maybe two yards long, and pulled himself up. He stood with his back pressed against the mountain. This would be a good spot to take a breather. He put his fingers into a crack and grabbed into it to hold himself steady as he crouched down and extended a hand to Jodun. "We can rest here for a minute if you want."

Jodun was relieved to be able to finally take a rest, so he tried hurrying up to get to Boldir. In his haste, his foot slipped, and he was dangling from his arms just out of Boldir's reach.

"Shiiit!"

Jodun having no other choice pulled out one of his scimitars, and stabbed it into the mountainside above himself, then used his telekinesis to force it in further. Then he grabbed the hilt and used it to pull himself up, and he pulled out his other scimitar and did the same thing. Jodun called out to Boldir with the voice of a terrified boy. "Pull me up, damnit!"

Boldir had to lean down a little further than he was comfortable doing. He stretched his hand down as far as he could. Jodun's hand was still just out of reach.

"Damnit! Hold on!" Like you have a choice.

Boldir laid down on his stomach, his body spanned the entire length of the crevice and then some, with his feet hanging off. He reached up and grabbed the crack again with his right hand and leaned his left side over the edge. He extending his left hand and grabbed Jodun by the forearm.
"Gotcha!" Boldir pulled Jodun up. As he did, he used his right hand to pull himself up onto one knee and make room for Jodun, who looked visibly shaken. Boldir turned and sat with his back against the mountainside and his feet dangling off the edge. "If that break wasn't warranted before, it is now."

Jodun after a couple of minutes regained his composure, and used his telekinesis spell to pull his swords back out of the mountain from below the ridge. They finally gave, and caused rock and ice to be pulled out and fall below. Jodun grabbed his weapons and sheathed them once more

"Thank you, Boldir. Perhaps we could leave the uh, screaming part of this story out if we live to tell it? And the swearing. We should leave that out too. My men think my composure is unbreakable...I didn't know I was afraid of heights until now..."

Boldir grinned. "You must be delusional Commander. I heard no screaming or swearing."

"Hehehahahaha! Heh, You nords...I almost died and you're making jokes. Crazy sonsa bitches. You're alright, Boldir. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my normal disposition of politeness. Just in case I get too used to this. Keeping our composure and limiting our speech to civility helps keep us calm and disciplined. You need both to master our form of swordsmanship. Calm, discipline, and focus. All of which can be lost at any time if you don't practice self control at all times."

At first, Boldir thought Jodun was joking. After working with Baldur so long, he was surprised by this Redguard's strict way of life. "By Shor, and to think people see me as strict! Skyrim may just do you some good Commander."

"Right now, what will do me good is blowing this pass and getting back on flat ground. So I say lets get this done, if that is of course alright with you, Captain."

"You're right, break time's over. We've still got a good distance to cover." Boldir carefully stood back up and turned. He felt for a good crevice and grabbed ahold. He pulled himself up and resumed his climb. He looked back down at Jodun. "Try not to fall."

"No promises, Captain."

 

***


Boldir and Jodun carefully made their way up the mountain without another incident. The climb took every bit of an hour. Boldir reached a good flat spot near the peak and pulled Jodun up behind him. Boldir looked down at the fort and the camp far below. If they hurried, they could be out of the pass by dawn. He unslung the bag he'd been carrying and brought set it down several feet from the ledge.

"This spot will do. So how do we set this stuff off safely?"

"It's simple." Jodun took the bags and placed two fire runes on them. "I'm no wizard, but my brother was. He taught me this spell, which helped me set this powder off safely from a distance in the past. All I need to do is place this rune on the bags like so, and then we walk away to a safe distance, and I set them off by releasing the seals. Normally this is a very powerful spell, but since I'm not proficient in destruction magic, all I can manage is puffs of fire. Now we'll leave, and I'll set them off when we're far enough away."

"Sounds good. Now let's get away from those bags. I'm not saying I don't trust your abilities, but I'll feel a lot safer when we're not anywhere near the spot we just prepared to blow up. Don't get hasty going back down. People say it's easier. Most of those people either have never climbed a mountain or are dead. Now let's get going. "

The two began their descent. They moved down a little more slowly than they moved up. They had to feel for climbing spots with their feet rather than their hands, which was a much more difficult task. About two hours of climbing with only one stop later, they reached the bottom.

After moving forward a ways, Boldir and Jodun heard some voices hid behind a large rock. Boldir could see three new sentries had taken up the spot he'd originally tricked the first into leaving. They must've realized that the first man had been tricked. "We won't get past those three. The first guy would've told them everything and they'll be expecting us. I bet one has a horn  ready at a moment's notice."

"Boldir...look ahead. This is not good, at all."

Jodun pointed in the opposite direction of the pass that led over to Cyrodiil. In the distance the two could see a massive amount of dust being kicked up. It was a tell tale sign of enemy forces approaching. "We need to hurry. If we blow the mountainside now, we may be able to catch some of those soldiers in the avalanche. But it won't get all. They're approaching too quickly."

Boldir couldn't believe the timing. "Okay, the explosion will distract the guards, and we can lose them amidst the many in the camp. Do it."

Jodun stretched his hands out before him, and let his palms face forward. After a few seconds, fire gathered in the palms of his hands, and Jodun closed his fists around them and pulled his arms back. He then shot his arms forward as if he was casting a fireball, and the fire in his hands dissipated. At first, nothing happened, and Jodun wondered if he failed at releasing the wards, but then a loud explosion from above went off from the direction of the bags. A few seconds later, the ground started shaking violently as if all of Nirn would explode. Jodun lost his balance and almost fell, but he regained his balance, and looked on in bewilderment as he watched the mountain shed it's great wedding gown upon the ground below it.

Boldir held onto the rock they'd been behind for support. He watched in awe as the destructive mass of snow and rock toppled down into the pass. He could swear he heard some screams coming from the mass of snow and rock. 

I guess we took out a few reinforcements in the process. Not bad. Would've been even nicer if we'd been five minutes earlier.

Boldir and Jodun turned away and sprinted back north through the pass, ignoring the screaming guards. As they ran, they could hear the three sentries hollering at them, but they ran on past. Boldir heard the whistle of a single arrow fly well over his head. As they ran, more and more troops passed by them heading south, curious as to what could have possible just happened to create such a loud sound. He knew that there was no hope that the guards could ever find them in this mass.

They slowed down after they'd passed the fort and the main portion of the camp. They retrieved their gear in the bags they'd hidden and turned the bend near the edge of the pass. There were lots of archers posted to block the exit. Probably thanks to the assaults from earlier.

"Got any ideas Jodun?"

Jodun ran forward towards the archers and yelled at them as Boldir asked the question. "What are you all waiting for?? We need help! Some of the reinforcements are injured, and we'll need every man to assist, hurry! Two of you keep up there to warn us in case of any intruders, we'll go and get more men from out of the pass to help!"

"Who in the hell are you to boss us-"

"It's a damn emergency! Move your asses, or the Legate will have your hide! Did you not hear all that? It's an avalanche!" After Jodun's little act, the men did as he said and ran off in the direction of the avalanche, leaving Boldir and Jodun to continue. "After you, Captain."

Boldir grinned. "You're good." Boldir lead the way out of the pass and back into the woods of Falkreath. Behind them, the sky was thick with kicked up snow that had been caught in the mountain winds.

"Not bad for our first raid."

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Osgumund, Valindil, and Baldur
Fort Pale Pass Interrogation Chambers
night

 

Valindil wasted no time at all making his way back to the fort, and he made his way straight to the Interrogation Chambers, while some of the other Elves told Osgumund what had happened. Osgumund was quite impressed with his friend.

 

“Valindil, I can help you interrogate the General, but I must go to the Inquisitor’s Manor at once. As you know, the Princess has been missing for days now. I couldn’t care less what happens to her, honestly. I am going to take this chance and claim the title of High-Inquisitor for myself!â€

 

“Well, that’s very ambitious of you, Osgumund. I, on the other hand, have my work cut out for me as well. I have to get any and all information from this general, but I also have some plans to make with Gracchus.â€

 

“Very well, let’s go. I plan on leaving in the morning.†Osgumund said, and he followed Valindil to where Baldur was being kept.

 

The amount of anger Baldur felt when he was paralyzed was unbearable for him. He wanted to at least let Samuel know what he thought of him before the elves took him away, but the paralysis spell would not even allow him to do that. By the time he finally got to this prison, he had already mentally calmed down. He knew he'd need the strength to last as long as he possibly could. Ulfric had told him the stories of what the Thalmor did to their prisoners. Baldur for the first time in his life was truly afraid. Not for himself, but for what he may say inevitably in the custody of the elves. He was now gagged, stripped of his armor and clothes, and hanging from his arms shackled in the middle of a torture room. Baldur waited in silence, his mind calm. Ready for whatever may come, and ready to do what he must to not give in.

 

Osgumund and Valindil were sitting behind a desk that was filled with papers. There were a few guards in the room near the door to prevent the prisoner from escaping, or to intervene when things went bad. There waere also a few scribes in the background who wereto write everything that was said.

 

"Mr. General, I'm not here to harm you. I just want informaiton. You have, no doubt, heard the stories of the infamous Thalmor interrogator, Rulindil. Well, I am not like him. My rules here are simple: answer the questions, and you will be allowed to be with the other prisoners; have some company. You don't answer our questions, you go into solitary confinement. You go so far as to insult, try to escape, or you talk back to us, and I'm afraid I will have to turn you over to Valindil here. Do we have an understanding?" Osgumund said. He wrote something on a piece of paper in front of him.

 

Baldur wanted to be defiant, but Ulfric warned him against it in their hypothetical discussion of if he were ever captured. He told him to comply as long as he could without answering sensitive questions. If he let his nord blood get the best of him, the situation would quickly escalate, and the physical coercion would begin. Then...it was only a matter of time.

 

"I understand." said Baldur, forcing himself to keep the venom out of his voice.

 

"Good," Osgumund said calmly. There was a moment of silence, and the only thing that could be heard was the sound of the scribes' pens. After a while, Osgumund continued, "so tell me, general, how many men would you say the Stormcloak army here in Falkreath cnosists of?"

 

Baldur wasn't sure how he should reply at first. He knew if he lied, the elf would know, and he knew he couldn't tell the truth.

 

"I don't know. We have men and women. We don't keep a tally of just men and women separately. Be more specific."

 

If Osgumund was even slightly annoyed, he did a good job of hiding it. He was used to interrogating people and was very familiar with prisoners avoiding questions.

 

"How many individual persons are under your leadership? This includes man, woman, Mer, beast, et cetera."

 

"Why do you dislike Talos so much?"

 

"Do not avoid questions, general. We have already been over the rules. Now please, answer my question." Osgumund said.

 

"I answered your first question. The least you can do is answer mine in good faith."

 

"That's not how it works. You answer our questions under our terms. Now, how many individuals are under your command? Men, women, Mer, or beasts."

 

"We have no beasts or beast races in our forces that I am aware of."

 

"Whatever, that's not important. Moving on: tell me about the recent movements of your army."

 

"Recently we moved some men to Falkreath hold and we attacked Pale Pass."

 

Osgumund wrote something down and proceeded. "Where is your current camp located?"

 

"In Skyrim."

 

He sighed. "Can you give a more precise location? Where in Falkreath Hold is it locate?"

 

"Tell you what, can you level with me? You and I both know that I'd rather not betray my men. And you and I both know I'm not getting out of here, and I'll likely talk eventually, so I want to make this easy on myself. You guess some locations in the hold, and I'll tell you if you're hot or cold. Deal? It's the only way I'll be able to answer your question, sir. My nord pride will only allow me to answer your question if I display at least some minor resistance."

 

"Near the mill? Half-Moon Hill I believe it is called? Somewhere near the city of Falkreath?"

 

"Cold."

 

"Somewhere in Eastern Falkreath?"

 

"Still cold."

 

"Western Falkreath?"

 

Baldur gave a bored sigh before he spoke.

 

"Cold! You're not very good at this."

 

"Is it in the south? Southern Falkreath?"
 

"I thought you'd have gotten it by now. It's cold everywhere in Skyrim."

 

"General, I am done playing games with you. I will ask you one last time: where in Skyrim is your camp?"

 

"We don't have a camp. We're based in fort Neugrad. I thought that would have been obvious."

 

Baldur made sure he held back his smile. If he bought his lie, the Thalmor would walk right into the bandits that he had occupy the fort.

 

"Thank you for cooperating. We were, in fact, aware of your presence at Fort Neugrad." There was a silence again for a few moments while Osgumund and the scribes were writing.

 

"How many people in your army openly worship Talos? A few? All of them? More importantly, do you worship Talos?"

 

Good, a question I can answer truthfully.

 

"Do you really have to ask? Likely EVERY nord in my army worships Talos. And I'm sure you found my amulet of Talos in my pack, right? As for Dunmer, they don't really care a great deal about Talos. Their religion is based around what they call the Tribunal. I'm sure you know that already."

 

There was another pause.

 

"Where is you camp, really." Osgumund asked again, obviously not satisfied with the generals' previous answer.

 

Shit. He's sharper than I thought.

 

"I already told you I don't have a camp. Why would I need a camp when we have a perfectly good fort that I can use?"

 

"I am only going to ask one more time. If you fail to answer, I will be forced to hand you over to Valindil. My contacts tell me that you are no longer based in Neugrad or Helgen, so you cannot get away with those answers."

 

Valindil now had a twisted smile on his face at the thought of taking over the interrogation.

 

Well, that didn't go well. I need to prepare my mind.

 

Baldur shut his eyes closed, and allowed his mind to wander, making sure not to think on thoughts that would make his situation more painful. He let his mind drift back to Sovngarde, and to the smells of roasted ox heads, and other meats. The warm light of the Hall of Valor, beckoning him to cross the treacherous bridge of whale bones. This is the memory Baldur would focus on to steel himself as well as he could. But no man can truly prepare himself for the methods of the accursed Thalmor. Or at least that's what Ulfric told Baldur.

 

Valindil, who had until now been quiet, said, "maybe this will help?"

 

He took out a small bundle that had what looked to be wedges of iron in them. "These are used to wedge into the skin, under the fingernails. If you continue to resist, I will be forced to use them." He now had a large smile on his face.

 

He tossed the wedges into the hot embers of the fire. He would heat them up before he used them. "Your choice. You can keep up with your stubbornness, or you can give us the information we want the hard way. It would be a great shame if you could no longer weild your precious Nord weapons." He said, in a twisted tone.

 

"Do that, and I'll be forced to bite my tongue off. Your move."

 

Baldur began to sweat profusely. The thought of the pain was something his face could hide, but not his body.

 

"Besides. I'm not getting out of here. What good is wielding a weapon in here?"

 

"Do that and I'll be forced to give you the slowest death posssible!" Valindil said. Osgumund, starting to sweat now, glanced nervously towards the rack that was nearby. Oh gods no. I can't witness another torture. Please Auri-El, give me an excuse to leave. Please!

 

"Besides," Valindil continued, "well, Braignir?"

 

A Bosmer stepped forward.

 

"Braignir has been trained in blood magic. The magic that allows you to control a person's limbs. Braignir, please demonstrate."

 

"With pleasure, sir." Another soldier brought a prisoner over and sat him in a chair direclty in front of Baldur. The prisoner's feet were tied in front of him, while his hands were left untouched. Braignir approahced the man and worked his magic. At first, the man's face twisted horribly. He tried to let out a cry of pain but he found it impossible to do so. He was forced to choke back his cry of pain. A tear appeared under his eye.

 

The man became extremely stiff, and his hands reached down to his feet. He tried to resist, but the pain that came when he resisted was too much to bear. Braignir then forced him to untie his own feet. When he forced the man to stand up, he switched spells and with some dark power, quickly forced the man into the wall. He kept forcing him into the hard stone wall with his magic. After what seemed like a long time, Braignir let the spell go. The man fell to the ground in an instant, and he let out a loud, blood-curdling shriek of pain. The tears were streaming now.

 

Valindil was smiling. "You see, scum? We can easily prevent you from biting your tongue off. Just do what we say, and you don't need to end up like this poor fellow here. Take him away!"

 

Several soldiers came and picked the man up off the floor. One of them hit the man on the head with the handle of his mace to shut the man up.

 

Baldur grew sick at the cruelty that was just put on display in front of him. He heard stories...but seeing them was like falling into Quagmire and witnessing the nightmares firsthand. The man that was just brutalized urinated himself, and it's strong thick stench, the kind that could only come from a combination of dehydration and fear, flooded Baldur's nostrils, along with the stench of sweat from himself.

 

"Nice scare tactics there, but I'm a General, not some random prisoner. Your betters would have you gutted if you did any damage that could cause psychological harm. You need my information. It would be different if you were just converting me, but that isn't the case. If you're going to torture me, it's not going to be to that extent. But if I'm wrong, then show me. I look forward to watching you get gutted by your own kind."

 

Valindil laughed out loud. "We are an inquisition! This is war! You're right, I would maybe get a slap on the wrist, but I'm sure no one would object. Right Osgumund?"

 

"Um, right." He replied.

 

"Don't think we would treat you any differently just because you're a general." Valindil continued. "All the same, you are a Talos worshiper, and you are a human; your life is disposable. You want us to treat you like we would treat one of our own, then renounce Talos. Right now. Otherwise, it's these." He waved the wedges. "Your choice. You have five minutes to think. We'll be waiting."

 

"I have to go outside, Valindil." Osgumund said. His face was bright red and he was sweating like crazy now. He left the room.

 

Looks like I have a choice. Pretend to renounce Talos, and basically do exactly what I criticized the Imperial supporters for doing, but save myself some much needed precious time, or do the stupid thing and refuse. I wonder what Ulfric did. What would Boldir do? I'll likely never see him again, not until he dies and joins me in the afterlife. I'll never taste a cool mug of mead...feel the fresh crisp air of my home upon my face...And...I'll never see...

 

Shuttup you moron, stop thinking that way!

 

Baldur bit down on his lip until he could taste blood in his mouth, to calm himself. Then he went back to his thoughts of Sovngarde, and left his previous thoughts in the back of his mind.

 

You filthy milkdrinker. Steel yourself. Besides, all of those things will be awaiting me in Sovngarde. Including Boldir and Rebec. One day.

 

"The clock is ticking." Valindil said.

 

Baldur had not yet reached a decision. Ulfric never told him what to do when this part of the interrogation came. Baldur decided to wait until the last minute. He would know what to do then. He decided to stay silent until then.

 

"Time's up. What will it be? The easy way or the hard way? All you have to do is give up Talos and your information."

 

"What if I just told you the information instead?"

 

"If you went along with us, we would keep you here for a while, then we would send you to some remote location like Elsewyr or Valenwood. You would still be a prisoner of war, but you would be treated fairly and have living quarters that suit a general. After the war is won by the Imperials, you would be released, free to go wherever you want. You would, of course, be watched."

 

"However, if you Nords win the war, you will remain in custody indefinitely."

 

"Fine, I'll give you the information if it means I won't have to renounce Talos just yet. The camp...is..."

 

Baldur gave it a few pauses to make it sound authentic.

 

"The...camp is...in riften hold, just at the border to Falkreath hold. It's North East of Fort Neugrad where the Imperial Camp used to be."

 

It always helps the lie when it has pieces of the truth, which is why he picked another Imperial camp as his fake location.

 

"I swear to you it's there."

 

"I don't believe you. Tell me the truth. NOW! There's no way it is in The Rift, so you have one more chance to tell me the truth." Valindil said with force and annoyance.

 

"That is the truth! Think about it, its not a place you'd expect it to be right? That's exactly why I picked that location! It's not that far away from Falkreath anyway."

 

"You honestly want me to believe you sent a whole army through the mountains to get here? Yeah right. Bring out the stocks!"

The room was in a hurry now. Elves ran this way and that. A table and chairs were brought forth, while Baldur was untied and re-tied to the chair. Valindil sat across from him and readied the wedges, while Braignir stood at the ready to make sure Baldur didn't try anything. His hands were locked to the stocks that sat on the table.

 

I'm a terrible liar.

 

We drink to our youth, to days come and gone, for the age of oppression is now nearly done.

 

We'll drive out the Thalmor from this land that we own. With our blo-

 

"uaaaAAAAAAAAAAAh!"

 

"UhahauuahaaAAAaaagghh!!!!!!!"

 

The wails of anguish that his body let out didn't even sound like his voice to him. The smell of burnt flesh from his right pinky finger under his nail lingered and mixed with the urine from earlier, and made Baldur lose his stomach contents, which fell from the side of his cheeks on the table along with his tears. Baldur thrashed around uncontrollably, which caused the iron stocks to cut into his wrist and ankles. After a few minutes of this, Baldur passed out from the otherworldly pain that he was just put through.

 

After the general passed out, Valindil could hear noise coming from outside. "What is that? Tell me now!!!"

"Sir, I think we are under attack!" One of the guards said.

"Dammit! You five!" Valindil pointed to four soldiers. "Take the general to his cell, I want him to have Cell #44. You too, Braignir. Guard him with your life!"

Cell number 44 was also known as the" hidden cell", as it was in a hidden hallway under a trapdoor, that was covered by a loose stone. It was for the prisoners who needed to be guarded and watched 24/7, and Valindil knew that if the Stormcloaks were indeed trying to take the fort again, he would make his last stand trying to protect the general.

He then ran off with the rest of the soldiers to see what was going on.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Boldir and Jodun
Skybound Watch
Pre-Dawn

 

Boldir threw off the Imperial armor and fell onto his cot as soon as he and Jodun arrived back Skybound. He would've been content to stay there until morning, had he not been interrupted by a Stormcloak courier not a minute later.

"Sir, I've got a message for you from the Admiral. She says that it's urgent."

Boldir sat up. "Bring it here, then."

The man handed him the letter and watched as Boldir opened it and read over the contents. His face grew dark immediately at the first line.


Boldir,

I think the Thalmor have captured Baldur.  He went to meet Moon Balls' associate at Glenmoril Coven, along with 10 redguard.  None have reported in.  Moon Balls may have played us. I've got command of the camp but when the imperials realize they have our general, they could attack.  I want to send Witchie to scout their camp but can't find him either.  Finish whatever you're doing and get back here if you can.

R.

"What the fuck?!" Boldir stood up and immediately began putting on his armor. The courier looked nervous. 

"Do you want me to bring her a reply sir?"

"No." Boldir left him and headed through the tunnel to find Jodun, who was sitting up in his own cot. "Jodun, I'm leaving. I need you to take over here. You're now in charge of my half of the forces as well as your own. I'm sure you can handle it."

Jodun didn't bother trying to hide his confusion. "What is it now? Was the camp attacked?"

"No. Baldur's gone missing. Rebec thinks it was Thalmor. I'm sorry, I don't have time to give details Jodun. I have to go now."

Not waiting for a response, Boldir hurried out of the tunnel and up into the abandoned south tower. He set off for the Stormcloak camp at a run.

 

***


Rebec spent the night through and the next morning listening to the patrols report in and sending more teams out.  She made the rounds of all the sentry posts and Falkreath town's defenses as well.  The reports were always the same: Nothing and nothing.  There was no sign of imperial attack, but no sign of Baldur, either.

As the morning wore on with no change, she withdrew to an old dragon burial mound near the Stormcloak camp.  The men avoided it, and it was the only place she could think of where she could get a moment's peace.  A pair of Grim Ones had started tailing her, acting as her bodyguards, and they refused her order to go do something more useful.  It was their way of showing regret for not having done the same for Baldur, so she let them be.  They remained a short distance away as Rebec went to the rim of the dragon pit and lit a cigarette.


After Boldir arrived at the camp, he went to the nearest man he saw. It was a Necro Nord. "Have you seen the Admiral?"

"I think she's still up at that Dragon buri-"

He never finished, as Boldir had already bounded back into the woods. He spotted two Necro Nords near wherehe knew the clearing that housed the mound was located. "Is Rebec up here?" They nodded and pointed to the mound.

Boldir slowed down as he approached Rebec. Who was on top of the mound holding a cigarette. He stopped to take a breath. He'd just ran several miles in full armor and hadn't even realized how exhausted he was until now. He walked over beside Rebec and sat at the edge of the mound. He couldn't find the words he wanted to say. Mostly because he was exhausted. Boldir put his hands behind his head to help open up his lungs a bit. "Rebec... What happened?"

Rebec had seen the big Nord charging up the hill towards her, and a weight went off her shoulders at the sight.  "By Ysmir, Boldir, am I glad to see you.  Thank you for coming so quickly.  There's no news, I'm afraid.  They could be taking him anywhere in Skyrim, or to Cyrodiil, gods forbid.  It's as I wrote you, he went to meet Samuel and never came back.  Samuel's employees tried to tell me that the Thalmor were after Samuel, too, but I think it was a trick.  It doesn't add up."

"He's not in Cyrodil. Made sure of that last night. Has anyone searched that Glenmoril place yet?"

"Yes.  There were some footprints and fresh blood, but no bodies.  The blood is probably from his guards.  I don't think the Thalmor would kill him.  They'd want him alive."  The hand lifting the cigarette to Rebec's mouth shook.  Softly she said, "I did this.  He went there for me."

"Damnit!" Boldir's mind was racing. If Baldur had been captured last night, he couldn't be far. The only logical place for him to be taken was Pale Pass. A group of Thalmor capable of taking out an entire escort wouldn't be safe for long anywhere else in Skyrim. "It doesn't matter why he went there. All that matters is where he is now." He paused for a moment. "He has to be in Pale Pass." Boldir stood up. "I'm going after him."

"You think I haven't wanted to do the same thing since the moment I realized what must have happened?  Go charging up Pale Pass and then they'll have you, too!"  Her tone had turned angry, but it was just fear and helplessness talking.
Calming herself, the admiral went on, "Witchie is the only one who can get in and out of there unseen, and Kyne only knows where he is.  I've thought of..." She stopped, half ashamed of the idea.  "Of offering them Marius.  He's the only prisoner we've got who's valuable enough to trade for Baldur."

"This is the Thalmor. They don't give a damn about Marius. Not like Baldur. He knows more than anyone but Ulfric himself. Hell, he knows more when it comes to Falkreath."

Boldir could his eyes sting. He quickly turned away and blinked it away. "This is my brother Rebec. I'm not going to sit here and wait while the Thalmor are doing gods know what to him! I can get into Pale Pass. Talos knows I've done it enough times this week."

Rebec pinched out her cigarette, and turned to face him.  Her eyes were bruised from lack of sleep and from breaking down at least once when she found a quiet spot and a tree to hide behind.  "Boldir, you know as well as I do that in the next few days- even as strong as Baldur is- they'll have everything they can get out of him and he'll be of no more use to them.  Marius is more valuable than you think.  He knows a lot of secrets about their inner workings."
Her voice turned pleading.  "Please, Boldir.  I need you here, and I need you to hold together.  I believe an attack is imminent.  We may not even have time to get an offer to them. I'm not a general, I've never commanded on land before this.  The men don't really trust me, not deep down.  I'm not one of you."

"Please don't do this to me, Rebec. Don't try to guilt me into staying. If you need help, ask Jodun. But don't you try to make me feel like these people suddenly out of the blue need me. They don't and you don't. What needs to be done right now is finding Baldur, and that's what I'm going to do."

Rebec's eyes flashed with genuine anger.  "Yes, you might find him.  When you're in the cell right next to him.  This isn't about guilt, or about your friendship with Baldur.  Do you think I don't care about him?  It's about your  fucking responsibility!  That is to your men and you know it.  It's what Baldur would tell you, and it's what I'm telling you.  Now pull yourself together and supervise the removal of our forces to Falkreath, while we still have some forces left.  I'm going to go have Marius arrested and send truce messengers out to offer the trade."

"You know that won't work Rebec! They won't trade Baldur for Marius. Especially not before they've gotten what they need from him. And I trust he is strong enough to hold out for at least a damn day. We aren't going to let him stay in there that long. My responsibility is to Skyrim. If those elves break him, that'll be worse for Skyrim than my absence. Rebec please, use Jodun. I can't leave him in there without at least trying."

She snorted and shook her head.  "The gods gave the elves pointy ears and the Nords pinheads.  Boldir, think this through.  You're going to go into Pale Pass alone, and sneak into the Thalmor prison alone, when you don't even know where it is- and then what?  You don't exactly blend in!  Jodun is an outsider, too.  Our men are still nursing their wounds from the battle and now they're spooked about Baldur being missing.  They know there's another battle coming.  What am I going to tell them when they ask where you are?"
Rebec stopped, pondering.  "If this is going to work at all, we'd have to attack the imperials in force as a distraction.  More men will die, but another battle was coming anyway."  Her face paled and she turned away, then had to crouch down to keep from fainting and pitching into the dragon pit.  Head in her hands, she said, "I can't do this.  I can't make a decision now.  Not without at least an hour of sleep.  Every time I've tried, I see him."

Boldir knew Rebec was right. His judgement was being clouded by the loss of his brother. He knew that he wouldn't likely come back and he knew the consequences of leaving Rebec to do this alone. But the image of his brother being tortured by the Thalmor would not leave his mind. "Take an hour to rest on it if you need Rebec. You could use it."

I'm sorry.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Honmund

Solstheim, Bloodskaal Burrow

3 days after Marius joining the Stormcloaks

 

He chuckled, much to the surprise of the small group of men who visited him. Honmund has just been told that he was under arrest on the authority of House Redoran by some of these pretentious 'Redoran Guard'. The same Guard who had failed to do anything about him and his group getting their hands on some large shipments of ebony from Raven Rock Mine. The same Guard who now had sent a small group of men to put him under arrest. Four people to take him out. At the heart of his stronghold. Morons.

 

"Arrested, am I?" Honmund replied and continued to polish the head of his axe, standing with his back turned to the visitors. He could hear his own men assembling on the other side of the entrance. "Well, that is inconvenient. No money to be made from the Bulwark cells."

 

"There will be no cell for you; you will be sent to the mainland to stand trial," the leader of the Redoran Guard group took a step forward, with his blade drawn. "Now, come with us or face summary execution right here."

 

"Hmm, that is hardly a fair choice to give me. I mean, I am at the losing end, regardless of what I chose," he shifted his grip on the axe ever so slightly. It wouldn't be noticed, but allow him to get in a surprise attack. In a moments time, the Redoran Guard would see their leader without a head, followed by their own quick deaths.

 

"You're a criminal scum. You'll get what you deserve."

 

"Yes, I suppose I will. But not today, I fear. Today I add some helmets to my collection."

 

Before anyone could move, Honmund, and his axe, had swung around to face them. The bonemold helmet gave in to the force behind the edge and blood quickly started to tickle out. By the time the other Redoran Guards had gotten to react, Honmunds Bloodaxe had found the chest of one of the other ones. The two remaining ones unwillingly took several steps away from him in fear. When faced with someone who effortlessly cleaved through their armor, even the bravest fighter would get second thoughts.

 

"So," Honmund said and followed each of their steps, to remain at the same distance. "Are you going to return to Captain Veleth and tell him that the Redoran Guard doesn't have the advantage of skill and equipmet, or do I have to send your torn armor to him to show it doesn't stand up to my trusty Bloodaxe?"

 

"Come on," one of them whispered, half loud, to the other one. "Live to fight another day sound better than dying right here. The Captain will need all the men he can get if he is to take this guy down. Two extra soldiers can make a difference when the time comes."

 

"Fine," the other one said, to Honmund. "We'll leave, but this isn't over."

 

"Of course not, I am still alive and I am still making money of your ebony."

 

The visitors ran out of the door as fast as they could, followed by mocking calls from Honmunds own men.

 

"So, you had your fun?" a woman of nordic blood came into the room.

 

"Yes, I did. These Redoran Guard think themselves great warriors, yet they are surprisingly easy to kill and intimidate. I had hoped Captain Veleth himself would have showed up. He is supposed to be a very skilled an experienced warrior. Then again, if he trained these people..."

 

"Yes, I am sure you'd leave him in a pool of his own blood, but we have something we need to take care of: One of the other bands have started to break in on your territory. Led by a Dunmer battlemage, form what I hear."

 

A wide grin spread across Honmunds face. "Then get my usual group together. We are going on a hunt."

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Legate Gracchus Ceno, Colonel Valindil
Fort Pale Pass
Morning


The explosion from last night, and the mayhem caused from its ensuing avalanche resulted in Gracchus to not receive any sleep whatsoever. He had spent most of the night yelling at sentries, visiting the medical ward, and trying to figure out how they did it. Eventually, he gave up, instead just bumping up the number of sentries, hoping that would solve the issue.

On his way back to the Fort, Gracchus ran into the Thalmor, Valindil.

"How goes the Talos hunting," asked Gracchus.

"Talos hunting? Quite well, actually. Why do you ask?"

"Hahaha you Thalmor are always looking for your next victim. No reason, actually, just making small talk. I heard that Osgumund left last night, to the Imperial City I believe. So that means you must be in charge now. Good, if you'll follow me to the war room, I have some plans I'd like to run by you," said Gracchus, trying to get off the topic of Talos worshippers.

"Yes, I believe he did leave. He never said goodbye though, I wonder if there was a note..." Valindil followed Gracchus.

Gracchus and Valindil walked along the dusty corridors of the old Akavari fort, until they arrived at the war room. The table occupying the center was covered with maps, and Gracchus pulled out the largest one, containing the entirety of the Falkreath hold.

"Well Valindil, now that the pass is blocked off, it is imperative that we take Falkreath, and its food stores. To do that, we will also need to take out Helgen and Fort Neugrad, which have been given over to bandits, so as to harass us without the Stormcloaks wasting men," Gracchus motioned to both places on the map while he talked, before continuing.

"My plan, which is already in place, is to push the Stormcloaks back using guerrilla fighters, until they are forced to withdraw to Falkreath. Then, you and your Thalmor troops are to be sent to take out Helgen and Fort Neugrad, while my men besiege Falkreath. If I may ask, how many men do you have at your disposal, now that those reinforcements arrived?" Gracchus asked the Altmer.

Valindil nodded, showing he understood. "I now have 2,550 men under my command. Here's a question I have though: once I take the forts, am I to stay there, or should I come join the siege?"

"Good. That many men should be plenty to take out those bandits. In regards to whether you should stay or join the siege, that is really what I wanted to talk to you about. I think it would be best if you stayed and garrisoned both places, until we finish the siege, then we'll need have those places to fall back to when we try and take Whiterun. What do you think?" Gracchus asked Valindil.

"Are you absolutely sure that you won't need my help? I mean, even though most of my men are archers and warriors, they still know more about magic than the novice mage."

"The siege will take some time, so if we need reinforcements or help, we can always send for you. But holding onto both places is imperative for the next part of our advance, so keeping control of them is your primary duty," Gracchus told Valindil.

"I understand. I will leave tomorrow morning; we must prepare for the journey."

"That won't be necessary. I have my guerrilla fighters set to return within the week, hopefully with news on the troop movements. If they have moved into Falkreath already, then we will move forward with the attack. If not, then we will wait until their troops are depleted enough that they have to move into Falkreath. Their General, Red-Snow I believe, is a bright one, and he won't move his troops until he thinks it is absolutely necessary. If you don't have any questions, you can start on the preparations, but I don't want you leaving until we are sure they have moved into Falkreath," said the Legate. 

"Well if we have a week, why not have some fun with the enemy? The power of our battlemages combined could certainly muster up a large storm, large enough to pester the enemy's movements, no? What do you say? And, did you not know? We have had their general since last night." Said Valindil.

"What? He is here? When did this happen?" Gracchus asked, almost exasperated.

"Yes, he just arrived yesterday night. I'm afraid there is little chance you can see him though, because he is a Thalmor prisoner and all."

"Aw, well, yes, I understand. This changes things quite a bit, though. If they are without him, than they may have already moved into Falkreath. Has he given you any useful information, that I might be privy to?" asked Gracchus. 

"Not yet, but I am certain he will break sooner or later. We have taken great care that he not be tortured or hurt in any way at all, but he will still break under pressure eventually."

"Good. Now that this has happened, we may be moving sooner than expected. I'm going to send a sentry to the meeting place I set for the guerrillas, and see if they have any news of troop movements. If the Stormcloaks have moved, then we will need to be ready to lay siege. Prepare your troops to move within the week. You are free to leave," Gracchus told the Thalmor.

Valindil nodded at the legate and left the room to tell his men their new orders.

 

********

 

Valindil then received a message from one of the officers that had arrived with the reinforcements. "For you, colonel sir!" He said. Valindil was confused, as he was not a colonel, or was he?

 

Valindil,

 

I hereby promote you from your former position of Lieutenent-Colonel to that of a Colonel. I trust you to lead 2,000 of the finest Dominion soldiers into battle. I have heard great things about you, and I wish to keep hearing them for a long time to come. You have served your country well, and this is the least I can do.

 

-Yakov, King of Alinor

 

********


After Valindil had left, Gracchus began writing a letter to his guerrilla fighters.
 

We have reports that General Baldur Red-Snow has been captured. I believe his troops may have moved into Falkreath because of this. I have delivered this note to a sentry, who is to meet you at the place I have specified. If you have confirmation of this, return with the sentry. If not, continue with the plan.

 

-GQC


Gracchus finished the letter, then gave it to a guard, whom he told, "I want you to take this to the clearing, marked here on your map. Wait until six o'clock, when the fighters shall be returning. Once they do, deliver this message and await their reply."

With that, the sentry left, and would hopefully return with good news.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Osgumund, Outside Bruma, early afternoon

 

Osgumund had been traveling since the night before. He was on his way to the Imperial City to tend to some very important business regarding the political side of the war. As he was walking past the city of Bruma, he saw a black dove flying towards him. The bird had a letter in its beak. The letter was held together by a neatly tied golden bow. Osgumund immediately recognized that it was a letter from one of his many informants, as he had them color code the bow and bird according to their region. The bird landed on his shoulder, and Osgumund gave it a chunk of bread. He opened the letter, and it read,

 

O,

I have done what you asked and watched the priest, Runil. I caught him talking to the promiscuous admiral, and she offered to have him retreat with them, if Falkreath was ever taken. I have also discovered evidence that his assistant, Kust, is a worshiper of Talos. I, as always, await your orders to eliminate them.

I have also discovered that the Stormcloaks have indeed moved their camp to Falkreath the city. I cannot confirm as to whether or not they will stay here, as I have very limited contact with them. What I do know is this: a large stone  wall has been erected around the perimeter of the city, and the army is in chaos at the disappearance of their general. I have not seen the Redguard general since he and one of the Nord officers recently left. The Nord officer came back earlier today and looked quite worried and exhausted. I am not sure why he came back or what became of the Redguard.

In other news, a shrine of Talos has been formed just across the water, near the lumber mill on the edge of town. I have started to compile a list of everyone I have seen enter and exit the shrine. It is in a very convenient location for me, as I took a job at the mill not two weeks ago. They are mostly Stormcloaks or peasants who visit the shrine, but once or twice the Jarl and his attendants visited the shrine. Again, I await your orders.

-Your faithful servant, I

 

Osgumund read over the letter twice and smiled. He was finally about to have Runil killed. After years of hunting this Elf down, he had finally found him. Osgumund wrote his response,

 

I,

Thank you once again for your service to your country. I’m sure the King of Valenwood would be greatly pleased at your service. As usual, 200 gold will be attached to this letter. Here are your official orders:

I want you to have Kust killed by any means possible. If you have to contact the Dark Brotherhood again, so be it. But I know you are a trained assassin and I know you could dispose of him accordingly. As usual I do not want it to be obvious that it was murder, otherwise people would suspect you. I would prefer if you could stage a bear attack when he’s on the outskirts of town, or perhaps have a boulder fall on top of him when no one is looking. You know what you have to do.

I would like you to keep Runil alive at all costs so that Valindil may capture him and bring him to me, but if you must kill him, then so be it.

I want you to target at most fifteen Stormcloak regulars this week. At the end of the week, the city will fall under siege by the Imperial Legion and I want as many Stormcloaks to die before then as possible. Fifteen is your limit so you are not caught. You may kill at least two officers.

I want you to investigate, but not too closely, the actions of the Nord officer you saw running back to camp. I want his name and I want everything you can find out about him. I also want you to follow the whereabouts of the promiscuous admiral you speak of. Find out her name for me as well.

-O

 

He gave the letter back to the bird and retied the golden bow to the letter. The bird flew away at once. Osgumund wrote another letter, this time to one of his contacts in the Imperial City.

 

R,

I am on my way to the Imperial City, and as I write this letter I am outside of Bruma. Upon my arrival, I would like to meet with you at the bookstore called, “First Editionâ€. I would like a full report on everything that has happened since I last heard from you. There is no need to reply, as I will be reaching the Imperial City the day after tomorrow at the latest. I look forward to seeing you.

-O

 

Osgumund summoned a grey dove this time, and attached a blue bow to the letter. The dove flew south.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Witch-king (aka Witchie & alias Skjari)

Noon

 

Witchie had been lucky, a few of the Synod's members still remembered him somewhat. He had his membership reinstated and soon after that he found Dalton and silently killed her and disposed of the corpse by turning it to dust. After that he carefully planted some evidence that suggested she had gone to study the Hist in Black Marsh. He had been efficient and was done with all of that within half a day and the princess request had come in soon after. When they didn't really know what to do with Dalton had disappearance, Witchie volunteered to be her new teacher. As they didn't want to be bothered by this for long they quickly accepted his offer.

He had set out in the evening the same day and arrived at the Pale Pass later that night only to find it being filled with snow, must have been an avalanche. So Witchie headed east and traveled through The Rift and across the mountains and forests at full speed, without stopping. When he finally arrived at the imperial camp he told a soldier to tell the princess that her new teacher had arrived and then proceeded to put his gauntlets into the horse's satchel and pulled down the hood, he needed to fit in.

The princess was currently snuggling up with her "living teddy bear", her maid Charlie. The princess was enjoying herself, until of course she heard knocking on her door.

"Who is it?"

"Your highness, Tribune Brutus, you new teacher is here."

"OHHH, i'll be done is a minute" She quickly got dressed in her frilly pink outfit, kissed Charlie on her cheeck, and headed out to meet her new teacher.

Witchie only had to wait five minutes before the princess came. To make sure she didn't give anything away he decided it was best if he spoke first.

"Your highness, I'm Skjari. Dalton appeared to have left to study The Hist in Black Marsh, so I was chosen instead to oversee your magical training."

So many thoughts we're running threw the princess's mind right now, familiarity, confusion, and weirdness. She knew who this was, but decided not to expose him.

"Princess Dales Moitre, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"I suggest we start with the training immediately. Do you know an appropriate place where we can train, undisturbed?" 

She nodded at him, "There's a clearing in the woods..."

"Let's go there then. Shall we?" Witchie stretched out his hand to his side, gesturing for her to lead him there. 

It was fifteen minute walk, but when they finally reached the glade, the princess turned around, "Sir, your going to be my teacher?"

"Wait a second." Witchie then proceeded to cast a spell at them both. "Now no one except you and me will be able to hear us. And yes, I'm going to your new teacher. I'm here to make sure you actually become a capable fighter and to make sure you don't fail. And I also want you to from now on to call me Skjari. It would raise suspicion if call me sir. Any questions before we begin?"

 

"What school's will you be teaching me? I'm partially Adept at Illusion and Alteration."

 

"I'm going to start with some Destruction magic. But first, show me what you already can do."

 

She nodded, before taking in a deep breath, and casting "Iron-flesh". She then proceeded to cast a fury spell on a tree along with "calm" and used detect life.

 

"At least you aren't a complete novice with magic. I'm now going to teach you some simple elemental Destruction spells. Let's start with some frost magic, so when we move on to fire you will be able to put it out if you mess up. And I want you to tell me everything you know about the Empire, the Thalmor, the camp, everything."

 

She looked puzzled, before responding, "That's a very lengthy amount of very lengthy subjects, what do you exactly want to know?"

 

"Lets start with your father and his relation with the Thalmor. After that I will teach you how to shoot a simple beam of frost."

 

"Well, my father has very good working relationship to the Grand-Overseer Tyian, and he's usually seen advising him on all matters. My dad has free-trade with them, and our borders with the dominion are lightly guarded. Currently, last time I was there, my father was trying to get a bill passed which would a certain number of Dominion troops Garrison the imperial city along with the imperial watch."

 

"If you know about the Great War you would know that this is just an invasion disguised as help. Now this is how you do..." Witchie then proceeded to teach her the basics on how Destruction magic work and how to cast a simple frost spell. She eagerly listened to her teacher explain the basics. She made sure not to get any of the frost on her pink dress, before firing a beam of frost at a tree, "How's that?"

 

"That's progress at least, now fire the beam at me. Don't worry, I'll ward it off but I want to see how much strength you can put into that spell."

 

She inhaled a good breath of air, before nodding and firing the beam of frost as strong as she could.

The frost magic was easily blocked. At least the strength of the spell was more than he expected from someone would be able to muster on their first day. Seems like the initiation's improvements had started to kick in, but it would still be months before the growth would be complete. 

"Now before we move on to fire, tell me about the camp."

 

"Well, we have a large amount of imperial legionaries stationed here. We also have gotten a good deal of Almderi troops here recently. The fort is where the officers sleep, as-well as where my living area is. The current CO is Legate Graccus."

 

"But he's only a Legate. When we get back I want you to get me a room next to yours and I want you to make sure to this Graccus that you also have authority over this Legion. Your General is gone so that leaves an opportunity for you to grab some power. Now on to fire magic..."

 

She looked at her teacher oddly before saying, "You wont be spying on me in my room will you?"

 

"No, but I want to keep an eye on whoever goes into your room. Never trust those Thalmor, if they decide that you are no longer useful..." Witchie let the rest of that sentence be spoken with silence. 

 

Her eyes filled with shock, "You mean they might try and kill me?!"

 

"Don't look so chocked. You'll get used to people wanting to kill you. I trust that you sleep with the dagger I gave you under your pillow."

 

"Yeah...that might be a little difficult..."

 

"Whatever you have already stuffed under your pillow, I'm sure there's still room for the dagger."

 

"But..." She looked away blushing "I usually go to sleep snuggled up with someone, so I cant really put the dagger under my pillow...."

 

"Does this person sleep under the pillow?" Witchie said with a voice suggesting he was running low on patience. 

 

She kept looking away, instantly bowing her head, "I'm sorrry sir for annoying you, just worried that she might stumble upon the dagger by accident..."

 

"Then get one of the blacksmiths to make a sheath for it. If and when the time comes, you will find that dagger more useful than you little 'snuggle friend'."

 

She blushed again, "Yes sir..."

 

"Now we go on with fire magic.."

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Admiral Rebec
Stormcloak Camp
Late afternoon


After talking to Boldir, Rebec had been suddenly so weary and heartsick that she couldn't resist sleep any longer. She gave orders to prepare the camp to move, then as of their own accord her footsteps took her to the tent she had shared with Baldur since the battle. Her bodyguards posted themselves outside the door. Rebec asked them to wake her in no more than an hour. She fell in the bed, still in her leathers, and though tears formed in her eyes, she was asleep by the time they slid down her cheeks.

When she started awake, she could tell by the angle of the sun that it had been longer than an hour. It was late afternoon. Rebec washed her face in the basin and then stepped outside. There was no sense berating the guards; they were just looking out for her.

"Report," she said quietly to them, wanting to hear what was going on in the camp, and simultaneously not wanting to hear.

"Advance team's gone to prepare our quarters in Falkreath, admiral," the man told her. "Captain Iron-Brow's in the Necro Nord command tent and asked that you see him there when you could."

Rebec blinked. She had prepared herself to hear that Boldir was gone, that she had lost him to the Thalmor, too. "Thank you," she said, and made a beeline to the Necro Nords' headquarters area. She stopped in the doorway of the tent, still not believing what she saw. "Boldir. I thought..."

Boldir didn't look up from the Falkreath maps he'd been looking over on the table.

"You thought I was going to leave while you were asleep?" Boldir turned to the men in the room with him. "Leave us." After they'd passed by Rebec and out of the tent, Boldir looked up at the Admiral. His eyes were devoid of any emotion at all. "Trust me, I wanted to. But you were right. It wouldn't have gained us anything if I'd died too."

Boldir figured that he'd never see Baldur again. He'd only met four people in his life who had escaped the Thalmor, and the circumstances were much different. He knew that Baldur wasn't going to escape alone, and In his mind, it was easier to just assume he's dead and stay focused on planning for how to deal with the Imperials. "Don't worry about me. I won't get distracted again."

Rebec is sobered by his manner, her relief replaced by the knowledge that they still had done nothing about Baldur. Stepping inside, she asked, "And what of the trade? I haven't talked to Marius, but he's being watched as always. It's worth a try. Maybe Marius would even agree to help us, if he's really here for that. They would take him to the Thalmor prison, and he could create a diversion."

"Marius? Why in Shor's name would our prisoner want to- Nevermind. It doesn't matter. We're keeping Marius here. They won't make a trade and we can't give them the opportunity to take him back. You were right about Falkreath. Everything hinges on it, and we need to focus on defending it." I'm so sorry brother.

"We can't just do nothing." The tables, it seemed, had turned. "We have to move the camp, yes, but if they refuse the trade then we launch an attack on them and send in an extraction team during the diversion. I'm sick of sitting here waiting for them to make a move anyway. And where the fuck is Witchie? If Baldur sent him out on a mission, someone must know where he is."

"You're the one that convinced me that this was an impossible task in the first place. They'll refuse the trade by sending an arrow into traitor Marius's neck. Then they'll tear apart our men when they attack. Pale Pass is very easy to defend. The Imperials only took it from us by losing a lot of men and we need every body we've got defending Falkreath. There's more. I forgot to mention it this morning, but last night Jodun and I saw a mass of reinforcements arriving at the pass. It was easily over a thousand Dominion elves. Probably twice that. Any chance of getting an extraction team in there is nonexistent at this point. That is, unless it's Witchie. But as you said, he's disappeared. Baldur is gone. For now, it's for the best if we focus on strengthening our position in Falkreath."

"I'm not an idiot. I wouldn't take Marius up there unless they bring Baldur out for us to see. A simultaneous...an exch-" Rebec sank into a chair, her head drooping. After a long pause, she said, "You know that Baldur and I were..."

A flicker of sadness appeared in Boldir's eyes. "Yes... I know." Come on man! This is your brother! You know he's still alive and this may be the only way he'll have a chance of getting out!

... But it could be costly. We' could lose a lot of men in the distraction alone. And how do we find him when we're there?!

Fuck it.

Boldir walked over to Rebec and knelt down beside her. "I'll send for Jodun. We'll need his help. Then I'm going to prepare the men for an assault. It may take some time, but it's the only chance Baldur's got. During this time we will relocate our forces to Falkreath."

Her eyes lit up. "You want to attack? You think it could work? I think it's the only way, and the men want to fight. It's the waiting that's killing all of us." The admiral's self doubt still lingered in the back of her mind, but she stood, eager now that Boldir had agreed on taking action. Leaning over the map of Pale Pass, she said, "You and Jodun have been scouting their set-up. We don't need to actually win, just hold out long enough for the extraction team to get in and out. We can hit them at night. Their battlemages cleared the brush on the ridges on the approach to the fort, it will be easier to move up there now." She stopped, and looked up at Boldir. "It's a big risk. If we rout and can't get back to Falkreath, we could be wiped out. And Baldur may not be there at all. Or he may be..."

"If he is then this will all be for nothing. But if he's there and he's alive, the chance will be worth the risk."

Rebec rubbed the back of her neck, staring at the map. "It's not, not really. Baldur will hate it. We'll have sacrificed a good defensive position in Falkreath and the advantage we have of supply. We could just starve them out up there, if what you said about the passage to Cyrodiil is true." She looked up. "You're going to say I'm crazy, but I want to ask Marius what he thinks we should do. Baldur said he was like a lot like himself, and if that's true, we should listen to his advice. With the awareness that he could be pulling us along by our noses."

"Where's that bastard tied up anyway? I'll go get his advice right now. Should be fun."

Rebec smiled a little. "He's not tied up. I didn't arrest him, but he's got Grim Ones 'helping' him. He might still be out searching, let's go see if they know where he is."

"Wait, when did this happen? I thought he was our prisoner! Did we not agree that his story was too convenient?" Boldir stopped himself. "Do you believe he changed sides?"

"Oh, Shor's beard. I forgot you've been up at Skybound Pass this whole time. Yes, Marius is a bona fide Stormcloak now. So he and Baldur tell me. Don't worry, we're watching him night and day and so far he's been as docile as a Bosmer on skooma. Do I believe it... shag me sideways, Boldir, I don't know what to believe anymore. Let's just go hear what he has to say. Time is wasting. If we attack, we have to act fast."

"I'll take your word for it. I'll not call that man my brother, but if you and Baldur say he's good, I'll at least save it for later. There just isn't time right now." Boldir made for the exit. "Let's got talk to him. I'm curious to see what our new friend has to say on the matter."

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Legate Gracchus Ceno
Fort Pale Pass
Afternoon, Late Evening


After having sent the letter with a sentry, Gracchus walked towards the back of the camp, where he had his smartest engineers working on a special project for the siege he had anticipated earlier in the week.

Gracchus walked to the little clearing, where there were several large trees they had felled and .5 inch diameter rope made from the horses hair waiting to be twisted into skein for the spring. Several of the trees had already been cut, and one onager was only missing its leather sling, used to hold the boulders that would be fired.

He walked up to the nearest engineer, a young Imperial named Valvius, who, even though he was only in his early twenties, was the brightest engineer they had. It had been with him that Gracchus had first discussed plans for the onagers, and they had been working on the first model, which they were putting the finishing touches on now.

"Engineer Valvius, how comes your project?" Gracchus asked the young man.

"Sir, I didn't see you arrive. Yes, we are actually about to test it out now. It is only the primary model, so it may or may not work," said the engineer.

The other soldiers rolled a large boulder, and it fit right on the sling. Valvius pulled the lever, and the rock flew through the air, knocking down an old pine tree over 200 yards away.

"Excellent, excellent work Valvius. How long did it take? To make it, that is," Gracchus inquired.

"Well, about a two weeks, but there was some expirementation that had to happen, so I think we could make at least one a week. But we will need to have some more iron to melt down, and more horse hair for the rope," Valvius said.

"Done. I want as many as you can make, as quickly as you can make them. Also, make sure they are fitted with wooden walls here, here, here, and here," Gracchus told Valvius, motioning to either side of front, and either side of the top.

"I want the four man team to be protected from enemy arrow fire. Also, start picking out men to operate then, and have then train on the first one. I want them ready soon, so you must work quickly," Gracchus said.

"Yes sir, we'll get to work right away sir," Valvius saluted, and then hurried back to work.

Gracchus headed back toward the main keep, where he noticed a strange man walking with the princess towards the woods.

Probably that man from the Synod I heard was coming. I guess being a princess has its perks, thought Gracchus.

He arrived back at his quarters, where he decided he'd catch up on his sleep. He had no dreams, just a fitful, uninterrupted sleep. When he awoke, it was later in the evening, and the sentry he had sent had returned with a letter of his own. It read,


We have received your letter, and while the main force has not put it's HQ in Falkreath, the advance force is fully interred in the town. We have thus continued the guerrilla war, and hope to push back the Stormcloaks. Also, the Cloaks have stone walls around the Falkreath perimeter, very tall and thick. I hope those onagers are coming along.


The letter was unsigned, as they had been instructed to do so as to keep the identity of the troops hidden should a letter be intercepted. But he knew it to be of his friend and fellow battlemage Pilus Rato.

They had known each other for around twenty years, when Pilus first joined at the age of 19. Since then, every major assignment Gracchus had had, Pilus had accompanied him. He was there when Gracchus was sent to Solsetheim to hunt down one of their own battlemages, a deserter, and Pilus was there when the Harpy went down in flames.

Well, it seems we won't be moving as soon I had hoped. No matter, it will give Valvius time to finish up the onagers. They will be crucial if we are to take Falkreath. And I hope Pilus can continue with the guerrilla fight. We need the Stormcloaks to fall back. thought Gracchus.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Quaestor Pilus Rato
Falkreath Hold, Forest
Morning.
 

The sentry had left the previous afternoon, with Pilus' reports about the Stormcloak troop movements. They were camping in a small clearing, just him and his nine other men. Going around, he quietly woke each of them up. Pilus had been on guard duty for night, and today they were planning on waiting by the eastern road out of Falkreath to raid any supply wagons that passed by.

One of the men, an archer called Gregory, asked,

"What's for breakfast?"

"Same thing as yesterday, and the same thing that we're gonna have tomorrow," Pilus said.

"Eh, and what's that? A big roasted chicken? Hehe."

"Shut your trap, and eat your beef, before I eat it!"

Plius tossed the strip of beef at Gregory, who was still wrapped up in his bedroll. The strip hit him right in the face, before dropping into the grass.

"Hey, what's the deal!"

"That's what you get you big baby. Now get up, we have to raid some supply wagons today," Pilus said.

It took about ten minutes for all the men to get ready, and within an hour they had set up the ambush on a small road, in between Helgen and Falkreath, one of the roads the Stormcloaks had taken to using to try and keep the Imperials guessing as to where the supplies would come from.

The plan was already in place. They had rolled several large rocks onto the path, forcing any wagons to have to stop and clear the path before moving on. It was another forty-five minutes before they saw any activity, just a farmer and his family headed towards Helgen, and then probably Whiterun hold.

It took around two hours for the supply caravan to show up, an old farm wagon converted to carry supplies. It looked to be filled with a mix of food and weapons. It came to a stop and a lone Stormcloak jumped out of the wagon to clear the road.

Pilus gave the signal, a small croak noise akin to a crow or raven, and the first arrow hit the horse in the throat, easily silencing it. Pilus' own lighting bolt instantly immobilized the Cloak who had gotten out to clear the path, and the final two guards were set upon by the remaining men. It was a little after three minutes after the signal had been given when the final man fell. The injuries sustained by the Imperials were superficial, unlike those of the Stormcloaks.

Pilus climbed into the wagon, and began searching through the bags and chests. Turning to his men, he said,

"Grab the food we can carry, and any weapons you want. Don't weigh yourselves down. Take the rest of the weapons and throw them into the forest, and bury'em under leaves so they don't find them."

They were just about to leave when Pilus heard the signature "clop clop" of the horses hooves. Pilus gave the croak noise, and his men melted into forest on either side of the road. Two mounted Stormcloaks rode up, from the direction of Falkreath. One of then dismounted, and place his hand on the neck of his fallen comrade, feeling for a pulse.

"Eh, their still warm. Those buggers can't be far."

"Well, what do you want to do? Ride back for help, or look for them?"

"I don't know. If they took out all three of the men, there must be a good lot of them. Lets just ride back for help, then we'll go get those milk drinkers."

They remounted and rode off. As soon as Pilus thought it was safe, he gave the signal and his men crossed the road, joining the rest of them on the southern side. Before they left, Pilus left a fire rune, hoping to catch the two Stormcloaks when they returned.

It was a good ten minutes later when he heard the "whoosh" of the fire, and the frantic neighing of horses. By the time they reached their new camp, he could see the smoke rising from the north.

A slight smile crossed his face, and he began unpacking his bedroll, before catching up on the sleep he missed from last night.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Witch-king (aka Witchie alias Skjari)
Imperial camp, the fort
Noon

 

Witchie was sitting and eating in his new room, which was quite more luxury and comfortable compared to what he had gotten used to. While he was eating he went through what he had learned about the camp and he had sent a message about it to Baldur with the runed cloth. One thing that had gotten his attention was the number of Thalmor that guarded the fort's prison, he was planning on asking the princess look into it. Then he also had to plan out what he could do to slow the imperials down and to kill the Thalmor without raising too much suspicion. Then there was the princess's magic lessons to think of. Suddenly Witchie heard knocking on his door, and heard a female voice, "Sir? Master Skjari? It's Princess Moitre's maid, Elan."

"Yes?"

"She requests that you join us on her daily walk"

Then I can ask her about he prison.

"I'll come." Witchie said before he ate the last piece of meat and walked out the door. Elan nodded to him, she had brown hair, blue eyes, and had a small build. She was dressed in a fancy maid outfit. She would be considered very attractive for her age. Witchie follower her outside to the princess, who was as always, dressed in her frilly pink dress. The princess smiled and said,

"Glad you could join us Master."

"I had nothing better to do."

Elan coughed awkwardly, before going into position beside the princess and started walking down the trail they we're on. The princess, ignoring Witchie's comment, asked him, "Are your quarters satisfactory Master?"

"Yes quite, they're actually better than what I'm used to." Why is the maid still around? I need to ask about he prison without anyone hearing. 

They walked for around twenty minutes, before Witchie started to feel extremely bored. In his boredom he started to notice something a bit odd. The princess and her maid where walking side by side, and we're holding hands with each other, in fact the princess had her head leaning on Elan's shoulder.

"I assume this is your 'snuggle friend' that sleeps under your pillow."

The princess leaned in closer to Elan, who was blushing a furious shade of red at Witchie's words, the princess responded with, "She's my Teddy bear, yes."

"Did you get that sheath so you can have your dagger with you now?"

Elen, turned towards Witchie and then the princess with a worried look on her face,

"You have a dagger milady?!"

The princess lightly put her arm over Elan's neck, "Dont worry teddy bear, it's just a...precaution..."

"One should always take precautions, especially during war times." Her worried face, soon twisted into a hysterically worried face.

"You think the Stormcloaks are going to try and kill milady?!"

The princess gently brought Elen closer to her, "Master didn't mean that, you don't have to worry teddy bear..." she squesed Elen tightly.

"I thought that someone in your position would be more used to people trying to kill you." 

"There hasn't been an attempt on miladies life, once". said Elan. 

Witchie decided to to try and make a little small talk, "How long have you two been together?"

Elan, once again put on her worried expression, with a cracked filled voice. "What-do you mean..."

"You're worried about something?" 

Elan once again blushed, but before she could say anything, princess Dales merely said in her happy-go-lucky voice ,

"Eight years"

"That's quite a long time for someone at you age."

"It is. People don't usually have such long-term relationships at my age, but I want her to be with me forever, so It doesn't matter." She snuggled her head up against Elan's neck.

"How nice." Witchie couldn't help but to sound indifferent and bored. 

The princess smiled, before telling Elan, "If you dont mind Elan, can you head back to camp? Me and my master here have matters to discuss"

Elan nodded her head, "Of course Milady"

The princess smiled and kissed her on the cheek, not minding the blushes erupting from the maid's face. She soon thereafter faded from view.

Finally that's over. "You have something particular you want to discuss?"

She smiled, "I request you don't tell anyone about me and Elan's special "Snuggle Buddy" relationship. And if i'm not mistaken you have something to discuss with me."

"Yes, what do you know about the prison? It's heavily guarded by the Thalmor. Who or what are trying to keep in or maybe out?"

She looked genuinely confused, "The prison is usually guarded by fifteen to twenty Aldmeri soldiers. But I haven't heard anything about a high-profile prisoner..."

"It wouldn't surprise me if they kept secrets from you. I want you to find out if they're up to something." 

"Those ******* pointy ear freaks....holding information from me" She said in a anger filled voice. 

"Wait a second." Witchie then cast the spell that would keep people from eavesdropping on them. "You said yourself that they look at you like you were a bug."

"Yeah?"

"Don't you see? They just see you as a figurehead."

"A figure head...now that I think about it...all I really did as High Inquisitor was just sign papers, the dominion justicars usually didn't even tell me what they we're about. My daddy told me to obey every order the justicars told me, or else he would..." She looked away, with a grim look on her face.

"I guess he's not the kind type." 

"Yes, he's not a kind man. But-" she looked at Witchie  "You wont let him hurt me again will you?"

"Why would I? If anything, he would most likely get the short end of the stick if he showed up anywhere near to me."

I remember what I did to his kind in my kingdom. They always ended up begging for death. 

"Okay good, I feel safe around you master." She smiled, "We should head back, I'll get the information you require."

"Good. And remember to act, we don't want anyone catching on to us."

 

Many hours later, late in the night,

 

Witchie, heard BANG BANG BANG on his door, and heard the princess's shriek,

"Master master open up!!!!"

Witchie instantly teleported outside the door, though he didn't have any clothes on. 

"What is it!?"

"Master Master, I got-" She had to breath for a few seconds "The info you seek...the prisoner is General Baldur Blood-snow of the Stormcloak army... " She looked terrified "the officer asked me why I was so interested  and I had to use a lame excuse, he kept evading the question until I pulled my rank on him...he and the other soldiers we're giving me dirty looks, "She tried to hide behind him, and tears we're starting to well up in her face "What if they send people after me..."

"Then they'll die. Gives a good excuse for charging some of them for treason as well." 

She looked even worse now, "WAIT, what if they get Elan also!!!! NOOOOO that would be horrible...MASTER YOU HAVE TO PROTECT ME AND HER!!!!"

"Calm down. Calm down." How did I get into this mess?

She started to hyper ventilate and fell down on the floor, "Please I don't wanna die Master....please..." 

Witchie crouched down besides her and put his hand on her shoulder and started to channel a powerful calming spell into her. Her body relaxed, her breathing became calm once again, the princess swallowed hard, before saying quite calmly,

'Just don't let them harm me or Elan master...please..."

"Yeah, yeah. I think you need some sleep."

Alduin's fire, I think I should get some as well.

"Can you...watch the door for a little while..."

"Sure, let me just get my clothes and a chair."

She nodded and quickly went into her room, "Thank you master."

Witchie then walked back into his room, put on his clothes before grabbing one the two chairs in the room and pulled out and put it in front of the princess door. He then put down a frost rune around the chair that would impale anyone who got to close on several icy spears and then sat down.

What's next? Me sleeping in her room?

It wasn't long till he fell asleep in the chair himself. 

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Rebec, Marius, Boldir
Evergreen Glade camp
Late afternoon


Marius went along the path in silence to the stormcloak camp, he was alongside four Grimm ones.  They've been scouting the forest for any traces of Badlur for a quite awhile now. They found nothing.

Rebec led the way to Marius' tent.  He wasn't there, but they spotted him coming in from a search and intercepted him at the edge of camp.  Just as she did so a sentry came running.  "Admiral, Captain Iron-Brow- a supply caravan was hit near Helgen.  They got most of the weapons and killed a few men. The imperials retreated as soon as they hit."

Glancing at Boldir, Rebec remarked, "Guerrilla strike. They must think we're just off mama's teat, apt to run away if they poke at us."  To the sentry she said, "Call all the search teams in.  If they haven't found him yet, they're not going to.  Please take the word to the Necro Nords' command to prepare everyone else to move in force to Falkreath just after the evening meal."

As Marius reached the edge of camp, a Regular approached him, before snidely saying, "Milk-Drinker, the Admiral and Captain Iron-Brow are looking for you"

Marius nodded to the rude soldier, before dismissing the Four Grim ones and going to meet the two officers.

Boldir spotted Marius near the edge of camp, unrestrained and unguarded. Boldir looked back at Rebec. "I thought you said he was under watch."

"His guards are getting too friendly with him.  They saw Baldur do the same.  I'll have a word with them." Approaching the imperial, Rebec skipped formalities and asked, "Did you see any sign of Samuel?"

Marius shook his head, "Sorry ma'em, no signs of Samuel or Baldur."

Rebec was disappointed but unsurprised.  "I thought Samuel might take the opportunity to grab you himself if you were out of camp.  Had to take the chance.  At any rate, introductions.  This is Captain Iron-Brow.  By now you know we think that the Thalmor have Baldur.  I wanted to know your recommendation for how to get him out of there."

He nodded his head towards Boldir. "Sir, Lorgar told me about you." He turned his head back to the Admiral, with a frown, "Before I give you my answer, I need you to understand the chance of someone getting out of a thalmor prison on there own is extremely slim, even with assistance this will be a very difficult objective."

Boldir grunted. "We know that. If it was gonna be easy, we wouldn't have come to you for help. You lived in the fort. You know its layout. Where would they keep a prisoner of such high value?"

"They keep officers and other high-value POW's in secret hidden cells in the prison area." 

"And I presume you know where these cells are?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. That's a start. The hard part is gonna be reaching the cells and getting him out. Which is why we'll need you."

The admiral said, "I'll be honest, Marius, I thought about arresting you and offering you to the Thalmor as a trade.  But I'd rather have your willing cooperation.  Don't think that I trust you yet, because I don't.  As for our options, I'm considering launching a full-on attack.  We would lose the defensive advantages we have in Falkreath, but would have surprise on our side.  Would it be enough to provide a diversion?"

"Sir and ma'em...That fortress is heavily fortified and I don't know the cell -

"My, my Marius not knowing how to breach his own fortress..." said a cold voice, Marius turned to look. It was a hooded figure.  His face was cloaked in shadows. He wore a pitch black cloak, along with a service patch on his right shoulder, which was the Horse of Whiterun.

Rebec drew her axe and stepped back for throwing distance, pointing it at the stranger.  "Looks like you lost your Stormcloak badge, scout.  You have two seconds to identify or you eat this axe."

Boldir drew his own axe and walked around to the hooded man's left. "You heard the lady."

The figure merely chuckled, "I'm no Stormcloak Admiral and Captain. I'm merely a soldier...that would find it beneficial to his unit  to have General Red-Snow free from Thalmor custody."

Boldir wasn't in the mood to deal with another mystery man. "Isn't that nice." He said sarcastically. "The last stranger that said he wanted to help got Baldur captured in the first place."

"Indeed, that's what you get for trusting a man like Samuel."

"I said identify, stranger," Rebec answered.  "That means a name.  And take off that hood so I can see you.  Your two seconds are already up, so don't make me ask again."  Her Necro Nord bodyguards stepped up to either side of the stranger, ready to seize him.

The hooded man, merely chuckled, "I would rather not, in a gesture of good faith I can tell you my unit, I'm part of the "Sons of Whiterun".

At a nod from Rebec the Necro Nords grabbed the man's arms.  "That name is known to me, and not as friends.  If you're an imperial spy, you're a bad one."  Turning to the other imperial she asked, "Is this some kind of trick, Marius?  I'm not in the mood for jokes."

Marius remained silent for a few seconds before saying, "Is that you old friend?"

"You could of course detain, and make me take off this hood. But of course, every minute you waste with me, the Thalmor are closer and closer to breaking your general."

"Fair enough." Boldir motioned for the Necro Nords to pull back the man's hood. It gave away to a man with grey hair, a black eye patch on his right eye, and a smile. Everyone  recognized him. He was the missing Legion General.

Boldir was more than a little confused. "Tullius? Give us one good reason not to execute you now."

"Well Captain, I was here to offer my unit as a distraction and give your General Red-Snow's cell number."

"How would you know his cell number?"

"Let's just say I caught a little bird and made it sing..."

Rebec replaced her axe and eased, somewhat, but was obviously very skeptical.  Crossing her arms, she said, "So you've been in this area for some time, watching us.  You saw them capture Baldur?  You're no friend of ours, less so than Marius.  Why would you help us?  I'd think you'd be back in Cyrodiil cackling in your brandy about Ulfric's third being in Thalmor custody."

"I'm neither friend nor foe admiral. By helping you, I'm helping my own Agenda. Do you think me that stupid that I would return to Cyrodiil?, I would end up in a back alley with an elven dagger in my throat. I'm sure our mutual friend, Marius, filled you in on what's happening in Cyrodiil."

"You were stupid enough to come here. Even if we were to overlook your own crimes, which we haven't, the Sons of Whiterun are not our allies. Several months ago, more a few Stormcloak military positions were ambushed by your men. Give me a reason to trust you."

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Captain, we have a mutual goal now, cause chaos against the Dominion. I can help you, and I have valuable information on your general. We don't have to trust one another."

Rebec glanced at Boldir.  The Necro Nords had the two imperials under guard, so she pulled the captain aside and whispered, "If they are willing to risk their lives for this, I say we let them.  I never expected to keep our movements hidden for long, and if Baldur breaks then the Thalmor will have far more on us than these two can give.  Let's see if they're willing to do an infiltration with us, or for us. With Marius' help that would have a chance, and we won't have to risk our entire force."

Boldir nodded. "There's little to lose from allowing their people to die in the place of our own. I agree, we should use them." He said the next part in a whisper. "But when this is over, I want Tullius brought to the camp and I don't want him let out of sight. This will not get him off the hook."

"Agreed.  We're desperate, that's obvious."  Rebec regarded Boldir uneasily, then turned back to the others.  "Release him," she told the Necro Nords.  Turning to Marius and Tullius, she said, "Tell me your plan, if you've got one.  If we can sneak in with Marius, a diversion would be counterproductive.  Are you wiling to go so far as to infiltrate for us?"

Tullius smiled, teeth flashing, "We would. And I have a plan....but I have a term for me helping you. After me and Marius get Baldur out, you let me walk."

Boldir thought about this for a moment. Even if he does walk, if he's being honest, the worst case scenario is that we'll still have Baldur back and our troops will be no worse for wear. "Deal." He said finally. "But only if Baldur makes it back to Falkreath alive and we have you to thank for it." We can always find you later.

"Agreed"  He drew a map from his cloak, a map of the area around the fort. "There's a a large area of dead trees here," he pointed to a area on the map "Me and Marius will slip into her during the night, cloaked.  The forest isn't patrolled so we should be good. From there, me and Marius will blend in as legionaries and infiltrate the fort."

"The men will recognize both of you," Rebec pointed out.  "I'll leave it to you to figure out how to deal with that.  Closed helmets or what have you."  I can't believe we're even talking about this, the admiral thought.  Then she got an image of Baldur among Thalmor torturers.  There would be no Lorgar to intervene even a little.  "And what about when you get to the Thalmor prison?  They're not going to let even imperials through there, by what we've heard."

Tullius, once again flashed a dark smile, "Leave that to me and Marius. We're not rookies, we can cut through them if necessary using stealth."

Rebec stared at the general for a long moment.  He had escaped Ulfric's custody, and gotten through their pickets unnoticed.  If there was even the slightest chance it could work without risking the entire Falkreath force...  She glanced at the captain, then said, "I'll agree to this if Boldir does.  You should leave at once.  As you said, every minute we wait the danger grows.  Gods forgive me if this is another trick."  And Baldur forgive me.

"Then we have no time to waste, Marius let's move." He stopped for a second, before saying "Talos guide you". He headed out of the stormcloak camp along with Marius.

Boldir looked at the Admiral, then back at Tullius as he headed off. He didn't take his eyes off as he addressed Rebec. " 'Talos guide you.' The nerve of him... I agree to this plan. But damn if I don't want to see that bastard in chains. I can't imagine why he would want Baldur free, but at least our men will be spared to protect Falkreath."

The admiral's expression was bleak.  "Tell me this is a hangover dream and I'll swear off mead forever."

Boldir chuckled for the first time since he read of Baldur's disappearance. "Dream or not, it's better than what I almost did."

"About that. Boldir, I probably some things to you earlier that I shouldn't have.  I don't even remember what I said, but I take it all back anyway."  She forced a smile and went on, "I should be off and find out what else happened during my nap.  You'd better get some food. The camp will be moving within the hour."

The admiral made her way back to the command tent and began flipping through the reports there.  There were some Necro Nords packing up maps and ledgers for the move to Falkreath.  As they did so, Rebec noticed a leather case marked with Baldur's name.  One of the men told her it was the general's personal file.

Inside were some papers and a black bound book with the Stormcloak bear symbol etched on the front.  Rebec flipped it open, saw Baldur's handwriting, and quickly closed it again.  It was his personal journal, and it would violate his privacy to read it.  Her eyes then fell on a strange purple vellum sheet marked with gold runes.  On the back side was legible writing, but it was all wizard talk and made her eyes cross to read it.

Stepping to the doorway of the tent, Rebec spied one of the Dunmer and called him over.  He studied both sides of the sheet, then said, "It's a small teleport portal.  For notes and the like.  Was there anything with it?"
Rebec looked back at the papers from Baldur's case and pulled out the one that she thought might have been with the cloth.  It read:

 

I have infiltrated the imperial camp. There's not much to tell that you probably haven't scouted already, apart from the Thalmor reinforcement that just arrived is about 2000 to 3000 men strong. They are also building catapults as siege-weapons. They're building them in a small clearing near the camp, it's hard to miss. On the backside of the letter you will also find instructions on how to cast the spell to send messages back using this cloth. Only send messages at dusk after the sun have disappeared on the horizon but before the dark.

W

 

It must be Witchie's means of communicating with Baldur, she realized.  Suddenly Rebec was not so angry that the mage was gone from camp.  He had obviously been busy.  Dusk had just fallen, which she took to be a sign that the gods weren't entirely against her.  Another bit of tomfoolery couldn't top what had already happened that day.  Hastily she began penning a reply.

When it was finished, she gave it back to the Dunmer and said with distaste, "Cast the spell or whatever it is you need to do to send that letter on."  While he did so, she stood back and kissed her whalebone amulet for luck.  The Dunmer took a moment to prepare, laid Rebec's letter on top of the runed cloth, and as he cast a spell it suddenly disappeared.  But to where.  Well, we'll see.

Afterward  Rebec shoved the runed sheet back into the case, then paused over Baldur's journal once more before carefully replacing it as well.  Tucking the case under her arm, she hurried off to join the march to Falkreath.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Osgumund and Ra'Jahirr
Imperial City
Midday

 

It was only the day before that Osgumund had sent the letters to his informants. He was eager to hear from Idrolian from Falkreath again, but he knew she wouldn't write until her week's work had been finished.

Osgumund entered the First Edition and casually looked around. He found Ra’Jahirr in the far back, where he had expected him to be. The two were standing back to back, each looking at opposite shelves to avoid suspicion.

“So, glad to see you’ve made it. I trust your trip went okay?†Ra’Jahirr said.

“It did indeed, thanks for asking.†Osgumund replied. He picked up a book and pretended to be interested in it. “So Jahirr, what’s the latest news in Cyrodiil?â€

“Oh same old, nothing worth mentioning in a letter, but all the same.†He spoke in a hushed voice now, to avoid being overheard. “The emperor’s trying to solidify his claim to the Ruby Throne, and I of course have been helping him in any way possible. Count Gerellus of Anvil is sick. Again.â€

Osgumund laughed.

“The Emperor’s daughter went to Skyrim, but you already know that. Hmm, let’s see.†He thought for a moment before continuing. “Ah, now I remember! The Emperor disbanded the Penitus Occulatus and formed his own organization, which he calls the, ‘Ruby Elites’, their main goal is to protect the Emperor and to dispose of anyone who denies his claim to the throne or defies him. That’s about it really.â€

“Thank you for your information, I greatly appreciate it. We have much work to do, my friend. Much work; I plan on adding Argonia to the Dominion. I need to see the Argonian ambassador to Cyrodiil as soon as possible; you know he’s a big Dominion supporter.â€

“That I do. Ah! I remembered something just now! The Emperor is throwing a royal ball on the First of Rain’s Hand! I’m sure he’d be glad to have you there. Anyone who’s anyone in the Imperial City will be there, if you know what I mean.â€

“I see, thank you for telling me this. I simply must attend!†Osgumund said. “By the way, where are you staying currently?â€

“At the King and Queen Inn, in the Elven Gardens District.†Ra’Jahirr said.

“Well it’s settled then, I will see you there tonight, but for the moment, I have business to attend to.†He bid farewell and left the bookstore, but first, he bought a copy of “The Talos Mistakeâ€.

 

**********

Osgumund went to the Royal Inn, an upper-class inn near the Imperial Palace. He had heard while in Bruma that the Lord and Lady Kajiin from Argonia were going to be in Cyrodiil on a long vacation. He suspected that the only place in the Imperial City suitable for a Lord and a Lady would be the Royal Inn, so he went there first.

“Excuse me sir,†He said the man at the counter. “But could you please direct me to the room of the Lord and Lady Kajiin from Black Marsh?â€

"I'm sorry, but I am not at liberty to give that information away.

Osgumund said in a stern voice, “I did not ask if you were able to give it to me, I asked you to give it to me. Do not make me ask again.â€

Not wanting any trouble, the bartender decided it wasn’t worth it to be stubborn about it. “Fine, fine, I’ll tell you whatever you want. It’s on the third floor, fourth door on the right."

"Thank you." Osgumund said. He ran upstairs to the room. He had expected the couple to be in their room, but then again, they were on vacation. He decided to write a note to them instead.

 

The esteemed Lord Kajin,

It has come to my understanding that you are a very influential noble from Argonia, but that you have recently been exiled from your homeland for supporting the Dominion. I also understand that not all Argonians are opposed to the Dominion. In fact, many are, but they are afraid to speak up. I appreciate that you have declared your support for the Dominion, as I am in need of powerful nobles in my quest to annex Argonia to the Dominion. I need your help. Please meet me at the King and Queen Inn in the Elven Gardens District to discuss further matters.

 

He left the note on the bedside table and left. He headed for the Thalmor Headquarters located in the Temple District.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Lorgar Grim-Maw
Pale Pass Camp

 

Lorgar headed to his tent. He quickly got out his satchel bag, and starting putting in the tools of the shadows. Two vials of Hammerfell scorpion venom, and a set of four steel throwing knives. He strapped onto his leg two ebony knives, he put on his standard issue Imperial Shortsword, and hung his trusty ebony greatbow on his back along with a quiver of thirty ebony tipped arrows. He...also packed something for the road, he made sure to stuff it at the bottom of his pack, just in case.  He also took with him a map of Falkreath hold, which he usually kept on his writing desk.      

Got everything I need. Knives, Bow, Poison, yur, Yep everything's in orders, now I need to find Eduad.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Eduard Laenius
Fort Pale Pass


Well, guess I better start preparing for this assassination, as well as my personal business in Falkreath, Eduard said to himself. What all will I need...

He decided to take some obvious things, like his bow, and a dagger. He decided not to take a poison, instead choosing some ingredients so he could make one if necessary.

Don't want any questions being asked, he figured. Now, for some more things.

He decided that he would take some extra gold, for any unexpected expenses.

Now that I'm prepared, I need to think of how I can get both these assassinations done. In the meantime, I should try and find Lorgar. See if he's ready.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Lorgar and Edaurd, Falkreath

 

Lorgar sat crouched in a bush , on a slope overlooking the large town of Falkreath. However unlike most day's, no one was out due to the massive rain storm covering the entire hold. He turned to his concealed partner,

"The rain cloaks us...very good timing."

Eduard turned to his partner.

"Could be good. It won't help us once we are inside though," he replied. "Anyways, the place looks pretty well protected, even with this rain. The citizens might be inside, but that means some of the guards could be as well. We'll know more once we get into town. Where do you want to head first?"

He ignored Edaurds words, "The town is manned by 40 guards on the outside; not counting the large Stormcloak army camped around the town, which numbers in the hundreds if not thousands. The longhouse entrance is guarded by two soldiers at all times, while the area is patrolled by squads of 5."

Eduard sighed at his partner, who obviously was ignoring him.

"Right. That still doesn't tell us much more than we already know, however. We need to plan how we are going about once we enter town."

"Eliminate the Jarl, and anyone who gets in the way." He sarcastically added, "Or we can pose as newly weds, rent a "Honeymoon" suite at the inn, and sneak into the Jarl longhose on the prefix of wanting to party...'

Eduard looked at his partner, with a slight frown.

"I was under the impression we wanted to leave alive. Whatever, we'll do it your way this time. Who do we need to eliminate first? Unless you wish to simply just walk in the longhouse and put an arrow in his throat."

"I heard the old man's Huscarl/servant advice's him on political matters and all that. Let's gut her, and during the rainy funeral  we cover the man in arrows...or we can do the couples idea, your choice?"

Puzzled by Lorgar's insistence on the odd couple scheme, he gave his partner a confused look.

"You seem to gravitate towards that couple idea. Is there something you need to tell me?" He asked with a laugh. "Anyways, your first plan works. How we going about it. Walk in, walk out?"

"I'm not gay..." Lorgar said defensively 

"Neither, we wait till she leaves the longhouse to go back to her house, and we gut her. Knowing that idiot, he'll probably want to have a funeral as soon as possible. Cloaked by the rain we'll kill him during the ceremony with arrow fire.

"It was just a joke," Eduard laughed.

"Anyways, that sounds good. It'll be a while before we can go forward, so in the meantime, I'm going to attend some personal business."

"Go ahead" As Lorgar said that, he took out a book, which he put extra care into not showing Edaurd.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Eduard Laenius-Falkreath

 

As he left Lorgar to head into town, he began to recall the details of his personal job.

Alright, there's a man named Feren. I should approach him, and tell him I have information on Alef. I'll tell him to meet me in a week. That meeting will never happen. I'll kill him when we kill the Jarl.

He entered the local tavern, walking up to the owner.

"I'd like some mead," he said, passing over some septims.

"No problem,"replied the barkeeper, passing a bottle to Eduard.

"Also, do you know anyone who could give me information?" Eduard asked.

"Oh, actually you're in luck. There's a guy over there. Goes by the name of Feren. Keeps talking about a man named Samuel. He's harmless enough," the barkeeper answered.

That was much easier than I expected, he thought.Alright, change of plans. I don't even need to talk to him. Just memorized the face.

"Thanks. I'll have to grab some more money. People like him like to be paid for their information. I'll see you around," Eduard said, finishing his bottle.

He then got up, and went to go meet up with Lorgar.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Rebec
Falkreath town

As during the first civil war, the Stormcloak command center was put in a side room off the first floor of the jarl’s longhouse.  Some of the officer and medical tents and provisions stores were also brought inside the walls.  Other than this imposition, Rebec tried to enforce some separation between the town and the main body of soldiers, so that the civilians could go on with their lives as much as possible.  A vain hope, but it was better to start with stricter order than less.

By the day following their move, it was apparent that the guerrilla strikes were not going to be isolated.  One of the search teams which had been further out never reported in, and another was hit with only a single survivor making it back.  The men were eager for revenge but Rebec knew that’s exactly what the imperials wanted them to do:  Scatter and become easy targets.  She sent out scouts only, except for larger forces to escort the Whiterun and Solitude couriers when they drew near.

On the afternoon after the move, Rebec visited the House of the Dead and sought out the priest Runil.  He insisted that she sit while he made her tea, and asked about her life as a sailor, saying that he used to love to sail when he was a boy in the Summerset Isles.  Rebec realized that this might have been a hundred years or more earlier.

As she sat nursing her tea, Rebec finally brought up the reason for her visit.  She first asked him if he would help the Dunmer battlemages enchant some scrolls, then asked, “Father Runil, I’ve heard the blessing of Arkay can give health and vigor.  Can you do that... remotely?  Or must the person come to the shrine?â€

“Normally it requires prayer at the shrine."  He paused.  “There is someone you wish to bless who cannot come here?â€

“Our general is a captive of the Thalmor.  I'm afraid they're torturing him.â€

The priest's face fell.  “I had heard.  I cannot tell if my prayers will aid him, but we will let Arkay decide.  Take my hand and pray with me.  It won't hurt to join your faith to mine.â€

Rebec hesitated.  She didn’t put much stock in any of the gods except Kyne, whose work she had seen close up- and Kyne could be a right b*****.  Runil was waiting, however, looking at her expectantly, so she gave him her hand.  The priest prayed a blessing on Baldur and then on her.

That night in her tent behind the jarl’s longhouse, with the rain pelting down outside, Rebec remembered Baldur’s journal.  She dressed for bed and then sat curled up in the furs, looking at the black cover.  It wasn’t right to read it, but the tent felt empty.  It would be like having Baldur there talking to her.  They had heard nothing from Marius and Tullius, and the thought that she might never hear his voice again made her feel more alone than she ever had.

She flipped open the book and started reading:

So it's come to this. My military career has me bloody writing. I HATE writing. My father used to make me practice every day after combat training. When I asked him why, he said it kept the mind sharp which was just as important as keeping the blade sharp. He was right, damn him. I still hate it though. And him. Anyway, now that my new rank of Captain, that I did not ask for, nor did I want, requires that I write, I might as well keep a journal. Ulfric says this could be important to our history as a new independent Skyrim. He's an optimist. Personally, I think we'll be overrun by Legion and Thalmor forces, and they'll burn this and no one will ever read it...but in case I'm wrong, I'll write in this bloody thing anyway.


Entry 1: First day on my new assignment at Fort Neugrad, and I already almost died. Some ******* Captain I am. Ever since I got this position, I've been looking for ways to prove myself. Before, I was always overshadowed by Ulfric's favorite, the Dragonborn, and now that he's gone to Talos knows where, I finally get my chance. And what happens? Shield gets broken by a giant house cat, and I get put down by a ******* arrow. In my defense, it was a big ******* arrow. Hit me so bad, I started dreaming of Sovngarde in my unconscious mind. I still don't know if it was real or not, but I like to think it was.


PS: Too bad about that female soldier we saw. We went to meet up with her to trap the giant cat, but she seems to have disappeared. Too bad. She was kinda cute. I think. Couldn't tell from where I was all that much, and it could just be the lack of sex talking. Did she desert us? Was she captured? Who knows.

 


Rebec smirked, recalling that she had thought the captain of the fort must be a fool to let his men duel the big beast.  A typical strutting soldier type with more balls than brains.

 


Entry 2: I never trusted this Witchie character, and I likely never will. First time I saw him and he told me his name, I couldn't help but laugh. I can't trust a man who hides his face, I told him. He showed it to me, but still. And he proved my suspicions right when he killed a civilian. The Dunmer he murdered was likely a Thalmor spy, but that doesn't mean he deserves death. A lot of those spies don't have a choice in the matter. Maybe before the Dunmer started joining our forces, mine being the first, then I wouldn't have cared. But now, I see. Nords aren't the only ones with strong people. These Dunmer are tough bastards. Cunning, smart and resilient. They deserve our respect, and under my command they'll get it. That Witchie, or Witch King....something about him...he's just wrong. I overheard the giant khajiit that we caught talking to him. First I hear the damn cat's a werewolf (ha!) and that Witchie (apparently) Remembers the time of the Dwarves. My ass. If it's true, then what dark arts did he perform to stay alive? Is he a vampire? What's even stranger to me is that he is a nord. I'd have killed him back when he used magic on me after I punched him for what he did. I really wanted to, but damn him, he's too useful. I hate that. One of the reasons why I hate being in charge. It was so much simpler when all I had to worry about was killing Legion and obeying orders.
 
Entry 3: I couldn't believe what Boldir told me through a letter. He caught the enemy Legate! The fool came into the town, and something went wrong, and he got captured. Every time I hear the story, I keep picturing the Legate turning into a werewolf, but that wasn't the case. Anyway, I thought long and hard about how to deal with the Legate. I want to use torture, but I find it too dishonorable to hurt a man while he can't defend himself. Not that it would have worked on this freak anyway, so I used the foul magics of this "Witchie" again. I had him summon illusions of some soldiers and a woman to hurt instead, and get the information from the Legate instead. One of the illusions, the woman, was summoned kissing the mage. Past memory. Glad to see the damn mage has a heart afterall. Not that I can judge him after the hell I put the Legate through. I had to pretend to do some dark things to get his cooperation. Oh well, thats my payback for the men he killed. I was almost one of them with his arrow. Bastard.


My friend Boldir is a great soldier. This capture was a big score for us. Sometimes I wonder if it were him pushing Ulfric out of the way of that dragonfire, and not me would he be in the place I am now? I wish it was him. Leading is too much pressure. Boldir would make a great leader, but he just doesn't get the opportunity to show it much like he did with Lorgar. He's very similar to myself sometimes. He's...odd...around civilians and more quiet than I am, but when its just him and I, we're like twins. I love that man like a brother. I'd die for him in an instant. No question. There isn't a threat or a foe I wouldn't go head on to save him if need be. I guess fighting together builds those kinds of bonds. It's funny, I think he developed those feelings before I did. It was rather odd at first. I used to think for the longest that he...wanted me...but I learned later on that wasn't the case. I don't go that way. I mean, there was that one little mishap we had, but I was very drunk, and I dont think... nevermind.

 

 

Rebec’s eyes widened, and in spite of herself, she laughed.  She had been utterly charmed by the two men’s camaraderie, but hadn't realized how deep it went.  The only friend she’d ever had like that was Toki.  Suddenly she understood Boldir’s despair over Baldur’s capture.


Entry 4: I met the craziest woman I've ever met after we defeated the Legion forces. Her name is Rebec Red-Eye. She's that woman from earlier we saw, and she did in fact get captured. Boy, we had the craziest drinking contest I've ever had. I revealed something I swore I never would to ANYONE last night, (damn mead), and learned that...my best friend...is my step son! He's older than me! I do NOT plan on going into details, as I don't want people knowing this when I die, so too bad, moving on. Anyway, this woman I found out was transporting something for the Thalmor, but like Witchie, I figured she'd be too useful to just throw away. I like her as a person, but as a soldier, she's not up for it.


Transporting stuff for Thalmor? I mean, she said she didn't know for sure, but I don't know. I'll vouch for her though with Ulfric and let her prove herself, even though my gut says not to. I hope I'm not blinded by the workings of Dibella. After our contest she somehow found her way to my bed, which scared the shit out of me when I woke up. I can't explain why, but it has to do with Boldir being my step son and a bad dream. Again, I won't go into detail. I don't know what I think of a woman like her being so...free spirited. Is it because of her life at sea? Surrounded by men and nothing else to do? Pardon the pun. I don't know, but it seems I'm more like my damn father than I want to believe. Going after these kind of women. The type that think like men, so to speak. Promiscuous. I should steer clear. I don't want to end up like my dad. He should have known better than to try marrying a Dibella priestess. I won't make that mistake, no offense to my mother or Rebec. Women like that aren't keepers.

The admiral raised an eyebrow to learn that Baldur’s mother was a Dibella priestess.  The parts about her didn’t offend her in the least.  She had never apologized to anyone for who she was, and that this was how Baldur saw her was expected.  It was why she tried not to take his affection seriously.  It was a wartime thing, she knew.  A man like him needed a town woman, someone stable, someone warm and supportive.  He would come around to realize that himself and then they would go their separate ways.

As Rebec tried to read on, she realized that tears were swimming in her eyes.  She hadn’t kept to her own common sense, in fact.  She hadn’t wanted Baldur to move on, not lately.  The words did hurt.  As tough and independent as she had always been, something had changed.  She had started to think thoughts she had always fended off even with Toki.  Getting older, maybe.  For all the good it does.  He’s never coming back.

She forced herself to read further, though now she dreaded what she might find.  He might already have realized his foolishness.


Entry 5: Looking back at my last entry...I don't know. I got to know this Rebec woman better on our trip to Solitude...why are these type of women so fascinating? I've actually grown to admire the woman a bit. I was right, she is like a man. Her language, her personality...she's strong. Her stories about her crew are rather exciting. I've never been on a large ship before like she has. She makes me want to try it out someday. Maybe I could come along with her one day. Get to know her some more. I know I said I'd steer clear, but I can't help but be drawn to her. It's only been a few weeks, but already I think I'm falling for her. Must be a nord thing. We don't partake in lengthy courtships. I can't risk asking though. She's too free spirited like mom. She's more like a guy than I am, really. Damn woman ruined my plans. I was supposed to go with Boldir to hit the taverns and the wenches, but I don't want that life anymore. I want to settle. But I'll never have the courage to try, so I might as well not bother. I told Boldir we'd start a farm one day and settle with our families, but I'll likely just watch his kids. How am I gonna start a family if I can't even tell a woman I want her for more than sex? I'm not saying I love her or anything, but she's the first woman I've met that interested me in more than her anatomy. Could be worth pursuing. Maybe.

Entry 6: What the hell is Ulfric thinking? He made me a damn General! A General? I wanted to say no so bad, but I couldn't. Damn his charisma. I can't take on this responsibility! All I ever wanted to do was fight with my brothers, but now, I'm the one ordering them. It's just not the same. Now I'll be separate from Boldir, who I chose to make a captain, and I wont get the chance to go sailing with Rebec, as she's going to be busy too. I convinced Ulfric to drop her charges and only punish Erikur for his involvement since she was mostly out of the loop, and we need her expertise for our navy.


I had a talk with Ulfric about some...steps we'd have to take in this war. I don't like it. I get that we have to do whatever it takes to win this war, but I'm worried about how the people are going to feel. I recommended some things of my own that I didn't think he would take seriously. They were more hypothetical suggestions. One of the things I said he gave me an order to do, so I must do it when the time comes. I am to conscript anyone that is 14 years or older who are able bodied and in fighting condition into the service of the Stormcloaks if I find myself outnumbered. He already gave me the order with his seal. If they don't comply, there will be legal ramifications. I knew we were desperate, but...no, no this is the right call. If we lose Skyrim to the elves, man will be enslaved once more just like the time of St. Alessia. Hard decisions must be made. I will carry out my duty, no matter what history writes of me when this is over. This wasn't even the worst thing I may have to do if the war goes too far south. By the Nine, I hope it doesn't go that far.


My first act as General wasn't a very popular one. I opened up the ranks completely to dunmer men and women. I see their potential through Reval, who is dead now, but my kin do not. I actually had some people spit in my face in Windhelm over it. My men wanted to do something about them, but I told them not to. They just needed time to prove themselves. They got their chance in Whiterun against some bandits who were trying to raid around Whiterun hold. My men make quick work of them. Heard rumors of Tullius and Balgruuf being behind it, but I never found any proof. Why would those men resort to this? If I ever see either of them, I'm killing them first time I see them for causing the deaths of good soldiers.


Entry 7: Well, here it is. The Imperials have finally come. Lorgar who escaped from our prison came and told us to surrender, or at least he tried until I stepped in and shut him up. In song, of course, as is my style. He killed some of my men before he ran though. A bit embarrassing, but they were just regular soldiers. Not like my Grim Ones.


Entry 8: I don't have time to write about events that transpired, as I am in a war. I'll do it later. I will still write though. Recent events have finally convinced me that I am...ugh...in love. Boldir would likely kick me if he saw me writing about this like some breton love poet. But I can't help it. She's all I think about now, even in battle, and during war planning. I don't think she feels quite the same way however, but I do think she at least likes me. She seems afraid to admit it though, but she doesn't mind me showing my affection. She even came to share my tent for the night. That was rough. The men heard rumors about me and Lorgar. They actually thought I raped and killed a woman in front of him. They must have heard the screams and never got the full picture. I always thought my men felt more distant, and now I know why. They still respect me, but they don't seem to look at me the same way.Anyway, I sorted it out with Rebec, and we're back to normal. Better than normal. I can't wait for this war to be over so that we can really be together.


Entry 9: This seems rather sudden, but I'm going to go for it after this is done and ask for her hand in marriage. This is Skyrim afterall. We nords get to the point, and seeing how we got to the point very very early, this isn't all that strange. Besides, I feel like I know her already. I'm gonna stop being such a milkdrinker and get over my fear of rejection. I'm not my father, and Reb is not my mother. I'll ask as soon as we get another break, and after I deal with this business with Mr. Moon Balls. I didn't explain who he was did I? Ack, I'll do it later. Wow, I'm even starting to talk like her now. I never even told Boldir yet, and he's my best friend! Ack, I'll do that later too.
 

Stormcloaks are blue, as is the sea,
I'll bleed til I'm dead, or til Skyrim is free,

This season unending leaves me bitter and drear,
But she makes it welcoming, no longer do I fear,

I will stay loyal as if I her steed,
For she brings me comfort, like a tankard of mead,

In my hands are my weapons, they stay right with me,
My axe and my shield, and so does she,

Gods give me strength, the strength of the nine,
To ask for the hand....of this daughter....of Kyne,

 
What the hell is wrong with me? A soldier stepped in while I was writing this. It was a very awkward moment. I didn't notice it, but I was actually singing it... All he did was laugh, then reach behind his neck and he threw me his amulet of Mara, and walked off without saying a word. I've never been so embarrassed in my entire life. Well, except during that drinking contest...or when I got drunk with Boldir, and we had that weird moment...Er, nevermind. Still haven't drank enough mead to be ready to talk about that. What would he say if he saw me writing this rubbish? Anyway, when I get back from this business with Samuel, I'm gonna see what she says. At night, when she comes back to my tent.


I'll go ahead and prepare the next entry for when I return to write how it goes.
 
Entry 10:


 
Rebec threw the book on the bed like it was on fire.  She stared at it for a long while, then picked it up again and re-read the last entries, sure that she had hallucinated them, even sober as she was.

He couldn’t be serious?  He'd have realized his mistake eventually, Rebec reminded herself.  He wouldn’t have really done it.  If he had, she didn't know what she'd have done.  The reality was that she had gradually begun to think of the future only as a “we,†of the two of them, but none of those images made sense.  She still had to bury one husband, if she could ever find Toki’s body.  They were surrounded by war.  And now...  now Baldur was gone, too.  It was her curse.  It had to be.

Stop it, Rebec, you dithering horkerbrain.  It isn’t all about you.  Everyone was suffering.  Whole families had been lost in this war, and likely more would.  Maybe all of Skyrim would be lost, as Baldur wrote.  The Nords would never bow to the Dominion.  They would fight on until the last of them died, bound by this hatred that kept them all locked in struggle.

He had loved her.  She had been loved by not just one good man, but two.  They were so different, Toki and Baldur, but would have liked each other, she knew.  Will like each other, Rebec corrected.  In Sovngarde.  Both of them might already be there now, if Baldur died in the capture attempt.  The two men would probably brawl a few rounds at first, but they'd settle down around the mead eventually and soon be trying to outdo each other with tales of their exploits.

Rebec realized that she was laughing and crying, and couldn’t distinguish the happiness from the grief.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Legate Gracchus Ceno, General Baldur Red-Snow

Fort Pale Pass Prison Cells

Night

 

Gracchus had asked Valindil to see General Red-Snow, a few hours after he had seen Lorgar and Eduard off. Valindil was so busy that he agreed to it just so he would leave him alone.

Gracchus made his way deep into the fort's prison, and presented the Thalmor guards, a tall Altmer and midget Bosmer, with the slip of parchment signed by the Thalmor Colonel. Gracchus slipped in between them, into a pit of darkness that smelled of human urine, burnt skin, ad blood. Gracchus threw up a mage light spell on the ceiling, and addressed the shackled man.

"Hello. You must be General Red-Snow. The "Unkindled," I hear some call you. I'm Legate Gracchus Ceno, commander of this camp."

Baldur half heard what the man said. His head and eyes were pounding from hunger and dehydration, and the ordeal that he went through left him very drained and devoid of emotion.

"Have you come to gloat at the caged beast, Imperial? Do not bother. If it weren't for Samuel, you would never have caught me. Not that it makes a difference," said Baldur flatly.

"Do not take me for a fool, Nord. I have no reason to gloat, nor are you my prisoner. You would be treated better if you were. I unfortunately have no authority over the Thalmor, and they do as they please with their prisoners. Now, if you'll quit being rude..."

Gracchus pulled out a small leather flask, filled with water, and offered it to the Nordic General.

Baldur received no food or water since he was imprisoned, so he wasn't in a mental state to refuse out of stubbornness.

"Yes...please."

Gracchus lifted the flask to the General's mouth, and slowly began to pour.

"I'm...sorry for the way you are being treated. I wish there was something I could do, but anything short of killing the Thalmor wouldn't free you. This is not the way prisoners are supposed to be treated, general or lowliest soldier."

Baldur began choking on the water from drinking too fast. Water had never tasted so good to him in his life. At that moment it was better than mead.

"Thank you. Is there something that you wanted to discuss? Something that the elves aren't already trying to get out of me?"

Gracchus pulled the water away, before saying,

"Not really. I mostly just wanted to meet you in person, my adversary. And to confirm my suspicions that the elves are torturing you."

Gracchus' eyes fell to the floor, where several of the metal wedges lay, covered in blood.

"I'm sorry. I wish it didn't come to this. This whole war is a waste, of lives, men, and time. The new Emperor is a fool, and the Elder Council is poisoned by corruption. And now Marius is missing, and I may not be able to keep control of this army. My sources tell me that there is dissent in the camp, from some of the Legates loyal to Amaund, and not the Empire."

"Wait, you mean you still don't know about Marius? I don't see any harm in telling you this, so here it goes. Marius has defected to our ranks. He is a Stormcloak now. I'd have thought you would have found an amulet of Talos or something in his room by now. He fights to serve his country, for he realizes who the true enemy is. The Thalmor. And as long as you serve these elves, you ARE Thalmor."

"You think I serve them? Who do you think helped hide Marius' Talos worship? Why do you think I had to ask permission to even see you? If anyone in this damn Empire serves the elves, it is the Emperor, not me."

Gracchus was angry, but he calmed down, and said,

"I am not a Thalmor. I hate them, albeit not as much as you Nords must."

Baldur realized his mistake and quickly fixed it before Gracchus got the wrong idea. Baldur saw an opportunity in the meeting and decided to take it.

"Look, I appreciate what you're doing. Coming down here and checking on me. I know you don't serve them, willingly. But you can't just sit and wash your hands of this any longer. Marius realized this. I'm not asking you to get me out of here. I'd still be a prisoner anyway, but hear me out. Once the Thalmor and you are done taking our lands...you and your lands are next. I know some of the members of the Legion see this. You want to stop this? Here's your chance. Order your men to kill them, and join my forces. Let us free Skyrim and Cyrodiil from this sickness infecting our lands called the Dominion! Do the right thing...otherwise we have nothing else to discuss."

Gracchus hung his head, and stroked his goatee before saying,

"I know what it's like, to have your home, your land, your people, taken from you. As much as I would love to take those elves to the noose, I'm afraid, that while there is support, it isn't the majority. Most would stand by and watch. I also have a job to do, as you do, and as much as I hate to admit it, they do offer troops that I need to do that job. I truly wish we could, and drive them from both our homes. We may have another shot yet, who knows."

Baldur stayed silent, as he heard the answer that he expected to hear. He closed his eyes and said, "When the Dominion has stretched over all of Tamriel, and man is wiped from the face of Nirn one by one...just remember. You could have been the one to set things right. It's a good thing you're Imperial. I wouldn't want to see you in Sovngarde when it's overcrowded just to say I told you so. Now, leave me to my dreams. And thank you for the water."

Gracchus was furious, not even trying to hide his anger.

"And what would you have me do? Slaughter my men in cold blood because I was disobeying orders from the Emperor, and they didn't want to? Have you ever had to kill one of your own? Send a fellow Nord to Sovngarde, one of your own men? Because I have, and those images stay with you, whenever you close your eyes that face is there staring back. And I don't want that multiplied a thousand fold."

"What would you rather have on your mind? A thousand men, or millions of men women and children for generations to come?"

Gracchus let out a long, exasperated sigh, one he ha been holding in for what seemed like years.

"The worst part is, I know in every fiber of my body you're right. Kill a hundred to save a thousand. Defy the Empire I have spent my whole life protecting, but save them as well. What do I do? Even if I did command my men to attack, whose to say they would follow those orders? I could just be arrested, and executed. A martyr without a cause. And yet, what if they did? What if we drove the Thalmor out, and then it would be what? Holding hands and singing songs?"

"For a time. And then humans will likely fall back into what we always do. Fight. I'm not asking for world peace. But you've made up your mind. Leave me. I don't need a like mind, I need a man of action. Otherwise you're of no more use than I am right now."

"You Nords, sometimes you think too much with your sword arm, and less with your head. It's utterly infuriating. Would you slaughter your men, if an enemy asked you to? How am I to know that you aren't going to walk into our camp while we are fighting and slaughter all of us, save yourself the trouble of making allies. I'll leave you to your dreams, although you are more likely to find nightmares in this gods-forsaken place. All nine of them."

Before Gracchus left, he tossed the water pouch within the reach of the shackled General, before saying,

"Whoops, look what I dropped."

Baldur chuckled to himself as he left.

And the seeds have been planted. At least now I may have done some good before I'm dead. 

Gracchus nodded as he walked by the guards, and headed up to his room, thinking while walking.

What I wouldn't give to teach those Thalmor a lesson. But my duty is to the Empire. Marius does have the right of it though. Our homes must be taken from those elves, and force is the only way necessary. I'll need to keep Red-Snow alive, even if its just to spite the Thalmor.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Boldir and Eduard

Falkreath Town

 

Boldir rubbed his temple in frustration. He turned back to the man sitting behind the prison bars. "And how in the name of Talos did you think this was a good idea?"

The man in the cell looked up. He was a middle aged Imperial. His face was bruised up pretty baddly. "You bastards burned down my farm! Now you're here and I'd bet on you moving us out of here as well!

"They did that to protect you. You're being provided a home and will be reimbursed when the war is over. It certainly doesn't make assaulting a soldier a good idea. Did you really think he wouldn't hit back?"

"Yeah, I did. He took a hit better than I’d have thought. It was worth it. You people say you're helping us, that you're protecting us, but what are you protecting us from? The Imperials never burned our land. And if they did, they'd actually have the money to pay us back!" 

Only if you bowed to their Thalmor-loving Emperor. Boldir wasn't in the mood to argue with some pissed off civilian. And he didn't care if the man agreed with him or not. He walked towards the door. "You're angry, I get that. But you're also dangerous. I'm going to have to leave you here for now. We'll finish this later. I've got more important things to do."

With that, Boldir closed the door and made his way out onto the city streets. Damn this rain. He thought. From the looks of the clouds, it could be like this for days.

Boldir made his way past the Longhouse. Jarl Dengier was likely inside dealing with civilian complaints at the moment. The man had been integral in keeping the angry civilians on a leesh when several thousand soldiers showed up on their doorstep. The same soldiers that had burned down many of their homes. I'm gonna have to talk with him later about some things. He's been helpful, but they're a restless bunch.

Boldir headed toward the main gate. He'd been doing all that he could around Falkreath to keep the men prepared for an attack and to keep them away from the townfolk. In all honesty though, his main reason for keeping so busy was because it helped him keep his mind off of Baldur. Boldir wasn't sure what to believe regarding his friend's situation anymore. He certainly didn't like the idea of sending Marius and Tullius, the two people he trusted least, to save him, but by the time he'd thought to accompany them as "insurance", they were already long gone. Boldir stopped in front of Dead Man's Drink, the local tavern. I suppose there are other ways to distract the mind... No. I need to stay focused.

As he thought this, a man stepped out of the tavern. It was an Imperial. That much was certain. What caught Boldir's eye was that the man carried a bow. Boldir kept track of all non-Nords, Dunmer, or Redguards in his forces, and he was sure he'd never seen this man before. He waited for the man to walk down the steps and into the street before stopping him "Stranger! Your aren't one of our soldiers."

Boldir gestured at the man's bow. "You a mercenary? Not a lot of hunters around here with the war going on."

Eduard turned to the man questioning him. "Well, funny you should mention both hunting and mercenary work. As a matter of fact, I used to be a hunter until the Civil War happened. I was basically forced to become a mercenary. Besides, it fit my skill set pretty well, and the money is nice. Haven't had a job in a while though. Went to the tavern to see if maybe anyone needed anything. Why, do you need something?"

Boldir stared at the man for a moment. Unsure if he was for real. Would an Imperial spy be stupid enough to carry a bow into this town? Would they want me to think that?

"No, there's nothing I need done that my men can't handle. It's just that... Well I'll be honest with you. This may be a public city, but we're in the middle of a war. Spoting an armed Imperial who I've never seen before now. It definitely draws my attention, and more than a little suspicion."

With a look of understanding, Eduard looked the man in the eyes."Oh, I understand. No hard feelings. It's too bad I'm Imperial, really. You know some people have refused to give me jobs for that same reason. But that's life. The names Eduard, by the way. I hope I'm not causing any trouble mister..."

"Boldir Iron-Brow. I'm the Captain here. So you understand that I have to check on people I see as potential threats. You seem fine to me though. I can't just imprison every non-Nord that I see with a weapon, nor would I." 

Boldir meant what he said. This man may actually be a spy, but there was nothing actually pointing to it besides the man's race, something Boldir wasn't going to arrest him over. And he seemed honest enough. Boldir decided to see if the man knew anything that may prove useful. If he was a mercenary, he may very well have served either side of the war at some point. "So how long's it been since you took on a job?"

"Well, the last time I took a job for a citizen was about 3 months ago. The poor man had a family heirloom stolen from him by some bandits. So I took it back. But, that's probably not the type of job you care about. I guess the last war related job I took was near the end of the Civil War. I was told by some men to capture some intelligence from an Imperial fort. Wasn't too difficult, if my memory serves. Especially compared to breaking into a Stormcloak fort. No one wants to take those jobs. You Nords are a little fierce when it comes protecting your stuff. The Empire figured that out, am I right?" Eduard added, with a light laugh.

Boldir didn't laugh. He was more than a little suprised that this man was admitting to a Stormcloak Captain that he has stolen from them.

“You've got balls son, I'll give you that. The Civil War is past and you didn't have to tell me about your relation to it. So I'll let that bit of info slide, but I wouldn't recommend telling anyone else."

Boldir's tone became more serious. 

"And I certainly wouldn't recommend acting against the Stormcloaks again. Acts of forgiveness are not usually this easy to get. And they don't happen twice."

Boldir went back to his usual tone. "That said, three months is a long time to go without being payed. How have you been getting by?"

Taking a more humorous tone, Eduard responded.

"If it makes you feel any better, I replaced the plans I stole from you guys with ones I forged. Anyways, like I said before, I am also a hunter. I usually get by okay with that, if I can't get a job. Luckily, the last job I told you about was for a pretty wealthy man. Paid me 1,800 gold for getting that heirloom back."

Boldir grunted. "Sounds to me like you're in no danger of going broke in the near future. So what is it that brings you to Falkreath? I'd think a man who seems to be staying out of the war would prefer to be anywhere else in Skyrim. Have you been to the Reach? Mercinaries do very well there, even Imperial ones."

"Yeah, lucky break on my part. As to what brings me to Falkreath, it was on the way, so I stopped to see if there was anything to do. Never can get too much gold, if you ask me. And, you said the Reach has good work? Well, I was thinking of heading out towards Ivarstead, but maybe I'll reconsider. Like I said, can't have enough gold. Dangerous out there though, isn't it? Well, I guess it can't be much more dangerous than anywhere else, right?" Eduard said, nodding his head at the information he was receiving.

"Indeed, it is dangerous. And you can't be too careful. As soon as you let your guard down, you'll... Bad things will happen, and the consequences can reach a lot of people beyond yourself." Damnit! I don't need to think about it... I need to get back to work.

"It's been a good chat Eduard. You're alright for a mercenary. I'm sorry to leave you but I've got some important business that I need to get back to. Good luck wherever you end up."

"Oh, I'll take care of myself. I wish you luck in your endeavors as well. So long, Boldir."

Eduard was relieved, though he didn't show it. He played the story to near perfection, as always.

Boldir walked past Eduard and towards where many of his men were camped near the city walls. He needed to write Jodun to make sure the most recent night raid hasn't gotten him killed or something. The man would be needed back in Falkreath soon enough.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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General Red-Snow

Thalmor Prison

Night

 

I...need...to get...out. Let me out. Let me out. Let me out! Shor!! Talos! Anyone!

The darkness of his cell was finally starting to get to Baldur. With nothing to look at, and not being able to tell what time of day it was, Baldur could no longer focus on Sovngarde any longer. All he could think about was his friends and his men. He kept dreaming of Lorgar doing what Baldur did to his men, except the men all had the faces of Rebec and Boldir.

Please, just let me out!!!!! I'll kill you all you butter faced bags of horker shit! I'll bathe in your ******* blood!

Baldur began thrashing around uncontrollably until he got tired and settled down again. His head was pounding, and his eyes felt like they'd pop from his headaches due to dehydration and hunger. An effective tactic for prisoners whose information was needed. But it hadn't been long enough for Baldur to give in because of it. It would likely be the rack that caused that.

When that elf gets back...I'll need to bite my tongue off before he has a chance to use that soldier's blood magic on me again.

Baldur had held off at resorting to this because he still had some hope that he could get out, but now that hope was gone. Baldur started having conversations in his head with himself, pretending Rebec and Boldir were there in his cell, conversing as if nothing were the matter.

Boldir: No way! You really want me to believe that you caught a dragon...by dropping your anchor on one while it dived under water? And it dragged you in the air, and flew you around, then dropped you on an imperial ship and sunk it? I'm not drunk enough to believe that!

Rebec: I swear it's true, Blofir! Ack, what's the use. You'll never believe me. Well shag me sideways, Baldur? Where have you been? You said you'd be back by dinner!

Baldur started laughing to himself and said into the darkness, "I told you, I'd be back before you could say Nerevarine. Well...can you?"

Baldur snapped out of his mind's escape when he heard a clank noise from outside, and figured the elves were coming back for more torture. Baldur would have cried from his mental escape being broken, but he was too dehydrated to shed any tears. The clanking sound, was soon joined by the sound of magic being casted. He could also hear muffled...cries of pain, and the sound of steel scrapping against flesh, the sound of boots running across the ground was getting louder and louder. Baldur payed the sounds no mind. He already heard them a thousand times when he fantasized about his men charging in and rescuing him. This was no different. Baldur closed his eyes and tried to force what he thought was hallucinations out of his head. The sounds grew louder and louder, until it reached a point we're he could hear the cell door being unlocked and shoved open, along with the sound of breathing. Baldur couldn't see who it was who was opening his cell because of the darkness, but he could just barely make out the figure.

"Who are you?"

"Well well Baldur, bound and half-blind, my my..."Baldur knew that sarcastic voice anywhere.

"I was wondering when I'd start seeing you too."

Baldur closed his eyes again and bit on his lip to make the illusion go away. Baldur heard the "illusion" chuckle, before he felt someone touch his shoulder,

"Open your eyes sir...it's me."

Baldur was getting really angry at this point.

"It's not enough that you beat me, whipped me, stretched and prodded me, but now you want to mentally torture me as well, elf? I'm not a fool, I know about illusion magic."

Baldur spat in Marius's face.

“Fuck you. You want me to renounce Talos, you'll have to do better than that. And my forces are likely long gone from their last position. Unless you want to know Ulfric's favorite color, I am of no use to you anymore."

Baldur was hoping that provoking the "elf" would make them decide to just kill him already. Suddenly a palm meet Baldur straight in the face along with an angry yell,

"Get a fucking hold of yourself General" It was a different voice, more polished and sophisticated,  it belonged to a man with grey hair and a black eye-patch. Baldur recognized him as well.

"T-Tul..Tullius? What the hell? What are...wait, is this real? Am I really being rescued? And by Tullius of all the people in Tamriel? What the hell are you doing here, and why is the man who organized bandit attacks on my men trying to save me?"

"Sir we don't have any time to explain, we need to get you out of here now" said Marius, "Can you walk sir, or do you need help?"

Baldur looked down at his feet and wiggled his toes. He could still feel the raised burnt and blistered skin under his nails.

"I don't know, I think I may be able to. Let's see."

Marius released the shackles that bound Baldur, and gently helped him to his feet before he fell down.

"Hehehahaha! This is real afterall! Hnh, ah...my body. It feels like a dragon just shat me out. Quick, let's get out of here. My armor is in a chest up above. I'll take it in the bag it was placed in. No time to put it on."

As Baldur grabbed the sack with his armor and weapons from the chest, he heard the movement of one of the elves on the ground. As he turned around to see who was still alive, he noticed a red glow coming from one of their hands and pointing at him slowly. Baldur limped over and fiercely stomped on the elf's wrist until he heard a crunch. As the elf wailed in pain, Baldur flipped him on his back and did the same to his other hand.

"Blood magic. He used this on me a number of times. It caused me great unbelievable pain. I'm taking him with us. I have...plans...for him."

Baldur grabbed some bindings and tied it around his broken wrists, and put them behind his back. Then Baldur took his sack of armor and swung it savagely towards the Thalmor's jugular, knocking him out cold. Then Baldur grabbed the elf and put him over Baldur's shoulders.

"Let's go."

"Right..." Tullius said. As they sneaked out of the prison with there new prisoner in tow,

"Tell me, did they make you sing red-snow?"

"...Almost. Another day or two...and I was finished. I would have bit my tongue off in that cell if my inquisitor found his way back here again. The mage here already stopped my first attempt to do so with his blood magic."

"It seems they didn't break you mentally then...your a very lucky man."

Tullius waved them to stop for a second, they we're in a part of the pass covered in dead tree's.

"This is your chance to ask me and Marius any question you have. We wont have another chance until you and Marius are back in Falkreath".

Baldur took the opportunity to put his armor back on himself. His body was sore, and he may have had a broken rib or too, so putting it on was an ordeal in it of itself.

"Why are you doing this? I told myself if I ever saw you I'd kill you, but now...I don't even know what to think anymore."

"I'm helping you because it suits my agenda. As I told your Admiral, i'm neither friend nor foe."

You're gonna have to give me more than that. Last time I got help from someone serving "their own agenda", I ended up witnessing the Thalmor's hospitality firsthand. What are you playing at, Tullius?"

"You shouldn't linger."

"Shit! Ah, Witchie, don't do that, damn it! You came too huh? Who else is here? Where's Boldir? Tell me that fool didn't come too. He knows I'd have wanted him to stay and help Rebec. Is the guerrilla war still going on?"

"I had to bend quite a lot of shadows and silence a lot of sound in order to get you both in and out of the prison unnoticed. Though I can't leave."

"Why can't you...nevermind, you're right. I'm anxious to get to Falkreath. Lead the way."

"I'll send a report explaining the details later. By the way, who saved Rebec's life at Rommulas?"

"At Rommulas? You mean when she was captured?"

"I got a letter from her with the runed cloth, she asked that question to make sure that it's me. I don't know the answer."

Baldur thought back a bit to remember what Rebec said. That day when she mentioned Witchie was a bit like an elf himself.

"Oh, I remember now. That was you, of course. You must not have noticed her face. She was on the ground and you sent an ice spike through the soldier before the deed could be done. I never got the chance to thank you for that. I'm...grateful."

"I'll be off then. Expect to see my report when you get back."

Tullius signaled for Marius and Baldur to follow him.

Baldur wanting his questions answered continued with their discussion. "Why are you doing this Tullius? What is your end game?"

"My motives are my own Baldur, I have no reason to tell you them..."

As Baldur followed the two from behind with his prisoner now stuffed in the bag his armor was in, Baldur said in a hushed tone, "What's up with you Imperials and this whole mysterious thing? I have a theory, if you will indulge me. You want to be Emperor. Is that it?"

Tullius merely said,

"Hypothetical, if I did want to become emperor, I wouldn't be able to, The entire Elder council, High Council, and the Aldmeri dominion is backing Moitre. Titus thought he could hold the throne without the Elder council's support, look what happened to him...all I have is a few hundred soldiers, while excellent soldiers, there no match against Moitre's legions..." 

"That's why you assassinate him then. What is the Emperor's opinion of you?" said Baldur.

"He hates me as much as he hates Lorgar and Marius combined. You do know I served in the Penticulas Occulatus for several years as captain? He know's the only person I kneel too is Titus Mede II, and know's I hate him as much as he hates me."

"So much for that. Bottom line is we need a new Emperor in Cyrodiil, and the Legions need to be persuaded to rise against this one. We'll worry about that later. First lets get me to Falkreath so I can take care of this one. I spoke to their leader. Gracchus. He won't be convinced to act. Despite knowing what I said was right. If we can't even convince one man..."

"You have Marius as a loyal soldier, and you have me as...ally for the time. We where both considered two of the best generals during Mede's II reign. But your right, as long as we have pigs like High General Titus in-charge, things will be difficult to change. It doesn't help that the entire Royalty are a bunch of idiots..."

"Well, let's worry about that later. I have an idea that we can discuss when this is over. The fact that I'm discussing anything with you is still...hard, to process to say the least. Ulfric's gonna drop a stone when he hears this story. Okay, we can't avoid these men forever. The pass is going to get narrow, and we won't be able to avoid those archers from seeing us. And there's the problem of the archers blocking the exit to the pass. You guys have a plan?"

"I'm sure Ulfric will be overjoyed to see both of his old war buddies still alive." Marius chucked,

"We run through as fast as we can will dodging arrow fire"

Baldur stopped moving when he said that.

"Wait, what? THAT'S our plan? Well, I guess it's better t- wait, you hear that? Looks like they figured out I escaped...Great. Well, at least I have my new pt here to block arrow fire. Lets get the hell out of here. Do you have horses waiting? They'll be tailing us until they get too far past hostile territory."

"About that..." Tullius frowned,

Marius flatly said, "We ran the entire way, the Admiral told us to go right away."

"Shit...I was hoping not to have to lug this bastard around...whatever, lets just keep running. Anyone that gets close gets run down."

Baldur and the others wasted no time in charging their way down the pass. They got up to the wooden wall the Imperials raised with archers, and they using the element of surprise cut some of them down quickly before they could pull out their swords. Baldur used his bagged captive to knock one of the archers over, and he broke his neck when he landed. They jumped over the other side since the gate was locked, and they continued to run as hard as they could to get away from the charging Imperials. Arrows were whizzing by them now, landing on the ground by them lucky for them the darkness made it harder for them to get hit, but a few arrows did manage to hit their mark on Baldur. His thick armor took the brunt of the damage however. One of the arrows landed in his bag, and Baldur heard the elf cry out in pain.

"Shut up in there! You're crying from one measly arrow after what you did to me? Wait til you see what I have in store for you later!"

"That was close..."

The charging army was getting closer to the group when Baldur Marius and Tullius finally reached the exit of the pass. To make things worse, a group of ten soldiers were just returning when they heard all the chaos and charged the three.

"Let's make this quick, or we're all Thalmor prisoners!"

Baldur threw the bag at the crowd and the trio backed up to the pass entrance so that they could not be surrounded.

Maruis slashed his Imperial sword at a pair of soldier, cutting them both in there stomach's . While Tullius, who was duel-wielding a steel war axe along with a imperial sword was taking on a group of three.

Baldur threw his axe at one and hit the Nord legionnaire right in between the eyes. He twitched and jittered around for a while from the lightning enchantment, then fell to the ground. Another came running past him, and slammed his shield up to Baldur's.

"You just threw your only weapon, fool."

"I have two axes, [censored]."

Baldur whipped out the other from his left side, and slammed it into the other nord's shoulder. Baldur collected his other axe and went behind the group fighting Tullius. Baldur grabbed one from behind and threw him into the ground. Then he raised his right foot and stomped the man's skull in. Just like he taught me.

Tullius finished the last two off with two slashes to the throat along with a kick. 

"Baldur, we have to move!!!"

"Way ahead of ya!"

Baldur sheathed his axes and ran back for the elf in the bag.

"Didn't think I'd forget about you did you?"

The elf started swearing at Baldur, but he couldn't make it out as his voice was muffled by the bag. Baldur gave him a swift kick where he thought his head was, then he picked him up and began running again.

"Up ahead! We can lose them in the woods!"

Tullius nodded, before running as fast as his legs could carry him, Marius followed soon afterwards, only sheaving his blade when he was in the cover of the dark trees. They ran for what seemed like forever, before Tullius stopped, and turned to Baldur,

"Red-Snow did we loose them?"

Baldur dropped the bag, and bent over gasping for air before turning to see if the pursuers ever stopped chasing them. Baldur peaked around a tree and saw nothing around to the left or right.

"I think we're good."

"This is where we part ways then..."

"So that's it? You go off into some cave or something wherever you and Balgruuf are hiding? What if I need to contact you again?"

Tullius couldn't help but chuckle, "I'll know if you need me. One favor though, tell Ulfirc his old Prefect send his regards" Tullius then put up his hood, and began to walk into the darkness of the forest,

*Sigh*...Imperials are always so dramatic. Walking into the darkness and all that. Well, he did get me a get outta jail free card, so I'll let him have his moment.

"How in the hell am I going to explain this to Ulfric? I can barely believe it. Well, Marius. Lets get going. I dare say, you've proved yourself. The men should be much more welcoming to you now."

"Hope so sir...permission to speak frank sir?"

Baldur gave him a confused look. "Permission t- this isn't the Legion. Speak your mind freely Marius."

"Thank you sir, to be honest, I'm super excited to see those idiotic bullies face's when they find out that two imperials, not nords, went deep behind imperial legion lines, and saved their beloved general from the evil dominion's clutches without any support.'

"Stop calling me sir. It's weird. No offense, it's just you were a General yourself. Anyway, yea I figure that will get some of them off your back. That will be important in the future. I have to get my men to trust Imperials as well as the Imperials to trust us. Until that happens however, we must defend Falkreath at any cost. I really wish you guys brought some horses. I really want to get to Falkreath already. Speaking of which, hows the Admiral doing?"

"What do you think? She was desperate enough to accept help from General Tullius...personally sir, I think she's head over heels for you."

"That's what I was afraid of. I take it they were talking about an attack? If it wasn't for Tullius, we'd have lost our defensive position in the hold. Boy is she going to be pissed when I get back. After I told her not to worry...How about Boldir? I'm surprised he's not here. I guess he realized I'd have wanted him to stay with Rebec."

"He was planning to go with Jodun to extract you out...sir as you said i'm aloud to speak my mind...I think that would have been an idiotic blunder, he was willingly to risk your entire force along with himself, the second in command, to rescue you sir...we're very lucky Tullius decided to step in,  if you don't mind me saying sir, you should have thanked him."

"I'm sure he knew I has thankful. He knows I was too busy trying to believe I wasn't still dreaming. Lets hope you never get captured by the Thalmor to understand why. I need to talk to Boldir when we get back. Rebec too. If I ever get caught or captured again, they need to realize that they have to let me die unless the odds are in their favor. This relationship we have....it's dangerous. But, I guess I can't say I wouldn't have done the same damn thing if it was either of them."

"Sir, emotions make a Soldier weak and lose himself... I know that better than anyone. Sir, with all due respect, you're causing danger to yourself and your mission by having a relationship like this with the admiral.''

"Stop calling me sir!"

Marius grinned, "Would you rather me talk like this Baldur?  You and your command are being twits and need to be able to make decisions based on the well-being of the mission as a-whole, instead of making crummy decisions based on your mead-stained emotions...."

"Actually, yes. I would prefer that. Lets me know where you really stand. Anyway, you're right, but it's too late for that. I can't fight without Rebec and Boldir anymore. When I first met Rebec, I know I shouldn't have gotten involved with the woman. I knew it could be trouble in the long run, but to be honest, I don't regret it for a second. Besides, our emotions lead us to do incredible things. Remember the story of how The Snow Elf Prince was killed?"

Marius face twisted into heavy annoyance, "Don't...even...mention that story to me, that imbecile Lorgar would constantly haunt me with that same story every day, as he said "proof of skaalish superiority"... That story is nothing but nordic propaganda. I bet that the Snow Prince was rushed by over a hundred nordic warriors and cut half of them down before being cut into pieces, not killed by a twelve year old..."

"Nordic propaganda? Ha! If it were Nordic propaganda, the girl would have beat the elf in one on one combat! And how is that proof of Skaalish superiority? They weren't Skaal back then."

"That's exactly what I told him...but NOOOOO, he would go on and on of how the "Skaal we're of the same blood of those nords, BLAH BLAH, BLAH. " Marius chuckled, but grew more Somber, "I miss him when he was like that...let's go Baldur." Marius turned from Baldur and headed into the direction of Falkreath.

 I actually think I owe him an apology now for Rebec. After what I went through...I see know that she could have been much much more worse off. If it weren't for him...we'd never have met. Wow, gone for less than a week and the world flips on it's ******* head.

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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Witchking (aka Witchie alias Skjari)

Imperial camp fort

Early morning

 

Witchie woke up from his regular nightmares when the sun was about to dawn. He dispelled the rune around his chair and pulled it back into his room. The room was about twice as large as a regular tavern restroom, it had a simple bed to the right when you entered and a small round table with a chair besides it. Witchie put the second chair back besides the table. He then remembered that he hand't checked on the runed cloth last evening, damning himself for forgetting, someone could have looked into his room while he slept. When he looked he found a letter which appeared to untouched and it read: 

 

"Witchie:

We believe the Thalmor have captured Baldur and are holding him at their high-level prison at Pale Pass fort.  Priority is to get him out before he breaks.  Use all means at your disposal.  Imperial generals Marius and Tullius have offered to help us infiltrate due to their anger over Thalmor ops in Cyrodiil.  They will be trying to enter the prison within days.  Aid them if you can, but watch for divided loyalty esp. when Baldur is free.  Secondary objective is to sabotage the catapults.  We are installed at Falkreath.  I will check your message system every evening.  If you are who you say you are, tell me who saved my life at Rommulas.

Admiral Rebec"

 

Damn I don't know who saved her. Is this a trick question? I don't even remember her being at that bloody camp. 

Witchie let it slide for the moment and burned the letter. He then proceeded to put up a trap rune at the inside of his door so if anyone that wasn't him or the princess would try to open, they would find their insides filled with more ice than innards. As he walked out the door he saw two other of the princess maids was walking by, they were dressed the same way as that other maid the princess liked. They were whispering between themselves put they were too far away for Witchie to be able to make out any of the words. They were also looking at him, at point almost to staring and when they got closer they stopped whispering and started to giggle instead. When they were just to pass by one of the maids blinked and smiled at him. Confused on what had just happened, Witchie was just standing there, trying to figure out was all of that was about. Then it it hit him, one of the maids must have seen and most likely overheard the scene last night. And gossip can spread like wildfire. After quickly deciding to have a little talk with the princess he started to ram his fist into her door.

"Yes?" it wasn't the princess, but her maid Elan.

"Dales, we need to talk. Now!"

"Ummm, Master Skjari? Princess Motierre is having breakfast with Legate Trixus, business matters, if you need anything I may be able to help."

"Do you know what happened out here last night?"

"Did something happen? The princess was really clingy last night..."

"You'll hear about it soon enough. Now tell me where she is."

"Private mess hall number 2, it was originally built by the Tsenic for high-ranking officers."

Witchie then left without even saying goodbye and tarted to search for this mess hall. He had explored the fort at the first day he had arrived but he wasn't still entirely familiar with the place. After a couple of minutes and some wrong turns he finally found the right mess hall. He saw the princess sit and eat at some special table that seemed to be reserved for the high ranks. The princess didn't seem to notice him till he was right besides the table.

"May I have a word with you, your highness?"

She looked up in surprise, before smiling, "Of course Master, if you'll excuse me gentlemen" the other people on the table saluted her, before she left and signaled for Witchie to follow her,

"Is there anything you need master?"

Witchie looked around to make sure no one was near. "Your little breakdown last night might have been seen by one of your maids."

"Are you sure?! How do you know?"

"I saw two maids whispering and giggling as they walked by me. One of them even blinked and smiled at me. Remember that I was naked when you had your breakdown."

"Maybe they just think your sexy with your mystery and dark robes?"

"With the whispering and giggling, I doubt that."

"Want me to talk to them?"

"What if one of them overheard our whole discussion? What if they know what kind of information you told me. People would start wondering why I would want you to relay such information to me. Do you see where I'm going?"

"I wont kill them if that's what your asking..." She looked coy for a second, "I could...persuade them if that's what you want me to do..."

"I want you to talk to them and find out what they know. If they know too much, you'll have convince them to stay quiet about. And I'm not asking you to kill them." 

That would raise too much suspicion. They're also not elves.

She smiled, "It shall be done master..."

"I'll be in my room." 

He then walked to the kitchen and grabbed some food before heading back to his room. While he was eating his breakfast he planned out today's magic lessons, it was soon time for the princess to learn about fighting. 

Witchie suddenly heard knocking on his door, "Master? It's me"

He opened the door. The princess wasn't clad in her normal dress, but a purple night gown. She smiled

"Master, the maids will keep there mouths shut from now on, they only heard the part about you protecting me and Elan." 

"Good. Now it's time for some lessons. And I think it's best if you change your clothes. Something that allows for easy running."

"Okay...." The princess went into her room, and it was ten minutes before she stepped out in royal hunting Garb.

"Lets go." He then walked out of the fort to their usual training ground. "Have you practiced the ward I taught you yesterday?"

"Yes Master." She casted the ward with ease.

"Good. But if you're fast enough, you wont need it." A flaming beast with the general shape of a woman appeared floating in the air as he summoned a weaker flame atronach. "I want you to kill it."

Nodding, the princess began to channel her magic, and released a massive frost icicle from her hands. The flame atronach dodged the icicle and shot a flaming bolt towards the princess as it floated away. The princess,  to her own surprise, instinctively rolled away from the flaming bolt, before casting another frost icicle. The atronach got hit this time but it just kept floating to the side and shot two more flaming bolts. She side stepped the first bolt, and brought up a ward to block the second. All of here blonde locks we're sprewn across her face, and she looked pissed off. She casted this time two icey spears at the Atronarch. One of the spears missed but the other one hit the atronach's chest, it fell down and subsequently exploded in a shock-wave of fire.

"How did I do master?" asked the tired girl.

"You did well enough." Witchie then looked around to check that no one was near and then double checked with a spell to detect life and then one for death just in case. It was clear. "Now I want you to do something else." He walked behind a tree and conjured up a Thalmor soldier that he dragged out to the princess and pushed him onto his knees. "Kill him."

"No, please don't." the illusion pleaded. 

The princess, without any remorse or hesitation, simply asked Witchie, "Can I use my knife?"

"If you wish."

"It shall be done master."

She drew the dark dagger from it's sheaf, before going over to bound Aldmeri soldier, she simply said,

"Your a risk to me and Elan's safety, I cant allow that"

She thrusted the dagger into the soldier's neck. Blood started to flow out of the wound as she pulled out the dagger and the body fell down to the ground. 

Now lets see how well she handles under pressure.

"You'll pay for that." another voice said from behind. Two illusions in the shape of Thalmor soldiers stood behind them with their elven swords raised to their necks. She merely turned around, and casted two fury spells and the soldiers.

"Nice try, but we're better than that." the elf now pressed his blade up against her throat. Witchie then sent an ice spike that pierced that elf's throat which was soon covered in blood. At the same the other elf ran his blade through his throat and lots of blood flooded down the blade and his onto his robe while he tried to fake an expression of chock, pain and death. 

"MASTER!!!"

The princess, became enraged and jumped onto the elf with all the strength and speed she could muster, and thrusted her dagger into the elf. over and over again. Witchie then chuckled a bit before dispelling all the illusions. 

The princess, as she saw all the corpses vanish as well as the blood, looked really confused, until she heard her "dead" master chuckle, 

"Master you’re alive!!!!”

She rushed in and embraced the dark, bearded man.

He patted her a little on the head. "Just wanted to test how you handle under pressure."

"Hmmm, did I do well on that?" asked the still confused princess.

"A bit more focus could be needed. Rage can work good as motivation but don't let it blind you to your surroundings."

She hugged him again, "As you say Master, just glad your not dead."

"Am I really that important?"

She chucked, "Of course silly, you’re my master and my friend."

I don't need any friends, I don't want any friends. They just end up dying a horrible death. 

"Now I think we're getting too cuddly. Self study for the rest of the day."

She sighed, "But Master...I was going to go for a picnic...Do I have to cancel?"

"Free self study then. I got some things I need to take care of."

She squealed happily, "Thank you master!!!! I have to get changed though, Bye!!!" She ran off and was soon out of sight.

Karsh then came flying down and landed on his shoulder and croaked a bit. 

"Lets see if I can make you whisper before I investigate the prison."

The raven just croaked again as an answer before Witchie started to cast his experimental spells on the bird. 

It's always nice when your writing gets reinforced by the canon after you come up with it.

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