Alduin was defeated not only in the mortal plane, but Sovngarde as well, by the Dovakiin himself. But the firstborn of Akatosh is immortal. He may be defeated, but not destroyed. If he cannot take the souls of Skyrim, he'll look elsewhere.
Alduin, the World eater, was evicted from both the mortal realm of Skyrim and the land of the dead, Sovngarde. The Dragonborn had brought peace to the land. But Alduin is immortal. Across all realms exists a small portion of his power. It has taken him time, but he has finally recollected his physical form in a new world, where he can gorge himself on the souls of it's inhabitants; Alduin has arrived on Equis, and has rallied it's Dragon inhabitants in order to destroy the ponies for his consumption. Dorian Hollowblade, the Imperial Battle Mage and Dovahkiin, informed of this by Parthenax, vows to venture to this new land to defend them from the World Eater.
But Equestria on it's own is not without champions.
Thanks to the user Holographic for ideas and such. (1-5) My new idea bouncer/coauthor! Azrael Sorath (7-?) (Also helped me edit 1-6) Also, I'm on the lookout for a better cover.
The Dragonborn's icy blue gaze sighted down the shaft of the ethereal arrow. Down the hallway of the steamy Dwemer ruin, charging full throttle at the Imperial invading the past dwellings of it's creators, a Dwarven Sphere rapidly reduced the distance between them. The Dwarven construct, a man-sized automaton comprised of steaming bronze-toned metal and animated using techniques known only to it's creators, had been chasing him for quite some time. Dorian had needed to keep his distance so he could build up the magic for his bound bow, and to set up his little trap.
Moments before the Sphere came in striking distance, Dorian HollowBlade released his grip. The arrow pierced it's shoulder and staggered the construct, but did not prevent it's continued function. The Dragonborn stepped to the side as a fireball roiled past his head. The Sphere shattered into it's individual parts, which scattered across the floor.
The ball of searing heat had been tossed by the Atronarch he'd set in one of the ruin's numerous alcoves. The magical creature floated gently above the ground, waves of heat emanating from it's roughly-female form. This was one of Dorian's favorite summons, primarily due to his poor aim with a bow. He had been aiming for the automaton's 'head'.
Dorian touched the back of his head, and frowned. The fireball had seared through his mask's covering and singed his dark hair. He dispelled his bow and opened the door at the end of the hallway. He climbed up the spiral staircase to the enormous apparatus containing what he sought. The control panel, while simple, required a bit of effort to find the correct sequence of levers and buttons. The enormous metal contraption spun and shifted, eventually settling with the large multi-faceted metal container being held just in front of the platform.
Dorian walked out from behind the control panel, his ebony armor clanking loudly as he ascended the steps to his prize.
This Scroll was considerably easier to obtain, he thought solemnly. Those poor Dawnstar guards... The two of them fought bravely, but that damned Centurion came out of nowhere. Rest peacefully, my comrades.
He lifted the Elder scroll from it's perch, and examined it's exterior. It looked exactly like the Elder scroll of Time. Supposedly this would take him to the place Alduin resided, or rather, intended to conquer. It was fortunate that the artifact map in Mzulft now began to work properly, or he'd have never found this place. Parthenax had warned him that the land he would venture to was very different from Cyrodiil, or even Skyrim. He knew nothing of this place, other that with Alduin's presence, it's inhabitants would be in mortal danger.
He'd taken it upon himself to deliver it from the World Eater's evil. All that he had to do now was open the scroll. The Elder Scroll of Space.
Dorian took a deep breath, and exhaled. He unrolled the scroll and allowed himself to be engulfed in the violet star-field that spilled out. He was pulled in, and the scroll clattered to the stone floor, rolled up once again. Dorian's atronarch floated nearby for another few moments before returning to oblivion, leaving no further evidence of it's master's passing.
Dorian slowly came back to consciousness, the blackness fading from his mind as he began to generate coherent thought. The first thing he noticed was that he was on his back in a shallow crater in the snow. The second was that Hevnoraak had slipped off his face. He struggled for a moment, and finally found the energy to open his eyes. Wherever he was, the sun was just at the horizon. He couldn't tell whether it was setting or rising, though when he'd entered Ftulm for the scroll it had been rising. He looked around on the horizon. Farther to what he surmised was north was a large mountain range, and to the south he could see the tips of snowcapped hills. Then, straight ahead of him, he saw... a figure, on all fours, running in his direction.
He scrambled to his feet, readying, but not casting his atronarch summon and his bound sword. Whoever- or whatever- it was, it was not going to catch him off guard, nor did he want to frighten it off. The figure stopped for a moment, then continued towards him, a bit more slowly. As it drew near, Dorian noted that it walked on all fours, like a horse or an elk, and was shimmering magenta in body color. The hair, or a mane, he supposed, while rather solid and helmet like, was mostly grey with a streak of stark white running through it like a silver ore vein. It's eyes shone like glimmering amethyst crystals. Finally, it drew near enough to touch. At this point it was obviously some kind of diminutive horse.
"He... Hello?" She spoke, the voice unmistakably female.
Having met cat men, dragons, and talking dogs, this only stunned him for a moment. "Hello."
The small horse took a step back, as if surprised. She recollected herself, and asked him, "I saw you falling from the sky, with a huge flash of lightning or something. Are you alright?"
"Yes, I believe so." Dorian replied, bending down to pick up Hevnoraak again. The pony flinched as he touched it. "Is something the matter?"
"That mask..." She said uneasily. "Where did you get that mask?"
"It's rather too long of a story for me to talk about out here," Dorian said, pushing it into his bag, rather than donning it again. "Perhaps you know of a place where we may rest, and talk?"
"I... Well... Maybe..." She replied, digging at the snow with a forehoof. "I do have a safe house nearby. We can talk there, if you'd like."
"That would be wonderful." He gestured for the her to lead the way.
"So, Ice Strider," the dragonborn began, setting down his tea. "You still wonder about my mask, I presume."
"Well, yes, I do." the 'crystal pony' replied.
"It was an arduous journey, through an ancient Nordic ruin. I was on a mission to cleanse it of a lich, the Dragon Priest Hevnoraak, at the request of the guardian of his tomb. I dueled the priest in his weakened, low-power state, and defeated him. I took his iron mask as my reward. Does this satisfy your curiosity?"
Ice Strider let out a breath of relief. "Oh, thank Celestia. I was just afraid High-Priest Sombra had given it to you, or even worse, one of the dragons."
"High Priest Sombra?"
"I got the feeling you weren't from around here when you started talking about what, Nodric ruins? Anyways, High-Priest Sombra is the current ruler of... well, what was once my home. I barely made it out before the total lockdown. He made some kind of deal with the dragons, and they gave him a powerful crown. Now he's kicked out the prince and princess, and the Dragons are roosting in the castle and..." He shuddered. "Eating ponies."
"That sounds terrible," Dorian consoled. "Similar events took place back where I come from as well. Has anyone tried to oppose this, High-Priest?"
"Yes. But they were banished, and many ponies think them to be dead. He even overpowered the previous rulers, and broke the Crystal Heart. Anypony left in the Crystal empire is either hiding, enslaved, or dragon food."
"What about the neighboring lands? Have they attempted to intervene? Are they struck with a similar dilemma?"
"I haven't heard any news from the Griffon empire, Saddle Arabia, or Equestria. Contact was basically cut off when Sombra took over."
"So you don't know any more about the situation," Dorian surmised, doing his best not to smile at the comedic name of a country. "Why don't you go out and look for help? I've done so for the sake of the people of Riverwood."
"I... I thought I'd just wait it out, wait for the Elements of Harmony to fix things," Ice Strider said, looking at the floor. "They always do. They always have."
Dorian was silent for a moment. "You're jealous of these 'Elements of Harmony,' aren't you? You wish you were the hero."
Ice Strider looked up, face flushing with color. "N-no, no I'm not!"
The Dovahkiin looked at her hard.
"Okay, maybe a little." she admitted sheepishly.
"Come with me. You can alert the neighboring empires, perhaps gain their assistance. You'll be welcomed with open arms in their cities. Who knows, you may even become Thane."
"Thane?"
"Nevermind. Will you join me?"
"I... Well..." Ice Strider stammered, soon regaining her composure.. "I guess... Yes. Just let me get my things, alright?" "I'll be waiting." Dorian said, satisfied with the outcome of his inquiry. Now he had an ally who at least knew they lay of the land, and would mark him as less suspicious of a character.
It was obvious this 'Sombra' was a Dragon Priest. Alduin himself must have granted him power, and by extent, dominion over the Crystal ponies. He'd need to go through him before he could take down the Dragon. And no doubt that he had been seen by others when he fell. It was only a matter of time before the World Eater sent dragons to kill him. Once again, he'd have to take them down, one by one, until all that remained was those who sided with him, and Alduin.
I'm starting over, Dorian thought to himself. Once more, I can start over. Once more, I must save the world from the World Eater's wrath.
"So this 'Cadence' is the most powerful, and that is why she's your leader?" The Dragonborn asked his temporary companion. They were walking down a valley on their way to a place called Canterlot. The towering walls of ice on either side cooled the valley drastically, sending chills down Dorian's spine. This was as cold as the northern wastes, during the winter. In the water.
"It's more because she cares for us more than Sombra did, and she overpowered him with the help of a Dragon, with the Crystal Heart."
It must be like Azura's Star, holding energy in it's own realm, thought the Imperial. Then, he caught onto the other part of what she'd said. "A dragon helped to vanquish him?"
"Yeah. I think his name was-" Ice strider paled. A resonating roar echoed across the valley sending small snowfalls down the sides. "W-what was that?"
"Dragon," Dorian said, eyes narrowing in on the enemy soaring across the sky nearby. "Looks like a Blood Dragon, but it's hard to tell from here."
"A B-Blood D-Dragon?" She stammered, backing against one of the valley walls. "Oh, dear Celestia-"
"Shh," Dorian hushed her. No, it was definitely just a normal Dragon. If dragons could ever be considered normal. He charged up both hands with a single firebolt, and sent it soaring through the sky at his target. Narrowly, he missed, the ball of flames flying just in front of the dragon's head. The dragon turned to look for the source of the attempted sneak attack, and began to home in on their position.
"Damn," he swore, panicking slightly as he summoned his Flame Atronarch and charged another firebolt. This one hit target, searing it's scales on the underbelly of the reptilian monstrosity.. The Dragon flew overhead and shouted a raw northern wind of frost at him. The icy hurricane bit into his exposed skin like thousands of daggers. He raised his arm up in a futile attempt to block out the frozen gale.
Lowering his arm, Dorian took a deep breath, and shouted loud as he could "Joor Zah Frul!
The Dragon was enveloped in a blue light, and was forcefully dragged down to the ground. "Dovahkiin?" It growled.
"You guessed it," Dorian said.
With that, he summoned a bound battleaxe. He swung it up over his head in a deadly ark, where his atronarch lit it ablaze. He swung it around, and slashed across the dragon's jaw as it shouted a frostbitten wind at him one last time. Dorian collapsed to one knee as the dragon's skin flaked away as ash, his battle ax vanishing as easily as it had appeared. He reached into his pack and drank a healing potion, cringing at the taste.
"Ug," he grunted as he rose again. "Tastes disgusting, but does the job."
"Y-you... You just-" Ice Strider began.
"Killed it." Dorian finished. As he spoke, the soul of the dragon was being absorbed by him, the knowledge flowing into his mind. It took much of his concentration, hence his short response.
"What was that thing you said, the thing that made them it fall down?" Ice-Strider gushed. "I mean, you just knocked it out of the sky and cut it's mouth open like an orange! And that fiery thing, what's that? And where did those weapons come from? Why is the dragon turning to a skeleton?"
"What I just did was use a Thu'um, a Shout. That particular one was called Dragon Rend." Dorian began answering, watching as the last few flakes of scale turned to dust. "Forces the concept of mortality into it's mind. The 'feiry thing' is a Flame Atronarch. I summoned it and the weapons from one of the many planes of Oblivion. As for why the Dragon is rotting... I've just finished absorbing it's soul."
"Y-you took it's soul?"
"Don't worry. Only works with Dragons, not people- eh, ponies. It's because I'm DragonBorn."
"I see we have more to exchange, lore-wise. We should walk as we do so." Dorian said, continuing in the direction they'd been travelling, his Atronarch dissipating with the wind. Ice Strider took one last look at the completely still skeleton behind her before trotting to catch up with the taller being.
"So you can make a dragon dead permanently, and use it's power as your own?" Ice Strider surmised. It had begun to snow, and although they'd almost left the ice-bound part of the north, they were still a while's off from being out of it entirely. In the distance he could see a verdant grassland, far more lush than the dried-out tundra that Whiterun consisted of.
"Essentially, though I need to know the words of power before I can use them."
"Could you show me another Thoom?"
"Thu'um," Dorian corrected. "I suppose one wouldn't hurt." He drew a deep breath, and shouted at the sky, "Lok Vah Koor!"
The clouds parted before his words, and the snow all but stopped for nearly a mile around. Ice Strider flinched as he did so, and stood slack-jawed at the feat.
"You... That's... Wow."
"Indeed."
"Do it again, do a different one!" Ice Strider cheered, excited to see another power.
"It takes much power to do so. I have to wait a while before I can use another shout. Besides," The DragonBorn chided. "It would be childish to abuse a power such as the Thu'um."
"Oh," the pony said, blushing slightly. "I guess you're right. But still, that was really cool. Is there any way you could teach me?"
"No, I'm afraid not. Only the Greybeards can truly teach the Way of the Voice, and it's a lifetime's training. I am uniquely gifted with the Dragon Blood that let's me use a shout without training."
"Well, how did you find out you're DragonBorn?"
"The Whiterun Guards and I took down a dragon at the watchtower, and the soul was absorbed by me. I found myself capable of using the word of power I'd found in Bleak Falls Barrow the day before, Fus, or Force."
"That sounds... Y'know, you really are bad at making a story exciting. Even when you kill a dragon."
"Excuse me?" Dorian said, raising a brow.
"Nothing." Ice strider said innocently.
"Right," the Imperial said slowly. "Say, we are going to need to stop for the night soon. Is there anywhere nearby we can find respite?"
"I think the Emerald Fields Inn isn't too far from here," Ice Strider said, rubbing a hoof against her chin as she thought. "I've never been though. Might be pretty crummy."
"I've slept in unventilated and in use mines, over-protected, steam-powered ruins, and ancient crypts filled with the undead. I'm sure it'll be fine."
"You really slept in a crypt?"
"Yes. By the way, make sure the dead are really dead before you sleep among them."
Ice Strider giggled a bit. Surely he was joking.
"But Seriously, you do not want to wake up with a Draugr's sword pointed at your neck. Not a great wake up call." Added Dorian.
Ice Strider gulped. "Draugr? You mean like a zombie?"
"If by zombie you mean the walking dead, then yes, something like that."
She shivered. "How awful."
The DragonBorn snorted. "You're telling me. I've put hundreds, maybe thousands to rest, and they still creep me out. And that one incident with that necromancer in Hillgrund's Tomb." He shivered. "Divines, it took nearly two hours to clear out the draugr. Not to mention that accursed mage who kept reanimating them."
"That sounds like you've been through Tartarus and back."
"What is 'Tartarus?' Some kind of arena?"
"Tartarus. Y'know. The underworld."
"I... I do not understand."
"Where monsters come from?"
"Is it a plane of Oblivion?"
"Uh... Sure? Like a different world, right?"
"Ah. It stands to reason you'd call them different than I." Said Dorian. "I'll try to remember this, 'Tartarus'. Perhaps I could learn summons from that realm as well."
"Yeah, 'cuz that makes a lot of sense." Ice Strider mumbled. "Crazy, that's just plain stupid to try."
"Hello?" called Dorian as he opened the wooden door, walking in with Ice Strider. It was just getting to be sunset, and they'd arrived at the Emerald Fields inn. At a glance, the building was nothing special. It had a fire burning in the hearth, tables set with plates some kind of Sweetrolls, and a barkeep tending to the mead barrel behind him. The barkeep, a crystal pony with a jagged grey mane and a coat the same shade as a glowing mushroom, was wiping out some mugs behind the counter.
"Jus' a sec'- Woah!" exclaimed the barkeep as he saw Dorian, dusty brown eyes widening. "We don' let in no pets."
"Excuse me? He's a friend of mine." Ice Strider stuck up for her companion."
"I am? Hm. Well, yes, I am." Dorian spoke, considering the thought. He was friends with a few members of the Kajiit caravans back in Skyrim. Why not with a pony? It was the same principal.
The barkeep reeled momentarily, at his speech, then regained some semblance of composure. "Well, I guess you can stay. You two be wantin' a room?"
"One each, please." said Dorian, reaching into his coin purse. "I trust you take gold coins?"
"If ya' mean Bits, then yeah." Said the barkeep suspiciously.
"Ah. Only have Septims. Precious gems?" Dorian inquired.
"You have gemstones?" asked Ice Strider, surprised.
"Of course." Dorian said, letting a few stones of garnet trickle out of his coin purse onto his palm.
"Those'll work." said the barkeep quickly, snatching them from the Imperial's hand. "The two rooms on the left are all yours. Lemme know if you'll be needin' somethin' t' eat."
"Thank you." Dorian headed into his room, and began stripping down his equipment, and changing into a belted tunic and boots. He may as well rest comfortably, if he were resting at all. The ebony armor was annoying to wear constantly, but offered the best available protection. He sat down on the bed, checking his supplies. He was a bit low on stamina potions, but he rarely used them anyway. Satisfied, he went to the door so he could get some food, but was stopped by Ice Strider.
"Oh, wow. I thought the black plating was part of you." She said without thinking. She blushed a bit and rushed on, "Not that it looked bad or anything. And neither does that, you look good in that too- I mean, you look okay, not good looking. I should shut up now." She looked down at the floor, cheeks reddening further.
"Was there something you wanted?" Dorian asked the bashful mare.
"Oh, right. The bartender left us out something to eat. Said he had to check on something down stairs."
"Ah. Well then, let's eat."
The barkeep had left him out a plate of various vegetables, along with a couple of apples and one of those odd looking Sweetrolls. Yet no meat. This was understandable- the horses in Tamriel were generally herbivorous, though they can eat meat if they absolutely must. Being in another world, he assumed the food would taste different. So it didn't surprise him in the slightest when he began eating. Ice Strider only poked at her food after the first bite.
"What's the matter?" Dorian asked her, rubbing at his eyes.
The shimmering pony frowned. "Something in the food tastes bad. I don't like it."
"It does?" Dorain asked, blinking sluggishly.
"Yeah. I'm not so sure we should- Dorian?" She asked. Dorian had just fallen backwards off the bench, unconscious.
"Dorian! Dorian, wake up!" Ice Strider nudged him, then shoved him a bit in attempt to rouse him. "Please wake up!"
"He ain't wakin' up no time soon, little filly." Spoke the barkeep. He was now dressed in some kind of metal cuirass, and had a knife in his left hoof. "Now come along quietly, or your sleep'll be a lot longer."
Dorian woke with a throbbing headache, almost as bad as when Sma Guenvere had challenged him to a drinking contest. He never did get that staff he was promised. He made to move his hand to cradle his head, but found them bound together behind his back. His legs were similarly bound at the ankles, and his wait was tied to what he assumed was the back of a chair. Concentrating his slowly returning energy, he opened his eyes. He was greeted with the face of the barkeep, who's grinning mouth was short a few teeth.
"Would ya' look who finally woke up?" He said, turning to a winged pony to his left. "'Bout time he did. I was beginin' t' think we killed the damn thing."
"Heh, good thing we didn't, right boss? Told you I could brew a mean poison, eh?"
"Shut up, Wax."
Dorian struggled against his bonds, and, realizing his efforts were in vain, asked his most pressing thought: "What did you do with-"
"That filly friend of yours? She was a real mess to deal with. Broke boss's teeth and everything." Wax said.
"I said shut up. She's fine. For now."
"What do you want?"
"We wanna know where you got all those gems. High market for those babies, and we want 'em all."
"They aren't in a place you'll know of."
"Is that so? Well, we might as well turn you over to the High Priest's forces. Sure they'll wanna know 'bout the one who killed their scout."
They must've seen me take that dragon's soul. Damn. thought Dorian. "There's no need for that. Perhaps we can strike up a different deal? I could give you some gold, you return my other things, and my associate and I both leave you be."
"How 'bout no? I think the reward we'll get out've the guard'll be better than that."
"Ah. Well then, I suppose I'll have no regrets doing this." Dorian drew a deep breath. "Yol, Toor!"
A gout of flames briefly erupted from the Imperial's mouth, setting the false barkeep on fire. He screamed, and Wax dumped a nearby bucket of water on his superior's body. Unfortunately for him, he threw the bucket with it.
"Why I oughta..." growled the crystal pony, hoof over his burned side of his face, bucket atop his head.
"No, I don't think so." grinned Dorian.
In that moment, Ice Strider smashed the barkeep across the side with a metal pan. Wax yelped, and drew his sword from his sheathe. He didn't have time to even swing it once before she did the same to him, twice for good measure.
"And don't you ever threaten anypony again!" She half-yelled at the two of them, hitting the barkeep again over the head when he groaned in pain.
"Wonderful!" Dorian praised as she untied him. "Absolutely amazing! How did you escape?"
"Easy," She said, untying the knot on his ankles. "The only guard they posted to watch me decided to eat some of that food from earlier. He was out like a light in seconds. These guys were dumber than they looked."
Still smart enough to capture us, though. Dorian thought sullenly. Never before was he so easily beguiled. Despite the colorful look of this world's inhabitants, it was as dangerous as Skyrim. "Now, we should find our things and leave before any more of his henchmen show up."
"Right. I had to sneak past a couple of pegasi to get down here, so be ready for a fight."
"Pega-what?"
"You know... ponies with wings."
"Ah. Well, in that case..." Dorain let the violet glow of conjuration fill his palms, and with the release of the magic, faintly glowing lavender swords of a wicked design appeared in them. "Take one of their weapons. The knife, preferably. It's less cumbersome than that greatsword."
"But... Can't we leave them alone?"
"Best case scenario, yes. I'm not the sneaking type, but I'll try my best."
"Promise?"
"Akatosh as my witness, I promise."
"Aka-what?" She shook her head when he made to answer. Ice Strider took a deep breath, and exhaled. She took the knife out of the sheath of the barkeep. "Okay. Lets go."
Dorian cussed mentally. He was almost seen, right off the bat. That winged pony looked back at where he once stood, but looked away again. Ice Strider had gone ahead and was already past the guards, while he was waiting to find some clue as to where his equipment was. So far, nothing. But he heard a snippet from the grey pegasus on the left:
"That black metal sold for tons, dinnit?"
"Sure as tartarus. How much've a cut do ya' think the boss'll give us?"
"Dunno. Still haven't got the last cut."
"Seriously? I got double cut."
"What? What for?"
"Pullin' yer head outta the stew pot."
So it has already sold, probably with the rest of his things. Dorian gave an exasperated sigh. Damn! It took ages to collect enough ebony to forge it. They don't sell the stuff anywhere! Now I'll have to rely on that infernal stoneflesh spell, and those wards I learned at the college.
Then he realized his mistake. The grey pegasus heard his breath and made to investigate. Dorian ducked behind a crate and waited for the pegasus to draw near. He sprung on the pony's back and struggled to slash his neck. Blood spurted out as he drew his bound sword across the Adam's apple. The second pegasus saw the minor struggle, and grabbed the bow off it's back. He stood on two hooves and knocked an iron-tipped arrow, and let it loose. Dorian rolled off the corpse's back and behind the crate again, the arrow shattering against the wall behind him. Having taken cover, he dispelled the weapons in his hands, and drew forth the magical, highly-volatile flames of a firebolt in both hands. He condensed the bolts into one, and sprang from behind his cover, blasting it from his hands into the stallion's bow, setting it ablaze like kindling. The bow was dropped, and a knife was drawn. Dorian collected another fireball in his hands and blasted the pony in the foreleg, then again in the eyes. The pegasus screamed, and dropped to the ground, writing in pain and burning alive until he collapsed, dead.
I tried, Ice Strider. I really did. It was unavoidable, I cannot sneak like you do.
His thoughts then turned to his armor again as he ascended the stairs. Now that he no longer had his ebony armor, he had to decide on a new type. He couldn't buy it from ponies- it was fitted differently. He'd have to forge a new set, from the materials of this world. Hopefully something on par with what he had the capability of forging. Steel, at least. Or perhaps one of those gemstone designs he'd been contemplating-
"Hey!" Whispered Ice Strider from the shadows. "You weren't seen, right?"
"I don't think so," Dorian lied. Best not ruin it for her.
"Really? I heard screams-"
"I cast an illusion that made them hallucinate." He lied further. "Now come on, let's go."
"Are they going to be-"
"Let's go." He said darkly.
"So what happened to your armor?" Asked the curious crystal pony as they left the building. It was late at night now, with the moon high in the sky, its radiance illuminating their path.
"They sold it, from what I gathered. Along with almost everything else." Dorian said with a tone of unhappiness. Thank the eight I left the Elder Scroll with Parthurnax. The chaos that could be sown with it's power... How horrible.
"That's too bad," Consoled Ice Strider. "Maybe we can make you some new armor in Canterlot?"
"Perhaps. I don't suppose ponies have discovered any sources of ebony nearby? Or corundum?"
"I, uh, I dunno. I mean, we could ask the blacksmith in Canterlot or someone."
"That seems reasonable. Hopefully someone is capable of selling me some... Oh, wait." Dorian checked his pockets, his face paling with realization. "My gold and gems are gone."
"I'll have to find work in Canterlot. Hopefully something along the lines of spell casting aid, or perhaps as a temporary messenger." Dorian mused. "At the worst, I could clear an area of bandits."
"I could lend you-"
"No, please. You've already done so much. Let's just get to Canterlot and speak with the jarl, shall we?"
"Jarl?" She asked, confused.
"Area's ruler?"
"You mean the princess."
"Apparently." Dorian rolled his eyes in exasperation. "From now on, let's just ignore these things? Please?"
"Nope. I wanna know these things as much as I want to know Thu'um. So a lot."
"Just across this ridge!" Ice Strider excitedly chattered. "You'll see it for yourself! I've been there once, you know. It really beautiful, in a not-made-of-crystals way. I bet you'll love it! I just know you will! Oh, I can't wait to-"
"Hush, now," Dorian smiled, clasping her mouth shut with his hand. "I'm sure I will too, but is there any chance you know about it's layout or architecture?"
He released his grip. "Well, a little. Why?"
"I have the sneaking suspicion that it's citizens will not behave so warmly to me as you do. That bandit chief thought I was an animal, after all; Only the eight know what others may think. I'd like to know the ins-and-outs, if you know any."
"I don't know much other than the main gate, I was only there visiting a friend for a day." The mare said. Her gaze turned to the mountain ahead. "Hey, look! There it is!"
Dorian followed her eyes, and was fairly impressed with the view. The sun was rising over a lone mountain on a field of green, and on the mountain was a city that's architecture rivaled that of both Cyrodiil and the Dwemer ruins, were they in their prime. An ivory and gold castle stood out most prominently, and the city was tiered similarly to Whiterun. He could see road not far away, leading up to some strange metal lines that ran along the ground in a number of directions into the horizon.
"That is quite a beautiful view," he admitted. "Looks about two hours to the mountain, another hour or so up the path."
"Or we could take the train. The station is right over there." Ice Strider gestured to a nearby building next to the lines.
"A 'train'? I am already trained by the Legion."
"Not training, a Train. It's a coal-powered metal box on wheels that moves along those tracks there. See?" She pointed a hoof at the incoming technicolor behemoth that was called 'Train'.
Dorian stared intently at the machine. Surely the Dwemer had nothing to do with it, but how in Tamriel could such a contraption be conceived by any other? What form of magic was this? Though he said nothing as he followed the crystal pony to the station, he was mystified and enthralled with the technological marvel.
"Two tickets, please." Ice Strider asked the stallion at the counter.
"Animals ride free, mam." He replied, giving her one.
"He's not an animal, he's my-" Dorian gave her a subtle shake of the head. "Never mind."
The two boarded the train, and while Dorian silently observed his surroundings, his companion sat down in one of the seats.
"Dorian, you, uh, might want to sit down-"
The train began moving, it's initial lurch sending the dragonborn reeling backwards, then to the ground. Grumbling unhappily, Dorian sat himself across from Ice Strider, who giggled at the event until she met his glare. There was no one else in the car, and the ride was silent with no interruption while Dorian's pride recovered.
The train finally pulled into the station after what felt to Dorian to be days. In actuality, it had only been a single hour. But the rumbling and rattling of the cars unnerved the Imperial like no other experience. He was very relieved when he was allowed off of the mechanical monstrosity, and into the city itself.
"So this is Canterlot?" He asked as they ventured in.
"Yes. We went over this." Ice Strider replied in slow words.
"That was rhetorical," He sighed. "In any case, now that we're here, I should report to the Jarl- I mean, Princess, about the trouble to the north. I am correct in assuming they live in the large keep on the highest level?"
"I'd guess so," The crystal pony replied.
"Then I suppose that is when we part ways." Dorian said simply.
"W-what?"
"We have no further reason to travel together. You've reached a safe place, and we need to speak with the royalty. After that, we have no further business together. It seems the most prudent way to go about things, but worry not, I'm sure we'll meet again."
"Y-you said I could come with you! That I could tell them!"
"And you can. We'll go that far together, but we must go our separate ways after that."
"But I don't want to leave you."
"I know, but I can't put you at further risk by allowing you to accompany me. So when we speak to the princesses, that's it."
"You don't even know about our culture!"
"I said no. I can't risk your life again like at the inn. Now please, for me, stay safe, okay?"
"... Okay."
The two walked up the steps to the top level of Canterlot. Along the way they passed a number of unicorns. A number of them held their heads up high as they passed them. Of course, with his height, he only saw them looking up at him. Another citizen, from their second floor home, poured out their tea, narrowly missing Dorian. He stopped and looked up to see who had done so, but only caught a glimpse of a blonde lock of a tail. He scowled, and continued on. Not long after, as they reached the palace courtyard, he heard someone call out 'Filthy ape!'. He could have sworn he saw the same blonde tail vanish behind a statue. Dorian told Ice Strider to wait while he looked around. He checked behind the statue, and the topiary bushes around it, but found no one. He shrugged his shoulders, and returned to Ice Strider as the two of them ascended the final steps to the castle doors.
The duo stood before the grand doors leading to the throne room. After a brief check for weapons by the guards, they were allowed in, the doors silently swinging open. A long red-purple carpet lead up to the two thrones of the sisters, and each side of the hall was decorated by banners of the sun and moon, along with glass murals of scenes unknown to the Dragonborn and crystal pony. Only one throne was occupied, however; Only Celestia sat upon her throne, the larger and eldest of the sisters. Dorian recognized her by the description Ice Strider had given him. Her sister Luna was nowhere to be seen. She was deep in conversation with a purple alicorn, who seemed troubled.
"Twilight, I'm sorry, but I have no troops to spare for Ponyville. We can barely keep Canterlot garrisoned for attack." Said Celestia with a tone of finality.
"But Princess Celestia-" Pleaded 'Twilight'.
"Hush, my little pony, we have a guest." Said the Princess.
Ice Strider stopped seven feet before the Princess, and knelt down in homage. Dorian simply stood before her, and spoke. "Hello, fair Princess."
The royal's eyes widened in surprise. "You-"
"Speak? Yes, I do. My name is Dorian Hollowblade. My associate and I are here with news of the Crystal Empire."
"Uhm, yes. Right." Ice Strider stammered. She took a deep breath, and exhaled. "The Crystal Empire is completely locked down, all contact with the outside sealed off, as you probably know. The High Priest Sombra has taken over, evicted the Princess, and has made the empire food for..." She paused, swallowing. "Dragons. Nopony there is safe anymore. At the current rate, everypony in the Crystal Empire will be... will be dead within six months."
Celestia nodded. "Thank you for your, eh, report, miss...?"
"Ice Strider. Your Highness. Ladyship."
"Thank you, Ice Strider. Much of this information will be proven invaluable in aiding our sister country." Celestia said.
The Dovahkiin cleared his throat.
"And you, Dorian, for...?"
He sighed. "I took the liberty of escorting her here, acting as a guard."
"I see. We have no place in this city for mercenaries." Celestia said, glaring.
"What- I'm no mercenary! I chose to bring her here to you of my own free will. I lost all my money and armor in the process. I did this for your people; not for gold."
"Is that so?" Celestia looked to Ice Strider.
"It is. He risked his own life to protect mine on more than one occasion. He even killed a dragon!"
"Killed a dragon?" Twilight asked.
"Indeed. You probably don't believe me. I don't blame you. But I am what is called 'Dovahkiin', or Dragonborn. I have the ability to kill a dragon- all are capable of that. But I have the power to make it stay dead. I claim it's soul as my own, and use it's power for the ancient art known as the Thu'um. It gives me great powers over the world around me."
"This is... difficult to accept." Celestia said.
"Show us this power. Prove you can use this 'Thu'um'." Twilight said skeptically.
"If I must," Dorian said. "Ice Strider, hold up your knife, please."
"How did you get that in here?" Twilight asked, more out of curiosity than fear. The guards should have found it and confiscated it.
"I have my ways," replied the crystal pony ominously, then ruining the mysteriousness with a giggle.
"Observe," Said the Imperial. He turned to his companion and shouted, "Zun Haal Viik!
The knife was torn from her grasp violently, and the knife slammed to the ground with a thunk, as it's blade sank into the marble. Dorian turned to the Princess with a neutral expression on his face. Unreadable, he thought.
"That is powerful magic indeed," Noted Princess Celestia, completely ignoring the ineptitude of her guards. "You Speak, and the world bends to your will. And you say you can access these powers with the souls of slain dragons?"
"This is true. It's also the only way to make a dragon unable to return to this world, at least, in corporeal form." This world, he mentally emphasized.
"Amazing." Twilight muttered, looking closely at the Imperial man. "I think we could use you, if you're willing to help us."
"Only on one condition. My refugee friend here must be given a place to live." Dorian said. Ice Strider looked to him with surprised. They'd not discussed this earlier.
Twilight and Celestia looked to each other, a silent conversation taking place. Then the two nodded simultaneously in agreement. Celestia spoke, "It shall be granted. If you can show my fellow Princess how you defeat a dragon."
Ice Strider's eyed widened further. Dorian simply laugh, a shorted, chopped gasp of air. "Of course, what else would it be?"
Twilight blinked once, her confusion slight, then continued Celestia's thought. "We received intelligence of the roosting place of one of the dragons that have been terrorizing the city's outskirts, from our guards not two nights ago. Assuming it hasn't moved it's place of rest, we can find it there and you can demonstrate your dragon-slaying skills."
"Mm. I've done it before, I'll do it again." Dorian said. "If you'll excuse me, I need to speak with my companion privately."
"You are dismissed." Said both of them. Twilight then blushed, and refused to look at anyone in the eye.
"I'm afraid this is goodbye," Dorian said, kneeling down to Ice Strider.
"I can come with you. I'll stay out of the way. I'll-" Ice Strider pleaded.
"No. I won't risk you. You're not trained for this type of combat, and you'd be a liability, I'm sorry to say. I can't let you come with me." He stood. "You'll be safe here. Safer than you'd ever be with me."
"I... Alright. But promise me you'll come back?"
"I promise." Dorian said. "Goodbye, my friend."
Dorian turned away and started walking back towards the throne room. He didn't see Ice Strider walk the opposite way, and he didn't see her leave the castle. And he didn't see her get pulled away between two buildings.
After an hour of more of discussion and preparations, Twilight was readied for the short journey they had ahead of them. Primarily she had packed books and scrolls, which Dorian didn't mind. Scrolls were a powerful thing in the right hands. Or in this case, hooves. He had managed to get the Princesses to agree to giving him the materials for armor if they returned triumphant. He would've preferred to have it before, but the reports had caused him to conclude this was a rather small dragon, a lesser, average dragon. He'd have little trouble dispatching it. After all, he still had alteration to rely on for armor, albeit weaker than he was used to. And his wards would- well, okay, his wards wouldn't stop much. But still, he thought as they traveled out of the city and into the countryside, I am reasonably experienced enough to deal with this. A dragon is a dragon, and the tactics don't vary much. Fireball when possible, and take cover from the shouts.
His thoughts then rarely strayed from battle tactics for the rest of the journey. The two walked in silence, him because he was deep in thought, and her because of the growing feeling this was a suicide mission. Closer inspection of the upright being gave her little confidence, despite what she had seen in the throne room. A parlor trick wouldn't kill a dragon.
They approached the final crest before the valley where the dragon was reported to reside in. Dorian motioned for the alicorn to stop. He crouched down low, and crept up to the top of the hill. A smoldering crater took the place of what must've been a farmhouse and field, and a brown-scaled dragon lay sleeping on the ashes. It may have been four times Dorian's height in length, and had a wingspan of five, if he had to guess. He motioned Twilight forward. The Dragonborn summoned a glowing battleaxe to his open hands, and slowly, they crept up to the dragon. Dorian stopped not even a foot away, much to the Princess's displeasure.
"Prepare your wards, cast them when I swing." he mouthed.
Twilight readied a shielding spell. Dorian raised the ax, and swung across the dragon's jawline. He left a deep gash across it's upper neck and cheek. It roared in pain, and took flight immediately. The moment he had dealt his blood-drawing blow, Dorian had activated his stoneflesh armor and bolted for the ruined house, preparing fireballs for launching. It soared away, then spun around one-hundred and eighty degrees, and shouted a torrent of flames at him. The house shielded him from the majority of the flames, but caught fire again.
"You will die for this, joor!" The dragon yelled in a deep, gravelly tone.
He ran out and saw Twilight firing bolts of lightning out of her horn. Several, though not all, connected, scorching it's scales and making it roar in anger. Dorian launched twin fireballs, one searing a hole through the leathery membrane of it's wing while the other missed entirely. The dragon howled in pain, and began to fly away in an imbalanced manner.
"Oh, no you don't!" Dorian said He drew breath and shouted in a thunderous voice, "Joor Zah Frul!"
The dragon turned at the sound of Thu'um, and then came crashing to the ground, enveloped in a azure nimbus of light, sliding three hundred feet or so in the burned earth before coming to a halt. It raised it's head and shouted at Dorian again, who momentarily countered with a ward that broke in seconds under the raging inferno. His stoneflesh protected him from most of the heat, but he still yelled out in pain. Twilight, fearing the worst, put up a magic bubble around herself and where she believed him to be.
The flames stopped, and aside from a few scorched and burned patches of clothing and hair, he was mostly fine. The dragon turned and swung it's tail through the bubble, effectively popping it. Twilight, momentarily stunned, was clipped by the tail's spikes, and collapsed to the ground, bleeding from the side and wing, shuddering in pain. Dorian re-summoned his ax, and ran up to the dragon, preparing a final blow, when from the hill sailed a black arrow, which embedded itself in the dragon's eye. The scaly behemoth shouted out a gout of flames as it howled in pain, rising high onto it's hind legs, and collapsed with a thunderous thud, as it's blood dripped from it's eye. Dorian turned and looked for the source of the arrow, but saw no one on the ridge. He turned again to the dragon, which was beginning to deteriorate into a skeleton of it's former self.
With a jolt, he realized Twilight was still on the ground, her chest barely rising and falling with her breathing. He ran and skidded to a halt right next to her, on his knees. He charged his hands with the power of the 'Heal Other' spell, and released the spell with a relaxing of their tension. The purple alicorn was illuminated with the light of his magic, which soon faded to a dull glow, then nothing. Her wounds were all but invisible now, the only sign of them having existed being thin lines where no fur had grown. That would come later, if she were lucky. Her breathing resumed a more relaxed and slowed tempo, and Dorian rose back to his feet so he could absorb the full power of the dragon's soul.
But nothing came. No rush of memories not his, no massive power of the soul's consumption by his own. The dragon was indeed dead now, it's rotted corpse all that remained- but he had not absorbed any of it's soul. So where could it have gone? The Dragonborn wondered.
Twilight stirred, and slowly rose to her hooves, looking about. She saw Dorian standing before the skeletal remains of their adversary. "Is it... dead?"
"I believe so." He said, turning back to her.
"You took it's soul then? It won't come back?"
Dorian hesitated for an instant before answering. "Yes. I did."
"That's... amazing! I can't believe it's gone!" She said, wings flaring outward and hopping in place, before she cleared her throat and resumed an earthbound stance. "We need to report to the Princess immediately. She'll be so happy to have someone who can make them dead permanently!"
"I'd think so." Dorian grinned, Twilight beaming in response, unable to contain her jubilant feelings. "Come on then, let's be off."
The two started on their way back to Canterlot, just as the sun began to set in the west. Dorian noted for the first time that there was only one moon in the sky, as opposed to the skies of his. Thinking of this made him wish, only for a moment, he was back in Skyrim. But the thought vanished as soon as it came when he reminded himself why he was here. With the support of the Princesses, he'd have a chance to break into the Crystal empire and remove High Priest Sombra from power, and from him, learn where Alduin was. After that...
What would happen after that? He had no idea where the Elder Scroll was. How would he return home? What if he couldn't? He had a home back in Dawnstar. He'd had friends in the college, like Brelyna, clever girl. What of his steward, Gregor? Sure, he was gone for long period of time, but he always came back. What if he didn't?
Dorian banished the thoughts with a shake of his head. He'd find a way. He always has. But there were more pressing matters at hand. Such as the upcoming discussion with Princess Celestia. Gods, how he hated speaking with royals and jarls.
"So you were successful in your mission?" Celestia asked.
"Of course. Do we not stand before you now?" Dorian huffed.
"I know. It was rhetorical."
"I knew that!" He snapped.
It was well into the night, and the three stood in the torch-lit throne room alone except for the shadows. The sun had set quite awhile ago, and the torches cast dancing shadows along the walls and columns of the throne room. Dorian had now gone without sleep for quite some time, and was snappish and irritated. Most annoyingly, his stomach continued to embarrass him by growling every so often.
"In any case, he's proven he can kill a dragon truly dead." Twilight continued. "I think the least we can do is outfit him with equipment so he can be more helpful to us."
"Not that I needed it earlier," He grumbled moodily, crossing his arms.
"Hm?" Celestia inquired.
"I mean, yes, that would be very kind of you. I'd prefer you gave me materials and a forge, instead- I can create my own armor from some ebony and leather."
"'Ebony?'" Twilight asked.
"Black metal? Fairly rare and valuable?"
"I'm afraid we do not have this 'ebony' metal, but we'd happily supply you with high-quality iron and steel."
"Iron? Steel?" he sighed. Such metals were adequate armor for guards, but not quite up to par for dragon slaying. "I... I suppose those will have to do."
"I'm sorry we are not up to your standards, but much of our resources are being stolen by bandits and raiders." Celestia explained. "It will be hard enough to gather the resources for armor of a being your size and stature."
"I'm sorry I'm such an inconvenience to you." Dorian said, sarcasm hinted in his tone.
There was a moment of tension between him and the elder princess.
The dragonborn's stomach growled. Celestia and Twilight giggled, much to his displeasure. Irritated, he began, "My apologies, but do you-"
"Don't worry, we have a room reserved for you here in the castle. A meal will be brought to you soon after you retire to it. But before you go, we have a request of you."
Dorian nodded for her to continue.
"Several of the towns of Equestria are constantly under attack by dragons, and you, as the only one know to be able to destroy them forever, we ask to help save them from the threats these dragons present."
"On one condition."
"What would that be?"
"Once I eradicate the majority of the dragons from Equestria, you have to help me end it once and for all by aiding me in a siege on the Crystal Empire."
"The Crystal Empire? How will that stop the attacks?" Twilight asked, confused by the request.
"The dragons take orders from a single ruling dragon, know as Alduin. If I can learn of his whereabouts from High Priest Sombra, I can defeat him again and end the dragon's reign of tyranny."
"'Again?"' Twilight inquired.
"The first time I defeated him was back when I was in my own world. Doing so caused him to be reborn here. I came here to kill him again so you'd be safe from him. It's my fault he's here, in a way. But I only did so to save the lands from which I hail, and I will do so again here so I can save your people- or rather, ponies- from him too."
Celestia closed here eyes, deep in thought. "I cannot say I am happy you brought him here, but I know your intentions were noble, as they are even now. I cannot give military support until the dragons in Equestria no longer plague my ponies. You help us, we help you... help us."
"Of course." Dorian said, relieved he was not in trouble. Something told him it was only because of his unique skills. Of course, it was those same skills that had caused this.
"There has been reported at least ten Dragons attacking four settlements, one you have already defeated, four in Ponyville, three in Appleoosa, one in Manehattan, and one more here, in Canterlot. I suggest you defeat them in this order, as they grow decreasingly devastating and dangerous as you go down the list. Killing them in this fashion will allow our normal trade routes to resume and get supplies to where they need to go. You'll find a map in your room for your journey, detailing trails from each town to the dragons' reported lairs, along with some bits for spending on whatever you deem necessary. And when you leave you'll be meeting with someone who can help you with the dragons."
"Who?" Dorian inquired.
"I think it would be better for you to meet him yourself."
Dorian waited a moment. "Are you going to call him in?"
"Oh, no. He's not living in the castle. I can tell you he's a former Wonderbolt and an amazing archer. He's requested that I not give you his name, however."
Dorian filed away the term 'Wonderbolt' for later questions, rolling his eyes. Oh, for Akatosh's sake... "Why?"
"He wants to introduce himself when he sees you at the station tomorrow. I'm not sure why, though." Celestia's eyes held concern, but he could not tell who for.
Dorian sighed, then regained some semblance of composure. "As for the mission, it's a deal." Dorian held out a hand to shake.
Twilight cleared her throat. Blushing slightly, but gaze unwavering, his hand closed into a fist. Celestia bumped her hoof against it. Both his arm and her foreleg were lowered, and Dorian muttered an apology for the awkwardness of the moment in dragon tongue, not thinking about their lack of knowledge of the language. He was used to conversing with Parthunax. "Krosis, Your Highness."
"What?" Both princesses asked.
"Never mind. Could you point me in the direction of my room?"
The ivory toned princess pointed out to the hall and told him to take the eighth door on the left. He wished them both goodnight and departed, gracious for an opportunity to finally rest without worrying about where he'd be when he awoke.
"Should we tell him?" Celestia whispered soon after he left.
"About the mare?" Twilight whispered back.
"Yes, about the mare."
"How would we break it to him that she just vanished?"
"I'm not sure. Perhaps it would be best not to delve into it. He hasn't mentioned her."
"Yes, but what if he only didn't talk about her because he thought we honored our agreement? I feel terrible."
"I do too, Twilight. But some times the truth is a bad thing. We cannot loose his alliance now that we know what he's capable of."
"I know, but still..."
"It'll be fine. I'm sure. She'll turn up soon enough. It hasn't even been a day yet." Celestia said, but there was no conviction in her words. She worried Ice Strider's disappearance would ruin everything. That wasn't a possibility she could ignore.
But she didn't know what to do.
"You picked up on these techniques pretty quick, ape." The aged smith Ember Stoker noted, mildly impressed with the Imperial. The grey-haired ashen-coated blacksmith, and Dorian stood in the armory of the royal guard. The half-circle forge was built into the far wall, and a grindstone and workbench were set up against the wall opposite. The open air pavilion design of the blacksmith allowed the smoke from the forge to float up and into the sky. The stone floor made clacking sounds as the iron-shod blacksmith walked around the towering Imperial.
"I've been at this for a long time." Replied Dorian casually, tying the final strap of his steel chest-plate at the ribs. The armor had been based off Nordic-steel-armor-based design Dorian had chosen. He preferred it to the Imperial armor for no reason other than aesthetics- there was very little difference in it's functionality. "I've forged armor that can shatter arrows. This is child's play."
"Oho? Shatter arrows? Made of what, soap?"
"Malachite." he said as he lifted the helm and placed it over his head. The helm had been based off of the design of the imperial-style mail coif rather than the horned nordic version because he had no material to use for the horns.
"How does it fit?"
"Like bark to a tree. I'm glad I haven't changed measurements since I last made armor for myself."
"You've done this before?"
"Half a dozen times at least."
"Right then." Ember stoker said, turning back to the swirling motes of the forge. "You'll need a weapon."
"I can summon my own." Dorian decided not to demonstrate. The smith had already expressed his distaste for magic.
"I mean a real weapon, for when that fancy magic runs out. You can't match the weight and deadliness of a real weapon."
"I suppose your right." Dorian said, humoring the smith. "But if I have to make a weapon, I want to keep one hand free for magic."
"Yes, yes, whatever you say. A sword then? A mace?" Said the smith, rifling through a closet.
"A battleaxe, I-" Dorian was cut short as his request was hurled at him, which he narrowly avoided by ducking. The white-metal blade of the ax curved in an elongated foot-and-a-half crescent. It was roughly five feet in length, from end to end. The shaft was made from what looked like steel, and the handle was made from toughened leather, and fit rather uncomfortably in his hands as he pulled it off the wall it had embedded itself into with more than one tug. "... Thank you. This is made from moonstone, is it not?"
"Don't mention it. And yeah, or so I'm told. It's powered up with some magical mumbo jumbo by Princess Celestia's protege. Or, well, former protege."
"What kind?"
"Tartarus if I know! You'll find out eventually." Said the old pony. "Now, off with you! Princess Celestia said you got a train to catch and somepony to meet!"
"Who-" Dorian began before he was shunted out of the blacksmith by the elderly pony into the busy streets of Canterlot.
