Miraak, the first Dragonborn, is sent to Equestria by Hermaeus Mora following his defeat by the Last Dragonborn, a Nord named Tyr. Hermaeus Sent the mage, wounded, and confused into this realm only to be found by the Princess of Friendship.
In a desperate attempt, he asks the Princesses aid to return to Nirn in his now full power...
But something holds him back...
Can the Princess of Friendship convert this arrogant individual in hopes of bringing him peace, or will he find something in her, something more than friendship.......
Miraak slowly rose from the pool of green and Black bile in the tower of Apocrypha, in the realm of Hermaeus Mora, Daedric Prince of Knowledge and fate. From the pool, a black tentacle impaled Miraak, breaking through his chest. In front of him, the vile mass of eyes and tentacles of Hermaeus Mora appeared.
“Did you think to escape me Miraak!?” Hermaeus said to him. “You can hide nothing from me here!” A inhuman growl and mutter came from Mora's wretched maw. “No matter, I have another Dragonborn to serve me... ” Through the intense pain Miraak looked at the last Dragonborn, a Nord of a large build, auburn hair and thin stubble, wearing Dragonbone armor clothed by an archmage's robe, wielding a Dragonbone sword. His name was Tyr, Miraak thought, adept in magic as well as fighting. A Gaping hole in his armor, received in his fight against Miraak, had blood slowly coming from it. The Nord placed his hand on the wound.
“M-may he be rewarded for his service... as I was..” Miraak weakly said. His body was then set ablaze, leaving only his skeleton to fall on the solid ground.
“Miraak harbored fantasies of rebellion against me, serve me well and you will be generously rewarded.” Hermaeus said to Tyr, the Dragonborn simply looked at Miraak's skeleton. He opened one of the black books and left Apocrypha.
Once he was gone Hermaeus lifted the illusion spell over Miraak. Hermaeus wrapped a tentacle around the Dragonborns waist, his body was limp and he was slowly and shallowly breathing, the wound on his chest still bleeding. “You are free Miraak, but your new prison is no longer my realm, but another. A newly found realm, I know nothing on its knowledge, so what you see, I will see.” He said. A small portal opened up. “Goodbye, Miraak.” His limp body was tossed through the portal into this new realm.
********
“Rainbow Dash wait up!” Twilight yelled to her Rainbow haired friend.
“Come on slowpoke.” She replied flying faster ahead of her. Twilight frowned as she flew a bit faster towards her friend. Rainbow was teaching Twilight on cloud formations and how to move and manipulate them, for Twilight's own research of course. Her wings were sore from all the flapping and Rainbows showing off didn't help much. “Watch closely Twilight. I'll show you how to make it rain.” She said. She flew above the cloud and began to jump on it. Bits of water soon came out and Twilight began to take little notes.
“Is that it?” She asked.
“Yeah that's it. Pretty straight forward isn't it?” Rainbow said.
“Yes very. I'll make sure to practice on my own clouds later.”
“I wouldn't just yet. If you add enough force to your fall you could accidentally cause it to shoot lightning everywhere.” She said.
“Oh in that case I'll make sure your around to do... it.” Twilight said. Something behind Rainbow Dash caught her attention, a green swirling mass was formed from a few clouds. “Whats that?” Rainbow turned around.
“Huh... I'm not really sure Twilight, never seen clouds like that before.” The mass groaned and thundered, from its center a figure fell from it and quickly descended into the forest below. The mass of green slowly faded away after the figure fell out. They watched as he impacted several trees, snapping branches and causing birds to fly from them. A horrid thud was heard from the forest marking the figures hard landing.
“Oh no...” Twilight said. She quickly put her notes in a small satchel and quickly flew towards the forest.
“Twilight wait up!” Rainbow yelled from behind her. She quickly flew after Twilight and towards the trees. As they descended into the forest they begin to see the several broken branches left behind by the falling figure, pieces of ripped fabric and blood soon appear on the ripped branches closer to the ground. Rainbow drops down beside Twilight and looks in confusion at the lifeless figure on the ground.
The figure was bipedal like them but had plantigrade legs and not unguligrade like them. He wore an olive green almost grey cloak with several tears in it from the branches revealing small trails of blood and pink skin. On his shoulders were golden mouths it seemed, almost like a griffons beak in a way and on his wrists were several golden scales built into his thick brown gloves. His face was covered by a horrifying golden mask, it had tentacles around the bottom and large empty slits for the eyes, Twilights horn lit up.
“He's alive!” She said, looking at Dash.
“He? What the Tartarus is he?” Dash replied.
“Doesn't matter now, help me get him up.” She said. “We have to move him.”
“Uh where exactly?” Dash said grabbing one of his arms.
“To my castle of course. Where else?” Twilight said grabbing his other arm. They both began to flap their wings and ascend out of the trees.
“You sure that's a good idea Twilight?” Rainbow said. “We don't know if he's or its dangerous or not.”
“We'll find out wont we.” They are soon above the trees and moving towards Ponyville. Miraak faded in and out of consciousness, he saw trees moving below him, wind hitting his body, and he could still feel the wound Hermaus gave him. He groaned quietly. Twilight looked down at the figure, who was slowly moving his head and hands. “Almost there.” She said as her castle soon became closer.
Twilight and Rainbow landed hard on the balcony, Twilight's horn growing brightly to open the doors and rush in, the figures feet dragged across the floor. “Starlight! Spike! I need some help in here!” She and Rainbow Dash walked him over to a wicker lounge chair she got from Rarity as a birthday present. As they set him down on the chair bits of blood got onto its cloud white cushion and stained it.
“Rares'll be pissed once she sees that.” Rainbow said.
“I really don't care right now.” Twilight said. Her horn began to glow, magic soon appeared on his open wounds and they began to close, the figure groaned. Starlight and Spike soon walk into the room. Spike, now almost as big as Twilight, stood next to her.
“Whats going on Twilight?” Starlight asked.
“Rainbow and I were studying some clouds and he came falling out of one.” Twilight explained. Spike began poking him.
“What is he?” Twilight, Rainbow, and Starlight simply shrugged. “Okay that mask is starting to creep me out a little.” Twilight soon noticed the still red wound on his chest, it seemed to be almost nine inches wide. It was fully healed but looked very recent.
“What in Equestria could have done that?” Starlight asked.
“Probably something not from Equestria.” Twilight said. “Spike, lets take him to the guest room.”
“On it Twi.” Spike walks over to the figure and picks him up and places him on his shoulder, the figures arms dangled lifelessly behind Spike. Twilight and Spike, followed by Starlight and Rainbow Dash, down the castle halls.
Twilight opened a door into the guest room, the room had one person bed in the corner, a dresser at the end of it, a nightstand next to it, two windows with red curtains, a door that led to a small balcony with a chair and a table on it, a mirror, a nice purple rug on the floor, and another door that led into a small bathroom with a shower. Spike set him down upon the bed, its springs squeaked slightly.
“I'll check on him in a couple of hours. Lets gather the girls, we need to have a meeting.” She says.
“Good idea Twilight, I'll get Pinkie and Rares.” Rainbow said.
“I'll go get Apple Jack and Fluttershy.” Starlight said. With a flash of magic from her horn Starlight teleported to the apple farm or Fluttershy's cottage. Rainbow Dash flew off of the guest rooms balcony and towards the Ponyville bakery.
“Spike I want you to wait right outside the door in case he wakes up.” She said.
“Uhhh...why me?” He said.
“Because I said so. If he wakes up, lock the door and come get me.”
“What if he doesn't like being locked in a room?” He asks.
“Then scream, we'll hear it.” She said. Spike just stared at her quietly with a dissatisfied look. “Go grab your comics and a snack.”
He sighed and rolled his eyes. “Will do Princess.” He walked down the hallway and towards his room. Twilight locked the door and then walked into the council room and took her seat.
****Near Falkreath****
The horse drawn cart moved loudly down the road, its wheels making the most noise along with the horses occasional snort. Tyr rode in the drivers seat, holding onto the horses reigns. Beside the cart were three other horses, atop them were two Dark Elves and a Nord, friends of Tyr.
One wore chitin armor, his name was Teldryn Sero, a spell-sword he quickly became friends with during his quest on Solsthiem, while the other was named Ralis Sedarys, another Dunmer he'd met on Solsthiem and became possessed by an ancient dragon priest. The last was a Skall women named Frea, who wore Nordic carved armor. “Are you feeling well?” Teldryn asked, riding close to the cart. “Miraak did quite the number on you.”
“Yes, I'll be alright.” Tyr said. Though his wounds were still sore, his own restoration magic and an occasional potion helped with the pain.
“How long until we're there?” Ralis asked.
“Wont be to long now.” Tyr said. “Frea, you've been quiet the entire trip. Are you well?”
“I am, I've just... never seen so much green before. Its beautiful here.” She said looking at the forest in awe.
“I agree with that my dear.” Teldryn said. “Morrowind was once like this, before the mountain began to belch out magma, heartstones, and the damned Ash Spawn.”
As they continued down the road Tyr could soon see his home. Outside he saw his Houscarl, a Redguard women named Rayya. She was outside, cleaning a freshly killed deer with a steel knife. Leaning on the table was a wooden crossbow with Dwarven bolts, one of the bolts was covered in fur and blood. She noticed the trio coming up the road and stopped, grabbing a rag to wash off her bloodstained hands and wrist.
“Welcome home thane, how was your trip?” She asked cheerfully, wiping off her hands.
“It went... well.” Tyr said, getting off the cart and walking towards the back of it. He removed the blanket that covered the items he had acquired during his trip.
Several Reikling spears he'll use in either hunting, as a fence, or even a new chandelier or chair. A chest full of salted boars meat, the Skull of Karstaag, a banner of house Redoran, chitin shells from Ash hoppers, chitin heavy and light armor, a set of Enhanced Bonemold armor from Glover Mallory, the Visage of Mzund, a couple of nordic pickaxes, a cultist mask, and a large locked chest. Teldryn helped him with the chest, they carried inside and down into the basement.
Inside the basement were stores of mead, wine, and ales as well as barrels of food. In one room there was a forge where Tyr forged his armor and weapons. In another room there was a shrine to the several gods of the Nordic pantheon. They set the chest down in the corner, Tyr took out the key and opened the chest. Inside he saw the seven black books of Hermaus Mora.
“What'll you do with these vile things.” Teldryn said.
“I'll either take them to Winterhold, of the Vale.” Tyr said. He reached into the chest and pulled out two objects wrapped in an old and tattered cloth. He took off the cloth and held Miraak's sword and broken staff in his hands.
“You gonna keep those?” Teldtyn asked.
“I suppose, I'll take the books to Winterhold in a few days. Tonight we'll rest, we've had a long journey.”
“That we have.” Teldryn said taking off his chitin helmet. “I'll go help Ralis get the rest of the stuff inside.” He stood up and walked out of the room and up the ladder into the house. Tyr quietly stared at the sword of Miraak, its eye seemed to be watching him. He covered it with cloth once again and set it atop the chest.
***Equestria***
Miraak slowly stirred in the bed, opening his eyes slowly, his vision a bit blurry and his body aching. He leans up against the beds headboard and looked around the room. The room was strange to him, the furniture and design looked nothing he had seen in Tamriel before and the walls seemed to glow like crystal. He climbed out of the bed, his legs sore and shaky. He walked over to the wall and touched it, it was indeed a crystal, something like a soul gem. He looked around the room again and saw the door leading to the balcony, he slowly walked over to it.
He opened the door and walked out, looking at this strange new land. In the distance he saw rolling green hills and fields of wheat, the weather was warm but cool, something like southern Skyrim before the season of Gravuun or Autumn.
The leaves had already began to take a brown, gold, yellow, and copper color with few green. In the distance he saw a large mountain, much like Monahven, or "Mother Wind" in Keizaal. But built onto it was a city, this world was nothing like Nirn. Miraak felt his chest, he felt the scar Hermaus gave him, all he remembered was dying.
Why am I here...? He wondered.
From behind the door he heard something move. He reached for his belt and realized his sword was gone. Frost formed around his hands and he walked towards the door. When he was close he leaned his head against the door, someone or something was behind it. It shuffled and rubbed against the door.
He heard the pages of a book flipping and humming. The figure stood up. “Hope Twilight doesn't mind a little snack break.” The figure said, it then walked away. In the distance a door shut. The figure was male, Miraak thought. He grabbed the knob and turned it, locked. Using his magic to freeze the lock and break it off he slowly opened the door. Luckily it didn't creak loudly.
Once he opened the door he saw a pillow on the ground with several thin books next to it. All had the name, "Power Ponies" on their covers. The figures on the cover did not seem human. Their faces were elongated, they had long equine like ears with colorful hair and two had horns on them, their body and arms seemed human, save their tails. Their legs were arched back near the end with hooves for feet, three of these figures had large bird like wings, they almost looked Equine to him, but with Human females body features.
He could hear voices at the end of the hallway, several of them, all sounding female. His hands were still emitting frost, but the left hand was now covered with lightning. “Laas-Yah-Nir.” He said quietly. The shout allowed him to see the seven figures in the room, at least their vitals. They seemed to be sitting around a table due to their postures, he moved in closer, using the muffle spell and then invisibility to gain a closer look.
He poked his head out of the corner of the room, he saw the beings gathered around a large crystal table, all were talking. He saw two large curtains, in front of them was a long cabinet. He quickly made his way towards them and hid behind the curtain. He peeked through the opening between the curtains and listened to them.
“So he fell from a cloud?” One asked. Miraak looked at her, she was orange in coat color with green eyes, golden hair, and a strange hat.
“Yes. Rainbow and I were experimenting and researching clouds and he came from one.” The purple one said. She was different from the others, she had a long horn on her head and wings on her back.
“Where's Spike at?” One asked, she had a white coat and purple hair, she also had a horn but no wings.
“Sitting outside our guests room, he'll lock the door if he gets up.” The purple one said. “Just in case he's hostile.”
“Is he?” A yellow one with Pink hair and wings said.
“I don't know yet. We'll have to wait until he—” She is silenced by a scream coming from the hallway, the seven got up from their chairs, a dragon like... creature came running from the hallway at full speed. He was shorter than must other dragons he saw and didn't seem to have any wings.
“Dov...?” Miraak said quietly and confused. The dragon, who was named Spike, breathed heavily from his full run into the room.
“Twi... Twilight.” He said gasping. "The room is empty! He's awake and not in there!" He said.
“Alright look around everypony, he has to be here somewhere.” Miraak stood up, used the invisibility spell again, and walked out of his hidden corner. As they began to scatter Miraak accidentally bumped into the cabinet. It fell over onto the floor with a heavy thud, shattering the pot and tea set on it. It pulled down one of the curtains and fell upon Miraak, silhouetting his invisible form.
Twilight and the others looked at something was caught in the curtains and struggling to get free from them. Before she could walk forward and help the figure a sound came from him. “Yol!” The figures deep voice echoed in the room and soon the curtains quickly burst into flames.
Twilight and the others backed up quickly, they soon gazed in awe as the figure, untouched by the fire, staring at them. The curtain still burned, staining the ground with black ash, the figure opened his hands and fire, as well as lightning soon came from them. Before she could say something he said something else in the same strange dialect. “Mul Qah Diiv!” His body soon became covered by glowing spikes that resembled that of a dragon, his eyes glowed brightly from this strange spell.
He walked over the scorched curtains and started waling slowly towards them. Twilight's horn began to glow, hoping she would not have to hurt this figure... and hoping he wouldn't hurt her or her friends.
A purple bubble soon trapped Miraak. He looked to notice the three glowing horns in the room keeping him subdued in this bubble like magic shield. Instead of retaliating, Miraak took instead studied the magic barrier, setting his hand on it, causing it to zap him. Using the spell Lightning Bolt, he struck the shield and the shield absorbed the blast and flickered. "Ahh...a type of ward spell..." He said. "Interesting."
"You....you speak our language?" One of the beings said.
"I do it seems." Miraak said. "Can you let me out?"
"How do we know you wont attack us?" The Purple one said.
"I have no intention to attack any of you...I have no idea where I am even at." He said.
"If you quell your magic we'll let you go, and answer any questions you have." Miraak stared at them quietly for a brief moment, the magic around his hands soon dissipated.
"So be it." He said. "Release me..." Soon the magic barrier died down, and as promised, Miraak held back his magic.
"What...are you?" The Purple one asked.
"I would ask the same of you and your companions...." Miraak said. He began to walk around Twilight, he was much taller than any of them, save the Orange one who seemed on par with his height. "Hmm...you all seem to be a race of sentient, bipedal Ungulates with only few features that seem like my peoples females would have, save your coats, ears, and elongated faces, and a species my people use as beasts of burden, they are called horses."
"Well we're called Ponies, or Equestrians. Now back to my question, what are you?" She asked. Miraak continued to study her and the others.
"Your name...pony, what is it?" He asked, stopping to look he in the face.
"Twilight, Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria and element of Magic." She said. "My friends are Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Starlight Glimmer, and Spike." He looks at Spike, feeling rather disturbed by Miraak's creepy mask, Spike looked away.
"You are rather small for a Dov aren't you?" He said.
"Dov?" Starlight asked.
"My peoples name for Dragon. My name is Miraak." He said. "What is this land I am in?" He asked walking over to the large circular table and looking at its map.
"Its called Equestria. We're here in Ponyville, Canterlot is our capitol." She pointed to the city built onto the mountain. "Rainbow and I found you. You fell from a glowing cloud formation, you were hurt pretty bad, lots of cuts from trees and branches, and a larger wound on your chest, not from the trees. Do you remember anything before you came here?" Miraak studied the map of Equestria, he then looked at the tears in his robes and then looked at Twilight.
"All I remember...is dying." Miraak said bluntly. Twilight didn't say anything.
"You...died?" The one called Apple Jack asked.
"That is all I remember." He replied. "I was killed by my.....former master, and now I'm here."
"Where did you come from?" The one named Starlight asked.
"Apocrypha, the realm of Hermaeus Mora, the Daedric prince of fate and knowledge. A horrid place, the walls and structures are made solely from degraded books and scrolls, lakes of green and black bile surround each structure like a moat, teeming with Seekers and Lurkers." He said.
"Sounds horrible." The one called Rarity said.
"You said the entire structures were made from degraded books and scrolls?" Twilight asked with a bit of curiosity.
"Yes, his Seekers gather books daily for his Collection of Knowledge, I was trapped there for centuries with only books to occupy myself." He said. He could see Twilight get a little giddy at the sound of it. "But I was born in a place called Keizaal, on the continent of Taazokaan, many years ago."
"Your m-mask is scary.." The one called Fluttershy said hiding behind one of her friends.
"And your robes are rather......drab darling, and quite tattered, I could fix it if you wouldn't mind, or find you something new." Rarity asked. Miraak didn't think about it, he looked down at his tattered robes and then looked at her.
"How very kind of you." He said. "I suppose my attire should be repaired, though my mask is staying with me."
"This place....Apocrypha, its a endless hoard of knowledge?" Twilight asked.
"You do not want to go there, Princess." Miraak said. "It is a place you do not want to journey to."
"Do you like reading?" She asked.
"I was trapped in a world for centuries with books to keep me company, so yes...I have found reading, quite enjoyable." He said. Upon saying these words Twilight nearly jumped in joy. Miraak simply watched in confusion.
"You should have said something else..." Rainbow Dash said.
"Now she won't stop talkin' about it." Apple Jack said. "Good luck." She and Fluttershy walked away.
"Now, Miraak. If you would be so kindly as to follow me please." Twilight asked. Miraak simply nodded, as she began to walk down the hall he followed with Rarity, Spike, Starlight, Pinkie, and Rainbow following. She opened two large doors to reveal a large library with several book shelves full of books and scrolls.
"Quite....Impressive. Though nothing compared to Apocrypha's vast catacombs." He said, she simply frowned. "But...I'll consider reading some while I'm here."
"Oh and I was wondering." She said. Miraak turned to face her. "That magic you were using, could you teach me some?"
"My spells? I will consider it, but a Thu'um is something much more different and complicated." He said, walking over to one of the shelves.
"Thu'um?" Starlight asked.
"The Voice, words of power, Shouts. Only a select few can use them in my world, Myself and the other Dragonborn's of Nirn." He said.
"Dragonborn?" Twilight asked.
"Its...a long story, I'll explain another time." He said. "If my attire is going to get repaired I will seclude myself to the quarters you have given me."
"I...Suppose that'll be fine, Spike will bring food up to you if you want, and more books. Speaking of which what kind of books do you prefer?" Twilight asked, taking out a pen and paper. "I have all types, Romance novels, comedies, History, science, Magi-"
"Anything revolving around this worlds History, magic, and its people." Miraak said, cutting her off. "Anything that has alchemy as well."
"Alright, Spike can you take our guest back to his room?" Spike looked at Miraak, Miraak simply stared quietly back. Spike gulped.
"Uh....sure Twilight.." He said, a bit concerned. "Follow me." Miraak doesn't say anything and follows Spike back to his room.
On the way to the guest room, Spike looked at Miraak. "So...there are Dragons where your from?"
"Yes." Miraak replied.
"Are they big?" He asked.
"Yes."
"Can they talk like me?"
"Yes." After a moment to think about the question Spike looked at him and asked.
"Soooo....what does a Dragonborn....do?" Spike asked. "What makes you so special?" Miraak new Spike would regret asking that.
"If you wish to know, we tear out the souls of defeated Dragons and devour them to become more powerful ourselves." Spike turned ghostly pale and stopped dead in his tracks and stared silently and fearfully at Miraak. "Don't worry, I have no intention on taking your soul, I'm not even sure if it'll work on this worlds Dragons. Though I would like to see....." Spikes heart began to race, he then backed up slightly, turn around and quickly walked down the hallway. Miraak chuckled behind his mask, he turned and entered his room.
***Nirn***
Tye sat quietly at the table, staring into the horn of mead Rayya had given him. Teldryn, Ralis, and Rayya chatted away, talking about old adventures throughout Tamriel. Frea sat at his side, her armor replaced by a nice green Tunic. "Are you well?" She asked. "You have been silent since Miraak." He took a long drink from the horn.
"Its nothing Frea." He said Bluntly. "I am fine."
"No your not." She said. "You've been distant, what did Miraak do to you?" Tyr sighed.
"I thought of....many ways of persuading Miraak to stray away from conflict. To surrender to me, he wouldn't have listened. In the end, I was forced to kill him." Tyr said.
"You had no choice, Miraak sought power more than peace. Many would think you did what was right." She said.
"I know but-" He was cut off by a horrid screech coming from outside the hall. Everyone stopped chatting and sat in silence.
"What in the name of Azura was that?" Ralis asked, standing up and unsheathing his elven sword. Tyr stood up and unsheathed his sword, Teldryn, Rayya, and Frea did the same. The creature screeched once again.
"Something must've stepped in a trap." Rayya said. "I set up a few Bear traps this morning."
"Lets go see what we caught then." Tyr said, he set his sword back into its sheath and walked over to a chest, he opened it and took out two lanterns, and three crossbows. He put a quiver of steel bolts on his belt and lit the two lanterns. "Rayya, Frea, and Ralis will go in one group and look around, Teldryn and I will travel and search near the lake."
"Lets get this done." Teldryn said, taking a crossbow. Frea and Ralis took the lanterns when they exited the hall while Tyr used the spell Magelight to illuminate the area around him.
Another scream or screech broke the night time silence. It seemed to sound closer as he moved, he took out a bolt and set it in the crossbow, a click was heard after it was loaded. Without warning an arrow flew right passed Tyr's face and into a tree. "Hide!" Teldryn said quietly. Tyr his behind a tree while Teldryn crouched behind a stump. "That arrow look familiar to you?" He whispered.
Tyr looked at the tree, he didn't want to alert the creature by moving so he used the Alteration Spell Telekinesis to pull the arrow over to him. He grabbed the arrow once it was close and looked at it. The shaft was hard like a shell and its head was shaped like a claw. The arrow was made from the massive insect native to Skyrim's cave systems known as a Chaurus. "Whats a Falmer doing out here?" Tyr said quietly. "The closest hive is near Whiterun." He moved a branch quietly to the side, in the darkness he could see the Falmer's silhouette, pulling at its leg and shrieking painfully as it was stuck in the iron jaws of the bear trap.
In a way, Tyr pitied these vile creatures. He knew they were once a race of Elves that lived in Skyrim before the Nords arrived, he knew the location of the last one, he was named Gelebor. He pointed the crossbow at the Falmer, it squirmed in the trap. Tyr sighed and set the crossbow down. "What in Oblivion are you doing?" Teldryn asked confusingly.
"Getting rid of it." Tyr said. "Do you know the spell paralyze?"
"I do."
"Good, use it after I shout." Tyr said, he stepped out of cover, his footsteps alerting the Falmer, causing it to pick up its bow, knock an arrow, draw, and loose it at Tyr. It missed again. "Gol...Hah Dov!" Tyr shouted. The shout, hitting the Falmer in mid knock, causing it to lower its bow. A green ball of Magic impacted the Falmer in the side and caused it to lock up and fall over. Alerted by the shout, the others soon ran to Tyr.
Tye quickly disarmed the bear trap and taking out the Falmer's mangled foot. "Fetch me a rope, quickly before it awakes." He said. Rayya quickly ran back towards the hall. Ralis grabbed the Falmer's bow, quiver of arrows, its sword, and its bag.
"Azura's name....The vile thing smells like a rotting corpse." Ralis said.
"What is it?" Frea asked.
"Its a Falmer, a race of Elves." Tyr said. "Well not anymore."
"They used to be called Snow Elves, before the Nords arived in Skyrim and the Dwemer enslaving them." Teldyn said. "Go into a Dwemer ruin here in Skyrim and you'll see hundreds of these things."
"Poor creature." Frea said. "What will you do with it?" She asked Tyr. Rayya soon returned with the rope.
"There is a cage in the basement, It will surely die if its wound isn't treated." He said, taking the rope and binding the Falmer's arms and legs and placing a gag in its mouth. He picked up the creature in his arms. "Then I'll take it to the Vale."
"To think the Falmer are loosely related to the Dunmer sends shivers down my spine..." Teldryn said. "Imagine if the Dwarves did this with the Altmer, or even the Bosmer."
"Or the Orsimer." Ralis said. "A Falmer version of an Orc is a terrifying thought."
"Come on you two, we need to get back before it wakes." Tyr said. "I'll go to Whiterun tomorrow and buy a cart to take it to the Vale, I'll see if Kharjo will join us, he's supposed to be in Whiterun."
"The basement will smell vile after this..." Ralis said.
***Equestria***
Miraak sat quietly in a chair, reading a book. His second day in Equestria was the same as the first, learning about the people. The pony Rarity had returned his robes cleaned and stitched up, which he had kindly thanked her for, something he hadn't done for some time either. His mask was set aside on a nightstand, letting his shoulder length dirty blonde hair flow freely.
The book he was reading was about the history of Equestria and a study of Equestrian anatomy, the four tribes they were composed of, and their cousins the Zebras and Donkeys. This species intrigued him, only two could use magic in this world unlike......well everyone back on Nirn. Only Unicorns and Alicorns, and it seemed there are only female Alicorns in this worlds existence. The kingdom of Equestria was one of several in this world, and to his dismay the Equestrians are all vegetarians, and he wasn't.
Before he could read more on the subject of magic someone knocked on his door, he marked the page and set the book aside, grabbing his mask and putting it back on. He walked over to the door and opened it to see Twilight standing there. "Princess. Do you need something from me?"
"Not me. The Princesses are here to see you." She said. "Oh and...what'd you say to Spike, he seems to be....off around you."
"I noticed, how odd. I was known to have that impression on people, especially the Dov" Miraak said, quietly chuckling under his breath, Twilight didn't hear him, she simply turned around and beckoned him to follow. "Who wishes to speak to me?"
"The Princesses, I've told them of your arrival." She said. "Oh and my brother is here."
"You have a sibling?" He asked.
"Yes, my older brother. His name is Shinning Armor, he is married to one of the Princesses." She explained. They soon entered Twilight's council room, there Miraak saw three female Alicorns. One was larger than he was, she was about seven feet tall compared to Miraak's height of six foot seven and Twilight's height of possibly six foot and was an alabaster color. Her horn was much longer as well as her wings, her mane was rather long and seemed to flow by itself, it had shades of blue, green, and pink. She had a large golden crown upon her head and wore a long green dress with several bits of jewelry on her arms and neck.
The second Princess was a dark shade of blue and her mane was close to this color, still flowing like the others. Her height was close to Miraak's but she still seemed a few inches taller, she wore a blue dress and her crown was black. The third, and smallest was an Alicorn in an all pink dress, along with her dress her coat was also a shade of pink and her mane was a mix of purple, pink, and vanilla and her crown was golden.
He noticed how well their dresses silhouetted their bodies, showing off their more female features.
Hmm.....they are more like my worlds females He thought
The last figure, a Unicorn on par with Miraak's height stood close to the smaller Princess, he wore purple armor that resembled armor from Tamriel, a short sword was sheathed on his belt.
"Twilight, is this him?" The Solar princess asked.
"Yes, this is him. This is our new guest, Miraak." Miraak walked towards them. The one in purple armor shifted quietly, keeping his grip on his sword.
"Twilight tells me you are very adept in magic, and fond of reading." Celestia said. Miraak simply stood and observed the Princesses.
"I am." He said.
"Spike....also told us what you are. Something called a Dragonborn and how they can....eat the souls of defeated Dragons." Celestia stated. Miraak looked at Spike, who was cowering behind Twilight.
"Yes..." He said, still staring at Spike. "What else did he tell you?"
"Nothing else." She responded. "But we were curious on how you came to Equestria." She then asked.
"That knowledge in unknown to me as well, princess." Miraak said. "I would like to find that out, hopefully soon."
"I'm sure Twilight would love to help you, all she's been doing is talk about you." The Solar Alicorn said. When Miraak was on Nirn and in his time the only ones who spoke of him with good intentions were usually other Dragon Priests, most of the time it was out of fear, primarily the Dragons.
"We can start whenever you want to." Twilight happily, perhaps to happily, said to him.
"How about tonight when the Princesses leave?" He asked. Without little hesitation Twilight teleported away with a bright purple flash and a giant and exited smile.
"As you can see, Twilight is rather eager to learn more about you." Celestia stated.
"I can see that." Through the entire meeting with the Princesses the one called Shinning Armor...rather ironic name due to him wearing a well polished plate armor, stayed silent and close to Cadence. All he did was stare. "Am I to remain here for the duration of my....visit?"
"It is your choice." Cadence said. "I'm sure you'll find it quite nice here in Ponyville. Everpony is friendly and always welcoming to visitors."
"Yes, though now everypony is hard at work preparing for winter." The Lunar princess said, sitting next to Cadence. With a flash of bright purple, and a surprised jump from Cadence, Twilight reappeared with a quill and paper.
"I'm ready whenever you are." He responded, taking a seat at the large table. The Princesses stood up.
"Its best Shinning and I get back, we promised Sun Burst we wouldn't be gone to long." Shinning helped her up out of her seat, Twilight set her things aside on the table and walked over to her brother and Sister-in-law. Without little hesitation she embraced them both in a big hug.
"Come and visit sometimes Twily, Flurry misses her auntie." Her brother said. The only words he had uttered since he had arrived. After they shared their goodbye's both Shinning armor and Cadence disappeared with a flash of light.
"Twilight do inform me on your progress with our guest. And Miraak, I hope you enjoy your stay here in Equestria." Celestia said. Both she and Twilight shared a brief hug before her and her sister walked out of the castle. She then returned to her seat and took a notepad and quill in hand.
"Where would you like to start?" She asked, smiling happily.
"It is up to you.." Miraak simply said.
"Hmm, alright. How old are you?" Even Miraak wondered that. Over his long imprisonment in Apocrypha he had lost track of time over the...generations.
How long has it been?
"...Old." He simply said.
"Not even a strait answer?" She asked after writing it down.
"No, I'm sorry but I lost track of time due to my imprisonment....I may be older than your Princesses." Twilight looked at him with a rather puzzled, yet interested look.
"You think so?" Miraak simply nodded slowly. "Hmm, we're going to be here a while if you don't mind. I have lots of questions."
"I do not mind."
"Good, I'll have Spike make us lunch then. Spike!" She yelled. Soon the sounds of someone running towards the council room was heard echoing through the hallway. The dragon opened the large door and walked inside.
"What'ch you need Twilight?" He asked.
"Could you get me and our guest something to lunch on?" Spike walked over and took a piece of paper from the table, still keeping Miraak at a wide berth.
"What do you want?"
"I'll have a sandwich on rye bread. On it I'd like lettuce, tomatoes, dandelions, radishes, and with honey mustard as a side, I'll put that on. OH and no crust please and I'd like a glass of water." She said, Spike quickly wrote it down, once he was finished he turned to Miraak.
"And you?" Miraak had forgotten about the entire concept of eating, having used his magic to sustain him through the years.
"I'll...have what she's having and with water...." Spike wrote the rest of the order down, tore out the page and walked out of the room.
"How longs it been since you've ate?" Twilight asked.
"A very long time..." He simply replied, bathing was another concept he had forgotten but planned to keep that to himself until he was able to do so, hopefully tonight. "Your princess said this town...Ponyville is a rather friendly village. Was she correct?"
"Oh yes," Twilight quickly said. "Everypony here is quite friendly to outsiders, I can take you on a tour of the town if you want?"
"Perhaps......after our food perhaps?"
"Sounds like a wonderful plan." She said, shutting her notebook. "Shouldn't take Spike long to get them around either."
"I noticed that many of the books contained in your library are magic related. How did you acquire them." He asked.
"Well I'm glad you asked, I've been collecting magical tomes ever since I moved out here. I mainly order them from Canterlot but plenty more come in from all over the place."
"Do you ever read them yourself?" Twilight happily shifted in her seat.
"Why of course I do! I read almost every night before bed. Starlight and I practice our magic once every week."
"So....a sort of magic duel then?"
"Mhm, you sound interested."
"A little, though I want to see this worlds magic first hand." The door soon opened and Spike walked in carrying a tray of food and a pitcher of water. He set the tray and the pitcher onto the table and looked at Twilight.
"Anything else you need?" Twilight took a bite of her sandwich and shook her head.
"Nothing important, but could you grab my jacket and set it by the front door. Our guest and I will be touring the town later."
"Alright, I'll be in my room reading if you'll need anything else." He said, walking towards the door and shutting it again.
"He seems to treat you like a sister...even a mother." He said, Twilight took a bite from her sandwich, crumbs fell on the small plate.
"I basically raised him," She wiped off her shirt. "I'm basically his mom and sister, you gonna eat that?" He looked down at the small but well made sandwich. He eyes it for sometime, being almost foreign to him. He moved his hands up towards his mask and grabbed its left tentacle. He lifted it up and set it next to the sandwich, revealing his face to the Princess.
"Do all the people where your from all look....somewhat like you?" She asked.
"No. Not entirely, there are more races on Nirn other than my own. Elves, Dwemer, Orcs, and the Beast races." He said, taking the sandwich in his hand and he took a bite from it. The mustard added sweet and whole new flavor he had never tried before, but the lettuce and tomatoes were there. The food had exploded into ambrosia in his mouth, not having eaten anything in millennia, most food would no doubt have the same effect on him. He almost let out a satisfied groan after the second bite.
"Are you alright?" Snapping out of the effect he sat back up straight.
"I....I'm fine.....I just haven't had food like this in....years."
"....Its a simple sandwich." She said, giving him a confused stare. "Just wait for dinner, if you'll join us?"
"I will." He said, quickly finishing the sandwich and quickly downing a large glass of water. After wiping the crumbs off his chest he put his mask back on and stood up. "Can we begin out tour Princess?"
"Alright lets go." She said.
The townsponies walked among the town, many carrying boxes of food and supplies while others gossiped with one another and some giving Miraak the occasional, but friendly look. "That's Sugarcube Corner, its where Pinkie and the Cake family lives. They're the local bakers." He could tell due to the lovely smells coming from the buildings open door. The houses were made of wood with either thatch or tiled roofing. This place wouldn't last long in a dragon attack.
The wind blew Miraak's robes but not heavily. Twilight walked slightly ahead of him, wearing a blue jacket to protect herself from the nippy fall weather and the pair of blue pants from earlier. Miraak, trying his best not to stare at her flank. "Where to next?" He asked.
"Anywhere really. We can go and see Rarity."
"The one that repaired my robes?" Twilight nodded. "I suppose. I was hoping you could answer some of my own questions while we walk there."
"Why of course, ask away." She said as they walked down Ponyvilles streets.
"While reading about your kind I stumbled across something called a cutie mark. What are they?"
"Well, Cutie Marks are symbols we obtain when we discover our true talent in life. Ponies, Zebra's, and Sometimes Hippogriffs can have them."
"And they are permanent?"
"Mhm, until we pass away. Or are magically ripped off."
"Sounds painful..."
"It was, but getting the cutie mark itself is virtually painless and it is basically part of the coat." She said. "But...unfortunately they're all located on a Ponies flank, so I cant exactly show you. I could draw a picture for you."
"That would be fine Princess. When would you want to start that magic duel?" Twilight stopped and looked at him.
"Hmm your more interested than I thought. How about later today, after out tour." Miraak nodded and continued to walk with her. After a short walk through the town they soon arrive at the Carousel Boutique. Through its large window they could see Rarity setting up a mannequin with a finely made dress on it. She noticed them walking up to the Boutique and waved, she moved away from the window and walked towards the entrance.
"Twilight! Always a pleasure to see you darling." Rarity said, opening the door to greet them both, giving Twilight a short hug. "What brings you here?"
"Just giving our new visitor a tour of the town." She said. "What'ya doin"
"Just getting some things ready for my fall sale deary." She motioned them inside. "So how are you liking Ponyville Miraak?"
"Its a quaint little town. Quiet and friendly."
"The place'll grow on you soon enough, soon you'll be out and about talking to everypony else." Rarity said cheerfully.
'We'll see...' Miraak thought. Through the whole conversation the three had, which seem'd to had lasted longer than they expected, he remained quiet, speaking when one of them asked him something. Mostly he thought of the ways he could try and leave this world amd back to his own.
"Ahem." Twilight said. Miraak, snapping out of his own thoughts looked at Twilight.
"Yes?"
"Ready to head back to the castle? Rarity has to close up soon." Miraak looked out the window and noticed the sun beginning to go down over the horizon.
"I suppose. 'Twas a pleasure Miss Rarity." Miraak said, sitting up from his chair.
"A pleasure it was my good sir. I hope to see you again soon, goodnight Twilight."
"Goodnight Rarity." With a flash of Purple Miraak and Twilight found themselves inside the castle foyer. "I'm going to get ready for bed. You?"
"I suppose so. Probably read before bed." He said.
"Probably what I'll do too. Night." She turned and walked towards her quarters. Silently standing in the foyer for another minute he turned and walked towards his room. His footsteps echoed in the large hallways and corridors on the way to his room.
Staring out his window Miraak watched as the distant sun slowly set. Seeing the lights in Canterlot and Ponyville slowly dim and flicker off. "What a queer place...." He said. He walked over to his bed and sat down. He removed his gauntlets and then his mask, he could feel the cold metal of his mask against his bare hands. He set them aside on a nightstand next to his bed and he soon rested his head on the white pillow.
Sleep.....just like eating the whole concept was foreign to him...but not lost in his memories. Staring at the crystal like ceiling and staring out the window once again. Sleep......like a strange affliction crept into him, his eyelids became heavy, his thoughts keeping him somewhat awake. His eyes shut, and the darkness of sleep soon came upon him.
Miraak sat quietly in a chair with a book in his hands and a large pile of already read books sat next to him on the floor. Across the small room was Twilight, who was also sitting in a chair. But instead of reading she was observing Miraak quietly, sketching something in her notebook from time to time and taking a few moments to look him over before diverting her gaze back towards the small book. “If you are that bored go find something else to do princess. Even studying me must get rather dull.” She closed her book and moved in her seat, letting her legs rest on the it's left arm as she lay back on the other arm.
“You're bored too.” She says, putting the book on her chest. “And besides, you're not that boring of a subject.”
“I'd beg to differ. . . besides your a princess, cant you do what you wish?”
“I may be a princess but I don't do as I wish, we could go on a walk if you want?”
“No.”
“We could discuss your homeland, and your magic?”
“Already have, in great detail. And being's some of my magic is far to dangerous for you I'd suggest ending there.”
“Read then. You seem to like that?” He closed his book and looked back up at her.
“I have been stuck in a world made of literature. What you would find as a. . . dream come true, I found to be my prison for centuries.” He said, drumming his fingers along the wooden arm of the chair. “Now a days I find reading to be a. . . relaxing thing to do in my free time, something I have now to much of.”
“So lets find something then?” She said, tapping her hoof on the ground and crossing her arms. She looked down at the cover of Miraak's book, 'Spells of the Griffon Empire part II, by Arch-Wizard Delmont' . “You've already finished part One?”
“I did, last night before I returned to my chambers. Why?”
“Just wondering, took me a while to finish the first one and your halfway through the second.”
“If you were in Apocrypha as long as I was you'll learn to read faster.” He said. “What were you writing in your book?”
“Oh, just notes. Nothing special.”
“You were looking at me while you wrote. What was it you were righting.” He said, standing up from the chair and looking down on her.
“Oh. . . just notes. On you, plus I've been sorta. . . ” Unable to finish her sentence in time, Miraak simply took it from her and turned to the most recent page. There he saw something he didn't expect, causing him to crook his head to the side and say 'Oh?' quietly with a hint of curiosity behind it.
On the page he saw a quick sketch of himself, sitting in the chair and reading his book. Another sketch was of his mask in rather good detail. “You drew me?” She seem'd to look away in embarrassment, with a small blush.
“I did. . . thought it would be something to do to pass the time. Drew Spike once, also drew Rainbow once.”
He looked at the picture of himself again. “You are rather good. . . ” He stated, causing her to smile.
“Here. . . ” She took the notebook and ripped out the page. “Have it, its yours.” She said, giving him the picture. He looked at it for a brief moment, setting it down on the chair he was sitting on.
“I. . . thank you, I haven't been given something like this for. . . sometime.” He said, “Fine, you win. What is it you'd like to do today?”
“Well, Applejack wondered if I could help her at the apple farm today, I figured you'd want to come with.”
“I suppose a little sunlight wouldn't do anyone harm.” He said, setting the picture down on his book.
“Right, lets be off then.” She said. Setting her notebook down on her chair she walked to him. Grabbing onto his arm she then teleported them out of the castle and close to the apple farm.
“What exactly did she need help with?” He asked, Twilight, quickly walked next to him, adjusting her jacket as the cool autumn breeze hit them.
“Harvesting and storing the crops in the local granary.” She finished fidgeting with her jacket. “Primarily the apples, not the funnest of work but you'll get plenty of exercise from it. Did you do much farming on Nirn?”
“No. I was a dragon priest, one of the highest ranking people in our society, I had servants to fetch my food and so did the others.” He said. “How many pe. . . ponies, usually help the apples?”
“Well, usually it's just AJ and her brother Big Mac. Sometimes the girls and I help out but currently she has family over and they're helping with the harvest.” He stopped.
“Then why bring me?” She stopped and looked back at him.
“Well you wanted something to do didn't you?” In a way she wasn't wrong, he was sick of being cooped up in her castle all day. He simply shrugged and continued to walk with her. They soon saw the Apple farm and its massive orchard. Next to the large barn were several wagons and ponies walking among them, he could hear their laughter and talking all the way from the road.
“Big family.” He says.
“Yeah, grows every year, come on. Lets go introduce ourselves.” They then walked towards the farm.
Applejack walked into the barn with a chair in hand, her cousin Braeburn and Big Mac were setting up a large table in the center of the barn. Her loyal boarder collie Winona happily walked passed her and sat next to another one of the apple families dogs, her cousin Babs Seeds longhair collie.
She set the chair down and noticed Winona's ears perk up. “Smell something girl?” She said. Winona then quickly took off, with the other dog in tow, and three more dogs from the farm, another boarder collie, a golden retriever, and a corgi ran up the road and at a familiar princess and her otherworldly companion. The dogs seemed to be more focused on him rather than Twilight, save Winona beings she knew Twilight and tried to jump up at her and make her throw her ball.
The dogs circled and barked loudly at Miraak. He looked down at them and then towards the apple farm to see Applejack walking to him, clapping her hands and whistling. “Heel yah damned animals, ah said heel!” He looked at the mare. Unlike his first day of meeting her she was wearing long blue pants, a red flannel button up jacket and a white shirt underneath, due to the wind her hat was tied around her neck. Miraak looked at the dogs.
“Raan...MIR TAH!” After he shouted the dogs quieted down, they let off a small whine and then began to lay on their bellies, Winona including.
“What'd you do to'em?” Applejack asked, finally reaching the two.
“Made them stop barking.” He said. “Twilight said you could use some help in the harvest?”
“Well, yeah ah suppose, almost got everything finished up but we still got a few tree's needin' a buckin'” He stared at her, slightly tilting his head to the side.
“Bucking?” He said.
“It's how we get our apples down. We gather a few baskets and once we're ready we turn around, ready our legs and slam our hooves against the tree's as'ard as we can. Then the apples fall, how do your people collect apples?”
“We climb a latter and pick them.” He said, seemingly like the more sensible option.
“Nah, too slow. Can you buck?”
“No. Can I use magic?”
“Ah suppose, we are in a hurry. There are a couple tree's near the end of the pasture that need a buckin', get to it, Twilight a'hm gonna need some help in the barn.”
“Sure, glad to help out. Have fun.” She said, looking at Miraak and walking into the barn with Applejack. He looked down at the basket and picked it up.
Walking among the tree's he noticed the few apple family members out in his direction, mainly due to most of the tree's being cleared. He saw one of the two tree's he was supposed to 'buck'. “Never thought I, a dragon priest of Skyrim would be picking my own apples.” He looked up at the first tree. “Hmm. . . maybe a thu'um. . . ” He looked up at the tree. “FUS!”
A gust of air hit the tree, causing a few of the apples to fall but not all. “Strong tree. . . Fus...ROH!” Again few apples fell but not all. “I don't want to destroy the tree so I wont use the rest of the shout. . . hmm.” He looked down at the apples and back up at the tree, crossing his arms he decided to think of a new solution, slightly tapping his finger against his mask.
He knelt down, gathering the few apples and putting them into the basket. Then he thought of a solution. Standing up he walked towards the tree. Using the alteration spell Dragon flesh, he encased himself with the protective magic armor. “SU. . . GRAH DUN!” His shout, elemental fury, made his swings even faster. With the combination of the spell and the shout, he reeled his fist back and hit the tree with a heavy thunk as the result.
The tree shook, then as expected, the apples fell from it. Under his mask he smiled and picked up the apples. Though his hand was now in sight pain, he'd do the same process with the second. Hit it with unrelenting force, then with his hand. Once the second tree's apples we're gathered he put the baskets under his arms, that were now in pain from hitting it, and walked towards the other tree's.
Miraak's bruised and aching arm cracked loudly as it hit the last tree. As the apples fell from it he began to rub his arm, using a healing spell here and there to numb the pain, but the soreness wouldn't go away. If anyone saw him without his robes they could easily tell he's physically adept for exercise and fighting. But he wasn't built, let alone trained, for punching tree's. No sane person, beast, Elf, or Man would be sane enough to think of it.
Due to the Equestrian anatomy and muscle tissues he read about, they seemed suited for this type of work, and they had the ability to deliver a powerful and bone breaking kick if they try hard enough. He noticed earlier how Applejack and her brother were fit from the work they do here, more noticeably in Applejack's legs, thighs, and her toned abdominal region.
After the apples had been gathered in the small baskets he picked them up and walked back towards the barn. The surrounding tree's groaned from the wind pushing them and orange leaves danced across the ground in the cool breeze. The breeze, the tree's, and the leaves reminded him of the southern parts of Skyrim when he was once living there.
Even in his arrogance and strive for power and simple biast towards others, he found the forest of the Rift to be soothing and peaceful, a place he'd frequent from time to time to clear his mind of the ongoing troubles of that era. Solstheim once had a similar forest in the southern region, but due to his fight with Vahlok and subsequently ripping the region of Solstheim from Skyrim, many of it's tree's were lost.
And after the events of the Red Mountain eruption, those forests were now charred ash lands filled with dead tree's and skeletons. Simple shadows of its once former beauty. All that was left on, the now island, that was there prior were the few ruins. His temple and Bloodskal barrow. Even the goblins that were native to that area still remain on the island.
When he reached the barn he saw the several members of the apple family gathered inside. Once he was able to see them all together he noticed that most were Earth Ponies, an alicorn, and one unicorn, then himself. All of them were drinking and eating apple filled food products. He set the basket down and walked towards Applejack, getting the occasional eye from the members of her family. Once he was close enough he tapped on her shoulder. She turned around. “Ah ya finished?”
“I am. The tree's are cleared.” He said, a rather silly task in his own opinion and a painful one to boot.
“That's great to hear, how bout you enjoy yourself and eat some of the food here, SugarBelle really outdid herself today. Hell drink if you want. Just. . . mingle, have fun.” He looked at the large wooden barrel in the corner of the barn. There he saw one of the apple family members pour a substance into a tankard.
A drink wouldn't be to terrible. . .
“What is it?”
“Hard apple cider. Strong stuff too, be careful with it.” He wished she could see his unamused look behind the mask. Like the rest of his people, he could handle alcohol, staring from a young age.
“Thank you.” He said. He walked towards the table and sat down, not minding the others around him. A cup full of the hard cider was placed in front of him along with an apple turnover on a small plate. He looked to the side and saw Twilight take a seat next to him. “Princess.”
“It looked like you needed one.” She had no idea. . . Sliding the cup over to him, Miraak picked it up and looked at the brown cider. A little foam was on the top of it. He took off his mask and set it aside, letting his hair sit on his shoulders. He brought the cup to his lips and took a long sip from it, only putting it down when he was finished. Twilight noticed the braids he had in his hair. “Who taught you that?”
“My mother did, most of my people know how to braid, be it beard or mane.” He said. He wiped the drinks foam from his mouth. She gave him another cup. “Do you know how to braid?”
“Not so well, last time I did it was for my niece.”
“Niece?” Twilight fiddled around in her pocket to pull out a small brown wallet. She then took out a small picture of her and her brother with a small pink foal between them with a wide smile.
“Her name is Flurry Heart, or Flurry. She's the first born Alicorn in a very long time.”
“She looks like her mother.” He said, taking another drink from his cup.
The flavor of the drink was indeed good, but nothing compared to the ale or mead of Skyrim. After he finished it he set it down, wiping his mouth and catching the eyes of Applejack. “You finished that in a heartbeat,” He simply nodded. “well then. . . how bout a little game.” She took a seat in front of him.
“I'm not one for games.” He said, taking one of the small apple turnovers off the plate and eating it.
“This is an adult game.” She said. He only knew a few adult games, drinking and a not so appropriate one he read in a certain book back on Nirn, even the denizens of this world would find it strange, well probably not Spike due to him having scales.
Though not that he's complain much, the females of this world are strangely attractive in his own opinion. And the constant exercise she went through did keep her in a very fit condition.
“What kind of game?” He asked. She walked over to one of the barrels of cider and several cups. She waved her brother over and another family member. She set the barrel down on the table and filled up one of the cups. She slid it towards Miraak. She then took off her jacket and set it on her chair. Her brother then filled up another cup and sat down, so did the other Apple.
“No pauses, no spills, and no regurgitation.“ She said. “M'ah cousin Braeburn is a champion back in Appaloosa.”
“So a drinking game then?” Her brother laughed and nodded before drinking the cup.
“Last one standing wins.” Applejack said, drinking from her cup.
“Fine then.” Miraak said, quickly drinking the cider. Twilight sat close to him with Applebloom right next to her.
“Oh this aught'a be good.” The youngest apple said.
Almost four hours had gone by since the game started and already the crowd that was once gathered around them seemed to not care about the event anymore. Her cousin Braeburn had already slumped over onto the table, his hat covering his face. Applejack herself lay face first on the table, her ears and hair lying as flat at her face and her right arm acted as a pillow while her left hand had a full cup of cider in it. He brother Big Mac was the last standing with Miraak, he knocked the cups aside in a small drunken stumble, babbling something incoherently before filling up the small cup.
Miraak slowly filled his cup and brought it to his mouth and slowly sipped. He watched as the big red stallion smacked his lips and brought the cup to his, He then drank it in one powerful go. He slowly tried to move the cup to the table next to the other finished drinks. "Y. . . yer. .*burps*. . next. . smmm. . . ooth skin." Before he could finish his sentence Miraak had already filled himself and Mac another cup, then giving the stallion a cocky little grin.
Mac quickly took the cup and brought it to his face. Before he could drink it he became cross eyed and then fell backwards onto the floor, the cup spilling its contents all over the floor. Miraak smiled and drank his, he then took the unfinished one from Applejack's hand and drank that. He stood up, slightly stumbling only a little. He wasn't drunk, his legs simply fell asleep from sitting to long. He reached over and took his mask in hand and put it back on. He then held his head. “Golly, never seen anypony beat m'ah siblings in cider drinking, specially mac, nice work.” Applejack's young sister said.
“Thank you.” Miraak replied. “I don't think your alcohol effects me or it's rather weak.”
“Best I get AJ to bed, thankfully she's as stiff as a board when she's drunk and asleep.” She poked her sister in the shoulder. Applejack let off a noise that was a combination of a moan and a groan.
“Are all the six like this when intoxicated?”
“Pinkie gets loud, Fluttershy gets bold, my sister sometimes passes out, Rarity gets loud and. . . well I don't want to get into that but it involved m'ah sis.” Miraak understood what she meant, if only he could see his coy smirk behind his mask. “Rainbow brags she can hold it but she really passes out and throws up after the fifth drink. And Twilight. . . well. . . look for yourself.”
“What do you—” Before he could finish he felt someone lean against him.
“Heeeeyyy. . . heeey. . . . heyyy. . . I've. . . I . . I I'fe got somfin to tell ye.” The princess said with an obvious slur and the smell of cider in her breath.
“Hello princess. What is it you have to tell me.”
“Come closer. . . . ” He moved closer. ”Closer. . . . ” He did again. “Clooosssseeerrr.” She whispered. She leaned in close to his ear and whispered. “Wanna see my cutie mark~” She said in a sultry voice that ended in a small drunken giggle. He deadpanned behind his mask and sighed.
“Its time we get you home.” Grabbing Twilight by her legs he lifted her up and had her rest on his shoulder, her arms dangling off his back while he held onto her legs, causing her to laugh. He could hear her cup clatter against the barn floor.
“Yeah we don't need a snookered princess right now, make sure she doesn't do anything bad.” Applebloom said.
“I'll make sure.” He walked towards the barn door.
“By by Applebloo. . *BURP*. . . . oooo. . . skews me.” Twilight said, waving her goodbye. More like a flail then a wave. Applebloom returned with a small wave and a light wry laugh before shutting the barn doors.
“I remember when my brother would carry me around when we were kids, I was always the monkey on his back,” she said, with the occasional hiccup or burp. She reached over his shoulder and took his mask.
“Give it back. it's no toy.” He said, he looked over his shoulder to see that she was playing with it.
“I got your mask, I got your mask, I got your. . . . ooooo, bet I look scary in this.” She said, trying to put it on but was unable to due too her muzzle. “You know, I don't think my brother likes you.”
“A shame,” Miraak said, rolling his eyes. “not many people like me to begin with.”
“Buuuuuuuuut I like you. . .” She said, poking his cheek. “I think you a nice. . . . . pony. Your just quiet and getting used to not having servants. . . . . and. . . stuff.” In a way he did feel somewhat better from her words, though she was drunk and not sure if she was being honest. She then used her tail to tickle his face.
“Stop that.” He said.
“Aww. . . you like it.” He groaned and grabbed her tail, giving it a slight tug to make her stop. Twilight ten let out a small gasp, followed by a coo. “Do that again pwease~” Weather that made his situation worse or better he didn't know. He wasn't going to take advantage of a drunk princess, but in this situation she seemed to have an urge to take advantage of him.
“No.” He said, paying attention the the pink dusk sky.
“Pwease. . . ” She said.
“No.” He responded again, trying to ignore her.
“Did you have fun today?” She asked, trying to look at him.
“My arms are sore, I have a headache, and I have a drunken minx on my shoulder trying to vex me with her sultry and drunken rabble.”
“Sooooooooo. . . . . . . ” He groaned.
“Better than being stuck in a realm of oblivion.” He said, Twilight let of what seemed like a small squeal of glee.
As they continued down the road he used the spell Magelight to conjure a small glowing orb to illuminate his path. Twilight began to pull on his cloak. “What is it now princess.”
”Pu. . . put me down, I think. . . I think I'm gonna. . .” She quickly flapped her wings and wriggled free of Miraak's grasp, dropping his mask on the ground, and running behind a tree. As knelt down to retrieve his mask he stopped halfway when he heard her retching behind the tree. He stood back up and walked over to her, kneeling down beside her and grabbing her hair, not looking down at the small puddle she made. “Thanks. . . . uhh. . ”
“You shouldn't drink so much.” He said, causing Twilight to laugh wryly.
“You sound like Shinning, ugh . . . . my head hurts.”
“Princess.” She looks over at him. Before she could react he flicked her on the head, a small but of magic coming from the impact point.
“Huh, what did yo. . . you do that. . . for.” She mumbled, slowly slumping forward and onto his shoulder. She let off a few small snores. He picked her up once again and using telekinesis to retrieve his mask. The sleep spell he read about earlier seemed to work fine on her.
“Good night princess.” He put his mask back on and walked towards her castle, Twilight quietly snoring and drooling on his back as he walked.
****Nirn****
Teldryn slammed the training sword against Frea's shield, a shield made of bear hide with copper pins holding it together. The shied absorbed most of the impact, Frea then took her sword and swung it towards Teldryn, the elf quickly blocked with his shield. “Hit him harder Frea.” Tyr said, watching them from the stables.
“Is that Falmer ready to go?” Rayya asked.
“Just about, I have to contact Kharjo soon, hopefully he and his caravan are in Whiterun.”
“And if they're not?”
“Then I'll take it to the Vale, and I'll leave the supplies for Gelebor.” He patted his horses side and walked back into the hall. As Frea was about to strike Teldryn's shield she noticed he was staring at something behind her. She heard what sounded like a horse trotting up towards the house and turned around.
It was a Stormcloak soldier, a young one mounted on a horse native to Skyrim. On its saddle was an imperial light shield with Ulfrics's bear painted on it. The young soldier wore standard Stormcloak gear, a blue gambeson over chainmail, a scaled helmet, and iron gauntlets. A sword was sheathed on his belt and he had a long iron spear in his hands with a small blue banner near the tip with the bear of Ulfric on it. Also on the horses saddle was a large bag with several scroll containers on it, a hunting bow and quiver, sleeping mat, and small hand axe.
The horse stopped and he looked down on them. He had long brown hair with braids and a darker skin tone than most Nords. “Is the Dragonborn named Tyr present?” He asked, Teldryn and Frea looked at each other and back at him.
“He is, why?” Teldryn asked.
“I have a message for him elf.” The soldier said rather rudely.
“I can take it for him if you wish?” He then asked.
“This message is for the Dragonborn's eye's and hands only, not you.” The soldier dismounted and walked towards the hall, purposefully bumping into him as he walked by.
“There is no need to be rude.” Frea said to him.
“Hmpf, no wonder you Stormcloak fools are in the position you are in now, your pissing off the people that hate the empire just as much as you do.” He took the sealed scroll from the soldiers pocket as he walked by and opened it. “Tyr Twin-shields? Interesting name.” The soldier turned and tried to take the scroll from him.
“Give it back elf! That is for the Dragonborn's eye's not yours!” He tried to grab it, but due to Teldryn beings taller he only lifted it up above his head. The soldier stopped grabbed his sword, Teldryn stopped and looked at it. He then looked back up at the soldier with a not so intimidated look.
“You think that little hunk of iron scares me boy? Put it away, 'fore ya hurt yourself.” Before the soldier could confront Teldryn he was stopped by someone grabbing onto his collar.
“Einar that's enough.” Tyr said, “Put the sword away!” The young soldier looked at Teldryn and grunted, he let go of his sword. Tyr let him go. Teldryn then handed him the scroll.
“Twin-shields?” He asked, Tyr opened the scroll and read it.
“I'll tell you later.” He looked back at the scroll and began to read through it. “I've been summoned to Whiterun.”
“Bit of a coincidence don't you think, what for?”
“The coronation of Balgruuf the Greater, he's becoming Jarl again if he swears loyalty of Ulfric. Who gave you this message Einar?” The young man walked towards Tyr.
“Galmar did, he asked for you personally.” He said, “Will you be going?”
“I suppose, Balgruuf is a friend. If it wasn't for his help I'd never been able to capture Odaviing, and how can I deny this invitation from our one true king.” He said, a bit of disdain in his voice when he mentioned Ulfric.
“Good, I'll wait out here and go to Whiterun with you.” The young man walked and mounted his horse, he looked down at Frea. “M'lady.” She huffed and walked inside with Tyr and Teldryn.
“That child best watch his tongue around me or I'll tear it out.” Teldryn said, walking to a stand and setting his training weapons down. “He's not even a Nord.”
“He knows better than to say those things around me.” Tyr said. “And he's half-Nord.”
“The boy, how do you know his name?” Frea asked, walking over to Teldryn and setting her training gear down next to his.
“He's my nephew. His father, Eric, was my brother, his mother was a Redguard named Saadi.”
“Never knew you had one.” Teldryn said, putting his sword belt on.
“Never asked, but... now you know.” He said. He quickly put on his armor and walked out towards his nephew and his horse, with Teldryn and Frea in tow.
“Are you ready uncle?”
“Yes, come now. Let us go and see out king. . .” He walked over to his horse and mounted it, Frea climbed onto his and held onto his sides while Teldryn mounted his own horse, a black stallion he had named Scorpion, a rather beautiful creature.
Einar's horse nickered and it soon left the house and down the road to Whiterun, with the Dragonborn in tow.
The horses quickly trotted down the road towards Whiterun. Two day's on the road now and Tyr could see the influx of people going towards their destination, Riverwood for instance, was full of travelers from the other holds and beyond.
Outside the wall of Riverwood was a small Khajiit caravan, he didn't know the Khajiit from it though, they were new to Skyrim and resembled lions compared to the others. “What are they?” Frea asked, he remembered this was the first time she'd ever seen a Khajiit before.
“Khajiit, the cat men of Elsweyr. They came here to trade by the look's of it.” He said, looking at the caravan guards using an interesting crescent moon shaped shields. “Einar, why so many foreigners?”
“Not a clue uncle, probably came to make a profit or sell skooma, keep your coin purse close though, cats'll rob you blind.”
“What village is this?” Teldryn asked, looking around at the buildings and the mountain.
“It's Riverwood, why?” Tyr said, he watched as Teldryn scan the village and it's people.
“I've been looking for a place to... settle down, retire.” He said, Tyr scoffed.
“Retire, you?”
“Everyone has a day to retire, been a spellsword for... close to two centuries now. Been across Tamriel more then once, hell even been to Akavir once, retiring doesn't sound so bad. Hope I'll find me a pretty girl 'fore I do.”
“Gerdur and her husband Lod are in charge of the town, you'll need to ask them, see if they can supply you some supplies.” He said, Teldryn looked around the town and then at the clear space across the river close to the bridge.
“That spot'll do, just gotta clear the brush. I'll speak with them on the way home.”
“You have the gold for a house?”
“You kidding? I've got gold stashed away here in Skyrim, it's hidden away in my old dwelling in the Grey Quarter, should be enough.”
“Good, as always I will be happy to help you.” As the horses rounded the hill outside Riverwood they could then see the massive city of Whiterun and the large retinue of people camped outside it's walls.
“Ulfric is expanding the farm's here in the hold so we can increase our food supplies, mercenaries from across Tamriel are also gathering here.” Einar said, “Come on, we're a little late, hyah!” He urged the horse and it quickly ran down the hill towards the city. Tyr urged his horse forward and quickly rode after Einar.
The gate's of Whiterun were open, though they had to leave their horses at the city stables, the city was still crowded with people. Local guards and Stormcloak soldiers were all over the place, some manning the walls and towers while some patrolled through the city. He even saw one of the few mages in service to the Stormcloak army walking towards the gate.
The mage he saw wore a long gambeson tunic that ended a little past his ankles and, like most Stormcloaks, he wore chainmail over the gambeson. His hood was also padded like the gambeson and he had iron gauntlets on his arm's and leather boots. He had several scrolls tied to his belt and a spell tome next to them. He had an iron sword sheathed on his belt and he walked with a long staff with a gem atop it.
Mages, let alone combat mages, were once rare among Nordic armies, but now Ulfric has a use for them to combat Imperial and Thalmor magic users in combat and to also provide support to non mages and to provide healing services to the wounded. This mage was no Nord, he, unlike the other two with him, was a Breton. “Uncle if you'd excuse me I have to report too Sinmir.”
“Will you be coming home with us?”
“I doubt it, he's been having me ferry messages from Markarth to Winterhold.” Tyr walked to his nephew and hugged him.
“Talos guide you Einar.”
“And you.” He let go and made his way through the crowd of people.
“The boy... ” Teldryn said, “Are his parents... ?”
“Yes, I raised Einar until he was sixteen, he then joined the Stormcloaks, and I left for Cyrodiil soon after.” He said, “Come on, we wont get far by talking.” They then continued into the crowded city.
Another guard, though this one much larger, walked towards the Dragonborn and Einar. “Dragonborn, please follow me. The High King is expecting you.” He said. The guard was much more armored than the normal Stormcloak soldier.
He had a set of steel plate that had Nordic engravings on each plate and a long blue cloak covering it with a bear's pelt on his shoulders. His helmet was like the standard helmet except with wings on the side and an aventail made from brass chainmail rings. His pauldrons had iron dragon's on them and his gauntlets were engraved. The cloth between his legs was made from the same bear pelt on his back, covering some of the armor on his legs.
Under the plate he saw thick padding and he had a large iron axe on his back. “Lead the way.” Tyr said. The guard nodded and led him through the crowd. The market square was as busy as it ever was, but more armorers seemed to take residence there. A wood elf and his assistants were hard at work at a forge making iron weapons while another was sitting at a table hammering leather scales to a linen vest. “Whiterun seem's busy.”
“Busier than normal yes, the smiths are hard at work making weapons and armor for the soldiers and tools for the workers.” Along the once dilapidated walls he saw several people adding mortar and lime to the old stone walls to repair it. “Mine, as well as the other members of Ulfric's personal guard, had our armor forged at the skyforge while our weapons were made at the Lunar forge outside of town.”
“Why's that, the Empire is leagues away.”
“Ulfric is readying the army to retake and reinforce the boarders and bandit held castles and caves throughout Skyrim, it wont be long until those cowards either submit or die fighting.” The guard then led them into the cloud district, where he saw the many large and wealthy upper class buildings and the site of the great gildergreen tree that was in the center of town, nearby he saw the local priest of Talos shouting away while other's prayed with him.
“Such a beautiful tree... the All-maker himself must have planted it.” Frea said, she weaved passed the crowd of kynareth worshipers and locals and walked up to the tree. Grabbing a nearby box she stood up on it and reached for one of the of the branches and picked one of it's fruits and put it in her bag.
“Come Frea, let's see what Ulfric wants.” Tyr said, walking past her with the guard. The steps to the keep were covered in heavily armed guards and wealthy citizens of Skyrim and foreign merchants. He recognized two orc chieftains of Skyrim's local orc strongholds also among the crowd.
Inside Dragonsreach were several other Jarls, Stormcloak commanders, wealthy people's, and merchants sitting at the large tables. The Khajiit merchant Ri'saad, his escort Kharjo and another Khajiit, were all standing next to one of the wooden pillars. “Ahh, my nord friend, did the king call upon you as well?”
“That he did, he called upon you?”
“No, but I do have some requests that would benefit he and the new jarl.”
“Good too hear, I also have a job for you and your caravan,” He saw Ulfric walk out into the hall and sit on the jarl's throne with Balgruuf, Irileth, and Galmar standing beside him. “But I'll wait for the ceremony to be finished first.” Galmar banged on the floor with his axe's shaft and the hall soon became silent.
“Jarl's of Skyrim, friends and allies of the hold, you all today will witness the ascension of Balgruuf to former position of Jarl of Whiterun, though there has been some disagreements among the other Jarls about this choice.” Balgruuf walked towards jarl and knelt.
“Balgruuf, my friend, do you accept my right as king and do you accept the terms I had given you prior?”
“I do... my king.” He said, Irileth sat close by. “I Balgruuf, do swear on my life and my loyalty to the gods that govern us that I, swear my fealty and loyalty not just too you, but too Skyrim herself, and will proudly give my life for her when the time comes.” He then unsheathed a dagger from his belt and cut his hand, he then set it on his chest.
“Then rise brother, and take your place as Jarl yet again.” Balgruuf rose and stood next to Ulfric. “Now, back too other matters. As you all know and have noticed, there are other's here wishing for a place in Skyrim. Let those who wish to speak, speak.” One of the Orc chieftans stood up, Tyr recognized him as Mauhulakh of Narzulbur.
“My king, the orcs of Skyrim have been living among the Nords for centuries. We have no and have had no reason to hate our neighbors. If you allow it, we will fight for the land we call home.” Galmar and several others looked at Ulfric.
“Even before my time as king, I had fought alongside Orcs in the Legion as did many of the men and women once here did, many have saved me along the fields of battle many times after during the Great War, and I named many of these Orcs as my friends, my shield-brothers, my brothers.” He said, much praise coming from someone who speaks highly against most of the Mer races. “I have respect for the Orcs, as capable warriors and friends. If the Orcs wish to fight with us, then fight with us they will. The skills of the Orsimer are always welcome in Skyrim.”
The chieftain bowed and sat back down in his chair. Ri'saad then stood and walked to where the orc stood, and gave the chieftain a friendly nod. Some of the Nord's in the room murmured among themselves. He bowed and looked at Ulfric. “My king, I am Ri'saad, I am the owner of the many caravans that move through this land.”
“What is it you wish to ask of my Khajiit?” Ulfric asked.
“To the west, in the plains far from this city is a place called Robbers gorge, my caravans have taken up residence there for a safe place for us to rest, shelter, resupply, and a place to establish a base of operations in the hold. When we must we cater to the needs of many a weary traveler and soldier. I am willing to pay tribute in gold, silver, or gems once a month if you, Jarl Balgruuf, can send soldiers to protect us from the Bandits and wildlife.”
“What say you Balgruuf, will you let these... cat's, work out of the gorge.”
“If... all intentions of your caravans are for trade then yes, I will allow it. But you will cater and house any soldier that I send you.”
“We will treat them as king's, my Jarl.” He bowed again, and walked to the other Khajiit. Ulfric then looked at Tyr.
“Dragonborn... have you anything to say?” The large crowd then looked at Tyr.
“Nothing my king, I am simply glad to see Balgruuf back on the throne of Whiterun.” The new Jarl didn't say anything, just slowly nodded his head in response. He was still clearly sore about the siege.
“Hm... as you say brother, I suppose that concludes this meeting, come Galmar, let's return to Windhelm.”
“Yes my king.” Before Tyr could leave the king called for him.
“Dragonborn, we must speak. Balgruuf you come as well.” He said. He stood up out of the throne and walked up into the war room above the great hall. Balgruuf and Iraleth followed him, though she stopped to the beginning of the stairs.
“What do you think he wants?”
“We will soon know, wait by the stairs... ” He said, walking his way through the crowd and up into the war room above the throne. There he saw Ulfric, Galmar, and Balgruuf waiting for him. Ulfric was looking over the map of Skyrim.
“Welcome Dragonborn, how was your journey to Solesthiem?” The king asked.
“It was fine,” He replied, "What is it you need of me?"
“I wish to show you the future of Skyrim brother, the future you helped us fight for.” He said, taking one of the small wooden pieces and setting it on Winterhold and the boarder's of Skyrim. “The Orc's of Skyrim are with us, that's a start, what we need to accomplish is the liberation of our castles, forts, prisons, and outposts throughout the hold, establish a solid foothold here in Skyrim, show the Imperials and their elven masters Skyrim does not belong to them.”
“It will take a large army to do this my King, how do you attempt on doing this?” Balgruuf asked.
“We will force a conscription upon the major holds, the new recruits will be trained in Solitude, Windhelm, Markarth, and here in Whiterun. I will also hire mercenaries to aid us.”
“And what of the bandits across the kingdom? The Forsworn?”
“We will force them to surrender or wipe them out, simple as that. We need to focus our efforts on bolstering out defenses along our boarders and increase the ships in our fleet.”
“And what do you need of me?” Tyr asked.
“Nothing as of late, if I need of the Dragonborn, I will call upon him. Question is... will he fight for Skyrim once again if need be?”
“If she needs me too.” Tyr replied.
“And when she does, I'll join you and we can fight again as brothers once more as we once did in Solitude.” He said, “Return home brother, you had done enough for Skyrim as of now.” Tyr bowed and walked out of the room. At the foot of the stairs he saw Teldryn and Iraleth talking. When he got closer she broke off the conversation and walked right past him.
“And what were you two talking about?”
“Oh nothing much, just simple gossip.”
“Mhm, that red mark on your face says other wise.” Teldryn laughed wryly and coughed, rubbing the spot where she punched him.
“Lets just say I said a few... things not very noble of me, after that we talked more in our native tongue, she said Riverwood is a fine place to settle if your looking for retirement.”
“You try convincing her to join you?”
“That's one of the reason she hit me... though if I live in Riverwood it won't be the first time I'll be seeing her.”
“Where's Frea?” He asked, Teldryn pointed near the door and there he saw her leaning against a pillar close to the door, she was speaking to someone there. Once he got closer he realized it was Lydia, a close friend and his houscarl. She lived in his old home here in Whiterun.
“Greetings my thane, how was your journey?” She asked.
“It was well, clear weather night and day.”
“Ha, when your around all you have to do is look up in the sky and shout. L..Lok-bah something.”
“Lok-vah-koor, ” He said quietly, hoping not to frighten the people in the keep and most of Whiterun.
“Whatever, so where are you all heading now?”
“Home, we are stopping in Riverwood on the way. Where are you going so armed?”
“Sinmir has ordered me and Uthgerd to escort a group of imperial prisoners to a prison in Eastmarch, a bit northwest of fort Amol, along the White River.”
“I know of it, I thought it was abandoned?”
“It was, until recently. Ulfric sent troops there to clear it out and begin repairs. They recently announced it to be livable about a week ago.”
“Walk with us to the gate, would you Lydia?” He asked, picking up her sword and strapping her shield to her back she walked with him with a smile.
As they continued through the crowded city Lydia looked too Teldryn. “I don't think we've been properly introduced yet. I'm Lydia.” She extended her hand and Teldryn shook it.
“Teldryn Sero of Blacklight. Pleased to meet you miss Lydia, our friend has mentioned you quite a bit on our adventure through Solsthiem.”
“Something good I hope, I'd like to hear these stories one day, if I have the time to visit that is.” Upon reaching the front gate of Whiterun and eventually the stables, Tyr could see the large group of Imperial prisoners lined up.
There was about twenty in total and still wearing the armor they were captured in, most men but about five were Orcs and a single Argonian clad in officers armor. Each had ropes tied around their necks that connected to the other man behind them, while there were heavy iron shackles on their hands.
Most had the wounds they received when they were captured, some had bloodied rags on their heads, covering their eye's, arms, and legs. One man was held up by a friend so the former could balance properly, using a broken spear slung under his arm as a crutch.
One of the Orcs had both of his broken arms bound to his chest in a sling and the cloth that covered them was stained red. The worst injury was that of the Argonian officer, his tail had been shortened and had a bloodied rag on the stump while many of his natural horns were broken off. The two guards escorting them were mounted on horses while another four were walking.
Lydia walked to her horse and climbed up onto it. “I'll try to visit more often, this task won't take to long.” She said, pulling on the reigns her horse let off a small snort and slowly cantered towards the group, it stopped next to the officers horse. ”I'll see you within a week no longer!” She yelled and waved as the convoy began to move.
Replying with a wave Tyr walked to the small caravan, there he saw Ri'saad, he was helping another Khajiit load their wagon. “Now,” He said, “What do you want me to do?”
“When your bearings are ready, collect Kharjo and your finest guards.” The cat mumbled to himself and sighed.
“My friend, Ri'saad has not been a sellsword for many many moons, perhaps you—”
“No no, not that. I need you to help me deliver something. Once your ready I'll meet you at the gorge, I'll explain the rest there.” The cat narrowed his eyes and swished his tail around the ground.
“Do you have the gold for this venture?” He took a bag from his belt and threw it to him, the Khajiit caught it in his hands and sniffed the bag. “Mmm... smells like the right amount.” He said.
“A few gems in there too, a chestful once we finish, enough to buy a ship.” Said Tyr. The Khajiit bounced the reasonably heavy bag in his hands. After a minute he chuckled and threw the pouch to one of his guards.
“And a ship is something I we need, and what's left I'll buy more guards. Very well, Ri'saad will be ready in three days, long enough?”
“Aye, that'll do. I'll see you there friend.” The cat nodded and walked back to his caravan, while Teldryn and Frea fetched the horses, Teldryn already mounted and ready to leave. Walking over to his mare he placed his foot in the stirrup and climbed into the saddle, extending his arm down to help Frea onto the horse.
Pulling on the reigns the horse turned and trotted next to Teldryn's horse and down the road to Riverwood, passing several carts and tents alongside the road.
Though as he was making his way home, he felt as if someone was staring at him. Looking up at the nearby barrow, Bleak Falls barrow to be exact, he felt as if someone there was watching him.
Something wasn't right...
*****Equestria*****
Sitting in the strange white room has already made him feel somewhat uncomfortable, the smell of this strange medicine the Equestrian's call morphine and peroxide had already began to give him a slight headache. The room and even the apothecary they called a 'Hospital' it was decorated with small orange and black streamers and small pumpkins. As was the rest of Ponyville.
Though the small yet bright glowing orb being shinned in both of his eye's was the more distracting part, having used it prior to check his mouth and a smaller one to see into his ears. “Hmm, eye's are good.” The nurse he knew as Red heart said, taking the small wand away and placing it in a pocket on her gown.
“Is this necessary?” He grumbled, looking at Twilight who was sitting against the wall in a chair.
“Princesses orders, that and your an entirely new species, we have to make sure you can adapt to the illnesses and diseases here in Equestria.”
“I assure you I'll manage...” He said, while the nurse pulling up his sleeve and wiping a small wet tab on one of his veins. Once his attention was drawn back to the nurse he realized she was about to stick a thin needle into his arm. Reacting, or perhaps overeating, he grabbed her arm and yanked it away. “What exactly are you trying to do?”
“J-just taking a small blood sample, to determine your blood type!” She replied.
“Miraak... give the nice doctor her hand back please.” He quietly stared at her and looked back at Twilight, not breaking eye contact he let go and set his hand aside. A little shaken up, Redheart took a breath and continued her work.
Still unflinching as she stuck the small needle into his arm, he still stared at Twilight.
The thin plastic tube connected to it filled up with a small modem of blood. She then took out the needle and placed a small bandage over the hole.
“Well that seems like we're done for today, come back a week after Nightmare Night and we'll continue onward.” She said, setting the blood sample into a small plastic bag. Twilight set her magazine aside and stood up, Miraak, putting his mask back on and getting off the small bed did the same.
“A week after Nightmare Night, got it.” Said Twilight. They both walked out of the room and went towards the entrance while the doctor went deeper into the hospital.
“What is this Nightmare Night?” He asked. “It sounds dreadful.”
“It's nothing bad, unless you hate pranks. Nightmare Night is a holiday we have here where we dress up as scary monsters or fictional hero's and go from house to house collecting all sorts of candy. My friend Minuette isn't a big fan of it, mainly due to her being a dentist.”
As they exited the building the fall smell of burning leaves then crept to his nose, a better smell than the medicine inside. “Spike and I will be dressing up, not sure what I'll be yet though, hoping I can scare someone this year. Fluttershy got us good last year.”
“The quiet one?” She nodded and then went on how she used her animals in her scheme to frighten them.
An interesting choice of holiday... He thought, more focused on the thought of his studies in his chambers. He toned out Twilight's rambling and continued to think until they walked into a small park.
“Hey, mind if I ask you a question?” She said, somewhat snapping him out of his trance with a surprised "Hmm?". “That magic you use, where did you learn how to use it?”
“I was trained under the tutelage of the priest Konahrik in the city of Bromjunaar. Along with myself I was taught with two others, Vahlok and Nahkriin. There I learned all the branches of magic, Destruction, Illusions, Alteration, Conjuration, Restoration, Mysticism, Thaumaturgy, and Enchanting.” They both continued to walk as Miraak explained the many magics of Nirn. Twilight then sat on a bench and watched as Miraak used a stick to draw the symbols of the magic branches in the dirt.
“Along with magic I learned how to shout from the many Dragons that inhabited the lands at the time, as well as more physical combat from a brute of a man named Skjall. After they discovered what I was, my training somewhat took a turn from normal magic.” She sketched the symbols into the small notebook she always had on her. “While I was imprisoned Apocrypha many modern spell tomes arrived, though the books had a strange habit of destroying themselves after being read through.”
“Wait they'd destroy themselves? Why?!” He simply shrugged.
“I do not know, I expected the one's here to do the same. Most were... naturally unimpressive and made by Elves.”
“Elves?”
“Another race on Nirn, some think themselves to be the masters of magic, the superior race of Tamriel. Hmph... I would like to show them who truly masters magic. Though these books were pointless, I've read through them hundreds of times, I know them like the back of my hand. Word for word.” She set her notebook aside.
“Word for word huh?” He nodded, “Hmm, well I know your usually... well bored, sitting in the castle all day. Maybe to occupy yourself you could rewrite some of these book for my library?”
“And to learn these spells, last time I tried doing that the spell you used nearly froze Spike solid, you cant control them well enough.” He said, “I understand your an Alicorn, and from what I've read they are masters of the arcane on this world.”
“Well yes I suppose they are... slightly difficult, specially the one you showed me. I needed a better guide on how to do it.”
“It was a rune spell... nothing that advanced.” He stated, she replied with a simple huff and snotty look. “And to answer your prior question, I suppose. There is really nothing else to do.” She nearly lit up from that, quikly jumping up from the bench and trampling the Destruction tree he had etched.
“Thank you! I cant wait to read the first one!” She said, nearly hugging him before backing up. “Ahem, well if your looking for more to do I suppose you could accompany me to the forest?”
“Why the forest?”
“My friend Zecora, she has a basket of herbs waiting for me. Wanna come?” Having nothing else to do he shrugged and walked with her. Even though she could sometimes annoy him, he was starting to somewhat enjoy her company.
The forest, as most sometimes were, was a dark and broody place and yet full of life, though nothing compared to the forests that grew in Skyrim. Yet like those, this one was no doubt filled with things that would like to attack them if they strayed far off the road. This Zecora was an equine like Twilight, though a cousin to her species called a Zebra, as Twilight had explained on their way into the forest. “Why exactly do you need these herbs?”
“Well some are for potions, some are for spices, and some are just there to look nice.” She said.
“I did not know you studied alchemy princess, what things did you plan on creating?”
“Oh... just a few things I was reading about in an old tome I pulled from the nearby castle.”
“Enlighten me... ” He said bluntly. Letting off a small cough and noticing a hint of red in her face.
“It's a uh... sort of love potion.” Now, even he was slightly curious.
“I have never heard of such thing. Care to enlighten me?” With a short cough she then pointed ahead, right at the strangely built house ahead of them.
“Oh look we're here, come on lets go on in.” She said, walking slightly faster and towards the door. Miraak, before heading in, looked at the strange house.
And I thought the Elves were strange when it came to their homes... He followed Twilight up to door. As soon as he got to her she knocked.
Only silence followed, knocking again and hearing nothing Twilight began to tap her hoof impatiently on the wooden steps.
Knocking again and still no answer she looked through one of the windows. “Zecora, you home?” She looked around the window again and continued to knock.
“Twilight.” He said, when she turned she saw he was pointing at a small scroll stuck in the door. Taking the scroll and unwrapping it she quietly mumbled what it said.
“Hm, seems she wont be back until tomorrow, buuuut, she did leave my order in a basket on the table.” She said, taking the small key tied to the scroll she unlocked the door and pushed it open.
“Where did she go?” He asked, walking with her into the hut. He was quite impressed with the level of craftsmen-ship in the home, the cabinets, stairs, and even bed frame by the looks of it were all carved from the tree.
But what caught his attention first was the smell of herbs and other aromas hidden behind the door to the house.
“Meadow vale, it's a small Bat pony settlement deep in the forest, looks like some foals caught Swamp Fever, hope they'll be okay.”
“Is she the local healer, this Zecora?”
“In a way, she, Fluttershy, and Mage Meadowbrook are the local herbalists, well Fluttershy more on the animal side but she knows her stuff when it comes to other ponies.” He looks at the now empty cauldron in the center of the room and at the many plants that are growing in pots around the house.
“She does indeed have an impressive collection, and judging by the handwritten books a vast knowledge of plants and medicine.” He then flipped a page and saw various potion recipes for improving the body for a short time, extra strength, speed, intelligence, and even disease immunity, though only for a short time. “I take it the one you are making is an altering potion, to help someone.”
“Kinda yes, well I've got all my things here, ready to go?”
“I suppose, lets continue.” He said, closing the book and walking out the door with Twilight. As they exited Twilight his the key under a rock. “Isn't it dangerous to live this far in the forest?”
“Yes but she has her ways, the potions she makes can keep the larger and more dangerous creatures away. So she manages, from time to time.” As they continued down the path they walked into a large clearing, he looked around and saw the remains of tree's, now nothing but scorched stumps.
What caught his eye was a large boulder, at least several tons was completely smooth along the top, as if cut clean in half by something powerful. “What happened here?”
“Tirek happened.” She said, though she didn't seem happy to mention him.
“Tirek, what is that?”
“Tirek is a centaur, he attacked Equestria a few years back and stole the natural magics of all four pony tribes. He tried to take mine but I showed him I wasn't easily beaten.”
“What do you mean he... "stole" their magic?” She stopped walking and looked around, once she saw a better spot, mainly under the shade of a tree, she set her basket down and sat on a scorched stump.
“He... has this power, that can allow him too, well... literally eat someones magic, thus making him more powerful and allowing him to use said magic for his own.”
“Was it painful? Having your magic ripped from you.” He asked, picking up a small yellow flower from the ground.
“There wasn't any pain but... you did feel something... an emptiness almost. Is there something like that where you are from?”
“Yes, it is best I tell you fully before turning Spike pale again.” He said, “Whenever I kill a Dragon, I devour it's soul, I take it's power. Something almost similar to what you described. Another way, a spell does this as well except it can effect anything, it is called Soul Trap.”
“Doesn't sound too helpful.” She said.
“No, it isn't. You bind their soul for a moment, and if they die an empty gem called a soul gem is then filled with their soul. These gems are used in enchanting purposes.”
“Well, as far as I know magics like that are, well illegal here. We have Solar and Lunar sentinels while Griffons have Witch hunters, they track down, arrest, and usually burn all knowledge based around magic like that. Necromancy is one of them, one of the worst in my view.”
“It is present on my world, does this one have a history with it?” She nodded.
“Yeah a pretty bad one, a long time ago a pony called Sombra attempted to use it to make an unstoppable army of undead Diamond Dogs, Yaks, and a supporting army of crystal golems. He achieved it, but it wasn't as powerful as he thought. In the end, he was imprisoned in the frozen north.”
“He had similar power to this Tirek?”
“No... though I'd be curious to see who'd win, at least they're gone.”
“Princess, don't mind my prying but I'm curious,” She looked at him and set her basket at her hooves. “Who exactly is this... "Love potion" for, are you trying too woo someone?” She blushed slightly and a wry laugh followed.
“It's uh... no... I'm not trying to, how you say... "Woo" somepony. I'm actually trying to help somepony, well... two someponies.” She said. “And it's not exactly a Love Potion, it's along those lines but it's really a fertility potion.”
“Oh?”
“You remember Big Mac right?” He nodded, still slightly embarrassed she continued. “Well... he and his marefriend, Sugarbelle, have been together for sometime now and recently... they've trying to have a foal, guess things aren't working so well so she contacted me and Zecora. I found the recipe, she gathered the supplies.”
“Ahh... I see. Is she barren?” He asked, Twilight let out an almost sad sigh and then a shrug.
“Maybe, but this'll help, in a small way at least. I had a question for you.”
“I'm listening.” He said, crossing his arms.
“I'm not exactly... skilled when it comes to your magic, if you wouldn't mind... could you help me?”
“Help you?”
“Yes, teach me.” She said, “The magic, the spells, I'm curious and I want too know more about this Nirn and your the only one who knows about it, teach me.”
“It may be hard for you princess as it is for me. Your magic is rather complicated, it requires a conductor of sorts, something to help amplify it.” He looks at her horn. “Your horn, a wand, and a staff for instance are needed.”
“Well you are right, only a select few can use magic here, Alicorns, Unicorns, Kirin, and Deer can all naturally use it while other races here do have their own form of magic, but it's used in different ways, a wand or staff for instance or even an enchanted item, but it requires years of training to perfect.”
“While beings where I am from can all naturally use it. Magic isn't something we are born with, we choose whether to use it or not.” He said. “Which is why I am having my own trouble learning your Unicorn based magic's, I have no horn or item to amplify the spell. And mine may not even work for you.”
“Perhaps, but hey there's no shame in tr—” A loud howling cut her off and silenced all the birds in the tree's.
Jumping up she quickly scooped up the basket and stood close to him. “Wolves?” He asked. She simply shook her head.
“Timber Wolves, come on lets get out of the forest!” She grabbed his hand and drug him out of the small clearing, after they quickly returned into the dark of the forest he ripped his hand from hers.
“You are running from simple wolves princess, wolves.” He said, “I have seen you do rather wondrous things with magic and deadly things by the look of that clearing, why not just kill them?”
“Believe me it's harder than you think.” She replied, the howling grew much closer and a hint of yellow eye's could be seen in the forest mist. “They're here... ” She said, her horn now glowing brightly.
He looked around at the numerous glowing eye's, some getting closer while others simply stared. “Laas Yah Niir!” The shout allowed him to see through the forest, seeing the many various animals hiding and fleeing from the large glowing creatures surrounding them.
There was indeed many of them.
A spell was forming in his hands, ice and cold mist formed around his wrists. Firing an icy spear into the forest he hit one, after the spear made impact it then exploded, causing said wolf to yelp loudly and have it's are severed from it's body.
Due to the shout he could see the wolf spasm on the ground due to it's injury and two of the wolves behind it slowly backed into the forest away from their now maimed and dying companion.
But to his surprise the wolf stopped screaming, letting off small whimpers he watched it's arm reconnect itself to it's body and stand back up. “...Strange... ” Before he could fire another spell at it the wolf lept from the forest and onto the path ahead with three of it's pack mates.
Now seeing these beasts in full he saw their wooden bodies charging towards them. “As I said! Hard. To. Get rid of!” Twilight reminded him. Now seeing that they were made of wood he resorted to fire based spells.
“Yol Toor Shul!” He shouted, cascading two in flames while Twilight's spell caused the other to explode. One that missed his fire was quickly dispatched by one of his lightning bolts striking it's side, causing it to explode into hundreds of splinters and sticks.
Out of the corner of his eye another one of the wooden wolves burst from the tree line and latched it's wooden fangs on his arm. Miraak winced under his mask, letting out a low growl. “FEIM ZII GRON!” His arm and body then became ethereal, the wolf losing it's grip on his arm and giving Miraak enough time too ready a spell.
The resulting blast of lightning sent the wolf flying into the forest and crashing through several branches and bushes. As another two wolves ran from the forest he fired two more blasts of lightning at them, causing one to explode into splinters and sending the other too the ground.
Before he could use his shout again he felt someone grab onto his hand.
With an unexpected flash of light he now found himself in the castle, right next to the map of Equestria. "T-those... were Timber Wolves!" She said, now panting and leaning on one of the chairs. “Completely made of wood, can rebuild themselves, and lets hope you didn't start a forest fire!”
“They would have killed us, well, maybe you.” He said, Twilight simply shot him an annoyed look. Regaining her breath she stood up and picked up her basket of herbs.
“Listen, I'm just as much a mage as you are, while you were ripping them apart with your lightning I was trying to get us outta there!” She shouted, a tone he hadn't heard her use. “Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.” She said, wiping some dust and leaves from her jacket she then turned and walked towards the door.
“Oh and your wrist is bleeding.” She said, shutting the door behind her. He could hear her hooves echoing in the halls. Looking down at his wrist he sat down and ripped off the ruined cloth.
He groaned as he pulled out a long wooden tooth from his wrist as well as several small splinters. After the wood was cleared from his wound he used his ripped cloth to wipe away the blood and used a spell to seal the wound. Looking at the ripped fabric he huffed. “Wooden animals... wonderful.” He stuck his hand through the ripped fabric “The seamstress can help me here.”
Getting out of the chair and taking the bloodied cloth with him he exited the room and towards his quarters.
Sitting in one of the three small chairs in his quarters, Miraak removed his mask and rubbed his head. After setting it aside he began to ponder on the events that transpired today. But what seemed to occupy his thoughts were trying to figure out this worlds magic...
...And this being Tirek. Even at my full power... I still lost to him. He though, I will return Tyr... and when I do. Your soul will be mine...
But first, I have to teach Twilight, and in return I learn the secrets here, this... Tirek, his ability to absorb magic can be of use too me before I return to Tamriel.
I need to wait... I had been patient once before, and I will be once again...
“Again,” Miraak shouted, after watching twilight fail for the third time on the "Sparks" spell. “Do not use your horn as a conductor, use your hands, use the power flowing through you.”
“I've tried, but nothing seems to work!” She yelled, panting and wiping her face.
“Listen, it's simple. Just focus for Shor's sake!” She huffed and took a deep breath. Closing her eye's and raised her hands to her chest. As she began to concentrate her face began to turn red with frustration. As a small, barely visible, blue light began to form between her hands.
“Focus...” He said. She tried even harder to keep the minuscule spark alive, straining herself in the process. As it became stable she opened her eye's and smiled. She lost control again and it eventually reached it's peak and exploded, sending her across the room, into the wall, in a trail of smoke and feathers.
Slightly laughing under his breath due to the surprised shriek she let out, he quickly walked to her side and looked down at her. Her arms, shirt, and muzzle were covered in black soot from the small blast. “Are you going to be alright?”
“I. ALMOST. HAD IT!” She yelled, flailing her arms around.
“Almost,” He mocked, she huffed and then kicked his leg.
“And how are you doing?” She said, “Are you excelling in our magic?”
”I cant, I have no staff or wand. But I must admit, you are doing better, just—”
“If you say focus or concentrate... one more time! I will teleport you to the lake!” She shouted, glaring at him for a moment. He wasn't fused, crossing his arms he was no doubt cocking an eyebrow from under that mask. Covering her face and began mumble.
“That and more reading which I know you don't turn down a good book.” She simply grumbled even more. “Perhaps destruction isn't suiting you yet... maybe we could start you off on a simpler spell, an illusion or alteration spell perhaps, maybe restoration, a potion would help.” Huffing once again the princess stood up and wiped the black soot from her.
“If you say so,” She mumbled. “Got any on hand?”
“I have a scroll in my chambers, a spell called Muffle, I can go and get it if you want?”
“No no, I'll do it later.” She began to shake the soot from her tail.
“Are you busy?”
“Yes, I have a friend coming to visit, shouldn’t take so long.”
“Who is coming to visit?"
“Mire Lily, she's a Moth Pony from the south, a delegate for her lady and a mother of one of my students.” He had heard of these Moth-Ponies from the books he'd read. They were in a way the link between the regular Equestrian species and the Changeling.
“Well, I do hope you enjoy your... visit. Perhaps you could be so kind to take me to your new school when we get the chance.” Since he’d arrived Twilight hadn’t taken him to this... Friendship School she and her friends co-owned and ran. It was currently closed due to the upcoming holiday.
“You'll see it eventually, how about you go get that sleeve fixed in the meantime?” He looked down at the torn sleeve the Timber Wolf. “Rarity could fix it up in an hour or so.”
"Hmm...I suppose it's better than staying inside, I'll be off then.” She took a small bag of bits from the table and handed it to him. Thanking her he tied the string around his belt and walked towards the training rooms exit, turning to see Twilight open another door and walk out.
“She mess it up again?” Spike said, he was sitting on a bench and reading through one of the strange books Spike called "Comic books" while eating a large red gem.
“Did her shriek give it away, or was it the explosion?”
“Well, she'll figure it out eventually.”
“It will be difficult, my native spells do not require a conductor like her horn.” Spike took a bite of the gem with a loud crunch coming from it.
“Mm, true. What about you? Wouldn't you need one for ours though?”
“Yes, a wand or staff. Hmm... perhaps simple jewelry even.”
“Well, have fun with that. Where you off now?” He showed Spike the torn sleeve.
“The seamstress, Rarity. I need her to fix this.”
“Oh, well tell her I said hi would you?” Spike then reopened the small comic that said, Power Ponies in return to Applewood. Issue #27.
The town was relatively quiet, save for the many Ponies raking leaves and bustling in and out of the local bakery and candy stores for the upcoming holiday. Many of the citizens had even decorated their houses with lights, plastic decorations, and pumpkins with multiple varieties of faces carved upon them. One house was selling bags full of leaves that were tied to be in the shape of plastic covered bodies.
The locals paid him no mind, some watched him and those that walked by him either nodded or said nothing, he didn't care. As he passed the local bakery the smell of fresh breads and cakes drowned out the smell of burning leaves.
Walking past the local spa he could then see Rarities boutique at the end of the road. Out front was a sign that said, "Fall Super Sale’s, now 30% off all Nightmare Night costumes". In the ditches next to the road were several leaves being set ablaze by three young Ponies. One was an Earth Pony, another was a Pegasus, and the last was a small Unicorn.
He recognized the Earth Pony as Applejacks young sister Apple Bloom. “Hiya!” She said, waving at him. “Looking for Rarity?”
“I am... ” The girls all pointed towards the boutique.
“She's inside...” The small Unicorn said, “She really doesn't leave much this time of year, big quota to work on for Nightmare Night.” Thanking the girls he walked inside the boutique.
A small bell chimed when he opened the door, it was a rather large room full of Pony shaped mannequins wearing the new cloths for Mares, Stallions, and young children. Most were Nightmare Night costumes and cloths for the cold weather. “I'll be right with you darling!” A voice said across the room.
Rarity emerged from a nearby room. She had pencils, designs for new clothing, and a ruler in her hand and a red pair of glasses on her nose. “OH it's you dear, I was wondering when you'd eventually wander here. Are you looking for new cloths?”
“No, I was wondering if you could repair this?” He said, holding up the sleeve and then sticking his hand through it.
“Hmm, as dreadful the color is it'll be a quick fix. Follow me.” As much as he wanted to correct her and educate her on it's ceremonial use, he decided it was better to hold his tongue. He then thought back on the day he, Nahkriin, and Vahlok received their robes and masks. Then remembering the horrible hangover the next morning from celebration.
She led him into a smaller room full of unfinished garments, the walls were decorated in old and recent sketches of clothing. Sitting on a comfortable red couch Rarity retrieved a small box with sewing needles and sat next to him. Taking his hand once more she then closely examined the fabric.
“Something you fancy...?” He asked, putting her glasses on she leaned in closer to get a much better look.
“Hmm... it's not cotton or wool, silk?”
“Something close, it was weaved from the silk of a frostbite spider and the wool from Skyrim's hardiest of rams. It's durable, insulated, and comfortable.” He said, then looking at the color of it. “And it was never green... it used to be blue. Once...”
“Must'ave been sometime ago. Mm... well I must admit as comfortable as it is the color is still horrid." She said, he couldn't help but agree at that. It was long ago since it was last it's blue color, before the fumes and bile of Aphocrypha changed it to the color it is now. “I could try and recolor it if you want?”
”Perhaps, I will think on it.” As Rarity continued to stitch he decided to look around the room. Mainly at the well drawn figures and dresses in her sketches and then at the clothing itself, most lying unfinished on busts. Looking around he saw a corset lying on her desk. Raising his free hand and using the telekinesis spell he pulled it towards him. Taking the red corset in hand he saw the multiple gems lined in a pattern on it. Red, blue, green, and red again. “Is this your work?”
“Yes, the customer is Filthy Rich, an anniversary gift for that harpy he calls a wife.”
“How did you get the gems into the fabric? They look fused, not sewn.” She cut the thread and pulled another from her box.
“I used a spell, complicated little trick I learned in the Crystal Empire. I don't wish to bore you darling so I won't go into detail.” He simply looked at her.
“Hmph... try me.” Laughing slightly she then went on about the spell. As she continued he looked at each gem, until one caught his eye. Once he saw it he showed it to her. “Would I be able to see this one?”
“Sure, but what for?” As the gem was pulled from the corset he set the garment aside and took a closer look at the gem. Like the others it was cut to perfection to fit into the slots on the corset. But it's color and shape wasn't the thing that interested him.
“This gem... I can feel the small bit of power behind it.” He said, multiple gems of this strength could be used as a conductor on a staff or wand. “We had something similar where I come from, where do these come from?”
“From a mine a bit outside of town, I buy them from the tribe of Diamond Dog's there.” As she finished the final bits of repair he quickly stood up. “Not much for hygiene but they're good when it comes to gems.”
“Could you take me there?”
“Well... I suppose I could. I'm low in supply of blue azurite... I guess it’d be a good idea to get a tad more before I run dry.” She said, untying her hair from the bun her natural curls fell on her shoulders. “Just let me get some things around then we'll go.”
As she set her things aside and walked towards the door. “Oh and before I forget darling, as payment I'm willing to let you pass unless you do something for me.” He looked at Rarity.
“Do what exactly?” She pointed at the various sketches.
“I was wondering, just in case I needed to repair some of your cloths, I'd make some spares for you or at least some cloths that match your... well size. And form of course.”
“Well... I suppose I see no harm in it. Can we do it when we return?” Before he could look back up at her she already had the measuring tape and he pencil.
“Oh don't worry darling this wont take but a minute, now remove the mask and the upper portion of your robe so I can get the right size and width.” She walked to her desk and looked for another pencil or pen as Miraak did as she said. “Now let's begi—OH... oh my...” He voice went from the normal tone to a surprised shriek and then quiet squeak rather quickly as she turned and saw him.
“Is... everything alright?” He asked. Her face was as red as the eldest Apple sibling, maybe more so, and she was fanning herself off, coughing she walked forward.
“OH Uhm....nothing at all dear... nothing whatsoever.” She extended the bit of tape and took his height and then width, looking at his rather fit and muscular form that was hidden under the robes he wore. “Mm... Rarity like...~”
“Did you say something?”
“Oh nothing dear, nothing at all~.” She giggled and continued to get the right measurements while he stood perfectly still.
****Central Skyrim near Rorikstead, five days from Whiterun****
The cart slowly rattled and creaked along the stone road, the old stone walls lining them had long since dilapidated from years, more like centuries, or miss repair. The occasional skeleton of an animal or an unfortunate traveler would sometimes lie alongside the road. In the distance a small trio of Giants watched over their mammoths as they grazed in the grassy fields.
Tyr and Frea rode on the cart while Teldryn and Rayya rode ahead of them while Ralis and Lydia rode behind them. In the back of the cart was a large iron cage covered by a large cloth. It's prisoner, the Falmer they had captured was inside of it and well sedated with venison that was soaked in a sleep potion.
Along with the Falmer were several other crates for Gelebor, books mainly, with some preserved foods and wines. It was the least he could do for destroying the sanctuary. The cart shook as it rolled over a pothole. “Damn!” Tyr yelled as the cage behind him rattled and nearly woke the Falmer.
“How far until we reach the camp?” Frea asked.
“It's right over the hill, not long.” He said, tired from sitting as he's sure she was.
Rounding the small hill they could then look down into the valley ahead and see the bustling camp. Atop the hills and near the cave of Orthiem were several Khajiit guards on lookout. One of them saw their small convoy and blew a horn to alert the camp below.
Outside of the walls were several more tents and small stables full of horses, goats, pigs, and some chickens. Along those were small gardens being plowed to grow food. Along the river were several small boats and racks of drying fish. Closest to the gate was a large building being constructed.
Khajiit were hard at work digging the large basement, some lined the floor with stones while others were raising the support beams and constructing the main floor. By the size it may be an Inn or Tavern. In the center of this small and bustling village was a large watchtower with two Khajiit atop it.
As they rode down the hill they passed a small caravan already leaving the camp. It had about two large carts, one was covered and full of what he assumed was their trade goods and the other was covered and used to hold their supplies. Both carts were pulled by horses and the one leading it was a spotted Khajiit riding upon a camel, he was adorned in robes that looked native to Hammerfell. There were ten others walking among it, most were armed and strangely enough some were Argonians.
Once they reached the camp it's large wooden gates opened up and three guards approached them, one took the reigns while the other two escorted them inside.
Several animal skin and cloth tents were erected in the small square with a fire in the center of the camp, as they walked in a large and burly grey and white Khajiit with earnings and braided sideburns watched them enter. Smoke came from his nose as he held the lit Skooma pipe in his left hand. In his right was a large wooden club with iron bands.
Passing another tent he could see two Khajiit, one was spotted like a leopard and she sat on a stool near a large bed while the other, a male with the same Lynx like coloring as the two escorts, was preparing a large travel kit with a curved sword. Unlike the rest of the Khajiit he could see she was in her later terms of pregnancy.
Walking up the small incline a large group of Khajiit were gathered in a large circle in front of the main house, likely where Ri'saad lived and coordinated the other caravans, and cheered on two Khajiit fighting one another. An Argonian was taking bets with gems, Skooma, Moon Sugar, or coins of either silver or gold. As they walked past Tyr noticed one of the Khajiit was Kharjo, one of his close friends.
Like his opponent they were unarmored, shirtless, and wearing simple trousers. His opponent was a large lion like Khajiit with one eye, scars across his chest, and he had digitigrade like legs. Claws and teeth showing the two hissed and howled at one another, the larger lion one was much louder then Kharjo.
The fight had been going on for sometime due to the evident bruising and bleeding scratch marks on one another.
While Kharjo did sound rather animal like, with his growls, snorts, and hissing, his opponent was much more vocal. As they were crouched yet at eye level Kharjo quickly grabbed a handful of dirt from the ground and threw it in the others eye's.
As the one Khajiit howled amd wiped his eye’s Kharjo ran at him, wrapping his arms around the beasts mid section he lifted him off the ground and slammed him back first onto the dirt. As the Khajiit had the wind knocked from him he wheezed and tried to get his breath back. Kharjo then pinned him to the ground.
As the crowed cheered, booed, or walked away the Argonian gathered the winning bet into a purse and walked to Kharjo, who was helping the large Khajiit off the ground. Patting the large lion on the back as he walked away, the lion giving him a surprisingly friendly nod, he wiped his bloody nose and took the purse.
Ri'saad watched from his steps, leaning against the house with a skooma pipe in hand. Seeing them he waved them inside and then walked in himself. “A dirty move,” Tyr said to Kharjo, who was drinking from a water bladder.
“Bah, nothing this one wouldn't have done. How have you fared friend?”
“As well as I can, did Ri'saad inform you of the job?”
“Yes, a delivery he said, with extra muscle to help escort.” He set the water bladder aside, sitting down on a stump he put on a shirt that was lying close to it and put his moon amulet on after that. “What exactly are we.... delivering?” He said, taking a drink from the bottle of wine next to his pack.
“We're going to the vale...” He said, causing Kharjo to spit out a portion of the wine.
“In Oblivians name for? Nothing there but snow and Falmer.”
“And a Falmer is what we're delivering, along with supplies for Gelebor.” The cat huffed and rubbed his head.
“Ready my things I will, Ri'saad is waiting inside.” He stood up, taking his pack he then walked towards the tents.
Upon entering the main house he could see it has been repaired recently with a new roof made from wood shingles, expensive drapes, and ornate Dunmer furniture. As he suspected there was a large table in the center of the room with a map of Skyrim on it, trade routes highlighted in red.
“Seems like everything is working well for you and your people?”
“Ah yes, the caravans have a place to stay now, a safe place. I have guards camped up in Orthiem to watch for raiders, a tower will be built there soon.”
“And by the look of the Inn being made and land being plowed this place could become a town if it fares.” Ri’saad smoked from the pipe and blew smoke from his nose. “Some have wanted to make a wall to keep vermin out.”
“And the local Nords?” Tyr asked, sitting in one of the chairs.
“Hmph... the same.” He said, taking another drag from the pipe. “Some throw insults, some throw cow pies, some throw rocks. Though the ones in Rorikstead have no qualms with us being here, and at least the guards the Jarl send do their jobs...” The Khajiit sighed, rubbing his eye’s and setting the pipe aside. “Now, to the topic at hand. What is it you need moved and why so many guards?”
Tyr stood up and looked around the map. “Do you have a map of the Reach?” Ri’saad opened a small chest and took out a map. As he had asked for it was a map of the Reach. Looking around it he used a small bit of coal to mark the location of the cave. “We’re going here, Darkwater cave.”
“What is in this cave?” Tyr looked at his companions, “Wander for a bit and shut the door. Ri’saad, is their a place we can speak in private.” He nodded and stood up, walking over to a hatch he unlocked it and beckoned him inside. Tyr followed him into the hole, it lead him under the house and into a small cave full of riches and supplies. Once they were both down there Ri'saad leaned against the ladder.
“We are taking a Falmer there, the cave leads to a place called the Forgotten Vale, a place where the last of the Snow Elves resided.”
“And full of Falmer I’d assume, I knew somehting smelt off when you arrived. No more than a year ago I lost one of my own to the Famler. Does anyone live there?”
“The reason why I asked for a place quiet. Yes, one of the last Snow Elves, his name is Gelebor. The reason I wanted to speak in secret is for his own safety, I know I can trust you Ri’saad.”
“And you can... the others wont like the fact we’re moving a Falmer, but they’ll be quiet if paid enough. I’ll have them ready by sunset, Kharjo as well.” He said, “Besides you pay well... remember before sundown.”
“I’ll have them ready.” As they climbed out of the cave and eventually left the house Ri’saad called up six other Khajiit as well as Kharjo while Tyr went off to find his companions.
“Ah there you are.” Ralis said, unlike the others he was perched against the house.
“Figured you’d be browsing their wares.”
“No not today, Teldryn took off and Lydia is showing our new friend the wonders of Khajiit markets.” It must have been an interesting experience for Freya since she left Solesthiem.
“Have you seen our escort?”
“Yes, that burly beast with the eye patch we saw coming in is one, another is a Khajiit spell-sword. Not really sure on the others but all I know is the last is a Nord by the name of Frofnir Trollsbane.”
“Sounds familiar... should we meet him?”
“I suppose so.” Thw two walked from the main encampment and into the small marketplace outside of it. The small market was mainly composed of Khajiit with the occasional Argonian and Human. An Orc with his two bodyguards was looking over a selection of mammoth ivory.
Near the under construction Inn was, what he thought, a temporary one made from a large fabric tent. Going inside the temporary inn he saw a long counter at the end with four small ale casks lined together with a spotted Khajiit behind the counter cleaning out a wooden mug. “Ah welcome friends, how may M’dron help you today?”
“I’m looking for someone, a Nord named Frofnir Trollsbane, is he around?” From behind him he heard a loud whistle.
“Oi! Over here.” The Khajiit pointed to a man sitting in the corner of the tent. Like most of the few customers he was sitting at a table made from a barrel and discarded wagon wheel.
Walking to the table the blonde and burly Nord took a drink from his ale. “Are you Trollsbane?” The man nodded and grunted quietly as he drank.
Wiping his mouth he looked at him, “Aye, ‘tis me. What do you need?”
“I’m just wondering who’ll be escorting my caravan, I was expecting mainly Khajiit.”
“Aye I’m an exception... “ He eye’d Tyr’s armor. “Where would I get an armor like that... Dragonbone right?”
“Yes, I made mine.”
From behind him Ralis said, “Why are you with the Khajiit,You’ve a debt to pay?” The Nord nodded and drank again.
“Aye something like that... more or less due to my craft.”
“Troll hunting?”
“Aye and not just that, carpeting, stone work, and a few other things I can do. May be a decent handful of trolls here but it doesn’t amount to all my pay.” He said, finishing his ale and setting the cup aside. “What ya want to know?”
“Just curious is all, your history, why a Nord like you is really working with the Khajiit. Why you have a helmet made from a trolls skull sitting next to your feet...” Tye picked up the helmet, it was the front portion of a troll's face strapped to the iron helmet.
“Well, grew up in Falkreath and moved on after me first Troll kill.” He took helmet the helmet from Tyr and set it on the table, pointing at two holes in it’s skull.
“Pitchfork?”
“Aye, rammed it right into his head. Big’ol frost troll he was, I tracked him after he ripped apart me da, ma, sisters, our horses, and our pigs. Rammed the pitchfork in his head while he was asleep. I then took the armor of some poor bastard he killed,“ He then banged onto the old iron breastplate he was wearing. “and then took his head. Locals called me Trollsbane after that.”
“What then?” Asked Tyr, taking one of the drinks the Khajiit offered him.
“I did my trade, troll-hunting set me straight and filled m' pockets, ended up losing my pitchfork to another Troll but I later found an old Dwemer sword in it's warren. Made a bit of my name for myself so I traveled to Cyridil, Hammerfell, and even Highrock and Orinsium a few times hunting trolls until I met Ri’Saad and his caravan in High Rock about a decade ago. Ran into a smith whilst we's were in Hammerfell and I had him make me this hammer.” He uncorked another small bottle and drank it, "Last Troll I killed was a fat'un named sheep sealer. Was in a cave near Shor's Stone. Locals had no problem with him at first, they'd leave him some old meat and he'd be off and on his way. He then began stealing sheep, how he acquired his name, and then killed a couple hunters. It's where they hired me to put the beast down... 'twas about a week ago."
“An interesting tale, how long have you been employed by Ri’saad?”
“Mmm on and off... longest time was about a year and a half. Reason why I’m here now is cause I own the Inn outside.”
“You own the inn?”
“Aye... I’m four-and-thirty, I’ve the mind to settle down; I’m tired of the walkin’. Broken too many bones, there all weary now.” In a way he could relate, twenty some years of moving from place to place, the Great War, Alduin, The Dawnguard, and then Miraak. His home in Falkreath would be his own home, not someplace he’d bought. He'd finally be able to get a chance to rest for once.
“I understand how you feel... do you have anyone in mind to... settle with?” The Nord drank from his cup. Tyr did the same, being greeted with the familiar taste of ale mixed with berries and honey. Without removing the cup from his grasp the Nord motioned towards a young women at the counter with the Khajiit.
She was short with brownish braided hair and almond colored skin and pointed ears, almost to that of a Wood-Elves. “Not normal for a Nord to court an elf, or half-elf.” Before Frofnir could respond Ralis cut him off.
“That’s no Elf." He said, drinking from a flask full of Sujama.
“Aye... spot on he is. She’s what they call an Ohmes, lass is named Zuni.” He looked over at the women again and now noticed she was shorter than the standard Wood-Elf, though slightly.
“I take it the one art the counter is her father?” He simply replied with a small burp and another nod.
“Aye ‘tis him. He know’s I'd been plannin' on courtin' the lass.”
“She even compatible with you?” Ralis asked. Both he and Tyr shrugged.
“Well I may find out eventually... just need to pay for the wedding band.”
“You have enough for an Inn but not a wedding band?” Said Tyr.
“I spent all of what I have on the Inn, this trip will pay for the band.” He finished his drink and turned the cup upside down. “Now, where we headin’?”
“Darkwater Cave, it’s in the Reach. Might be a few trolls for you to kill as well.” Tyr responded, also finishing his drink.
“Oh goody me, I’ll get my hammer polished and ready.” He carried the helmet under his arm and placed his hammer in a sling on his back. “I’ll see ya soon.” As he left the tent the young Khajiit followed him out.
“I suppose it’d be best to find the others, you ready to go?” Ralis asked.
“Yeah, let’s get moving.” Tyr adjusted his sword and set a couple coins on the table. Giving a friendly nod to the bartender both he and Ralis left the tent and towards the small market.
**** Ponyville Quarry ****
After being measured and being returned his cloths by the white seamstress they quickly made their was through the forest and towards the quarry. Looking down on it from the cliff side he was able to see it's surprisingly impressive depth, the abandoned mining equipment, and the spiral gravel road leading down into a clearing with several small huts made of stone.
“Well there is is, Ponyville's old gem quarry and now currently home to a tribe of Diamond Dog's. It's their local Druid we need to speak too.” Rarity said, he looked at her and then down into the quarry again. Smoke was coming from the stone and thatch buildings and he saw several people walking among them.
But what caught his eye was a large, grey colored humanoid that he estimated was at least fourteen-feet tall. He was sitting near the small flooded section of the quarry, no doubt where they got their water, and was gently tossing small children into the pond. Once one was tossed it let off a deep and stupid laugh. “What is that?”
“Oh that's Bert, he's the local Troll. The Diamond Dog's hired him to serve as a heavy lifter and guard to keep the animals out. Be warned he's rather... ripe so don't get to close.” He looked down at the Troll that continued to amuse itself by tossing eager children into the deep water.
“Oh what an interesting day this will be... do lead on.” She was already ahead of him and walking down the spiral road. He quickly caught up to her and continued into the small village. The gem he had from her dress still in his hand and vibrating violently.
