Rebec, Baldur, Boldir
Falkreath
evening, after the wedding

Rebec found it hard not to think about where Baldur and Boldir were, more importantly what they were doing, but there were too many war preparations to dwell on it. As she was talking to the bowyer who was almost done with her crossbow repairs, she found herself suddenly surrounded by Ra Gada warriors.

"We're here to kidnap the bride," one of the men said sternly. The others with him were just as stone-faced and imposing, such that the bowyer asked Rebec worriedly if he should call some other guards.

Rebec waved off the man's concern, knowing that her niece was behind this. To the redguard she replied, "Very well I'll just be a mo-" Before she could finish her sentence, one of the largest of the Hammerfell warriors had picked her up and slung her over his shoulder, and was carting her off towards the redguard camp.

There, a large bonfire had been made and other redguard were already gathered, passing around whatever food and drink they'd been able to scrounge. They all cheered when they saw Rebec being carried in like a sack of potatoes. The men took her to a large tent and dropped her down on a pallet, where Suri and some of the other female soldiers from Hammerfell waited with silks and gems in hand.

***

Baldur already trying mentally block out the fate of the elf. While he did not feel bad for the elf, he still wished that he did not sink down to the mer's level. But that was in the past, or so he wanted to believe. After a few minutes of forget, his hand would start shaking again to remind him.

I may have taken more damage than I thought. Hopefully it will stop one day.

Baldur gripped his axe once again to stop the shaking. As the pair walked back into the town, Baldur asked, "Boldir, do you still have your flute?"

"Sorry, I left it at Neugrad."
That flute was one of very few items that held sentimental value to Boldir, and even though he knew it wasn't his fault, he'd kicked himself inwardly for losing it more than a few times.
By now some band it's probably claimed it for himself. The thought sickened him.


Baldur tapped Boldir on the back, as he was obviously distraught over the flute.

"That simply won't do! I'm sure one of the Redguards can trade for one. Come on, lets hurry to that party!"

"Sounds good."

Boldir hurried to keep pace with his friend.


Baldur and Boldir ran as fast as they could to make it to the festivities before they missed too much. Baldur could see the Redguard camp area ahead and heard some laughter. Baldur looked around and didn't see Rebec, however, and was a little annoyed. He wondered if she was mad about the duel afterall.

I hope she didn't decide not to come.

"Hey, soldier."

Baldur spun the man around and was surprised to see Jodun.

"Jodun? Hey, you came for the party? I thought you had to stay disciplined or something. Boldir told me."

Jodun seemed to have been drinking, which was very bizarre for Baldur to see from what he knew about him. The alcohol's effect only seemed to make him more normal. At least by nord standards.

"Hey, Baldur! Why didn't you tell me about the wedding, you pile of dragon scat! Yea, I came to loosen up a bit. Don't tell my men though."

Baldur smiled, but was still visibly confused.

"Wouldn't dream of it. Where's Rebec?"

Jodun pointed in the direction of the tent with the women, but it was shut closed. All Baldur could hear was girls giggling in the tent.

"Um...Boldir? What do...you uh...think they're doing in there?"

As if in answer to Baldur's question, there were screams and peals of laughter from the tent and the canvas bulged as though someone was thrown against the side from within.

Boldir chuckled at the commotion. "I don't know. And I'm wondering if it's safe to try and find out."


"Let's find out, Iron-Brow."

Baldur tip toed his way to the tent entrance, and could still hear lots of giggling and laughter. Baldur turned around to Boldir and whispered.

"Ok, Iron-Brow. This is either the best day of my life, or the most disappointing. Which do you bet it is? I have fifty septims on best."

Boldir wasn't much one for socializing. And he wasn't for invading privacy either, although he was a tad curious.
"You're really going in there?"

"...Hmm. I don't know. I wasn't planning on jumping in of course, unless of course she asked...Would I? I mean if she asked...but she could be drunk...but if she's not...but I could feel guilty afterwards even though she's there..but...and then...damn it! Fine, Boldir, you peek in and tell me what you see. Okay?"

"What?! No way am I-"

Just then the flap of the women's tent opened and a gaggle of redguard emerged, bodily dragging Rebec with them. She was dressed in Hammerfell silks: Sand-colored loose pants, a scrap of bright yellow on top that left her midriff and a good bit of her cleavage bare, cloth slippers, and a loose cowl with a jeweled headpiece. Her warpaint had been replaced by kohl liner around her eyes, henna tracings on her face and hands, and red color on her lips.

The crowd around the fire erupted in whistles and cheers, and there were calls for the bridal dance. More women joined the others and it was apparent this was meant to be a female-only dance. Jostled along as the dancers start up, Rebec suddenly spotted Baldur and Boldir nearby and yelled "Get me out of-" but was pulled into the circle around the fire before she could finish her distress call.

Boldir looked over at Baldur, who he could see looked just as surprised.

"Should... uh... Should we help her?"


Baldur was entranced, and didn't hear what Boldir said. He never saw Rebec in anything but military clothes and had no idea she could look so...different.

Amazing.

Jodun popped up behind him which made him jump.

"Wowy, who is that? I don't think I've seen her before..."

Baldur elbowed him in the gut.

"Hey! She's mine."

Jodun replied confusedly.

"Aren't you married with Rebec?"

"You idiot, that IS Rebec! How drunk are you?" said Baldur.

"Whaaat? That's Rebec?"

"Hey, what the hell is that supposed to mean?" asked Baldur.

"Nothing, it's just...if you asked me to picture Rebec in our bride garbs...I'd draw a blank."

Baldur still looking at Rebec laughed out at the coincidence.


There had been sand liquor flowing in the women's tent already, and someone handed Rebec a flask of it as she passed by, so by the time she made a second circuit around the bonfire her attempts to follow the dance steps were beginning to resemble human movement rather than horker.

She was even laughing as she came around to her husband and his companions again. She pointed at Baldur. "Hey Jodun, if I have to get dressed up then so does he. And take Boldir with you, too, if you've got one of these turban things big enough for his head."

Baldur looked to Boldir and said, "I don't know about you, but I am NOT wearing those. No offense Jodun. It wouldn't suit me."

"Nor me." Boldir agreed. He grabbed a flask of the liquor from someone passing by. He took a swig. *phhttt* Boldir spat it back out.
"What is this? Horker piss?! Where's the mead?"


Jodun had a mischievous look on his face, and saw a perfect opportunity to get some laughs. He ran into a nearby tent, and came back with some nord mead and two tankards.

"Here you go! Nord mead."

He gave them both tankards and began to pour. Then he stood back his the bottles in hand and waited for them to lift their tankards back and drink.

Come on you two...drink!

Jodun twirled the bottles in his had as if they were a pair of daggers.

Baldur took the tankard from Jodun without hesitation.

"Thank's Jodun! A toast, Boldir?"

Suri came up to the men. "Uncle!" she shouted happily at Baldur. She'd been into the drink already, too. "You made it. Why are you drinking that disgusting drink?"

"Oh, hey niece!"

Baldur stood up and walked off with the mead to speak with his new family member. Jodun was a little put off, but he still had Boldir.

You're mine, big man.

As Baldur headed off with Suri, Boldir took a large swig of his mead.

"That's more like it." He turned to Jodun. "So how about tha-"
He stopped as he saw the odd, almost mischievous way that Jodun was looking at him.
"Er... Jodun, why are you looking at me like that?"

"What? Oh, nothing. Here take another swig, and I'll get you some more mead." said Jodun.

Boldir took another drink.
He's being odd.
"That's okay Jodun. The one is enough for now. I don't want to ge- I'm trying to keep the drinking low for now."

Jodun had enough. "Oh for the love of Shinji!" Jodun took the bottles he was twirling and smacked both sides of Boldir's thick skull with them, cracking them both instantly and breaking them apart. Boldir didn't fall unconscious however, so Jodun had to take his tankard and smack him once more. After the thick headed nord finally toppled over, Jodun let out a loud whistle, and a group of female redguards came and took him back to the tent that Rebec was in. After Boldir was gone, Jodun whistled innocently and walked away to get more drink.


"So what do you think?" Suri asked, gesturing at Rebec. "It took some bumps and bruises to get her into those clothes. You know, I think you both should come to Hammerfell after we've beaten the Thalmor. It never stops raining in this Skyrim."

The women had stopped their circle dance and broken off into small groups. To the sound of small hand drums and flute, they were doing a slower, more sensual dance. Rebec had gotten enough drink in her to lose her inhibition. She already knew the dances, in fact.

While Baldur watched his wife participating in the strange Redguard dances, he answered Suri defensively.

"Hey, not all of Skyrim is like Falkreath. Most of it's snow, which I am not as fond of as you'd think. But it has it's nice spots. Anyway, if we get a break after this war, then yes. I'll insist that I get some time off from Ulfric. He and Galmar can supervise the rebuilding efforts. That is...assuming we get past this situation of course."

"Don't worry, Uncle. You've got the best Thalmor fighters in Tamriel here. I've been making mana drain and paralyze poisons for the archers. It's great fun. I'm curious to see them in action. Come on, you look hungry." Suri pulled on Baldur's arm and led him toward a stool near the fire, then went to get him some food. Other redguard gathered around him, slapping him on the back and congratulating him.

Suri returned and gave him a piece of bread, then held out a small bowl of a smooth red sauce. "Here, dip your bread in this, Uncle. It's a special food from Hammerfell, very delicious." The redguard were all grinning, watching Baldur intently.

Baldur's eyes widened at the mention of food, especially exotic food. He was once again starving, and wasted no time dipping the bread in the strange red paste. Baldur's mouth began to salivate in anticipation in great volumes before he took a bite.

"Ha, I'm loving you already, Suri! Keep bringing me food, and we'll get along great. *Nom* Mmm, this stuff is really good. You know...mmm, this reminds me of my moms..."

Baldur started chewing slower and slower when the spicy food started to kick in. Baldur's face turned bright red, and his brow started to grow moist.

"MMMM! There's something wrong with this paste! *cough cough* Hot! I need mead!"


"It's like your mother's, really?" Suri asked Baldur, watching the steam come from the Nord's ears and barely able to contain her laughter. The others around her had less self control. "Well then, have some more, Uncle. Eat, eat."

"Now you know why they call her Snake-Blade," one of the more compassionate redguard said, handing Baldur a bottle of mead.


Baldur downed the entire bottle in one tilt. The burning sensation wasn't fully gone, but it was better. Baldur was not as tickled as the rest. In his eyes if there was one thing you don't do, it's trick a man when it comes to food. Baldur gave a pout at the still laughing Suri.

"Hilarious. Well, since my niece decided to feed me lava, I guess I can't sing anymore."


There were howls of disapproval, Suri among them. "Here, have some more mead, that always makes Nords feel better." She pushed another bottle of cure-all on him.

Rebec's voice could be heard, and as she approached there were echoes of "Tu'kathwa" from the redguard, and more laughter. The admiral plopped down on a stool next to her husband, saying, "Very funny, you sand rats. What are you doing to my husband? He'll be running back to the Thalmor for quarter." Soon Suri came around with more plates, this time with hunks of roasted meat and vegetables.


Baldur hated admitting it, but the mead did indeed make him feel better. Lucky for Suri, Baldur may have been up to some Bard tales afterall.

"Your niece here was just treating me to some delicious lava. Fresh from Dagon's Deadlands. I'm loving this new get up of yours by the way. You wearing that all night?"

"Don't get used to it," Rebec answered, grinning. She grabbed up a chunk of meat from a passing plate and started eating with her fingers. "Where's Boldir? You didn't let the women get at him, did you? They are Dagon's devils and no mistake."


Baldur turned around to point at his location.

"No, he's back over...no...no way..."

Baldur looked over, and sure enough the very same tent was shacking and filled with giggles, but the giggles this time were much much louder and suggesting.

"Oh Talos, it sounds like they're really enjoying themselves. I'm surprised they got him in there."


Jodun stepped up to the couple and waved around a broken bottle.

"Actually...They had a little help."

Baldur noticed the label on the bottle was the same one Jodun poured for him.

"You bastard, you were gonna knock us both out!"

"Easy there, Baldur. It would have failed anyway. It took me both bottles and a tankard to knock him out."

Baldur started thinking about what they did to Rebec.

"They're not gonna dress him up like Rebec, are they?"

Rebec started laughing, first small hoots and then louder. "Oh, this should be good."

"Uggghhh...."
Boldir could feel his head throbbing, and not just in one spot, but two. He could hear giggling coming from all sides. All female from the sound of it.
What happened?
He was almost scared to open his eyes. Finally, he forced himself to, causing an eruption of giggles and laughter. Boldir looked around. He appeared to be in a tent, and there must've been a half dozen Redguard women surrounding him, all laughing for some reason.
"Ugh" He sat up. "What's-what's so funny?"
The intensity of the laughter must've doubled when he spoke. Confused, Boldir turned and saw a pile of armor pieces at the edge of the tent. His armor. Boldir looked down at his own body.
"Shor's bones!"

Boldir tried to compose himself, something that was easier said than done when you're a Nord man sitting in a room full of giggling Redguard women who are wearing outfits to match your own. Or moreover, you're wearing one to match their own. The laughter further increased as Boldir reached up to remove the rediculously small top and felt his own hair. His hand jerked back. He was sure it wasn't his hair he'd felt. One of the Redguard women turned a mirror his way so he could see his reflection.

You've got to be kidding me.

I think it's adorable.

Shut up Rebec.

Boldir's hair, which normally losely hung down over his shoulders, was tied into Redguard-styled dreadlocks, which hung down over his shoulders instead. The fact that his hair was nowhere near as thick as a Redguard's only further added to the rediculousness of this look.

"Kyne preserve me."


The redguard women flock around Boldir, pvssyring in Yokudan, possibly bartering for him.

"Come on, large one," one of them said, pulling on the Nord's arm to lead him outside. "Come dance for us."

Boldir pulled back. Refusing to budge.
"Sorry, but there's not enough mead in the world to get me out there wearing this."

The Ra Gada then tried greater persuasion, gathering around him and plying him, though still with cooing voices. "You're so handsome now," one told him. "Our clothing suits you." Another started to laugh at that and got a slap from the first.

Boldir had never felt so awkward in his life.
"Your clothing suits someone about half my size."
Unsure how to respond to their advances, Boldir elected to just remain seated. The only thing he knew for sure was that he wasn't willingly going to leave this tent. He'd never hear the end of it from the troops. And he didn't want to give Jodun the satisfaction.


Desert warriors were nothing if not resourceful. As Boldir refused to budge, one of them slipped out. A few minutes later there is rustling at the sides of the tent, and then- there is no tent. The front wall of the tent is thrown back, and then another side and another until Boldir and the redguard women are all out in the open.

"Gods and harlets," Rebec said, standing from her chair. She licked the meat juice from her fingers and pointed to where Boldir sat among a gaggle of adoring redguard. "Baldur. I think you'd better go rescue him. The tattooing will be next. They're just arguing over who gets to put her mark on him."


Baldur stood up and looked in Boldir's direction, but Baldur wasn't really there. He was staring right at him...but his disbelief made him blank out for a while. Seeing Boldir sitting in that outfit. Baldur realised he was there when he accidentally dropped his mead. Then, the uncontrollable fits of what only a mad man would call just laughter. A sane man crying with a combination of extreme cackling from a sabre cat. Baldur bent forward from the pain in his gut from the uncontrollable laughing, and he silently cursed Sheogorath for temporarily infecting him with his influence.

"Huyuhyuhyhyuhyuhhyuh! *coughcough* huyhuyhuyhuuyhuyuhhaha!"

Rebec was in much the same condition as her husband, but a little shot of empathy from having been a victim herself brought her around. Approaching Boldir, she said, "It's a good look for you. Maybe between the two of us we can go out on the walls and seduce the Thalmor to go home."

Boldir looked from Baldur to Rebec. His face had never been so red, from both embarrassment and anger. He couldn't even make out what Rebec was saying as it was being drowned out by the sound of laughter from all around. His one and only consolation was that there weren't many Nords at the party. Unsure what else he could do, Boldir simply sat there and stared back at the laughing crowd, a confused mix of anger and embarrassment on his face. He spread out his arms.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up you bastards."

After giving everyone a good minute to laugh, he struggled to take off the rediculous top. He couldn't imagine how those women had gotten it on him, as he ended up just ripping off before finding a way to actually remove it, much to the onlookers' amusemant.

Aw, you looked pretty.

Boldir's frown intensified. Not only because it was Carlotta's amused voice that he'd heard, but because he knew that even his own subconscience mind was making fun of him.

So you're back now? What changed Carlotta?

Your clothes.

Funny.

Of course I'm back. I'm in your head, remember? Where am I gonna go?

I guess that makes sense...About as much as hearing you in the first place at least.

The women around Boldir were speaking lots of gibberish in Yokundan, or whatever that Redguard tongue was called. He couldn't make out their words, but some sounded downright heated, as if in argument. He turned to Rebec, who was doing a very poor job of stifling her own amusemant.

The perceived voice of Carlotta was still one of utter amusemant.
You should do something about them.

"Uhh Rebec... What are they talking about?"

"They're about to go to weapons over who gets to take you home to Hammerfell after all this is done. Don't worry, my lady, I'll protect you." Rebec doubled over then, unable to hold back.

After pulling herself together, she found a blanket to throw over his shoulders, and took one for herself. "Come on, Blofar, come sit with us by the fire. You'll feel better with a flute in your hands. They owe you one of their best after this." She said something sharp in Yokudan to the women, who groaned in disappointment, then wandered off laughing.

Boldir wasn't quite as amused as everyone else seemed to be. Although he knew deep down that it must've been a pretty funny sight. He looked down at himself again and sighed. Even without the top, he still looked beyond rediculous with the braided hair, baggy pants, and whatever this big thing on his head was.

"Fine." He grumbled.


As Rebec and Boldir made their way back, Baldur was still crying from the laughter, as was Jodun who was next to him.

"Boldir, I..huhuh-I, eherm..I..wait a minute, hahaha!"

Baldur turned around to Jodun's direction to laugh and get it out of his system.

"Okay...okay. I'm done. I was going to sing a few songs. Would you like to give us some music to go along?"

Boldir briefly smiled and nodded at Jodun to show that he was forgiven. He mouthed the words "well played".
You're not really letting it go so easily are you?

Nope. But I'll save it for later.

He turned back to Baldur, who was waiting for an answer.
"I need a flute."


Jodun pulled a flute out of his pouch attached to his belt and tossed it to him.

"Here, you can have that one. It belonged to my brother. He used to play a bit himself. It's a bit fancier than you average flute with the gold trim on it and the topaz, but it's a flute all the same.This is the second time I've so freely given away my brother's things. Ever since I lost him to Thalmor, that one thought was all I could think about. I give this to you because you and Baldur can understand that better than most. And because his things cause me too much pain. Play it well, Boldir. Heh, you earned it"

Jodun's disposition began to go back to normal he noticed, so he grabbed another tankard of the Redguard's Hammerfell drink, and drowned himself in his cups once more.

Boldir examined the flute. A bit fancier was an understatement. This flute was a thing of beauty. It was adorned with magnificent golden trims and some kind of Yokundan inlays. The red-orange topaz stones along the sides must've been worth a small fortune to most. It made Boldir's old flute look like a twig.

Alright, so maybe I should forgive him.

Boldir looked at Jodun. Unsure if he could even accept such a gift. But at the mention of it causing Jodun pain, Boldir decided it was best if he did.
"Thank you, Jodun. I will."

He put the flute to his mouth and began to play. It was a fairly upbeat tune, one that he would change to suit Baldur when he joined in with his song.


Baldur smiled as he thought of a subject to sing about. Baldur stood up and stood in front of the fire so the light would focus on him in all the darkness for dramatic effect as he pantomimed during his song.

"Gather 'round, everyone, gather 'round. Can I get some drummers? Good, good. I shall tell you a tale that proves that my lineage was born to kill invaders of our land. This is about the tale of the Nord's return to Skyrim after the elves had taken it from them. This is a tale, about the Snow Prince!"

Baldur signaled with his hands to Boldir to play a bit slower. Once he was satisfied that the tune matched what he was going for, he began.

To understand just who I am, you must go back in time,
To a land in an age oh so long ago, an Island called Solstheim,
With axes and shields and hammers and swords,
They went to battle these elves and these nords,
To punish the elves for heinous and ancient crimes,

The nords had long fought back the elves to these shores,
Led by the prestigious Lord Ysgramor,
Off to the island the nords set their courses,
To finish the rest of the enemy forces,

In the finest steel, they were ready to fight,
But an elf like no other rode in in all white,
This magical warrior was a bane of man,
“The Snow Prince is here! Doom is at hand!”

The air was so cold, but his magic was colder,
He was more like a Wight, and less like a soldier,
In front of this mer, few Nords could stand,
“The Snow Prince is here! Doom is at hand!”

When the Snow Prince rode in, the elves would rejoice,
They shouted and cheered all them with one voice,
Why this was so, they could not understand,
“The Snow Prince is here! Doom is at hand!”

The battle commenced, he slayed many with spear,
And magics so cold, his weapons caused fear,
An easy win was once the nord’s plan,
But “The Snow Prince is here! Doom is at hand!”

The victory seemed to fall on the elves,
But he killed the mother of a girl that was twelve,
His doom came from youth, not woman or man,
“The Snow Prince has fallen! Doom is at hand!”

At his back she threw, her weapon would soar,
Her grief gave her strength, the power of Shor,
The Prince’s blood poured, like water or sand,
“The Snow Prince has fallen! Doom is at hand!”

The child had then proved to be born warrior,
This girl’s name was Finna, daughter of Jofrior,
They saw the Prince fall, the elves had all ran,
The Snow Prince has fallen! Doom is at hand!”

The battle was over, finished by a throw,
The Nords laid to rest this worthy elf foe,
But remember this fact once all of you go,
The girls name was Finna. Her last name….Red-Snow!

That's the end of my tale, and now you all see,
Just how I related this story to me,
No matter if it be on land or the sea,
We Red-Snows will fight until Tamriel's free!

Baldur looked to Rebec while he sang that last line, hoping she'd appreciate being included in his boast.

The Nord general had the redguard eating out of his hand before the second stanza. They wouldn't normally have cheered a Nord story, but defeating an elf force was on all their minds, and even before it ended they were cheering and clapping.

Rebec had kept her eyes glued to Baldur the entire time. As the song finished, Suri called out, "Uncle, is that really true?" Rebec, still shocked that it might actually be, decided to run with it. She answered for him, "You bet your ass it is! I didn't marry no milk drinker."

She then caught Baldur's hand and held it the rest of the night, even when the redguard women came around and asked if he would come to their fire to sing some more. Especially then.

Eduard Laenius- Medical Tent, Night

Eduard woke up after the nap that was basically ordered by the healer.

"Oh your awake. How are you feeling?"

Eduard was surprised how fast the girl reacted to him being awake.

"Oh uhh.... I'm feeling quite a bit better. I think I could stand up and walk now."

"Not on my watch. I said two days and I meant it. Well, for getting back on the job I mean. You should rest a bit more before you walk though."

"Lyra, you do understand that there is a siege about to take place, don't you? I will be there for that battle as early as possible. It's not like I'm on the front lines or anything. I'll be fine," Eduard reasoned.

He was kind of annoyed with how much care this woman was giving him.

"First off, I'm surprised you remember my name. Secondly, you're right. I guess you won't have to be at 100% to go back and strategize, or whatever you do. But, you could at least rest until the damn siege, okay?"

"Well, trust me when I say I don't forget things. Part of the job for me I guess. Alright, only until the siege though, no longer. I'm tired of being stuck in this tent. You understand right? Not much to do."

Wow, I actually got through to her. I thought she was going to be unreasonable. Maybe she isn't all that bad. She certainly doesn't look too bad.

For the first time, he really looked at her.

She was an Imperial, about 5 ft. 8 inches tall, if he had to guess. She had long brown hair, and gorgeous green eyes.

Yeah, I could definitely get with that, he thought to himself. Hah, Liv would be pretty pissed if she heard my thoughts right now. 'Eduard, women aren't playthings.' Maybe she became more like mom than I realized.

"You mind telling me why you are just staring at me?"

"Oh... sorry. I was just thinking."

"Yeah, well, thinking doesn't require staring you know."

When she delivered that line, she had a slight smile on her face.

Wait a minute... Maybe she... never mind.

He had thought of maybe trying to hook up with the healer, but he pushed that thought away. Besides, they hadn't exactly gotten off on the right foot. If there is a girl turned on by having blood spit in her face, they probably weren't the girl for him.

"You're right. I apologize. Like I said, I was just thinking. Staring was inadvertent."

Sadly, I can't be doing silly, well fun, stuff like that right now. There is a battle coming up. I don't need her getting some odd personal attachment to me. And besides... she kind of reminds me of Liv. She has those same green eyes too. I wonder what she is up to these days.

At this time, an Imperial soldier entered the tent.

"You Eduard?"

"Yes, what do you need?"

"Me? Nothing. But this letter is for you."

Most likely Jon. It's been a while since I heard from him.

"Alright, give it to me."

The soldier handed the note to Eduard, and then exited the tent.

Alright, lets see what he's got to say.

Eduard,

How's it going? I have heard through some people that you were injured. Hopefully I'm not sending this to you, and it turns out your dead. You know I hate wasting time.

Now, onto the report. Now, bear with me, this is going to sound bad at first.

The bandits attacked again. This time without their leader. I spread the word that you were around, so I guess he is scared. The attack was quite unorganized, and was put down pretty easily. In fact, we didn't lose a single man. They were sloppy compared to us.

Anyways, I have another thing that you may not be too happy with me about, but it sounds better after I tell the whole story. I have to say, at this point in the letter, I'm glad I'm writing instead of saying this to your face. I don't want to hear about you eating people again.

So, the semi bad thing I was talking about. Your sister found out about the injury. She saw it in my face or something. She's just like you in that regard. I couldn't lie to her. So she wrote in the letter too. (Don't worry, I had her write her part down before I wrote the letter.)

Ed,

I heard you got hurt. If you haven't noticed, I don't like when you're hurt. Not that you do either. But the fact is you need to be more careful, and not because of me. You need to stay safe for yourself. Not that you aren't trying. Just do a better job, alright?

Well, I guess I should move on. I don't want to get myself too worked up do I, Ed?

I guess I should update you on my life. It's going pretty well right now! I've found lots of nice stuff for the house at the market, and I haven't had much trouble. Especially not since Jon took over looking after me.

Well, Jon looks eager to get this letter out to ya, so I guess I'll go. I love you, and hope to see you soon Ed!
~Liv

Well, that also does it for me. Send back any of your thoughts as soon as you can. Stay safe.
-Jon

****. Bandits again? I need to get back there soon and put his head on a pike. At least this time it seems Jon has gained the upper hand on them. He hasn't got the same on my sister though, that's for sure. She always had the same ability to read people that I do, and dad had as well. I guess I should write back soon, considering she personally wrote me. I will wait until after the siege, so I can assure of my own status. I wouldn't lie to her.

He decided that he was still quite exhausted, and laid back down.

"Heading back to sleep?"

"Yeah, I'm still a bit tired."

"Alright. After that, you should take a walk around the camp. Get yourself moving. Don't do anything stupid though."

Eduard laughed and then replied,

"You got it. As long as I can get out of this dang tent."

With that, Eduard went back to sleep.

Princess Dales Moitre, Falkreath, Moring

14 Plus Content

“Milady it’s not a big deal…”

The four maids where getting a lecture from Princess Dales,

“You where sleeping with my teacher…” She said sternly

“So…he’s super sixy.” She turned around and giggled with the other maids, before saying coyly, “And…unlike every other man, he let us do whatever we wanted to him-“

Miku’s “tale" was interrupted from Dale’s plugging her ears while saying,

“I don’t want to know the bloody details!!!”

Miku chuckled, along with Quelstor and Kongami,

“Don’t you find him sixy?”

Dales turned away, cheeks flashing, before another chuckle erupted from Miku,

“OHHHH, I just remember now…you don’t like men…you like girls.” Dales looked away, embarrassed, before Miku went disturbing close to Dales face,

“Or…are you mad at your teacher because…he didn’t share us with you?”

"Of course not-“

Dales was interrupted by Miku going even closer to her face, her hot and moist breath going all over the princess's pale face. Dales heart started to PUMP slower and deeper, Miku leaned in and whispered into Dales ear, while stroking her leg with her arm gently.

“Maybe…you where Jealous of your teacher having us. If you want…we can have an “all-girls” night…just for you-

The maid's seductive statement to Dales was cut off by Witchie’s voice.

"Dales, may I speak with you?" she heard her master say from outside the tent.

Dales hurriedly ran out of the tent, eagerly leaving Miku and others back inside her tent, and ran into her master, embracing him.

"Help MASTER HELP!!!"

"What?!"

"I think...I think Miku's trying to seduce me!!!"

"Don't worry, I can take your place in that."

"I'm feeling...really weird. She...started stroking my legs and her breath was all over my face..."

"Anyway, can you let go of me? For someone who claims to only like girls you are hugging me quite a lot."

She instinctively jumped back,

"Sorry about that...just a little scarred. I've...never been pressured into...AHEM you know, before. What is it you wanted master?"

"Let's go to my tent first."

She froze up a little,

"Your...not planning...to...”

"I just want to talk."

She breathed in relief,

"Okay...good..."

She followed him back to his tent, when they where both in she turned around to him and said,

"What is it master?"

"I've been patient, lenient and tolerant with you. But your behavior today showed that it's time for a change. You know that in my age you would have gotten thirty lashes, ten for peaking down to the king and twenty for trying to give him an order."

She looked confused,

"You where sleeping with my maids...whom where suppose to be doing there duties...and I'M royalty as-well..."

"Wont it be...weird if people find out you sleep with numbers of girls at the same time? "What kind of teacher does that?" they'll say... It might raise some suspicions...."

"I'm quite a special mage in any case. I doubt sleeping with your maids would increase the way I stand out anything significant."

"It's useless arguing with you..." The princess said tiredly.

"Good. And from now on you shall not refer to me in any other way than master, sir or Skjari."

"I already do. I did call you a pig once or twice but meh..."

She began to leave, but turned around one more time.

"OH, forget to tell you, I acquired Legate Graccus's support and Prefect Lorgar's, the Darkened Arche

"He should change it Dark Archer or just Archer, what he call himself right now is quite a mouthful. And how will you feel about going back to Miku? Or do you want me to talk to her first?"

She looked at him, kinda scarred,

"Can you...talk to her first?. She's...very...attractive but I don't want anything to happen...

"Between me and her? To late for that."

She waved her hands,

"No I don't want anything between me and her...as I said...I think she was trying to seduce me, and I kinda...liked it."

"So you either want her to stop her advance or you want to join tonight's party?"

She blushed darkly,

"I....WAIT, no I don't want to join tonight's party, tell her to stop her advances on me!!!"

"Sure, I'll tell her that. And this time I will try to not hold them from their duties."

She smiled,

"Okay thanks that's all I ask. Thank you master."

"Lets go then." he walked past her and out of the tent.

Dales followed her master to her tent where the maids were waiting.

"Hello ladies."

Miku turned around and flashed a smile, and said with a seductive voice along with the other three,

"Hello Milord..."

"There will be time for that later. But now I need to talk about Dales."

"Yes? What about her? She's really sweet, don't you thinK?

"Yes, but she's not enough of a woman to be my type. It's just that she don't want any advances on her. Especially from you Miku."

She looked at him coyly,

"I wasn't making any advance on sweet little Dales..."

"Doesn't matter, just don't do it in the future. She wont be joining our nightly parties so don't try to convince her."

She looked almost disappointed, and said in a soft and silky voice,

"But milord, her skin is so pale and soft, her lustrous gold hair, and sweet red lips. Not to mention how attractive her face is. Wouldn't you want her to join us?"

"Already asked if that's what she wanted, she said no."

"Fine, fine...I knew she was "enjoying" herself when I..."comforted" her before you interrupted. But I wont try and..."Persuade" her.

"That's all she wants. If she wants to join then let her make that decision herself. Now I think you have your duties to fulfill and I have mine."

"Yes of course, Milord" and with that the maids, disappointingly , went back to there cleaning duties.

"And one more thing before I leave; don't separate your beds."

They all giggled, before Kongami said,

"Of course milord..."

Legate Gracchus Ceno

Fort Pale Pass
Morning


Gracchus woke up, the day after he had ordered his men into preliminary position. He grabbed his armor strapped it on, along with his steel greaved boots.

Today it begins. I will either go down in the annuals of history as a failure, or have bards sing my praises, he thought.

Gracchus grabbed his Imperial short sword, and slid its belted scabbard around his waist. He walked to the stables, his boots sinking into the mud where the trees branches did not cover. Arriving at the stables, he mounted up his already prepped horse, and rode off towards the front lines.

The legionaries had gathered near the edge of the forest, with archers ready to step out and fire, and the onager crews in position to move the large siege machines. The battlemages were also deployed with each cohort, ad were ready to fire ok his command.

The soft pitter patter of the rain as it fell on the tree branches was the only noise. The sun was hidden behind a wall of clouds, not unlike the stone wall that hid the town of Falkreath. Gracchus looked to his, and to his right, surveying his men.

The commanding officer of the Imperial Legion raised the war horn to his lips, and let out two short blasts that signaled the battles beginning.

The archers stepped out, and fired, while the onagers flung huge boulders at the Stormcloak walls. The noticeable sizzle of water hitting fire filled the air as the firebolts from the battlemages evaporated the rain upon impact. One cohort, on either end of the city, assaulted the gates in tortoise formation, shields used to block out the rain of arrows.

And so it begins, he thought.

***

***

Baldur was standing back overlooking the Necro Nords when the catapult rocks started whizzing over his head. The boulders went straight into the group of ten battlemages, killing three instantly and knocking out two.

"You five, move up in the Necro Nord ranks by the gate and stay close to it so they can't target you! Stay focused on the center of the gate! Archers, keep firing!"

This really isn't any different from the battle we had last. We have the advantage of the walls, and it will take a while before they can actually break a hole in the wall. They'll need to go and get more rocks before that happens.

Just keep pressing against that gate! Archers don't stop firing!

They may start targeting civilians and houses soon once they see they can't break in. It can't be helped.

***

Rebec could see that Suri was eager to fight, but the imperials were still at range, trying to soften them up. "Patience," she said as the redguard kept poking her head up. "Waiting is the hardest, on land as on sea." She saw the rock come hurling over the wall, striking some of the Dunmer off it, and cursed quietly.

***

Valindil and his troops were at the top of the hill when Gracchus decided to begin the siege. After a few minutes of last minute preparations, Gracchus finally gave the order for his men to fire arrows. Hundreds of Imperial arrows were fired, and a few seconds later, hundreds of Elven arrows were fired in response.

From atop his horse, Valindil could see almost perfectly into the city. When the first arrows were fired, tens of Stormcloaks dropped instantly. The battle had begun. In an instant the city was in chaos. Civilians were running this way and that to escape the fighting, while Stormcloaks were racing to their battle positions.

The Thalmor mages were ordered to launch fireballs at the men on the walls, their explosiveness took out multiple men at a time.

***

Boldir was surprised by how quickly the activity had picked up in the streets. Even though the siege had just begun, soldiers everywhere were flocking to their posts. Boldir knew they would be fine. His worry was the civilians. Many were in the streets shouting and grabbing troops in attempts to get explanations or promises of safety.
He was doing his best to keep them under control.
"Everybody calm down! You're only making things more difficult for us!"
A few of the civilians listened and turned to face him. The majority, however, continued to carry on.
"Get indoors! Out out of the streets!
The few that listened hurried home. But it wasn't enough. It was much too chaotic for Boldir to get their attention.
"Erik, find some city guardsmen. Use them to round these people up. We need to have them out of the streets."

Just then, catapult mortars that missed the walls came flying over the wall, raining down on both troops massed behind and stray civilians.This caused even more panic to spread among them.
"[censored]! You hear me Erik?"

"Get the town guards. Round up civilians. Got it."

"Good." Boldir turned away from his Lieutenant and resumed his attempts to convince people to get out of the streets.
"Come on people! Get indoors!"

***

Baldur turned around when he heard screams from behind. The mortars that missed the walls flew into some houses and into the Stormcloak forces in the back who were making the civilians run in the opposite direction. It was a chaotic scene due to the influx of people in the small town that was normally only supposed to hold under 2500 people. This at least caused them to start listening to the soldiers more and to get the hell out of the streets. The sight made Baldur angry, but he knew in the long run this could only work in his favor.

***

Legate Gracchus Ceno, Pilus Rato, Lorgar Grim-Maw, Eduard Lanius
Falkreath Camp
Evening


Gracchus was with Pilus in the command tent with the noise of soldiers bustling in the background preparing for the next attack.

"I thought it went over well," Pilus said.

"Yes, it was as expected. Neither a victory not defeat. A stalemate," Gracchus replied.

Lorgar was currently carrying one of his injured archer's, a Stormcloak Longbowmen got him in the shoulder. Lorgar was drenched in the blood of his own soldiers. He gently dropped him off on a stretcher. The injured solder tiredly asked his NCO,

"Sir will I make it:?"

Lorgar lightly gripped his other shoulder,

"Dont worry soldier, you'll be fine."

The Legionary nodded his head, before he was taking away by a medic. Lorgar made his way to the command tent, and searched for his CO, Legate Graccus, Lorgar was really pissed off.

"Sir, those pointy-eared bastards massacred civilians!!!"

"It's alright Lorgar. Our catapults also hit some civilians I'm sure, as did our arrows," Gracchus said.

Pilus, looking over some maps, said, "Aye, and our battlemages may have too."

"I thought we where trying to be minimal in civilian damage? Though it appears it cannot be helped..."

Lorgar switched back to his regular "dark" voice,

"How many soldiers did we loose-

Just then, a female Breton busted in, it was Princess Dales. She wasn't dressed in her usual fluffy garb, but a maid outfft. She was covered in blood. She spoke in her usual girly voice.

"Ummm excuse me Legate?"

"Yes princess, what is it?" Gracchus asked.

"We need more men at the medical tent, we can barely handle all of the wounded."

"We already have all of the healers there, but I think some of the battlemages could help. You'll find them near the catapults," Gracchus said.

"Thank you Legate" She squealed happily, and politely nodded at Lorgar , before leaving the tent to search for the battle mages.

"Now that that is out of the way....I'm unsure of the casualties, but I know most of them were from arrows, and as such we have more wounded than anything," Gracchus said.

"Well then." He turned away for a second,

"Sir would it be okay to talk to you... Privately?"

"Um yes, if you'll excuse me," Gracchus said to the other Legate's present, and to Pilus.

The men left the tent, and Gracchus asked, "What is it Lorgar?"

"I..." Lorgar paused for a second, "I managed to get into contact with my, contact. He's here and ready to speak with you if you have time."

"Sure...um...where would he, or she, like to meet?" Gracchus asked, somewhat nervous.

"I can bring him here if you don't mind."

"If that suits him, than in fine with it."

Gracchus was somewhat anxious, knowing that this meeting would have huge implications.

Lorgar nodded, before heading out of the tent. In ten minutes, Lorgar returned with a hooded man, clad in a dark cloak, his face cloaked in shadow. He spoke in a sophisticated and civil voice, it was...fammilar somehow...

"You are Legate Gracchus?"

"General...General Tullius, is that you?" Gracchus asked in quiet exasperation.

The figure chuckled, before putting down his hood, revealing a man with grey hair and a black eye patch. It was Tullius.

"Legate Gracchus, its been a long time."

"Yes, yes it has. At least ten years, if I'm correct," Gracchus said.

"So, why are you here Tullius?" Gracchus asked.

"Lorgar tells me here you want to arrange a meeting between you, Princess Dales, and General Red-Snow?"

"That wouldn't happen, even if I wanted it to. Red-Snow could just turn and slaughter my men while we attack the Thalmor," Gracchus said.

"I know General Red-snow" Interrupted Lorgar, "If anything, he's a man of honor and reason, he wouldn't do that unless he had sufficient motivation."

Gracchus looked at Lorgar, and shook his head.

"What more motivation does he need? We are an invading army, and if we attack the Thalmor, the winner will be weak and easily destroyed by his forces."

Tullius merely said.

"You're paranoid."

"It is better to be paranoid than to be wrong. I will not meet him, not with the threat of my army's destruction. If you want to talk about something else, we can, but this particular discussion is over," Gracchus replied forcibly.

Tullius laughed,

"Marius would be disappointed and disgusted with you. A true general has to take risks, it appears your willingly to take none."

And with that, Tullius pulled up his hood, and walked out of the tent.

Tullius was walking away, but Gracchus yelled at him,

"I will not needlessly risk my men's lives for some fanciful dream of peace and hand holding! WE ARE AT WAR!"

"So you'd rather continue this meaningless conflict, then take the fight to the dominion? Or maybe you like being the [censored] to the colonel inquisitor, does he ask you for favors Legate?"

"Meaningless? You fought this war just as I did, but I have yet to lose. And I take no orders from Thalmor colonels. I am in command of this legion, and I will do what is best for it, which is to not present the Stormcloaks with an opportunity to rid themselves of both us and the Thalmor. Once this siege is over, then we take on the Thalmor, but not any sooner."

"You are blinded by your fear and pride, you had the chance to make a difference, and you didn't take it, for fear. Your a disgrace to the Legion, and Marius was an idiot to trust you. We're done talking"

Tullius then left.

"And yet, I continue to fight, because I, unlike you and Marius, have not yet ABANDONED the LEGION!" Gracchus yelled.

"I am no traitor, nor do I fear anyone! I command my men with the courage needed to win this war, while you prance around in the forest, hiding from war."

Gracchus was only talking to himself now, Tullius having left.

******

As the others left, Eduard went inside the tent.

"Sir, I have an idea regarding the siege."

As Tullius, Lorgar, and the other Legates were leaving, Gracchus noticed that Eduard had arrived, with an idea.

"What is it? Your last one worked pretty well," Gracchus told him.

"Well I had an idea that would keep up the pressure on our opponents, with minimal effort from us. With the siege on a pause of sorts, I wish to keep the pressure up. My plan is to fire a catapults into the city. Hopefully, they'll be taken way off guard."

"Into the city, hmmm....that us a good idea. We could have a group of battlemages throw some fireballs over, making them have to put out the fires. What do you think Pilus?" Gracchus asked.

"I think it's as good an idea as any. Me and Eduard can lead it, I didn't get much action in earlier anyway," Pilus responded.

Gracchus waited for Pilus to respond, and then gave the two men his commands.

"Well, it's settled then. Pilus, you and Eduard will take the four four-men catapult crews, and go tonight. Maybe fire the firebolts and arrows from the opposite side of the city as a distraction, and when the guards are preoccupied, we fire the catapults. Sound good?"

"Alright, if we are doing opposite sides, I will head for the catapults. Pilus, you should round up some archers and mages and begin the distraction. I would, but I'm about one good night of rest away from 100%, and I don't want to ruin that when I don't have to. Besides, you wanted some action." Eduard said with a laugh.

"Sounds good to me," Pilus said with a smile as he left.

Within twenty minutes, the sun had gone down, and Pilus had gathered up about ten archers and five battlemage, and had them in position at the western edge of the forest near Peak Shade Tower, so they could look down into the city.

Eduard had made his way to the catapults, and was waiting for the fire to fly. The attack wasn't to last long. They were only going to fire 4 rocks, or from each catapult. The distraction would be helpful still.

Pilus waited silently for five minutes, until he was sure everyone was in position, when he let the first fireball fly. It hit near the feet of a walking guard, whose scream signaled the attack. His archers let arrows fly at the top of the wall as guards came running to see what was happening, and they too met with fire from the other battlemages. After the first volley, his men had provided the distraction, so they turned and headed into the woods, getting as far away from the enemy as possible.

Seeing the fire in the night sky, he let the wave of rocks fly over the city walls. Where they landed, who knows. He could only hope that they hit soldiers, rather than civilians. That was the risk he had to take. He then decided he would probably just stay the night with the catapult crew.

Pilus heard, rather than saw, the rocks fly through the air from the catapults. Thankfully, their crews were in little danger, as the rocks hasn't been the large fifty pound ones, and so they could scoot them back further away from the city. That, coupled with the wooden slates on the front to create a shield, made them very potent indeed.

Pilus finally arrived at the catapults, where he greeted Eduard.

"Well done. It seems to have gone off without a hitch. Any casualties on your side?"

"No, what about your side? You guys were in more danger than us."

Pilus shook his head.

"Nope. We were in and out before they knew what hit them. In all honesty, I think we only hit the one guy I fired the initial fireball at. It was too dark to see anything."

"Like we discussed, it was really just for distraction purposes. I just hope that our attack don't cause too many civilian casualties. I attempted to hit near where I remembered the longhouse being, but it's hard to know for sure where they landed. Anyways, I figure I'm just going to sleep here for the night."

"Hmm, it is nice here. I think I'll join you. Much less hustle and bustle than the camp. Well, know any good stories?" Pilus asked jokingly.

Eduard smiled and said, "I've got a few you might enjoy."

Baldur

Night, Day 1 of the siege

Falkreath Longhouse

Baldur was going over casualty reports while sitting in the Jarl's chair. The Jarl's house was a lot windierwith the front wall ripped off and charred from one of the burning rocks shot over the wall. The rock tore through the front of the building, and bounced and ran smack into one of the small houses to the left of the longhouse. The house was smashed, and burned down. Some other shots were fired as well. Most missed, but the other tore through Grave Concoctions. The Redguard female owner was fine however. She was in the Dead Man's Drink. The battle didn't leave many dead, but it left some injured. They took less casualties than the enemy however, due to the protection of the wall. Baldur was worried however, because the catapults damaged a section of the wall, and left a broken spot that could be exploited in the future by more catapult shots on the left side of the gate. And of course there was the damage to the city staring him in the face. He knew he had to somehow take care of those catapults. Baldur looked over the note that Witchie had sent him attached with a map of the Imperial Camp.

I have knowledge of that the princess Dales Motierre hates the Dominion and might be planning high treason.

Burn this after you've read it.

W.

Baldur looked back at the other note that he sent after it via the magic cloth.

"Send some good mead, these milk drinkers don't have any."

Baldur smiled to himself before he threw the notes in the fire set up in the middle of the room.

I don't know what to say about the Princess. If she's here, then she can't do me much good unless the Emperor magically flew here and fell on her sword. Anyway with this map, I could try to send a team to sabotage the catapults. Cut the ropes, hack the parts off. But the security in the camp would be up. I'll have to send one person. But who?

***

An hour later, Jodun walked in through the front where the door used to be to give Baldur an overall morale report of the civilians.

"I came back from the tavern. Most of the men in there are angry. Some of them at us, most of them at the Imperials. Some blame you for bringing the Imperials in this direction as they put it, and others are angry for the civilians who were killed or injured and the burned houses. Runil's been busy today. The women are of the same mind mostly. Ones with children are more afraid."

Baldur stroked his modest beard with his index finger and thumb repeatedly before replying.

"That's pretty much what I expected. The conscription shouldn't be too hard to pass then if I need to use it. In a few days time, I'll gather the civilians in the street and call for volunteers for the militia. Then if I need more, I'll conscript the rest. Hate to involve civilians, but my duty is to win first. At the rate that Ulfric's going, he may have to conscript nationally. The fact that we haven't gotten more reinforcements yet means recruitment must be going pretty slow. Probably because of money. Trade with Hammerfell just started up and we haven't fully recovered our lost money yet. A lot of the men and women will still be undergoing training as well. We just need to hold a little longer. Imperials have nowhere to go."

Jodun's face looked grim at Baldur's words.

"How many men and women do you plan to recruit to a militia?"

"I'm not sure. Judging from your report of the Thalmor reinforcements, and how many men they had after our first battle, I'd say they outnumber us two to one. I may need at least 1,800 men and women. 2000 would be preferable."

Jodun's eyes widened.

"2000? That's almost half the people in the town! You sure you can get those numbers?"

Baldur looked down at his feet.

"I don't know. It depends on how angry the masses are in general. These are Nords afterall. Death brings promise of Sovngarde. But they're still people. We'll see. In the mean time, we need to take care of these catapults. Thoughts?"

Jodun put his hands behind his back before he continued on.

"I think that you should send someone in to get rid of them stealthily."

"Do you have someone in mind, Jodun?"

"Me. I am as good at stealth as the men who died before you were captured. I can get in the camp, sabotage the catapults, and then....I don't know. Maybe I can get back. But if not, I'll stay out in the woods and cause more trouble for them. It won't stop them, but it will stop the catapult shots for a while until they repair them."

Baldur stood out of his chair at the mention of him leaving.

"Absolutely not. Are you insane? I need you here. I can't risk you getting captured or killed. Send in another soldier."

Jodun said, "I have no other soldiers good at stealth besides me. You don't need me. Boldir has commanded my men and they know him. I am not a general. I was only put in charge of these men because our last leader was promoted, and our people didn't want to send in too much support before seeing how you handled the legion. Our men are a throwaway unit. Including me. My military record isn't the most impressive. A lot of the men I was put in charge of were killed and captured, including my brother. Our leader was killed in battle and I was the next highest ranking soldier. I didn't do well under pressure. This mission is my way of making up for it."

"It sounds like you're just looking for a way to get yourself killed Jodun." said Baldur.

Jodun took offense and let some of his politeness slip away. "Then you do not understand the situation, General. Those catapults have already damaged the wall. You'll need at least a weeks time to prepare the militia for battle. If those catapults don't get tended to soon, you won't have that time. I'm the only one that can get the job done, and I'm not a high ranking soldier. I'm merely a substitute leader."

Baldur knew his words were true. They had the advantage of food and the walls, but the siege machines would get rid of that advantage soon if he didn't act. His only saving grace was that they did not have a great amount of them, and only one seemed to be a heavy hitter.

"....Fine, you have a go. Here, take this map with you. They're the camp's layout. I already made a copy. I need to speak to the Captain and the High Admiral. Send them my way.

"I'll send them to you immediately."

Baldur called back before Jodun left. "And tell them to bring some Black-Briar mead. The one with juniper berries in it. Special request from a..."friend". And dammit, be careful.

"Sorry, sir. No promises."

Eduard Laenius, Jodun Hunding
Early Morning, Day 2 of the Siege
Outskirts of Falkreath

Jodun took a few hours of sleep, and a small pack of food in case he couldn't make it back into the fort safely after his job was done. He brought his two ebony scimitars, a woodcutter's axe, and the camp's map for sentry, tent and the catapult's positions. Jodun used a ladder to get himself over the wall when it was dark enough to remain unseen. Currently he was dashing quietly through the woods looking out for scouts or patrols. So far he did not see any nearby. When he finally reached the camp, he could see that there was lots of activity even during this early part of the morning. They were not by the catapults however, but he would have to move quick if he was to get to them in the back, unseen. He heard voices from behind him approaching fast. Jodun used his telekinesis to bend down a branch on the other side of a large tree where the soldiers couldn't see, then he climbed up to stay hidden.

The soldiers were conversing about the war.

"How long do you think this siege will last?"

"Not long if we can finish the dent in that wall and make it a hole. We may need to make another so we don't get choked by another shield wall."

"That means more rocks. Great. I hate going to collect rocks. Hey, wait here. I need to relieve myself."

Jodun waited as the man defecated near the tree. Jodun's face wrinkled in disapproval.

"Alright, lets go eat whatever hogwash we have left over. I'm starved."

"And you still will be after our meal. Hope this siege ends soon."

When the men finally left, Jodun hopped down, taking care not to step near the spot the legionnaire was at. Then he proceeded to move on, sneaking his way around the camp to the back where the catapults were.

Eduard took a look around, glad to finally get some peace and quiet. He was walking around, as the healer had instructed him to.

I feel great, I should be able to return to combat tomorrow, he thought.

He started back towards camp, to go back to bed. He wasn't that tired, but there was no reason for him to be awake.

Jodun was watching a patrol of soldiers walk away nearby, probably to send in their relief to take up the guard. Once the men were far enough away, Jodun ran through the open field in the direction of the catapults according to the map. He stopped and crouched down when he saw that four men were guarding the catapults still, all of them holding torches.

Knew it wouldn't be that easy.

Jodun sneaked forward and hid behind a nearby tent where a male nord and a female imperial soldier were sleeping separately. Jodun took out his blades and jabbed them in the sleeping male and female soldier's necks. Jodun stepped out the back after he did this.

"Hey, do you hear that? from the tents over there."

"Yea, come on. Grogvir? Lilith? You alright in there?"

"Think he's cleaning the pipes?"

"Shuttup and keep watch."

Jodun sneaked around and cleaved the heads off of the two in the back keeping watch.

"Hey, they're dead! Th- what the...get him! G-"

Jodun slashed his left sword across the other soldier's exposed legs away from his body to the left, and then brought his sword back to the right across his man's neck. Then Jodun shot his right sword into the man's chest with his telekinesis spell before he got too close.

Good, now I can take care of those catapults.

Jodun moved quickly to the siege machines, and cut out all the rope used to build tension to fire the projectiles. Then he burned them up in a pile using one of the torches he got from the soldier. After that, he started chopping at the parts of the hastily made catapults that he knew would take time to repair. He started with the bigger one first.

Okay, someone's bound to hear this chopping and check on what I'm doing soon. I need to hurry. On to the fourth one.

As Eduard neared camp, he heard some soldiers yelling. He figured there had to be an attack, as there was talk of casualties.

He picked up speed, and arrived at camp. When he arrived, he surveyed the area. He heard some noises coming from over by the-

"Damn it! The catapults!"

He headed immediately for the catapults, signaling ten soldiers to come with him.

"You three, grab your gear, now! Come with me. One of you should bring an extra sword, I don't have one on me. And you seven, bring some water, I fear the catapults are being sabotaged!"

"Here sir!" one of the soldiers replied, handing him a sword.

He put the sword on his belt, alongside his two daggers. His bow was by his bed, he'd have to go without it.

"Thanks, now get your asses in gear, this is the real deal."

"Yes sir!"

Looks like I'm going to have be combat ready a bit sooner than I had thought. Fine by me.

Eduard and the ten soldiers ran towards the catapults, hoping to catch whoever was causing this mess.

Jodun heard the men shouting and cursing before he saw them. He was halfway through the last catapult's parts before he knew he had to run or he'd be killed. Jodun took his torch and lit the catapults on fire to try and damage them some more before he left.

Doubt this will burn enough to destroy them, but it will slow them down some. Maybe take some of their men off of my pursuit.

After that was done, Jodun hurried and ran in the direction of the woods to try and escape his pursuers.

Eduard and the men ran up to see that his suspicions were correct. A man had sabotaged the catapults, and now was trying to escape.

"He isn't getting away with this! You seven need to stay here and put this damn fire out!"

The soldiers nodded, and got to work.

"You three, come on! We can't let him escape! This is what it's all about, lets move!"

The soldiers gave a look of nervous excitement. They obviously weren't as seasoned as Eduard was.

He began to chase after the saboteur, with the soldiers trailing close behind.

They will have to do I guess. They probably won't survive, but they will give me a good measure of his skill.

As they were running, he made sure to memorize which dagger to throw, and which one to keep.

Jodun ran as fast as he could, which considering he was a Redguard and was blessed with their stamina and swift feet, was pretty fast. However the direction he was going in quite thick with trees, which started slowing him down a bit. He could hear the men hot on his tail and to Jodun's surprise were actually keeping pace with him. He knew eventually more and more men would come into the forest and the Thalmor would likely be with them. And their trackers always found their targets eventually... He figured it best to kill his way through them and go back in the other direction. The area he was in was starting to head towards a steep mountainside anyway. Jodun hid in the shadows and waited for the men to come close.

Eduard was keeping relatively close to the same speed as the man, who by the looks of things, wasn't a Nord. He figured he was probably a Redguard.

The soldiers following Eduard were slightly slower, but they were keeping good enough pace.

He can't possibly think he can get away from us, can he?

As he said this, the man disappeared into the shadows.

Deciding he would let the soldiers test the waters, he slowed up.

Two of the soldiers went ahead, to where they last saw the man.

He told one of the soldiers to hang back with him, in case backup was necessary.

"Keep on your toes guys."

The two soldiers carefully stepped into the area where Eduard figured the Redguard was hiding.

Lets see what you got, saboteur.

Jodun saw the men poking around in the shadows near him. He stayed silent until one of them got too close. He took the man's hand grasping his sword, and thrust it upward through the man's throat, and then went back to deal with the next one, who heard the noise. When he got close to the tree he was hiding behind, he disarmed him, and made his skull collide with the mace he was carrying. Afterwards, he picked up the two weapons and he stepped out of the shadows and shot them at the other goons behind Eduard with his spell again. After the mace collided with the other soldier's jugular and the sword buried itself in the other's neck, Jodun stepped forward to face him.

"Last one eh? Pleasure to meet you. My name is Jodun Hunding."

"Eduard Laenius. It's a pleasure to meet you, Jodun. I was actually hoping you'd leave one of the soldiers alive. I was going to have them get a couple men. I don't want have to be the one to carry your body, you see," he said, with a smirk.

"Well, I guess that's enough pleasantries. Time for us to... get down to business. That's how this works right?"

He then fired a dagger towards Jodun, hoping to either hit him, or distract him from the real attack.

Jodun whipped out his swords and twirled them like propellers to deflect the dagger.

"You'll have to forgive me, but I don't have time to humor you. I'll be making this quick."

With that, Jodun raised his black swords and swiping and swinging around fancifully to try and intimidate his opponent. Afterwards, Jodun dashed forward and swung both blades inwards at Eduard.

Redguards and their fancy swordplay. I should be careful.

"You say you don't have time to humor me, but you must. Because you attempting to survive, is humorous."

He watched as the Redguard attacked, Eduard dodged one blow, and blocked the other with his sword, and sneakily threw his other dagger at Jodun's leg.

Jodun didn't see the dagger thrown at his leg in the dark, and it cut him through his pants over the front of his lower leg before it buried itself into the ground behind him.

"You would have been better off keeping that blade in your hand."

Eduard smiled when he saw his dagger find its mark. Then he rolled to the right, picking up the blade of one of the dead soldiers.

"I like using two swords anyways, my friend."

"What a coincidence."

Jodun dashed towards his opponent once more, surprised at his skill and ability to parry his blows. Jodun started striked faster and harder, but still his opponent evaded his blows.

"Where did you learn to fight? I did not expect to meet one so skilled among the Legion's ranks in swordplay."

Eduard was busy parrying his enemies blows, when he noticed that both his weapons were in less than favorable condition.

Hopefully they will hold up.

"Who taught me to fight? Well, my father I guess. Other than that, it's just been me reading up and training. You're not bad either."

He then swung his sword at Jodun. He didn't intend for the blow to land. He was just hoping to give his swords a break from the Redguards assault.


Not too bad? I'm a master swordsman by Imperial standards. Expert by Hammerfell's. He's obviously lying about his training if he can keep up with me. Perhaps he learned from another Redguard?

As Eduard swung his sword at Jodun, he made sure to parry the blow with the thicker part of his blade, fully aware of the worsening condition of his opponent's blades. He just barely blocked the strike however when it came towards him.

Is he getting faster...or am I getting slower? Am I really this out of shape? I'm already tired. I need to finish this.

Jodun backed up, and did some more dazzling sword twirls, and then he charged once more at Eduard. This time, he jumped in the air and did a front flip while bringing his twin black blades down in Eduard's direction.

Good luck stopping this.

Eduard saw his foes blows coming, and while slower, the incoming blow still had a lot of power behind it.

He had hesitated to long to dodge it, so he held his blades out to block the blow.

Please let these blades hold up.


Checkmate.

Jodun's blow caused the desired effect. His excellently crafted ebony blades broke through Eduard's swords, and his weapon slashed across his old wound. The impact knocked him down, which caused his other sword to miss his shoulder, but it did not matter. The fight was over.

"Stand up. I'm afraid our time here...is finished."

"Then finish me Jodun. I have no regrets. You put up a good fight, as did I."

Jodun forced Eduard to his knees and placed his blades upon his shoulders and prepared to give the final blow.

"Know this. I don't hate you. We should be fighting the Thalmor, not each other. I'll make it quick, I promise."

Jodun heard the sound of soldiers in the distance and he knew he had to hurry. Jodun pulled his arms to deliver death to Eduard.

It's over........








Wait, what's....what's going on?

Jodun tried pulling his arms, but his arms wouldn't move. None of his limbs could move. He could not speak either...

That dagger! [censored].

Eduard rose from his knees, and took Jodun's swords, a solemn look on his face.

"And you should know this. I planned this from the beginning. You had me beat in the area of swordplay. Not by much, but I noticed it. As you're probably aware, that dagger was poisoned. That was my equalizer. You were far and away the most respectable opponent I've ever faced, and the most skilled as well. It was a pleasure."

Eduard gently lowered Jodun to the ground.

"Now, since you were going to grant a painless death to me, I shall do the same for you. I hope that one day your dream comes true, and we take the battle to the Thalmor, rather than each other. I am truly am saddened to have to do this, but I'm sure you understand. I'll remember you when I'm gutting a Thalmor, alright?"

Eduard took Jodun's sword, and slit his throat. In about 30 seconds, Jodun would be dead. The poison also slightly slowed blood flow.

Should give him time to reflect.


Jodun wanted to smile, because his death was a good one, but he couldn't. He reflected on his life, and how he failed his men and brother, and wondered if this would make up for it. Hopefully his work would have bought the Stormcloaks enough time.

Baldur, Boldir, Rebec. I wanted to get to know you all better, but this is my fate. I hope Shor lets Redguards in Sovngarde. I'd like to meet you all again. It was an honor to ser-

Eduard watched as the life faded from Jodun.

"I'm sorry."

You were a fun one, Jodun, and I respect you for the fight you gave. However, I can't let this opportunity go to waste.

As he was thinking about what to do next, some soldiers arrived.

"Sir, are you okay? We have a healer with us."

Eduard smiled.

"Just patch this up," he said, pointing to the reopened wound.

The healer closed the wound, and then cleansed it.

"Alright, I'm going to need 2 men to come with me. We are going to place his body in view of Falkreath."

"Why?" one of the soldiers asked.

"Because, we are going to make a statement."

With that, two soldiers picked up Jodun, and quietly followed Eduard.

They stopped behind a few trees just out of view of the city walls.

"I'll take it from here guys."

With that, the soldiers headed back to camp, leaving Jodun behind one of the trees.

Eduard began to write a note.

Boldir,

Just wanted to tell you that mercenary work is treating me well.

~Eduard

Eduard then placed the note on Jodun and tossed his body into plain view. He then faded into the woods, back towards camp.

I hope you understand Jodun. I must use every advantage I come across.

Samuel, Honmund

Solstheim, Bloodskaal Burrow

During the siege

From one of the many ridges on the Burrow Samuel and Rorek looked down at a group of Reavers who stood in a large circle, with two others in the middle of them. One of them, a Nord, seemed to be having a good time as he beat the other one, a Dunmer judging from the bonemold armor, pretty badly. The others kept chanting "Fight!Fight!Fight!" and taunting the Elf.

"Have the word of the bounty on Marius' life been spread?" Samuel turned to his right hand man.

"Yes, sir. Should be known in most of Skyrim, Hammerfell and Morrowind in a week or two. Every sellsword and assassin-for-hire will be after him. Are you are sure this man is the one we want?" Rorek seemed a little disappointed when he looked down at the people below them. The Nord had just gotten in a heel-kick to the Dunmer's knee, forcing him to the ground. "He seem to be an uncivilized barbarian, not someone fit for what you have in mind."

"I'm sure," Samuel replied as the Nord lifted his victim over his head and threw him back down. "Honmund might be brutal, but he is no fool. He didn't become one of the most successful Reavers in the north-east by simple barbarism."

"I think it might have helped," Rorek shot back. One of the people in the circle handed Honmund an axe that a moment later severed the head from the bonemold body. "If he does that to his his enemies, I'd be careful to not cross him."

"Hoy, Maurice!" Honmund yelled up at them. "Get down here!"

Samuel nodded.

**

"Maurice! Good to see you, it has been too long," the Nord wore carved armor, except the helmet. He reached out one of his hands for Samuel to take. "I haven't seen you in years, not since I took control over this band. How have you been?"

"I'm good, Honmund, as usual. What was that all about?" he gestured to the body of the guy he had just beaten to a pulp and beheaded.

"What? Oh him. Just some Elf who tried to cut in on my territory. Doesn't seem to have worked out in his favor. You know, because I am alive and he is, well, kinda dead. Most of his guys too."

"Remind me never to get into a fight with you," Samuel joked and gave the Nord a smile.

"I will, but only if you tell me how you have managed to become as pale as a Nord," Honmund laughed a little, but both of them knew that there was something else behind that little joke. "You gleam like snow. Or maybe it is the damn ash that have made most of my boys darker than they used to."

"It's nothing really, I just haven't eaten since yesterday. As a true milk-drinker, I have sadly become dependent on three proper meals a day. Without them, I tend to look a little sick," Samuel laughed back, but a moment later he turned more serious and continued. "But, we are not here to talk about my nordic complexion or how much better than me you are in a fight. I have a proposition for you."

"Of course you do, you never talk to anyone without a reason to. But I can live with that, your fences and informants have made it much easier for me to do what I do. So, what can I do for you?"

"Go to Skyrim, build a small army and establish yourself as a warlord."

"I'm sorry, what?" Honmund looked like he thought Samuel had to be pulling his leg. "You want me to go to Skyrim and become a warlord? Why?"

"Why not? You've been at this Reaver thing for ten years. Time for a change, I'd say, and you are far too talented to waste yourself here. With the war between the Empire and the newly independent Skyrim, they will not have the resources to stop you before it is too late. As long as you are a little careful, of course. Drawing too much attention early on would be foolish."

The Nord raised an eyebrow. "Let's assume I agree to this: What do you get out of this?"

"Five gold out of every one hundred you make."

"And why would I do this for you? Seems to me that if I were to go to Skyrim, I should just cut you out of the loop."

"Because," Samuel smiled. "I am going to give you a 10,000 gold starting bonus. Not an insignificant investment, mind you, but I think you can make it worth my while."

"10,000!?" Honmund seemed more than a little shocked at first, then a grin spread across his face. "Well then, Maurice, you have a deal. I'll leave for Skyrim at the earliest opportunity. With resources like that, I think I should be able to do what you want. And the change of pace wouldn't hurt either."

**

"So, Samuel..." Rorek said. The two had left the burrow and was now headed back to Raven Rock. It would take a couple of hours to get there.

"No need, my friends, I am fine. I will not risk it without a proper potion for you to take afterwards. I'll make sure to make you buy a few when we get to town," Samuel interrupted him. "No one should notice, as long as you do most of the talking."

Dales, Lorgar, and Witchie, Falkreath Camp, Night

Lorgar knocked on the flap of Witchie's tent, impatiently,

"Magic-Teacher, are you there?"

"Why can't you just call me Skjari? Most of the others do."

"Would you rather me call you Witchie or Magic-teacher, choose..."

"Or I could cut of your head off and have your own body play ball with it. Is it so hard to go along with the name? Anyway, what is it?"

"Do you know where Princess Dales is?"

"Have you looked in the medical tent?"

"AH, yes I forget she likes helping the medics with the wounded soldiers, thanks."

And with that Lorgar began to head to the medical tent.

Hopefully he will go along with the name from now on.

When Lorgar arrived at the medical tent, it was just about how he expected it would look. A few dozen wounded soldiers, covered in white bandages and blood. There where a few soldiers as medics, but also a handful of nurses. He scanned the tent for Dales, until he found her. She was clad in one of her maids outfit, Her long-golden hair was sprawled out across her shoulders. She was sitting on a table, with another girl, whom was apparently a nurse due to her uniform. Dales...was blushing and looking kinda awkward, Lorgar heard her say,

"Ummmm....you...have very beautiful eyes Trice..."

The nurse, or Trice, looked at the princess strangely,

"Ummm thank you milady?" She glanced up, "Oh, my shift is over, I have to meet my boyfriend, good day milady"

and with that, Trice left the table and out of the medical tent.

Dales looked like she was going to cry for a second, Lorgar didn't give her the chance.

"Hello Milady."

She covered her sad face up with a smile,

"OH hello Lorgar, you need something?"

"I was wondering if you wanted to go hunting for some deer with me."

The princess instantly brightened up, and she got out of her seat and out of the tent in what seemed like a single second with,

"Of course I would like to come with you, let me get changed and get my bow."

The princess ran to her tent, while trying to forget what happened back with the nurse she got into her hunting garb, and took out her hunting bow along with two dozen iron arrows. She headed back to the waiting Lorgar, before she heard her Master voice behind her,

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Oh going hunting with Prefect Grim-Maw."

"Well I should go with you then, never know if those Thalmor may be lurking in the forest."

She chuckled a little,

"Your more then welcomed to join us, Lorgar wont mind, though I doubt that any of them would try to take on The Darkened Archer if they we're sane."

"There's more than the direct approach to kill someone. There can always be hunting 'accidents'."

They walked to the medical tent, until they got there, Lorgar was waiting arms crossed at the doorway, Dales cheerfully asked,

"Is it alright if my teacher comes with us Lorgar?"

Lorgar nodded his head to the nord,

"It's fine, we're already slightly acquainted."

"I hope you remember my name this time."

Lorgar chuckled slightly, before heading into the direction of the forest. While walking there, he softly tussled Dales blonde locks. and said in her ear,

"And just for you to know, I think that nurse is missing out."

"What nurse?" Witchie said.

Dale's blushed slightly, before saying,

"She's no one..."

"You know I don't like secrets."

"She...I told her she had beautiful eyes, and she looked at my strangely before leaving and saying something about a "boyfriend.... "

Witche just shrugged, "Anyway, did I teach you how to muffle sound?"

"I already knew that spell."

"Good, you'll need it. Now let's get this hunt over with."

Hunting animals is boring, elves are a more entertaining prey.

Lorgar waved his hand, signalling the two to stop, he quietly told them,

"I smell a dear, we're in luck, it's very near here. You two watch the glade over there"

And without another word, Lorgar quickly and quietly disappeared from view.

"I'll leave the hunt to you. I'll be watching for danger from the shadows." and Witchie was soon gone as well.

The princess was left standing there, a look of fright over her face,

"Don't leave me alone in the dark, come on guys..."

She went into cover in the bushes, and looked at the glade Lorgar pointed out. It was Illuminated by the moon, and she saw a young dear grazing on some plants.

She then saw a raven fly down and land on the dear that didn't seem to mind. But she also noticed that the raven seemed to stare directly at her

The raven...unsettled her for some odd reason. It's dark eyes, stared down into her soul, it made her shiver. Just as the deer was about to leave, a blur came into the glade, and before the deer could even react, Lorgar, hooded and cloaked, was upon it. He held onto the young bucks, and snapped it's neck with his gloved hands.

The raven only flew up in the air for a few seconds when Lorgar grabbed the dear but was quick to fly down to start picking it's eye out when the dear fell to the ground.

Lorgar made no move to stop the Ravens pecking, he merely crouched down, and whispered to the raven,

"By Lord Hircine, I request you leave this kill to me, Black one."

The raven had already picked out the eye and was now holding it in the beak, it just flew up and landed on Lorgar's shoulder before swallowing it whole.

Lorgar, careful not to harm the raven on his shoulder, slung the dead deer across his back, and disappeared from the glade. He reappeared around Princess Dales, who looked frightened, Lorgar warmly said,

"You alright Dales?"

She yelped in suprised, before turning around,

"Yes...i'm fine Lorgar.

The raven started to croak in a way that could almost be perceived as laughter.

Dales, looked terrified for a second,

"That...raven..."

Lorgar gently reassured her,

"He's no threat don’t worry"

The raven quieted down and flew over and landed on her shoulder.

She quickly started to flap around her arms, telling the raven,

"Shoo!!! Go away!!!"

The black bird simply flew back to Lorgar's shoulder and started to "laugh" again.

Princess Dales, quite childishly, stuck her tongue out at the 'rude' Raven.

The laughter became more intense till the raven lost the balance and fell down to the ground, still laughing.

"That Raven is a bully!!!"

Lorgar chuckled along with the raven, before whispering in its ear,

"You've had enough fun for one night; go back to your master"

The raven stopped laughing, got up, then shook it's head and flew up to his shoulder again.

Lorgar, firmly told the raven,

"Don't test my patience black one, I know you know what I am."

The raven picked at the side of his head and Lorgar could swear he heard a dark whisper, "Deal... with... it."

Under his hood, Lorgar smirked revealing his fang-like teeth, he poked the raven in its head, before whispering,

"Wolves eat ravens, remember that..."

The raven croaked, bit his nose and then flew off into the woods.

"Come on Dales, we should get a few more."

Dales, who was now visibly creeped the heck out, nodded her head, and followed Lorgar deeper into the woods.

They found and killed two more dears, the first was simply shot by Lorgar and the Dales only managed to wound the second one before Lorgar quickly put it out of it's misery with a well placed arrow. They were both standing by their last prey when Witchie stepped out of a a shadow besides them.

"You done yet? I want to get back to camp."

"I have business in the forest, can you take Dales back for me?"

Dales, quite adorably and childishly, started pulling on Lorgar's dark cloak, a look of uncertainty on her face,

"Will you be alright?"

Lorgar chuckled, "Yes i'll be fine Dales."

"And if you see some reanimated Thalmor playing ball, don't mind that." Witchie said.

Lorgar nodded, before sprinting into the shadows of the tree's, leaving Dales and Witchie behind.

Boldir and Baldur
Late morning, Day 2 of the siege
Falkreath

"Sir!"
Boldir was stopped by a grunt while on his way to see Baldur in the Longhouse. After the chaos of yesterday and last night, he was in no mood for anything that wasn't important.

"What is it soldier?"

"Sir, there's a body dumped on the road outside the gate. Some of the others think it looks like Commander Jodun."

What?!

"Jodun set out early this morning. If he was found... Let's go soldier. I need to see this myself."

Boldir and the guard headed for the wall. When they climbed the stairs and reached the top, the soldier pointed down towards the trees. Sure enough, just outside them in the street, laid a body, decked out in leather armor. It certainly looked like Jodun, but at this distance it was hard to tell. We've gotta find out. Boldir turned and yelled down at three swordsmen walking by on their patrols.

"You three! Yeah, you. Come here."

Boldir made his way back down the stairs as the three men approached. He addressed them as well as the archers above.

"Alright. So there's a body out there. I'm going after it. You three are coming with me. I'll need extra eyes on the trees when we're moving him. The archers will cover us. We'll do this quickly. I don't want to be out of the gates any longer than necessary. You ready for this?"

"Yes sir!" The three replied with varying degrees of confidence.

"Open the gate. Just enough to let us through." Boldir and the three soldiers sprinted out as soon as the gate opened enough to allow it. They covered the distance to the corpse in just a few seconds. Boldir whispered. "Hurry, grab him."

They grabbed the body and quickly brought him back inside. Closing the gate behind them. If an amush had been planned, it never occured. When they sat it down just inside the gate, Boldir looked down at the corpse.

No...

There was no mistake. It was definitely Jodun. His throat had been slit. His eyes lifelessly stared up at the sky with no expression on his face, almost like usual. Boldir knelt down and closed Jodun's eyes. His hands began to tremble, so he balled them into fists. He'd never gotten the chance to tell Jodun, but ever since they blew Pale Pass, he'd had a massive amount of respect for the man. He was a skilled warrior and had the same fearlessness of death that Boldir had come to expect from Nords.

We had a lot in common, you and I. Both soldiers, through and through.

"It was an honor Jodun."

As he said this, Boldir noticed a piece of parchment stuffed under Jodun's belt. After a brief hesitation, he pulled it out and read it. His face twisted to one of surprise when he saw the name it was addressed to.

Boldir,

Just wanted to tell you that mercenary work is treating me well.

~Eduard

"Who in Oblivion is Edua-..."

"[censored]!" Boldir wadded up the paper and stuffed it into his pouch.

Boldir stood up and turned to the Stormcloak behind him. "He'll need a funeral. Go and tell Baldur what has happened."

***

Boldir was careful to make sure he closed the door when he got back to his room in the Longhouse, which he'd decided to keep, he sat down at the small desk across from the bed. Two objects were laying before him on the desk. One was a sheathed Nordic carved dagger, the one he'd told Baldur was borrowed. The other, Jodun's flute.

"I never did get a chance to pay him back for that flute. Or even properly thank him. I guess I just figured there'd always be a time for that later."

You couldn't have done anything differently. The siege got in the way of things.

"I know. It just feels... I don't know, it feels incomplete without thanking him. And that Eduard, the Legion spy or mercenary, or whatever he really is. I could've stopped him. I could've killed him on the spot when I thought he was a spy the other day. I was too damn trusting."

You can't blame yourself for something like that. There's no way you could've known.

"You're right Carlotta. It wasn't my fault that he died. But damn if I'm going to let it happen again. I can't be so trusting in the future. It just gets people killed or hurt."

Would we have met if you'd had that mindset before you came to Whiterun?

"Probably not. And it would've saved me a lot of pain." The volume of Boldir's voice began to increase.
"You know, I trusted you too, and look where that got me. You hurt me more than any injury I've suffered, and now I'm [censored] talking to myself! Don't you tell me about trust!"

You know exactly what happened! I couldn't accept. Not yet. Maybe if you'd waited instead of running off-

Boldir realized how rediculous this point was.
"I can't know what would've happened. And no voice in my head can either."

Boldir picked up Jodun's flute and looked it over. "This really is a fine instrument." Boldir placed the flute in his satchel and tied the dagger to his chest plate hidden under his sash. He headed for the door.

As Baldur sat in the Jarl's chair contemplating, he already knew what the news was about before the soldier in front of him reported. He knew that the mission he sent him on was a suicide mission, and that only Jodun could pull it off. And he knew that Jodun was right when he said that it had to be done.

I imagine he knew he wouldn't be coming back. Shor, you better grant that man entrance to Sovngarde, damn it. You better.

"Sir?"

Baldur snapped out of his thoughts and looked to the man.

"What? Yes, yes. I heard you. Have the men prepare his body for a funeral. We won't bury him though. He'll be getting shipped to Stros M'kai to his parents."

The soldier nodded and went to carry out his orders. After that, Baldur, who didn't sleep that night went to get some rest, but decided against it. Instead he went to check up on Boldir, who he figured must have taken the death pretty hard. When he went to knock on Boldir's door, he heard Boldir's voice speaking to someone and figured Rebec must be in there as well.

Wonder if she's mad I didn't go to bed last night. Probably not anymore with the news.

As he was about to knock, Boldir opened the door to see him with his hand raised.

"Oh, hey. I just came to talk to you...you two...," said Baldur as he tried looking past Boldir into the room.

"Hey Baldur." Boldir stepped aside so that Baldur could see into the room. "Nobody in here but me. What's up?"

"...oh you thought I meant you two? Now I meant...you too! Because I assumed Rebec came to talk to you earlier. Heh." Baldur tried giving him a reassuring smile.

Ugh, I really am a bad liar.

Boldir faked a puzzled look. He knew exactly what Baldur had meant. "You alright?"

Ah, screw it.

"Are you, Boldir? I heard...you talking. I didn't hear specifics. Who's Carlotta?"

Boldir had always kept his time with Carlotta a secret from Baldur. Not because he didn't feel Baldur should know, he'd just never known how to tell him. And he didn't feel that it was ever pressing enough to bother with.

"Carlotta- she... We were together for some time. Remember when I was in Whiterun a while back? ... I wasn't actually staying for a vacation. Or at least, not after a couple weeks. I planned to stay there for good. I wanted to make a life with her."

Baldur stood there with a confused look on his face before speaking. "Well, why didn't you stay with her?"

"Things didn't work out between us..." Boldir sat back at his desk. "Well, that's not really true. We were happy. I loved her, and I'm pretty sure that she loved me as well, but... You see she has a daughter. And she was afraid. She was afraid to let anyone come between her and that girl. I proposed to her, and she turned me down. I left town without a word and that was the end of it."

Baldur let out a sigh, realizing how he must have felt around him and Rebec.

"Boldir...I don't really know what to say. Sorry is so empty. Maybe advice would help. The way I see it, you have three choices. Choice one, get over her if you can. Two try again when we get back, and just go back to your duties and hope you get that chance. Or three continue along this path and go mad. As far as getting her...I don't know. I'm not an expert at love, but if you're on good terms with the child...can't you just be her new father? Surely this Carlotta would appreciate the help."

"That's not the point to her. I'd come to care for little Mila just like I do for Carlotta. But apparently, in her mind, marrying me would've brought me in between them. I don't know Baldur. Maybe she really believes that. Or maybe she just wasn't ready. It doesn't matter now. I'll concern myself about it if I make it through all this and return to Whiterun. Until then, it doesn't matter."

"Does that mean you're going with option two?"

"Maybe. I don't know. I've been trying not to think about the future. Too much can happen between now and then. I guess for now I'm going with option three."

"Three's not an option, brother. I can't have your noggin all scrambled unless it's from head butting. If I have to, I'll go see her myself when this is over."

"You don't have to worry about that. I haven't gone crazy yet." Yes you have. "I'm just waiting. I doubt I'll be forgetting her, but I'm not going to let it get in the way of anything. There are enough important things going on right now to keep us all preoccupied without worrying about my personal life half a year ago. When this is all over, I'll deal with it myself."

Baldur wanted to give him less harsh and more comforting words, but he didn't want to sound soft. Instead he gave the big nord a pat on his shoulder.

Sometimes that says more than words can.

"So...how you feeling about Jodun?"

"Same as you, I'd imagine. He was a good soldier and a good man. I regret not getting to speak with him more. Especially after he have me his flute. But to he honest, I'm not really sad. This is war. And call me cold, but at this point, the only news that I believe would even phase me would be the loss of either you or Rebec."

Baldur couldn't quite say the same about the man's death, since Baldur was the one that allowed him to leave on such a risky mission, but he planned on not letting his death be a waste. So Baldur decided to start the war preparations immediately and waste no further time.

".....yea. Well, now that Jodun's taken care of the catapults...or at least I think he has, we have some time to move on to the next stage. I don't know how you'll feel about it, but I'll explain. As you know I had Jodun take some men and had them burn down the farms and any food source or home that could help serve the enemy. And as you know I had most of the people out in the hold packed in here for their own safety. Well, that's not entirely true. Back when Ulfric and I were planning, it was rather obvious that we weren't going to have a whole lot of men for reinforcements, and the ones we did get weren't going to come very quickly. So we needed to rely on militia for our campaign if the enemy sent reinforcements. That means I'll have to conscript. That's why I had you blow the pass. To avoid this, but alas, we were unlucky. Anyway, I'll need to speak to the civilians and see what I can stir up. Normally this town only has around 2500 people, but the influx has made that total population 4500. The enemy outnumbers us two to one. So I'll need at least 1800 to 2000 militia...I know, that's a lot. But it's what we need. Hopefully enough of them are angry enough for me not to have to conscript, and they'll just volunteer. You and Rebec will need to organize them and quickly train them for he fighting."

Baldur gave Boldir some time to reflect before going on.

"Last part is the upcoming battle. If they manage to fix any catapults, then here's what we'll do. The town by the gates is greeted by the narrow streets, so after the enemy either blows a hole in the wall or we let them break in through the front gates after a realistic looking attempt to stop them and they pour in, we'll have a shield wall waiting to greet them. While that is going on, we'll have archers on the rooftops and walls firing down on them. Once the enemy pushes itself far enough in, we'll have the militia go through the back gate, circle around, and attack them from behind. Even if the battle doesn't go exactly like that, we will have enough numbers to go toe to toe with them, and effectively end the siege. Their bleeding and hungry army will be forced to retreat and either surrender...or die. They have nowhere to go with the pass still blocked off. Their only hope is to take Falkreath and try holding off the next force Ulfric sends until their people can make their way in here, which by the way Ulfric should by now have sent some reinforcements. If it's a large force, they may take longer to get here. If not, they should be here in the next week or so. Just a guess."

"As you know, I've been dealing with the civilians a lot lately. I've heard a lot. Most support us of course. They hate the invaders as much as we do, and I don't think we'll even have problems with them once they're conscripted, and many likely will volunteer when the door is opened, some have already come to me about it. But the thing is, there's still a sizeable number of civilians that hate us. Some hate us for burning their land, and some supported the Imperials from the beginning. I know we need the numbers, but arming some of these people is just asking for a problem. As for Ulfric's reinforcements, all I can say is that I hope he understands the situation here well enough to send what we need."

Baldur gave a sigh when Boldir replied. He know he was right. The plan was a good one, but it would fail if he had to worry about the civilians turning on them instead.

"Right. We can't risk having any internal problems. Tell you what, you set up a team of men and see if you can find out who exactly doesn't like us. I'm not worried about individuals, or even every person who doesn't. I'm worried about important individuals. Respected members of the community. Anyone who has enough pull to actually cause trouble. Also, I hate to do this...but after the assassination, I'm ordering you to keep an eye out for anyone who doesn't belong especially...if you catch my meaning. Don't overlook nords. Just saying if your gut tells you an imperial or a mer looks suspicious, don't dismiss it. Do what your gut tells you."

"Don't worry. Nords won't get special treatment. And neither will anyone else. I'll head for Dead Man's Drink, see if I can catch wind of anything. I may ask that loudmouth innkeeper a few questions as well."

Baldur nodded his head. "Good, dismissed."

Baldur walked from the room, in the direction of the main hall. Before disappearing from sight, he turned around and called back.

"And try not to uh, you know. Talk to yourself. Can't have the men seeing that. Don't worry. I'll get you back to Whiterun in no time. Who knows, she may be missing you."

"Right... Hey Baldur!"
Boldir got up and went back to the doorway.
"Don't tell anyone about what you heard, okay?"

"I wouldn't dream of...wait, not even Rebec?"

Boldir sighed. "I understand that she's your wife, and I won't blame you if you tell her. But please, understand that even you wouldn't know if I could've helped it. I would appreciate it if this stayed between us."

Baldur looked uneasy. He didn't like keeping secrets, but he understood the reasoning for it.

"Alright. I'll keep it to myself. It never happened. Take it easy, brother."

"Thanks." Boldir made for the door. "I will."

Velan Quintus- Outskirts of Falkreath, Day 2 of the Siege, Afternoon

Velan walked around with a grin on his face. He hadn’t seen this much action in years.

It’s been much too long since I’ve been able to do this much. I wouldn’t even mind going to help get rocks for the catapults. Although I heard they were damaged by the Stormcloaks. Maybe I will just see how the men are doing.

Velan went and found a lone soldier, which was odd. He was an Imperial, much smaller than Velan.

“Hey, mind if I take a seat?” Velan asked.

“Uhh… sure. Go ahead,” the soldier replied.

Velan took a seat, and looked at the man.

“Something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing,” the man said.

Even Velan could tell the man was lying.

“You sure? There is nothing wrong with sharing your thoughts with a fellow soldier. We are all in this together, for better or worse.”

The soldier looked at Velan, and nodded.

“You are right. I guess I just… don’t want to die. I have a family you know? Good wife, a good son. If I die, how will they make it?”

Velan had heard this speech at least a hundred times. He would have to answer carefully.

“Listen, I’m not good at giving good speeches or anything like that, but I’ll try my best. I think we all have had those kinds of thoughts run through our head here, especially once we’ve seen battle. But if we just gave up because we were afraid to die, who would protect our families? That is the reason I fight. I don’t fight just to protect the Emperor. I don’t fight because I’m good at it, although that helps. I fight to protect the civilians, you know? The normal people. Like your family, you see? Maybe you don’t see it like that. But come the next day of fighting, I’m going to be out there, protecting the people. And if I die, at least I died trying. I’d rather have my family know that I died protecting them, instead of them finding out I abandoned a guy like you to save my own ass.”

“Damn… you’re a better speaker than you give yourself credit for. Maybe I can do this. Especially with a man like you on our side. What do you say we train together? I haven’t really been keeping up with my combat skills, though.”

“Now you are speaking my language, friend! Don’t expect me to take it easy on you though. You aren’t going to get better fighting an easy opponent. So get ready!” Velan said, pulling out his sword.

“I just realized what I’ve gotten myself into. No matter, let’s do this!” the soldier replied, pulling out his sword.

The soldier rushed Velan, trying to use his speed to his advantage. But Velan saw that coming, and he sidestepped the soldier, and planted his elbow in the man’s back.

“Son of a…”

“You can’t expect to just charge in and win, my friend. Try using some strategy. Take advantage of your speed for real this time!”

The smaller Imperial charged at Velan again, except this time he was bluffing. As soon as he got close to Velan, he faked left, and then broke to the right, and swung at Velan.

Dang. Quick learner, this one.

Velan was able to parry the blow, but it was still a good move.

“You’re getting better. You need to be more effective with your sword though! You can’t just win by moving around!”

The soldier responded by throwing three quick sword strikes, all from different angles.

Velan blocked the first two, but he wasn’t going to be able to get his sword up in time for the third one.

It’s time for you to learn about the wild card. Every soldier’s got one, and mine is strength.

Velan ducked under the sword, and body slammed the soldier, who lost his sword during the impact.

“Ugh… How the hell am I supposed to defend against that?”

“That’s up to you. Every soldier has their own unique talents. If you couldn’t tell, mine is power.”

Looking at Velan’s massive frame, the soldier laughed.

“Oh really? Never would have guessed. You’re built like an ox!”

“And you’re built like a wolf. Designed for speed and cunning maneuvers. If that makes any sense,” Velan replied, laughing.

“I guess it makes sense. I’ll have to work on my skills if I ever want to come close to beating you.”

“Then make it happen. I’m always up for a challenge. How about after this whole siege is over, we go again?” Velan said with a smile.

“Sounds good to me. If we both make it…”

“You mean when we both make it my friend. Expecting to lose is a bad idea. You might just get your wish. Think positive!”

“Will do! Thanks for the training, and cheering me up!” the soldier replied.

“No problem. I’m going to go see if I can’t find something to do. I’ll see you around. What’s your name, by the way?”

“Jonus.”

“Nice to meet you Jonus. I’m Velan. Like I said, I’ll see you around.”

“Alright! It was good talking to you.”

Velan left to go see if he could make himself useful.

Legate Gracchus Ceno
Imperial Camp
Day 3 of Siege, Morning


Gracchus was busying himself in the command tent, still trying to push out all of what General Tullius had said.

He was wrong. I can't just risk my men's lives on some forlorn hope of peace. If I was Red-Snow, I'd run and kill us the second we defeated the Thalmor. But Tullius would have my risk all of my men, because he "trusts" a man I am at war against. I just can't do that, Gracchus thought.

No sooner had Gracchus stopped thinking about what Tullius had said when Pilus walked in.

"So, what do you plan to do about the catapults that Redguard destroyed?" Pilus asked.

"Oh um yes...the catapults....well I told Valvius to pull the rope we had left, which was just enough for the larger one and the less damaged one, which is all we need I think. He has already begun scrapping the other two for parts to fix them, so he should have them done in time for the next battle," Gracchus said.

"Something on your mind? You seem a little....you don't seem to be focusing on the war right now, which is definitely odd," Pilus said.

Gracchus looked around nervously, and said, "There is something but...."

"Whatever it is, tell me, so you can quit worrying about it and get back to planning the siege," Pilus relied.

"If I'm going to do this, I want Eduard here as well. I trust his opinion," Gracchus said.

"Okay, I'll go get him then."

Pilus then left, going to find Eduard.

Eduard was approached by Pilus, who told him that Gracchus wished to see him.

"Lets not waste any time then."

Pilus led the way back to the command tent, where Geacchus was waiting.

Clearing his throat, Gracchus cast a muffle spell before processing.

"What I am about to tell you is to be kept a secret, understood? No one outside this tent must know. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes. Don't tell anyone. Got it," Pilus said.

Eduard nodded.

"Understood. Now, what did you need to tell us?"

After receiving both men's promises of secrecy, Gracchus said, "Yesterday, I was approached by General Tullius. He wanted me to betray the Thalmor, and join sides with the Stormcloaks. I refused, because I was fearful that the Stormcloaks would just turn and kill us once we had killed the Thalmor. It got heated, he called me a disgrace, I said he had abandoned the Legion, and it didnt end well. I want to know what you two think I should have done."

Eduard laughed. Probably an inappropriate time, but oh well.

"The Redguard I killed gave a similar speech. He said we should be fighting the Thalmor, not each other. Now, what do I think? Quite frankly, I agree. Normally, I'm not one for ideals or anything like that, but here I see a logistical problem. We both don't like the Thalmor, yet we kill each other instead. Who the hell does that, and expects to win? Nobody should, if you ask me."

He then became much more serious.

"Also, I see no reason for the Stormcloaks to betray us. If they do, they are horrible strategists. Why waste troops that would fight with you? Besides, the ones I have come across have been nothing but honorable. Even if I lied to the one, and poisoned and killed the other. They were both respectful, and really wanted to just kill Thalmor. If I were you, I'd seriously consider it. Just don't wait too long, there comes a point where the "enemy of my enemy is my friend" no longer works. We can't keep slaughtering each other if we wish to partner up. That answer your question?"

Gracchus nodded.

"Thank you. I think I let the fear of betrayal persuade me. What about you Pilus?"

Pilus was leaning back in a chair, his feet propped up on the table.

"I agree with both of you. We should be fighting the Thalmor, but we need to get assurance that the Stormcloaks would hold onto their end of the bargain. Maybe a meeting, or a truce or something. But the Thalmor are the real enemy, not the Nords."

"You're both right. I just can't bring myself to put my troops in harms way, without some sort of actual alliance between our two sides. I can't just trust them to do the right thing, no matter how hard I try," Gracchus said.

"It's up to you Gracchus, but you know where we stand. I don't want to keep fighting those who should be my friend. I will, but it saddens me. I took the life of an honorable man. A man who sabotaged our equipment, and nearly killed me, but still honorable. I told him I would remember him when I gut a Thalmor. You should understand, I fully intend to keep my word. I will probably even use his swords."

Eduard gave a small smile, glancing at the ebony scimitars that he had obtained.

"Like I said, your choice. But for me, the choice is quite clear. We hold a meeting, without the Thalmors knowledge. We could use Tullius to our advantage on that. He obviously must of had contact with the Stormcloaks to have a change of heart like this. Or maybe he sees what I see. However, it may be to late to reconcile. It's up to you to decide if you want to find out. Like I said, I'm not one for ideals. But Jodun has me questioning that stance right about now."

"Thank you. If this meeting goes down, I want both of you to be there. It appears I may have acted brashly. If I can, I will seek out Tullius and try and reconcile. Thank you, both, again," Gracchus said.

Eduard looked at the ground, in deep thought.

Maybe I'm overreacting. I did just kill a man. Maybe I'm just trying too hard to make it right. Maybe the Thalmor are necessary. But I told him I'd plunge a sword in one of those elves, and I don't want my last words to him to be a lie.

"Do you think a man named Boldir will be there?"

Gracchus was deep in thought, trying to remember where he had heard the name.

"Boldir....hmmm....I believe he is a Captian, and second in command to General Baldur Red-Snow, so I would assume so. Why do you ask?"

"He... is probably going to be pissed at me. But no matter, I would hope he could either restrain himself, or have his superior restrain him. In any case, this is a lot to take in. I'm going to go take a walk. I'll see you later Gracchus."

Pilus left to go oversee the catapults, as he had nothing else to do.

I sure do hope Gracchus makes the right call in this. We can't fight each other forever, not with the real enemy next door, Pilus thought.

"I think I'm going to go visit Lil Ceno. Make sure those stable hands are taking good care of him," Gracchus said.

Gracchus left after Eduard, and walked to the stables where Lil Ceno was laying in the hay.

"How you doin boy?" Gracchus whispered, while holding out a sugar cube in his hand.

The horse neither softly, echoing the whispering of Gracchus. Lil Ceno then opened his mouth and locked the sugar cube off the open palm of his owner, and let out a happier, louder neigh.

You sure are easy to please. If only war was as easy, Gracchus thought, as he stroked the horses mane.

*******

Eduard left the tent.

I need to go for a walk. This has been a bit much. What the hell did I say back there.

Eduard walked into a part of the woods that he had been using when he wanted to be left alone.

What am I doing? I don't care about the Thalmor, or the Stormcloaks? I'm in war for the gold. This pity party I'm having for Jodun has to stop.

He sabotaged our stuff, and killed my friends. His requests mean nothing. I can't let this stuff go to my head.

Even if he was right...

If Gracchus asks me to attend, I will. However, I am not making any more attempts to persuade him one way or another. Unless the Stormcloaks offered me money, I guess.

Eduard glanced at his waist, eyeing the Jodun's scimitars.

Maybe I just need to one thing to remember him, and I'll be able to clear my head of this crap.

He unsheathed both of the blades.

In his mind, the fight played like it was happening right then. Blessing or curse, Eduard never forgot anything he saw. Especially stuff he saw in combat.

In remembrance, I'll attempt to learn some of the techniques he used on me. Not only will it make me feel better, but it will help me survive. But I don't have a Redguard to train me. I'll just have to do my best, using that fight as my training instructor.

He then began twirling the swords as fast as he could, mimicking how Jodun deflected the dagger. However, one of the swords spun out of control and flew out of his hand.

"Damn it. I will learn this."

Eduard picked the sword up and tried 50 more times, each time with better success. Well, if you consider cutting your hands and finally not almost decapitating yourself success.

On about the 55th try, he finally performed it in a way that he thought Jodun would be satisfied with.

Not as good as him, but I'm sure he understands. This isn't going to happen overnight.

With that, Eduard headed back to camp, to get his wound looked at. It seemed it wasn't entirely closed.

Seriously, the healers need to start getting better. Or else all of the wounded will just be casualties.

Jonus Rato
Falkreath
Day 3 of siege, early morning

Jonus made sure to remain inconspicuous as he walked towards the prison. The last thing he wanted was to have people questioning what he's doing out so early. He made sure to pull his cloak hood back before he entered the guard barracks. There was a bored-looking woman sitting behind a table inside.

"What do you want, Imperial?"

"I'd like to visit a prisoner."

"Prison's off limits to civilians for the time being."

Jonus had a pleading look in his eyes. "Please ma'am. I just want to share a few words with my cousin. I haven't spoken him in a while and... With those bastards outside the gate... I fear that-"

"Fine, fine. I'll let you in, but make it quick. I can't leave my post and I don't want anyone to know you're down there."

His face lit up. "Thank you! I promise, I'll be quick for you."

He made his way down the stairs and to the prison. Too easy.

Most of the prisoners were rounded up into larger cells throughout he prison, and were sharing cells. The particular man Jonus was looking for was sharing a cell with four other people. Fortunately, this man, who was a much larger than average Imperial, was the only one that was awake. He sat up as Jonus approached the cell.

"Jonus? By the gods, what took you so long?"

"I'm sorry, Malik. I got here as fast as I was able. There were some arrangements to make first. I'm assuming you know about the siege by now?"

"We aren't told anything down here. But it was pretty obvious what was happening. The sounds of the battle weren't exactly quiet. What was that, two days ago?"

"Almost to the minute. So tell me Malik, what do you think? I know that this is the right course of action, and many of the people will be behind me. But I'm worried about when best to make our move. I fear that the Imperials will press their attack and take the city before we can act, which won't end well. Are you sure we should wait?"

"Yes, be patient friend, and stop worrying. The Imperials won't take the city. Not for a long while anyway. Sieges like this take time. They'll have food and supplies coming in from Pale Pass every day. They'll starve out the Stormcloaks. It's how these things work. Once the citizens start to get hungry, and desperate, that's when you'll have the most support. I can help with that upon my release, which should be in several days."

"You're right, of course. Okay friend, I'll wait, and gather more support as I do. I promise, when all this is over, you and I will be regarded as heroes."

"One thing at a time. For now just focus on gaining that support."

"Will do. Thank you Malik."

Jonus headed back up the stairs and back into the city streets, nodding at the guard behind the table on his way out. He put his hood back up as he walked back into the cold Falkreath streets.

This is actually going to work! The Imperials will be good for us, I think. Can't be worse than living in this damned city under these damned Stormcloaks. Malik may exaggerate about the Legion, but if he's told any kind of truth, they'll welcome these people with open arms.

Rebec

Jarl's longhouse

Day 3 of the siege, afternoon

“So, you’re the one who accused a neighbor of shagging your sheep.”

The farmer’s wife looked horrified. “Stealing. They were stealing our sheep. Just one, actually.”

Rebec riffled through some papers. She had agreed to see some of the more minor cases of town disputes in order to take the load off Baldur, and was heartily regretting it. So was everyone else. “Ah yes, here it is. Stealing.” She read over the bailiff’s report. “Says here you hadn’t marked the animal.”

“We didn’t need to mark her! Everyone knew that Piglet was ours.”

The admiral lifted a brow, but didn’t ask. “Well now there are lots of sheep in one pen and lots of hungry people, so you do need to. Case dismissed.” To the crowd behind the woman Rebec said, “The rest of you go home, that’s all for today.”

The farmer’s wife sputtering was drowned out by a chorus of protest. Rebec waited for it to die down, but it didn’t. Suddenly an axe sailed over the heads of the complainants and sank itself, shuddering, in a charred beam over what was left of the longhouse entrance. The crowd hushed at once and filed out, grumbling.

Rebec used her lasso to jimmy up the doorpost to get her axe back, the fire-scarred timbers creaking ominously. She then poked her head into the command center. Of course Baldur was hiding from the peasants and wasn’t there. He had been scarce since their wedding night, but it didn’t bother her. They both had things to do and it gave her a chance to catch up on her sleep. The loss of Jodun also got to him, she knew. He’d come back to her when it suited him. That had always been her way with Toki, and unconsciously she was adopting it again.

Outside she found another gathering waiting for her, the new fire marshals. Every house had been ordered to lay in a stock of water barrels, extra blankets for dousing, and a fire hook and long-handled axe to pull down burning roof pieces. Rebec had tried to order them to remove their thatching, as well, but the townspeople complained of leakage from the rain so she had only made it a recommendation. Channels were being dug through town to divert some of the river water, and troughs set out at street corners, to make for quick bucket brigades. The citizens were already practicing. They were small measures, but her own experience at sea had taught Rebec that keeping a small fire from being a conflagration was all-important.

She had also taken a step that was unusual for her, and called for any in the town who had magical aptitude to study with the Dunmer on casting basic frost spells. For those who had no such skill but hopefully had brains enough not to kill themselves, she distributed frost scrolls.

Rebec had asked Runil to help with their inscription. After she was satisfied with what she heard from the fire marshals, she walked down to the House of the Dead to see him. When Runil admitted her in, Rebec found that a Bosmer woman was already there.

“I was just leaving,” the woman said, giving Rebec a nervous glance on her way out. The admiral returned it with a wry look, but said nothing. Bosmer. They’re so creepy.

Runil insisted on making her tea, as he always did. The priest cleared away the Bosmer woman’s cup and fetched a fresh setting for Rebec.

“I came about the scrolls,” the admiral said after some small talk.

“Yes, of course. I have some, but I’ve not been able to make very many. As important as this is, I had my duties to Arkay to attend to, after the battle.”

“Anything you can do is better than nothing.” Rebec paused, then said something she’d been thinking a long time. “If it comes down to it, Father Runil- I know this is a difficult thing for you- but if we really needed it, would you be willing to fight for us? We could really use another battlemage.”

The Altmer looked stricken. “Don’t ask that of me. Please.”

“I wouldn’t normally, but you said you serve the people of Falkreath. If it came down to their lives, wouldn't you serve them better by defending them than burying them?”

“Please. Death... death just is another part of life.”

The priest didn’t sound convinced by his own sermon. As much as she wanted to press it, something held Rebec back, however. Maybe it was the thought that someday she, Baldur, Boldir and the rest could be that haunted.

“You would at least defend yourself? I know that the redguard revere Arkay. I want to ask a squad of them to guard you. If the Thalmor know you’re here, they may try to capture or kill you, even before there’s another attack. It’s not just pity, so don’t think that. You’re vital to the town’s morale, and you’ve become vital to us. That's what I'll tell anyone who asks. They don't need to know about the other thing, if they don't already."

There was then a war fought in the Altmer’s expression. He wanted to refuse, Rebec could see, and wave off the importance of his own life. On the other side, he was terribly afraid. Finally he nodded once, and Rebec got up to leave before he could change his mind. “Good. I’ll take those scrolls now. Thanks for the tea.”

Outside, the priest’s assistant Kust was waiting for her. “Can I talk to you about something important, Admiral?” Drawing Rebec aside, he continued, “That Bosmer woman who was here before. Her name is Aglaren. She came to town about eight months ago, but something isn’t right about her...”

Jonus Rato
Falkreath, Basemant hideout
Day 3 of Siege, afternoon

"What?! You're kidding me!"

"No Jonus, I'm afraid I'm not. Pale Pass is closed off. Heard it from more than one soldier these past few days."

Then Malik was wrong. We can't just wait and bide our time. The Imperials will probably run out of food before Falkreath does. Time for a change of plans.

Jonus looked up at the man. A large Nord named Jolfnir. He was the owner of the house Jonus had been staying in since his own home was burned down. It was Jolfnir's basemant that this meeting was taking place in. To Jolfnir's left sat his wife, Lucil. To his right sat Kodak, a city guardsman. On the other side of Kodak was Delacourt, the local bard. To Lucil's left was Ulren, a prosperous farmer from the Rift and also a cousin to another of Jonus's supporters. They all sat in a half-circle facing Jonus.

"No doubt, the Stormcloaks caused this. They burned our fields and homes, and now they close the pass. Our oppressors want to force their enemies to act quickly, or else they starve, bringing all of us down with them. This news changes things. We'll have to adopt a new gameplan."

"How?" Asked Jolfnir. Who had a confused look on his face. He was a kindly man. But Jonus could tell from the day they'd met that, while he was not dumb, he was a little slow when it came to planning and the like.

"How?" Jonus looked at everyone in the room as he spoke. "Well the fist thing is that we cannot tell anyone else about Pale Pass closing. It's not the biggest of deals, but if people learn that the Imperials are short on food, they won't want to leave for them. What we need to do is turn the tables a bit. Something only we can do from the inside. There are enough people supporting us to pull this off if we act quickly. We need to burn some, not all, but some of the food that is being stored here. Enough to send a message, or rather, messages. The Imperials will see that they have friends on the inside, and the Stormcloaks will learn the meaning of "eye for an eye. We will no longer be a secret to them, but it won't be traceable back to anybody. Finally, the civilians will begin to lose faith in our "protectors"."

Much to Jonus's dissapointment, everyone in front of him but Lucil nodded. He had hoped that his present company would not be so quick to accept such a faulty plan without question. I guess pawns have their uses too.

Lucil spoke up. "Won't burning the food lower rations? These people want leaders that will give them what they want. How will that make people support us?"

"Good question Lucil. It almost certainly won't. Which is why we must make sure it does not look like it was our fault. It must appear to be an attack from the Imperials. I've got a man who can procure us several suits of their armor in several days."

"But won't that make them hate the Imperials? The whole plan is to make them look better than the Stormcloaks."

"Yes, that's the plan. But you must remember, they're fighting a war. They've already fired catapults and spells into the city. Burning our food is, if anything, a showing of mercy. It would show that they'd rather Falkreath surrender than be killed. At the same time, it makes the Stormcloaks appear incapable of defending us."

Everyone in the room looked impressed. Kodak spoke up this time. "So who is this man that'll get us the disguises?"

"He's a friend. An Imperial like me, named Malik. He is a now a farmer, but he used to serve in the Legion. The man has been invaluable to me. Unfortunately, he's serving time in jail for assaulting a soldier while drunk. Malik is going to be let out in two days. Until then, I need all of you to do your parts. Delacourt, you are very important. Anything useful or important you hear in the tavern must be reported to Jolfnir and Lucil. They'll tell me of your findings. Ulren, I'll need your help with obtainig some basic weapons soon enough. And Kodak, I know the city guard doesn't have much pull at the moment, but I want you to keep tabs on anyone that is sent to jail and anyone who leaves. I want to know what they did, and when they're getting out, alright? Anybody got any more questions?"

Nobody answered. After waiting a few seconds, Jonus stood up and looked around at his allies.

"Then that's it for this meeting. We'll meet here again this same time tomorrow."

With that, the group headed upstairs and disbanded, all heading off to do their various jobs. Jonus waited for them to leave before heading upstairs himself. Lucil was in the kitchen.

"You think all this is going to work out?"

Jonus could tell she was nervous. He spoke reassuringly.
"I've got everything planned out. I don't only think this will work out. I know it will."

Do'jhul

Remote cave in the Pale

Evening`

The fire glowed warmly in the depths of the cavern. Moss hung down from the many cracks and crevices in the cave wall. Over the fire was a make shift grill and on that grill was was cooking a slab of seasoned deer venison. Prodding it with his pruning fork, Do'jhul thought back over the past six months.

Ever since that night he escaped from Fort Neugrad, Do'jhul decided to go into hiding. Over that course of time, he traveled the lands of Skyrim. He survived by killing bandits for their armor and weapons and gold, and killing wildlife for food. It wasn't the best existence, but he did what he had to do.

Recently, he decided to contact an old friend from High Rock, a man by the name of Dalk. Dalk is a seasoned Nightblade, and a good friend to Do'jhul.

All of a sudden, one of the stickes made a loud pop in the fire and jolted Do'jhul out of his train of thought. Grabbing his pruning fork, Dojhul flipped the hunk of venison on its other side. As soon as he did that, an emotionless voice said, "Looks tasty. Is this what you have been eating for the past six months? I hope not", almost as if appearing out of thin air, a man in goldish armor and wrapped in a cloak and a hood and cowl covering most of his face, was standing right in front of Do'jhul.

Instantly getting up, Do'jhul rushed up to the man and hugged him. Embracing him, Do'hul exclaimed, "It's been too long my friend. I'm surprised you come so quickly. You must be hungry, here sit down", Do'jhul gestured to a makeshift stool, Dalk sat down and took off most of his equipment and pulled his hood down and lowered his cowl to reveal his face.

Do'jhul cut up two big slabs of venison, one for Dalk and himself. For awhile the entire cavern was silent. Finally Dalk broke the silence. "So what is it you called me for?"

"Well, I need your help in some plans of mine. I don't have everything sorted out just yet, but I have a vague idea. In the hold of Falkreath, there is man by the name of Baldur Red-Snow. I want you to deliver this note to him", reaching into his traveling bag, Do'jhul pulled out a folded note and handed it to him. "Also in that note is a description of what he looks like."

Dalk read over the description of Baldur and looked back at Do'jhul with his piercing jet black eyes. "I'll head out tomorrow. Give me a week and I'll have this note delivered to him."

"Thanks friend I knew I could count on you."

Dalk

Remote cave in the Pale

Morning

Getting up before Do'jhul, Dalk geared up and set out to find Baldur Red-Snow..........

Quaestor Pilus Rato
Imperial Camp
Day 5 of Siege, Mid-day


Valvius was in charge of the catapults themselves, but Pilus was sent to overlook and protect the engineers ever since the sabotage incident. He was walking up on them now, where several of the engineers were at work.

"Aye, Valvius, how goes the catapult repairs?" Pilus asked the head engineer.

"Oh...um...actually, uh, sir, they are coming along well. We had to basically scrap two of the smaller ones, but the larger one and the third smaller one we have begun repairs on. We can have them done, albeit somewhat hastily repaired, in a week if my estimate are correct, sir," the engineer said excitedly.

"Well done. Keep up the good work," Pilus told the engineers.

Pilus then turned to the ten or so battlemages, and told them, "Keep a close eye on the perimeter, I don't want any more saboteurs getting in."

Finally leaving, Pilus headed to the large pine tree he had been using to keep an eye on Falkreath. It was old, with a trunk that he and another man couldn't wrap their arms around. The lower branches were high, but Pilus had figured out a way scale it's branches. Climbing quickly, Pilus arrived about midway up the tree, just high enough that he could see the town of Falkreath through the treetops. He sat down, one leg dangling over the side of the large, thick branch he sat on. The archers and guards moved on the wall, oblivious that they were being watched.

I wonder if Gracchus has made a decision on the alliance yet. We don't need to keep wasting men on fighting these Nords, but he can't lead us to slaughter either. From what I've heard about this Baldur Red-Snow, I think he would at least listen. Most of those Nords seem honorable, Pilus thought.

Pilus' focus came to rest on the Jarl's Longhouse, which was open to the elements on one side from the surprise catapult attack. Several dozen civilians walked around the town, trying to go about their lives as normal as possible.

At least I'm not the poor soul that has to deal with them. I'm sure they are doing more complaining than I can imagine.

After another thirty minutes of watching, Pilus climbed back down the tree. As he neared the bottom, he saw a deer, two does and a buck, milling around the bottom. Slowing down, he perched on a branch, careful to not move. First casting a muffle spell, he silently conjured an ice spike. He sat, and waited, until the buck moved into a position he could send the ice spike through its front shoulder. Pilus sent the ice spike through the air, and it impaled itself into the buck. It dropped, and after waiting a few minutes, the twitching stopped.

Pilus jumped down, and pulled out his steel dagger, and proceeded to gut the deer. Once that was done, and Pilus' hands pretty well covered in blood and bits of the deer, he took two branches and made a sled so he could carry the deer out by himself. It still took a little over an hour to get back to the camp, and he dropped off the deer at the mess tent.

Well, I guess today wasn't a total waste. I hope Gracchus made his decision, of at least has out some thought to it. Better go wash up, I smell like the inside of a slaughter house, Pilus thought, and left toward the creek to he could clean himself up.

Pilus found the small creek, and let the cold mountain water wash off the blood and gore. He could hardly feel his hands, as the water was most certainly snow runoff. Drying his hands off, Pilus set off towards the command tent to talk to Gracchus.

Polis walked in, and Gracchus was seated behind his desk, talking to a quartermaster and drinking a cup of tea.

"We have several battles of potatoes left," the quarter master, a lean Imperial, said.

"How many is several?" Gracchus asked in annoyance.

"Um, well, I'm not sure, but I can find out," the Imperial said in a shakeu voice.

"You do that, and don't come back till you do."

Gracchus dismissed the quartermaster, and turned to Pilus.

"Got any for me?" Pilus asked.

"Unfortunately, this was my last tea bag. The rationing effects us all. Was there something you wanted?" Gracchus asked.

"Yes, actually, I wanted to know if you've made up your mind on the meeting?" Pilus said.

Gracchus took a long sip of his tea, before setting it down and saying, "Well...um...I, um....no. I haven't decided yet. But I think I will tell Lorgar to contact Tullius anyway. Maybe actually being in the meeting will help me decide."

"Whatever you decide, I'm with you. You already know what I think though, and that's what you should do," Pilus said.

"Thank you. It's good to know that I have your support. And I think you're right, and I hope that whatever decision I make will be the right one. Thank you, again, old friend," Gracchus said, his scowl weakening.

Pilus left, glad that he could help out his CO, and his good friend.

I hope he makes the right choice. That's all I can hope for.

Baldur, Tullius, Rebec, Boldir

Falkreath

Day 6 of Siege very early in the morning

The Stormcloak guard was simply put, getting bored. During the last battle, he was stuck guarding the grain supply, and didn't get to kill any milk-drinking imperials. Today, he was wasting away on the battlements of the wall,

"Good day guardsmen..."

A voice suddenly emerged down from the forest, and two men came out of the shadows, both where clad in dark cloaks, and had hoods covering there face's. The soldier instinctively drew his bow,

?"State your business..."

The first hooded man simply said,

"I wish to speak with your commanding officer, Baldur Red-snow, tell him one-eye, and the man who helped save his life wishes to talk."

"One-eye" turned to his companion at his right, and said,

"Do you think Baldur will listen to reason?"

The other hooded man nodded his head,

"He's a man of reason, if nothing else. He'll at the least hear us out."

****

Baldur was wide awake next to Rebec. He was having trouble sleeping with the war on his mind. But more than that, the letter that Witchie just sent had him perplexed him more than anything. He laid there playing with her locks as she rested her head on his arms while reading Witchie's letter over and over.

"The princess is about to commit high treason. She will soon want to contact you about help with wiping out the Thalmor.

You know what to do with the letter."

Baldur didn't like it. To him it smelled like a trap. The last thing he was going to do was walk in a trap when he just got out of Thalmor custody.

Baldur heard a knocking on the door, and knew what it was for without the soldier speaking.

"Sir, some cloaked men are here to speak for you. Something about a guy with one eye, and someone who helped save you. We have arrows trained on them. We await your orders."

"I'll be there. Hold on."

Baldur eased Rebec's head down and started putting his armor on. He put his bear helmet on as well in case someone was waiting to snipe him from the battlements. When he was done, he gently shook Rebec on her shoulder to wake her up.

"Rebec, wake up. We have guests."

Rebec had been fast asleep, worn out from endless worry and even more endless tasks. Just before they were wakened, she fell into a dream.

She stood on her ship as it was moored at a lonely port she didn't recognize. Looking out towards the water, Rebec breathed in the clean salt air, which in Skyrim always had the danger of frost in it. A voice said "mama." Her head snapped around to see a little boy climbing around on the rope and crates stacked on the deck. He was hers, she realized with a start of surprised joy. The boy then pointed. "Papa's coming. Who's that man?" Rebec looked up to see Baldur walking towards them on the quay. As he sidestepped to avoid some barrels, the man her son asked about came into view. It was Lorgar, his bow drawn on Baldur. She tried to scream, but no sound came out.

Starting awake with a cry of horror, Rebec saw Baldur putting on his armor and saying something about visitors. She fell out of bed and started dressing herself, still shaking from her dream. "Who is it, one of our concerned citizens?"

"I don't know exactly. I think it's Tullius and someone else who claims to have helped me. Here, read this."

Baldur handed her the note Witchie sent him via the magic cloth.

Rebec read the letter and then read it again, trying to make it make sense. "So this is Witchie's latest project? I would feel better if we could talk to him ourselves. Notes through a Thalmor device." She mumbled some more as she hurriedly drew on her leathers.

"I feel the same way, Reb. I won't be taking any chances. Lets go see who exactly has come."

Rebec splashed water on her face and pulled her hair up into a loose knot on the back of her head. As she was fixing her axes, she watched Baldur, wishing desperately that they had more time for each other than what they could steal from sleep. She wondered what he would say about her dream. Recalling his own dreams in the journal, she decided she wouldn't tell him about the last part. Or maybe not about any of it. They hadn't talked about children yet. They hadn't talked about a lot of things. Grabbing her crossbow and bolt quiver, she followed him out to greet these mysterious guests.

Baldur and Rebec made their way to the battlements above the gate to see who was trying to gain entrance. Baldur didn't know what to think still, so he had the men keep their arrows drawn on the strangers before he addressed them. As he looked down, he could see the two hooded figures below, one larger than the other waiting patiently for his response.

"Okay, ladies. Quit being so dramatic. I know it's you, Tullius. Who's your friend there, and what do you want?"

Tullius, said in a half-joking tone,

"Awww but Baldur, you know how us legionaries love are dramatic entrances..."

Rebec glanced around, watching for signs of ambush now that she and Baldur were both on the wall. "Getting acquainted with your old legion friends, eh, Tullius," she said, bringing her eyes back to the two men. "State your business. I'm grateful for your help, but you can understand we've got little time for chit-chat."

"We have matters to discuss...as I told the guard. Matters that are very...delicate"

"Before we discuss anything, have your hoods removed. Now." said Baldur sternly.

"If you insist..."

'Tullius' was the first to take off his hood, revealing a a man with grey hair, a short stumble around his chin, and a black eye-patch. It was Tullius. The second man, the taller and more heavily built, started to laugh a cold and humorless laugh that Baldur had heard once before.

"Hello Baldur..."

The man's face was revealed, his right face was heavily scarred, and missing an eye, he wore a grey eye patch. His hair was dark brown, and he had a finely trimmed dark brown beard. His face was pale white. They knew who this was.

Rebec tensed at Baldur's side. Before he could speak, she spat out, "You. You have the nerve to show up here again, after what you did." Turning to the other man, she added, "You should choose your friends more carefully, Tullius. Unless you're here to deliver Lorgar up to us."

Lorgar, who was smiling, revealing his fang like teeth, merely chuckled,

"And what did I do, Admiral? Killed a man who committed war crimes and was a paranoid idiot."

Baldur's face began to show his anger at the sight of Lorgar. Not for the assassination, but the arrow he sent to Rebec.

"I heard you shot an arrow at Rebec. Perhaps I should return the favor and then some."

The archers on the walls pulled their strings back further when they heard this.

"Unless you want to become my pincushion, you'll go back to your camp. I will speak with Tullius, and Tullius alone."

Lorgar lost none of his mocking appearance at the threat,

"I thought you would be more friendly Baldur. I did after all, assist Tullius in rescuing you from the dominion prison. I helped plan, and provided the maps and information that Tullius needed to extract you. Oh," Lorgar practically grinned when saying, "My congratulations on your wedding, though I danced with Rebec in Falkreath not to long ago..."

"We danced with a few of your men at Rommulas, too," Rebec replied. "Or should I say, all of them."

"If I recall those soldiers where the ones who stood between you and the torture chambers of the dominion, admiral, Your "beloved" would still be in those chambers as we speak if me and Tullius hadn't intervened. Say all you want about me, but if you ever say anything about my unit like that, ever again, i'll take my knife and carve you into little pieces..."

Baldur grew increasingly angrier at the threat, and lost his senses for a moment. He took the bow and arrow from the soldier next to him and fired a shot next to Lorgar's foot. He then addressed the Grim Archer in a venomous voice he did not know he possessed.

"You watch your tongue, cur. The only one that's gonna be doing any carving here is me. As long as I'm around, you won't be doing anything. We almost killed you back at our last fight. Remember that. Next time there won't be any battle mages to save you. And if you EVER threaten my wife again, I swear I'll lob that ugly head of yours off and put it with the rest of your men's bodies to feed the crows. Look upon me and see that this is no mere threat."

Lorgar didn't even flinch, but before he could say anything, Tullius interrupted,

"Everyone calm the **** down, Lorgar zip it, Baldur zip it, Rebec zip it, we have the chance of making a difference, and possibly ending hostilities between the legion and the Stormcloak army, and focus on the real threat. Dont throw it away because of things in the past."

"No, you zip it and listen to me. I don't have time to deal with your games. Next you'll be telling me that Elenwen herself helped in my escape. I don't give a damn anymore, no one comes to my town and threatens my people. ESPECIALLY my wife. I wasn't kidding when I said I'd kill him. Lorgar has ten seconds to get his ass out of here or I send him to his Legion. Ten...."

"******* LISTEN TO ME YOU ******* ARROGANT ******* NORD. Are you ******* stupid? Stop acting like a ******* child, and listen to reason. You just going act like a spoiled baby "Waghhhhhhhh" I want to get my way and act tough", listen to me you piece of [censored], I lost hundred of soldiers because of this ******* war, I lost my best friend and someone who I treated and thought as my daughter, and now I have a chance to end it without any further ******* bloodshed, and make there sacrifice meaningful. I'm not going to let you throw it away, because of your ******* ego..."

Baldur smirked and raised his hand in the air so that when he would drop it, his men would fire.

"NINE."

Tullius angrily face-palmed himself, before Lorgar nudged him,

"Why don't we give the little baby what he wants?"

Tullius scowled,

"It's seems like we have no choice, so much for Baldur being a reasonabe man, if he's going to throw a little tamptrum like a child..."

Rebec merely stood by, watching. She was shocked at the anger in Baldur's voice and realized with unease that it was probably caused in part by her presence, but she was as stubborn as her husband on the subject of Lorgar.

Baldur started counting faster, getting impatient.

"You must want to die, Lorgar. Fine by me. I've been wanting to prove to you Sovngarde's real. Eight...Seven...Six....Five....Four...Three..."

Lorgar merely chuckled, again with his really creepy laugh,

"My like's have no place in Sovengard Baldur, i'll be seeing you in the shadows..."

And with that, Lorgar took a step back into the treeline, melting into the darkness.

Baldur looked down to Tullius after he left.

"What is it with you Imperials? You say you wanna make a deal and you bring the one person that we'd hate the most to the negotiating table?"

Baldur was referring to how Tullius brought Elenwen to negotiate a temporary peace so the Dragonborn could defeat Alduin.

"Don't remind me about that, I was forced to by Ulfric's [censored] of a wife, Jarl elsfief. And I basically told the [censored] to shut the **** up if you recall. Lorgar on the other hand, has been assisting me since I started my little organization, and has the ear of one of the most important people in the Empire...so yeah he was kinda important...but enough, are you going to invite me in or not..."

Baldur grinned at the mention of the High Queen.

"Yes well, as you can imagine Ulfric left that part out about you telling her to shut it. Anyway, yes. You may enter. Leave your weapons outside. Men, have Marius and Boldir meet us in the Longhouse."

Rebec led the way into the remains of the longhouse, asking the Necro Nords in the command center to clear out and guard the doorway as they had their audience. She searched around for some relatively clean mugs and filled them from the tapped keg. Handing one to Tullius, she asked, "You do drink mead, don't you?" It sounded suspicious, like a test.

"Yes I drink mead...as long as it doesn't have snow berries i'm good..."

Baldur took a seat across from Tullius and took a mug from Rebec and sat it down. He was too interested in what this could all be about to care about drinking at the moment.

"Once Boldir and Marius get here, we can begin."

Boldir's voice carried into the room from outside.
"Hey Baldur! That you I hear?" He entered the room. "I've got some-"
He paused when saw a sight he never thought he'd see. It appeared that Tullius was sharing a drink with his comrades.
"Alright, now you've got me all curious. What's Half-Pint doing here?"

"I don't know, That's what we're here to see. Half-Pint? Speak. Marius should be here soon." said Baldur.

"So...." Tullius grinned a half-smile, "Knowing your nords being a bit on the slow side, and preferring to be blunt and straightforward."

Tullius went on to explain about Dales Moitre, and her plan to taker the imperial throne with the help of the Sons of Whiterun and the Sixth legion on her side. He explained about Lorgar's plan on dealing with the Aldmeri forces here, and a meeting where all of the leaders could gather and discuss things.

Baldur listened to what Tullius said, and couldn't believe what he was hearing. He decided to let the others speak first before making a decision.

Rebec was also incredulous. "And now you want Skyrim to help you get your empire back. It's a good thing you lost your war, eh, Tullius? I'm sorry, but you know how this works. If you really want us to trust you, we need more than just words. Get rid of those Thalmor, withdraw the legion back to Pale Pass, and we can meet with this replacement general then in a bit more comfortable circumstances."

"If you don't trust me, then trust the fact I could have stabbed Baldur in the back any time when I was rescuing his sorry ass from Pale pass torture camp..."

"Watch it, Tullius. This sorry ass wasn't captured by the Legion, so don't think so highly of yourselves. I'm the one whose help you need now." said Baldur defensively.

"Yeah that sorry ass was captured because you trusted a shady dealer of information...and yes, I do need your help, mister nord. I also helped you in your time of need, and possible saved hundreds of your soldiers from the admiral and the good captain's insane plan, so I request, that your at least humor me..."

Rebec looked up sharply. "Excuse me? You don't know nearly as much as you think you do, Tullius, so mind your manners. Gratitude is only going to get you so far. Now quit arguing about how magnificent you are and tell us what you plan to do about the Thalmor. Even if we did trust you, there's a legion out there that's been killing our men. What is this siege about if you all just want to go home and clean house?"

"Hold just a damn minute."

Baldur was getting angry at being talked down to.

"You don't know Samuel. I had ten of the best Hammerfell men with me when I was caught. His men were invisible. You'd have fallen for it too. The man isn't what he seems to be. If it wasn't for me not being willing to kill your friend, I'd have never been in that situation. You can thank me later. Now, because I am thankful for your help, and I never had the chance to say it, I will humor you. Now answer Rebec's question."

"Me and Lorgar, as you most likely already know, are masters of stealth. So here's the plan, Dales uses her position to insert Lorgar and another specialist, Edaurd, into the dominion camp. Using his skills, he'll abduct the dominion leader, Colonel Vandili If I recall, your most likely acquainted with him already? Anyway's, once we have him in our custody, Gracchus will give the order to butcher the dominion forces stationed in the camp, during the night we'll cut all of there throats..."

"It seems to me that the better idea would be to lead them here thinking that they're going to attack us, then your legion attacks from behind while we attack from the front. Killing their leader won't stop them, and it will be much easier to make sure we get them all this way if we sandwhich them with both our forces. And I want their leader alive." said Baldur.

"Ah but if we do that, both of our forces will take a good deal of casualties, especially considering how dangerous some of the Thalmor's elite battlmages are. By using the stealthy approach, both our forces risk of taking losses is lowered considerable, and without the leadership of Vandili, there army will crumble. Oh and I don't think Dales would want to give Vandili to you, she has her own beef with him"

"I don't care what her problem is with him. She wants my assistance, I get him. If she wants, she can watch as I take care of him. I made him a promise and I intend to keep it. As for the plan to kill them, I really think that the stealth approach isn't the way to go. You can't stealthily kill an entire force, and attacking them from both sides when we'll greatly outnumber them will in fact ensure minimal casualties despite their battle mages. I don't mean to open old wounds but the battle of Camp Rommulus is the perfect example. But if you insist on taking the casualties, by all means. I won't stop you."

"Hmmmm, if you want to take the battle of Camp Rommulas as an example, why don't we combine our two approaches? We have Lorgar ,Edaurd, and the rest of our specialists set fire to a bunch of critical locations and sleeping area's causing mass confusion among the Dominion forces, and then we deploy the legionaries among with your Necro Nords and have a mass-butcher fest? Oh, and if you wouldn't mind, could you be understanding and let Dale's have some fun with you and Vandili?"

"Baldur will make the decision, but I wouldn't give you a single one of our men before we see that you really mean business," Rebec replied. "I'm sure you'd love to have all our Necro Nords out exposed on pretext of helping you."

He turned, this time with a look of serenity and melancholy, and his usual mocking tone, was replaced by a cool and calm voice.

"Rebec, i've lost more to the Thalmor then you know, please trust that I wouldn't ever betray you to those bastards."

"Don't take my suggestions as anything but. I'm still not convinced by a long shot that the rest of them aren't just trying to lead me into a trap. How do you know they aren't just playing you? Aren't you wanted in Cyrodiil as well?" asked Baldur.

Tullius simply said, "I trust Lorgar."

"But do they trust him? And I sure as hell don't trust them. Considering he's laying siege on my town. I need assurances. I need proof." said Baldur.

"What proof could I give you Baldur?"

Rebec stands up suddenly, pacing. "Lorgar, who was just boasting about assassinating our jarl. He didn't just kill Dengeir, you know. They killed his steward to get to him, and some man in the crowd no one knows. We're supposed to believe he's now on our side? And that legion is still killing our men. They just killed one of the best, while he was sabotaging those damned catapults. What do they need catapults for if they don't mean to continue the siege?"

"Sad, but a necessary action, your Jarl was an utter idiot, he wouldn't have agreed to this, would he? And Edaurd hasn't been informed about our little plans yet, so don't fault him..."

Baldur began stroking his beard as he thought about this meeting that was being proposed. He thought the whole thing smelled like horker [censored], but this was the whole point of him accepting Marius afterall. He had to at least try.

"I'll agree to the meeting, but only on two conditions. One, I get Velandil. If I'm feeling generous, I may even let this princess get a hand at him. Maybe. Two, I need a high profile hostage. Surely you can't think me so stupid as to walk out of my walled town into enemy hands to "talk". To ensure my safety and the safety of anyone I bring, I'll need the Princess herself in my custody while I am gone."

It was Tullius's turn to stroke his stumble obviously deep in thought before saying,

"I'll agree to your first term without question, he's your's. Your second...I have three conditions, one, She is not to be harmed in anyway. Two, she is to be well-treated as afforded by someone of her status as imperial royalty, I wont have her sleeping in a cell. And three, old Marius DOESN'T go near her,"

"This is a war camp. She's not going to be served tea and crumpets every time she crooks her pinky finger. But she'll be as safe here as we'll be. Remind this legate of that, if he decides to throw any more fireballs." Rebec turned to meet Baldur's eyes. It was the chance they had wanted. She nodded once, giving her assent to the plan.

Baldur caught Rebec's nod, and returned one of his own.

"You've been rather reasonable Tullius. We'll see if Graccus is the same. As Rebec said, a cell is non-negotiable, but I'll be more willing to let her take a wack at Velandil in that case. And she won't be with us for long, just long enough for this meeting to finish."

"We'll decide then what to do with her, of course," Rebec added quickly, not wanting to overpromise. Baldur had a trusting streak in him, and someone had to be the heavy. The admiral then put a hand on Boldir's shoulder. The captain had been quiet, probably thinking of Jodun, she guessed.

Boldir, who was indeed deep in thought, blinked a few times when he felt Rebec's hand on his shoulder. He cleared his throat and nodded in agreement to his friends. Not much for me to add really.

"As long as she's safe, i suppose i'll agree to this. I dont think Dales will mind, cant say the same thing for our dear wolf, but i'll convince him. I'll escort her to Falkreath myself once all the arrangements are made,"

He offered his hand to Baldur,

"Deal?"

Baldur looked at the hand of his once enemy before shaking it. There was a long pause. He couldn't help but feel that what he was doing was a betrayal. To Ulfric, and to the men that died. And Jodun. But he knew Ulfric would understand the situation. The Thalmor were the real threat, and Tullius too was taking large steps to make this a reality. Even Lorgar came to make this deal, and Baldur butchered his entire force. This was what he was hoping for. This was why he trusted Marius and accepted him into his ranks. This was why he was captured and tortured for, and almost killed. Baldur grabbed grabbed Tullius's hand remembering these things and shook his hand.

"Deal."

Baldur looked to where the door used to be and saw Marius making his way to the group.

"It's about time you got here, Marius. I'll let Tullius fill you in on the details."

Tullius smiled mockingly as he explained everything to Marius, whom had a flash of anger at the mention of Princess Dales plans and her coming to the camp as a hostage,

"You cant be serious sir, trusting that [censored]-"

Tullius snapped at him,

"Watch your tongue Marius, your speaking about the imperial Princess..."

"You two take this elsewhere. I have some things to discuss with these two." said Baldur.

Tullius nodded, before grabbing Marius by the ear and dragging him out of the command center,

"Don't be surprised when I arrive, i'll have her here depending on how long it takes to arrange everything."

And with that, Tullius and Marius faded from view.

Boldir stayed back as they exited the building. He motioned to Baldur that he'd like a word.

"Right. Rebec, could I have a word with Boldir for a moment? I'll be with you shortly if that is fine."

Rebec nodded once, resigned. Everyone wanted Baldur's time, even though she had things to discuss with him as well. The matter Kust had spoken with her about two days before was still on her mind. There was the question of who should lead the Hammerfell forces. They were having a hard time deciding amongst themselves. And now this meeting, which overshadowed all of those concerns. It didn't help that when she and Baldur were alone all she wanted to do was kiss him. That problem she had brought on herself.

"I'll be in the jail when you're finished," she said, and left.

****

Boldir waited for her to leave before continuing.

"I don't like this Baldur. You said yourself that it could be a trap. But they know who you are. We don't even know this princess is real. What if they just send us some dumb nobody in a fancy dress? We can't know."

Baldur took the note Wichie gave him and showed it to Boldir.

"Here, it's a note Witchie sent me magically. He told me before Tullius arrived that the Princess was attempting to do this."

Boldir looked over the note, and sure enough he saw it right there, plain as day. Princess.

"Baldur, I don't know. Are you sure this is from him?"

"I'm not. The means by which he sent this is through Thalmor means, so it's very possible that a Thalmor sent it. But I don't see Tullius saving me only to get me captured once more. And I'll do a little test of my own to see if she's the real deal."

Boldir thought over it, and the more he did, the more he didn't like it. Baldur just got back and now he wants to go in the midst of the enemy to talk about joining forces.

Is this the right call?

"It is."

Boldir turned to see where the voice came from, but saw nothing.

Was that...Jodun? Great...Welcome to my noggin, Jodun.

Baldur saw him turn around as if he heard something. He sighed, and looked down after closing his eyes.

"Carlotta again?"

"Uh, yea." Boldir replied.

"Ok, you go get some rest. We have a busy day ahead of us. Today I'll try the conscription."

"But I thought we weren't going to fight anymore." replied Boldir.

"We aren't. Yet. Just because I'm going to the meeting doesn't mean I'm taking any chances. I'm going with Rebec and Marius. You will stay here. If anything happens, you kill the Princess, and take my place as General. And you finish the battle without me. You can do it, I know you can."

After that, Baldur walked off to go speak to Rebec in the prison.

"He's right, you know."

You're not real, you know.

"Are you sure?"

Some papers on a table fluttered about like doves suddenly before drifting to the floor. Boldir stood there, confused as all hell, but then snapped out of his paralyzed state.

It was the wind. There's a hole in the wall after all. Time to go back to bed.

Lorgar Grimaw, and Tullius Gaius, Falkreath Forest

“Absolutely not…” said Lorgar, who was currently sitting with Tullius beside a campfire in the darkness of Falkreath forest

“There’s nothing to worry about, Dales will be safe, she’ll be infact safer in the Stormcloak camp then she would be in the Imperial camp, especially considering the insane circumstances.”

“Yeah, safe, as any political hostage…”

Tullius put his hands up,

“Look this is one of the conditions that Baldur set out, he and the good admiral assured me she wouldn’t be harmed during her very short stay…”\

“Do you really trust him with Imperial royalty? Especially a young princess? How do you know he wont try and, ‘woe’ her?

Tullius interrupted,

“First of all, he’s married and as far as I can tell faithful to his wife, second of all I don’t think Baldur is that kind of man to [censored] a young girl…”

Lorgar snorted,

“Well maybe not him, but one of his soldiers-

Tullius once again raised his hand,

“If your referring to the Siege of Whiterun, all Stormcloak soldiers who where caught sixually assaulting any woman, regardless of race and social standing, was court marshalled and the regulars where dishonorably discharged with 60 lashes, and the ring-leaders got there head chopped off.”

Lorgar once again snorted,

“How do you know Old Marius wont try to-“

Tullius, very annoyingly, once again raised his hand,

“One of my conditions was Marius isn’t allowed near her, so you don’t have to worry about his idiotic grudge and pride geting in the way of things” Tullius annoying face palmed himself, and said in a very ticked off voiced,

“Trust me Lorgar, I thought of this already, Dales will be perfectly fine as long as we keep to the plan and keep our end of this.”

Lorgar , who was looking really annoyed, raised his voice,

“Well you can understand me being a little worried about this, especially since it’s Dales being the one being put in harms way-

“Dales isn’t in any danger!!!”

The argument lasted even deeper into the night, until Lorgar, finally put his hands up in surrender,

“FINE, Fine, okay I’ll agree this.”

Tullius sighed in relief,

“Okay good.”

He handed Lorgar a letter, addressed to Legate Gracchus.

“Give this to the legate, it details our plan, and the place of the meeting. I’ll be there to pick up Dales in two day’s, inform her about this, and tell her to get ready.”

In Falkreath Imperial camp

"Ohhhhh so i'm going on a visit?"

Lorgar muttered something under his breath, before gently telling her,

"In all honesty milady, your...going to be a political hostage..."

Dales face filled up with uncertainty, before saying slowly,

"Ahhhhhh...is this really mandatory for have the meeting? and will I be safe?"

Lorgar warmly told her,

"I'm afraid so milady, and yes, Tullius has assured me time after time you will be perfectly safe..."

She nodded her head,

"If I have to do this for peace...I will do it without hesitation."

Lorgar tussled her golden hair,

"It'll only be for a handful of days, so don't worry..."

She giggled,

"I should start packing now, i'll have one of my maids accompany me."

"Wait Tullius wont be here for a few days..."

Too late, as Dales was already out of Lorgar's tent, lightly humming to herself, and heading to pack her stuff for her trip to Falkreath. Lorgar chuckled to himself at the girls young enthusiasm. Lorgar still had a letter to deliver to Gracchus.

Legate Gracchus Ceno
Imperial Camp
Day 5 of Siege, Evening


Lorgar knocked on Gracchus's tent.

"Sir are you there?"

A knock came on the central post of the tent, and Lorgar's voice asked if Gracchus was there.

"Yes, come in Lorgar."

Lorgar saluted, before handing him a letter addressed from General Tullius. It explained to him in detail about the planned operation, the meeting being arranged successfully, the location of the meeting, and the Princess's little "duty".

Gracchus read over the letter, making sure to commit every little detail to memory.

It's happening then. Finally a chance to fix the mistakes I have made.

"Did she agree to this? The princess that is. And I assume Tullius accepted my apology?"

"Sir with respect to you and him, Tullius kinda acts like a dike towards everyone, don't take it personal. And yes the princess is...very enthusiastic about the matter."

"Thank you. I had heard about his...temper, but it is definitely different to experience it. And I expect she is. Dales is not one to be scared. That is one of her redeeming qualities it seems."

"With respect sir, she has many redeeming qualities..."

"Ay, and if she didn't we wouldn't be committing treason for her. So, how did your meeting with General Red-Snow go? Anything I should know?"

"Nothing of importance, sir."

"That's good. So, can we trust Red-Snow?"

"I personally think we..." He hesitated for a second. "Yes I think we can..."

Gracchus took note of Lorgar's hesitation.

"Is it your past together that prevents you from trusting him?"

"Somewhat...also this matter with Dales has me a tad bit worried"

"She will be okay. She is resilient, even more so after the assassination attempt. Speaking of which, what was decided on Colonel Valindil's fate? Our we going to hand him over to the Cloaks?"

"Hand him over to the cloaks, one of Baldur's conditions. Apparently, he might let Dales have some fun with him."

"I figured as much. Is that all you wanted to talk about?"

"Yes sir..."

"You are dismissed then. And Lorgar, thank you for setting this up. We may yet be able to end this conflict without any more unnecessary deaths."

"Right sir.."

And with that Lorgar stepped out of the command tent, put up his hood, and went back to his tent.

I hope we can pull this off. Man need not further weaken ourselves, not when those yellow-skinned heathens are out there, just waiting for a reason to to capture and torture anyone of us. And we can stop them, right here, right now.

Lorgar Grim-maw, Falkreath camp/Dream, Night

Falkreath Forest six months ago

Lorgar slashed at "Baldur" with his two knives, aiming for the head,

"I'll cut you up you [censored]!!!!"

The large Nord dodged to the right, avoiding Lorgar's right hand dagger and brought up the handle of his axe to block the left one.

Lorgar's, usually had at least had a sense of discipline when fighting, not now, his mouth was foaming saliva and he was slashing like a madman at his foe.

Despite the sporadic way that Lorgar moved, Baldur manager to black and parry his every strike with impressive speed for a man of his size. As Lorgar slashed with the ferocity of a wolf, one of his daggers was caught under the hook of Baldur's axe, which he twisted, causing him to lose his right dagger. As this happened, Baldur took a slice to his arm right above the gauntlet. Lorgar could hear him swear under his helmet as he stepped back and kicked the dagger behind him.

Lorgar was in a unfavorable position, so he decided to fall back, he broke off from the attack and ran towards the wood..

As he made his way deeper into the woods, Lorgar could hear Baldur following at his heel. The man was fast for his size, no doubt. Lorgar let out a howl and broke off onto all fours, leaving the other Nord behind. He flew past the trees at inhuman speed until he was sure he'd gotten far enough to be our of sight. As he slowed, he came across a clearing and waited just outside it. Knowing that this was where Baldur would eventually emerge. Just as planned, the large Nord bounded into the clearing almost a minute later before stopping. He was now carrying his war axe again. His shield was in his other hand. The man briefly looked around and started to back towards the tree line. Lorgar pounced from the woods and tackled the Nord. As he raised his remaining dagger in an attempt to stab the Stormcloak's arm, it was pushed off last second and only grazed his pauldron. The man threw forward his head to butt Lorgar's.

Lorgar meet Baldur's head full on with his own, letting out a wolf-like battle-cry as he did.

"When their heads collided, Lorgar while unable to feel the pain, still recoiled from the impact with the metal helmet. As he did, he felt Baldur kick up and roll free. His gaze followed his opponent, who was now standing adjacent to him, shield lost, but still holding onto his Nordic carved war axe, obviously waiting for Lorgar to make his move.

He screamed with a primordial voice,

"BALDUR TAKE OFF YOUR HELMET AND FACE ME"

The armored figure cocked his head to the side for a second before nodding and lifting off his helmet.

Lorgar, had a look of genuine surprise and his voice shifted from his primordial tone to a mix between his primordial tone and his normal voice...

"Bald-....Boldir..."

Indeed, it was Boldir, not Baldur, who stood in front of him. The large man shook his head and moved in on Lorgar. In his shocked state, Lorgar barely managed to deflect a blow from Boldir's axe before being tackled hard to the ground. He blinked in confusion several times before he saw the dark haired Nord's face hovering a foot above his own. He felt the cold metal of an axe against his neck. Boldir shouted at him with a voice that contained mixture of anger and sadness.

"THIS is what you've become Legate?!? What happened?! You're little more than an animal! I remember what happened in Falkreath. I'll be doing you a favor."

Lorgar's fury faded from his face, and was replaced by a face of pure melchonacy. Lorgar could have sworn he saw his own face change color in the reflection in Boldir's axe, and became lighter and more wholesome. Something faded from his eyes, and his voice was fully normal, with it filled with dark sadness,

"Then do it Captain, finish me, i'm nothing but a monster...do it..."

Lorgar let down head in resignation,

Now, as he was raising his axe, Boldir hesitated. Lorgar could not know what was going through his mind at the time, but he thought that he saw a slight sadness appear in the man's eyes. At that moment, a tinge of Lorgar's survivalist instinct came back out. In Boldir's brief moment of hesitation, Lorgar kneed him in the ribs. Of course, the Lieutenant's armor stopped the blow, but the force was enough to drive Boldir back enough that Lorgar could roll out from under him.

Lorgar practically screamed out, this time in a voice devoid of emotion of any kind, fury or sadness, as he stabbed his one remaining dagger into Boldir's left leg,

"No, NO, I have to live for my men, Boldir, I HAVE TO!!!"

He abandoned his dagger in the Stormcloaks leg as he ran away from the clearing,

As he ran, Lorgar looked back to see Boldir crouched down to a knee, pulling the dagger from his leg and throwing it aside. He remained resting on his knee and did not pursue this time. Lorgar looked back away from the man and continued though the woods.

Rebec and Baldur

Falkreath

Morning-Afternoon Day 5 of Siege

Jonus Rato
Falkreath
Day 6 of Siege, Morning

Jonus was leaning against a tree across the street from the damaged Longhouse. Today, the Longhouse was not what was on his mind. It was the building sitting across from it that he was interested in. Lod the blacksmith was already hard at work at the forge this morning, and Jonus knew he would be all day. He watched as a large Stormcloak whom he recognized walked up to the blacksmith to speak with him. Jonus cocked his head as he attempted to make out what the two were talking about.

"Sure thing Boldir. Shouldn't be difficult. I can have them installed by tomorrow around noon."

"Thank you Lod. I'm sure we'll all rest easier knowing that's been closed up. I'll talk to Baldur about paymen-

"Don't worry about it Boldir. I know money's tight right now, and after what happened to Dengier, I'm glad to help the Stormcloaks in any way that I can."


Jonus frowned. Damnit! I guess he's not gonna be one of our supporters then. Doesn't mean he can't still be useful though.

"Thank you Lod. Don't think we'll forget this."

Jonus gave Boldir a nod as he passed by on his way back to the Longhouse. The Captain briefly looked back at him without stopping. Jonus could swear that the man's eyes had narrowed a bit before his head turned.

Is he onto something? He has been spending a lot of time in the tavern lately. Nah, there's no way. Still, we're gonna have to keep an eye on him. I doubt even Malik could take on that brute.

Jonus started at the thought of Malik. The man was supposed to be released yesterday, but the guard on duty at the time happened to hate his guts for some reason, and now Jonus planned to go and see about releasing him today.

Where's Ulren? I need to get this business with Lod taken care of so I can go help Malik.

Almost as if he'd heard Jonus's thoughts, the pompous looking Imperial strode around a corner down the street. Jonus left the tree and walked out to meet him. They shook hands.

"Well met friend. You ready?"

Ulren chuckled before responding in his typical loud and powerful voice. "Am I ready? I am always ready to serve my country Jonus!"

Jonus groaned. He'd lived a Nordic lifestyle his whole life, and rarely actually dealt with his own people. He often forgot how dramatic his Imperial brothers could be. "That's nice Ulren. But we're just here to talk to a blacksmith. No reason to tell the whole town that we're up to something."

"Yeah yeah, I'm Sorry." He said without changing tone at all.

Jonus smiled at his companion. "Thanks." He turned and lead the way to Lod's. Stendar have mercy. This man will be what ruins us.

Lod looked up at Jonus and Ulren as they approached. "Hello sirs. Well dressed Imperials like yourselves, let me guess, you've gotta horse that needs shoein'?"

Jonus smiled. "Not quite. No, my friend here and I are looking to purchase swords. Any recommendations?"

Lod frowned. "Yeah, I recommend the ones in Whiterun. Ol' Gray-Mane's the best around, and he wasn't told to keep the weapon orders exclusive to Stormcloak leadership."

Now Jonus frowned. "Funny. But You know as well as I that no one is leaving this city with this siege going on. Forgive me for wanting to be able to protect my family if the Imperials break through."

"You're a refugee aren't you? I'd know if you were from here. Trust me, General Red-Snow and his men are all the protection you'll need."

"I pray to Talos you're right. And yes, I was a farmer. And a Stormcloak before that until I broke my leg and had to take leave. But my sword arm is still strong, and I'd gladdly kill another Imperial if he were to break through that gate and come after my family. I hope it doesn't happen, but please, don't deny me the ability to protect them. They're all that I have left."

Lod stood silent for a good twenty seconds before finally speaking. "Fine. But keep them hidden. Boldir doesn't want civilians carrying weapons right now. They say the man that killed the Jarl was actually disguised as a civilian."

"Of course." Jonus said as Lod went into his house. "Nobody will know we had them."

Lod returned carrying a long box. "There's two steel longswords and a dagger I threw in. You know this could get me in a lot of trouble, so I'm gonna have to charge double. That'll be one hundred and eighty septims."

Jonus looked back. "Ulren?" Ulren stepped forward and dropped a bag into Lod's arms. He gave an ugly grin as he did it. "That's two hundred septims sir. For the swords, and a little extra as thanks."

Lod looked surprised. Before he could speak, Jonus shook his hand and spoke himself. "No need to thank us. You didn't charge for that dagger anyway. Now we'll get out of here before we get you in trouble." With that, Jonus and Ulren headed back into the street. "Take that box to Jolfnir's house. Leave it closed for now. I've got something to do."

***
Jonus patiently waited at the desk in the barracks for the guardsman to bring Malik out of the prison below. He'd spent ten minutes arguing with the guard and now had spent ten more waiting for him to release Malik, a task that shouldn't take more than two. Finally, he could hear hollering as the guard that had left stormed up with another guard and Malik behind him. The two had apparently been arguing over Malik's release. Jonus stood up from his chair. "So he's free to go?"

One guard grunted. The other answered. "Yup. You keep your friend here away from the mead in the future alright?"

"Noted. Have a nice day officers." As Jonus and Malik made their way out the door, he could here the two resume arguing before it closed. They walked into the streets and towards Jolfnir's house. "That quiet one. He the guy that hated you?"

Malik seemed as calm as ever. "Yup. Wasn't so quiet when he found out I was leaving..." A smile crept across his face. "Or when I bedded his wife."

"You what?!? How in Oblivion could you do that in prison?"

"Men and women aren't kept separate with the overcrowded prison cells. And his wife had had one mead too many several nights ago. Decided to threaten some Stormcloak grunts. She was only in for a night. Was all I needed."

Jonus was incredulous. "You idiot! Do you realize what could've happened if they'd decided to keep you longer? I need y-... Nevermind. You're out now. I got you a sword back at Jolfnir's, and there's a lot of news I need to catch you up on. We've had to make a little change of plans."

"What kind of change?" Malik asked suspiciously.

"Let's just say that we can't wait any longer. I'm taking matters into my own hands now. I just hope you haven't tired in prison. I'm going to need you in shape for the raid tonight."

"Raid?"

"I'll explain inside."

Jonus and Malik continued down the street to Jolfnir's house. Malik feeling confused and Jonus feeling confident and somewhat excited.

Boldir and Jonus
Day 6 of siege
Almost Midnight

Boldir rolled over in his bed. As he usually did, he was dreaming of Whiterun and Carlotta.

***
The Bannered Mare was quiet that night. The only sound was the somber tunes from Boldir's flute filling the room. Carlotta sat next to him on the bench to the right of his chair. About a dozen others, mostly Nords, sat around the fire, mugs in hand. All were content to just sit and listen for the time being. Most bards would say that being a skilled musician requires your full attention and focus. Boldir never found this to be the case. He liked to think he was skilled enough, but his mind almost always wondered away from the music when he played.
I could do it. I could propose to her. There would be no need to return to the fighting. I've done it all my life, and now I'm ready for something different. It's time I settled down. Baldur would understand.
Boldir's mind snapped back to the song as he came to a rather difficult hook near the middle. It was the only part he couldn't play by instinct. The song wasn't one that you'd learn in the Bard's College. It was an unnamed song of Boldir's own making. It was slow, and fairly low for a flute tune, and Boldir had never played it anywhere but by himself. He'd made more additions to it here in Whiterun than he had in the two years he'd spent on it before. Now that he was with Carlotta, he decided that it was a good time to introduce it. He heard an impressed whistle from the audience as he finished the hook. Without stopping, he looked over at Carlotta, who smiled back at him affectionately. Her emerald green eyes were filled with warmth.
Those eyes. Gods they're beautiful.
Boldir knew for sure at that moment that he wanted to see those eyes every day when he woke up. It had been weeks spent in Whiterun now, and he'd never been happier in his entire life than when he was with Carlotta.
Yes... Yes! Yes! Yes! I'll do it! I will do it tomorrow!
Boldir's tune slowly rose in volume and intensity before reaching its end. The crowd clapped and applauded his skill.

"Best one yet Lieutenant!" A Stormcloak guard yelled out from the corner.

Boldir looked at Carlotta, who was now holding his right hand in both of hers.
"I thought I'd heard all of your tunes." She said to him quietly and with her typical slight humorous edge.

"Not all. That one was for you."

Boldir ignored the ruckus from the crowd as he leaned down and kissed Carlotta. Which she returned passionately. His eyes closed as they held it for several seconds before pulling back. She looked at him with a solemn, yet happy expression.

"I... I love you Boldir."

"I love you too Carlotta."

***
Jonus looked up at the moon. It was almost midnight. His plans were about to go into motion. He stood at the edge of town, near the wall, with his dark cloak on and the cowl pulled over his head. He reached down and felt the hilt of the dagger Lod had given him protruding from his belt. He had it hidden under the cloak. He didn't plan on using it, but he felt good to finally have some defense in the event of someone getting onto him. Jonus wouldn't be meeting with Malik and the others. They knew what to do. This was a minor raid, but it would make the statement that he needed. He heard the bird whistle signal coming from the Stormcloak camp. He pulled out a potion vial and downed it. The darkness around him was replaced by a light shade of blue as the night eye took effect. From where he stood, Jonus could make out the large shadowed form of Malik followed by two others stealthily moving for the closest of four large tents in the Stormcloak camp. He knew that the soldiers wouldn't be able to see them like he could in this darkness. They disappeared from sight as they went prone in the grass twenty meters from the tent. After several minutes, Jonus saw the shadowed shape of a guard standing by the tent entrance unexpectedly go down as Malik rose beside the man's side and quickly wrapped his arm around the man's neck in a choke hold, dragging him to the ground as he did it. Malik rose back up and dragged the now dead body with him into the tent. The two other shapes rose from the ground and followed. Jonus waited another couple of minutes before the three shadowed figures left the tent in crouched sneaking positions. They hurried off in the direction of a nearby hideout. Intentionally avoiding the direction they knew Jonus would be watching from. It wasn't but fifteen seconds later when Jonus had to close his eyes as a blinding white light began to spread around the tent. He left them closed for several seconds so that the night eye would disappear before looking again. What he saw brought a smile to his face. In the middle of the darkness was a great fire burning. He could hear shouting from soldiers all around it.
Perfect. Jonus turned and headed back to Jolfnir's house, feeling the content that could only be felt from a plan gone right.

***
Most of the guests were gone now, and no music was really necessary, but Boldir raised up his flute again anyway, more for fun than anything. Before he could start playing however, Carlotta put her hand on his arm and brought it back down. He looked at her and she smiled up at him.

"You know, Mila won't expect me back home for a couple hours still..."

Boldir returned the smile, but wasn't sure what to think. Let alone say. This was the first time he'd ever heard Carlotta say anything that seemed to imply that Mila wasn't her first priority at the time.

"You've still got your room upstairs rented. Do you think that... Maybe..."

Boldir's brows raised. "Are you implying what I think you are?"

She looked a little nervous. "Yes."

Boldir felt his heart begin to thud in his chest. He knew how Carlotta felt about things like this. And despite the fact that he'd never even made a move for it, he didn't want her to think he wanted them to have six if she wasn't really ready.
"You're sure?"

Carlotta's face grew confident. "Yes."

Boldir nodded and smiled. "Right this way then."
He lead her to his room upstairs. As he entered he heard the door close and Carlotta immediately came onto him with a kiss, pushing him towards the bed. As he backed up, Boldir heard a deep voice boom out across the room.

"WAKE UP!"

***
Boldir stirred in his bed. It couldn't have been much past midnight.

"Come on, wake up you lazy Nord! They're right outside!"

Boldir opened his eyes. "Jodun?" He turned his head toward the voice. He could swear it wasn't coming from his head this time. It seemed to be coming from his satchel on his desk. He sat up.
"Who's there?"

As usual, nobody was there.

Boldir stood and walked over to the satchel and opened it. All that was inside was a wadded up piece of paper and the flute Jodun had given him.

Huh... What was that he said about outside?

Boldir hurried down the stairs, still in his sleeping trousers and a green tunic. All he'd grabbed on the way out was his war axe. He walked down the street aways before being starled by a large fire erupting out of nowhere in the Stormcloak camp at the edge of town.

"Shor's beard!" Before he started to head for the camp, he noticed three figured running by in the corner of his eye. Boldir turned and sprinted after them. One of them yelled out.
"Damnit! How did we miss him?"

The three men split up into different directions. Boldir sprinted after one of the dark figures, easily catching up with and tackling the man. Who grunted as he hit the ground. Boldir flipped him over and looked at his face. It looked like a normal enough red beared Nord. Not one Boldir'd ever seen though. He looked up. The other two figures were gone.

Doesn't matter. This one will be enough.
"Get up!" Boldir dragged the man to his feet.

"I'm not gonna bother with the likes of you right now. We'll see if you're the talkative sort in the morning. If not, we'll make you one."

Boldir, lacking bindings, just put his axe to the man's neck and led him to the prison.
"I'll have fun talking to you tomorrow." He pushed the man forward with his left hand. "Now move"

The worried prisoner spoke as he was walking.
"You're gonna torture me aren't you?!"

Boldir had no intentions of torturing the man, but he didn't answer. Instead, he just grimaced and said his own piece.
"You know, you've definitely done a good job of pissing me off tonight.

...I was having a good dream."

Eduard Laenius-Outside of Falkreath, Day 7 of the Siege, Early Morning

Eduard woke up, tired, but ready to get to work.

This training has been extremely difficult without an actual person teaching me. Maybe I should get Jon to come help me. He is about as skilled as Jodun was.

Eduard had been practicing the techniques Jodun had used whenever he had spare time. He was getting better, but he was far from combat ready. He was considering writing Jon on the matter, but he didn't want to distract him from protecting Livia.

Maybe when I write to them after the siege, I could ask for some pointers. I really should have taken his offer to teach me, back after Slipshot. Along with that magic training he offered...

He finally arrived at the spot in the woods he had been using to train. He pulled out the two ebony scimitars, that he made sure were in pristine condition. He had become pretty decent at the twirling and the overall flow, but he still wasn't very good at translating that into offensive maneuvers.

Alright, time to get to work.

He began to spin the blades at a high rate of speed, as Jodun had done at the beginning of their fight. Eduard had all but mastered this part of the fight. Then he twirled the swords in the same way he remembered Jodun twirling them when he deflected the first dagger. Then came the first part he hadn't mastered.

The first strike...

He attempted to recreate the first attack of the fight, but once again, he nearly lost control, resulting in a very weak strike.

Ugh... I'll get this right eventually.

He spun the swords up again and again, each ending with a first strike with varying success. Sometimes it would be a decent strike, other times not so much. A few times he actually landed a strong strike. But he was too inconsistent.

This training isn't over until I get this move right, and get it right consistently.

He continued to go through the motions, until at last, he landed 10 decent strikes in a row. Well, 8 decent strikes, 2 strong. He decided that was good enough for physical training.

I wonder what if what I'm doing is the right thing? Should I really be trying to remember the man that tried to kill me? I mean, I guess it will help me survive, but that's not why I'm doing it. I'm quite capable of handling myself. But what about him has been different? I've killed countless people. I've never dwelled on it this long. Is it what he said? Was it how he carried himself? I really need to finish this training soon. All of this crap is really distracting, and I'll be glad to be done with it... I wonder how Livia's doing. I really wish I didn't have to burden Jon with protecting her. But I have too many enemies. I couldn't just leave her alone. However, he's almost done. In about a week, I'll finally have secured a house in the city, where bandits won't be able to kidnap her. I'll still ask Jon to check on her, but it won't be as time consuming. Besides, it'll be good to work with Jon again.

He got up, and decided to shoot his bow. It was one activity that always relaxed him...