» Sat Mar 09, 2013 11:56 am PROLOGUE
“It’s the Imperials! Take cover!” Ralof hissed to Nakota. Immediately, the young Redguard spun around and crouched opposite the gate from Ralof. With their backs to the cold, damp walls of the keep, they waited silently for the Imperials to open the gate. Nakota could hear them talking hurriedly, but he dared not make a sound. As the gate opened, Nakota looked at Ralof who raised his hand as if telling Nakota to wait. The Imperials rushed through, oblivious to their presence. As soon as they passed, Ralof nodded at Nakota, and the two stood up and as if in perfect unison, cleaved them in the back with their axes. Nakota immediately recognized his target; the Imperial Captain from earlier who sent him to the execution block. She dropped to her knees and in that moment Nakota withdrew her sword from its scabbard. Slowly, her eyes moved up and a look of shock crossed her face as she identified her attacker.
“The…rebel…” she said with a struggle.
Nakota tightened his grip on the sword. “I already told you people I’m not a rebel, and yet you sent me to my execution. Do you remember what I said?”
Before she had a chance to answer, he ran her sword clean through her chest. He tilted her head up, blood dripping from her mouth. He could tell she only had a few moments left to live. He leaned in close to her ear.
“In this life or the next,” he whispered, “I will kill you.”
And with that he violently withdrew the Captain’s bloodstained sword and tossed it aside. The Captain fell onto her side, sending her helmet rolling across the floor.
Nakota jolted awake, disturbing his wife.
“What is it, love?” Muiri asked him.
“Just another dream. Sorry I woke you,” he said settling back into bed.
Muiri looked at him sternly. “Are you sure? You were tossing and turning. Not to mention you jolted awake.”
Nakota sighed. “It was from two years ago; the day I escaped Helgen with Ralof. I owe that man my life, and yet I can’t help but feel that I have betrayed him…”
Muiri sat up and placed her hand on Nakota’s cheek. “None of that, my love. You have chosen a path that only you can follow. You told me a long time ago that the Empire and the Stormcloaks are repulsive, and I’ve come to agree with you. If ever you doubt yourself, just remember that I will always be by your side.”
Nakota gave a deep, comforted sigh, holding Muiri’s hand upon his cheek. “I know you will,” he said. They both lay down, with Nakota wrapping his arm around Muiri. Of all the people he had coincidentally happened to have helped in Skyrim, she was the only one who said that she would never forget him, and he of course never forgot her. She gave his life stability and comfort, something he hadn’t had in years. The storms in his heart were always calmed by her words, and for that he was truly grateful. As they fell asleep once more, the night continued its long march until the light of the sun soon graced Proudspire Manor. Nakota awoke in the warmth of the morning sun through the bedroom window. He slowly got out of bed, careful not to disturb Muiri. He threw on some comfortable robes and descended the stairs to the kitchen area, where a heavenly aroma greeted him. His housecarl Jordis Sword-Maiden was awake and waiting for him.
“Good morning, my Thane.” She said brightly. “How did you sleep?”
“Well enough,” Nakota lied. “Do you have any news for me?”
“Yes, my Thane. A courier came by with this letter for you.”
“A letter? For me? Great, it’s probably some threat, or I’m being sent on another tedious mission.”
Nakota took the letter from Jordis and opened it. He was pleasantly surprised to see that it was from his sister Freya in Sentinel. Happily relieved, Nakota sat and read the letter.
Dearest Nakota,
Skyrim sounds like such a beautiful place. Having come into a bit of spare coin, I have decided to see it for myself and pay you a long overdue visit. I will be travelling with a guard, so there’s no need to worry. By the time this letter reaches you, I should be in Markarth and should arrive in Solitude the day after. Don’t worry, I won’t intrude. I’ve arranged to stay at the Winking Skeever for the duration of my stay. Looking forward to seeing you!
Love,
Freya
“Well this is a pleasant surprise; my sister intends to visit me from Hammerfell! It’s been far too long.”
“I’m happy for you, my Thane,” said Jordis.
“Jordis, we’ve been over this; call me Nakota. I despise formality.”
“Very well, my th- Nakota.”
Nakota cracked a wide grin upon seeing Jordis struggle with her new orders. He stood up and went to the kitchen, where he found some of Jordis’ now-famous breakfast buns, taking one for him and another for Jordis. They were soon joined by a yawning Muiri who was as drawn to the aroma as Nakota was. As she sat down, she noticed the letter.
“Oh, no. What kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into, Nakota?” she said with a touch of worry.
“None at all,” he said. “In fact, my sister Freya is going to be visiting tomorrow. She’s staying at The Winking Skeever apparently.”
“Oh! My goodness, I’ve always wanted to meet your sister but this feels so sudden. Do… Do you think she’ll like me?” Muiri asked quietly.
“Don’t worry, she’ll love you.”
“I certainly hope so. From the stories you tell, she seems like a really nice person.”
“I too look forward to meeting your sister,” said Jordis. “I want to see if there’s any resemblance.”
“I would like to hear her stories about Hammerfell. I’ve never been but I’d love to hear about how different it is from Skyrim. I can’t imagine living in a desert.” A thought had evidently crossed Muiri’s mind, as she snapped her head up. “We should invite her over for tea. It’ll be a great for us all to get to know each other better. Jordis, you are more than welcome to join us.”
“You honour me, Lady Indalas.”
“Great,” began Nakota. “Nothing like having three women gang up on me and share embarrassing stories about me.”
Muiri and Jordis simply gave muffled giggles into their breakfast. The day came and went quick enough with Muiri working in her modest apothecary, and with Nakota and Jordis dealing with a den full of bandits just outside the city. Returning home, they chanced upon Freya. She looked younger than she was, and was paler than any other Redguard woman. She had brown hair like her mother, but her father’s ocean-blue eyes. Nakota called out to her, making her jump slightly. She turned to see who called her and upon seeing Nakota, ran to him and leapt into his arms.
“By the Gods, it’s good to see you again!” she squealed.
“Same here,” Nakota said with a chuckle. “I see you made it safe and sound.”
“Yeah, but what about you? You look awful,” she said glancing at a cut on Nakota’s face.
“Oh, that’s from earlier today,” he said plainly. “I was hired to retrieve some stolen items and clear out bandits from a cave. Which reminds me; Freya, this is Jordis the Sword-Maiden. Jordis, this is my sister Freya.”
“Pleased to meet you,” said Freya politely.
“The honour is mine, Freya. Nakota,” she said, turning to face him. “You never told me your sister was a grown woman, and such a beautiful one at that.”
“Hey, she’s my still my little sister.”
“Yeah, by just under two years. He’s always treated me like a kid, Jordis. Which reminds me, I now run and partly own the White Foam Inn in Sentinel,” she said with pride.
“Congratulations,” said Jordis.
They walked and talked all the way to Proudspire Manor, which took Freya by surprise. “Goodness, Nakota; you live here?! It’s practically a castle!”
“Jarl Elisif the Fair was very generous to me after I helped her people and did a personal favour for her. She named me Thane of Solitude and rewarded me with this manor and my housecarl, Jordis.”
“A what-now?”
“A Thane,” Jordis interrupted, “is someone of great importance to the Jarl and the city they represent. We housecarls are duty-bound to serve and protect our Thanes.”
“Wow, Nakota. You’ve certainly moved up in life,” said Freya.
Just then, they heard footsteps coming from the basemant. Muiri had evidently come home early. She rounded the corner and upon spotting Freya, went to greet her.
“Oh my goodness, you must be Freya. Nakota has told me so much about you. Heh, I guess good looks run in your family.”
“And you! It’s so nice to finally meet you, Muiri. Nakota always said you were beautiful, but words simply don’t do you justice.”
Muiri blushed. “I… Thank you. Please, come to the kitchen. I’ll put on some tea,” she said.
They all sat around the table as Muiri unhooked the cooking pot and attached the tea kettle over the fire. “What kind of tea would everyone like? I have snowberry, juniper, and spruce.”
“I’d like to try snowberry tea, thank you,” said Freya.
“I’ll have that as well,” said Nakota.
“I will have what everyone is having, my Lady,” said Jordis.
“Very well then, snowberry tea all around,” Muiri said with a smile. She put the tea bags into the tea pot and sat down with the rest. “So tell me Freya, how was your journey? Nice, I hope?”
“For the most part, yes. I’ve never been as used to the cold as Nakota, so coming this far north has been a bit of a shock. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful province. Solitude looks so regal and imposing. You have a beautiful home here.”
“Thank you. It’s always nice to have good company, especially in these difficult times. I know our weather must be frightfully different to the hot deserts and warm plains of Hammerfell.”
“Ha, indeed it is. I’m ever so glad I decided to visit in the summer! You and Nakota must visit us this winter. Dymon and I are getting married, and our mother is dying to meet the woman who stole her son’s heart.”
Muiri looked at Nakota. “I’m afraid he’s the one who stole mine,” she said, causing Nakota to blush and scratch the back of his head. “Nakota always speaks fondly of Hammerfell. I would love to visit it someday.”
“As if you’re getting married,” Nakota said. “You’re younger than me.”
“So? Dymon and I love each other. We get along well, and run the White Foam Inn together. Why shouldn’t we get married?” Freya scoffed.
“It just… Feels weird.” Was all Nakota could offer.
“No offense, but I’m older than you and I’m not married,” said Jordis. There was Nakota’s awkward silence, followed by the deep laughs of Freya, Muiri and Jordis. While they were all having a good laugh at Nakota’s expense, the kettle started to whistle. Muiri stood up and carefully poured the piping hot water into the tea pot, the tea bags turning the water a deep red.
“Before I forget, mom sent this package for you,” Freya said as she withdrew a package from her bag and handed it to Nakota. “She told me not to open it until I was with you, but I think it’s a book of some kind. She said it was really important.”
With an air of curiosity, Nakota opened the package. Sure enough, it was a book; a leather-bound journal to be precise. Attached to it was a letter from Anora, Freya and Nakota’s mother.
Dear Nakota,
This journal belongs to Ailan Nazcavar, the Champion of Cyrodiil and Divine Crusader. It was delivered to me by a Dunmer named Ravos Sarethi who claimed to be a distant relative of ours. I was unsure at first, but it turns out your Great Great Great Grandmothers were sisters. From what he told me, your ancestor Dael Indalas hid the journal away before running away from home. The Sarethis have been trying to track us down for generations to return this to us. I have highlighted some pages that you may find most interesting and fascinating.
Much Love,
Mom
Nakota turned to the relevant pages and each revelation hit him like a giant’s hammer. The others could see that something was wrong, since Nakota had never reacted like this before. He seemed absolutely shocked and bewildered.
“What is it, Love?” Muiri asked with incredible concern.
“I-I… We’re…” Nakota stammered, eventually cupping his mouth with his hand.
“Nakota, what is it?!” Freya said while standing up and rushing to his side. Muiri took the letter from Nakota and began to read it. Her eyes widened when she read what Nakota had read.
“Oh my goodness… He’s… You’re! Oh… Oh my… Your ancestor was the Champion of Cyrodiil, the Divine Crusader…And… Sheogorath?!”
“WHAT?!” yelped Freya.
“I-It says right here on these pages. Y-Your ancestor, Ailan Nazcavar, the Champion of Cyrodiil and Divine Crusader, was last seen heading to investigate the mysterious gate on an island that appeared in the Niben Bay. He was slowly corrupted by Sheogorath and began to take on his Mantle- Oh my…” Muiri was a muttering mess, but tried to press on through the sheer shock and doing her best to keep her composure. “He… He briefly returned to Mundus when he befriended and fell in love with a Dunmer widow named… Ilmeni Indalas. She…She died in childbirth, which caused him to go mad and… He became The Mad God himself. That’s the last entry…”
Nakota finally spoke, causing them all to twitch slightly. “It turns out that Ailan was originally going to search for his older brother Dael in Morrowind, but was jailed and ended up becoming much more than a prisoner. My ancestor was one of the most famous heroes of the Third Era, and now me… The Dragonborn…”
“Are… Are you alright, my Thane?” Jordis asked hesitantly.
“Excuse me, but I think I need some air,” he said. Without hesitation, he leapt to his feet and made a bee-line for the patio door. The cool evening air sharpened his senses as he tried to calm his thoughts. As he tried to bring his mind under control, the door creaked open and Muiri peered around the corner.
“Um, Freya said she had to go and has left for the Winking Skeever.”
“Huh?! Oh, okay,” he muttered.
Muiri approached him and put her arm around his shoulder. “Please… Nakota, please tell me what troubles you.”
“It’s just… A lot to take in. I mean, I thought I was the first in my family to have done something absolutely incredible, but I find out it’s been done before. By the Gods, my ancestor is apparently The Mad God himself!”
“Shh, it’s okay. Please come back inside. You’ll catch cold out here,” she said gently directing Nakota to the door. They returned inside, where Jordis was waiting for them.
“Is… Is there anything I can do for you, my Thane?” She said without being sure of herself.
“No, no. Just relax. I think we all need to try and relax…” He muttered as Muiri lead him upstairs.
Later that night, Nakota’s mind was awhirl with thoughts and ideas. He sighed deeply, unsure of his thoughts and still attempting to process what had been revealed to him earlier in the day. Muiri turned over to face him.
“You’re still awake?” she asked.
“Could you sleep if you were me?”
“I suppose not,” she admitted.
“Muiri, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course, my love. What is it?”
“Do you think I could be Emperor?”
“Um, sorry?” she said completely puzzled.
“Do you think I could be Emperor?”
“Well, I don’t know…”
“Well, there are rumours flying around the province that the Emperor is dead, and few of his relatives still live. The current Empire is weak and essentially a puppet of the Thalmor and the Stormcloaks are selfish, racist separatists who fail to see the bigger picture. I was told by Paarthurnax himself that having the blood and soul of a dragon makes me naturally want to dominate and conquer, which is rather true… Shortly after I arrived here, I felt that both sides of the war were wrong and that Tamriel was rotting away. I have long since felt that I would make a better ruler, as terrible, shameful and selfish that is of me…”
“Nakota, you know I agree with you. Do you remember what I told you last night? I will always be by your side, no matter what path you take. You’re right; the Empire is weak and the Stormcloaks are selfish romantics. Skyrim is indebted to you and many of the Jarls respect you. If you feel that the only way you can truly change things is by your own hand, then so be it. Whether you are the Emperor, or a simple man making a living, I will love you.”
Nakota kissed her. “You’re the best, Muiri.”
“I’m curious though,” she began again. “Why the sudden question? Is it because of that journal?”
“Partly,” admitted Nakota. “I couldn’t help but notice how greatness had been conferred upon a few of my ancestors, yet they never took proper control and look where it led them? If they had been a bit more assertive rather than trying to be heroes to everyone around them, then maybe my father wouldn’t have died and my family’s accomplishments would not have been lost to history. It just made me wonder; if I don’t really make a name for myself, will I just condemn myself and my family to history? We’ve evidently been touched by fate and saved Tamriel, yet the descendants of a Colovian warlord sit upon a throne that has lost almost all of its power and influence.”
“Those are good points…” Muiri said while gazing at her navel. She looked up at Nakota and met his gaze. “A lot of people will die if you take this course of action. Some of them won’t deserve it.”
“I know. Believe me, I know…” Nakota said heavily. “But I can’t sit idly by and let things continue. At this rate, the Thalmor will dominate Tamriel, and I refuse to stand-by while that happens.”
“Then you do what you must. I will be by your side,” Muiri said, giving Nakota a reassuring kiss.
All night, he wrestled with his mind and weighed his options. Learning from Paarthurnax, he meditated on his thoughts, trying to calm his mind as best he could and focusing on a course of action that was beneficial to him. Eventually, the course of action revealed itself to him, clear as day. Everything fell into place and all was calm. He knew exactly what to do now.
Early in the morning, Nakota rose out of bed, threw on some clothes and headed for the Winking Skeever to retrieve his sister. When he had collected her and her luggage, he brought her back to Proudspire Manor where Muiri was making breakfast. He summoned Jordis and declared that he had an announcement.
“All last night, I wrestled with my thoughts. It was by no means an easy decision, but… I have decided to try and become Emperor. Tamriel is rotting and everyone is too distracted and self-absorbed to really fix it. The Empire is weak, and the Stormcloaks delusional. I want to make Tamriel a better place for all, and be rid of this wretched Era.” Nakota said succinctly.
Muiri was prepared, and simply breathed deeply. Freya was having trouble believing the words coming from her brother’s mouth, and Jordis was simply waiting for someone else to speak. After what felt like an eternity to Nakota, Freya spoke.
“Nakota, don’t say such silly things,” she said with a nervous laugh. He looked her dead in the eye and told her he was serious. She knew her brother well enough to know when he was dead-set on something. His eyes told her how very serious he was. “B-But… Why? How?” Freya stammered.
“I have a plan and I will use my connections to my utmost advantage. My mind cannot be changed on this, but I will ask for your support. Jordis, will you support me?”
Jordis the Sword-Maiden snapped out of her daze. “I-I serve my Thane. If this course of action is what my Thane desires to pursue… then I will do what my Thane commands.”
“Muiri, I know you are with me,” Nakota said motioning her to his side. Freya was even more shocked.
“Muiri, you too?!”
“He is my husband, and has yet to lead me astray or prove me wrong. I am his wife, and I will support him no matter what path he takes.”
“Freya,” Nakota said as kindly as possible. “I can’t do this alone. I would like to know that at least someone in my family supports me.”
“By the Gods,” Freya said exasperated. “I’m outnumbered either way, I suppose…”
