This is my first full length fan fiction. I've worked on it for a while now, and its pretty close to completion. I'm excited to get it out to you guys because I really like the story, and I hope you guys do to. Its based about 5 years after the end of the Oblivion Crisis, the rest you'll find out in the story. I don't think there has been a story like this on the forums before, and I hope you find it original. I'm open to all replies, anything from complements to trashing the writing, its all welcome. Constructive criticism is especially helpful. I am, however, going to finish the story regardless. And sorry in advance for any mistakes I may have missed. I'll post a new segment every other day. Thanks for reading and enjoy.


1:Conflicting Symmetry

The pounding on the wooden door to his quarters came as a rude awakening to a disoriented Chancellor Ocato. He struggled to pull himself out from under the covers of his bed, feeling his ailing body rearrange itself from its lying position. He tried to stand up, pushing himself forcefully off the bed, but could not keep his balance. His frail body crashed to the ground, but he was too determined to feel the pain. Slowly, carefully he rose onto his feet again, this time to stay. He was used to the fall, and the pain did not faze him anymore. He limped across his carefully laid out quarters to the mirror on the opposite side of the room. The room was always well kept, too well kept to ever to feel comfortable in. The bed always made with the finest fabrics and the rug always beaten dustless. As he reached the mirror, he tripped again, this time catching himself on the desk before impact. He leaned heavily on his arms, the veins raised in his wrinkled hands as they supported the rest of his body. Tentatively he raised his head to peer at the reflection in the mirror in front of him. How much can change in five years? The answer was in front of him in the mirror, in the blood left from the fall on the floor, the zeppelin flying past in the window, but he didn't want to believe it. His hair was white, white like the moon in the sky, the skin on his face was sagging and pallor, without any trace of the golden high elf he used to be. His hair had begun to grey five years ago, during the heat of the Oblivion Crisis, and events ever since have made him gray all over. Gray, boring, stale, useless. Gray. He turned, disgusted by the face in the mirror, the blood on the floor, the zeppelin in the window. He stumbled toward the wardrobe to dress in his cloak. He needed to be ready in fifteen minutes for the Elder Council Meeting. It would take him double that time to make it down the stairs.


The pounding on the wooden door came as a rude awakening to Jannus Servasive. He grunted as he threw the covers off his body. He quickly sat up and got out of the bed, his muscular legs pulsating beneath him. Turning back to the bed he admired the beauty of the young imperial girl lying there, still fast asleep. Great body, but not so much for conversation he recollected. Great name to, though it escaped him for the moment. He growled again, not caring what her name was or how old she was or how worried her father was at that very moment. All he knew was that he being the Champion of Cyrodil was quite the turn on to that young gal. Suddenly he let himself fall forward, the ground racing up to meet him. At the last second before impact, his muscular hands stopped his fall, his nose half an inch from the ground. Effortlessly he pumped out a hundred push-ups. Afterwards he strapped on his armor and retrieved his war hammer from the corner of the room. As he opened the door, he glanced back one last time at the damsel on the bed. Suddenly she started to stir, and with battle sharpened reflexes he closed the door to go down to the Elder Council meeting.


Roland Serviticus stepped confidently through Green Emperors Way. The guards to his left and right kept perfect pace with him, a sign of their stone-like discipline. He was on his way to the elder council meeting, and although it was early in the morning, and although he had not slept the night before, he was wide awake and completely alert. Being alert and focused was a way of life to him. Focus had made him what he was. And what a man he was. Out of all the diplomats at the meeting, he would be the only one in dressed in his Imperial Armor. He would be the only one in pristine physical condition and the only one prepared to fight in a battle. But for some reason such a confident man felt uneasy in the confines of the Imperial city. He felt much more comfortable on the battlefield, in a bunker planning the next invasion, the next assault. His pace slowed as he reached the doors to the imperial palace, and silently his entourage whisked open both doors and allowed him to step through into the cool, dank hall. Ahead of him the two palace guards standing alert in front of the Elder council doors bowed as they opened the for him to enter. Roland Serviticus stepped confidently into the loud abrasive noise of the Elder Council.


Ocato sat in his chair around the edge of the huge table in the center of the Elder Council Hall. All the elders from the Empire were gathered there, an event which had not happened since the end of the oblivion crisis. All were talking except Ocato. Some arguing. Some talking. Some vying for power. Ocato was sitting silently, his head supported by his left arm which was propped on the arm of his chair. Suddenly, all went quiet as the doors to the great hall opened. General Serviticus strided through them leisurely and took his place directly opposite Ocato. At last the meeting could begin. A young man stood from his seat to the right of Ocato, and demanded the attention of the council. His name was Garnet Ocatium. He had a skinny, frail appearance, however that far from defined him. His face was gaunt like the rest of him, and as he began to speak every vein and muscle of his neck seemed to dance.

"Thank you all for coming," he recited coolly. "As I'm sure you all know this is the third council meeting we have had in twice as many days. Needless to say, the Chancellor and I hope that this meeting will resolve the conflicts that have made this council meet so frequently, and let us all go back to the normal business of empire. That said, what we have ahead of us is no simple task. Simply put, it has been five years since the assassinations and, more importantly, the end of the Oblivion Crisis; it is time for us to choose a new ruler or even a ruling body. Before we open the floor to discussion, I would like to put forward a plan that myself, the chancellor and several other elders have concocted. Under the proposed plan, Chancellor Ocato would be made Emperor and a new governing body would be created with?"

"I'll be damned before some golden rod will be emperor!" a burly looking Nord from across the table shouted as he rose from his chair to interrupt the speech.

"I second that opinion." a voice piped in from another corner of the room.

"And what exactly is wrong with Ocato being emperor?" This came from the imperial seated to the left of Ocato.

" The true question is, what exactly is right with Ocato being emperor?" a Breton sitting four seats from Ocato inquired, a little too loud to simply be a thought.

Suddenly the hulking figure of Jannus Servasive rose from his seat, two away from Ocato. "Alright, I've had just about enough of all this arguing. All you big-wig diplomats can shout and [censored] all ya' want at each other, but at the end of the day, Ocato's gonna be the god-damned emperor, got it? I'm the Champion of the whole blasted Cyrodil, an' the people out their love me. So when I say Ocato's gonna be emperor, the people are sayin' Ocato's gonna be emperor. Any questions?"

"Oh keep it in your pants Jannus." a voice jabbed from somewhere by the doors into the great hall.

"Who the hell said that? Huh? Show me your face." Servasive hollered, his voice reverberating off the stone walls, bouncing to and fro around the room.

"That would be me," Roland Serviticus said coolly as he stood from his seat. "All this hooting and shouting has all been in vain anyway." Now he turned to face Ocato. "Chancellor, you may pronounce yourself Emperor, but I call King." Laughs were heard around the room from everyone, except those within the peripheral vision of Ocato.
"Further more," Serviticus continued, " and this is in all seriousness, I don't agree with your current proposal, Ocato. And as the highest ranking general in the army as of the moment, I believe that without my will, your bid for emperor is ultimately destined for failure. And even further more?"

"That is enough Roland. You and I shall deliberate privately in my quarters. As for the rest of you, this council is dismissed until further notice." Ocato recited as he rose from his chair and started for the door.

Across the room a small grin crept over the chiseled face of Roland Servticus. Suddenly he to rose from his place and, along with his entourage of guards, headed toward Ocato's quarters.


The air was thick and stale in Ocato's quarters, with the tension between the two parties not helping the uncomfortable conditions. Ocato was resting in his chair behind an oak desk. Elven made, and extremely elaborate; its glossy finish reflected the candles on the walls. Behind Ocato was Jannus Servasive, leaning on his war hammer as he glared at the guards standing tall behind where Serviticus was seated. Serviticus was in a luxurious arm chair, slouched back nonchalantly, an air of relaxation reverberating from him in the tension filled room.

"Let's drop the garbage, Roland," Ocato started, "because we're both lying to eachother."

"What have I lied about?" replied Serviticus, a thin grin still present on his face.

"I know you are still controlling the legions, even though the last fighting ended five months ago. I know your fortifying the Skyrim and Morrowind borders. I know you've been concentrating your power."

"And how do you know all this?"

"He told me."

"Oh, so you're still letting that abomination walk around the city, huh, Ocato? Well that is just precious."

" That's another topic entirely. I'll be frank. I'm giving you an ultimatum, Roland. You currently have 100,000 soldiers under your coalition; I want 95,000 back under imperial control in 3 months, the rest you can use to settle your little 'uprisings'."

The grin vanished from Serviticus's face. "Damn it Ocato. You really think you're in any position to give me orders? The legions consist of 150,000 troops, 100,000 of which have sworn allegiance to me. And you're going to give me an ultimatum? Besides all my legions are bogged down quelling unrest in Valenwood, northern Skyrim, and southern Morrowind. Pulling them out?"

"I know you're lying to me, Roland. There are no rebellions. You just won't concede your power."

"Who the hell are you to?"

All of the sudden a book fell from its self on the wall. Then the rest, and soon the whole room was shaking. Serviticus stood from his chair; his guards drew their swords and stepped closer to the desk, which was countered by the silent Jannus Servasive throwing his hammer over his massive shoulder. As fast as the commotion started, it stopped with a bright flash in the middle of the room. Suddenly a tall figure in a flowing black cloak was standing, facing, Ocato's desk.

"Greetings Xeno." The chancellor spoke.

"You summoned me." The new arrival replied.

"What the hell is this about!?" Serviticus shouted, his two guards now standing between him and the visitor, swords drawn.

"Well Serviticus, since you pledge that you don't lie about the legions, I figured you wouldn't mind if Xeno here takes a dive into your thoughts to deliver the complete truth."

Silently, the tall figure turned to face Serviticus. He was the tallest Altmer anyone in the room had ever seen, and his figure was almost identical to any other high elf. His skin was a different story. It was pale white with a blue hint to it. He was incredibly skinny, veins pronounced out of his forearms and hands that weren't cover by his cloak. He had a shaved bald head on top of his lean face. But his eyes. No pupil could be found. Only a dark mahogany color filled them. Slowy, he raised the palm of his hand to Serviticus.

"You try anything I'll bleed you out." one of Serviticus's guards warned.

"That's it! I've had enough!" Serviticus hollered. "I'm sick and tired of you and your old ways, Ocato. The emperors are dead and so are your ancient traditions. The empire needs a new body, a new structure and it is increasingly obvious to me that you are not its bearer. Four years ago, when you were still shocked by The Crisis, the council gave me the responsibility to reunite the faltering empire. 6 months ago I succeeded. I brought Morrowind, Skyrim, Valenwood, and your beloved Isles back under control of the Empire. I am the Hero of Tamriel. And I will save it once again from you!"

And with that Serviticus stormed out of the quarters, his guards close behind.

"Any other meaningless tasks you require from me?" The low, monotone voice of Xeno echoed out into the corridors through the now open doors.



Thats it for the first segement. The next will be posted on 12/23

The first thing I noticed was the huge blocks of text in the first and second paragraphs. This is sometimes a repellant for readers. It hurts the eyes after a bit of reading. Good story so far. looking forward to further installments.

Interesting!

Loved it. There were a few minor grammatical mistakes but those could be fixed if you just read it out loud to yourself, they aren't hard to miss. So far its a great story. Love how right off the bat you have a very interesting plot growing, conflicts already visible, and some mysterious characters appearing. Can't wait to read more.

I didn't mind the "walls of text". In fact; I thought they were exactly the right length but then again; I'm not a casual reader. I devour books and stories.
Can't wait the climix of this political game. Very well written!

Thanks for the feedback. In response to one sugestion, do you no of any way to reduce the whole wall of text thing without cutting it into more paragraphs. It is set up like that so the reader clearly sees the change of topic, but if you know a way to set the spacing between lines a little better please let me know. Again, thanks for the feedback.

You can divide it into smaller paragraphs, then when doing a topic change do this:


***

And start the next topic here.

What it boils down to is eye stress and burnout from these moniters, and so what would normally be fairly easy to read becomes a chore when your eyes feel like they are burning from staring at a PC screen.

Its of course different for everyone, but yes the majority of people don't like large pieces of text. Just break it up a bit more for those who don't want to strain themselves to read someone else's work not knowing if it's even worth it or not.

2: A Day in the Life

3/07
11:13 During our daily meeting, Veronica tells me that she would like me to keep a journal of my activities.

11:14 I inform Veronica that I have already begun my journal. She asks me how this possible seeing I don't have any paper, or writing utensil. I tell her that I can keep my journal mentally, as things happen to me. She ponders for several seconds, and then writes something on her notebook. Then she continued with the regular questioning. What have I been studying? Have I learned anything new?

11:20 Veronica surprises me with a specific question at the end our meeting. "Xeno, do you ever feel separated?" Those were her words. I answer her with great detail. I explain to her that my mental capacity is hundreds-of-times that of any living being in Tamriel. I tell her that I can comprehend and imagine things that are simply too much for others' brains to function around.

I let her know that while this may make me feel separate from people, it brings me much closer to science, math, and magika. I also remind her that it was my separation from people, and my connection to other concepts that have made many of my works possible; the zeppelins, the war machines (made possible only because I can understand all dwemer engineering and expand upon it). She tells me I am being boastful. I reply that everything I stated was a fact, thus, not boastful but intelligent. She writes more notes.

3:00 For most of the rest of the day I read in the Arcane Library. Mostly about the ancient Aylied magic. It is amazing how much races can accomplish when no outside forces work on them. I suppose that if no outside forces ever worked on any object, a single push would let it have eternal progress. I know that the aylieds were high elves; I am told that I am also of high elf descent, however I don't necessarily agree. I may have the same physical physique, but my skin tone is different, and not one altmer I have ever met shares even close to my mental capacity. However, the smartest man I had ever met was an altmer.

I believe his name was Mannimarco. He was being held in the prison several years ago when we met at the request of Ocato. His way of thinking was much greater than anyone I had ever met. I decided to try to speak with him about some more complicated subjects, but when I brought forth to him a particular ancient aylied conjecture; the proper reasoning was beyond him. Apparently the conjecture drove him mad in the following days and lead to his suicide. I tried to research about him, but his name was on the list of things I cannot research, along with High Elf History, Chancellor Ocato, and The Oblivion Crisis, among other things.

9:00 The night has been uneventful. I ate dinner in my lab while I observed a potion brew. When I returned to the living quarters after the meal, I was greeted by a new member to the University. He asked me if I was Xeno; the one everyone always talked about. I answered him truthfully, and then told him that he was banished from the University grounds. In the several seconds I had met him I had entered his thoughts; nothing promising would come from this young one, and he was not needed here. Mind reading and control was one of the first types of magic I proved possible. Five years ago, I had only been at the university for two weeks, I noticed that I could subconsciously predict the movements of my peers. When I dived deeper into this part of my brain, I uncovered an interesting new talent. Now, five years later, I can penetrate anyone's inner most though, to the point where I can control their thoughts and functions.

Anyway, when the new addition refused to leave I teleported him out in front of the gates of the University; however the stress and damage of instantaneous teleportation seemed to be too much for his physical state to handle. The guard on duty reported a burst of blood and entrails in front of his post at the University Entrance. Note to self: Conduct further experiments on teleportation of those besides yourself, specifically young, male Imperials. Some mages at the University seemed unsettled by the death; I was unmoved. The boy was worthless, and even worse, useless. I retired for the night. I will rest until tomorrow morning.

3/08
7:00 I am awakened by a servant for Ocato. Apparently he wishes to speak with me.

8:00 I arrive at the elder council hall. Only about half the seats are filled by elders. Ocato informs me that after Serviticus left three days ago, about half the elders in favor of him left the council in the following days leading up to the current time. The elders believe an invasion is imminent; however, none are sure how it will be fought. Many seem sold on the fact that I can eliminate at least two- thirds of Serviticus's forces, but all of them also agree that any battle that I could participate in would mean the destruction of the bulk of the forces under Ocato's command. Several elders believe we should let them secede; my might scaring Serviticus out of an attack, and Serviticus's military superior would create a stalemate between the separate empires. The other elders believe we begin power sharing talks. Only Ocato sits silently during the entire debate until he calls upon me. He asks me to teleport to Skyrim and report on happenings there.

12:00 I return from Skyrim to report that Serviticus does have the bulk of his forces amassed above Bruma; the rest are stationed on the Morrowind border positioned for Cheydinnhal. Upon hearing this the council disbands. Ocato asks me to speak with him in his chambers.

12:14 The Chancellor is in worst shape that I have ever seen him. He is a nervous wreck, and looks frail and weak behind his desk; hardly like someone who could be ruling Cyrodil. He tells me that he is scared to death of a civil war within the empire; he is smart to believe that there will be no victor, something I have seen coming for months now. If civil war does break out, the army will rip itself apart, and the more discontent provinces will surely secede, only this time the Empire will have no army to take them back with. Just as Ocato begins to discuss a military strategy, Jannus Servasive kicks in the door to the quarters. The top two hinges rip out of the frame, leaving the door hanging haphazardly on a single bolt.

12:31 Jannus is ranting to the Chancellor and I, his drunkenness made all the more evident by his slurred speech and impaired motor skills. He is shouting, waving his war hammer around in a single hand. He keeps saying "it's over, it's all over." Ocato tries to calm him, but this only makes him more irate. "The whole damned world's going to hell. And I though I've seen hell. I stared into Oblivion, I went toe-to-toe with Dagon. But Serviticus, and HIM!" He shouts wheeling around to jab a finger in my face. "Well they've just gone and, they've gone and? AGHHH, what am I saying. I'm the hero of god-damned Cyrodil. I'll take all of 'em on before you fall, I'll kill 'em all, I'll smash Serviticus's face in, I'll burn his armies, I'll, I'll? Uh, we've got no hope." And with that he lumbers toward the door. Ocato buries his face in his hands. As Jannus leaves, he rams into Veronica who comes into the quarters to take me back to the University for our Daily meeting. Veronica seems tense and uneasy, as she always does when Jannus is around. We depart and Ocato doesn't say a word.

12: 45 Back at the University Veronica and I have our daily meeting. I enjoy our meetings. Veronica is always so cool and understanding. Most would simply not try to comprehend my thinking. Veronica at least makes a heartfelt effort. I think it is safe to say I care for her well being.


General Serviticus stepped off the zeppelin that had carried him to Skyrim from the Imperial City. The vessel was huge; it's massive under carriage hung under an attached balloon that blocked out the horizon in front of him. The propeller on the back slowed to a halt as the entire machine died. One of his top colonels greeted him, "How was the flight?"

"Good," The general replied cooly, "but I couldn't help but feel disgusted in the ship."

"Why's that?"

"The zeppelins that carry my forces, the war machines that helped me re-conquer the empire, I can't use any of them because of the very thing that created them. Quite a conundrum, isn't it?"

"I don't follow sir."

"Xeno, you idiot. The being that made all my work possible is stopping me from reaching my greatest achievement."

The conversation ended as Serviticus walked away from the colonel. He had landed at his largest fort high in the Jerall Mountains. Snow blanketed everything, making the surroundings seem frozen in time. The General quickened his pace as he felt the cold air whip round his ankles. He headed for his barracks built right into the mountain with stone and wood, leaving the zeppelin parked on the cliff. Before opening the door, he turned around to examine the mountainous landscape. The sun was just setting over the horizon, its last rays highlighting the peaks of the mountains stabbing the sky. The clouds were a dark red color, like the blood streaming from the skies wounds were the mountains struck it. Far down the mountain a dark speck in the white earth was the only hint that Bruma lurked below. Shivering, Serviticus stepped inside.

The meeting had already begun. Four of the top generals in his army perched over a map of Tamriel, gold coins representing their armed forces.

"?and so all the Elders in favor of our cause have landed on the Morrowind border, they will be headed farther in land soon. They will be safe there." A skinny man in a neatly kept suit of armor informed.

"Ah, Serviticus," A burly Nord strided toward him in the door way. "It's good to see you again my friend."

The nord wrapped the General in a bear of a hug, his huge body smothering any lasting chill left on Serviticus.

"That will do Othgrum." The mumbled words creaked out from Serviticus's mouth, squished against Othgrum's pulsating chest.

"Aye, I suppose." Said the nord, releasing him. "How was the trip? Oh wait, we heard about the incident in the city, and just want to say that me and the others, well, we stand behind you, and we always will. And should it come to it, we would all gladly lead our men into battle for your cause, and we will put the heads of our enemies on a pike together."

"I appreciate that more than words can say," Serviticus replied, reaching up to place his hand on Othgrum's massive shoulder. " You know you will always be my right hand man, Othgrum. And that is why I must be honest to all of you when I say that a battle is not in the near future."

Faces across the room all went solemn. "And why's that?" inquired the Nord.

Serviticus sighed deeply and faced all his Gernerals, " What do you know about Xeno?"


Hope you enjoyed the second secection, and the story as a whole so far. The next will be out 12/25.

Aww great cliff hanger. Very impressive writing once more. There are a few mistakes spelling wise, but the grammar seems alright. I only stumbled a few times reading it out loud, due to my own fault. Turning into a great piece, full of drama. Loved the journal type entries at the beginning in Xeno's mind. Very creative. Will be back for round 3

I will read this either later tonight or tomorrow morning, my mind is burned out from shopping all day, lol. Give me a day to make a proper comment for you, lol !!

Great descriptions and details!!