Capítulo 2: Fourth Year
"Hair covered eel!"
"Knife ear"
"Barbaric scum!"
"Pickle-colored fuck"
Despite what people may think, torture was hard to do and hard to endure, it's mainly trying to find the balance of torture so that they don't die of shock and blood loss.
But this comes to my favorite type of torture, verbal, it's not physical so they can't die from it and they give out some of the best sounds when they're perfectly pissed.
"You… the Dominion will NEVER give in to you and your pathetic false god!"
"Talos is currently pissing on your elven gods"
"Bwwahh?! Y-you… you dare insult the divines?! You'll die for this!"
"Listen Lady, the Divines clearly don't care as much as you or your Dominion do, if they did they'd tell us huh?"
"Tch, as if the gods need to concern themselves with the matters of mortals"
"Shit then, why are you making a big deal outta this?"
Take my new prisoner here, in all honesty I was surprised by her appearance but guess who it is! Seriously you wouldn't guess it, but hey, capturing another fort before they marched closer to Cryodill would slow them down, even if it's a day or two.
"Elenwen, work with me here, you only got to deal with me if you talk now, if not you'll get dropped in the hands of one of your… VERY eager prisoners you had" I knew she wouldn't take the easy way out, but I'm saying this so that when anyone asks what I did with prisoners I can say I went easy.
This is purely to set up the continued growth of Whiterun when I become Jarl, as who wouldn't like a lenient ruler who can have a heavy hand when the situation calls for it?
Elenwen inhaled a bit, and I was expecting another insult but instead I received a glob of spit to my face for my troubles causing me to frown, the guards that came with me shifted forwards clearly waiting for my command but didn't move any further.
I stayed silent as I grabbed her sleeve and wiped her spit off my face with a neutral look.
"Seriously? I give you room to negotiate a bit and instead… you throw my generosity to the ground, step on it and give it to me with a smile" I sighed.
Standing up and backing away a bit I exhaled. Capturing Elenwen was a massive boon, it potentially stopped the insecurities that Ulfric had as it's very possible he didn't break yet, and as such didn't give out the Empire's secrets yet.
"Let us leave, maybe… someone's willing to give you the torture you so desperately want instead of my generosity"
Elenwen smirked "come now, Nord… do you really think I'd break?"
"Yes" this answer had her eyebrows raise in surprise before she snorted.
"Oh? Are you still unbelieving? I have two people that are willing to give you a crack before I get involved, and trust me… when I get involved you will not be able to win my generosity back" I shook my head.
"…Guards, fetch Tribune Stormcloak, have him meet me in my tent, I wish to speak to him about our captive" the guards nodded and quickly left, leaving Irileth and myself there with Elenwen.
"Heh, do you really think a Nord can break me? Let alone him?" Elenwen snorted.
"Maybe, but it'll make him happier" I smirked as Irileth walked up to me and cupped a hand around my ear.
"Tribune, she won't break under Ulfric nor my methods, she's too experienced in the methods of torture and has too much pride. She'd rather die than give out any information." Irileth spoke into my ear.
Another thing… Irileth.
It was no wonder the original Balgruuf had Irileth as his housecarl, she was amazing. She was a Nightblade, but had forgone going back to her guild due to being considered dead so she decided to come with me.
Skilled in archery, alteration, one handed, light armor… she was an assassin, but one with honor as she put it.
She was incredibly weak when she woke up when I met her and gave her her options, but I gave her enough time to at least be able to hold herself against one of my soldiers until I allowed her to leave only to be told no.
She didn't want to leave because she had nowhere to go. I had suggested High Rock, but I was told that her honor wouldn't let this debt be unpaid, so I relented. In truth I didn't pressure her at all because I knew I needed her, if original Balgruuf had her then she was good.
Not to mention if you side with the Stormcloaks in the game.
It was the only fight in the civil war that gave me trouble.
"It won't try" that was my response to Irileth as I walked out of the cell that she was in with myself being closely followed by Irileth.
"But, I won't lie that I wouldn't get some form of satisfaction to see such a high and mighty bitch be brought down a peg or two"
"You're spewing venom again Tribune" Irileth spoke with zero hate behind her tone, in fact I dare say that was a tug of a smile on her lips?
Either way, I've a meeting.
Elenwen was captured by complete accident, it was a small fort near Hammerfell, it was a rare moment for us to leave the fields of Cryodill but it was one that not only I or my men welcomed.
But I quickly gained a distaste for the home of the redguards…
Damn sand.
We sieged the fort from behind while the redguards forces sieged from the front, we hit them with the double whammy, and after conversing with the redguard commander he was happy to have us fight alongside them for the remainder of the fourth year of this war.
In that siege we sadly lost men but our survivors gladly repaid our spilled blood with spilled blood, there after breaking down the gates it was pitifully easy to take over the fort. That's when I coincidentally found Elenwen standing behind Ulfric planning to use his status as a son of a jarl to garner some authority.
Only for Irileth's sword to stab through Ulfric and hit Elenwen on the other side, I had already apologized to Ulfric and he was more than happy to just see Elenwen bleed even at his detriment.
After healing him up, he took Elenwen as hostage and shackled her to the same chains that held Ulfric not even a day later.
Her shock made everything all the more worth it.
"Ulfric Stormcloak" I gave a nod to Ulfric who came into my war tent with a frown, in front of me was a map of Hammerfell with the updates from scouts and imperial couriers.
"Balgruuf" he gave a nod back.
"I gave Elenwen enough time to see the lighter option she had refused"
"I told you the Elven bitch wouldn't take it" Ulfric sneered as he stood before my war table with crossed arms.
He was younger, no age showed, but the weight of being tortured and losing his honor was still there, no signs of a beard and short hair that barely passed his ears.
"…Ulfric, I need you to be honest" I spoke with a bit of weight "did you tell her anything"
"…no" Ulfric's eyes narrowed, I wasn't accusing him of treason but I cannot be too careful.
"…very well, the Redguard has allowed us a week with the prisoner, to see if we can get any information out of her, after that she must be given to them." I exhaled.
"I was only allowed so much time because they had you, and I can only throw my weight around so much" I rubbed my temples.
"What'll you have me do?" Ulfric got to the point.
"One day, I can give you one day with her, get as much info you can get out of her, we'll have healers ready so that she doesn't die" I spoke.
"Why one day?" Ulfric didn't argue anything else.
"Do you think you're the only one wanting a crack at her?" I smirked.
Ulfric paused for a bit only for his lips to twitch up in a small smile "my men?"
"Under the command of the Redguard Commander, I already told him of you" I informed him as I placed my battle axe on the table "do you wish to know of the situation?"
"…I was captured on Middas of The Last Seed so yes, I'd like to know what happened during the month I was captured" Ulfirc nodded as he looked over to the war table.
"Hammerfell's cities are heavily guarded, however there is discontent around a few noble families. Our east is completely empty of enemy troops, they gave up on trying to go through Cryodill." I pointed to the war table.
"Our south is where things get tricky, the Thalmor have taken one city and made it into a near impossible fortress." I pointed to a black flag on one of the cities on Hew's Bane.
"What do you mean 'impossible' fortress? Don't you mean impregnable?" Ulfric asked.
"Normally, yes. But not in this case, from our mages to the redguards, something is powering the cities' shield that is quite literally zapping our forces to ashes, we believe it to be a magical artifact" I crossed my arms.
"That's why you called it impossible?" I nodded at his words.
"Some mages believe they either created it using the souls of the civilians there" this caused a visible reaction but I passed it to continue on "some believe they raided a tomb for the artifact" I sighed.
"In the end, we cannot attack such a place as we are now, we attempted to contact the Psijic Order but got nothing, our college back in Skyrim is currently looking into their books and any information they find will amount to nothing as they are… more versed in the matters of Skyrim" Ulfric scoffed.
"Where does this lead us?" He asked with a frown.
"Nowhere… for now, but Hammerfell's west has been peppered with landings from the elves' navy" I spoke.
"It's a distraction"
"Clearly" I huffed "but what can we do? We've a growing mass on our south and a small army on our west. We can't let them get an army on the west, to do so will have us fighting on two fronts. A death sentence for Hammerfell."
"I'm just giving you the rundown, I'm not expecting anything big for the next week, but your out of the loop so I'm catching you up" I spoke.
"What do you think?"
"I'm sorry?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you think they have a shield around the city?" Ulfric asked.
"…I believe a Daedric Prince is involved" I exhaled. "I simply do not think that the Thalmor would find any such magical artifacts in Hammerfell, nor do I believe the Divines would aid them, Talos or not they'll let us fight this out"
I got a nod from Ulfirc before he hissed "and… what Daedric Prince do you think I'd involved"
I blinked as I already had my suspicions, I could make an offering for Itheila to tell me but I'm not so sure giving my soul to a Daedric Prince so easily… even if she insists on me being her champion.
It could be Molag Bal, but it would most likely be vampires, but it's simply impossible as the stench of blood doesn't come from the city unless the shield can contain the stench, but I don't believe it.
Dagon would be out of the question as I don't believe the Thalmor inside are trying to create a coupe nor have a plot of betrayal, it's mainly against us believing Talos is a god, as such unless they're recognizing his godhood it's out of the question.
"Clavicles Vile" Irileth spoek up from behind me and both myself and Ulfric turned to her.
"What if you know of this Blue-Skin?" Ulfric spoke with distaste.
"Close, I'm more purple" Irileth seemed to bark back "ahem, Clavicles Vile is the Daedric Prince of deals, pacts, and most importantly power" Irileth spoke.
"Do you think the Thalmor inside would give into a pact with Vile to get power?" I asked.
"Yes, we all know that the elfs considered themselves gods in the past, maybe they wish to reclaim such a title for themselves again with a pact with the Daedric Lord" Irileth spoke.
"If so, the pact could be anything, the city, worshiping him as a god, either way it spells doom for our side in the war?" I spoke as I shook my head.
"And what have you us do Balgruuf? Hm? I heard of your exploits all across the war, you… you must have a plan, don't you?" Ulfric sighed as he met his eyes with mine.
I exhaled slowly, being truthful I was going to make a lot of gunpowder and kick it towards the city to destroy it but would that idea work? No, it wouldn't, I was drawing a blank.
"I'll come up with something, but they won't have the city for long" I exhaled again.
Ulfric nodded "I'll trust you for now Balgruuf, in the meantime… I'm going to… familiarize myself with my new… friend. Long live the empire" Ulfric saluted which I gave back.
"What do you truly think?" Irileth spoke after Ulfric left.
"They plan to open a gate to Oblivion" I spoke slowly.
"Truly?"
"No… or I hope not, I'm desperate here, I've not faced such a… magical obstacle in my life. A shield that protects the city from everything and turns anyone that isn't Altmer into mere ash." I sighed.
"It's a racial weapon" in my previous life such a weapon would be…
I shook my head, getting rid of my thoughts.
"Tribune, I must ask, can we win this?" Irileth asked me.
"The city? The region? Or the war?" I asked.
"What? The city you blubbering oaf" Irileth was rather lax with people she trusted, especially me, I chalk it up to us rescuing her and allowing her to be my personal guard
"Right now? No." I sighed "but… that isn't me saying I can… find different ways" I spoke.
"You're hoping Elenwen will spill the beans" Irileth spoke as she crossed her arms under her bust.
"Yes, yes I am" I nodded shamelessly.
She huffed, rolling her eyes "you can't put all of your efforts into one source of information, Tribune"
Oh she's in her lecturing mode, it would work if I cared.
I looked down at the war table "… we still aren't sure that the shield is magical in nature, let alone Daedric in nature either, the priests aren't getting anything from the divine nor are our bookworms getting anything Daedric" I spoke.
"Okay, I have a… short term solution" I sighed.
"I'm listening" Irileth spoke as she raised an eyebrow.
"We create flimsy ships filled to the brim with gunpowder and send it to the dock of the city" I spoke.
"You plan to cut them off from the rest of the Dominion" Irileth concluded easily.
"Yes" I nodded.
"A few things" here it comes "first off, how does it get past the shield? Secondly, what stops the Thalmor from hitting it with fire to sink the ships? And thirdly how're the gunpowder kegs going to be lit?"
She rattled off perfectly, this has been the usual back and forth between us two, she was so far a really big help, from helping patch holes into his plans to creating a small spy network with Khajiits, she's a really big help.
Swallowing my saliva I smiled.
"First, the Redguard commander has let us know that the Altmer can get through with zero problems" I smiled.
"And how… by the nine, Balgruuf"
"I propose we use the Redguard's Altmer prisoners to let the bombs through" That got a nod from Irileth.
"I shouldn't expect anything less from your… outlandish ideas, but this takes the cake, do you expect the Redguards to hand over their prisoners after hearing the idea?" She asked me.
"Yes" this ruined her momentum, she expected him to at least take pause on this front.
"You're insane" she sighed.
"No, I'm just… fighting fire with fire" I spoke.
"No, Balgruuf, I usually don't step in, but this? This I won't allow, I will not allow you to lower yourself to their standards" Irileth frowned, good, guess I can expect her to keep her moral code.
"Good, I'm happy to see that you can recognize when someone's gone off the deep end" I smiled as the air seemed stiffer.
Huh… consequences is that you?
"Were… you… testing me?" She narrowed her eyes at me.
"No" I said unconvincingly.
"I have another plan"
She let out a longer sigh "Azura give me strength"
"She can give you patience" my words gained me a glare.
I smiled "we instead send the boats in, no prisoners this time, with a set fuse" I spoke.
"Explain" she placed her hands on her hips, did I ever say her leather armor fit perfectly, not a pervert but damn, I can appreciate a figure.
"We know that inanimate objects can get through the shield, as such if the winds are correct we can send our boats in" I spoke.
"What would stop the Thalmor from shooting the boats down?" She asked.
"We force the ship to seem abandoned, coming in looking like it was attacked by pirates, as such they'll have no reason to believe it's a trap" I spoke.
"Sounds good so far, now the… fuse" she sighed as she nursed an incoming headache from me, a common thing I do to females here.
"That's harder, I mean, I was thinking of something that can go to the gunpowder kegs but I thought of something better" I spoke.
"Oh? Changing things on the fly?" Irileth smirked.
"Hear me out on this, we have our mages induce a lot of lightning and fire runes, a trap, the moment they open it up, it activates it all and just… makes a giant explosion" I spoke.
She sighed slowly looking up at the ceiling of my war tent "not your worst, but not your best"
"And what you've me do?" I asked her.
"I don't know, that's why you make the plans" I smirked at her words.
"Heh, flattery will get you everywhere with me" I smiled at her.
"Shut it oaf, you're barely worth any praise" she sighed
"Alright, alright, another problem then Ulfric's state of mind" she nodded.
"You're right he's… seemed to be on edge" Irileth sighed "I can look into if he's divulged into anything with Elenwen, she was his overseer while he captive"
I nodded "please, it's not like I trust him, but I cannot be too careful, if he did give out information we must be able to counter it"
"I can do it tomorrow" Irileth said.
"I've been meaning to ask, why do you want to torture Elenwen?" I asked her, I expected Ulfric wanting to get back at her but Irileth? Something isn't adding up.
"She figured me out during my assassination attempt on Saathar" ah, that'll do it, Irileth was holding a grudge~
I chuckled to myself "okay, okay" I shook my head as I looked at the war table.
"How's our calvary out there?" I asked her.
"They're increasingly becoming a problem for the Thalmor if my spies are to be believed" my calvary along with the Redguards experience in the desert allowed me to basically mongol the fuck out of them.
It was actually pathetic how… chaotically they pursued my calvary across the desert, it's getting so bad we've caught a few units of Thalmor dead due to dehydration or getting completely lost within the desert.
No wonder the Redguards were able to hold their own against the Thalmor while the empire gave up, it's because they're like internet trolls but physically manifested.
I like them.
But moving on, it was time to go over the plans to occupy an oasis that the Thalmor have been using to give their men water, it's been recently found by Redguard scouts and the commander wants me to spearhead this attack, usually I would be floored.
But desert.
As such I need to consult Redguard legions to see where I can go for this.
Which led to this bullshit.
"-if we come through this way, we'll have a clear line of sight of the oasis"
"-fool, if you do that you'll be a target for miles, the Thalmor will have a clean line of sight for you and our men."
"What if we use magic? For the Thalmor don't use detect life-"
This led to my current predicament, some stuck up noble houses heard of this somehow and pressured the Commander to change who'll spearhead the assault.
And now?
I've a bunch of green 'kids' of noble houses that haven't seen a lick of combat trying to lead an assault with zero experience, zero regard for their men, and zero care for my input.
Look, these guys are the same age as me but… it's an assault to my honor to just… listen to them! For the love of Talos they wanted I kid you not, attack in the afternoon - when every Thalmor will be there for transportation of the water - to catch them off guard.
What?
Huh?
Not only that, they want to use my calvary to attack only once in the assault. This wouldn't be that bad if they planned to use my calvary in meaningful ways, but to quote 'distract the Thalmor' isn't a good reason, especially when the follow up is - and I quote "attack from behind.
Where is behind?
Their makeshift camp has guards and small towers all over the place! And when I asked on the map I kid you not they pointed at the front gates.
Akatosh no.
I wanted to hit them.
But the laws of the land would refuse to let me do that and they'll demand my head.
So you might ask, what am I gonna do?
I was planning to use my calvary to pepper them for 24 hours over three days, with rotating shifts, as such during the main attack they'll be disorganized and tired.
When I proposed this idea it was met with heavy rejection, why?
"We don't need a Nord's help" the one with the most power said, nearly met my axe I swear.
"Never in my life" Irileth shook her head as we walked back to the Nordic side of the camp, entering my war camp I saw the Harbinger of the Companions.
"Kodlak, you wouldn't be here unless you've important information" I met him with a small bow.
"No need for bowing young Jarl" to Kodlak I was already Jarl, definitely not because my father announced to all of Skyrim that upon my 25 winter I'll be Jarl of Whiterun.
So many plots…
"I've heard you've issues with the nobility here" he spoke with a smirk.
"You've no idea, never in my life have I met such… idiotic ideas from so called leaders" I shook my head.
"They chase glory, let them have it" he waved his hand.
"At the cost of their men's heads"
"Aye, that's often the cost of learning during war" I hated how he spoke the truth.
"I wish it wasn't"
"And what can you do, hm? Usurp their plan?" Kodlak grabbed his beard.
"I would… but they made it clear they'll be consequences" I sighed.
"Oh?"
"They plan to frame me and my men to attack them should I raise my hand to fight them" I spoke.
"Now that can be considered treason"
"It is" silence came over us.
"Did you speak to the commander?" Kodlak asked.
"I did, I only got a 'what can you do?' From him"
"Aye a rock and a hard place" Kodlak nodded.
"But… I've a plan" this got a smile out of the Harbinger.
"Oho! Please tell" he smiled.
"I'm going to arrest them for treason" his smile widened.
"Oh? You plan to use their threat against them?" I nodded "you play a dangerous game, after all who's your witness?" He asked.
"Their guards and my own" I spoke which was met with laughter.
"And how will they speak on your behalf Jarling?" Kodlak crossed his arms.
"If they don't want to die without accomplishing anything then they'll speak on my behalf, their honor demands it" I raised my head up a little higher.
"You looked into their culture didn't you?" I nodded.
"…you're a good lad, don't let this decision bite your ass" he spoke.
"I won't" I said.
"But… I don't think it'll end well for you, I believe they'll side with the nobles and imprison you" Kodlaks' words held significant weight and I won't lie, it was highly plausible.
I inhaled slowly "then, the second plan" I spoke.
"You plan to attack the camp ahead of time" I nodded.
"How can you tell?" I asked.
"Lad, I've been looking after you since you've wanted to pick up a sword, I know when you've got an idea or not" I smiled, fair enough old man.
"Lords" a new voice came through, it was a Redguard woman wearing a dancers' outfit, the soft and almost translucent fabric left little to the imagination, red war paint overhead her tanned legs and chest, it was an assassin.
"Clesa, what can I do for you?" I asked her as she glanced between Kodlak and myself.
"I heard it all" Kodlak slowly reached for his weapon but I made no move keeping my eyes on hers. "I can get the Redguards on your side"
I raised an eyebrow "you'd do that?" I asked.
"Those nobles are too green to lead us, we'd die before he cross the Dunes, and I don't want to see my brother die a needless death" I raised my eyebrow for a mere second but I got the gist.
"Your brother is apart of the infantry?" I asked.
"Yes, the Nords boast about your feats of leadership and tactics, we Redguards as you already know have a similar culture to your own, we've our own code and honor." She started.
"And I don't know about my sisters or brothers in steel, but I don't want to die underneath cowards that hide behind their titles" she ended her small speech as Kodlak crossed his arms.
"How can we trust you?" I asked her as she winced and looked at the ground for a second before she inhaled and met my eyes again.
"If the attack fails, kill me" she decided.
"…" I stayed silent as I met her eyes. She was apart of the small group of Redguard assassins known as the Sisters of the dunes. All female, and mainly rely on seduction to kill their prey, but that's not to count out their ability with a blade.
During this war they mainly worked as information gatherers and assassins that strike deep within Thalmor territory and appear back at camp before the night is over.
I think they've a pact with Nocturnal but hey, if it works it works.
"It's your call Lad" Kodlak spoke.
"Tribune" Irileth spoke behind me.
"…fine, I don't trust you but I have trust in you" I spoke.
"The difference?" She asked.
"I don't trust you to not stab me in the back but I have trust in you to get my plan to the Redguards to take over that Oasis" she nodded at my words getting them now.
"So, what's the plan?" Clesa asked as she approached the war table.
"The Redguards will lead my calvary to the oasis and there will attack for three days and three nights, circulating shifts so that the horses nor our men will get tried, and on the fourth day will siege the tired and exhausted camp"
"Wouldn't that give the Thalmor enough time for reinforcements?" Clesa asked.
"No, the nearest fort is currently almost a week away, four days is simply too little time for them to get reinforcements, and then we'll have enough time to push forwards and take over the fort that are now devoid of some of the elfs that are left behind" I spoke.
"You intend to leave the Thalmor out of water and shelter?" Kodlak spoke.
"Yes, they'll be sandwiched between the fort and the oasis, they'll be desperate and easy to slay" I nodded
"Huh, if I didn't know any better I'd say your all talk but from what the Nords say, you back your word by action" Clesa spoke with a small hum in her words.
"What?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Apologies Tribune, in simpler words I'm glad that I decided to go to you with my offer" she spoke with a smile.
"Good to know" I nodded.
"I'll get this information to the Redguards, thank you again Tribune Balgruuf, you will not regret this" she bowed a bit, and walked away, which was a good sight considering the fact her hips enticingly swayed.
But there was a time and a place for that, war isn't a place for that.
I blinked as I turned my eyes went back to the war table, breathing in, my eyes went to the black flag that was stabbed over the area where the shielded city was at.
"You're unsure aren't you?" Kodlak spoke.
"I am, what gave me away?" I asked.
"Your breathing boy, making it loud makes me concern"
"Heh, thanks for letting me know about it, Kodlak" I got a snort in response.
"I'll let the companions know" Kodlak said before he walked out.
"Tribune" Irileth walked out of my shadow and leaned onto the war table next to me.
"Yes?"
"If you get any more fame, I'm afraid the nobles back in the empire will think about their standing more than the war" Irileth spoke.
That brings me to where some of our more… famous Tribunes and warriors are at.
The nobles in the empire are straight down horrible, using this war for their own gain; they do not care about who wins, and now I've received messages from couriers that I've been given the 'Privilege' or the 'honor' in guarding a son of a noble who's most likely piss poor job at their jobs.
I've been ignoring them for these two months, but they've become less friendly and more commanding.
Pissants…
"I know Irileth, but what do you want me to do? Lose? Fail my men?" I asked.
"No, obviously not, I just suggest, doing lesser feats"
"I cannot afford that, too much has been spent on this war to not honor them" I spoke as I got off the table and met her eyes.
"I know, we've all paid in one way or another, and some… not enough, but if you keep this up, you'd be stuck on bodyguard duty just to validate a fatted up noble who has no idea how to wield a sword let alone a dagger their warrior father gave them"
I snorted "bold for you to assume that their fathers' are warriors"
"What's your goal Tribune?"
I raised an eyebrow "what do you mean?"
"Why do you… do such outlandish things? Why do you seem to want to win… so badly?" She asked.
In truth it's because in the future the actions of the Thalmor have made Skyrim borderline unbearable, the civil war was nothing short of an annoyance, and the peace talk that you had to do if you didn't choose a side was outright annoying.
But the reason why he's trying so hard now is because I'm the future it's clear that the Thalmor are preparing for another war.
Two wars back to back?
It's nothing short of doom for Skyrim and the Empire.
It cannot happen, a damaging blow must happen to the point where the Thalmor cannot recover in his life time… or he could attack in their weakened state and destroy them.
"Because, this war if we lose, will happen again" I settled on "this song just a 'Talos isn't a god' war, but a war of dominance, if we lose, we'll be in soon for a dying empire against a strong enemy." I spoke.
"We have to win because the empire that comes out from this will fall" I ended as she pursed her lips as she looked down to the map of Tamriel.
"And if we win?" She asked.
"A civil war, one done by the warriors and the scholars" I muttered "this war is nothing but the stick that rattled the bear, in the end, it's a if you do and if you don't situation."
"We lose" she interrupted, in which I nodded.
"So I'd rather have a weak war instead of a mutual assured destruction" I spoke.
"And after that civil war?" She asked as she met my eyes.
"Then I believe the more smaller forces be it Daedra or The Divines, they will make their move"
"…are you saying that after this war-"
"Chaos, it'll take a few years for it to start up, but in the end it'll send all of Tamriel into chaos of steel and fire"
She sighed after I said this, shaking her head she went back to the war map "I… I don't want to believe you, but… the signs are all there"
"Do you know what Nords call war?"
"What?"
"Hear me out" I spoke with a small smile.
"…no, no I do not"
"Season Unending" I exhaled "and after this war, Season Unending will be explored by all of Tamriel"
"…why're you?…"
"So adamant about it?" I got a nod "because I'm passionate about it I guess"
"Let us hope your… thoughts do not become what you think they'll be" Irileth spoke as she closed her eyes.
"…we can only hope better things can happen these days" I said with a smile.
"Aye"
———————
"Our spell casters would do best for a trap!"
"No! They should be behind our infantry, shoulder to shoulder with our archers, to do so would bolster our ranged attacks"
"What of our flank, hm? Shall we allow the Thalmor calvary have free reign then?"
"No, I'm not a fool, we'll have Balgruuf's calvary to act as a shield for our men"
"So you wish to use the Nords as meat shields?"
"Yes! They should protect us! As their betters I cannot think anything better for their uses"
Clesa felt disgusted, more experienced and much less selfish nobles would never say that, but that goes without saying.
She has half the mind to assassinate them all, but with the chance of it being traced to Balgruuf and him being blamed it would ruin her plan.
Yes, her plan.
The eradication of the Yuf'lita house, Thai house is greedy, yes, but which house isn't? Then again this house takes the cake as it's acting as spies for The Thalmor.
They're the one that gave access to the shielded city, which they've forgone its original name to rename it, but it makes sense.
Another thing the Yuf'lita house does is kidnap young women for pleasure, many houses do this but they refrain from doing it during wartime. But the Yuf'lita house? They took it as an opportunity, and who's using these young women for pleasure?
The current young noble who's in the camp right now, who's amusingly currently trying to lead the attack on the Thalmor camp on the Oasis.
Not if she has anything to do about that.
Besides, getting access to his personal tent was quite easy, away the hips, and accentuate the bust a little more and he'd happily let her into the war tent, just to watch the joke that is their ideas.
Listen, she can see the thought process but she cannot process the final result, how does using the Nords as the reinforcement infantry to only protect their archers and spellslingers?
It's because the Nords would disregard the order and jump right into the fray, not to mention the Orcs Balgruuf brought with him.
She isn't a warrior but she understood the warriors honor, something these nobles need to learn. Sometimes honor triumphs orders, especially stupid ones that any warrior worth their sword arm can tell would lead to an dishonorable death.
All in all, to summarize it better, they've got inexperienced and selfish commanders that are trying to push their weight around knowing damn well the only person opposing them cannot do anything.
"This is a first, never had a woman come to me" the man snorted as he started to undo the leather straps, he wasn't muscular as the warriors out there and instead hosted a belly and a lecherous smile.
"Heard of the shouting in the tent, thought we'd both help each other out" she got a smile in response, she swallowed her pride and hid her disgust behind a mask of a seductive smile.
"Heh, heard of that hm? Tell me, what do you think of the plan?" He smiled as he sat on the bed and looked up and down her body, his eyes trailing her black skin.
"…astounding that they keep fighting you on your views" she lied through her teeth which took more effort than she would like to admit.
"Good to know that at least the women we've got can see the better option, come here, let me see you" he gestured as she walked forwards, no doubt can't keep the sexual thoughts off anymore.
Chuckling to herself she put a knee between his legs and sat on his leg, looking down and looking into his eyes she can tell he's let his guard down, and from the bulge she can feel on her thigh, he's about to let it take over.
"You're-" he didn't get to continue as a dagger found a new home in his throat, eyes widened as she grabbed his chin.
"You've gone silent… am I that breathtaking?" She decided to smile, she really did like to see life go out of the eyes of traitors.
"You'd think we wouldn't know that you sold out to the Thalmor?" Blood trickled out of his throat as his eyes widened, wheezing coming out of his mouth as she saw his yellow teeth start to become bloody.
"Hm, guess I need to get rid of you before those guards are wondering why I'm not moaning" she spoke as his eyes widened again and gurgling came out of his throat.
Pulling out her dagger she immediately opened up his mouth and slammed the dagger down inside the man's throat. His eyes showed pain but his throat wouldn't allow himself to make noise outside of whistling air.
Smiling, she pulled out the dagger and let his dead body fall fully into the bed, she chuckled a bit but kept herself silent, her left hand glowed green as her alteration magic made itself known, being a master at it she was easily able to alter the body of the man to show that he died naturally.
She smiled as she hid the dagger again and walked out showing disappointment, a show of face to show that she was rejected no doubt getting a chuckle or two from his guards.
But she got the last laugh.
Balgruuf's men and the Redguards know of the new plan, and the sound of talking and jokes thrown around as she made her way back to her personal tent her smile widened, it seems the first night happened while those disgusting nobles rested.
Maybe Balgruuf would like a woman to warm up his bed?
Skyrim is cold after all…
———————
Wood elves aren't liked in the Thalmor.
Malcamir learned this the hard way, The High Elves are bastards through and through so the best way to appease their anger is to lower your head and serve them.
But better news!
Working in the kitchen does give you free access to alcohol!
But on the opposite side, if anyone is poisoned they'd hang you without question.
She-who-cooks was the receiving end of that, that old lizard was like a mother to him.
Wiping down the counter with his head down he ignored The High Elves talking, eating, and drinking around him. The fear was all time high and defenses were too.
Talks of Balgruuf The Elfsbane is around and as such, scouts and men have come and gone.
"Damned Nords, they've completely dominated the Cyrodiil lands, and now we've Balgruuf here? Due to him my request for transfer has been denied"
"Tell me about it, my sister was in Cyrodiil during the years Balgruuf was there; told he was relentless."
"Tch, by the Eight he's a lot of nerve being in Hammerfell, nothing like Skyrim, he'll have a hard time dealing with heat"
"Hah! I bet he's dying of thirst right now, no oasis for miles other than this"
"He's assimilated into a Redguard force"
"Ah shit"
"Let him come, we'll strike down him and his men with zero loses!"
"Don't be arrogant"
"Arrogant? How can I be arrogant against something that's true?"
Malcamir didn't dare look up, and instead only looked up when the war horn rang out, and his stomach met his bowels as the Thalmor around him got up.
"Damn it" the nearest one spoke between teeth.
"Calvary! Spell casters!"
Suddenly the night sky wasn't filled with the stars but rather the falling of flames, and his lips went down into a frown as he wisely took cover behind the… wooden counter.
He cussed.
Diving away from the now flaming wood behind him he scoured on all fours, grabbing fistfuls of sand as sweat covered his forehead he dashed out of the flames and into screaming, the attack was fast, and strong.
The once asleep Thalmor we're now wide away as the thudding of horse hoofs thump'd off away in the distance as he looked around.
"You! Get to the walls, we've got incoming!"
"FIREBALLS!" Shields met fire as heat encompassed all of the camp.
Coving his eyes he dropped onto his back just in time to hear the thumping of hoofs looking to his left, his eyes widened. It was a mix of Nordic and Redguard calvary coming in hot.
He curled up into a ball and covered his head.
"CALVARY!!!" A voice screamed out as he felt spells wiz over his head and screams of war bellowed out of throats.
Sand kicked up around him and the heaviness around him overcame his body, cracking an eye open and he saw shadows come and go as screams and blood fell to the ground.
He saw a Thalmor soldier get skewered by a spear, going straight through his body blood spewing out of the back of his body as the tip of the spear went into the belly of another Thalmor before the Nord warrior dropped it and continued their carnage through the camp.
Looking to his right he saw the Thalmor meet the calvary with swords and magic, only for hands and heads to fly as the calvary unsheathed their swords and hatred against the elves.
He breathed out shallowly as the last horse went across his pathetic body and he went to his knees, he took another glance around, the fear still high into his body, he slowly got to his feet as the weight of death came around him.
Limbs and heads rolled on the ground, next to him was a Thalmor head, eyes open of rage and fear, this sight brought him down to his bum in surprise. He knew of war, but to see it with his own two eyes was different.
Some Thalmor were currently burning alive while others were skewered in the chest with spears and javelins, around him was blood and missed javelins dotted the grounds.
Malcamir's throat went dry as he saw a Thalmor soldier approach him.
This war sucked.
—————————
Next day was hectic, apparently one of the nobles died due to natural cause, Clesa was sent to the tent to verify and the cause of death was a stroke. The family was too far away as such another house took the liberty to send the body to the capital while being covered in ice magic so it can't decay.
"The nobles are more and more unruly now" I spoke as Kodlak nodded at me.
"Any word on the soldiers that attacked the camp last night?" He asked me.
"Aye" I smiled "twenty dead by our hands, it was wise to send out a few spell slingers; they've nearly torched all their defenses."
"Send those Elf fucks into panic mode didn't they?" He chuckled.
"Aye, we caught them at the changing of guard, as such they're ready to sleep, and as such it led to a better result" I spoke.
"Have the nobles noticed?"
"No, but it's been one day, as such I can only assume they don't know, but they'll notice the longer it goes" I spoke.
"How long do you plan for it to go?" Kodlak asked.
"Three days" I said.
"Six attacks, and with ample rest for our men, it's harassment and unhonorable" there it is, running away from the enemy.
"It's not, I don't want my brother and sisters to go to Sonvengarde and when they get to Shor's halls they have to explain they died while assaulting a small camp of High Elves" he looked at me for a moment while narrowing his eyes as I smiled.
"Ahem, am I interrupting anything?" A familiar voice, looking to the entrance, was the familiar sight of Clesa.
"No, just justifying myself" I waved her concerns away.
"Down wouldn't admit that" she smiled at me.
"I've no problem justifying myself, if a leader cannot converse his thought process to his men then he fails his men" I spoke.
"Fair enough" she nodded "but some would say that's weakness"
"Aye, lad, some would" Kodlak eye'd me.
"No, I would rather it be seen as a weakness than leave my men in the dark" this got a bark of laughter from the old man.
"Good, at least you've some semblance of responsibility"
"I'm not a boy Kodlak, I've gotten blood on me"
"So have I, and besides, I've seen and trained you since you first held a blade" this got a smile from me.
"We've seemed to have gotten side tracked, why're you here Clesa?" I shook my head as I traced my eyes back to the Redguard woman.
She nodded "after the attack, the Redguards that participated have told some of the more… reservant members to join us"
I nodded "they know the risks?" I asked.
"They know they'll be accused of treason if they're figured out, but from the way it's going, we'll outnumber the noble's men by tomorrow" she spoke as she crossed her arms under her bust.
I ignored the obvious.
"Is that all Clesa?" She seemed a bit peeved at me ignoring her breasts.
"No, the shielded city, we've got new word on it" now she's my full attention.
"What is it?" I asked her.
"The Thalmor's navy has arrived" her eyes became serious.
"Let me guess, men? Weapons?" I asked.
"Yes, but also something else" I raised an eyebrow at her words.
"What is it?" I asked her.
"Ritual items" she spoke and I, along with Kodlak, grimaced.
"What can you tell us?" Kodlak spoke.
"From word inside - my spies" she gave context as she met my eyes "it's relating to a Daedric being"
"Who?" My eyes narrowed.
"You won't like it"
"No one will lass, let alone us, now speak of it" Kodlak spoke.
"Molag Bal" she winced to give her credit, but I?
I cussed.
A/N: took longer than it's supposed to, my fault but it's done.
Leave potental love interestes here that you'd like to see.
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