The Astray Apprentice -- A Skyrim AAR (23/6/13)

[Tigellinus]

No worries, Tigellinus. I don't have any problem with text-only. In fact, I spend a great deal of time reading about news, entertainment, and sports. However, for me as a consumer of AAR's, I have a very specific interest. I have played A LOT of M2TW/RTW and Oblivion/Morrowind, so my interest is truly tripled when I can see (even just a little bit) of the game screens that my fellow gamers are seeing. It helps me immerse myself more. It gives me some context for the story. I'm a bit of an impatient reader, so pictures really help pull me in at the start of an AAR. Also, just an occasional photo gives me a visual of the main character(s). Those images stay in my head and make me more interested as the story goes.

I must emphasize this is just my personal preference. But when I start to read an AAR that's all text and starts mentioning all these names and places, I get a bit confused. That's when I start to lose interest. But when I see an image with a name, that sticks with me, and makes the drama all that much more interesting later.

Also I don't think I ever used the word "hate", because I am not criticizing anyone. I'm just explaining why I'm here and what I'm consuming.

I look forward to the next Astray chapter!!

Oh . . . I owe you an apology for that, hey everyone has a different preference. For me it's text haha

Agreed, bring more SKYRIM!

[Swaeft]

Sorry guys, life is really frustrating these few weeks. It seems like there is something big to overcome every damn week...

My Imageshack account has been hacked I think, I can't log into to it and it tells me that my password is invalid. So my photos are gone and I deleted them off my harddrive eons ago. So I guess I'll have to go back to the drawing board and retake some shots, but the chapter is already ready. I'll leave it to you guys, do you want me to upload the chapter without pictures or do you readers want to wait for the pictures to come out?

[Merchant of Venice]

im fine without pictures unless they were like pure works of art As a writer you never need to include pictures after all some AARs have no pics at all!

[Swaeft]

im fine without pictures unless they were like pure works of art As a writer you never need to include pictures after all some AARs have no pics at all!

Haha, they aren't exactly works of art, but they do show nice battle shots and the atmosphere so I'm really torn between this one. But I think I'm leaning slightly towards the chapter + pictures because this chapter will be about the offensive...

Oh and about your earlier question about updating the title thread, it will come into effect once this next chapter is out. Sorry for the wait.

[G-Ballz]

Sorry guys, life is really frustrating these few weeks. It seems like there is something big to overcome every damn week... My Imageshack account has been hacked I think, I can't log into to it and it tells me that my password is invalid. So my photos are gone and I deleted them off my harddrive eons ago. So I guess I'll have to go back to the drawing board and retake some shots, but the chapter is already ready. I'll leave it to you guys, do you want me to upload the chapter without pictures or do you readers want to wait for the pictures to come out?

Swaeft, based on your bad luck recently, I'd say just post an update without pictures. Obviously I love photos (based on my previous comments). But, this story already has many awesome and wonderful photos, so I already have a flavor for the characters. If I had a vote, I'd say put the chapter up text-only, so you won't have to go back and re-create lost images. Then once this is done, you can move on without having to resurrect old images. Thank you for all your efforts and time spent to keep sharing this very interesting story!! Good luck!

[Swaeft]

YESS!!! I have gotten my account back! First time I see a reliable password recovery system. ) I originally intended to post the chapter up a little earlier today but I wanted to wait and see if I could get my images back. I'm sorry but I'll have to ask for your patience a little longer guys, the chapter will be up soon after I make some adjustments to fit in the pictures! Around 2 hours I suppose?

[Swaeft]

Chapter Twenty Four: The Winter Offensive (Part 1)

Vaela was getting worried. More and more soldiers were streaming into the Aldmeri Domain, and although just about the same number were moving out and away from the manor, their sheer numbers still worried Vaela. Doubt had begun to sink into her heart, and she fretted endlessly about whether the attack should go ahead as planned. An icy mountain combined with a gradually increasing feeling of despair, slowly started to wear Vaela's determination down.

It was during such trying times that Vaela turned to Nikolai. He was truly a comforting presence to her, for whenever she stared at his masculine frame she would be reminded of the protective, supportive company she had beside her. During one of the chilly nights, she sat down with him to talk.

"Well this is exciting." She grumbled hoarsely. Nikolai turned to her and from his mouth spilled the honey covered words she had so needed to hear. "Don't worry. It'll be fine. A few more hours and we should be meeting my father and sister here. Then we can fight back."

Days passed before the monotony of keeping watch was broken. A soft shuffle in the snow and a silent, hacked cough caught Vaela's attention. After seven days of gathering intelligence, Delphine and Esbern had finally arrived undetected at their position in the mountains, with chillingly exciting news to boot. Both of them had been visiting the different holds to gather more information about the Thalmor activities.

"The Thalmor are dispatching envoys to the various holds of Skyrim to investigate rumours of Thalmor worshipers. Each of them are bringing along almost a hundred soldiers to impress the Jarls and prevent any trouble." Delphine stated while grinning widely, her words barely audible above the howling wind. Vaela was confused. "How does this help us? That just makes it harder for us to move about in Skyrim, right?"

Esbern shook his head disapprovingly. "With age comes experience." He philosophised. "I have reports that the Thalmor are withdrawing those hundreds of troops from their garrisons here. In fact, their withdrawal should have been completed yesterday evening. Have you noticed an increased flow of traffic these days?" Esbern inquired. Both Vaela and Nikolai nodded in earnest. "Those are the Thalmor Ambassador's escorts. Heading to the different holds. We should start the offensive any moment now. The garrison is at its weakest."

Vaela was still too unsure. "How did you know all this by just going to the various holds?" She asked. Delphine smiled a wry smile and replied sweetly as if talking to an ignorant child. "Contacts." This time even Nikolai's eyes widened. "You have Thalmor contacts?" He questioned. Delphine then started to reply but Esbern beat her to it. "You know, son, it isn't hard to find someone working for the Thalmor not out of their own free will. The Thalmor bastards have been harassing, coercing, threatening and forcing people from all walks of life to serve them. They've probably committed more sins and wrongdoings to the citizens of Tamriel than all other races combined. Now, do you trust me?"

Nikolai nodded. Esbern then shifted his attention to Vaela. "And you?" He inquired, an outstretched, wobbly finger directed at her. Vaela signalled her affirmation as well. Esbern folded his arms with an air of authority. "Then it is decided." He rasped. "Dawn will break soon. Listen to me."

~~~~

The wind ruffled Vaela's hood but she did not slow down. Running full pelt down the snow-capped slope and almost slipping on several occasions, Vaela searched actively for her target. Looking to her left and right in quick succession, she glanced flashes of Nikolai keeping pace with her in the dark night. Confidence boosted, she continued running downhill, her golden Thalmor-killing sword already in her right hand. In her left, a modicum of power resided, ready to flare up and explode at her target. Catching sight of her target, she picked up her pace and dashed past the final few bushes and shrubs in her way.

Then she jumped.

The Imperial Commander had no time to react after hearing a rustling in the leaves. The Thalmor High Guard accompanying him was equally startled and could not prevent Vaela from slashing open the Commander's stomach. Vaela felt something hot scorch her from behind, and was once again glad that she was wearing her Master's circlet of fire protection.


Vaela rolled back in an attempt to lose her perpetrator and almost lost her footing in the process. Getting to her feet in a flurry, Vaela could hear the din her companions were making in the background. She heard Nikolai's grunt as he hewed down a Thalmor soldier, and Senior Esbern muttering some incantations before roasting some of the Thalmor into crisps. She eyed her own opponent, her face drawn into a fierce rage, and wickedness danced across her twitching mouth. One word and her opponent would be gone, burnt beyond recognition. Her mouth quivered as she prepared to utter the words of destruction.

Her opponent raised up a ward, blocking the effects of Vaela's freshly summoned fireball. Blast. Must be a mage. Vaela assumed. That only meant that her fight would get harder. This duel would now have to be settled by force of arms, and Vaela still wasn't a competent swordswoman. Nevertheless, she hefted her golden sword and readied herself for her opponent's inevitable attacks.

To her bewilderment, her opponent simply stared at her, doing nothing more than swinging his war axe occasionally. His defensive nature surprised Vaela, who remembered that the Thalmor were usually belligerent and cantankerous. She hesitated. What is he up to? Am I going to attack or just wait for his move? she mused, her lack of competency with the sword lulling her mind into a dilemma.

That dilemma was a mistake. A larger and taller High Elf approached with a gargantuan roar. The Thalmor soldier threw up copious amounts of snow, bellowing out loudly. His muscular frame struck fear into Vaela. "The High Guard have arrived. You and your little friends are doomed now." Vaela's opponent whispered, before finally attacking her. Vaela refocused on her opponent, slashing this way and that, but the Thalmor soldiers were trained from young to be proficient in combat, and this one easily parried Vaela's attacks while the High Guard lumbered terrifyingly towards her. Soon, Vaela was in retreat, both the High Guard pressing her relentlessly with his great axe and the Thalmor soldier harrying her this way and that, trying to sneak in a cut or slash to wound Vaela.


Vaela knew she could keep up with the pressure, but for how long? She glanced back and realized that the two Thalmor were slowly herding her into a corner. Vaela had but one last resort. She raised her left hand high and directed it at the Thalmor High Guard. A stream of fire burst forth and surged to the High Guard's armor. There was a brilliant flash of red and cyan...but the High Guard remained unharmed. Thoughts of this attack being a failure began to wander into her mind and it wasn't long before Vaela felt a wall against her back. This was it...


Until a burning brand of fire missed her by centimetres and scorched the High Guard in his left eye. He hissed with fury, dropping his axe and clutching his eye. The other Thalmor soldier raised his arms to strike at Vaela before he too was caught in the stomach by a ball of flames. Vaela glanced to her right and saw Senior Esbern's palms gleaming with power. "Thanks!" She called out. Vaela couldn't tell if Senior Esbern was nodding to acknowledge her or not, but he dashed back into another scuffle. Vaela looked around to see if anyone needed her help. A duel between two figures on the left of her peripheral vision attracted her attention. Hastening over, she discovered Delphine fighting toe to toe with a Thalmor mage. Neither seemed to be able to gain the upper hand.

Vaela ran over and slashed at the mage with all her might.


The Mage stuttered once, stumbled twice and fell over, very much dead. Delphine wiped some blood off her lips before mouthing her thanks. "Don't worry, it's not my blood." She added after noticing Vaela's concerned facial expression. "Let's go help the rest." And so Vaela and Delphine jumped once more into to the chaotic fray, stabbing and thrusting left right and centre, riddling bodies with arrows and blasting them with fiery magic.

It took quite a while before silence descended on the battleground. The Sun had risen during the heated battle, and now bathed the bodies of the slain and fallen in its warm glow, as if trying to make amends for their deaths.


Or hastening their death. Vaela thought. Senior Esbern met Delphine and Vaela right in front of a stack of corpses, with Nikolai checking to ensure that all of the Thalmor were really dead so the none of them would live to backstab them. "Alright. We've dealt with the guards. Time for you two to execute your part of the plan." He pointed to Nikolai and Vaela. Vaela nodded her head for the umpteenth time. Nikolai would accompany her inside the Aldmeri Domain to search for clues to her Master's whereabouts while his sister Delphine and Vaela's Senior, Esbern, would lie in wait just outside the manor to ambush any returning patrols.

Once Nikolai finished his dirty work, the four of them dragged all the bodies into a heap and dumped them unceremoniously down the mountainside. "Let's hope there isn't a stray dog or cat down there. It'll be shocked out of its wits to see so many bodies tumbling down." Nikolai jested, making everyone laugh and providing a reprieve to the sombre situation. Vaela herself was disgusted by the work she had to do, but knew that the discarding of bodies was a necessary evil to avoid detection for as long as possible. "Well, that's that." Esbern noted gruffly as the last body went sailing down the mountainside. "Let's get to work. Don't take too long."

Vaela and Nikolai chorused their affirmation and the group split into two. Vaela went straight to the Imperial Commander's tent to see if she could search for any vital information that would assist the two in their search.


"Nothing much here." Nikolai remarked, sifting through piles of useless documents and parchments. Useless, at least, until he found something of note. "Vaela, look!" He remarked, sending Vaela clambering over immediately. Nikolai had discovered a note signed by the Thalmor High Commander and a map of the manor's interior. It was mostly singed in several places, but there were bits and pieces of information left intact. New detachment of High Guard...assigned to...High Councillor...here to oversee deployment...protect...all costs...

"Good God." Nikolai whispered incredulously. "The High Councillor himself? No way!"

Vaela had not an inkling who the High Councillor was, but from Nikolai's awestruck tone she could only infer that he or she was someone of great importance. "Of course he is!" Nikolai remarked when Vaela questioned him. "Haven't you heard of him? The High Councillor advises the Thalmor High Lord himself on many aspects pertaining to military and political matters. He is fifth in command of the Thalmor realm and one of the most important members of the Aldmeri Council!"

Vaela was surprised. She had not expected such distinguished 'company', which would unfortunately mean increased protection for the Thalmor and a large hindrance to their mission. "Well, I don't know much about him, but he won't get in our way, right?"

Nikolai shrugged. "The offices in the building are quite close to the High Councillor's bedchambers according to the layout here." He gestured to the map, and Vaela sighed. "Don't worry." Nikolai assured Vaela. "What my father planned for us will involve as minimal bloodshed and chance of detection as possible. For example, we're not going to enter through the front gate."

Vaela was stunned. "What? Then where are we going?" She had expected a quick rush into the office to grab whatever information required and make an even hastier exit. But now it was Nikolai's turn to be surprised. "He didn't tell you anything about breaking in?"

Vaela shook her head, to which Nikolai let out an uneasy chuckle. "Well, going through the front door would most certainly be suicidal, so my father devised a plan that the Thalmor wouldn't think of in their wildest dreams. You see..." Nikolai moved towards an iron gate and hefted it open. "There is an underground network of sewers and drains beneath this manor that my father found out about through a contact. We can access the Thalmor offices directly through here." He stopped short when he saw Vaela's astonished face. A sheepish grin danced its way across his mouth. "I'm sorry Vaela, but this is the only way we can avoid being crushed like ants inside their stronghold. It's also the fastest way." Nikolai then pulled some wooden covers off the sewer entrance and started to climb down the ladder. A few feet later, he looked up and motioned for Vaela to follow. "What am I now, a thief and a sneak?" She wondered.

Vaela pulled her mask higher and took a deep breath before entering cautiously.

~~~~

"Don't fall over." Nikolai warned. Vaela tried to balance herself on the shaky wooden plank bridge. She lit a torch to enable a better line of sight in the half-darkness. A gargantuan drop was illuminated by pink and purple crystals, further scaring Vaela to the bone.


"There's so much room down here. Is this mountain hollow or something? And why is it so bright in here?"

Nikolai didn't know. "It's got something to do with those crystals on the...walls. If you can call them that." Vaela shuddered and looked away. "Shall we?" She pointed to the plank bridge. Nikolai nodded and the two began to proceed onwards. Nikolai had assured Vaela that he knew the way but she could not help but feel the creeps.

Then suddenly, Nikolai stopped dead in his tracks. Vaela bumped into him from behind, and annoyed, asked irritably, "why have we stopped?" Nikolai instead put his finger to his lips and signalled Vaela to remain silent. He inched forward for a few meters and surveyed the area ahead, as if expecting something to happen. The seconds ticked by and finally Vaela could stand it no more. She could see nothing of note, and was already tiring of the pungent stench wafting into her vulnerable nostrils. "What is it, Nikolai?" She muttered, tapping him on the shoulder to attract his attention. Nikolai pointed towards a bridge further down the path. "The way out is just a few meters behind that bridge, but that...thing is blocking our way out."

Vaela squinted into the distance and noticed what looked like a very skinny human figure shuffling about and coughing every once in a while. "Let's go talk to him, then." Vaela suggested. ”Maybe he knows a better way in." Before Nikolai could stop her, she stood up and hollered out, "hello over there! Can you help us? We're trying--"

The figure turned around and its unmistakably green eyes stared daggers into Vaela's. She felt her heart skip a beat as the creature vomited a greenish sludge before raising a sword and lumbering towards them from across the bridge. It's intent on attacking the duo was clear for both Nikolai and Vaela to see. "What on Earth is that?" Vaela breathed. "It doesn't matter now!" Nikolai urged. "We have to kill it! It's hostile!"

Vaela and Nikolai ran to their end of the bridge, of which the skeletal figure was already crossing from its side. Vaela summoned her flame atronach even as the creature raised its sword and bellowed, or rather, vomited a war cry. "Burn in the depths of this mountain!" Vaela cursed, and channelled a full blast of power out of her left hand.


She expected the creature to wilt under the sweltering heat of her flames. Instead, the skeletal being cackled and continue lumbering onwards, now appearing like a burning object of invulnerability to Vaela. Shocked and momentarily stunned, she let her flames die out, gripping her sword tighter. Nikolai wasted no time and rushed past her, hefting his giant war axe and bellowing his ferocity. The skeletal creature hesitated as Nikolai bore down on it. With one swing of his mighty axe, he broke the creature's guard. With another, he sliced off the right hand, or what remained of its right hand, off. While the creature tottered about and chittered madly, Nikolai kicked it's body right off the bridge.

It's silent screams echoed off the walls for a long time. Vaela and Nikolai never heard its final thud.

Vaela wiped the numerous beads of sweat off her forehead. "Let's keep going." Nikolai needed no further encouragement as he stepped forwards.

Soon, the duo reached a crevice with a wooden landing. "Here we are. The exit out of here. We just need to climb this ladder and--"

A soft but guttural moan startled the duo. Vaela's eyes flicked around nervously before she saw what appeared to be another of those skeletal creatures. Incensed, she sprung off the wooden landing and charged at it with Nikolai in close attendance. "Stand back!" Vaela warned. "I'm going to collapse the tunnel it's in." Her left hand glowed with pure energy and a searing brand of flames sprouted out. The intense heat started to burn the wooden supports of a tunnel the creature was in.


A few moments later, a great roar could be heard as the tunnel supports came crashing down. The creature was crushed to its death in the ensuing bedlam. Satisfied, Vaela turned back to an awestruck Nikolai. "You have grown." He simply stated. They made their way back to the wooden landing, where they scavenged for any resources they could find. "There are a few lanterns here. Might come in handy." Nikolai remarked. Vaela and Nikolai took one each and checked that all their equipment were intact. Once that was done, Vaela squared her jaw and faced the dusty wooden ladder that led up towards the Thalmor offices.


"How do you know this won't crumble down on us?" Vaela inquired as her hands gripped the groaning wooden supports. "It won't." Nikolai said somewhat uncertainly. Vaela knew he was trying his best to reassure her, and so she took a deep breath.

And began to climb.

[Merchant of Venice]

This chapter was definitely deserving of the wait. Yet again great pictures and some great writing. Already cannot wait for the next one.

[G-Ballz]

Tremendous chapter, Swaeft! Glad to have Vaela and the crew back! And I love how this story is going with the invasion of the Thalmor base. Very dramatic. It's an addictive story. As always, I'm excited for the next chapter!!

[Swaeft]

This chapter was definitely deserving of the wait. Yet again great pictures and some great writing. Already cannot wait for the next one.

Something I have to convince myself of first lol. Thanks for being so loyal to this AAR, a really big hat's off to you and a smattering of rep Hopefully this AAR lives up to your expectations.

Tremendous chapter, Swaeft! Glad to have Vaela and the crew back! And I love how this story is going with the invasion of the Thalmor base. Very dramatic. It's an addictive story. As always, I'm excited for the next chapter!!

Hey there, thanks! The Thalmor base holds many secrets, but can Vaela and Nikolai discover all of them? Thanks for being an avid reader of my AAR too! Believe it or not, I try to visualize how the scene would look like in a movie before writing it down. For example I got my inspiration for this part:

The wind ruffled Vaela's hood but she did not slow down. Running full pelt down the snow-capped slope and almost slipping on several occasions, Vaela searched actively for her target. Looking to her left and right in quick succession, she glanced flashes of Nikolai keeping pace with her in the dark night. Confidence boosted, she continued running downhill, her golden Thalmor-killing sword already in her right hand. In her left, a modicum of power resided, ready to flare up and explode at her target. Catching sight of her target, she picked up her pace and dashed past the final few bushes and shrubs in her way.

Then she jumped.

From Assassin's Creed.

[Merchant of Venice]

As I am kind of new to the Elder Scrolls world, is the Aldmeri domain outside of Skyrim because I thought it was after reading through the history of the High Elves. I'm just a but confused.

[Swaeft]

As I am kind of new to the Elder Scrolls world, is the Aldmeri domain outside of Skyrim because I thought it was after reading through the history of the High Elves. I'm just a but confused.

Sorry for the late reply but I've been busy of late. Exams and stuff kill the mood really much. But anyway, the 'Aldmeri Domain' is the name for the base Vaela is attacking right now. It's a mod and yes it is in Skyrim, somewhere North of Solitude. Meanwhile, the 'Aldmeri Dominion' is the kingdom primarily made out of the High Elves and is indeed outside of Skyrim.

[Merchant of Venice]

Thanks for the clarification

[Swaeft]

Thanks for the clarification

No worries there.

Now for the rest of you, I'm sorry for the delay but my exams are almost over. This friday is my last, literature paper. After that I promise to ramp up the updates to about twice, thrice a week? And even greater during the June Holidays. Until then, Sorry for the delay, it's incredibly frustrating for me as well, knowing you all have to wait while I have to wait. Grrrr....

Edit: Expect the next update in 3 hours or so!

[Swaeft]

Chapter Twenty Five: The Winter Offensive (Part 2)

The wooden lid at the top of the ladder creaked open when Vaela pushed it. She peeked out cautiously, then leaned in and signaled to Nikolai that the way ahead was clear. She crept out, then gave him her hand. With a grunt and a heave, he emerged from the tunnel just as sweaty and smelly as Vaela. He grinned wryly at Vaela, then got up and dusted himself down. Vaela started to take stock of her surroundings. The room she was in consisted mainly of barrels and cobwebs. "We should head this way." Nikolai suggested, pointing to the only exit.

It led the duo to a well furnished but run down room. It appeared to be a smithy of some sort. Stacks of firewood were piled up in various places, and a small fire was burning in the fireplace, which projected flickering, obtuse shadows onto the wooden walls. The chairs were all over the place, and all manners of furniture were strewn around; baskets, rags, pots and pans. Even iron daggers were lying around. Vaela surveyed each part of the room with curiosity.

Then she spotted the corpse on the floor.

The body was unceremoniously dumped in a corner of the room. With a stifled gasp, she ran over to inspect it. Within seconds, she could confidently ascertain that the man was dead. A sympathetic tear threatened to materialize at her pupils.


It appeared to Vaela to be the body of the blacksmith who resided in this very room. Nikolai trudged over, eyes despondent at another death. "These Imperials...bonded to the service of the Thalmor by the White-Gold Concordat." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "He must have been one of the innocent people sent over to the Thalmor as part of the treaty. The cruelty of the Thalmor know no bounds, it seems."

Vaela's anger flared up again. With each insight she gained into the Thalmor life, the more revolted and disgusted she became with their way of life. She slammed her fist on the ground in frustration, and in doing so, she inadvertently titled the blacksmith's body. A small note fell out of his apron pocket. Nikolai bent down to pick it up. He unfolded it and began to read it.

Guard Captain,

Your orders to kill the Blacksmith tomorrow stand. He has discovered that I am present in this very mansion. You know very well that my presence here must remain a secret, at all costs. No one can know the truth behind our prisoners.

High Councilor Bron

Vaela's eyebrows narrowed, while Nikolai's facial expression resembled that of a roaring saber cat. "Just as I suspected, an unjust death." He stated bluntly. Vaela folded the letter and tossed it into the fire. "If we come across this guy, we're going to kill him." Nikolai grunted in acknowledgement. He rose to search the rest of the room while Vaela worked on checking the blacksmith's body for any other important resources. "Nikolai, there's a sword here. It's glowing."

Nikolai hastened over and exclaimed with surprise."Ah! This is one of those enchanted swords I've heard about." Vaela stared blankly at it, not knowing what Nikolai meant.

"You don't know what an enchanted sword does?" Nikolai asked, seeming genuinely perturbed. Vaela shrugged, replying, "I guess I still have much to learn about magic." Nikolai chuckled, bringing a smile to Vaela's face, and he assured her that he only heard about enchanted swords from his sister. "She used to find some in her travels. But basically what this sword does is that in addition to a normal attack, it will inflict magical damage on the enemy."

"That's nice." Vaela remarked. Nikolai handed the sword to her. "I think you should have it. You have more need of it than I." Vaela gratefully muttered her thanks and carried it with her, packing her other sword into one of Nikolai's many bags. Nikolai then proceeded to search the room, finding an elven war mace and a steel shield lying beside the fireplace. He informed Vaela of his discovery and duly equipped the new weapons. "My battleaxe is getting rusty anyway." Nikolai remarked.

Vaela managed to find a key from inside a chest that had 'Barracks Door Key' emblazoned on it. "This guy was quite good at this secrecy." She remarked. "How he managed to get his hands on this I will never know, but I'm not going to grumble about it." She couldn't find anything that could help them on their quest and so the duo proceeded through the room to another adjoining room, where something even worse greeted their sight.


Vaela felt sick. Nausea was starting to set in, and she felt a little dizzy. She averted her gaze and put her hand on a wall for support. She closed her eyes, only hearing Nikolai cursing and swearing over the whole issue. The disgusting image appeared in her mind again and she tried her best to shut it out. "How can such a massacre take place right under the Empire's noses?" Multitudes of questions swarmed into her mind, but her objective drove her on. She opened her eyes, steeled herself, and looked at the pile of corpses again. She almost gagged, but just about kept her composure. Nikolai was sifting through the pile of bodies, searching for something. Vaela left him to it and looked into the surrounding rooms. It appeared that they were in a barracks of some sort. Vaela saw nothing of interest, for the rooms mostly contained dusty bunks, worn boots and empty drawers. The only thing she located was a door to the next building, the building that she wanted to go: Main Manor. Delighted, she ran back to Nikolai to inform him of her discovery.

When she returned to him, his anger had subsided. His jaw twitched in annoyance every now and then, but that was it. He looked assertively at Vaela, before saying, ”I've found another note. This killing was also ordered by that High Councilor." Vaela's rage grew but she managed to keep it in check. "It seems that he's hiding something really important. Plans of something, according to this note."

Vaela shook her head. ”It doesn't matter. Find him, get rid of him." Nikolai looked at her with a cautious expression. "He's likely to be well guarded, though. The fact that he can't fight just makes it worse. He's bound to get more protection than normal. It's going to be tough going after him. You still sure you want to gut him?" Nikolai asked. Vaela floundered for a moment. "Remember, the longer we take in here, the longer Esbern and Delphine have to hold out outside. We can't take too long." Nikolai reminded.

That reminded Vaela that Nikolai's entire family was helping her and putting their life dangerously on the line, just for her to find some information. She nodded and turned to Nikolai. "Alright. We'll kill him only if we see him." Nikolai smiled gratefully upon hearing that. "Where are we headed anyway?" Vaela asked.

"The Main Manor, where all the offices are located." Nikolai gently reminded. "It's next to the barracks if I remember correctly." Vaela gestured around. "Well, we are in a barracks, so I guess we're on the right track. There's a door over there. How about we try your key on it?"

Nikolai strode over confidently and put they key in the lock. Much to his delight, the an audible 'click' was heard when he turned the key, and the door swung open.

Suddenly, a scream rang out and sounds of a heated battle could be heard. Vaela signaled to Nikolai, telling him to pause and see what was going on. Could it be another massacre? Vaela readied her golden sword, while Nikolai drew his battleaxe. The two exchanged tense looks as the sounds of battle drew closer. When it was close enough to hear the individual words, Vaela knew with a sinking suspicion that her assumption about a massacre was correct.

"Surrender now, Captain. You'll never get out of here alive!" A voice rasped. A voice that could only belong to an elf. Vaela heard a cough, then a defiant grunt of "never". Some laughter was heard, followed by the same raspy, cold voice. "You are a fool."

At this point, Vaela decided to help the 'captain'. On a count of three, she ran out from behind the door, spells and sword ready. Nikolai raised his battleaxe high in anticipation of an attack.

However, they were too late. The wounded Captain was already set on fire by the Thalmor, and in his dying, panicky state he viewed the two new intruders as enemies and raised his sword as if to ward off their attacks.


Before Vaela could drop her weapons in a show of peace, the man collapsed in a burning heap and died. A brief pause ensued in which Vaela and Nikolai mourned for the man's death.

"What the?"

Vaela spun around, chiding herself for forgetting that they were not alone. A Thalmor mage and his soldiers were staring mouth agape at Vaela and Nikolai, probably wonder how they managed to infiltrate the barracks. Vaela's sudden entrance startled the Thalmor, and for a few seconds they wondered if she and Nikolai were hostile. Vaela readied her spells, even as she saw the Thalmor tensing up in preparation of an attack, their initial confusion fading to realization. "They're not supposed to be in here. Kill them all!"

The elven soldiers lunged towards Nikolai, leaving space for Vaela and the Mage to slug it out. Realizing that the Mage was probably more skilled than her, and noting the Mage's lack of a sword, she surmised that it would be best if they engaged in close combat, which would give Vaela the upper hand. With this strategy in mind, she sprinted towards the Mage, distracting him with an intense, searing burst of flames so that he would be on the defensive.


Vaela's plan worked and the mage stumbled back, disorientated and blinded by the flames. When she got close enough, Vaela swung her sword at the mage, but he appeared to have some sort of aura around him that protected his body. Vaela could do nothing but buffet him with continuous sword strokes that prevented him from attacking while waiting for help.

Nikolai had dispatched his opponents quickly, and rushed over to assist Vaela with her predicament. "Take this!" He yelled, bashing the mage with his steel shield. The mage stumbled back, unable to deal with attacks on both sides, the mage focused on dealing with Nikolai first while his wards still held. Vaela saw a rippling in the mage's wards and swung hard at it with her enchanted sword. A cackling of purple and cyan erupted as the mage's wards dissipated into thin air, the last of its magic used up. His body erupted into sparks, and Vaela smiled at her enchanted sword, excited by her newfound weapon.


"Took you long enough." Nikolai jested. Vaela gave him a mock apology and sheathed her sword. They began to search this room, just like how they combed the other rooms they had passed through. Finding nothing of note except a door to the next room, the duo proceeded on through that set of doors.

The next room was bare, containing nothing except a large set of heavy oak doors. A bold sign above it showed but one thing: Main Manor. Vaela tested the doors and was thankful to find it unlocked. She conversed quietly with Nikolai, planning their next move. "This door should take us directly to the main offices." Vaela stated. Nikolai nodded. "Good. We've been here for too long already. Open the door."

Vaela did so and snuck in noiselessly. Her silence paid off, for she immediately detected someone sitting on a wooden ledge just above her head. It was a Thalmor soldier, whose armored legs were dangling from the ledge. Apparently, he was talking to someone. Vaela and Nikolai carefully made sure that they made no noise, and eavesdropped on the Thalmor conversation.


"I don't know what's gotten into the High Councilor. He's meeting up with that vile human mage so often it's starting to get to me. What's so important about that guy anyway?"

”I don't know, Ilea, and frankly speaking, I don't really care. All that matters is that we're paid on time. This has got to be the safest job in the Dominion, guarding a well fortified mansion in the middle of nowhere. Shouldn't you be happy?"

"Yeah, I am. But all this conversing with the humans is getting me uneasy. You're not the one bringing him from the lower prisons to the High Councilor's office, now are you?"

"Fine, fine. I just don't see why you are so--"

Vaela heard the sound of boots pounding and watched as the two dangling feet disappeared. The soldier had gotten up from his sitting position. "You two, follow me." A different voice ordered. "There's been a rebellion in the Penitus Oculatus quarters. Those scum think they can overthrow us. Orders are to assemble at the courtyard with the rest of the soldiers, then burn any human you see!" Cries of outrage greeted this statement, as the disbelieving elven soldiers rushed after their commander. "Penitus Oculatus...those must be the Imperial soldiers assigned to guard this Manor. Come on, we must use this distraction to get into the offices quickly!" Nikolai advised. He waited for three seconds, then sprung up and raced towards the offices. Vaela followed close behind, still pondering what they had overheard.

"My Master is here!" Vaela realized. "Nikolai, those Thalmor soldiers said that a human mage was being brought to see the High Councilor, right?"

"Yes. Wait, doesn't that mean--"

"That my Master must be getting interrogated on a frequent basis? I think so too!" Vaela exclaimed. Meeting with the High Councilor was probably one of the worst possible events a prisoner could face. "This way!" Nikolai hollered, turning to the right after following some signs on the walls. Vaela followed him, her palms bristling with magic in case of any hostile encounters.

And she was not a moment too soon. The door to the offices burst open, with what looked like another Thalmor mage running full pelt. All three of them stood rooted to the ground for an instant, startled to see each other. Then, their reactive instincts kicked in and they sprung to action. Nikolai rolled to dodge a blazing fireball, while Vaela conjured up a flame atronach. "You think you're the only one?" The Thalmor mage ranted, summoning his own atronach. Vaela cursed between her teeth.


A fiery engagement began, with neither party willing to venture beyond the protection of their atronachs, of which both were slinging fireballs at each other with impetuousness. Just then, Vaela witnessed the two atronachs charging at each other. She mentally felt a great surge of power gathering, and dashed in the opposite direction in anxiety. "Get down!" Vaela roared, shoving Nikolai to the ground. A tremendous explosion rocked the manor, and fiery sludge and sparks flew all over the place. Vaela got up again, spells at the ready, but for naught, for the mage was dead.

"That racket probably alerted the entire Manor." Nikolai remarked. The duo pushed on through the office door, kicking the burning corpse of the mage aside. However, before they could proceed through the last tunnel connecting all the offices, alerted Thalmor soldiers had already begun to respond to the loud explosion, and the duo were forced to fight them. Vaela and Nikolai squared off against a Thalmor soldier and a High Guard in the narrow tunnel.


No one would gain an advantage in such a clustered area and using spells in such an area was definitely an incredibly risky and dangerous move. Vaela was therefore forced to use her basic flames spell instead of a large fireball that could engulf everyone in flames. "We don't have time for this!" Nikolai warned, blocking the Thalmor soldier's sword strike. Vaela knew that every second they wasted was another second that Thalmor reinforcements could arrive from behind them. She also knew that as long as they cleared out the Thalmor currently in the offices and somehow sealed the entrance to the offices, they would be fine. With that in mind, she shouted at Nikolai, "shield us both...NOW!"

Nikolai covered them both with his steel shield as Vaela unleashed a fireball that smashed into the High Guard. He was flung back like a ragdoll. Vaela cowered behind Nikolai's shield as the blast fragments ricocheted around them. She winced in pain as a sharp stone grazed her left ankle, and closed her eyes tight to avoid the blinding light.

After the din died down, the duo assessed the damage. Both Thalmor were dead, but Nikolai had suffered a cut on his shield arm. A sharp piece of metal had penetrated the shield and sliced Nikolai's left arm, but the cut itself was shallow. The steel shield itself was already disintegrating into nothing, having taken so many hits from debris that it had numerous holes. Vaela's enchanted sword and Nikolai's own mace had been blasted into pieces as well. Nikolai discarded both his mace and shield and instead picked up a sturdy, durable elven warhammer from the corpse of the High Guard. Vaela attempted to retrieve her golden sword from Nikolai's pack, but upon closer inspection Nikolai's pack had been vaporized as well. Behind them, the tunnel out had collapsed into ruins, leaving them with only one way forward.

"This is a heavy price to pay for a single fireball." Vaela muttered apologetically. She was beginning to feel spent and drained as well, having used up most of her magical abilities.

"Well, at least the way is clear." Nikolai encouraged. The duo strode onwards and into the offices, finally reaching their destination.

The Thalmor office was a mess, cluttered with items, books and soul gems. Vaela immediately spotted a safe and went to work on burning the lock. Meanwhile, Nikolai searched the office for dossiers and records on the movements of prisoners.


A few minutes later, Vaela had burnt the lock of the safe. She opened it, and to her great delight, a large book with the words 'Prisoner Allocation' on it was right on top. Lugging it to the nearest wooden table, she set it down and began to flip through while Nikolai guarded the door. Moments passed before Vaela's heart sank slightly.

"Damn. The information for high level prisoners are in the office of the High Councilor." Vaela cursed. Nikolai pointed to a sign on the wall, which stated that the High Councilor's office was directly above the one they were currently in. A black spiral staircase at a corner of the room beckoned invitingly.

Vaela moved over to climb it.

[Chirurgeon]

Wow great work man. Finally had a chance to catchup. Those fireballs are really powerful! Interesting how you switch up Nikolai's weapons from two handed to one handed and a shield. Keep it up. I find your narrative riveting and I find myself reading really close to the screen at times...haha. Great job.

[Merchant of Venice]

Another great chapter. What awaits Vaela and Nikolai? And what's happening to her master? So many questions!

[G-Ballz]

Another excellent chapter! I can't wait to see what happens when Vaela climbs that staircase!

[Swaeft]

Another excellent chapter! I can't wait to see what happens when Vaela climbs that staircase!

Thank you! She will find something too...normal to be true

Another great chapter. What awaits Vaela and Nikolai? And what's happening to her master? So many questions!

Thank you too, Merchant. What's happening to her Master? He has plans, is all I can say I hope I can answer those questions soon!

Wow great work man. Finally had a chance to catchup. Those fireballs are really powerful! Interesting how you switch up Nikolai's weapons from two handed to one handed and a shield. Keep it up. I find your narrative riveting and I find myself reading really close to the screen at times...haha. Great job.

My dear Chirurgeon, my writing cannot compete with yours, but yes I agree that the fireballs are powerful Nikolai had to scavenge some new weapons, as this is a hostile environment. I expect Vaela to do so too! ^^ Thank you for your kind comments and may your quill flourish in book 2!

Thanks for reading, everyone! I expect the next chapter to be up in 6 hours or so

Edit: No way. I just LOST THE CHAPTER!!!! Wow nice 404 error and bam its gone....

[Chirurgeon]

I always write mine in word and then cut and paste. Its just too risky to trust typing in this box. I am sorry that sucks