C.o.t.D: Chapter 1 - Welcome to Skyrim

• Posted by A-Pocky-Hah! January 8, 2016 - 1,247 views

  Chapter 1: Welcome to Skyrim

  

  10th First Seed, 4E 201

  “How..how much further? I think i’m fre...fre...freezing”, muttered Axius to himself

  The night was pitch black as the blizzard swept through Axius’s snow sprinkled face, sending chills down to his bones. A thick black wolf skin cloak around his shoulders and fur cuffed steel armor kept him warm for a moment but even that wasn’t enough as the cold pierced through them like sharpened spears.

  “Where in Ob...Oblivion is th...this Dawnstar?”, Axius was shivering, he could imagine Radovir’s face laughing at him for underestimating Skyrim’s climate. “I should of listen to that old Nord”, he thought as he followed the beam of light which was casted from his right hand. A spell which guides the caster to their destination if their mind was focused on it. Axius hadn’t seen a single settlement when he first walked through The Pale’s snow covered forest. He did stumble upon a fort but it was occupied by bandits, by then it was night time and snow started to fall. He decided not to risk it and snuck past the fort under the cover of snow and darkness.

  Axius continued walking, his armor and cloak were covered in thin layers of snow, the beam of light faded away as Axius was too cold to concentrate. He kept going, following the path the light had shown before disappearing. Suddenly, he saw a wooden building, rays of light shining out of the windows and the white smoke coming out of the chimney suggests someone was inside.

  “Kynareth, thank you”, Axius was overjoyed and crawled towards the building but was abruptly cut short when he collasped, knee first into the snow. As he breathed heavily, Axius could see two figures, one of them bringing a fur coat, running towards him as his eyes closed.

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  1st Morning Star, 4E 201

  Axius was quietly meditating in the Monastery’s Chapel of the Nine. The interior was dim except for the stained glass images of the Nine Divines around the cylindrical hall and a single hole in the ceiling at the centre which shined down radiant moonlight on the Imperial. His ears soon picked up a distant sound, he opened his eyes, turned his head towards the pillar on his right and identified the source of the sound.

  “You’re lousy at sneaking even with Muffle, don’t you know that Corlion?”, exclaimed Axius as the brown robed Elf emerged from the shadows, smiling.

  “How did you even know?”

  “There’s more than two eyes here”, replied Axius as the Elf looked at the stained glasses, briefly pausing at the image of Talos before briefing Axius about the New Life Festival held at the courtyard.

  “This time, try to wear the damned bandanna for your uncle’s sake”, chided Corlion. New Life Festival is held across Tamriel to celebrate a new year, more importantly the 2nd year of the 2nd century of the 4th Era. People would wear white bandannas on their heads to mark a new beginning for their life. The Order celebrates this tradition although not as magnificent  as the ones held at the cities.

  “Can’t believe it’s the 2nd year of the 2nd century, it felt like just yesterday you were training the Initiates, Axius.”, Axius only nodded as the two went to the courtyard. White lanterns were hanged from the trees, the sound of laughter and music filled the starry night air as the people wore their casual clothes. Strangely, the ones who were playing the music weren’t bards, but spectral instruments conjured up by Jeanne Evaline, a Marshall of the Order.

  It had been 7 years after Axius took the role of trainer in the Monastery, the 24 year old Imperial was now a Templar of the Order as well as the Initiates. Unfortunately, not all the Initiates made it. 2 of the Initiates died during their trials, something Axius felt guilty of. The ones who remained were the Breton and the Bosmer, who used to hate him but got along eventually. As well as the young one who is now 21 years old and an adept student in Restoration. When Axius placed the signet ring on his right finger during his induction ceremony 4 months ago, he could sense that Ser Ignacius was proud of what he became underneath his stone hard face.

   “Well if it isn’t my two favorite men” , greeted Jeanne. She was a Breton in her mid 30’s, her silk white face and auburn hair would make any man or mer fall for her, even Corlion tried to flirt with her only to be politely rejected after an incident which involved a romantic dinner and a harmless prank which nearly turned into a forest fire. She wore an elegant fur-trimmed cloak with a silver circlet on her head, adorned with three moonstones as she held a cup of Alto Wine.

  “Maybe this is my chance to rekindle our relationship”, smirked Corlion. Axius sighed in response, knowing that his 85 year old friend had no chance of winning the affection of the lady.

  “You look quite lovely today Lady Jeanne”, Corlion spoke with formality akin to his race as he bowed.

  Jeanne giggled. “You flatter me, Corlion. Don’t think you can use that Altmer charm just to get me to dance with you, you old elf” , Jeanne coldly notified, leaving Corlion with a frowned face and Axius laughing out of humor . Jeanne was beautiful yet cold, always has been ever since Ser Ignacius rescued her from being sacrified to Molag Bal by a cult. Axius heard from Ser Ignacius that when he found her, she already killed half of the cult before they managed to restrain her. Jeanne turned her attention towards the young Imperial, examining his features.

  “Wow, you certainly grown Axius, you remind me of a certain noble I was in love with, before I discovered he had a mistress.”, Jeanne’s praise turned into a bleak expression, Axius quickly change the subject before she became depressed.

  “Have you seen my Uncle, Lady Jeanne?”, asked Axius

  “Ah yes, he’s by the river with Ederith”

   Jeanne pointed Axius towards the river. Axius removed himself, leaving the two. As he walked across the courtyard, he could see Captain Radovir telling tales with the former Initiates, nearly drunk and almost talking gibberish.

  He soon came across  Ser Ignacius and Ser Ederith, a Bosmer and also a Marshall of the Order. Ignacius was now a middle aged man, the blackness of his hair had been replace with dark gray as well as his beard, wrinkles could be seen on his forehead and below the eyes. They were talking about something before Axius’s presence interupted them.

  “Did I interupted something?”

  “No, not at all, nephew. Come, sit with us”, calmly replied Ignacius.

  Axius sat between his uncle and Ederith. Ederith was very quiet, He was the least talked about by Ignacius but what is known about him is that he is skilled in archery and sword fighting...very skilled. The eerie silence was cut short when Ignacius spoke.

  “Axius, the Marshalls and I have been thinking, we have agreed on letting you go on your first assignment as a Templar.”, unlike 7 years ago, Axius wasn’t surprised nor curious, he was ready to step outside of the Monastery after 10 years in seclusion.

  “Just tell me where and what to do, Ser”, Axius was getting eagered.

  “Hold it there, you’re getting too cocky, and you know what happens when a warrior gets cocky.”, Axius took a few deep breaths, relaxing himself.

  “Now, Ederith gathered reports at Skyrim, villagers in Dawnstar are having trouble sleeping, claiming they keep getting the same nightmares. I want you to investigate it, I have a bad feeling that Vaermina, the Daedric Prince of Nightmares is behind all of this. Ignacius continued, “ In the meantime, look for any information on other Daedric activities and its like. The Civil War there has caused bandits to roam the outskirts, terrorizing travellers and warlocks freely performing their dark acts. You’ll head out on the 1st of First Seed, do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir”

  On the said date, Axius was ready for Skyrim, he wore a steel armor with matching gauntlets and boots, padded white fur underneath it. A black backpack that was equipped with an axe, a fur tent and an alembic for brewing potions. Captain Radovir gave the Imperial a steel mace which had a darker color of metal. “This is a Skyforge Steel Mace, forged from the fires of Skyforge itself. If you’re heading to Whiterun, make sure to send my regards to Kodlak Whitemane and DON’T head North during the night.” , Axius accepted the mace but ignored Radovir’s warning.

  Corlion then approached Axius, he gave him an old book. The book listed all known ingredients and their effects. Corlion said that it could help him save time and money when creating potions. They both hugged, Axius never actually believed an Altmer could be his best friend until he met Corlion.

  The last one to bid farewell was Ser Ignacius, he gave a blessing to Axius before whispering something into his ears, “Remember, out there, your Axius Cornell. If you get mix into the War, make sure the Thalmor don’t recognize you.” Axius replied with a nod before heading out to Skyrim.

  “What could possibly go wrong in Skyrim?” , he asked himself as he walked away with the Monastery slowly fading in the distance.

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  11th First Seed, 4E 201

  Axius’s slowly woke up as his eyes were adjusting itself to the lighting in the small room, he was laying on a bed, wearing his tunic with a warm blanket covering him, sounds of chattering could be heard from the other side of the door. He glanced at a woman dressed in a blue robe sitting on a chair at his left, reading a book. Thristy, Axius tried to reach for a pitcher on a corner table. He extended his  weak left arm as long as he could but only the tip of his fingers touched the silver surface. He gave one last push on his arm, causing the pitcher to fall down, the clattering sound of the pitcher dropping startled the woman and spilled the floor.

  “I was thirsty, my bad”, apologized Axius.

  “It’s okay, we’ll get you another drink.”, the woman softly replied.

  The woman introduced herself as Keeper Carcette, leader of Skyrim’s Vigilants of Stendarr and they are inside the Hall of the Vigilants. A vigilant came in, bringing herbal tea and a hot bowl of horker stew for Axius. As he sat on the bed, trying to eat, Carcette started asking questions.

  “Not many people would travel in The Pale at night during a blizzard, especially those who wear this ring”, Carcette showed Axius a ring, he realized that it was his signet ring as he couldn’t feel the cold metal touching his right ring finger. The Imperial was being interrogated while having his meal!

  “I’m a sellsword, just arrived in Skyrim and that’s my father’s ring, he was a priest before he past away”, Axius lied. He wanted to keep his mission a secret, even from those who have noble and honest hearts.

  “I’ve been to many temples and met many priests in my life, but I’ve never seen a ring like this before. You’re lying, you better tell me who you are or I’ll personally haul you out of the front door!”, Carcette raised her voice, her temper was near boiling point. Axius knew that one wrong word would send him back to the frigid cold. Axius sighed in defeat as he put down the bowl and decided to tell the truth.

  “I’m part of an organization called the Dragon Templar Order, we hunt down Daedra and their worshippers just like you but we are seclusive and only a few of us remained. I’m here because I’ve received word of Dawnstar being plagued by nightmares and I aim to liberate the town from their nightmares.”

  Axius only thought was that Carcette wouldn’t believe him and kicked him out of the Hall. Instead, he saw Carcette’s eyes wide open in disbelief as well as other vigilants who were looking at him.

   “I can’t believe it, they are real.”, gasped Carcette.

  “He’s one of them”, “I can’t believe it, a real Dragon Templar”, those were some of the words Axius heard the vigilants outside were saying.

  He never expected the Vigilants would believe his story. The Order was active during the early years of the 3rd Era but later disappeared without any reason. The last known account of the Dragon Templars was during the Oblivion Crisis, they spreaded their knights across all of Tamriel, helping the races halt Mehrune Dagon’s army until he was defeated by Martin Septim in the Imperial City. After the crisis, history repeated itself again.

  The Hall was filled with commotion until Carcette raised her hand, silencing them. “At first, I wouldn’t believe you but this ring proved otherwise. The engravings and and ruby gemstone  match every description recorded by the Imperial scholars.”

  Carcette was right, it was one of a kind. The ring was made from polished silver and enchanted with elven magic, something a master blacksmith or enchanter could replicate. The engravings were finely carved out and bore the craftsmanship of the Bosmer. Finally a fiery red flawless ruby was set, it said the ruby symbolizes Akatosh. Should a Templar die, his ring will disintegrate, being reclaimed by the chief-god’s fire.

  “You may of not realize by now Imperial, but you and your order are an inspiration towards the Vigilants of Stendarr. Many of us grew up, hearing tales of your deeds and valor. You are welcomed here...”

  “Axius, Ser Axius Cornell”, Axius added as she forgot to ask him his name.

  “Ser Axius, and welcome to Skyrim!”, Carcette officially welcomed him as a brother of the Vigilants.

  A few hours later, Axius was outside the Hall of the Vigilants, fastening the leather straps on his gauntlets. It was a sunny afternoon but it was still cold. He was supplied with some firewood and stew for the journey to Dawnstar.

  “Dawnstar is just nearby, keep following the road but look out for wolves”, warned Carcette as she step outside.

  Axius stood up, stretching his arms and legs. He looked at his left and saw a path leading up the cliffside.

  “Where does that path lead to?” asked Axius as he pointed at it.

  “That leads to a cave Brother Adalvald just recently discovered. He and Brother Tolan called it Dimhollow Cave due to the dark interior. You might want to check it out if you have the time”, answered Carcette.

  “Will do but for now, I must rescue the people of Dawnstar from their nightmares."

  “Godspeed, Ser Axius”, Carcette waved at Axius as he continued travelling north.

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  Axius caught the scent of sea water, he knew Dawnstar was close. As he walked along the stone road, he could see the straw hut houses, standing tall among them all is the White Hall where the Jarl lives. He read a bit of Skyrim’s culture and social structure back at the Monastery. Jarl’s were like the Counts of Cyrodiil, they rule their Holds but swear fealty to the High King, the “Emperor” of Skyrim as Axius would put it. Serving them is a steward, who deals with the problems in the Hold and housecarls, who are the Jarl’s bodyguard. Those who gain the respect of a Jarl can become Thane, a status of nobility.

  As Axius approached the entrance to the fishing town, he was stopped by a guard. The guard’s armor was a combination of pale cream colored cloth and light armor. His armor was quilted vest with bronze chainmail underneath it, matching fur gauntlets and boots kept him warm.

  “Halt, state your business here, Imperial”, said the guard. His thick Nord accent reminded Axius of Captain Radovir but a bit younger.

  “I’ve come here to aid free Dawnstar from the nightmares”, as Axius looked at the guard’s tired, reddish eyes.

  Suddenly the guard unsheathed his sword, “Nice try Imperial spy but we already got someone trying to deal with our nightmares and he isn’t doing quite a good job. Now come with me to jail or die!”. It was worse than Axius thought, the man was so deprived of his sleep, he wouldn’t even listen to his reasoning.

  “Guard, that’s enough! Sheath your sword this instance.”, ordered a voice nearby. She sounded like an Imperial officer. Axius saw two Nords, both in their 40’s, walking towards them. A female Nord in navy blue clothes, accompanied by a male Nord who stands out among the four of them, wearing his Legion armor.

  “That old man must really have balls as cold as Atmora to wear that armor”, thought Axius as he knew that Dawnstar is controlled by the Stormcloaks, a militia led by Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm who despises the Thalmor and the Empire who signed the White-Gold Concordat.

  The guard instantly sheathed his sword, “Sorry Brin...I mean ma’am”.

  “It’s ok and don’t call me ma’am. Try to get some rest at the Barracks”, advised Brina Merilis who appears to be a retired Imperial Legate based on her tone and how the guard addressed her.

  As the guard left, Brina turned her sunken tired eyes to Axius. “I’m Brina Merilis, if you’re an Imperial spy, then tell General Tullius he owes me. If not, then it’s best to grab what you need and get out of here.”, as they shooked hands.

  “Ser Axius, I’m here about the nightmare problems the people have been suffering from”, replied Axius

  Brina smiled with what energy she had left. “Thank the Eight, I’m sure that priest of Mara, Erandur in the Windpeak Inn would need you’re help. Go talk to him.”

  Axius thanked Brina and went inside the Windpeak Inn.

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  As Axius opened the door into the Windpeak Inn, he was blasted by bright lights, sounds of complaints and the warm fires of the oven. He spotted the priest of Mara, a Dunmer giving a speech to the locals.

  "Everyone, please. I'm doing what I can to end these nightmares. In the meantime, all I ask is you remain strong and put your trust in Lady Mara.", Erandur addressed to the crowd.

  Axius could see him calming down two miners, they were getting agitated by the lack of sleep, “If I want to save Dawnstar, I need his help”.

  As the locals left, Axius approached the Dunmer. He was a priest of Mara no doubt, he wore the orange colored robes of a priest, on his neck was an Amulet of Mara, obviously to show his devotion to the Goddess of Love. The only thing that stood out from his appearance was the Elven mace strapped on his belt.

  "The entire town is being plagued by horrible nightmares. They're in serious danger but I'm afraid there's little I can do about it.", said Erandur.

  “I know, and that’s why I came here. I know it’s the work of the Daedric Prince Vaermina so I’m offering you my assistance.”

  Erandur was surprised at the stranger’s offer. At first glance, he viewed the Imperial as a sellsword with little knowledge about Daedras but upon closer observation, he looked like a rugged paladin or crusader.

  “Very well, I accept your offer”, Erandur put it plainly.

  The Dunmer began explaining to Axius about the source of the nightmares. On a cliff lies overlooking Dawnstar lies the Tower of Dawn. It was abandoned long ago by the soldiers but it was reoccupied by worshippers of Vaermina, who now call it Nightcaller Temple.

  “We must return there right now, Axius. Let’s go.”, said Erandur

  “What you mean return?”, Axius started to become skeptical of Erandur. “How could he know of Nightcaller Temple when even the locals don’t know about it”, he thought.

  “Are you coming, my son?” asked Erandur which snapped Axius back.

  “Yeah just getting warm for a moment”.

  As the two head outside, they could see Nightcaller Temple in the evening sun, It stood at the cliffside, watching Dawnstar, feasting on the dreams of its citizens. Axius could imagine the screams and cries of nightmares flowing into the door of the Temple.

  “I can’t wait any longer, Vaermina, you have kept Dawnstar awake for too long. It’s for them to finally be free from your spell.”

  “My Arkay guide us through whatever the Temple has in stored for us.”

  Table of Contents

  

  Author's Note:

  First chapter is complete, it was 3000+ words long because of the side backstory. The detail of New Life Festival was a combination of lore and Isoku's Holiday mod. The next chapter and probably the rest would be shorter. I tried too avoid making the Hall of the Vigilants scene from being too similar with Lissette's scene in Straag Rod. Hope you guys enjoy reading.