The Shezarrine - a Skyrim story

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Welcome to the wonderful world of TES Skyrim. You know it by now, click the thumbnail to view the full-size screenhot and click the link to view the hidden screenshot I can't have displaued here. Have fun and enjoy the story. Let us begin...

My name is Bronkah Dovahkiir. This is my story. It Begins where it might have ended -- if fate had not intervened...
The Imperials had caught Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm and leader of the rebellion. The civil war could have ebded this day. But the black dragon had other ideas...



Here we were on the road to Helgen, to our execution and on to Sovngarde...
"Sic transit gloria Imperii - So passes the glory of the Empire", I thought to myself. 



I was called up to the block after the brave Stormcloak Soldier. But then, out of seemingly nowhere...



The dragon saved my Life, but I was far from safe yet...



I followed Ralof, the Stormcloak Soldier into the keep...



We made it out together. Now we were on the road to the village of Riverwood...

They come and invade our children's dreams. In a stupor of nightmares they disappear into the night. Hammerfell has cried rivers of tears for the lost. One day you wake up to find they are gone. This happemed to Xenia.
I have made it my life's work to search in the hope I ight find her, and hunt down these monsters. The vampiric defilers believe the flesh of the little ones will bring them youth. I will bring them death.
My bow to burn them and cleanse their evil souls in the hellfire, and my silver arrows to drive into their black hearts. Xenia's Wrath shall never rest until the very last demon is naught but a pile of ash.
My ring to keep them out of my dreams, and to protect me from their sorcery. Finding her necklace will let me know, until I find it I cannot rest, and so I continue the hunt.
I have tracked them down rto their lair, the Bloodlet Throne. Here is the coven of witch devils infesting Hammerfell. Here is where they flee to bloody their lips and gorge on the innocent.
Here is where they will meet their deaths, and forever burn in the fires of Oblivion. I have found their place of abomination, their table, and I am close to their resting place, I can feel it in my bones.
Once the job is done, and I have found you, we will be reunited.
Not long now Xenia, not long my love.

We found the secret entrance to their lair. While Angi returned to the camp with little Sorella, the rest of us entered the vampire den...





The neckbiters never expected us. We had the jump on them...

Our surprise attack came as an initial shock, but the vampires quickly scrambled to defend themselves...





Sun's Dawn Book Two of 2920 The Last Year of the First Era by Carlovac Townway
3 Sun's Dawn, 2920 The Isle of Artaeum, Summerset
Sotha Sil watched the initiates float one by one up to the oassom tree, taking a fruit or a flower from its high branches before dropping back to the ground with varying degrees of grace. He took a moment while nodding his head in approval to admire the day. The whitewashed statue of Syrabane, which the great mage was said to have posed for in ancient days, stood at the precipice of the cliff overlooking the bay. Pale purple proscato flowers waves to and fro in the gentle breeze. Beyond, ocean, and the misty border between Artaeum and the main island of Summurset.
"By and large, acceptable," he proclaimed as the last student dropped her fruit in his hand. With a wave of his hand, the fruit and flowers were back in the tree. With another wave, the students had formed into position in a semicircle around the sorcerer. He pulled a small fibrous ball, about a foot in diameter from his white robes.
"What is this?"
The students understood this test. It asked them to cast a spell of identification on the mysterious object. Each initiate closed his or her eyes and imagined the ball in the realm of the universal Truth. Its energy had a unique resonance as all physical and spiritual matter does, a negative aspect, a duplicate version, relative paths, true meaning, a song in the cosmos, a texture in the fabric of space, a facet of being that has always existed and always will exist.
"A ball," said a young Nord named Welleg, which brought giggles from some of the younger initiates, but a frown from most, including Sotha Sil.
"If you must be stupid, at least be amusing," growled the sorcerer, and then looked at a young, dark-haired Altmer lass who looked confused. "Lilatha, do you know?"
"It's grom," said Lilatha, uncertainly. "What the dreugh meff after they've k-k-kr-krevinasim."
"Karvinasim, but very good, nonetheless," said Sotha Sil. "Now, tell me, what does that mean?"
"I don't know," admitted Lilatha. The rest of the students also shook their heads.
"There are layers to understanding all things," said Sotha Sil. "The common man looks at an object and fits it into a place in his way of thinking. Those skilled in the Old Ways, in the way of the Psijic, in Mysticism, can see an object and identify it by its proper role. But one more layer is needed to be peeled back to achieve understanding. You must identify the object by its role and its truth and interpret that meaning. In this case, this ball is indeed grom, which is a substance created by the dreugh, an underwater race in the north and western parts of the continent. For one year of their life, they undergo karvinasim when they walk upon the land. Following that, they return to the water and meff, or devour the skin and organs they needed for land-dwelling. Then they vomit it up into little balls like this. Grom. Dreugh vomit."
The students looked at the ball a little queasily. Sotha Sil always loved this lesson.
4 Sun's Dawn, 2920 The Imperial City, Cyrodiil
"Spies," muttered the Emperor, sitting in his bath, staring at a lump on his foot. "All around me, traitors and spies."
His mistress Rijja washed his back, her legs wrapped around his waist. She knew after all these many years when to be sensual and when to be sexual. When he was in a mood like this, it was best to be calmly, soothingly, seductively sensual. And not to say a word unless he asked her a direct question.
Which he did: "What do you think when a fellow steps on his Imperial Majesty's foot and says 'I'm sorry, Your Imperial Majesty'? Don't you think 'Pardon me, Your Imperial Majesty' is more appropriate? 'I'm sorry,' well that almost sounds like the bastard Argonian was sorry I am his Imperial Majesty. That he hopes we lose the war with Morrowind, that's what it sounds like."
"What would make you feel better?" asked Rijja. "Would you like him flogged? He is only, as you say, the Battlechief of Soulrest. It would teach him to mind where he's stepping."
"My father would have flogged him. My grandfather would have had him killed," the Emperor grumbled. "But I don't mind if they all step on my feet, provided they respect me. And don't plot against me."
"You must trust someone."
"Only you," smiled the Emperor, turning slightly to give Rijja a kiss. "And my son Juilek, I suppose, though I wish he were a little more cautious."
"And your council, and the Potentate?" asked Rijja.
"A pack of spies and a snake," laughed the Emperor, kissing his mistress again. As they began to make love, he whispered, "As long as you're true, I can handle the world."
13 Sun's Dawn, 2920 Mournhold, Morrowind
Turala stood at the black, bejeweled city gates. A wind howled around her, but she felt nothing.
The Duke had been furious upon hearing his favorite mistress was pregnant and cast her from his sight. She tried again and again to see him, but his guards turned her away. Finally, she returned to her family and told them the truth. If only she had lied and told them she did not know who the father was. A soldier, a wandering adventurer, anyone. But she told them that the father was the Duke, a member of the House Indoril. And they did what she knew they would have to do, as proud members of the House Redoran.
Upon her hand was burned the sign of Expulsion her weeping father had branded on her. But the Duke's cruelty hurt her far more. She looked out the gate and into the wide winter plains. Twisted, sleeping trees and skies without birds. No one in Morrowind would take her in now. She must go far away.
With slow, sad steps, she began her journey.
16 Sun's Dawn, 2920 Senchal, Anequina (modern day Elsweyr)
"What troubles you?" asked Queen Hasaama, noticing her husband's sour mood. At the end of most Lovers' Days he was in an excellent mood, dancing in the ballroom with all the guests, but tonight he retired early. When she found him, he was curled in the bed, frowning.
"That blasted bard's tale about Polydor and Eloisa put me in a rotten state," he growled. "Why did he have to be so depressing?"
"But isn't that the truth of the tale, my dear? Weren't they doomed because of the cruel nature of the world?"
"It doesn't matter what the truth is, he did a rotten job of telling a rotten tale, and I'm not going to let him do it anymore," King Dro'Zel sprang from the bed. His eyes were rheumy with tears. "Where did they say he was from again?"
"I believe Gilverdale in easternmost Valenwood," said the Queen, shaken. "My husband, what are you going to do?"
Dro'Zel was out of the room in a single spring, bounding up the stairs to his tower. If Queen Hasaama knew what her husband was going to do, she did not try to stop him. He had been erratic of late, prone to fits and even occasional seizures. But she never suspected the depths of his madness, and his loathing for the bard and his tale of the wickedness and perversity found in mortal man.
19 Sun's Dawn, 2920 Gilverdale, Valenwood
"Listen to me again," said the old carpenter. "If cell three holds worthless brass, then cell two holds the gold key. If cell one holds the gold key, then cell three hold worthless brass. If cell two holds worthless brass, then cell one holds the gold key."
"I understand," said the lady. "You told me. And so cell one holds the gold key, right?"
"No," said the carpenter. "Let me start from the top."
"Mama?" said the little boy, pulling on his mother's sleeve.
"Just one moment, dear, mother's talking," she said, concentrating on the riddle. "You said 'cell three holds the golden key if cell two holds worthless brass,' right?"
"No," said the carpenter patiently. "Cell three holds worthless brass, if cell two --"
"Mama!" cried the boy. His mother finally looked.
A bright red mist was pouring over the town in a wave, engulfing building after building in its wake. Striding before was a red-skinned giant. The Daedra Molag Bal. He was smiling.
29 Sun's Dawn, 2920 Gilverdale, Valenwood
Almalexia stopped her steed in the vast moor of mud to let him drink from the river. He refused to, even seemed repelled by the water. It struck her as odd: they had been making excellent time from Mournhold, and surely he must be thirsty. She dismounted and joined her retinue.
"Where are we now?" she asked.
One of her ladies pulled out a map. "I thought we were approaching a town called Gilverdale."
Almalexia closed her eyes and opened them again quickly. The vision was too much to bear. As her followers watched, she picked up a piece of brick and a fragment of bone, and clutched them to her heart.
"We must continue on to Artaeum," she said quietly.
The Year continues in First Seed.

We spent another nice day at home at Lakeview...

https://ibb.co/yWbvfC6                                                                                                                  https://ibb.co/7RxVQbz

M'rissi and Aster's young daughter loved to bathe, but she was too shy to do it nude like the rest of us...

https://ibb.co/zh6NGwr                                                                                                                  https://ibb.co/5kKTMCR

Then we went to Boethiah's shrine...



"Come forward, mortal. Do you have the mace?" "Yes, it's here," Aster said. "So you are Azura's little toy? What does she know of the Restoration?" "An Entity wants to pass into the realm of mortals. That's all I know." "Hahahaha! You have served me well, mortal, but are you worthy of my gratitude?" the Daedric Prince said. "I have done what you asked of me. Where have they taken Rigmor?" "Do you love this girl?" "My love for her is unconditional," my son replied. 
Boethiah continued to press him about it, but Aster sttod firm. In the end she challenged him to fight in her arena...

We had breached the inner sanctum of these mad cultists...



... and we arrived just in the nick of time...
"When I go through the gate, get her out of here and back to the farm," ster said. "You can rely on us, Dragonborn. Stay safe, my friend," Casius said.

https://ibb.co/4px8cBB                                                                                            

Aster entered first, the rest of us were close behind. Almost immediately as we entered, Malacath started hurling insults our way. We had to find the Sigil Tower and destroy the Sigil Stone...

The following morning...




"How is she? Has she calmed down?" Aster said. "Yes, I think so. She's sitting on the porch. Go and speak to her," Sigunn said.



"Hey! You feeling better today?" he said. "Yeah, I think so. I'm sorry about... you know," Rigmor said. "It's fine. Don't worry about it." "Mom says you came for me, that you are my Guardian?" "You're safe now. That's all that matters," Aster said. "Will they come for me again?" "Not here, we are too protected, and with Yngol's camp a stone throw away." "What did they want with me?" she said. "Let's just say you're very special." "Guardian, I keep having this dream..." "Is it recurring?" he said. "Hm hmm! There's a little girl, I can hear her crying. She's all alone, in the dark. I can't see her, so I follow the sound of her sobbing. I find her, she has her back to me... and I approah, and... she wants me to hold her hand. I tak it and then she leads me to a battlefield. The sky is black and rain is pouring down, there's a terrible storm but she keeps pulling me forward. I don't want to follow her, I'm scared, and let go of her hand and wake up every time..." "Do you recognize her?" "No. She wants to show me something, but I let go of her every time because I'm afraid..." she said. "Rigmor, you've been through a lot." "But I am having trouble remembering things. Everything is vague, I can't even remember my past. Before, when I was a little girl? All that is gone." "Have you spoken to your mother, or Baa'Ren-Dar about this?" Aster said. "I am finding it hard to connect with them, no matter how much I know I love them in my heart. I feel something's wrong, and I feel guilty but I don't know why. All we have to connect us is... this... uncertainty? Ahh! I don't know," she said. "How do you feel about me?" "Comfortable... protected... safe I guess. Right now, I think I need that, a Guardian." "You used to call me Dragonborn, remember?" Aster said. "I... I'm sorry. I guess I'm about to rediscover a lot of things, right? I think I'll go take a walk, try to clear my head," Rigmor said.



"Dragonborn, did she say anything? Is her memory coming back?" Baa'Ren-Dar said. "She does know who we are, doesn't she?" Sigunn said. "Some say that to move forward, you must sometimes go back. Sometimes to remember who we are, we need to start from the beginning," Baa'Ren-Dar said. "Yes, she knows you are her mother, and she also knows she loves you both dearly," Aster said. "So it must be just a temporary thing, like Baa'Ren-Dar says. Maybe she needs to jog her memory," Sigunn said. "She's very traumatized, it's clearly going to take time," Aster said.



"What about you, Dragonborn? Does she remember who you are?" Sigunn said. "Vaguely. Everything is confusing, she is reluctant to go back," Aster said. "It hasn't been easy for her. Thank the gods she is at least alive and well," Sigunn said. "Why don't you take Rigmor and visit some places you have been she would probably recognize? It could help with her recovery," the Khajiit suggested. "That might work, Baa'Ren-Dar. She also wanted to visit the College of Winterhold," Aster said. "Excellent idea. By the way, your wante status is revoked by the Empire. You'll both be free to proceed how you wish. Take care, Dragonborn," Baa'Ren-Dar said. "I'll take good care of her Sigunn," Aster said. "Why don't you take her this hunting clothing for the journey. Also, give her this sword, if she will take it," Sigunn said. "Good idea. I'll see how she feels aboyut traveling," he said. "We'll be here waiting," Sigunn said.

I felt there was nothing more we could do, so I left my son with Rigmor and went back home...



Finally back, me and the ladies could catch up on intimate time...

https://ibb.co/G0ZSK3h                                                                   https://ibb.co/kgvT1yP                                                                         https://ibb.co/z8kp5f5


https://ibb.co/gT6wHLS                                                                   https://ibb.co/ncqFKFj                                                                          https://ibb.co/zSdxBK6                                    
Then it was back to adventuring with Vilja and Yindra, Mirai and Sofia. Sindra also joined us...



We stopped at Riften and spent the night at Honeyside...



The next day we were going to seek out the Dawnguard.