Return of the Septim Dynasty/Part V

Part V
It has been a few days since the Battle of Narsis. Because of Joran Nerevar's coronation all the House Leaders were called to Mournhold. Dandras Redoran rode along with Commander Balyn Omoran into the capital. Joran received Dandras and Balyn inside the palace. He welcomed them back to Mournhold and asked if they were there for the coronation. Dandras said that they were there for the coronation and the meeting of the Grand Council. He asked Joran if he had forgotten it already, as he had been the one to claim to be reinstating it. Joran smiled, saying that Dandras was as blunt as ever. He then asked the Archmaster if he remembered the first issue on the table. The Redoran said that it was House Hlaalu's status as a Great House. He then said for Joran not to let him keep him from his other guests. A few more high ranking Redoran members had come with Dandras to Mournhold. Magister Neloth of House Telvanni had just arrived with his apprentice and other members of House Telvanni. Joran welcomed Magister Neltoth and asked him how things were in Solstheim. Neloth said that he should be in Solstheim right now, as his experiments didn't finish themselves. Then he muttered that he should work on that next, experiments that finish themselves. He told his apprentice to write that down before trailing off in thought. The apprentice was carrying a bunch of Neloth's equipment. He struggled to write down what Neloth was saying while holding the packs. Kirid Sadras and members of House Sadras had arrived. Marilia Hlaalu and the surviving House Hlaalu members also arrived. And last to arrive was Tanel Dres and the members of his house. Tanel was in an awful angry mood, his hatred for House Indoril was apparent. Joran asked Tanel how he was. Tanel brushed him off. When everyone arrived the coronation began.

Soon enough everyone was settled in the Palace's throne room. The guests were separated in two sides of the room by a light blue and green carpet going all the way to the throne. Indoril and Nerevar banners covered the walls of the room. In front of the throne were three Tribunal Priests, the Patriarch and two Masters. The music started, and Joran walked down the aisle to the cheers from the guests. He knelt before the patriarch, who held the crown. The patriarch said a few words, before having Joran stand up and turned around. He placed the crown on Joran's head, and exclaimed, They hailed him as King Joran Nerevar of Morrowind. The guests cheered. Joran then turned to the two masters and took Hopesfire and Trueflame. He crossed them over his chest and sat in the throne. The guests cheered again. All the guests except those of House Dres, and some others that still held disdain towards House Indoril, cheered. Some from House Telvanni were too busy lost in thought to even know what was going on, like Magister Neloth. Dandras looked at Joran. He commented that with Indoril Nerevar's weapons in his possession, Joran's right to rule was practically unquestioned. Balyn nodded. Joran stood up, and wandered to Dandras. He said that it was time for the meeting and beckoned him to follow. He led them to the same meeting room they had used for the last negotiation. He sent messengers to get the other House heads.

The meeting room filled up with the six leaders of the Houses and their bodyguards. Joran welcomed them to their first council meeting, standing up. He mentioned that later he wanted to have the common folk take part. Tanel snickered and said that only high ranking members of the Great Houses could participate in the meeting, as it had been done since the time of the Chimer. Joran decided to deflect the issue for now and immediately began with the first issue and asked for a vote on whether House Hlaalu should remain a Great House or not. Joran and Kirid voted for. Neloth ignore the vote and kept muttering something about his experiments. Tanel voted against, saying that they had followed House Hlaalu twice now and both times ended poorly. Twice they sided with the Empire and it came back to bite them in the ass. Dandras looked over at Joran. He said that he had already discussed this with him in their last meeting. He voted for, but said that the consequences were on Joran. With that House Hlaalu kept their status. The Hlaalu leader, Marilia, cheered silently, overjoyed at not being exiled from Morrowind once again. Next up Joran brought up the topic of slavery. Dandras however brought back the topic of the common folk. He asked if Joran meant that they would be welcome to witness the meetings or will get to vote alongside the councilors. Tanel agreed with the question.

Joran said that it depended on what the council decided. He was hoping that they would allow the common folk to have representatives in the council, elected by them. They would be able to vote. He asked if they didn't want their people to have a say in what happened in their country. Tanel said that the meeting was of the Great Houses, not citizens. They had no say in what the Councilors decided. Dandras agreed with him. The council was an ancient tradition since the times of Joran's spiritual ancestor, Indoril Nerevar. With that Joran decided to drop the subject. Neloth brought back the topic of slavery. The others looked a little surprised that he spoke. He asked if Joran was serious at ending it. Both Houses Telvanni and Dres had depended on slavery for a long time. Dandras said that slavery had only caused problems for them. The entire reason why the Argonians had invaded was because of their stupid slavery. He also mentioned that if not for House Redoran they would have killed them all. Joran agreed with the Archmaster. Slavery had only caused problems for them. It had taken House Indoril a long time to rebuild Mournhold, all because of their slavery. Tanel argued that their farms required slave labor. Dandras pointed out that slavery was outlawed once before in the 3rd Era and their farms still survived. Tanel said that that was only because the ban didn't last long. Dandras reminded him that it lasted 200 years. Joran said that House Dres needed to learn the values of hard work. Tanel retorted, saying that slaves worked hard. Dandras decided to call a vote and stop the arguing. Kirid, Joran, Dandras and Marilia voted for a ban. Both Neloth and Tenal voted against. Dandras said that it was settled. Slavery was now outlawed in Morrowind. Tanel said that this would cripple House Dres' economy. Dandras told him to start hiring people instead of enslaving them. Tanel gave Dandras a stern look.

Joran suggested that if they payed the former slaves they would keep working for them just as hard. Tanel didn't answer. Slavery is something that House Dres had done for a long time, it was part of their culture. It would take more than one meeting to change the way they think. Dandras asked if there was anything else that they needed to discuss. Joran brought up the topic of Daric Lariat and his plan to go to war with Cyrodiil. Joran wanted to ask how the other Houses felt about this plan. Both Joran and Kirid wanted to help him, but Marilia didn't speak. Dandras agreed to help, he said they owed Daric that much. Neloth said that they didn't owe him anything. It was not their fight. Morrowing was free, they didn't need anything anymore. Marilia spoke now, for the first time. She said that they didn't owe Daric anything, but they owed Augurius Mede. They owed him a painful death. She agreed to help. Dandras stared at Tanel, who didn't want to help. Dandras said that his vote didn't matter since they were marching to war anyway. Joran adjourned the meeting. He then walked out with Dandras, Marilia, and Kirid and their bodyguards. He remarked that that went well. Dandras said that it went as well as it could have gone. Next time it would be the all councilors that voted, not just the heads of the Houses. Joran asked when they would hear from Daric next. The Archmaster said that the Breton claimed he was going to get his troops ready in High Rock, so he thought he would make contact soon. No doubt he was anxious to invade Cyrodiil and claim the Ruby Throne. Joran could relate. Kirid asked Joran when his wife and kids would return from High Rock. He said that they would be back next week.

Naerion Nelthar and Nilya Nelthar soon arrived in Mournhold. Naritin Nelthar met with them while the Dunmer Great Houses held their meeting. Naritin was glad that the Great Houses were meeting. Naerion asked what made him glad about it. Naritin mentioned something about the curse of leading, which prompted his brother to say that he could lead the Nelthars if he'd like. Naritin said that Naerion leading would be a disaster. Jina Nerevar soon approached them. Naritin mentioned to his aunt that the Dunmer had chosen the path of shadows. Nilya was interested in a new apprentice. Jina greeted her and the two shook hands. Nilya asked about Jina's skills, if she was good at spywork. Jina confirmed this and Nilya was pleased. Jina also mentioned that she was skill in politics and Naerion said that politics were skills used for his own path as well as Naritin's. Jina asked them if she had to remain in only one path, to which Naritin said that she could follow multiple paths. Jina then decided to begin her training under Nilya.

In Valenwood. Celegorn and his men made it to the top of the Tree-City Falinesti. He told his men that the Imperial Governor was just inside. It was time the Camorans took back their city and united the Bosmer tribes once again. The bosmer rebels broke down the Governor's Manor's door. Celegorn's brother said that they hadn't set foot into the Old Camoran Manor since the Thalmor took over. They fought the Imperial guards and made their way to the Governor. Celegorn and the other rebels killed the Imperials and made their way to the Governor's quarters. There they found the cowering governor. The Imperial surrendered. The bosmer soldiers apprehended the governor. Celegorn ordered them to take him out of his sight. They then spread the work around the city that the Governor had been captured the imperials began trying to run away, some were killed or captured but others managed to escape the city. The Camorans ruled Falinesti once more. On the old Camoran throne sat Celegorn. His brother told him that they needed to unite the other tribes. Not all wanted them back, but they would soon be willing. By force or not. Celegorn told him that that was not the most pressing matter. They needed to send a letter to the Breton King Daric. That confused his son. He asked why. Celegorn stated that he wanted to join the Breton's alliance. His brother was angry. He said that they were freeing Valenwood from the Imperials but he was planning on handing it over to the Bretons. His son asked what was wrong with him. He always talked about a free independent Valenwood, free from the Altmer and the Imperials. Celegorn said that in order to defeat the Mede Imperials once and for all they needed Daric. He was going to write the letter, the matter was not up for debate.

Daric had received a letter a few weeks ago from the Altmer Marquess, Yanniss Mothril, asking for assistance in freeing the main island in the Summerset Isles from Imperial Control. Daric replied stating that he would send a few Redguard ships to help them but that he was too busy with preparing to invade Cyrodiil to give full assistance. Daric's armies gathered as they got ready to set out for Hammerfell, where they'd meet up with the Redguards. Daric went to his quarters and looked at his new set or armor. He put it on and got Flamerend. He was ready to march for war. As he was leaving Shornhelm a courier arrived with a letter, he said it was important. Daric got the letter and saw the crest that was on the letter, of the Camoran Line. He opened the letter and read it. It was odd, the Bosmers were pledging their support. They hadn't shown any signs of being on my side before. Though this was good, they could help them in Cyrodiil. Though by the looks of it that might take some time, they hadn't completely kicked out the Imperials yet. Daric sent a letter back accepting the proposal from Celegorn. After which he left Shornhelm and marched to Hammerfell with his armies.

As the army marched into Hammerfell Daric began to have a strange feeling. He didn't like leaving High Rock mostly defenseless but he needed all his troops in Cyrodiil. He had heard reports from Nelthar spies that the Empire had brought their all their remaining Legions into Cyrodiil. He would need the full might of his alliance to fight them. Not long after Joran marched the combined Morrowind army of all the Great Houses into Cyrodiil through the east. They headed for Cheydinhal. The Dunmer faced bitter resistance in Northeastern Cyrodiil, the 2nd and the 8th Legion were there guarding the city. Ulfric Stormcloak and his Nordic Army received the message from Daric and marched their armies south through the Jerral Mountains and to Bruma. Just like the Dunmer they faced heavy resistance from the 9th and the 10th Legions. Daric's Army had met up with Bodean Suda's Army. The Redguard Navy set out to blockade Anvil while the rest of the Redguards and the Bretons invaded Western Cyrodiil. That way was guarded by the 1st and the 11th Legions. Cyrodiil wasn't going to give up without a fight.

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 * Balyn

Cyrodiil wasn't going to give up without a fight. Daric's alliance had a hard time advancing through Cyrodiil. The Legions were well trained and disciplined, their formations were strong and unbreakable. The Dunmeri army arrived in front of the gates. To their horror, the Count, who probably would have let them pass due to him being a Dunmer, was dead. His dead body was nailed to the city gates. Joran, Balyn, Marilia, and Kirid, who were going to barter for their right to pass, turned and rode back to the army. With the Count dead, Joran ordered the siege of the city to begin. Kirid ordered the catapults to fire, before going to lead the House Sadras Daedra. A part of the Telvanni Mages summoned a group of Ogrim, to tear down the wall. Still, they had the men carrying ladders in case that didn't work. The 2nd legion that garrisoned the city counter attacked. Firing Ballistae and Catapult rounds at the Dunmer. The 8th Legion from Black Marsh attacked the Dunmer forces from the south. The Indoril Part of the army turned and engaged the 8th Legion, while Hlaalu spies on the inside were fighting against the guards at the catapults, assassinating as many as possible. The Dunmer in the city, seeing their kinsmen in trouble began to attack from the inside. The 2nd Legion in the city started to kill the rebelling Dunmer. The 8th Legion was more than a match for the Indoril forces. Seeing that Joran and his forces were in trouble Commander Balyn's Redoran Guard marched south to assist. A few of their officers were getting assassinated, the city's defenses started to falter. The combined Indoril and Redoran forces pushed back the 8th Legion, but the battle was ongoing. The Telvanni cast massive fireballs at the gates, all together. Varik, Neloth's underling, was a demon, sending fireballs, lightning bolts, ice spikes into the guards on the walls, floating above the rest of his army in his tornado. The gates fell, with a crash. Half of the Telvanni mages collapsed from exhaustion. They were the footmen, the weak ones. The Daedra and the Hlaalu army rushed through the gates, killing the guards stationed there. With the gates down the Imperials began abandoning their posts. They escaped the city to regroup closer to the Imperial City. The 8th Legion saw that Cheydinhal had fallen so they broke ranks and fled south.

The Dunmeri army cheered and charged into the city, clearing out the last pockets of resistance. Joran ran to the deceased Count's castle and brought down the flag of Augurius. He raised two flags, one being his own banner, of Nerevar Moon-and-Star, and the other being Daric's Septim flag. The Dunmer rejoiced, as did some of the citizens. The army was going to stay across from the Imperial City, in Fort Urasek. Just as the Dunmer were about to leave the city, the alarm bells were rung. The Legions were coming back. Some from the north and others from the south. King Joran ordered the Hlaalu, Sadras and Telvanni troops to hold the north while Indoril, Redoran and Dres would hold the south. The 10th and 8th Legions attacked the Dunmer from north and the south respectively. The two halves of the Dunmer army fought back, firing arrows, fireballs, rocks, anything they could get their hands on out into the Legions. The North gate opened, letting forth a stream of Daedra, before closing just as quickly. The Daedra crashed into the already weakened Legion, killing many. The 8th Legion besieged the city from the south while the 10th Legion fought the summoned Daedra forces. The Daedra slashed and hacked their way through the 10th Legion, killing many before their summoning time ran out. The Redoran forces began charging out of the gates, using the same tactic the Daedra did. The gates closed very fast. The Dres fired arrows into the 8th Legion, while the Telvanni tossed Fireballs and Lightning Bolts at the Legions on both sides.

The diversity of the Dunmer's tactics was their strong suit. The Imperials took too long to adapt to the tactics of one of the forces only to be attacked by the forces of another House. The Dunmer were winning. In the south, the 8th Legion began to break, many of them panicking and running away. In the north, the 10th Legion, as there were no longer any Daedra holding them back, began to push forward and put ladders on the wall. The Telvanni and Sadras conjurers did their best to summon more Daedra or familiars to help, but most of them were near faint with exhaustion. The Hlaalu warriors were doing their best to cut down the ladders, but more and more were being brought up. That was when the Dres forces stepped in. It seemed they had come out of the East and West gates, and they circled behind the 10th Legion. They were already weakened by Daedra, and it was as if they were caught between a rock and a hard place. They went down fighting, severely crippling the Dres Guard, but they went down nonetheless. The Dunmer had won the day and once again had defeated the Imperial Legions. The few surviving legionnaires had ran southwest to Bravil. The Dunmer were wandering on the field of battle, searching for survivors to help. When they couldn't find any, they left a quarter of all the House armies to help the Dres Guard. The rest of the army resupplied, and moved towards the Imperial City to wait for Daric.

The Dunmer army marched towards the Imperial City, taking all the forts ans small settlements as they followed the Blue Road. The Dunmer didn't encounter much resistance. The 3rd and 4th Legions where guarding Bravil and Leyawiin. The Dunmer reached Fort Urasek and began to reinforce the fort as they camped there. Joran signaled to Balyn, and Balyn sent a single, fiery rock shooting from the catapult into the Imperial City, while they waited for Daric. The flaming rock didn't hit the palace, sadly. It rammed into a part of the wall, knocking it down a little. Joran turned to Balyn again and ordered him to send in some Hlaalu spies. 5 Dunmer, dressed in peasant clothes, began to head towards the Imperial City, circling around so they would seemingly come from Bruma, fleeing the Nords. 2 others waited for nightfall before heading to the broken part of the wall. They used a simple levitation spell, along with an invisibility spell. They dropped into the city.

As the sun went up the Dunmer army could see 5 heads on pikes near the hole on the wall that was broken by their catapult the last day. There was still no visible activity in the city. Balyn remained with the main army at the fort, while Kirid and a fourth of the Dunmer force headed to Chorrol to aid the Nords. They soon began to wonder why the Empire wasn't attacking them at the fort. Before long they received word from Daric and marched out of the fort and through the Red Ring. As the Dunmer marched, many of them glared apprehensively up at the Imperial City, hating the very sight of it. Joran paused, and so did his army. He told them to remember the day they defeated the Imperials, who took their freedom from them. To remember all of the people, not just Dunmer, who had died thanks to Augurius. He said that they would end him and finally have peace. The Dunmer army cheered, and, after resting for a small time, continued to march. The army met up with Kirid's force along the way, after he had finished helping the Nords in Chorrol. As they reached Daric's camp west of the Imperial City the Dunmer received a letter from Emperor Augurius. It told them that if they turned back now they would be spared, but if they joined Daric in his assault on the capital then not only they would die but also their families in Morrowind. This message caused many members of Houses Dres and Telvanni to desert, as well as some from House Hlaalu. However the rest of the army didn't falter in their determination and instead got ready to attack. The Stormcrown Alliance was united. The Bretons, Nords, Redguards, Dunmer and Bosmer were fighting as one.

Before the army marched off to battle, Joran stood in front of them with his swords in hand and in full armor to address them. Not long after Daric mounted his horse. The Catapults were being loaded. The men were in position. It was time. He blew on the horn and the Artillery started to fire on the walls. The Men got on the row boats they had made to cross the river. The Undead on the walls fired arrows and spells at the invaders, the Ballistae installed into the towers of the city fired on the armies bellow. Joran got on his horse, and ordered the remainder of his army to begin the attack. Hlaalu Archers and Telvanni mages got onto silt striders. Some of the silt striders were also carrying squads of Indoril, Redoran, and the remainder of Dres troops. The artillery rounds were starting to break off bits of the outer wall, killing some of the undead on the western wall of the city. The Imperial Ballistae had managed to destroy a few boats and catapults. The undead soldiers shot arrows and fired spells at the Silt Striders. The Telvanni were doing their best to protect the giant bugs, but many were knocked down. The Catapults of the Dunmeri began to fire, shooting giant green balls. When they were over the city, the balls uncurled, revealing Daedra. They dropped into the city, crushing anything beneath them. A few silt striders finally made it past the city walls, raining arrows and fire down from on high. The boats had begun landing on the other side. There the soldiers were putting up the ladders to climb the wall. The artillery was aimed at the sections of wall where the ladders. Some of the ladders were pushed down by the undead. More and more silt striders got over the walls, and Dunmer began to land. Some of them also began to climb the ladders with the Nords. The artillery was aimed farther into the city, so they wouldn't hit any friendlies.

Joran and the rest of his army came through the gates, that had been broken open, while he had the Hlaalu spies climbing across roofs, shooting undead people as much as they could. The Hlaalu Archers were climbing the ladders along with the Bosmer. Joran dismounted, while he, Balyn, and the rest of his army waded through the Undead, slashing and hacking. Kirid walked through the Undead army, towards Balyn and Joran. Balyn was a little surprised to see him there, as he had gone ahead on a silt strider earlier in the battle. He was bleeding heavily, and Augurius' troops were ignoring him. Joran shouted his name. He ignored the shout and charged at Balyn, who engaged him in a deadly duel. The fighting in the streets of the Talos Plaza District was wearing down the Alliance troops in an alarming rate. Everyone of theirs that died would be reanimated and would attack his former friends. Kirid and Balyn were dueling, whirling and slashing at each other. Kirid was good, but Balyn was better. Eventually the fighting came to an end, as Balyn decapitated Kirid, showing no remorse for he had realized that Kirid had been killed and brought back as an undead thrall. Putting him down was a mercy, to allow the boy to pass on. Balyn then called for a phalanx and the Indoril and Redoran soldier formed up to fight the remaining undead. The Alliance had discovered that Sloads were responsible for raising the dead. As such they went after them and put them down. With both the Sloads from the Talos Plaza dead Daric and his allies were able to clear out the undead in it after a while.

They regrouped in the center of the Plaza. Daric said that if there were Sloads like the ones they encountered all over the city then they had to hunt them dow. Green Emperor Way was probably too overrun with undead to take before they get rid of their biggest advantage, being able to turn their dead against them. Joran looked at Daric. He said that if there were only two Sloads per district then they should split up. Balyn could lead one of the expeditions, while he offered to lead another. He said that if they kept using the same tactics, they could win the battle. They also had the Bosmer archers to aid them. Daric ordered the Dunmer and the Nords to head tot he Elven Gardens District. The Bretons, Bosmer and the Redguards would go to the Temple District. The fighting was still going on atop the walls and alliance artillery was still firing on the city. The armies had spread into the city and were fighting all over. Joran and Ulfric Stormcloak led the charge of their combined armies. Remembering the Talos Pact they had had before Augurius' terrible reign, the armies fought well together. Dunmer warriors would dart in, slashing at the front ranks of the Undead, taking out a few of them, and when the shields in that part were gone, the Nords would charge in, wailing away at the Undead with their axes and hammers. Meanwhile, Balyn and Galmar searched for one Sload while Joran and Ulfric searched for the other. Balyn and Galmar ran through the Elven Gardens. Inside one of the buildings, an evil light glowed, and more and more Undead were pouring outside. Balyn bet that it was inside there. Galmar chuckled, saying that he must be right. Balyn looked at Galmar and told him that he couldn't just charge in axe swinging, they needed to find another way. Galmar grunted but asked what he suggested. Balyn looked around and saw a staircase up to the second floor of the building. The staircase was around the back. He told the Nord to follow him. They went around the back, and climbed the staircase, going through a door up there. Balyn looked at Galmar again. He said that he'd go first and dart in, attempting to weaken the Sload, then Galmar would come down with his axe and send the creature to Oblivion.

Balyn rolled down the stairs, kicking an undead soldier away from him. The Sload had not noticed him yet, as it was too preoccupied with its spells. Balyn snuck up behind it, and stuck his sword into the back of the Sload's knee. It roared in pain, and turned around, throwing Balyn, who was still clutching to the sword, across the room. The Dunmer shouted to Galmar weakly as his vision began to go fuzzy. Galmar came charging down the stairs, his battleaxe whirling. Seeing what was going on, Galmar leaped from the stairs onto the Sload's neck. He clutched onto it with one hand, and with the other he began to cut the neck apart. Galmar, after three minutes of tiring attacks, finally decapitated the Sload. After killing the Sload, the two returned to the fighting at the Elver Gardens. The Nords and the Dunmer began to make ground as they fought their way through the District. The army was now routing the Undead after Joran and Ulfric took out the other Sload and soon enough, the Stormcrown Alliance owned the Elven Gardens. However, just as most of the army had headed back with Joran and Ulfric to the Temple District, a platoon of undead entered the Elven Gardens with Augurius himself leading them. Balyn ordered his men to fall back, as the undead had caught them by surprise and flanked them. Balyn and Galmar stood at the helm, as the rest of the army fled. Balyn looked at Galmar, who nodded, and the two charged at Augurius. The Dunmer wasn't sure if they stood a chance against the black armored Emperor, but they had to buy some time for their men to escape. Augurius and his undead charged at the two men, calling them fools and saying that they would die by his blade. Augurius swung his sword, and Balyn rolled under it, coming up behind him. Balyn attempted to stab Augurius' leg, but Augurius backhanded him, sending him flying into a wall. Augurius charged at Balyn, but Galmar struck first, swinging his axe into Augurius' back. Sadly, the armor was too strong, and the axe became stuck in it, leaving Galmar without a weapon. Augurius swung the flat of his blade into Galmar, sending him into a different wall. Balyn's vision was becoming fuzzy, but he stood up, ignoring the pain in his back. He sprinted as fast as possible over to Augurius, who was standing over Galmar, ready to strike. Balyn leaped onto his back, drawing a dagger. Augurius shook him off onto the pavement where Balyn lay there, groaning. Augurius put his foot on Balyn's chest, raising his sword. Balyn stabbed the dagger into a chink in the armor. Augurius roared in pain and brought his sword down.

Balyn saw that Galmar stood shakily. He picked up a battleaxe from a fallen soldier and charge to meet the undead. Daric charged into the Elven Gardens with his men. Augurius roared in outrage as he saw Daric. Without giving it a second thought, he brought down his sword, stabbing Balyn through the neck. The last thing he saw was Augurius charging at Daric.

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 * Joran

The Dunmer faced bitter resistance in Northeastern Cyrodiil, the 2nd and the 8th Legion were there guarding the city. Cyrodiil wasn't going to give up without a fight. Daric's alliance had a hard time advancing through Cyrodiil. The Legions were well trained and disciplined, their formations were strong and unbreakable. The Dunmeri army arrived in front of the gates. To their horror, the Count, who probably would have let them pass due to him being a Dunmer, was dead. His dead body was nailed to the city gates. Joran, Balyn, Marilia, and Kirid, who were going to barter for their right to pass, turned and rode back to the army. With the Count dead, Joran ordered the siege of the city to begin. Kirid ordered the catapults to fire, before going to lead the House Sadras Daedra. A part of the Telvanni Mages summoned a group of Ogrim, to tear down the wall. Still, they had the men carrying ladders in case that didn't work. The 2nd legion that garrisoned the city counter attacked. Firing Ballistae and Catapult rounds at the Dunmer. The 8th Legion from Black Marsh attacked the Dunmer forces from the south. The Indoril Part of the army turned and engaged the 8th Legion, while Hlaalu spies on the inside were fighting against the guards at the catapults, assassinating as many as possible. The Dunmer in the city, seeing their kinsmen in trouble began to attack from the inside. The 2nd Legion in the city started to kill the rebelling Dunmer. The 8th Legion was more than a match for the Indoril forces. Seeing that Joran and his forces were in trouble Commander Balyn's Redoran Guard marched south to assist. A few of their officers were getting assassinated, the city's defenses started to falter. The combined Indoril and Redoran forces pushed back the 8th Legion, but the battle was ongoing. The Telvanni cast massive fireballs at the gates, all together. Varik, Neloth's underling, was a demon, sending fireballs, lightning bolts, ice spikes into the guards on the walls, floating above the rest of his army in his tornado. The gates fell, with a crash. Half of the Telvanni mages collapsed from exhaustion. They were the footmen, the weak ones. The Daedra and the Hlaalu army rushed through the gates, killing the guards stationed there. With the gates down the Imperials began abandoning their posts. They escaped the city to regroup closer to the Imperial City. The 8th Legion saw that Cheydinhal had fallen so they broke ranks and fled south.

The Dunmeri army cheered and charged into the city, clearing out the last pockets of resistance. Joran ran to the deceased Count's castle and brought down the flag of Augurius. He raised two flags, one being his own banner, of Nerevar Moon-and-Star, and the other being Daric's Septim flag. The Dunmer rejoiced, as did some of the citizens. Joran talked to a Dunmer during the feast. Her name was Alma Redoran, Joran's sister. As Cheydinhal was under Dunmeri control at the moment, Joran appointed her acting Countess until Daric saw otherwise. He also decided to leave behind a small portion of his army with her to protect the city. The army was going to stay across from the Imperial City, in Fort Urasek. Just as the Dunmer were about to leave the city, the alarm bells were rung. The Legions were coming back. Some from the north and others from the south. King Joran ordered the Hlaalu, Sadras and Telvanni troops to hold the north while Indoril, Redoran and Dres would hold the south. The 10th and 8th Legions attacked the Dunmer from north and the south respectively. The two halves of the Dunmer army fought back, firing arrows, fireballs, rocks, anything they could get their hands on out into the Legions. The North gate opened, letting forth a stream of Daedra, before closing just as quickly. The Daedra crashed into the already weakened Legion, killing many. The 8th Legion besieged the city from the south while the 10th Legion fought the summoned Daedra forces. The Daedra slashed and hacked their way through the 10th Legion, killing many before their summoning time ran out. The Redoran forces began charging out of the gates, using the same tactic the Daedra did. The gates closed very fast. The Dres fired arrows into the 8th Legion, while the Telvanni tossed Fireballs and Lightning Bolts at the Legions on both sides.

The diversity of the Dunmer's tactics was their strong suit. The Imperials took too long to adapt to the tactics of one of the forces only to be attacked by the forces of another House. The Dunmer were winning. In the south, the 8th Legion began to break, many of them panicking and running away. In the north, the 10th Legion, as there were no longer any Daedra holding them back, began to push forward and put ladders on the wall. The Telvanni and Sadras conjurers did their best to summon more Daedra or familiars to help, but most of them were near faint with exhaustion. The Hlaalu warriors were doing their best to cut down the ladders, but more and more were being brought up. That was when the Dres forces stepped in. It seemed they had come out of the East and West gates, and they circled behind the 10th Legion. They were already weakened by Daedra, and it was as if they were caught between a rock and a hard place. They went down fighting, severely crippling the Dres Guard, but they went down nonetheless. The Dunmer had won the day and once again had defeated the Imperial Legions. The few surviving legionnaires had ran southwest to Bravil. The Dunmer were wandering on the field of battle, searching for survivors to help. When they couldn't find any, they left a quarter of all the House armies to help the Dres Guard. The rest of the army resupplied, and moved towards the Imperial City to wait for Daric.

Joran sent a courier to Daric's last known location, asking when he would arrive at the Imperial City. It also said that they had taken Cheydinhal, and defeated the 2nd, 8th and 10th Legions. The Dunmer army marched towards the Imperial City, taking all the forts ans small settlements as they followed the Blue Road. The Dunmer didn't encounter much resistance. The 3rd and 4th Legions where guarding Bravil and Leyawiin. The Dunmer reached Fort Urasek and began to reinforce the fort as they camped there. Joran signaled to Balyn, and Balyn sent a single, fiery rock shooting from the catapult into the Imperial City, while they waited for Daric. Joran hoped that it ended up hitting the White-Gold Tower. The flaming rock didn't hit the palace, sadly. It rammed into a part of the wall, knocking it down a little. Joran turned to Balyn again and ordered him to send in some Hlaalu spies. 5 Dunmer, dressed in peasant clothes, began to head towards the Imperial City, circling around so they would seemingly come from Bruma, fleeing the Nords. 2 others waited for nightfall before heading to the broken part of the wall. They used a simple levitation spell, along with an invisibility spell. They dropped into the city.

As the sun went up the Dunmer army could see 5 heads on pikes near the hole on the wall that was broken by their catapult the last day. There was still no visible activity in the city. Joran stared darkly at he five heads. He hoped that the other two were still alive. He called for a courier and ordered him to go to Daric and report. The courier ran off. He found it strange that he had not yet gotten a reply from Daric regarding his last message. Some time later he finally received a reply from Daric and discovered that his first courier had been killed along the way. Daric ordered him to send reinforcements to Ulfric Stormcloak in order to take Chorrol. He sent Kirid with 1/4 of his forces. They soon began to wonder why the Empire wasn't attacking them at the fort. Before long they received word from Daric and marched out of the fort and through the Red Ring. As the Dunmer marched, many of them glared apprehensively up at the Imperial City, hating the very sight of it. Joran paused, and so did his army. He told them to remember the day they defeated the Imperials, who took their freedom from them. To remember all of the people, not just Dunmer, who had died thanks to Augurius. He said that they would end him and finally have peace. The Dunmer army cheered, and, after resting for a small time, continued to march. The army met up with Kirid's force along the way, after he had finished helping the Nords in Chorrol. As they reached Daric's camp west of the Imperial City the Dunmer received a letter from Emperor Augurius. It told them that if they turned back now they would be spared, but if they joined Daric in his assault on the capital then not only they would die but also their families in Morrowind. This message caused many members of Houses Dres and Telvanni to desert, as well as some from House Hlaalu. However the rest of the army didn't falter in their determination and instead got ready to attack.

Joran headed to Daric's tent to report the desertion to him. He informed him of Augurius' letter and of the men that deserted. Daric said that it was a shame, but it didn't matter. The Stormcrown Alliance was united. The Bretons, Nords, Redguards, Dunmer and Bosmer were ready to fight as one. They could take the Imperial City. Daric told Joran to return to his camp and ready his men, the war horns would sound the beginning of the attack. Joran nodded and headed to his tent. He put on his armor and picked up the swords of his House. He headed outside and addressed his men, preparing them for battle. Not long after Daric mounted his horse. The Catapults were being loaded. The men were in position. It was time. He blew on the horn and the Artillery started to fire on the walls. The Men got on the row boats they had made to cross the river. The Undead on the walls fired arrows and spells at the invaders, the Ballistae installed into the towers of the city fired on the armies bellow. Joran got on his horse, and ordered the remainder of his army to begin the attack. Hlaalu Archers and Telvanni mages got onto silt striders. Some of the silt striders were also carrying squads of Indoril, Redoran, and the remainder of Dres troops. The artillery rounds were starting to break off bits of the outer wall, killing some of the undead on the western wall of the city. The Imperial Ballistae had managed to destroy a few boats and catapults. The undead soldiers shot arrows and fired spells at the Silt Striders. The Telvanni were doing their best to protect the giant bugs, but many were knocked down. The Catapults of the Dunmeri began to fire, shooting giant green balls. When they were over the city, the balls uncurled, revealing Daedra. They dropped into the city, crushing anything beneath them. A few silt striders finally made it past the city walls, raining arrows and fire down from on high. Joran grinned and said that now the battle would start for real. The boats had begun landing on the other side. There the soldiers were putting up the ladders to climb the wall. The artillery was aimed at the sections of wall where the ladders. Some of the ladders were pushed down by the undead. More and more silt striders got over the walls, and Dunmer began to land. Some of them also began to climb the ladders with the Nords. The artillery was aimed farther into the city, so they wouldn't hit any friendlies.

Joran and the rest of his army came through the gates, that had been broken open, while he had the Hlaalu spies climbing across roofs, shooting undead people as much as they could. The Hlaalu Archers were climbing the ladders along with the Bosmer. Joran dismounted, while he, Balyn, and the rest of his army waded through the Undead, slashing and hacking. Kirid walked through the Undead army, towards Balyn and Joran. Balyn was a little surprised to see him there, as he had gone ahead on a silt strider earlier in the battle. He was bleeding heavily, and Augurius' troops were ignoring him. Joran shouted his name. He ignored the shout and charged at Balyn, who engaged him in a deadly duel. The fighting in the streets of the Talos Plaza District was wearing down the Alliance troops in an alarming rate. Everyone of theirs that died would be reanimated and would attack his former friends. Joran saw green, creepy light emanate from an alley. Joran walked towards the light and entered the alley, to see a large, fat Sload, casting spells as it raised the dead. Joran looked up to the rooftops of the alley and saw several Hlaalu members, staring in shock and horror down at the Sload. Joran ordered them to kill the creature and charged at the Sload, slicing and hacking. Three of the Hlaalu dropped down to fight, but one was flash incinerated by a spell. The other Hlaalu members began to fire their arrows at the Sload, but its thick skin was very tough. Joran ordered them to aim for the back of his legs, for his stomach, before he dodged a spell. The Sload was too busy fighting all of these people to raise any dead, so it was just casting spells as fast as possible. Joran ducked, avoiding a fireball, and rolled underneath the Sload's legs, coming up behind him. He braced himself on one knee and drove Hopesfire and Trueflame into its back. The Magic flames from the artifact engulfed the Sload, and it screamed, falling to the ground. The Dunmers' dead stopped being resurrected, and the Hlaalu continued to fire upon the Undead, and the revitalized Alliance Army charged at the Undead. The magic flame from Hopesfire and Trueflame seemed to grow brighter, and, if used on a group, would engulf all of the members in a sticky white and orange flame. When someone tried to put it out, it would spread faster.

With both the Sloads from the Talos Plaza dead Daric and his allies were able to clear out the undead in it after a while. They regrouped in the center of the Plaza. Daric said that if there were Sloads like the ones they encountered all over the city then they had to hunt them dow. Green Emperor Way was probably too overrun with undead to take before they get rid of their biggest advantage, being able to turn their dead against them. Joran looked at Daric. He said that if there were only two Sloads per district then they should split up. Balyn could lead one of the expeditions, while he offered to lead another. He said that if they kept using the same tactics, they could win the battle. They also had the Bosmer archers to aid them. Daric ordered the Dunmer and the Nords to head tot he Elven Gardens District. The Bretons, Bosmer and the Redguards would go to the Temple District. The fighting was still going on atop the walls and alliance artillery was still firing on the city. The armies had spread into the city and were fighting all over. Joran and Ulfric Stormcloak led the charge of their combined armies. Remembering the Talos Pact they had had before Augurius' terrible reign, the armies fought well together. Dunmer warriors would dart in, slashing at the front ranks of the Undead, taking out a few of them, and when the shields in that part were gone, the Nords would charge in, wailing away at the Undead with their axes and hammers. Meanwhile, Balyn and Galmar searched for one Sload while Joran and Ulfric searched for the other. The Nords and the Dunmer began to make ground as they fought their way through the District. Joran and Ulfric charged at a Sload, who was hiding in a clump of trees. Ulfric shouted at the Sload, and it fell to the ground, stunned. Joran leaped past Ulfric, and landed on top of the Sload. He drove Hopesfire and Trueflame into its stomach, and the magic flame consumed it. Ulfric remarked that the swords were very powerful and Joran nodded, staring at them. The alliance army was now routing the Undead, and, soon enough, the Stormcrown Alliance owned the Elven Gardens.

Joran and Ulfric brought part of their troops to the Temple district. They began to fight the Undead along with the Redguards, Bretons and Bosmer armies. Joran and the Dunmeri army had followed the Nords into the Arboretum, and began to fight the Undead. Together with the Dunmer the Nords pushed the undead back. Suddenly as they were fighting in the Arboretum a red dragon flew over the city and began breathing fire down on the undead. The remaining Dunmer and Nords that were in the Arboretum cheered. Especially the Nords. After killing the Sload in the Waterfront the Redguards joined up with the Nords and Dunmer in the Arboretum. They had already killed one of the Sloads in the Arboretum. The Nords were rallied by Ulfric and he marched them into Green Emperor Way. The Dunmer followed the Nords and Bretons to assault the White-Gold Tower. The armies clashed. Augurius was at the front lines slashing at the invaders. Joran and his army surged towards Augurius'. Joran had lost too many good people fighting this tyrant. He was going to help Daric end him, or he was going to die trying. He prayed to Saint Nerevar for protection then ran towards Augurius, hoping to stop the tyrant before he killed anyone else. Augurius pointed his sword at Joran. It glowed and then fired a bolt of dark magic. Joran rolled out of the way, coming up and firing the Magic Flames from Trueflame and Hopesfire directly at Augurius' face. Seeing that Joran had dodged his bolt he charged at the dunmer king. Joran jumped out of the way, as Augurius barreled past him. As Augurius was expecting to hit him, he stumbled past. In that moment, Joran drove Trueflame into the back of Augurius' left calve. Joran drew it out, red blood staining the blade. Augurius groaned in pain, telling the Dunmer that he would pay for that. He bashed the king with his shield. Joran fell back, stumbling. He slashed back with his sword. Augurius blocked the slash with his shield, then lunged forward with his sword. Joran caught the blade, barely an inch from his chest. He drove away the Tyrant Emperor, slashing back with his sword, hoping someone would help him.

Augurius blocked it with his shield, then bashed the Dunmer. He said that Joran was no match for him. He was already an excellent warrior without all the enchantments of his new armor and weapons. With them, his foes were hopeless. The High King of High Rock jumped into the fight and said that Joran was not hopeless if he had help. Daric shot a fireball at Augurius, who turned around and lifted his shield. Augurius commented on Daric's new sword, saying that it would not change anything. He then charged at the Breton. He said they would see and blocked Augurius's first attack, but the was hit by the second. He rolled the side after that. Joran ducked under the bash, and saw Daric enter the battle. Joran followed him after Daric, and stabbed Trueflame into his other calve. Augurius was angered by Joran. He pointed his sword at the dunmer and then shot a bolt of dark energy. Daric got up and got attack by two skeletons, he cast a fireball killing them both. Joran got blasted back. He said groggily as he stood up again. Suddenly, Jina Nerevar stepped in between her father and Augurius. Joran was confused, he had left his daughter in Mournhold before departing for Cyrodiil. A powerful lightning bolt shot straight towards Augurius, and Joran saw the masked man who was Jina's acquaintance and realized that the Nelthars must have brought her with them. He cursed them under his breath for putting his daughter in danger. Jina shouted Naerion in joy. Naerion, the masked man, walked over to him and his daughter and said that he wasn't doing this for either of them. Jina said that she didn't expect anything more from him. The bolt hit Augurius and staggered him, his armor's enchantment absorbed most of the damage but he still got hurt. He angrily swung his sword at Jina, since she was in between him and Joran. Daric blocked the attack and criticized Augurius for try to strike a child. Augurius said that all would fall by his blade. He was getting weakened from the fighting. Daric clashed swords with the Emperor. The Alliance forces were winning but slowly, the Sloads' powers to reanimate dead soldiers were keeping the fight relatively even.

Jina ducked as an arrow flew over her head. She was utilizing her training to get behind Augurius as Joran got to his feet. Joran got up and struck at Augurius' stomach. An undead came up behind Naerion but Naerion grabbed it's arm and place his fist in its face so it's head flew off. Augurius jumped back to evade the attack, the blocked an attack from Daric. Daric cast a Fireball straight at Augurius. Then power attacked the Emperor. Augurius was slashed by the Breton, he kicked the usurper and then power attacked Joran. Joran shouted and rolled away, getting grazed on his side by Augurius' sword. Jina struck, while Augurius was off balance. She drew her Nightingale Sword and drove it into his back. Augurius yelled in pain, then he turned around and bashed the girl, making her lose her grip on her sword, that was still stuck on the Emperor's back. He asked Daric if he was fighting four on one because he was so afraid that he'd die. He asked the Breton were was his sense of honor. Daric looked around and told the others to stand down. This was his fight, he had to defeat him alone. Joran and Jina backed up. He gave her a one-armed hug and whispered, saying that he didn't like that she was here, but glad that she didn't get hurt. Daric lunged at the Emperor, who blocked the attack with his shield. However from all the damage he suffered from fighting everyone else was slowing him down. Daric cast a firebolt at the Augurius. The Emperor power attacked the Breton. Daric held the sword and blocked the attack. Joran and Jina looked at each other, things didn't look so good, but they were told not to get involved. Daric charged in clashing blades with Augurius. He cast flames at Augurius' head. The Emperor moved back, Daric grabbed his shield then hit him with his sword's hilt. Augurius let go of the shield. The Breton said that now it was a fair fight and threw the shield away. Augurius lunged at Daric and the two clashed blades again. Joran and Jina cheered as Daric got the shield away.

Augurius kicked Daric, then slashed him across the chest. Daric grabbed his chest in pain. He fell, Augurius standing over him. He put his legs in between the Emperor's and tripped him. Daric got up and cast Close Wounds on himself. Augurius rolled back and stood up. Daric lunged forward with his sword, stabbing Augurius in the stomach. Augurius punched Daric in the face the pulled the sword out of his stomach. The Emperor said that he'd pay for that. He was wielding both swords. Daric cast a dual Fireball at him, when the Emperor fell to one knee he jumped over him. Behind the Emperor he pulled out Jina's Nightingale sword. Jina gasped as Daric and Augurius were both wounded. Daric had to endure an onslaught of attacks from Augurius now that he had two swords. He kept his sword in a blocking position. Augurius kicked him, causing Daric to stop blocking and tried to strike the Breton. Daric jumped back and then cast a fireball at the ground in front of the Emperor. Augurius now pretty weakened fell to one knee. Daric sliced his left arm, and then caused Augurius to drop Tazaarfeyn. Daric tossed Jina's sword aside, close to the girl, and picked up his sword. Augurius struggled to get up, saying that he'd kill the usurper. Jina picked up her sword when it was tossed near her. Joran looked on at the battle, hoping that he wouldn't have to step in. Daric asked Augurius if he knew the name of the sword he was using. Slowly getting up, Augurius asked if it mattered. Daric said that its name was Tazaarfeyn, Tyrant's Bane. He lunged forward at Augurius, who lifted his sword to block the attack. He pushes Daric back and then slashes at the Breton. Daric catches the attack mid air, then he fires a firebolt at Augurius' chest. The Emperor moved back, Daric sliced him across the chest. Jina put her sword into a ready position, prepared to strike Augurius. The Emperor was very weakened. He could barely stand, the Sloads were preoccupied with the battle and couldn't assist him this time. Daric kicked Augurius in the chest, knocking him down. He said that Augurius' time was up, he was relieving him of the throne. He stepped on Augurius's right arm so he couldn't lift his sword and asked what were his last words. Augurius told him to rot in Oblivion. Daric gripped his sword with both hands, then thrust it into the Emperor's chest. The Emperor screamed for a second before dying.

Joran gasped at the scream Augurius let out. He soon recovered from his shock, and shouted in joy. Jina ran to Daric, giving him a big hug, before stepping back and telling him good job. Joran ignored the two of them. He didn't feel like celebrating. He had lost many friends during this war. Arekoa Sarethi, Kirid Sadras, Balyn Omoran, even his two eldest sons. Their little celebration ended as Daric rejoined the fighting against the undead. Joran and Jina ran into the throng of undead together, slashing and killing anything in their path as they ran towards another Sload. The last Sloads were put down by the alliance. With the Sloads all taken care of the undead forces couldn't maintain their numbers by resurrecting dead alliance forces. The Alliance were able to kill the undead with greater ease. It didn't take that long, only a few short hours, to kill all the undead left in the city. Joran, Jina and the Dunmer army helped to clear out the last vestiges of the Undead. All over the city the Breton troops put Daric's Septim flag up. They started cleaning up the city. The citizens that were locked in their houses had begun to come out and life slowly came back to the capital. The alliance forces set up camp outside the city, with only a few staying inside to keep order.

Joran wandered through the streets of the Imperial City, staring at all the work that Daric would have to do to bring the city back to it's former glory. Just like his own country, they still had a lot to fix. When all the Legionnaires had returned to Cyrodiil Daric had most of the Alliance soldiers sent back home, to go maintain order in their own provinces. This included the Dunmer forces. The various province leaders arrived in the capital with their escorts. Daric had them all brought to the Elder Council Chamber. Joran walked into the Elder Council chambers with his family, escorted by the Indoril Guard. He introduced Daric to his family, then asked how were things. Jina just stared up at Daric, the awe in her eyes very apparent. Joran's wife, Elva, who had just recently arrived from Morrowind, walked in after him. She greeted Daric, saying it was a pleasure to meet with him. The Breton greeted her and welcomed her to the Imperial City. After he greeted the Nerevars, the family sat at the table next to Joran. Daric sat at the middle of the table. Caesar Autrus was standing right behind him. Celegorn Camoran, the Bosmer King, his brother and his son arrived. Bodean Suda sat down next to Daric, to the right of Daric was his cousin, who had replace him as High King of High Rock. Ulfric arrived right after. Bodean asked Ulfric how Galmar was doing, as he had been hurt during the battle. Ulfric said that he was fine, he was just getting too old for that kind of thing. The other leaders arrived and all sat down at the Elder Council Chamber. Daric said for them to get the matter at hand, bringing all the provinces back into the Empire. They needed everyone so they could maintain peace in Tamriel, which was the motive behind this meeting. The Argonian King, An-Shei, said that they didn't need the Empire. The Argonians would not be ruled by the Empire any longer. Daric said that he was right. This confused many of them. An-Shei asked what he meant.

Daric explained. He said that things were going to be different. Under his rule the Empire would not intervene in matters only concerning one province, unless requested by that province. They would maintain the peace and order between the Imperial Provinces but we would not impose their rule on them. Similar to how Morrowind had it in the 3rd Era. All the Provinces would have self-rule, only some Imperial laws would have to be followed by all, in order to maintain unity within the Empire, like the abolishment of slavery and such. Joran nodded slowly. Elva looked at Daric and asked who would enforce those laws, imperial soldiers. Joran looked at her, and they seemed to have a silent conversation with their eyes. Finally, Joran sighed and looked away. Jina continued to stare at Daric, before Joran patted her shoulder and she looked away. Daric said that each ruler and his people would enforce their own laws including the universal imperial laws. The universal laws wouldn't be anything like forced religion or anything like that, they would do basic things like the adoption of the Septim coin in all provinces. The Legions would maintain order and peace in Tamriel, having a headquarters in each of the provinces, but they would not interfere with the local governments. The Khajiiti Mane asked that even if he maintained this policy how would they know that one of his successors wouldn't turn out a tyrant like Augurius. The Breton said that in the treaty he would declare that if any Emperor broke even one of the terms, he would be unfit to rule and should be relinquished from command by any means necessary. The Empire was not meant to rule all of Tamriel with an iron fist. It was mean to maintain the peace and prosperity of the provinces. Bodean said that that was an admirable then but asked if they were meant to swear fealty to him. Daric nodded, saying that it would guaranty that they would follow the universal laws and his orders should he had to intervene in extreme circumstances. Each province would also have to donate a proportionate amount of troops to the Legions so the Empire could defend its territories. An-Shei said that they were just fighting the Imperials and now they were just supposed to pretend it didn't happen. Daric said that he didn't, but Augurius was gone. He would rule fairly and the autonomy that each province had would make sure that they didn't feel oppressed. The Orc King, Garzonk, asked what would happen to Orsinium. If he was going to be razed to the ground once again. Daric assured him that Orsinium would still be recognized as an official Imperial Province.

Jina spoke up. She asked what would happen if one of the leaders broke their oath. Daric said that if one of the leaders broke an Imperial Law, by invading another province or committing atrocities, then the Legion would be forced to step in. The Empire's purpose was to maintain peace and order on Tamriel, if one province or its leader threatened that peace the Empire would intervene. Daric then grabbed a scroll and opens it on the table. He said that it was the 2nd White-Gold Concordat. It detailed all the imperial laws and the other terms. Signing this would make them an Imperial Province, as for swearing fealty that was a formality for after his coronation. He handed it over to his cousin, the new High King of High Rock. High King Gaban Lariat signed the Concordat. He then passed it over to Ulfric. Ulfric said that the Empire had brought peace and prosperity to Tamriel before, the 3rd Era was evidence of that, but Titus II was a weak ruler, and Augurius was too strong a ruler. He believed that Daric had the right amount of strength. Galmar behind him grunted in agreement. Ulfric signed the Concordat, and then passed it to High King Bodean. The Redguard told Daric to keep his word and bring prosperous trade back to Hammerfell. He signed the Concordat, then passed it to King Celegorn. He signed without a word. His brother, Fargoth, gave him a strange look. Celegorn passed it to Joran.

Joran took the Concordat. He believed that with Daric's help, Tamriel would be stronger. He signed the Concordat, and passed it to the Altmer King Yanniss Mothril. Elva looked around the room, lingering a little bit on Celegorm and Naerion, and looking between the two. She agreed with her husband, but added that Daric needed the right people beside him to be a strong leader. Elva's eyes lingered on Daric for a split second, before laughing a small bit and whispering something to Joran. Joran glanced at her, stunned. Jina glanced over to the two of them, her eyes bitter and upset at something Elva had said. Jina looked back at the leaders. The Altmer said that this was the best thing for his people. He signed the Concordat, passing it to King Garzonk. Garzonk was impressed that Daric defeated Augurius in single combat and said that he had earned the respect of the Orcs. Since they had pledged to the Empire before and Orsinium was going to remain under Imperial protection, he agreed to sign it. He signs the Concordat, then passed it to An-Shei. An-Shei said that they didn't need Imperial rule. Daric said that he had more to lose by not signing than anyone else. Black Marsh was know for being economically stagnant, they would not survive forever as an independent province. An-Shei was adamant in his position, saying that the Argonians would make do on their own. Daric tried to reason with the Argonian, saying that the Empire would let them have self-rule as well as bring prosperous trade and guarante peace. An-Shei looked Daric straight in the eyes. He was about to say something but stopped himself. He accepted, reluctantly. He signed the Concordat. After that he passed it to the Mane. The Khajiit was very grateful that he was freed from the Imperial prison that Augurius had locked him in. His people had been pawns of the Thalmor and Augurius, this was going to help them in more ways that one. He accepted and signed the Concordat. He gave it back to Daric. The Breton was pleased. The Empire was back to its former self. He knew that there was still rebuilding and reestablishing order to take care of, but they are on the right path to secure Tamriel's future. He thanked them all for that. They had one more matter to discuss, the Elder Council. He had decided that each provincial ruler would get to nominate one person to a seat at the council. The Nelthars also had one seat, that meant 11 councilors. They would vote on a Chancellor to lead the Elder Council. But that was for later, for now he requested that you remain in the capital for a while longer. The preparations for his coronation were almost finished.

A few days later everything was ready for his coronation. The Throne Room was set for the coronation too, the guests were all there awaiting for the Daric to walk to the Ruby throne, where the Nine Priests of the Divines. The Talos priest was holding the crown in his hand. Daric started to walk down the red carpet towards the Ruby Throne. Elva, Joran, Jivin and the baby stood near the front, cheering and clapping as he walked down the aisle. Jina was clapping the hardest. Daric walked to the Ruby Throne, the 9 High Priests awaited until he made it there. Then Daric kneeled in front of the High Priest of Talos. They all blessed him in the name of the 9 Divines, then the Talos priest placed the Ruby Crown on Daric's head. The priest said that he came as a Lariat, but now he'd rise in the name of the Nine Divines as a Septim, as Emperor of Tamriel. He beckoned the Emperor to rise and proclaimed him Darius Septim I. The Nerevar family clapped along with the rest of the people present. Darius and the High Priests started walking outside, followed by the guests from the coronation. They headed outside the White-Gold Tower where the citizens were outside. Darius waved at his subjects as he made his way to the Temple District. The Emperor entered the Temple of the One with the High Priest of Talos and other select few important guests. He had the Dragonfire pedestal rebuilt next to the Martin Statue, it didn't serve any purpose now but all the Septim Emperors had lit the Dragonfires so he wanted to maintain the tradition. He lit it with a flames spell and the whole Temple became illuminated with the glow of the Dragonfire. The Nerevars cheered along with the other guests.

A couple days later Joran and Elva sat in their guestroom. Darius was now engaged to an Imperial noblewoman. Joran and Elva figured that it was to strengthen his claim to the throne. Joran looked around, noticing that Jina was not near them. He asked his wife if she thought that Jina was off lately. Elva mentioned that she was in love. Joran asked with whom. His wife revealed that their daughter had developed feeling for the Emperor. Joran mentioned that that would be complicated, given that Darius was going to get married.

In two weeks time the wedding was held in the Temple of the One. The Mede banners and the Septim banners were hanging on the inside and the outside, as Darius was going to marry Leona Mede. Most of the other provincial leaders had already left Cyrodiil but the Temple was full with Imperial nobility. Darius had declared the day a one time holiday, to celebrate the joining to the two dynasties. Leona was wearing a long elegant white dress. It had many intricate designs along the fabric. Darius was wearing expensive white and red clothes. Jina and her family had stayed in the Imperial City because, during the short time she had been there, Leona and Elva had become good friends. Joran was wearing light gold and blue clothes, and Elva was wearing a long, beautiful dress of red silk. Darius and Leona said their vows in the presence of the High Priestess of Mara. After the ceremony the guests went back to the White-Gold Tower, where a banquet was set up in the Main Hall. Darius and Leona mingled with the guests. Elva and Joran danced along with many other people. Except, when they danced, the Nobles were turning to watch. That was how graceful they were. Elva was renowned as the most beautiful Dunmer since Barenziah, and Joran was a handsome Dunmer, in his own right. The rest of the day was filled with celebration.

Following the wedding, Joran, Elva, Jivin, and the baby, Elvir, had returned home to Morrowind, but Jina and General Jax Redoran. Jina had been appointed to the Elder Council by her father, and Jax remained with her as her bodyguard. In Morrowind, Joran began trying to solve the many problems of his people and rebuild the province after the war.

_________________________________


 * Naritin

Some time after the Dunmer army marched off to war, the Nelthars followed. Naritin and the others headed to the Imperial City to join the Stormcrown Alliance forces that were gathering there. They brought the Dunmer Princess with them. Soon enough the combined Breton, Nord, Redguard, Dunmer and Bosmer forces attacked the capital. Naritin was watching from a distance, he held his scythe ready to attack as soon as the gate was opened. After the Nords broke though the gates, Naritin headed inside. Naritin entered the city and as his black Death Magic aura was eminating from him he walks straight towards the White-Gold Tower. The city was overrun with undead. An undead soldier attacked him but it fell to his death magic. When he entered Green-Emperor Way, numerous undead fired arrows at him. He managed to dodge them, then turned his head to face the man that had ordered the attack, Augurius Mede. He told him to feel the might of the Nelthars and shot a bolt of Death Magic at him. Beside Augurius were numerous Sloads. One of the Sloads cast a ward on Augurius. The Emperor then pointed his sword at Naritin and said that the Nelthars were nothing compared to him. His sword fired a bolt of Death Magic at Naritin. The Sloads also started casting spells at Naritin. Naritin dodged the bolts. He then retreated before creating as much black fog as possible. The fog spell lingered in the area he had retreated from. Naritin retreated back outside the city, where he regrouped with his Nelthars.

The Nelthars lined up with Naritin Nelthar on the Imperial City bridge. Naritin looked at the army gathering behind him. As the line was completed he spoke up. He told them to fear not pain and fear not darkness, for Ultima Nelthar watched that moment. He riled them up, saying that the spirits of their ancestors were stirring. Spears would be shaken, shields would be splintered and that day they would paint the day in red, with the blood of their foes. The Nelthars would prevail, they would claim glory. He called for the death of the Empire, of the Tyrant and his soldiers. He shouted and the army shouted as well. The Nelthars blew their horn and charged into the city to aid the Alliance. The Nelthar force charged through the gates and like a flood they spread out in all driections to take down the empire. Many went towards the White-Gold Tower once again when Naritin's fog spell dispersed. They attempted to kick down the gate through both brute strength and magical missiles.

Finally the Nelthars broke down the gate and successfully entered the Green Emperor Way district. Suddenly, they heard a large roar an saw a red dragon fly over the city. He head for the Elven Gardens. The Nelthar army finally spread throughout the City, those that didn't join Naritin joined Daric's men and other leaders throughout the city. Green Emperor Way soon became overrun with undead and their Sload masters. Naritin figured that Augurius was gathering all his forces there, so he ordered his Nelthars to hold out until the Alliance came to reinforce them. He ordered Nilya to sneak past the enemy to request help from Daric and any nearby Stormcrown forces. The Nelthars wouldn't be able to hold out for long by themselves. Augurius and his undead army charged into the Palace District. He was leading the attack, the Sloads were in the back of the army controlling the undead. The Bretons and the Nords entered the Palace District to aid the Nelthars. The Dunmer followed the Nords and Bretons. The armies clashed. Augurius was at the front lines slashing at the invaders. Despite the Alliance having greater numbers the Sloads' power to reanimate the fallen soldiers helped keep the battle pretty even on both sides. Naritin was slashing down undead with his scythe. The Alliance forces were winning but slowly, the Sloads' powers to reanimate dead soldiers were keeping the fight relatively even. Naritin had moved up the tower to see better while the Nelthars raining fire on the undead Naritin was dealing with Sloads. He sent a Death Bolt into a sload and it immediately fell, its lifeforce having been drained. A Nelthar brought another Sload's location to him and Naritin quickly dispatched it.

With the Sloads all taken care of the undead forces couldn't maintain their numbers by resurrecting dead alliance forces. The Alliance were able to kill the undead with greater ease. It didn't take that long, only a few short hours, to kill all the undead left in the city. The Emperor, meanwhile, had been defeated by Daric and killed. All over the city the Breton troops put Daric's Septim flag up. They started cleaning up the city. The citizens that were locked in their houses had begun to come out and life slowly came back to the capital. The alliance forces set up camp outside the city, with only a few staying inside to keep order. When all the Legionnaires had returned to Cyrodiil Daric had most of the Alliance soldiers sent back home, to go maintain order in their own provinces. Naritin and the Nelthars returned to the Jerral Mountains, but Naerion was left behind to take the Nelthar seat on the Elder Council. A few Dreadguards remained behind as well to act as his bodyguards.

A couple months later, Naritin received word from Nelthro that Naerion was going to be arrested over some plot that he had tried to do in Valenwood. It didn't surprise Naritin, but he couldn't let his brother be arrested. So he headed to the Imperial City. By the time he arrived guards were already circling him to arrest him. Naritin told them that a Nelthar could only receive judgement from the leader of their organization. The guards looked at Naritin, unsure of who he was. They told him that the arrest was ordered by Emperor Darius, Daric's new name, himself. They still had their weapons drawn. Naritin drew his scythe, ready to fight. He said that he would not allow it, even if the Emperor ordered it. The closest guard took a step back at the sight of the scythe. But he composed himself when his comrades stepped forward. They told the Nelthar that Councilor Naerion was coming with them. Another group of guards approached the scene. Naritin said that he had no choice then and began preparing a Death Magic spell. The eight guards spread out to surround the two Nelthars. Naritin walked closer to Naerion and cast his fog spell, making it surround the two of them. The group of guards had not fully surrounded the two men. They had their weapons drawn and were ready to attack.

Naritin shot a Death Bolt at the guards. The one at which Naritin thrown the bolt jumped to the side after his comrade warned him, the bolt passed inches from him. One of the guards charged Naritin with attempted assault on an Imperial guard. Another guard drew his bow, pointing it at Naritin. They gave him one last warning to stand down. Naerion takes off his mask and looked at the guard holding the bow. He told the guard to point the bow somewhere else and gestured at the other guards. Naritin realized that his brother had hypnotized the guard. The guard repeated what Naerion had said then pointed his bow at one of his comrades. The other guards asking him what he was doing. The guard with the bow shot his companion in the arm. The guard grunted and cursed his comrade. The other guards figured out that their friend was being controlled and two guards rushed in trying to restrain him while he tried shooting at them with his bow. Naritin made the fog spread out towards the guards, while they were occupied by their controlled comrade. The fog touched one of the guards and killed him almost instantaneously. The other guards gasped as their comrade died. They moved back and told each other not to let the fog envelop them. Two guards managed to subdue and restrain their friend that was being mind controlled.

The guards took a step back away from the fog. They asked each other if any of them had bows or knew any spells. One of the guards said that he knew fire magic. The guard captain ordered him to shoot at the Nelthars. The guard readied a spell, while another took the bow and arrows from the one that was being mind controlled. The captain said to wait for his signal. Naritin insulted the guards, said that fire magic wasn't strong enough to defeat him. The guards took another few steps back to remain away from the fog. The captain ordered his men to fire. The spellsword guard cast a firebolt while the other shot an arrow. Naerion cast a Fireball that consumed the firebolt at it continued towards the guards. Meanwhile, Naritin charged another spell. The guards jumped out of the way, one was burned by the fireball but it wasn't fatal. He however did pass out. The guard with the bow shot another arrow at Naerion. The two guards restraining their mind controlled comrade said that they couldn't fight while having to keep him pinned down. The guard captain ordered them to knock him out. The two guards hit the mind controlled guard in the head with the hilt of their swords. He was knocked out cold. Naerion and Naritin dodged the arrow, Naerion moved out of the way as Naritin cast Incinerate. The large fire spell moved towards the guards.

The spell got quite a few of the guards, 3 died instantaneously as the fire hit them. The others barely made it out with their lives as they tried to dodge the spell. Suddenly, a Lightning bolt was shot at Naritin. He turned around and saw Darius' Blade coming at them with another 10 guards. The 10 guards with him prepaired for a fight, 2 of them had bows and switched to range while the other 8 charged in at the enemy. One of the surviving guard from the original group warned them not to touch the fog. Naritin prepared to engage them but all his spells dissipated. He looked around and saw Nelthro Kanir. Nelthro said that this ended now. He told the guards to return to their post immediately, then turned to Naerion and said that he was under arrest. Caesar held his hand up, telling the guards to stand ready. He told Nelthro that the Emperor had ordered him to take Naerion into custody and that is what he intended to do. He then pointed at Naritin and said that he murdered 3 Imperial guards, so he was also going to be taken in. The guard captain corrected him, saying that he killed 4 guards. Caesar corrected his mistake and charged Naritin with four murders and assault on the remaining guards. That earned him a very large bounty.

Nelthro looked at Caesar. He said that it didn't matter and then opened a portal with his powers. He pushed Naerion into it and he disappeared. He then did the same with Naritin. Naritin was back in the Jerral Mountains, where the Dreadguards were restraining his brother to imprison him. Naerion was exiled to the Nelthar lands in the Jerral Mountains by Emperor Darius. He could no longer leave them. Naritin didn't mind.

______________________________


 * Naerion

Some time after the Dunmer army marched off to war, the Nelthars followed. Naerion and the others headed to the Imperial City to join the Stormcrown Alliance forces that were gathering there. They brought the Dunmer Princess with them. Soon enough the combined Breton, Nord, Redguard, Dunmer and Bosmer forces attacked the capital. Naritin headed into the city after the Nords broke down the gates. Not long after he retreated back outside the city, where he regrouped with his Nelthars. The Nelthars lined up with Naritin Nelthar on the Imperial City bridge. Naritin looked at the army gathering behind him. As the line was completed he spoke up. He told them to fear not pain and fear not darkness, for Ultima Nelthar watched that moment. He riled them up, saying that the spirits of their ancestors were stirring. Spears would be shaken, shields would be splintered and that day they would paint the day in red, with the blood of their foes. The Nelthars would prevail, they would claim glory. He called for the death of the Empire, of the Tyrant and his soldiers. He shouted and the army shouted as well. The Nelthars blew their horn and charged into the city to aid the Alliance. The Nelthar force charged through the gates and like a flood they spread out in all driections to take down the empire. Many went towards the White-Gold Tower once again when Naritin's fog spell dispersed. They attempted to kick down the gate through both brute strength and magical missiles.

Finally the Nelthars broke down the gate and successfully entered the Green Emperor Way district. Suddenly, they heard a large roar an saw a red dragon fly over the city. He headed for the Elven Gardens. The Nelthar army finally spread throughout the city, those that didn't join Naritin joined Daric's men and other leaders throughout the city. Green Emperor Way soon became overrun with undead and their Sload masters. Naritin figured that Augurius was gathering all his forces there, so he ordered his Nelthars to hold out until the Alliance came to reinforce them. Augurius and his undead army charged into the Palace District. He was leading the attack, the Sloads were in the back of the army controlling the undead. The Bretons and the Nords entered the Palace District to aid the Nelthars. The Dunmer followed the Nords and Bretons. The armies clashed. Augurius Mede was at the front lines slashing at the invaders. Despite the Alliance having greater numbers the Sloads' power to reanimate the fallen soldiers helped keep the battle pretty even on both sides. Naerion headed to confront the Emperor and shot a powerful lightning bolt at him. Jina shouted Naerion in joy, her and her father had been fighting the Emperor along with Daric Lariat. Naerion walked over to her and her father and said that he wasn't doing this for either of them. Jina said that she didn't expect anything more from him.

The bolt hit Augurius and staggered him, his armor's enchantment absorbed most of the damage but he still got hurt. He angrily swung his sword at Jina, since she was in between him and Joran. Daric blocked the attack and criticized Augurius for try to strike a child. Augurius said that all would fall by his blade. He was getting weakened from the fighting. Daric clashed swords with the Emperor. The Alliance forces were winning but slowly, the Sloads' powers to reanimate dead soldiers were keeping the fight relatively even. Jina ducked as an arrow flew over her head. She was utilizing her training to get behind Augurius as Joran got to his feet. Joran got up and struck at Augurius' stomach. An undead came up behind Naerion but Naerion grabbed it's arm and place his fist in its face so it's head flew off. Augurius jumped back to evade the attack, the blocked an attack from Daric. Daric cast a Fireball straight at Augurius. Then power attacked the Emperor. Augurius was slashed by the Breton, he kicked the usurper and then power attacked Joran. Joran shouted and rolled away, getting grazed on his side by Augurius' sword. Jina struck, while Augurius was off balance. She drew her Nightingale Sword and drove it into his back. Augurius yelled in pain, then he turned around and bashed the girl, making her lose her grip on her sword, that was still stuck on the Emperor's back. He asked Daric if he was fighting four on one because he was so afraid that he'd die. He asked the Breton were was his sense of honor. Daric looked around and told the others to stand down. This was his fight, he had to defeat him alone. Joran and Jina backed up. Naerion then decided to leave Daric to his fight and began looking for Sloads to kill.

With the Sloads all taken care of the undead forces couldn't maintain their numbers by resurrecting dead alliance forces. The Alliance were able to kill the undead with greater ease. It didn't take that long, only a few short hours, to kill all the undead left in the city. The Emperor, meanwhile, had been defeated by Daric and killed. All over the city the Breton troops put Daric's Septim flag up. They started cleaning up the city. The citizens that were locked in their houses had begun to come out and life slowly came back to the capital. The alliance forces set up camp outside the city, with only a few staying inside to keep order. When all the Legionnaires had returned to Cyrodiil Daric had most of the Alliance soldiers sent back home, to go maintain order in their own provinces. Naritin and the Nelthars returned to the Jerral Mountains, but Naerion was left behind to take the Nelthar seat on the Elder Council. A few Dreadguards remained behind as well to act as his bodyguards.

Naerion attended the Elder Council meeting along with the provincial leaders. The various province leaders arrived in the capital with their escorts. Daric had them all brought to the Elder Council Chamber. When he got there the other leaders were already there. Even the Camoran King that Naerio hypnotized was there. Daric said for them to get the matter at hand, bringing all the provinces back into the Empire. They needed everyone so they could maintain peace in Tamriel, which was the motive behind this meeting. The Argonian King, An-Shei, said that they didn't need the Empire. The Argonians would not be ruled by the Empire any longer. Daric said that he was right. This confused many of them. An-Shei asked what he meant.

Daric explained. He said that things were going to be different. Under his rule the Empire would not intervene in matters only concerning one province, unless requested by that province. They would maintain the peace and order between the Imperial Provinces but we would not impose their rule on them. Similar to how Morrowind had it in the 3rd Era. All the Provinces would have self-rule, only some Imperial laws would have to be followed by all, in order to maintain unity within the Empire, like the abolishment of slavery and such. Joran nodded slowly. Elva, Joran's wife, looked at Daric and asked who would enforce those laws, imperial soldiers. Joran looked at her, and they seemed to have a silent conversation with their eyes. Finally, Joran sighed and looked away. Jina continued to stare at Daric, before Joran patted her shoulder and she looked away. Daric said that each ruler and his people would enforce their own laws including the universal imperial laws. The universal laws wouldn't be anything like forced religion or anything like that, they would do basic things like the adoption of the Septim coin in all provinces. The Legions would maintain order and peace in Tamriel, having a headquarters in each of the provinces, but they would not interfere with the local governments. The Khajiiti Mane asked that even if he maintained this policy how would they know that one of his successors wouldn't turn out a tyrant like Augurius. The Breton said that in the treaty he would declare that if any Emperor broke even one of the terms, he would be unfit to rule and should be relinquished from command by any means necessary. The Empire was not meant to rule all of Tamriel with an iron fist. It was mean to maintain the peace and prosperity of the provinces. Bodean said that that was an admirable then but asked if they were meant to swear fealty to him. Daric nodded, saying that it would guaranty that they would follow the universal laws and his orders should he had to intervene in extreme circumstances. Each province would also have to donate a proportionate amount of troops to the Legions so the Empire could defend its territories. An-Shei said that they were just fighting the Imperials and now they were just supposed to pretend it didn't happen. Daric said that he didn't, but Augurius was gone. He would rule fairly and the autonomy that each province had would make sure that they didn't feel oppressed. The Orc King, Garzonk, asked what would happen to Orsinium. If he was going to be razed to the ground once again. Daric assured him that Orsinium would still be recognized as an official Imperial Province.

Jina spoke up. She asked what would happen if one of the leaders broke their oath. Daric said that if one of the leaders broke an Imperial Law, by invading another province or committing atrocities, then the Legion would be forced to step in. The Empire's purpose was to maintain peace and order on Tamriel, if one province or its leader threatened that peace the Empire would intervene. Daric then grabbed a scroll and opens it on the table. He said that it was the 2nd White-Gold Concordat. It detailed all the imperial laws and the other terms. Signing this would make them an Imperial Province, as for swearing fealty that was a formality for after his coronation. He handed it over to his cousin, the new High King of High Rock. High King Gaban Lariat signed the Concordat. He then passed it over to Ulfric Stormcloak. Ulfric said that the Empire had brought peace and prosperity to Tamriel before, the 3rd Era was evidence of that, but Titus II was a weak ruler, and Augurius was too strong a ruler. He believed that Daric had the right amount of strength. Galmar behind him grunted in agreement. Ulfric signed the Concordat, and then passed it to High King Bodean Suda. The Redguard told Daric to keep his word and bring prosperous trade back to Hammerfell. He signed the Concordat, then passed it to King Celegorn. He signed without a word. His brother, Fargoth, gave him a strange look. Celegorn passed it to Joran.

Joran took the Concordat. He believed that with Daric's help, Tamriel would be stronger. He signed the Concordat, and passed it to the Altmer King Yanniss Mothril. Elva looked around the room, lingering a little bit on Celegorm and Naerion, and looking between the two. She agreed with her husband, but added that Daric needed the right people beside him to be a strong leader. Elva's eyes lingered on Daric for a split second, before laughing a small bit and whispering something to Joran. Joran glanced at her, stunned. Jina glanced over to the two of them, her eyes bitter and upset at something Elva had said. Jina looked back at the leaders. The Altmer said that this was the best thing for his people. He signed the Concordat, passing it to King Garzonk. Garzonk was impressed that Daric defeated Augurius in single combat and said that he had earned the respect of the Orcs. Since they had pledged to the Empire before and Orsinium was going to remain under Imperial protection, he agreed to sign it. He signs the Concordat, then passed it to An-Shei. An-Shei said that they didn't need Imperial rule. Daric said that he had more to lose by not signing than anyone else. Black Marsh was know for being economically stagnant, they would not survive forever as an independent province. An-Shei was adamant in his position, saying that the Argonians would make do on their own. Daric tried to reason with the Argonian, saying that the Empire would let them have self-rule as well as bring prosperous trade and guarante peace. An-Shei looked Daric straight in the eyes. He was about to say something but stopped himself. He accepted, reluctantly. He signed the Concordat. After that he passed it to the Mane. The Khajiit was very grateful that he was freed from the Imperial prison that Augurius had locked him in. His people had been pawns of the Thalmor and Augurius, this was going to help them in more ways that one. He accepted and signed the Concordat. He gave it back to Daric. The Breton was pleased. The Empire was back to its former self. He knew that there was still rebuilding and reestablishing order to take care of, but they are on the right path to secure Tamriel's future. He thanked them all for that. They had one more matter to discuss, the Elder Council. He had decided that each provincial ruler would get to nominate one person to a seat at the council. The Nelthars also had one seat, that meant 11 councilors. They would vote on a Chancellor to lead the Elder Council. But that was for later, for now he requested that you remain in the capital for a while longer. The preparations for his coronation were almost finished.

Before he left, Naerion spoke to Daric. He warned him that trying to please everyone would end badly for him. A few days later everything was ready for his coronation. The Throne Room was set for the coronation too, the guests were all there awaiting for the Daric to walk to the Ruby throne, where the Nine Priests of the Divines. The Talos priest was holding the crown in his hand. Daric started to walk down the red carpet towards the Ruby Throne. Naerion was watching from one of the corners of the throne room. Jina approached him and greeted him. He asked her why she was bothering him. She got upset and attracted the attention of a few nearby onlookers. He pointed out that she was making a scene and she blushed, quieting down. Daric walked to the Ruby Throne, the 9 High Priests awaited until he made it there. Then Daric kneeled in front of the High Priest of Talos. They all blessed him in the name of the 9 Divines, then the Talos priest placed the Ruby Crown on Daric's head. The priest said that he came as a Lariat, but now he'd rise in the name of the Nine Divines as a Septim, as Emperor of Tamriel. He beckoned the Emperor to rise and proclaimed him Darius Septim I. Naerion clapped. Darius and the High Priests started walking outside, followed by the guests from the coronation. They headed outside the White-Gold Tower where the citizens were outside. Darius waved at his subjects as he made his way to the Temple District. Jina asked Naerion when Nelthro would be back. He mentioned that at some point he'd return. The Emperor entered the Temple of the One with the High Priest of Talos and other select few important guests. He had the Dragonfire pedestal rebuilt next to the Martin Statue, it didn't serve any purpose now but all the Septim Emperors had lit the Dragonfires so he wanted to maintain the tradition. He lit it with a flames spell and the whole Temple became illuminated with the glow of the Dragonfire.

A couple days later, while Naerion was in the tavern, Jina ran into him. She greeted him. He asked her what she was doing there. It was then that Jina spotted someone in the tavern, watching them, and called for him. It was Nelthro Kanir. Naerion wondered when the old man got back. Jina walked over to Nelthro, Naerion stayed where he was with his drink. Naerion didn't catch their conversation but Jina soon left angrily. Naerion approached his ancestor and told him that he must have pissed her off. Nelthro said that he did it intentionally, so the girl didn't grow too attached to him. Naerion brushed him off, saying that he didn't care. He left the tavern and walked through the city. He spotted some familiar men atop a roof while he was walking through the city. It was one of the assassins that he had hired to kill the Bosmer Prince of Valenwood. He wondered why they were there, then he cursed when he realized that the Prince must have fled to the capital. Jina ran into him once more and asked him what was wrong. He told her it was none of her business. The assassin disappeared from his view. He ditched her and continued to walk, but not before mocking her. He missed doing that, there was little time to mock the Dunmer while working as a Elder Councilman. However, he figured that he would soon be out of a job. He stopped at the Arboretum and took a seat.

One of the assassins approached him and told him that they had failed to assassinate the Prince, and that he had made it to the White-Gold Tower. He said that soon the Emperor would learn of what had transpired in Valenwood. Naerion cursed, saying that if it weren't for him the Bosmers wouldn't even have joined the Stormcrown Alliance. He dismissed the assassin and continued to sit there, awaiting his fate. As he was sitting, he spotted Jina a distance away. He assumed that she had eavesdropped on his conversation with the assassin and stared at her, which prompted her to run away. He let her. At this point it didn't matter anymore, the Prince would meet the Emperor and tell him everything. He knew that the old man wouldn't let the Emperor arrest him, so he let Nelthro deal with the consequences of Naerion's actions. Guards soon entered the Arboretum and approached Naerion with caution, telling him that he was under arrest by orders of the Emperor. He was to wait trial and judgement. Naerion grinned under his helmet when he spotted the man behind the guards, his brother Naritin.

Naritin told them that a Nelthar could only receive judgement from the leader of their organization. The guards looked at Naritin, unsure of who he was. They told him that the arrest was ordered by Emperor Darius, Daric's new name, himself. They still had their weapons drawn. Naritin drew his scythe, ready to fight. He said that he would not allow it, even if the Emperor ordered it. The closest guard took a step back at the sight of the scythe. But he composed himself when his comrades stepped forward. They told the Nelthar that Councilor Naerion was coming with them. Another group of guards approached the scene. Naritin said that he had no choice then and began preparing a Death Magic spell. The eight guards spread out to surround the two Nelthars. Naritin walked closer to Naerion and cast his fog spell, making it surround the two of them. The group of guards had not fully surrounded the two men. They had their weapons drawn and were ready to attack.

Naritin shot a Death Bolt at the guards. The one at which Naritin thrown the bolt jumped to the side after his comrade warned him, the bolt passed inches from him. One of the guards charged Naritin with attempted assault on an Imperial guard. Another guard drew his bow, pointing it at Naritin. They gave him one last warning to stand down. Naerion takes off his mask and looked at the guard holding the bow. He told the guard to point the bow somewhere else and gestured at the other guards. He hypnotized the guard. The guard repeated what Naerion had said then pointed his bow at one of his comrades. The other guards asking him what he was doing. The guard with the bow shot his companion in the arm. The guard grunted and cursed his comrade. The other guards figured out that their friend was being controlled and two guards rushed in trying to restrain him while he tried shooting at them with his bow. Naritin made the fog spread out towards the guards, while they were occupied by their controlled comrade. The fog touched one of the guards and killed him almost instantaneously. The other guards gasped as their comrade died. They moved back and told each other not to let the fog envelop them. Two guards managed to subdue and restrain their friend that was being mind controlled.

The guards took a step back away from the fog. They asked each other if any of them had bows or knew any spells. One of the guards said that he knew fire magic. The guard captain ordered him to shoot at the Nelthars. The guard readied a spell, while another took the bow and arrows from the one that was being mind controlled. The captain said to wait for his signal. Naritin insulted the guards, said that fire magic wasn't strong enough to defeat him. The guards took another few steps back to remain away from the fog. The captain ordered his men to fire. The spellsword guard cast a firebolt while the other shot an arrow. Naerion cast a Fireball that consumed the firebolt at it continued towards the guards. Meanwhile, Naritin charged another spell. The guards jumped out of the way, one was burned by the fireball but it wasn't fatal. He however did pass out. The guard with the bow shot another arrow at Naerion. The two guards restraining their mind controlled comrade said that they couldn't fight while having to keep him pinned down. The guard captain ordered them to knock him out. The two guards hit the mind controlled guard in the head with the hilt of their swords. He was knocked out cold. Naerion and Naritin dodged the arrow, Naerion moved out of the way as Naritin cast Incinerate. The large fire spell moved towards the guards.

The spell got quite a few of the guards, 3 died instantaneously as the fire hit them. The others barely made it out with their lives as they tried to dodge the spell. Suddenly, a Lightning bolt was shot at Naritin. He turned around and saw Darius' Blade coming at them with another 10 guards. The 10 guards with him prepaired for a fight, 2 of them had bows and switched to range while the other 8 charged in at the enemy. One of the surviving guard from the original group warned them not to touch the fog. Naritin prepared to engage them but all his spells dissipated. He looked around and saw Nelthro Kanir. Nelthro said that this ended now. He told the guards to return to their post immediately, then turned to Naerion and said that he was under arrest. Caesar held his hand up, telling the guards to stand ready. He told Nelthro that the Emperor had ordered him to take Naerion into custody and that is what he intended to do. He then pointed at Naritin and said that he murdered 3 Imperial guards, so he was also going to be taken in. The guard captain corrected him, saying that he killed 4 guards. Caesar corrected his mistake and charged Naritin with four murders and assault on the remaining guards. That earned him a very large bounty.

Nelthro looked at Caesar. He said that it didn't matter and then opened a portal with his powers. He pushed Naerion into it and he disappeared. Naerion realized that he was in the Jerral Mountains hideout. Dragaurds were waiting for him when he arrived and they put him under house arrest. Naerion was exiled to the Nelthar lands in the Jerral Mountains by Emperor Darius. He could no longer leave them. This outraged Naerion, he knew that he was not going to stand being stuck there forever.

__________________________________


 * Nilya

Some time after the Dunmer army marched off to war, the Nelthars followed. Nilya and the others headed to the Imperial City to join the Stormcrown Alliance forces that were gathering there. They brought the Dunmer Princess with them. Soon enough the combined Breton, Nord, Redguard, Dunmer and Bosmer forces attacked the capital. Naritin headed into the city after the Nords broke down the gates. Not long after he retreated back outside the city, where he regrouped with his Nelthars. The Nelthars lined up with Naritin Nelthar on the Imperial City bridge. Naritin looked at the army gathering behind him. As the line was completed he spoke up. He told them to fear not pain and fear not darkness, for Ultima Nelthar watched that moment. He riled them up, saying that the spirits of their ancestors were stirring. Spears would be shaken, shields would be splintered and that day they would paint the day in red, with the blood of their foes. The Nelthars would prevail, they would claim glory. He called for the death of the Empire, of the Tyrant and his soldiers. He shouted and the army shouted as well. The Nelthars blew their horn and charged into the city to aid the Alliance. The Nelthar force charged through the gates and like a flood they spread out in all driections to take down the empire. Many went towards the White-Gold Tower once again when Naritin's fog spell dispersed. They attempted to kick down the gate through both brute strength and magical missiles.

Finally the Nelthars broke down the gate and successfully entered the Green Emperor Way district. Suddenly, they heard a large roar an saw a red dragon fly over the city. He headed for the Elven Gardens. The Nelthar army finally spread throughout the city, those that didn't join Naritin joined Daric's men and other leaders throughout the city. Green Emperor Way soon became overrun with undead and their Sload masters. Naritin figured that Augurius Mede was gathering all his forces there, so he ordered his Nelthars to hold out until the Alliance came to reinforce them. He ordered Nilya to sneak past the enemy to request help from Daric Lariat and any nearby Stormcrown forces. Nilya nodded and soon vanished completely. Many Nelthars were shocked as there was no blur and no sound not even a shadow as is normally the case. Nilya ran straight past the Sloads and the Emperor but first she found Ulfric Stormcloak. She turned visible and called to him, telling him that the Nelthars had broken into Green Emperor Way, but that the Emperor was approaching them with a large undead host. They wouldn't stand for long without help. Ulfric nodded and rallied his men to march onto the palace district. Nilya then headed to look for Daric.

When she approached Daric he was with a Nord. She introduced herself to Daric quickly and told him that Naritin broke into the palace district, but the Emperor was approaching with many undead. More than they could handle. She asked him to send help, quickly. Nilya glanced at the Nord and thought that he locked familiar. She then ran back to the palace district turning invisible a third time. Augurius and his undead army charged into the Palace District. He was leading the attack, the Sloads were in the back of the army controlling the undead. The Bretons and the Nords entered the Palace District to aid the Nelthars. The Dunmer followed the Nords and Bretons. The armies clashed. Augurius was at the front lines slashing at the invaders. Despite the Alliance having greater numbers the Sloads' power to reanimate the fallen soldiers helped keep the battle pretty even on both sides. Nilya was acrobatically killing undead through a mix of martial arts and swordplay. She went after a Sload and attacked it from behind to cut its throat. The Alliance forces were winning but slowly, the Sloads' powers to reanimate dead soldiers were keeping the fight relatively even. Nilya confronted the last Sload, but instead of killing it she ordered her Nelthars to capture it. She thought he might be useful to her organization. Her people bound the Sload and slipped him out of the city.

With the Sloads all taken care of the undead forces couldn't maintain their numbers by resurrecting dead alliance forces. The Alliance were able to kill the undead with greater ease. It didn't take that long, only a few short hours, to kill all the undead left in the city. The Emperor, meanwhile, had been defeated by Daric and killed. All over the city the Breton troops put Daric's Septim flag up. They started cleaning up the city. The citizens that were locked in their houses had begun to come out and life slowly came back to the capital. The alliance forces set up camp outside the city, with only a few staying inside to keep order. When all the Legionnaires had returned to Cyrodiil Daric had most of the Alliance soldiers sent back home, to go maintain order in their own provinces. Naritin and the Nelthars returned to the Jerral Mountains, but Naerion was left behind to take the Nelthar seat on the Elder Council. A few Dreadguards remained behind as well to act as his bodyguards.

___________________________________


 * Jina

Some time after the Dunmer army marched off to war, the Nelthars followed. They headed to the Imperial City to join the Stormcrown Alliance forces that were gathering there. They brought the Dunmer Princess with them. Soon enough the combined Breton, Nord, Redguard, Dunmer and Bosmer forces attacked the capital. Naritin headed into the city after the Nords broke down the gates. Not long after he retreated back outside the city, where he regrouped with his Nelthars. The Nelthars lined up with Naritin Nelthar on the Imperial City bridge. Naritin looked at the army gathering behind him. As the line was completed he spoke up. He told them to fear not pain and fear not darkness, for Ultima Nelthar watched that moment. He riled them up, saying that the spirits of their ancestors were stirring. Spears would be shaken, shields would be splintered and that day they would paint the day in red, with the blood of their foes. The Nelthars would prevail, they would claim glory. He called for the death of the Empire, of the Tyrant and his soldiers. He shouted and the army shouted as well. The Nelthars blew their horn and charged into the city to aid the Alliance. The Nelthar force charged through the gates and like a flood they spread out in all driections to take down the empire. Many went towards the White-Gold Tower once again when Naritin's fog spell dispersed. They attempted to kick down the gate through both brute strength and magical missiles.

Finally the Nelthars broke down the gate and successfully entered the Green Emperor Way district. Jina was with the Nelthar army, but she was marching in the back. She hadn't come to fight, not for the Nelthars. She had come to see her father and make sure he stayed safe. He had left her in Mournhold, not wanting her to get involved in the war. Suddenly, they heard a large roar an saw a red dragon fly over the city. He headed for the Elven Gardens. Jina headed into the Elven Gardens, trying to look for her father. In the Elven Gardens, she saw that the Bretons were fighting the undead forces. She spotted Daric in the middle of the skirmish and approached him. She frantically asked him where her father was. She remembered the words her mother had spoken to her before she left with the Nelthars, to take care of Joran. Daric told her that he last saw him with Ulfric Stormcloak in the Arboretum. She raced to the Arboretum to try to catch up with her father, hoping that he was alright. When she arrived the Nords and the Dunmer were already heading into Green Emperor Way, so she followed them. She finally spotted her father through the skirmish. He was fighting a black knight. Overhead, the red dragon flew over the district. Jina was running near the wall to reach her father, when the dragon landed on it. She stumbled to the ground, having been caught off guard. She stood up, shakily, only to see a large Nord running towards her. Jina had no idea whose side he was on, so she raised her sword. He asked her if she was okay. She said that she was fine, before the dragon came. She introduced herself and asked for his name. The Nord said that some people called him Ysmir, others called him Stormblade, others called him Dragonborn or Dovahkiin. But his real name was Harold Burned-Mane, Jarl of Hjaalmarch. He looked at the battle, then at the young Dunmer. He said that she was too young for a battle like this and asked her why she was there.

She told him that she was looking for her father, the Dunmer king. The Dragonborn said that he had not seen him, but that she should stay out of the battle or she could get hurt. He drew his War Axe and his shield heading towards the battle. Jina sighed and said that she would stay out of it when her father was safe. She charged in. Jina ran into the battle, slashing at any undead that got in her way. She saw her father go flying, and she ran towards him hoping that he'd be okay. She stepped between the Black Knight and Joran. A powerful lightning bolt shot straight towards the Knight, whom she realized was Augurius, by Naerion. Jina shouted Naerion in joy. Naerion walked over to her and her father and said that he wasn't doing this for either of them. Jina said that she didn't expect anything more from him. The bolt hit Augurius and staggered him, his armor's enchantment absorbed most of the damage but he still got hurt. He angrily swung his sword at Jina, since she was in between him and Joran. Daric blocked the attack and criticized Augurius for try to strike a child. Augurius said that all would fall by his blade. He was getting weakened from the fighting. Daric clashed swords with the Emperor. The Alliance forces were winning but slowly, the Sloads' powers to reanimate dead soldiers were keeping the fight relatively even. Jina ducked as an arrow flew over her head. She was utilizing her Nightingale training to get behind Augurius as Joran got to his feet. Joran got up and struck at Augurius' stomach. An undead came up behind Naerion but Naerion grabbed it's arm and place his fist in its face so it's head flew off.

Augurius jumped back to evade the attack, the blocked an attack from Daric. Daric cast a Fireball straight at Augurius. Then power attacked the Emperor. Augurius was slashed by the Breton, he kicked the usurper and then power attacked Joran. Joran shouted and rolled away, getting grazed on his side by Augurius' sword. Jina struck, while Augurius was off balance. She drew her Nightingale Sword and drove it into his back. Augurius yelled in pain, then he turned around and bashed the girl, making her lose her grip on her sword, that was still stuck on the Emperor's back. He asked Daric if he was fighting four on one because he was so afraid that he'd die. He asked the Breton were was his sense of honor. Daric looked around and told the others to stand down. This was his fight, he had to defeat him alone. Joran and Jina backed up. He gave her a one-armed hug and whispered, saying that he didn't like that she was here, but glad that she didn't get hurt.

Daric lunged at the Emperor, who blocked the attack with his shield. However from all the damage he suffered from fighting everyone else was slowing him down. Daric cast a firebolt at the Augurius. The Emperor power attacked the Breton. Daric held the sword and blocked the attack. Joran and Jina looked at each other, things didn't look so good, but they were told not to get involved. Daric charged in clashing blades with Augurius. He cast flames at Augurius' head. The Emperor moved back, Daric grabbed his shield then hit him with his sword's hilt. Augurius let go of the shield. The Breton said that now it was a fair fight and threw the shield away. Augurius lunged at Daric and the two clashed blades again. Joran and Jina cheered as Daric got the shield away. Augurius kicked Daric, then slashed him across the chest. Daric grabbed his chest in pain. He fell, Augurius standing over him. He put his legs in between the Emperor's and tripped him. Daric got up and cast Close Wounds on himself. Augurius rolled back and stood up. Daric lunged forward with his sword, stabbing Augurius in the stomach. Augurius punched Daric in the face the pulled the sword out of his stomach. The Emperor said that he'd pay for that. He was wielding both swords. Daric cast a dual Fireball at him, when the Emperor fell to one knee he jumped over him. Behind the Emperor he pulled out Jina's Nightingale sword. Jina gasped as Daric and Augurius were both wounded. Daric had to endure an onslaught of attacks from Augurius now that he had two swords. He kept his sword in a blocking position. Augurius kicked him, causing Daric to stop blocking and tried to strike the Breton. Daric jumped back and then cast a fireball at the ground in front of the Emperor. Augurius now pretty weakened fell to one knee. Daric sliced his left arm, and then caused Augurius to drop Daric's sword. Daric tossed Jina's sword aside, close to the girl, and picked up his sword.

Augurius struggled to get up, saying that he'd kill the usurper. Jina picked up her sword when it was tossed near her. Joran looked on at the battle, hoping that he wouldn't have to step in. Daric asked Augurius if he knew the name of the sword he was using. Slowly getting up, Augurius asked if it mattered. Daric said that its name was Tazaarfeyn, Tyrant's Bane. He lunged forward at Augurius, who lifted his sword to block the attack. He pushes Daric back and then slashes at the Breton. Daric catches the attack mid air, then he fires a firebolt at Augurius' chest. The Emperor moved back, Daric sliced him across the chest. Jina put her sword into a ready position, prepared to strike Augurius. The Emperor was very weakened. He could barely stand, the Sloads were preoccupied with the battle and couldn't assist him this time. Daric kicked Augurius in the chest, knocking him down. He said that Augurius' time was up, he was relieving him of the throne. He stepped on Augurius's right arm so he couldn't lift his sword and asked what were his last words. Augurius told him to rot in Oblivion. Daric gripped his sword with both hands, then thrust it into the Emperor's chest. The Emperor screamed for a second before dying.

Joran gasped at the scream Augurius let out. He soon recovered from his shock, and shouted in joy. Jina ran to Daric, giving him a big hug, before stepping back and telling him good job. Daric thanked her, but said that they still needed to deal with the undead. Jina looked around and supposed that she was right. Joran and Jina ran into the throng of undead together, slashing and killing anything in their path as they ran towards another Sload. The last Sloads were put down by the alliance. With the Sloads all taken care of the undead forces couldn't maintain their numbers by resurrecting dead alliance forces. The Alliance were able to kill the undead with greater ease. It didn't take that long, only a few short hours, to kill all the undead left in the city. Joran, Jina and the Dunmer army helped to clear out the last vestiges of the Undead. Jina walked over to Daric and bowed to him, calling him his majesty. Daric said that there was no need for that just yet. He hadn't been crowned and the Empire was still fragmented. The first thing he needed to do was send word to the Imperial troops stationed in the other provinces and recall them to Cyrodiil, so the fighting stopped. Then he must call the Province leaders to the capital, they had the integrity of the Empire to discuss. And he needed to clean up the mess Augurius left in the capital. It would take time. Once all that is done then he would have his coronation. Jina smiled then asked about the Elder Council's fate and who the Nelthars would put on it. Daric said that Augurius had abolished the Council long ago, so he could rule without interference. As for the Nelthars he promised Nelthro a seat on the council, but he was never told who he would give it to. He had not met any of the other Nelthars in person so he wasn't sure. Jina knew that Nelthro was going to give it to Naerion, but she didn't mention it. Jina smiled, turned on her heel, and left. Soon, she was swarmed by a group of Dunmer warriors, and they went off to together.

All over the city the Breton troops put Daric's Septim flag up. They started cleaning up the city. The citizens that were locked in their houses had begun to come out and life slowly came back to the capital. The alliance forces set up camp outside the city, with only a few staying inside to keep order. When all the Legionnaires had returned to Cyrodiil Daric had most of the Alliance soldiers sent back home, to go maintain order in their own provinces. This included the Dunmer forces. The various province leaders arrived in the capital with their escorts. Daric had them all brought to the Elder Council Chamber. Joran walked into the Elder Council chambers with his family, escorted by the Indoril Guard. He introduced Daric to his family, then asked how were things. Jina just stared up at Daric, the awe in her eyes very apparent. She revered him for having personally taken down Augurius. To her he was a hero. These feelings became rather strong and Jina developed a crush for the Breton king. Joran's wife, Elva, who had just recently arrived from Morrowind, walked in after him. She greeted Daric, saying it was a pleasure to meet with him.

The Breton greeted her and welcomed her to the Imperial City. After he greeted the Nerevars, the family sat at the table next to Joran. Daric sat at the middle of the table. Caesar Autrus was standing right behind him. Celegorn Camoran, the Bosmer King, his brother and his son arrived. Bodean Suda sat down next to Daric, to the right of Daric was his cousin, who had replace him as High King of High Rock. Ulfric arrived right after. Bodean asked Ulfric how Galmar was doing, as he had been hurt during the battle. Ulfric said that he was fine, he was just getting too old for that kind of thing. The other leaders arrived and all sat down at the Elder Council Chamber. Daric said for them to get the matter at hand, bringing all the provinces back into the Empire. They needed everyone so they could maintain peace in Tamriel, which was the motive behind this meeting. The Argonian King, An-Shei, said that they didn't need the Empire. The Argonians would not be ruled by the Empire any longer. Daric said that he was right. This confused many of them. An-Shei asked what he meant. Daric explained. He said that things were going to be different. Under his rule the Empire would not intervene in matters only concerning one province, unless requested by that province. They would maintain the peace and order between the Imperial Provinces but we would not impose their rule on them. Similar to how Morrowind had it in the 3rd Era. All the Provinces would have self-rule, only some Imperial laws would have to be followed by all, in order to maintain unity within the Empire, like the abolishment of slavery and such.

Joran nodded slowly. Elva looked at Daric and asked who would enforce those laws, imperial soldiers. Joran looked at her, and they seemed to have a silent conversation with their eyes. Finally, Joran sighed and looked away. Jina continued to stare at Daric, before Joran patted her shoulder and she looked away. Daric said that each ruler and his people would enforce their own laws including the universal imperial laws. The universal laws wouldn't be anything like forced religion or anything like that, they would do basic things like the adoption of the Septim coin in all provinces. The Legions would maintain order and peace in Tamriel, having a headquarters in each of the provinces, but they would not interfere with the local governments. The Khajiiti Mane asked that even if he maintained this policy how would they know that one of his successors wouldn't turn out a tyrant like Augurius. The Breton said that in the treaty he would declare that if any Emperor broke even one of the terms, he would be unfit to rule and should be relinquished from command by any means necessary. The Empire was not meant to rule all of Tamriel with an iron fist. It was mean to maintain the peace and prosperity of the provinces. Bodean said that that was an admirable then but asked if they were meant to swear fealty to him. Daric nodded, saying that it would guaranty that they would follow the universal laws and his orders should he had to intervene in extreme circumstances. Each province would also have to donate a proportionate amount of troops to the Legions so the Empire could defend its territories. An-Shei said that they were just fighting the Imperials and now they were just supposed to pretend it didn't happen. Daric said that he didn't, but Augurius was gone. He would rule fairly and the autonomy that each province had would make sure that they didn't feel oppressed. The Orc King, Garzonk, asked what would happen to Orsinium. If he was going to be razed to the ground once again. Daric assured him that Orsinium would still be recognized as an official Imperial Province.

Jina spoke up. She asked what would happen if one of the leaders broke their oath. Jina looked over at Naerion, who was also at the meeting. Daric said that if one of the leaders broke an Imperial Law, by invading another province or committing atrocities, then the Legion would be forced to step in. The Empire's purpose was to maintain peace and order on Tamriel, if one province or its leader threatened that peace the Empire would intervene. Daric then grabbed a scroll and opens it on the table. He said that it was the 2nd White-Gold Concordat. It detailed all the imperial laws and the other terms. Signing this would make them an Imperial Province, as for swearing fealty that was a formality for after his coronation. He handed it over to his cousin, the new High King of High Rock. High King Gaban Lariat signed the Concordat. He then passed it over to Ulfric. Ulfric said that the Empire had brought peace and prosperity to Tamriel before, the 3rd Era was evidence of that, but Titus II was a weak ruler, and Augurius was too strong a ruler. He believed that Daric had the right amount of strength. Galmar behind him grunted in agreement. Ulfric signed the Concordat, and then passed it to High King Bodean. The Redguard told Daric to keep his word and bring prosperous trade back to Hammerfell. He signed the Concordat, then passed it to King Celegorn. He signed without a word. His brother, Fargoth, gave him a strange look. Celegorn passed it to Joran.

Joran took the Concordat. He believed that with Daric's help, Tamriel would be stronger. He signed the Concordat, and passed it to the Altmer King Yanniss Mothril. Elva looked around the room, lingering a little bit on Celegorm and Naerion, and looking between the two. She agreed with her husband, but added that Daric needed the right people beside him to be a strong leader. Elva's eyes lingered on Daric for a split second, before laughing a small bit and whispering something to Joran. Joran glanced at her, stunned. Jina glanced over to the two of them, her eyes bitter and upset at something Elva had said. Jina looked back at the leaders. The Altmer said that this was the best thing for his people. He signed the Concordat, passing it to King Garzonk. Garzonk was impressed that Daric defeated Augurius in single combat and said that he had earned the respect of the Orcs. Since they had pledged to the Empire before and Orsinium was going to remain under Imperial protection, he agreed to sign it. He signs the Concordat, then passed it to An-Shei. An-Shei said that they didn't need Imperial rule. Daric said that he had more to lose by not signing than anyone else. Black Marsh was know for being economically stagnant, they would not survive forever as an independent province. An-Shei was adamant in his position, saying that the Argonians would make do on their own. Daric tried to reason with the Argonian, saying that the Empire would let them have self-rule as well as bring prosperous trade and guarante peace. An-Shei looked Daric straight in the eyes. He was about to say something but stopped himself. He accepted, reluctantly. He signed the Concordat. After that he passed it to the Mane. The Khajiit was very grateful that he was freed from the Imperial prison that Augurius had locked him in. His people had been pawns of the Thalmor and Augurius, this was going to help them in more ways that one. He accepted and signed the Concordat. He gave it back to Daric. The Breton was pleased. The Empire was back to its former self. He knew that there was still rebuilding and reestablishing order to take care of, but they are on the right path to secure Tamriel's future. He thanked them all for that. They had one more matter to discuss, the Elder Council. He had decided that each provincial ruler would get to nominate one person to a seat at the council. The Nelthars also had one seat, that meant 11 councilors. They would vote on a Chancellor to lead the Elder Council. But that was for later, for now he requested that you remain in the capital for a while longer. The preparations for his coronation were almost finished.

A few days later everything was ready for his coronation. The Throne Room was set for the coronation too, the guests were all there awaiting for the Daric to walk to the Ruby throne, where the Nine Priests of the Divines. The Talos priest was holding the crown in his hand. Daric started to walk down the red carpet towards the Ruby Throne. Elva, Joran, Jivin and the baby stood near the front, cheering and clapping as he walked down the aisle. Jina was clapping the hardest. Naerion was watching from one of the corners of the throne room. Jina approached him and greeted him. He asked her why she was bothering him. She got upset and attracted the attention of a few nearby onlookers. He pointed out that she was making a scene and she blushed, quieting down. Daric walked to the Ruby Throne, the 9 High Priests awaited until he made it there. Then Daric kneeled in front of the High Priest of Talos. They all blessed him in the name of the 9 Divines, then the Talos priest placed the Ruby Crown on Daric's head. The priest said that he came as a Lariat, but now he'd rise in the name of the Nine Divines as a Septim, as Emperor of Tamriel. He beckoned the Emperor to rise and proclaimed him Darius Septim I. The Nerevar family clapped along with the rest of the people present. Darius and the High Priests started walking outside, followed by the guests from the coronation. They headed outside the White-Gold Tower where the citizens were outside. Darius waved at his subjects as he made his way to the Temple District. The Emperor entered the Temple of the One with the High Priest of Talos and other select few important guests. He had the Dragonfire pedestal rebuilt next to the Martin Statue, it didn't serve any purpose now but all the Septim Emperors had lit the Dragonfires so he wanted to maintain the tradition. He lit it with a flames spell and the whole Temple became illuminated with the glow of the Dragonfire. The Nerevars cheered along with the other guests. Jina felt sad that Nelthro wasn't there.

A couple days later a beautiful Imperial noblewoman arrived at the capital. The Dunmer wondered who she was. Jina walked towards the palace, trailing the pretty woman, who was being escorted by the Blades. When she realized who she was, Jina was heartbroken. The rumors were true, Darius was going to get married to her. To try to deal with her sorrow she headed to a tavern. Jina walked into a tavern, where a couple of drunk Imperial men led her to a table. For some reason, she was letting herself go with them. She let herself laugh and flirt with all of them. Just because she was bitter. However, when one of them tried to kiss her, she punched him and left, taking her food with her.

In two weeks time the wedding was held in the Temple of the One. The Mede banners and the Septim banners were hanging on the inside and the outside, as Darius was going to marry Leona Mede. Most of the other provincial leaders had already left Cyrodiil but the Temple was full with Imperial nobility. Darius had declared the day a one time holiday, to celebrate the joining to the two dynasties. Leona was wearing a long elegant white dress. It had many intricate designs along the fabric. Darius was wearing expensive white and red clothes. Jina sat in the corner of the Temple, seemingly grumpy. Jina and her family had stayed in the Imperial City because, during the short time she had been there, Leona and Elva had become good friends. Joran was wearing light gold and blue clothes, and Elva was wearing a long, beautiful dress of red silk. Jina was accompanied to the wedding by Jax Redoran, the newest General of the Dunmeri army. She genuinely enjoyed his company, but he was no Daric. Darius and Leona said their vows in the presence of the High Priestess of Mara. After the ceremony the guests went back to the White-Gold Tower, where a banquet was set up in the Main Hall. Darius and Leona mingled with the guests. Jina and Jax wandered over to congratulate the new couple. Well, Jax did. Jina went there to size them up. She congratulated them, arm in arm with Jax. Jax was a handsome Dunmer, and rather young for an elf. He was only 22. Jax laughed and shook hands with Darius, greeting the Emperor. Jax was enfatuated with Jina, enough that he asked for her hand in marriage, but she didn't love him. She still had feelings for Darius. The rest of the day was filled with celebration. Following the wedding, Joran, Elva, Jivin, and the baby, Elvir, had returned home to Morrowind, but Jina and General Jax Redoran. Jina had been appointed to the Elder Council by her father, and Jax remained with her as her bodyguard.

Jina attended a party, hosted by Empress Leona, with Jax. She was a bit depressed, still not over her feelings with Darius. While she danced with Jax he asked her what was wrong, but she brushed the question away. It was time for the Emperor to dance with his new Empress. The floor was cleared and they both headed there and started a slow dance. After the first song other couples joined in the slow dance. Darius approached Jina and Jax and asked for her next dance. Jax let Jina go, and went to dance with another of Jina's bodyguards. Jina took Darius' hand. She greeted the Emperor and they began to dance. Daric said that Jax seemed like a good lad and said that the two made a good couple. Jina raised an eyebrow and asked what made them seem like a couple. But, she seemed fine with it. Jax was a good person, and she did enjoy his company. She asked how things were with Leona. Daric pointed out that they had been together the whole night, which was what couples did. He smiled and said that as for Leona, it was too early to tell, but she was a good person. Jina laughed and told him that Jax had proposed to her not long ago. She was actually having fun with Darius as they twirled around the dance floor. She had fun with Jax also, but things were different, because he was also her bodyguard and her father's General. Daric nodded, saying that the Dunmer did seem to have a thing for her. He asked her about how she was dealing with the responsibility of an Elder Councilor. He was surprised when her father appointed her to the Morrowind seat. Jina nodded her head, and revealed that she turned Jax down. She was too young yet. They danced in silence for a few moments, before she revealed that she asked her father to appoint her. She wanted to get out of Mournhold, see the world a little. The Imperial City was one place she wanted to explore. She also thought herself the best person for the job. She also had advisors with her to help her. Jina laughed as she was spun out, then in again.

He asked her how old she was now. When they had first met she was 17. Jina said that she was currently 18, but would turn 19 soon enough. Jina was very happy just talking and spending time with Darius. To have a little fun she asked him how many kids Leona and he would have. Darius was a little stunned by the question, he blushed and began to mutter his words. He said that this wasn't really the time or place to be talking about that. Jina laughed at his shocked face. Jina laughed as the music stopped going. She noticed Leona at Darius' side, taking his hand to go dance. She felt Jax take her hand and drag her off onto the dance floor. Jax and Jina eventually gave up on dancing, and sat down at a table to talk. He asked her if she had reconsidered his offer of marriage. His eyes gleaming from the alcohol he and Jina had just drunken. Jina looked around. Darius was already married and she didn't really want to get in between him and his wife. She sighed and told Jax that she would marry him, just not now. She wanted to stay single for a couple more years before she settled down, but she promised to marry him. Jax cheered. A few of the dancing couples turned to look at the two of them. Jina grinned sheepishly at them, and Jax was just to happy to notice.

A couple days later, while Naerion was in the tavern, Jina ran into him. She greeted him. He asked her what she was doing there. It was then that Jina spotted someone in the tavern, watching them, and called for him. It was Nelthro Kanir. Naerion wondered when the old man got back. Jina walked over to Nelthro, Naerion stayed where he was with his drink. Nelthro turned his head slightly then he waved a little before filling his glass once more. Jina walked over to him and sat down. She asked him where he had been. He said that he had gone to Akavir, more specifically the island near Akavir where he lived. She then asked why he came back, months later. He revealed that he wanted to be present for the Emperor's coronation. She was angry when she learned that he had been in the Imperial City since the coronation and hadn't told her. Still, she hugged the old man. He was a friend that she missed. After a chat she decided to leave the tavern, saying goodbye to Nelthro. She was angry with him. He had kept his presence a secret from her for months. Jina crossed her arms as she sat on the park bench. The Arboretum was a nice place for her to think. She thought of Darius, of Jax, of Nelthro, even of Naerion. Jina wandered through the streets of the Imperial City, wondering what was going on with Nelthro. She thought the two of them were friends, but he had been so rude to her, keeping secrets. As she was walking she spotted Naerion staring blankly at a rooftop. She asked him what was wrong. He told her it was none of her business. He ditched her and continued to walk, but not before mocking her. She hated him. She decided to follow him, using her Thieves Guild training to sneak after Naerion. She spotted him sitting down on a bench and soon someone came out of the shadows and told Naerion something. She sneaked closer and overheard their conversation.

The man that had approached him was an assassin and he told Naerion that they had failed to assassinate the Bosmer Prince, and that he had made it to the White-Gold Tower. He said that soon the Emperor would learn of what had transpired in Valenwood. Naerion cursed, saying that if it weren't for him the Bosmers wouldn't even have joined the Stormcrown Alliance. He dismissed the assassin and continued to sit there, awaiting his fate. She was shocked to learn that Naerion was up to no good and a chill ran down her spine when Naerion looked right at her after the assassin left. She immediately headed towards the White-Gold Tower. She hoped that Naerion got what was coming to him. She ran into the Blades and told them that she needed to see Darius immediately. The Blade told her to calm down and that the Emperor was busy. She looked around frantically and said that the Emperor might be in danger. The Blade nodded and immediately let her through. She ran in, ahead of the Blade and told Darius that Naerion had hired assassins. A Bosmer was speaking to him. Darius turned his attention to Jina who had just run into his throne room. He said that it was true, speaking to the Bosmer. He turned to Caesar and ordered him to dispatch the city guard and have them arrest Councilor Naerion Nelthar and bring him before the throne. Caesar nodded and ran with a group of Blades to alert the city guard. Jina asked if there was something that she could help with. Darius asked her what she knew about Naerion. She told him about Naerion mind controlling magic and all that she knew about the Nelthars. Darius looked troubled. He asked her how Naerion used his magic. Caesar returned after having relayed the order.

Nelthro walked into the throne room and stated that the guards had found Naerion, but that they would have to fight for their lives. He said that a Nelthar would never allow another Nelthar to be captured. Darius turned to Nelthro. He was also surprised at seeing Nelthro again. It made Jina feel a little better knowing that she wasn't the only one that Nelthro kept things from. The Emperor said that Naerion committed a crime and he must be tried. He didn't care if the Nelthars didn't like it, they weren't above the law. He would be brought to him, Darius wanted to learn why he did this. He stood up and turned to Caesar, ordering him to get more me and assist the guards. Then he turned to Nelthro and asked him if he knew that Naerion could control minds. Caesar went to gather some men. Nelthro revealed that he helped teach Naerion that magic. He turned to walk out and turned his head to look at Darius. He stated that his allegiance was with the Nelthars, if he didn't tell his guards to step down he would have to step in. Jina walked next to Darius' throne, standing away from Nelthro. She felt scared of the old man. She pleaded for Darius to let the Nelthars take Naerion. Darius looked angry. He asked Nelthro if that was a threat and reminded Nelthro who he was speaking to. He then turned to Jina and said that the Nelthars probably wouldn't punish one of their own. He would just be set free to roam Tamriel and control peoples' minds. He turned back to Nelthro and asked why in Oblivion would he make someone so dangerous the Nelthar Councilor. Naerion could have used his magic on the other Councilors and basically controlled the whole Elder Council. For all Darius knew he did do that, just like he did with the King of Valenwood. He was obviously trying to get power and influence, he might've even been attempting a coup.

Darius paced around the throne room a bit. He said that he couldn't let Naerion roam free, it was too dangerous. He looked over to Nelthro and asked him what the Nelthars would do with him if they got a hold of him. Jina said that letting them take Naerion was better than going to war with them, Cyrodiil was still being rebuilt and the Nelthars had dangerous members. Nelthro said that Nelthar heads had been exiled before and at least 3 had been imprisoned. It was rare, but it happened. He assured Darius that Jina was right, it was far better than a war. Darius said that Naerion was too dangerous, but out of respect for Nelthro and his clan he would let them take custody of Naerion. However, he would not accept him to be set free. They needed to keep him in their lands in the Jerral Mountains. He could not risk Naerion plotting anything. He looked over at the Bosmer who was watching the conversation. He asked Nelthro when the mind control wore off, if there was a way to break it. Nelthro said that only Naerion could break his hold on them, but he could force Naerion to do so. He also accepted Darius' proposal of keeping Naerion there, but said that they would keep him as long as they wanted. He then exited the throne room to go get Naerion.

The Emperor still looked angry. He turned to one of his blades and ordered him to inform Caesar and the other guards to let the Nelthars take custody of Naerion. He walked out of the throne room and into his study. The Blade ran out to find Caesar and the guards. Jina followed Darius into his study and told him that he should get somewhere safe in case Naerion came after him. Darius said that he was not afraid of him. He walked into his study and sat at his desk, and began writing an Imperial Decree. Darius finished writing the Imperial Decree, then he place his seal on it. He looked up at Jina. He said that he put Naerion on the list of Tamriel's most wanted criminals and sentenced him to exile. The only place on Tamriel he could legally be in on his clan's lands in the Jerral Mountains. That would make sure that even if the Nelthars set him free he would not be able to be on Tamriellic soil plotting and abusing his powers. Jina was glad that he did that. Darius leaned back in his chair and said that if Celegorn's son hadn't made it to the capital, Naerion may have been able to complete his plan, whatever it was. Jina sat down. She muttered, saying that it must have been all that time ago when Naerion headed to Valenwood that he hypnotized the Bosmer King. Darius seemingly heard her and asked what she meant. Jina dodged the question, not wanting Darius to find out that she was a member of the Nelthars or that she knew that Naerion had gone to Valenwood a year ago. Darius dropped the subject, saying that he had other things to attend to. He grabbed some papers and started signing reports.

Jina left the Emperor's study and ran into Nelthro. She asked him what he wanted. He apologized to her for not telling her about his return. He just didn't want her to grow too attached to him. But he mentioned that he was going to move to the Jerral Mountains, no longer living on his island. Jina said that she might visit, given that she was a Nelthar member still. Nelthro smiled and left. She wanted the old man leaving, her anger towards him had subsided a bit.

__________________________________________


 * Daric

Daric's alliance had a hard time advancing through Cyrodiil. The Legions were well trained and disciplined, their formations were strong and unbreakable. The Bretons, under Daric were cut off north of Anvil by troops of the 1st Legion and couldn't help Bodean take the city. The Bretons were fighting an in an open field with the Imperials. The Legion's tactics gave them the upper hand. Though the Breton Battlemages are unmatched in all of Tamriel. Daric was in the front lines wielding Flamerend and casting fireballs at the Imperials alongside his Blades. The Bretons were still locked in open combat with the 1st Legion. They remained unable to help the Redguards. Daric and his Breton Battlemages were able to force the Imperials to retreat, though they just as many casualties as the Imperial. They marched South to Anvil to assist the Redguards.

When Daric's men arrived at in Anvil the city it had already been surrounded by the Bosmer and the Redguards. The Legionnaires stationed in the city had no where to go. Together the three armies took Anvil in no time. The Imperial soldiers inside were either killed or imprisoned if they surrendered. Daric went to greet the Bosmer King Celegorn. He thanked him for the assistance, saying that Bodean would have lost the battle had he not arrived. Celegorn said that it was his pleasure and asked the Breton if he had not received his letter. Daric said that he did but he wasn't sure if the Bosmers would be able to help, given that they didn't fully retake Valenwood. Celegorn said that it was more important to help Daric win in Cyrodiil than to retake Valenwood, for if Daric won then the Legions in Valenwood would surrender without a fight. Daric agreed with him and thanked him again. They couldn't have taken the city without them. Celegorn told the High King that he would remain in Cyrodiil and fight with the Stormcrown Alliance. A Bosmer approached Celegorn, it was his brother. He asked the Bosmer what was wrong with him. Valenwood needed them. He told him to think of his people. Celegorn tried to reason with him but his brother disagreed and said that he would be taking his men back to Valenwood. He stated that the Bosmer Prince would surely also come back with him. They were returning to bring order to their homeland.

Two thirds of the Bosmer army left for Valenwood while the rest joined Daric's army, bring it back to full strength. Daric's men and the Redguards marched for Kvatch. The Redguards and Daric's men continued their march to Kvatch. The 1st legion that Daric's Men had fought had rendezvoused with part of the 11th Legion that was guarding Kvatch. Daric his allies made it near the city of Kvatch. They still hadn't climbed the hill up. Celegorn had the feeling that it could be a trap so him and his bosmer stayed behind while the Bretons and the Redguards climbed the hill to the city. The Bretons and the Redguards climbed the hill to Kvatch. The path up was pretty narrow so the armies had to break formation to climb up. From the walls of the city part of the 11th Legion had begun bolstering their defenses. Daric and his men had almost made it to the top when war horns started blowing in the south. The 1st Legion had been hiding and waiting for Daric and his men to partly climb the hill so they could be trapped between the 11th and the 1st Legions. The Bretons and Redguards were forced to fight on two fronts as the 11th legion from Kvatch also attacked them. The Breton and the Redguards were trapped in the hill that lead up to the city. From the top they had to fight the 11th legion and the bottom they fought the 1st Legion. Celegorn and his Bosmer then attacked the 1st legion's flank as they had separated from Daric's men before they went up the hill. With the help of the Bosmer, the Redguards and the Bretons were able to break the ranks of the 1st Legion at the bottom of the hill. The 11th Legion kept advancing however so Daric and his men had to retreat further down the hill.

The 1st Legion couldn't hold their line and were forced to retreated after the bosmer routed their forces. The archers continued to pick off a few of the retreating units before switching focus to the 11th Legion that was pushing the Breton and the Redguards off the hill. Without the other front to worry about Daric and his men could focus all their efforts on the 11th Legion and were able to stop them from advancing any further. The Bosmer archers and the Breton Battlemages fired onto the Legionnaires. With all of Daric's men focused on the 11th legion they outnumbered the Legionnaires almost 2 to 1. However the Legion was fighting downhill, which gave them the tactical advantage. Despite this, they still got pushed back into Kvatch by Daric's armies. There they besieged the city. The Bretons started mounting ladder onto the wall of Kvatch and the Bosmers quickly made their way up. They cleared the way so the Reguards can follow. The Bretons Mages provided cover from bellow. The Bosmer captured part of the wall and fired on the Legionnaires bellow, while the Redguards captured the rest of the wall. The Redguards and the Bretons set up a battering ram and proceeded to ram the southern gates of Kvatch. The battering ram broke through and the alliance troops flooded into the city engaging the Legionnaires stationed there. As the Bosmer archers were atop the walls firing with extreme precision onto the Imperials and the Bretons and Redguards fought them in the streets. The Legionnaires didn't have anywhere else to go. They were trapped in Kvatch with Daric's army and were outnumbered. It wasn't long before the city was taken and the troops rested after the battle. After capturing the city Daric and his armies stayed there to rest.

Darius was notified that a Dunmer courier had arrived in the city and needed to speak with him. He told the guards to let him through. Daric was in the Kvatch Castle. He headed outside to meet the courier. Seeing the messenger being escorted by his men he went up to him. He asked him what news he brought. Outside two other messengers had arrived, the Nord scout and the Redguard courier. The Dunmer said that Joran Nerevar's army had taken Cheydinhal, and defeated 3 Legions at different times. He told the High King that the Dunmer were staying in Fort Usarek, across the river from the Imperial City. They attempted to infiltrate it, but 5 of the 7 infiltrators were unsuccessful and were beheaded by the Imperials. He was the second courier sent to Daric, he found the first one murdered by skeletons wearing the Armor of Augurius Mede's personal guard. So the Imperial were using necromancers. Daric stated that that was odd. He said to have the Dunmer wait for them and the Nords to arrive. They still had to capture Skingrad before reaching the Imperial City. The other couriers made their way to Daric as well. The Nord said that he had a message from Ulfric. He wanted support in taking Chorrol, they needed to take the city or risk an attack from the rear by the troops stationed there once they besiege the capital. Daric turned to the Dunmer courier and told him to tell Joran to send reinforcements to the Nords. Then the last courier came up to Daric. He had an urgent message, High Rock was under attack from the Orcs. Daric was shocked. He asked since when. The Redguard told him that they received the news a few wees ago. They have sacked Evermore and were heading towards Wayrest last time he heard. Daric thought for a minute. He sighed, there was nothing he could do. Caesar Autrus, who was Daric's personal bodyguard now, spoke. He said that there had to be something. They couldn't just leave High Rock at the mercy of the Orcs. Daric asked him what he could do. He couldn't march his army back there and jeopardize the Cyrodiil invasion. He realized that this was what Augurius wanted, for him to choose: High Rock or Cyrodiil. He was distraught but he couldn't help, as much as he wanted to. He just couldn't.

The Dunmer left to return to Joran's camp. The Nordic Scout nodded and set out for the Nordic Camp near the Orange Road. Daric couldn't stop thinking of High Rock and how it was now in the mercy of the Orcs. He knew the Orcs hated the Bretons for destroying Orsinium multiple times. He dared not think of the state they would leave his country. Daric and his men marched through the Golden Road towards Skingrad. The Breton King turned to his bodyguard and told him that it hardly felt like two months had already passed since the start of the Invasion. Caesar said that it felt like longer. Daric and his troops continued on their way to Skingrad. Daric and his men were in the outskirts of Skingrad. A few days ago a few Imperials had started to join his army. They had heard of the capture of Bruma, Cheydinhal, Anvil and Kvatch and had become hopeful that Augurius could be defeated by Daric. Even some Imperials had begun questioning his methods, though most who did wound up dead. Daric and his men surrounded Skingrad, but maintained a safe distance so they couldn't get hit by projectiles. They had begun building some siege equipment, like ladders and such, before attacking. Daric and his men had begun the siege, they charged the walls bring their ladders with them. Daric's armies had broken the western gates with their battering ram, while others had climbed the wall on their ladders. The legionnaires were outnumbered 2 to 1, they wouldn't be able to hold out for long. Daric was inside the city slashing legionnaires with Flamerend and casting fireballs at them. Caesar was at his side protecting him. Bodean and his men were storming the market district like a wave, their scimitars cutting Legionnaires in half. The bosmer were atop the roofs raining arrows down on their foes. Daric and his soldiers overwhelmed the Legionnaires defending the city.

Skingrad was taken and a few days after Daric and his armies marched along the Golden Road to the Red Ring. The Nords marched down the Orange Road to the Red Ring, the Dunmer who were in Fort Urasek also marched onto the Red Ring. Daric was in his tent in the Breton Camp when a Messenger came approached, he had news of High Rock. Daric's heart skipped a beat when he heard the name of his country. Daric asked, in an angry tone, if the Orcs had burned everything to the ground yet. The messenger told him that the Orcs were defeated and were retreating to Orsinium. Daric was confused and shocked, but happy at the same time. He couldn't decide which question to ask first. Last he had heard they were marching on Shornhelm. The messenger explained that the Dragonguard and Ysmir stopped them. Daric could not speak, a tear fell down his face. He was overjoyed to hear his home was not destroyed by the Orcs. He wanted to crush them for what they've done to his land but he knew mercy and forgiveness would be the wisest choice. Many thought of him as a conqueror, a usurper. He needed to change their minds, and he was getting tired of war. He muttered that the Nines had answered his prayers.

Daric heard from the Nords that Augurius had platoons of undead guarding Chorrol. There was no doubt in his mind that the Imperial City held more of the foul creatures. From his camp he could see the White-Gold Tower, now it was more red than white just like the rest of the city. The armies had begun constructing the siege equipment they would need for the coming battle. Many were scared, many were tired, many were anxious. All were determined to fight, for fighting they must to secure their freedom and their future. Soon the Dunmer army arrived at the Stormcrown camp. Joran headed to Daric's tent to report some desertion to him. He informed him that as they reached Daric's camp west of the Imperial City the Dunmer received a letter from Emperor Augurius. It told them that if they turned back now they would be spared, but if they joined Daric in his assault on the capital then not only they would die but also their families in Morrowind. This message caused many members of Houses Dres and Telvanni to desert, as well as some from House Hlaalu. However the rest of the army didn't falter in their determination and instead got ready to attack. Daric said that it was a shame, but it didn't matter. The Stormcrown Alliance was united. The Bretons, Nords, Redguards, Dunmer and Bosmer were ready to fight as one. They could take the Imperial City. Daric told Joran to return to his camp and ready his men, the war horns would sound the beginning of the attack. Joran nodded and headed to his tent.

Daric mounted his horse. The Catapults were being loaded. The men were in position. It was time. He blew on the horn and the Artillery started to fire on the walls. The Men got on the row boats they had made to cross the river. The Undead on the walls fired arrows and spells at the Invaders, the Ballistae installed into the towers of the city fired on the armies bellow. Ulfric had brought a platoon of Bear Berserkers to the Main Gates, as he was planning to help take it down. Daric was with the Cavalry men, who were leading the battering rams to the gates. The artillery rounds were starting to break off bits of the outer wall, killing some of the undead on the western wall of the city. The Imperial Ballistae had managed to destroy a few boats and catapults. The undead soldiers shot arrows and fired spells at the Dunmer Silt Striders that tried to make it over the walls. The Catapults of the Dunmeri began to fire, shooting giant green balls. When they were over the city, the balls uncurled, revealing Ogrim. They dropped into the city, crushing anything beneath them. The boats had begun landing on the other side. There the soldiers were putting up the ladders to climb the wall. Ulfric and the battering rams were reaching the gates. One of the rams was destroyed by the Ballistae. The other began ramming the gates while Ulfric helped with his thu'um. Daric was casting fireballs at the wall. The artillery was aimed at the sections of wall where the ladders. Some of the ladders were pushed down by the undead. More and more silt striders got over the walls, and Dunmer began to land. Some of them also began to climb the ladders with the Nords. With Daric and a few others protecting the battering ram and Ulfric helping to break the gates they were open soon enough. When they were broken open Daric and the Cavalry men charged into the city, with the Redguards right behind them. The artillery was aimed farther into the city, so they wouldn't hit any friendlies.

Daric had to dismount as the streets of the Imperial City were no place for fighting on horseback. With Ulfric and the Bear Berserkers at his back, along with his Calvary men who had dismounted as well, they charged into the Market District. The streets were full of undead soldiers. He asked what had Augurius done. The Bosmer troops had climbed the wall with the Nords and were assisting from above. The Bretons were trying to take out the Imperial artillery that were still firing on the invading forces. The Redguards were following Daric into the city from the broken gates. Joran and the rest of his army came through the gates. The fighting in the streets of the Talos Plaza District was wearing down the Alliance troops in an alarming rate. Everyone of theirs that died would be reanimated and would attack his former friends. He asked how Augurius was able to do this. There was no way that Augurius was this powerful. He killed an undead Breton. Bodean found Daric after a while in the north of the Talos Plaza. He told the Breton that he found out how Augurius acquired his undead army, Sloads. He spotted one near the gates to the Temple District. Daric said that they needed to take care of those Sloads. He told Bodean to deal with the one he found and he would relay the information and go looking for others. Bodean nodded. He rounded up some of his men and they fought their way to the gates to the Temple District.

With both the Sloads from the Talos Plaza dead, one killed by Bodean and the other by Joran, Daric and his allies were able to clear out the undead in it after a while. They regrouped in the center of the Plaza. Daric said that if there were Sloads like the ones they encountered all over the city then they had to hunt them dow. Green Emperor Way was probably too overrun with undead to take before they get rid of their biggest advantage, being able to turn their dead against them. Joran looked at Daric. He said that if there were only two Sloads per district then they should split up. Balyn Omoran could lead one of the expeditions, while he offered to lead another. He said that if they kept using the same tactics, they could win the battle. They also had the Bosmer archers to aid them. Daric ordered the Dunmer and the Nords to head tot he Elven Gardens District. The Bretons, Bosmer and the Redguards would go to the Temple District. The fighting was still going on atop the walls and alliance artillery was still firing on the city. The armies had spread into the city and were fighting all over. When he entered the Temple District Daric could see the Martin Memorial Statue inside the Temple of the One. He could see that the temple looked pretty abandoned but interestingly some undead shades were coming out of it. He bet that the Sload was inside. Bodean told Celegorn to have his men look for the other one while they take out the one in the temple. Daric ondered some of his officers to organize the attack in the District while he, Caesar, Bodean and Celegorn headed to the Temple. As they approached the Temple Daric could clearly see the Dragon statue and the state of the Temple. When he was Emperor he would rebuild the Ttmple and remodel it. It was a shame the state that is had gotten to. They fought they way to the Temple's entrance as shades were still coming out from inside the Temple. The group were able to defeat the shades and entered the Temple. The Sload was using the long unlit dragonfires to fuel his necromancy. The pyre stand still held magic within it, despite the fires having gone unlit for over two centuries. Daric said that they must stop him. He cast a Fireball at the large creature who blocked it with a Ward. Bodean said that spells wouldn't work, Sloads were excellent mages. They needed to use brute strength to defeat it. Celegorn suggested that they surround him, his slowness was his weakness. The group spread out trying to surround the Sload, all the while dodging his spells and trying to fight off the shades.

Celegorn fired arrows at the Sload to get his attention. As he did that Caesar killed shades and moved closer to the creature. Daric and Bodean were trying to get the attention of the shades so Caesar could go after the Sload. Caesar was able to get behind the Sload. Celegorn kept firing arrows at him so he wouldn't see Caesar. Bodean and Daric kept the shades at bay. Caesar stabbed the Sload with his katana. With the Sload dead the shades dispersed. Daric looked around the temple. He told Celegorn to check with his men, to see if they had found the other Sload. He told Bodean to come with him, they were going to rally the troops. They left the Temple and went to the streets to join the fighting. The Alliance troops pushed back the undead. The bosmer were atop the roofs shouting at the undead below. At the far end of the district they could see the Sload that was commanding the fiends. One of them reported to Celegorn. The Bosmer King went to Daric's side. He told the Breton that they had found the second Sload. Daric said to go to him. The last Sload in the Temple district wasn't able to hold the allies for long, as the Nords had arrived to help from the Elven Gardens. The bulk of their army was in that district so the undead wasn't a match for them. This time it was Daric that killed the Sload, by stabbing him in the chest with Flamerend. With the Sload dead the army dispersed to the other districts. A soldier came running to Daric. The soldier reported that Augurius had brought a platoon of undead to the Elven Gardens, they weren't able to defeat him. Daric turned to the other leaders, he told them to continue going after the other Sloads, he would go after Augurius. Celegorn, Ulfric and Bodean nodded. Daric had rallied his Breton soldiers in the Temple District to head to the Elven Gardens. Daric charged into the Elven Gardens with his men.

Daric spotted Augurius among the skirmish, he was standing over Balyn with a sword to his neck. Augurius roared in outrage as he saw Daric. Without giving it a second thought, he brought down his sword, stabbing Balyn through the neck and killing the Dunmer. Augurius charged at Daric while the Bretons engaged the undead. He clashed blades with Daric and told the Usurper that he was going to kill him. The Breton said that his time as Emperor was done. Galmar and the rest of the army fought the Undead to a standstill, giving Daric and Augurius room to duel. Augurius bashed Daric staggering him. He shot a fireball at the Emperor. The blast gave Daric enough time to get back up. The two then continued their duel but it was obvious that Augurius was stronger. He relentlessly attacked Daric. The undead were getting the upper hand when the dead Bretons started attacking their former companions. Galmar cursed. He charged in at Augurius, remembering how futile it was last time, but he had to try. Augurius kicked Daric aside and then blocked Galmar's attack. The Bretons were being pushed back by the undead. Daric was starting to lose hope. But then he heard a roar in the sky. Augurius bashed Galmar then slashed at him, wounding him. Daric stood up and struck Augurius in the back. The Emperor was momentarily staggered by the blow but composed himself and the blocked Daric's second attack. The roar got louder and closer. Galmar looked at the sky. The undead were almost pushing the Bretons out of the Elven Gardens. Augurius and Daric were fighting near the gates to the Talos Plaza. The Emperor told him that he couldn't win. Daric tried to block his blows as he slowly retreated. He cursed in his head. Galmar kept looked around at the sky. Daric looked perplexed at the Nord, wondering what he was waiting for. He also noticed that the roaring had stopped. Then out of nowhere a red dragon swooped into the Elven Gardens and breathed fire down on the undead. Augurius was distracted by the dragon's sudden appearance. Galmar cheered, yelling Ysmir at the top of his lungs.

The dragon devastated a good portion of the undead foes with his fire after a few swoops over the Elven Gardens. Augurius saw that his army was suffering heavy losses thanks to the dragon and the new moral boost that Daric's men had gotten. He reluctantly ordered his undead to retreat to the Market District to regroup. After the undead started to retreat the Red Dragon landed in the Elven Gardens. The Dovahkiin jumped off his back. Daric went to greet the Dovahkiin. Daric approached the Dovahkiin and greeted him. He looked at the Dragon with a bit of fear, as he had never seen a dragon firsthand. Ysmir greeted him, speaking partly in the Dragon tongue: Dovahzul. He noticed that Daric looked at the red dragon and introduced him as Odahviing. The dragon greeted the Breton King. The Breton looked back at Ysmir. He thanked him for what he did for High Rock while the Stormcrown forces were away and thanked him for coming to his aid once more in the Imperial City. Ysmir said that it was the least he could do. Tamriel had suffered enough at the hands of the Tazaar Augurius. It would be in the best interest of Tamriel that Daric succeed in his war against him, that is why he was there. Daric appreciated his aid. The Dragonborn mentioned that there was something he wanted to give the High king. He pulled a sword out of Odahviing's saddle and handed it to Daric. He said that its name was Tazzarfeyn, Tyrant's Bane. He explained a bit of the enchantments he gave the weapon. Daric thanked him and said that the sword had a fitting name. He promised to use it in his next duel against Augurius. Daric sheathed Tazaarfeyn and asked Ysmir if he would stay and fight. The Nord nodded, saying he'd see this through. Daric said that it would be an honor to have him fight by his side. Ysmir said that the honor was his. He drew his Waraxe and his shield. A woman approached them. She introduced herself to Daric as Nilya Nelthar and told him that Naritin Nelthar broke into the palace district, but the Emperor was approaching with many undead. More than they could handle. She asked him to send help, quickly. Nilya glanced at the Nord. She then ran back to the palace district turning invisible. Ysmir got on Odahviing's back and the red dragon flew off. Jina Nerevar appeared before Daric and frantically asked him where her father was. Daric told her that he last saw him with Ulfric Stormcloak in the Arboretum. She raced to the Arboretum to try to catch up with her father.

Daric rallied his soldiers and headed to the Palace District. The Bretons marched towards the Palace District. Augurius and his undead army charged into the Palace District. He was leading the attack, the Sloads were in the back of the army controlling the undead. The Bretons and the Nords entered the Palace District to aid the Nelthars. The Dunmer followed the Nords and Bretons. The armies clashed. Daric was fighting undead with his new sword, it was much stronger than his old red glass sword. He saw Joran and Augurius in the distance. Daric slashed his way through the undead to go aid Joran. Despite the Allies having greater numbers the Sloads' power to reanimate the fallen soldiers helped keep the battle pretty even on both sides. Daric stabbed a zombie then ran past a group of skeletons, making his way towards Augurius. Augurius blocked a spell with his shield, then bashed the Dunmer King. He said that Joran was no match for him. He was already an excellent warrior without all the enchantments of his new armor and weapons. With them, his foes were hopeless. The High King of High Rock jumped into the fight and said that Joran was not hopeless if he had help. Daric shot a fireball at Augurius, who turned around and lifted his shield. Augurius commented on Daric's new sword, saying that it would not change anything. He then charged at the Breton. He said they would see and blocked Augurius's first attack, but the was hit by the second. He rolled the side after that. Joran ducked under the bash, and saw Daric enter the battle. Joran followed him after Daric, and stabbed Trueflame into his other calve. Augurius was angered by Joran. He pointed his sword at the dunmer and then shot a bolt of dark energy. Daric got up and got attack by two skeletons, he cast a fireball killing them both. Joran got blasted back. He said groggily as he stood up again.

Suddenly, Jina Nerevar stepped in between her father and Augurius. Joran was confused, he had left his daughter in Mournhold before departing for Cyrodiil. A powerful lightning bolt shot straight towards Augurius, and Daric saw the masked man who was Jina's acquaintance and realized that the Nelthars must have brought her with them. Jina shouted Naerion in joy. Naerion, the masked man, walked over to him and his daughter and said that he wasn't doing this for either of them. Jina said that she didn't expect anything more from him. The bolt hit Augurius and staggered him, his armor's enchantment absorbed most of the damage but he still got hurt. He angrily swung his sword at Jina, since she was in between him and Joran. Daric blocked the attack and criticized Augurius for try to strike a child. Augurius said that all would fall by his blade. He was getting weakened from the fighting. Daric clashed swords with the Emperor. The Alliance forces were winning but slowly, the Sloads' powers to reanimate dead soldiers were keeping the fight relatively even. Jina ducked as an arrow flew over her head. She was utilizing her training to get behind Augurius as Joran got to his feet. Joran got up and struck at Augurius' stomach. An undead came up behind Naerion but Naerion grabbed it's arm and place his fist in its face so it's head flew off. Augurius jumped back to evade the attack, the blocked an attack from Daric. Daric cast a Fireball straight at Augurius. Then power attacked the Emperor. Augurius was slashed by the Breton, he kicked the usurper and then power attacked Joran. Joran shouted and rolled away, getting grazed on his side by Augurius' sword. Jina struck, while Augurius was off balance. She drew her Nightingale Sword and drove it into his back. Augurius yelled in pain, then he turned around and bashed the girl, making her lose her grip on her sword, that was still stuck on the Emperor's back. He asked Daric if he was fighting four on one because he was so afraid that he'd die. He asked the Breton were was his sense of honor. Daric looked around and told the others to stand down. This was his fight, he had to defeat him alone. Joran and Jina backed up.

Daric lunged at the Emperor, who blocked the attack with his shield. However from all the damage he suffered from fighting everyone else was slowing him down. Daric cast a firebolt at the Augurius. The Emperor power attacked the Breton. Daric held the sword and blocked the attack. He knew that he needed to get rid of the Emperor's shield. Daric charged in clashing blades with Augurius. He cast flames at Augurius' head. The Emperor moved back, Daric grabbed his shield then hit him with his sword's hilt. Augurius let go of the shield. The Breton said that now it was a fair fight and threw the shield away. Augurius lunged at Daric and the two clashed blades again. Augurius kicked Daric, then slashed him across the chest. Daric grabbed his chest in pain. He fell, Augurius standing over him. He put his legs in between the Emperor's and tripped him. Daric got up and cast Close Wounds on himself. Augurius rolled back and stood up. Daric lunged forward with his sword, stabbing Augurius in the stomach. Augurius punched Daric in the face the pulled the sword out of his stomach. The Emperor said that he'd pay for that. He was wielding both swords. Daric cast a dual Fireball at him, when the Emperor fell to one knee he jumped over him. Behind the Emperor he pulled out Jina's Nightingale sword. Daric had to endure an onslaught of attacks from Augurius now that he had two swords. He kept his sword in a blocking position. Augurius kicked him, causing Daric to stop blocking and tried to strike the Breton. Daric jumped back and then cast a fireball at the ground in front of the Emperor. Augurius now pretty weakened fell to one knee. Daric sliced his left arm, and then caused Augurius to drop Tazaarfeyn. Daric tossed Jina's sword aside, close to the girl, and picked up his sword. Augurius struggled to get up, saying that he'd kill the usurper. Daric asked Augurius if he knew the name of the sword he was using. Slowly getting up, Augurius asked if it mattered. Daric said that its name was Tazaarfeyn, Tyrant's Bane. He lunged forward at Augurius, who lifted his sword to block the attack. He pushes Daric back and then slashes at the Breton. Daric catches the attack mid air, then he fires a firebolt at Augurius' chest. The Emperor moved back, Daric sliced him across the chest. The Emperor was very weakened. He could barely stand, the Sloads were preoccupied with the battle and couldn't assist him this time. Daric kicked Augurius in the chest, knocking him down. He said that Augurius' time was up, he was relieving him of the throne. He stepped on Augurius's right arm so he couldn't lift his sword and asked what were his last words. Augurius told him to rot in Oblivion. Daric gripped his sword with both hands, then thrust it into the Emperor's chest. The Emperor screamed for a second before dying.

Joran gasped at the scream Augurius let out. He soon recovered from his shock, and shouted in joy. Jina ran to Daric, giving him a big hug, before stepping back and telling him good job. Daric thanked her, but said that they still needed to deal with the undead. Jina looked around and supposed that he was right. Daric joined the soldiers against the undead horde. Caesar found Daric and caught up with him. He asked Daric if he was okay then asked where was Augurius. The Breton told him that he was dead. Caesar was glad, now all that was left was to kill the undead. Daric nodded, they needed to clean up Augurius' mess. The last Sloads were put down by the alliance. With the Sloads all taken care of the undead forces couldn't maintain their numbers by resurrecting dead alliance forces. The Alliance were able to kill the undead with greater ease. It didn't take that long, only a few short hours, to kill all the undead left in the city. Jina walked over to Daric and bowed to him, calling him his majesty. Daric said that there was no need for that just yet. He hadn't been crowned and the Empire was still fragmented. The first thing he needed to do was send word to the Imperial troops stationed in the other provinces and recall them to Cyrodiil, so the fighting stopped. Then he must call the Province leaders to the capital, they had the integrity of the Empire to discuss. And he needed to clean up the mess Augurius left in the capital. It would take time. Once all that is done then he would have his coronation. Jina smiled then asked about the Elder Council's fate and who the Nelthars would put on it. Daric said that Augurius had abolished the Council long ago, so he could rule without interference. As for the Nelthars he promised Nelthro a seat on the council, but he was never told who he would give it to. He had not met any of the other Nelthars in person so he wasn't sure. Jina smiled, turned on her heel, and left. Daric headed to the White-Gold Tower.

All over the city the Breton troops put Daric's Septim flag up. They started cleaning up the city. The citizens that were locked in their houses had begun to come out and life slowly came back to the capital. The alliance forces set up camp outside the city, with only a few staying inside to keep order. Daric had wrote a letter with the Emperor's seal, ordering all Legionnaire forces back to Cyrodiil. Telling them that Augurius is dead. The Troops from Elsweyr, Black Marsh, Valenwood and Summerset Isles returned to Cyrodiil. He wrote another letter to each of the Provinces' leaders, except the ones that were already in the capital. King Yanniss, the Mane, King Garzonk gro-Snat of Orsinium and the An-Xileel leader, King An-Shei of Argonia, came to Cyrodiil. Despite him being a Septim many imperials disliked a foreigner in control of Cyrodiil, Daric knew he had to find a way for the locals to accept him. When all the Legionnaires had returned to Cyrodiil Daric had most of the Alliance soldiers sent back home, to go maintain order in their own provinces. The Blades followed him everywhere he went, the order had become his personal guard like it used to be for the Septim Emperors before him. The Penitus Oculatus were changed into a spy faction. Daric though he had found a way to make the Imperials accept his rule better, he all he had to do was marry an Imperial Noblewoman and he had just the right one in mind. When the Province leaders arrived in the capital with their escorts Daric had them all brought to the Elder Council Chamber. He needed the fighting in Tamriel to stop and the only way to do that is to make a treaty with the other leaders.

Joran walked into the Elder Council chambers with his family, escorted by the Indoril Guard. He introduced Daric to his family, then asked how were things. Jina just stared up at Daric, the awe in her eyes very apparent. Joran's wife, Elva, who had just recently arrived from Morrowind, walked in after him. She greeted Daric, saying it was a pleasure to meet with him. The Breton greeted her and welcomed her to the Imperial City. After he greeted the Nerevars, the family sat at the table next to Joran. Daric sat at the middle of the table. Caesar Autrus was standing right behind him. Celegorn Camoran, the Bosmer King, his brother and his son arrived. Bodean Suda sat down next to Daric, to the right of Daric was his cousin, who had replace him as High King of High Rock. Ulfric arrived right after. Bodean asked Ulfric how Galmar was doing, as he had been hurt during the battle. Ulfric said that he was fine, he was just getting too old for that kind of thing. The other leaders arrived and all sat down at the Elder Council Chamber. Daric said for them to get the matter at hand, bringing all the provinces back into the Empire. They needed everyone so they could maintain peace in Tamriel, which was the motive behind this meeting. The Argonian King, An-Shei, said that they didn't need the Empire. The Argonians would not be ruled by the Empire any longer. Daric said that he was right. This confused many of them. An-Shei asked what he meant. Daric explained. He said that things were going to be different. Under his rule the Empire would not intervene in matters only concerning one province, unless requested by that province. They would maintain the peace and order between the Imperial Provinces but we would not impose their rule on them. Similar to how Morrowind had it in the 3rd Era. All the Provinces would have self-rule, only some Imperial laws would have to be followed by all, in order to maintain unity within the Empire, like the abolishment of slavery and such. Joran nodded slowly. Elva looked at Daric and asked who would enforce those laws, imperial soldiers. Joran looked at her, and they seemed to have a silent conversation with their eyes. Finally, Joran sighed and looked away. Jina continued to stare at Daric, before Joran patted her shoulder and she looked away.

Daric said that each ruler and his people would enforce their own laws including the universal imperial laws. The universal laws wouldn't be anything like forced religion or anything like that, they would do basic things like the adoption of the Septim coin in all provinces. The Legions would maintain order and peace in Tamriel, having a headquarters in each of the provinces, but they would not interfere with the local governments. The Khajiiti Mane asked that even if he maintained this policy how would they know that one of his successors wouldn't turn out a tyrant like Augurius. The Breton said that in the treaty he would declare that if any Emperor broke even one of the terms, he would be unfit to rule and should be relinquished from command by any means necessary. The Empire was not meant to rule all of Tamriel with an iron fist. It was mean to maintain the peace and prosperity of the provinces. Bodean said that that was an admirable then but asked if they were meant to swear fealty to him. Daric nodded, saying that it would guaranty that they would follow the universal laws and his orders should he had to intervene in extreme circumstances. Each province would also have to donate a proportionate amount of troops to the Legions so the Empire could defend its territories. An-Shei said that they were just fighting the Imperials and now they were just supposed to pretend it didn't happen. Daric said that he didn't, but Augurius was gone. He would rule fairly and the autonomy that each province had would make sure that they didn't feel oppressed. The Orc King, Garzonk, asked what would happen to Orsinium. If he was going to be razed to the ground once again. Daric assured him that Orsinium would still be recognized as an official Imperial Province.

Jina spoke up. She asked what would happen if one of the leaders broke their oath. Jina looked over at Naerion, who was also at the meeting. Daric said that if one of the leaders broke an Imperial Law, by invading another province or committing atrocities, then the Legion would be forced to step in. The Empire's purpose was to maintain peace and order on Tamriel, if one province or its leader threatened that peace the Empire would intervene. Daric then grabbed a scroll and opens it on the table. He said that it was the 2nd White-Gold Concordat. It detailed all the imperial laws and the other terms. Signing this would make them an Imperial Province, as for swearing fealty that was a formality for after his coronation. He handed it over to his cousin, the new High King of High Rock. High King Gaban Lariat signed the Concordat. He then passed it over to Ulfric. Ulfric said that the Empire had brought peace and prosperity to Tamriel before, the 3rd Era was evidence of that, but Titus II was a weak ruler, and Augurius was too strong a ruler. He believed that Daric had the right amount of strength. Galmar behind him grunted in agreement. Ulfric signed the Concordat, and then passed it to High King Bodean. The Redguard told Daric to keep his word and bring prosperous trade back to Hammerfell. He signed the Concordat, then passed it to King Celegorn. He signed without a word. His brother, Fargoth, gave him a strange look. Celegorn passed it to Joran.

Joran took the Concordat. He believed that with Daric's help, Tamriel would be stronger. He signed the Concordat, and passed it to the Altmer King Yanniss Mothril. Elva looked around the room, lingering a little bit on Celegorm and Naerion, and looking between the two. She agreed with her husband, but added that Daric needed the right people beside him to be a strong leader. Elva's eyes lingered on Daric for a split second, before laughing a small bit and whispering something to Joran. Joran glanced at her, stunned. Jina glanced over to the two of them, her eyes bitter and upset at something Elva had said. Jina looked back at the leaders. The Altmer said that this was the best thing for his people. He signed the Concordat, passing it to King Garzonk. Garzonk was impressed that Daric defeated Augurius in single combat and said that he had earned the respect of the Orcs. Since they had pledged to the Empire before and Orsinium was going to remain under Imperial protection, he agreed to sign it. He signs the Concordat, then passed it to An-Shei. An-Shei said that they didn't need Imperial rule. Daric said that he had more to lose by not signing than anyone else. Black Marsh was know for being economically stagnant, they would not survive forever as an independent province. An-Shei was adamant in his position, saying that the Argonians would make do on their own. Daric tried to reason with the Argonian, saying that the Empire would let them have self-rule as well as bring prosperous trade and guarante peace. An-Shei looked Daric straight in the eyes. He was about to say something but stopped himself. He accepted, reluctantly. He signed the Concordat. After that he passed it to the Mane. The Khajiit was very grateful that he was freed from the Imperial prison that Augurius had locked him in. His people had been pawns of the Thalmor and Augurius, this was going to help them in more ways that one. He accepted and signed the Concordat. He gave it back to Daric. The Breton was pleased. The Empire was back to its former self. He knew that there was still rebuilding and reestablishing order to take care of, but they are on the right path to secure Tamriel's future. He thanked them all for that. They had one more matter to discuss, the Elder Council. He had decided that each provincial ruler would get to nominate one person to a seat at the council. The Nelthars also had one seat, that meant 11 councilors. They would vote on a Chancellor to lead the Elder Council. But that was for later, for now he requested that you remain in the capital for a while longer. The preparations for his coronation were almost finished.

Before he left, Naerion spoke to Daric. He warned him that trying to please everyone would end badly for him. Daric felt that the warning was very ominous. Daric wanted to do things right, he had called a few priests of Talos to the Temple of the One for them to refurbish it and get everything ready for his coronation. With Augurius' belongings he had found what remained of the Amulet of Kings, the ruby was broken but the gold part of the amulet was pretty much intact, he had the best blacksmiths re-forge the amulet at the presence of priests from each of the nine divines, whom said blessings at each step of the process. The result was a new amulet which Daric intended to wear as a substitute to the Amulet of Kings. It was the Amulet of the Nine. A few days later everything was ready for his coronation. He had put on his new white and red Emperor's Robe and the Amulet of the Nine. The Throne Room was set for the coronation too, the guests were all there awaiting for the Daric to walk to the Ruby throne, where the Nine Priests of the Divines. The Talos priest was holding the crown in his hand. Daric started to walk down the red carpet towards the Ruby Throne. Daric walked to the Ruby Throne, the 9 High Priests awaited until he made it there. Then Daric kneeled in front of the High Priest of Talos. They all blessed him in the name of the 9 Divines, then the Talos priest placed the Ruby Crown on Daric's head. The priest said that he came as a Lariat, but now he'd rise in the name of the Nine Divines as a Septim, as Emperor of Tamriel. He beckoned the Emperor to rise and proclaimed him Darius Septim I. The Nerevar family clapped along with the rest of the people present. Darius and the High Priests started walking outside, followed by the guests from the coronation. They headed outside the White-Gold Tower where the citizens were outside. Darius waved at his subjects as he made his way to the Temple District. The Emperor entered the Temple of the One with the High Priest of Talos and other select few important guests. He had the Dragonfire pedestal rebuilt next to the Martin Statue, it didn't serve any purpose now but all the Septim Emperors had lit the Dragonfires so he wanted to maintain the tradition. He lit it with a flames spell and the whole Temple became illuminated with the glow of the Dragonfire. The Nerevars cheered along with the other guests. Ysmir approached him and bowed. He greeted the Emperor and said that he was grateful to be there but said that he needed to return to Skyrim. He had a hold to rule. He said his farewells to Darius. The Breton thanked him for everything and said his farewells. Ysmir nodded and then left the Temple, heading outside the city where Odahviing was waiting for him.

Many of the Imperial nobles didn't support Darius yet. He had hoped that taking an Imperial name and having his coronation like the Septims of the 3rd Era would be enough. He had hoped that he could've avoided the arranged marriage. Apparently not. In the White-Gold Tower he wrote a letter to a respectable Imperial Noblewoman who also had a claim to the throne. He requested that she come to the capital so they could arrange the marriage, for he knew that only then would the other nobles of Cyrodiil accept him, especially the Colovians. It took a few days for her to arrive in the capital. A group of Blades were waiting for her in the entrance to the city. Darius was in the Palace. He figured that she was probably taking so long just to spite him. Well it was not going to work. Darius was in his study. He heard a knock on the door, they told the Emperor that she had arrived. He told them to let her in. A Blade guard opened the door. It was the first time that Darius had laid eyes on his future betrothed. She was in her late twenties and extremely beautiful, but that isn't why he chose her. It was her name. He greeted Princess Leona Mede, saying it was a pleasure to meet her. She curtsied and returned the pleasantries. Darius gave her his condolences for Augurius' death. Leona told him that he killed her oldest brother, Augurius hadn't been her brother for a long time. But she said for them not to talk about the past, it didn't matter any longer. She said that she received his letter, she knew that the noblemen were still giving Darius trouble. The Breton said that they couldn't accept a foreigner on the throne. She realized that she was Darius' secret weapon. Something to shut all the annoying nobles up. He was indeed hoping that she could help. Her family had ruled the Empire for 200 years, there was a big part of the people who didn't even remember the Septims. He also told her that if she agrees to the marriage proposal, he would nominate her to the Elder Council. Leona said that he was indeed desperate. She wasn't expecting to be given so much political influence. She thought he expect her to just be a pretty face and to be the mother of his children.

Darius said that he couldn't rule Cyrodiil with most of the nobles refusing to accept his right to rule. Leona was siting at the chair in front of the Emperor. She said that all the influence she would obtain from being Empress and an Elder Councilor was more than she had hoped in the agreement. Darius got up and walked to the other side of the desk, kneeling in front of Leona. He officially asked her to marry him, pulling out a diamond gold ring. She accepted and let him place the ring on her finger. She said that her father would never have guessed that she would marry a Septim. He then handed her a legal document, binding the both of them to the terms agreed upon. They both signed and Darius put his Imperial Seal on it. He said that the wedding would be in a few weeks, it took the liberty to start making preparations. But he figured that she would most likely want to take over in that department. Leona confirmed it, saying that a girl only got married once. It was an important marriage, one that would unite two dynasties. With a chuckle he asked her not to spend too much, Cyrodiil was still recovering from the war. Darius told the Blades to show Leona to her room.

Leona had finished planning the wedding, it had taken her the better part of a two weeks. She had scrapped most of what Darius had planned calling it without taste. But she didn't spend that much on it. Like Darius had wanted it was in the Temple of the One. The Mede Banners and the Septim Banners were hanging on the inside and the outside. Most of the Other Provincial leaders had already left Cyrodiil but the Temple was full with Imperial nobility. Darius had declared the day a one time holiday, to celebrate the joining to the two dynasties. Leona was wearing a long elegant white dress. It had many intricate designs along the fabric. Darius was wearing expensive white and red clothes. He couldn't believe Leona had insisted on him wearing something so expensive. But he didn't want to anger his future wife before they were even married so he let her decide everything. Darius and Leona said their vows in the presence of the High Priestess of Mara. After the ceremony the guests went back to the White-Gold Tower, where a banquet was set up in the Main Hall. Darius and Leona mingled with the guests. The rest of the day was filled with celebration.

Like Darius had wanted the nobles calmed down after his marriage to a respected imperial noblewoman. They didn't antagonize his rule any longer. Despite it being an arranged marriage he was starting to become fond of Leona, she was definitely more like Caius Mede than Augurius. Sometime later, Darius attended a party held by his new wife. It was time for the Emperor to dance with his new Empress. The floor was cleared and they both headed there and started a slow dance. Leona said that she never knew that Darius could dance so well. He smiled and said that she never asked. He explained that all Breton nobles were taught dance lessons in their childhood. After the first song other couples joined in the slow dance. When it was time to change dance partners Darius gave Leona to another noble. He then walked up to Jax and Jina asked for her next dance. Jax let Jina go, and went to dance with another of Jina's bodyguards. Jina took Darius' hand. She greeted the Emperor and they began to dance. Daric said that Jax seemed like a good lad and said that the two made a good couple. Jina raised an eyebrow and asked what made them seem like a couple. She asked how things were with Leona. Daric pointed out that they had been together the whole night, which was what couples did. He smiled and said that as for Leona, it was too early to tell, but she was a good person. Jina laughed and told him that Jax had proposed to her not long ago. Daric nodded, saying that the Dunmer did seem to have a thing for her. He asked her about how she was dealing with the responsibility of an Elder Councilor. He was surprised when her father appointed her to the Morrowind seat. Jina nodded her head, and revealed that she turned Jax down. She was too young yet. They danced in silence for a few moments, before she revealed that she asked her father to appoint her. She wanted to get out of Mournhold, see the world a little. The Imperial City was one place she wanted to explore. She also thought herself the best person for the job. She also had advisors with her to help her. Jina laughed as she was spun out, then in again.

He asked her how old she was now. When they had first met she was 17. Jina said that she was currently 18, but would turn 19 soon enough. To have a little fun she asked him how many kids Leona and he would have. Darius was a little stunned by the question, he blushed and began to mutter his words. He said that this wasn't really the time or place to be talking about that. Jina laughed at his shocked face. Jina laughed as the music stopped going. She noticed Leona at Darius' side, taking his hand to go dance. Darius and Leona danced one more song, the Empress laid her head on Darius' shoulder and said that this was a strange turn of events. Darius agreed, he never thought he would marry Titus Mede's daughter, or that he would be Emperor. That ambition only came when he found out about his heritage.

Everything had been going well for the next few months. Darius was sitting on the Ruby Throne. He was holding court, he listened to some citizen's proposals. After Darius heard the proposal he decided the correct action to take. A Blade and a Bosmer barged into the throne room. The Blades inside next to the door tried to stop them, saying that they couldn't interrupt the Emperor. The Blade that had led the Bosmer in told them that the Bosmer needed to talk to Darius, that it was urgent. Darius saw the commotion and told them to let the two pass. If it was urgent then they shouldn't keep him waiting. The Bosmer approached the Emperor, he said that he was the Prince of Valenwood. He had been running for days from assassins just to get to the capital. It is important. He looked around at the Blades and then walked up to Darius's throne. Caesar drew his sword as the Bosmer approached. Darius told him to lower his blade. The Bosmer continued approaching him and soon they were right next to each other. The prince said that he couldn't trust anyone except Darius. His uncle had told him to come to the Emperor should anything happen to him. He was dead, killed by the same assassins that were after him now. They also killed anyone else who knew the truth. Darius asked him what was this truth. The prince said that his father, Celegorn, was not himself. He was somehow being controlled. The Breton asked by whom. The Bosmer said that it had been since they were taking Falisnesti. His men saw Celegorn talking to him right before he started acting weird. Once again, Darius asked with whom. The prince revealed that it was the Masked Man. Darius was shocked. He immediately thought of Naerion and asked himself if that is who the Bosmer meant. He questioned himself, asking why a Nelthar would do this. Darius asked the Bosmer to specify features of the Masked Man, but the Bosmer didn't know any more details. Darius thought that it couldn't be Naerion, he'd have nothing to gain from this and he questioned how Naerion would even be able to control Celegorn.

Darius turned his attention to Jina who had just run into his throne room. She yelled, saying that Naerion had hired assassins. That made the Emperor realize that the prince was speaking the truth, but he still questioned why and how Naerion did this. He turned to Caesar and ordered him to dispatch the city guard to arrest Councilor Naerion and bring him to him. Caesar nodded and ran with a group of Blades to alert the city guard. Jina asked if there was something that she could help with. Darius asked her what she knew about Naerion. She told him about Naerion mind controlling magic and all that she knew about the Nelthars. Darius was troubled now that he understood that Naerion had mind control magic. The Nelthar had been in the Imperial City for months, who knew who else Naerion was controlling. He asked her how Naerion used his magic. Caesar returned after having relayed the order. Nelthro walked into the throne room and stated that the guards had found Naerion, but that they would have to fight for their lives. He said that a Nelthar would never allow another Nelthar to be captured. Darius turned to Nelthro. He was also surprised at seeing Nelthro again. The Emperor said that Naerion committed a crime and he must be tried. He didn't care if the Nelthars didn't like it, they weren't above the law. He would be brought to him, Darius wanted to learn why he did this. He stood up and turned to Caesar, ordering him to get more me and assist the guards. Then he turned to Nelthro and asked him if he knew that Naerion could control minds. Caesar went to gather some men. Nelthro revealed that he helped teach Naerion that magic. He turned to walk out and turned his head to look at Darius. He stated that his allegiance was with the Nelthars, if he didn't tell his guards to step down he would have to step in. Jina walked next to Darius' throne, standing away from Nelthro.

She pleaded for Darius to let the Nelthars take Naerion. Darius was still angry. He asked Nelthro if that was a threat and reminded Nelthro who he was speaking to. He then turned to Jina and said that the Nelthars probably wouldn't punish one of their own. He would just be set free to roam Tamriel and control peoples' minds. He turned back to Nelthro and asked why in Oblivion would he make someone so dangerous the Nelthar Councilor. Naerion could have used his magic on the other Councilors and basically controlled the whole Elder Council. For all Darius knew he did do that, just like he did with the King of Valenwood. He was obviously trying to get power and influence, he might've even been attempting a coup. Darius paced around the throne room a bit. He said that he couldn't let Naerion roam free, it was too dangerous. He looked over to Nelthro and asked him what the Nelthars would do with him if they got a hold of him. Jina said that letting them take Naerion was better than going to war with them, Cyrodiil was still being rebuilt and the Nelthars had dangerous members. Nelthro said that Nelthar heads had been exiled before and at least 3 had been imprisoned. It was rare, but it happened. He assured Darius that Jina was right, it was far better than a war. The Emperor knew that he couldn't afford another war, it was too soon since the last one. Darius said that Naerion was too dangerous, but out of respect for Nelthro and his clan he would let them take custody of Naerion. However, he would not accept him to be set free. They needed to keep him in their lands in the Jerral Mountains. He could not risk Naerion plotting anything. He looked over at the Bosmer who was watching the conversation. He asked Nelthro when the mind control wore off, if there was a way to break it. Nelthro said that only Naerion could break his hold on them, but he could force Naerion to do so. He also accepted Darius' proposal of keeping Naerion there, but said that they would keep him as long as they wanted. He then exited the throne room to go get Naerion.

The Emperor still looked angry, he wasn't going to accept the Nelthars letting Naerion free whenever they wanted. He turned to one of his blades and ordered him to inform Caesar and the other guards to let the Nelthars take custody of Naerion. He walked out of the throne room and into his study. The Blade ran out to find Caesar and the guards. Jina followed Darius into his study and told him that he should get somewhere safe in case Naerion came after him. Darius said that he was not afraid of him. He walked into his study and sat at his desk, and began writing an Imperial Decree. Darius finished writing the Imperial Decree, then he place his seal on it. He looked up at Jina. He said that he put Naerion on the list of Tamriel's most wanted criminals and sentenced him to exile. The only place on Tamriel he could legally be in on his clan's lands in the Jerral Mountains. That would make sure that even if the Nelthars set him free he would not be able to be on Tamriellic soil plotting and abusing his powers. Jina was glad that he did that. Darius leaned back in his chair and said that if Celegorn's son hadn't made it to the capital, Naerion may have been able to complete his plan, whatever it was. Jina sat down. She muttered something. Darius asked what she meant. Jina dodged the question. Darius dropped the subject, but he figured that she was hiding something, saying that he had other things to attend to. He grabbed some papers and started signing reports.

__________________________________


 * Ulfric

The Nords crossed the Jerral Mountains and made their way to Bruma. Their scouts reported heavy imperial presence in the North. The Nords had engaged the 9th Legion near Bruma. Ulfric's Thu'um and his Bear Berserkers could easily break the Legion's ranks, they had in fact lots of experience fighting the Imperial Legions. Though the battle was harsh and far from over. The 9th Legion wasn't able to hold the invading Nords for long and they had to retreat into Bruma. The Nords followed them to the city. The 10th Legion heard that the Dunmer captured Cheydinhal and marched south, leaving the 9th legion alone with the Nords.

The Nords had followed the 9th Legion to the city. They had fired on the Nords while they fought their way to the gates. Ulfric was at the frontlines using Unrelenting Force against the Legionnaires. The Nords had fought their way to the gates. Ulfric used his Thu'um to break open the gates to the city. The Legion and the Nords engaged in a heated battle for the city. The Nords continued fighting the 9th Legion. With Ulfric's Thu'um and his Bear Berserkers the Legion was having a tough time. The Nord Army had begun driving out the Legionnaires from the city as they made their way into it. The Nords had completely captured the city and pushed the 9th Legion out of the North. The remaining Legionnaires rendezvous with their comrades in Chorrol. The Nords stayed in the city for now to rest and resupply. The Nords finished resupplying and followed the road south. They made camp halfway to the Imperial City and awaited for a response from Daric and the others.

The Nords had set up camp in the intersection between the Silver Road and the Orange Road. The sent a scout with a letter asking Daric if they should take Chorrol, since if the Stormcrown Alliance let them be they could flank them later. The Nordic scout had returned to Ulfric's camp and told him that Dunmer forces would soon arrive to help him take Chorrol. Ulfric and his Nords awaited at their camp for the Dunmer to arrive. The Dunmer finally arrived at Ulfric's camp. Kirid entered Ulfric's tent, ignoring the guard's protests. He greeted Ulfric and said that he had been sent to aid in the capture of the city. Ulfric looked at the Dunmer. He had received Daric's letter and assumed that he was one of Joran Nerevar's men. He let Galmar bring him up to speed. He turned to the Nord wearing the Bear Armor. Galmar said that the 9th Legion was guarding it, they had set up a perimeter about half a mile from the gates. The problem wouldn't be opening the gates, Ulfric's Thu'um could take care of that. The issue was the large platoons of undead that were guarding the perimeter. They didn't want to say anything over a letter but that was what they were going to have to deal with. Kirid said that their conjurer could summon Daedra and skeletons to fight them. He asked what happened to the city guard or the Legion. Ulfric said that the Legion was mostly inside the gates of the city. They hadn't left much of the 9th Legion left when they took most of the north. Galmar said that the Nords had little experience fighting these kinds of undead, just the Draugr back home. But in Chorrol their scouts had reported skeletons and zombies mostly. He heard that silver was good against them but that was as far as they knew about fighting those fiends. Ulfric said that he thought the elves might know how to best proceed. Kirid scoffed and said that in a fight between Daedra and Undead, the Daedra won. Galmar laughed and patted the Dunmer in the back pretty hard, saying that he liked his style of brute strength. Ulfric said that they would march soon. He told the Dunmer to ready his men and they would do the same. Kirid left the tent and told his men to prepare to attack.

The Nords and the Dunmer departed from the makeshift camp the Nords had set up in the intersection between the Silver Road and the Orange Road. he Nord and Dunmer forces were near the city. Between them an the city was the undead army that Ulfric and Galmar had talked about. The archers fired at the undead, while Kirid shouted for the Indoril and Redoran forces to form a phalanx. The Indoril and Redoran foot soldiers formed into 50 soldier phalanxes, with Indoril Spears bristling over Redoran shields. The Telvanni mages fired destruction magic, and the Sadras conjurers summoned as many Dremora as possible. This time, the Daedra and the Phalanxes worked together, the Daedra forming their own phalanxes to fight in. The Nords followed the Dunmer, Ulfric had ordered the archers to fire at will on the undead. Galmar and his Bear Berserkers had broken rank and circled from the north to attack the undead soldiers from the northern flank. Ulfric was at the head of the Nord Army, on foot, wielding his axe and shouting at the enemy. Kirid led the first few phalanxes, driving a wedge into the undead as the Dremora and Indoril and Redoran troops followed him, attacking any who got past him. The undead fought back, but they were no match for the Mer and Daedra army bearing down on them. Galmar, wielding his Battleaxe, lead the Berserkers from the North, slashing their way through the undead. Ulfric slashed the enemy with his Waraxe. The Nords yelled their battle cries. Kirid did the same and continued to slash his way towards the gates. The Daedra and the Dunmeri army were demolishing the Undead, as if they were demons. Actually, some of them were. The Nords and the Dunmer had almost made their way to the wall. The Imperials on them started firing down on the invaders. They were careless and even hit some of the undead, however quite a few of the Nords and Dunmer fell to their arrows and artillery rounds.

The Dunmer quickly set up ladders on the wall, and the Daedra and Hlaalu began to scale them. The Indoril and Redoran would follow through the gates, when they opened. Ulfric sliced a undead's head off, then he turned and saw Galmar a little ways north of him. He ordered Galmar to clear the way to the gates. The Daedra clambered over the walls, killing everything in their path. Kirid joined Galmar and Ulfric. The Nords hacked their way to the gates. When they were close enough Ulfric looked at them and shouted with Unrelenting Force shattering the gates opened with his voice. Kirid sprinted through the gates, followed by a squad of the best warriors he had. They slashed, hacked, and stabbed their way through the Imperial Guards. He complimented Ulfric on his shout. The High King said that the Thu'um was not meant to be nice. It was a weapon, one to be used just like a sword or an axe. He beckoned Galmar to come with him, the city was almost theirs. The Stormblade ordered the Stormcloaks to charge. The Nords charged in after Ulfric and Galmar. Kirid followed them, killing every Legionnaire in his path. Ulfric told Galmar to have the men surround the city, so no Imperial tried to escape. The old Nord nodded and rallied the men. He went out of the city and to the rest of the army to relay the orders. Kirid fought through the city, attacking the Legionnaires and Undead that still patrolled. Within minutes, he, the Daedra, and the Dunmeri army had cleared out the left side of the city. The Nords surrounded the city and stopped the Imperials that were trying to escape from the other gates. Inside Ulfric lead the others in combat, using the power of his voice to get the upper hand.

Kirid's soldiers began to clear out all remnants of Legion filth in the left side of the city, either killing or capturing. Ulfric told Galmar to help him find the enemy General. They were making their way through the city when they spotted the General on the eastern wall. Galmar pointed him out, saying that the coward was trying to hide. Ulfric said that it would not work. They slashed their way up the nearest stairs to the wall. The general saw them coming at him. He had tried to escape but saw that the whole city was surrounded. He drew his sword to fight Ulfric and Galmar. Ulfric just looked him in the eye. Then charged at him. Ulfric clashed steel with the General. The general said that Ulfric was too old, he could not defeat him. The Nord said that he was stronger and he had one thing that the General did not. He asked him what it was as he slashed Ulfric. Ulfric grunted in pain from the slash, but he composed himself. He said that it was his voice, then shouted with Unrelenting Force at the General sending him flying off the wall. The imperial died from the fall. Kirid lounged on the throne of the former Count, and watched as Ulfric walked in, bloody. Kirid stood up and gave an exaggerated bow, welcoming him. Galmar told him to show some respect to the High King and pointed out that the throne of Count didn't belong to him. Ulfric cleaned his axe and told the old Stormblade to calm down, formalities didn't matter to him. Kirid grinned and looked at Ulfric, saying that he liked him. He asked Ulfric to make his men stop calling him by his race. Ulfric said that Kirid was a Dunmer and he was a Nord. The dead soldier there was an Imperial. These were truths. Galmar grunted. He said that they weren't insulting them. Kirid wasn't too pleased and said that people usually preferred to be called by their names. He told the Nords to call him Kirid Sadras. Ulfric decided to humor the Dunmer, grabbed his hand really firmly and shook it just as firm. Galmar complained that Dunmer were too melodramatic.

Kirid complained about Galmar's behavior and said that many Dunmer were complaining about the Stormcloaks being racist, but they were loyal to Joran and thus were still helping. Galmar said that the Dunmer treated other races as second class citizens for hundreds of years in Morrowind. They held slaves, like the other elves. They called the Nords barbarians. They called them apes. They thought them lesser than them. Now Kirid complained that some of them returned the favor. Ulfric told him that it was enough. He said that despite his mistrust of the Dunmer, they needed to work with them to bring down the Tyrant Augurius. Daric would bring the Empire back to its former self, strong and just. Not an Empire that let the Thalmor control it, that let its citizens be kidnapped in the night. The High King then looked at Kirid and said that he didn't want to hear any more arguing, from any of them. They argued again anyway, so Ulfric told Galmar to go back to his men. Kirid asked what happened now. The Nord said that they would rest for now then march to the Imperial City to join Daric's army. The Dunmer asked about Skyrim and the man that helped free it from the Empire a few years ago. Ulfric realized that he mean the Dragonborn, Ysmir. He said that Ysmir had gone soft since the Civil War, he no longer used his voice for conquest. Skyrim was united, they had a standing army. War had taken its toll in his province, they had been in better times. But if they remained in Augurius's control they would bleed to death from his iron grip. Kirid mentioned that the Nerevarine had a similar nickname in the ancient prophecies. Ulfric said that Ysmir's case was different. He was a true dragonborn, with the soul of a dragon.

With the city captured, the Nords set off for the Imperial City and joined with the rest of the Stormcrown Alliance. From the camp all could see the White-Gold Tower, now it was more red than white just like the rest of the city. The armies had begun constructing the siege equipment they would need for the coming battle. Many were scared, many were tired, many were anxious. All were determined to fight, for fighting they must to secure their freedom and their future. Soon the Dunmer army arrived at the Stormcrown camp. The Stormcrown Alliance was united. The Bretons, Nords, Redguards, Dunmer and Bosmer were ready to fight as one. They could take the Imperial City. The Catapults were being loaded. The men were in position. It was time. Daric blew on the horn and the Artillery started to fire on the walls. The Men got on the row boats they had made to cross the river. The Undead on the walls fired arrows and spells at the Invaders, the Ballistae installed into the towers of the city fired on the armies bellow. Hlaalu Archers and Telvanni mages got onto silt striders. Ulfric had brought a platoon of Bear Berserkers to the Main Gates, as he was planning to help take it down. The artillery rounds were starting to break off bits of the outer wall, killing some of the undead on the western wall of the city. The Imperial Ballistae had managed to destroy a few boats and catapults. The undead soldiers shot arrows and fired spells at the Silt Striders. The boats had begun landing on the other side. There the soldiers were putting up the ladders to climb the wall. Ulfric and the battering rams were reaching the gates. One of the rams was destroyed by the Ballistae. The other began ramming the gates while Ulfric helped with his Thu'um. Daric was casting fireballs at the wall. The artillery was aimed at the sections of wall where the ladders. Some of the ladders were pushed down by the undead.

With Daric and a few others protecting the battering ram and Ulfric helping to break the gates they were open soon enough. When they were broken open Daric and the Cavalry men charged into the city, with the Redguards right behind them. Some Nords were starting to reach the wall and had begun fighting the undead. The artillery was aimed farther into the city, so they wouldn't hit any friendlies. Daric had to dismount as the streets of the Imperial City were no place for fighting on horseback. With Ulfric and the Bear Berserkers at his back, along with his Calvary men who had dismounted as well, they charged into the Market District. The streets were full of undead soldiers. The Bosmer troops had climbed the wall with the Nords and were assisting from above. The Bretons were trying to take out the Imperial artillery that were still firing on the invading forces. The Redguards were following Daric into the city from the broken gates. The fighting in the streets of the Talos Plaza District was wearing down the Alliance troops in an alarming rate. Everyone of theirs that died would be reanimated and would attack his former friends. The Alliance had discovered that Sloads were responsible for raising the dead. As such they went after them and put them down. With both the Sloads from the Talos Plaza dead Daric and his allies were able to clear out the undead in it after a while.

They regrouped in the center of the Plaza. Daric said that if there were Sloads like the ones they encountered all over the city then they had to hunt them dow. Green Emperor Way was probably too overrun with undead to take before they get rid of their biggest advantage, being able to turn their dead against them. Joran looked at Daric. He said that if there were only two Sloads per district then they should split up. Balyn could lead one of the expeditions, while he offered to lead another. He said that if they kept using the same tactics, they could win the battle. They also had the Bosmer archers to aid them. Daric ordered the Dunmer and the Nords to head tot he Elven Gardens District. The Bretons, Bosmer and the Redguards would go to the Temple District. The fighting was still going on atop the walls and alliance artillery was still firing on the city. The armies had spread into the city and were fighting all over. Joran and Ulfric Stormcloak led the charge of their combined armies. Remembering the Talos Pact they had had before Augurius' terrible reign, the armies fought well together. Dunmer warriors would dart in, slashing at the front ranks of the Undead, taking out a few of them, and when the shields in that part were gone, the Nords would charge in, wailing away at the Undead with their axes and hammers. Meanwhile, Balyn and Galmar searched for one Sload while Joran and Ulfric searched for the other. The Nords and the Dunmer began to make ground as they fought their way through the District. Joran and Ulfric charged at a Sload, who was hiding in a clump of trees. Ulfric shouted at the Sload, and it fell to the ground, stunned. Joran leaped past Ulfric, and landed on top of the Sload. He drove Hopesfire and Trueflame into its stomach, and the magic flame consumed it. Ulfric remarked that the swords were very powerful and Joran nodded, staring at them. The alliance army was now routing the Undead, and, soon enough, the Stormcrown Alliance owned the Elven Gardens.

Joran and Ulfric brought part of their troops to the Temple district. They began to fight the Undead along with the Redguards, Bretons and Bosmer armies. With the Sloads there dead the army dispersed to the other districts. A soldier came running to Daric. The soldier reported that Augurius had brought a platoon of undead to the Elven Gardens, they weren't able to defeat him. Daric turned to the other leaders, he told them to continue going after the other Sloads, he would go after Augurius. Celegorn, Ulfric and Bodean nodded. Daric had rallied his Breton soldiers in the Temple District to head to the Elven Gardens. Bodean and the Redguards went to the Waterfront to continue hunting the Sloads. Ulfric and the Nords headed to the Arboretum. Joran and the Dunmeri army had followed the Nords into the Arboretum, and began to fight the Undead. The Nords fought the undead in the Arboretum. Ulfric told him men not to let the Undead defile the statues of the Divines. Ulfric saw a young Nord woman fighting the undead. She wasn't in uniform so he ran up to her. He asked her what she was doing there. She said that her name was Valinna and that she had decided to join the fighting. She stabbed an Undead soldier. Ulfric let her keep fighting and turned around as a Nord called his name. The Stormcloak told him that they had found the Sload, it was by the statues of Mara and Stendarr. Ulfric acknowledged the news and headed there to join his men in the fight. Valinna followed after him. Ulfric slashed undead by the Statue of Akatosh. He could see the Sload in the distance. Looking at the undead in front of him he shouted with unrelenting force, sending them flying backwards. Valinna cut an Undead's head off. Ulfric could hear a roar. But he was too busy leading the strike against the Sload to do anything. He shouted at the creature, who blocked the shout with a ward. Valinna kicked an Undead away from her. Ulfric charged at the Sload, slashing at his stomach with his axe. He creature shot a lighting bolt at him. He was hit but he kept wailing on the Sload.

Joran and his army fought with the Nords through the Arboretum. Together with the Dunmer the Nords pushed the undead back. Ulfric was hit by another lighting bolt and was sent back a little ways. A red Dragon swoopped down over the city as the roaring grew louder. The remaining Dunmer and Nords that were in the Arboretum cheered. Especially the Nords as they realized that it was Ysmir. After killing the Sload in the Waterfront the Redguards joined up with the Nords and Dunmer in the Arboretum. They had already killed one of the Sloads in the Arboretum. Valinna asked if that was all of them. Ulfric said that it was far from it, but the Arboretum was free from them. The Undead were leaving, which caught Ulfric's attention. He wondered why they were retreating. A woman turned visible and called to him, telling him that the Nelthars had broken into Green Emperor Way, but that the Emperor was approaching them with a large undead host. They wouldn't stand for long without help. Ulfric nodded and rallied his men to march onto the palace district. The Bretons and the Nords entered the Palace District to aid the Nelthars. The Dunmer followed them. The armies clashed. Despite the Allies having greater numbers the Sloads' power to reanimate the fallen soldiers helped keep the battle pretty even on both sides. The Alliance forces were winning but slowly, the Sloads' powers to reanimate dead soldiers were keeping the fight relatively even. During the fighting, Ulfric came face to face with Ysmir, the Dragonborn. He greeted the High King. Ulfric was surprised to see that he was fighting, as he had refused to fight when he had called him to arms at the start of the Cyrodiil invasion. The Dragonborn said that he only joined to protect High Rock from the Orcs, then came to Cyrodiil to help Daric finish what he started. Together Ulfric and Ysmir killed one of the Sloads. With the Sloads all taken care of the undead forces couldn't maintain their numbers by resurrecting dead alliance forces. The Alliance were able to kill the undead with greater ease. It didn't take that long, only a few short hours, to kill all the undead left in the city. Ulfric learned that the Emperor had been defeated by Daric. All over the city the Breton troops put Daric's Septim flag up. They started cleaning up the city. The citizens that were locked in their houses had begun to come out and life slowly came back to the capital. The alliance forces set up camp outside the city, with only a few staying inside to keep order. When all the Legionnaires had returned to Cyrodiil Daric had most of the Alliance soldiers sent back home, to go maintain order in their own provinces.

When the Province leaders arrived in the capital with their escorts Daric had them all brought to the Elder Council Chamber. He needed the fighting in Tamriel to stop and the only way to do that is to make a treaty with the other leaders. Daric sat at the middle of the table. Caesar Autrus was standing right behind him. Celegorn Camoran, the Bosmer King, his brother and his son arrived. Bodean Suda sat down next to Daric, to the right of Daric was his cousin, who had replace him as High King of High Rock. Ulfric arrived right after. Bodean asked Ulfric how Galmar was doing, as he had been hurt during the battle. Ulfric said that he was fine, he was just getting too old for that kind of thing. The other leaders arrived and all sat down at the Elder Council Chamber. Daric said for them to get the matter at hand, bringing all the provinces back into the Empire. They needed everyone so they could maintain peace in Tamriel, which was the motive behind this meeting. The Argonian King, An-Shei, said that they didn't need the Empire. The Argonians would not be ruled by the Empire any longer. Daric said that he was right. This confused many of them. An-Shei asked what he meant. Daric explained. He said that things were going to be different. Under his rule the Empire would not intervene in matters only concerning one province, unless requested by that province. They would maintain the peace and order between the Imperial Provinces but we would not impose their rule on them. Similar to how Morrowind had it in the 3rd Era. All the Provinces would have self-rule, only some Imperial laws would have to be followed by all, in order to maintain unity within the Empire, like the abolishment of slavery and such. Joran nodded slowly. Elva looked at Daric and asked who would enforce those laws, imperial soldiers. Joran looked at her, and they seemed to have a silent conversation with their eyes. Finally, Joran sighed and looked away. Jina continued to stare at Daric, before Joran patted her shoulder and she looked away

Daric said that each ruler and his people would enforce their own laws including the universal imperial laws. The universal laws wouldn't be anything like forced religion or anything like that, they would do basic things like the adoption of the Septim coin in all provinces. The Legions would maintain order and peace in Tamriel, having a headquarters in each of the provinces, but they would not interfere with the local governments. The Khajiiti Mane asked that even if he maintained this policy how would they know that one of his successors wouldn't turn out a tyrant like Augurius. The Breton said that in the treaty he would declare that if any Emperor broke even one of the terms, he would be unfit to rule and should be relinquished from command by any means necessary. The Empire was not meant to rule all of Tamriel with an iron fist. It was mean to maintain the peace and prosperity of the provinces. Bodean said that that was an admirable then but asked if they were meant to swear fealty to him. Daric nodded, saying that it would guaranty that they would follow the universal laws and his orders should he had to intervene in extreme circumstances. Each province would also have to donate a proportionate amount of troops to the Legions so the Empire could defend its territories. An-Shei said that they were just fighting the Imperials and now they were just supposed to pretend it didn't happen. Daric said that he didn't, but Augurius was gone. He would rule fairly and the autonomy that each province had would make sure that they didn't feel oppressed. The Orc King, Garzonk, asked what would happen to Orsinium. If he was going to be razed to the ground once again. Daric assured him that Orsinium would still be recognized as an official Imperial Province.

Jina spoke up. She asked what would happen if one of the leaders broke their oath. Jina looked over at Naerion, who was also at the meeting. Daric said that if one of the leaders broke an Imperial Law, by invading another province or committing atrocities, then the Legion would be forced to step in. The Empire's purpose was to maintain peace and order on Tamriel, if one province or its leader threatened that peace the Empire would intervene. Daric then grabbed a scroll and opens it on the table. He said that it was the 2nd White-Gold Concordat. It detailed all the imperial laws and the other terms. Signing this would make them an Imperial Province, as for swearing fealty that was a formality for after his coronation. He handed it over to his cousin, the new High King of High Rock. High King Gaban Lariat signed the Concordat. He then passed it over to Ulfric. Ulfric said that the Empire had brought peace and prosperity to Tamriel before, the 3rd Era was evidence of that, but Titus II was a weak ruler, and Augurius was too strong a ruler. He believed that Daric had the right amount of strength. Galmar behind him grunted in agreement. Ulfric signed the Concordat, and then passed it to High King Bodean. The Redguard told Daric to keep his word and bring prosperous trade back to Hammerfell. He signed the Concordat, then passed it to King Celegorn. He signed without a word. His brother, Fargoth, gave him a strange look. Celegorn passed it to Joran.

Joran took the Concordat. He believed that with Daric's help, Tamriel would be stronger. He signed the Concordat, and passed it to the Altmer King Yanniss Mothril. Elva looked around the room, lingering a little bit on Celegorm and Naerion, and looking between the two. She agreed with her husband, but added that Daric needed the right people beside him to be a strong leader. Elva's eyes lingered on Daric for a split second, before laughing a small bit and whispering something to Joran. Joran glanced at her, stunned. Jina glanced over to the two of them, her eyes bitter and upset at something Elva had said. Jina looked back at the leaders. The Altmer said that this was the best thing for his people. He signed the Concordat, passing it to King Garzonk. Garzonk was impressed that Daric defeated Augurius in single combat and said that he had earned the respect of the Orcs. Since they had pledged to the Empire before and Orsinium was going to remain under Imperial protection, he agreed to sign it. He signs the Concordat, then passed it to An-Shei. An-Shei said that they didn't need Imperial rule. Daric said that he had more to lose by not signing than anyone else. Black Marsh was know for being economically stagnant, they would not survive forever as an independent province. An-Shei was adamant in his position, saying that the Argonians would make do on their own. Daric tried to reason with the Argonian, saying that the Empire would let them have self-rule as well as bring prosperous trade and guarantee peace. An-Shei looked Daric straight in the eyes. He was about to say something but stopped himself. He accepted, reluctantly. He signed the Concordat. After that he passed it to the Mane. The Khajiit was very grateful that he was freed from the Imperial prison that Augurius had locked him in. His people had been pawns of the Thalmor and Augurius, this was going to help them in more ways that one. He accepted and signed the Concordat. He gave it back to Daric. The Breton was pleased. The Empire was back to its former self. He knew that there was still rebuilding and reestablishing order to take care of, but they are on the right path to secure Tamriel's future. He thanked them all for that. They had one more matter to discuss, the Elder Council. He had decided that each provincial ruler would get to nominate one person to a seat at the council. The Nelthars also had one seat, that meant 11 councilors. They would vote on a Chancellor to lead the Elder Council. But that was for later, for now he requested that you remain in the capital for a while longer. The preparations for his coronation were almost finished.

Ulfric, however, didn't stay for the coronation. He said his goodbyes to Daric and returned to Skyrim. He had duties that he needed to attend to there. Once in Skyrim he re-assumed his responsibilities as High King.