Pre-Chapter Notes:

After receiving a couple of reviews recently on addressing concerns over formatting or the way I'm writing the story. I've decided to make a few Pre-Chapter Notes.

When I first started here a couple Years Ago, I was a complete noob on storywriting. I had been planning This Story for Years. Before I was even a Fan of Game of Thrones. Even before I was a Fan of The Elder Scrolls; which started with Skyrim for Me.

Foreshadowing of a greater Expanded Universe in Books 2 and 3 of the Trilogy? We'll see!

Anyway, My formatting was terrible. But now, I've sort of gotten a hand of it, and This Site. A review from a long time ago now expressed concern over formatting. I promptly fixed that. A much more recent review that mentioned it was hard for them to get in to This Story by way of of bad formatting because of text walls still present made Me realize that I "Didn't fix it enough." So, I did.

Another more recent review expressed the person's disliking of something I was including in the story. That will be explained in The Post-Chapter Notes to avoid spoilers. So if you see the same way that person does, just bear with Me to the end of the Chapter and this will be explained.

In regards to that, I'd just like to put my foot down here and now. If you don't like or disagree, you can't say as much, but don't be rude about it. Don't be a biased snob. This isn't your story, it's mine. And it's my interpretation. I say this in regards to something very specific. I do think that if this person was in the place they are in Tamrielian society, this would happen.

So, if you'd like to have a polite discussion on why you agree or disagree, I'd me more than happy to have as such.

On an unrelated note for the record, to people that post reviews with a question as a guest or with their dms disabled... don't. If you have a question, either enable your dms, or get an account. I'd rather not have to answer review questions in the chapters as it just creates confusion and clutter.

And with that being said, enjoy the story.

I: Shall We Begin?

Mysterious Woman

Unknown Location

O-One-Twenty-Five Hours

7th of First Seed, 185 4E

A Red-Robed Woman stared into the flames of a lit brazier inquisitively. "What do you see?" A similarly cloaked Man asked Her. "The time is nearly here." She began. "A Throne will be lost to A Usurper. An Ancient Evil will reemerge." She waved Her hands around the flame, before it appeared to form into a ball as she cupped her hands around it, she did not burn. An image of a Man appeared in the fireball: The Last Dragonborn; Varnus Julius.

"Someone will be born later today in a distant land. With the Body of a Man, and the Soul of a Dragon." She continued. "A chain of events will be set in motion that cannot be halted. He will fulfill His already Prophesied Purpose. Yet, he will so much do more beyond that. And eventually, he will be lead to The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. He will come in search of a Warrior Born in Ice and Fire. He will seek to train Them, so that They can fulfill Their Purpose and destroy an Undead Adversary. All the while he assists A Red Dragon in reclaiming It's Throne of Iron. And even then... that will not be the end of his story."

32 Years Later

Varnus

The Imperial City
Eighteen-Hundred Hours, 17th of Last Seed, 217 4E

Emperor Varnus Julius sat there in a chair deep in thought. About the great many feats he had accomplished in the past 16 years. From the Destruction of Helgan to the Battle of The Tongues and beyond.

His mind then focused to something big that happened not long before he defeated Alduin.

It was the 8th of Evening Star, 201 4E. Varnus first met The Neravarine just outside Whiterun when he and his two compatriots were going to head out and get Legate Tullius and Ulfric Stormcloak to come to High Hrothgar to settle a temporary truce. "I know who you are, and I know of what you are about to face. Going in with just a Skyforge Steel blade and a Shout that can bring down dragons down from the sky is suicide. You, need more." The Nerevarine approached Varnus saying. "And you are?" Varnus inquired. "My name is Indoril Nerevar. Master Wizard of the House Telvanni. Most of all, I am the Republic of Morrowind's best defender: The Nerevarine."

"Th-Th Nerevarine?" Varnus stuttered. "Yes, The Nerevarine. There isn't much time, and there's something I need your help with." Nerevar said as he gestured to the covered carriage he had driven up to the stables. "What's in there?" Varnus' Altmer compatriot inquired. "Yagrum Bagarn. The last of the Dwemer." Nerevar replied. Varnus and his two friends gasped. "Dagoth Ur may be gone, but Yagrum still suffers from Corpus Disease. He's the only one that still does. I need your help to cure him the same way Divayth Fyr cured me. Yagrum had a vision of you a few months back. I brought him out here, and he has a few very powerful artifacts for you. Thing is, he hid them with a trick only he knows in the off chance we were ambushed. And unless you want to get infected before he's given the cure, you can't have them yet."

"So where's the cure?" Varnus inquired. "We meant to have Yagrum cured before we got out here, but Lord Fyr needed more time to prepare the cure back where we were in Blacklight. So he sent me out here with Yagrum ahead of him. It was too dangerous to stay there, the latest in the long line of the Accession Wars has seen an Argonian fleet readying for an amphibious assault on the city. We got out just before the attack came. I heard our men successfully drove them back. Lord Fyr sent the cure out on a second carriage, but it got ambushed by a dragon out by the Valtheim Towers. I know this, because the man that was driving the cart alerted me through a Telepathy spell. He is likely dead. Can you and your compatriots go out there and retrieve the cure? I can't let anyone mess with Yagrum and I won't risk him getting killed. His people may have been formidable, but in his current state, he is vulnerable."

"Looks like I don't have much of a choice." Varnus said. He and his companions went out to the Valtheim Towers and were ambushed by the dragon, Varnus killed it in short order. It must've known what this was, and what it meant. And moved to dispose of it. Varnus and his companions observed that the dragon had destroyed the towers. Bandits were known to hide out in them, so it was good to not have to deal with them. They picked through the wreckage of the carriage and found a vial with a curious liquid that could only be the cure. They went back to the Whiterun Stables and presented it to The Nerevarine. "Good. Now do whatever you have to still do to prepare for the truce meeting. Yagrum and I will meet you at High Hrothgar. We will give you your help there." He said. "What sort of help can I expect?" Varnus inquired.

"Kagrenac's Tools." A raspy voice from inside the covered carriage began. "The Wraithguard gauntlets. The dagger: Keening. And the hammer: Sunder. Powerful tools. And the most powerful weapons ever created by mortalkind."

Only with Wraithguard could he lift Sunder and safely use Keening. And he wielded the dagger alongside that hammer of divine mass against the World-Eater's forces at Skuldafn and the World-Eater himself in Sovngarde. He struck critical blow after critical blow. Then, used Keening to deliver the... "death" blow. When he struck, he concentrated on what power to take from Alduin and he took the Thu'um and ritual Alduin used to resurrect dead dragons.

And apparently this was the last straw needed for Father Akatosh to finish the kill by completely and utterly destroying Alduin's avatar. Casting his incredibly weakened soul into the Pits of Oblivion, ending up in The Deadlands. "Ah. You. Finally, at long last! Now you shall suffer the eternal consequences for permeating the happy-go-lucky Leaper Demon King I once was with this... curse as a Daedra. NOW SUFFER!" Varnus could hear Dagon say this. Almost as if He wanted him to hear. Alduin roared in pain and anger, enough so that some swore he shook The Heavens! Varnus could even hear what He said, and what He said had been haunting him to this very day: "Dur hi, Dovahkiin! Dii rax wah hin ruus! Hi lost ni nun laat do Zey!" [Curse you, Dragonborn! My teeth to your neck! You have not seen the last of Me!]

This was as Varnus returned from Aetherius to Nirn. What the fuck is a Leaper Demon King? Varnus wondered. He had then set out upon Tamriel to resurrect several Dragons Alduin had not gotten to, and to get them to swear service to him. Some time later, during the slow agonizing process of rebuilding The Battlespire, which started with reopening the long dormant portal it it. Deep within it's remains, Varnus found the skeleton of the Dragon with the alias of Dragonne Papre, and resurrected him. He then learned from him that his true name was Maaryolvus. [Maar. Yol. Vus; Terrorize. Fire. Nirn.] He also revealed that he was once one of Alduin's Chief Lieutenants, like Odahviing and Paarthurnax were. Dragons that Alduin didn't get to that were killed long before Varnus included Nafaalilargus, Numinex, Grahkrindrog, and Krahjotdaan. There was also hundreds more he resurrected. Most of which he resurrected en masse. Alduin had already resurrected most.

There was also handful Dragons that were never killed which included Skakmat, Kahvozein, Nahfahlaar, and Ahbiilok. Although he didn't expect to have to fight them in a Duel of The Thu'um. But the reason they did so was to "test and feel" his Thu'um. He had to take all four of them on at the same time too! Unsurprisingly, he beat them, but not without effort. After defeating them, they called for parlay. Which Varnus accepted. And they gladly and eagerly accepted the terms of: He would not "devour" them if they swore service to him. Kahvozein even further stated "It would be an honor to serve under you. Dovahkiin, Thuri. Your Thu'um has the mastery." There were several other surviving dragons that also did this.

Lastly, through a deal with The Ideal Masters he worked out a deal with them to set Durnehviir free. As a literal army of looters was scavenging Castle Volkihar, they came across Valercia. They attacked, and although she struck a great many of them down, she was slain through their overwhelming numbers. When she died, Durnehviir was not set free, even though when she would die, that was the deal in exchange for giving him necromantic powers. As The Ideal Masters "failed" to mention to him that Valerica was a vampire, he became trapped in the Soul Cairn with his soul becoming bound to it. But that changed when Varnus eventually came along and later worked out a deal with The Ideal Masters to free him.

No strings attached surprisingly, although at the time, it was easy enough for Varnus to do as he had recently ascended to the Ruby Throne. And although Durnehviir was now free to go as He wished without being pulled back into The Soul Cairn, His Soul was still bound to it. If he became too grievously wounded He would "instinctively retreat" back to the Soul Cairn to recover. Meaning that he could not be slain by normal means, just like Alduin. The now abandoned Castle Volkihar also then came under the protection of the College of Winterhold, in order to prevent meddlers from accessing the portal to the Soul Cairn.

After all this, there was only about six thousand dragons. But then, their numbers began to increase. There was almost no surviving texts on how dragons reproduce. Except for one old as dirt journal in Ancient Nordic that Varnus discovered at Skuldafn. This was when he flew back there riding Odahviing to collect the Staff belonging to Nahkriin the Dragon Priest after the Dragon Crisis concluded. He noticed it lying on a small table at the temple summit just as he was about to leave, so he went to retrieve it. After being translated a short time later, it was revealed to have been an account on dragon reproduction written by Nahkriin himself. According to his observations when at one point Ahbiilok came to Skuldafn with his mate whom it identified as Mirkrifkod to nest there. Mir. Krif. Kod. Allegiance. Fight. Wield It also mentioned nine other pairs that came at other times.

Nahkriin described the process as being a male dragon mating with a female dragon just like any other creature, while frequently addressing the dragons as "Our Lords". After two months, she would lay two to four eggs in a nest the size of a small tavern. They wouldn't be ready to hatch for another ten months. The female would never leave the nest during the entire twelve months, and the male only left to bring her freshly killed prey. After the ten month period, he would bring her freshly killed prey. She would lay it amoungst her eggs, and douse them all with Fire Breath or Frost Breath (whichever they had) to hatch them.

This Mirkrifkod also turned out to be one of the dragons Varnus later resurrected en masse. Upon noticing her, Ahbiilok greeted her with "Zu'u lost tii sul ruzun mu laat worax enook vorey, dii hes." [I have been counting the days since we last saw each other, my sweet.]

Apart from having small clutches of eggs and slow reproduction rates for essentially being giant flying lizards, only four out of ten dragons were female. So, at the start in 202 4E, about 1,500 of those six thousand dragons were female. On the downside, they only lay eggs once. And dragons take four years to reach maturity. Fast forward to present day 217 4E, there's 40,200 dragons, 18,500 of which are female.

The Mages Guild was dissolved shortly after the conclusion of the Oblivion Crisis. However, twelve years earlier in 204 4E Varnus re-founded it. Using his position as Director of the College of Winterhold (which he still technically was) as leverage to further strengthen this action. And Thus, The Mages Guild was reborn. He then named Tolfdir Director of the College of Winterhold in his place, up until this point, Tolfdir was the College's Headmaster, whomever he named Headmaster in his place was entirely up to him. The Arcane University was back in business. Just like in the old days, they set up Guild Halls all across Cyrodiil, High Rock, Hammerfell, Skyrim, Argonia, and Orsinium. Even in the overseas Territories of Cathnoquey, Yneslea and Esroniet to the East, Rosacrea to the North, and Pyandonea to the South.

He also swayed The College of Winterhold into the fold, as It used to be part of the previous incarnation of the Mages Guild. From hereon referred to as the Old Mages Guild. Representing the headquarters of It's interests and assets in Skyrim. He opened new colleges in all the aforementioned territories. Excluding Cyrodiil as The Arcane University was already there. Skyrim as The College of Winterhold was already there. And Morrowind due to influence by The Wizards of House Telvanni. But more so because Morrowind was not part of The Empire.

After this, as his last act as Director of The Mages Guild, is when he ordered the reconstruction of the Battlespire. And naming Yagrum Bagarn Director of The Mages Guild and the Arcane University. With The Battlespire rebuilt, the traditional training regime for the Shadow Legion could resume. The Mages Guild also has no influence in Elsweyr, Valenwood or The Summerset Isles because of influence of the Thalmor Wizards and the Aldmeri Dominion.

Yagrum Bagarn. Last of the Dwemer. Master Crafter answering to Chief Tonal Architect Kagrenac. Easily the most brilliant living being alive today, apart from Paarthurnax. His exposure to Corpus Disease rendered him immortal, as well as complete immunity to all disease and poison. Thanks to assistance from The Nerevarine and The Last Dragonborn, they rediscovered the cure to the horrible affliction. Although the "cure" only eliminated the bad symptoms and left the two "good ones" behind. With Yagrum's curing the disease had finally been eradicated. Yagrum had removed his eight mechanical Dwarven Centurion Spider legs and replaced them with two mechanical humanoid legs adjusted for for the optimal height he was with his real legs. When Varnus actually met him for the first time at the truce meeting at High Hrothgar, he had a puzzled look on his face, he thought he would've been taller. Varnus started to speak. "I thought you'd be taller." Varnus said. "The Giants may have called us Dwarves in their tongue, but among my people, I myself actually was what you would call a dwarf." He said. That was back in 201 4E. Alduin having been slain less than a week later on the 21st of Evening Star.

Thanks to him, Civilization had a much better understanding of his people. Before Varnus even took the throne, Yagrum had already started bringing numerous technological accomplishments of his people into common society; as well as unfinished projects from before His People disappeared. Including a number of things commonly found or observed in the ruined Cities. Such as steam power and plumbing, which were typically controlled by the aptly named control cubes. They were also used for unlocking and locking doors to something important, just like attunement spheres.

Starting just a week before Varnus took the throne, Yagrum had begun an industrial revolution. Starting with improving the usability of steam power. Firstly, he made steam power more easy to harness by devising a new kind of steam engine that harnessed water and coal as a fuel source instead of Dynamo Cores or soul gems. Steam engines are what propelled Dwarven Airships through the sky and are how electricity flowed through light sources and machinery in Dwarven cities. He made it so that said steam engines could be put on "wet" ships. This greatly bolstered their speed. Because of this, it was relatively easy for him to create a new machine that would act as housing for a steam engine to "power" the mine cart and carriage. Said housing machine he called a locomotive. However, these "locomotives" had to have their own road. Which consisted of steel beams nailed to timber planks to tie them together. And thus, the railway was born. What Varnus dubbed the Transimperial Railroad was laid down in all corners of The Empire over the course of the next seven years. The parts of The Empire overseas laid down railways of their own.

Steam power also solved the issue of flooded mines. In coordination with some plumbing applications, flooded mines could be pumped dry, and mining work in them could resume.

Dwarven machinery and light sources began to pop-up wherever applicable across The Empire.

Yagrum also reintroduced a machine called a printing press, which took loads of ink and pressed it into letters forming sentences of information on sheets of parchment. Much faster than using a quill to write if one means to mass produce the same information on parchment. He stated: "My people had only been using these for about a hundred years before they disappeared."

The Black Horse Courier started using these for writing their newspapers almost immediately. Yagrum also seemed to be the only one who knew how to harness the knowledge inside lexicons to the fullest extent, which is part of how he was able to complete these projects. He also used the Orrery at the Arcane University for some of them too. Some people remarked on all this stating that it was beginning to feel like everyone was living in a Dwarven city, and that life never felt so good to be able to have what they had.

A few weeks after first meeting him, when he was staying at the Blue Palace in Solitude, Varnus asked Yagrum about that "Sun" at the center of the City of Blackreach. While searching for an Elder Scroll in the city; he inadvertently Shouted in it's direction when he was Shouting a Falmer Warrior to pieces. He heard it "ring" and a Dragon appeared seemingly out of nowhere and attacked him, which he subsequently slew. He also made mention of the dragon's wings being torn up, thus unable to fly. And having a visible head injury. "Ah. That would have been Vulthuryol." Yagrum began. "He had flown down there through a crevice during the Dragon War to presumably rest. Until a major earthquake created a cave-in, closing the crevice, trapping him here."

"It caused significant damage and loss of life to the city. Survivor accounts indicate they were so scared, they thought the entire colossal cavern was going to cave-in. That would've caused a great deal of destruction on the surface if it did! Thankfully, the only part that underwent any sort of collapse was where that crevice was. Which was near Alftand. Anyway, Vulthuryol quickly came across some of My People and began to slaughter and eat them. He announced himself with:"

"Zu'u aal kos kast tum het nu. Nuz Alduin, Thuri. Lost faan fah fin dinok do pah joor, rinis fah hi sahlag lir. Zu'u los Vulthuryol, fraan bah do Dii Zul!" [I may be trapped down here now. But Alduin, My Overlord. Has called for the death of all Mortals, same for you pathetic weaklings. I am Vulthuryol, feel the wrath of My Voice!]"

"Thousands were killed in the resulting firestorms, reducing a twelfth of Blackreach to barren rocks. Luckily, some of our Dwarven Ballistae Animunculi landed some well placed shots in his wings. This sent him crashing to the ground, further injuring him. Two Dwarven Centurion Masters charged in at him, he toppled one of them when he set it ablaze, but he was too late to do the same to the other one when it delivered a crushing blow to his head with it's hammer-arm, knocking him out."

"I was surprised when I learned that even that wasn't enough to kill him. Those things can literally flatten you. They said he was quite a big one too. Instead of finishing him off, they decided to imprison him within Blackreach's "Sun" using incantations in our language. But you were able to remove them just with Your Thu'um. One that is merely kinetic energy built up through sound, no less. But yes, that "Sun" is used as a light source and magic prison." He finished.

Despite being Director of the Mages Guild and the Arcane University and having sole unrestricted access to the Director's extravagant quarters, he spent most of his time in Blackreach, the capital city of his people's civilization. He put in a teleportation device that linked to and from his quarters at The Arcane University to his Workshop in Blackreach which was activated by either an Attunment Sphere, or a Control Cube. Along with subsequent portals at his Workshop to and from all the other Dwemer Cities scattered across Skyrim, High Rock, Hammerfell and Morrowind. (Excluding those completely destroyed by The Red Mountain)

Only He, along with The Emperor, Chancellor, Shogun of The Blades, and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces had unrestricted access to these portals and the ruined cities. Permission for accessing the Cities could only be granted by the five of them. Yagrum even launched a massive restoration effort of all Dwarven cities. This was undertaken by skilled mages with Dwarven automatons and giants alongside them. Clearing all the rock and debris and repairing the damaged areas.

If you place a control cube in the pedestal of a teleportation device, you would hear a chime. You then say a name, it would open a portal with a device on the other side, provided there was one. The portal closes once the control cube is removed. However, if you use an attunment sphere, it works differently. You place it in the pedestal, you hear the same chime. You then step on the platform, say a name, and then you're teleported to the other end in a flash. Which appears to others around you as a brilliant ball of light. Again, provided there is one at the location stated.

The Red Mountain. Once the largest volcano in all of Tamriel, forming the largest island in all of Tamriel: Vvardenfell. Now but a shadow of what it once was. In 5 4E, Baar Dau; The Ministry of Truth, slammed into the City of Vivec, leaving no trace of it except for a new small bay with scalding hot water. But it didn't last long, as the impact lead to the cataclysm known as the Red Year that same year. In which The Red Mountain utterly exploded. lava and pyroclastic flows covered the massive Island, Plumes spread out in all directions, blanketing Morrowind's Mainland and the southern portion of the nearby island of Solstheim to the Northwest with ash and pumice.

Argonia, Skyrim's Mainland, and Cyrodiil got some of it too. A number of Dunmer fled from Morrowind to Solstheim, which The High King of Skyrim at the time gave control of the Island to Morrowind's government seven Years Later in 12 4E. The entire southern half of Vvardenfell sank beneath the waves, the central portion of the northern half of Vvardenfell sank as well. This new area of water was named the Vvardenfell Strait. And thus, the Scathing Bay became the Scathing Patch, as the waters in the spot of the Strait where it was remained scalding hot.

All that remained of Vvardenfell were the northwestern and northeastern portions of the island. When the Dunmer began the slow agonizing process of resettling in their ruined homeland, these remaing portions of Vvardenfell were given their own names. They were given the placeholder names of West Vvardenfell and East Vvardenfell. West Vvardenfell was given to House Redoran to minister, they named it Redoranis.

East Vvardenfell was given to House Telvanni to minister, they named it New Telvannis after the island of Telvannis. The main island of the Telvanni Isles and home to the city of Port Telvannis; the Telvannis' seat of power.

The archipelago Sheograd just on the sea of Ghosts to the North and the large island on Zafirbel Bay to the East survived the Red Year too. All that remained of Vvardenfell which in it's entirety made up Red Mountain itself was but a caldera now mostly underwater.

Back during his time in Apocrypha, just after he defeated Miraak and before he departed. Varnus asked Hermaeus Mora a few very important questions. Questions the whole world was dying to have answered. "Was Sheogorath behind Baar Dau? Was the Great Collapse really caused by tidal waves generated by aftershocks from the Red Year? And was the Sleeping Tree in Skyrim really formed by a fragment that was blasted from Red Mountain when it erupted during the Red Year?" After receiving no answer after a short while, he turned back to the Black Book to return to Nirn and touched it, right as he was leaving Hermaeus Mora finally responded. "Yes."

During his fight with Miraak, after having been wounded enough to promptly devour the souls of the dragons Kruziikrel and Relonikiv, Miraak was wounded again and attempted to devour Sahrotaar's soul. But Varnus decided that was NOT going to happen. He interrupted Miraak's Devour Shout, by running him through with his gladius. Preventing the "permanent death" of his new companion.

The following year, the Mede Dynasty came to an end when Emperor Titus Mede II was assassinated. Rumors had spread saying that this has delighted the Thalmor, but after Varnus ascended to the Ruby Throne a short time later in the late months of 202 4E, new rumors spread of the Thalmor's displeasure. Also, that they are even scared of him. However, everyone was completely oblivious as to who exactly killed Titus Mede II, only knowing that the Dark Brotherhood was responsible. He had joined and become Master of the Thieves Guild much earlier in the Year.

One of the first things he did as Emperor was retire the Penitus Oculatus from their duty as The Emperor's personal security force, making them exclusive to national security and law enforcement. He invited The Blades which he helped rebuild before he became Emperor to be The Emperor's personal security force again. Shogun Delphine agreed. Her, along with Esbern, and 13 others left Sky Haven Temple to resettle in Cloud Ruler Temple. Delphine was at first reluctant to let Varnus continue to work with them, as he outright refused to kill Paarthurnax and Odahviing, but after informing her that Emperor Titus Mede II was dead and that he was going to play "The Game" for the Ruby Throne, as well the fact that those two Dragons had sworn their service to him along with most of the others. And that he had resurrected a number of Dragons that Alduin didn't get to as well.

Delphine called him a "Monster that must be put down" and drew her Katana, but he simply shouted her down without lifting a finger. "ZUN HAAL VIIK! FUS RO DAH!" He stood her up and throttled her against a wall. He lastly told her in a cold stern voice that "A wise man once told me that Dragons coexisting and even working with Joor was Their Destiny, either accept this, or you shall be left behind." Which was something Paarthurnax said to him, as a matter of fact, minus that last part.

Varnus also told him and The Graybeards of his plans. Arngeir responding with "That is your choice, as Dragonborn, and quite frankly, the Ruby Throne is your birthright, even if you weren't Dragonborn. I feel that you will discover why I said this with time." Varnus had persuaded Fultheim to come back to The Blades after he got the truth out of him by bringing Delphine to him at the Nightgate Inn in The Town of Helarchen Creek, which confirmed his theory. Fultheim gathered his things, including His Armor from the farmhouse he shared with someone that kept his secret safe. And he left with The Others.

Varnus had also rustled up a dozen reputable mercenaries from across Skyrim to help rebuild The Blades. After they had settled in at Cloud Ruler Temple, and after Varnus took The Throne, people arrived at Cloud Ruler Temple's doorstep wanting to join The Blades by the thousands. Most of which were Legionnaires either retired or discharged so They could do this. Soon, all The Former Strongholds of The Blades all across the Empire were well garrisoned and supplied, including Sky Haven Temple.

In 209 4E, Emperor Varnus Julius was approached by an Orc that the Orcish Tribes had named their King with a request to officially declare the Fourth Orsinium as an official Province of Tamriel for the promise of fealty to the Empire. Varnus recognized this Orc as Chief Gularzob. Varnus worked out a deal between the Sultan of Hammerfell and the Orcish King. The Orcs had declared a region consisting of the entire Dragontail Mountains Reigon in Hammerfell, which ended at Iliac Bay as the new Orsinium. This also consisted of Hammerfell's entire land boarder with High Rock and the City of Dragonstar; the regional seat.

After intense negotiations and honeyed words by The Emperor, and no one wanting to see another war against the Orcs; The Sultan finally relented and agreed after nearly an hour of negotiation. The three of them then returned to The Imperial City and jointly issued The Orsinium Proclamation. Which states that the Dragontail Mountains Region of Hammerfell to is to be recognized as an it's own Province of Tamriel named Orisinium; making The Nine Provinces of Tamriel into Ten, and Hammerfell swearing Fealty back into The Empire with the promise of Military Support.

The lands The Orcs picked was also a smart move, it went as far west as to part of the coast of Iiliac Bay, this meant that they would be able to have not just an army, but a navy too. And not just merchant caravans but merchant ships and fleets too. Militarily and economically beneficial. But mainly it was because most of the Tribal Orcs had their Strongholds in that area, those that didn't promptly packed up and moved in there. Some Redguards living in the region opposed this, though some supported it.

In 6 4E, the Argonians started invading Morrowind, at the bidding of The Hist, and allegedly the Thalmor prodding them along as well. Much of Southern Morrowind was lost to the Argonians, and most holdings of House Telvanni. The combination of The Red Year forced most Dunmer to flee to Solstheim, (then a part of Skyrim) Skyrim itself, and Cyrodiil. There were sporadic border skirmishes now and again, as well as some significant surges in attacks, gaining some ground, before getting beaten back. These surges caused the Accession War to "evolve" into being known to history as the Accession Wars.

By 201 4E, the Argonians had been pushed back to the southern end of the Deshaan Plain. By then, Sadrith Mora had been rebuilt on the large island on Zafirbel Bay, the Sheograd Archipelago was resettled and on Redoranis, the Cities of Gnisis and Balmora have been mostly rebuilt at their original locations, as well as many new Telvanni Strongholds on New Telvannis. Part of the sight of the original Balmora was now underwater, and with House Hlaalu exiled, House Redoran stepped in.

In late 211 4E, The Accession Wars were STILL ongoing, The Argonians were staring to push back into Morrowind. First heading towards Mournhold which was still being rebuilt. This time, they fought with overwhelming odds. Morrowind's forces fought bravely, but were hopelessly outnumbered. Emperor Varnus heard about this and approached the High Council of Morrowind. He offered the aid of his Legions and dragons in exchange for an Alliance with The Empire. When The Neravarine, Councilor Lleril Morvayn of House Redoran, and Master Neloth of House Telvanni filled them in on Emperor Varnus' reputation as well as the handful of good deeds for Morrowind itself on Solstheim, they agreed. The fate of the Republic of Morrowind now rested in The Empire's hands.

The Imperial Legions fought alongside House Redoran's Army and House Telvanni's Wizards. Emperor Varnus Julius Himself leading the charge with the Sixteenth Legion. Dragons also flying ahead, setting fire to the swamps. Together they pushed the Argonians back in the Charge at Mournhold in early 212 4E and out of Morrowind down into Argonia itself, finally putting an end to the whopping 207-year long series of wars at the Battle of Helstrom late the following year. Emperor Varnus Julius himself struck down the Argonian King Claudraz. The killing blow being Varnus disarming him and decapitating him with his Skyforge Steel Gladius: Dragonclaw. It's hilt and the blade were decorated with Imperial markings.

The Argonian Kingsguards still standing noticed this and lunged at Varnus in a burst of rage, though he still managed to cut them down, one of them nearly cut him with a dagger. His helmet was knocked off earlier in the fight. He took a look around at all the carnage. Numerous bodies of many races. It at this moment he noticed everyone else staring at him. "Take those who surrendered to the jails." He commanded. With King Claudraz dead, and Helstrom occupied, Argonia had been fully subjugated and annexed by the Empire.

The massive cavalry charge of 100,000 strong, with Dragons flying overhead into the massively greater numbers that were the Argonian ranks bearing down on Mournhold. Varnus remarked as being the most invigorating moment of His life. He wept for it's memory. Even though He came to be known as a wise and benevolent Emperor; He longed to taste a battle of this magnitude again. People from inside the city remarked that the thundering of 100,000 sets of hooves was enough to make the ground shake.

A long time afterwards, Emperor Varnus sent a courier to Alinor; Capital City of The Aldmeri Dominion, to call over Eran Granthar: King of the Dominion. To meet with him in The Imperial City. When King Eran arrived, Varnus asked him a question. "Do you have it?"

"Well, you did ask for me to bring it, so yes." Eran replied. "Let me see it." Varnus took what was the original copy of The White Gold Concordat and read it over. "So... what is the reason for us doing this?" Eran inquired. Varnus didn't answer directly. Instead, He let out an audible "Hmm. Yes." and then in a daring move... threw it into a lit brazier nearby. Eran just stood there in shock, gaping slightly. "Praise Mighty Talos!" Varnus boomed with pride. The citizens gathered around the two entourages (a number of them Nords) erupted into cheers and applause. The Eight just became The Nine once again. Eran finally spoke. His voice full of bitterness and a devilishly maniacal tone towards the end. "This. Isn't. Over. We've anticipated this would happen at some point, so we've been preparing ever since you took the Throne. You'd better watch yourself now. You. Have. Been warned."

King Eran turned face and marched off with his retinue following close behind. All the feeling of pride and joy left Varnus as it turned to burning curiosity and fear. What are you talking about, Eran? What are you planning, you bastard?! He thought. The crowd around him oblivious to the look on his face continued their cheers and applause. He went back inside the White Gold Palace and sat upon the Ruby Throne to dwell on what just happened.

Then a familiar face entered the Throne Room; the Argonian Veezara.

He owed Varnus his life for saving him that day in the slaughter on the Dark Brotherhood's Falkreath Sanctuary. After Varnus annexed Argonia as Emperor, he contacted Veezara and together with the maniacal jester; Cicero, went before King Tibaava, the Son of the late King Claudraz to "resurrect" the Order of the Shadowscales. King Tibaava dispatched Veezara together with Cicero to gather up 100 Argonians from all over Tamriel born under the Sign of The Shadow. 50 Male and 50 Female. They established Headquarters in the Argonian city of Archon as originally planned. King Tibaava named Veezara Grandmaster of The Order, and Cicero returned to his Brothers and Sisters at The Brotherhood Sanctuary in Dawnstar, Skyrim.

"Listener, our moles have uncovered most troubling news. They have discovered that the Thalmor have been plotting another war against the Empire ever since your coronation." He could hear Varnus gasp. "How long do we have?" He asked in a shaky voice. "We aren't sure. it could be days. Weeks. Months. Years even. You should convene a meeting between the Heads of the Empire's Provinces as quickly as possible."

Two weeks later, they all convened in the Throne Room. When he broke the news to them, they all wore horror-stricken faces, even the guards, though a few didn't even react. No one else already knew apart from those high in the Dark Brotherhood, Thieves Guild, The Blades, and Shadowscales. (Including Veezara) Along with King Tibaava, and one seat of the Elder Council: Master of Whispers: Brynjolf.

Apart from being Master of the Thieves Guild's Skyrim Chapter after Varnus passed the torch to him, he held this seat in the Emperor's Council. So he left leadership duties for the Guild to Delvin and Vex. As apart from shop extortion, big planned-out heists, smuggling, forgeries, "fishing," and "planting," the Thieves Guild made for an excellent network of informants. And the Dark Brotherhood made for deadly "secret" bodyguards. In coordination with the Guild's ultimate master: The Gray Fox, there was little in the way of secrets across the Empire that Brynjolf and The Fox didn't know about.

Outraged by this revelation, The Heads ordered for military production to be significantly increased and to recruit a great many more men. The Maormer of Pyandonea caught wind of this and after being approached by their King whom offered a pledge of fealty as their hatred for the Dominion; to everyone else's surprise, was also greater than their own. Emperor Varnus gladly welcomed them into the Empire. He was also deeply disturbed by the fact that their King told him that he knows why they greatly increased their military production. Hence why they came to offer their assistance in the first place. They weren't oblivious as to what goes on up North.

This alarmed him, he began to fear that the Thalmor already knew too. He along with King Orgnum (Pyandonea's King) went and convened with the Rulers of the other Provinces under the Empire. While they were in session about this possibility, a courier working for The Blades delivered him an ominous, unsigned letter bearing the seal of the King of the Third Aldmeri Dominion. It read:

So much for the element of surprise.

His eyes widened. They do know! He thought. He bolted up from the Ruby Throne, dropping the note in the process, and went to a nearby restroom to splash some water on his face and take a piss that he barely managed to contain when he read that foreboding message. He then went back to inform them all that they did in fact know.

That was two months ago, on the 1st of Midyear. Over the course of a month.

"Dragonborn, are you alright?" One of his twelve Blades bodyguards present asked, snapping Varnus' mind back to the present. "Y-yes, I'm fine Stenvar."

"I'm just making sure."

"It's just that... it's been 16 years now since that fateful day on the 17th of Last Seed. That's Today. Yes... 16 Years Ago Today, I was a hair away from meeting my end. When Alduin the World-Eater destroyed the Town of Helgan up in Skyrim."

"By the Gods! That's today?!"

"Yep. It sure is, Hadvar."

Just then, a Herald sounded off. "AND NOW, FOR THE FINAL CONTESTANTS!" Fanfare music played. "The last one already? Did I miss a few?"

"Yeah, You completely phased out during the intermission of the 24th Match an hour ago. This is Match 30. Are You sure You're alright, Imperator?"

"I'm fine, Hadvar, I'm fine. Just had a lot on my mind. Let's see how this one goes." They were at the Coliseum. Viewing this month's Gladiatorial Games. Earlier that day in the morning hours, they were at the Talos Racetrack for this year's Horse Race, next week would be the Monthly Chariot Races at the Circus Maximus.

Varnus overheard a few food vendors selling their concessions. "GET YOUR SURILIE BROTHERS WINE, THREE-YEAR VINTAGE, RIGHT HERE!" One called. "PIZZA PIES! FRESH FROM THE OVEN HE-ERE!" Called another. "GET YOUR PORK CHOPS HERE! NICE'N'JUICY!" Called a third. "WHO WANTS A CUT'A'VENISON?" Called a fourth. "SIRLOIN STEAKS! CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH BEEF!" Called a fifth.

"AT THE BLUE GATE, WE HAVE AN ORC BRUTE, FROM A STRONGHOLD IN ORISINIUM: THE SKULLLLLLLLLCRRRRRUNCHERRRRRRR!" The crowd cheered, some chanting his name. "AND AT THE YELLOW GATE, WE HAVE OUR GRAND CHAMPION. HERE TO DEFEND HIS TITLE. A NORD FROM THE CITY OF WINDHELM IN SKYRIM: DRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAGONHEART!" The crowd cheered, many more chanting his name.

"Wasn't Dragonheart the name your 5th Great Grandfather Augustus picked for his time in the Coliseum, Dragonborn?"

"Yes, Erik. Yes it was."

Augustus Julius. A man who was named a Champion of Cyrodiil. Most famously remembered as the Hero of Kvatch. One day, several months after the conclusion of the Oblivion Crisis; he entered a portal on an island out on Niben Bay. East of the City of Bravil. He never re-emerged.

Varnus could hear some people in the audience nearby placing bets as the Betkeepers walked down the isles.

"10 Silver Remans on Dragonheart!"

"50 Silver Remans on The Skullcruncher!"

Then Hadvar stood up and placed a bet of his own.

"2,000 Gold Septims on Dragonheart!"

He heard a few "Ooo's" from the audience around them.

"BETTING POOL'S CLOSED! NOW LOWERRRRRRRRRRR THE GATES!"

And with that, the gates lowered. Dragonheart drew his sword, and simply started walking forward, whilst The Skullcruncher drew a Warhammer and charged at him with a roar of fury.

Varnus watched as The Skullcruncher closed in on Dragonheart. He swung his Orcish Warhammer high, and brought the hammer down. But Dragonheart simply sidestepped the would-be death blow. He bashed the hilt of his broadsword into The Skullcruncher's face as he turned to him, stunning him and breaking his nose. He dropped his warhammer. Dragonheart then kicked The Skullcruncher square in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Still reeling from getting his face bashed in, he attempted to get up, but Dragonheart had pinned him to the ground with his foot. The crowd gasped with anticipation. Dragonheart then spun his sword around point-down. Dragonheart looked up at Emperor Varnus.

"LET IT CONTINUE!" A male Argonian called.

"KILL HIM!" A Redguard woman called.

"GIVE HIM THE GLORY OF ONE MORE MATCH!" A male Orc called.

"C'MON DRAGONHEART! PUT THAT APE DOWN!" Called a male Maormer.

The majority of the crowd then broke into a chant. "DEATH! DEATH! DEATH! DEATH! DEATH! DEATH! DEATH!"

Varnus, now standing from his seat, had stuck his left arm forward, thumb pointing sideways. He then turned his thumb so it pointed down.

This got cheers from the crowd as Dragonheart promptly plunged his sword into the huge Orc's chest. His mouth gargled with blood as the life left his eyes. The crowd went batshit crazy as Dragonheart raised his left hand to them. His eyes moving across the crowd as a smile broke across his face. Which seemed to make them go even crazier, some started hooting. Varnus cracked an amused grin at this. The Herald sounded off loud enough so the crowd quieted down a little to hear him.

"IT'S OVER! IT"S OVER! THE SKULLCRUNCHER IS DEAD! THE SKULLCRUNCHER IS DEAD! DRAGONHEART WINS! DRAGONHEART MAINTAINS HIS TITLE AS GRAND CHAMPION! If You bet on Dragonheart, speak to a Betkeeper at their kiosk to collect your winnings."

"Not bad, Hadvar." Varnus said as the former stood up to go to a Betkeeper's Kiosk. "The fact that Dragonheart was Your Forefather's Gladiator name inspired Me to place a bet on him." Varnus laughed. Brynjolf approached him. "Boss, Yagrum Bagarn and some Heads in the Mages' Guild request an audience with ya over at the Arcane University. Says they've got some new contraptions to show ya."

"Tell him I'll be right there."

"Will do."

Apart from being Director of the Mages Guild, Yagrum Bagarn had also become known for being a Scientist and an Inventor. Professions that came in handy from his time as a Master Crafter working for the Chief Tonal Architect; Kagrenac within the long-gone Dwemer Civilization. Which had ended when they all simply vanished without a trace way back in 700 1E when Kragenac used His Tools on the Heart of Lorkhan. Biology. Anatomy. Physcology. Chemistry. Meteorology. Geology. Seismology. Volcanology. Machinery. Physics. Astronomy. He knew it all.

Varnus made his way to the Arcane University with Stenvar, Erik, and 11 other Samurai of The Blades, one of which was a towering High Elf clad in Elven Glass Armor. Apart from his Akaviri Katana, He was also armed with a dagger, bow, and quiver full of arrows, all made of the same material as His armor. They were referred to as Glass Armor and Weapons due to their glassy appearance which came from two of the main "ingredients" in forging them: Malachite and Obsidian. The Supreme Commander of the Empire's Armed Forces was tagging along with them too. Yagrum and several Master Mages were waiting for them outside the University's front door.

"Ahh! So good to see you, Varnus!"

"Likewise, Yagrum."

"We have some new powerful weapons to show you! Believe me when I say they are going to blow your mind!" He imitated a rimshot. Varnus grinned, raising an eyebrow. The little half-machine Elf gestured towards the building. "Come and see. Follow us." Stenvar whispered to Varnus. "Dragonborn, How was it he came to having metal legs again?"

"I'll tell You later, now shush."

They followed Yagrum inside to his personal quarters. There was a Mage standing next to a pedestal on a platform of Dwarven-make. Yagrum reached into his pocket and pulled out a metal cube. He inserted it into the pedestal. The platform let out a chime as if it was powering up. Yagrum spoke to the Mage that was waiting there for him. "Remove the Control Cube once we've all gone through."

"Right, Sir."

"Kinda crowded in here." A Dunmer piped up. "Follow Me through the Portal and your claustrophobia will be remedied immediately." Yagrum responded, he then spoke aloud. "Blackreach." The platform opened a portal as if linking up with the other end. "Follow Me." He vanished into the portal, and everyone else followed suit. The Mage that was there waiting for them removed the Control Cube from the Pedestal as commanded. Closing the portal.

Nineteen-Hundred Hours, 17th of Last Seed 217 4E
Blackreach, Skyrim

When they emerged, they realized they were in Skyrim. As that's where the Underground City of Blackreach was. They made note of Dwarven Automatons all around them, hard at work with repairs. A number of Dwemer Cities were still in the process of restoration. Five Spiders went skittering by, their metal legs clinking on the stone floor. Two Sphere Masters stood sentinel at the door into Yagrum's Workshop, folded up in their idle Sphere Form. "If you all will excuse Me, allow Me to go and bring these out here from My Workshop." Yagrum and the Master Mages accompanying him went inside the Workshop to retrieve the inventions. They all sat down at a table outside the Workshop that looked as if it was recently placed there.

A short time had passed before anyone spoke again. "What's taking him so long?" A Samurai asked. "We haven't even been sitting here for two minutes, you pussy." Quipped a Nord. "He'll come out here when he comes out here, he never even specified when, Fultheim." There was a brief pause. "Are You sure about that, Legolas?" The towering Altmer shook his head. "Yes." He replied slightly irritated. "Bloody wonderful, must've dozed off when he said that." A female Argonian spoke next. "He just said to wait here."

"Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me, Fathoms." He said. "You off your tits again?" She muttered under her breath.

"I have a feeling he'll be out very soon." Erik said. "You're probably right." Varnus replied as if he knew.

Varnus then recalled to himself on how he had known Legolas ever since he first arrived in Whiterun just after Alduin destroyed Helgan. Outside the City is when Varnus first met the strikingly beautiful huntress Aela. She was four years older than him, had long, flowing ginger hair that went all the way down to her hips. She wielded a Skyforge Steel Bow and Arrow, an alike Longsword. And wore Ancient Nord Armor that was split into halves that bared her belly. She also wore alike Boots and Greaves, but no Helmet or Gauntlets.

Legolas was a member of the Companions like Aela and had just overheard him speaking to Jarl Balgruuf and Farengar about the Dragon Attack, whom said to go to Bleak Falls Barrow to get something called a Dragonstone. Legolas told Varnus he had previously tried to retrieve it a few weeks ago, but had hit a dead-end that was a mysterious puzzle door. "Even if I were to have gotten the right combination, I had no way of opening the door." Legolas told him. "Tell you what, if you can prove your mettle amoungst my Shield-Siblings, we'll go there together."

Legolas brought Varnus before Kodlak Whitemane, which is also when he found out he had already met Aela. Legolas said to him "I can see the way you're looking at her, good luck... Heh, The face paint she used to have made her look a bit more intimidating." Before too long. Varnus was going to Dustman's Cairn with Farkas. "Bleak Falls Barrow is on hold for now, we've been contracted to investigate suspicious activity at Dustman's Cairn. Farkas is going with you to see you prove your worth." Skjor told him.

Later that night, Varnus was waking up at a place called Gallows Rock to the sight of the breath-taking Aela. However, he was butt-naked after transforming back from being a Werewolf for the first time. His face bright red as he moved to hide his now hardening manhood behind a toppled tree. She explained the situation to him, visibly trying not to laugh, but she was also blushing somewhat. Legolas then revealed himself when she finished. "Get dressed, bunky." He said grinning as he tossed a sack at him with his tunic, coinpurse, and armor inside. Before then handing him Dragonclaw.

For the first several times Varnus saw Aela, he found himself feeling a bit hot and very hard. He then eventually found himself becoming Harbinger of the Companions.

"A month ago, I never would've expected you to become our Harbinger." Legolas said to him. "With all that happened, it's understandable to see why we've been unable to get over to Bleak Falls Barrow. I'm not sure how we're going to get passed that puzzle door."

"I think I know a way. The sister of the guy that runs the Riverwood Trader was here earlier today. She said something about thieves taking an ornamental claw made out of solid gold to Bleak Falls Barrow." Varnus then said. "Let's get going, then." Aela stated, rising from her seat. With Legolas and Aela alongside him, they got passed the puzzle door and delivered Farengar the Dragonstone. They then witnessed Varnus kill Mirmunir and discover he was Dragonborn. They were with him every step of the way up until he temporarily left Aela to go to Skuldafn with Legolas. (There wasn't room for all three of them)

Just before he and Legolas flew off on Odahviing's back. Aela confessed her love for Varnus. He clearly had grown to feel the same way, especially when She pointed out he was never very subtle. And they sealed this moment with an embrace and a kiss. Seeing her again atop the Throat of the World after his victory was one of the happiest moments of his life. She revealed that she had also cured herself of Lycanthropy as he, Vilkas and Farkas previously had. Her reason being she had a change of heart, and wanted to be able to see him again after physical death. This occurred while Varnus and Legolas were away.

Aela and Legolas were with him at the College of Winterhold. They fought alongside him in the Skyrim Civil War and the War of The Dawn. They went with him to Solstheim. His lover and his best friend.

When Emperor Titus Mede II was assassinated by the Dark Brotherhood. He had no living heirs. Both of his sons died. The eldest; Lucius; during the Great War and the second; Amulius; during the Skyrim Civil War at Riften whom was caught by an arrow. He had no daughters. No more living relatives. The Elder Council called for Varnus to seize the moment and take The Ruby Throne. Unaware that he was the one that actually killed Titus Mede II. Varnus gladly accepted. He then proposed to Aela, urging her to come with him. But sadly, she turned him down. Saying that that life wasn't her. She was also reluctant to let him go. But fortunately, they managed to part ways on good terms. And he named her Harbinger of the Companions after him. Which she gladly accepted and stated that she would never forget the time they spent together.

However, Legolas did leave with Varnus. He also assisted him, Delphine, Esbern, Fultheim and 12 others in reforming The Blades. And has since then has always been one of The Blades assigned as one of his Personal Bodyguards. Legolas was born in the City of Alinor, to a famous Thalmor Politician, never said who though, just that he was "dead to him now."

I guess your history will forever remain unknown to me, old friend. Varnus thought to himself.

A Steam Centurion came slowly thundering by, it was carrying what appeared to be a large box full of what Varnus guessed was rubble or tools. Just then, the door to Yagrum's Workshop opened and he came out accompanied by the Master Mages that went inside with him. They were carrying several things. Varnus spoke. "What devices have you got for the World this time, Yagrum? Looks like some sort of weapon."

"It is." He answered. "As I stated to Brynjolf. The bow and arrow, the crossbow and quarrel, and all currently used pieces of artillery will become obsolete once I finalize these little toys and they're put in to full use. Currently they're nothing but untested prototypes. I call them: Guns. I'll start with the Hand-Gun, or: Firearm. Now keep in mind, these are rather... explosive. There's a chance they could misfire and blow up in your hands, seriously hurting or even killing You. There will still be the chance for that once they're in circulation, although that will be almost nigh."

"Can't afford to lose You, Yagrum. There are still so many Dwemer secrets buried or locked away that we need for You to show to the world." Varnus said, rather concerned.

They all watched attentively as some other Mages set up several training dummies. One had a shield and armor, another had just armor, and three more had neither. Yagrum then stuck a little ball in through the hole on the front of the firearm, pulled back a "hammer" with his thumb. Everyone heard a small hiss. Yagrum then smiled, he pointed the firearm at the dummy and then pulled a trigger. The gun shot off with a loud bang. Everyone jumped in their seats at the loud noise, Yagrum didn't even flinch.

The shot struck the shield dummy... in the shield. Yagrum spoke. "The bullet was absorbed by the shield. The same will happen with the armor. One day, I will have made the bullet even better so that as it will pass right on through the shield or armor. We're currently taking into consideration in making armor vests and special glass shields that can absorb a more advanced, currently nonexistent bullet. Though that is decades away from being worked on."

Yagrum reloaded the gun, moved to the next dummy and fired. The bullet hit the dummy square in the chest. "Remove the breastplate." The assistant took the breastplate off the dummy and handed it to Yagrum. "You can see where it hit. There is an entry hole, but you turn it around and there is no exit hole. Like the shield, the armor absorbed the shot. However, Shields and Armor will only hold up to a certain point. If they've taken too many hits, they'll be damaged to the point that they're unusable. Making You more vulnerable to getting shot and killed."

Yagrum reloaded the gun and moved to the next dummy and fired. The shot hit the leg and the dummy toppled. "Direct hit to the Femoral Artery. Major bloodloss. Without medical attention, he would bleed out and die in just a few minutes. If he managed to stop the bleeding, but didn't get the bullet surgically removed, he would succumb to lead poisoning over the course of several hours, or days. But usually, a rupturing of the Femoral or any major artery is fatal, regardless." Yagrum walked back over the table and set the Hand-Gun down, only to pick up a much bigger one.

"The smaller Hand-Gun I am calling a Pistol, this one I am calling a Musket, An improvement over the Dwarven Arquebus, which never even had it's first prototype manufactured before My people disappeared whilst I traveled The Planes of Oblivion."

He reached in to his pocket and pulled out a small paper bag that when he opened it, everyone saw it was filled with some sort of black powder. "This is Gunpowder. The backbone behind the bullet. Internal mechanisms that are activated by pulling the trigger is what propels the bullet from the chamber. That makes the bang. The Gunpowder is made from a combination of Sulfur, Charcoal, and Potassium Nitrate. Sulfur can be mined naturally. Charcoal is created through Slow Pyrolysis; which is the heating of wood or other organic materials in the absence of Oxygen. Potassium Nitrate is made through a series of transmutations that first create other elements."

Yagrum propped the Musket up against himself, the front end facing the ceiling of the massive Cavern in which Blackreach lay. He took the bag of gunpowder and poured it down the muzzle of the barrel. He then took a noticeably larger shot and dropped it in, he then took a thin metal rod. "This right here is a Ramrod." He inserted it into the muzzle and moved it up and down. One of Samurai that came with Emperor Varnus started snickering, Varnus looked over at him and just shook his head smirking.

Yagrum then removed the muzzle and set it down. He hefted up the Musket and aimed down the sights on it and pulled the trigger. The Musket went off with a noticeably louder bang than the Pistol. The bullet struck the dummy in the head and it fell backwards to the floor. "Point of entry: Forehead. Skull pierced. Shot's lodged in the brain. With the damage to his brain, he would already be dead. In a fraction of a second after impact."

"Now I'm impressed." Said one of The Blades.

"Lastly, this is the Shotgun. What makes it different from the others is that instead of loading it with one shot, it's loaded with a cartridge containing several "shots." That when fired, spread out for area of effect damage. At close range you don't even have to aim down the sights to do anything, just point and shoot. But for the sake of demonstrating just how powerful it is, watch what happens when I fire with it pressed up against his skull."

Now, the Shotgun is very loud compared to the others and has quite a kick to it. Much greater than the others. If you don't have a good grip on it, it'll go flying backwards several feet when you fire. And you can break your shoulder if you hold it wrong." Yagrum opened up the gun at the back end of the barrel, stuck a cartridge in, closed it up, and cocked a pump on the bottom of the gun towards the front. It made a clicking noise. Yagrum pressed the muzzle up against the dummy's head and pulled the trigger. That was really damn loud. The dummy fell over, little pieces of it's head went everywhere. Stenvar wheezed a laugh. "I Love it already."

"Just wait until you see what the Cannon can do."

Yagrum walked over to the table and set the Shotgun down, and walked over to something covered and pulled the tarp off. "This. Is the Cannon. Ballistas, Springalds and Scorpions, Siege Towers and Battering Rams will all become obsolete." He gestured to another Cannon" And the Mortar will replace the Onagers, Catapults, Mangonels, Trebuchets and Couillard. And Our Navy's Warships can be armed with them too. Though we probably could still use Ladders and definitely still dig Sapping Tunnels. And remember, Gunpowder is HIGHLY Explosive! If a barrel full of it gets shot at or catches on fire, it'll create a massive explosion. If a shed used to store it or the reserves for it on a Ship gets hit; The shed pretty much gets vaporized and the Ship's stern is nearly blown off. Very devastating, very dangerous, and quite deadly."

"The Cannonball can also be heated up before firing to launch an Incendiary Round, starting a fire in the hole where it hits. They are best used to burn away the sails on a Ship. It can also be loaded with Grapeshot, a large canister full of little pellets like the ones used in the Guns; Canister Shot is similar to that but It's intended to be used on land. Use at close range only against a large formation of infantry or when you're right up alongside an enemy ship. And lastly, exclusive for the Ship-mounted Cannons we have Chain Shot. Two cannonballs connected via a chain. Aim high and for the mast. You'll tear up their sails and break the masts."

He then gestured to two Steam Centurions waiting nearby to set down a large piece of wooden hull for a First-Rate Ship of the Line. And they went to opposite ends and grabbed on. "Now, they are going to hold the ship hull piece in place so the momentum doesn't make it fall over. You... might want to plug your ears, this'll be the loudest sound you ever hear next to Your Thu'um, Varnus. Watch for when the Mages and I do." He gestured for them to get in position. "LOAD! AIM! FIRE!" Everyone quickly plugged their ears as the Cannon went off.

The Cannonball went sailing through the air and went smashed through an armored dummy on a mount and further on, piercing the hull piece. The Centurions noticeably lurched keeping it up as they counteracted the force of the impact. "As you can see, he is... quite dead. And the ship's hull has been penetrated with ease. Reinforce the hull with iron or steel plating and the shot can be absorbed by the armor up to a point. Strike enough holes in the ship, especially if some are below the waterline and she heads for the bottom. Strike the powder reserves and you'll blow her apart."

"Yagrum, I must say, I really like what I'm seeing."

"I aim to please, Supreme Commander... LOAD! HEAT THE SHOT! AIM! FIRE!" This time when it fired, a fireball soared through the air. The Centurions quickly let go of the hull piece and stepped back, so as to not catch fire. The fireball struck the hull, it fell over, but was set ablaze regardless.

Emperor Varnus stood from his seat, and let out a slow applause. He was quickly joined by his Bladesmen. "How soon before these are ready for use by The Armed Forces?" Varnus inquired. "Everything's still got some kinks to work out. Naturally, with Prototypes. We just got lucky with this set of field tests. We work those out, and they'll be ready for production in The Factories before The Month is done." Just then the ground started to shake. "Earthquake."

"No, Yagrum. The Graybeards. They call for Me."

"How us it that You can hear them all they way down here, and we can't?"

"Because, Supreme Commander Tullius, I have a "sense" for The Thu'um."

"I'll take Your word for it." Tullius further replied.

After the Skyrim Civil War ended in The Empire's favor, Emperor Titus Mede II awarded Gaius Tullius: Legate of The Sixteenth Legion; with the Office of Supreme Commander of The Armed Forces. His Second-In-Command; Tribune Helia Rikke was promoted to Legate of The XVIth, assuming command. Hadvar Alornesen still served with them, also ranking as a Tribune. He became Rikke's Second-In-Command.

The shaking gradually came to a stop. Varnus turned to Tullius. "Supreme Commander Tullius, take The Bladesmen and make Your way back to The Imperial City. And start assembling The Small Council and The Senate for a meeting. I've got a feeling that The Graybeards have something very important to tell Me that's going to require the cooperation of the Legions. I must go alone now."

"I understand, Imperator."

"You need Security. I'm going with You."

"I'll be fine, Tullius needs your help now, Legolas."

"As You wish, Varnus."

Tullius turned to The Bladesmen. "TEN HUT!" The Blades fell in line, Saluting the Supreme Commander whom returned the Salute. "Our Emperor is going to speak with The Graybeards. He must do so alone. We are to return to The Imperial City and assemble a meeting between the Elder Council and the Imperial Senate and discuss what is to be done about whatever The Graybeards have told Our Emperor. Do I make myself clear?"

"SIR, YES SIR!" They shouted in unison. "Good." Yagrum approached Tullius. "Supreme Commander, take this Control Cube, put it in the pedestal on the Teleportation Device, I'll remove it to close the portal once You're all through. Just speak aloud where You want to go, and if there is a Teleportation Device at that location that is synchronized with this one, the Portal will open to indicate it has opened on the other side. Though, the process works a bit differently with Attunement Spheres."

"Alright. May The Gods be with you, Imperator."

"And You."

Tulius approached the portal platform. "BLADESMEN, ON ME!" He placed the Control Cube in the receptacle on the pedestal. The platofrm powered to life. "The Imperial City. White Gold Palace." A portal opened in response. They all went into the portal. Leaving Varnus alone with Yagrum and The Mages. "Varnus, I may or may not see You back at the White Gold Palace when You get back there."

"Good to know Yagrum."

Varnus emerged from Blackreach unto Eastmarch Hold via the Great Tower of Mzark. He looked to the sky and called upon the power of The Thu'um.
"OD AH VIING!"
A few minutes passed before he heard a wingbeat, and the roar of a Dragon. "Dovahkiin! Here I am!" The Red Dragon landed with his face a few feet away from Varnus'. "Drem Yol Lok, Odahviing."

"Drem Yol Lok, Dovahkiin. You summoned Me?"

"Yes. Take Me to Ivarstead."

"Climb on my back, Dovahkiin, and we will be off." He followed suit, and off they flew to Ivarstead.

Less than 10 minutes had passed before they reached Ivarstead. Varnus dismounted off of Odahviing. "Call if You require further assistance, Dovahkiin." With that He took back off into the sky. Roaring periodically. Varnus watched him until he disappeared completely from view unto the night sky. Two Guardsmen came running up to him. "Your Imperial Majesty!" They bowed their heads.

"What an honor this is. Is it true that the Graybeards were calling for You?" Asked one of them. "Where are Your Bladesmen?" Asked the second. "They did. You heard them. And I come alone. I still have My Thu'um and Dragonclaw on Me. I'm turning in at Vilemyr Inn for the Night."

"Alright. But we'll keep guard over You. We may be sworn to protect The Town of Ivarstead, but The High King or Queen of Skyrim, and The Emperor or Empress supersedes that."

"Fine by Me." He headed inside and stepped up to the Bar Counter. "Emperor Varnus Julius! What an honor it is to have You here! Last I saw you was when You first came to Ivarstead to ascend High Hrothgar after doing a couple things around Town and solving our Ghost Problem."

"Indeed. Nice to see You again after all these years, Wilhelm. I'll take the big room on the right."

"Of course! It's on the house for our Imperial Majesty!" The Guards went up to the counter and spoke to Wilhelm. "Lock the door behind him, got it?"

"Of course, of course." After Varnus stepped inside the room and closed the door, Wilhelm locked the door, Varnus stripped down to his breeches, climbed into the comfy, cozy double bed. And drifted off to sleep...

That night, he dremt about how he got Dragonclaw. And how "This all started." Dragonclaw was once his Father's; Titus Julius. Titus was a Legionnaire who fought in The Great War. Before The War at some point is when he enlisted for The Legions. At one point also before The War; He visited Skyrim. Whiterun specifically. He visited The Companions at Jorrvaskr. And spoke to Eorlund Gray-Mane at The Skyforge.

At the time, Eorlund was a young man, about as old as he was. His Father: Ragnar Gray-Mane; The Skyforge's Previous Smithy and Vignar's Father, this making the latter Eorlund's Brother; had recently passed. He had groomed His Son for the position. The Patriarch of Clan Gray-Mane before Vignar was a sonless Jorik Gray-Mane; Ragnar's Brother.

Titus had Eorlund forge him a Legionnaire's Gladius with the widely famous Skyforge Steel. He named it Dragonclaw. He then, a short time later went on to fight for The Empire in The Great War.

He survived the Battle of Anvil; known to historians as The Massacre at Anvil. Seven Legions took part in the battle, The Sixteenth Legion was one of them. They escaped relatively intact, losing about a fourth of it's men. The battle saw the death of The XVIth Legion's previous commanding officer; Decimus Brutus. Tullius was the Second-In-Command at the time, with Brutus' death, Tullius was then the ranking commanding officer. Lucius Mede; The Emperor's Eldest Son; was killed in the battle as well. Titus fought for his life alongside his closest compatriots Tullius, Rikke, Hadvar, Ulfric, Galmar, and Ralof. Of the seven Legions that took part in the battle, only The XVIth Legion survived. The other six Legions; III, IX, XI, XIX, XXIV and XXVI; were completely destroyed with no survivors. Noster Eagle-Eye was one of the XVIth Legion's scouts. Fatalities were so high that there were a great number of men who's fates were unknown, so they were declared M.I.A. Noster was one of them, being badly injured, he was presumed K.I.A. Which is why he told Varnus years later that they left him for dead.

At the beginning of The War, The Empire had 26 Legions. At the end, only 7 remained. At the Battle of the Red Ring, Legate Gaius Decianus had command of Legions VII and XV. Legate Grelina Jonna had command of Legions IV and XII. Whereas the three Legions under direct command of The Emperor were Legion Zero, along with Legions XIII, and XVI. Legion Zero consists of 100,000 men. And it lost about half it's men when The Imperial City was sacked.

Titus Julius fought along side his friends... and The Emperor, whom had just survived an attempt on his life. The Emperor joined the battle supporting Decianus' Legions. Doing so by personally leading the charge with Legion Zero. The Sixteenth taking up the middle, and The Thirteenth taking up the rear, whilst Jonna's Legions held the road. Titus suspected The Emperor was actually someone armed and armored like The Emperor, and fought in his place so that he didn't have to. "If this is true, then The Emperor is even more of a coward than I thought he is!" Ulfric angrily said to Titus shortly after The Concordat was signed. Titus reasoned stating "Perhaps The Emperor was injured more seriously than we thought." At some point, a long time after he came home from The War, Titus met Varnus' Mother; Claudia. Months later, they married. And the next Year, Varnus was born.

Over the next several years, they had steadily fallen on hard times. Taxes were increased. Due to sanctions forcefully imposed upon The Empire by The Dominion. Eventually outdoing Titus' Legionnaire Retiree Pension. And they lost their Home; Rosethorn Manor in Skingrad. When Varnus was only Seven, Titus had grown sick with Rockjoint and died. Claudia comforted Varnus as well as showing him Dragonclaw.

"He wanted You to have this when You were older, but I guess You can have it now." His Mother told him. Both Varnus and his Mother were forced to live on the street when there was a foreclosure on their Home. A short time later, Esmon Surile; an old friend of Titus' whom was running the Surilie Brothers' Vineyard; gave them a room at his Extravagant Manor within The Vineyard Estate's Property Line, and Jobs on the Vineyard. Varnus quickly became friends with Esmon's Son: Desmond. Desmond was Heir to His Father's Estate and was just a year older than Varnus was. Where as Varnus' Mother quickly became friends with Esmon and His Wife: Amarda.

A long time ago, not Ten Years after the conclusion of The Oblivion Crisis, there was a terrible flooding of the nearby Strid River. The competitor to Surile Brothers Vineyard: Tamika's West Weald Vineyard was completely washed away in the flood. Tamika, and Her Brother; Talan; were both killed in the flood. Though Surilie Brothers Vineyard did not escape unscathed. Thus Davide and Gaston Surilie looked at this as "Elimination of Competition though an Act of The Gods with a small price."

Davide Surilie publicly reminisced on this: "Even before this happened, despite Their's Tasting even better than Our's, albeit by a small margin; as many, including Me have said, We received more business than Them because of our much lower prices." It's almost is if The Gods had favored them and gave them the title of Vineyard Tycoon. Over the Generations, Surilie Brothers Vineyard began exporting Their Wine across The Empire, Including Skyrim.

Over time, Varnus become quite skilled with His Father's Gladius by training with the Skingrad City Guards. He even learned a basic Healing Spell and Fire Spell from reading a couple of Spell Tomes.

Nine Years later on the 3rd of Last Seed, 201 4E when Varnus was just Sixteen, His Mother went out to man the Tasting House on the Vineyard, Varnus heard a loud scream coming from Her when He was inside the Manor. He and Esmon ran outside to find that had been grabbed by a hooded man and was riding off with her on Horse.

Varnus grabbed Dragonclaw, mounted a Horse, and gave chase. Esmon ran off into The City to fetch Guardsmen. Desmond wanted to mount a Horse of His own and join in, though Amarda kept him from doing so. Varnus felt as if the chase was going on an hour before he finally caught up to the man in a wooded area at a campsite. Quite a workout for His Horse. He found that his Mother had been raped, then murdered. The man responsible nowhere in sight.

He approached his Mother's desecrated, lifeless body. When suddenly a loud shouting was heard behind him. He got to his feet and whirled around. To see the hooded man rushing at him with a dagger. In rather Super-Human speed, he drew Dragonclaw and swung high as the man came within striking distance. Cutting off the man's hand that was holding the dagger, then quickly swinging back and decapitating the man.

He proceeded to stab the man's headless body numerous times, shouting angrily. After He calmed down, He broke a stick off a nearby tree, sharpened one end of it, rammed it into the ground. Then jammed the man's head onto it. He then went and buried His Mother's body there. He got down on his knees, lowered his head any closed his eyes. He began sobbing. A few minutes had passed when A voice said in his head: Skyrim. He got on his feet. He looked back to the way he came, starting to calm down as he wiped the tears from his eyes. Skyrim. The voice repeated. He said aloud with a sigh. "I'm not going back." He rummaged through the Campsite, and took a Bottle of Surilie Brothers Wine dating from Last Year. and 3 Cans of Salted Pork. He mounted his Horse, and started off.

And unbeknownst to him, he was being tracked by Esmon Surilie with 3 Guards and a Sergeant from Skingrad. They had happened upon the campsite several hours after He left. A messy and gruesome site. Esmon quickly deduced who was in the grave. But Varnus was no where in sight. And there was no clues of where he went. "Let's break down this camp. The bodies stay here." The Guard Sergeant said. There was nothing more they could do for Varnus. Meanwhile, Varnus was traveling Northeast, towards Skyrim. Several Weeks had passed before he reached the Border Crossing near the City of Bruma. And by then, He had bonded with the Horse. He snuck past the boarder portal at the Cyrodiil-Skyrim boarder in Falkreath Hold at The Pale Pass.

Early morning on the 17th of Last Seed, He was caught napping by a would-be horse thief named Lokir, who was trying to steal his Horse. Varnus woke to the sound of His Horse whinnying nervously. It was then Varnus noticed Lokir. "YOU PICKED THE WRONG HORSE, FOOL!" He shouted at him as he drew Dragonclaw. As he started to charge at Lokir, he turned to run. Then an unseen man shouted at them. "FREEZE, REBELS! DROP YOUR WEAPONS!" Varnus slowed to a stop. "We've got You surrounded!" Shouted another.

Varnus was looking around for the source of the voices when he noticed two nearby Horse-Drawn Carriages loaded up with what appeared to be prisoners and a third man clad in Legionnaire's Armor inspecting Varnus' Horse. Which was nickering nervously. "Property of Esmon Surilie." He read aloud on the saddle's label. "Looks like we got more than just Rebels, but Horse thieves too! I think Mister Surilie will be pleased to know we found the Horse He reported missing." Varnus than started to speak in protest as he saw a man in Legionnaire Armor tackle Lokir. "Rebels? What Rebels? I'm not a Rebel or a Horse Thief, I'm from-UGH!" He didn't see the man behind him as he got knocked out.

He awoke to find himself on a Carriage just coming in to Helgan, he saw Lokir on the Carriage with him, and a Soldier he came to know to be Ralof and a gagged man whom he was told was Ulfric Stormcloak. They arrived in the Fortified Town, got off the Carriages. And went up to the chopping block. This is also where he first met Tullius and Hadvar. He identified himself. Hadvar and Tullius recognized the Name, saying they knew His Father personally and were close friends. Varnus took note of Ulfric and Ralof looking back at him with wonderment in their eyes. Varnus immediately didn't like the Imperial Garrison Captain present as she wasn't having it. "Forget who he is, he goes to the block with The Rest."

Hadvar and Tullius clearly felt sorry for him. As Varnus went up to join the others, he gave The Captain a look that said "If I get free of these binders, I swear, I will butcher your ass, You fucking bitch." Less than a minute later, Alduin arrived. Killing everyone and the City coming down around him. He remembered following Ralof into the Keep. He noticed Dragonclaw lying on the floor next to the dead Stormcloak Ralof identified as Gunjar. He swiped it up and clipped the sheath on him.

"How did he get his hands on-?" Varnus began to say, but He was interrupted as they heard voices. "I hear voices, stay close... It's the escaped prisoners!" It was That Bitch Imperial Captain! Varnus mouthed to Ralof: "That bitch is MINE!" Ralof nodded with a smirk. The door opened. Varnus charged at The Captain while Ralof buried his Axe in the skull of the Legionnaire accompanying her. "EXECUTE THIS, YOU BASTARD!" Varnus yelled at her. He was too fast for her. He decapitated her with one swift stroke and proceeded to stab her headless body numerous times shouting angrily. Varnus looked up at Ralof. Smirking with the look of murder in his eyes.

"Hohoo, Ulfric's going to like You." They proceeded on through the Keep, cutting down more Legionnaires. Butchering the Keep's Torturer and His Assistant. They linked up with another surviving Stormcloak. In the final push however that guy got killed. Later on after they cleared out a small nest of Frostbite Spiders. Varnus and Ralof snuck up on a sleeping Bear. Varnus nailed the Bear in the head with the Bow and Arrow Ralof gave him. "Nice shot." He commented.

They exited the escape tunnel and stumbled upon one Embershard Mine occupied by Bandits. They were no match for him. "Sloppy." He commented aloud about them. He and Ralof passed by The Guardian Stones before eventually reaching Riverwood come Evening that day. After doing a few things around the Village he retired to a Bed in Ralof's Sister's and Husband's Farmhouse. Where in the morning, he would set off for the City of Whiterun to inform Jarl Balgruuf of the Dragon that destroyed Helgan. And that's when he met Legolas and the incredibly lovely huntress Aela. After killing The Dragon Mirmulnir, The Three of Them went back to Dragonsreach and Varnus had a conversation with The Jarl of what it meant to be Dragonborn and who The Graybeards are.

He also brought up how He felt betrayed by His Beloved Empire at Helgan. Balgruuf consoled Varnus by saying: "There's bound to be a few rotten apples here and there. Don't let it get to you. Once You find out what's with The Dragons, perhaps You should head to Solitude and join The XVIth Legion. The same Legion your father was a part of years ago. And perhaps it's high time I threw in Whiterun with Their lot." After Varnus killed Alduin, with Legolas and the Nord Heroes to witness it. He did just that, as did Legolas. Aela didn't join The Legion but The Companions effectively supported The Empire through the three of them. Back before They went and captured Odahviing at Dragonsreach, They were at High Hrothgar convincing The Stormcloaks and The Legion into a temporary truce.

The Imperial delegation consisted of then-Legate Tullius, then-Tribune Rikke, then-Prefect Alornesen, Elenwen, Jarl Balgruuf, and then-Jarl Elisif. Along with two dozen Imperial Legionnaires and half a dozen Dominion Soldiers. The Stormcloak delegation consisted of the self-proclaimed High King: Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, Stormblade Galmar Stone-Fist, his brother Rolff; a Snow-Hammer, and Ralof Jorgison; a Bone-Breaker. As well as two dozen Stormcloak Soldiers. Varnus' delegation consisted of himself, Legolas, Aela, Delphine, Esbern, and Fultheim.

Just before opening the peace council, Varnus had given Yagrum the Elder Scroll he pulled from Blackreach as well as the Lexicon that had been inscribed with the Elder Scroll's secrets. "Your help as promised." Nerevar stated as he gave Varnus the Wraithguard gauntles, Keening, and Sunder.

Tullius, Rikke, and Hadvar commended Them for getting The Stormcloaks to agree to a truce in a trade-off that was more beneficial to The Empire: The Stormcloaks get Hjaalmarch Hold, in exchange for relinquishing The Rift Hold. During the summit, Yagrum read the Elder Scroll to view all possible outcomes with confronting Alduin. Yagrum's answer to a question had been on the back of Varnus' mind ever since that day. "One."

Ivarstead
O-Eight-Hundred Hours, 18th of Last Seed 217 4E

Varnus awoke the next morning, he broke his fast with a big, Hearty Meal. He ate a Horker Loaf and washed the juicy, succulent loaf of Four-Tusked Walrus meat down with a Bottle of Black-Briar Reserve Mead. Why did Yagrum answer that so grimly? Varnus thought to himself as he ate. Then, Alduin's last words echoed through his head again. You have not seen the last of me!

As he was eating, a thought popped into his head. They sure don't call Elisif 'The Fair' for nothing. Elisif was only a year and a half older than Varnus. And as her moniker implies, she's very beautiful. She was always sweet-smelling, and was also perhaps the kindest person Varnus had ever met. Which would explain why she's called 'The Fair'. After becoming Emperor, he had only seen her three times. The first was immediately after being crowned to renew her fealty to the Ruby Throne. The second was in the two hundred and fourth. Varnus, Legolas, and several others went up to Skyrim when he founded the New Mages Guild, not only to bring the College of Winterhold into it as it was part of the Old Mages Guild, but to help Elisif finance a restoration project of Winterhold City. In the time between Varnus' coronation and then, Elisif had let her hair grow down past her shoulders to her chest. Which was previously kept at just down to her shoulders. Varnus complimented Elisif on it.

And the third time was earlier this year when the heads of the Empire's provinces held a sit-down and they found out about the plot by the Dominion. In the time between 204 4E and then, Elisif had not only surprisingly not remarried, but she seemed to have an even prettier face than before, and she had also let her hair grow all the way down to her hips.

EVERYONE took notice when Emperor Varnus lost his words when first addressing High Queen Elisif at the sit-down. When the sit-down was over, Legolas happened upon them in the hallway flirting and Varnus' manhood visible through his robes. Both he and Elisif turned bright red as Legolas pointed it out and sarcastically suggested "Maybe you two oughta marry." I just might take you up on that, friend... Once whatever The Graybeards need me to deal with is dealt with. Whatever, The Graybeards had to tell him, Varnus suspected it wasn't anything good.

He took a bottle of Surilie Brothers Wine for the road and headed outside. He then made his way towards the first of the 7,000 steps of High Hrothgar's Path. On his way there he passed by a married couple, their names were Klimmek and Fastred. They had a young lad with them too. They smiled and keeled before Their Emperor. He recalled bringing them together, and felt partially responsible for them conceiving that child, it was a warm feeling. He smiled.

He walked down the road and across the bridge over the River. He stopped just before the first of the Seven Thousand Steps of High Hrothgar's Path. He looked up towards the Summit. He inhaled deeply. And exhaled. "Let's do this."

Author's Notes:

Going in to Chapter 2, we have not yet reached "The World" of Game of Thrones. Eran Granthar is the name of my High Elf character in Skyrim. Varnus Julius is the name of my Imperial Character, though it was originally Varnus Staad when I first played as an Imperial on Xbox 360. That became Varnus Julius in a later playthrough on My PC. Augustus Julius is the name of my Imperial Character in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Dragonne Papre is a massive Dragon featured only as a skeleton in The Elder Scrolls Legends: Battlespire. I came up with the "real name" for him: Maaryolvus. And as you're likely thinking; yes, Legolas the Altmer is named after Legolas Greenleaf from Middle-Earth and even takes after him a bit. There were a number of other references to other media riddled throughout there. Did you catch them all? (There's another reference for ya!)

Varnus having slain Alduin on the 21st of Evening Star is a reference to fears about a myth that The World; if not Time itself would end on December 21st, 2012.

I remember hearing unused voice files for Yagrum Bagarn recently. And He sounded NOTHING like I thought He would have. He sounded like some old guy off of Futurama or The Simpsons. And I'm glad that they never used them in Morrowind's Official Release. I think He would've sounded an elderly man from London.

I'm writing Yagrum as being sort of a compound character of a number of famous geniuses from History. Namingly: Archimedes, Aristotle, Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Samuel Morse, John Barber and Guglielmo Marconi. And probably a few others.

Someone doesn't think Guns belong in The Elder Scrolls or Game of Thrones. As a crossover; Game of Thrones is obviously affected by this. But I think Guns actually could fit into Elder Scrolls Lore. We all know how mysterious The Dwemer are. As I got to know Elder Scrolls Lore more and more, including that of The Dwemer, I believe that it's not crazy to think that when They Disappeared, that they left behind a bunch of unfinished gizmos and doodads. And I think Gunpowder could be among that. Steam power already exists. It's likely what powered Dwarven Airships, so it would likely be very easy for Yagrum to incorporate those into "Wet" Ships and make Locomotives. And the printing press was invented in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg. That's still Medieval times.

Looking at The Elder Scrolls Wiki, I've seen a page titled "Gunpowder" that sort of catalogs everything that is or definitely isn't a reference to gunpowder or some other non-magical explosive. There's a lot more references to it than I thought. So as far as I'm concerned gunpowder has been canon since Daggerfall! I could've easily had it so that guns have been around for thousands of years, but just never really caught on until Yagrum introduced the Musket and Flintlock Pistol.

Also, your claim that magic makes gunpowder obsolete is right out. By that logic, if magic makes gunpowder obsolete, then why are Archers, Crossbowmen and Catapults so commonplace? That's just stupid.

Until next time, stay spoopy my friends!