{"id":2574,"date":"2018-12-15T07:34:17","date_gmt":"2018-12-15T13:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2574"},"modified":"2018-12-22T07:14:53","modified_gmt":"2018-12-22T13:14:53","slug":"dovahkins-flight-part-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2574","title":{"rendered":"Dovahkin’s Flight – Part 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dovahkin’s Flight<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 10<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Zoe made her way to the Blue Palace along with Jordis to meet up with the Jarl before the Thalmor arrived.\u00a0 It would prove to be an interesting morning which started out good.\u00a0 The pastries were indeed good making Zoe wonder why he hadn\u2019t been able to start up his business.<\/p>\n

He explained over the meal that he acquired some debt due to his father\u2019s gambling addiction before he died.\u00a0 Zoe asked if it was still a problem and he said he had paid them off last week to which Jordis affirmed his claim.<\/p>\n

So with good pastries Zoe agreed to fund his business and if the gamblers came back to send them her way, as a backer she basically \u2018owned\u2019 him in their eyes.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t seem too disappointed and was working with Leah to see about starting the business.<\/p>\n

Now entering the palace things appeared ready for their guests.\u00a0 People were present and Elsif seemed dressed and ready along with the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Zoe, so glad you could make it,\u201d Elsif said to her.\u00a0 \u201cThe Thalmor delegates should be here shortly, the general is already here along with Rikke and a few others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t plan on doing much talking,\u201d Zoe said knowing diplomacy wasn\u2019t her strong asset.\u00a0 She preferred a hack and slash method instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re strength is most welcome,\u201d Elsif said to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Dragonborn\u2019s presence carries a lot of weight among the people,\u201d Tullius said.\u00a0 \u201cThe fact you helped us out in the Stormcloak rebellion should carry some weight the Thalmor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do what I can,\u201d Zoe said, hoping nothing unexpected happened.\u00a0 She was already on edge with the fact the Thalmor were coming.<\/p>\n

She moved to blend into the background a bit, not that it was easy with Deadric armor, but stood with the other people, magicians, and thanes and hourecarls who had gathered for the event.\u00a0 She took a moment to reflect on her relationship with the Thalmor.\u00a0 It was a main reason she left Cyrodiil, specifically one Thalmor named Valis.\u00a0 It seemed like a lifetime ago since then.<\/p>\n

Of course the thought of what he had done still angered her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything all right my Thane?\u201d Jordis asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, just thinking about something in the past,\u201d Zoe replied, not wanting to get into it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we don\u2019t know much about your past,\u201d Jordis said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot something I like to think about, a lifetime ago,\u201d Zoe stated knowing she never quite felt alive until she had come here.\u00a0 The first time she actually attacked a dragon it felt like she had at last been born, she had a purpose.\u00a0 Before that she had been going through the motions of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019ve made a difference here,\u201d Jordis said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Zoe said, feeling good.<\/p>\n

Before either could say more the announcement the Thalmor had arrived came.\u00a0 Now she stood back watching as the group came up the stairs, dressed in their Thalmor robes, the guards in their armor.\u00a0 The two in robes were the important ones as they walked up to begin the proceedings.\u00a0 Zoe remained off to the side as introductions were made.<\/p>\n

Elsif introduced her court and the general before the Thalmor introduced themselves.\u00a0 Zoe wasn\u2019t surprised at the first elf, Elewen, someone she had met while trying to gain more information about the dragons and before they understood it was Alduin.\u00a0 However it was the second name which caught her attention, Valis.<\/p>\n

Taking a hard look at the elf she noticed he was the same one from her past.\u00a0 She took some calming breathes and imagined herself impaling him on her sword allowing her to smile as Elsif turned to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this is the Dragonborn, Zoe,\u201d Elsif said.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s helped us out all over Skyrim.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoe merely nodded at the group watching as they seemed to look at her for a few seconds.\u00a0 Valis probably recognized her, not that it mattered to her anymore.\u00a0 She had grown since they last met.\u00a0 She had been a nobody last time, now she was the Dragonborn.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, the mysterious Dragonborn I\u2019ve heard so much about,\u201d Elenwen said, moving forward to greet her.\u00a0 \u201cSome of the stories are amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFighting dragons was amazing enough,\u201d Zoe replied back to her.\u00a0 \u201cI have been able help many in my travels.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed, in the past year you\u2019ve done a lot including helping put down the Stormcloak rebellion,\u201d Elewen said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd even rumors as far as the College of Windhelm.\u00a0 We lost our ambassador there, perhaps you were there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was, but only if you\u2019re willing to hear the truth, including his actions which endangered us all,\u201d Zoe replied knowing the elf in question was responsible for almost destroying the college.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure things are not as bad as you think, exaggerations are not good,\u201d Valis said to her indicating what he thought of her memory.<\/p>\n

Zoe stared back at him for several seconds as neither moved until Elsif interrupted them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat brings you all this way to Skyrim?\u201d she asked diplomatically.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes, its the fact we\u2019ve been hearing a lot of rumors up here,\u201d Valis said to her taking the lead.\u00a0 Zoe realized he must have moved up politically since she last saw him.\u00a0 Then again, he always had high ambitions.\u00a0 Zoe made a mental note to watch her back with him around.<\/p>\n

\u201cRumors,\u201d Falk said speaking up.\u00a0 \u201cThere are always rumors going on.\u00a0 If I believed half of them none of us would be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s why we\u2019re here you see, to get to the truth if you will,\u201d Valis replied rubbing his chin before continuing.\u00a0 \u201cAnd with the end of the rebellion we have some, concerns, regarding some delicate issues.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did have some problems with Ulfric Stormcloak, but that\u2019s been quelled for now,\u201d Tullius said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor now?\u00a0 You expect more trouble general?\u201d Valis asked.\u00a0 \u201cThat doesn\u2019t instill me with confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith your rule, yes,\u201d Tullius said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur rule?\u201d Valis said and Zoe could see he felt insulted and decided to speak up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, your rule,\u201d she said watching as he looked her way.\u00a0 \u201cYou might not hear the comments, but in every bar and inn whispers of your \u2018rule\u2019 are spoken of, and not in a good way.\u00a0 You yourselves are sowing the seeds of distrust and rebellion which we have to put down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur actions are for the best of all,\u201d he replied, with the same elitism she remembered him having and she fought the urge to punch him in the fact.\u00a0 She might gain some satisfaction but it probably wouldn\u2019t make a good impression for diplomacy.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonetheless, we\u2019re here to insure the White-Gold Concord is upheld,\u201d Elenwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can still have troops come into the area if needed,\u201d Valis threatened.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be unwise,\u201d Tullius said.\u00a0 \u201cI know your forces are still weak from fighting the Redguards.\u00a0 You can\u2019t afford another such war and still maintain control of Cyrodiil.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoe watched Valis as he moved forward before Elenwen stopped him.\u00a0 Zoe noticed the move but remained calm, her vast experience showing.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you did agree to it,\u201d Elenwen.\u00a0 \u201cCall it a formality.<\/p>\n

Zoe watched the political battle, itching just to bash some heads.\u00a0 It would be so easy, but the political consequences were larger this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI expect we can look over the treaty and make sure nothing is going to happen to violate the concordat,\u201d Elenwen stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cTimes change,\u201d Tullius said, wanting to say more when Elsif stopped him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019ll find nothing wrong,\u201d Elsif said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we won\u2019t find any Talos worshipping in Skyrim?\u00a0 The people seem to be resistant to giving that up,\u201d Elenwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou continue to force that and it will lead to another rebellion,\u201d Zoe replied, as the two look at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave we met before?\u201d Elenwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps, I\u2019ve been all over Skyrim and helped out a lot of people,\u201d Zoe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course, but I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll recall where I\u2019ve seen you,\u201d Elenwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo doubt,\u201d Zoe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is correct though, its difficult to make sure everyone is following that,\u201d Tullius said.\u00a0 \u201cFor example, the Greybeards, we don\u2019t go up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen perhaps you should,\u201d Valis stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Greybeards are not your typical group, and anyone trying face an uphill battle, literally,\u201d Zoe said not mentioning how strong they really were.\u00a0 \u201cAny force would be spotted quickly, they are stronger than you realize.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well everyone had a weakness,\u201d Elenwen said, trying to remain calm as she lost control of the meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, even the Thalmor,\u201d Zoe replied back watching her stumble as is she would take back her words.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suggest we head over to a more comfortable area, where we and look over the treaty,\u201d Elsif said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it was a tiring trip, and this place isn\u2019t that great,\u201d Valis said looking around.\u00a0 \u201cCold and worthless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts only one opinion,\u201d Elsif said.\u00a0 Zoe wanted to bash him over the head knowing that Skyrim had become her home, a place she would fight for.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we can also get some food,\u201d Falk said speaking up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we can all use that,\u201d Elsif said moving off to the dining room.<\/p>\n

Zoe watched them go realizing Valis wasn\u2019t moving.\u00a0 She mentally shook her head knowing he wanted to talk, or toss some meaningless threat her way.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead Jordis,\u201d Zoe told her Thane ho appeared to want to stay.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure my Thane?\u201d Jordis asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a history from before I came to Skyrim, but don\u2019t worry, I won\u2019t hurt him,\u201d Zoe said, making sure that last part was loud enough for him to hear.\u00a0 His expression changed slightly but still quite smug.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say so,\u201d Jordis replied before walking away leaving them alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, this is where you disappeared to, and here I thought you died in the underground,\u201d Valis said looking her over.\u00a0 \u201cI can see that rumor is untrue, and so much the better.\u00a0 The armor doesn\u2019t suite you though, I can think of some better clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had an opportunity come up and the armor does suit me now, even made it myself,\u201d Zoe replied back knowing the truth as she smiled.\u00a0 The strange message she had received that fateful day led her up here and everything she had done.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d watch yourself, I command a lot of respect within the Thalmor now,\u201d Valis said, moving in closer trying to intimidate her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re not back home,\u201d Zoe said, returning the glare watching as he backed off slightly.\u00a0 \u201cGeneral Tallius spoke the truth, you can\u2019t afford a war up here so far away from your powerbase.\u00a0 The Redguards hurt you more than you care to admit.\u00a0 Even when I was in Cyrodiil you were losing power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, there are some other, more interesting things which have come to our attention up here as well,\u201d Vaalis said.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps you know something about it, missing prisoners and their guards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have an accusation to make, make it little elf,\u201d Zoe replied back, moving even closer watching as he took a step back.\u00a0 They both knew who won that battle.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust saying, you might want to watch that pretty back of yours,\u201d Valis said trying to give an air of confidence but Zoe saw through it now having seen it a dozen times over now.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019re not in Cyrodiil anymore, I\u2019d be careful.\u00a0 It\u2019s a long journey and bandits show up all over,\u201d she answered him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not that weak little nobody either and I haven\u2019t forgotten what you did either.\u201d<\/p>\n

His smile fell, replace with anger before storming away even as Tullius walked back and over to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrouble?\u201d Tullius asked her looking at her and the retreating form of Vallis.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really, you might say water under the bridge,\u201d Zoe replied back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you two know each other?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, knew him back in Cyrodiil,\u201d Zoe replied.\u00a0 \u201cHe was always arrogant and power hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see, so he\u2019s a typical Thalmor then,\u201d Tullius said causing them both to laugh.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, we should catch up before they try to intimidate Elsif.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Valis would do that,\u201d Zoe replied.\u00a0 She had a deep feeling her encounter with Valis wasn\u2019t over yet.\u00a0 He was incredibly stubborn when it came to things he wanted.\u00a0 She only hoped he didn\u2019t do anything stupid, or perhaps she did.\u00a0 It would be a way for her to show how much he no longer understood her.<\/p>\n

They moved off heading to the eating area and what Zoe figured would be a day of boring diplomatic talk.\u00a0 It was much easier to bash some skulls in.<\/p>\n

End part 10<\/p>\n

Continued in part 11<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dovahkin’s Flight by AJ Marks Part 10 Zoe made her way to the Blue Palace along with Jordis to meet up with the Jarl before the Thalmor arrived.\u00a0 It would prove to be an interesting morning which started out good.\u00a0 The pastries were indeed good making Zoe wonder why he hadn\u2019t been able to start […]
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