Ice Veins

Kingdom of Skyrim, College of Winterhold, Winterhold Province.

Serana awoke the next morning with the sun. Despite being a vampire, her beloved husband’s insistence on keeping his human sleeping patterns had rubbed off on her. She smiled at the thought of the man she loved, remembering the day that she finally said yes to spending the rest of her uh, unlife with him as if it had happened yesterday. She was broken from her reminiscing when one of the Archmage’s secretaries was stopped by one of her guards.

“It’s okay Gaston, she can come in.” said Serana.

“As you wish milady.” Replied the ebony armored vampire with a thick Breton accent. The secretary was allowed to enter the room where she politely inclined her head to Serana.

“The Archmage will see you now lady Serana.” Said the secretary.

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Capital Province; Equestria.

Odahviing flew noiselessly through the air, getting closer and closer to Canterlot. From what little Spike had told him about the city, it was just over a thousand years old, and just by seeing the way that the city was built so that it was literally hanging on the side of the mountain was an impressive engineering feat.

“Stay above the clouds Fahdon, I would rather not be seen just yet.” Said Rurik.

“Of course Rurik.” Answered Odahviing whilst following his master’s wishes.

About a mile out, Rurik noticed three shapes rocket into the air at high speed. As they neared, Rurik could make out the shape of three Pegasi in what appeared to be colorful jumpsuits. The three flew directly over him before wheeling around and catching up to him whilst slowing themselves to match Odahviing’s speed. Rurik looked to his right where a yellow Pegasus with a blaze orange mane flew next to his head and raised her voice so Rurik could hear her over the wind and Odahviing’s beating wings.

“Follow us, the princess has a landing area set up for you!” she yelled over the noise.

Rurik simply nodded and the Pegasi pulled ahead and lead Rurik down. The short amount of time he had been flying above the clouds with the Pegasi that the princess had sent had brought them to the city. Odahviing began to slow his descent as he came closer to Canterlot, and Rurik saw the area that they were being led to, a large courtyard, large enough to comfortably fit two Dov with their wings fully spread.   It did not take too long for the three Pegasi and dragon with his rider to land. Rurik dismounted the dragon, removing the Aetherium Staff from his back to lean on, and just in case he needed to use it, before turning to the huge drake to speak to him.

“Odahviing, I want you to take wing and perch at the summit of the mountain above. Should I need your aid, I will give you a shout.” Said Rurik.

“Of course Rurik. Please be careful my friend.” Requested the dragon.

“I shall do my best.” Replied Rurik.

“Fair enough, good luck thuuri.” Finished Odahviing before taking to the air, leaving Rurik with three awestruck Wonderbolts.

“That was the damndest thing I have ever seen.” Remarked the orange Pegasus as she watched the drake fly off.

“What, never seen a dragon before?” asked Rurik.

“Well yes, I have seen a dragon, but I have never seen someone with the stones enough to try and ride one!” answered Spitfire with awe.

“Few people possess the strength of will to do so. It is a rare individual who can tame a dragon.” Rurik replied.

“Name’s Captain Spitfire, leader of Her Royal Majesty’s Wonderbolts flight team.” Said Spitfire offering a hoof, which Rurik took in his hand and shook.

“Rurik Skull-Taker; chief engineer to His Majesty High King Ulfric Stormcloak of Skyrim.” Replied Rurik.

Before the conversation could continue, a commotion was heard coming from the palace, the sounds of quite a few hoof beats and orders being shouted by a very arrogant voice. Spitfire began to look worried.

“Soarin, go and find Princess Celestia. Quickly.” She ordered.

Soarin didn’t need to be told twice, flying quickly out of the courtyard to search for the princess. The doors to the courtyard were thrown open and about fifty guards entered the area. Leading them was a unicorn who could only be described by one word: fop.  He wore perfectly polished armor that Rurik could see his reflection in and that was decorated with gold, silver and precious stones. His coat was pure white, his mane chocolate, and he wore his moustache in a fancy, heavily waxed handlebar style. The part that nearly made Rurik’s sides split with laughter was the hair style that he wore. The long locks of hair stood about an inch high before it evenly parted in the middle and flowed down the sides of his face.

“So this is the rapscallion who harmed the Viscount?” asked the noble in an effeminate voice.

“Aye that I am. He should have kept his hooves to himself rather than use them to beat his ex-wife and little daughter.” Replied Rurik, removing the Aetherial Staff from his back and leaning on it. Beneath his helm, Rurik wore an amused look upon his face.

“Oh, you will pay for making such false accusations against the Viscount’s good name!” hissed the stallion.

“You must be Captain-General Bergmane.” Said Rurik.

“Indeed I am Captain-General Bergmane.” Replied the Captain.

“I figured as much.” Said Rurik smugly.

“Oh? And how did you figure that out?” asked Bergmane curiously.

“Because I can smell the scent of a fop at a mile away. Tell me, are you wearing an ungodly amount of cologne or have you just returned from an adventure at the local whore house?” mocked the Nord. Several guards did their best to hide their laughter, succeeding at their task as Bergmane was too shocked by Rurik’s comment to notice. “Also, you should fire your barber, as it appears that he has made your mane look similar to a rump.”

“HOW! HOW DARE YOU!” shrieked an incensed Bergmane, his magic glowing about his horn with a matching aura wrapping around the handle of a golden hilted rapier at his side. Rurik’s right hand moved from his staff, the left hand remaining on it, and came to rest upon the pommel of the Skyforge steel dagger at his side.

“Are you going to do something or are you going to stand there looking like a fool?” asked Rurik unimpressed, his finger reflexively tapping the dagger’s pommel.

“Filthy monkey! Why I shall-” began Bergmane, only to be cut off mid-sentence.

“Put your weapon away and stand down Captain-General.” Came the familiar and rather aggravated voice of Princess Celestia. The foppish Unicorn bowed immediately before her.

“Please majesty, I only was defending my honor from the slights of this… thing! I beg you to allow me to do so! Do you know what he said about me, and that he assaulted Viscount Bright Wand most savagely?” he asked.

“I know about what happened with the Viscount, and it was very much warranted and long overdue. As for the slight against your honor, it is no slight if what he says is the truth.” Responded Celestia narrowing her eyes judgmentally. Bergmane’s eyes widened and his mouth moved, but no words came out.

“I believe you were about to leave Captain-General, and not stay to harass my guest?” Celestia finished for him in a stern tone. Bergman sighed and sheathed his weapon.

“Yes majesty, I was just leaving.” Replied Bergmane sullenly before turning around and walking dejectedly back out the door from whence he came. Celestia sighed before turning to Rurik.

“I am so sorry about him. I have tried to get him to retire early, but he won’t.” groaned Celestia.

“Why not just can him and be done with it?” asked Rurik.

“Because I cannot just fire him. I may wield absolute power, but it would mean breaking the laws that my sister and I laid down over a thousand years ago. As absolute monarchs Luna and I are physical personifications of the law and the moment that we arbitrarily decide to break it: we are no longer monarchs, but dictators.” Explained Celestia with a sigh.

“Good point.” Replied Rurik thoughtfully.

“Now, how about we go inside the palace? I have a room set up for you on the same floor where Luna and I have ours.” Said Celestia with a smile.

“Sounds good, then we can discuss what to do about our little problem.” Replied Rurik quietly so that only Celestia and himself could hear.

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College of Winterhold; Archmage’s office.

The doors were opened and Serana entered the large room that was the Archmage’s office and his living quarters. Behind a large oak desk sat the man himself. At first glance, Reynald Le Croixeux was not what one would expect of an Archmage of Winterhold. He was about five foot six in height, had short red hair and a well-trimmed beard and moustache of the same color. His eyes were brown and in them was the youthful fire that people would expect of the 25 year old man before them. Despite his young age, Reynald was possibly the most powerful mage of the fourth era and a highly educated and intelligent young man from a noble family of High Rock. His energetic and often cocky demeanor was a well-built façade, beneath which Serana knew lay a dangerous and calculating killer. Many fools who wished challenge him in a magic duel didn’t notice until it was too late and Reynald was delivering the killing blow: he never hesitated. Despite this, he was kind and jovial with the people who he considered friends and was a very likable fellow. As he looked up from his paperwork a smile came over his face as soon as he saw who was standing in front of his desk.

“Ah! Lady Serana! What a pleasure to see you mon ami!” said Reynald in a thick Breton accent with a kind smile and standing, whilst giving a respectful bow of his head.

“Bonjour Reynald, it is good to see you as well. How is Mjoll doing? ” asked Serana, putting on the happiest face that she could despite the reason she was before him.

“She is quite well, married life is good when you are married to someone that you are actually in love with.” Said Reynald with a smile.

“Very true.” Replied Serana. She and Rurik were two of very few people who knew why Reynald had truly left High Rock. Upon turning sixteen, Reynald’s mother and father had attempted to arrange a marriage for him with the daughter of another noble house. While the intended bride was indeed beautiful, she and Reynald couldn’t stand each other. Where Reynald was a kind and generous individual, she was a selfish, self-important shrew. Despite both of their protests, the wedding was going to be carried out anyway. Unfortunately for the parents of the two parties, Reynald was a good runner, and horseman; plus his family lived near the border of Skyrim. He eventually arrived in Riften where he met Rurik, who introduced him to Mjoll the Lioness. It was after helping her recover her cherished sword Grimsever, that the Reynald and Mjoll went on many adventures together. Not long after the Civil War with the Empire had ended, they got married.

“Please, sit down! Said Reynald motioning to a chair in front of his desk. Serana sat comfortably before Reynald sat back down in his chair. “So, how is Rurik, it has been a long time since I have seen him.” He inquired.

“That’s actually why I am here. A few days ago, Rurik and Odahviing disappeared on a mission for High King Ulfric.” Explained Serana with a sigh.

“Oh goodness! What happened?” asked Reynald, concern evident in his voice. Serana told Reynald the details about what had happened and how her beloved had disappeared, and how she knew that he was still alive.

“So, he was investigating the odd weather patterns that we were having?” asked Reynald raising an eyebrow.

“Yes.” Answered Serana.

“Fils de pute! I told Ulfric that I was looking into that! The man has no patience whatsoever!” hissed Reynald. Serana bit her tongue, knowing that Ulfric had probably asked Reynald multiple times and that the young Archmage had most likely not made it top priority and forgotten due to his heavy workload, or the eyes of his pretty wife… or both.

“Regardless, I was wondering if you could help me locate him?” inquired Serana.

“Of course I can Lady Serana. I owe you and Rurik so much. After all, it was you two that gave me the courage to ask Mjoll out on our first date.” Said Reynald with a smile.

‘And helped you become Archmage. And helped you get funding to renovate the college. And pulled your ass out of the fire on multiple occasions.’ Serana thought to herself.

“So, when can we start?” asked Serana.

“We will start tomorrow morning. I would start now, but I have too much paperwork to do that has to be done before the end of the day.” answered Reynald with a sigh.

“Well then, I will leave you too it.” Said Serana gracefully rising from her chair.

“Sleep well Lady Serana. If you need anything, just let Faralda or one of the other professors know.” Said Reynald.

“Of course, thank you for your hospitality.” Said Serana with a smile.

“You are most certainly welcome.” Finished Reynald. Serana took her leave and Reynald returned to the mountain of paperwork on his desk, swearing at the stack of paper in his native Breton tongue.

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Canterlot; Equestria.

Captain Shining Armor sat at the table of the conference room, doing his best to suppress his anger at the situation that he was now in. He had been briefed by Princess Celestia after she had given him a severe tongue lashing for his treatment of his sister’s rescuer. He still hated Rurik for the humiliating beat down that he had given him. The hoof of his wife on his shoulder brought him out of his thoughts turning to her to see her beautiful, and slightly sad smile. If she was beside him; he could tolerate the vampire.

The door opened, and Celestia entered the room with Rurik close behind clad in his impressive golden colored armor, with his intimidating helm tucked under his arm. Shining sighed at the sight of him, knowing full well what was coming next.

“Captain, I believe that you have something to say to Rurik here?” asked Celestia narrowing her eyes at him. Shining swallowed what remained of his pride and walked up to Rurik before looking him in the eye.

“Lord Rurik, I apologize for my actions the other day and hope you will forgive me for how I overreacted.” Said Shining. Rurik stared blankly at the unicorn before releasing a sigh and turning to Celestia with a disappointed look on his face.

“As much as I would like to accept your apology captain; I cannot.” Admitted Rurik, causing everyone in the room to gasp.

“But why not?” asked Celestia.

“Kulaas, in Skyrim we have a saying: You can’t force a Nord to apologize for something he isn’t sorry for; and it doesn’t apply to just Nords. That is exactly what you have done to Captain Shining Armor here, and while his actions towards me were wrong, you have forced him to apologize to me and he is therefore not truly contrite in his apology. If he wishes at some point to apologize once he has had time to cool off and realize the error of his ways, then that is fine. I am no longer upset at him for it, nor do I hold any ill will towards him as the debt was repaid by our duel. Just be aware that if there is a repeat of what happened between he and I in the forest, I will not hesitate to defend myself.” Replied Rurik. The room was absolutely quiet for about two minutes with everyone exchanging uncomfortable looks at each other, save for Rurik who kept a stoic face. It was Princess Celestia who broke the silence.

“That is acceptable, just don’t go over board is all I ask.” She said calmly.

“Excellent, now I was under the impression that your sister Luna would also be here.” Rurik pointed out.

“She is in the banquet hall awaiting us for breakfast. I would also like to wait for the Element Bearers to arrive before we discuss the business at hand. Is this well with you?” asked Celestia.

“Perfectly fine. They are privy to what is going on here so they should be here for the planning then.” Replied Rurik.

“Good,” she said before turning to one of the Wonderbolts, “Lieutenant Soarin, please go down to the train station and await the Element Bearer’s arrival. When they arrive, escort them here.”

“Yes majesty!” replied Soarin with enthusiasm whilst snapping into a salute, before taking wing and flying out the nearest window at top speed.

“Well, he seemed eager to do his job.” Rurik pointed out.

“That is because he gets to see his marefriend the whole way back.” Replied Celestia with a smile.

“Ah, who is he seeing?” asked Rurik, his curiosity peaked.

“Miss Rainbow Dash and the Lieutenant have been seeing each other for a few months now, the problem is that they don’t see each other all too frequently because of the distance between them and the Lieutenant’s schedule in the guard and his constant airshows.” Answered Celestia, with Rurik nodding in understanding. It was at that point that he noticed the pink Alicorn in the room.

“So, I have already gotten to meet Captain Shining Armor, which means that this must be his wife Princess Cadence?” he asked politely.

“Yes, this is my niece, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” she said introducing them to each other, "this is Lord Rurik Skull-Taker of the Kingdom of Skyrim.”

“Charmed your highness.” Said Rurik inclining his head respectfully.

“It is good to meet you too your grace.” Replied Cadence with a smile and a nod, while offering a hoof. Rurik took her hoof and gave a friendly handshake.

“Shall we go to breakfast then? I am sure that Luna is excited to meet you Rurik.” Said Celestia.

“Sounds good to me.” Replied Rurik.