The horses quickly trotted down the road towards Whiterun. Two day's on the road now and Tyr could see the influx of people going towards their destination, Riverwood for instance, was full of travelers from the other holds and beyond.

Outside the wall of Riverwood was a small Khajiit caravan, he didn't know the Khajiit from it though, they were new to Skyrim and resembled lions compared to the others. “What are they?” Frea asked, he remembered this was the first time she'd ever seen a Khajiit before.

“Khajiit, the cat men of Elsweyr. They came here to trade by the look's of it.” He said, looking at the caravan guards using an interesting crescent moon shaped shields. “Einar, why so many foreigners?”

“Not a clue uncle, probably came to make a profit or sell skooma, keep your coin purse close though, cats'll rob you blind.”

“What village is this?” Teldryn asked, looking around at the buildings and the mountain.

“It's Riverwood, why?” Tyr said, he watched as Teldryn scan the village and it's people.

“I've been looking for a place to... settle down, retire.” He said, Tyr scoffed.

“Retire, you?”

“Everyone has a day to retire, been a spellsword for... close to two centuries now. Been across Tamriel more then once, hell even been to Akavir once, retiring doesn't sound so bad. Hope I'll find me a pretty girl 'fore I do.”

“Gerdur and her husband Lod are in charge of the town, you'll need to ask them, see if they can supply you some supplies.” He said, Teldryn looked around the town and then at the clear space across the river close to the bridge.

“That spot'll do, just gotta clear the brush. I'll speak with them on the way home.”

“You have the gold for a house?”

“You kidding? I've got gold stashed away here in Skyrim, it's hidden away in my old dwelling in the Grey Quarter, should be enough.”

“Good, as always I will be happy to help you.” As the horses rounded the hill outside Riverwood they could then see the massive city of Whiterun and the large retinue of people camped outside it's walls.

“Ulfric is expanding the farm's here in the hold so we can increase our food supplies, mercenaries from across Tamriel are also gathering here.” Einar said, “Come on, we're a little late, hyah!” He urged the horse and it quickly ran down the hill towards the city. Tyr urged his horse forward and quickly rode after Einar.

The gate's of Whiterun were open, though they had to leave their horses at the city stables, the city was still crowded with people. Local guards and Stormcloak soldiers were all over the place, some manning the walls and towers while some patrolled through the city. He even saw one of the few mages in service to the Stormcloak army walking towards the gate.

The mage he saw wore a long gambeson tunic that ended a little past his ankles and, like most Stormcloaks, he wore chainmail over the gambeson. His hood was also padded like the gambeson and he had iron gauntlets on his arm's and leather boots. He had several scrolls tied to his belt and a spell tome next to them. He had an iron sword sheathed on his belt and he walked with a long staff with a gem atop it.

Mages, let alone combat mages, were once rare among Nordic armies, but now Ulfric has a use for them to combat Imperial and Thalmor magic users in combat and to also provide support to non mages and to provide healing services to the wounded. This mage was no Nord, he, unlike the other two with him, was a Breton. “Uncle if you'd excuse me I have to report too Sinmir.”

“Will you be coming home with us?”

“I doubt it, he's been having me ferry messages from Markarth to Winterhold.” Tyr walked to his nephew and hugged him.

“Talos guide you Einar.”

“And you.” He let go and made his way through the crowd of people.

“The boy... ” Teldryn said, “Are his parents... ?”

“Yes, I raised Einar until he was sixteen, he then joined the Stormcloaks, and I left for Cyrodiil soon after.” He said, “Come on, we wont get far by talking.” They then continued into the crowded city.

Another guard, though this one much larger, walked towards the Dragonborn and Einar. “Dragonborn, please follow me. The High King is expecting you.” He said. The guard was much more armored than the normal Stormcloak soldier.

He had a set of steel plate that had Nordic engravings on each plate and a long blue cloak covering it with a bear's pelt on his shoulders. His helmet was like the standard helmet except with wings on the side and an aventail made from brass chainmail rings. His pauldrons had iron dragon's on them and his gauntlets were engraved. The cloth between his legs was made from the same bear pelt on his back, covering some of the armor on his legs.

Under the plate he saw thick padding and he had a large iron axe on his back. “Lead the way.” Tyr said. The guard nodded and led him through the crowd. The market square was as busy as it ever was, but more armorers seemed to take residence there. A wood elf and his assistants were hard at work at a forge making iron weapons while another was sitting at a table hammering leather scales to a linen vest. “Whiterun seem's busy.”

“Busier than normal yes, the smiths are hard at work making weapons and armor for the soldiers and tools for the workers.” Along the once dilapidated walls he saw several people adding mortar and lime to the old stone walls to repair it. “Mine, as well as the other members of Ulfric's personal guard, had our armor forged at the skyforge while our weapons were made at the Lunar forge outside of town.”

“Why's that, the Empire is leagues away.”

“Ulfric is readying the army to retake and reinforce the boarders and bandit held castles and caves throughout Skyrim, it wont be long until those cowards either submit or die fighting.” The guard then led them into the cloud district, where he saw the many large and wealthy upper class buildings and the site of the great gildergreen tree that was in the center of town, nearby he saw the local priest of Talos shouting away while other's prayed with him.

“Such a beautiful tree... the All-maker himself must have planted it.” Frea said, she weaved passed the crowd of kynareth worshipers and locals and walked up to the tree. Grabbing a nearby box she stood up on it and reached for one of the of the branches and picked one of it's fruits and put it in her bag.

“Come Frea, let's see what Ulfric wants.” Tyr said, walking past her with the guard. The steps to the keep were covered in heavily armed guards and wealthy citizens of Skyrim and foreign merchants. He recognized two orc chieftains of Skyrim's local orc strongholds also among the crowd.

Inside Dragonsreach were several other Jarls, Stormcloak commanders, wealthy people's, and merchants sitting at the large tables. The Khajiit merchant Ri'saad, his escort Kharjo and another Khajiit, were all standing next to one of the wooden pillars. “Ahh, my nord friend, did the king call upon you as well?”

“That he did, he called upon you?”

“No, but I do have some requests that would benefit he and the new jarl.”

“Good too hear, I also have a job for you and your caravan,” He saw Ulfric walk out into the hall and sit on the jarl's throne with Balgruuf, Irileth, and Galmar standing beside him. “But I'll wait for the ceremony to be finished first.” Galmar banged on the floor with his axe's shaft and the hall soon became silent.

“Jarl's of Skyrim, friends and allies of the hold, you all today will witness the ascension of Balgruuf to former position of Jarl of Whiterun, though there has been some disagreements among the other Jarls about this choice.” Balgruuf walked towards jarl and knelt.

“Balgruuf, my friend, do you accept my right as king and do you accept the terms I had given you prior?”

“I do... my king.” He said, Irileth sat close by. “I Balgruuf, do swear on my life and my loyalty to the gods that govern us that I, swear my fealty and loyalty not just too you, but too Skyrim herself, and will proudly give my life for her when the time comes.” He then unsheathed a dagger from his belt and cut his hand, he then set it on his chest.

“Then rise brother, and take your place as Jarl yet again.” Balgruuf rose and stood next to Ulfric. “Now, back too other matters. As you all know and have noticed, there are other's here wishing for a place in Skyrim. Let those who wish to speak, speak.” One of the Orc chieftans stood up, Tyr recognized him as Mauhulakh of Narzulbur.

“My king, the orcs of Skyrim have been living among the Nords for centuries. We have no and have had no reason to hate our neighbors. If you allow it, we will fight for the land we call home.” Galmar and several others looked at Ulfric.

“Even before my time as king, I had fought alongside Orcs in the Legion as did many of the men and women once here did, many have saved me along the fields of battle many times after during the Great War, and I named many of these Orcs as my friends, my shield-brothers, my brothers.” He said, much praise coming from someone who speaks highly against most of the Mer races. “I have respect for the Orcs, as capable warriors and friends. If the Orcs wish to fight with us, then fight with us they will. The skills of the Orsimer are always welcome in Skyrim.”

The chieftain bowed and sat back down in his chair. Ri'saad then stood and walked to where the orc stood, and gave the chieftain a friendly nod. Some of the Nord's in the room murmured among themselves. He bowed and looked at Ulfric. “My king, I am Ri'saad, I am the owner of the many caravans that move through this land.”

“What is it you wish to ask of my Khajiit?” Ulfric asked.

“To the west, in the plains far from this city is a place called Robbers gorge, my caravans have taken up residence there for a safe place for us to rest, shelter, resupply, and a place to establish a base of operations in the hold. When we must we cater to the needs of many a weary traveler and soldier. I am willing to pay tribute in gold, silver, or gems once a month if you, Jarl Balgruuf, can send soldiers to protect us from the Bandits and wildlife.”

“What say you Balgruuf, will you let these... cat's, work out of the gorge.”

“If... all intentions of your caravans are for trade then yes, I will allow it. But you will cater and house any soldier that I send you.”

“We will treat them as king's, my Jarl.” He bowed again, and walked to the other Khajiit. Ulfric then looked at Tyr.

“Dragonborn... have you anything to say?” The large crowd then looked at Tyr.

“Nothing my king, I am simply glad to see Balgruuf back on the throne of Whiterun.” The new Jarl didn't say anything, just slowly nodded his head in response. He was still clearly sore about the siege.

“Hm... as you say brother, I suppose that concludes this meeting, come Galmar, let's return to Windhelm.”

“Yes my king.” Before Tyr could leave the king called for him.

“Dragonborn, we must speak. Balgruuf you come as well.” He said. He stood up out of the throne and walked up into the war room above the great hall. Balgruuf and Iraleth followed him, though she stopped to the beginning of the stairs.

“What do you think he wants?”

“We will soon know, wait by the stairs... ” He said, walking his way through the crowd and up into the war room above the throne. There he saw Ulfric, Galmar, and Balgruuf waiting for him. Ulfric was looking over the map of Skyrim.

“Welcome Dragonborn, how was your journey to Solesthiem?” The king asked.

“It was fine,” He replied, "What is it you need of me?"

“I wish to show you the future of Skyrim brother, the future you helped us fight for.” He said, taking one of the small wooden pieces and setting it on Winterhold and the boarder's of Skyrim. “The Orc's of Skyrim are with us, that's a start, what we need to accomplish is the liberation of our castles, forts, prisons, and outposts throughout the hold, establish a solid foothold here in Skyrim, show the Imperials and their elven masters Skyrim does not belong to them.”

“It will take a large army to do this my King, how do you attempt on doing this?” Balgruuf asked.

“We will force a conscription upon the major holds, the new recruits will be trained in Solitude, Windhelm, Markarth, and here in Whiterun. I will also hire mercenaries to aid us.”

“And what of the bandits across the kingdom? The Forsworn?”

“We will force them to surrender or wipe them out, simple as that. We need to focus our efforts on bolstering out defenses along our boarders and increase the ships in our fleet.”

“And what do you need of me?” Tyr asked.

“Nothing as of late, if I need of the Dragonborn, I will call upon him. Question is... will he fight for Skyrim once again if need be?”

“If she needs me too.” Tyr replied.

“And when she does, I'll join you and we can fight again as brothers once more as we once did in Solitude.” He said, “Return home brother, you had done enough for Skyrim as of now.” Tyr bowed and walked out of the room. At the foot of the stairs he saw Teldryn and Iraleth talking. When he got closer she broke off the conversation and walked right past him.

“And what were you two talking about?”

“Oh nothing much, just simple gossip.”

“Mhm, that red mark on your face says other wise.” Teldryn laughed wryly and coughed, rubbing the spot where she punched him.

“Lets just say I said a few... things not very noble of me, after that we talked more in our native tongue, she said Riverwood is a fine place to settle if your looking for retirement.”

“You try convincing her to join you?”

“That's one of the reason she hit me... though if I live in Riverwood it won't be the first time I'll be seeing her.”

“Where's Frea?” He asked, Teldryn pointed near the door and there he saw her leaning against a pillar close to the door, she was speaking to someone there. Once he got closer he realized it was Lydia, a close friend and his houscarl. She lived in his old home here in Whiterun.

“Greetings my thane, how was your journey?” She asked.

“It was well, clear weather night and day.”

“Ha, when your around all you have to do is look up in the sky and shout. L..Lok-bah something.”

“Lok-vah-koor, ” He said quietly, hoping not to frighten the people in the keep and most of Whiterun.

“Whatever, so where are you all heading now?”

“Home, we are stopping in Riverwood on the way. Where are you going so armed?”

“Sinmir has ordered me and Uthgerd to escort a group of imperial prisoners to a prison in Eastmarch, a bit northwest of fort Amol, along the White River.”

“I know of it, I thought it was abandoned?”

“It was, until recently. Ulfric sent troops there to clear it out and begin repairs. They recently announced it to be livable about a week ago.”

“Walk with us to the gate, would you Lydia?” He asked, picking up her sword and strapping her shield to her back she walked with him with a smile.

As they continued through the crowded city Lydia looked too Teldryn. “I don't think we've been properly introduced yet. I'm Lydia.” She extended her hand and Teldryn shook it.

“Teldryn Sero of Blacklight. Pleased to meet you miss Lydia, our friend has mentioned you quite a bit on our adventure through Solsthiem.”

“Something good I hope, I'd like to hear these stories one day, if I have the time to visit that is.” Upon reaching the front gate of Whiterun and eventually the stables, Tyr could see the large group of Imperial prisoners lined up.

There was about twenty in total and still wearing the armor they were captured in, most men but about five were Orcs and a single Argonian clad in officers armor. Each had ropes tied around their necks that connected to the other man behind them, while there were heavy iron shackles on their hands.

Most had the wounds they received when they were captured, some had bloodied rags on their heads, covering their eye's, arms, and legs. One man was held up by a friend so the former could balance properly, using a broken spear slung under his arm as a crutch.

One of the Orcs had both of his broken arms bound to his chest in a sling and the cloth that covered them was stained red. The worst injury was that of the Argonian officer, his tail had been shortened and had a bloodied rag on the stump while many of his natural horns were broken off. The two guards escorting them were mounted on horses while another four were walking.

Lydia walked to her horse and climbed up onto it. “I'll try to visit more often, this task won't take to long.” She said, pulling on the reigns her horse let off a small snort and slowly cantered towards the group, it stopped next to the officers horse. ”I'll see you within a week no longer!” She yelled and waved as the convoy began to move.

Replying with a wave Tyr walked to the small caravan, there he saw Ri'saad, he was helping another Khajiit load their wagon. “Now,” He said, “What do you want me to do?”

“When your bearings are ready, collect Kharjo and your finest guards.” The cat mumbled to himself and sighed.

“My friend, Ri'saad has not been a sellsword for many many moons, perhaps you—”

“No no, not that. I need you to help me deliver something. Once your ready I'll meet you at the gorge, I'll explain the rest there.” The cat narrowed his eyes and swished his tail around the ground.

“Do you have the gold for this venture?” He took a bag from his belt and threw it to him, the Khajiit caught it in his hands and sniffed the bag. “Mmm... smells like the right amount.” He said.

“A few gems in there too, a chestful once we finish, enough to buy a ship.” Said Tyr. The Khajiit bounced the reasonably heavy bag in his hands. After a minute he chuckled and threw the pouch to one of his guards.

“And a ship is something I we need, and what's left I'll buy more guards. Very well, Ri'saad will be ready in three days, long enough?”

“Aye, that'll do. I'll see you there friend.” The cat nodded and walked back to his caravan, while Teldryn and Frea fetched the horses, Teldryn already mounted and ready to leave. Walking over to his mare he placed his foot in the stirrup and climbed into the saddle, extending his arm down to help Frea onto the horse.

Pulling on the reigns the horse turned and trotted next to Teldryn's horse and down the road to Riverwood, passing several carts and tents alongside the road.

Though as he was making his way home, he felt as if someone was staring at him. Looking up at the nearby barrow, Bleak Falls barrow to be exact, he felt as if someone there was watching him.

Something wasn't right...

*****Equestria*****

Sitting in the strange white room has already made him feel somewhat uncomfortable, the smell of this strange medicine the Equestrian's call morphine and peroxide had already began to give him a slight headache. The room and even the apothecary they called a 'Hospital' it was decorated with small orange and black streamers and small pumpkins. As was the rest of Ponyville.

Though the small yet bright glowing orb being shinned in both of his eye's was the more distracting part, having used it prior to check his mouth and a smaller one to see into his ears. “Hmm, eye's are good.” The nurse he knew as Red heart said, taking the small wand away and placing it in a pocket on her gown.

“Is this necessary?” He grumbled, looking at Twilight who was sitting against the wall in a chair.

“Princesses orders, that and your an entirely new species, we have to make sure you can adapt to the illnesses and diseases here in Equestria.”

“I assure you I'll manage...” He said, while the nurse pulling up his sleeve and wiping a small wet tab on one of his veins. Once his attention was drawn back to the nurse he realized she was about to stick a thin needle into his arm. Reacting, or perhaps overeating, he grabbed her arm and yanked it away. “What exactly are you trying to do?”

“J-just taking a small blood sample, to determine your blood type!” She replied.

“Miraak... give the nice doctor her hand back please.” He quietly stared at her and looked back at Twilight, not breaking eye contact he let go and set his hand aside. A little shaken up, Redheart took a breath and continued her work.

Still unflinching as she stuck the small needle into his arm, he still stared at Twilight.

The thin plastic tube connected to it filled up with a small modem of blood. She then took out the needle and placed a small bandage over the hole.

“Well that seems like we're done for today, come back a week after Nightmare Night and we'll continue onward.” She said, setting the blood sample into a small plastic bag. Twilight set her magazine aside and stood up, Miraak, putting his mask back on and getting off the small bed did the same.

“A week after Nightmare Night, got it.” Said Twilight. They both walked out of the room and went towards the entrance while the doctor went deeper into the hospital.

“What is this Nightmare Night?” He asked. “It sounds dreadful.”

“It's nothing bad, unless you hate pranks. Nightmare Night is a holiday we have here where we dress up as scary monsters or fictional hero's and go from house to house collecting all sorts of candy. My friend Minuette isn't a big fan of it, mainly due to her being a dentist.”

As they exited the building the fall smell of burning leaves then crept to his nose, a better smell than the medicine inside. “Spike and I will be dressing up, not sure what I'll be yet though, hoping I can scare someone this year. Fluttershy got us good last year.”

“The quiet one?” She nodded and then went on how she used her animals in her scheme to frighten them.

An interesting choice of holiday... He thought, more focused on the thought of his studies in his chambers. He toned out Twilight's rambling and continued to think until they walked into a small park.

“Hey, mind if I ask you a question?” She said, somewhat snapping him out of his trance with a surprised "Hmm?". “That magic you use, where did you learn how to use it?”

“I was trained under the tutelage of the priest Konahrik in the city of Bromjunaar. Along with myself I was taught with two others, Vahlok and Nahkriin. There I learned all the branches of magic, Destruction, Illusions, Alteration, Conjuration, Restoration, Mysticism, Thaumaturgy, and Enchanting.” They both continued to walk as Miraak explained the many magics of Nirn. Twilight then sat on a bench and watched as Miraak used a stick to draw the symbols of the magic branches in the dirt.

“Along with magic I learned how to shout from the many Dragons that inhabited the lands at the time, as well as more physical combat from a brute of a man named Skjall. After they discovered what I was, my training somewhat took a turn from normal magic.” She sketched the symbols into the small notebook she always had on her. “While I was imprisoned Apocrypha many modern spell tomes arrived, though the books had a strange habit of destroying themselves after being read through.”

“Wait they'd destroy themselves? Why?!” He simply shrugged.

“I do not know, I expected the one's here to do the same. Most were... naturally unimpressive and made by Elves.”

“Elves?”

“Another race on Nirn, some think themselves to be the masters of magic, the superior race of Tamriel. Hmph... I would like to show them who truly masters magic. Though these books were pointless, I've read through them hundreds of times, I know them like the back of my hand. Word for word.” She set her notebook aside.

“Word for word huh?” He nodded, “Hmm, well I know your usually... well bored, sitting in the castle all day. Maybe to occupy yourself you could rewrite some of these book for my library?”

“And to learn these spells, last time I tried doing that the spell you used nearly froze Spike solid, you cant control them well enough.” He said, “I understand your an Alicorn, and from what I've read they are masters of the arcane on this world.”

“Well yes I suppose they are... slightly difficult, specially the one you showed me. I needed a better guide on how to do it.”

“It was a rune spell... nothing that advanced.” He stated, she replied with a simple huff and snotty look. “And to answer your prior question, I suppose. There is really nothing else to do.” She nearly lit up from that, quikly jumping up from the bench and trampling the Destruction tree he had etched.

“Thank you! I cant wait to read the first one!” She said, nearly hugging him before backing up. “Ahem, well if your looking for more to do I suppose you could accompany me to the forest?”

“Why the forest?”

“My friend Zecora, she has a basket of herbs waiting for me. Wanna come?” Having nothing else to do he shrugged and walked with her. Even though she could sometimes annoy him, he was starting to somewhat enjoy her company.

The forest, as most sometimes were, was a dark and broody place and yet full of life, though nothing compared to the forests that grew in Skyrim. Yet like those, this one was no doubt filled with things that would like to attack them if they strayed far off the road. This Zecora was an equine like Twilight, though a cousin to her species called a Zebra, as Twilight had explained on their way into the forest. “Why exactly do you need these herbs?”

“Well some are for potions, some are for spices, and some are just there to look nice.” She said.

“I did not know you studied alchemy princess, what things did you plan on creating?”

“Oh... just a few things I was reading about in an old tome I pulled from the nearby castle.”

“Enlighten me... ” He said bluntly. Letting off a small cough and noticing a hint of red in her face.

“It's a uh... sort of love potion.” Now, even he was slightly curious.

“I have never heard of such thing. Care to enlighten me?” With a short cough she then pointed ahead, right at the strangely built house ahead of them.

“Oh look we're here, come on lets go on in.” She said, walking slightly faster and towards the door. Miraak, before heading in, looked at the strange house.

And I thought the Elves were strange when it came to their homes... He followed Twilight up to door. As soon as he got to her she knocked.

Only silence followed, knocking again and hearing nothing Twilight began to tap her hoof impatiently on the wooden steps.

Knocking again and still no answer she looked through one of the windows. “Zecora, you home?” She looked around the window again and continued to knock.

“Twilight.” He said, when she turned she saw he was pointing at a small scroll stuck in the door. Taking the scroll and unwrapping it she quietly mumbled what it said.

“Hm, seems she wont be back until tomorrow, buuuut, she did leave my order in a basket on the table.” She said, taking the small key tied to the scroll she unlocked the door and pushed it open.

“Where did she go?” He asked, walking with her into the hut. He was quite impressed with the level of craftsmen-ship in the home, the cabinets, stairs, and even bed frame by the looks of it were all carved from the tree.

But what caught his attention first was the smell of herbs and other aromas hidden behind the door to the house.

“Meadow vale, it's a small Bat pony settlement deep in the forest, looks like some foals caught Swamp Fever, hope they'll be okay.”

“Is she the local healer, this Zecora?”

“In a way, she, Fluttershy, and Mage Meadowbrook are the local herbalists, well Fluttershy more on the animal side but she knows her stuff when it comes to other ponies.” He looks at the now empty cauldron in the center of the room and at the many plants that are growing in pots around the house.

“She does indeed have an impressive collection, and judging by the handwritten books a vast knowledge of plants and medicine.” He then flipped a page and saw various potion recipes for improving the body for a short time, extra strength, speed, intelligence, and even disease immunity, though only for a short time. “I take it the one you are making is an altering potion, to help someone.”

“Kinda yes, well I've got all my things here, ready to go?”

“I suppose, lets continue.” He said, closing the book and walking out the door with Twilight. As they exited Twilight his the key under a rock. “Isn't it dangerous to live this far in the forest?”

“Yes but she has her ways, the potions she makes can keep the larger and more dangerous creatures away. So she manages, from time to time.” As they continued down the path they walked into a large clearing, he looked around and saw the remains of tree's, now nothing but scorched stumps.

What caught his eye was a large boulder, at least several tons was completely smooth along the top, as if cut clean in half by something powerful. “What happened here?”

“Tirek happened.” She said, though she didn't seem happy to mention him.

“Tirek, what is that?”

“Tirek is a centaur, he attacked Equestria a few years back and stole the natural magics of all four pony tribes. He tried to take mine but I showed him I wasn't easily beaten.”

“What do you mean he... "stole" their magic?” She stopped walking and looked around, once she saw a better spot, mainly under the shade of a tree, she set her basket down and sat on a scorched stump.

“He... has this power, that can allow him too, well... literally eat someones magic, thus making him more powerful and allowing him to use said magic for his own.”

“Was it painful? Having your magic ripped from you.” He asked, picking up a small yellow flower from the ground.

“There wasn't any pain but... you did feel something... an emptiness almost. Is there something like that where you are from?”

“Yes, it is best I tell you fully before turning Spike pale again.” He said, “Whenever I kill a Dragon, I devour it's soul, I take it's power. Something almost similar to what you described. Another way, a spell does this as well except it can effect anything, it is called Soul Trap.”

“Doesn't sound too helpful.” She said.

“No, it isn't. You bind their soul for a moment, and if they die an empty gem called a soul gem is then filled with their soul. These gems are used in enchanting purposes.”

“Well, as far as I know magics like that are, well illegal here. We have Solar and Lunar sentinels while Griffons have Witch hunters, they track down, arrest, and usually burn all knowledge based around magic like that. Necromancy is one of them, one of the worst in my view.”

“It is present on my world, does this one have a history with it?” She nodded.

“Yeah a pretty bad one, a long time ago a pony called Sombra attempted to use it to make an unstoppable army of undead Diamond Dogs, Yaks, and a supporting army of crystal golems. He achieved it, but it wasn't as powerful as he thought. In the end, he was imprisoned in the frozen north.”

“He had similar power to this Tirek?”

“No... though I'd be curious to see who'd win, at least they're gone.”

“Princess, don't mind my prying but I'm curious,” She looked at him and set her basket at her hooves. “Who exactly is this... "Love potion" for, are you trying too woo someone?” She blushed slightly and a wry laugh followed.

“It's uh... no... I'm not trying to, how you say... "Woo" somepony. I'm actually trying to help somepony, well... two someponies.” She said. “And it's not exactly a Love Potion, it's along those lines but it's really a fertility potion.”

“Oh?”

“You remember Big Mac right?” He nodded, still slightly embarrassed she continued. “Well... he and his marefriend, Sugarbelle, have been together for sometime now and recently... they've trying to have a foal, guess things aren't working so well so she contacted me and Zecora. I found the recipe, she gathered the supplies.”

“Ahh... I see. Is she barren?” He asked, Twilight let out an almost sad sigh and then a shrug.

“Maybe, but this'll help, in a small way at least. I had a question for you.”

“I'm listening.” He said, crossing his arms.

“I'm not exactly... skilled when it comes to your magic, if you wouldn't mind... could you help me?”

“Help you?”

“Yes, teach me.” She said, “The magic, the spells, I'm curious and I want too know more about this Nirn and your the only one who knows about it, teach me.”

“It may be hard for you princess as it is for me. Your magic is rather complicated, it requires a conductor of sorts, something to help amplify it.” He looks at her horn. “Your horn, a wand, and a staff for instance are needed.”

“Well you are right, only a select few can use magic here, Alicorns, Unicorns, Kirin, and Deer can all naturally use it while other races here do have their own form of magic, but it's used in different ways, a wand or staff for instance or even an enchanted item, but it requires years of training to perfect.”

“While beings where I am from can all naturally use it. Magic isn't something we are born with, we choose whether to use it or not.” He said. “Which is why I am having my own trouble learning your Unicorn based magic's, I have no horn or item to amplify the spell. And mine may not even work for you.”

“Perhaps, but hey there's no shame in tr—” A loud howling cut her off and silenced all the birds in the tree's.

Jumping up she quickly scooped up the basket and stood close to him. “Wolves?” He asked. She simply shook her head.

“Timber Wolves, come on lets get out of the forest!” She grabbed his hand and drug him out of the small clearing, after they quickly returned into the dark of the forest he ripped his hand from hers.

“You are running from simple wolves princess, wolves.” He said, “I have seen you do rather wondrous things with magic and deadly things by the look of that clearing, why not just kill them?”

“Believe me it's harder than you think.” She replied, the howling grew much closer and a hint of yellow eye's could be seen in the forest mist. “They're here... ” She said, her horn now glowing brightly.

He looked around at the numerous glowing eye's, some getting closer while others simply stared. “Laas Yah Niir!” The shout allowed him to see through the forest, seeing the many various animals hiding and fleeing from the large glowing creatures surrounding them.

There was indeed many of them.

A spell was forming in his hands, ice and cold mist formed around his wrists. Firing an icy spear into the forest he hit one, after the spear made impact it then exploded, causing said wolf to yelp loudly and have it's are severed from it's body.

Due to the shout he could see the wolf spasm on the ground due to it's injury and two of the wolves behind it slowly backed into the forest away from their now maimed and dying companion.

But to his surprise the wolf stopped screaming, letting off small whimpers he watched it's arm reconnect itself to it's body and stand back up. “...Strange... ” Before he could fire another spell at it the wolf lept from the forest and onto the path ahead with three of it's pack mates.

Now seeing these beasts in full he saw their wooden bodies charging towards them. “As I said! Hard. To. Get rid of!” Twilight reminded him. Now seeing that they were made of wood he resorted to fire based spells.

“Yol Toor Shul!” He shouted, cascading two in flames while Twilight's spell caused the other to explode. One that missed his fire was quickly dispatched by one of his lightning bolts striking it's side, causing it to explode into hundreds of splinters and sticks.

Out of the corner of his eye another one of the wooden wolves burst from the tree line and latched it's wooden fangs on his arm. Miraak winced under his mask, letting out a low growl. “FEIM ZII GRON!” His arm and body then became ethereal, the wolf losing it's grip on his arm and giving Miraak enough time too ready a spell.

The resulting blast of lightning sent the wolf flying into the forest and crashing through several branches and bushes. As another two wolves ran from the forest he fired two more blasts of lightning at them, causing one to explode into splinters and sending the other too the ground.

Before he could use his shout again he felt someone grab onto his hand.

With an unexpected flash of light he now found himself in the castle, right next to the map of Equestria. "T-those... were Timber Wolves!" She said, now panting and leaning on one of the chairs. “Completely made of wood, can rebuild themselves, and lets hope you didn't start a forest fire!”

“They would have killed us, well, maybe you.” He said, Twilight simply shot him an annoyed look. Regaining her breath she stood up and picked up her basket of herbs.

“Listen, I'm just as much a mage as you are, while you were ripping them apart with your lightning I was trying to get us outta there!” She shouted, a tone he hadn't heard her use. “Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.” She said, wiping some dust and leaves from her jacket she then turned and walked towards the door.

“Oh and your wrist is bleeding.” She said, shutting the door behind her. He could hear her hooves echoing in the halls. Looking down at his wrist he sat down and ripped off the ruined cloth.

He groaned as he pulled out a long wooden tooth from his wrist as well as several small splinters. After the wood was cleared from his wound he used his ripped cloth to wipe away the blood and used a spell to seal the wound. Looking at the ripped fabric he huffed. “Wooden animals... wonderful.” He stuck his hand through the ripped fabric “The seamstress can help me here.”

Getting out of the chair and taking the bloodied cloth with him he exited the room and towards his quarters.

Sitting in one of the three small chairs in his quarters, Miraak removed his mask and rubbed his head. After setting it aside he began to ponder on the events that transpired today. But what seemed to occupy his thoughts were trying to figure out this worlds magic...

...And this being Tirek. Even at my full power... I still lost to him. He though, I will return Tyr... and when I do. Your soul will be mine...

But first, I have to teach Twilight, and in return I learn the secrets here, this... Tirek, his ability to absorb magic can be of use too me before I return to Tamriel.

I need to wait... I had been patient once before, and I will be once again...

Author's Note

Well this took longer than expected, but anywho here's the recent chapter. Enjoy

If there are sentences that confuse anyone please let me know and I'll explain.