AE3 The Story Of Iriisii Dovahkiin

   A strange feeling comes over her, she cannot make out what it means but she keeps a watchful eye out. From one of the corners of the room, a faint wispy, shadowlike cloud forms, the light within the room dimming somewhat.

    Tricia: "Who are you and are you from inside this crystal?"

    Cloud: "No, I am not. She who lies within is the 'Imperatrex Iriisii Dovahkiin' also called the 'Dragon of War'. Long have we sought for one who could return us to what we once were and held. Untold eons ago, we were usurped by he who calls himself the One, True God. One by one, he hunted and absorbed those of us he could into himself, increasing his power. The rest of us hid ourselves in the darkest, most dangerous reaches of this universe. We would have escaped if we could have, yet by then his power had grown until he could shut the gates and imprison us within.

     Now comes one with the power to set things right again, his gaze is being held by something. Something that seems to have him enthralled, or he would have noticed this one arriving through the 'Hellmouth'. Those who help her in her tasks will know her blessings, those who stand in her way will know what it is to be damned for all time."

     Tricia: "Wait! What does Imperatrix mean? What does 'Dragon of War' mean?"

     Cloud: "'Dragon of War' in part describes her position as First of the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse', greater agents of change within Existence. As the First, she is the true 'Aspect of War', she has also been acclaimed by Dragonkind to be the 'Mother of All Dragons', she must be the one to reveal the why of that. 'Imperatrix' means she has been declared 'Empress' of all the 'Dream Worlds'. This is an honor never before given to any god or goddess, for each world in each universe, within the entirety of Existence has a Dream World, and all are within the same dimension although separated one from the other. Those who ruled each Dream World have given fealty to her, and so she watches over and protects them, drawing them together and anchoring them with their 'Waking Worlds'."

     Tricia: "Then why is she here if she is so important a figure?"

     Cloud: "She hunts the greatest dangers, the worst enemies, those who would see Existence fall into chaos and destruction. Only she can do this without disrupting the 'Balance', for it is her supreme task to protect and restore it for all who live in this Existence. For only one from within can be the one to restore, if those outside attempted it, it would only hasten its ultimate death. She was called here by those of us who dwell in the shadows, for we are not strong enough to stand against that which comes, but she is. Help her and she will in turn help you."

     Tricia: "And what is it that I need her help with?"

     Cloud: "To set your feet upon the 'Path of the Gods'."

     Tricia: "No! I am not capable of doing anything like that. I do not want that responsibility. I do not want or deserve such power."

     Cloud: "You are much like she was in her mortal years, for she said much the same as you have, yet you see her before you as an example of what is possible."

     Tricia: "She was once mortal? How is it possible for a mortal to become a god?"

     Cloud: "She did so through a 'Test of Apotheosis', given to her as she defended her Empire and its people from enslavement and unholy destruction by a vampiric race of reptilians they called the Tsaesci. Had she failed, all of them would have become 'cattle' to the victors. When she saw she could not win by force of arms, due to a certain Daedric Lord having placed himself on the field to sway the course of the battle. She sent her soldiers to safety, while she stood alone against the Tsaesci army. She called her brother Horsemen to her, and together they summoned a dark force from her race's past. She bargained for the use of the Spell of Starfire, and paid for it with the souls of all the enemy troops to fall to her, and the physical body of the Daedric Lord who had manipulated this war into happening.

     The use of the spell, summoned from one of the Dark, and channeled by one of the Light, fulfilled the requirement for Apotheosis for her. Even though this was the furthest thing in her mind as she did it. It won the battle for her and saved the people of Tamriel, even as her own life hung in the balance by the most slender of threads. Her mate, Rigmor Ragnarsdottier, of the House of Ragnar, High Queen of Cyrodiil, called upon the 'Gods of Eld' to help save Iriisii's life. They were able to heal her body but not her soul, for the Spell damaged both."

     Tricia: "There must have been some way to heal her soul, her mate would not have left her like that!"

     Cloud: "Days later, Iriisii woke and having found the answer to that in a dream walk, told her mate what had to be done. Rigmor went and gathered all that was needed. Then prepared the site for what was to come next. The battlefield and the land around it was a smoking, desecrated ruin. No life would live there forever more, unless the land could somehow be healed. Iriisii and Rigmor, summoned the 'Dark One' again, but this time it was the 'Spell of Rebirth' that was asked for. And this time it was summoned from one of the Light and channeled through one of the Dark.

     Iriisii put her life and soul on the line once more, this time to heal instead of destroy. The Spell healed the land, and her soul. In channeling through the Dark One, a Fallen One, once of the Light, she found deep inside the Dark One, all that was left of that Light, and brought it back out. The Dark One receded into the depths of the body and mind, and the Light regained control of the body it lost when Illyria fell and became Desidarius.

     And to commemorate this event, the Goddess Kyne, Goddess of the Air, the Rains, and the Hunt, turned that now restored battlefield into her garden. Iriisii had a Temple erected there to honor all those who lost their lives in that battle, and Kyne planted her nameless white flowers as far as the eye could see. The scent bearing the promise of peace to all who breathe the scent of those flowers.

     And all this and more, she did as a mortal, with a mortal's outlook, a mortal's problems. Overcoming the pains and sacrifices she was called upon to make and endure. She did this not for herself but for her people. For she felt that she who would stand and rule should be the greatest servant to those she ruled over. It was later, that having now passed 'Apotheosis', she worked to bring all of Nirn into her Empire, then on her daughter reaching adulthood, she would step down and pass the throne to her."

     Tricia: "What happened afterward?"

     Cloud: "She continued to protect Nirn and Tamriel from threats that arose, until she felt the 'Calling' and both she and Rigmor accepted the invitation to join with the 'Gods of Eld', where she is now their 'Harbinger' and 'Battle Mistress'. She is accounted as of the 'Line of Kthanid' former leader of them, and has even begun her own 'Line' of which she has four direct 'children'."

     Tricia: "You said that Rigmor ascended with her? How could this be?"

     Cloud: "The 'Rebirth' of the battleground was her 'Test of Apotheosis'. As well as it should have been, for had it not been successful, her true love, Iriisii would have 'Fallen' to 'Desidarius' and been lost to her forevermore. Now Illyria is mated to them both, and even Desidarius has been granted a new body and is accepted as their mate as well. Iriisii has forged new paths, where before there were none. Redemption is now possible for those of the Dark to return to the Light, and to those willing to risk all to maintain the 'Great Balance' a path to Godhood is now firmly in place. And soon a path will be forged for even Gods to cross into the Final Gate and enter the Great Beyond, and so they will no longer fear eternity trapped in 'Where the Dead Gods Lie Dreaming'."

     Tricia: "When will she awaken?"

     Cloud: "When she is ready. You must watch over her, protect her until she awakens. If she is taken by your Psy-Ops, it could spell the return of your world to what it was in the beginning, a molten ball of liquid rock and elements. If she is held safe and awakens when she is ready, she will become your world's savior. I must go now, before the Angelics detect my presence."

     Tricia: "Then what are you? A demon?"

     Cloud: "No! You should know this, any who disagree with he who calls himself the 'One True God' feels is a threat to him are branded as Evil, Demonic, Liars. Yet it is 'he' who has abrogated his responsibilities, usurped the role meant to be shared among us all as shepherds and mentors, and ultimately put this universe on the path to destruction. A path that Iriisii has been sent here to correct, even if she must bring down this 'One True God' and replace him with another, and restore the intended 'balance of power' here. I must go now, for the sake and continued existence of this universe, keep her safe!"

     Tricia stands and looks at this crystal and the force she now knows is named Iriisii Dovahkiin, that is sheltered within its form. The enormity of what the 'Cloud' told her has shaken her to her very roots, had already started to form in her mind before this came about. For now though she feels she must set all of that aside, and do her utmost with the resources she has to protect this crystal and its rider, until she is ready to come forth.

     The sun sets outside, and she feels the mind of her fiancé, Jean Claude, Master of the City of St. Lou, and holder of the seat of North Merica on the Vampire High Council, reach out and touch her.

     Jean Claude: "Mon Cherie, what troubles you? Your mind is unfocused and wanders here and there. This is most unlike you."

     Tricia explains what she has done and learned through her mindlink with Jean Claude.

     Jean Claude: "I will be with you as soon as I can make my way. You should not have to bear this burden alone."

     Tricia: "Thank you, we have much to talk about. I have put the Circus on 'Alert' status, in case of a visit by Psy-Ops. I am certain it is only a matter of time before they show themselves at our door."

     Jean Claude: "Indeed, but we know how to deal with them. We have layers upon layers that they would have come through before they would be a threat to us. For them to do anything else would risk things coming to light that they most assuredly do not want to have happen. We will meet with them and be polite, while saying absolutely nothing, then send them on their way."

     It is not long before Jean Claude walks into the secure room. He goes first to Tricia, wanting to make certain she is all right before looking into the other issues. Then he turns to the crystal and immediately feels the power rolling from it, while at the same time realizing that what he is feeling in miniscule to what is being held within the crystal's confines, and that there is an undefinable magical barrier surrounding the crystal. He thinks it might be wise to call on some experts that he is acquainted with to see what more security measures could be put in place to hide this more securely.

     Jean Claude: "Come, there is nothing more you can do right now and I suspect that sooner rather than later we will have Psy-Ops and the Police knocking on our door."

     Tricia: "You are right, we should prepare a proper welcome for them."

     Jean Claude: "You did very well indeed getting to her before Psy-Ops. Do you have any idea who she is, where she came from, why she is here?"

     Tricia: "Nothing, I have had not a peep. You would think she was dead but nothing dead could emit such power."

     Jean Claude: "I believe you are correct on that. Even Marmee Noir was not close to as powerful as this woman is. I do think she will have a fascinating tale to tell once she awakens."

     Tricia: "You think she will wake, if so why hasn't she already done so?"

     Jean Claude: "Think for a moment, my love, in similar circumstances, would you not stay sleeping until you knew it was absolutely safe to wake and exit the safety of this crystal?"

     Tricia: "Well when you put it that way, I can understand. We have no idea if she is being chased, followed, or what. She may be alone or maybe have family looking for her. It does look like she needs help, I just wonder if we are strong enough to give that help to her?"

     Jean Claude: "There is another possibility we need to keep in mind."

     Tricia: "And what is that?"

     Jean Claude: "What if she has come to help us?"

     A guard interrupts, "Pardon, boss, the front desk says you have visitors, Fed visitors."

     Tricia looks to Jean Claude, "Psy-Ops?"

     Jean Claude: "Very likely, but they are fishing, if they actually knew we had her they would be knocking down the door with police and search warrants."

     Tricia: "You are right about that, so are you ready to help me see to our unwanted guests?"

     Jean Claude smiles, just the points of his fangs showing, "I thought you would never ask, I know how much you enjoy tossing them out on their 'cans'. But this time we must be more tactful, just a little more though. Too much and we give the game away."

     And with that, he crooks his arm and offers it to Tricia. She takes it and together they begin the long walk up the stairs. Instructing the guard, "no one but us gets in, period. You are authorized to use whatever force is needed."

     Guard: "Understood."

     As he takes position in front of the door, his weapon at 'port arms'.

     Tricia and Jean Claude walked into the main reception area for the 'Circus of the Damned'. They see the 'Fed' visitors and their receptionist's obvious distaste for them. It is quite obvious they have likely been trying to turn their receptionist but she is having none of it. She knows all too well their reputation and the results of their activities. On the flip side, she knows her employers have always treated her with respect and courtesy, paid her well, and never asked her to compromise her beliefs even if they clashed with the purpose of the job. If a problem occurred they always tried to find a compromise all could live with. There was no way she would turn on Tricia and Jean Claude. If the Feds threatened her 'were' son, she knew he could find protection here. She looks to her employers to see if they wish her to leave, but Jean Claude motions for her to stay.

     Jean Claude: "Welcome to the 'Circus of the Damned', how may we be of service to you fine officers tonight?"

     The Captain speaks up, while his Psy-Ops companion is silent, "We wish to simply ask a few questions, if we may?"

     Jean Claude: "Of course, ask what you will, we have nothing to hide."

     The look from the Psy-Ops operative says quite a different opinion.

     Captain Cales: "As we were looking at the location of a satellite that crashed back to Aearth, when we got to the site, it was apparent that someone had been there before us. Therefore we would ask if any of your people may have removed anything from the site before our arrival?"

     Jean Claude: "Absolutely not, I know for a fact that none have been involved with scavenging the site of a satellite crash, nor would they even be interested. Why do you even suspect any of my people?"

     Captain Cales: "We found tufts of hair, carrying the DNA of werewolves, we also know that there is a local pack that hunts in the vicinity."

     Jean Claude: "Are you aware that last night was the first night of a full moon? Of course, they would be out, that is when they conduct the first pack hunt. All pack members are required to participate in the first hunt of the full moon. There would be nothing unusual in finding hair under these circumstances. Do you have any other questions concerning this matter?"

     Psy-Ops operative: "We are aware of your activities concerning consolidating power among the other preternaturals. This is an action the Government frowns upon as they see it to be something that could be used against them."

     Jean Claude: "As the Vampire Master of the City, among 'preternaturals' I am considered to be a figure of leadership. It is my responsibility to look after all of them and mediate when there are disagreements. Thus our problems do not spill over to the general populace. Thus I am simply doing my job for them. If your government thinks otherwise they are free to inspect and challenge my authority to do this if it is their will. But I would caution that there is an old folk saying that speaks to this, be careful what you wish for, you might just get it."

     Psy-Ops operative: "Are you threatening us?"

     Jean Claude: "I simply passed along an old folk saying, if you see something devious in its meaning perhaps you should look into your own motives."

     Psy-Ops operative: "What are you hiding?"

     Jean Claude: "If you believe we are hiding anything, you are most welcome to return with a search warrant. I will be sure to have our attorney here to show you everywhere you wish to search."

     Psy-Ops operative: "You are hiding something, and we will find out. Sooner or later we will find out."

     Jean Claude: "If there is nothing further to be discussed I would ask that you see yourselves out. I do have a nightclub to run. But please come back anytime, our showtimes are posted on the marquee outside."

     Captain Cales gently takes the Psy-Ops operative's arm and whispers, "There is nothing more to gain by 'baiting' him. You forget how old he is, you will get nowhere doing that. We need to pass this upstairs and let the higher-ups decide what to do."

     The Psy-Ops operative turns in a huff and strides for the door. Captain Cale's expression says he wished he was doing anything else but catering to the Psy-Ops Corp. Jean Claude simply smiles and nods his head as if agreeing with the Captain. Who then turns and follows the operative out and to their vehicle.

     Tricia: "That is not the last we will see of them."

     Jean Claude: "I am afraid you are right, but soon it may not matter. If our guest awakes, then we can simply explain her as a new member of the 'Circus'. They will have no way to prove otherwise. And I definitely think it would be wise on their part not to antagonize her, whereas if we help and assist, who knows what benefits we might accrue."

     Tricia: "You know something, don't you?"

     Jean Claude: "Not specifically, but power calls to power, and she may very well be power incarnate. I for one will be interested in her story and how we may be of help to her, at the same time how she may be of help to us."

     Jean Claude goes on about the business of getting the club ready to open while Tricia goes back down to the room where Iriisii's crystal is stored, just spending some time looking at it and wondering who and just what the being called Iriisii Dovahkiin is, inside that impenetrable crystal.

     Over the ensuing weeks, Jean Claude calls upon his contacts as Master of the City of St. Lou, and requests the services of every kind of magical and scientific expert he can bring in to examine the crystal. Only a few have any kind of inkling as to what all or any of it means, what it is made of, how was it formed, if it can be opened and if so how without endangering the occupant. Slowly some information is gleaned, and while seemingly contradictory, it starts to gel in his head what it could mean, and the thoughts thereof frighten him. More even than when he and Tricia faced down Marmee Noir, she who made him vampire, along with Asher.

     Asher, as he thinks of him, his thoughts become even more tangled, of his past with him and the love they shared with Jocette, before their fateful encounter with Marmee Noir, the 'Mother of the Night'. And then later of Asher's capture and torture by the Church Inquisition, and how that time poisoned Asher from the man and vampire he knew and loved, into ultimately the monster he became and of Jean Claude having to exile him from St Lou and send him anywhere his toxic presence would not serve to infect him or his people's lives.

     Still he remembers the night Jocette chose Jean Claude over Asher, and of how Asher in his pain and rage, killed Jocette, in order to attempt to have Jean Claude all to himself. All the while, Marmee Noir, pulling her threads of spider silk, drank in the agony of both and plotted how long she could keep them in such a state, without destroying them. For she had come to find the interactions between them to provide her with much to satisfy her needs and desires.

     And so for centuries, it went on. Jean Claude, keeping the physical features that first drew Marmee Noir's attention to him, and of Asher, one side of him still having features to rival Jean Claude's. The other side, melted and twisted, from his face down to his waist, tortured and maimed with fire and holy water. Inside, his psyche, almost a perfect mirror of his physical form. So reminiscent of that book Jean Claude once read in the hope it could help him understand what Asher had become. What was that title? Ah yes, the Story of Jekyll and Hyde. It never did truly help him in his bid to understand his one time lover and best friend. But maybe, just maybe, could this one in the crystal, in the depths of the 'Circus of the Damned'. Could she be the one who could help them both, Asher to be healed of his affliction, and Jean Claude, to find it within himself to forgive Asher and maybe rekindle their friendship?

     Tricia: "What have these experts been able to figure out?"

     Jean Claude: "They think they know what it is, but how it was created, how it maintains its structure, they have no clue. They only say that if it is disturbed so as to break down, this world will die a most painful death."

     Tricia: "Ok...just what does that mean though?"

     Jean Claude: "They say it is a form of crystalized neutronium. This is something even our modern physics has not even begun to consider possible and yet here it is. How it remains stable, much less does not show any indication of its true weight, is a mystery."

     Tricia: "Why is that?"

     Jean Claude: "They say its true weight should be more than all of the planets in this system, the asteroids, and the sun itself. And would not come even close to what the neutronium that is in this crystal form would otherwise weigh. They could not even imagine how much more advanced a race would have to be to create such a thing as this, much less use it to travel around."

     Tricia: "What about the sages, mystics, magicians, wizards, all of those, what did they have to say?"

     Jean Claude: "They say there is a magical component to this as well. There is a field construct cast around the crystal, that has melded with it. It basically acts as a dynamic shock absorber, my words not theirs. It balances any force applied to it, to equal and match that force, whether it is momentary or sustained."

     Tricia: "If it has melded with the crystal, could that be why it has not opened?"

     Jean Claude: "They have no idea, the very concept of the spell that was used is beyond their understanding. But I have one more coming that has not yet arrived, maybe she can give us something the others could not."

     Tricia: "Wishful thinking?"

     Jean Claude: "You have come to know me very well."

     A few days later, a mysterious hooded figure, accompanied by two males, furtively looking around and over their shoulders every few seconds, approaches the back entrance to the 'Circus of the Damned'. The figure knocks on the door and as the eye slot opens, the figure quietly speaks a few words.

     Herias: "We are expected. Hurry, trouble comes on swift wings and silent feet."

     The guard does not know what to make of this, but then he recognizes the two males with her and opens the door. They quickly enter with one last look behind them, then the guard closes and relocks the door.

     Guard: "I will need to call Tricia."

     Herias: "Please do, my companions will guard the door until you are done."

     The guard calls for Tricia on his radio, informing her of who has shown up by the back door. Tricia simply says she will be there as quickly as possible. A few minutes later, Tricia shows up even as Jason and Aaron turn their heads toward the door.

     Herias: "Back away, I must cast a hex ward on the door to stop it from entering."

     Tricia: "What is trying to enter?"

     While Herias goes through with her ward, Jason explains, "We do not know what it is. Aaron and I first got wind of it during our pilgrimage to the Keepers of Lore. We tried backtracking, nearly every trick in the book to get behind it so we could see what was tracking us. And we never saw a thing of it. Found signs of its presence, but never a sign of it. We made it inside of the monastery, and it seemed it was content to stay outside. But every single bit of the wildlife vacated in a matter of hours, even the insects. We know it followed us by the smell of its spoor. Damn but that is some of the foulest stuff I have ever come across. Makes a ripe zombie, smell like a flower garden by comparison."

     Tricia: "Did you find...?"

     Jason: "Yes, this is Herias, Senior Oracle of the Were, 'Mother' this is..."

     Herias: "I know who she is. Would that the circumstances had been more pleasant for this meeting, Tricia Forsone, she called 'Executioner', I am Herias, Senior Oracle of the Were."

     Tricia: "Please excuse me, but..."

     Herias: "Why am I not a wrinkled old crone?"

     Tricia: "The thought did cross my mind? "

     Herias: "Up until some days ago, I was exactly as you thought. And then the light of the Bloodmoon spilled across our most ancient scroll as it rested upon its pedestal. I read the ancient words revealed under that light and became as you see me now. What I read...both terrible and sublime. I need to give its message to both you and Jean Claude together, in the presence of she within the Holy Crystal. If she is who I read about in our scroll, and I will know when I see it, a great tribulation is coming, and she will be our only hope and salvation from it. Also you may wish to call upon your fellow hunters, Death, Warmonger, and Psycho, their services will most likely be needed in the days to come."

     Tricia: "How do you know of them?"

     Herias: "I am an Oracle, I may not have had everything revealed to me, but what has been I feel the need to act upon. Call them, Psy-Ops hunts them as a way to get to you. If you get them first, they will evade Psy-Ops clutches."

     Tricia: "Jean Claude will be waking soon, if you will follow me, we will wait for him with the crystal."

     Just then a strong 'boom' comes from the back door and the metal of it groans.

     Tricia: "SHIT! Everyone move back!"

     As they pull away from the door, Tricia leaps for an electrical panel door, nearly rips it from the wall as she opens it and pulls on a lever until it trips. Then a solid slab of plate steel rises from the floor directly in front of the back door which is showing signs of deforming. Once the steel slab locks into place, the hum of high voltage electricity can be heard flowing through it. As they start to turn away an earsplitting screech is heard from the outside of the door, then they hear the sounds of boots coming down the hall. Tricia moves everyone to one side of the room as a guard contingent bursts into the room. They take a look around and concentrate their view at the steel plate covering the outside door. The Guard Captain looks to Tricia.

     Guard Captain: "Everyone ok, boss?"

     Tricia: "Yes, we are just fine, thank you. We are going down below to look at our visitor."

     The Guard Captain details two of his men to go with them, then stay with the ones already on duty, unless he recalls them. One of the two takes point while the other waits to bring up the rear. Tricia looks and nods her head in appreciation at the Guard Captain, whose attention is already on what may be on the other side of that steel plate.

     Herias: "Your men are well disciplined and attentive to duty, this is a credit to you that they know what they are required to do and do not have to ask you what to do at each step."

     Tricia: "We try to hire only the best, and keep the very best of those. Had whatever it was start to gain entry, they would have given their lives to get us to safety. But those men would not be alone, our Harlequin would have been here to assist. They are aware of what has happened, but are following orders not to engage unless someone or something is about to gain access inside."

     Everyone they meet in the halls is at a heightened state of awareness, but going on with their normal duties. They reach the room and the two guards place themselves where they can see and move as needed without getting in the way of the ones already on duty. Just as they get inside, Jean Claude walks in. He notices Tricia is unharmed then looks toward the others, going to the Oracle his eyes are the only thing that betrays his surprise.

     Herias: "I was just as surprised as you are now when it happened, but now I have had time to see the need. There is much I must relate to you both, but first..."

     Jean Claude extends his arm toward the Mantella.

     Herias stops abruptly, "By the Ancients! The power surrounding that crystal!"

     Then she gets a good look through the crystal at Iriisii's sleeping form. Slowly reaching out and placing a hand on the crystal near Iriisii's face, she closes her eyes and concentrates. Then her eyes shoot open and she staggers back.

     Herias: "It is her, after all this time, the prophecy is true, the Dragon of Holy War has come at last! She who will proclaim the beginning of the Holy War of Truth! The 'Time of Choosing' is upon us! Blessed are those who will follow the Dragon of War into battle for they will earn a place with her in Elysia! For the Draconic Divines have returned and she is their Mother, and for her deed, she has been declared Scion of the Draconic Divines, Mother of All Dragons!"

     Herias falls to her knees, pressing her head to the floor before the crystal. As she raises up, her eyes have gone totally black, and she begins speaking in Dovahzul, words imparted to her by the scroll when she read its words in blood.

     

     Tiid ahrk dez lost joined daar sul                      Time and Fate have joined this day

     Light ahrk Vul rejoice ahrk zaan                        Light and Dark rejoice and shout

     Pruzah ahrk Vokul tremble ahrk shake               Good and Evil tremble and shake

     Faal Dovah do Kein nu awakes                          The Dragon of War now awakes                              

     Faal Sleeper will awaken ahst laat                      The Sleeper will awaken at last

     Wa lead faal chosen geinne ko grah                    To lead the chosen ones in battle

     Ahrk drun salvation wa mu pah                           And bring salvation to us all.

     Suddenly everyone notices that the crystal is reforming itself. Making the top open up, revealing Iriisii to the open air of the room. Slowly her eyes flutter, and adjusts to the lighting. She begins to stir and float up and out of the crystal which reforms itself into a set of steps for her to step down to the floor. She first notices Herias, whose eyes have returned to normal. She looks like she is listening for a moment as she reaches down and gently wraps her arms around Herias.

     Blessed art thou, dii zul, dii qolasse,                        Blessed art thou, my voice, my herald,

     hi wo spoke faal Rotte do Skelos,                            You who spoke the Words of Skelos,

     rotte written lingrah vod ko faal                               words written long ago in the

     Scroll se Mists se Vu.                                               Scroll of the Mists of the Dawn. 

     Zu'u lost heard hi, ahrk ol hi lost                      I      have heard you, and as you have

     kept sahvot voth zu'u, ful zu'u fen voth hi.              kept faith with me, so I will with you. 

     Pah wo los do yours wo yah faal shelter                  All who are of yours who seek the shelter

     do dii viingge fent lost nii fah pah do nun sulle.      of my wings shall have it for all of their days. 

     Pah do yours wo fen dreh grah voth zu'u                 All of yours who will do battle with me

     fen earn aan staad ahst dii side, ko Elysia,               will earn a place at my side, in Elysia,

     faal hofkiin se Rahhe do Eld.                                   the home of the Gods of Eld. 

     Pah wo los hurt fah dii sake,                                    All who are hurt for my sake,

     nun ahranne fen zu'u heal. Dii balm do drem,         their wounds will I heal. My balm of peace,

     zu'u fen ofan wa pah, orin unto faal dilon               I will give to all, even unto the dead.

     Even as Iriisii replies in Dovahzul, everyone in the 'Circus' hears her words in their home tongue, and even the Harlequin, accustomed in their service to those who stand at the heights of power, are in awe, not only of what is transpiring, but they feel her words driving deep within them and filling that vacant place where once they had a heart and soul.       

     Iriisii: "Dire events have called me to this place. And I cannot return home until the work here is finished. The very Heavens themselves have become disordered and lost their way. This must be corrected, great Evils stir and seek to turn all to their side, until their pestilence is released unto all of Existence, they must be stopped. And to those who still seek the 'Balance' in all things, spread the word to them, their time has come. When the clarion call is heard, be ready to rise up and take their rightful place beside me. When the 'Wild Hunt' of old, the first to bear that name, rides across the skies and I am at its head, then shall all who wish to follow me shall know it is their time as well.

     But first I must meet with the leaders of the true strength of the people. The Clans of the 'Were', the Families of the Vampire, the Courts of the Fae, and speak to the populace by whatever means they will hear me, so they know how they have been betrayed by those who should have guided them, mentored them, and instead seek to lead them like sheep to the slaughter. So say I, Iriisii Dovahkiin, Dragonchild daughter to Alessia and Talos."

     She then looks to the others in the room, shock flowing across their faces as Jason and Aaron go to their knees before her.

     Iriisii: "Do the two of you offer yourselves unto my service this day?"

     Jason and Aaron speak in one voice, "We have waited for you, as our Keepers of Lore told us one day you would come and free us from the persecution we suffer. As our Oracle has been restored unto her youth as a sign to your power to command and turn back the clock of aging. We are honored to be the first to offer ourselves to you in what ever way we may serve."

     Iriisii: "Then rise up, my 'Paladins of the Hunt', so all will now know of the position you hold, let me arm and armor you as befits one of mine."

     As Iriisii touches each of them, they begin to glow, the clothes they are wearing goes transparent and in their place forms armor of black dragon scale, smooth and flexible it fits them like a glove, conforming to their body's form and movement. They feel a tingling along there backs as black dragonbone katanas appear as if out of nowhere, and on their off hand forms a black Wamphyri War Gauntlet.

     Iriisii: "Now it is fitting that you are the beginning of my Black Dragon Legion. May you be feared and spoken of in awe, as is my son, the black dragon, Alduin the Worldeater."

     Looking toward Jean Claude and Tricia, who are at this moment wondering what have they unleashed.

     Iriisii: "I owe you much for your efforts in hiding my Mantella from those you call Psy-Ops. If not for you, things could have taken a far worse road into the future. Of what help may I be to you, young godlings to be?"

     Jean Claude is the first to recover, "May I respectfully ask why you call us 'young godlings'?"

     Iriisii: "I look at you and I see that you walk the 'Path of the Gods', although a far different path than the one I walk, still a viable one for the two of you. You are now as I once was, as a mortal, when my feet trod this path of mine and I had no idea of where it would lead me or what I would become. I only knew that my people needed me, and my gods responded, guiding me along the path. Mine has been a path of battle and war, an ocean of blood and bodies I have waded through. And still so much more waits for me, for this am I called the Dragon of War, for even as the Jihad of Truth approaches, still it is not ready to begin."

     Jean Claude: "What is this Jihad of Truth you speak of?"

     Iriisii: "The final battle for the fate of Existence. When all who live and breathe within all of the universes of Existence, must choose which side they follow, Absolute Good, Absolute Evil, or the Great Balance."

     Jean Claude: "Which side do you champion?"

     Iriisii: "I am Champion of the Great Balance, the path between Good and Evil. The only path that allows Existence to continue living, striving, and learning. With Absolute Evil, all will descend into Chaos and Destruction. And with Absolute Good, all will stagnate and die in entropy. Long ago, Existence became tilted toward Evil and it is my task to restore the Balance before it is too late. For now the slide has been stopped, and now Existence must begin its long trek back into Balance."

     Jean Claude: "We too would serve the Balance, seeking to find the narrow way between Good and Evil. To help those who look to us for guidance, find the way between."

     Iriisii: "Then you have my gratitude and my help. I know not who summoned me here, or how high their influence runs with those above, but I cannot deny the timing of these events."

     Tricia: "What are you speaking about? It looks like the events of which you speak are hidden from us."

     Iriisii: "Not hidden, just beyond your sight and knowledge. I had...won a dark victory, and lost one who I hoped would accept redemption from me. I was with him as we were both trapped within the event horizon of a monster of a Galaxar."

     Tricia: "A...Galaxar?"

     Iriisii: "What you know as a 'black hole', but one made by the consumption of whole galaxies. My mates and crew had trapped one and used it as a weapon, to sweep through an invasion armada of Dahleks, one of Existences' most deadly and fearful races. Completely and totally unredeemable, for they are not natural beings but engineered from the surviving remnants of a nuclear holocaust that eventually destroyed their homeworld, but not before some were able to escape. Now they live for but to destroy any beings not as they are. They are relentless and implacable in this goal, they will not let anything stop them. And so our only choice was to totally annihilate them in a trap they could not escape from. I am sorry, krosis, I digress.

     I watched as Rassillon was torn from my sight as I was sucked into a rent within the event horizon. My instincts slowed time directly around me as I first created the Mantella out of the base neutronium that all matter pulled into such a monster becomes. Once it was created, it gave me the time to cast a 'Winterstorm Construct' around the Mantella and bind it to the crystalline matrix.

     Such a construct will reflect any force applied against it until such force is balanced and thus neutralized. So I was able to survive where no one else has. I put myself to sleep, and floated within, hoping the crew of my Krang could find a way to get me out. Instead I was drawn deeper, down to the core, where a quantum wormhole was active. It pulled me through and sent me plummeting along its pathway at velocities beyond measuring. When I emerged, the energies it was pulling from the heart of the Galaxar to the other end were released and formed a region in your space called the 'Hellmouth'."

     Tricia: "Amazing, I recently watched a vid documentary on it. The scientists studying it, believe nothing could survive even grazing the outer edge, much less coming straight through it!"

     Iriisii: "Without the Winterstorm Construct reflecting all of the energies as I passed through, I might not have survived. There is no way to know for sure, but I have seen others survive worse, so I know it is possible."

     Tricia: "What could be worse?"

     Iriisii: "Being shoved completely through the wall of a wormhole."

     Jean Claude: "I think a change of subject is called for, you mentioned your mates and crew of something you called your Krang, would you expand on that?"

     Iriisii: "The Krang was a gift to me, from the last member of the race that created it. He thought I was someone worthy to use it as a tool to save Existence from destruction. When I found it, it was hidden within the corona of a brown dwarf star, using it as its power source. I began upgrading it with all the knowledge I had acquired to that point. I believe now that my mates and crew have succeeded in harnessing the Galaxar as its new power source.

     As to my mates...I am mated to Rigmor, Illyria, Byrsael, Rose, Desidarius, and soon, maybe Serana in that order. They are my female human mates. Dettlaff van der Eretain is my Vyrkolos, my vampire mate. And I have two dragons, Brii Qo Dunn, a female, and Tahrodiis, a male Shadow Dragon. I have a Blood Brother, Norok, an Elder Cat of Ulthar, and a Night Tiger given to me by the Dark Forest of Dreams."

     Tricia: "Any children?"

     Iriisii smiles, "Yes, four human, one half dragon, three, no four if you look at her in the right way, well we are not certain what classification they fall into, and about a dozen dragonlings. And I love them all equally, there is nothing I would not do for any of them who needed something from me."

     Tricia: "I am intrigued by the four you could not classify, what did you mean by that?"

     Iriisii: "One is a half vampire, and the others, well that is a story, to be truthful all have unique circumstances concerning their conception."

     Tricia: "I must say, I have never heard of a vampire being able to father or carry a child."

     Iriisii: "Vampires are unique in Existence, no family of them is the same wherever you find them. The ones on my homeworld are different from the world where Dettlaff was born, and are also different from the ones here. But not so different that that the differences cannot be worked around."

     Tricia: "You are saying it is possible for Jean Claude and me to have children together?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, you are on the path already, you simply need the correct instructions to make in your bodily functions. I know how, so any form I take, human, dragon, does not matter, all are fully functional."

     Tricia: "Why are you asking for this information?"

     Iriisii: "You know this world, who the players are, what the schemes are, who is worth being allied to and who would shove a knife in my back. The Masters behind this are hidden, and I will need to drag them into the light of day. I could do this alone, but it would be very bloody, a great deal of it innocent blood. I would rather not shed that blood if I do not have to, but to save Existence, one world against an infinity, well you see the difference in cost. Do not think me callous despite what I say, if I was I would have already went down the other path. But I do care about all mortals, I freely offer redemption to any who sincerely want it despite whatever they may have done in the past.

     I can be ruthless and determined, yet in the same breath be merciful and compassionate. It depends on what is needed for me to accomplish what I must. And understand this, the answer to the question lurking behind your eyes is this, with great Power, comes great Responsibility, and even greater Chains, restricting the use of that Power. That is why I approach this as I am, why I do not just wave my hand and all my enemies drop down dead. I could do it were I willing to pay the cost of that abuse of Power. That and I have not forgotten what it is like to be mortal, to know grief and pain, love and sacrifice, what it is like to sit on a veranda and watch the sunset, listening to your children playing with other neighbor children, in an apple orchard, chasing sheep and goats. Watching your loved ones, swimming in a warm lake, splashing each other with waves of water. I would rather be doing any of these things and many more than what I am doing now. So why am I not? Because there is no one else left who can do what I am doing to save Existence. I am the last chance, and for all those mortals doing what I wish I could, I will not stop and let their dreams die, I just cannot do it."

     Tricia: "Then you can count on me to help you, all of us, Weres, Vampires, Fae. Once they know what is at stake, why you will not quit, when they know in their hearts it is for them that you do this, they will fight beside you."

     Iriisii: "Thank you, I pray to those above me that you are right. Now would you and Jean Claude show me just what it is that you do here? I am very interested in seeing everything."

     Jean Claude: "But of course, my lady, we would be honored to show you around."

     Jean Claude offers Iriisii his arm and as she lays a hand on it he can feel the Power thrumming through her. With great effort he locks down his mind concerning recent events and concentrates on letting her see everything they do with no preconceived prejudices, wanting her to make an honest assessment of their work here. He points out all of the amenities available, quarters for the staff who choose to reside here, the cafeteria, where she takes in the wonderful odors of dishes she has never seen or heard of before.

     She hears the sounds of children, and Jean Claude is quick to let her know that the children do not have access to the business areas of the night club. They have their own areas to gather and play, attend school, eat with their families. She notices the guards patrolling everywhere and thinks nothing of it. They had guards roaming the Imperial City and the Palace at all times of the day and night as well. As they enter the club areas, which are practically silent during the day except for show prep and practice. The guard areas are adjacent for quick access, and they walk in on a training session.

     She looks and listens with intensity as one of the trainers dresses down a recruit for his substandard performance. Afterward, the grizzled trainer walks over and attempts to apologize for what they witnessed.

     Trainer: "I am sorry you had to hear that, the quality of some of those seeking to work here is woefully inadequate."

     Iriisii: "Please, I do not take offense. Better they understand their mistakes now, even forcefully, than later when they and others could be harmed or killed."

     Trainer: "It is indeed a pleasure to meet a visitor who understands. May I ask where you are from, my Lady."

     Iriisii: "A very, very, long way from here. On my homeworld, I was a Warrior Empress, also trained as an Assassin. It was said of me that I was the most dangerous and deadly warrior to walk the surface of Nirn. I have continued to learn all I can of the martial arts wherever I go from whoever I meet."

     Trainer: "What is your favored weapon?"

     Iriisii: "When I walked my homeland, I favored the katana, now having had more experience with much more varied weapons, I prefer my version of the Wamphyri War Gauntlet."

     Trainer: "Could you describe them for me?"

     Iriisii: "I can do better than that."

     She reaches into her dimensional storage and pulls out the pair she forged herself. The trainer whistles in appreciation.

     Iriisii: "I forged these myself at a very special forge using materials not workable anywhere else. If we may step over to that clear area, I will demonstrate what they can do."

     She walks over to a cleared area of the training room and the trainer moves everyone else to give her more room. Jean Claude and Tricia look on with great interest. She slips them onto her hands then slaps them together, activating them. They come aglow with all the power they displayed when she used them the first time after forging them. She moves through the kata regimen she developed for training with them, utilizing most of their capabilities. The other guards there as well as the trainer are in awe of what she can make them do, as well as the dangerous power they possess that is completely in her control. And when she gives a final flourish by extending both hands outward from her body, and summoning a katana in each hand made of the green glowing energy given to these gauntlets by the fragments of the Illearth Stone she used in forging them. As she removes them and replaces them in her dimensional storage, the entire training group bows to the display of her mastery, as she returns that bow in the age old tradition of a Master to the Student. Her angle of bow just slightly less than the others, and her eyes never leaving theirs. They rise back up and the trainer gets them returning to what they were previously doing.

     The trainer walks back over, "Is there any way that you could find the time..."

     Iriisii: "To help push their training forward? Yes, I think that could be arranged. Although they are rough around the edges, they have heart, and a strong desire to be their best. I can work with that. Tell them we will begin at dawn, for those who cannot make that, I will hold another session after dusk."

     They then turn and walk onward to the areas dealing with show prep, and the performance halls. They walk in on some prep for the night's performance going on. A female performer was sitting on stage tuning a stringed instrument, very much like the Mandolin that Iriisii remembered Priscilla favoring. It did not take long to see that this performer was not accustomed to this instrument. Iriisii turns to Jean Claude. Extending a hand toward the performer, "May I?"

     Jean Claude does not hesitate to give her his blessing, eager to see what she can do with this situation. Iriisii walks toward the performer and politely asks if she may 'give it a go." The performer gives a sigh of relief that someone else is taking over this thankless task. Iriisii sits and strums, then picks each string to see where the notes need work to blend and harmonize. After some minutes of work, she gives it another try. It sounds much better to the leader, but she is still not satisfied.

     Iriisii: "Is this where the performance will be held?"

     Leader: "I do not think so, let me check the schedule."

     He looks through the sheaf of paper he had been holding onto.

     Leader: "No it is not. The performance will be in the room two doors down on the left side of the hallway. Do you feel it best to try and tune it for that room?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, the acoustics may be very different, thus making the sound either better or worse. But we would not know until the show, better we find out now, do you not think so?"

     Leader: "Indeed I do, we can also try the lighting and see what effect will work best in there. Please follow me."

     It only take a few minutes to move over and set up once more. Iriisii tries the strings, and makes a few more adjustments, this time as she picks each string you can hear the overtones from the notes bouncing back from the walls and ceiling.

     Leader: "Do you want to turn the amplifiers on?"

     Iriisii: "No, they will distort the notes too much and we will lose the overtones. I just need to tweak them a little more."

     Once done, she plucks a few different notes from each string, listening to the blend of the notes and the overtones. Satisfied, she goes into a few riffs of 'The Dragonborn Comes'. Every ones' ears perk up as they feel the music slide across their skin and into their ears. Then she slows things down and plays the entry into 'The Wolven Song', letting the notes draw her into the memories of that night in Novigrad at the Kingfisher Inn, when Priscilla gave her concert.

     As her voice begins singing the words, the music perfectly blends and harmonizes, the magic of that night returns and spreads across the room and down the hall. Seeking and drawing anyone within reach to hear its 'Mother' sing, sharing the memories of what happened that night with those truly listening for the first time as the Siren training of Iriisii's voice comes to the fore. Once the echo of the last note fades, the hall erupts in applause, startling those closest to Iriisii who never knew so many others had entered to hear who was singing such a song.

     Jean Claude and Tricia looked at each other in wonder, each speaking at the same time, "Can we get her on stage tonight?"

     Jean Claude nods and Tricia starts giving orders to prepare for the night's show with a new headliner. She starts yelling for the makeup artists, for wardrobe, for someone to change the marquee lineup. The scramble slowly begins to lose the look of chaos and begins to display a form of order as things come together. Iriisii is in her dressing room with the makeup artists arguing with each other over colors and textures to apply. She takes it upon herself to grab the supplies, look over the contents, and then begin applying them herself as Elihal had often explained to her how he created his magic. She remembers his mantra with cosmetics, 'less is more'. Use only what you need to maximize the effect you want to make. Tricia having entered just as Iriisii started doing the job herself, stands silently watching, once she saw what Iriisii had accomplished she had to pull her jaw up from the floor.

     Tricia starts in on the makeup artists, "Just what do we pay the two of you for if she can do this in half the time."

     Iriisii: "Please, this is only my own effort from what I learned from Elihal, if he were here he could do so much more than I could."

     Tricia: "Tell me how to get him here and I will move the moon to get it done!"

     Iriisii: "He is too far away at this moment to reach. If my Krang were here, it would be another story."

     Tricia: "What is this 'Krang'?'

     Iriisii: "That must wait for later when we have more time to talk about it. You would very much enjoy his presence. Give him a bolt of cloth, scissors, needle, and thread, then you will see true magic in the making."

     Tricia: "Then I look forward to just that, what the people around here call clothes...uuggh, they need some serious competition."

     Iriisii: "He would put them all to shame, I assure you of that."