AE17 The Story of Iriisii Dovahkiin

     AE17 Iriisii: "This night is almost over, yet I have one more supremely special surprise for you. Once during my travels I came across a song that moved me like no other I have ever heard since the beginning of Existence. I tracked down the artist that sang that song and sat in rapture for an entire day listening to him sing.

     As I was setting up tonight's performance list, I felt the need to sing that song for you tonight. But somehow I felt it would be wrong to sing that song without him. And so I sent a message to where he lives, asking him if he would come and sing with me tonight. You will not recognize him or his name, for he comes from a very long distance away. Not another country, or another continent, not even another world, no, he comes from another universe, one eerily similar to this one in some ways, far different in others. He has graciously brought a video to accompany the song tonight and we hope you enjoy both.

     And now I introduce to you, in his first performance anywhere away from his homeworld. I give you 'Disturbed' singing the 'Sound of Silence'."

     The stadium lights go out, only faint piano tones start as the video begins. The stage lights start coming up slowly from a faint dim to just enough for the crowd to see Iriisii and Disturbed standing next to each other, each beginning to sing into their own microphones. As he takes control of the song, moving within his powerful range to punctuate the lyrics. Iriisii is harmonizing with him, giving the Dream magic full reign, and adding the Thu'um to his voice when he throws power into it.

     The crowd is mesmerized by the different levels blending within the performance, and the message of the lyrics diving deep within their minds and emotions. Many of them seeing themselves within the song. As it slows at the end, with only the piano tones drawing to a close, the power of the silence over the stadium is deafening. And then a sporadic applause breaks out across the crowd, growing as it fills the air. Then the crowd surges to its feet, letting the pair know how they felt about how this song moved them.

     Disturbed looks over to Iriisii, sees the tears moving down her face and thinks, `This is why I do this. To reach people that otherwise would never hear this message, or feel the power of the music flow through them. And to think my efforts have not only touched a completely different people, but they have touched Divinity itself.'

     Iriisii places an arm around his waist and raises the other to the crowd. He raises his arm opposite hers and they both flourish a bow to the crowd, even as the applause level grows even louder.

     Iriisii: "You have been such a great audience tonight, in truth you have inspired me. All the songs I have sung have been ones I heard or found along my way, but I have something for you tonight, something I have never done before. I have written one of my own, well the lyrics are mine, the music was composed by the 'house band' at the 'Circus of the Damned'. I hope you like it as much as I liked working on it, just for you. It is titled, 'Of Fire and Steel'."

     The house band begins the opening of the music, from the first few notes, the audience is enrapt by it. They note the powerful beginning, and feel a haunting quality seeping in.

     

                                        I was born of a night,

                                        A night of fire and steel,

                                        the path I walk, filled with

                                        pain and loss, where am I going,

                                        what future lies in wait for me.

                                        

                                        I am called to be a hero,

                                        But is that all,

                                        Somewhere in the light

                                        And darkness,

                                        I am destined to be more.

                                        Am I just a lonely woman,

                                        With dreams of being great?

                                        Deep within I feel

                                        The spirit of a dragon aiding me

                                        in where to put my feet.

                                        I rage at the trials I must endure

                                        I weep at the pain I feel.

                                        Whispers say I am to be a goddess

                                        Will I be of light or dark.

                                        I will follow my own path

                                        Wherever it may lead one day

                                        I will leave this place

                                        bearing weapons of power great,

                                        what will those I leave behind

                                        say of me, will I have been

                                        

                                        a tyrant or a teacher

                                        will I be hated or beloved

                                        I guess only the fullness

                                        of time will give me an answer.

                                        An answer to all of my questions.

                                        Will I be the light of a new Kalpa

                                        for my home, will I wander the vast

                                        unknown or stay close to home.

                                        Will I be alone or will there

                                        be someone to share all with me.

     As the final words and notes fade into the silence that fills the stadium, it is like everyone is spellbound. Having put themselves into the song, they are now one with it and lost that there is no more. Then a single pair of hands begins a slow, deliberate clapping, Disturbed steps out with his hands clapping. And another begins, then another, until the frame of the stadium is vibrating. He extends an arm toward Iriisii, and the crowd adds shouts to the applause. Backstage, Jean Claude looks down to Tricia, and sees the tears running down her face. He wraps his arms around her and lets her head rest against his chest. He too, felt the magic in that song, a magic more powerful than any other he has experienced. He makes a silent promise to her, that when they walk the 'Path of the Gods', he will be there for her, to share all of their experiences with each other, both good and bad. Then her mates, each one, walks out and wraps their arms around her, then stands aside for the next one coming. Then they all stand behind her as she raises her arms to the crowd and thanks them for all they have done for her since she came into their lives. 

     Alessia is caught up in the story her daughter is telling. She sees Iriisii's mates walking out and embracing her. Each and every one, then standing behind her in solidarity. She finds herself wishing Talos was here with her. Of all the men she has known, he is the one that has stood by her the most. Then she feels a strong and familiar pair of arms wrap themselves around her. She looks up at him and whispering, "How?"

     Talos: "Later, right now, this moment belongs to our daughter."

     Alessia: "Yes, it does. I can hardly believe she is the same little girl we raised back on Roscrea."

     Talos: "She is not a little girl anymore, she has grown up into a strong woman, just like her mother."

     Alessia's reply is lost in the crowd's chant for more. Their cries and shouts drowning out everything else. Even Iriisii cannot speak over them and so she turns and motions for the 'house' band to start on 'To Reach the Throne'. The crowd realizes the band is playing another song and everyone quiets down to hear it. Iriisii takes a sheet of paper from a stagehand and hands it to Disturbed, pointing out a couple of places on it. He looks questioning at her, but she smiles and says "Follow my voice, come in on the chorus and stay through it with me." He nods his head as he gives the lyrics a quick scan.

                                                   To Reach the Throne

                                              Born in the shadow far from light

                                              Fisted fury clenched so tight

                                              Each step echoes through the stone

                                              A warrior bred to stand alone

                                              [Verse 2]

                                              Pain carved deep into my chest

                                              Loneliness my only guest

                                              Enemies fall beneath my feet

                                              Their silence screams my heart’s deceit

                                              [Chorus]

                                              Through the blood through the bodies I roam

                                              Every scar is a piece of my home

                                              No tears fall for what I’ve outgrown

                                              For now I march to claim my throne

                                              [Verse 3]

                                              Blades collide like a symphony

                                              Their cries become my melody

                                              Strength and sorrow intertwined

                                              The crown is heavy it’s mine to find

                                              [Bridge]

                                              Ghosts of hate linger too near

                                              Whisper doubts I cannot hear

                                              Their shadows try to drag me down

                                              But all they see is my hardened frown

                                              [Chorus]

                                              Through the blood through the bodies I roam

                                              Every scar is a piece of my home

                                              No tears fall for what I’ve outgrown

                                              For now I march to claim my throne.

     This time the applause is immediate and everyone feels the vibrations echoing off of every surface. Alessia looks at Iriisii with a new understanding of her daughter, finding and honing the talent to share her life with everyone who would hear her. And Talos looks at her with pride in his eyes, as he tells Alessia, "This is our daughter that has done this. And I could not be more proud of her than I am right now."

     One of Iriisii's mates whispers in her ear, and she takes a quick glance to see them both standing backstage. 

     Iriisii: "I have just been informed that I have two very special guests here tonight. So would you help me greet, my mother and father, Alessia and Talos. Come on out here you two!"

     Alessia grabs Talos arm, "If I have to go out there, you are coming with me. Just imagine it is the Imperial citizens gathering to hear you give a speech."

     Talos: "That is exactly what I am afraid of. The last group wanted my head."

     Alessia: "Come on, this is for our daughter!"

     Talos: "You are right, for her, I will do it."

     As they reach her, she embraces both. And the emotion of being together again is seen by everyone.

     Over in the capital of Merica, Hawkins is sitting at his desk as an aide knocks, enters, and hands Hawkins a memorandum of what is known about current events going on in the non-aligned countries. As Hawkins reads the words, he sighs, balls up the memorandum, and dumps it into a half full wastebasket.

     Hawkins: "Is there any idea how they were all found out? And what happened to my agents that I had in place over there?"

     Aide: "No sir, we have had no communications from them in over a week. It is as if they just vanished."

     Hawkins: "Likely up a chimney as smoke!"

     Aide: "Sir!"

     Hawkins: "You did not hear that."

     Aide: "Hear what, sir?"

     Hawkins: "Exactly, you may go."

     As the aide closes the door on his way out, he can hear the crashing of a priceless decorative vase hitting the floor. Making a note to have housecleaning see to it, he continues on his way back to his cubicle.

     Red Woman: "Pity, that was one of the better decorations here. A shame we could not string up someone's guts across the windows, that would get the peoples' attention."

     Hawkins: "If you are referring to mine, they are well enough where they are, thank you."

     Red Woman: "This makes twice now you have screwed up. First when you didn't run when you had the chance, and second when you did not stop her from leaving the country. Of course we must not forget when you tried to bury the Vampire High Council under tons of snow and ice, and when that failed, your backup plan to send in your hybrid troops and drop some tactical nukes on all of them, backfired, literally. Need I go on?"

     Hawkins: "No, you don't. But do not think you can lay all of this on me."

     Red Woman: "But I do not have to, your failures have done it for me. Far better than if I had tried to."

     Hawkins: "You forgot some very significant details."

     Red Woman: "Such as?"

     Hawkins: "Her position within this Celestial Hierarchy she is a part of, for one. At least when I found out exactly what it means and where we, I mean you and I fit into that. It made a lot of things about her become much clearer. By that I mean you never intended that I be anything but a nuisance to her. I was just to distract her while you worked something up on your own."

     Red Woman: "Anything else?"

     Hawkins: "Oh yes, I have a copy of a video that was taken of that battle over the farm just over the state lines. My people have combed every library, every museum display of mythology, spoke to everyone and anyone with a shred of an idea as to who it was, seen in that video. We only got identification on a small number of the combatants, but the names we got are like a 'Who's Who' list of the 'baddest badasses' in our collective worst nightmares. And if the ones we could not identify are older and more powerful, we are all so screwed because they are not only on her side of this, they took down the greater part of the entire Heavenly Host of Angels. We are talking millions of Angels here. And we know this for a fact because we were able to get samples of them before they dissolved into the soil.

     They are as old as the estimated age of this universe, but physically they are the same bodily age as a teenager. Hormonally they are still evolving, maturing, it is like they were deliberately frozen at this stage in their development. And we have no way to determine what they would be if allowed to reach maturity. That someone has the power to enforce this upon so many, means that they would have to be a..."

     Red Woman: "God. I do believe you are finally beginning to understand. Yes, they do exist, through all of the Realms and Universes of Existence. And she is here for several reasons, our little project is only one. Taking care of this errant God is another. She is the one they call upon to solve problems when it involves Gods who for whatever excuse, go off the path they are assigned to. Which means there are tiers of them, each tier higher and more powerful than the one below. And she is quite high at the moment, high enough to have attracted the attention of an 'Outsider' who desperately wants her. Why is his business, and I am not going to ask him why."

     Hawkins: "Who is he, does he even have a name?"

     Red Woman: "My dear Hawkins, when you get to that level, 'names' have power, real power. And you will never learn just what his 'name' is unless he wants you to know it. And if you should ever learn it, well, just pray you never do. The price of such knowledge is far higher than you can ever pay."

     Hawkins reaches into his desk drawer and brings out an ornate black book, bound in the skin of some unknown being. Radiating age and power, he opens to a particular page and points to a word on that page. The letters of which appear to have been written in blood. The Red Woman recoils in fear from the book as quickly as she can.

     Red Woman: "You idiot, where did you get that? No, do not tell me! I want nothing to do with it!"

     Hawkins: "But it wants something from you."

     Hawkins keeps one finger on the word written in some form of blood, while with the other he extends it toward the Red Woman. She is unable to move fast enough and is caught by the force emanating from his hand dragging her toward him and the book.

     Red Woman: "Hawkins you do not have to do this, do not trust whatever it tells you."

     Hawkins in a deeper, gravely voice: "You are far too late, my dear. Best to accept your fate and cease fighting, it will be far less painful if you do."

     Red Woman: "I know what you are, I will not stop fighting against you!"

     Even as she is dragged closer and closer, she still puts up a fight. As she gets closer still, she summons the corrupting power of Red Lyrium and tries it against the book. As her hand approaches the power, it fizzles and fades.

     Hawkins: "It was a good try, my dear, but as you said earlier there are tiers among the Gods. Your pitiful luck those tiers extend to more than just the Gods of this Existence. You are simply the means to an end, and the sooner you accept that, the sooner this can be over with. But keep fighting if you want, it will make the end of you so much more to savor."

     The Red Woman tries one more time and shouts a 'name'. The 'name' of the one who set her on this path.

     Hawkins: "No, my dear, calling 'him' will not help you. Even the likes of 'him' will not come to your aid against me. You are and always have been expendable, and soon enough you will belong to me, while 'he' does his best to avoid me so as to not find himself in a similar situation."

     Once she is close enough, Hawkins pushes her head against the pages which take on an strange glow, almost like fingers slipping under her skin. The pages then begin to shine into her eyes and their words are transferred into her mind. Soon enough it is done, and she rises from the desk, takes the book in her hands and places it along the nearest bare wall. The book expands until it covers the wall, and one of the pages inscribed with diagrams of some alien design begin to glow. Hawkins walks over and places his back against the page. He is then absorbed into the page, the opposite page sees its lettering explode into fire. A point in the center goes black and curls away toward the edges. This keeps happening until a black center is exposed and grows until it takes up fully three quarters of the page.

     Then a swift moving shadow erupts from the depths of that hole in the page and slams into the Red Woman's body. The burned hole fades and the book returns to its original size. The Red Woman's body stands up from the floor, picks up the book, and places it back on top of the desk. She looks around the office and sees the vid screen. Locating what she hopes is the control device she starts pressing buttons until the screen comes to life. The clip it is showing is the one from the 'Circus of the Damned'. She looks at everything with intense interest. Once the video is done, ignoring the animated body of Hawkins, she looks intently at the 'Black Book'.

     Red Woman: "This is an interesting form you have here. Now would you be so kind as to inform me of why I have been brought here?"

     Black Book speaking through Hawkins: "There is a situation brewing that requires your expertise."

     Red Woman: "Does it involve what I saw in the video transcription?"

     Hawkins*: "Yes it does, the principle and secondaries are shown. This was the first major encounter since she arrived here, with a few minors against other actors."

     Red Woman: "Can you explain in greater detail just what is happening, as I assume it involves more than this paltry plane?"

     Hawkins*: "As erudite as ever, yes it goes quite far in fact. The main area affected is the Existence of which this plane is a part of, but it has the prospect of spreading a great deal further. Even further that those who set it into motion could conceive."

     Red Woman: "Now you are starting to make sense of why I was summoned. Continue."

     Hawkins*: "Let me transfer what I have so far accumulated to you. It will be faster, since what remains of this individual cannot encompass the concepts needed to understand this situation and the need for your involvement."

     Red Woman: "Do I need to convert this form?"

     Hawkins*: "That would probably be for the best. You will understand after absorbing the transfer."

     The body of the Red Woman melts and reforms itself into a male form. The crystalline structure is gone, now in its place is a heavily muscled male humanoid, albeit with four arms instead of two. Instead of eyes, it has open orbic sockets that can directly sense far higher and lower than the visible light spectrum. Its skin is flexible but nigh impenetrable except by the most powerful of weaponry. It creates some clothing based on what it has observed the others in the video wearing.

     Hawkins*: "Good, as close as you will be able to come to your true form given the restrictions in place here. I will now pass to you all that I have on what is happening."

     As the transfer of information begins, the now changed body shows a range of emotions, some totally alien to this Existence. Once it is done, the new male body finds the nearest chair and sits, contemplating the information and its ramifications across a broad spectrum of effects.

     T'Keros: "This goes far beyond anything that has occurred before now. I can see why you called me. Can this 'Mother of Dragons' deal with everything this implies?"

     Hawkins*: "Good question, there is not enough information to make that determination, since she is unique."

     T'Keros: "How so?"

     Hawkins*: "There have been signs of multiple beings within her, cohabitating as it were. This is not, and I repeat not, multiple personalities, but actual beings. And she has shown the ability to merge with certain other individuals around her that she has very close ties to."

     T'Keros: "When you say merge, are we speaking of..."

     Hawkins*: "In all aspects of the word, physically, mentally, spiritually. When this happens they are essentially one entity. When separate, they can link minds alone, sense what is happening with each other, even fight as a coordinated team. When merged, however, the best I know how to describe it is that they reach into alternate realities and bridge themselves across them. I believe it is the only way they can manage their power gain without either this Existence throwing them out, or short circuiting everything."

     T'Keros: "That powerful, huh?"

     Hawkins*: "Yes, and she is building a combined military fleet with volunteers from every plane in this Existence. There are entire galactic empires joining her forces. Not to mention she is drawing from both mortals and immortals."

     T'Keros: "I can then see why there is so much consternation over her. Some would see her as a threat, but for some reason as I watched her actions in that video. No, I do not see her in that light. There has to be something else that is twisting everyone around. What do you see or think that the others have missed?"

     Hawkins*: "There are memories of conversations in this body that point to that very thing. Although no specific entity is mentioned, there are whispers out there of who it might be. And if so it would be another reason for your involvement."

     T'Keros: "Hmmm, someone I know and most definitely do not think upon favorably. Anything else that would help narrow it down?"

     Hawkins*: "He is mentioned in that other 'Black Book', you know the one written by that madman, who named the book, 'Al Azif'."

     T'Keros goes cold and silent, wanting to let loose a stream of curses that would lay waste to miles upon miles of surrounding lands. But he holds himself, as he considers the involvement of this nemesis. 'Why would 'he' involve himself in this corner of the omniverse. Certainly not for the usual reasons, he does nothing that is not steeped in convolutions, layered in enigmas. There has to be something here he wants, but cannot. Because of the restrictions placed upon him because of where he came from, he is usually quite...that is it! He has found a way to circumvent the restrictions! But how?'

     T'Keros: "That's it! He has found a way to circumvent his restrictions, it is the only thing I can think of as to why 'he' would be haunting this obscure corner of the omniverse. But what form does this take? Any ideas?"

     Hawkins*: "Now that you mention it, yes."

     T'Keros: "Well, out with it, what do you think?"

     Hawkins*: "He wants her." 

     T'Keros mind wraps itself around those three words and then it all comes together for him.

     T'Keros: "He wants to channel himself through her. It has to be, but there must be more. He is not one to 'play by the rules'. He has something deeper in mind."

     Hawkins*: "She is gaining strength every day, growing stronger, more powerful. Soon she will be strong enough to...oh no, even he would not, would he?"

     T'Keros: "Spit it out, I cannot speak to its possibility if you keep silent!"

     Hawkins*: "He wants to father a child on her, and then transfer his essence into the child. Thus he upon being physically born could begin assimilating this plane. And possibly use the same strategy to move on to another, gaining even more power each time. But what is his end goal? What is driving this?"

     T'Keros: "He knows something about her, something so far down the line, no one else has thought to look, but what is it, when does it happen? More to the point is there something out here that could point to it? Damn, I am going to have to meet with her and hope she will tell me what is going on between her and 'him'. I hope I can get to her without too much loss of life."

     Hawkins*: "Since when has that ever mattered to you?"

     T'Keros: "That is not for my benefit, but hers. Likely she has spilt as much blood as I have within the same time span. But when I watched her in that video, she can be as ruthless as I am, but she only does it when she has no other option. She balances herself between the extremes, thus making herself far more effective as a leader. I am a killing tool, I know this and accept it. She however is far more than I will ever be. Make no mistake about this, she would use me to the best of my abilities, but only on her terms. And truth be told I would accept those terms."

     Hawkins*: "You are scaring the odorous stuff out of me right now! You know how the 'Masters' would take that."

     T'Keros: "Why do you think they allowed me to come to your summons, all the way out here, away from their direct control?"

     Hawkins*: "Tell me, then we will both know."

     T'Keros: "They want me close to her, to fix whatever problems they see coming their way out of this. And then, when all has been done to secure their safety."

     Hawkins*: "They will order you to kill her."

     T'Keros: "Yes, that is exactly what they will do."

     Hawkins*: "But you already have other ideas about that, don't you?"

     T'Keros: "Let me just say that for those of us like she is, the future is not written in stone, but rather in blood."

     Hawkins*: "You saw more in that video than what others have seen, haven't you? This is most unlike you, but then you have never been in this kind of situation before either, or encountered anyone like she is. You know you have zero chance with her?"

     T'Keros: "I know, but someone in her circle. That is a possibility I would look seriously at. But only after this matter with 'him' is settled. I owe 'him' much pain and suffering. It is time for payback."

     Hawkins*: "That is the T'Keros I know, glad to see he is not completely gone."

     T'Keros: "No, not gone, biding my time. Now does that body you hold have any memories of plans put in place regarding the 'Mother of Dragons'? It would help me if I could show up in time to thwart them. Then they might hesitate before trying to skewer me long enough to get a few words out anyway."

     Hawkins*: "As a matter of fact, this one was supposed to set up a diversion to separate the 'Mother of All Dragons' from her first mate. He was to hand her over to the Red Woman to be delivered as the price for the aid of, I do not believe this."

     T'Keros: "Who is it that wants her mate as payment?"

     Hawkins*: "Oh what a tangled mess this has become."

     T'Keros: "It must be someone I intensely dislike or have a debt of some kind with, either owed or to be collected."

     Hawkins*: "Does the name, P'eri'tos, mean anything to you?"

     T'Keros: "This just keeps getting better and better. But why does he want the woman?"

     Hawkins*: "It seems some time ago, before the 'Mother of All Dragons' ascended, she had an encounter with a certain K'doran. I will not go into his name, but she tore into him with a vengeance. She used two demon possessed blades said to have been forged by one, Desidarius, and split his soul in two with them. Each blade absorbing one half of his soul and keeping it locked inside in combat with the demon inhabiting it."

     T'Keros: "I am with you so far, keep going."

     Hawkins*: "The one who got his soul skewered is P'eri'tos' brother, and he wants the mate, because he knows he cannot get to the 'Mother of All Dragons'. He thinks he can leverage with the mate to get his brother released. Which is a bad idea whichever way you look at it."

     T'Keros: "You are so right, he got what he deserved for stomping on so many immortal toes. He went through so many planes sowing chaos, misery, and just general mayhem that I am not surprised someone finally figured out how to take him down. And to try and use a mate for leverage is a really bad idea. He will likely find himself next to his brother if he succeeds. By the way, there has been no word of Desidarius in the last few hundred years, any chance you have anything to pass along?"

     Hawkins*: "You are so not going to believe this."

     T'Keros: "Come on, out with it, give. Don't keep me in suspense."

     Hawkins*: "She is now married to the 'Mother of All Dragons'. The 'Mother of the Cosmos' herself did the ceremony, and get this, old Shai-Hulu'ud himself had it recorded along with a high duel between the 'Mother of All Dragons and a Demogoric."

     T'Keros: "Tell me you have a copy of that."

     Hawkins*: "Not yet, but soon, I will."

     T'Keros: "With all of this under her belt, it is no wonder the 'Masters' want her dealt with when this is over."

     Hawkins*: "They really think highly of your skill set if they think you can take her out."

     T'Keros: "They do, but the question is just what is she to deal with beyond this, and is it better overall to keep her alive? Once I know exactly what 'He' sees in her future that 'He' wants a part of, then I will know what I need to do. And somehow I do not think the 'Masters' are going to like what I find."

     Hawkins*: "If you do decide to break away..."

     T'Keros: "That goes without saying my friend. I know what they will do to you and so it is in my best interest to see that they do not get hold of you."

     Hawkins*: "Thanks, I really mean that. It is no use going to look for her right now, she is on the other side of the world, in a remote mountain range, in a Castle used by the current Vampire High council. If you just wait a bit she will be returning since the task she went for is now done."

     T'Keros: "And what was that task?"

     Hawkins*: "Forging an alliance between the 'Vampires', the 'Were's', and the 'Fae'. All three have signed on with her along with about twenty-four countries not aligned with this one. That puts her ahead of the game here in numbers alone, technologically she can put this country on its knees anytime she wants to. But she is only using as much as she needs to match what is brought against her."

     T'Keros: "Smart planning, she does not want to get bogged down here trying to repair all of the damage she could do. To make lasting changes she has to involve the people, let them realize what they need to have happen and help them do it. You said she is coming back?"

     Hawkins*: "Yes, we are in the capital here, she will likely return to a city called St. Lou, more toward the center of the country. There is a nightclub/showplace called the "Circus of the Damned', run by a vampire named Jean Claude. He is acknowledged by the preternaturals as Master of the City. Think of it as two governments, one for normal humans and one for everyone else.

     Anyway she made her first appearance singing at one of their private shows and has been a sellout ever since. Every venue that gets booked for her sells out in hours of the tickets going on sale. I understand she puts on quite a show. I think this idiot here has a disk of one of her shows, yeah, it is in the player. Hit the red button on the controller next to your hand."

     T'Keros presses the button and is captivated for the next hour and a half, with Iriisii's performance.

     Hawkins*: "What do you think?"

     T'Keros: "The 'Masters' are too late in trying to do anything with or about her, there is a lot more to her than is apparent. Her dream magic is so potent it would not surprise me if she could travel back and forth on a whim. Hey, do you know if..."

     Hawkins*: "There is a rumor she is a Great Dreamer, along with her first mate."

     T'Keros: "Wait, you mean they are both 'Great Dreamers' and a married pairing?"

     Hawkins*: "Yeah, what does that mean anyway?"

     T'Keros: "Anyone getting between them is in more trouble than they could ever imagine. Separate they are powerful, very powerful, but together, there is nothing in the Dreamlands that could stand up to them, no where they could not go with impunity. It would not surprise me if they could Dreamstride." 

     Hawkins*: "What is that?"

     T'Keros: "The Dreamlands are all connected within a single, vast, dimension that touches upon all of the separate waking worlds that have a presence in them, even if the waking worlds are in different dimensions, the linked Dreamlands are not. So they can use the Dreamlands to travel from one world to another even crossing dimensional boundaries. Similar to plane walking, and if you are powerful enough to cross the Dreamlands, safer to do it that way as well. I will have to check on some things I heard before getting pulled into all of this. If it is like I think, she may be at the center of some very important events that recently happened in the Dreamlands. There has also been some events that have shown signs even in our Realms and the 'Masters', try as they did they could not silence word of them. Some of them just rolled through defying any attempt to stop, control, slow down, they just came through and kept going. No one could understand what was said. The language was so ancient, no one understands it anymore, but the power behind it!"

     Hawkins*: "Then we have to get on the ball, so to speak."

     T'Keros: "Why? Is something already in the works before we got involved?"

     Hawkins*: "You could say that."

     T'Keros: "All right, tell me what you know, then we can see what we need to do and how quickly we need to act."

     Hawkins*: "The former occupant of this body was told to set up a diversion to draw Iriisii's attention at a critical moment. The purpose of this was to allow for the capture of her first mate, Rigmor, I believe her name is. Anyway she is to be delivered to P'eri'tos, he wants her for leverage to free his brother, you know the one who got skewered? But he is supposed to act as a mediator between them and the 'Blind Dreamer' who as I previously mentioned wants the 'Mother of All Dragons' as his. He is one of the few who can stand before the 'Dreamer' and keep his mind intact."

     T'Keros starts swearing as a dark cloud forms outside the Capitol Building.

     Hawkins*: "Hey, ease up a bit! No need to start a tornado or something worse, save it for when you really need it."

     T'Keros calms himself and the cloud disperses.

     T'Keros: "Still we have got to put a stop to that. What are our chances of getting in the middle before it is executed and fouling it up?"

     Hawkins*: "Not good, to tell the truth. Hawkins used a merc group, highly skilled, quiet, when they got the order they went to ground, won't come back up until they have her in hand."

     T'Keros: "Then I have to get to the 'Mother of All Dragons' in a hurry, convince her of what is going down, and that I have no part in it as well as being on her side in general. I need to be there so when it goes down. I can protect this Rigmor from getting taken. What arrangements can you make to get me to her, as soon as you can make it happen!"

    The next day.

    Hawkins*: "Okay, I have made it happen, you do not want to know what I had to do to make this possible. I think some of these people are starting to believe I have lost my mind, but I have arranged a meeting between you and this Iriisii Dovahkiin. You will be watched and under some serious guard so be careful. You will likely only get this one chance so make it good. She is arranging your transport to where she currently is. Says she does not trust any of our planes in the area where she is. And I cannot say that I blame her after some of the things Hawkins did."

     T'Keros: "I will try and smooth things over, tell her what is going on. I just hope she will believe me."

     Hawkins*: "Believe me when I say I agree with you, if I have to stay in this sleazebag one second more than I have to. I mean he could give demons a bad name, not that they need one."

     T'Keros: "I understand. You saw what I landed in, at least I was able to 'clean house' so to speak, not that there was much left. That red lyrium is nasty in what it does. Where do I meet my transport?"

     Hawkins* grins, "Up on the roof. Come on, should be here soon."

     They take a hidden set of stairs in one of the back rooms of this suite and climb to the roof. There are a few guards standing around until Hawkins* dismisses them to go find some coffee.

     When they are alone.

     Hawkins*: "Look, do what you have to, do not worry about me. I will land on my feet, I always do. I will try and keep you apprised of what is going down on the home front. Oh, looks like your ride is approaching."

     In a gust of wing driven air, a dragon lands on top of the roof.

     Tahrodiis: "I see you are ready. Good, we should not tarry."

     T'Keros looks toward Hawkins*, "You did not say she had a Shadow Dragon among her people!"

     Tahrodiis: "A problem with that?"

     T'Keros: "Not in the least, I have heard of your species, but never thought to meet one under these more peaceful circumstances."

     Tahrodiis sniffs the air, "Ah, I understand now. Yet there has never been bad blood between our peoples, why would...I see. It is those whom you serve who have had disagreements with mine and my masters. Still, you are well behaved so I do not mind doing as my mate has asked of me."

     T'Keros: "You are mated to the 'Mother of All Dragons'?"

     Tahrodiis: "Yes, I and one other. You may meet her on your visit, simply be polite and you should have no difficulty with her, but remember she is very possessive and protective of their children."

     T'Keros: "I understand and will be courteous."

     Tahrodiis: "Then let us be off, climb up behind my head and we will begin. Have you ever flown by dragonback before?"

     T'Keros: "No, I cannot say that I have, although I once flew a Gorean Tarn. He was trained as a Warbird, a magnificent specimen."

     Tahrodiis: "I know of them, too few of the Warbirds are left now, a pity that is. Few others who fly the skies can command such respect."

     T'Keros: "I agree, by chance did you ever meet Tarl Cabot?"

     Tahrodis: "He who flew 'Ubar of the Skies'? No, but I have had the pleasure of watching him from time to time. He and my mate share many attributes, both know when the time is right to wade through the blood and guts of their enemies, and how to judge the worthiness of those who would follow in their footsteps. They also share the ability of timing when they fight, one must know when to take action as well as what action to take. Watching my mate in a High Duel is not easy, but well worth the experience."

     T'Keros: "I will take your word for that."

     And they rode the rest of the way to the Sithen in silence and peace. They landed very close to the Sithen's appearance as an old farmhouse, well within its area of influence. T'Keros looks at it strangely, feeling there is much more to this place but also wondering why his eyes cannot see it. Tahrodiis watching him, gives a rare chuckle.

     Tahrodis: "The Sithen is seeing if it wants to grant you entry. I can understand its quandary as you are not easily read."

     Tahrodis looks toward the farmhouse and speaks to it in Draconic. The farmhouse then opens its larger barn door to allow both of them entry.

     T'Keros: "What did you say to it?"

     Tahrodis: "I simply said you were here to speak with my mate, and that she is expecting you."

     As they enter, T'Keros is amazed at the difference between the inside and the outside. Even as he looks behind to see the doors close and notices the two ancient 'Fae' warriors standing on either side of the doors. Reading them, he realizes they are in their primordial forms, the ones they had when magic ruled everywhere and the stories of the 'Fae' first began to be told. He politely bows to them, even as they make no movement of their own to reply. Their attention completely on their task at hand, standing as guards at the gate to the outside world. He whirls around as he hears Iriisii speak to him. Surprise on his face because he saw no one in the space she is standing when he entered.

     Iriisii: "I understand you wish to speak with me. Strange that the request came from someone I am quite at odds with at the moment. It is mainly my curiosity that caused me to agree to meet with you."

     Then he hears a second voice, "I still say you should not have done this. Hawkins has done nothing to earn even a modicum of trust from you, and a great deal to earn a blade sliding through his guts."

     He turns to his side and sees a female warrior in armor, an exquisite two hand sword slung in an 'over the back' draw. She is just a little shorter than Iriisii, brown hair with just a bit of wave to it. Her expression is fierce and expectant, her demeanor says she knows how to use the weapon on her back. He turns back to Iriisii with hands open and arms spread.

     T'Keros: "I have only recently arrived here well after you did, my Lady. And bear much information I believe valuable to you. I am taking a great chance in meeting with you as you will understand once I have given you all that I know."

     It is only then he notices the robes Iriisii is wearing. Something about them, but he cannot place it. They cover her well, but give glimpses as if they taunt and tease on their own. He gathers himself and begins telling her everything, leaving nothing out, not even what he was expected to do by his 'Masters'. He is surprised when he hears Iriisii almost shout at the other.

     Iriisii: "Rigmor! No! He has not broken the peace of the Sithen!"

     Rigmor: "You heard him! He was sent to kill you!"

     Iriisii: "And yet he came here on his own, alone. Knowing he could die depending on what he said, still he told the truth, and hid nothing. Tell me what your nose tells you about him, does he come to cause trouble?"

     Rigmor returns the blade to her back, "No, he does not smell of trouble. But he also does not smell of our reality. He is from somewhere in the vastness of outside Existence."

     Iriisii: "That is quite apparent, love. But I wanted your opinion in any case. And so now you see how you play into all of this. It seems we have things to discuss in greater detail. What you have said answers some questions while raising others. I would know how much else of what is going on that you may know?"

     T'Keros: "I do not know how much else I can know. This is in fact my first trip into this universe. And if my compatriot had not asked for me, I would like as not be somewhere else."            

     Iriisii: "Tell me, why is it your 'Masters' allowed you to come in answer to the summons?"

     T'Keros: "I believe they fear you, the path you want to take this Existence toward, what the 'endgame' you have in mind will bring about not just for this Existence, but the 'Outside' that surrounds it. They look at all you have done and see through their own prejudiced eyes. They see what they would do in your place, not understanding your path or your reasoning for what you do."

     Iriisii: "Do you understand?"

     T'Keros: "Not fully, truly only enough to know how wrong they are. The path you tread is one worth the pain, the effort, the misunderstandings of others. If they would but step outside themselves, and look with clear eyes, they would begin to see. But they fear what they cannot understand, and place motives and desires that they can in place of what they cannot. And so they blind themselves to the truth, and work to tear down what they should be working to build up."

     Iriisii: "Yes, you do show glimmerings of understanding. Stay with us, learn from us, face your own fears, defeat them, and cast them aside. Then and only then, can you forge for yourself a new beginning, decide who you want to be, how you want to get there, and most of all, who will you be when you see yourself in the Great Beyond that lies even farther than the Outside. Many questions, few answers as yet, but they will come when you are ready."

     T'Keros: "Who decides when I am ready?"

     Iriisii: "You do. Plain and simple, you decide when you are ready, you decide how long it takes, but you must also decide if this path is the one you want. It waits for your answer, when you are ready. For now we have other things to discuss, the plans already set into motion. We must decide how to address them, for anything with the 'Blind Dreamer's' fingers in it has many layers within, or none at all. For we cannot understand him, not yet anyway, maybe we never will, maybe we do not need to in order to defeat him."

     T'Keros: "Then what do we need to do?"

     Iriisii: "Believe in ourselves, have faith that we will do what we need to in order to be free of him. No order, no chaos, just faith and belief, the two most powerful and yet most misunderstood forces in the entire Omniverse, and maybe beyond as well."

     T'Keros: "I begin to see why they fear you, and yet it is their own shortsightedness, their own fears that drive them, and I begin to think this was planted in them a very long time ago."

     Iriisii: "You have taken one more step along your chosen path. If you will come with me, we have plans of our own to make, yet we must not lose sight of one fact. No plan ever survives the first encounter with the enemy. We must anticipate the unexpected, and move with it when it happens."

     Iriisii turns and walks deeper into the Sithen.

     Rigmor: "I guess it is time for you to meet the rest of the family. I do not know where this Sithen is taking her, but she seems to know where, and wants to follow where it is leading. Never have I known her to not know what she is doing, or why. And I have no reason not to trust her now, in fact I have much more reason to keep trusting her. I guess we will see what direction you go from here."

     T'Keros: "Is she always this way?"

     Rigmor: "What way is that?"

     T'Keros: "Enigmatic."

     Rigmor chuckles, "If you had experienced the things she has, seen what she has seen, done what she has done. You might be a bit enigmatic as well."

     T'Keros: "Then let me be a bit more specific. Does she speak to others like she has just spoken to me?"

     Rigmor: "You are the first that I have heard her speak to in the way she did. She speaks on a deep personal level when she is in one of these kinds of moments. Certain individuals trigger these moments, so be honored, for they are few and far between. What she said to you, is for you and you only."

     T'Keros: "Is she some kind of oracle?"

     Rigmor: "No, I am the one with precognitive abilities. She just sees things sometimes on a completely different level of Reality, like a Seer. It happened when she was declared Imperatrex of the Dreamworlds. There is a part of her that is in near constant touch with them, while being with us, here, at this moment out of all the possible moments. I guess it started when she took the 'Poison of Transcendence' and survived the experience. She was the first to ever do so, and she has guided the rest of us on our journeys as well."

     T'Keros: "I have heard whispers of that stuff, very dangerous to even be near it."

     Rigmor: "In more ways than one. It is extremely toxic, so the first thing you have to do is change its chemical structure, while it is killing you. Then once it is changed into the 'Catalyst', it puts you through a wholly different set of dangers. You see the future threads of destiny, not just yours but everyone's. You can pick out your own, then sort them according to what decisions you make. If you are not up to the challenge of that, your mind gets lost in those time streams forever. Later the Catalyst will begin the Trial of the Ancestors, where you meet all of your ancestral racial memories and you must enforce your will upon them or the strongest among them will take your place within your body."

     T'Keros: "You went through this?"

     Rigmor: "Yes, I have, with her help. Without it, I would never have gotten through it intact. And of course it is different for each person who attempts it. Our jaunt through the time streams was the worst of any of ours. You can only see yourself being killed or dying in horrific ways so many times without it affecting you. I learned it was because of the life questions I was asking, once I started asking the right questions, it got a lot easier in some ways. I learned that while we think we know what we need and want in our life, many times we truly know nothing of the sort. It is a difficult thing to realize and even more difficult to accept. But once you do, it becomes possible to see the best path toward what you really need and want."

     T'Keros: "Do all those who ascend to Godhood have to go through this?"

     Rigmor: "No, almost all do not. It is only for a select few who are destined for greater things. And of course there is no guarantee they will make it through the trials. Many tried before and failed, the consequences of their failures was catastrophic."

     T'Keros: "Why are you telling me all of this?"

     Rigmor: "She trusts you, that is reason enough."

     T'Keros: "What is your take on the plans I disclosed about what they intended for you?"

     Rigmor: "They would end up biting off more than they could chew. Not the first time that has happened."

     T'Keros: "I take it they regretted their actions?"

     Rigmor: "Those few that lived through it. There was one who met his fate later. It is said you can still hear his dying screams echoing down the corridors of a derelict ship orbiting Tuo."

     T'Keros shudders almost as if he can hear those screams all the way here, so far from the world where that dead ship orbits. Rigmor notices his reaction and responds.

     Rigmor: "Maybe you did just hear those screams echoing, and maybe you just think you did. It is hard to determine what may be possible around you. We will see when you find out the truth of it."

     T'Keros: "Do you know the truth of it?"

     Rigmor: "From my perspective? Yes. From yours, that is another matter altogether."

     T'Keros: "What is it from your perspective?"

     Rigmor: "Be careful what you wish for, you may just get it. And some things once received cannot be revoked or forgotten."

     T'Keros: "I understand, I will take that chance."

     Rigmor: "Very brave of you, yes, you did indeed hear those actual screams. They are forever trapped between moments of time. As is the one uttering them as he was being entertained by Shivista."

     T'Keros: "Shivista? Where do I know that name from?"

     Then it dawns on him.

     T'Keros: "You cannot mean..."

     Rigmor: "Why not?"

     T'Keros: "She disappeared a very long time ago. I remember she was being hunted by some particularly nasty demonic entities. Not demons per se, but...I really do not know how to describe them, where I am from they are both feared and despised. All will put aside their differences and come together to fight them. Whatever it was she did to get them on her trail. Had she asked for help from any of us, we would have banded together and protected her."

     Rigmor: "I am sure she had her reasons, but she has moved on. Where she is now, I am certain they cannot reach her, nor the one she is with."

     T'Keros: "The one she is with?"

     Rigmor: "I see there is much you have to learn of current events. She has joined herself with Rassillon, once the ruler of the Timelords of Gallifrey. Together they passed into the Great Beyond, to make a new life for themselves. Once one, except for only two exceptions, passes over to that place, none are allowed to return."

     T'Keros: "Exceptions?"

     Rigmor: "Death, and Iriisii. We seem to have arrived in the middle of a consternation. Please wait here while I find out what has occurred."

     Iriisii is surrounded by her advisors, all trying to make their points of view known as to how to handle the situation. Iriisii finally has had enough and shouts to gather attention.

     Iriisii: "STOP!"

     Once the noise quiets down.

     Rigmor: "What is all of this concerning?"

     Iriisii: "Remember that probe team I sent out over a year ago while in the mirror realm? The ones who were to look for what race the Honored Matre's encountered and got so stirred up they turned tail and ran back looking for weapons and troops to fight with?"

     Rigmor: "I remember, at first we thought it was the Praetor and his forces. It is not him then?"

     Iriisii: "No, it is quite possibly much worse."

     Rigmor: "Perhaps you need to tell me what you have found out."

     Iriisii: "This is going to include some information that this has been brought out of my buried memories. And they are not in the least good ones, at least some may be depending on how you look at it. The probe team was approaching the edges of where the Honored Matres first came into the notice of the Praetor. They skirted around them and started looking for whatever they could find out about what had happened, if it was known who was responsible, where they came from. It seems the force is composed of more than one race, very dangerous, highly advanced, arrogant beyond belief, ring any bells?"

      Rigmor thinks for a few seconds, "Didn't Kagrenak put an end to them with that attempt to harness the 'Heart of Lorkhan'?"

      Iriisii: "Yes, he did, but there were a few who were shielded when that happened. They however are not involved. I knew they were researching several different paths of technology by what I discovered on Nirn while running around and getting into trouble. In my buried memories is another path they were into, one that later the Thalmor discovered and tried to assimilate themselves. I put a stop to that with the help of a few friends I had made. But I did not realize just how far they had gone down that road."

     Rigmor: "I know that it is the Dwemer we are talking about, so what were they into that has caused all of this?"

     Iriisii: "It is complicated and must be taken in steps to understand. First we know they were exploring the Oblivion Realms by the remains of gates they left behind in the Ayleid ruins in High Rock. They only found a few they could actually enter, explore, and in some cases do business with. They decided to try and find a different way to enter these realms, one more suited to their talents."

     Rigmor: "I am not sure I am going to like where this is going."

     Iriisii: "They started building ships capable of withstanding the conditions within the Oblivion Realms. The one I found was in Quagmire."

     Rigmor: "Quagmire! Vaermina's Realm! With your past trouble with her!"

     Iriisii: "Yes, it does factor in with everything else. But what we did not know was that they also used it to travel between the other Realms, since it could use the 'Gate' technology to pierce the barriers between those other Realms as well."

     Rigmor: "You said the Thalmor were also involved."

     Iriisii: "I will get to them in a bit. The probe team found evidence that at least one of the Dwemer ships, made it into the 'Mirror' Realm, somewhere far into it, much farther than where I went."

     Rigmor: "So did the Dwemer do the assimilating or were they assimilated?"

     Iriisii: "That, we are not sure of. We do not have enough information to put it all together. When the team found what they did and realized the connection, they got the information back to me as quickly as they could. They have refitted and are returning for a deeper look. But the 'Fleet' is still heading in the direction the Honored Matre's took in their escape."

     Rigmor: "No chance the Praetor could take care of them for us?"

     Iriisii: "I do not think so, remember what the Honored Matre's were doing while on the run? Looking for the weapons deemed so destructive they were locked away into Time Vaults. Until I came along and collected them all, anyway."

     Rigmor: "Wait! You said this possible Dwemer fleet was taking the same path back that the Honored Matre's took when they met up?"

     Iriisii: "Exactly, yes. You see where I am going with this."

     Rigmor: "Yeah, how much time do we have?"

     Iriisii: "Not certain, but if they travel straight from where I believe they are, about four to five years, if they stop and fight along the way for whatever reasons, it could add another two to three years."

     Rigmor: "Shit, eight years to the outside, that is not a lot of time to clear everything we have going on and get prepared for their arrival. Have you sent word to Blackwell yet?"

     Iriisii: "No, and I will not until we have more definite information on this. I will not have us 'crying wolf' if there is no wolf at the gates. But I have sent orders to send out more probes to track them, with specific orders to stay as far as practical from them. I do not want them to suspect they are being watched."

     Rigmor: "But if it is them, then they will cross the barrier at the Kinja homeworld!"

     Iriisii: "I know, I have sent word to them to prepare and have told them if it is possible, I will meet them on the other side of the barrier. I do not want them crossing over if we can stop them. If it comes to it, I will take the Krang and my Dark Fleet with the Dreadnaught to meet them. And you will not believe what they named it."

     Rigmor: "At this point I will believe anything."

     Iriisii: "It is now called, the 'Darkstar'."

     Rigmor: "You are kidding me? You are not kidding me. How did they..."

     Iriisii: "Don't ask me, I never mentioned a word about her to any of them. They came up with it on their own."

     Rigmor: "Will it be a battle between the worlds or will there be fighting on world as well?"

     Iriisii: "Right now, it is too difficult to say. We will likely start between worlds then mop up the survivors if they should make it to any nearby worlds. I must stress this right now, we know nothing of the size of their fleet or their capabilities. Hopefully by the time we have to engage them, we will have this information. I am sending out ships to aid our allies along the path. As well as doing all else I can to bolster their defenses. Any more questions for now?"