Ascent

[Madrar]

AN: Hey guys, a lot of you wanted me to write a back story for Salthar. Here's chapter one. I won't get it done this month, but this'll just be a taste.
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Chapter One​

The Imperial City​

4E 175​

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Salthar Vivarian woke with a start, as someone shook him awake. His hand on the dagger he kept with him even while he slept, to see the gold and red armour of an elven soldier bending over him. "Sir?, Lord Naarifin commands your presence"​

Salthar nodded "Tell his lordship I'll be there momentarily" the soldier nodded and withdrew from the tent.​

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He rolled out of bed, and stretched to his full six foot height. Scars criss-crossed his chest and abdomen, some fresher than others. His golden flesh shone in the faint light piercing the fabric of his tent. He reached his red tunic and pants, put them, on, and then equipped his armour. Thrusting his tent flap to the side, and marched across the dirt path that had been created by hundreds of tramping boots.​

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Salthar enjoyed a lot of respect as an Aldemeri Commander. He'd earned that rank, and many of his scars during the oblivion crisis, fighting on the Sumerset Islands. He'd kept his rank by siding with the Thalmor when they seized power. Both he and his younger brother, Vengar, led divisions of approximately five hundred Altmer swordsmen, two hundred Bosmer archers, and fifty Khajiit scouts.​

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He and his men had seen much action at the beggining of the invasion. Now, they camped outside the conquered Imperial city. Lord Naarifin, who saw himself as something of a tactical genius, lorded it over the captured humans. Despite the fact that the emperor had escaped with a large force, the elven lord seemed to have conveniently 'forgotten' them, and believed the war as well as won.​

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"The man's an idiot" Salthar muttered under his voice, as he approached the gold and black fabric of lord Naarifins' command tent. Taking a breath to fortify himself for the confrontation ahead, he swept the flap aside, and cleared his throat.​

 

[Aeri Shadow]

Ooh. I like this. I can't wait to see more of Salthar's backstory.

 

[Madrar]

Ooh. I like this. I can't wait to see more of Salthar's backstory.

Thanks. I tried fairly hard to come up with one, as I intentionally made this character in my other stories to have a mysterious background.

 

[Aeri Shadow]

Thanks. I tried fairly hard to come up with one, as I intentionally made this character in my other stories to have a mysterious background.

Yeah. I have the same problem. I usually have to go back and rewrite a backstory or plotline three or four times, due to inconsistencies. -.-

 

[Docta Corvina]

Looking forward to more of this! Salthar intrigues me!

Also, thanks again for reading/commenting on my story, it's very much appreciated!

 

[bulbaquil]

Ooh, backstory. Yay.

 

[Dovakiin98]

That was a great start to Salthar`s backstory and I cannot wait for the next chapter.

 

[Madrar]

AN: I've finally got the hang of this.
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Chapter Two​

The Imperial City​

4E 175​

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Salthar cleared his throat as he entered the command tent. Lord Naarifin and his advisers looked up from the map they'd been studying. "Ah, commander Vivarian, glad you could join us" he smiled politely, but there was no warmth in his gold eyes, he waved Salthar to the table. Dipping a bow, the elven commander approached. The enemy were marked in red, their own forces gold, a small enemy force seemed to be positioned across Red Ring road. Salthar frowned and tapped the small square of colored wood "this is wrong" he stated flatly. Naarifins' eyes narrowed dangerously "care to explain how, exactly this information is incorrect?"​

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Sighing inwardly,he responded "Because, my lord, the main enemy force is stationed here, " he pointed to the small red block, "not there" his finger traversed the map to a point that was roughly ten inches from the smaller block. Naarifin stared at him, then snorted "You must be mistaken, my own scouts have informed me of this, commander" . 'Then your scouts are idiots, or traitors' Salthar wanted to tell him, but held his tongue. "Anyways, I summoned you here to give you your orders, they are as follows: Both you and commander Vengars' divisions will head off the Imperials, and crush them. Reinforcements will be sent as needed" Salthar stared at the man, expecting a punchline. None was coming. "Sir....you must be joking, sending only twelve hundred soldiers is suicide!"​

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Naarifin smiled coldly "These are orders, commander, not suggestions" he stated, waving a hand to let the other high elf know he was dismissed. Grinding his teeth and clenching his fists in an effort to not run the elven commander through with his own sword, Salthar bowed, spun around and left the command tent. He noticed another elven commander approaching and nodded at his brother, Vengar. "Orders?" The younger elf, always eager for action, was grinning. "We're to engage the enemy force at the Red Ring Road, with both of our companies" Salthars' brother nearly missed a step​

"B-but, that's suicide!" he objected staring at his older brother as if he'd just told him to stab himself.​

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"Our great and noble lord has ordered it" he spat, his voice heavy with sarcasm. Vengar swallowed twice, his face pale and drawn. "I'll...go tell the men" he murmured. As Vengar headed off, to his own battalion, Salthar headed to the left, towards his own company. Mad'Jdar, his Khajiiti second in command approached him, his grey fur shining in the sun, his leather armour creaking as he made his way to his commander. "This one thinks you are unusually tense today..." drawled the tall, muscular soldier. Salthar nodded, and told him the news.​

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Besides the Khajiits' ears flicking slightly, he showed no outward emotion. "This one is has made peace with his gods, already...he only has one request?" Mad'Jadar knew he could confide in his commander. While too many Dominion commanders treated the none Altmer soldiers in the army like dirt, Salthar and Vengar were the exceptions. "Of course, my friend, what is it?" Salthar inquired as they made there way to the rest of the soldiers. Mad'Jdar hesitated, before saying " Mad'Jdar has a son back in Elsweyr, in the village of Torval, if...if this one does not survive, will you care for him?" Salthar was taken aback by his friends unusual request.​

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"I-of course, Mad'Jdar, you have my word" he swore, placing a hand over his heart. The Khajiits' lips pulled up in a fierce smile "Good.This one is content" he purred. They'd already reached the battalion, and gave the orders. Many of the soldiers looked stricken, but none questioned. When Salthar gave the order, every last one of them marched forward. The battle of Red Ring Road was about to begin....​

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[Madrar]

Chapter Three ​

Red Ring Road​

4E 175​

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Arrows darkened the sky as the Bosmer arrows and Imperials exchanged fire. Then both forces charged towards one another, Altmer,Bosmer, and Khajiit, on one side, Imperial humans, and Nords on the other. The two sides clashed with a sound of blades slicing through flesh, maces thumping against armour, and axes banging into shields. Salthar lead from the front. His elven blade bit into flesh as the enemy charged. An Imperial soldier fell to his knees, Salthars' blade biting into the mans' neck. Dodging a war axe, and blocking a mace blow with his shield.​

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His soldiers formed a line to either side of him, although the line was falling quickly, as they were dragged down by larger concentrations of Imperial infantry. Salthar rammed his blade into another Imperials' chest over the mans' shield. Despite cutting down the horribly untrained and undisciplined recruits that the Imperials were throwing at the Dominion troops, the two companies under the elven brothers were slowly but surely being overwhelmed.​

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Salthar managed to cut down enough Imperials to get a little breathing space. A nasty scrape from a desperate swipe by an Imperial soldier bothered him as it was over his left eye, and kept trickling blood into his field of vision. His eyes were clear enough to see Mad'Jdar go down with a sword through his chest. The massive Khajiit was roaring curses, and whipping his sword around his head, cutting any soldier foolish enough to approach to ribbons. His Khajiit comrades crowded around him, trying to protect their leaders flanks, to no avail.​

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Salthar plunged back into the fighting, using his shield as a weapon as much as his sword. By the end of the day, only Salthar and Vengar still stood. Vengar was bleeding from multiple wounds, as was his brother. An Imperial captain emerged from the ranks of the legionnaires surrounding the two elves. "The battle is over" the man stated. He was of average height, with a single scar across his neck. A wound on his shoulder marked where he'd been struck by an arrow. " Surrender, and you will not be harmed"​

Salthar glanced at his brother, wondering whether surrendering to the Imperials they'd been killing for most of the day. He knew they couldn't win the fight however, not without immediate reinforcements, and Salthar had a sinking suspicion that reinforcements wouldn't be arriving. Ever. Finally, he dropped his sword and shield, motioning for Vengar to do the same.​

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Hours later, they were inside an Imperial prison cell, stripped of their armour and elven clothing, and given ragged, patched shirts and pants, instead. While they were in the cell for what must have been several days, a guard came to inform them that lord Naarifin had been tried and executed. As if that was supposed to make the two elves break down in sobs. Receiving absolutely no response from either Altmer, the man spat on the floor, before turning and leaving. While Salthar was glad that Naarifin had got what was coming to him, he feared the same fate was reserved for he and his brother.​

 

[Znowcicle]

Arrows darkened the sky as the Bosmer arrows and Imperials exchanged fire. Then both forces charged towards one another, Altmer,Bosmer, and Khajiit, one one side,

I believe the part I bolded should be "on one side", right? Other than that miniscule error I really enjoy reading this and it gives me a lot of insight as to why he was so zoned in on Tera's Khajiit siblings. Salthar is very honorable. I can't wait for the rest

 

[Madrar]

Yeah, thanks for catching that error.

 

[Znowcicle]

You're welcome, Madrar. Happy to help out.

 

[Madrar]

Chapter Four​

Imperial Prison​

4E 175​

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"Psst, he you!" a voice hissed at the Altmer prisoner. Salthar glanced up to see the same Imperial captain that he and his brother had surrendered to. The man was unlocking the doors to his cell as he whispered "You and your companion are getting out of here" Salthar frowned, but stood up when the door opened, half expecting a cruel trick. "Why help us?" asked the suspicious elven commander. The captain looked uncomfortable, but said "Not all of us are satisifed with having the old empire about to return"​

Salthar wasn't about to keep questioning. The temptation to run for freedom was simply too much.​

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Now the captain had turned to Vengar's cell and unlocked it as well. "You're clothes and weapons are over there" he told them, pointing to a pair of sacks near the door. " Sorry I couldn't collect your amour or shields, but that would attract way too much attention" Vengar nodded in agreement, and tossed Salthar's sack to him. "I'm just grateful you're helping us escape" the other elf said, changing into his clothes. "But what about guards? The imperial shook his head, grinning.​

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" I proposed a little 'celebration' in the guard room...they're out cold" he explained. Now fully changed, and armed with his elven sword, Salthar motioned for the captain to lead the way.The three of them made their way through the prison and eventually made their way up to the Imperial city itself. The captain turned to Salthar and Vengar " I can't help you beyond this point..good luck, and may the divines watch over you" With that the man turned and was gone, moving deeper into the city, and away from the two Altmer, who were now in very hostile territory.​

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Silently, the brothers made their way throughout the city, avoiding the patrols of soldiers, who seemed ready to attack anyone even remotely resembling a Dominion soldier. Eventually, the two of them left the city without incident. They were hardly safe, but they paused to take their first breathes of fresh air they'd had in weeks.​

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Then they headed out again, aiming generally south. It would have been faster, and easier to simply go west, and head to the coast, where they might find a ship to take them to the Somerset Isles. However, Salthar had sworn to find his second in commands son and care for him. Initially, Vengar rose no objections. But after crossing the body of water that connected the land around the Imperial city to the rest of Cyrodiil, he stopped, wiping his brow. "Brother, forgive me for asking, but wouldn't it be simpler to head west?" Salthar, slightly a head, turned to face his fellow Altmer. "I made a promise to Mad'Jdar" he said, "so we're going to Elsweyr first" after that, the trip was generally silent. They traveled more in the fields, forests and valleys' to avoid the Imperial patrols, and citizens that would turn them in without a second thought.​

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After nearly a month's travel, they'd reached the Cyrodiil/Elsweyr border. Khajiiti troops patrolling the border recognized the Altmer and at once brought them to the village of Riverhold, where the two elves were fed and bathed. Many of the Khajiit expressed surprise that the two elves hadn't collapsed from starvation before getting a quarter of the way to the border. The brothers were emaciated, with gaunt faces, and their ribs showing through their skin. They'd survived off berries and small animals that they'd trapped...barely. Now the next leg of their journey was ahead of them. The trip to Mad'Jdar's home, the village of Torval, near the ocean.​

 

[Aeri Shadow]

SDFGHJGFDFGHJHUYUTYRESFDF...

Epic stuff. Glad I read it. I like how Lore-friendly your characters, settings, storyline, etc. are. It's very nice to see that. Keep 'er up.

 

[Madrar]

Thanks! The chapter I just posted, the one where they're in prison actually got deleted by accident last week. So I spent up to today re-writing it!But thank you very much for your reveiws, I try to keep it as Lore friendly as possible, especially with the landscape. Anyone know the name name of that bay like area between Elsweyr and Valenwood to the south? I can't find it anywhere....

 

[Aeri Shadow]

Anyone know the name name of that bay like area between Elsweyr and Valenwood to the south? I can't find it anywhere....

The Quin'rawl Peninsula runs along the south side of Elsweyr.. That might be it.

 

[Madrar]

I think you're right. Thanks Aeri.

 

[bulbaquil]

Heh. A "celebration" in the guard room.

 

[Madrar]

Breaking the news​

Torval, Elsweyr​

4E 176​

The Khajiiti warriors that had escorted the two Altmer throughout the journey walked into the village with them, offering explanations to the surprised Khajiit guards. One of them walked over to Salthar​

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" Jo'Rakha knows where the son of Mad'Jdar is, follow me" the two brothers followed the lightly armoured guard to a medium sized hut, where the sounds of children playing could be heard. When the guard knocked a Khajiit woman opened the door. Her fur was grey, with streaks of black on her face and arms. The two Khajiit conversed in their rasping language, before the woman stepped towards him. ​

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" I am Mazira.I am Mad'Jdar's sister, I look after his cub" Salthar nodded a greeting " I'm Salthar Vivarian, I am-was Mad'Jdar's commanding officer...and friend, I'm sorry madam, but he was killed in battle" he told her, his own voice hoarse with emotion. The female Khajiit nodded, although her eyes were glassy and watery, and her hands shook. "I also swore to raise his son for him" this time Mazira really did react, a gasp of surprise. " Young Mah'Drar?" she asked, her surprise and pain evident. Salthar nodded " I will take him and raise him among my own people, on the Somerset Isles" The female Khajiit actually took a step back, tears spilling down her furred cheeks, her black lips trembling with restrained emotion ​

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" He is still a young cub..he is not ready-" At this point the guard that had accompanied them snapped something in their language. Mazira looked as if he'd slapped her, but nodded and stuck her head inside the hut, calling for Mah'Drar. A young Khajiit cub, his fur still fluffy and soft, but black as night, walked out of the hut. Salthar watched, feeling more than a little guilty, as Mazira sank down in front of the youngling and rubbed her cheek against his, whispering into his ear. ​

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The young Khajiit didn't cry...he only hugged his aunt tightly and walked towards Salthar and his brother. " I am to live with you now?" he asked, his voice rasping lightly. Salthar nodded silently, and the cub smiled a little, looking excited. " It will be an adventure then!" he said brightly, and Salthar was forced to laugh "Indeed it will, my young friend" said, placing a hand on his shoulder. Mazira returned, carrying a small pack, which Mah'Drar took. They spoke for a little while in their native language, before a runner came up from the coast to tell Vengar that a ship was leaving for the Isles soon. ​

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"It is time to leave" stated Salthar softly, and soon they were on their way again, their escort of soldiers around them. Behind them in the village, the sharp ears of the Altmer brothers heard the heart-wrenching wail of grief and loss at losing both her nephew and brother. Salthar barely stopped himself from turning back. However, he'd sworn an oath to his dead friend. Soon the group was on a small sailing vessel, which rose anchor and headed out into the calm windswept water, heading towards the Somerset Isles and home.​

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[Madrar]

Heh. A "celebration" in the guard room.

Yes...A celebration.