Work Text:
The werewolf attack on Camlorn came out of nowhere, one moment the people were going on about their daily routines and the next some were being slaughtered without warning, others turned into more werewolves making their take over the city quick.
Some managed to flee the city along with some of the guards while others barricaded themselves. A few fled to the largest building in the city, the church. Darien Gautier, captain of the city guards, sat at the steps of the altars looking over the people who survived, all of them mourning lost family members or wondering if they got out of the city. How long have they been barricaded here? A few days? Maybe a week? Time was hard to tell when the werewolves and cultists were heard doing gods know what outside. The church had some supplies, but they wouldn’t last much longer.
They needed a new plan, the inn would have more supplies they could use to survive, and he had to get the survivors there. It would be difficult, there weren’t enough guards left to safely escort all of the civilians.
Darien stood up facing the shrines standing behind him. His gaze focused on the center one. ‘Akatosh, I know I’m not a praying man, but we need a miracle against these werewolves.’ He looked up at the ceiling hoping the Aedra would hear his pleas.
“Captain!” A guard ran up to him. “The watch guards on the second floor are reporting the werewolves and cultists being attacked through the city, their numbers dwindling.”
“How many are out there?” Darien questioned turning around. His father must have sent soldiers to aid them, it seemed like the divine answered his prayers fairly quickly, or it was just good timing.
“Only one” The guard replied wide eyed, Darien raised an eyebrow in confusion. One? One man was taking care of all those werewolves and cultists out there? That can’t be right, one person cannot possibly fight through all those enemies out there, there has to be more out there.
Darien walked towards the doors, noticing two of the guards speaking to a woman She was holding a staff she seemed to be wearing a foreign style mages robe. Her red hair was loose, going little past her shoulders, it looked silky and shiny as the light of the torches reached it. He watched as she handed one of them a small bag, the guard nodded, making his way past them, heading towards Alinoin. One of his assistants must have asked her to bring some supplies.
The town was overrun with werewolves, and this woman reached them with no visible injuries, or a single scratch. The important question running through his head was: Why was she here?
“What brings you to our pleasant little city?” He asked, arms crossed leaning against a pillar. “The war? The blood? The thrice-damned Werewolves?” He snarled, getting the woman’s attention.
When she turned around to look at him his heart skipped a beat. He wasn’t expecting to see the most beautiful woman in Tamriel right in front of him, her eyes were a vibrant and yet a dull shade of green like emeralds that have never seen the light of day, a pale complexion as if she’s never done anything outside for too long, similar to many of the noble women he has met, now that he was closer to her, he noticed the unusual shade of her hair, reminding him of red wine, her bangs framing the pale skin of her face. To Darien this woman looked more like a princess than any warrior.
Of course he couldn’t help looking over her body, and he did like what he saw, taller than any Breton woman she was almost as tall as him with an hourglass figure. And her chest, he’s always liked being with a woman with big breasts and this woman definitely has them, he noticed parts of a wyrm tattoo.
“I’m looking for General Gautier’s son” She spoke, dusting off her robe ignoring Darien ogling her. Her voice was deep and somewhat pretty. Yet detached from everything around her. “We need the master key to get soldiers into the city and fight off the Werewolves” She continued as she gently placed her staff down against one of the pillars.
Darien blinked as he watched her rummaging through a small pouch, she was looking for him? “That's the first good news I've heard today” He enthusiastically raised his arms giving her his usual charming grin, his father had a plan to rid this city of those damn creatures, and a bold one coming from him, not to mention how thoughtful of him to send such a beautiful woman to get him.
“But if you're here to take me to my father, you can get that thought right out of your pretty head.” Darien added playfully, poking her forehead, smiling. “There are beautiful women in Camlorn that still need to be rescued.” He added playfully watching her as she tied her hair into a bun.
She glared at him, crossing her arms frowning. Her cold gaze sent shivers down his spine; she didn’t take his comment well. “I’m only here for the master key.” She held her hand out in front of him. “I don’t have all day.”
“Listen in all seriousness,” Darien’s smile faded, rushing this was a bad idea. “I'm not doing anything before we find a safe refuge for the civilians hiding in the surrounding buildings.” He walked towards one of the windows, motioning at the woman to follow him. ”The inn nearby should be defensible enough and it's full of supplies.” Darien motioned to a building through the window. “There's just one catch.” Darien looked back at her.
“And that is?” The redhead narrowed her eyes looking at Darien unenthusiastically.
“The inn's locked up tight and the innkeeper was killed trying to reach us. Get the key from the body and enter the inn, then shine a signal light. I'll rally the civilians and get them to safety. We'll talk about my key after that” The inn might be smaller than the church, but it has provisions that are more important for survival than being in a larger space. It would also make it easier for the surviving guards to keep watch and be able to have an easier rotation between them to finally get some much needed rest. Even with civilians offering to keep a lookout. None of them were willing to rest for too long before going back to their post.
Darien watched as the redhead in front of him took a deep breath rubbing her temples. “Listen, you want to save these people, then give me the key and we wipe down the invading forces, no need to get civilians to a different location or worry about supplies.”
“You’ll be putting more people in danger, this way other people hiding can come out as you’re out there clearing the way”
“Fine,” She replied, letting out a low growl.
“I prayed to Akatosh for a miracle.” Darien looked out the window at all the destruction and chaos around, weary. “And he sent you.” he turned grinning, gently grabbing her hands looking into her eyes. She blinked before jerking her hands back, glaring at him. “Oh, don't look at me like that. I'm joking…..Mostly.” He added softly. “Now go get that key.” He shooed her away in jest.
Darien heard her mumble something as she walked out into the overrun city, if he could only go with her, no doubt she could handle it she safely made it to them in the first place. He still kept an eye outside on what was going on, all he could do was watch as this stranger fought the hordes outside, her skills with magic was nothing he’s seen before, he has met wizards and sorcerers, but none were like her he couldn’t help being mesmerized by her every move, the only ways he could describe them were elegant and yet powerful enough to push the werewolves back keeping her distance from them.
Who was this woman? Where did she come from? He felt he should be out there fighting, but he was also needed here in case the cultist or werewolves made their way inside.
Darien ordered the guards to get the civilians together, with a lesser threat from the cultist getting them to the inn would not be difficult, and to keep an eye for any other civilians who they’ll need to help getting to the inn.
“Everyone” He began to address the survivors, “My father has sent help, she is clearing a path to the inn for us. Once things are safe we will make our way there.” Darien looked as the people talked among themselves, the inn was much smaller, but they’ve all been here for a few days already, and many of them were in need of food and supplies the inn would have.
Once the signal fire was lit he ordered the guards to watch the civilians, he kept the civilians safe as they walked towards the inn, the walk wasn’t far from the church but the careful pace they marched made the walk feel longer than it should be. Walking inside Darien saw the woman speaking with a few people it seems she found a few more survivors who hid in their homes, as expected. Darien guided everyone to get inside quickly. Once everyone was safely inside the doors and windows of the inn were swiftly barricaded.
“And here we are, at the inn, all safe and sound. More or less.” Darien rested his hands on his waist standing proudly at getting all the survivors safely to the inn. And managing to rescue a few people who were still inside their homes.
The redhead let out a deep sigh rubbing her temples again. “Give me the key, so I can leave” She demanded, tapping her foot impatiently, her hand forward motioning for him to hand the key over.
"Ah, ah, ah. Not quite yet.” Darien wagged his finger at her, receiving another glare from the redhead, her right eye twitching. She did not seem to appreciate his humor, this woman needed to stop glaring at him so much. As pretty as she looks Darien thought she would have a beautiful smile, if she was even able to show any other emotion besides annoyance.
“We need weapons and armor to help protect these civilians.” He continued crossing his arms. He wasn’t going to leave them unprotected while he and the guards were out in the city fighting the werewolves with the lion guard. “There are caches of Camlorn guard supplies hidden around the city. Gather some and we can-."
“MEY PAHLOK MUN!!!! She snapped, everyone around them went quiet turning their heads looking at the two of them. Darien took a few steps back startled, as she walked forwards pointing a finger at his chest. “NI DEIN NAAN SPAAN HET!!! She yelled, turning around through gritted teeth, “Zu'u lost nid tiid fah daar!”. She closed her eyes, taking deep breaths trying to calm herself. “Fine, I'll get the supplies." She said, opening her eyes, marching towards the door.
“W-wait, I almost forgot!” He called out to her, the redhead stopped not even bothering to turn around to look at him. “before you go talk to Alinon.” He nervously rubbed the back of his neck, he didn’t want to get yelled at again, but this was important. “I heard he's working on a way to cure those afflicted with Faolchu's lycanthropy on our way here.”
Darien didn’t get a reply, just a nod and watched as she walked towards the alchemist. Getting whatever potion Alinon concocted and out the door. He knew he was asking too much. He never expected her to give him such hostility.
He focused on still aiding the survivors. Overhearing some people whispering among themselves, some things he wasn’t too thrilled to hear.
“You don’t think that shouting got their attention?” An old man murmured.
“Who does she think she is, yelling at Darien like that.” A young woman added, not pleased.
“She was sent here to help, foreigners can be so rude.” An older woman said.
Darien attempted to calm them down, he didn’t need the people turning on the poor girl, he was the one who kept on asking her to do things when she’s only here to let the lion guard in. His father must be getting anxious waiting for her to open the gate to let them in. He just needed to wait a little longer, Darien will give the key to the girl as soon as she gets back.
Eventually the redhead walked back into the inn struggling with the supplies. Darien ran towards her helping her get the armors and swords, and other weapons. He received no thank you or anything before she turned to speak with Alinon.
Darien handed the supplies to the civilians while Alinon seemed pleased with the success of his antidote. He saw her sitting down staring at nothing in particular but thinking about something with how focused she looked as if she was still trying to calm herself. He should have left her alone, but there should be no harm in trying to talk her into some rest before giving her the master key right?
“Well done!” Darien sat down next to her bringing her out of her thoughts. “When we get out of here, the first drink's on me.” He motioned to himself. She didn’t even bother to look at him. “Get some rest, you did so much for us, the least I can do-”
“I don’t need it,” She spoke, getting back on her feet taking a few steps away from him. “I need to get this over with, let the lion guard in and kill Falchou.”
Darien sighed. There was no changing her mind.“I have some good news and some bad news.” He looked up expecting some sort of retort, but got silence in return. Darien stood up. He might as well let her know what some guards overheard the cultist say outside regarding her presence.
“The good news is I do indeed have the master key to the city gates. The bad news is your thrilling exploits have attracted Faolchu’s attention” Darien said, his focus still on her. From the moment he saw her Darien could tell there was something special about her. Every time he looks in her eyes he sees something else, loneliness? There was something missing from her but he couldn’t tell what.
“And now Faolchu is—pardon the pun—howling mad.” Darien chuckled still looking at her, not even a smile in return, others would have found that funny, but it was all business with her.
“I’ll take care of Faolchu,” she stated, the grip on her staff tightening. “You let the Lion Guard into the city, I don’t have any more time for your request.” She said as she took a few steps before stopping. “And you better keep a better track of this.” She said holding a book in her hand before tossing it to him.
He caught the book staring at it in disbelief that she found his journal. Part of him hoped it was burnt somewhere, Darien didn’t need anyone interrogating him about his nightmares. And how he somehow saw some of this disaster coming, from the dark anchors the daedra among other things. He wondered if she read it? Maybe she didn’t find it important? At least she gave it back.
Darien stood there, he wanted to run after her, but he couldn't. She was right the city needed to be cleared of cultists and werewolves and the only way was to let his father and the rest of the lion guard in, Darien didn’t mean to imply that he was purposely postponing giving her the key, he just wanted to get those unable to fight safe.
It was time to address the survivors asking for volunteers, some to stay and protect the young and elderly, and some to head out with the rest of the guards into the city to alert the forces outside, and take their city back. His plan was simple, although civilians might not be as well trained using swords, but the number of cultists and werewolves were dwindling, and likely dropping even lower and it was time for them to stop hiding and fight back.
Before heading outside he gave orders to the guards and armed volunteers, “We’ll split into groups of two, one guard and one volunteer, three groups will head towards the towers to light up beacons” Darien looked at the guards. “Protect the civilians while they are lighting the beacons to let the soldiers outside know to get ready. I will open the gates.”
Darien took a deep breath watching the guards and civilians be on their way, his mind occupied, how was she doing? He realized he didn’t even know her name, with everything going on he hadn’t even thought of asking her, once all of this was over, he would make sure to ask. Right now he had to get to the main gates.
Reaching the gates wasn’t easy, once Darien reached the gates he swiftly let the lion guard into the city, the reinforcements charged into the city taking their city back rounding up any of the surviving cultists. He noticed among them was an old fling of his Gloria Fausta, the woman was a well known werewolf hunter with her aid they can reclaim the city. Darien looked around for his father, standing they needed to come up with a plan to kill Faolchu. Darien stopped in front of the city’s keep next to his father.
“Father, what's going on, why is the Keep on fire!”
“Faolchu is in there,we learned his weakness is fire” His father replied, not even looking at his son, he stood there sword ready in case Faolchu managed to come out.
“We’re bringing him out then?”
“No, we're just here in case her plan doesn’t work, and he runs out.”
“Her plan?” Darien looked around the area all he saw was soldiers, Gloria was here with them, this couldn’t have been her plan as she would be in there as well. There was one person he hadn't seen. She said she was going to take care of Faolchu, she couldn’t have gone in there by herself.
“Where is she?!” Darien practically yelled at his father, “You let her go fight that monster alone!”
“Who are you talking about?”
“The woman you sent in to get the key from me, she’s in there alone isn’t she!” Darien motioned towards the burning building, howling could be heard from the inside whatever was going on in there must not have been good.
Darien got no reply from his father, he was right, how could his father let her go in alone. He was done sitting back letting someone else save the city! He was the captain of the city guard; he worked hard to hone his skills to reach his position and he had a job to do, gripping his sword’s handle running toward the burning keep.
“Darien!” His father placed a hand on his shoulder stopping him before he could go any further, “You’re not going to help anyone in there, go back with the guards and make sure the civilians are okay”
“Father I-”
“Darien you will do as I say!” His father’s commanding voice causes him to loosen his grip, putting his sword away. “She knows what she’s doing when she says she’ll go in and fight Faolchu alone. She was the one who gave us the information”
Darien might not like it but he will do as his father said. His father had so much confidence in this stranger, Darien had seen what she could do, he was still worried about her safety. Darien looked at the building and went back to his father. “When she comes out I want to speak with her.”
His father nodded walking away, Darien overheard his father admitting he should have known better, and made a mistake in sending her. It wasn’t a mistake, he would have run in to save anyone. Not just her.
Among the survivors Darien spotted the Duke speaking with Gloria Faustia about some guy named Angof, according to Gloria he was the one responsible for bringing Faolchu back from the dead.
Watching the people around them still mourning their dead Darien felt guilty he failed to protect the city as he was supposed to do. Even if no one would have been able to predict the attack on the city led by a werewolf everyone knew to be dead, this Angof must be powerful. This didn’t matter to Darien; his people will be avenged; he will make sure of it.
“Your father said you wanted to talk to me” The familiar voice took Darien out of his thoughts, she was back!
“I wanted to thank you. Personally.” He handed her a small pouch filled with a few pieces of gold he still had on him. Darien held on to her hand smiling. “We might have been able to retake Camlorn eventually, but it wouldn't have been quick and it certainly wouldn't have been pretty.
You saved lives, and that's not something I'll soon forget.” It wasn’t much but maybe it would be enough to show his appreciation for all her help.
“I'm resigning from the Camlorn Guard.” He continued “They need builders now, not soldiers.
Besides, that Angof thing is still out there. Someone has to go deal with that. Unless, of course, you'd care to tempt me with a drink before I start my heroic journey?" He smiled at her winking, still holding her hands.
“I don’t think so Darien, you’re not my type.” The redhead moved her hand away from him.
“Oh” Darien’s smile faded as he lowered his gaze, he'd been rejected before it wasn’t as he had success with every woman he flirted with, this time though it hurt, it was different why was she different?
“Pity. I would have enjoyed sharing a drink with you.” Darien rubbed the back of his neck looking down; he hadn't gotten the chance to ask for her name yet. He stood there as she walked away. “Wait, I don't even know your name!” He called out.
The redhead turned around looking at him, opening her mouth to speak. “Is…..”