Phantom
Uh, I didn't do it.
Summary: He wouldn't do it, he couldn't. There was a price, but he wasn't willing to pay for it with his soul. He knew what would happen if he crossed the Thalmor. Now someone else will pay the price for him.
Attn: All events are prior to Skyrim. In fact they take place five years before "The Divine Champion". So if you're following me from TDC then you're already familiar with Cato. If you haven't they I highly suggest giving it a quick read.
Other than that, this will be a short fanfic, a few short chapters.
Aventus Cato was certain that he was losing his mind. He had checked and double checked his Imperial armor, and soon he did a triple check; just to be safe. His heavy Imperial armor was polished to perfection. If anything he was more than ready for today's war council. But no matter how many times he assured himself he still felt nervous. What if he did something wrong? What if he forgot the names of the other councilors? What if he stumbled, or didn't know how to answer a question?
He had just strapped on his sword belt when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, seeing his wife behind him. He smiled. They had been married a year, yet every time he saw her he still swooned like he had the first time he'd met her. She was beautiful. Her dark brown hair was braided down her back. Her warm smile greeted him like sunshine. She held his polished plummed officer's helmet in one hand and their three month old son, Darius, in the other. Aventus ignored the helmet and bent down, kissing her softly on the cheek and reaching for his son. He held him gently in his arms. This was what he fought for, he realized. This little bundle was his world. It was something he'd protect with his life. He kissed his son gently on the head before exchanging him for his helmet. "I want a few words with the man who decided that we are to wear full armor for a meeting," he chuckled.
Elaina reached up and rested her hand on his newly shaven cheek. "You'll do fine, Aventus. The General will be there with you."
"Thanks for reminding me," Aventus said, rolling his eyes. He thrust his helm atop his head, adjusting it so it aligned correctly with his face. "One week," he said softly, "and I'll be home."
"Okay," she said as she followed him out the door.
"I'm just going to be in the city," he continued, "so if you need anything just write and I'll rush home."
Now it was her turn to roll her eyes. "Yes, Legate. Now go, or you'll be late."
He turned, facing her. He took a moment to stare into her deep brown eyes. "I love you," he smiled as Darius started stirring in his mother's arms, "both of you."
He turned away. He found his gelding at tied to the bar near the porch. He methodically mounted his horse, his armor making it the movement awkward. He looked back before he left their front path of their home, taking the sight of it in. He'd built much of it himself. It was just a half mile from the island where the Imperial City sat. It was just close enough to it to attend meetings, but just far enough away so that he could forget them when he came home.
His wife was still standing in the doorway, waving. He returned the wave. I'll be home soon, he thought, it's only going to be a week.
----------------------------------------------------------------
He crossed the arched White Bridge, and stabled his horse at the Imperial Stables. He made his way through the gates into the city. The Septim Plaza was crowded with citizens and tourists alike. Guards and soldiers saluted him as he passed. It was strange to be saluted to. Aventus had only been promoted to the rank of 'Legate' a month ago, and this was his first time in the city since then. He saluted each of them back, murmuring small greetings as he passed. He was sure they were all talking behind his back. The great Legate Aventus Cato, bastard son of the Commander, trying to lick his father's boots. He tried to stuff that thought back in his mind.
Of course he'd already heard the stories. Not all of them true. What was true was that yes, he was the Commander's bastard. But never was he the Commander's son. No, the Commander was nothing but an enforcer to him. Pushing him to make him things he was not. For twenty seven years Aventus was shadowed by his father. More like he was shadowed by the Commander's sons that never made it past the birthing room.
So Aventus had raised himself. He fought for his father's respect. He joined the Legion as soon as he was able. He worked hard, and finally was recognized when he became the Legate for General Tullius, who'd recognized him after he'd lead the defense of the city of Chorrol from a small army of bandits. He'd been proud of himself, but when he mentioned it to his father he got nothing from him. Not even a ounce of awknowledgement.
He should have been used to it by now.
His pace quickened as he noticed the sun passing to the West. Perfect, he thought. He was late.
He soon made his way to the Green Emperor Way. He was greeted at the gate by a young Imperial soldier in light leather armor. "Legate Cato," he saluted. "I am to escort you to the chambers of the Elder Council."
Aventus nodded. "Lead the way." The soldier turned on his heels, leading Aventus to the Palace. It was impossible not to feel tiny in the shadow of the Palace. It seemed to go on forever. It was said that it could be seen from all the way across Cyrodill. It was true, but it was only a speck from places so far away as Anvil or Bravil.
The soldier opened the door for the Legate. The Palace was dead silent. He felt the eyes of the palace guard on him as he made his way to the Elder Council Chambers. There doors to the council were closed. He took the moment to adjust his armor for a fouth time. Then he entered.
The room was huge and extended high into the tower. Huge pillars made of white and gold marble loomed over the small war council. Aventus was so distracted by the room that the doors slammed with a boom that echoed strongly back.
The Commander and other council members turned to face him. He was happy he was still wearing his helmet so they couldn't see him blush. Aventus quickly made his way down the stairs. He saluted his golden armored father, "Commander, General, apologies for my lateness."
His father shook his head, "No need Legate. Just sit down."
Aventus nodded and took the open seat at the far end of the table. The current council was small. Only four people, Aventus included. There was General Tullius, the Thalmor Ambassador Elezar, and last but not least his father. Aventus was confused. He had expected a much larger council.
"Now," his father began, "please continue, Elezar."
The hooded Thalmor stood. "It has come to our attention that there has been... unrest... in the province of Elsweyr. A village South of Rimmen has actually called for rebellion."
Tullius grunted, "Have them get in line then."
Elezar glared at the General, but continued, "The rebel faction needs to be taken care of before they can establish themselves."
"How do you suggest we do that?" Tullius asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"The village needs to be occupied by the Legion."
Commander Cato leaned forward. "Why can't the Thalmor occupy it?"
"The relations between the locals and our people is already... difficult. We do not wish to give them reason to rebel, only to draw away their support. Surely they will look the other way when they have armed Legion soldiers on their doorstep."
Tullius scowled, "So, what, use the Legion as a scapegoat?"
The Thalmor held up his hands, "No, but rather a shield."
They were all silent.
It was his father who broke the silence, "We will send a company there. But no more."
Elezar nodded, "It is a smaller village, that should suffice. We have contacts in Rimmen that could escort them to the village."
"Legate," his father said to him, "gather your company from the Eighteenth Legion. Go to Rimmen. Meet this contact. Keep those rebels in line."
Aventus stood and saluted, "Yes, Commander."
"So, about this situation in Skyrim," he heard his father say as Aventus left the Elder Council Chambers.
He wasn't going home to his wife and son like he'd promised. He was going to some shit village in Elsweyr. If he wasn't sure before he was sure now.
His father hated him.
Attn: I renamed the 'Talos Plaza'. I figured the Thalmor wouldn't like the name under the WGC.
Attn: All events are prior to Skyrim. In fact they take place five years before "The Divine Champion". So if you're following me from TDC then you're already familiar with Cato. If you haven't they I highly suggest giving it a quick read.
Other than that, this will be a short fanfic, a few short chapters.
Problems Elsweyr
-1-
"For there to be betrayal, there would have to have been trust first."
-Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
Aventus Cato was certain that he was losing his mind. He had checked and double checked his Imperial armor, and soon he did a triple check; just to be safe. His heavy Imperial armor was polished to perfection. If anything he was more than ready for today's war council. But no matter how many times he assured himself he still felt nervous. What if he did something wrong? What if he forgot the names of the other councilors? What if he stumbled, or didn't know how to answer a question?
He had just strapped on his sword belt when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, seeing his wife behind him. He smiled. They had been married a year, yet every time he saw her he still swooned like he had the first time he'd met her. She was beautiful. Her dark brown hair was braided down her back. Her warm smile greeted him like sunshine. She held his polished plummed officer's helmet in one hand and their three month old son, Darius, in the other. Aventus ignored the helmet and bent down, kissing her softly on the cheek and reaching for his son. He held him gently in his arms. This was what he fought for, he realized. This little bundle was his world. It was something he'd protect with his life. He kissed his son gently on the head before exchanging him for his helmet. "I want a few words with the man who decided that we are to wear full armor for a meeting," he chuckled.
Elaina reached up and rested her hand on his newly shaven cheek. "You'll do fine, Aventus. The General will be there with you."
"Thanks for reminding me," Aventus said, rolling his eyes. He thrust his helm atop his head, adjusting it so it aligned correctly with his face. "One week," he said softly, "and I'll be home."
"Okay," she said as she followed him out the door.
"I'm just going to be in the city," he continued, "so if you need anything just write and I'll rush home."
Now it was her turn to roll her eyes. "Yes, Legate. Now go, or you'll be late."
He turned, facing her. He took a moment to stare into her deep brown eyes. "I love you," he smiled as Darius started stirring in his mother's arms, "both of you."
He turned away. He found his gelding at tied to the bar near the porch. He methodically mounted his horse, his armor making it the movement awkward. He looked back before he left their front path of their home, taking the sight of it in. He'd built much of it himself. It was just a half mile from the island where the Imperial City sat. It was just close enough to it to attend meetings, but just far enough away so that he could forget them when he came home.
His wife was still standing in the doorway, waving. He returned the wave. I'll be home soon, he thought, it's only going to be a week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He crossed the arched White Bridge, and stabled his horse at the Imperial Stables. He made his way through the gates into the city. The Septim Plaza was crowded with citizens and tourists alike. Guards and soldiers saluted him as he passed. It was strange to be saluted to. Aventus had only been promoted to the rank of 'Legate' a month ago, and this was his first time in the city since then. He saluted each of them back, murmuring small greetings as he passed. He was sure they were all talking behind his back. The great Legate Aventus Cato, bastard son of the Commander, trying to lick his father's boots. He tried to stuff that thought back in his mind.
Of course he'd already heard the stories. Not all of them true. What was true was that yes, he was the Commander's bastard. But never was he the Commander's son. No, the Commander was nothing but an enforcer to him. Pushing him to make him things he was not. For twenty seven years Aventus was shadowed by his father. More like he was shadowed by the Commander's sons that never made it past the birthing room.
So Aventus had raised himself. He fought for his father's respect. He joined the Legion as soon as he was able. He worked hard, and finally was recognized when he became the Legate for General Tullius, who'd recognized him after he'd lead the defense of the city of Chorrol from a small army of bandits. He'd been proud of himself, but when he mentioned it to his father he got nothing from him. Not even a ounce of awknowledgement.
He should have been used to it by now.
His pace quickened as he noticed the sun passing to the West. Perfect, he thought. He was late.
He soon made his way to the Green Emperor Way. He was greeted at the gate by a young Imperial soldier in light leather armor. "Legate Cato," he saluted. "I am to escort you to the chambers of the Elder Council."
Aventus nodded. "Lead the way." The soldier turned on his heels, leading Aventus to the Palace. It was impossible not to feel tiny in the shadow of the Palace. It seemed to go on forever. It was said that it could be seen from all the way across Cyrodill. It was true, but it was only a speck from places so far away as Anvil or Bravil.
The soldier opened the door for the Legate. The Palace was dead silent. He felt the eyes of the palace guard on him as he made his way to the Elder Council Chambers. There doors to the council were closed. He took the moment to adjust his armor for a fouth time. Then he entered.
The room was huge and extended high into the tower. Huge pillars made of white and gold marble loomed over the small war council. Aventus was so distracted by the room that the doors slammed with a boom that echoed strongly back.
The Commander and other council members turned to face him. He was happy he was still wearing his helmet so they couldn't see him blush. Aventus quickly made his way down the stairs. He saluted his golden armored father, "Commander, General, apologies for my lateness."
His father shook his head, "No need Legate. Just sit down."
Aventus nodded and took the open seat at the far end of the table. The current council was small. Only four people, Aventus included. There was General Tullius, the Thalmor Ambassador Elezar, and last but not least his father. Aventus was confused. He had expected a much larger council.
"Now," his father began, "please continue, Elezar."
The hooded Thalmor stood. "It has come to our attention that there has been... unrest... in the province of Elsweyr. A village South of Rimmen has actually called for rebellion."
Tullius grunted, "Have them get in line then."
Elezar glared at the General, but continued, "The rebel faction needs to be taken care of before they can establish themselves."
"How do you suggest we do that?" Tullius asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"The village needs to be occupied by the Legion."
Commander Cato leaned forward. "Why can't the Thalmor occupy it?"
"The relations between the locals and our people is already... difficult. We do not wish to give them reason to rebel, only to draw away their support. Surely they will look the other way when they have armed Legion soldiers on their doorstep."
Tullius scowled, "So, what, use the Legion as a scapegoat?"
The Thalmor held up his hands, "No, but rather a shield."
They were all silent.
It was his father who broke the silence, "We will send a company there. But no more."
Elezar nodded, "It is a smaller village, that should suffice. We have contacts in Rimmen that could escort them to the village."
"Legate," his father said to him, "gather your company from the Eighteenth Legion. Go to Rimmen. Meet this contact. Keep those rebels in line."
Aventus stood and saluted, "Yes, Commander."
"So, about this situation in Skyrim," he heard his father say as Aventus left the Elder Council Chambers.
He wasn't going home to his wife and son like he'd promised. He was going to some shit village in Elsweyr. If he wasn't sure before he was sure now.
His father hated him.
Attn: I renamed the 'Talos Plaza'. I figured the Thalmor wouldn't like the name under the WGC.
Attn: All events are prior to Skyrim. In fact they take place five years before "The Divine Champion". So if you're following me from TDC then you're already familiar with Cato. If you haven't they I highly suggest giving it a quick read.
Other than that, this will be a short fanfic, a few short chapters.
Problems Elsweyr
-1-
-1-
"For there to be betrayal, there would have to have been trust first."-Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
Aventus Cato was certain that he was losing his mind. He had checked and double checked his Imperial armor, and soon he did a triple check; just to be safe. His heavy Imperial armor was polished to perfection. If anything he was more than ready for today's war council. But no matter how many times he assured himself he still felt nervous. What if he did something wrong? What if he forgot the names of the other councilors? What if he stumbled, or didn't know how to answer a question?
He had just strapped on his sword belt when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, seeing his wife behind him. He smiled. They had been married a year, yet every time he saw her he still swooned like he had the first time he'd met her. She was beautiful. Her dark brown hair was braided down her back. Her warm smile greeted him like sunshine. She held his polished plummed officer's helmet in one hand and their three month old son, Darius, in the other. Aventus ignored the helmet and bent down, kissing her softly on the cheek and reaching for his son. He held him gently in his arms. This was what he fought for, he realized. This little bundle was his world. It was something he'd protect with his life. He kissed his son gently on the head before exchanging him for his helmet. "I want a few words with the man who decided that we are to wear full armor for a meeting," he chuckled.
Elaina reached up and rested her hand on his newly shaven cheek. "You'll do fine, Aventus. The General will be there with you."
"Thanks for reminding me," Aventus said, rolling his eyes. He thrust his helm atop his head, adjusting it so it aligned correctly with his face. "One week," he said softly, "and I'll be home."
"Okay," she said as she followed him out the door.
"I'm just going to be in the city," he continued, "so if you need anything just write and I'll rush home."
Now it was her turn to roll her eyes. "Yes, Legate. Now go, or you'll be late."
He turned, facing her. He took a moment to stare into her deep brown eyes. "I love you," he smiled as Darius started stirring in his mother's arms, "both of you."
He turned away. He found his gelding at tied to the bar near the porch. He methodically mounted his horse, his armor making it the movement awkward. He looked back before he left their front path of their home, taking the sight of it in. He'd built much of it himself. It was just a half mile from the island where the Imperial City sat. It was just close enough to it to attend meetings, but just far enough away so that he could forget them when he came home.
His wife was still standing in the doorway, waving. He returned the wave. I'll be home soon, he thought, it's only going to be a week.
----------------------------------------------------------------
He crossed the arched White Bridge, and stabled his horse at the Imperial Stables. He made his way through the gates into the city. The Septim Plaza was crowded with citizens and tourists alike. Guards and soldiers saluted him as he passed. It was strange to be saluted to. Aventus had only been promoted to the rank of 'Legate' a month ago, and this was his first time in the city since then. He saluted each of them back, murmuring small greetings as he passed. He was sure they were all talking behind his back. The great Legate Aventus Cato, bastard son of the Commander, trying to lick his father's boots. He tried to stuff that thought back in his mind.
Of course he'd already heard the stories. Not all of them true. What was true was that yes, he was the Commander's bastard. But never was he the Commander's son. No, the Commander was nothing but an enforcer to him. Pushing him to make him things he was not. For twenty seven years Aventus was shadowed by his father. More like he was shadowed by the Commander's sons that never made it past the birthing room.
So Aventus had raised himself. He fought for his father's respect. He joined the Legion as soon as he was able. He worked hard, and finally was recognized when he became the Legate for General Tullius, who'd recognized him after he'd lead the defense of the city of Chorrol from a small army of bandits. He'd been proud of himself, but when he mentioned it to his father he got nothing from him. Not even a ounce of awknowledgement.
He should have been used to it by now.
His pace quickened as he noticed the sun passing to the West. Perfect, he thought. He was late.
He soon made his way to the Green Emperor Way. He was greeted at the gate by a young Imperial soldier in light leather armor. "Legate Cato," he saluted. "I am to escort you to the chambers of the Elder Council."
Aventus nodded. "Lead the way." The soldier turned on his heels, leading Aventus to the Palace. It was impossible not to feel tiny in the shadow of the Palace. It seemed to go on forever. It was said that it could be seen from all the way across Cyrodill. It was true, but it was only a speck from places so far away as Anvil or Bravil.
The soldier opened the door for the Legate. The Palace was dead silent. He felt the eyes of the palace guard on him as he made his way to the Elder Council Chambers. There doors to the council were closed. He took the moment to adjust his armor for a fouth time. Then he entered.
The room was huge and extended high into the tower. Huge pillars made of white and gold marble loomed over the small war council. Aventus was so distracted by the room that the doors slammed with a boom that echoed strongly back.
The Commander and other council members turned to face him. He was happy he was still wearing his helmet so they couldn't see him blush. Aventus quickly made his way down the stairs. He saluted his golden armored father, "Commander, General, apologies for my lateness."
His father shook his head, "No need Legate. Just sit down."
Aventus nodded and took the open seat at the far end of the table. The current council was small. Only four people, Aventus included. There was General Tullius, the Thalmor Ambassador Elezar, and last but not least his father. Aventus was confused. He had expected a much larger council.
"Now," his father began, "please continue, Elezar."
The hooded Thalmor stood. "It has come to our attention that there has been... unrest... in the province of Elsweyr. A village South of Rimmen has actually called for rebellion."
Tullius grunted, "Have them get in line then."
Elezar glared at the General, but continued, "The rebel faction needs to be taken care of before they can establish themselves."
"How do you suggest we do that?" Tullius asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"The village needs to be occupied by the Legion."
Commander Cato leaned forward. "Why can't the Thalmor occupy it?"
"The relations between the locals and our people is already... difficult. We do not wish to give them reason to rebel, only to draw away their support. Surely they will look the other way when they have armed Legion soldiers on their doorstep."
Tullius scowled, "So, what, use the Legion as a scapegoat?"
The Thalmor held up his hands, "No, but rather a shield."
They were all silent.
It was his father who broke the silence, "We will send a company there. But no more."
Elezar nodded, "It is a smaller village, that should suffice. We have contacts in Rimmen that could escort them to the village."
"Legate," his father said to him, "gather your company from the Eighteenth Legion. Go to Rimmen. Meet this contact. Keep those rebels in line."
Aventus stood and saluted, "Yes, Commander."
"So, about this situation in Skyrim," he heard his father say as Aventus left the Elder Council Chambers.
He wasn't going home to his wife and son like he'd promised. He was going to some shit village in Elsweyr. If he wasn't sure before he was sure now.
His father hated him.
Attn: I renamed the 'Talos Plaza'. I figured the Thalmor wouldn't like the name under the WGC.
Attn: All events are prior to Skyrim. In fact they take place five years before "The Divine Champion". So if you're following me from TDC then you're already familiar with Cato. If you haven't they I highly suggest giving it a quick read.
Other than that, this will be a short fanfic, a few short chapters.
Problems Elsweyr
-1-
"For there to be betrayal, there would have to have been trust first."
-Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
Aventus Cato was certain that he was losing his mind. He had checked and double checked his Imperial armor, and soon he did a triple check; just to be safe. His heavy Imperial armor was polished to perfection. If anything he was more than ready for today's war council. But no matter how many times he assured himself he still felt nervous. What if he did something wrong? What if he forgot the names of the other councilors? What if he stumbled, or didn't know how to answer a question?
He had just strapped on his sword belt when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, seeing his wife behind him. He smiled. They had been married a year, yet every time he saw her he still swooned like he had the first time he'd met her. She was beautiful. Her dark brown hair was braided down her back. Her warm smile greeted him like sunshine. She held his polished plummed officer's helmet in one hand and their three month old son, Darius, in the other. Aventus ignored the helmet and bent down, kissing her softly on the cheek and reaching for his son. He held him gently in his arms. This was what he fought for, he realized. This little bundle was his world. It was something he'd protect with his life. He kissed his son gently on the head before exchanging him for his helmet. "I want a few words with the man who decided that we are to wear full armor for a meeting," he chuckled.
Elaina reached up and rested her hand on his newly shaven cheek. "You'll do fine, Aventus. The General will be there with you."
"Thanks for reminding me," Aventus said, rolling his eyes. He thrust his helm atop his head, adjusting it so it aligned correctly with his face. "One week," he said softly, "and I'll be home."
"Okay," she said as she followed him out the door.
"I'm just going to be in the city," he continued, "so if you need anything just write and I'll rush home."
Now it was her turn to roll her eyes. "Yes, Legate. Now go, or you'll be late."
He turned, facing her. He took a moment to stare into her deep brown eyes. "I love you," he smiled as Darius started stirring in his mother's arms, "both of you."
He turned away. He found his gelding at tied to the bar near the porch. He methodically mounted his horse, his armor making it the movement awkward. He looked back before he left their front path of their home, taking the sight of it in. He'd built much of it himself. It was just a half mile from the island where the Imperial City sat. It was just close enough to it to attend meetings, but just far enough away so that he could forget them when he came home.
His wife was still standing in the doorway, waving. He returned the wave. I'll be home soon, he thought, it's only going to be a week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He crossed the arched White Bridge, and stabled his horse at the Imperial Stables. He made his way through the gates into the city. The Septim Plaza was crowded with citizens and tourists alike. Guards and soldiers saluted him as he passed. It was strange to be saluted to. Aventus had only been promoted to the rank of 'Legate' a month ago, and this was his first time in the city since then. He saluted each of them back, murmuring small greetings as he passed. He was sure they were all talking behind his back. The great Legate Aventus Cato, bastard son of the Commander, trying to lick his father's boots. He tried to stuff that thought back in his mind.
Of course he'd already heard the stories. Not all of them true. What was true was that yes, he was the Commander's bastard. But never was he the Commander's son. No, the Commander was nothing but an enforcer to him. Pushing him to make him things he was not. For twenty seven years Aventus was shadowed by his father. More like he was shadowed by the Commander's sons that never made it past the birthing room.
So Aventus had raised himself. He fought for his father's respect. He joined the Legion as soon as he was able. He worked hard, and finally was recognized when he became the Legate for General Tullius, who'd recognized him after he'd lead the defense of the city of Chorrol from a small army of bandits. He'd been proud of himself, but when he mentioned it to his father he got nothing from him. Not even a ounce of awknowledgement.
He should have been used to it by now.
His pace quickened as he noticed the sun passing to the West. Perfect, he thought. He was late.
He soon made his way to the Green Emperor Way. He was greeted at the gate by a young Imperial soldier in light leather armor. "Legate Cato," he saluted. "I am to escort you to the chambers of the Elder Council."
Aventus nodded. "Lead the way." The soldier turned on his heels, leading Aventus to the Palace. It was impossible not to feel tiny in the shadow of the Palace. It seemed to go on forever. It was said that it could be seen from all the way across Cyrodill. It was true, but it was only a speck from places so far away as Anvil or Bravil.
The soldier opened the door for the Legate. The Palace was dead silent. He felt the eyes of the palace guard on him as he made his way to the Elder Council Chambers. There doors to the council were closed. He took the moment to adjust his armor for a fouth time. Then he entered.
The room was huge and extended high into the tower. Huge pillars made of white and gold marble loomed over the small war council. Aventus was so distracted by the room that the doors slammed with a boom that echoed strongly back.
The Commander and other council members turned to face him. He was happy he was still wearing his helmet so they couldn't see him blush. Aventus quickly made his way down the stairs. He saluted his golden armored father, "Commander, General, apologies for my lateness."
His father shook his head, "No need Legate. Just sit down."
Aventus nodded and took the open seat at the far end of the table. The current council was small. Only four people, Aventus included. There was General Tullius, the Thalmor Ambassador Elezar, and last but not least his father. Aventus was confused. He had expected a much larger council.
"Now," his father began, "please continue, Elezar."
The hooded Thalmor stood. "It has come to our attention that there has been... unrest... in the province of Elsweyr. A village South of Rimmen has actually called for rebellion."
Tullius grunted, "Have them get in line then."
Elezar glared at the General, but continued, "The rebel faction needs to be taken care of before they can establish themselves."
"How do you suggest we do that?" Tullius asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"The village needs to be occupied by the Legion."
Commander Cato leaned forward. "Why can't the Thalmor occupy it?"
"The relations between the locals and our people is already... difficult. We do not wish to give them reason to rebel, only to draw away their support. Surely they will look the other way when they have armed Legion soldiers on their doorstep."
Tullius scowled, "So, what, use the Legion as a scapegoat?"
The Thalmor held up his hands, "No, but rather a shield."
They were all silent.
It was his father who broke the silence, "We will send a company there. But no more."
Elezar nodded, "It is a smaller village, that should suffice. We have contacts in Rimmen that could escort them to the village."
"Legate," his father said to him, "gather your company from the Eighteenth Legion. Go to Rimmen. Meet this contact. Keep those rebels in line."
Aventus stood and saluted, "Yes, Commander."
"So, about this situation in Skyrim," he heard his father say as Aventus left the Elder Council Chambers.
He wasn't going home to his wife and son like he'd promised. He was going to some shit village in Elsweyr. If he wasn't sure before he was sure now.
His father hated him.
Attn: I renamed the 'Talos Plaza'. I figured the Thalmor wouldn't like the name under the WGC.