The End of Time

3. The Note

After we'd finally calmed down, I got up, and walked over to the bed. I sat down, and picked up the note, staring at his beautiful handwriting. "Mikaela" was written on the front page. I pressed my eyelids together, wondering how it was possible for me to cry anymore. I opened the note, and began reading...

My Angel,

If you are reading this, then my instincts were correct, and I am no longer walking Tamriel. And that's alright. I hope it was an honorable death. Nonetheless, I wanted to write this note to you to let you know that I want you to move on. Don't let this shut you down, like I've seen you do in the past. You are too beautiful, and too nice to take yourself away from the world. You were my light, when I thought all light was extinguished from my world. You gave me hope, when I could see none in the farthest reaches of my sight. You restored my faith in the Gods, when I couldn't understand them.

I won't lie (and Jauffre can confirm this, under the chance you don't believe me), I was incomplete without you. I forgot to eat and sleep when you weren't there. There were many nights that Baurus would have to carry me to our quarters because I'd passed clean out over the Mysterium Xarxes. I couldn't find a reason to smile when you weren't around. I'll never forget the first time you returned to Cloud Ruler after I'd settled in. I didn't know you very well, but when you came in, the first person you went to was Baurus. I'll never forget how he called you Mikey. Nice nickname. He told you it was alright to go get changed into your clothes and out of that armor. You took off that helmet, and it was the first time I'd ever gotten to see your face. Your brown hair was pulled back into a little ponytail, and your eyes shined a blue to rival that of Nibenay Bay (I do believe I've said that before).

But, I just shook it off. That is, until you walked in with a set of blue mage robes. Your hair was down, and I felt my heart start beating about a kilometer a minute. Baurus high fived you, and you two launched into a conversation about other different affairs of the Blades. I felt you look at me, and say "What of the Septim? What is he doing for the time allotted?" He responded thusly: "He is studying the Amulet and other books concerning the Septim bloodlines." You nodded and walked over to my table.

I didn't change my expression, or look up from my book. I was feeling very depressed, like I wasn't good enough to carry the weight of the Empire. You knew it, too. So you squat down, and crossed your arms on the table and laid your chin upon them. "Hmmm. The Trials of St. Alessia... Very good book." I gave in and looked up from my book, and was met by your blue eyes shining back at me innocently. You were looking at me in such a way I couldn't help but smile at how you were grinning. You brightened my day with just a look. I had had a terrible last few days, and was in such a rut. You had me laughing to the point of tears with the number of outrageous propositions and statements you made. I decided to swallow my stubborn personality and make jokes, too. I loved the sound of your laughter, and was captivated by your smile. I was getting drunk off of the way your eyes shined (Oh, how I love your eyes). I was so comfortable in your presence, and in that moment, fell head over heels in love with you.

But, I want you to be happy. Please, don't deprive the world of your smile. Your laughter is like music to those who love you. Jauffre, I know he's old and stubborn, so he probably wouldn't admit this, but he loves it when you laugh. When you laugh, he breaks into a little grin, and it's very amusing to see his serious demeanor disappear. Jauffre loves you more than you know, my dear. So don't grow cold to the world. Don't deprive him of your smile, you owe him that much. And Baurus cares for you like a sister. Don't shut him out. The world will need you more than you know, my dear. Don't give up, my love. You're better than that. Know that I love you more than anything, and want you to be happy above all else. Please, be happy. Because that's when I loved you the most. That's when you bring your light into the world. Tamriel will need you more than you know. Hmm hmm, you're in for two rather big surprises, my love. Akatosh has told me one, and the other I've set up myself. My dear, you're in for quite a surprise, indeed. You have much work to do, and I will be there every step of the way.

With a love stretching beyond death,

Martin Septim

I sobbed and kissed the note, tears streaming down my face. I wasn't as sad, I was mostly just happy that he'd left me this. Happy, that's exactly what he wanted. I chuckled as I held it to my heart. I stood up with a smile, and folded up the note. I walked over to Jauffre, and said "He has a plan. He didn't leave me alone, Jauffre, he has a pla-ha-han!" I laughed genuinely. Jauffre's lip began to tremble and tears collected in his eyes. He grabbed me and hugged me as tightly as he could as he began to sob.

"Thank the Nine. I thought I'd lost you forever. Please, don't scare me like that again." He said shakily as he squeezed me tighter. The door was opened abruptly, and High Chancellor Ocato stood at the door. Baurus was right behind him. Jauffre stopped cold, and asked "Who is it?" — "Ocato." I responded quietly. I just stared at Ocato, and he went wide eyed. "I'm sorry, I've come at a bad time. I'll leave you and your daughter alone." Jauffre turned around and said "Thank you, but, she isn't my daughter." Chancellor Ocato turned back around with a quizzical look, and said "Yes she is. You should know this much." Jauffre shook his head and said "Know what?"