The End of Time

8. Dragonfires Relighted

Everyone looked around wondering where the laughter was coming from, but those of us who knew Martin well enough to recognize his laugh looked at each other with a look of wonder and hope. I walked over to Ocato and stood by his side.

He put a hand on my shoulder as he leaned down to my ear. "So, what conclusion did you all come to?" He asked quietly. I cupped my hand around his ear, and whispered "I'm pregnant with the last Septim heir." He processed it for a moment, then yelled "WHAT?!" I sighed and said "Don't make me say it again..."

He stared at me with a shocked expression and said "You mean you two..." I nodded with a face as red the ring on my finger.

His face turned a ghostly white as his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he went down like timber. I caught him and fanned him while I looked back at my friends and yelled "By Talos, why is this such a shock?" Jena just laughed and shrugged. I blew cold air on him, no response. Heated his back, shocked him, still no response. I wondered what else I could do to wake him up. We had to get this meeting rolling.

I sighed as I resigned myself to my last option. I put a protective bubble spell up, and we were silent and invisible to all those around us. I had a special power that I was only supposed to use in dire situations, granted to Lucien and I by Mraj-Darr, so we could protect each other while we were out on contract (we were often sent out together, because we were deadly efficient as a team). It was a special kiss that was placed on the forehead of an unconscious person to awaken them to full functionality without fail.

I placed the kiss on his forehead, and his eyes fluttered open. I smiled down at him and said "By the Nine, Ocato, you're so much like Jauffre." He stood up and said "You used your power?" I nodded to him with a smirk and said "I had to awaken you somehow.

He blushed and said "I'm assuming no one can hear or see us, then?" I nodded and said "Already taken care of." He adjusted his robe and said "Thank you for preserving my reputation and dignity, then. You'll make a great Empress, and I will be there to help you the whole way."

I looked up ready to defy him, but the glint in his old eyes told me that arguing was futile. "With the knowledge that you were engaged to the Emperor, and are now bearing the last Septim, your claim to the throne has been locked and confirmed. It is my honor to be the first to address you as Empress, my lady."

The spell wore off as he said the last sentence, so it was heard by all. Lords were practically leaping out of their chairs shouting protests and claiming their legitimacies to the throne. Chancellor Ocato looked straight out, and I covered my ears, knowing he was about to unleash a bout to rival the shout of a dragon.

He took in a huge breath and yelled "BY THE NINE, I DEMAND THAT THIS FOOLISHNESS CEASES AT ONCE!" The Lords sat back down abruptly, and Ocato cleared his throat to speak.

"Lords of Tamriel, this woman was betrothed to our would-be Emperor Martin. That clearly legitimatizes and confirms her position as Empress. In addition to that, she is bearing a child. Martin Septim's child, the last Septim in existence. So, it is with great honor that I present to you the Empress of Tamriel!" I stood up straight, as they all stood and knealt before me. I turned, and Ocato stood up to face me. I looked at him, completely overwhelmed, like a nervous child. He grinned down at me lovingly, and then said "There's still more to the letter, though." He looked down at the letter, and his face turned a ghostly white.

"What is it?" I asked in a concerned tone. He put the letter where I could see it, as shining text appeared in Martin's handwriting. I gasped as I read aloud.

"Take her to the Temple of the One. To the Dragonfires, so she may light them." I looked up at him, and said "But I'm not a Septim... How will I?..." Then text appeared again, saying "Just go. Don't be so bloody difficult." I got playfully annoyed as I said "Me being difficult. Of all the concepts..." — "Very funny, dear." He wrote back. We went to the Temple where I looked up at his statue. I walked near the Dragonfire pit, and the ring started to glow.

I got scared for a moment, and I felt a hand on my shoulder. A very faint, but familiar hand.

I turned around, and there was the shining golden specter of Martin. "Don't be afraid. I will be here with you." I shook my head and said "But Martin, I'm not a Septim..." He put both hands on my shoulders, and said "You are just as responsible for our victory as I am, and you're engaged to me. If that doesn't make you a Septim, I don't know if anything will." I swallowed, and he ran his hand through my hair as he grinned down at me.

I turned around and looked down at the pit. The ring started to glow stronger, and I leaned down into the pit as stone and fire combined. They erupted into a towering, glorious flame. I smiled up at it and turned to Martin who was also smiling. It died back down, and Martin turned to flesh and blood briefly. I ran to him, and flung myself into his embrace. I had missed his warm, loving touch more than I knew.

I looked up at him, and said "Will I ever get to see you again?" — "Not in mortality, I'm afraid. But I will watch over you and all our children for all future generations. You were right, it appears. The Gods did have a plan, and it seems that you and I were a part of it. And when your time finally comes, you will take your place next to me in Divinity. Know that there is a special place waiting for you, and you have done more than you can imagine. I love you, my dear, and will never leave you alone."

He slid his hand around the back of my neck and said "Please, make sure to stay true to yourself. Go where your heart guides you. It's never been wrong. And by Akatosh, be the best Empress this Empire has ever seen." I smiled up at him and said "Of course, my dear. Try not to give Talos too difficult a time." He laughed as he looked deeply down at me with smiling eyes. "Where would be the fun in that?" He said with a sly grin. He rubbed my cheek with his thumb and said "My time has come to leave this world." I grinned and nodded, as he turned spectral.

I looked up at him as he ascended, and he stopped to turn around. "If you ever find yourself in Sovngarde, do look me up." I smiled and said "Will do. I may bring some friends with me." He laughed aloud and said "Don't you dare." Even now, his laugh was so loud and genuine. It was filled with pure joy and peace, and warmed me to my soul. He turned back, and started up a long, cascading white staircase. When he got to the top, he turned around and gave me one last smile. A smile that was shining with pride, peace, fulfillment and understanding. He turned and walked into the clouds, never to be seen again.