Rise of the Dark Lords - an Elder Scrolls and Middle-earth tale

Prologue

THE DAEDRIC PRINCE WAS UNSURE ABOUT HIS VISITOR.  Somehow, his uninvited guest had opened an Oblivion gate and forced his way to his palace.  Mehrunes Dagon had heard tales of the power of the Valar and Maia of Middle-earth, but had never met one until today.  Dagon figured he could play him for a fool.   After all, he was a Daedric prince and Oblivion was his realm.  All bowed to him - he was the undisputed Master of the dark arts and only one of dragon blood could possibly challenge him.  When his strange visitor approached him on his throne, Dagon was surprised by his appearance.  He was clad in all black and carried a great mace.  Set in his crown was three jewels of the most beautiful light he had ever laid eyes on.  Those must be the Silmaril jewels of legend that I have heard so much about Dagon mused.  So this is Melkor, the fallen Valar that they fear so much.  Maybe he could be turned into an ally.

"Welcome to Oblivion Melkor.  What brings a Valar to my realm?"

"Teach me the secrets of the Elder Scroll so I can educate my most trusted servant."

"And why would I school the Dark Lord of Beleriand?  What would I possibly gain?"

"The name of the hidden heir of Tiber Septim."

Dagon was caught unawares at Melkor's revelation.  It was clearly apparent that the Dark Lord had spies in Tamriel.  This was unsettling news to Dagon for if Melkor could infiltrate Tamriel, he could possibly have agents in Oblivion itself.

"I already know the name of the heir of Tiber Septim.  If you want the secrets of the Elder Scroll, then you must offer me something more."

"All the prisoners I hold of the fallen kingdom of Gondolin and of the Noldor."

"And what would I do with them?"

A dark smile crossed Melkor's lips to which he replied "Use them to destroy the world of men in Tamriel."

"I can see now why Feanor called you Morgoth.  The 'Black Foe'" Dagon said laughing.  "You have a cunning and devious mind."

"I tire of your banter.  Are we in agreement daedra" Morgoth replied coldly his anger rising and patience rapidly dwindling.

"We are, but why do you want to know the secrets of Elder Scroll?"

"That is none of your concern" Morgoth answered.

When Morgoth returned to Beleriand and Sauron answered his summons, Morgoth taught him the secrets of the Elder Scroll including how to create one.  Using his powers, he erased the memory of the Blessed Realm in his captives and they were handed over to Dagon who in turn settled them in the Summerset Iles and Morrowind.  There they called themselves the Aldmeri Dominion or more commonly known as the Thalmor in the world of men.  Morgoth was defeated in Beleriand and when Dagon attacked Tamriel during the Oblivion Crisis, he called Sauron for assistance but was refused.  In in the Imperial City, Dagon was defeated by Martin Septim and the Hero of Kvatch and cast back into Oblivion leaving Sauron as the last Dark Lord.

Tauriel passed the gates of the Solitude.  It had been several months since she abandoned MIddle-earth and entered Tamriel.  There was nothing there for her now since KIli had been slain by Bolg at the Battle of Five Armies.  Tauriel figured she could start anew in Tamriel and found herself in the province of Skyrim.  Skyrim was a strange land, but it resembled very much like ancient Beleriand in its beauty and had a deep and strong connection to magic.  The locals were tall, muscular and fair and known for their abilities it combat.  And their songs spoke often of someone called the 'Dragonborn.' As she entered the Winking Skeever tavern, she caught sight of an archer who took her breath  away.  Despite his head being covered in a hood, the pointed ears gave away his race as an Elf.  She was surprised at the Elf's image for he resembled one of those of the ancient Noldor.  The Noldor are supposed to have passed into legend so why do the Elves of Tamriel look so much like the High Elves?

"What are you staring at" he demanded.

"I didn't think Elves lived in Tamriel, only in Middle-earth."

He was quiet for a moment "Where are you from?  Your weapons are not from Skyrim or anywhere in Tamriel."

"I am from the Woodland Realm in Middle-earth or more commonly known as Mirkwood" Tauriel answered.

"I see.  We have heard news of a great battle that was fought in the North.  Is it true?"

"Yes.  I was there" Tauriel said her face falling.  "The one I loved fell in the battle."

"I am truly sorry to hear of your loss.  Here, let me buy you an ale."

They spoke long into the hours of the morning and she learned that he came from Morrowind and resided in a hold in Skyrim named Riften.  He claimed to be a hunter and was in Solitude on business delivering furs and meat, but Tauriel suspected there was more to his story.  The bow he was armed with didn't look like a typical hunting bow, but was more elegant and deadly.  And the sword that he carried didn't look like a travelers weapon either.  No he was definitely not telling her everything.

"You should come with me to Riften Tauriel.  I'll introduce you to my business partners.  We could use a good Wood-Elf as yourself."

"And what would I do?  I feel broken inside."

"Nocturnal will help ease the pain you feel."

"Who is Nocturnal?"

"Come with me and I'll introduce you to her" he said smiling.  Tauriel followed the Elf out of the Winking Skeever and began her new adventure in Tamriel not knowing what the future held for her.

The Dragonborn was tired and wanted to sleep.  After slaying Alduin in Sovngarde he was tired and was returning to his home in Whiterun.  He missed his wife Ysolda who was now pregnant with their first child who was also due any day now.  Now that Alduin had fallen, he could start his new responsibility as a father.  If only that blasted Ulfric would lay down his sword and end his petty quarrel.  Enough blood has been spilled in Skyrim.  I want my child to live in a world of peace or maybe we could move.  I hear that MIddle-earth now has a new king.  Maybe they would grant us sanctuary if we purchased a home in the white city in Gondor.  Ysolda could operate a small business the Dragonborn thought to himself.

Ysolda greeted him warmly at his return and he was surprised to see his daughter in his wife's arms.  He learned his daughter's name was Briana Dovahkiir.  For the first time, the Dragonborn felt a sense of tranquility and believed that that he could live out the rest of his days in peace.  He took of his sword, axe and armor and held his family in his arms not knowing the role that both he and his young child would play in the future.   The Dragonborn had no way of knowing that the motions that Morgoth had set in motion in the First Age had lasting consequences.  Although the One Ring had been destroyed, Sauron had been busy with the secret of the Elder Scroll that Morgoth had passed to him.