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(Yes, it's long, sorry about that haha)

I have traveled to many lands in my long life. The vast deserts of Elsweyr, the barren land of Morrwoind, the lush forests of Valenwood. I have seen many things as well. Wars, disasters, civil unrest. These travels have taught me much about this beautiful world known as Mundus.

I sure picked the wrong time to come to Skyrim.

I had crossed the border from Cyrodiil and shortly after, I was captured by Imperial soldiers along with others they had found along the way. They claimed that I was a "rebel". Apparently, a civil war had broken out with the murder of their High King. I should of known something like this would of happened. I had seen the Great War, it was only a matter of time before people stood up against the Empire's submission to the elves.

After a short journey, we had reached a small town called Helgen. The Imperial guards unloaded us off the carriage. One of the "rebels" tried to flee, but he was struck down by the Imperial archers. They called me,

"Your name?", the Imperial soldier said.

I hesitated for a moment and finally said,

"Gerwyn."

"Not many wood elves would choose to come alone to Skyrim," he replied, "She's not on the list, Captain. What should we do?"

"Forget the list. She goes to the block", the captain answered.

"Yes, Captain...", he said, sadly.

I was led to the executioner along with the other people they had called, a man named Ralof and the apparent leader of the rebels, Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak. The General of the guard proceeded to lecture Ulfric.

There was so much fear in my heart that I did not hear what he was saying. I had avoided death for so long and because of a simple misunderstanding, I was going to die. But, then a strange howl echoed across the mountains.

"What was that?", the captain asked.

"It was nothing. Carry on", the general replied. He turned to what looked like a priest, "Give them their last rites."

She began spouting something about the Divines and one of the rebel soldiers cut her off and proceeded to the block. The executioner took his head off with one swing. The captain pointed at me,

"You. Next."

I swallowed heavily and walked to the block. She pushed my head down and just as I was bout to face my death, the howl happened again. I looked up and there was a strange shadow in the sky.

"A dragon?", I whispered to myself.

It landed and began to cause damage. The guard were in a panic and began to attack it. Perfect timing were the only words that came into my head. The prisoners began to scatter. I ran away from the execution site and into a nearby tower. Ralof and Ulfric were in there as well.

But, our hiding place was not safe. The dragon blasted a hole in the tower. Ralof instructed me to jump out of the tower into a nearby inn,

"Go! I'll catch up with you when you can!", he yelled.

I jumped out of the tower and barely landed on my feet. I got out of the burning building only to see Helgen completely engulfed in flames. The only thing I could think about was getting to safety.

The soldier who had the list saw me,

"Prisoner!", he yelled, "Stay close to me if you want to live!"

I ran over to him and he directed me to a keep. Ralof had caught up with us, but I decided to go with the Imperial soldier. We went inside the keep and he took off my restraints. As we made our way through the keep, he kept on muttering about the return of the Dragons.

We had made it out into the wilderness. The dragon that attacked the town flew off. The soldier, who's name is Hadvar, asked me if I would accompany him to Riverwood. He told me he had an uncle there who could help me.

Helgen wasn't far from Riverwood, so I decided to go with him. I met his uncle and he told me to go to Whiterun, a city north of Riverwood and meet with the Jarl there. He was even kind enough to give me some weapons and food from his home.

I began to head north to Whiterun. Skryim was amazing. The winds and the snow chilled me to the bone, but it's beauty kept me warm. After a days journey, I made it to Whiterun's city gate.

"Stop!", one of the guards said, "The city is closed."

"I bring news of the dragon attack on Helgen. I must speak with the Jarl," I replied.

"Very well, but we'll be keeping our eyes on you."

He opened the gate and I entered the city. It very much reminded me of Bruma, but on a larger scale. It was quite stunning. I asked some of the locals where the Jarl was and the pointed me to the large palace known as Dragonsreach.

Entering the palace, all I could think of was what did I get myself into now. I had lived my life in peace, traveled the lands, and now have plunged myself into another conflict.

If only these people knew who I truly was. Their books said I disappeared into history, never to be seen again. I have not. I been alive all this time and have seen this world change so much. And it all started on that fateful day in 3E 433. The day I witnessed the murder of an Emperor. The day that changed my life forever.

For I am the half Bosmer half Dremora who betrayed her own kyn to save the mortal realm. I am the Hero of Kvatch...the Champion of Cyrodiil...

I am...Illwen.

to be continued...