On the 17th of Second Seed, 4th Era, Year 201, peace had finally come between the Third Aldmeri Dominion and the Third Empire. A Septim now sat on the Ruby Throne, intent on bringing the Empire back to its former glory; to do what the father of his heart, Titus Mede II, could only dream of. King Saken Calissius of Argonia granted Morrowind its independence from Argonia, and even sent economic aid to the weakened province. The Empire assisted with rebuilding the province of the Dunmer, which was still in trouble from the eruption of the Red Mountain. Argonia and Morrowind maintained strong relations, as the two fought and died together in the war.

Emperor Cassius Septim, wanting to make the Imperial City grander than ever, ordered expansion of the city, off of the main island. With more babies being born, the City had to be large enough to accommodate the new life. Hammerfell had rejoined the Empire, and with that, the economy of the province started to pick up steam. The armies of the Empire were put to reconstruction, along with the reluctant help of the Dominion.

Of course, the two powers had no trust for each other. Nor did they like each other.

...

The Dragonborn strode down the main road in Solitude, towards the Blue Palace. All around him were the Nords of Skyrim, who held deep respect for the Imperial who had stuck up for them many times over in the past year. Now, he had won them the ultimate victory. A statue of Talos was erected in the Castle Dour courtyard, and his shrine was put back in the temple.

The trees planted along the road rustled in the cold air, and the sun lit up the city, like a crowning jewel. Children ran around the Dragonborn, playing tag and hide and go seek. Men of Solitude worked on building new houses along the road, one for the Emperor, if he wanted to visit. It was no grander than any other house; Cassius was a humble man.

Ataurus entered the courtyard of the Blue Palace, and the guards snapped to attention for him. He pulled open the doors, and walked inside. He walked up the steps, and saw High Queen Elisif sitting on her throne.

"Dragonborn. I've been waiting for you," she said, looking up.

Ataurus knelt down and said, "My queen."

"Get up, Dragonborn. If anyone's the hero here, it's you," she replied.

Ataurus got up, and sat down in a chair facing the queen.

"The storm has finally passed, and the elves are of no threat to the Empire anymore," he said.

"That's what we said after the First War," Elisif replied.

"I must say that the circumstances are different this time around," said Ataurus.

"Yes. Would you like some wine?" the Queen asked.

"I would, thank you," Ataurus replied.

Falk Firebeard approached, and handed the Dragonborn a glass and a full bottle of wine.

"Thank you, Thane," said Ataurus, smiling.

Falk nodded.

"What has happened to the Champion?" asked Elisif, leaning forward a little bit.

Ataurus took a drink of the wine and said, "He has bought a house in the Nibenay Valley, by Black Marsh. Said he wanted to settle down. Get used to the new era."

"Divines know he needs it," Elisif said.

"Aye, I'd toast to that," Ataurus said, raising his glass a little bit.

Elisif looked like she remembered something, and then said, "Oh, yes. There is someone here to see you. He is here now, just where is... oh, there he is!"

Coming up the stairs was an elf clad in Dwemer armor. It was no Dunmer, that was for damn sure. He took heavy strides, his boot prints imprinting on the carpet. A sword was on the elf's side, and it too was Dwemer.

Ataurus got up slowly, and stared at the elf.

...

"Hullo," said the Dragonborn.

The elf stuck out his hand, and said, "Greetings, Imperial. My name is Veszerech."

"Nice to meet you," Ataurus said, shaking the elf's hand.

"I have heard of you. The Altmer were particularly interested in you," Veszerech said.

"Yes, but the war's over. I can tell you are no Dark Elf," Ataurus replied.

"Me? A Chimer? You are bold, knowing I am not. The woman behind you thought I was," the elf said.

Elisif then chuckled, "It was an honest mistake."

Veszerech cracked a smile and said, "I must say that you men are much more polite than the Altmer."

Ataurus shrugged, "You obviously haven't seen us at war."

Veszerech raised an eyebrow and said, "I have, actually. We've been watching."

"We?"

"Yes. We have taken interest in your wars of this time," said Veszerech.

Ataurus took a step forward, and asked, "Who are you?"

"Come on, Imperial. You know what I am."

Ataurus went wide eyed.

"You're a Dwarf. A Dwemer. But I thought you all disappeared!" he cried.

Elisif and her Thanes looked shocked.

"I agree with the Dragonborn. The ruins have been searched thoroughly. Your people are gone... err.. were gone," Elisif said.

Veszerech nodded.

"Yes, we did. At the battle of the Red Mountain. When the Nerevar beat us. We ascended to immortality, in hopes it would be the perfect life. But it wasn't what we thought. One of your Gods, Akatosh, I think his name was, offered us the one chance to go back to the mortal realm. We... accepted on one term: we could not try to transcend to godhood ever again," Veszerech said.

"Then what happens of the ruins?" asked Elisif.

Veszerech laughed, and then said, "Ruins no longer! They are now populated with my people once more! The contraptions we built now have masters again!"

"What about the Falmer?" Ataurus asked.

The Dwemer turned around.

"We have wiped them out. They assaulted us, so we slaughtered them," he said.

"There are still some Snow Elves. They live in a sanctuary, elsewhere. I have met them," said Ataurus.

"Have you?"

"Yes. They aren't too fond of your kind," the Dragonborn said.

"Understandable. What my people did wasn't exactly good," Veszerech said.

Before Ataurus could respond, Veszerech said, "The forces of Tamriel are weak, Dragonborn."

"Yes, but.."

"And the approaching storm is setting in motion things that cannot come undone."

"We have a.."

"My people won't meddle in your surface affairs."

"That's fine, but.."

"This will put Tamriel to the test. And Tamriel does not have the strength for such a foe," Veszerech concluded.

"Tamriel will not fall as long as I am alive," Ataurus said.

The Dwemer turned around and looked the Imperial in the eye, "Aye, Dragonborn. It won't."

And that concludes A Call to Arms.

But this was a mere shadow of what is coming.

Expect a sequel in the next few days.