Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2012 13:31:20 GMT -5
“All the great legends are templates for human behavior. I would define a myth as a story that has survived.”
-John Boorman
The word “legend” derives from the Latin “legenda”, which is translated as “things to be read.”
It is commonly defined as “a narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history and to possess certain qualities that make the tale verosimile.” Qualities that allow the audience to think “Hey! I can picture that happening, being true. I may not believe it, but I can’t say it’s impossible.”
But is the fact that they were, or may have been true, enough to make a legend? No, it’s not. For a story to be a legend, it’s also required that it survives the test of time. That even after the events have long passed, people continue to remember and to know them, and continue spreading the memory to their descendants.
However, the same can also be told from regular history, which even if true, isn’t necessarily a legend. Take for example well-documented events like World War II, or the Vietnam war. Are they legendary? No. Are the people who participated in them remembered as legends? Some may, but not all are. There is a certain element exclusive to legends that not all history has.
For a story to be a legend, it requires something that makes their characters worthy of being remembered. It requires a deed of such mighty proportions that even for centuries after, it may inspire those who come after to repeat them – or even excel them. These deeds in turn require bravery, heroism, and the strength to do something very few have come, or will come, to ever achieve.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is what makes a legend. And the people remembered in these stories, are what are known as legends.
My name is Mariano Fernandez, and I am known as the White Knight. And the reason I’m now telling you this, is because PCW has acknowledged me as a legend.
I am a PCW Hall of Famer, and one of the most recognized people in its history. My reputation as a legend comes from having saved PCW from certain destruction. These are not my words, mind you, but the words of the fans, the words of some of the fellow wrestlers in the locker room, and of management itself. In a time where PCW was young and new, it was filled with tyranny and corruption, which triggered me to start a civil war that brought it to the brink of destruction.
But thanks not only to myself, but to the people that now form the PCW Hall of Fame, the fed survived. Not only did it survive, it came later to thrive. And not only did it thrive, it became glorious. So glorious it did that when James Baker brought it back from its slumber, I was the first person he gained his assistance in to bring it back to the legendary status it rightfully earned. And thankfully, we were not alone. With us came several other Hall of famers, legends of PCW, who even this day continue to make this fed the pinnacle of wrestling worldwide.
You may ask, however, why I didn’t come back to the ring. Why I just limited myself to work from behind the scene. And the answer for that is very simple. I wanted the people who came after me to earn their own status of legends as I did, putting on an honest day of work for the fans that pay their salary and that keep the name of PCW to be what it is today. I didn’t want to hog the spotlight for myself as the (lack-of) talent did when James Baker, Leon Lonewolf, Terry Richards and myself were in our rookie days. And once again, thankfully, people now have their chance to shine. To try to equal their deeds to those of the people who came before them, or even exceed them. To become legends.
But as I said before, an important part of being a legend is that one’s story is remembered, and being kept alive even after it came to pass. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why James Baker has called upon the old legends of PCW to show the talent today what a legend is like. The Struggle for Power III Pay-Per-View will be an example of that. First came Magnus Thunder, now it is my turn.
To show people how a legend is made.
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The birds sing, flying through a cerulean sky barely decorated with sparse white clouds. The sun shines upon a large medieval city, set nearby a gentle flowing river. The pale-skinned, clear-eyed citizens, all examples of stocky, well-built complexion dressed in rich furs and tunics, go out and about in their own business, as it seems to be another normal day in their lives. At the city’s inn, a slender, extremely beautiful girl with dark orchid hair and large brown red eyes, dressed in an almost ethereal white dress, plays with a lute, singing among a large listening crowd, which showers her with approving claps as she finishes every song. On a moment of silence, the bard addresses them politely.
Bard (Rei): “I’m taking requests right now. Anyone would like something special?”
A young man that had previously been sitting and listening intently raises his hand.
Young man (Jay Thunder): “Can you do “The Dragonborn comes”?”
The bard lets out a small smile, and nods.
Bard (Rei): “Ahh, haven’t done that one in years. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play it again, little one.”
She clears her throat, and raises her voice to the crowd.
Bard (Rei): “This one is a favorite of mine. A story we all know and love.”
She begins striking the chords of her lute, delicately and gracefully. Her melody captivates the crowd once more as his voice sounds crystal clear while singing.
Bard (Rei): (singing)
“Our hero, our hero, claims a warrior's heart.
I tell you, I tell you, the Dragonborn comes.
With a hand wielding power of the ancient sword art.
Believe, believe, the Dragonborn comes.
It's an end to the evil of all Skyrim's foes.
Beware, beware, the Dragonborn comes.
For the darkness has passed and the legend yet grows.
You'll know, you'll know, the Dragonborn’s come.
Thank you!”
This time, the bard receives a standing ovation, with not a single person inside the inn acknowledging her performance without showing their admiration. She bows in gratefulness once again.
Young man (Jay Thunder): (fascinated) “I’ve heard the legend before, but I never truly realized how great this guy was until this moment. Thank you, Rei!”
The bard looks at the child once again, smiling.
Rei: “No, Jay. Thank you once again for bringing the song up. As long as the people remember them, legends never die. Also … (a small blush appears around her cheeks) this song holds a special meaning to me.”
Jay: “Why is that?”
Rei: “What do you know of the one they call the Dragonborn?”
Jay makes an effort to think, stroking his chin.
Jay: “I know that the Dragonborn, also known as the White Knight, is one of the statues in the Hall of Warriors. For a time, he was the greatest warrior in the city, having saved it from certain destruction and betrayal. In a time filled with corruption, intrigues and despair, he came to Skyrim to deliver justice to the warmongers that destroyed the place where he was born, which also happened to be that of the High King James Baker. The battle was bloody and vicious, but he ultimately prevailed. Justice prevailed. The town was hard to rebuild, but it eventually survived and became this great City we know today.”
Rei nods, still with a smile.
Rei: “All which you know is correct. Those were indeed difficult times, but thankfully it all turned out for the best. However, he always acknowledged that he wasn’t the only responsible for our city’s great future. Lots of people helped rebuild, some of which still do to this day. You will remember perhaps, the Warrens clan. They were newcomers to town, and they sided with the Dragonborn, they too having suffered under the previous regime. You may also remember Liam Reilly, our current steward Heather Monroe, and the Dark Brotherhood master, Draven Logan Kennedy.”
Jay: “I’ve heard the battles of the Dragonborn with Draven were legendary. Same with the members of the Imperial Elite, especially General Yoshiru and Legatus Curtis Wilkes.”
Rei: “Very much so. It was a great time to be a spectator back then.”
Jay: “But, there’s the most important question… where is he now?”
Rei’s smile goes wide.
Rei: “Our High King knows how to find him. When he calls upon him… he will come. ”
At that moment, Rei and John are distracted as the people suddenly huddle outside the inn to see a figure in a white steed arriving to the town. Upon a closer look, the rider is revealed to be a warrior-like figure, clad in a white armor, and carrying a two-handed broadsword on his back. He rides steadily, yet carefully, minding the people on the way so that they might not get trampled by the horse. The citizens start murmuring in shock.
Citizen: “By the gods, it’s the Dragonborn! He has returned!”
Rei looks at the rider passing by, her eyes smiling as her lips.
Rei: “Indeed… he has returned.”
The rider continues his road until the city’s keep, a stone-built castle of extensive size. At the castle’s gates, he dismounts from his horse and approaches the guards standing, who acknowledge him with a nod.
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “Well met, kinsman. Slay any dragons lately?”
The rider removes his helm, to show a young man with raven-black hair, which he always sports in a mop top style. His pale white face shows a cool and kind expression, previously hidden behind his white, noble-looking armor helm. He lets out a small chuckle.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “It has been a long time since the dragons, guardswoman. How has this city been?”
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “As you’ve seen since High King Baker’s rule, it has been as glorious as you left it.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “I can definitely see that. Aye, it has been a long time. I almost long for the adventures from back then.”
Guard #2 (Shannon Saint): “I used to be an adventurer like you. Then I took an arrow in the knee…”
The female guardswoman starts laughing in incredulity and scorn.
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “Let me guess. Somebody stole your sweetroll…”
She then turns towards the Dragonborn.
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “I take it High King Baker has summoned your presence?”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Aye. He’s called upon me, but I do not know the reason.”
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “Very well. Please step inside.”
The guards open the keep’s gates, and the Dragonborn steps through a gallery filled with marble statues, one of which shows his own image, into a large stone hall, with a long table filled with food fit for a feast – cheese, fruit, red meat, mead, ale – and a small hearthfire making a warm atmosphere. A group of people stand near a throne at the end of the hall, seated upon which is a fair-skinned man with blond hair, dressed in a ceremonial robe, a crown upon his head – High King James Baker. The Dragonborn, as customary, kneels in his presence.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “It is an honor to see you again, High King.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “As is mine, old friend. Please rise.”
(Mariano complies.)
Dragonborn (Mariano): “It relieves my heart to see Skyrim as glorious as it is meant to be. I am told, and I see, that this is in no small part due to your efforts.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “I merely do my duties as High King. But it takes several hands, as you know, to run a city. These people here are part of my court.” (He rises from his throne and points at them, one by one. He first addresses a graceful High Elven woman.) “You remember Heather, Jarl of Whiterun. You both have battled together in your own homeland. She has risen to be our current, proud Steward, the same honor you have held before.”
Steward (Heather Monroe): “A pleasure to see you again, Dragonborn.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “And you, Heather.”
The High King continues the introductions. He then addresses a dark-robed, eerie Dark Elven mage.
High King of Skyrim: “This is Reaper, our court wizard. He has heard of your previous deeds and was eager to meet you.”
Court Wizard (Reaper): “An honor to meet the legendary Dragonborn.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “The honor is mine, wizard.”
High King of Skyrim: “And this (he points to another human warrior, clad in a steel armor with Skyrim’s insignia) is my Housecarl, in entire command of the City Guard, Adrien.”
The Dragonborn and the Housecarl bow to each other respectfully.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Ah, yes. I have heard your name praised before. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Housecarl (Adrien Cochrane): “The pleasure is all mine. In my arrival to Skyrim and during my service as Housecarl – and Platinum Thane – my deeds have been compared to yours.”
The Dragonborn lowers his head.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “I wouldn’t like people to live under past shadows. I am just another man not unlike everyone standing here.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “Your modesty to this day is still astounding, old friend. But now that the proper introductions have been made, please allow me to tell you the reason why I have summoned you all this day. My friend, I called you especially, because there are news of someone you know very well. Please, be seated.”
A few moments later, they are seated upon the banquet table, with the High King at the head. High King Baker turns to Court Wizard Reaper.
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “You tell me, Reaper, you have a message?
Court Wizard (Reaper): “Yes. I was told to give you this.”
He presents an ancient, cracked, sturdy-looking stone hammer upon the table, at which the Dragonborn’s eyes go wide.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “By the gods, that is none other than Stormbringer!”
High King Baker nods.
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “Magnus Thunder… the Jarl of Jotunheim… has returned. Last week he made his message by engaging Reaper in a duel. Reaper handled himself admirably… but Magnus Thunder ultimately prevailed.”
Court Wizard (Reaper): “It is comforting that your Highness thinks highly of me despite my defeat.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “There is no dishonor in being overcome by Magnus Thunder. Long ago, when he was driven by madness, did I suffer the same defeat.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “There is a more pressing concern with Magnus’ arrival, however… his old nemesis, General Yoshiru of the Imperial Elite, will surely come out to challenge him. And with General Yoshiru comes Legatus Wilkes… and then the Elite are marching upon Skyrim. (He turns towards Adrien, Reaper and Heather.) What do you make of all this?”
Steward (Heather): “As with all things, my lord, I advise caution. Wait and see.”
Housecarl (Adrien): “Prey waits.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “I am of a mind with Adrien. It’s time to act.”
Steward (Heather): “You plan to challenge the Elite?”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “I mean it’s time to challenge the Elite. I’ve sent the men outside the city gates, but without a strong leader to face them, I fear they won’t be enough. And Magnus Thunder shouldn’t face them alone.
(He turns to the Dragonborn.)
Which is where you come in, old friend.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “What is it you require of me, my lord?”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “There is no time to stand in ceremony. I need your help again. I’ve received reports that the Elite, as well as other supporters, are making their camp outside our city gates. I want you to go down there and help fight those forces. You both survived both Yoshiru and Wilkes, so you have more experience with them than anyone else here. The people haven’t forgotten about you, old friend. With two legendary warriors at the city’s defense, there is no way the Elite can be victorious.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “You can count on my help. The thought of meeting Magnus Thunder again is enough of a reason for me to return.” – He unsheathes his blade. “I will not fail you.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “I know you won’t, friend.”
(Hours later, the city having been evacuated, the Dragonborn stands at the city gates with several other forces: Captains Jay Thunder and Kai, Syn, Reaper, Captain Danielle from the High King’s personal guard, and by his side, a huge, towering warrior, wielding again his hammer, his once dark brown long mane now streaked with gray.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Jarl Magnus.”
Upon Mariano’s sight, Magnus lets a small smile.
Jarl of Jotunheim (Magnus Thunder): “Young lad.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Been a long time since last we met, hasn’t it?”
Jarl of Jotunheim (Magnus Thunder): “Indeed, it has. I must admit it warms my heart to see you once more.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “The feeling is returned. It has been a long time since I’ve last seen our old foes Yoshiru and Wilkes, as well.”
Jarl of Jotunheim (Magnus Thunder): “Yoshiru… Blood… I relish the thought of doing battle with him once more.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Maybe you and I can duel again when the time is right. No blood quarrels, no vengeance, no hard feelings. Just a duel for old times’ sake. But for now, the Elite’s army awaits."
(The silent atmosphere, streaked only by the blowing wind, is drowned by the sound of marching boots and metal. In the horizon, a legion of armored men descends from the hills, led by Imperial Elite General Yoshiru, and Legatus Wilkes.)
(The Dragonborn then turns towards the city’s guardsmen).
Dragonborn (Mariano): “This is it men! I don’t much care where these invaders came from or who sent them. What we do know is that they have made the mistake of attacking Skyrim! We are honorbound to fight them, even if we fail. These Imperials are threatening our homes… our careers… our very lives! Will the stories and songs made of this battle remember you if you ran from them? Are you going to let us face this thing alone?”
Captain Jay/Captain Kai: “Sure as damned hell no!”
Captain Danielle: “A pox on the Elite!”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Then what do you say? Shall we kill us some Elite!?”
The guardsmen respond raising their fists and uttering a collective warcry, as the Imperials turn their march to a sprint, and then to a run.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “THEN LET’S SHOW THESE MILK-DRINKERS HOW A LEGEND IS MADE!”
With bellows of rage, the Skyrim forces charge forward against the Imperials, as the scene fades to black…
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“So here I am in PCW again, and James Baker, business-wise as he is, has put a rather large challenge in front of me this week: The Struggle for Power Battlefield match. This type of match is the perfect opportunity for the making of a legend. Indeed, out of this match there will be only one winner. One winner that will have earned for themselves the great honor of facing either Heather Monroe or Adrien Cochrane, the current contestants for the greatest prize in wrestling today, the right to wear the belt and the title of PCW World Champion.
And what an opportunity that is! For the rookies like I happened to be, for the current headliners that have earned other gold before, or for the very PCW Hall of Famers who even to this day continue to give fans their money’s worth and their lives, bodies and careers in grateful return to what them, and PCW itself, have given them for being a part of it.
I must admit at first I wasn’t sure what to do. I mean, I always say, it’s been a long time since I’ve last had a PCW match. It has been a long time since I’ve had anything to fight for other than just gold, fame and glory, things that surely are nice to have, but things not worth being a slave over. What is my motivation, then, to participate in this match?
I will not lie, while the title opportunity is interesting, there are other factors that are more worthy for me to consider. First is the certain return, or possible return, depending on the cases, of several old faces. The most certain one, of course, is Magnus Thunder. Then with luck, there may come Leon Lonewolf. Then there’s Curtis Wilkes and Yoshiru Long, whom I haven’t forgotten in my last time in PCW. Then there’s the opportunity of showing the current talent the bar they have to match, and to raise.
For people like Jay Thunder, or Kai, or Syn, or Jakob Alexander, or Stryker, or the greatest one to have risen through our ranks at this moment, Adrien Cochrane. There’s also the chance of experiencing how great some of our old fellow wrestlers have become, like Heather Monroe, or Draven Logan Kennedy.
But the most important factor of all, as I’ve said at the beginning of this, is to be able to contribute, in this match that has been slated to form legends, with my modest effort and deeds, to make a story of a battle so great, so exhilarating and epic, that it will match the legends of the old times when warriors and kings ruled our world. So that future generations long after us, will look upon these times as examples for human history, so that our memory will live on and never truly dies.
PCW makes legends.
I come to keep the legend alive.
I’ll see you all on Struggle for Power III. And always remember…
JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!
Ah, it feels great to say that again.”
-John Boorman
The word “legend” derives from the Latin “legenda”, which is translated as “things to be read.”
It is commonly defined as “a narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history and to possess certain qualities that make the tale verosimile.” Qualities that allow the audience to think “Hey! I can picture that happening, being true. I may not believe it, but I can’t say it’s impossible.”
But is the fact that they were, or may have been true, enough to make a legend? No, it’s not. For a story to be a legend, it’s also required that it survives the test of time. That even after the events have long passed, people continue to remember and to know them, and continue spreading the memory to their descendants.
However, the same can also be told from regular history, which even if true, isn’t necessarily a legend. Take for example well-documented events like World War II, or the Vietnam war. Are they legendary? No. Are the people who participated in them remembered as legends? Some may, but not all are. There is a certain element exclusive to legends that not all history has.
For a story to be a legend, it requires something that makes their characters worthy of being remembered. It requires a deed of such mighty proportions that even for centuries after, it may inspire those who come after to repeat them – or even excel them. These deeds in turn require bravery, heroism, and the strength to do something very few have come, or will come, to ever achieve.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is what makes a legend. And the people remembered in these stories, are what are known as legends.
My name is Mariano Fernandez, and I am known as the White Knight. And the reason I’m now telling you this, is because PCW has acknowledged me as a legend.
I am a PCW Hall of Famer, and one of the most recognized people in its history. My reputation as a legend comes from having saved PCW from certain destruction. These are not my words, mind you, but the words of the fans, the words of some of the fellow wrestlers in the locker room, and of management itself. In a time where PCW was young and new, it was filled with tyranny and corruption, which triggered me to start a civil war that brought it to the brink of destruction.
But thanks not only to myself, but to the people that now form the PCW Hall of Fame, the fed survived. Not only did it survive, it came later to thrive. And not only did it thrive, it became glorious. So glorious it did that when James Baker brought it back from its slumber, I was the first person he gained his assistance in to bring it back to the legendary status it rightfully earned. And thankfully, we were not alone. With us came several other Hall of famers, legends of PCW, who even this day continue to make this fed the pinnacle of wrestling worldwide.
You may ask, however, why I didn’t come back to the ring. Why I just limited myself to work from behind the scene. And the answer for that is very simple. I wanted the people who came after me to earn their own status of legends as I did, putting on an honest day of work for the fans that pay their salary and that keep the name of PCW to be what it is today. I didn’t want to hog the spotlight for myself as the (lack-of) talent did when James Baker, Leon Lonewolf, Terry Richards and myself were in our rookie days. And once again, thankfully, people now have their chance to shine. To try to equal their deeds to those of the people who came before them, or even exceed them. To become legends.
But as I said before, an important part of being a legend is that one’s story is remembered, and being kept alive even after it came to pass. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why James Baker has called upon the old legends of PCW to show the talent today what a legend is like. The Struggle for Power III Pay-Per-View will be an example of that. First came Magnus Thunder, now it is my turn.
To show people how a legend is made.
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The birds sing, flying through a cerulean sky barely decorated with sparse white clouds. The sun shines upon a large medieval city, set nearby a gentle flowing river. The pale-skinned, clear-eyed citizens, all examples of stocky, well-built complexion dressed in rich furs and tunics, go out and about in their own business, as it seems to be another normal day in their lives. At the city’s inn, a slender, extremely beautiful girl with dark orchid hair and large brown red eyes, dressed in an almost ethereal white dress, plays with a lute, singing among a large listening crowd, which showers her with approving claps as she finishes every song. On a moment of silence, the bard addresses them politely.
Bard (Rei): “I’m taking requests right now. Anyone would like something special?”
A young man that had previously been sitting and listening intently raises his hand.
Young man (Jay Thunder): “Can you do “The Dragonborn comes”?”
The bard lets out a small smile, and nods.
Bard (Rei): “Ahh, haven’t done that one in years. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play it again, little one.”
She clears her throat, and raises her voice to the crowd.
Bard (Rei): “This one is a favorite of mine. A story we all know and love.”
She begins striking the chords of her lute, delicately and gracefully. Her melody captivates the crowd once more as his voice sounds crystal clear while singing.
Bard (Rei): (singing)
“Our hero, our hero, claims a warrior's heart.
I tell you, I tell you, the Dragonborn comes.
With a hand wielding power of the ancient sword art.
Believe, believe, the Dragonborn comes.
It's an end to the evil of all Skyrim's foes.
Beware, beware, the Dragonborn comes.
For the darkness has passed and the legend yet grows.
You'll know, you'll know, the Dragonborn’s come.
Thank you!”
This time, the bard receives a standing ovation, with not a single person inside the inn acknowledging her performance without showing their admiration. She bows in gratefulness once again.
Young man (Jay Thunder): (fascinated) “I’ve heard the legend before, but I never truly realized how great this guy was until this moment. Thank you, Rei!”
The bard looks at the child once again, smiling.
Rei: “No, Jay. Thank you once again for bringing the song up. As long as the people remember them, legends never die. Also … (a small blush appears around her cheeks) this song holds a special meaning to me.”
Jay: “Why is that?”
Rei: “What do you know of the one they call the Dragonborn?”
Jay makes an effort to think, stroking his chin.
Jay: “I know that the Dragonborn, also known as the White Knight, is one of the statues in the Hall of Warriors. For a time, he was the greatest warrior in the city, having saved it from certain destruction and betrayal. In a time filled with corruption, intrigues and despair, he came to Skyrim to deliver justice to the warmongers that destroyed the place where he was born, which also happened to be that of the High King James Baker. The battle was bloody and vicious, but he ultimately prevailed. Justice prevailed. The town was hard to rebuild, but it eventually survived and became this great City we know today.”
Rei nods, still with a smile.
Rei: “All which you know is correct. Those were indeed difficult times, but thankfully it all turned out for the best. However, he always acknowledged that he wasn’t the only responsible for our city’s great future. Lots of people helped rebuild, some of which still do to this day. You will remember perhaps, the Warrens clan. They were newcomers to town, and they sided with the Dragonborn, they too having suffered under the previous regime. You may also remember Liam Reilly, our current steward Heather Monroe, and the Dark Brotherhood master, Draven Logan Kennedy.”
Jay: “I’ve heard the battles of the Dragonborn with Draven were legendary. Same with the members of the Imperial Elite, especially General Yoshiru and Legatus Curtis Wilkes.”
Rei: “Very much so. It was a great time to be a spectator back then.”
Jay: “But, there’s the most important question… where is he now?”
Rei’s smile goes wide.
Rei: “Our High King knows how to find him. When he calls upon him… he will come. ”
At that moment, Rei and John are distracted as the people suddenly huddle outside the inn to see a figure in a white steed arriving to the town. Upon a closer look, the rider is revealed to be a warrior-like figure, clad in a white armor, and carrying a two-handed broadsword on his back. He rides steadily, yet carefully, minding the people on the way so that they might not get trampled by the horse. The citizens start murmuring in shock.
Citizen: “By the gods, it’s the Dragonborn! He has returned!”
Rei looks at the rider passing by, her eyes smiling as her lips.
Rei: “Indeed… he has returned.”
The rider continues his road until the city’s keep, a stone-built castle of extensive size. At the castle’s gates, he dismounts from his horse and approaches the guards standing, who acknowledge him with a nod.
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “Well met, kinsman. Slay any dragons lately?”
The rider removes his helm, to show a young man with raven-black hair, which he always sports in a mop top style. His pale white face shows a cool and kind expression, previously hidden behind his white, noble-looking armor helm. He lets out a small chuckle.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “It has been a long time since the dragons, guardswoman. How has this city been?”
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “As you’ve seen since High King Baker’s rule, it has been as glorious as you left it.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “I can definitely see that. Aye, it has been a long time. I almost long for the adventures from back then.”
Guard #2 (Shannon Saint): “I used to be an adventurer like you. Then I took an arrow in the knee…”
The female guardswoman starts laughing in incredulity and scorn.
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “Let me guess. Somebody stole your sweetroll…”
She then turns towards the Dragonborn.
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “I take it High King Baker has summoned your presence?”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Aye. He’s called upon me, but I do not know the reason.”
Guard #1 (Desireè Miles): “Very well. Please step inside.”
The guards open the keep’s gates, and the Dragonborn steps through a gallery filled with marble statues, one of which shows his own image, into a large stone hall, with a long table filled with food fit for a feast – cheese, fruit, red meat, mead, ale – and a small hearthfire making a warm atmosphere. A group of people stand near a throne at the end of the hall, seated upon which is a fair-skinned man with blond hair, dressed in a ceremonial robe, a crown upon his head – High King James Baker. The Dragonborn, as customary, kneels in his presence.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “It is an honor to see you again, High King.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “As is mine, old friend. Please rise.”
(Mariano complies.)
Dragonborn (Mariano): “It relieves my heart to see Skyrim as glorious as it is meant to be. I am told, and I see, that this is in no small part due to your efforts.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “I merely do my duties as High King. But it takes several hands, as you know, to run a city. These people here are part of my court.” (He rises from his throne and points at them, one by one. He first addresses a graceful High Elven woman.) “You remember Heather, Jarl of Whiterun. You both have battled together in your own homeland. She has risen to be our current, proud Steward, the same honor you have held before.”
Steward (Heather Monroe): “A pleasure to see you again, Dragonborn.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “And you, Heather.”
The High King continues the introductions. He then addresses a dark-robed, eerie Dark Elven mage.
High King of Skyrim: “This is Reaper, our court wizard. He has heard of your previous deeds and was eager to meet you.”
Court Wizard (Reaper): “An honor to meet the legendary Dragonborn.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “The honor is mine, wizard.”
High King of Skyrim: “And this (he points to another human warrior, clad in a steel armor with Skyrim’s insignia) is my Housecarl, in entire command of the City Guard, Adrien.”
The Dragonborn and the Housecarl bow to each other respectfully.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Ah, yes. I have heard your name praised before. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Housecarl (Adrien Cochrane): “The pleasure is all mine. In my arrival to Skyrim and during my service as Housecarl – and Platinum Thane – my deeds have been compared to yours.”
The Dragonborn lowers his head.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “I wouldn’t like people to live under past shadows. I am just another man not unlike everyone standing here.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “Your modesty to this day is still astounding, old friend. But now that the proper introductions have been made, please allow me to tell you the reason why I have summoned you all this day. My friend, I called you especially, because there are news of someone you know very well. Please, be seated.”
A few moments later, they are seated upon the banquet table, with the High King at the head. High King Baker turns to Court Wizard Reaper.
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “You tell me, Reaper, you have a message?
Court Wizard (Reaper): “Yes. I was told to give you this.”
He presents an ancient, cracked, sturdy-looking stone hammer upon the table, at which the Dragonborn’s eyes go wide.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “By the gods, that is none other than Stormbringer!”
High King Baker nods.
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “Magnus Thunder… the Jarl of Jotunheim… has returned. Last week he made his message by engaging Reaper in a duel. Reaper handled himself admirably… but Magnus Thunder ultimately prevailed.”
Court Wizard (Reaper): “It is comforting that your Highness thinks highly of me despite my defeat.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “There is no dishonor in being overcome by Magnus Thunder. Long ago, when he was driven by madness, did I suffer the same defeat.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “There is a more pressing concern with Magnus’ arrival, however… his old nemesis, General Yoshiru of the Imperial Elite, will surely come out to challenge him. And with General Yoshiru comes Legatus Wilkes… and then the Elite are marching upon Skyrim. (He turns towards Adrien, Reaper and Heather.) What do you make of all this?”
Steward (Heather): “As with all things, my lord, I advise caution. Wait and see.”
Housecarl (Adrien): “Prey waits.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “I am of a mind with Adrien. It’s time to act.”
Steward (Heather): “You plan to challenge the Elite?”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “I mean it’s time to challenge the Elite. I’ve sent the men outside the city gates, but without a strong leader to face them, I fear they won’t be enough. And Magnus Thunder shouldn’t face them alone.
(He turns to the Dragonborn.)
Which is where you come in, old friend.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “What is it you require of me, my lord?”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “There is no time to stand in ceremony. I need your help again. I’ve received reports that the Elite, as well as other supporters, are making their camp outside our city gates. I want you to go down there and help fight those forces. You both survived both Yoshiru and Wilkes, so you have more experience with them than anyone else here. The people haven’t forgotten about you, old friend. With two legendary warriors at the city’s defense, there is no way the Elite can be victorious.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “You can count on my help. The thought of meeting Magnus Thunder again is enough of a reason for me to return.” – He unsheathes his blade. “I will not fail you.”
High King of Skyrim (James Baker): “I know you won’t, friend.”
(Hours later, the city having been evacuated, the Dragonborn stands at the city gates with several other forces: Captains Jay Thunder and Kai, Syn, Reaper, Captain Danielle from the High King’s personal guard, and by his side, a huge, towering warrior, wielding again his hammer, his once dark brown long mane now streaked with gray.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Jarl Magnus.”
Upon Mariano’s sight, Magnus lets a small smile.
Jarl of Jotunheim (Magnus Thunder): “Young lad.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Been a long time since last we met, hasn’t it?”
Jarl of Jotunheim (Magnus Thunder): “Indeed, it has. I must admit it warms my heart to see you once more.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “The feeling is returned. It has been a long time since I’ve last seen our old foes Yoshiru and Wilkes, as well.”
Jarl of Jotunheim (Magnus Thunder): “Yoshiru… Blood… I relish the thought of doing battle with him once more.”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Maybe you and I can duel again when the time is right. No blood quarrels, no vengeance, no hard feelings. Just a duel for old times’ sake. But for now, the Elite’s army awaits."
(The silent atmosphere, streaked only by the blowing wind, is drowned by the sound of marching boots and metal. In the horizon, a legion of armored men descends from the hills, led by Imperial Elite General Yoshiru, and Legatus Wilkes.)
(The Dragonborn then turns towards the city’s guardsmen).
Dragonborn (Mariano): “This is it men! I don’t much care where these invaders came from or who sent them. What we do know is that they have made the mistake of attacking Skyrim! We are honorbound to fight them, even if we fail. These Imperials are threatening our homes… our careers… our very lives! Will the stories and songs made of this battle remember you if you ran from them? Are you going to let us face this thing alone?”
Captain Jay/Captain Kai: “Sure as damned hell no!”
Captain Danielle: “A pox on the Elite!”
Dragonborn (Mariano): “Then what do you say? Shall we kill us some Elite!?”
The guardsmen respond raising their fists and uttering a collective warcry, as the Imperials turn their march to a sprint, and then to a run.
Dragonborn (Mariano): “THEN LET’S SHOW THESE MILK-DRINKERS HOW A LEGEND IS MADE!”
With bellows of rage, the Skyrim forces charge forward against the Imperials, as the scene fades to black…
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“So here I am in PCW again, and James Baker, business-wise as he is, has put a rather large challenge in front of me this week: The Struggle for Power Battlefield match. This type of match is the perfect opportunity for the making of a legend. Indeed, out of this match there will be only one winner. One winner that will have earned for themselves the great honor of facing either Heather Monroe or Adrien Cochrane, the current contestants for the greatest prize in wrestling today, the right to wear the belt and the title of PCW World Champion.
And what an opportunity that is! For the rookies like I happened to be, for the current headliners that have earned other gold before, or for the very PCW Hall of Famers who even to this day continue to give fans their money’s worth and their lives, bodies and careers in grateful return to what them, and PCW itself, have given them for being a part of it.
I must admit at first I wasn’t sure what to do. I mean, I always say, it’s been a long time since I’ve last had a PCW match. It has been a long time since I’ve had anything to fight for other than just gold, fame and glory, things that surely are nice to have, but things not worth being a slave over. What is my motivation, then, to participate in this match?
I will not lie, while the title opportunity is interesting, there are other factors that are more worthy for me to consider. First is the certain return, or possible return, depending on the cases, of several old faces. The most certain one, of course, is Magnus Thunder. Then with luck, there may come Leon Lonewolf. Then there’s Curtis Wilkes and Yoshiru Long, whom I haven’t forgotten in my last time in PCW. Then there’s the opportunity of showing the current talent the bar they have to match, and to raise.
For people like Jay Thunder, or Kai, or Syn, or Jakob Alexander, or Stryker, or the greatest one to have risen through our ranks at this moment, Adrien Cochrane. There’s also the chance of experiencing how great some of our old fellow wrestlers have become, like Heather Monroe, or Draven Logan Kennedy.
But the most important factor of all, as I’ve said at the beginning of this, is to be able to contribute, in this match that has been slated to form legends, with my modest effort and deeds, to make a story of a battle so great, so exhilarating and epic, that it will match the legends of the old times when warriors and kings ruled our world. So that future generations long after us, will look upon these times as examples for human history, so that our memory will live on and never truly dies.
PCW makes legends.
I come to keep the legend alive.
I’ll see you all on Struggle for Power III. And always remember…
JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!
Ah, it feels great to say that again.”
