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The Call of the Wind
Topic Started: Mar 5 2018, 12:43 PM (583 Views)
Kane
Overlord
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:D Thanks! I’m sort of doing whatever I want with the lore, but in that vein...there is nothing that explicitly states they all left.
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Kane
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Ugh, I think I peaked leading up to that part in the story. Trying to write the next bit before I start the competition with Linaarie, and the words aren't coming.
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Leave it alone until you're done with the comp. The reread the whole thing - that'll probably get you going again.
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Kane
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I've made a little headway in the past half hour. I went and read some useless stuff on reddit and that seems to have right click + refreshed my mind a little.
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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*giggling* Whatever works!
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Kane
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Resurrection

The trip to Kynesgrove was an uneventful one. Kirin and Lydia mostly walked in silence, still in partial disbelief at their encounter beneath The Eldergleam. It seemed surreal in hindsight, but nonetheless, both of the Nords felt truly blessed to have been there. But Kirin understandably wished it had been a longer experience. He was able to ask the one question he considered most important, but a multitude of other questions for the Goddess remained.

‘Maybe next time,’ he thought.

----------------------------------------

Darkness was beginning to overtake Skyrim, as the sun lowered itself gracefully into the western sky. Kynesgrove was just ahead of the two friends, and they soon were walking up the stone path towards the small town’s inn. Delphine awaited them outside of it, and quickly ran up to them as they approached.

“Something’s wrong,” she said.

That seemed to be an understatement. The innkeeper, Iddra, also came running towards them shouting about a dragon attack. In that same moment, the weather took a drastic turn, and the once clear evening turned into a fierce snow storm, with driving winds. With no time to waste, the three of them headed through town and started up the windy path to the summit above Kynesgrove. As they climbed, they could hear the roar of a dragon, and echoing of thunder as it spoke in its ancient language of power.

Once the ground evened out, they found themselves face to face with an unwelcome site. A massive black dragon that Kirin recognized immediately, seemed to be Shouting some sort of necromantic incantation at an old dragon mound.

And then, right before their very eyes, the ground shook as a skeletal dragon burst through the surface of its grave and crawled out towards its raiser.
“Alduin, thuri! Boaan tiid vokriiha suleyksejun kruziik?”

“Geh, Sahloknir, kaali mir.”

Kirin, Lydia, and Dephine watched on in horror and amazement as the newly risen dragon began to reconstitute itself, and was soon covered completely with its hide, as if it had never been slain. The great black dragon then turned its head and looked right at them.

“Ful, losei Dovahkiin? Zu'u koraav nid nol dov do hi. You do not even know our tongue, do you? Such arrogance, to dare take for yourself the name of Dovah. Sahloknir, krii daar joorre.”

He then flew off, leaving the newly raised dragon, Sahloknir, to attack the three onlookers. It was as harrowing a fight as any, but Kirin was getting the hang of fighting these beasts, and Lydia wasn’t far behind. Delphine seemed to struggle a little bit, but she held her ground and released arrow after arrow into the dragon.

Before long, it was ready to go right back into the burial mound from whence it came.

----------------------------------------

A few days later, Kirin and Lydia sat around the dining room table at Elysium. They were due to meet Delphine back in Riverwood later that day, but needed the break and a long bath. Dragon fighting in particular had a way of upping the adrenaline levels and really making a combatant sweat quite profusely.

The home cooked meal was also a much needed event, and together they damn near prepared a feast for the two of them. Roasted leg of goat hit the spot nicely, followed by the coveted sweet roll and a stiff glass of Colovian Brandy.

“Anything we need to grab before heading back out, my Thane?”

Kirin groaned. He knew that at this point she was just teasing him, but ignored it for the most part.

“Nah. I just need to sharpen my blade on the grindstone before we go.”

Lydia nodded. “Yeah, me too. Dragon hide is tough, and I think I’ve just about ruined another steel sword. Do you think we have time to stop in Whiterun for a new one?”

“I suppose so,” said Kirin. “But do you really want to buy another one? At this rate, you’ll be out of gold within a month. Come out back with me when we’re finished here, and I’ll see what my stock of ore and leather looks like. I might be able to fashion something up for you.”
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Kane
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The Sleeping Giant

Lydia sheathed her newly minted Dwemer blade after felling the final wolf of the pack that was straddling the road in to Riverwood. It came through unscathed, which was a testament to the deadly simplicity of dwarven design, and the skill Kirin had used to smith it.

“I’m sorry to say it but, this is a much better blade than anything I’ve purchased from Adrienne. You are quite the amateur smithy, Kirin.”

“Thank you. It’s a trade I’ve always practiced, going all the way back to when I sharpened axes for da.”

Quite suddenly, their conversation was cut short by the familiar roar of dragon reverberating off the mountainside and down through the small village. The townsfolk immediately ran for their homes, as the guards formed ranks with eyes to the sky. The two Nords joined in to the defense, with Kirin Shouting a quick word of power to let the guards know they had a strong ally on their side.

They rallied around him as the dragon swooped down, releasing a cascade of fire over the small defense group. Arrows poured in to it for nearly ten minutes, but they were beginning to run scarce. If the dragon didn’t land soon, Riverwood didn’t stand much of a chance. Luckily, a well-placed shot from Lydia caused the beast to roar in pain, causing it to land right in the middle of the village.

Without hesitation, Kirin bounded forward with his sword at the ready. The dragon began to laugh at the sight of the lone Nord charging him, but it was quickly stifled as it bore the full brunt of Kirin’s voice and staggered backward at its force. Inspired by his reckless bravery, Lydia and the guards charged in and surrounded the dragon, hacking at it from all sides. It died quickly after, and Kirin sat on steps of the nearby inn, as the life force of the dragon poured in.

------------------------------

Delphine pushed her way through the door of her inn about three hours later. She found Lydia in the corner, made straight for her.

“Another dragon attack, and this time right outside? We really do need to get to the bottom if this and fast.”

She paused, and looked around. “Where’s Kirin?”

“Asleep in the second room. He’s been hiding it well lately, but absorbing the life essence of a dragon really takes it out of him. The power is overwhelming and there is a whole other issue that no one else considers. But that’s his business, and he will talk to you about it if he wants to. For now – let him sleep.”

------------------------------

Kirin woke from his slumber a good while later, only to find the inn quiet and dark. Lydia was nodding asleep on the chair nearby, but roused herself quickly when she heard Kirin stirring. As he got up and began to put his armor back on, Lydia went out to brew a pot of tea and pack up some pastries for the road. Upon her return to the room, Kirin was ready to go.

“All set boss? We can head for Solitude whenever you are ready.”

“Solitude? What about our rendezvous with Delphine? Is she here yet?”

“She’s back, but I already talked to her about our next move. You’ve been out of it for near 10 hours, and she was getting impatient.”

Lydia went on to explain in detail where they were going and what they’d be doing. They had to move fast, though, since Solitude was a long way away, and the Embassy party was in two days. Malborn would be waiting for them at The Winking Skeever, with Delphine not far behind.

------------------------------

The journey north was long, and they encountered many obstacles along the way, including another dragon resurrection. Kirin handled the end result much better this time, and only needing to rest for a few moments before they were underway again.

Solitude did not offer a good first impression when they arrived. Walking into the middle of an execution is not a welcome first sight, and they didn’t bother to stick around for it. Instead, they headed right for the inn and looked for the Bosmer contact Delphine had arranged. Malborn sat at a table near the back, and got right to the point when Kirin and Lydia introduced themselves.
Kirin was uncomfortable parting with his gear, but did so willingly. Malborn would smuggle it in for him and together they would meet up during the party at the first chance they got.
A few moments later, Kirin and Lydia were walking down towards the stables.

“I don’t like this, Lydia. I feel naked without my mail.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Besides, how do you think I feel knowing that I won’t be there to help you? Delphine will probably drive me up the wall, but I’ll be a nervous wreck while I wait for you back in Riverwood.”
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Great stuff Kane! Really enjoying your take on things....
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Lapuaboy
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Thane
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Very well done :thumb:
I like you giving Lydia some depth and even -gasp- a personality!
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Kane
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Thanks Lappy! Yeah, she needs it as much as Serana does.
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neildarkstar
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:thumb:
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Kane
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Seeking Knowledge

Upon arrival, Kirin met a personable Redguard named Razelan outside of the embassy. He was a regular party-goer who accepted the Dominion for what they are and kept relations with them in the interest of business. Razelan was also a drunk, as evidenced by him already being intoxicated before even going in to the party. Kirin kept that in mind, because a friendly drunk can be very useful.

After presenting his dubious invitation, Kirin climbed up the outer stone steps and pulled open the iron reinforced wooden door and stepped into the Embassy vestibule. A tall female Altmer immediately walked toward him to introduce herself and the first thing Kirin though was, she wears way too much makeup.

"Welcome. I don't believe we've met. I am Elenwen, the Thalmor Ambassador to Skyrim. And you are...?"

Kirin greeted her and spoke amicably to her for a few moments before she was called away by the bartender, Malborn. Afterwards, she excused herself and went back to hosting her party. Not wanting to jump the bow on this operation Delphine cooked up, Kirin decided to mingle with some of the guests for a while, so as to not draw any suspicion. After speaking to various dignitaries for small bit of time, he made his way back to Razelan, who by this point in time was very drunk, and cut off from the bar as a result.

Spotting an opportunity, Kirin brought a drink to him as a way to butter up the inebriated Redguard even more. It didn’t take much convincing, though, and before long Razelan was causing one Sithis of a scene in the middle of the party. Malborn and Kirin quickly darted into the kitchens, where the wood elf directed him to his gear, and a door into the rest of the Embassy.

-----------------------------------------------------

Getting past the Thalmor patrols wasn’t easy, but it was manageable. Dealing with Rulindil and the other elf in the interrogation chamber was dicey, though, and Kirin barely managed to save Malborn’s life when two more guards showed up with him in tow. The end result was a mad dash back to Riverwood with the news that the Thalmor were searching for another former Blade named Esbern.

Delphine was overjoyed that the old man was still alive.

"Esbern? He's alive? I thought the Thalmor must have got him years ago. That crazy old man... Figures the Thalmor would be on his trail, though, if they were trying to find out what's going on with the dragons."

He was an archivist for the shadowy organization for a number of years, and was quite possibly the last remaining expert on dragons and dragonlore. In other words…Kirin and Lydia were now off to Riften.

-----------------------------------------------------

“I’m glad you made it back alive, my Thane,” said Lydia. “And I’m glad you made it back before I strangled Delphine.”

Kirin chuckled. “She can be hard to deal with sometimes. But Delphine is valuable to us nonetheless, and I will continue to follow Kyne’s path.”

And that path now led them through the dense birch trees of the Rift hold. Their journey was a slow one, as they contended with rain and what felt like near constant bear attacks. Sunny days didn’t speed them up either, though – they instead found themselves stopping to enjoy the beauty of the southern forests and relaxing under the vibrant colors of the fall foliage.
The Rift always had a special place in Kirin’s heart, and had the Lady Kyne not gifted him Elysium, he likely would have settled upon making a home for himself somewhere amongst the dense trees he and Lydia now walked beneath.

He was particularly lost in these thoughts when Lydia noticed the far way look in his eyes.

“Is everything alright, Kirin? You look a thousand leagues away.”

“Oh, I’m fine. Just thinking about life, and how things don’t always turn out how you expect. I always imagined settling down in here in the Rift someday, but now that I have Elysium, I’ll likely never need anything else.”

“Funny how things work out, eh?” mused Lydia. “I thought I’d never get out of Dragonsreach and Whiterun, and now….here I am – charged to the Dragonborn and the chosen son of Kyne.”

Kirin nodded before beginning to pack up his gear again.

“Better get to it, Lyds. We’ve got another day or two before we reach Riften.
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neildarkstar
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Good read, Kane!
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Excellent! Really loving this tale!
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Areial
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Et'Ada
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:clap: ...nice read!!... Delphine...ick!
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Kane
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Thanks! I'm ready to be shot of her. I'll be able to put her in her place for the first time with the Paarthurnax Dilemma.
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Kane
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Vagrants and Vermin

After numerous stops along the way, Kirin and Lydia were finally fast approaching the capital city of the Rift. Riften lie just ahead, beyond the tree line, and all was quiet among the early morning emanating from Lake Honrich. They were making good pace towards the southern entrance of the walled town when they heard the screeching call of a hawk from somewhere far above. Stopping to wait in anticipation, they looked skywards and spotted the great brown hawk gliding amongst the break in the trees over the road.

The hawk flew began its downward descent, gently landing on the ground before them.

“Good Morning, my child.”

Kirin bowed. “Hello, Lady Kyne – er – Mother. What brings you to us in this unexpected visit?”

“I must not tarry while others are about, so this will have to be a short visit. When you enter Riften, please visit the Temple of Mara. The clergy of my Sister are always ready to help those who seek Mara’s blessing, and it is a noble blessing indeed. My Sister can help you with your journey if you help spread her glory.”

“Then the Temple shall be our first stop, my lady,” said Kirin.

“Thank you, Kirin. Now I must be off, but do not hesitate to call on me if you ever seek guidance, child. I will always hear your prayers.”

Kyne spread her impressive wingspan, and quickly took flight once more – just as a patrol guard rounded the corner. He gave them a puzzling look, but said nothing and Kirin and Lydia resumed their walk towards the city gates. They were stopped unexpectedly, though, when trying to enter the south gate. The guard on duty told them to go around or get lost, which Kirin found highly suspicious.

“What do you reckon, Kirin?” said Lydia.

“In Riften? Extortion. I’ve no doubt that most of the guards here are dirty in more ways than one.”

And that proved to true, when the lout guarding the northern gate tried in vain to shake them down. Kirin called him immediately on the fool’s idiotic plan to harass travelers, and soon enough they were heading to the Temple.

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Leaving the Temple of Mara with a new task, they set it aside for the more prominent one that had brought them to Riften in the first place. Luckily, the innkeeper was in good spirits and in hushed tones, told them where to find the Ratway on the lower walkway of the city. Down at canal level, the city had a particularly foul odor, and Kirin and Lydia found themselves walking rather quickly to the gate that led them into the sewers.

The dank, wet smell that greeted them beyond the first wooden door nearly made them retch.

“Why in Divines name would anyone want to have a bar in a foul smelling pit like this?” gasped Lydia. “This is the foulest air I’ve ever had the misfortune to breathe!”

“I suspect the guild likes it that way...less chance of someone bothering to put a stop to them.”

Marching on through the dark, rank tunnels they soon found themselves in the Ragged Flagon – the infamous hang out of the Thieves Guild. The bartender was decidedly less amicable Keerava had been, but he helped them nonetheless. Probably just to get the two Nords out of their hair! Every eye in the place watched them closely while they stood defiantly among the Ratway’s finest, asking about Esbern.

Kirin passed the bartender a bag of gold, thanked him, and led Lydia through the nearby door that led deeper into the sewers.

----------------------------------

It took a little convincing but soon enough, Esbern began to unlock the various bolts and chains that locked his heavily reinforced door off from the rest of the vagrants infesting the Ratway Warrens. He let them in and quickly slammed the door behind them, and asked them to explain what they were doing there.

After Kirin explained why they were seeking him, Esbern went on to say that none of it mattered, now that Alduin had returned. As he saw it, the situation was hopeless, and they were all doomed. But that somber mood changed quickly, once Kirin told him that hope was not lost, and that the gods had sent a final Dragonborn to Nirn.

“This changes everything! We must go – quickly now. Take me to Delphine! We have much to discuss!”

And so, a few moments later they were heading back out into the Ratway, only to find the Thalmor waiting for them. The haughty elves couldn’t resist shouting a few insults before attacking, and that only made things worse for them, now that Kirin and Lydia knew where they were. The armored and robed Altmer were not ready for the onslaught that the two Nords threw at them, with Esbern bringing up the rear. The old man was a competent mage, and not nearly as old and feeble as he looked. A hulking frost atronach of his summon pushed past Kirin and Lydia providing an excellent distraction for their swords.

Before long, the Thalmor lay dead around them, as they jogged towards the surface at a quick pace, in case more of the elves were on their way. Nothing more met them on the way out, except for a single Khajiit assassin that fell quickly to the three companions and the guards of Riften. Within moments, they were seated on a wagon and bound for Riverwood.
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Well done, and well told indeed! I haven't done the MQ for a long time.... only reason I go into the Ratway is for the gloves off whatever his name is, and a couple of fancy weapons outside the Flagon that Legacy has spots for.
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neildarkstar
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:thumb:
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Areial
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Et'Ada
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Nice read!!
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