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R.I.P. neildarkstar. Haven will miss you dearly.
| The Call of the Wind | |
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| Topic Started: Mar 5 2018, 12:43 PM (581 Views) | |
| Areial | Apr 24 2018, 12:46 PM Post #81 |
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Et'Ada
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Very good read!! I like his take on the Civil War. |
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| Kane | Apr 24 2018, 01:01 PM Post #82 |
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Overlord
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Thanks! (He shares my view on it. :P ) |
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| Kane | Apr 24 2018, 03:25 PM Post #83 |
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Overlord
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Doomdriven Blackreach was unlike anything Kirin had ever seen, and will likely ever see. The immense dark cavern stretched as far as the eye could see, and was illuminated only by two sources - towering mushrooms with milky white, flowing tendrils and Dwemer lamps. Outcroppings of a mysterious blue rock reflected the spore’s light, sticking out across the dark landscapes like beacons in the night. Far off in the distance, a massive orb hung from the shrouded rock ceiling high above it. A small structure of dwarven make was directly across from where they emerged into this mysterious realm and in front of it waited a Dwarven Sphere, likely still guarding the domicile from its original owner. Kirin motioned to Lydia and pointed it out. Together, they readied arrows, and let them fly in the same instance, dismantling the automaton before it could unpack itself. The clang of the arrows on armor alerted a few nearby Falmer, though, and soon they were under siege from two sides. Finishing off the last of the gloomlurkers and a Charus Hunter, they ducked inside the small building. It was a small, one room stone shack with a bed, fireplace, and dining table. The remains of the last occupant lay in a pile on the floor, dead for who knows how many years. Various alchemical books and ingredients lay around the home, which looked like it had been turned into a small lab for alchemy research. On the long shelf a plant was growing in a small pot, and it emitted the well-known sound of Nirnroot – but instead of being the familiar white-green hue, it was a deep, crimson red color. This intrigued Kirin, but not enough to take it. He had no skill in or use for alchemy, and didn’t trouble himself with learning it. Instead, he rummaged through knapsack lying on the floor. “Grab anything we can use and then we’ll get back out there.” “You sure, Kir?” asked Lydia. “I really do not like pillaging from the dead.” “I’m not asking you to take his clothes…just grab anything meaningful to us, and call it a day. Food, water, arrows, potions. You know the drill.” -------------------------------------------- A few hours later found them stumbling through the dark of Blackreach, but their goal was in sight. The approximation of the Tower of Mzark given to them by Septimus took some time to align to surface navigation, but Kirin managed it once he was able to pinpoint where they were under Skyrim. Since then, they were making excellent time, and only slowed down to deal with whatever monsters lurked in the shadows. The worst of which wasn’t even abnormal… Just as they rounded the bend towards the stairs leading to Mzark, a giant lumbered up the road. Typically docile unless threatened, Kirin was shocked to see it charge at them, club raised. Being stuck in the dark must have addled its mind and made it feral. They wasted no time in defending themselves, and Kirin even used the full might of Unrelenting Force to their advantage, making quick work of the goliath. “I’m sick of this cold, dank hole in the ground, Kir. Let’s get the hell out of here.” “I agree wholeheartedly. C’mon – the Tower is just over that bridge. Hopefully we are on our way back up.” Indeed, they found an elevator across the bridge and through the large metal doors. After a quick ride up, they found themselves in a small anteroom lined with bookshelves and smattering of various Dwemer odds and ends. A passage on the other side brought them into a large Oculory controlled by mysterious buttons on the ledge overlooking the top of the reflecting platform. Kirin studied the devices for a few moments before grabbing the lexicon from Lydia’s pack, and inserting it into the receptacle to the right of the buttons. It locked in place with a snap, as the gears within the device turned, and activated. “I think I got the gist of this,” said Kirin. He pressed the only illuminated button and…nothing happened. Lydia snorted. “Nice work, boss. Maybe you should try asking it nicely.” “Hush.” The burly Nord depressed the button again, but still nothing happened. Getting frustrated, he jabbed at it repeatedly until the second button became illuminated. “Aha! Told you I’d get there!” Behind him, Lydia rolled her eyes. “Please, you had no idea what you were doing – just admit it!” “Never.” After a few more minutes of random button pushing, the lexicon began to glow as the focusing lenses of the Oculory began to rotate and redirect the beams of light shining from above. Before long, an echoing clang reverberated throughout the chamber as container lowered from the ceiling an opened up atop the platform below. Kirin and Lydia quickly ran down the ramp to the reflecting platform and stood in awe at the containers contents. Before them lay one of the fable Elder Scrolls. An instrument of immense power was theirs for the claiming and the gravity of the situation was not lost on them. “I’m almost afraid to touch, Lyds. Think of the power that would be open to us…if Nirn wasn’t in such dire need, I’d be tempted to leave it and bring the tower down upon this place.” “But we do need it, Kirin. Grab it and let’s get out of here – Paarthurnax is waiting for us.” Kirin nodded, pulled the scroll from its resting place and slung it over his shoulder, strapping it to his back. “May the Divines have mercy on us.” -------------------------------------------- It was dark outside when they exited from the Tower of Mzark, and a snow storm was blowing through the mountains. Outside of the elevator gate was another ruined campsite with no occupants. Lydia set to gathering fuel and building a fire while Kirin studied his map and tried to pinpoint their location. Eventually, he recognized an outline in the distance knew at once where they were. Rolling up the map, he joined Lydia at the fire while she cooked up the last of their venison steaks. “I wonder how long we were underground for,” said Lydia. “I lost track of time, and was surprised to come out so late in the night. Judging by Masser and Secunda, it must be nearly midnight.” “That must have been moonlight reflecting down through the Oculory. Could have fooled me.” “Who takes first watch tonight?” asked Lydia. “Neither of us – we both need the sleep. Just be sure to say a prayer to Kyne, and hopefully she will protect us while we rest.” For near eight hours, the two adventurers slept undisturbed in the tent near the entrance to Mzark. In one sleeping bag lay Lydia, ever vigil with her hand around the dagger under the pillow. In the other, Kirin slumbered with the Elder Scroll tucked firmly in his arms – both of them were dead to the world, getting a well-deserved sleep. And outside the tent, a large hawk perched on a nearby tree stump, patiently waiting for the bright morning sun to rouse the sleeping friends. |
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| Serethil | Apr 24 2018, 03:36 PM Post #84 |
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Et'Ada
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Great chapters Kane! Excellent reads! I too like his take on the CW - and I love Kyne sitting watch as a hawk! |
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| Areial | Apr 25 2018, 01:06 AM Post #85 |
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Et'Ada
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:clap: Sharp eye's.. sharp talons... |
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| Kane | Apr 25 2018, 11:13 AM Post #86 |
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Overlord
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Thank you! (This next one ran a little longer than I realized...) |
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| Kane | Apr 25 2018, 11:17 AM Post #87 |
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Overlord
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Drawn from the Depths Needless to say, Divines do not like being made to wait – even the benevolent ones that have chosen their champions and their children. So with that, when late morning began to approach, the large brown hawk that watched over the makeshift campsite let out a hearty morning caw, to waken the sleeping beauties. Kirin jumped from his sleeping bag in alarm at the piercing call that sounded like it was right on top of them. Pushing Lydia into wakefulness, he stumbled out into the snow and began looking around for the source of the call. He spotted the hawk nearby, and bent his knee in honor. “Hello Mother. What brings you here to us on this fine winter morning?” The avian divine cocked her head sideways to study him, before shifting into her fair human form. Kyne smiled down at him. “I answered your prayers, of course. It is not often that you call upon me for aid, so I felt it wise to come see you. I am glad to find you well, and that I caught you before you embark upon the next chapter of your journey.” “Do you have need of us, Lady Kyne? Aside from what we are already doing, that is.” Lydia emerged from the tent and bowed in respect to her matron. “Ah, Lydia, there you are dear. I trust you slept well last night?” “Much better than I thought I would, that’s for sure. A dragon could have roared overhead and I might not have even stirred,” she laughed. Kyne smiled knowingly. “Good. You will need the rest for the next leg of your journey. Which brings me to the reason for my presence out here.” The Goddess paused, and turned her attention back to Kirin. “Before you return to Paarthurnax, I ask that you wear the amulet given to you by Dinya, and let Mara guide you once more. She offers a blessing and it is one that you shall need, if you are to survive your fate.” “Then that is what we will do, Mother,” said Kirin. “I’ll rustle up that amulet as soon as I can.” “Very well. I shall leave you to it, then.” Kyne turned back towards the open sky she descended from and prepared to shift back into her hawk form. But she looked back one more time at the two Nords with a smile, and offered a final word of advice. “And Kirin, dear? When Mara grants her blessing…try not to act so surprised this time.” ------------------------------------------------ About an hour later, they had packed up their supplies and began the descent down to the plains of Whiterun, when Lydia finally asked the question that was niggling at her. “’Try not to act so surprised this time’…what do you think she meant by that, Kir?” “I have an idea and something tells me it won’t be the last time it happens. I would say that scholars have gotten a number of things wrong about the history of Tamriel, and that they continue to do so.” “What do you mean by that?” Kirin smiled. “You’ll see soon enough.” They continued on across the thinly treed tundra, kicking their way through tall grasses and flowered fields. Far off in the distance, deer pranced across the open meadows while sabre cats stalked them in the grasses. Wolf packs roamed in tight groups, avoiding the Giants and their mammoth herds. Kirin knelt to fill up his waterskin at a small stream wending its way through the earth, and nearly got knocked over by a mudcrab as it burst from the dirt. A quick arrow from Lydia buried itself in the crab’s underside just as it leapt towards Kirin. “Nice shot,” remarked Kirin, as he got back to his feet. “How’d you react so quickly?” “Luck. I spotted a buck nearby and was waiting for it to come out of the grasses when I heard the earth breaking. You should pay more attention to where you rest.” He made his way towards her and clasped her shoulder. Lydia couldn’t help but notice a different look in his eyes than she had ever seen before and a soft smile on his lips. “Well if I were so careful, then what need would I have of you to protect me?” Hooking his waterskin back on, Kirin resumed their march west, towards Gjukar’s Monument. He wasn’t sure what drew him there, but trusted Mara and her guidance. The amulet around his neck seemed to ease his burdens, and stifle doubt. Everything he looked at seemed to having a glowing aura…and Lydia more so than anything else. Several times, he had to avert his gaze to avoid being caught staring at his loyal friend and companion. After the third time this happened, Kirin shook his head and tried to focus on their quest, and figure out their next move. ------------------------------------------------ It was nightfall when they finally approached the tall stone monolith that loomed over the western plains. Masser and Secunda glowed down upon them, illuminating the whole area in pale light, while Kirin and Lydia searched around the statue for a sign of their goal. A few moments had come and gone before a ghostly figure appeared at the base of the towering monument. Kirin approached the spectral being, and to his surprise, she answered his call to her. "I'm searching for my Fenrig. He was marching with Gjukar's men, who they say were wiped out here. I've turned over every body, though, and I can't find him. Please help me look. He has a bright red beard and hair." Lydia joined them just after she finished speaking. “She’s obviously convinced that she is still alive, Kir. Let’s just look around for this Fenrig, and see what happens. Do you feel any guidance though the amulet?” “Some – but not the kind I’m looking for. Give me a moment to sort it out.” He hung his head in concentration and tried to sort out the turmoil of emotions that had risen to the top once he donned the amulet. Listening, or rather – feeling – intently for a nudge from Mara on where to look next, his feet began to move him back east and slightly north. “C’mon Lyds…I think he is back this way.” They searched the area around the lonely mountain that sat alone in the middle of the open tundra. Long ago some unknown force had pushed up this single peak, far from the nearest ranges and isolated by the grassy plains surrounding it. At the northern base, they found another ghost, milling about aimlessly. "Ruki? Where is she? If she's come this far from home, it must be important. Lead on. I just need to report back to camp by sunrise." Vanishing with a wisp of spectral smoke, Fenrig left Kirin and Lydia alone once again. The tightened up their packs, and began a quick jog back to Gjukar’s Monument, hoping to catch the forlorn lovers before they vanished forever. The tundra raced by as they picked up speed, soon opening into an all-out run across the meadowlands. Two blue lights flickered in the distance, as Ruki and Fenrig were finally reunited. Kirin kicked in an extra burst of speed and caught up to them just in time. "Fenrig! You're alive!" "Of course I am. What brings you here?" "I had heard that Gjukar's men were wiped out. I came to find you." "But that battle isn't expected until tomorrow... Ruki, what's going on?" The two ghosts, reunited at last had begun to elevate above the ground as they spoke, rising higher and higher into the clear night sky. Their conversation began to trail off, but Kirin managed to pick out their last words to each other before leaving the mortal realm. "I'm so confused. What's happening?" "It doesn't matter. I'm here. We're together now. And we will be forever." And they vanished. Together again after a hundred years of fear and longing, Fenrig and Ruki departed for the halls of Sovngarde, to enjoy eternity together, under the watchful eye of Shor. Lydia had just caught back up to him, and hunched over on a nearby rock. “Did you make it in time?” she asked, breathlessly. “I did. They’ve been reunited, and have moved on from our world.” “And a fine job you did of it, too,” said a voice, drifting out of the darkness. Kirin and Lydia both leapt to the ready and drew their weapons in surprise. The voice had caught them off guard and they hadn’t heard anyone approach. “Who goes there!” yelled Kirin. “Show yourself!” From behind the tall standing stone, emerged a figure robed in a simple habit of the purest of white. It strode toward them gracefully, hands folded in front and bearing no hostility. Kirin and Lydia both eased up and sheathed their swords, just as the feminine form approached them. “Thank you for stowing your weapons,” said the robed woman. “They would not have helped you, but you needn’t them anyway.” “You gave us quite a fright, ma’am,” said Kirin. May I ask what you are doing out here, in the middle of the night?” “Looking for you of course, son of Kyne.” Lydia started – no one but the two of them knew of Kirin’s connection to the sky goddess. ”You may rest easy, Lydia – mortals may not know of Kirin’s fate, but we Divines are an entirely different matter.” She lowered her hood and smiled at them. “It’s nice to finally meet my sister's chosen one. Good evening, Kirin. I am known to your kind as Mara."[/b] |
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| Serethil | Apr 25 2018, 11:58 AM Post #88 |
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Et'Ada
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Ooooo - LOVELY, Kane! Hmmm. Kir's getting that "feeling".... |
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| Areial | Apr 25 2018, 12:06 PM Post #89 |
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Et'Ada
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:clap: Lovely read!! :wub: |
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| Kane | Apr 25 2018, 01:58 PM Post #90 |
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Overlord
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Funny thing is, I never intended that. Even said so to Lappy! Kirin had other ideas I guess. |
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| Kane | Apr 25 2018, 01:59 PM Post #91 |
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Overlord
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Thanks Are! |
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| Kane | Apr 25 2018, 03:32 PM Post #92 |
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Overlord
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The Winds of Change Kirin tried not to act surprised, but his facial expressions failed him miserably. Kyne had warned him, but he still couldn’t help but be baffled as he stood before yet another goddess – this time the Goddess of Love. His mind was racing by at a million miles an hour and unfortunately he couldn’t stop himself from blurting out the silliest of questions. “Um…so does that make you my aunt?” To his surprise, the Lady Mara laughed aloud at his remark. “I suppose - in a way - it does indeed.” Lydia rose from her kneeling position and smacked Kirin on the shoulder. “Seriously, Kir? That is the first question you could think of to as a divine?” She then turned to Mara, “We are honored by your presence, Lady. To what do we owe your benevolent presence?” “Now, now, Lydia. You mustn’t be so formal with me anymore than you are with Kyne. I know that you honor me out of respect, but that is not necessary. I have had your prayers over the last few months and that is all that I require.” Kirin glanced sideways at Lydia just in time to see her blush. Wondering what that was all about he almost didn’t catch the wink flashed to him by Mara. Something told him that the Goddess of Love that stood before them was more deeply entwined with them than he ever expected. “Back to business, then,” said Mara. “I am here to offer you my blessing, in exchange for fanning the fires of love that had begun to smolder throughout Skyrim. No place on Nirn should ever be devoid of love and the wonderful energy it binds us all together with. It is as intrinsic to the nature of Mundus as music is, and keeps the strings of reality bound tight. You two have done much for love in my name, and your own. I gift to you my boon – a protection against forces that would harm love – and ask that you yet return to my priestess Dinya. You must still be recognized formally for your efforts.” A warm glow filled the souls of Kirin and Lydia as it enveloped them in the pure light of divinity. They could feel their life forces bolster as the energy swirled around them in the darkness of night, illuminating the area round them. After a moment, the light dissipated but the energy of life and love did not. “It is done. Please return to Riften at your earliest convenience, and let Dinya know that your task is complete. In the meantime, know that with my blessing, I shall help you in your times of need if you ask. For now, I will seek out Kyne and let her know of this. Good luck on your journey, children…you will need it.” Kirin and Lydia bowed in respect to the divine, and thanked her for her blessing and her love. Before she disappeared into the encompassing dark of night, she addressed them again. “One more thing, children. Do not continue to quell the most important emotion of all. You will need it more than anything else in the coming times.” ---------------------------------------- They set up camp after Mara had departed, but their late dinner around the crackling flames was a quiet affair. Neither of the two were brave enough to discuss the meaning of the Lady’s parting words, and instead they both dwelled on them in silence. Instead, they both drifted off to sleep under the bright starts of the night sky. Morning came sooner than either Kirin or Lydia wanted it to. The day prior had been a long one, but they had a lot of traveling left to do – Riften was long way off and after that, a long backtrack to Ivarstead and High Hrothgar. Luckily, Whiterun was nearby, though…the carriage service down to Riften would speed things up considerably and take some of the travel burden off. So to Whiterun is where they headed, but the two Nords did so in silence. Neither one of them had yet to talk about their meeting with Mara last night, and a passerby could have cut the tension with a butter knife. Onwards they quietly walked, as the warm sunny morning gradually turned to a cloud filled and dreary day, threatening rain at any moment. Within a few hours, the drops began to fall gently around them as the open plains filled with a thin mist. And still Kirin and Lydia walked on in relative silence, only breaking from their somber mood at signs of trouble or hostile attackers. The weather only made matters worse, intensifying as time wore on. By midafternoon, thunder began to crackle in the distance and a strong wind blew to the west, directly impeding their march east. It was only then that Kirin took the hint… “Lydia, let’s get out of this mess.” He looked ahead for any kind of shelter, and was pleased to see the now deserted Redoran’s Reatreat just ahead of them. “Make a break for the cave before this weather gets any worse. We have some things to discuss.” ---------------------------------------- Inside the cave, the air was stale and smelled of dampness and mold. The bandits Kirin killed long ago on the Jarl’s orders had likely been dragged off by scavenging predators, leaving behind an empty earthly domicile. They headed deeper inside to the ending chamber and lit a fire in the stone pit near the back wall. One chair still remained and Kirin offered it to Lydia while he sat on the floor on the opposite side. The silence endured once more as they warmed up around the blazing flames and nearly half an hour passed before Lydia broke it. “So, why have we come in here, Kirin?” “I think you know why. Also because I’m fairly certain that Kyne was behind the abrupt change in the weather that we just experienced. She obviously thinks we should talk about our encounter with Mara and I’m beginning to agree with that sentiment.” Lydia shifted nervously in her seat and her face flushed once more. “Lady Mara wouldn’t have given us those last words if they didn’t mean something,” said Kirin. “I don’t think I can hide it from myself or from you anymore, Lyds. Putting that amulet on yesterday brought everything bubbling to the surface and now it’s eating away at me.” He glanced up at Lydia and was surprised to see the look of delightful shock on her face. It faded quickly and a coy smile soon played around the corners of her mouth. Just as Kirin was about to continue, she got to her feet, walked around the fire and sat down next to him before leaning in and giving him the one present she'd wanted to for a long time. A lingering kiss. |
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| Lapuaboy | Apr 25 2018, 05:06 PM Post #93 |
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Thane
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YES! :banana: :bunny: :grats: :clap: Just caught up from ages ago and I'm loving it (no pun!). Great stuff Kane :) |
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| Serethil | Apr 25 2018, 05:10 PM Post #94 |
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Et'Ada
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Heh. I didn't expect her to be the "forward" one! Once again, just lovely m'friend! |
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| Kane | Apr 25 2018, 05:58 PM Post #95 |
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Overlord
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:$ Thanks Lappy!
There's a reason behind it, but that's for the the next chapter. I hope to finish up Season Unending shortly, so that chapter may come tomorrow. |
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| Areial | Apr 26 2018, 12:41 AM Post #96 |
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Et'Ada
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:clap: good read!! Good for Lydia! |
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| Kane | Apr 26 2018, 11:01 AM Post #97 |
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Overlord
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Thanks! ^.^ |
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| Kane | Apr 26 2018, 11:04 AM Post #98 |
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Overlord
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Duel on the Peak When the two lovers finally exited Redoran’s Retreat, the sun shined brightly down upon them from a cloudless sky. Songbirds chattered all around them and Lydia could have sworn that she spotted two white doves fly overhead. Resuming their journey to Whiterun, they decided to stop home at Elysium along the way for a day or so to relax and get accustomed to their latest development. The details may be spared, but needless to say – they had a good mini-vacation at the estate. Towards the end, Kirin could be seen tending the forge for several hours while Lydia stocked up on their supplies for the road. Once finished she joined him outside just in time for her to try on a new set of armor. Gasping at the sight of it, Lydia nearly dropped the two mugs of wine she held. “Wow - you have outdone yourself, Kir. I thought you were going to smith up a set of that Witchplate armor I found in Riften. But this…” She picked up the gleaming black armor off of the work bench to check the fit. Her clothes slid to the earth baring her fair skin to the open air as she began to slide the cuirass over her head and on to her torso. After strapping it in, she pulled on the boots and gauntlets, picked up her new shield and sword for a practice swing. The blade was balanced well, and moved through the air in a dark blur as Lydia swung it deftly in her sword dance. Sheathing the sword when she finished, Lydia looked back at Kirin with a beaming smile. “Thank you for this, love. But when did you learn how to work with Ebony? I’ve heard that it frustrates even the most skilled smiths to no end.” “I picked up a few pointers from Eorlund, when we were last in Whiterun. It’s not so bad, once you figure out the optimal forge temperature. Though I did use up most of my wood stock to keep it burning that hot.” “What about your armor? That engraved cuirass is looking fairly worn and shabby.” “I have the materials for a full set of glass armor set aside. I’ll work on it later, though. I need a break from hammering for a while – my arms are so sore, they might fall off.” Lydia strode over to him and grabbed his hand. Leading him over to the outdoor sauna, she lit a few torches around it before turning back to face Kirin. “Help me get this armor off, and I’ll see if we can do something about that.” ---------------------------------------------- The following day found Kirin and Lydia leaving Elysium for the Whiterun stables just after lunch. Both of them were armored up in their new sets and looked the part of a formidable duo. Even Uthgerd gave them a wide berth as they sauntered up the cobblestone road towards the carriage driver. Sixty gold Septims later, and they were seated uncomfortably in the back of the wooden wagon, bumbling along towards Riften while the driver prattled on aimlessly. Morning found them finally disembarking from the carriage and pushing their way through the Riften gates. Not wanting to linger around the corrupt city, they immediately made their way to the Temple of Mara. Dinya Balu awaited them at the altar, and greeted them warmly as they approached. "Hello my friends. Your efforts have helped illuminate the entire province. I trust by now you've achieved a higher comprehension of love. Carry the blessings of Mara with you, so the rest of the province may shine with her glories." Kirin and Lydia bowed amicably and thanked the priestess. But Dinya was not yet finished. “Ah, I see the two of you have found a spark of your own! And…if I’m not mistaken – you bear a unique blessing from the Lady Mara herself! We are honored to have you here at the temple and its doors will always be open to you.” They thanked her again before heading back out into the market square. “Well, where to now, dear?” asked Lydia. “The Throat of the World awaits us. It’s time to embrace destiny head on." ---------------------------------------------- They stopped briefly in High Hrothgar to catch up with Arngier, but did not linger long. The mountain path cleared before them under the power of Clear Skies, and within hours the summit approached. Paarthurnax awaited them atop the lower peak, an addressed them right away. "You have it. The Kel - the Elder Scroll. Tiid kreh... qalos. Time shudders at its touch. There is no question. You are doom-driven. Kogaan Akatosh. The very bones of the earths are at your disposal. Go then. Fulfill your destiny. Take the Scroll to the Time-Wound. Do not delay. Alduin will be coming. He cannot miss the signs." Kirin gave Lydia a peck on the cheek and bid her to stand back. Walking over to the Time-Wound, he pulled the Elder Scroll from his back and unfurled it within the distortion. A flash of burning white light illuminated his vision before the runed pages began to glow. Quite suddenly, a window in time opened up before him and Kirin found himself looking into the past as three Nord warriors battled with a dragon. They appeared to be waiting for Alduin and had hinged all of their hopes on him rising to their challenge. Things were looking bleak for the stout male hero, but his female companion leapt boldly into the fray and climbed up on to the dragon’s neck, shouting as she swung her sword with deadly precision. "Know that Gormlaith sent you down to death!" As she plunged her sword in one final time, the dragon roared and fell with a final shudder. Jumping down, Gormlaith regrouped with Feldir and Hakon as they waited for Alduin. A few moments later, they got their wish as the great black dragon swooped down onto the stone shrine on the peak. "Meyye! Tahrodiis aanne! Him hinde pah liiv! Zu'u hin daan!" "Let those that watch from Sovngarde envy us this day!" yelled Gormlaith. All at once, the three ancient warriors then unleashed their crippling shout upon the winged menace. JOOR ZAH FRUL With a mighty roar Alduin was forced to the ground as the concept of mortality raced through his being for the first time. A mysterious purple aura radiated from his massive body as he cursed the Nords and Paarthurnax for their twisted creation. They all fought in vain against Alduin, as he was still too powerful to be slain. The death of Gormlaith resulted in their last ditch effort – the scroll. Feldir unfurled it and with a powerful incantation, he banished Alduin from reality…for a time. The portal into the past vanished and when Kirin’s eyes finally cleared, he found Alduin himself floating in the sky above. "Bahloki nahkip sillesejoor. My belly is full of the souls of your fellow mortals, Dovahkiin. Die now and await your fate in Sovngarde!" The dragon began to fly off towards Paarthurnax, but without hesitation, Kirin shouted the full might of Dragonrend at him, bring Alduin to the ground. Sword and shield at the ready, Kirin immediately began to hack away at the monstrous beast, as Lydia rushed in from the flank and landed as many blows as she could. A battle raged on for hours, well into the dark of night. Far below, the people of Skyrim looked up towards the mountaintop in wonder as dragons circled, lighting flashed, and thunder cracked around the peak. The air rippled with the sound of the Thu’um as Kirin and Alduin were locked in their deadly confrontation. Paarthurnax had long since lifted to a higher flight once he realized that the World Eater powerfully outmatched him. Lydia had been wounded grievously with a whip from his powerful tail and lay bleeding in the snow nearby. The sight of her injured form sent Kirin into a primal rage as he relentlessly continued his barrage of Alduin’s near impenetrable hide until finally, the great dragon recoiled in fear. "Meyz mul, Dovahkiin. You have become strong. But I am Al-du-in, Firstborn of Akatosh! Mulaagi zok lot! I cannot be slain here, by you or anyone else! You cannot prevail against me. I will outlast you... mortal!" And with a furious rush of wings, Alduin took flight once more and disappeared into the eastern night sky. Breathless and sapped of all his strength, Kirin dropped his sword in the snow and stumbled over to where Lydia laid in her prone form. He poured the last of his healing potion into her mouth and passed out next to her. Paarthurnax returned to the summit, landed next to the two Nords and sheltered them from the cold until they would regain consciousness. |
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| Serethil | Apr 26 2018, 11:12 AM Post #99 |
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Et'Ada
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Oh, well done - all of you! Very visual, extremely great read, Kane! |
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| Areial | Apr 26 2018, 11:20 AM Post #100 |
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Et'Ada
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Really good read! like Sere.. I think the visual's are awesome.. kick's up a notch! |
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