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R.I.P. neildarkstar. Haven will miss you dearly.
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The Call of the Wind
Topic Started: Mar 5 2018, 12:43 PM (580 Views)
Kane
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:wub: Thank you ladies!
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Kane
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Writers note: it's amusing to write these stories in Word. It seems like every other sentence has a word that it marks as misspelled because it's Tamrielic.
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Areial
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Et'Ada
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Try my books...names and even real places come up as misspelled. Between word and Grammarly..I have marks all over my page.
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Kane
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:lmao: I can only imagine. Real world places puts it over the top, though.
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Kane
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Elder Council

Kirin awoke some time later on a stone bed within the halls of High Hrothgar. Paarthrunax had called for the Greybeards’ aid when the storms intensified on the mountain, and flew the unconscious heroes down the mountain to the courtyard, leaving them in Arngier’s care. Nearly a full day had passed before Kirin slept enough to recuperate from the harrowing battle with the World Eater. His eyes snapped open and he suddenly jumped to his feet, looking around for Lydia.

Hearing the clamor in the room next store, Arngier arose from his table and went to check on it.

“Arngeir! Where’s Lydia? She was hurt – I gave her a bit of healing potion, but I’m not sure it was enough. Is she here? Did she make it!”

“Morah, Dovahkiin. Breathe deeply and focus.”

The old man’s word settled into Kirin’s mind and after a few seconds, he regained his composure.

“Better?” asked Arngier. “Good. Now, Lydia lies in the room adjacent. Alduin’s tail is a powerful extension of him, and the landed blow shattered most of her ribs. It is good that you gave her the potion when you did, for the force of the blow nearly killed her. We have cared for her to the best of our abilities, but it may be some time before she awakens.”

The panic in Kirin’s mind lessened, and he breathed easier yet.

“Please take me to her, Master. I will sit with her until she wakes.”

“Of course. This way, Dovahkiin.”

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

Three days came and went before Lydia roused from her slumber, and sat up in bed. For the moment she was alone, but on the table beside her lay a plate of food and a large goblet of water. Her eyes lit up as soon as she saw it, and without hesitation she grabbed a fork and went to town on it. The clanging of silverware on her plate and the goblet being set on stone must have garnered some attention, and her ears picked up the sound of hurried footsteps and whispered voices.
Kirin rounded the corner and into view first, smiling in delight at the sight of Lydia awake and eating. Behind him, Arngier followed with Borri. Kirin rushed towards the bed, and sat down next to her on the edge and embraced her warmly.

“Oof, let go Kir – you’re crushing me.”

“Sorry, love. I’ve been worried about you. The battle with Alduin went poorly, and almost did not end well.”

“So it would seem. Did you manage to defeat him?”

“Yes and no. He cannot be killed on Mundus and has flown to Sovngarde, where he is regathering his strength. I’ve been conferring with Arngier and Paarthurnax these past three days, an-“
“Three days! Just how hurt was I? All I remember is the blur of Alduin’s tail rushing at me before I could dodge it…”

Unable to find the words, Kirin simply leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. Instead, Master Arngier answered what he could not.

“We almost lost you, Miss Lydia. Had Kirin not given you the last of his potion, you would likely have succumbed to your wounds before Paarthurnax could get you down here to us.”
Lydia said nothing, but grabbed Kirin and held him close. They’d been through much together, but nothing so dangerous as their assault on Alduin atop the mountain. She squeezed him tighter as tears began to fall gently from her eyes.

“Please tell me that we don’t have to seek him out once more.”

Kirin sighed.

“I wish I could, my love,” whispered Kirin remorsefully. “But if I do not, he will return and seek us out on his own accord.”

She untangled her arms from his torso, and held him away from her, staring directly into his eyes.

“What do you mean ‘I’? You surely don’t intend to face him alone? Kirin it would be suicide!”

“I wish there was another way, Lydia, I do. But the only way to end this for good is by traveling to Sovngarde – and that is something I can only do alone.”

Lydia sniffled and dried her eyes.

“Do you at least have some sort of plan?”

“Master Arngier, Paarthurnax, and I have come up with one, but it will take some doing. Once you are rested up enough, we leave for Whiterun. Convincing Jarl Balgruuf to capture a dragon in Dragonsreach will be a tall order.”

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

The very next day found Kirin and Lydia descending the mountain and crossing the bridge into Ivarstead. All was quiet in the sleepy little village, and only the guards were out making their rounds. A few of them acknowledged Kirin as Dragonborn out of respect, but most kept up the pretense of quiet toughness. They crossed the western bridge out of town, and began the long walk to Whiterun via Riverwood. The Voice of the Sky kept the wilderness animals at bay as they walked beneath the golden leaved birch trees that lined the road in thick groves.
It was an uneventful trip with one night spent lying out under the stars in each other’s warm embrace.
“Do you think we’ll ever have time to just be us, Kir?” wondered Lydia.

“When I come back from Sovngarde, I will make sure of it, Lyds. We are going to lock ourselves up in Elysium and not come out for at least a month. If Kyne needs us, she can blow the roof off of the place for all I care.”

A stiff wind blew through the valley after that remark from her chosen champion.

“Just kidding, mum!” yelled Kirin.

The breeze died off quickly leaving a still night for the couple to drift off to sleep in.

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

Tirdas dawned under cloudy skies that eventually began to drop a cold, dismal rain down on the heads of Kirin and Lydia. They paid no heed to the chilly storm, and trudged on towards Whiterun and warm interiors. Several hours later found them seated around the long fire pit in Dragonsreach, discussing the issue of trapping a dragon.

As expected, Balgruuf was less than thrilled about the idea, and vehemently refused at first. It took a fair bit of convincing from Kirin before he relented, promising only to help if the temporary peace in the war could be achieved.

Once they came to that agreement, the long journey to High Hrothgar, Windhelm, and Solitude began. Arngier agreed to host the council of peace, but it would yet take some convincing for Ulfric and Tullius to show up.

Kirin and Lydia spent the next week riding from city to city in uncomfortable carriages, trying to get the war leaders to attend. In the end, the only thing that worked was pounding them over the head with the threat of Alduin and the end of life as they all knew it. Fear can be a wonderful motivator – even for the war hungry.
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Wonderful! "Just kidding, mum!" Cracked me up!
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Kane
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:D I had fun writing that part. Having fun with this whole story, to be honest. First time I've really enjoyed penning it since Khalor's tale.
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Lapuaboy
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Really nice Kane! I do have one question though. Does Lydia really go commando under that armor? ;)
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Kane
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Ah, well, it wouldn't be prudent to discuss such matters about a lady.

:P
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Areial
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Et'Ada
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<snicker>

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Kane
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Peace and Promises

Around the large stone council table of High Hrothgar sat those who would treat for the most temporary of truces. All who was requested by Kirin to attend were present, and also a few unexpected guests. Sitting on opposite heads of the table were Arngeir and Kirin, respectively. On one side sat the Imperial delegation, composed of Jarl Balgruuf, General Tullius, Legate Rikke, Jarl Elisif, and Elenwen. Across from them stood the Stormcloaks; Jarl Ulfric and Galmar Stone-Fist. Esbern and Delphine had also shown up, as a delegation of the Blades, who apparently were no longer interested in hiding.

Naturally, it was Ulfric who made the first demand by refusing to sit down until Elenwen was dismissed from the council. He argued that she had no place among them, and Kirin was inclined to agree with him. Once she left, the real talks began – and so did the insults. It took many hours of bickering and arguing back and forth with Arngeir settling people down, but eventually terms were accepted by all sides.

The delegates began to file out, leaving those at the core of the matter to discuss the next step…catching a dragon.

“Dragonsreach is ready for you. The great chains are oiled and my men stand at the ready, Dragonborn,” said Balgruuf.

Arngeir then raised the next problem of the matter – how to catch a dragon there. It was as this pint that Esbern piped up again, explaining that with a little research, he had identified one of the dragons risen by Alduin.

“If you call his name, he will not be compelled to come, but Dragons are prideful by nature, and they loathe to refuse a challenge. Your voice in particular, Dragonborn, is likely to interest him. I find it unlikely that he will be able to resist.”

“Thank you, Esbern,” said Kirin. “Jarl Balgruuf, I will see you in Whiterun when I am ready.”

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

They took a carriage to Whiterun, rather than make the long trek by foot once again. But instead of turning up into the city, Kirin and Lydia first headed back to Elysium Estate. Both of them were laden down with gear from their recent journeys, Kirin needed to attend to his gear before leaving for Dragonsreach. He set about to organizing his new belongings and supplies, while Lydia washed up and began preparing a meal for them.

While she cooked, Kirin went out back to feed the forge – he needed it to be hotter than ever before in order to put his new idea on armor to the test. After loading in most of the deadwood they had left, Kirin tugged a few times on the bellows and headed back inside the estate. Lydia had just set out a plate of venison steaks and poured a bottle of Black-Briar Reserve into a mug for him, while she poured a glass of Colovian Brandy for herself.

Dinner was somber affair while the two Nords dwelled on what was to come. Kirin was unsure of what to expect on the way to Sovngarde, and was nervous at the prospect of not having Lydia at his side. And in turn, Lydia worried about Kirin surviving such a tall order on his own. The last time they faced Alduin, all was nearly lost – and that was with herself and Paarthurnax aiding him in battle.

Lost in thought after finishing up their meal, both of them jumped in alarm when the main door to the estate opened up without so much as a knock. Much to their surprise, in walked Kyne.

“Do not rise to greet me, children,” tutted Kyne. “I will join you at the table.”

The goddess sat down at the head of the table and waved her hand. Next to her appeared a goblet of wine that she picked up and sipped gently. She looked at Kirin, and then over to Lydia.

“Well, you two certainly look somber. Come now, not all hope is lost for this final leg of your journey, Kirin.”

“Forgive me, Mother. It just seems to be so tall an order for one man to overcome. Especially when I will not have your guidance or protection when I leave this realm. Nor will I have Lydia at my side, to help me overcome the odds.”

Kyne simply smiled and look knowingly at him.

“It is true that I will be beyond reach while you are there, but I believe that you are forgetting something very important. Sovngarde is the realm of Shor – my husband. I may not be able to help you in this part of your tale, but he will.”

After that revelation, Kirin and Lydia relaxed considerably. He’d never thought about the connection between the two during all of his brooding on the subject.

“Well, that certainly does change things!” exclaimed Kirin. “The road is yet dangerous, but maybe not as dire.”

“I’d still feel better if I were at your side,” said Lydia. “But I will pray to Shor and entrust him with your safe-keeping.”

Kyne nodded.

“It is always wise to pray for help – especially in the interest of love. I do not doubt that Shor will be ready to provide whatever assistance he can. But I will take my leave for now.”

As she rose to her feet, likewise did Kirin and Lydia. Ever respectful, he began to bow his head, but Kyne stopped him before he could.

“I’ve told you before – you need not be so proper.”

She then embraced him warmly and whispered in his ear.

“Good luck, my child.”

The goddess turned then to Lydia and also embraced her before disappearing into thin air. But what she whispered in Lydia’s ear, Kirin did not know. It seemed to please his love though, so he did not fret on it. Instead, he helped her clean up the mess from dinner before heading back out to the forge.

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

Early morning came much too quickly for either of them. Kirin had worked long into the night on his new gear, and Lydia slept fitfully. After a quick breakfast, they went down to the armory where Lydia helped him strap on his new armor.

“Kirin this is…incredible. What have you the idea to craft this out of dragon bones and scales?”

“I’ve never fought against such a hardened opponent, so I figured it could offer me the same protection. I just wish it didn’t weigh so much.”

“Well, hopefully it gives you and edge. I’ve certainly never held such a stout bow or such a keen sword. I think your enemies will cower in fear at the sight of your approach.”

“Let’s hope they do.”

Geared up and ready, they left the house and made their way into the city of Whiterun. Atop the highest hill sat Dragonsreach, and the citizens of the town lined the path as Kirin and Lydia wound up it. Many of them wished the Dragonborn luck and offered their respects. He marveled at how fast rumors seemed to travel, but the well-wishers did raise their spirits. Pausing at the central garden, Kirin and Lydia knealt in prayer to Kyne beneath the beautiful flowering branches of the now restored Gildegreen. Its pink blossoms fell about them in a soft shower as the lightest zephyr blew in from the west.

After a moment in silence, they stood back up and continued the walk up to the keep. Pushing through the heavy wooden doors, the found Balgruuf at the ready.
“Come, Dragonborn. Let’s go trap a dragon.”

Kirin and Lydia followed him through the hall and out onto the Great Porch. There, a handful of guards stood at the ready as Kirin walked out under the sky and shouted into the air.

OD-AH-VIING.
Silence followed, broken only by the hesitant breathing of those on the porch, and the sounds of the throngs below. Even the birds were quiet, and it wasn’t long before the familiar roar of a dragon could be heard. Out of nowhere, the great orange beast swooped down and plucked a guard off of the balcony and flung him high into the air.

Odahviing circled once more allowing Kirin to unleash Dragonrend upon him and force him down onto the porch. He, Lydia, and the guards then lured the dragon back further in until the trap fell in place, securing him tightly to the ground.

“Zu'u bonaar. You went to a great deal of trouble to put me in this... humiliating position. Hind siiv Alduin, hmm? No doubt you want to know where to find Alduin?”
As the guards and Jarl Balgruuf watched in awe, Kirin spoke to Odahviing at length for several minutes before they came to an agreement that suited both parties. He then motioned for the guards to release the trap, and told the dragon that he’d be with him in a moment.

Pulling Lydia aside, we wrapped her in his arms and kissed her fiercely before making a promise to her.

“With Kyne and Mara as my witness, I swear to you that I will return from Sovngarde, and when I do we shall journey to Riften and be wed. Nothing will keep me from seeing that though – not even the World-Eater.”

Tears streamed gently down Lydia’s face as she held him tight.

“I will hold you to that, my love. For it is no longer just myself that you must return for.”

They separated and Kirin looked at her questioningly. Lydia beamed at him through her tears and continued on.

“Last night when Kyne embraced me, she told me of the signs I had missed with everything that’s been going on. The signs she recognized immediately when she came to visit."

She pulled him into her arms once more and whispered into his ear.

“I am with child, Kirin.”
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Areial
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Et'Ada
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Great read!! ...and a damn good incentive to return!
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Serethil
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Wonderful! Great stuff, Kane!
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Kane
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Thanks! :)
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Kane
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Sovngarde

Odahviing dropped off Kirin in the ruins of Skuldafn, leaving the Champion of Kyne to fight his way through to the portal on his own. Hordes of Draugr and many dragons awaited him amongst the sprawling ruins nestled high in the Velothi Mountains. But within him lay a fiery determination – nothing would stop him from returning to the women he will wed, and his future child. Kirin kneeled in silent prayer to Kyne before unsheathing his newly smithed Dragonbone sworn christened with the name Tempest, in honor of the wind that guided him.

The draugr didn’t know what hit them as he dashed up the stairs at full speed and tore through their bony forms in seconds. Overheard a dragon roared in challenge while Kirin retreated back down the stairs and onto the open plain where Odahviing departed from. Accepting his own challenge, the beast landed on the ground in front of Kirin where it quickly met its fate. The onslaught from the Nord caught it off guard and within moments Kirin marched off as the dragon soul fueled his power even more.

He continued to tear through their lines with the fury of a tempest, decimating the patrolling dragur and anything else that lay in his path. Eventually he came before two huge iron-clad temple doors leading into the heart of Alduin’s ancient fane. The gaunt undead of the dragon cults roamed its long halls and high chambers in vast numbers. More than once Kirin needed to rest and regather his strength for the road ahead.

Nearly a full day had passed since he arrived in Skuldafn before he finally emerged from the temple to under a clear night sky. Masser and Secunda bathed the ruins in pale moonlight, illuminating the way for Kirin. He dispatched a few more draugr before coming to Alduin’s portal to Sovngarde. It was flanked on either side by two dragons who didn’t seem interesting in attacking, leaving only the Dragon Priest to stand in Kirin’s way.

The ever vigilant Nahkriin spotted Kirin on approach and immediately plucked his staff from the runed receptacle on the platform, closing the portal off from he who sought to enter Sovngarde. Facing a truly dangerous enemy for the first time since he arrived in Skuldafn, Kirin sought to even the odds quickly. As the powerful servant of Alduin raised his hands and shrieked in challenge, the Dragonborn released his Thu’um.

KRII LUN AUS

Staggering under the brunt impact of the ruinous shout, Nahkriin regained his composure before unleashing bolt after bolt of deadly lightning at Kirin. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Nord’s intense drive and soon enough, the Dragon Priest felt the deadly bite of dragonbone piercing his mottled flesh and sinew. Marked for Death had sunk in fully and after one final downward swing, Nahkriin roared in despair before disintegrating into a pile of ash.

Kirin sat hunched over in weariness upon the steps, collecting some strength before he reopened the portal. He knew not what he faced on the other side and so he rested for some time before fishing the staff out of Nahkriin’s remains. After saying another quick prayer to Kyne and a second one to Shor, he plunged the butt-end of the portal key into the dais and leapt into the opening gateway.

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

Sovngarde was bathed in a deep fog that permeated throughout the large open valley that stood between Kirin and the mead hall of Shor, the Missing God. Alduin roamed the skies above but did not acknowledge the present of the Dragonborn who sought to challenge him. Seeing no alternative, Kirin walked down into the valley below, past the large stone statues of hooded figures.

Visibility was low in mist and he nearly ran into a Stormcloak soldier that wandered the mist in despair.

"Turn back, traveler! Terror waits within this mist!”

“Who are you?” asked Kirin.

"Near Giants' Gap, in the gloom before dawn, we marched, unsuspecting into the Imperials' trap. Then we stood and fought, our shield-wall defending until by dawn's light the Legion's ranks wavered. But I never knew if nights-end brought victory -- a swift-flying arrow to Sovngarde carried me."

“Do you know where this mist comes from?”

"I do not know -- but none have passed through. Alduin, his hunger insatiable, hunts the lost souls snared within this shadowed valley. Can you lead the way to where Shor's hall waits, beckoning us on to welcome long sought?"

“Yes, that is where I am headed. It is at the far end of the valley from here,” said Kirin.

“I saw it fair when first I trod this long sought path. The pain and fear vanished, dreamlike, and a vision beckoned to-- Shor's hall, shimmering across the clouded vale. But quenched was hope by the shrouding mist; darkened is my mind. I've lost the way and wander blindly. Hurry! Before Alduin your soul devours bring word to Shor's hall of our hard fate!"

And he wandered off into the mist, searching fruitlessly for the fabled hall of the Nord dead. Kirin followed the path into the mist, heading into the direction he espied the great hall from atop the entrance to Sovngarde, trusting his instincts to lead him through. Eventually they did, and the mist cleared before a massive bridge of whale bones that spanned an endless drop. There stood the largest Nord Kirin had ever laid eyes on. He stood at least seven feet tall and towered over Kirin, who was by no means considered short.

"I am Tsun, shield-thane to Shor. The Whalebone Bridge he bade me guard and winnow all those souls whose heroic end sent them here, to Shor's lofty hall where welcome, well earned, awaits those I judge fit to join that fellowship of honor. What brings you, wayfarer grim, to wander here, in Sovngarde, souls-end, Shor's gift to honored dead?"

“I pursue Alduin, the World Eater,” answered Kirin.

"A fateful errand. No few have chafed to face the Worm since first he set his soul-snare here at Sovngarde's threshold. But Shor restrained our wrathful onslaught - perhaps, deep counselled, your doom he foresaw. No shade are you, as usually here passes, but living, you dare the land of the dead. By what right do you request entry?"
"By right of birth. I am Dragonborn."

"Ah! It's been too long since last I faced a doom-driven hero of the dragon blood. But living or dead, by decree of Shor, none may pass this perilous bridge 'till I judge them worthy by the warrior's test."

Tsun unsheathed his mighty axe and stood at the ready, waiting for Kirin to prove his worthiness in battle. Readying his sword and shield, Tsun charged first with a swift attacked that Kirin deftly turned aside with his shield before countering with a series of lightning quick slashes.

The mighty warrior of old withstood the onslaught but stowed his weapons just after.

“You possess a talent unlike I have seen in many an age, Dragonborn. You fought well. I find you worthy. It is long since one of the living has entered here. May Shor's favor follow you and your errand.”

Kirin sheathed his sword and grasped Tsun’s shoulder in respect before crossing the massive bridge towards the doors of the fabled Hall of Valor.
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Very nicely told. Exciting, and a sense of Kirin's fate being driven by others. Love the descriptions!
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Areial
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:clap: :clap: Great read... Love it...( what Sere said )
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Kane
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Thank you gals! :$
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Kane
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Prophecy Unfurled

The Hall of Valor was massive and filled with the merriment of song and drink. Countless heroes of old roamed the mead hall of Shor in the warrior’s bliss. Barrels of the finest mead lines the walls and every table was laden with a never-ending supply of sumptuous food. Across the room from where Kirin entered sat the empty throne of Shor, nestled amongst the honored dead that Kyne’s husband normall feasted with.

As Kirin stepped down the stairs from the hall entrance, and her of old armored in the ancient irons of a long forgotten age greeted him warmly.


"Welcome, Dragonborn! Our door has stood empty since Alduin first set his soul-snare here. I am Ysgramor, first leader of the five hundred. By Shor's command we sheathed our blades and ventured not the vale's dark mist. But three await your word to loose their fury upon the perilous foe. Gormlaith the fearless, glad-hearted in battle; Hakon the valiant, heavy-handed warrior; Felldir the Old, far-seeing and grim.”

Ysgramor took his leave of Kirin and wandered off in search of more mead. The Dragonborn crossed the hall and knelt before the throne of Shor in honor and prayed for his help with the upcoming battle. Rising to his feet a few moments later, he turned to see the three warriors of which he learned Dragonrend from a few weeks prior. They stood in wait for him and in anticipation of what was to come.

He moved toward them and Gormlaith spoke first.

“At long last! Alduin’s doom is now ours to seal – just speak the word and with high hearts we’ll haste forth to smite the worm wherever he lurks!”

“Hold comrades,” interrupted Felldir. “Let us counsel take before battle is blindly joined. Alduin’s mist is more than a snare – its shadowy gloom is his shield and cloak.”

“Felldir speaks wisdom,” replied Hakon. “The World-Eater, coward, fears you, Dragonborn. We must drive away his mist, Shouting together, and then unsheathe our blades in desperate battle with our black-winged foe.”

“To battle my friends!” yelled Gormlaith. “The fields will echo with the clamor of war, our wills undaunted!”

Kirin nodded but did not follow them just yet.

“I must eat and drink something before we rush to our fate. My journey here has been long and perilous. I would rest for a few moments.”

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

An hour later Kirin arose from the food laden table and joined the fell warriors near the exit from Shor’s lofty hall.

“It is time, mighty heroes of old. Let us seek out Alduin and engage the worm in battle.”

With a might rallying cry that echoed throughout the Hall of Valor the four proud warriors surged out of the door and across the whalebone bridge. At the other side, Tsun wished them will in their goal as they ran past him and out onto the open field of battle.

They lined up on the grass below and Shouted in unison at the encompassing fogs spread throughout the realm.

LOK VAH KOOR

Alduin’s mist dissipated for a time, but far off in the distance his mighty Thu’um breathed it once more back into the fabled lands of Sovngarde as the powerful words echoed throughout. Kirin and his companions cleared it two more times before the World-Eater gave in and met them in his wrath.

“The endless wait gives way to battle!” said Gormlaith. “Alduin’s doom, his death or ours!”

The great black dragon swooped in from on high as bolides streamed down from the sky and crashed around them in fiery explosions. Sword at the ready, Kirin danced around the impacts carefully as he waited for Alduin to glide over them in a hover. Gormlaith, Felldir, and Hakon meanwhile loosed countless arrows at their foe and Shouted their own words of power in any attempt to weaken the beast. The opportunity finally presented itself to Kirin as Alduin came to stop above them. The Dragnborn crippled him with Dragonrend immediately, bringing down the dragon to the field of battle.

In rushed the warriors alongside Kirin as they hacked, slashed, and thrusted away at his heavily armored hide. For hours the battle waged on as the Nords dueled with Alduin’s full might beneath the forever starry sky of Sovngarde. This time though, Alduin was outmatch among the Dragonborn and his ancient enemies as they slowly whittled down his energy.
Nearby, Tsun watched in bewilderment at the incredible amount of power that clashed on the grass before him. Thu’ums rent the air like lightning in a storm as gouts of flame and frost rippled through the realm. Beneath his very feet the ground shook under the might of the battle waged outside of Shor’s Hall. Even he had to be midful of the meteors crashing to earth around all who were foolish enough to stand in watch.

Gormlaith, Hakon, and Felldir held their own in the perilous fight with the World-Eater, but they themselves were in awe of the speed and fury with which the Dragonborn assailed his destined foe with. Even after long hours of battle with Alduin his deadly sword of bone flashed as if a blur while he danced deftly around the dragon landing blow after blow and piercing his hide time and time again.

But he could not keep up the furious onslaught forever and his strength did begin to wane, but not before Alduin’s. With one final shout of Dragonrend, the worm crashed to the earth with a roar. Without hesitation, Kirin boldly dashed up to him, leapt upon the great spiked head of his foe and plunged his sword one final time with a force that pierced Alduin’s hardened scales and buried itself within the World-Eater’s skull.

Kirn leapt down to the ground as the mighty dragon began to thrash about in agony, Shouting into the skies in the desperate throes of death.

“Zu’u unslaad! Zu’u nis oblaan!”

A glow began to encompass the huge black body of Alduin and built up within until the scales, flesh, and bone of Akatosh’s firstborn were cast off in fiery implosion. The black soul beneath continued to writhe in defeat as Alduin’s life force rushed skyward in a blinding column of light before the World-Eater completely disintegrated in one final massive blast that shook even the realm of Shor.

Kirin rose to his feet and walked out onto the grass where his sword lay among the remains of his fabled enemy. Sheathing it in the scabbard at his waist, he turned to face the warriors of old that helped him in his mighty deed. They sang his praise and honored the Dragonborn for finally vanquishing their ancient foe and promised many songs in his honor within the Hall of Valor.
Now that the battle ended, Tsun approached him from his post to offer his respects.

"That was a mighty deed! The doom of Alduin encompassed at last, and cleansed is Sovngarde of his evil snare. They will sing of this battle in Shor's hall forever. But your fate lies elsewhere. When you have completed your count of days, I may welcome you again, with glad friendship, and bid you join the blessed feasting. When you are ready to rejoin the living, just bid me so, and I will send you back."

“I am ready, Tsun,” said Kirin. “My body is weary from the battle and I long to see my love.”

“Very well. Return now to Nirn, with this rich boon from Shor, my lord: a Shout to bring a hero from Sovngarde in your hour of need.”

NAHL DAAL VUS

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

When Kirin’s vision steadied upon his return to Skyrim, he found himself at the peak of the Throat of the World, where countless dragons sat atop the rocky spires and circled the mountaintop. None of them were hostile towards the Dragonborn, but seemed to be lamenting for the World-Eater. Their Shouts echoed through the air and all across the lands far below.

One by one they took to the sky until only Paarthurnax remained on his perch above the shrine.

"So, it is done. Alduin dilon. The Eldest is no more, he who came before all others, and has always been."

“Alduin brought this upon himself,” replied Kirin.

"Indeed. Alduin wahlaan daanii. His doom was written when he claimed for himself the lordship that properly belongs to Bormahu - our father Akatosh. Rok funta koraav. Perhaps now you have some insight into the forces that shape the vennesetiid... the currents of Time. But I forget myself. Krosis. So los mid fahdon. Melancholy is an easy trap for a dovah to fall into. You have won a mighty victory. Sahrot krongrah- one that will echo through all the ages of this world for those who have eyes to see. Savor your triumph, Dovahkiin. This is not the last of what you will write upon the currents of Time."

Paarthurnax then took to the sky and spoke to Kirin once more.

"Goraan! I feel younger than I have in many an age. Many of the dovah are now scattered across Keizaal. Without Alduin's lordship, they may yet bow to the vahzen... rightness of my Thu'um. But willing or no, they will hear it! Fare thee well, Dovahkiin!"

He began to circle the skies with the other dragons before they all filtered off one, leaving Odahviing alone to speak with Kirin. The dragon wished Paarthurnax well in his new quest, and honored Kirin’s mastery of the Thu’um, promising to help if called upon. Once he too left, Kirin began his descent down the mountain to High Hrothgar.

Exhausted from the perilous fight and subsequent climb down, he shoved his way through the door and into the monastery wanting only to lie down in a bed. Instead a figure rushed at him and pinned him to the wall in an embrace that took the wind out of him.

Lydia said nothing as she squeezed Kirin with tears running gently down her face. He returned the hug earnestly and idly ran his fingers through her hair.

“I’m ok, Lydia,” he reassured her. “Just very tired from the ordeal. Come…let’s go find a bed.”
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Wow! That was marvelous! I was reliving it (though I've not done it for a long time now) - very well told, Kane! Great stuff!
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