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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 (579 Views)
Areial
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Et'Ada
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Great read!! very descriptive!!
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Kane
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:) I'm glad yinz are enjoying it.
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Very much so Kane!
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Kane
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Calm Winds and Low Tides

Kirn and Lydia slept soundly and well into the morning before waking up to eat and recount his trip to Sovngarde. Even Arngeir joined them to hear the tale firsthand. It took a decent amount of time to recount, during which Kirin never seemed to stop eating or drinking. All the while never letting go of Lydia’s hand.

It was the Greybeard who broke the silence that followed the harrowing recap.

"I can see it in your eyes. You've seen the land of the Gods and returned. But I have to wonder…is Alduin truly defeated?"

“We may only hope. I did not absorb his soul when he passed on, so I cannot say for certain if he is truly gone forever.”

"At last. It is over. Perhaps it was all worth it in the end. You've shown yourself mighty, both in Voice and deed. In order to defeat Alduin, you've gained mastery of dreadful weapons. Now it is up to you to decide what to do with your power and skill. Will you be a hero whose name is remembered in song throughout the ages? Or will your name be a curse to future generations? Or will you merely fade from history, unremembered? Let the Way of the Voice be your guide, and the path of wisdom will be clear to you. Breath and focus, Dragonborn. Your future lies before you."

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

Elysium Estate was a welcome reprieve when Kirin and Lydia finally made it home. The first thing they did was soak for several hours in the indoor spa to wash away the grime and relax Kirin’s tired muscles. Afterwards they cooked up a delicious meal to enjoy before heading outside to relax in the calm evening weather.

They laid out in the grass on a large fur blanket chatting amicably and care free for the first time in months. As an evening sun gave way to the dark of night, the sky remained clear and cloudless while they watched stars in complete content.

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

Over breakfast the next morning, Kirin and Lydia began to discuss the parting promise he made before hopping onto Odahviing’s neck and flying off to Skuldafn. And the advent of their child.

“So, when will we be headed to Riften, love?” asked Lydia. “You did promise you know.”

“Of course I did, and we may go at a moment’s notice, Lyds. Alduin is no more and our life is ours to live as we please now.”

“Tomorrow, then. We will leave at first light for the Temple of Mara.”

A soft breeze fluttered through the open window just before a light knock on the front door could be heard. Kirin stood up from his chair at the table and headed for the door knowing in his heart exactly who it would be. Pulling it open, he graciously welcomed the Goddess into Elysium and accept her loving embrace.

“I am proud of you, my child. You have fulfilled your destiny admirably while remaining true to yourself, Lydia, and to me. I will forever watch over you and guide you when you seek it.”

Kyne then beckoned Lydia to her and wrapped her in her arms as well.

“Lydia my dear, you too I shall always watch over your child too will be under my protection. Your place at Kirin’s side was instrumental in his deeds of valor and will forever be remembered as the Last Dragonborn’s loyal companion. And soon to be wife I take it?”

“Yes, Mother Kyne. We mean to make the journey to Riften tomorrow and will likely be wed the day after.”

Kyne smiled radiantly at the two of them as joyful tears filled her eyes.

“Then you will find the day to be idyllic. The weather is my realm and I shall see to it that there be not a cloud in the sky nor a single drop of rain. Ah – and I must pay visit to my sister to discuss the ceremony. I will take my leave for now.”

“Thank you for visiting us, Mother,” said Kirin. “I was surprised to not have seen you sooner.”

“I knew of your success before you even returned to Tamriel, my dear. I also knew that you would need plenty of rest. Now then – I will see you in two days.”
She embraced both Kirin and Lydia one more time before exiting the estate and resuming her hawk avatar.

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

It was a pleasant carriage ride from Whiterun down through to Riften and not a single man or creature troubled them along the way. The skies remained free and clear as if the entire world were celebrating the relief of fear that had permeated the spirit of Nirin for nearly a year.

Even the crime-ridden home of Mara’s temple had departed from its usual feeling of seediness and buzzed in a peaceful manner. Spirits were raised and countless folk who were not wholly oblivious to the dragon crisis praised the Dragonborn as they walked through the streets. Guards bowed their heads in respect and even the notorious Thieves Guild acknowledged the great victory that had been won.

Inside the temple, they arranged everything for the following day with Maramal. The priest was delighted to perform the ceremony and eager to wed the Hero of Skyrim and patron to Mara. Once the details were ironed out, Kirn and Lydia headed to the Bee and Barb for a quiet night of relaxtion before the big day.

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

Dawn broke over Skyrim in spectacular fashion as the bright orange rays of Magnus beamed down through the cloudless atmosphere. Breakfast had been arranged with Keerava the night before and they were not surprised in the least to find Kyne waiting for them at their pre-set table. But she had clothed herself in common attire of the age, rather than the ethereal dress that was normally worn.

“Come now and eat, we have a busy day ahead of ourselves.”

Kirin’s sat down to eat, but his ears perked up at the sound of a raucous din coming from outside in the town square.

“The whole town sounds as if it’s up in arms – what in blazes is going on out there?”

“You didn’t really think it would be kept secret, did you?” asked Kyne. “News of the Dragonborn’s wedding spread across the province like a wildfire. I expect there to be a rather large party awaiting you after the ceremony.”

Kirin sighed.

“So much for a quick and quiet affair. Tell me Mother, when does this all begin?”

“Well, it looks like Lydia here is done eating, so I think now would be a good time. Come on, my dear – let’s get you ready!”
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Poor Kir and Lydia - no private quiet ceremony for them! Very sweetly told, Kane!
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Areial
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Et'Ada
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<snicker> that's what one get's for being famous.. and probably having a tattle-tale as a Goddess.. or two.. Good read!
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Kane
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Together As One

Midday had come and Kirin stood in wait before Maramal at the temple altar. He was dressed in the finest attire he could possibly find and look far different than the dragon-armored warrior that charged into the afterlife. Now, Kirin waited anxiously for his bride to be.

The temple bell rang, ushering in noontime and the start of the ceremony. Viarmo himself had come from the Bards College and sat in the corner, gently plucked a soothing song of joy on his lute. The chapel had been adorned in white streamers of fine linen and next to the banners of Mara were new banners honoring Kyne – the Dragonborn’s chosen divine.

Outside in the town square waited a large crowd party goers in earnest, but inside the temple there was naught but Kirin, Maramal, and Viarmo. Dinya Balu was to escort Lydia in at the proper time and that time had come. A soft rustling could be heard as footsteps approached the chapel hall from the side antechamber. The doors were thrown open by Dinya and walked Lydia, the bride to be.

She was dressed in a long, silky dress the color of a blue spring sky. The fabric flowed as if the gentlest of breezes whispered though it and shimmered under the candlelight like gentle raindrops in a clear sky. Kirin never doubted nor ignored her beauty but on this day it was amplified into one of the most aetherial things he ever had the privilege to lay eyes on. Atop her head sat a simple tiara made of flowered branches with pink blossoms and it radiated a white glow that Kirin recognized from all those months ago when they sat in the garden beneath the Eldergleam.

Lydia’s smile could have lit the darkest corners on Nirn as she approached the altar and Kirin, her love. To his amazement, she was followed by two unexpected handmaidens who wore simple dresses of yellow and carried bouquets of Eldergleam blooms. Kyne and Mara both winked at Kirin as they passed and stood to Lydia’s side.

Maramal beamed widely at them and began the ceremony.

“Thank you all for gathering to be here on this blessed day. It was Mara that first gave birth to all of creation and pledged to watch over us as her children. It is from her love of us that we first learned to love one another. It is from this love that we learn that a life lived alone is no life at all. We gather here today under Mara’s loving gaze, to bear witness to the union of two souls in eternal companionship. May they journey forth together in this life and the next, in prosperity and poverty, and in joy and hardship.”

He then turned to Lydia, and continued.

“Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?”

“I do,” said Lydia, firmly. “Now and forever.”

Maramal nodded and moved on to Kirin.

“Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?”

“I do. Now and forever.”

“The under the authority of Mara, the Divine of Love, I declare this couple to be wed! I present you with these matching rings, blessed by Mara’s Divine grace. May they protect each of you in your new life together. You many now kiss your lovely bride.”

And Kirin did not need to be told twice. He wrapped his bride in his arms and kissed her warmly as Maramal, Dinya, Kyne, and Mara clapped through tears of joy and love. After the parted, the Divines hugged each of them in turn before quietly taking their leave.

“There are far too many prying eyes out there, my child,” whispered Kyne. “We shall see you at a later hour.”

“Now it is time to celebrate!” said Dinya. “Let us go outside for the reception!”

Kirin and Lydia stood side by side and hand in hand as they followed Dinya and Maramal out into the packed town square to a riotous burst of cheer from the gathered crowd. Flower petals rained down from the private balconies of the homes to the side of the temple.

The vendor stalls had all been removed from the center and replaced with long tables laden with food and drink. Barrels of the finest Black-Briar mead were tapped as the mead began to flow, and plates of delicious food were filled and passed to all, not the least of whom was the married couple. Kirn and Lydia were seated at a high table in front of Mistveil Keep where they were joined by friend and allies. Among them sat Jarl Baalgruuf, Irileth, Esbern, Delphine, Ysolda, and Hulda. And - much to Kirin’s amazement – Arngeir. The Greybeard master had descended from High Hrothgar for the first time in countless years for what he considered a momentous occasion for Skyrim.

The newlyweds and all in attendance feasted and drank for many hours as the sounds of merriment echoed throughout the Rift. The sky remained a cloudless blue, just as Kyne had promised and for the first time in ages, Kirin and Lydia enjoyed themselves free of cares.

Once the feast ended, new kegs of mead were broached and the tables of food were cleared. Viarmo gathered up his fellow bards from Solitude and started playing lively song after song. Throngs of people paired up and began to dance around the town square, laughing and singing along to the band as they played with vigor.

Darkness was approaching quickly as the sun began to set. Kirin and Lydia sat atop the steps to Mistveil and watched the orange sun slowly sink over the horizon. Just before the last light of day slipped over the horizon, two large figure appeared far off to the west, circling down from the Throat of the World. As they got closer, the unmistakable roars of a dragon thundered across Lake Honrich causing quite the stir among the party-goers. Kirin looked to Arngeir who sat nearby with Balgruuf and as the old Greyberd caught his gaze, he nodded reassuringly to Kirin.
The dragons approached with all speed before gliding high above the city, breathing ice and frost into the skies above. Paarthurnax and Odahviing too had come to pay their respects to the Dragonborn.

“Alok Zeymah ahrk Briinah dii! Aal hi mahfaeraak nahlaas ko drem!”

Kirin rose to his feet, looked skyward and responded in kind.

“Kogaan, zok dovah fahdon. Aal paaz ven aak hin alun amativ.”

His voice echoed upwards into the heavens as the crowd watched in awe at the spectacle before them. The dragons roared in acknowledgment and circled one final time before flying back off into the vast and empty sky.

Within seconds the party noise kicked back up once again as people resumed their drinking and dancing under the fair autumn night. Thankfully, Kyne had retuned and sat next to them upon the stone stairs overlooking the square.

“I gather you are ready to retire for the evening, my children?”

“Very much so, Mother,” replied Lydia. “We are wed and look forward to our quiet life ahead of us.”

“Excellent. Follow me, dears.”

She led them around to the back of Mara’s temple where the Goddess of Love awaited them.

“I offer you my blessing once more, Kirin and Lydia. May you go forth in life forever happy and never wanting. Hardships may come, but stay true to each other and your love will endure for eternity.”

Holding them both by the hand she bowed her head and vanished from sight. Kyne then grabbed their hands in Mara’s place and spoke to them once more.

“Would you desire a honeymoon at home in Elysium, or somewhere far from prying eyes? You need only ask, and I will whisk you away to my realm, far above the western sea and beyond the reach of any being, mortal or not. There you shall never want and need only speak what you desire. Bliss awaits under forever clear skies and upon white beaches.”

Kirin and Lydia knelt before her and accepted the offer of paradise.

“Very well, my children. I shall return for you in two weeks’ time.”

The goddess bid them to stand up and with a slight wave of her hand, husband and wife vanished from Tamriel for a well-earned respite from reality.
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Kane
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Author's note: it was a bit dusty in here when I wrote that.
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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That was - very special, Kane! Lovely, so lovely.... Yeah, I might have had a coughing fit that resulted in tears....
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Lapuaboy
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Damn that was good! Mara and Kyne plus the two dragons...I'm a softie and that stuff gets me good too. :clap: :clap: :clap:
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Areial
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Et'Ada
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:clap: :wub: awesome read!!!!
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Kane
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Thank you folks! Posted Image
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Kane
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Darkened Skies

Two weeks had come and gone but Kirin and Lydia shared one final meal in Kyne’s realm with the goddess herself. It had been two weeks of bliss, and the newlyweds were relaxed and fully recovered from their long and treacherous journey. But it was soon time for their return to Skyrim and their new life together at Elysium.

“All is well in Skyrim, my dears,” said Kyne. “The dragons have begun to disperse and the civil war is still at peace. A feeling of hope blossoms throughout its people for the first time in years, and they have you two to thank for it.”

“Good, because I’m not ready for any more adventures,” said Lydia. “A life of peace sounds nice, especially with our child on the way. Maybe we could start a farm, Kirin – there is plenty of land around Elysium for it.”

“I never saw myself as a farmer, but it does sound like a nice, simple life. And I’m sure Balgruuf would love to have me as permanent Whiterun resident.”

Kyne smiled benevolently.

“Whatever life you choose, know that I will always be watching over you. Are you finished eating?”

Kirin and Lydia both nodded. The plates of food and flagons of drink all vanished from the table long with them, as Kyne whisked them back to Tamriel.

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

Life on the estate was quiet and comfortable. After deciding that they would indeed start up a small farm on the western grounds, Kirin began to work out the details with Balgruuf and Proventus. He did not want to step on the toes of the long running farms that had always been outside of Whiterun, so they proceeded carefully and quietly.

The final document was drawn up a week after their Kirin and Lydia’s return and on the morning of Fredas, they headed into town to pen down the final signatures with the Jarl and his Steward.

“I need to stop at Belethor’s on our way up, Kir,” Lydia mentioned. “We need to order some new furs for our master bedroom – the ones we have are getting quite tattered.”

“Sounds good, wifey.”

Lydia gave him a gentle smack on the shoulder.

“I’ve asked you not to call me that!”

Kirin laughed and gave in to her request. They went inside to the general store and spoke to Belethor at length on prices and quality. Eventually satisfied with their order, Kirin led the way back outside into the warm morning sun. Something immediately felt off, and the lack of noise set his instincts into overdrive. The townfolk all stood stock still in apprehension as two oddly dressed figures moved toward Kirin and Lydia.

"You there! You're the one they call Dragonborn?"

Kirin palmed the dagger strapped to the back of his waist and whispered for Lydia to go back inside the shop. They were unarmored and barely armed for trouble, and he would not risk his wife and future child with any amount of danger. He stood tall and replied to them firmly.

“Yes. I am the Dragonborn. Who is asking?”

"Your lies fall on deaf ears, Deceiver. The True Dragonborn comes... You are but his shadow. When Lord Miraak appears all shall bear witness. None shall stand to oppose him!"

And without hesitation, they began loosing spell after spell upon Kirin who ducked for cover behind a nearby barrel. The commotion marshaled the guards into action, and once the Dragonborn had backup, he drew his dagger and charged the masked attackers. Whiterun’s people had cleared the streets making way for Kirin to unleash his Thu’um upon them. He caught them off guard with the full brunt of Unrelenting Force, allowing Kirin and the guards to finish them off while they were lying stunned upon the ground.

“By the Nine, who were those maniacs?” asked one of the guards.

“Dunno,” answered Kirin.

Lydia now came down the street to view the aftermath. She hugged Kirin firmly and thanked Kyne no harm had come to him.

“All is well, Lyds. The Blessing of Mara shielded me from their magicks.”

He bent down to examine their strange robes and masks when he noticed a corner of paper hanging from the front pocket of the smaller assailant. Pulling it out gently, he unfolded the slip and read it aloud.

“Board the vessel Northern Maiden docked at Raven Rock. Take it to Windhelm, then begin your search. Kill the False Dragonborn known as Kirin before Kirin reaches Solstheim. Return with word of your success, and Miraak shall be most pleased.”

Lydia sighed audibly.

“Why can’t life ever be simple?”

“I wish I knew, dear. Let’s head back to Elysium.”

He hailed down one of the guards helping to clean up the mess.

“Jotun, can you take a message to the Jarl for me? Tell him that we’ll have to reschedule our appointment. He’ll understand.”

The guard nodded and headed up to Dragonsreach.

“C’mon. It’s time to call on our Mother.”
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Oh great. Hard to mess with the Dragonborn stuff with a pregnant wife! Nice, Kane, here we go again!
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Kane
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She's only a month along in the story's timeline, but it will definitely spice things up. Thanks!
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Lapuaboy
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Nice update! After the wedding post, I was going to ask if that was the end of Kirin's story...now I know there is more to come :thumb: :)
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Kane
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Nah, I wouldn't have left it hanging like that. The end will have an epilogue, just as a prologue began it all. :)
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Areial
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Et'Ada
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Very nice! ....off they go again!
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Kane
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To Arms

Kirin hurriedly pushed his way through the front gate of Elysium with Lydia at his tail. Instead of going inside, he went around the western side to where Kyne’s shrine sat under a thatched awning. There he knelt before it and silently called upon his Goddess.

She answered quickly.

“Hello, Kirin. I am aware of what transpired in Whiterun today and I shall call upon you shortly. Lady Mara and I are discussing the implications as we speak. Look for my coming before high noon.”

Rising to his feet, Kirin motioned for Lydia to follow him in the house where they would wait – but not idly. Together they went into his stud and began culling through books and dusty old tomes, looking for any information on this ‘Miraak’. After two hours of fruitless searching, they gave up. The mysterious figure didn’t seem to exist in any history book, or he was simply long forgotten.
Kirin sat fuming at his desk, wondering where else he could look for information. A few moments passed before he jumped up from his seat and moved to go outside. But as he did, the wind drafted through the house and the front door opened and close.

Out in the main hall stood Kyne once more, and she wore a look of worry.

“No good news, I take it?” asked Lydia.

“I’m afraid not, child. The return of Miraak has the fingerprints of the Daedra all over it, but we are not sure which. Mirrak was the first Dragonborn and was thought to have been killed long ago after his failed uprising. I fear that his return is the work of a great evil.”

“Well then, I will go to Solstheim and seek him out,” said Kirin. “If I do not, he will likely come here for me anyway.”

Kyne nodded.

“I do not like that notion, but it is the most prudent. I will of course be watching over you, but you should expect great peril. Miraak is likely more powerful than even you, my child.”
“But it will not be just you, love,” said Lydia. “I will always be at your side.”

“I suppose so,” sighed Kirin. “I would argue that it’s too dangerous for you to come with our unborn child, but it is an argument that I do not expect to win.”

“I will leave you two to get ready,” said Kyne. “Call upon me if you have need.”

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

They set their plans to leave tomorrow before first light. Windhelm alone was a long ways off, let alone the isle of Solstheim. Kirin and Lydia had quite journey ahead of them, but they would not be unprepared. While his wife packed up food and other supplies in the house, Kirin worked the forge once again. After honing his weapons and reinforcing his armor, he set to crafting Lydia a set of dragon gear, too.

Come nightfall, he had just finished sharpening Lydia’s sword at the grindstone, and headed back into the house.

“Eat something, husband. You look famished.”

“I am at that. Have you gotten everything else packed?”

“Yes. Food and drink for travel, but we can always pick up more in Windhelm or Raven Rock.”

Dinner was delicious and filling, as they cooked up whatever was left of their stores. Neither knew how long they would be gone for, and whatever remained uneaten was thrown outside for the wolves. Once they cleaned up, a final night of comfortable rest called and together they slept undisturbed.


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

It was still dark out when Kirin awoke from his slumber, leaving Lydia to relax a while longer. He dressed in a simple tunic, and clasped a cloak around his neck before grabbing a sweet roll and heading outside. A short walk later he stood beneath the morning stars and called out to the dark sky with his Thu’um.

OD-AH-VIING

Kirin sat down in the grass and waited for his dragon ally to come, as he fretted over the coming journey. Having his wife and expected child along worried him ceaselessly and doubt gnawed in the back of his mind. Would he be able to keep her safe? He knew not what to expect in a strange land.

The dragon roar off in the distance broke his train of thought, and he rose to his feet and ignited a torch. Odahviing descended from on high and landed next to Kirin with an earth-shaking rumble and addressed him respectfully.

“Ah, Dragonborn – to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Drem Yol Lok, Odahviing. I seek knowledge, and I hoped that you might know of what I seek.”

He told him everything of the attack in Whiterun and the mysterious Miraak that had sent oddly dressed followers to kill the ‘false Dragonborn’. Odahviing did not answer immediately, but brooded darkly for a few moments.

“I do not envy your situation, Dovahkiin. You were wise to seek my council, for my memory is long and few remember those ancient times. Miraak was indeed the first of your kind – the Dovahkiin – but he served Alduin.”

At that revelation, Kirin was shocked.

“But I thought the Dragonborns were created to rally mankind against the Dov?”

“They were, but the first vessel for the power was ill chosen by our Father. Miraak ever sought power, and as a Dragon Priest he had a great amount of it. He rebelled against us, though, and began his own sect. Great battles were fought against Miraak and his followers but eventually he was defeated by another of our priests named Vahlok.”

“Hmm. Miraak seems to be a very powerful being,” said Kirin.

“Indeed he was. And if he has not been dead for all these years, his power will likely have grown terribly. Alas, that is all I can tell you on the subject. Seek out the Skaal when you arrive on Solstheim – they may know more about the Enemy.”

“Thank you, Odahviing,” bowed Kirin. “May the winds of Keizaal be with you.”
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Serethil
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Et'Ada
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Nicely done! Talking to Odahviing - great idea!
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