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R.I.P. neildarkstar. Haven will miss you dearly.
| Kristoph [Completed]; Carry yourself. | |
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| Topic Started: Jul 18 2016, 04:22 AM (86 Views) | |
| Maxus Corvin | Jul 18 2016, 04:22 AM Post #1 |
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Noble
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"I know they say it. But they do not expect it. 'You are going to carry that weight.' Yes, yes I am. Someone else could do it. But I am going to do it myself - not because I was asked, told to, or forced. But because I want to." Mods: Spoiler: click to toggle Alternate Start - Live Another Life AS:LAL - New Beginnings Aurora aMidanborn Book Of Silence(only retextures) Apachii Hair(Male Version) Audio Overhaul For Skyrim 2 Bijin All-In-One Cloaks Of Skyrim(loaded through CCOR) Complete Crafting Overhaul Remade Clothing And Clutter Fixes Cutting Room Floor Deadly Dragons Enhanced Blood Textures Enhanced Lights and Effects Extensible Follower Framework(with a patch for SPERG) Immersive Creatures Immersive Horses(using included patch for Hearthfire) Immersive HUD Immersive Sounds Compendium Interesting NPCs Jaysus Swords(Loaded through CCOR) Realistic Water Two RS Children Overhaul(Playable Version) Run For Your Lives! SkyUI SPERG Timing Is Everything The Choice Is Yours The Lost Grimore The Paarthurnax Dilemma Thunderchild - Epic Shouts and Immersion Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch VioLens Weapon And Armor Fixes When Vampires Attack Entry 1 Spoiler: click to toggle I don't know. They expect me to only do one thing, and nothing else. They only mention one option, even if I see that option as impossible. But they are usually silenced by Aranea. I know why, since most see only one way of things, once something is established enough, they want that to happen. They think that is the way it must be, and any deviation is to be avoided, even punished at times. Why is that something people focus on? Not correcting a problem, but rather punishing the one responsible. Oh, I see. I can't just...oh, I get it. Just...yeah, I know, write how I feel is best. My family has lived in Winterhold for centuries, going back to the first era. The name might not mean much to me, but it seems it is important. But the Collapse changed things. Half of the city fell into the Sea of Ghosts, and people later blamed the College for it. I do not know what to think. But I think...I do not know enough to judge. Aranea tells me that most in Winterhold are like that, even if they believe they know enough about it. She says they don't. They just want someone to blame, and the College is an easy...scape....goat? What? Oh, I get it. I went to see Aranea at the Statue today, the large one on the other side of the mountain. She told me it is of Azura, one of the Daedric princes. She smiled when I asked why Azura was called a “Prince”, and yet she seemed to be female. Aranea told me that they might be represented with male or female forms, but they don't really identify as either. Most of them are not nice, but Azura is one of the nicer ones. Seems she wants me to do something too, which Aranea was somewhat apprehensive about, but I do know quite a bit of magic that Aranea taught me, and how to use weapons. You know, I would rather fear the unknown when it is me taking my fate in my own hands, rather than fearing my fate when it dictated by someone else. Maybe I may die doing this, but it will be because I wanted to do something, not because someone else wanted it. Entry 2 Spoiler: click to toggle I was not exactly expecting that I would get to see more of Skyrim, but it is happening. I've read a lot of books before, many of them telling stories that I could easily consider real, even if they were nothing but...fiction? But I am finding out some of them to be true. Yngol, one of the Five Hundred Companions, well, I've been through his tomb. Um, maybe I fought him too? This armor I'm wearing seems to have been his. I'm surprised it even fits. Um, yeah, even I am asking how. I could have gone into Windhelm, but I didn't see a point. Even with stuff to get rid of that must have been valuable, I wanted to get going. The look the Carriage driver gave me was one of surprise, but when I told him where I wanted to go, and handed him the gold, he only said to climb in back. The mage I found, Nelacar, said that the Star was in a fort close to Riverwood, though it would be a bit of a walk from there. I choose to go to Whiterun instead, where I could sell some of the stuff I have. The walk to Riverwood was mostly uneventful, save for the rain staring as I started climbing the hills near the waterfalls. Even with the rain, this is much better than Winterhold. Though the Wolves don't help, but they are rather easy to deal with. Wet. Well, not entirely, anyway. That is what this place is. Illianalta's Deep. Mages. Necromancers. Um, Aranea said that while that form of magic is not inherently evil, the intent behind it can be. Even with my limited knowledge of magic, it seems these mages are unable to stop me. Although, that doesn't mean this was easy. Especially the one who had raised the bridge so I couldn't cross. Ha. She probably thought I'd be easy to pick off, stuck on my side. But I jumped into the water, and climbed the sunken stairs. That evened things out a bit. Also the last one, before the top of the tower. He may have went down easily, but he raised a few skeletons, that persisted after he fell. Yes, I had bones to pick. At the top of the tower, I found it. Among a few skeletons, the star was...broken? I saw a picture of it once, and it did not look the same as the one I held in my hands. But that was not it. Next to the throne that held Malen's remains, there was a book inscribed with his name, and on the other side, a blade with daedric runes...or am I just seeing that? It seems to bare Azura's name. I think I am keeping this. When I returned to Riverwood, I stayed the night at the Inn. No, more like a few hours, since I had to work up the courage to wake up...Delphine? Anyway, I had to speak with her for a room, and she was asleep. Kid or not, I think this is ridiculous. Decided to sell more things I don't need – mostly stuff from the fort. When I entered the shop, I heard what seemed to be the shopkeeper and someone else taking. Mentioning something was...stolen? I asked about it, and they said they once had a Golden Claw, and it was stolen recently. Is it like the Coral colored one I have? When I said I could get it back, I was told the Thieves ran off to Bleak Falls Barrow. Another one? Ah well. Another one of those walls. What exactly does “Fus”, mean? Entry 3 Spoiler: click to toggle This must be some kind of dream. Although I know it isn't. But I had no idea what I was getting myself into. First the mage asks me to bring him that stone I already found in the Barrow, and then the Jarl says that I should go and help fight the Dragon. Somehow I feel as if I'm not being seen as I should. Wait, what am I saying? Not that I would prefer that treatment exactly, but some kind of hint that they know, would be nice. You know, I didn't actually see the Dragon in Helgen. So honestly that was my first. The idea of fighting something more down to earth? Maybe. A Dragon? Me? Well, I guess it could be worse. It could have killed me. No, instead, it did something else. Between it, and what the guards were saying, I'm...Dragonborn? Beyond what they explained, I have no idea what that is. But I think something is going to tell me soon enough. Mostly because it seems to be something so present – that I can just speak a word and it comes out like I yelled it, and some kind of magic effect happens. Not sure what Aranea would think about this. Oh, I really should take the Star back soon. Throat Of The World? Oh, that large mountain you can see from Whiterun....and nearly anywhere else in Skyrim. Seems that to find out more, I have to climb it. Why do I feel like everyone around me is just going insane about this? Although what else do I have to do? Shouting. A lot of Shouting. The Greybeards taught me one that seems to shove me forward a fair distance. They said nothing about how or when to use it, but I have a few ideas. Also, they have something for me to do. They want me to travel to a place called Ustengrav, and take a horn from the tomb, the resting place of their founder. Okay, but I have something else to do first. I took the Star back to Aranea. Azura then spoke to me, explaining that...the Soul of Malen will have to be cleansed from the Star? She transported me to the interior of the star, which looked like a mass of crystals. There, I had to fight Malen and a number of Dremora...which was mentioned in books I've read, but never really any pictures. Once finished, I was back at the Shrine, and was given the complete, functional Star. Honestly I felt a little comfort, even if some like Nelacar look at Azura and other Daedra with suspicion, if not outright contempt. I...somewhat get what that means, but I think Azura at least, is not all that bad. I spoke with Aranea, and she said that Azura had shown her a last vision. She seemed to be rather distraught about this, and I suggested that maybe she could come with me? Honestly, I am glad that she agreed. I think I will feel a lot safer now. Entry 4 Spoiler: click to toggle Somehow I knew this would not be easy. Oh no, I do not mean going through a tomb filled with the “Draugr”. That part is easy enough, though it is certainly not something for everyone. In comparison to the dragons, the Draugr are nothing.
On the way to Ustengrav we encountered a Dragon in a place Aranea called the “Skyborn Altar”. It sat atop a wall similar to the one I saw in Bleak Falls Barrow., taking to the air the moment I came close. But that a was not it. Below it were three large skeletons, only these bore the heads of Dragons upon their shoulders, and wings on their backs. Aranea knew nothing of these, save for their inherent danger they posed. Like myself and the dragons, they could shout. But they fell far easier than the dragon. This one seemed to favor ice magic, and it's shout was fitting to that. As if the Pale wasn't cold enough. Yeah, I know. Cold snow and wind is one thing, but having to take blasts of ice to the face, is something else. But we still took this one out, and...I seriously think this soul absorbing thing is weird. Um, not the basic idea, but rather the way it feels. I think the only reason Aranea wasn't saying much about it, was because it didn't seem to hurt me. Ustengrav was a..host of problems. Not major ones, just minor annoyances. First a group of Necromancers seemed to be digging in the ruin, looking for something I can't even begin to guess at, and then, the obvious Draugr. Some of them used shouts too, though I don't think they are like me. This “Voice” thing doesn't seem to be only for Dragonborn, so they must have learned it. In the second half of the ruin, I found another one of the Walls. “Feim”. Scared Aranea half to death when I tried it, since it seems to make me look almost ghost-like. Even with how annoyed she was, I still found it funny. Oh, then there is that annoying puzzle. I had to run past three stones, each starting to glow red as I past them, opening one of three gates ahead of me – but at the last second, it seems I had to use the shout the Greybeards taught me, which while it seemed fun the first few times, having the first gate seem to shut in my face a few times....not so much. Even I was surprised when I finally managed it, and all three gates stayed open. Next a few spiders. Nothing major, but then I've never been scared of them. Especially not when they supposedly repel down on their webs, and fall to their death. That even seemed to make Aranea laugh a bit. It seemed the next room held what I was here for. As we came down the steps and walked down the center path, at least four statues rose out of the pools of water . At the end stood a stone sarcophagus, which had Daedric writing on it. A stone hand rose out of this, holding in it...a written note? What. “Dragonborn, I need to speak with you. Urgently. Rent the attic room at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood, and I'll meet you. --A Friend.” It was not just me who sighed. Somehow, I knew this wasn't going to end well. Edited by Maxus Corvin, Dec 23 2016, 12:15 AM.
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| Serethil | Jul 18 2016, 09:35 AM Post #2 |
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Et'Ada
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Glad to see Kris again! Welcome back, boy.... |
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| Andra Hawksdaughter | Jul 18 2016, 08:05 PM Post #3 |
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Jarl
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Oh yeah!! |
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| Maxus Corvin | Jul 19 2016, 12:26 PM Post #4 |
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Noble
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Entry 5 Spoiler: click to toggle Delphine, seriously? Really, as much as I get what is going on, that helps no...well not exactly. While it isn't a huge problem like it seems, it just does not help that she treats someone like me with complete suspicion. Surely I could be a Thalmor Spy, but...I'm not. Though proving it to her took something that I guess is expected of me. Perhaps under the guise of finding out what was raising Dragons from the dead, but it still came down to killing a dragon. Which I'd rather not do, in a sense, but then most I meet might be already attacking me before I can get a good look at them. I'm waiting to meet at least one that doesn't do that. Kynesgrove. This time I got a much better look at the Dragon I only caught a brief glimpse of at Helgen. Shiny black plates and his underside peppered with red glowing lines, I'd admit that he looks like an intimidating foe. But I don't know. Mostly since I keep noticing that he keeps flying away from me, and not really fighting me. The same cannot be said of Sahloknir, the dragon he raised in the hills above Kynesgrove. Much as I want to keep talking about the fight, it is getting somewhat...routine by now. Should it be like that? I don't know. “The war was basically over. Then a dragon attacks, Ulfric escapes, and the war is back on. And now the dragons are attacking everywhere, indiscriminately. Skyrim is weakened, the Empire in weakened. Who else gains from that but the Thalmor?” I had one thought when she said that. Even not knowing much about the Thalmor. I thought, “The Dragons?” Honestly, it is like she thinks they are nothing more than the average wolf. I do not think they are. They are something else. Even the black one spoke to me, and I understood it. The dragon language is suggestive of intelligence too, given that the words mean something. Perhaps there is truth in what she says, but an obvious bias exists that would rather that the Thalmor are responsible. At this point I don't know, but I doubt it. When we returned to Riverwood, she seems to have hatched a plan to....infiltrate the Thalmor Embassy? Yeah, that seems right. At least, to a point, since Aranea wasn't too happy about it. Mostly since it was obvious I would have to go in alone. I could see the odd part there already, and found it hilarious that no one was questioning it. Well, I guess my name was on the list, in the end. I honestly do not think it is worth it to ask Delphine how she managed it. Not the best party I've ever been to. All I really did was take a sweet roll, and after giving a bottle of Colovian Brandy to Razulan, he made a bit of a scene, as asked. Me and Malborn slipped out of the room, and I snuck into the back with the objective of finding out what the Thalmor know. It is not much. For all the information I found, what was there suggested that even the Thalmor did not know anything about why Dragons were returning now. Other than that, they had these books of information on Delphine, that Jarl of Windhelm, Ulfric Stormcloak, and on someone named Esbern – who the Thalmor believed was hiding somewhere in Riften. I escaped the Embassy...after freeing one of their prisoners. I'm lucky Aranea found me out here, once I came out of that reeking cave. Eh, not that I was starving or anything, just that I was glad of the company. Apparently Esbern is important. If only because he knows things that Delphine would rather the Thalmor not learn of. Great, and they know where he is hiding – so I have to try and get to him first. Is it any surprise that I did, but not before dealing with a few Thalmor, both before I found him, and after? Anyway, surely he had information, especially naming the Dragon I saw raising the other at Kynesgrove – Alduin. Perhaps I heard his name before...he is part of the old Nordic Pantheon. Esbern was surprised to learn that I was dragonborn, though I know it is because he thought one did not exist. What Esbern suggested when we returned to Riverwood was, Sky Haven Temple. An Akaviri stronghold, believed to contain a prophecy, Alduin's Wall. Between the book and the knowledge Delphine had of the area, it was a simple matter to go there. Although it seemed a tenuous thing because I Delphine did not believe in it wholeheartedly at first. Honestly I'm just going with it at this point. So the wall exists, and I have to admit, it is impressive. But it doesn't just refer to Alduin's defeat in ancient times, but also a few more somewhat recent events. Like the Oblivion Crisis, and I think Red Mountain's eruption? Almost suggesting that those were merely a precursor to the current events. I don't know. What does it come down to? What did the tongues, or the ones who defeated Alduin last time use? This isn't even a guess, since Esbern outright said it, and the wall does make it somewhat obvious. A Shout. Which, though I can't say. The obvious source of information was the Greybeards. But it seemed they did not know. Not only that, Angeir seemed to think that learning of the shout itself was wrong – though he made it clear he did not know it. It did surprise me when another of the Greybeards spoke, making the walls of the fortress shake in response. His words were obviously a rebuke to Angeir, who relented. What he said was that I would need to speak to their Master, Paarthurnax. I have a guess as to who that is, though that isn't exactly it. To get to him at the peak of the mountain, I was taught a shout that...what? Whoa. So I can change the weather? I was right. Paarthurnax is a Dragon. But he is different. He seems more a friend than a foe. I am perfectly okay with that. Entry 6, Aranea's Writing Spoiler: click to toggle I find myself quite sure that some of these details are known to very few who still exist today, and even they may only know half of the truth, most of it based on rumors and supposition. As well as being based on what they want history to be, even if it is a lie. Such truths can become known once again, if there is still a source to learn of them. But Paarthurnax is much more than that. Much more involved with the story that it might seem. Alduin's defeat at the hands of the Ancient Tongues came after centuries of Skyrim being ruled by the “Dragon Cult”, those responsible for many, but not all of the Ancient Nordic ruins in Skyrim. While these Tongues did use a shout to defeat Alduin, there was something else involved as well. An Elder Scroll. A...fragment of creation? Objects which are barely understood, if only because those who dedicate their lives to doing so, often find themselves blind. The Shout itself, Dragonrend, called such at this point due to the fact that the Greybeards do not know it, and Paarthurax himself cannot. This seems due to the fact that it tries to make Dragons understand something that is incomprehensible to them, but someone who is mortal can understand perfectly. Given Arngeir's words as well, something that forces a dragon to experience these things, can be considered evil, perhaps? But then, if it was made almost solely to combat Alduin and his legions of Dragons, so it is once again, what is worse? The evil you fight against, or the possibly evil power you use in the fight? Intentions matter. No matter what destiny or legacy or whatever else Alduin has, it seems that as before, he wishes to abandon it. Why? Does he need other dragons to serve his purpose? Does he need to have them attack and kill innocent people? Terrorize a province? I do not think so. What Alduin wants is not to serve his purpose. He wants power. Control over Skyrim that he lost with his previous defeat. He wants to bring back the Dragon Cult. Which might not be as difficult as it may seem. I know we have not seen evidence of the cult's leaders, but they may still exist. The draugr certainly do, and they are all previous servants of the Dragon Cult. I seriously hope that this journey isn't going to kill either of us. Huh? Why did she....wow. Okay, no that is fine. Probably said it better than I could. Almost feel like I should let her write this now. Maybe if she wants too? So we have to find this scroll. Where do we start? Oh. Looking. Right. Entry 7, Aranea's Writing Spoiler: click to toggle While I know that it may be difficult for someone like myself to admit it, he has changed. For better or worse I do not know, but he has. Even as a surrogate mother or caretaker for him, does not mean that I cannot care about him. If this change is indeed for the better, as I would hope it would be, then I feel his path is one I walk alongside him without regret. Still, I question if he truly understands the tasks before him. It stands to reason that a far more experienced and older person in his place would perhaps falter, or possibly succumb to fear that their goals are impossible. If not purely developing the sort of personality that is filled with criticism, questioning the motives of every one and everything around them – if they were not like this before. I do not see this out of him. His resolve seems almost limitless, like nothing he agrees to do, or is asked, truly scares him. It worries me, since I have that sort of fear. Even if between his skill and mine, nothing is impossible, I still have this worry that something is out there that can meet us in battle on equal footing, and yet have an advantage. Though the idea of finding an Elder Scroll seems to be his most pressing task at the moment, he seems to be pursuing other goals. I do not know why he suddenly wanted to travel to Dawnstar, which while not too unusual, it seems that his goals are beyond my estimation. As much as I could stop him, or question him....there seems to be no point. If only because I feel that he knows what he is doing. Mostly since he is not really the child that some either expect him to be, or prefer that he is. He spent over two weeks away from me, and in that time, he not only keeps himself alive against foes that could have felled older, stronger men, but he also seems to have helped and protected many. Most, if not all of Whiterun has his thanks, even the Jarl who named him a Thane in the hold. More than this, his power....while I admit it has caused me some...irritation, it has served him and myself well. His wish to help seems to carry over to Dawnstar as well. On several accounts by now, he has helped people in the hold, including the entire town of Dawnstar, by ending their nightmares – seemingly an effect coming from the nearby Nightcaller Temple, and the artifact of Vaermina within, the Skull of Corruption. I hesitated in joining him, but again, he survived. It is not just others, though. He seems to care, perhaps too much about me. In fights he seems to take little consideration for himself, and focus on trying to keep an eye on me. So to, does he in other ways. I am surprised at the advancement of his skills, since there is little question that they may be far greater than that of Dawnstar's blacksmith. He even took quite a bit of time working with Malachite, solely for one reason. An almost full set of Glass armor, as well as a sword. These were not for himself. But for...me. He seemed to express wishes to create ebony armor for himself, even if he has no idea where to find a large source of materials for it. Even so, he simply smiled when I thanked him. Almost like he didn't want me to say it. Like for him, it wasn't about the praise. But...something else. I could barely believe it. This Jarl could have been taken for a fool on several accounts, or...well, perhaps...why am I still worrying. Somehow, even if the idea of going up against a Dragon is becoming rather, routine, this task was, different. While it is clear that Giants are far less, antagonistic than Dragons tend to be, the idea of killing one, never crossed my mind, and I am quite sure that Kris has not had this idea either. However, this was the task the Jarl gave, and while I know it could not have been avoided, it worried me. But once again I think my feelings are slightly misplaced. Not because they are wrong, but because once again, he is not the child that some may take him for, and that my relationship with him, almost requires I see him as. Truly this kind of perception could be a problem for us both, especially if I would come between him, and what he has to do later on – namely if something once again requires that I cannot help him, or simply cannot go with him. Even more than everything else, this has impressed me far more. Not only did the Jarl name him a Thane of the Pale, both for killing the Giant, and his other assistance to the people of the hold, the boy seems to have placed upon himself a task that would be daunting for someone twice his age. A price of Five-Thousand gold coins bought him a piece of land, on which it seems, he intends to build a house. I honestly thought this was something of a joke, but within the next few days, I was proven wrong. Somehow, I feel this isn't even entirely for him. Perhaps this is one of the few rather selfish things he has done, and it isn't for himself, but for me, and perhaps anyone else that he might befriend, and travel with. Given what it seems he may need to do in the future, I do not think it is wrong. How could I possibly see it like that? I could not. Entry 8 Spoiler: click to toggle Where to start...um... Firstly, I was under the impression that being Dragonborn was not, well, it is something that most people respect, at least those who know the significance of it. Maybe this seems to be true, but...with these masked people who attacked me, I don't know. They had a note saying they came from an island called Solstheim. I have heard of it, but obviously never been there. Should I go? I don't know. I'd rather not run from my current agenda, since this seems to be something equal to finding this Elder Scroll, and what follows. Perhaps if I follow this through, and come out victorious against Alduin, if it comes down to a fight, then maybe I will pursue this. I'm sure Aranea would agree. Though maybe she would like to go there herself, given that a Black Horse Courier message seems to suggest that Raven Rock is now a settlement run by Dunmer. I'll have to ask. Oh, yeah. Do not ask me about that house – I'm sure you will see soon enough. A few days of constant work, even if it felt like less. I am glad that Gregor, the housecarl I gained as Thane of the Pale, agreed to help. I honestly felt a bit awkward asking him to protect the place, to which he said that would be a “Steward”, which I had to chuckle a bit at that. Not that I meant to specifically give him a position like that of Proventus in Whiterun, but even so, he agreed. As for the house itself though, I feel I can do a bit more with it, I just need a few more materials. You know, I thought I went through some hard times. Though I know I had a bit of an easier time with it. But in comparison to Lucia...how? People called me useless once – look at what I've done thus far. Did I do it for them? Did I do all of this to prove them wrong? No. I did it because, no one else is stepping up to bear this weight. No other claiming they are Dragonborn. No other wanting to take up the same fight against Dragons. But I don't care about what these kind of people say. I care more about the words of a child, once younger than myself, explaining her story in words uttered through barely held back tears. There is absolutely no way I can ignore that. The One gold? That isn't enough. She deserves a home, and I have one I am MORE than willing to share. Also, let me make a note to slap Brenuin. Or whisper “Fus” into his ear. Either way. What? Everything I hear about this scroll seems to lead only to one place. It seems I have to go back to Winterhold. At least I am used to the cold. I think Lydia is too? Yes, I'm sorry for making you walk back to Whiterun. Seriously. I am, and I won't make you do it again! I said I have a house now, didn't I? No, I mean that you can stay with me when I go back there! Okay, good thing that is settled. Entry 9 Spoiler: click to toggle Once again in the cold. Then again, that is something rather difficult to escape in Skyrim. Not that I have any reason to, since it could be said that I am used to it. Not just because I grew up here, somewhat, but likely a more natural response to the cold. Obviously Lydia seems to be the same, even if Whiterun is more temperate than Winterhold. Her only question about the Hold related more to how it looked, not the weather. Much as I know about it, I feel that part of the problem is how often people want to cast blame, again, rather than solving the problem. Though in this case the problem is that the answers are not clear, and finding them would take far more effort, than it takes to take a look at the College and think those within are at fault - even if those alive at the time of the Collapse where either long dead, unless they are long-lived. Personally, I can't have an opinion – since I don't know enough about the event, and most of what I do know comes from rumor and speculation. Something that has been apparent for a while, is that the information will not just be sitting out in the open. Not that it would be, but rather it would require something that I previously did not consider. Perhaps in a conversation with Aranea quite some time ago, but not since then. She was not discouraging me, rather letting me choose. But it seems the time had come to make that choice, and in a sense, I needed to. I was going to join the College Of Winterhold. Not exactly because it seemed I had to, but more so because I saw it not only as a source of information that may reveal the location of the Elder Scroll, but possibly for other needed information. Like maybe I could be taught more spells? Or better ones? Maybe it's due to Aranea, but I have no problem with magic. It's danger lies in how it is used, and by who, not it's existence. Same goes for a lot of other things. While taking a tour of the grounds and perhaps participating in a class may be something I do later, right now I had other business. Though I seemed to find my way around rather easily, since I found the College's Library without asking. While I considered looking through a few books, the quicker option was to ask. This lead to my momentary curiosity of who I should, but the obvious one was an Orc, who I had seen walk out from behind a counter after coming up the stairs. When I asked, Urag seemed to have little to tell me, save for the fact that the College did not have any Elder Scrolls in it's collection. Along with, that he would not let me see it if he did. Though he did mention the ones that were locked up in the Imperial Library, located within the Imperial city – and that not even the greatest thief in the world would be able to get their hands on it. Um, why did I just hear someone laugh? When I asked if he would possibly do something for the Dragonborn, he like a few others asked if it was me, and all I could do was shake my head, thinking, “I know.”. He retrieved two books for me to look over. One seemed rather general, while the other, was nearly incomprehensible. More ravings than concrete information. I asked Urag about this, and he said that the book was the work of Septimus Signus. Apparently an expert on the Elder Scrolls, who is currently missing. I asked the obvious question, where he is. The response was up north, in the ice fields, in the Sea of Ghosts. Just when you think Skyrim cannot get any colder, you have to walk over ice and freezing water. Fine then. What I found was...what I expected. I could almost hear Lydia shaking her head when Septimus started taking. I listened, perhaps more than most would, knowing there must be something to it. There was. He gave me two objects, one of them a cube with ornate designs all over it, and other a sphere which was equally detailed. What I took from what he said, was that we had to go to Aftand, a Dwarven ruin south....west of this cave, and go through it to enter into a long forgotten Dwarven city, Blackreach. The sphere was to enter the underground city, while the cube was going to be inscribed with information from the Elder Scroll. He also named the exact place in Blackreach where the scroll was located, a “Tower Mzark.” I'm thinking it is a good thing I know that Clairvoyance spell. Somehow this is a bit more daunting than Nordic Ruins. Inhabiting those of the Dwarves contain different enemies entirely – Machines. Automatons that still serve their long begotten masters. This is going to take a while. Entry 10 Spoiler: click to toggle Tell me one thing. The fact that dragons are dangerous, is nothing new. Nothing anyone would be surprised to hear. The creations of Akatosh, bent to the will of Alduin. What would possibly be more dangerous than that? The Daedra? Perhaps. But what about a creation from a race that had the will to spit in the face of every natural thing in existence. To care little for, the posturing of other races. To do what other races simply would not do. Although it is not exactly a surprise. The sight of a large, mechanical beast sitting on one of the towers at Alftand. As much as I much have wanted to deny it, I could see it. A Dwemer creation. A Mechanical Dragon. What? Huh? Why would I lie about this? Look, I'm serious.
If nothing else, perhaps there is something to the appearance of this mechanical dragon. A sign that, if this is the height of Dwemer creations, then anything else these ruins might have to throw at me, will not be the challenge they may seem. They will still present one, perhaps, but one I can overcome. Not an impossible one. What I was not expecting, was that the Automatons were not the only enemies within this ruin. But the first enemy was not very threatening. Especially when I could see that, were this Khajiit in any other situation, he would not have attacked us. Outside I found the journal of a group that intended to explore Alftand. It was clear from the sights in the frozen cave that we entered, that things had quickly gone wrong. For several reasons, the cold, the isolation of the location, and of course for some of them, the automatons, if not something else. But for the Khajiit, his problem was a lack of skooma, his brother having apparently taken the last of it. Even if his brother was already dead. This, I regret. It seems obvious why a war against the Dwarves would go poorly against most races, especially ones that favor steel over magic. You have to attack joints, or other vulnerable spots. Most methods you might use on something flesh and blood, do not work the same, possibly only causing minimal damage. This is to say nothing of the attacks they use on you. Swords, daggers, built into their arms. Bursts of steam, electrical discharges, both while active, and as a last ditch effort once destroyed. I even saw what seemed to be zombie-like figures, similar to the Draugr, only some of their appendages were replaced with equally functional arms and legs, made from dwarven metal. This, somehow., pales in comparison to what else inhabited this ruin. Blind. Sightless. But still able to strike fear into those that come across them. Falmer. Perhaps once a proud race, now brought into the depths. Mercy? They would show it to no one, for it seems like they had little reason. Bodies laid out to torture. Decaying in Charus pens. Perhaps things worse than what I laid eyes on. I will not judge this – for it does not matter. You cannot save someone, when you are never given the chance, when you cannot take it. When you have no idea someone would need the help. WHAT IN THE....okay, okay, calm down. You know, I am not even going to question, why just after I fought that Centurion, I hear the familiar and startling roar of a dragon. Not a mechanical, but one of scales and blood. So it seems the leaders of the previously mentioned expedition into Alftand were still alive. Although not for long, since they were at each others throats in an argument. Then they attacked me. Mind you, this was before the weirdness with the dragon. Don't ask. Please. Um, hey, that is a nice shield. Want it Lydia? You know, it seems odd how people may try to get into places like this. Without this spherical key, this thing isn't going to move. But with it, it will. I won't ask where Septimus got it. Wow. Um, let me see....Ah, here we are. I'll have to kiss Aranea for teaching me this. You'll have to forgive me for not dishing out the linguistic flourish that perhaps Blackreach deserves. I'm a little busy at the moment. |
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| Andra Hawksdaughter | Jul 19 2016, 07:28 PM Post #5 |
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Jarl
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Wow, how wonderful to be able to read this all together! SO much better than bits and pieces! |
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| Serethil | Jul 19 2016, 07:56 PM Post #6 |
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Et'Ada
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Oh my gosh YES. I was getting so lost on the Beth forum - hard time keeping track, not being able to easily find previous posts.... This is wonderful, can read like a real book! Still loving Kris and Aranea's tale, Max! This is SO great! Thanks a bajillion Kane for making our Haven! |
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| Maxus Corvin | Jul 19 2016, 10:35 PM Post #7 |
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Noble
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Entry 11 Spoiler: click to toggle This thing is heavy. It is a weight which I know goes beyond it's physical mass. In my hands is the final piece, the final bit of information to bring about Alduin's defeat. All that is needed now, is to go back to the Throat of the World. I hate to say that there are other things I want to attend to first. Honestly, to me the idea was rather, unusual, but I figure that there was no implicit instructions, and as such, I could do it however I wished. I do question why I decided to do this, but maybe it is just curiosity. A question of where this goes if I do. There are hints, even an explicit mention of what I was dealing with. Who, I was really dealing with. Even more, was speaking with him. The demon of Knowledge. Hermaeus Mora. A Daedric Prince. In a technical sense, perhaps less dangerous than some of the others. But only if you were not looking for information, or wanted to accept none of it from him – even if you needed it, and no other way would give it to you. But really, this wasn't a task for the Prince himself. No, it was Septimus who asked, a required method of possibly opening the Dwemer puzzle box within this frozen cave. What did I have to do? Collect a sample of Blood from each Elven race. Altmer, Bosmer, Dunmer, Falmer and Orsimer. But again, nothing said I had to kill someone for it. Not specifically, anyway. A few of these were bandits, inhabiting mines or Nordic ruins. Some of them already dead. Not so for the Falmer, though they leave one no choice. Were the requirements more strict, I would have said no. Unlike the posturing of my race, I would not hold the opinion that the Elven races are a problem. Why? I think that is clear already. A little worrying was what I said to Mora. Not something I exactly regret, but something I feel means much more for the future, than I can possibly imagine. If it will be a benefit or a detriment, remains to be seen. I hate to say this, but I need some better horses. But don't mistake me, I wanted to keep that horse. Those bandits obviously did not care about that sentiment. Do not blame me for killing them. They made things personal. Then again, I am sure that even if I cannot collect a bounty from Whiterun, it's people will be a bit safer. Though I was never big on the rewards for these things anyway. It's about what your actions do, not exactly what you get from doing them. For me, the result of my actions is part of the reward. Awkward as it feels, the idea that Lucia has a home? A place to feel safe? It isn't about what she gives me, it's about what I freely gave her. Also, I know Aranea said it, and she was right. I did not build the hall for me. One thing I want to do, is learn more of these words. They maybe useless in the fight with Alduin, or perhaps a saving grace, but either way, I want to know more. They might not be as useful as Dragonrend, but that isn't the point. Not too much longer. To lay asleep in the darkness, seeing in unclear dreams, or perhaps nightmares, that face. Those eyes. The outcome if I fail. True or not, it is both of a source of fright, and a reason to continue. To stop it. To bring a light to a possible dark future. What bothers me, is that I can find nothing on him. No clear information that I do not know already. Beyond the obvious book that declares that he is real. An obvious point, and perhaps by now is equal to those who watched a Daedric Prince enter into Mundus in his true form, or those who have faced similar situations. But I have one slight worry. Something I know that he might do. Say I fight him. Say I come close to winning. What is he going to do? What he always does. He will run. Perhaps somewhere he knows I cannot follow. Somewhere that he would feel safe, for a time, or forever. I do not know. But I know that I will not stop – because he will not, either. Entry 12 Spoiler: click to toggle There is always a worry, a inherent danger in serving the will of another. Especially when you serve something that has power beyond your comprehension. At most, serving a Jarl, a King, may see you stabbed in the back, or killed in your service. But if you devote your life to the service of a Daedric Prince? Perhaps you prosper, as it seems Araena has. But is equally possible that you do not. That in whatever pursuit is put before you, you perish. Or even worse, whatever usefulness you once had, you suddenly lose. Becoming nothing more than a pawn that they are perhaps all too willing to sacrifice. I wonder if I would ever be this unlucky. I cannot say. But I can say just that for Septimus. Even with this ravings, it could be said that he did not deserve his fate. Even so, I understand. I will not be someone who takes a narrow view, and believes that anything outside that range is too much to comprehend. Anyway, after the puzzle box was open, which did so in a way I could not possibly have expected – the rings on it's exposed face spinning until they formed a perfect circle, and then pulling back like the extension of a telescope, until finally a few feet away the remainder fell, exposing the contents of the box. Not supposedly the “Heart of a God” like Septimus thought, but a book on a pedestal. I barely had time to stare at the book before I watched the man rise into the air, and then fall to the ground as nothing more than ashes. The book itself was, odd. It was bound in various pieces of....leather? No the texture is different....WHAT? Oh. I see. How some would see this. Okay. Fine. The book is bound, not in leather, but in the skin of each Elven race. When I turned to leave, I found myself staring at that creepy form of Hermaeous Mora again. I'll admit that I have a few doubts. But what I notice is this – nothing I've been tasked with, seems to be beyond my limits. Not arbitrary ones, like not wanting to work with Daedra, but rather just not wanting to, say, kill someone for no reason. Also I would guess that by this point, it is time for some kind of reward, not more to do. “Now you have my Oghma Infinium. It contains the knowledge of the ages as revealed to Xarses, my loyal servant. For hundreds of years it's been shut away from the world. Septimus was a useful tool for unleashing it. Now it is in your hands. Let us work wonders together....” With this, the shadowy, bubbling form vanished. Leaving me holding this book. YES I KNOW HOW DANGEROUS THIS IS. But....it's a book. You...read it. Uh, feels like I am seriously going insane. Or maybe just acting like a Telvanni, at least as far as Aranea mentioned of them once. Even with the danger, the knowledge could be useful. Oh. Whoa. Yes it is. You know, I think I almost know how to do it. I've been trying to consider what I should do with all the Dragon bones and scales I've been collecting, and I think I know what. I just need a little more time. I returned to the hall, and after a meal, nearly shut myself in that cellar. Over the next few hours I hammered out molten steel, forged into billets, shaping them into blades – most of these for display around the house, though they were functional. Forging various metals into jewelry, the kind that would be worn by royalty. Only towards morning, I figured it out. The exact method to create armor and weapons from Dragon Scales and Bones. Perhaps a feat that no Blacksmith in Skyrim could achieve, but I did it. I made a fairly light set of armor for Aranea. My own was heavier, but I think I can deal with that. Also, I created a new blade, one similar in design to the one I took from Illianta's Deep, Azurabrand. Do not ask me how I made this new blade glow. After I gave it to her, I spend the rest of the day thinking. Even with meals, it was on my mind. As it was from the moment I picked up the scroll in that tower. I barely noticed when I fell asleep, but the next morning, I made the choice. I suited myself up, asking Lydia to accompany me and Aranea, and headed out. The trip to High Hrothgar took some time, the nervousness, excitement, and apprehension building with every step. Within a few hours it could all be over, it could be a turning point, or it could simply do nothing. Even with the fear, I was not alone. I stared at the gate leading to the path way up the rest of the mountain. This day will change things, if nothing else. Entry 13 Spoiler: click to toggle “Ah, you have it. The Kel – the Elder Scroll. Tiid kreh...qalos. Time shudders at its touch.” The weight of the scroll seemed even more now, even if it had not really changed. I looked at Aranea. We both knew how dangerous it was, since this was something that Alduin would not ignore. Would he truly fight this time? Will he actually see the threat before him, and rise to challenge it? Or will he repeat his previous behavior, and make an appearance, only to run off? I was actually hoping for the former., Somehow, even with the danger, I wanted him to fight back. If only because that would mean he knows how much of a threat I am, to his ambitions. I raised the scroll up, placing my other hand on the small gold bar bellow the jewels and pulled. What I saw on the scroll for a brief moment looked like nothing more than some kind of astronomy chart, but then things changed. Drastically. I stood in the center of the time wound, and that, meant that perhaps, I would be able to learn of what happened here, the events that lead to Alduin's defeat. My guess was that Dragonrend was not the only piece to the puzzle, since this scroll was involved as well. The symbols started to glow, and seemingly float off the parchment. Within seconds, my vision went white. Then turned to red, as I was treated to a view of a very familiar place. But it was different. The sky was filled with the roars of Dragons, and the air that they had superiority here was evident by the very atmosphere. The sky held to dark, fiery cast, and the wall that I had seen at the peak of the World's Throat, was not broken. This seemed more a memory, then a mere vision. Something I could not only see, but feel as well.. “Daar sul thur se Alduin vokrii. Today Alduin's Lordship will be restored. But I honor your courage. Krif voth ahkrin. Die now, in vain.” The two that fought off this dragon, cared little for what he said. In short order, they dispatched him, and I noticed – while the dragon died, that was it. A trivial detail, but something of note. When they were joined by another, they argued over what should be done about Alduin. Hakon believed that their knowledge of Dragonrend would be enough. Gormliath did not seem to care. It was seemingly only Feldir, that believed the use of the scroll might be a necessity. “We shall see soon enough. Alduin approaches!” “Meyye! Tahrodiis aanne! Him hinde pah liiv! Zu'u hin daan!” Alduin's voice did not shake them. They were ready, with a confidence that I'm not sure if I would have myself. Maybe it was forced, or brought upon by the situation, I do not know. They were likely on the brink, their victory or their failure, would change everything. The fate of worlds, of men and mer. Even if a small victory, it would bring about a very different future. But then my attention focused on something else. On what seemed to be on the tip of my tongue for quite some time, but I've been unable to say it. Now though, that was going to change. I recognized the words. Given meaning through some helpful translation, the simple is, Mortal – Finite – Temporary. I could almost not hold my amusement. The shout was meant to make a dragon experience something that was utterly incomprehensible to them. Or so Arngier said. Only, I think it goes deeper than that. While it seemed to only force Alduin to land, that in itself has meaning. It gives them limitations. While they can still fight, they have to consider things that would be needless in the air. However, I knew something about this. I was not expecting it to be an easy victory, and for these ancient tongues, it was bitter sweet. Even with Dragonrend, it was not having them impact that they would have expected. Especially Gormlaith being killed. This forced their hand, and the scroll became just the necessity that Feldir believed it to be. “Hold, Alduin on the Wing! Sister Hawk, grant us your scared breath to make this contract heard! Begone World-Eater! By words with older bones than your own we break your perch on this age, and send you out! You are banished! Alduin, we shout you out from all our endings unto the last! “ Enveloped into a flash of green light, Alduin disappeared. Sheathing his weapon, Hakon spoke to Feldir with surprise, with a mournful look at Gormlaith. Even if it was over for them, I knew it was not for me. A setback for Alduin, one that would take time for him to recover from. But this is obvious already. Unfortunately, it changed little. For him, and for me. Again my vision went white, but this did not last nearly as long. For when I looked up, I knew. I could tell. The sound of the roar was unmistakable. I could fear Aranea's fear, and my own was just as present. But I was not shivering. I was not of a mind to lay in a heap, knowing that this could become nothing more than a repeated occurrence. That was what brought me fear. Not Alduin, but what he would do. What could happen this day. Would it be fate? Would it be a required sacrifice? All I could think, was, no. More than that, why? Why should anyone else die, for Alduin's ambitions? Not me, not Aranea, not Lydia, nor anyone else. “Bahloki nahkip sillesejoor. My belly is full of the souls of your fellow mortals, Dovahkiin. Die now, and await your fate in Sovngarde!” No. NO. NO. Again, WHY? But to this, there is no reasoning. No way to stop it. Other than....a season that does not end. Only, it does. If that is the end you seek. What do I? An end to this. To suffering. To deaths for no other reason than an incomprehensible superiority that never stops. Never chooses to understand the world around them – perhaps believing they understand it perfectly already. But I know, “Why should they?” Simple. They are not the only creatures in this world with desires, thoughts, ambitions. I sighed. I looked up at him. Everything seemed to stop. The fate of a world resting on a voice. On words filled with hatred. But that is not what I had. I would not use it for the same purpose as them. They had their reasons, and I will not disrespect that. However, my own, is a bit different. I think you know why...no, maybe I need to tell the truth. It's for her. For a place I've come to know, and love. Not just for Skyrim, but it's people. That, is really why. “JOOR ZAH FRUL!” Entry 14, Aranea and Kris' Writing Spoiler: click to toggle The sight of blood in the snow was frightening to me, but I knew better. The blood was not Kris', but rather spilled from Alduin himself. Perhaps some of it was, but not all. I could still tell that he was alive, and even with how dire the situation still was, that fact was comforting. I watched as Aludin looked up at Kris, his large jaw stretched into a furious grin. Even kneeling, I could see that Kris had not given up. Lydia seemed stressed, but otherwise unharmed. I sighed. I wondered if this was going to go on for much longer, or if, perhaps it was close to victory. “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!” As we watched the dragon fly away, I could not help but find amusement. Once again, he runs. Even if what he says is true, that he cannot be defeated here, why would he run? I ran over to Kris, checking him for wounds. Most of them were minor, but still something of note. It seemed that the plates of his armor, made from the bones of dragons, had protected him from any grievous injuries. It was a relief that even the simplest of my spells would be able to heal him. Not that he was that worse off. After all, he was not really concerned about himself. “Are you okay?” I had to smile and nod, since I was fine. Even in the face of death, he is more concerned about me. Paarthurnax landed once again atop the broken word wall. He explained that while this certainly was a victory, it was not the triumph that it may seem. While it may shake the loyalty of the Dragons that serve Alduin, it had not truly ended this conflict. For this, one of his allies would be needed to tell us where he has gone. To do this, the help of the Jarl of Whiterun would be needed. I honestly do not know if this is even possible. ~ I know how this is going to sound to them. I get it. But it is something that needs to be done. Why would I ask otherwise? I am not doing this to put anyone in danger, least of all an entire city. But there is no other option. Even with my hesitation, the sweat, though that is likely from staring at this fire for a bit too long. Trying to think, of how exactly to put it. Even if the palace was almost built for just that, perhaps it would be too outlandish a request to make. “I must have misheard you. I thought you asked me to help you trap a dragon in my palace.” I sighed. I explained that, no, I was not joking. To this end, I had to explain also about Alduin. His return. About my fight with him atop the Throat of The World. Balgruff did not take this lightly, but he still had the concerns of a city, a hold to consider. Part of that was the ongoing civil war, and to that, I had to cringe. I was not like the various kids around Skyrim who might have expressed the sentiment to have the war go on long enough for them to come of age and fight. No, I wanted as little to do with it as possible. However, it seems that, in a sense, I would have to involve myself. In the least, by getting both the Imperials and Stormcloaks to agree to a truce, at least for a time. How long, I do not know, but even a week might suffice. You must be joking. Who came up with this idea...oh. Fine then. After I arranged things with Arngier, I traveled to Solitude first. Tullius was not too hard to convince, at least with the knowledge that I would make sure Ulfric would attend this meeting as well. Ulfric did not argue much either, as the fact that Tullius would be attending was almost more than enough to get him to agree, along with a mention of Alduin. Why do I feel like this was one huge mistake. Not because it instantly became a bloodbath, but both found their words and decided to use them. I am going to spend most of this time with my head on this table. I know it. It's not very soft, but it is quite cool. Ulfric voiced a complaint about Elenwen's presence. He would not even sit down, unless she was removed from the room. Ugh. Fine. I said she should leave, and this sufficed to start, only I knew it would not be getting better from here. Why? I was dealing with two people that, even with what they have been told, and what they know, they care more about the war, than any other threats. Hello table. What? Oh no. Ulfric makes a demand for Markarth – The Reach. This was not taken lightly. It was quickly explained that this was a large source of Silver for Skyrim. The counter to this, was perhaps obvious. I suggested a trade for the Rift. Why? Well, access to Cyrodiil, mead, and also, close to Eastmarch. Though really I do not care about who wins. Tullius agreed with this. Table? Hi. But it still was not enough. Tullius wanted a debt to be paid for something that happened in a place in the Reach, Karthwasten. While I had no idea what went on, I could tell it was not something to be taken lightly. So, I said that it should be paid for. “I suppose that is the fairest deal we are going to get.” Arngeir spoke next. “It seems we have an agreement. Jarl Ulfric. General Tullius. These are the terms currently on the table...” He explained things in detail, but I was not listening, really. Tullius and their seconds left High Hrothgar soon after, and we were left with a question. How to get a dragon to come to Dragonsreach? Esbern had the answer to that. The name of a dragon, like a shout, is made up of three words. Calling the name of one, would be enough to call it. He even knew the specific name, one that Alduin had likely raised. “Od-Ah-Viing”. I nodded in thanks, and stood. The room started to clear, only I did not get the chance to leave it myself. Delphine cornered me. “We know about Paarthurnax.” “You know...what?” I said this, thinking she would explain what she knows, exactly what she knows. Rather, she took it like I had no idea what she meant. “Paarthurnax. We know he is a dragon.” She explained that, as Alduin's second, he committed horrible crimes during the Dragon War. I nodded at this, perhaps thinking that a few thousand years penance for that, along with what seems to be a complete betrayal of his kind, in order to help stop the Dragon War and Alduin, would be enough for me to think he has earned forgiveness for that. But then, she asked, no demanded really, something which I found...impossible. “YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?” Entry 15 Spoiler: click to toggle I sighed. The ride back to Whiterun was tiring enough that I'd fallen asleep, and when I woke up, I was in someplace unfamiliar. Almost. I quickly learned from a bit of exploration that I was in the Jarl's quarters, in Dragonsreach. The Jarl and a number of his guards had woken up hours ago to begin getting the trap ready, something about oiling chains. Or so Aranea told me when I entered the dining hall. I busied myself with breakfast, perfectly content to wait all day for them to be done. Even if I did not have that same kind of childish fear that would cause me to run the other way, I still realized that, I was going to do something that would be dangerous. Would the dragon talk? Would he know where Alduin went? Would he even want to help, even trapped at the mercy of joor....Sorry, mortals? I would not threaten to kill him. Perhaps it might be foolish, but having such a dragon as an ally? To force a similar situation as Paarthurnax found himself in, or so Arngeir said? Although in this case, while he may be betraying his own kind, it is for a different reason. I'd briefly peeked out at the “trap”. I had nothing to say about it. But I did sigh. If only because it was an obvious hint that, it's builders cared nothing for the fact that they were trapping something that, in a sense, was and is not too different from them. Something that feels, something that has emotions. Being a dragon does not change that. However, it does reflect a mindset that to a point, should be respected. But that does not mean it is not without it's flaws. Honestly, I did not like the idea that this had to be done. I would prefer anything else. Even though it seemed to be the only option. I'd just finished my meal when the Jarl entered the room, taking a seat on his throne. A combination of excitement and nervousness welled, even as I was ready to stand, and inform the Jarl that, like the chains, I was ready too. I wanted to hesitate. Wanted to run off. But that seemed an even more daunting task than progressing forward. If only because the consequences of that, would be far worse. Within the hour I stood on the great porch, where the trap was set. Only the bait remained, and that, well it was on the tip of my tongue. There was little reason to wait. Once again, fate resting on a voice. “OD...AH....VIING!” Almost absolute silence followed the words echo into the sky. Nothing but the wind, the sounds of distant animals. The breath and motions of the men and women around me. But then I heard it. Distantly. The sound of wings. The echo of a roar that was only getting louder. One of the guards seemed to hear as well. Only....he was snatched up in an instant, by the dragon. “DOVAHKIIN, here I am!” Odahviing spoke with a gravely voice, but it seemed to lack something present within Alduin's voice. I could not place it, but I knew it meant something. Even with the guard he killed, it seemed obvious to me that, he was not focusing on anyone else, though I do not think he was trying to kill me either. It was due to this, that the trap was rather easy to spring. “Nid!” His word echoed that of Miirmulnir. Only this was not said within the throws of death, but more a self-depreciating denial, even if it was likely difficult to do so. “Horvtah med kodav. Caught like a bear in a trap.” I sighed. “It was not intentional. If there were another method, I would have used it – preferably one with no fighting.” “Zu'u bonar. You wen through a great deal to put me in this...humiliating position. Hiind siv Alduin, hmm? No doubt you want to know where to find Alduin?” I nodded. To this, Ohdaviing explained that Alduin had hidden himself somewhere that should have been obvious, in a sense. Somewhere that would be almost impossible for me to go, unless one thing happened. I died. Alduin had traveled to Sovngarde, to devour souls that will restore him. His way into Sovngarde was located in a ruin known likely only to that of Dragons, was Skuldafn, located in Skyrim's eastern mountains. For the most part, it was inaccessible to anything other than dragons, or other flying creatures. Thus, even with the information, it was an impasse. Although Odahviing made a suggestion – He could offer to fly him there, but not while he was trapped. I did not hesitate. I walked up to the upper walkway, where the control for the trap was located. The guard had an odd look on his face, even going as far as to say 'What are you doing?'. I could not help but have a sly look on my face as I pulled the chain, saying 'What I have to.'. Once set free, Ohdaviing turned himself around. “Fass nu, zini dein ruthi ahst vaal.” This was a point that I had to sigh. I understood, as did Aranea. I had to go alone. She knelt to hug me, saying...nothing. It was the look in her eyes. She did not have to say it. I knew. It was not just because I was, in a sense, a kid. Just as I had fought to protect her, she had done the same for me. But now the situation was different. She could not go with me, and thus, all she could do was, perhaps hope. That I would return. That I would be successful. Not for me. But for her, for all of Skyrim, of Tamriel. ~ “I can see how worried you are. You would like a weight lifted off your shoulders, yes?” Aranea turned around, only to see someone wearing a black robe, with a hood that covered their face. Before she could even speak, a feeling she had, was that time somehow stopped. “Who are you?” “Me? Um, mad. But you should know how that goes. Though I am not here to cause troubles in this house. Instead, I intend to help you. To sooth your mind. To make sure you are there, when he might need you most.” She still seemed puzzled. “What do you mean?” The figure sighed, pulling down the hood of his black robe, and throwing it off. A pair of mismatched eyes stared at her, broken only by strands of silver hair. “I mean, you do not have to worry. His role in this story is, not over. But the first part is coming to a close. He could yet choose this to be his only story, but that remains to be seen.” She still seemed puzzled, though seemingly began to understand. “You say he will be fine? But yet, he is not done? That he has to continue fighting? What would this be?” “Like I said, he could choose to avoid it. Perhaps nothing would come of it. But you know it already. You have heard of it yes? Ash and Snow – at least how it is now. His fight will be against something that he knows very well – but also against one he does not know. Oh, but to soothe your curiosity about me, know that I...well, it might seem irrelevant to you, but some have gotten it wrong before. Perhaps I am too vague? So sorry. But I do love cheese.” She said nothing. But he nodded. “I know, I know. But for now you will forget some of this. You shall remember and know that he shall survive. Also, that you must go where this all began. Back to the old one, to the overlord with no ambition for cruelty. “ Entry 16, Aranea, Kris' Writing Spoiler: click to toggle “Who am I? Several things. A voice holding tones from a distant land, once held in the yoke of a King that is not their own. A body from one seemingly obsessed with a soft cream. Along with a mind from a rather, unique individual. But what you ask is more simple. I am no danger to you, to your young charge. Far from it, in fact. I have made a point to guide souls to their destinies, or perhaps, just to give them a push. A slight hint, a word of advice. Should they go along with it? Do they? That is their choice. What I say to you is no great feat, but rather, nothing more than a hint. Something to steel your heart against the fact that yes, both you and the boy, are not done yet.”
He placed his hand on her face. “You have faced much already. Perhaps I know your history, what you have dealt with since your childhood. I need not say it. They asked you, did they not? They had a simple request of you. To take care of their boy. Even with the detractors, you agreed. Not because of any whispered words, hinting at a future for the boy. No, but because a friend asked to a favor. Unfortunate that they never returned. Taken by battle, they rest now, while both you and the boy fight to ensure the safety of Nirn, of existence itself. For this, no medal suffices. No forged piece of metal will befit this act.” He took his hand away. “Tell me. What did you really think, in the moment when you had to watch the boy leave you, for the first time?” She sighed. “I feared for his life. I taught him what he knew at that point, but would it be enough? Would he even make it as far as Windhelm? What would he see on this journey? Would he never return? All questions. All fears that his mother would have had. Eight years of caring for him. Watching him grow up, watching him learn. Now he would put this into practice, and I...might never see him again.” He nodded. “You cried, I know. You spend all waking hours hoping for a sign of him. Wanting to know. Either to know his fate, or perhaps, to once again see him.” She could see tears even in his eyes. “But when he did return, not only did he hold in his hands the Star of the Lady, but he also had a tale to tell, something which you knew, he would not lie about. Especially to you. Then, he takes your own hand, wanting you to be part of his story. His legacy as....well, you know.” Aranea nodded. “How could I refuse that? I had no idea what would befall us, but...I could not let him go again. Not alone. Not after he asked.” “In your company he changes the face of this word. Changes lives. Like that of the little one in the wind. A selfless soul, willing to endure pain for the sake of others. Caring nothing for what his actions cost him, only when they may cost others close to him. Pain? Tears? They mean nothing if something changes for the better. They would only mean something if he had to endure a loss, like of yourself. Worry not, however. I believe that is not be in your future, nor his. It just, would not fit.” “Why do you care so much about this?” He smiled wide. “I was the same. No matter what I did, I changed things. Even my name once. Perhaps I even did everything twice. But I know. I understand. So I have sought to understand the boy. You. All those I have met. Always seeing a piece of myself in them. All shades of things I once was, and perhaps still am.” He closed his eyes briefly. “You may already know a name to call me. You may or may not remember this, but my actual name is....Sh....” ~ “This is as far as I can take you. Krif voth ahkrin. I will look for your return, or Aludin's.” Before me was a fortress. Obviously holding very powerful Draugr, and from what I saw, two dragons were circling already. I was in for a huge fight, and even if I could deal with it, it was not really about them. I saw in the distance a column of light, possibly the portal to Sovngarde. No matter the danger, I would press on. To give up here, would be pointless. Pulling out my sword, I sighed. “Not much longer.” Edited by Maxus Corvin, Jul 19 2016, 10:41 PM.
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| Maxus Corvin | Jul 22 2016, 07:26 PM Post #8 |
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Noble
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Entry 17 Spoiler: click to toggle “'Strun?' Oh, I see. Storm. That will certainly be interesting.” I sat down on the steps near the word wall. Pulling some food out of my bag, I ate it as I looked around. Having a meal in the middle of a centuries old tomb, perhaps a bold move, but then, I think the place is mostly empty. While there probably was more fighting to do before I reached that portal, it could wait. I was in no hurry, and somehow, I do not think the draugr were either. Perhaps they had longer than me to wait, but a few minutes? Then again I don't think they eat, so... I stood, packing a few things up, and moving on. When I exited to the top level, I indeed had to deal with a few more of the Draugr. Really? These were powerful, although more in the sense that they took a lot of damage, and even if they might have been able to dish out the same in equal amounts, I was too fast for them to hit me. After I dealt with them, I ascended the steps toward the pillar of light, and I almost wanted to hesitate. Surely whatever guarded this, would have been some one, or something, that Alduin trusted. Beyond everything and everyone else. I saw two dragons atop pillars above large walls to my left and right. But before me was a Dragon Priest, that was slowly floating up a set of stairs, that led to a staff stuck into the ground. The Priest pulled this, and the pillar of light from the portal disappeared. Turing to face me as I approached, the Priest apparently had something to say. “Zu'u uth nall thurri daar miiraak.” I blinked. “Has he? It is unfortunate that you may have to disappoint him in the end.” “Zu'u los Nahkriin. Hin rot los niid, Dovahkiin,” This Dragon Priest was not an easy fight. While not having any others backing him up, that did not matter. Even him just being the Guardian of the portal to Sovngarde must have meant that he proved his worth to the Dragons, perhaps beyond all others. Or just to Alduin – if it was true that only he could use it. Which made me hope that it would work for me as well. If not, then....best to not think about it. Just before I made the killing blow, I looked to my right, spotting a blade laying against the stone near the steps. It was identical to my own, even glowing just the same. I took it, shoving one of the blades through his chest, while the other went through his chin. Gasping, he tried to speak, but nothing came out. With this, his mask fell from his face. I sheathed one of my blades, and quickly grabbed the falling staff, and his mask. To best one of the Dragon Priests, perhaps a feat that no other could claim. I walked up the steps, briefly taking a look at the two dragons who were staring at me. I saw no need to kill them. They were leaving me alone, and I was content to do the same to them. On the small portion of floor beneath me, was a round dais, with a small hole in the center. It seemed obvious, given that Nahkriin had taken it from here. I placed the bottom of the staff in the hole, and the sound of cracking could be heard. Before me, was a large carving of two dragons flying toward the center of a circle. With the staff placed, this carving cracked, sending light into the sky, and a purple void appeared below. I sighed. I knew what I had to do. Walking back down the stairs, I took off at a run up them, and jumped nearly face first into the portal. Soon, this will be over. ~ I looked around. I felt warm. The sound of drums echoed in my ears, like a triumphant chorus meant to inspire an army – only it may have been just for me. I do not know. I progressed forward into a Valley, peppered with a dark mist. Soon enough, I happened upon a solider, wearing the colors of a Stormcloak. He explained to me that the mist was Alduin's doing, his way to snare the souls in Sovngarde. This man was a solider slain by the Imperials in Giant's Gap. Obviously at this point, he wished for rest, but with Alduin's Snare here, it was impossible, for he could not reach Shor's Hall safely. I used the Clear Skys shout to blow it away, even if it seemed to work only for a short time. I do not know if the solider followed, but soon enough, I saw a large set of steps, seemingly leading to a bridge me from the bones of a Whale. Before this, was a large man wearing very little armor, but wielding a big axe. “What brings you, wayfarer grim, to wander here, in Sovngarde, souls-end, Shor's gift to honored dead?” I asked who he was. “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.” I smiled, starting with the more important statement. “I pursue Aldin, the World-Eater.” “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 counseled, your doom he foresaw.” I asked to enter the hall. “No shade are you, as usually here passes, but living, you dare the land of the dead. By what right do to request entry?” Perhaps I felt the sort of pride that I had never really embraced before. But it was not just about the praise. I was doing something that made what I am, something to be proud of. “By right of birth – I am Dragonborn.” “Ah! It has been too long since last I faced a doom-driven hero of the Dragon's Blood.” The fight with Tsun was easy, but only because it was not about him trying to kill me. If he was holding back, I do not know. But in the end, I seem to have been deemed worthy of entering the hall. “You fought well. I find you worthy. It is long since one of the lving has entered here. May Shor's favor follow you end your errand.” As I was crossing the bridge, I thought I saw someone staring at me. They quickly entered into one of the large doors and disappeared. I continued on, telling myself to not look down. When I entered, I found myself in a large, lavish hall, and before me, was a man that had greetings for me. I do not know how, since he did not introduce himself. But I knew that his was Ysgramor, founder of the Companions. He explained to me that three heros lay in wait to take the fight to Alduin with me. Perhaps the same as in the vision? Indeed. I walked over to them, and they looked familiar. They probably had revenge on their mind, in a sense, even if it worked out to help more than just those in Sovngarde. They were certainly going to join me in the fight, and I followed them outside, back beyond the bridge. Before we would fight Alduin, we had to clear the mist. Lure him out. For this, I already knew what do to. From what Gormliath said, they knew as well, and would follow my lead. “LOK VAH KOOR.” Entry 18 Spoiler: click to toggle With the mist clear, Alduin appeared in a state of what seemed to be rage. Insignificant mortals breaking through his power? How dare they – or so it may be that he thinks. Now the feelings welled within me. Before, this confrontation was perhaps scary, but far off that I was able to continue in face of that fear. But now, I was staring it in the face. A foe whose very name, with the context of his return, had spurred men to action, even if it only would be short lived. In truth, I believe it is because, they do not know. At times, if you want to believe something, it is not enough to merely be told about it. It has to be seen firsthand, with ones own eyes. Esbern's mention to the Council about Alduin devouring souls in Sovngarde? This moved Tullius and Ulfric to the truce. A temporary one. Would that Ulfric could see this? Could understand the full weight of what was going on here? That his rebellion was feeding the power of an entity that sought to dominate all of Nirn? Perhaps, he would have agreed to much more. As I fought, perhaps harder, and much more focused than ever before, a thought crossed my mind. Something that I had considered before. To think of ones foe as nothing more than a obstacle. Something to defeat, with no remorse. Something you simply have to deal with, and only care about the fame that comes from that. Is that a hero? Is that someone who deserves the fame? But I was thinking. Even if I had to kill him. Even if it was the only option, since he would not stop. What if, he truly was misguided. That something hand went wrong upon his creation, or some time after, and he, 'broke'? Realizing that he had a task to accomplish that, was too much for him? Perhaps an iteration of his title, that realized how repetitive it was going to be. That doing what he was told, or fulfilling a mandate given, would only lead to nothing? So he changed. Did exactly what allowed much to occur. The rise of the Dragon Cult. The Dragon War. The rise and fall of several Empires afterward. The events in recent memory, that shaped the world of Nirn. He may not be the only root cause. But he stands as one who, allowed much to play out as they have. Yet, the point still stands. Like all those who cling to a belief, at times, they will not stop. It is a regret, that there is no other option. Unlike Paarthurnax. Unlike Ohdaviing. I could tell that no amount of offers, pleading, or anything else would stop Alduin. Which leaves, only one option. One that I am sorry for. My only regret. On a knee I saw him recoil. The others sheathed their weapons, knowing the last was to be mine. I hesitated. Not out of fear. Not out of worry. But out of sorrow. The death of a dragon was something that I never took lightly. Never did it for my own gain. But rather, for the sake of those in cities, holds, those who could not defend themselves from Dragons as I could. Perhaps an often said thing, but none of this was for me. All of Nirn. All of Sovngarde. I could hear it. All wanting the end to their fears, even those who may go unaffected by this. Then there was.... ~ “You have many on your side. Especially me. I know. I have felt the same emotion as you – here and now. But you have to realize how this should end. An irony of a sort. Only possible, because you took a gamble. Read a book. Helped a insane man. You feel the slithering, right? Just behind the eyes? A flash of gold before a slithering darkness? He has marked you, and you know it. For what? Time tells that, while it leaves you to end this story. For, now.” ~ “YOL TOOR SHUL” I watched Alduin writhe and nearly scream, his large black body showing cracks, with a golden light shining through. Everyone backed away, as did I. His words seemed to echo across Sovngarde. Perhaps even further, across Nirn itself. Even without knowing exactly what he was saying, I could tell that he truly, for the first time, felt fear. Uncertainty. “ZU'U UNSLAAD! ZU'U NIS OBLAAN!” The black plates of his body broke and fell from his body, along with what looked like black liquid. From his, emerged the form of shining gold dragon, which did not remain long before it disappeared, leaving behind a charred skeleton, which too, fell to nothing. With this, the sky of Sovngarde cleared, giving way to a bright, sunny sky, still filled with the same color as before. Yet somehow brighter. I smiled, falling into into the cool grass, catching a hint of snowberries on the wind, staring at the sky. It was over. A weight bore on my shoulders I no longer had to carry. Or at least, no longer had to keep aloft. I did not know what to say, though I do not think I had to. An accomplishment beyond measure. The three ancient heroes, the others here, they had the exact words to say. All praise. Perhaps here, I would just accept it. For I had done something to deserve it. I had selflessly chosen to defend a world from extinction, perhaps more than one, from a complete and total end. I did not do it for fame. I did not do it for rewards. I did it because, I wanted to. Perhaps it may have been destiny, but I think it is more. Something I chose to do, not something I was chosen for. I could have avoided Helgen. Avoided it entirely, perhaps. Let someone else take up this destiny. But I did not. I chose it, and I do not regret it. None of it. I felt a hand pull my own, lifting me from the ground and embracing me in a hug. “I could not be more proud of you.” I've...not felt this warm in a long time. The feeling of absolute safety, my nose filling with the smell of those berries, wrapped in arms that can only be described as....I looked up, staring into a pair of eyes that I knew. Even with the confusion, I still knew. “Mom?” Entry 19 Aranea's Memories, and Writing Spoiler: click to toggle “I hate to ask this of you. I do not want to go. I do not want to be a mother who puts her duty before her child, but...I have little choice.” Aranea shook her head. “With all you have done, it is a favor I am happy to oblige. Helena, what about his...?” She sighed. “I do not know. They might have him. That is one of the reasons I have to go, beyond my service.” She softly touched the sleeping boy in her arms, her hands glowing with magic. A smile etched across her face. “He's dreaming.” “I do not know if I ever asked you this, but...with your time in the College, what did he think?” Helena shook her head. “He did not care. My magic healed his wounds, and for that, he was grateful. But it soon became more than that. He realized the use of magic, though the Legion never was that disparaging of it.” “What if you never see him again?” She was not on the verge of tears., rather smiling. “Then I shall take his hand once again, in Sovngarde.” Then her eyes went wide. Suddenly her sight of the boy's dreams became dark, far too dark for a boy like him. The sight of a sunken tower, and the bones within. A burning village. A terror from beyond time. A fragment of creation. Cold steel against black plates. Then a smell, of her own perfume, in the clearing mist. Tears welled in her eyes. What could this possibly be? “Are you alright? Did you see something?” Helena hugged the boy tight. “K..keep him safe. Help him be strong.” ~ Dismounting the horse, Aranea sighed. Was she foolish for trusting him? Why would someone like him help her? Even so, with what he knew, he could easily have led her astray. Told her to do something that would place her in danger. But all he said, even with how vague it was, seemed too simple to avoid. Not some far off location, but a place she had been already. Fairly safe, unless she ran into a dragon. Though Paarthurnax would likely greet her just as warmly as Kris. Ohdaviing, the one that took him to Skuldafn, would likely not attack her either. All others, would be what she was worried about. “You think me a liar? If so, then why would I brave this place myself? My it is cold here. “ She looked toward the steps of High Hrothgar, only to see him again, sitting on one of the steps, a smile etched across his face. “Then you are being truthful?” “Yes. I would have little reason to lie to you. But I did want to clear something up.” Aranea shrugged. “I cannot imagine what this is.” “It is simple. His mother. A mage. Trained by the College. A top student. I will not tell you her fate, given the details you know already – you did read the letter they sent, and deemed it something that the boy would be too young to understand, so you only told him the base details. But when she told you what she saw...she never said to keep him from it, that being the future that may play out for him. She never knew what he would be, and yet, even with vague hints of it, she did not want you to stop him from encountering his destiny. She wanted him to choose. Which you allowed – even as it broke your heart to do so. Just as it nearly broke hers, when she had to leave him, knowing he had a dangerous future ahead of him. “ “How could I stop him? Even with his age, I....even with my visions from Azura, which gave comfort. But they did not tell me he would succeed completely. They said nothing of dragons. Beyond this, what she asked....I could not dishonor her request.” He smiled, shaking his hands. “Nor do I wish to belittle your choices, or that of the boy's mother. You know where it has led him. How it has changed this world. For you, this ends shortly, where perhaps, that long awaited sigh of relief can be heard. For him, he faces challenges, reveals, insights, and in the end, the comfort of your presence will be all he needs. Even if he may be much more contented upon his probable return.” He smiled, holding a cutting from a snowberry bush to his nose, sniffing it. “It is a delightful scent.” The two looked up to see dragons flying around, seemingly heading for the peak of the mountain. None of them made an effort to attack. Even the ones that could clearly see them, they still flew by. Aranea looked at this with come confusion. “They know. The Lordship of the Dovah is being contested, and they are coming to this place, to see if the King stays on this throne, or is thrown from it. We too, shall see the same.” Entry 20 Spoiler: click to toggle I did not want to say anything to her. I did not want to leave. At least, not right away. I understood. Aranea told me long ago, and then I barely cried. Now, faced with the memory, I felt the well of tears, but no stress. No real need to do so. For it was not about sadness this time. This was not a young boy being told that his mother had died, but rather a Reunion of sorts, even if I was aware it could not last that long. But even so, I wanted to remember this. To know her touch again, to never forget. That feeling where nothing can be a danger to me, for she is there. “I honestly do not know what to say.” She smiled at me. “You do not need to. No matter what you have done, I know your reasoning. I know why you did it. Overall, it is not about what you've done, but what your actions accomplish. No matter where you go, what you do, remember that.” “What about...” She sighed. “I do not want to tell you. I do not like the answer I have for you. But....you are not really a boy, not exactly. You risked everything, in a selfless bid to save others. That deserves the truth., although knowing the fate of your father is not something you should have to accomplish anything to learn. The sad truth though, is that while I know his fate, I do not know entirely. You encountered them, saw their methods. I...hate to say that I...did not reach him in time.” She held a hand to her chest. Tsun approached, and I thought that he was about to speak with me – but it seemed that he had something else to say first, which was not to me. “Above all others, above the order of Shor, you desired to join the battle the most. It is not a cruel fate placed before you, that you could not join the fighting. Even so, you obeyed.” He smiled, turning to me. “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.” I looked back to her. “He is right. I know what you feel, but...you know you cannot stay. You have years ahead of you and...”Tears welled in her eyes.”...I am sorry. I should have stayed, I should have....” She pulled a necklace from her robes. The chain was pure silver, and it's pendant was....a soul gem – solid black, yet glowing. She could barely hold herself together. I...felt it too. For I knew. Perhaps much less than her, but...she did not have to tell me – it would hurt too much. I stood, feeling my legs not want to keep moving. But I had to. Even with what I had learned, even with what I had done, I could not rest just yet. It may have taken me a moment, but I put my arms around her chest. “I...won't forget you., mom.” She smiled, hugging back. That said enough, much more than any words could. I turned back to Tsun. “I'm....ready to go.” He nodded. “ 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” Entry 21 Spoiler: click to toggle “And so the hero returns, cast back upon the land of the Sky, into the rim of the snow. I think it is fair to say that even one such a myself, can thank you.” I looked up to see a cloudy sky, and swirling snow. It was almost a blizzard, where I could barely see a few feet in front of my face. Sitting up, I briefly wondered if I was indeed back in Skyrim. Everything seemed to be familiar, but frozen in a cold haze that perhaps would not calm any time soon. I could deal with that, with ease. “LOK VAH....” “WAIT. You don't want to talk? Really? While I perhaps pride myself on the small talk, perhaps it may be of interest to you. Just as it seems to have been to most I choose to speak with.” I stood, turning around. I had to tilt my head in confusion, since what stood before me was, a mystery. A man seemingly a bit taller than me, wearing an outfit of very dark leather, with various chains and belts. His skin was pale, perhaps more than anyone's should be, and his hair was a shining sliver, as if someone melted down pure silver and poured it on his head. The eyes that stared at me were mismatched, the left a bright gold, and the right a vibrant purple. He raised his hand, pulling his hair back, which seemed to obediently stay in place. “Who are you-” The man sighed. “Again? Well, it is to be expected I guess. Not everyone can see through this guise, since most have no idea that it is even meant to hide something. They want to see something, and they will. They want to believe something, and they do. But for your sake, I will answer – since perhaps it is a dreadful bit of rudeness on my part, that I know so much about you, and you know little about me. So sorry to intrude, but I was highly curious. Such a fate to befall those of your blood. If I were able, I would make the effort to correct these, travesties, with no sacrifice or cost on your part. But I am sure that, you understand the meaning behind these things, even if there may be none at all. So perhaps my doing so, even mentioning them is, bold. But I ramble on about everything which you have not asked, so....which name should I give this time....well, why not the truthful one. I am Sheogorath, Daedric Prince of Madness. Among other things. I'll tell you about those later.” “I'd let you start, but I think I need to.” He walked over to me, looking down. “You really don't seem intimidating at all, yet....you are. But...” He touched the top of my head, seemingly hefting me up with very little grip. “....You have to understand, that now, things are going to change. For better, for worse, but they are. You know it already. Out looking for ebony, you run across a mere bear. But in that moment, things changed. A ancient force awakened, to your knowledge. Men in dark robes, adorned with pale bone, carrying something that signifies one thing. Something you have made clear already. Something, you know is not going to sit well with you, if you never do something about it. “ Setting me down, I shook my head, though not to disagree with him. “So I should?” “Indeed. Though, you will face something you know very well. Along with many things you do not. But it has already started. Since, like I said before, you read the book. Let the madness creep in, perhaps even before. Will it effect you, as others have been? Or will you retain your will, even as you play into his hands? Only time shall tell.” He sighed. “But perhaps you should use those words of yours, and end this part. Take your time to rest, even if it may be short. As for me, well....should you ever have reason to spend time in the Shivering Isles, then....you would be welcome to dine with me, Kristoph. “ He smiled with a mouthful of fangs, and snapped his fingers. With this, a violet orb appeared, and once it was gone, so was he. I smiled, then looked around. “LOK VAH KOR.” As the snow subsided, I looked around to see dragons sitting on rocks. None of them moving to attack. I had to wonder what their purpose was. Surely they were not here to avenge Alduin? Or perhaps they had been waiting here to see the outcome. Either way, I did not grab my sword. If they were not going to attack me, I wasn't going to even contemplate attacking them. Then, they spoke. Words that somehow, I understood. Words, that were haunting. “ALDUIN MAHLAAN” One of the dragons raised his head, and wings to the sky. “Sahrot thur qahnaraan.” “ALDUIN MAHLAAN” Another did the same. “Dovahkiin los ok dovahkriid.” “ALDUIN MAHLAAN” Yet another. “Thu'umii los nahlot.” “ALDUIN MAHLAAN” A final one, as others began to take to the sky. “Mu los vomir.” I turned to Paarthurnax, who seemed to have a almost bitter looking smile on his face. “So, it is done. The Eldest is no more, he who came before all others, and has always been.” I nodded. But then said simply that Alduin had forced this outcome. If there were any others, I would have chosen differently. But there was no option for that. “Indeed. Aludin 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 venessetiid...the currents of time. But I forget myself, Krosis. Melancholy is an easy trap for the Dovah to fall into. You have won a mighty victory, Sahrot krongrah – one that will echo through all the ages of this world for all those who have eyes to see. Savor your triumph, Dovahkiin. This is not the last you will write upon the currents of time.” I nodded, thinking of something. “Um, I do not know how to put this, but....about the Blades....they don't seem to trust you....” His look was one of amusement, and yet sorrow. “The blades are wise not to trust me. Onikaan ni ov. I would not trust another Dovah.” I had to ask why not. As far as I can see, for all he has done, I thought of him as trustworthy. “Dov wahlaan fah rel. We were made to dominate. The will to power is in our blood. You feel it yourself, do you not? I can be trusted. I know this. But they do not. Onikaan ni ov. It is always wise to mistrust a Dovah. I have only overcome my nature through meditation and long study of the Way of the Voice. No day goes by, where I am not tempted to return to my inborn nature. Zin krif horvut se suleyk. What is better – to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature, through great effort?” I nodded. I realized that it was down to a choice. Down to a choice that I had to make. But I already had. It was easier than it seemed. For it was something that I could already do. Something that I already realized long ago. I placed a hand on the hilt of my sword, smiling. I then grasped it, but did not unsheathe it. There was no point. For doing such a thing would not be the 'right' thing, as far as Delphine believes. The right thing, is for her to understand. “I will not do what the Blades want. I will not kill you.” Paarthurnax simply nodded. He then took to the sky. “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 rightness of my vahzen...rightness of my thu'um.” I smiled, watching him fly around the mountain. Catching sight of Ohdaviing, I had to be curious. He eventually landed before me. “ Pruzah windunne wah wuth gein. I wish the old one luck in his...quest. But I doubt that many of the Dov will wish to exchange Alduin's tyranny for Paarthrnax's Way of the Voice. As for myself, you have proven your mastery twice over. Thuri, Dovahkiin. I gladly acknowledge the power of your thu'um. Zu'u Ohdaviing. Call me when you have need, and I will come, if I can.” As he took to the sky, I smiled as I saw Aranea and Lydia run up to me. She smiled, and I kept mine. “Let's go tell all of this to Lucia.” Entry 22 - Understanding Spoiler: click to toggle “I don't know how she will react. But I know that, no matter what she says, I will not return to the Throat of the World with that purpose. I don't care if she tries to kill me.”
Aranea said after this that, of course, she would not allow this to happen, even if it was obvious that I could defend myself. I knew that she made the same sense out of this that I did. Not once during the two days since my return from Sovngarde did she question my decision. She believed it just as right as I did, that Paarthurnax deserved forgiveness for his actions, not a swift execution. To think of the situation so simply, was not what I would do. Somehow, I do not think being Dragonborn means that I have to kill every dragon I come across. Even if it does, I still choose to....well, choose. “What the....” I spotted a book on Esbern's table. 'Atlas of Dragons'. In reading it, the book listed a number of dragons that were either known to have been slain, and a few that seemed to still be living. Among these, were Paarthurnax. I felt my hand shrink to a fist, and I slammed it on the table. For the description within the text, would have been the likely information that once Delphine and Esbern learned, they believed it right to have me kill him. Even this ancient Blade, 'Araidh', had nothing but contempt for Paarthurnax, believing it right to avoid a direct confrontation with the Greybeards while they wait for a chance to 'exact justice upon him'. I am not sorry to say, that, would not be justice. It would be murder. I took that book, planning to take it far from this place. Within the hour, Dephine entered the main hall. She almost ran up to me. “We heard news from Whiterun – that you left the city on the back of a dragon! That's a little....showy, even for you. Since you're still alive, I assume you have news to report?” I hated the way she put that. Not only did it completely dismiss what she considered the mandate of the Blades, it also seemed to be completely disrespectful. Where I heard nothing but respect in Angeir's voice when I spoke to him a day ago, in Delphine's voice, it was more....terse. Like she did not care about the mandate of her station, but rather, about getting her way. I explained to her that I did indeed defeat Alduin. “Gods above....that's better news than I had hoped! When you walked into my inn that day, I never imagined where it would all lead....dragons out of legend...Sovngarde.” Her words then turned....ugly. “There is still the matter of Paarthurnax. I'm not ungrateful for what you've done. Esbern speaks for both of us. But our oaths as Blades binds us. Paarthurnax must die. There is no excuse now that Alduin is dead.” “No. Absolutely not. You may believe that I serve you – wrong. I am not going to suggest that you serve me either, but if you believe that I am supposed to follow your orders, you are wrong.” She seemed taken aback by this. “Have you not understood what he has done? Do you not know the crimes he committed during the Dragon Cult's reign?” I nodded. “I do. I just believe that he has chosen a path that, allows one to show him forgiveness, and not anger. He has done too much for me, to even consider it.” “How dare you. Do you have any idea what he could do, if left alone?” I snorted. “Teach others his way? Be a teacher to those who have reason to seek his knowledge? Or do you believe, seriously, that he would actually take up the same behavior as Alduin? I seriously doubt it. “ “It is too much of a risk. Leaving him alive could bring about a second Dragon War, and I am not about to let that happen. You have to kill him, no matter what you believe. He is too much a danger to everyone.” My eyes narrowed. “And yet, you would not be getting your hands dirty. You would not have to live with guilt for having done such a thing. But I think it is to be expected. Wrong or not, the Dragonguard and the Blades, were formed out of fear. Not the wish to defend those who are innocent from Dragons, but to hunt down dragons who are themselves, innocent, and kill them. Like Paarthurnax. Do you even care, that had he never betrayed his own kind, we would not able able to have this conversation?” “That is a nice way to deflect the issue, but it still does not change anything.” I sighed. I was honestly faltering a bit, since nothing I seemed to be saying was working to change her mind. That is when once again, I saw one of those flashes. Something I had never really read, but I learned it anyway. “So the fact that he was spared by Talos? By countless others who may have visited him? Perhaps knowing of what he did?” “They made a mistake. One that I hope you are not going to continue making for much longer.” I grabbed the hilt of my sword once again. “Delphine....you are going to have to stop. I have made my choice and that, is it.” She drew her blade. “Are you really going to do this?” With a shrug, I laughed. “No. Killing you would not be right either. But....” I smiled. “....DREH NI FUS, BAHI.” The room shook, the entire mountain seemed to shudder, even as I did not so much as shiver. Delphine was knocked to her feet, her blade falling from her hand. I drew my sword, approaching her and placing the tip to her chin. “My choice, is final. You do not get to tell me what I will do. The Blades exist to serve and guide the Dragonborn, but they do not dictate his or her fate. Thus, any hatreds you have, put them aside. Be rid of them. For they shall not serve you as you expect they will.” She sighed, and I could see her beginning to perhaps, understand. “Are you sure about this?” I sheathed my blade. “Yes. No matter what he does in the future, I will not take it away from him.” Slowly standing, she seemed to smile. “I should have realized it before. But....as you wish. I'll....speak with Esbern.” When I left Sky Haven Temple, I felt better. Perhaps even hearing a hint on the wind that Kyne herself was pleased with my choice. Or so Angeir suggested. Either way, I knew it was time for some rest. I returned to the Hall with Aranea, where little had changed. Other than having a letterbox outside. Maybe something Gregor thought to be useful? I did actually have something. A notice from the Black Horse Courier, informing me that my subscription had expired. Wonderful. I would have to track down someone to subscribe again. I don't think I have ever slept this soundly. Perhaps it was not just me either, since it could be said that all who knew of Alduin now did the same. No matter the conflicts that could arise in the future, the threat of Alduin was gone, and I was able to actually sleep for once. I could tell Aranea slept a bit more soundly too, knowing she would not have to worry about me so much. I am perfectly okay with that. ~ “He is nothing more than a child.” The sound of laughter echoed across the tower, and the slimy sea below. The sound of footsteps forced Miraak to turn. He found nothing but curiosity at the sight before him. A pale figure in a black leather robe, covering it's face. Two red, glowing eyes met his gaze. “What? Who are you?” “I am several things. A name. A title, an entity similar to the one you know very well. But I am unlike what you understand. Above, all, I am something you will never completely comprehend. For your allegiance guides you to an uncertain future.” Miraak sighed. “Fool.” Approaching closer, he smiled beneath the mask. “FUS RO DAH.” The air before Miraak shuddered beneath the weight of the words, breathing into existence the force wanted, heading in the figures direction. Rather than knocking it off the tower, it merely blew the robe off. “I wonder. Deep down, do you really think that was going to work?” The figure smiled, revealing a row of sharp, pointy teeth. His hair was silver, and quickly pulled back. His eyes flashed, and changed from red, to a mismatch of purple and gold, lacking any white to his eyes. “You must be mad. I know I am. Perhaps you just have not figured it out yet. Sorry to spoil it for you, if so.” Miraak sighed. “What are you?” The figure tilted his head, and shrugged. “Many things. One of thirteen? A mortal? Mad? You decide. But then, you do not realize yet, the game you play. I know it very well. I know where this goes, where it ends. But I want to know how. Like knowing the end of a story, but the journey to get there, is more important than that.” “As do I. The boy may follow the lead, and if he does, then I shall return to Tamriel.” Again, the smile. “You believe that, do you? Small as he may be to you, look at what he has done. What you failed to do, because of a choice. He had one, and succeeded.” “So he has. But that does not change my plans. It only allows me to continue, without the hindrance that Alduin would become.” “Is that all? You fool.” He began laughing uncontrollably. “I do not want to give it away. But I think we both understand that, you will get one thing you want. You will get him to come to Solsthiem. Any more? We shall just have to wait and see.” Edited by Maxus Corvin, Jul 22 2016, 07:45 PM.
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| Serethil | Jul 22 2016, 07:41 PM Post #9 |
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Et'Ada
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Oh, it's so nice to catch up with this tale all in one place! I'm really enjoying re-reading it! |
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| Andra Hawksdaughter | Jul 22 2016, 07:57 PM Post #10 |
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Jarl
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Same here, it makes a world of difference to have it all together! Thanks Max! |
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