Taeyva: It’s the flow of things. From the first breath to the last, life crests and flows like the air in our lungs.

Taeyva: And every one of us plays a part in that. Not by some pull of fate, but by the influence of our free will.

Taeyva: The Hunt is exactly that. A promise to ensure that free will is never taken away again.

Taeyva: In the War of Ascension, my call to you was a violation of that. The blood of the wolf is the chance to experience Hircine’s presence, not be beholden to it.

Taeyva: Which is why The Hunt will never occur again! Not in the same way. It will be rebranded to celebrate our freedom and connection with the wilds!

Taeyva: Lycanthropy will not be regarded as a curse. The beast inside is no longer a monster, but an extension of you. It is a gift. One only those willing will receive.

Taeyva: Continue to follow me, and we will make such a reality.

* * *

Taeyva steps from the platform as the crowd begins to disperse. Though a couple are quick to leave, most linger as the engage in conversation with one another. It’s been a few weeks since she opened this convocation, after many months of both mental and physical preparation, only to welcome a handful of listeners.

She isn’t surprised. It’s a lot to ask people to worship an entity they previously viewed as evil, especially when a lot of her target audience were forcefully transformed into werewolves against their will. But that doesn’t lessen any of Taeyva’s disappointment. But a few consistent regulars keep her optimistic. As clumsy as Taeyva’s sermons are, these few make it to each one. Most of them listen silently and offer a brief thanks afterwards, one has been particularly vocal about her enthusiasm.

Aela: Beautiful, as always, priestess. But, I have to ask… The Hunt? Will it really never happen again?

Aela was the first to scamper from her seat as Taeyva concluded, as she always does. Her eagerness to be involved has been encouraging if a bit overwhelming. Though it’s nothing new. Back in the war, Aela was an obedient and ferocious wolf; she quickly stood out above the rest to take her place as a pack leader. Of course, Taeyva didn’t really know who she was at the time. It wasn’t until she returned Aela to their human form that they met, and as one of the few who didn’t appear horrified at the time, she made a lasting impression.

Taeyva has to raise her head to meet the expectant stare of the towering, nord woman. She tilts her head, noticing the uncertainty in Aela’s eyes.

Taeyva:Well, firstly, please call me Taeyva. We’ve been over this Aela; I really don’t like titles. But no, not like it did in the war. Did you want it to?

Aela’s stare falls to the ground as she begins to twirl her hair around her fingers, awkwardly.

Aela: I just never felt so alive. Being a wolf is one thing, but to do so at the call of Hircine? It was exhilarating.

She sighs.

Aela: I realize it’s not fair to force others into that, but I wish I could experience it again. Is there any chance of that?

Taeyva: Well, I want to remake The Hunt, not do away with it. I think it should be some kind of event to train new pups. But I could really use some help.

Aela’s eyes light up.

Aela: You want my help? Like, your disciple?

Taeyva chuckles, welcoming Aela’s glee as her own.

Taeyva: Well, we don’t need the title, but if you wanna call yourself that I won’t stop you.

Aela beams from ear to ear as she nods, giddily.

Aela: Yes! Absolutely! Thank you, Pri-Uh, Taeyva. I won’t let you down!

Taeyva: You never have, Aela. I wish I could stay, but I do have an engagement. We’ll discuss it in a couple days. I’ll be in touch.

Taeyva releases her stress in a soothing exhale as she finishes the short hike back home. A rhythmic tapping catches her ears as she rounds the corner of the cabin, noticing Lieb wagging his tail expectantly at the other end.

Taeyva tries to huff annoyedly but ends up doing so passionately instead.

Taeyva: You just can’t help yourself.

Davey: Oooh, you’re gonna love this, buddy!

Davey: You chew on this, right? Or, when I’m here, you catch it!

Davey: And then you’d bring it back and I’d throw it again. Believe me, you’ll love it! But if not, let Taeyva know and she’ll tell me what needs fixing, okay?

Lieb wags his tail eagerly as he pats his paws into the snow. Keeping the wooden bone clamped in his teeth, he lets out a muffled, excited woof.

Davey leaps to his feet, waving his arm out as Lieb dashes away.

Davey: Alright! Now go play!

Davey: And don’t tell Taeyva we did this today! I’m not supposed to be-

Davey: Oop!

Davey: Ehhh, welcome home?

Taeyva rolls her eyes as she pushes herself from the post and saunters over to him.

Taeyva: You’re gonna get sweat and hair all over your nice clothes, Davey. We have to look presentable.

Davey rubs his neck as he chuckles awkwardly.

Davey: Heh… Well, I feel like they expect at least some animal hair. You are the Prophet of Hircine, after all.

Taeyva: Hey, I’m the Prophet of Hircine here. Don’t use my loopholes for yourself!

Davey:Yes, and I’m her fiancé. So if I share your burdens, I also get your loopholes.

Taeyva scoffs with a smile before she skips up and plops onto his workbench beside him.

Davey: Well, how’d it go? Bigger turnout?

Taeyva shrugs.

Taeyva: No. I mean, it wasn’t a smaller turnout, if that’s anything. Aela wants to be my disciple, as well. I’m not even sure where to begin with that.

Taeyva: Should there be a ceremony to award her the title? I don’t even know what I’d have her do. I mean, I wanna work on The Hunt, but when it comes to actually making a change I’m at a loss.

Davey: Aela adores you, and really looks up to you. You relied on her in the war, don’t be afraid to ask for her help now.

Taeyva: But that’s just it. I had a pretty clear goal back then, plus she was a wolf who had no choice but to obey me. Now I have to, like, be charismatic or whatever.

Taeyva slumps over with a huff.

Taeyva: If I mess up and drive her away, then how can I keep the others around? I don’t know… Being a leader sucks when you have to convince people to stick around.

Davey: I wish I could help with that. Fortunately, we know someone who can.

Davey pushes himself off the bench with a skip in his step.

Davey: So lets go! I’m sure they’re waiting for us anyway.

Taeyva slides onto her feet, graciously accepting Davey’s open hand as they stare into one another.

Davey: Take a deep breath and relax. I’ll distract you from all your worries!

Taeyva: Heh, I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Davey: Oh man, you’re putting me on the spot already? Okay, I got a great story!

Davey: So after I killed the deer... this is where it gets interesting... some girl emerges from behind a rock. Completely naked!

Taeyva: Davey!

Davey: Hey, guys! Mike!

Mike: Davey! Haha, hey!

Davey lurches into a sprint as they enter Riverwood, barreling into the open arms of his friend. Taeyva grins as Davey rushes ahead, deciding to leisurely continue up the path behind him.

Davey: Ah, I missed you, man!

Mike: Three days is way too long!

The two share a jovial laugh as they pull away and clamber into the cart. Meanwhile, Taeyva casually saunters to Dennis as they begin a more cordial greeting.

Taeyva: Hey, Dennis. Or should I say, Keeper?

Dennis blushes as he chuckles graciously.

Dennis: Hi, Taeyva. Or should I say, Priestess? You had a sermon today, yeah? How’d it go?

Taeyva shrugs nonchalantly in an attempt to convince him she hasn’t been stressing about it.

Taeyva: Oh, you know. Normally.

Dennis raises an eyebrow insightfully.

Dennis: Not so great then, huh?

Taeyva groans.

Taeyva: Ugh! Am I that obvious? It went fine-ish. Just not a lot of attendees. It’s really nothing compared to what you’ve been dealing with.

He grimaces at the thought but is quick to shake it off with a faint smile.

Dennis: Yeah… It’s not easy convincing people which daedra are good and which are still evil. But I think I’m making some progress. At least with the more open-minded folks.

Bjorlam: Hey! Everyone loaded up? We have a schedule to follow!

Taeyva: Sorry, we’ll be right there!

Taeyva faces Dennis with a smirk.

Taeyva: After you, Keeper.

Dennis hops into the carriage ahead of her, turning around to help her in afterwards. As they plop into their seats opposite of Davey and Mike, Dennis nods to Bjorlam.

Dennis: Let’s go!

Bjorlam: Alright! Next stop:

Bjorlam: Solitude!

The carriage joggles down the stone path as they exit Whiterun hold, passing along the mountain border of The Reach as they enter Haafingar. The few hour ride passed by quickly as Davey entertained them with tales and stories that he’s somehow never told. Most from his time spent in Markarth or with his siblings, but occasionally he’d offer a few that he and Mike both experienced. Though those ended up being less story and more discussion on how events really unfolded.

Davey: And I’m at the top of this tree, right? And believe me, it’s tall. At that height, I’m swaying more than Mike did off of Fort Dawnguard.

Mike: Hey, I kept myself pretty steady back then. Plus, I was holding onto you.

Davey: And who do you think it was that kept you steady? Exactly! So anyway, I see the nest on a branch, but it’s at the very end, at least 6 feet away from the trunk.

Davey: It’s out of my reach! I can’t grab it! But my Mom wanted eggs for breakfast, so I couldn’t just climb back down.

Taeyva hasn’t said much since they set out. She leans back in her seat, embracing the cold air around her while the sun warms her skin against the chill. It’s nice. Moments such as this never really happened before. The unfamiliarity of it almost makes it feel forbidden.

Davey: I had one option. I wrapped both my hands around the trunk and embraced the sway, tipping the tree from one side to the other.

But the bliss filling her drowns all of those doubts. As turbulent as her life may have been, she won’t change a thing. She’s finally here. Finally happy.

And nothing can ruin that now.

Taeyva: Look out!

Taeyva shrieks as she leaps to her feet, jolting the carriage. In a rapid motion, she extends her hands outwards with a blur of magical energy.

Dawnguard: Woah!

A shimmering ward materializes beside the guard, colliding with the arrow as it ricochets into the sky.

Taeyva pants as she maintains the spell while the rest of the group struggles to comprehend what just happened.

Davey: What just happened?

Dennis: Stay down! We’re being ambushed!

As they scramble to form a defense, Taeyva’s lips curl into a snarl. Familiar outfits emerge from behind rocks and out of dense grass.

Weapons that she’s tried to forget point in her direction as eyes filled with loathing bore into her.

But it’s one figure alone that captures her full attention.

Taeyva drops the ward and exits the carriage.

Davey: Taeyva! What are you doing?

Taeyva: Stay in the carriage, Davey.

Taeyva: They’re here for me.

The gentle breeze vanishes as a lull settles over the area. Barely the sound of a breath can be heard as Taeyva marches ahead of the carriage. The guards glance at her expectantly before she dismisses them with a wave of her hand. She won’t let this become a battle.

Taeyva: Six years. You got rid of me, Perjuria.

Taeyva plants her feet firmly as she folds her arms in contempt at her former guardian.

Taeyva: So why am I staring at your shriveled face again?

Perjuria’s lips curl upwards into a snarl, exposing her gnarly, yellowed teeth. She angles her head just enough to glower at Taeyva underneath her low hanging hood. Even with her eyes obscured, the loathing behind them radiates outwards like a noxious fume.

Perjuria: You desecrate the worship of the old ones. First a disgrace, then an exile, and now a heretic.

Her voice croaks out in pitched rasps, like the sound of flesh being slowly torn from a bone that won’t let go. The talons extruding from her mangled fingers flare like razors as she takes a deliberate step forward.

Perjuria: You preach false ideals. Slandering the teachings of the old gods. Of your own father!

Taeyva scoffs.

Taeyva: Oh please.

With a roll of her eyes, she revokes the attention she bothered to give Perjuria and turns to the forsworn surrounding them.

Taeyva: I am literally Hircine’s voice. You realize that don’t you? What is it that you really worship? The old gods as an omnipotent entity? Or just as an ancient custom?

Some of the forsworn share a hesitant glance as Taeyva continues.

Taeyva: If you are actually insistent on following this filthy hag, then guess what? You don’t worship Hircine.

Gradually, the weapons begin to lower as more of the forsworn begin to shuffle their feet.

Taeyva: You all know who I am. I don’t have to prove my relationship to Hircine.

Taeyva: Do you really think antagonizing me is going to earn favor with him?

Taeyva huffs. She closes her eyes for a moment of reprieve, filling her lungs with a much needed breath to settle her nerves.

Taeyva: Look. I don’t care what customs you follow. But if you really follow the old gods, you’ll listen to me. Not her.

With an abrupt and defiant step, Taeyva twirls around and marches back towards the carriage.

Taeyva: You’ve clearly been paying attention, so when you’re ready to actually follow Hircine, I preach three times a week. I hope to see you there.

She spits the last sentence out curtly, making it clear the invitation was not meant for one of them. As soon as she does, Perjuria screeches back in fury.

Perjuria: No! Don’t you dare just walk away! I molded you! I taught you!

Perjuria: Without me you’d have died long ago!

Perjuria: Just like that brute you called a father!

A flash of green streaks from Teayva’s place as she suddenly materializes in front of Perjuria. The ferocious and ghostly claws, manifesting Torund’s spirit, conjure above Taeyva’s limbs, lashing across the hagraven’s jaw. She wails a brief, but bloodcurdling scream, as she is thrown into the air.

Perjuria: Aaiieee!

Before she even collides with the ground, Taeyva straightens up, sheathing the claws in a puff of glittering smoke. With a livid stare, she snarls at the corpse through gritted teeth, attempting to retain her composure.

Taeyva: I tried giving you the chance you never gave me. I’m not even sure why.

Taeyva: But it doesn’t matter now, does it?

Taeyva turns and stomps away from the scene, glancing back at the forsworn as she does.

Taeyva: The choice should be easy for you now.

She returns to the carriage without looking back, collapsing into her seat hotheadedly.

She doesn’t return any of her friend’s concerned looks. She folds her arms dismissively as an unsure silence unfolds between them.

Davey: Hey…

Davey: Should we go?

Taeyva: Yeah.

Taeyva: Let’s just go.

The carriage wheels into Solitude hold, coming to a gradual stop at a small farm beneath the city. The remainder of the ride was short and silent. No one said a word as they tried to sit comfortably amidst the tension. It wasn’t until Bjorlam croaked out “we’ve, uh, arrived” that anything was said. Before Taeyva could exit the carriage, the others hopped out ahead, stopping her.

Dennis: I know you don’t wanna talk, but we’re not going to let you wallow like this.

Mike: He’s right. It’s not healthy.

Davey: You’ve never said her name before. Perjuria. She’s the one who abused you? Banished you from the coven?

Taeyva releases a heavy breath and nods. She knew she wasn’t going to get away with keeping silent. As annoying as it is, they care too much about her. The thought brings a smile, but it is quick to flee.

Taeyva: Yeah…

Taeyva: I didn’t even think back there. It just got so angry and lashed out. I felt angry for a while, but now…

Taeyva: Well, now I just feel liberated. I hadn’t even thought of that side of past in months. But still.

Davey: You’re smiling.

Taeyva straightens up, suppressing the urge to conceal her emotions.

Taeyva: That’s the thing. It’s not that I hadn’t thought of my time in the forsworn. I haven’t thought of any of my past in forever. Because now…

Taeyva wipes underneath her eye as she sniffles.

Taeyva: Because now my life is great. My biggest worry is if I can lead people who are already willing to follow me and respect me. And I have all of you.

Her cheeks flush as she glances at Davey.

Taeyva: Friends I can truly rely on. And even something more.

Taeyva: I know it’s hard to believe, but really…

Taeyva: I’ve actually never been happier than I am right now.

The group made their way through the crowded Solitude streets, weaving through an influx of people that have come for the inauguration. As they passed through the front gates, immediately all eyes turned to them. Hollers and cheers ran gout as they made their way through while their accompanying guards struggled to form some sort of path. By looking at all the joyous faces, it couldn’t be guessed a global war had devastated the world less than a year ago.

Eventually they made it to the palace, rushing through the gates as they were swiftly opened and closed behind them. In just a few hours they’ll open wide for the rest of the public to pour through, but for now it is reserved for the organizers and those close to the next High King.

Taeyva marches inside, following her friends. The inside of the palace glows with a golden light as the sun streaks through the recently repaired windows. There isn’t even a crack to remind her of the destruction she witnessed in this city.

A cheerful cry pulls her out of the memory as she catches Celann trotting up to the group, his arms spread wide. Isran chuckles at his side, beaming with a rare smile.

Celann: Haha! There you are!

Isran: Good see you both.

Davey: Awesome! You’re already here!

Mike: Looking good, guys!

Taeyva continues ahead as they embrace and begin to recount their recent lives. She makes her way to the stairs, passing by Dennis who decided the first thing to do at a festival is to speak to one of his men about work.

Dennis: You’re doing great. Keep it up!

Vigilant: Absolutely, Keeper Dennis!

She smirks with a rolls of her eyes as Dennis notices her raising an eyebrow at him.

When she reaches the top of the stairs, she slows down, her attention turning to where the beams of light shine.

The throne rests at the end of the room, as if in waiting. Taeyva shakes away the nerves that ripple down her spine.

Taeyva: Intimidating.

She turns away, proceeding down an empty hallway. At the end, two large, oaken doors lurk, inviting her to knock. She pauses before them, holding her hand tentatively. It’s not nervousness. She’s been in here many times before. But today she can feel the excitement in the air. If it’s giving her jitters, she can only imagine what it’s doing to him.

She taps her knuckles three times against the surface.

Taeyva: Hey, Talen?

Immediately a familiar voice resonates eagerly from the other side.

Talen: Taeyva! Come on in. Uh, just give me a second before I come out though.

She slips through the door, closing it softly behind her.

Taeyva: I was beginning to think I was the late arrival. You okay?

Talen chuckles from around the corner. Though his words sound jovial, she can hear the butterflies fluttering out with them.

Talen: Heheh, yeah. All good. Just finishing getting dressed.

Taeyva saunters further into the room, finding herself tracing over the expansive interior.

Taeyva: This room is bigger than my house.

As she continues to marvel at her surroundings, her eyes eventually fall onto the bed. Resting delicately atop is a rather dangerous looking metal crown with pointed bones jabbing out its surface.

Taeyva: Woah. Is this the actual crown?

She picks it up, tilting it around in her hands so the light flashes off its carved surface.

Taeyva: Kinda cool. Though I really don’t see the point.

Talen: It’s ceremonial, mostly. I’m not supposed to wear it all the time.

Taeyva: Well that’s good. I guess you already tried it on?

Talen: Yes, I did. Felt a bit weird, to be honest. But uh, what do you think?

Taeyva turns as Talen steps out from around the corner.

He wears a finely engraved leather tunic underneath a dull blue cloak. A lavish, finely combed fur scarf tumbles over his shoulders, down past his waist, where it meets vibrant, dark green pants tucked into black boots. His hand rubs the beck of his neck as he anxiously awaits answer. Though the wait is short.

Taeyva: Fantastic! But you’re missing one thing.

She skips up to him, lifting the crown up high.

Talen bends down slightly, breathing deeply as it slides over his head.

Taeyva: Here.

Talen reaches up and shifts the crown, twisting it around as if it were too big. But it hardly budges.

Talen: Are you sure it fits me? I mean, it’s wobbling. See?

Taeyva rolls her eyes.

Taeyva: Talen. It’s not even moving. I don’t think it could fit you any better..

Talen:Are you sure? Because I could just wear something different or-

She snaps her fingers at him before placing her hands against her hips, assertively.

Taeyva: Yeah, man! I’m sure! You’ve got this, okay? And besides, you’re not in this by yourself.

Taeyva holds out a hand.

Taeyva: We’ll share the burden. Like we always have.

Talen: Thank you, Taeyva.

Taeyva: Of course, Talen. Now take my hand.

Taeyva: And let’s change the world.

The End.