The trip south was harrowing - I just don't have a better word for it. By then the Forsworn were clearly aware of our intrusion, and search parties were combing not just the roads but also through the nearby fields and along the clifftops. If the cliff face behind the redoubt had been more forgiving, we could have returned by way of Rorikstead, just like we'd came, but there was no way we would make it up those heights ascending. After several near misses with patrols, we cut further west, climbing up into the foothills until finally the pursuit started to drop off. We pressed on, all through the day and the night, until a few hours after dawn the first signs of Markarth appeared on the horizon. First, the billowing steam of the city's machinery rose above the hills and then, the first gleaming bronze cylinders.

 

"You did it, Daughter," Edippa said, joy written on her face. "We've succeeded."

 

She kissed me deeply then, and we held each other tightly before I gently laid her down on the hillside. Not releasing her, I continued to trade kisses with her, soaking in the feel of her body against mine.

 

"I hope we reach Markarth soon," Fjotra said, her voice distant at first but gradually approaching, "I can't wait to see the te-" Her comment fell short with a little gasp - she must have seen us.

 

After a moment, I glanced up and saw that once again, the young woman was watching us intently, her cheeks blushing ever so slightly.

 

 

Far be it for me to hide the Dibellan Arts from our future Sybil, I rolled Mother over and turned her, continuing to hug her tightly but now also massaging her mound. Obligingly, she raised one leg, not only giving me better access to her loins but also fully exposing herself to Fjotra. 

 

I teased Mother rather than rushing her to climax. Keeping my hand squarely on her soft mound, I rubbed in a circular motion that I knew would pull her hood this way and that, indirectly tickling her clitoris while denying her the most intense stimulation. Still, she groaned with quickening ardor, her breath coming faster as I kept gently tugging her lips and sliding my tongue against hers. 

 

I looked back to Fjotra, offering her an inviting smile. "You can join us if you want. You can just lie down and hug us, and watch up close. All the pleasures we share are sacred to Dibella. They are holy sacraments."

 

 

The girl seemed to consider it, but then shook her head. "I'm sorry, Reverend Sister. Your love... excites me. And I'm curious. But I'm also a little afraid."

 

Mother propped herself up on her right arm, saying, "there's nothing to be afraid of Fjotra. This is the most natural thing in the world."

 

"It... it's not that. I'm afraid of the Forsworn. I feel like I'm always looking over my shoulder. Please... let's just return to the temple."

 

I could see in her eyes that she meant it. The mood broken, I gave mother a little love bite on her earlobe, slapped her pussy playfully, and then started to unwind myself.

 

Fjotra frowned, uncertainty filling her eyes. "Oh no... did I ruin it? I'm sorry..."

 

I shook my head in negation. "No, it's not that. The truth is, you're right - we don't have time to play around out here. Let's get you safe and sound behind the city walls."

 

Daytime was shading fast towards dusk as we finally reached the city gates. Even before we entered, the heat of the city washed over me like a welcoming embrace. For just a moment, all my misgivings and concerns about Markarth disappeared as I passed within. Perhaps, I thought, I might stay here after all. Maybe I could succeed where my father failed, and steer the Jarl onto the path of justice. But I also saw the sign over the Silver Blood Inn, and I remembered that the foul family's influence was far from gone. 

 

 

The thought of the inn also stirred my stomach, which let out a loud growl. Jenassa clapped a hand on my shoulder. "If you want to stop for a meal, I won't say anything."

 

I really, seriously considered that, but I also knew that Mother Hamal was waiting for us. "No," I said. "I can wait a little longer. Let's press on to the temple."

 

And that's just what we did. It's funny, I've been living in Markarth for barely a month, and that's counting time on the road and all the various misadventures I got into, but the paths through the back alleys, the warm paving stones under my feet, it really felt like home. Even the incessant rumble of the machinery - hidden and exposed - felt natural to me. I wonder if as an infant, those sounds lulled me to sleep.

 

Senna greeted us almost as soon as we passed the temple gates.

 

"You're back," she said. "Then is this?"

 

"Yes. This is Fjotra. The new Sybil of Dibella."

 

Her face formed into an 'o' of surprise and excitement before she quickly commanded, "then you cannot delay. Take her to Mother Hamal immediately."

 

 

I didn't need any extra encouragement to obey. Leading Fjotra through the temple hall, I was about to pass through the doors to the inner sanctum when Mother stopped me. 

 

"Hold up, daughter," she said. "I know we're to go without delay, but I need... just... one... moment of your time."

 

I felt something warm slap against my back and realized that mother was holding a soaking, soapy sponge in her hand. 

 

"Stand still while I clean you up. You're caked in dirt."

 

I obeyed, letting her rub me down front and back, arms and legs, and then finally gently wipe down my face. She patted me try with a bath cloth that Elizabella was holding ready for her, and before I knew it Mother proclaimed me presentable. We didn't tarry further, entering in the inner sanctum and proceeding down the spiral hall. After pausing for a moment to offer a prayer to the black marble statue of Dibella - and odd artistic take that depicted her as bearing Akatosh's Blessing - I pressed on into Mother Hamal's sanctuary.

 

 

I found Mother Hamal resting, dozing in one of the chairs that lined her private hall. Rousing her with a gentle touch, I didn't give her time to reprove me.

 

"Mother Hamal," I said. "I have returned with Fjotra, the Sybil of Dibella."

 

Surprise, disbelief, and finally immense relief washed over he face in waves. "You... you found her?" Shaking her fatigue loose with a quick snap of her head, she continued, "I can't believe it. Let the girl come forward and we can begin her preparations."

 

 

"You have truly earned Dibella's favor today, Kirstia. Go to the temple hall and prostrate yourself before her altar, and receive her blessing."

 

Turning to Fjotra she said, "come, girl. I will prepare you for the goddess' presence. I'll send word at first light to your family so they know you have arrived safely."

 

I parted with Fjotra then. Hamal led her deeper into the inner sanctum as I returned to the temple hall. Senna was already standing by the main altar, gently stoking braziers that emitted herbacious smelling smoke, mingling with the steam of the hot spring over which the altar hung.

 

"Anwen sent word," she said, "go, lie on the altar, and accept Dibella's blessing."

 

I did as she asked. At first I lay face down, but the aches of my long travels made me restless and eventually I rolled onto my side. White steam and white smoke rolled over me as Senna recited prayers and invocations of our goddess. As she continued, I felt my eyelids becoming heavier. Despite all my focus on remaining awake, I soon slipped into a deep and restful sleep.

 

 

In my dreams, Dibella spoke to me.

 

"You have done well, my child. Soon my voice will be restored on Skyrim, and for a time you may rest. But understand the darkness that creeps over the land is not vanquished. In time, you will find that a new quest awaits you. When the time has come, you will know. Until then, accept my blessing and go... in peace."

 

I felt intensely relieved to hear the words, like all the weight of the past days had lifted from me. But as I slowly started to return to wakefulness, something troubled me. There was a shadow at the edge of my vision, beckoning with his hands, inviting. I wasn't sure if he was signaling me, or to the Lady. And when I turned to look at the source of the shadow, I awoke instantly.

 

Mother had taken Senna's place tending the braziers. She reached into the pool beneath the altar and gently raised her cupped hand to my lips. I sipped at the holy water within hungrily, suddenly realizing that my throat was terribly dry. I coughed once, then twice, before I turned to her.

 

"My mission is complete," I said.

 

We sat together for a time, exchanging few words. At length, I said. "Mother, I'm not sure what to do next."

 

"What do you want to do?" She countered.

 

I thought on that for a time before answering. "I think I need to leave Markarth for a time. It would make me very happy to continue to aid the temple, but the darkness of this city weighs on me. I think if I stay here much longer, it will be too much for me to bear."

 

"But at the same time," I added, "I want to see Fjotra grow into the new Sybil. Dibella sent me on this mission, and I feel as if there is more yet to come. So I'm conflicted."

 

Mother took that in, thinking, then answered. "You should speak to Mother Hamal. She may have insight that will help you decide your next steps."

 

We set together for a while more, then I rose. "You're right," I said. "Thank you, Mother." At that, I descended into the inner sanctum, searching out Mother Hamal.

 

 

"Reverend Mother," I said, "can I ask you your advice?" 

 

"I think you've earned that at least," she answered. "How can I help?"

 

I explained my concerns about my path in the future, also adding in the vision of Dibella I'd experienced while asleep on the altar.

 

"My heart is telling me I need to leave this place, but I also feel as if I have a duty unfulfilled - to this city, and to Fjotra. I'm at an impasse."

 

Hamal considered that, peering deep into my eyes. Then she answered me, "I can see the conflict within you. I know you do indeed have more you can offer to the temple, but you should trust Dibella's words. Cherish this time when you are free of a divine task. Go out and see the wider world, learn about her people, their loves, and their discontents. When the time is right for you to return here, I trust that the Lady will guide you back."

 

"What of Fjotra, and... what of the shadow I saw in my vision?"

 

"Fjotra is beginning her initiation as the Sybil. While it would be well for you to bid her farewell before you leave, she should concentrate on her studies now. Entrust her to my care, and know that she will be safe here."

 

"But the shadow you saw... I admit that too concerns me. But perhaps you are meant to discover this menace elsewhere. Thanks to your hard work, the divine protection of the temple is surely restored, so you can depart and still rest easy."

 

I took a moment to digest everything Mother Hamal had said. Her words felt right, and it eased my concerns about leaving Markarth, at least for a time. 

 

"Thank you, Reverend Mother," I said. "Thank you for helping me to find my way."

 

I left Hamal's chambers then and returned to the bookshelves of the lower temple. I found Fjotra there, poring over a holy tome. Her robes, while less revealing than those of Hamal and her inner circle, still featured a plunging neckline that revealed most of the girl's front. I was somewhat surprised to discover that her face was not the only part of his that was scarred. Large red scars, healed burns perhaps, ran all down the front of her body.

 

 

"Fjotra," I said, "are you settling in well?"

 

She turned from her book with a smile. "I don't think I've ever had to learn so much, so fast, but... I like it. I feel like I belong here more than anywhere before in my life. Thank you, Sister Kirstia. I owe you everything."

 

"I'm just glad I could help," I said. "I don't know if anyone told you this, but I came to Skyrim from far away because of a dream - a vision really - that it was my destiny to find you."

 

She seemed surprised by the revelation - though understandably so, I suppose. "Amazing," she said after a moment. "And what of your family? Are they waiting for you?"

 

"My father passed from this life a time ago. I'm told I have a brother and a sister, but I've never met them. Some day, perhaps."

 

"And Sister Edippa, is she really your mother?"

 

I chuckled at how we met. "Oh, that's a long story. Believe it or not, we were separated when I was a newborn. When we first met, we had no idea of our relation - we had become friends and lovers long before we were reunited as mother and daughter."

 

The young Sybil blushed a little at that, obviously recalling the intimate moments she had interrupted during our travels. "At least you have someone close to you then. I miss my parents, back in Karthwasten. I'm glad they know I'm safe, but I'm sure they worry about me."

 

"Perhaps they'll visit the temple one day," I offered.

 

"Perhaps," she agreed. "If you travel that way, will you reassure them that I'm well?"

 

"I will, I promise. But I should let you get back to your studies. Mother Hamal tells me you have much to learn."

 

She laughed, nodding in assent. "That's very true. Too true really. Thank you, Sister Katria, and goodbye for now."

 

I opened my arms in offer and she came to me to join in a hug. After I held her for a moment, we parted and I returned to the temple hall. 

 

I found mother examining some of the paintings that decorated the hall. She turned to me, and I suspected she knew what I was going to say next.

 

 

"I'm leaving," I said, "at least for a time."

 

She nodded in understanding. "I expected that. I can see it in your heart that you need a time away from Markarth. But will you tell me something?"

 

"Of course," I said.

 

"I'm interested in seeing where Thorvald, your father, spent all those years we were apart. Would you consider accompanying me to Northpoint? I find myself thinking of the old days more often of late, and I think I would benefit from finding answers."

 

I considered that briefly, but it wasn't hard for me to agree. "Yes, I think that's a good idea. I left so abruptly... it would be good to return and properly settle my affairs."

 

We discussed the plan in more detail over a lunch of stew, deciding to set out the following morning for Dawnstar and to sail from there to High Rock. Returning from our meal, we shared our plans with Jenassa and thanked her for all her good advice and strong protection. She seemed sad to part ways with us, and offered to travel with us once again if our paths crossed in the future.

 

Heading north the following day, we stopped in Karthwasten and visited Fjotra's family. I found Enmon, by good fortune, taking a break from his work in the mines. 

 

 

As it turned out, the messenger with word about Fjotra's safe arrival at Markarth had only just arrived. The man seemed a bit overwhelmed by the news, but also full of gratitude to know of her safety.

 

"I don't want to imagine what would have happened to her if you hadn't rescued her," he said. "Thank you, thank you so much."

 

I embraced Enmon warmly, but did not tarry. Mother and I sought to reach Dragon Bridge before nightfall, after which we'd stay the night and catch a carriage to Dawnstar in the morning.

 

Against whatever bad luck thought to stalk us, we succeeded in our travels and arrived in Dawnstar two days later. This harbor town... I've believed I would have cast eyes on it long ago, but fate conspired otherwise. As we rolled into town, I pointed to the left, showing Mother the distant dragon burial ground where I'd succumbed to the cold. 

 

"That's where this all started," I said, "and now we're back. Before long we'll be in Northpoint. It's hard to believe."

 

She squeezed my shoulder as the carriage started to slow. "Hard to believe indeed. I think some would call it a miracle."

 

We dismounted shortly after that, descending down the tiered rings of homes until the harbor came into view. 

 

 

"There it is," I said. "Soon we'll be on the way to Northpoint."

 

"Soon indeed," Edippa said. "I'm glad we met, Daughter. I truly am. And now I'm eager to find what awaits us ahead."

 

 

Behind the Scenes

And that wraps up Kirstia's first adventure. In theory she could have continued more or less as-is for a while more, but I suspect as the content got progressively more difficult some of the flaws with this setup would grow in impact. It's just as well that now we can take a break to revise and update our configuration. 

 

The 'big rocks' for this one are almost all fixable, thankfully. While the Infamous Sisterhood Bug still remains unsolved, I only encountered it a few times during this playthrough, which was a lot less frustrating than it could have been. Likewise, many of the issues I ran into boiled down to MCM configuration problems that shared a root cause - running out of MCM menu slots. Updating the next configuration with the extended MCM patch should resolve almost all of those issues.

 

Skyrim at War continued to prove challenging, since we had to retrace our steps to Markarth along that some north-south route where we had trouble a few chapters back. I seriously considered rolling back considerably and returning via Rorikstead but I have to say... I'm feeling the itch to switch back to 'hobby mode' for a while, so adding another chapter or more worth of material to cover that return trip just wasn't really attractive. So we carefully (and with a number of reloads) made our way south. Ultimately I just turned off AI detection for the trip and walked right past the roving hordes. The modular SAW release that came out recently should allow me to tone down these encounters... and if it doesn't do that adequately I can always go into the program and start cutting ACHR records until it's under control.

 

There's an ongoing issue that I didn't highlight in the screen shots - Big Fat Daddies actors getting facial overlays and, as a result, developing purple face bug. These actors are supposed to be on an exclusion list for Distributed Overlays, so I do need to drill into that further - it might just be a syntax error in the blacklist, or it might be a case where the blacklist wasn't working right and I just need to update to a newer version.

 

As far as this session in particular goes, I saw a rare beast in the wild: an unarmored Imperial mage. This is from a private mod I made based on Imperial Robes SE that incorporates its gear in the form of outfits (I made a similar mod for Stormcloak Robes). Because I did not add any new mage NPCs (I just refitted the outfit onto existing characters), it's very likely that this is an actor for Nova INPC, which itself needed a bunch of xEdit work since its English translation patch contained critical defects that blocked it from working and also caused rampant dark face bug). You can see the guy at the center of this formation below - I think he fits in pretty well with the rest of the squad!

 

 

I also had a mod interaction that seemed perfect for the story go wrong on me. When Edippa and Kirsti were making love on the slope, Fjotra came over to watch under the influence of the Spectator Crowds mod (you can see her cheering in one of the screen shots). Half way through the sexlab scene, she stripped and started a masturbation scene - which would have been in the story exceppppppppt... it played a goofy tentacle attack animation that not only made no sense but didn't look right on the sloped terrain. So that stayed on the cutting room floor and she shyly declined to join in. I already have an action item on my list to learn how to add more tags to SLAL animations so I can ensure Estrus and certain Komotor animations get filtered from the normal random rotation, and this failed scene is exactly why I need to do that.

 

Kirstia will return for more adventures soon, but in the meanwhile I'll post regular updates on how this large load order project is developing, including a review of the technical work that's neccessary to get everything to work together nicely.