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Hey, it's me, Destana. I was alone again. Flying on the back of a dragon. Damn the birds, I wish I could fly! Odahviing touched down in Skuldafn and left me there to fend for myself. So there I was, at the cusp of one of my greatest victories, or maybe one of my greatest challenges, entirely alone. As I approached the bridge I was stealthy, picking off two weak draugr lookouts with arrows. I turned right, finding two mid-level and two very tough draugr in the distance, to which I gave them a few arrows. The two tough ones didn't see, so I walked closer, and a dragon flew overhead. I Dragonrended him, and he landed. I used the great stone pillars to shield myself from his fire breath and widdled him down with melee until he was finished. I crept over toward the first hard draugr and shot him - luring him toward the cliff. I hid behind a pillar and when he came I shouted him off the cliff. His friend came over to investigate and I snuck up behind him and gave him a good stab then melee'd him down. A little further up the path another dragon appeared, which I again Dragonrended, but peppered this one with arrows, keeping my distance, until he also died. In front of me were stairs leading up then to the left, which I presumed led to the temple. I decided on not taking the straight path and used rope arrows to climb onto the platform on the right. Unfortunately, one of the draugr spotted me at the last moment and charged at me. I shouted him off the platform to the bottom of the stairs, but the noise and commotion alerted all the other draugr between me and the temple. And these were the mid-level draugr, with tough ones in the distance starting to head this way. I ducked behind a stone outcropping - sensing I would have a large fight on my hands and transformed into Vampire Lord. I waited for one of them to near and leapt out like a coiled viper, slashing him with my claws a few times. Then I hovered, blasting my opponents with Blood Storm. "FUS - RO - DAhhhh!" A draugr shouted, staggering me out of my spell. Then another. I darted aside. Then another draugr used the shout, and another. They were peppering me with Unrelenting Force as they got near, nearly stagger-locking me from doing anything. "Fucking seriously?!" My demonic voice growled as I was pushed and staggered near the ledge, "Could you fucking stop?" I ducked behind the outcropping again, charging up a Blood Storm, then I jumped out as it finished casting and drained the nearest draugr to death (gods, I'm so glad I developed the ability to vampire drain draugr and constructs). They assaulted me again, but I used the terrain to split them up and pick them off one by one. Finally I reached a nordic structure and stayed in my Lord form, pushing forward. From there it was the same deal, though some weaker draugr got added to the mix that just served as lifeblood for me to absorb. The mid-range ones once again annoyed the crap out of me with Unrelenting Force and I had to power through. There was a puzzle, then another thing with lowering a bridge. But, I just leapt across the chasm instead of going through the trouble of figuring how to lower the bridge (my amazing jumping plus also having semi-useful wings). Unfortunately, when I got to a puzzle door, I had to shift back to my normal form to look at the tiny symbols on the Diamond Claw the Draugr Lord dropped. I inserted the claw and continued to the end. I stayed in human form, using stealth again for the last bit (and found a word wall). I came out of the structure, realizing I had traveled to the top of a huge wide tower. None of the draugr saw me, so I picked off the first and second one as before, sneak attacking with my bow. This drew the attention of a nearby Draugr Lord. Rounding the corner, "FUS -," he started, but I was ready. "FUS - RO - DAH!" I replied quickly, blowing him off the tower. I peeked my head around the corner, seeing more weak draugr, which I picked off with my bow. It was then that I got shot. Several skeletons and draugr were shooting at me from the highest level, so I flattened myself against the wall. I guess the shouting and death had finally urged them to get their act together and use some strategy. I was still near the door that I'd entered from. I turned the corner again, trying to bait them into going around and coming down the stairs after me. It worked, and then I walked back around, fired some rope arrows and climbed the sheer rock face. When I got to the top, several of the draugr had reached where I was and in revenge, I shouted an Unrelenting Force, blowing them off the tower. I was on the platform with the portal now. I stealthily worked my way around the outside of the tower, picking off the remaining draugr. I could see a dragon priest near the portal, and I didn't want to be disturbed while fighting him. Luckily, he hadn't seen me yet. I kissed the Nerevarine's Bow that gave me short bursts invisibility and made me hard to keep track of. I turned to the Dragon Priest, first taking careful aim and plugging him square in the chest. He turned, starting to cast a spell, and I responded with, "TIID!," slowing time. Though my body was slowed a bit, it wasn't as slow as everything else. I loaded arrow after arrow and fired, getting four arrows in the air before any of them reached him. When time resumed, he was pin-cushioned with an avalanche of arrows. At this point, his Storm Atronach he'd been casting floated toward me and he ran for the staff planted in front of the portal. I drew Dawnfang and the Blade of Woe and laid into the Atronach. He was fairly slow and lumbering. And by the time I cut him down, the Dragon Priest had grabbed his staff and started casting area frost spells. But thirty seconds had passed. "TIID!" I shouted again, sprinting. Before he could blink I was in the Dragon Priest's face. He tried casting spells to rebuff me, but his movements were so slow I easily got behind him twice. When Slow Time wore off, he was nearly dead. He casted a ward, backing away slowly. I dropped my melee weapons and took out my bow again, shooting him twice rapidly. Dead. I looted him for the mask and the staff, then activated and stepped through the portal. On to Sovngarde! I materialized in a great, misty plain with a path before me. I took a breath, taking in the landscape. Even obscured, it was beautiful here. I could see Shor's hall far, far in the distance, so I started to walk through the mist. I kept to the path. Before long I came across a Stormcloak soldier. He explained to me that he'd been lost in the mist for some time. Alduin'd been hunting mortal souls. "Follow me. I'll guide you to Shor's hall," I said. But not ten steps down the path, Alduin swooped from the mist and snatched him. I growled, going into a run now. After a little while, staying with the path, the mist cleared before me and I could see it. Across a chasm, bridged by a massive monstrous spine was the Hall of Valor. "Hold!" A man shouted, stepping out from between the two shoulder blades. He seemed to be glowing a little and I stepped up to the shirt-less man. I blinked as I got closer, and had to legitimately look up to see his eyeline. The man was a mountain, maybe seven feet tall and built like a statue. I smirked, wondering about proportions of other things. "What brings you, wayfarer grim, to wander here, in Sovngarde, souls-end, Shor's gift to honored dead?" "I'm here to kill Alduin. Once and for all," I grinned, "Who are you?" "I am Tsun. You pursue a fateful errand. No few have chafed to face the Worm since he set his soul-snare here at Sovngarde's threshhold," the man said. He had such an old-worldy way of speaking. "May I enter?" I asked, a bit meekly in this living titan's presence, and the enormity of what lay beyond. But then realizing I was supposed to be a powerful warrior (I mean, I am) I said more firmly, "I seek to enter the hall of Valor!" He continued, "No shade are you, as usually here passes, but living, you are the land of the dead. By what right do you request entry?" I scratched my head. What right does a thief, assassin, vampire, slave, mage, really have to enter a place for heroic warriors. "I'm going to answer your question with a question. Do you judge if the dead are worthy to get in here?" Tsun's piercing eyes looked me over, "I am gifted the power to judge each person's worthiness as a warrior, yes." "So I guess if I lied to you and said I fought a bear with my bare hands, or I won a thousand battles and always acted honorably, you'd be able to see right through my deception, wouldn't you?" Tsun's face was like stone, showing no emotion. Finally he said, "You are dragonborn, that much I can see without being told. Though a few of your decisions and.... associations have me questioning if you would return here given the natural course of your lifetime. You started the Empire down a path of ruin." "I know. I know. Don't you think I feel bad about all the innocent people who will die because of my stupid decision to buy into that Imperial plot," I sighed. It actually hurt a little bit coming from Tsun, even though I'd just met him. He didn't seem like an asshole. "Really, the number of daedric princes you've had dealings with is astonishing. Hermaeus Mora..." "That dude is gross and I didn't agree to anything!" I said. "Molag Bal..." "Yeah, well, I didn't do him any favors. I'm just borrowing his power until he comes to collect, if that ever happens," I said. "Noctournal..." "In my defense, I was a young thief and impressionable!" "Boethiah..." "That dude is just annoying," I replied. "Malacath..." He continued as if reading off a list popping into his head. "Hey, I thwarted that guy's plans. No deal there!" I said, as if that would plead my case any more. "And there's Sanguine!" "He's not so bad. He's actually a pretty cool guy if you ever meet him," I said. "Worry not. Your entrance to the hall has already been allowed by Ysgramor," he said, his stone face cracking a bit of a smile. "You... you were just messing with me?" I asked, "I should slap you." "One final thing. Living or dead, by decree of Shor, none may pass this perilous bridge till I judge them worth by the warrior's test," Tsun started to take the maul off his back. "Now you're talking," I said, drawing my sword and dagger. We fought for a few minutes, his raw power outdoing me in some places, and my superior speed outdoing him in others. He used Unrelenting Force a few times, and when I tried it back on him he didn't even budge. I switched to using Slow Time to further magnify the difference in speed. Finally he put away his hammer, "Its been an age since I had a fight like that one. I find you worthy." "Thanks, big guy," I slapped him on the side as I walked past, and felt like I was smacking a wall of granite. Godsdamn! "It is long since one of the living entered here. May Shor's favor follow you and your errand," he nodded to me. I walked down the spine and opened the doors, stepping inside to a grand meal hall, bustling with warriors of all kinds. Like something from a Jarl's Palace, but on an amazing scale. I walked down the massive stone steps to the table and a blond, bearded man turned to me. He stood just a bit taller than me and had a deep, commanding voice. "Welcome!" Some how I knew, this was Ysgramor. He wore his armor from life, through not the crown I've heard so much about. "Our door has stood empty since Alduin first set his soul-snare here. But three await your word to loose their fury upon the perilous foe," he said. Three warriors; an old man, a young man and a woman stepped over from the crowd that had paid little attention to me. "Gormlaith the Fearless, glad-hearted in battle; Hakon the valiant, heavy-handed warrior; Felldir the Old, far-seeing and grim," Ysgramor continued. "Hey!" I shouted, "It's you guys! You're the three that invented Dragonrend! I watched you fight Alduin through the time-wound. Good to know you've been here all this time, in paradise." Gormlaith, the woman patted me on the shoulder, "Sister. Long have I awaited this day. The world eater will eat our blades this day." "Hey, sidebar, is this food edible for living humans?" I asked Ysgramor. "Eat and drink your fill," Ysgramor said. "Don't worry. I won't be long," I sat at the table and grabbed a big ham and some mead, "You've waited thousands of years, what's five more minutes?" I swear I hadn't eaten in months. You know, because as a vampire I only need blood and occasional sleep to survive. But I'd forgotten how GOOD food is. Or maybe that was just because this was Sovngarde food. And the mead! A man in gray robes sat across from me, drinking some ale, "Greetings." "Hi. Who are you?" I asked between bites. "I am Jurgen Windcaller," he said. "No shit? You're a pretty big deal to the greybeards." "My disciples follow a difficult path - the Way of the Voice is neither wide, nor easy." "I can't say I'm 100% on board with your ways. I mean, Tiber Septim never would've done what he'd done if not for straying. Same for me. But, you know, we'll see if I'm able to do what I came to do." "To battle!" I heard somebody yelling. I realized the three champions had been talking amongst themselves this whole time and were now rushing out the front doors. "I guess we're doing this now!" I dropped my plate and cup, "Sorry, gotta run!" I charged outside and caught up to them on the bridge. They stopped at the other end, facing the fog. "No way we can fight a dragon in this mist!" Felldir said. "Clear skies!" Gormlaith said, taking the lead, "Combine our shouts!" "LOK - VAH - KOOR!" I shouted, and the three followed in unison, clearing the way around us. Having many years to train together has its benefits. "VEN - MUL - RIIK!" An ominous voice replied, and the mist returned. "AGAIN!" Gormlaith shouted, and this time the four of us used Clear Skies in near unison, blasting the mist away. Alduin shouted it back, however. "Does this fiend's power know no end?" Hakon asked. Felldir reponded, "Once more, his strength falters!" We shouted once more and the mist was cleared. There was a foreboding silence, then an all-too-familiar roar. Alduin perched on the mountain before us, "You should not have come here, Dragonborn." I drew my bow and aimed a Stalhrim arrow at his head, "I should say the same to you. You have no right to plague this land. Get the hell out of my heaven!" I let an arrow fly, but he jumped, swooping out of the way. He called up a fire storm, and swept past us as he blasted fire. I turned as he swooped and shouted, "JOOR!" But he wasn't as easily hit the time. He swooped again, and he landed between the group, by choice. The first thing he did was turn toward me and blast me with fire, nearly immediately melting me. I chugged a first resist potion and an ultimate healing I'd gotten from Skuldafn, and got behind one of the pillar-like bones. He turned to the heroes and began to rip through them. I would need to go about this strategically. Since he was grounded, I threw one word of Dragonrend from my hiding spot, keeping him grounded. I then threw out one word of Slow Time so I could get to him quickly. I began slashing him in the back and he swiped at Felldir, throwing him to the wind. Aldin slapped me with his tail, knocking me down. When I got up again, he had turned back toward me and blasted me with frost breath. I chugged cold resist and another ultimate healing, dodging and sprinting away. "Gods!" I shouted, "I can't get close to him!" Gormlaith and Hakon were keeping him busy, but also seemed not to be doing positive damage. "Wait," I said to myself, "That's the solution!" "JOOR!" I shouted the first word of Dragonrend again, like I was shouting, 'Mortal' as an insult. Then I sprinted in the opposite direction. He turned to me blasting me with what looked like steam, but I was at my maximum bow range now. Pretty damn far away. I strafed him, taking turns running, firing arrows and hitting him with the first word of Dragonrend. I was... kiting! You know, flying him like a kite. It took several moments of this, and he even turned his attention away from me in frustration to claw at the others again, and I put the last arrow in his head. Alduin roared in pain, and the same strange soul-energy suffused him as when I killed other dragons. But he clawed at life, like he wasn't giving up. A hole opened up in the sky and, roaring as he did, Alduin shattered into a hundred pieces, his body and soul being drawn into the portal. All returned to calm. It was done. I fell to my knees. "YEAH!" I shouted. There was much cheering. Tsun walked over from where he'd been perching, "When you're ready to return to the mortal world, I can assist you." "Definitely not yet," I said, "Wait, you were watching the whole time? Give us a hand next time." Gormlaith chuckled, "They will sing of this day for all of history. What we've done here is incredible." "Yeah, I have a lot I want to do here before I leave, now that there's not immediate danger anymore." "Such as? For as much as it is a heaven, feasting gets a little old after a thousand years," Hakon asked. "Well, as for what I want to do first," I pointed at Tsun. He stared at me for a few seconds, "Oh. Oh! That would be frowned upon by Ysgramor." "Don't worry, he'll get his turn," I said. It sounded a lot more whorish when I said it out loud, "C'mon big guy. How long has it been?" "Gods, I have no idea," he replied. "Maybe we can help get these boys into the mood?" I said to Gormlaith. She stared at me for a few seconds, then said, "You know, I never would've done something like this back in my day. But I'm bored. Sure." We stripped off our armor, kissing and touching, and then tribbing right in front of them. We got into a sixty-nine position. It seemed Felldir was standing at Tsun's place on the bridge, keeping a lookout. Finally Hakon and Tsun started stripping when Gormlaith was about spent. I was right, though, Tsun's dick was about 11 inches and thick. Felldir helped me to my feet, then started to rub all over me and kiss my body. Then Tsun came at me from behind, doing the same. Soon they turned me around and Tsun entered me from the front as I laid my head back on Felldir's shoulder, and he slid into my ass. They went on fucking for a while, until Felldir finished inside me. Then Tsun turned me over and entered doggystyle. It seemed like a very long time passed as he continued. He laid me down in the grass and entered again. And as he laid over me, his frame absolutely engulfed mine. After another while, he got off me and said, "Sorry about this. It takes me a lot of work." I shook my head, "No bother. I mean, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fuck a normal man again, but... that's okay." He stroked himself vigorously. After a bit, I just kneeled in front of him, pushing my boobs out as I folded my arms behind my back, "How about this? Good target?" That did it. He groaned and spilled his seed all over my face and chest. I sighed in relief, redressing and leading the rest of the group inside. The doors were locked, but I've not met a door I can't get open (even in Sovngarde, apparently). "Show's over, guys," I said as I entered, "The world eater is dead." Cheering and feasting ensued. I started to think about it and there's no way a place with men and women eternally preparing for war and living in heaven together would not fuck. So I imagined everybody here was in on it, except poor Tsun, who rarely got to leave his post. In total, I stayed there about five days. Ysgramor did indeed get his turn. Like a real man, he lifted me off the ground and held me as he thrusted. I don't remember a lot of the other encounters, though I did sample quite a few people, all of the mead and ale, and a lot of food. Godsdammit, I deserved a little vacation after what I'd done in the past few weeks. Anyway, when I was ready I talked to Tsun and he shouted me back to the mortal plane. I appeared on Paarthurnax's mountain, and I was face-to-face with dozens of dragons. "Alduin dilon!" They were shouting. Paarthurnax was perched on the peak nearby. As I walked over, he said, "It is done! The Eldest is no more. He who came before all others, and has always been." "What's all this?" "They come to mourn, and vie for control." "You don't sound very happy. A bittersweet victory?" "No, I am not. Alduin was once the crown of our father's creation. You did what was necessary. He flew far from the path of right action in his arrogance. But I cannot celebrate his fall. He was my brother once. This world will never be the same." "Still, this world is safe," I reassured him. "Perhaps. At least it will continue to exist," Paarthurnax replied, "As you said, the next world will have to take care of itself. But I forget myself. You have won a mighty victory! One that will echo through the ages! Savor your triumph, Dovahkiin. This is not the last of what you will write upon the currents of Time. Goraan!" "You know, the Blades wanted me to kill you," I said. "They are wise not to trust me. Onikaan ni ov. I would not trust another dovah." "Why shouldn't they trust you?" I asked. "Dov wahfaan fah rel. We were made to dominate. The will to power in in our blood. You feel it in yourself do you not?" Paarthurnax asked. "Maybe," I said, pondering what I'd asked the moot for now in a new light. "I can be trusted, I can tell you this. But they do not. And that is a wise choice. I have overcome my nature through long study of the Way of the Voice. What is better - to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?" "Damn, that's some quotable shit," I smirked. "Seems as though you've made your choice," he said. "Yeah, I was never going to kill you. You are clearly my favorite dragon," I smiled. He shouted to the assembled dragons now, "Many of the dova are now scattered across Keizaal. Without Alduin's lordship, they may yet bow to the vahzen... rightness of my Thu'um. But willing or no, they will hear it!" And the dragons started to fly circles around the mountain, finding this a challenge. They scattered to the winds, and Paarthurnax looked down at me once more, "Farewell, Dovahkiin!" As they dispersed, another dragon landed. "Odahviing!" I yelled, "Here to claim your place as my third favorite dragon?" "Third?" He asked, "Prudah wundunne wah Wuth Gein. I came to wish the old one luck in his quest. I doubt many will wish to exchange Alduin's lordship for Paarthurnax's peaceful 'Way of the Voice.' As for myself, you've proven your mastery twice over. Thuri, Dovahkiin. I gladly acknowledge the power of your Thu'um. Call me and I shall come to your aid." "Alright, dragon buddy," I chuckled. He didn't seem amused, and flew off before I could say another word. I figured I needed to visit a couple people before I headed to Volkihar, and they were on the way. I went to the temple on the way down the mountain. "I was starting to wonder if you would return. I can see it on your face. Is it truly done?" Arngeir asked. "I went to Sovngarde and killed him. Funny though, I didn't absorb his soul. He broke apart and was swallowed up by some portal," I said. "Perhaps the rules don't apply to one such as him. Perhaps he was sent back to his father, Akatosh. Perhaps he will return again someday and this will begin again." "Who's to say," I said rhethorically, figuring I would go ahead and burn this bridge between them, "You know the Blades wanted me to kill Paarthurnax." "Bloodthirsty barbarians. Now you see why I warned you against them!" "Relax. He's helped me a great deal and there's no way I could do that. Is it true he was Alduin's ally?" "Yes. But understand - during the days of Alduin's rule, all dragons were his allies. There was nothing else they could be," Arngeir explained, "Paarthurnax was the one who rebelled first. And he taught men Thu'um." "Don't worry, I'm not going to kill Paarthurnax," I restated. "Kyraneth has placed the voice of wisdom within you, dragonborn," he said. Next I traveled to Sky Haven Temple. "She's here!" Delphine shouted, "I was starting to wonder if you were coming back. We heard the news from Whiterun - that you left on the back of a dragon! A little showy, even for you. But it seems you have good news?" "I used Alduin's portal to Sovngarde and killed him," I smiled. "When you walked into my Inn, I never imagined...." she said. "Oh and one more thing. About Paarthurnax," I started. "Make your choice. You're either with us or against us," Delphine said. "I'm not going to kill him." "But he helped Alduin enslave our ancestors. He may have betrayed Alduin in the end, but we can't trust him." Esbern chimed in, "Justice can be harsh. But it is still justice. Paarthurnax deserves to die. He was the author of many atrocities during the Dragon War - crimes great enough to be remembered for thousand of years. Nothing he did can excuse or expiate his previous deeds." "All the same, I'm not going to kill him," I said. "Dragonborn," Delphine said, "That's not your decision to make. He needs to answer for his crimes." "Gee," I folded my arms, "I remember what happened all those times when people told me I had to do things. But is this just revenge? I thought the Blades were better than this." "The atrocities are unforgivable. This isn't about revenge," Delphine said. "We wouldn't be here if not for him," I said. "Are you so blind to let that dragon manipulate you into this? Letting him live is dangerous." "You're getting awfully black and white all of the sudden. I'm a vampire, wanna kill me too, like the Dawnguard? You know, having someone like Serana is really going to help the vampire masses to be under control now. And my thoughts are the same with Paarthurnax. He's overcome his nature. I don't know if you've noticed, but there are at least a few dozen dragons left in Skyrim." Delphine exhaled. So I continued, "Well, is the dragonborn in authority over the blades or not? Did the Blades question the authority of Reman Cyrodiil or Tiber Septim this way?" "Those were different times." "Paarthurnax literally taught Tiber Septim the Way of the Voice. The same guy," I was starting to get angry now, "Is this what the blades have become? The greybeards said you were bloodthirsty barbarians and I'm inclined to agree." "How dare you?" Delphine said. "How dare I?" I growled, "I'm not killing him and that's final. And neither will you!" "You're not going to stop us from meting out justice!" Delphine yelled at me. Oh, you wanna shout, huh? "Dreh ni fus bahi!" The temple started to rumble. That was some sort of garbled half-shout, and didn't really do anything, but it was a sufficient scare-tactic. Delphine blinked, realizing she was poking a bear now, "By the gods. I have no desire to die here today. Very well. I will follow your orders, though it is against my better judgment." "Thank you," I said, exhaling, "I figured you'd see it my way. I still value your judgment and support. I just think everybody is wrong sometimes." I suddenly realized I'd forgotten to use the dragon-killing katana on any of that adventure. Bah! Finally, I traveled to Castle Volkihar. Wow, I thought. They'd really cleaned up this place in only a few days. The same nobles were there, eating a meal, though there weren't human bodies and bones strewn around. It was more dignified. I looked around, and Serana was leaning against a pillar to my right. She was looking right at me, like she was frozen. She put her hand over her mouth, tears welling up. "Serana! I did it!" I shouted as I walked over to her. "I... " she started, tripping over her words, "I thought you were dead." "What the hell took so long?" She asked. "Sovngarde is big enough. I took me a day to trek across it, and I had to rest after fighting that world-ending evil. But only a few days. Five, tops," I said, "But speaking of that, you have done a LOT since I've been gone." "Five days?" She said to herself. The expression on her face could only be described as confusion. "You've been gone... for five months," she said. "...... Wait what?" I asked.

Hey, it's Destana again. Last time, I got ready to call Odaviing and fight him and find out where Alduin is hiding, but decided I would take care of the vampire problem first. With both Elder Scrolls, I headed back into Castle Volkihar and found the Moth Priest, Dexion Evicus. And I noticed he has a blindfold on. He said, "I'm sorry, I won't be able to read another Elder Scroll for you. I'm afraid in my haste to read the first scroll, I neglected the time I needed to prepare. The failure is purely mine to bear. As you can see from my bandages, I am physically unable. Oh please, milady, forgive me!" "I don't suppose there's a cure for permanent blindness?" "If only such a miracle existed..." He said. "Then I have no further need of you..." I said, about to tell him to go home, but I considered what accommodations he would need. "Although I would gladly die by our hand, perhaps I could offer an alternative way to read the scrolls?" He said quickly. "Dexion, I wasn't going to kill you. But, go on." "Thank you for letting me continue to serve, m'lady! There's an Ancestor Glade in Skyrim, in the pine forest. Someone could use the ancestor moths within to read the scroll. You remove the bark from a canticle tree, which attracts the moths. Once enough moths are gathered, they'll provide you with second sight needed to decipher the scrolls." "I assume this is the 'proper' way to do this, that moth priests usually go through?" "Yes, m'lady. There should be a draw knife available at the glade to cut the bark," he said, "Not even every moth priest ever gets to do this! You should count yourself blessed if it works." I gathered up blood potions from the table and set back out to the Ancestor Glade with my group. Looking down, I saw a lowered clearing with many waterfalls, moths gathering at the trees. A stream of light cast on the center, which is where I found the draw knife. "This is beautiful. I doubt there's any other place like it in Skyrim," Serana commented. I cut a bunch of bark and rubbed it on myself and ran around. When I'd gathered a shitton of moths, I started to glow. When I stepped under the shaft of light, I knew this was the place. I opened the Elder Scroll, just like I'd done a couple days ago in the Time Wound. When I did, an image was burned into my vision. I felt faint, and when I knocked the cobwebs out of my brain, Serana was helping me up. "Are you ok? Almost thought I lost you there... you went white as the snow," she said. "I doubt that," I commented on my dark skin, "But I do know where we need to go." It was burned in my brain. I pulled out my map and marked it, "Darkfall Cave." Just then, I heard a noise. Dawnguard! I hid behind one of the rocks while the group dealt with them, I adding an arrow or two. My vision still wasn't fully recovered. Maybe I should stop reading these things. When we got to Darkfall Cave (it was very dark) we walked past a wooded clearing in the cave, up a path to a rickety bridge. As I neared the middle, only Sofia and Serana had stepped onto it when the bridge broke apart. We were all dunked into a rushing river, swept downstream. When we got to the end, I casted a Perpetual Light and we were immediately beset by Cave Spiders. The three of us cut them down. I summoned Shirley and Inigo and we ventured on. We reached a camp covered in blood and Serana said, "Why would anybody set up camp here?" Then, realizing I was being dumb, I activated Night Eye, because I was a vampire. Venturing on, we encountered a couple of Cave Trolls, then in the distance I saw what looked like a Falmer. I got out my bow and took aim. "You have nothing to fear from me," the figure said, and I put my bow away. "Who are you?" I said as I approached. And I realized he was an elf, but white as the snow. "I am Knight-Paladin Gelebor. Welcome to the Great Chantry of Auri-El." "This cave is a temple?" "Auriel, Auri-El, Alkosh, Akatosh... so many different names for the sovereign of the Snow Elves." Pretty sure Auriel is not Akatosh, but ok. I said, "You don't look Falmer." "I prefer Snow Elf. Falmer is what we call the Betrayed." "I imagine you know why we're here," I said. "Of course. You're here for Auriel's Bow. I can help you get it, but I need your assistance," Gelebor said. "What do you need?" I folded my arms. I'd already been down a dank Falmer hole recently. Guess it was already time for another. "I need you to kill Arch-Curate Vyrthur, my brother." "Okay, but why?" "I don't understand what's happened to him. It was the Betrayed. They did something to him. I just don't understand how Auriel would allow this to happen. They swept into the Chantry without warning and began killing everyone without pause. It is a peaceful place of worship. My small group of paladins were no match for their sheer numbers. He's alive, but he's changed. And it doesn't seem like he's under duress." "I have a group here. I don't suppose you want to help us?" I asked. "Leaving the wayshrines unguarded would be violating my sacred duty as a Knight-Paladin." "Wow, that's some devotion. Even after everyone and everything you knew is dead (which Auriel could've probably done something about) you still cling to this faith," I said, "Just tell me what to do." "Let me show you how these shrines work," he casted a spell, and the shrine behind him opened up. "Initiates completed their mantras, then they dip a ceremonial ewer in the basin at each wayshrine." Serana said, "So we have to lug around a heavy pitcher of water. Marvelous." "And to enter the Inner Sanctum, you pour the pitcher into the basin there." "Seems like a waste," Serana said. "It's symbolic. I don't expect you to understand," he said, "There are five wayshrines in total." "Doesn't matter. Are they all in caves?" "Oh, no. The Chantry encompasses far more than a few caves. There will be a spectral prelate at each wayshrine," Gelebor said. I grabbed the ewer from Gelebor, and dipped it in the shrine. A portal opened up in one of the archways in the wayshrine, with several blank walls that I assumed would open up later. "Alright, team," I said, diving in. Another dark cave, I continued on with the group following. We fought through Falmer, walked through a waterfall, then I pulled a chain that opened up a large cave that reminded me of Blackreach. This one was rock paths over a large body of water, but the strange lights and mushrooms were the same. We fought our way past several strangely-patterned Saber Cats, then found the first shrine. I dipped the ewer and went through the portal. This one opened up to a misty clearing with more strange saber cats, green deer, and colorful flora. Most of them were in this field, but miles away, so we trekked. "It's ironic that we're 'helping' these priests," I said. "Honestly, I don't think they care what a bunch of vampires would do with Auriel's Bow. They're pretty focused on the past," Serana replied. "Yeah I don't get the sense that they care much about the sun, or even the actual god himself anymore. It's pretty sad," I said. After a little bit of running, we reached the second, and the third. I had to do a little mountain climbing to get to the fourth, and I lost most of my group. Sofia kept up with me though. It seemed she was intent on proving she was useful. I looked down at a frozen lake and spied something on the horizon. Aiming my bow, I figured it was too far away. Sofia came up behind me and nudged me a little. I lost my footing and fell. My cushioned boots protected me from harm, but I turned to see a Frost Giant right behind me. He slammed his greatclub onto the ice and I fell backward. This one attack, even missing me, left me quite injured! I backed up, dodging the next attack. Knowing type matchups, I casted a double-handed Elemental Bolt to catch him on fire. Sofia engaged and I took him down with a bow. Whew. I stepped out onto the ice, as the shrine was nearby. My group was just coming around the mountain when two ice dragons burst out of the frozen river. Not dealing with this alone. "DUR - NEH - VIIR!" I shouted, and the undead dragon appeared. Immediately hungry for battle, he engaged the far away dragon while we engaged the nearby one. This time, through ranged attacks of the whole group and me using Dragonrend, we were able to fell them both. Another Frost Giant (who I'd been initially aiming at) was at the far end of the lake, but I started shooting at the edge of my range and he was dead before he got to us. I collected the fourth shrine, and turned toward the last one. This one led us into an icy crevasse in a mountain spiderwebbed with Falmer construction. We fought our way up icy cliffs for a couple hours, me primarily sniping them with my bow (and if they ever got close, I gave them an Unrelenting Force to send them into the pit). I spied a beautiful elven bridge high above us. When we ran out of falmer homes and places to climb, I scratched my head. You remember waaaaay back when I was infiltrating cities and using rope arrows? Well, I got out a bundle of them, dusted them off, and shot about ten of them across the rocks above me. It was still a hard climb, and my jumping abilities certainly helped, but eventually I reached the bridge. The only one to tail me properly: Sofia. "How the heck are you so good at keeping up with me? Not even a powerful vampire can do that." "I'm good at being on your ass you say?" She chuckled. She knew exactly what she was doing. I walked over to the last shrine and dipped the ewer, and noted that the Inner Sanctum was across the bridge. I summoned the others who were having trouble climbing, we took a short break (them for food and me and Serana for a blood potion) then poured the ewer in the final basin and headed inside. "My friend, you never stop do you?" Inigo smirked. "Haven't considered it, no," I said, "Maybe when I'm old. But if I stay a vampire, I guess that's not going to happen." We laughed. Inside were numerous ice statues. Some of them holding pretty good-looking weapons and items. "Nobody touch anything," I said, "I know enough to know if you touch these, they'll probably come to life and try to kill you." I placed the ewer on a pedestal that looked like it belonged to, which opened a side door. We ventured forward, only to find a trapped Frost Giant and some treasure, both of which we dealt with. "Sometimes I wonder if we could make peace with the monsters too. The Forsworn seem to have done so," I said. Then we walked back in the main chamber and I took the ewer back. We walked forward, not disturbing anything, until we found a room filled with the statues and another Snow Elf sitting on a throne. He looked bored. "Did you really come here expecting to claim Auriel's Bow?" He asked. I assumed this was Vythur. "You've done exactly as I predicted and brought your fetching companion to me." "Oh, you mean me?" Serana asked. "I'm sorry, but your usefulness is at an end," Vythur said to me. Knowing exactly what was coming, I started my transformation as he was talking. The group got the hint and started to draw their weapons as the ice sculptures burst forth, waves of Falmer rushing us. After a few waves and me drinking my fill of Falmer with blood storm, he cast a spell at the ceiling, bringing it down above us. Another wave of Falmer with an Ancient Frost Atronach, then he brought the rest of the roof down, and I was knocked out from a stone hitting me on the head. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in my human form, Serana slapping me gently on the face. "C'mon," she said, "He's retreating!" We rushed forward to a balcony overlooking the valley and Serana grappled with Vythur, "You're going to give us that bow!" "How dare you!" He struggled, and it seemed their strength was nearly matched, "I was the Arch-Curate of Auriel. I had the ear of a god!" "Until the betrayed corrupted you. We heard," she replied. "Look in my eyes! What am I?" Vythur shouted, raging against his god. "You're... a vampire?" Serana asked, "But Auriel should have protected you." "Daddy Auriel seems like he doesn't give a shit about the elves," I added. "I was infected by one of my own initiates, and Auriel turned his back on me. He may have been beyond my reach for revenge, but his influence on our world wasn't. All I needed was the blood of a vampire and his own weapon to cut off his influence in Nirn," Vythur said. "Can't say I blame Vythur," I muttered. "I created the prophecy that led you here," Vythur continued, "Because I needed one final ingredient. A Daughter of Coldharbour." Serana gritted her teeth. I'd never seen her this mad. She reached for Vythur again, grabbing his neck and lifting him off the ground. But he put his feet on her chest and kicked off, landing on his feet. Everyone's drew weapons. He quickly casted a spell, summoning another Ancient Frost Atronach, but there were five of us. He lasted approximately six seconds. A moment later, the shrine in the Inner Sanctum rose. Door opening, Knight-Paladin Gelebor walked out of one of the portals. "This wayshrine is active. Vythur must be dead," he said. "It wasn't the Falmer's fault," I said flatly, "He was a vampire." "That explains much. Deep inside, it brings me joy the Betrayed weren't to blame. Perhaps..." He started. Maybe someday the Falmer could be cured, but that wasn't happening anytime soon. "My thanks, to both of you," Gelebor said, "You may have the bow. You've restored the Chantry. If you wish, I can create Sunhallowed Arrows for you, from normal elven arrows." Of course it had to be elven arrows. I pulled out a roll of them from my pack. Usually I just use whatever arrows are closest to the top. Thank gods I hadn't used all of them. I had him make me 40 of them. As Gelebor handed me the bow, he said, "This bow was said to be created by Auriel himself in battle against Lorkhan in ancient times. It draws power from Aetherius, channeling it through the sun. With these arrows, the effect is even greater." We got on the road to Volkihar Castle. Serana commented, "Not as shiny as I was expecting. Before we visited my mother, I'd say we bring it to my father. But now..." "Oh, I'm going to bring him this bow. And I'll deliver these arrows to Harkon personally," I said. "But..." Serana said. "You know, one at a time, at very high velocity. I was making a joke," I smiled, "That was in poor taste, wasn't it?" "I wish there was another way," she sighed, "I know I might seem pretty carefree, joking with you all the time... I guess I'm just trying to run away from all these feelings. But I feel pretty overwhelmed right now." Sofia said, "Have you ever wondered if our lives are just one big game? That the gods are playing with us?" "Well, Auriel doesn't seem to care about mortals, for one," I said. Serana blinked, "That's... surprisingly profound." "Like someone is sitting there playing with us like some adult plaything," Sofia continued. "Aha," I said, "There's the rub." "Where? I want a rub," Sofia said. "My gods, woman," Inigo facepalmed, "They're trying to have a moment here." "Sofia is pretty good at lightening spirits," Serana said, "I have to say you're growing on me." "Growing on you?" Sofia smirked. "Stop..." I said. We beached the rowboat to the island and got out. We walked as a group to and through the castle. I grabbed a snack from one of the human 'cattle' there, and we continued into Harkon's Room. He was standing there, already in Vampire Lord form, "So, you return." He motioned with his hand, and the doors slammed shut behind us, locking everyone outside the room except myself and Serana. "You look pretty threatening right now. Why would you want to threaten us? We've done exactly as you asked. Moved heaven and earth to get this bow," I said. I was just playing a part at this point. I wanted to see what he would say. He turned to Serana, not even acknowledging me, "Is your pet keeping you entertained?" "Do you actually care?" She asked. "Of course I do," he replied, "You disappoint me, Serana. You've taken everything I provided for you and thrown it away on this... pathetic half-breed vampire. No more. I'm done with you." "You can go to Oblivion for all I care," Serana said, wearing her heart on her sleeve. "I see this one has fangs," Harkon said. Then he turned to me, "It appears I have you to thank for turning my daughter against me. I knew it was only a matter of time before your ambition outgrew your loyalty." "Loyalty? You're hilarious. You were always going to kill me," I replied. "A small price to pay for the betterment of our kind," Harkon said. "You're an insult to our kind," I said. "Please, spare me your notions of kinship," he said. "But you just said our... whatever," I said. "You've simply used Serana in an attempt to take away what should rightfully be mine. I see you've been speaking to Valerica and she's convinced you that eternal night will plunge us into war with daytime dwellers. If only it were so. With the world in shadow, we would never tire, never weaken... more than a match for their pitiful armies." I narrowed my eyes, "Are you seriously that dense?" "How do you mean?" Harkon raised an eyebrow. "What do vampires need to live?" He stared blankly at me. "Whether their armies could take ours or not, vampires need blood. Blood comes from humans and animals. Both of them need plants to survive. Have you ever noticed that at night it gets cold, just like it does in the winter? Plants don't grow in the winter. That's because we're further away from the giant hole in the sky that leads to Aetherius we call the Sun. No sun, no plants, no animals, no humans, no... fucking... vampires!" His eyes got larger, as if he'd just come to a huge realization. "My plan was to stop you from the beginning. You ruined your family for this idiotic plan that would've meant the ruin of all things, including yourself!" I drew Auriel's bow, "You know what? Somebody like you doesn't deserve to be at the head of such a powerful dynasty. I'd let time take it's course, but I know it never will. So I'm going to do your family a favor and end you!" "Come then. Let's end this!" Harkon shouted back. He collapsed into a cloud of bats, which dispersed. I could hear banging on the door like a battering ram now that the battle had begun. Lord Harkon materialized across the room and waved his arm, manifesting a shield and summoning a group of skeletons. Serana fired ice bursts at the skeletons as I nocked a Sun Arrow and fired at Harkon. It pierced his shield, but he used bats again, appearing to my left. He immediately blasted me with Blood Storm, and I jumped to the side. I returned fire with Auriel's Bow and Sunblessed Arrows. Serana struggled to keep control of the skeletons, to which Harkon summoned gargoyles! He darted about the room, using the architecture to his advantage. Every time I got him, he drained it back with Blood Storm. This was not looking good. Suddenly, Shirley's Ebony-Booted foot tore through the double doors. She drew her greatsword as Inigo and Sofia rushed into the room. "Didn't anybody tell you, don't mess with Grandma?!" Shirley shouted. The three engaged the rapidly increasing skeleton forces in melee, leaving Serana and I to focus on her father. Where I was struggling with him, Serana made up for my weakness by flanking him. Between her ice blasts and my arrows (which I nearly ran out of) he fell. "No...my daughter... how could you?" He whispered as he crumbled to dust by his blood fountain. I exhaled as Garan entered. It was done. He said, "My congratulations on defeating Harkon. Clearly you are the superior vampire." "Clearly not," I said, "Look at all the help I needed." "Well, you're the master now. We bow to your power, which includes Auriel's Bow. The castle is yours. We shall follow you and help spread your influence across Skyrim," he said. "Dude, what the hell are you talking about? That's not how royalty and nobility works," I proclaimed, then stepped aside, pointing to Serana, "She is the new master of the castle now. Why the hell does every faction in Skyrim do that?" Serana scowled at Garan, then giggled at me, "As my first decree, I think we need to do some reconstruction. This castle is a trash heap. And I want to refocus our overall mission." "What should we change, mistress?" Garan asked. "I want us to focus on either bringing the wayward vampires under our command, or destroying them. Mainly the ones that are a nuisance to the humans of Skyrim," Serana said. "But... humans are our food. They are little more than cattle," Garan scoffed. "No. Humans are our friends, not food." "Come now," Garan cringed at this talk, then he looked at me. "Don't look at me! I was going to say the same thing. Though maybe not as articulately," I folded my arms, "I called a moot a few weeks ago. I negotiated you guys becoming a part of Skyrim's people for real. Though I imagine you want to maintain your secret location so a random Nord doesn't try to burn down the castle, you should make peace. Make an effort to feed on humans without killing them. Or if you do - do what we do." Serana motioned to the both of us, "We kill bandits and warlocks and animals and drain them. You know, bad people. Though the cattle idea has merit, the women in the foyer look like they're good wenches, stolen from their lives." "Hey!" I said, "I have ties with the Dark Brotherhood. Your cattle could come from them. Instead of kidnapping and killing, they can supply you with cattle." Garan replied snootily, "I suppose that works." Serana turned to me as Garan walked out of the room, "Well, seems like I have my work cut out for me for a while. Got any more adventures to go on?" "Well, there is at least one more, then I'll leave you to your reconstruction. Remember that dragon trap?" I asked. I gathered the group and we traveled back to Whiterun. After that marathon, we slept at the Inn until morning, but then we went back to Dragonsreach. "Ready, Vignar?" I asked as I approached the Jarl's throne. Balgruuf was there too, the two seemed to be getting along famously. "Dragonborn!" Balgruuf shouted, "We were just discussing the terms of the moot." "I must say, I am getting on in years. My family is already wealthy, but Balgruuf is still young. I would be willing to step down and let him retake his place. I'm more apt to spend my twilight years recounting my younger days with the Companions. I don't have the time to drink with Kodlak like I used to!" Vignar chuckled, "But! I'll be damned if I miss this scheme you've cooked up!" "I'm coming too!" Balgruuf shouted. Vidnar continued, "The chains are all greased up and everything still works, thank Talos. My men know what to do. Make sure you do your part. I'm putting the city in your hands." "Let's go trap a dragon," we went out onto the back deck. Everyone got in their positions, and I went out onto the balcony, "OD - AH - VIING!" For a moment - silence. I backed into the massive hall, readying the Nerevarine's Bow. Then the guard standing on the balcony got snatched and thrown to the plains below. My group engaged him with ranged attacks and I stayed back. When he reared his head in front of the huge window, I sent out a, "JOOR!" Dragonrend. He roared in pain and landed, and my group laid into him. I backed off more, shooting him with arrows. Not as strong as Alduin, but stronger than an average dragon. As he started to weaken, I pulled my fighters back. In rage, he charged at me, then the trap was sprung, a huge collar falling on Odahviing and snapping on. "Horvutah med kodaav. Caught like a bear in a trap," he growled, "You went to a great deal of trouble to put me in this... humiliating position. No doubt you want to know where to find Alduin?" "That's right. Where is he hiding?" I said. "An apt phrase. One reason I came to your call was to test your Thu'um for myself. Many of us have begun to question Alduin's lordship. None were ready to openly defy him." "You were telling me where to find Alduin?" I asked again. "Innumerable pardons. I digress. Sovngarde. He regains power by devouring the souls of mortal dead. His door to Sovngarde is at Skuldafn. One of his ancient fanes high in the eastern mountains. So, can I go free now?" "Maybe. Make me an offer. I have a dragon I can call already. Want to be my friend? If I can beat Alduin, then you probably should." "Alright. There is one detail about Skuldafn that I neglected to mention. You will never reach it without wings. I could fly you there, were I not imprisoned like this," Odahviing said. "I get the hint. But do you expect me to trust you?" I folded my arms. "Come, dragonborn, you wound me. I do not lie. If you release me, I promise to take you to Skuldafn and stop helping Alduin," he replied. Farengar (the court mage) slipped in about that time, "I would be most appreciative if you would permit me to perform some, ah, tests on you. In the interest of knowledge." He walked behind Odahviing, "You won't even notice me." Olfina said, "Farengar, this is a bad idea, even for you." "What are you doing back there?" The dragon roared. I smirked, walking casually over to the pull chain while Farengar was still gathering, "Don't forget, you promised." I pulled it, and the collar lifted off Odahviing. I'm pretty sure I saw Farengar go flying across the hall. I chuckled, walking back down to where Odahviing had been collared. "Wait, did I hear all this right?" Serana said. I turned, and it looked like tears were forming in her eyes. "Yeah, I need to ride this dragon here to Skuldafn, before I enter Sovngarde," I said. It sounded a lot more trying and ominous when I said it out loud. "That's the plan?" She said, like a weight just dropped into her stomach, "You ride a dragon to an ancient burial mound - alone - and then travel to a realm of Aetherius. There you defeat Alduin, and somehow come back to the world of the living in one piece. Yeah, I can't exactly say the plan sits well with me." I put my hand on her shoulder, "I'll be fine." "But..." She sighed, "You could die... You've come close so many times. And this could be the thing that does it. I just can't imagine you dying alone up there. You're... the first person I've ever trusted. The first... only... person I've ever loved." I continued to stare into her red, piercing eyes. "There has to be another way," she pleaded. "I don't think there is," I replied. She took a deep breath, "All right. This isn't easy. Go save the world." Odahviing turned toward the massive balcony, "Now, as promised, are you ready to see the world as only a Dovah can?" I nodded, hopping on the dragon's back. "Good luck, my friend!" Inigo shouted. "Dragonborn! You're amazing!" Sofia shouted. Olfina Graymane chimed in, "You're crazy!" "May Kyne guide you!" Vidnar shouted. "Talos be with you!" Balgruuf shouted. "You better come back alive!" Serana chuckled awkwardly.

Hey, it's Destana. I'm a Volkihar vampire, ex-guildmaster of the thieves' guild. Future Queen of Skyrim (maybe). Hero of the Stormcloaks. Mother to the Listener. Slayer of Dragons. Skilled mage and archer. What else... gods I'm bored. I feel like a lot of time has passed since I made an entry. But really that's because I've been sitting here for two days, waiting for Urag the Librarian to actually find all the scattered notes on the Elder Scroll. "Gods! What is taking him so long?!" I shouted, and someone in the distance shushed me. "This is a library, please be quiet!" "Sorry," I said. "On the bright side," Serana started, flipping the page of the book she'd been reading, "Another one for the pile." She tossed the book into a pile of books behind her, now uncountably large. "Talos, how fast do you read?" I asked. "Very fast," she replied. "Okay, well, have you found anything helpful?" I asked. "Not really." "While you're reading chapter books I've learned a few spells," I said. She nodded, opening another book. I sat there, listening to Urag in the distance thumbing through more books. The silence - deafening. I felt like I might scream. It's hard for me to just sit still and do nothing. "Okay, I'm getting antsy. I need to be out there, doing things," I said, standing up. Serana looked at me, "What you gonna do?" "I think I'm going to use Clairvoyance and just walk until I find it. All I need to do is focus on what I want to find," I huffed, "Do you want to come?" "Well... I did just crack open a new book," she said. "Okay," I kissed her. No harm, no foul. I walked out of the Library and into the cold. I realized the spell pointed back at Urag, but then I switched to casting the spell on the quest for Harkon which was just "Bring me more Elder Scrolls." And since we had both the other ones, it pointed to the next objective. I followed it to the north until I found a strange cave with a strange man, and a large dwemer box. "Hey, I've been all over the countryside looking for it. You don't happen to have an Elder Scroll here, do you?" "Well, it is nearby," he replied. "You have an Elder Scroll, just sitting around?" "I've seen enough to know their warp of air, the weft of time. Here as in it's in this plane. Mundus. Tamriel. Nearby, relatively speaking." "So can you help me find where specifically it is?" I asked. "One block lifts the other. Septimus Signus will give you what you want. But you must bring him something in return." "I assume that's you. What do you want?" "You see this dwemer masterwork. Deep inside their greatest knowings. Septimus is clever amon men, but an idiot child compared to the dwemer. Lucky they left behind a way of reading Elder Scrolls. The dwemer found a loophole, as they always do. In the depth of Blackreach, take this Lexicon and transcribe. You will find the scroll there. Elder Scrolls look left and right in the stream of time. Past and future are as one. Sometimes they look up. What do they see then? What if they dive in? Then the madness begins. Under deep. Below the dark. The hidden deep. Tower Mzark. Alftand." I found Alftand and when I did, a dragon turned to me that'd been perching on top of a nearby structure. It was a mechanical dragon! It dropped summons - drawing small dwemer spiders to it. I figured this was a good time to replenish my blood supply. I was a supervamp just like Serana so I didn't need to feed very often either, but I now also could feed from the energies in undead and constructs. I shifted to Vampire Lord form and threw blood storms at it until it landed, then finished it off. I wandered around, first in the tower, then in a ravine, trying to find whatever I was supposed to find here. I climbed out of the ravine to find another dwemer mechanical dragon. This time, I got out my new bow and lightning arrows and pelted it until it landed in front of me. It shot a cone of steam, and I slashed it across the face, bringing it down. Eventually I found some scaffolding that lead deeper into ruins. I was excited to test my newly enchanted equipment. The gloves would detect life everytime I drew a bow. The boots were both muffled (stolen from disenchanting my shrouded boots) and cushioned which meant I wouldn't be hurt by falls. I fought through more dwemer constructs and a few golden dwemer ghosts, unlocking doors and chests along the way, until I got to a deep shaft. I spied chaurus eggs and chitin pens, so I knew I was getting close to falmer territory. I hopped down sequentially to the wall formations on the shaft and the tower in the middle, killing falmer silently as I went. When I reached the bottom a large group of them finally heard me when I missed a shot, but I peppered them with arrows until they were down. I started wondering if this was some kind of satellite or fledgling group, because they not only didn't have fully grown chaurus, they were weak as hell. I came across a couple traps that I disarmed easily, and then I reached the Cathedral. I shot a guy through bars, shot another couple just standing around, then opened the bars and continued. Maybe... it was all these constructs that kept the falmer at bay. When I crested the stairs, a huge dwemer construct broke free of its bonds. Not as big as the numidium, and indeed not as tough as it either. I got a starting shot on him, then used my speed to my advantage, dodging and slashing at it's legs until it went down. I noted there was another large centurion already smashed. I heard a man and woman arguing. She said, "Of course you want me to leave. Just waiting for me to turn my back so you can have all the glory for yourself!" I ducked behind a pillar, watching their conversation. They both drew weapons and so did I, silently. "It's time to end this little game," the man said, and blasted her with a fireball in his offhand. She raised her shield as he charged in and they fought for a bit. Eventually, the fire took it's toll, though, and she fell, him wounded. And it put him in the perfect position. "TIID!" I shouted, slowing time and not taking chances. I hopped out from cover and slashed him across the back, killing him. I sheathed my weapons. They didn't seem to have much on them, and not sure how they got this far. Perhaps they'd killed the other centurion and were doubly wounded. Behind them was the elevator to the surface, to which one of them held the key (oh, that's probably it). But there was also a dwemer mechanism, that opened up square spiraling stairs below, to which I entered. "I wonder if the others would enjoy this. These guys are barely a challenge," I whispered out loud. I stepped into Blackreach, the vast cavern above holding numerous lights and mushrooms. And yes, I figured I should probably summon more eyes to behold this wonder. Serana said, "What the..." She was dressed in her Vampire armor again for some reason. Eh, not gonna nitpick. "This cavern is immense!" Inigo blinked when he popped in. "Are you seeing this?" Serana continued, "I knew my father used to go to Blackreach from time to time, but I didn't expect it to look like this." "Your father came here?" I asked. "It's an entire cave ecosystem. There's probably nothing else like it in Tamriel. Back in my time, there used to be a royal clan of vampires here. The Gray Host. Think Castle Volkihar, but underground, and massive." Shirley took a second to switch into her armor from the purple dress, and Sofia was already ready. "It's really pretty down here. Who knew something like this was just below our feet?" Shirley commented. Then I got a strange thought. I had a way of summoning one of my children at a time, that I'd never used because I figured it was pretty invasive. But I wondered if Damien would fancy a second try at fighting beside me. I summoned him. "Whoa!" he turned to me, "Mom!" It took him a second to recover, then he looked at the cavern ceiling, and he was all about this. "I figured it would be a good thing to report on for school. Maybe learn something," I said. He nodded. I realized I probably wasn't spot-on, he was going to enjoy himself whilst traveling in the back and flinging spells with Serana. We started off, fighting falmer and chaurus and Damien commented, "I wonder if it stays warm down here from steam vents?" Gods, my boy is smart. We trekked through what seemed like miles of underground (fighting more falmer) until we came to another structure. It looked dwemer. "This must be the place," I led the way. Indeed, it was filled with dwemer treasures. It was some form of living space, and had a ramp leading up. "I would find the dwemer's inventions fascinating if they weren't trying to kill us," Damien said. Inigo looked at Damien, "I wonder if the Elder Scroll feels starved of attention down here. I doubt many of the residents know how to read." They both chuckled. I ventured up the ramp and found a dwemer ghost lounging on a raised platform. He hadn't seen us yet. To my right was a wonderous, spinning device with mirrors. I took out my bow to deal with the dwemer. But Sofia said something loud to Serana, who yelled back to her as she got to the top of the ramp, "First off, Sofia, that's a myth. Vampires are okay with eating garlic. There was an elder vampire before that just happened to be allergic to it. That perpetuated the myth." The ghost popped to attention and drew a sword, but my guys were so on top of it with arrows and spells it fell before it even turned to attack. I told the group to stay down in the living area for a few minutes while I fiddled with the lexicon. I popped it in, pressing the first button and the thing sprang to life, spinning into position. I noticed Damien was up on the raised platform with me. "I'm pretty fascinated by this stuff. The dwemer created so many wondrous machines. I wonder why nobody followed in their footsteps," Damien stroked his chin. Using my puzzle skills gained from a lifetime of solving nord puzzles, I solved it. The aperture at the center opened and I grabbed the scroll. The group came up the ramp (I figured they were watching). Inigo shouted, "Well done, my friend!" "That thing hurts my eyes just looking at it!" Sofia said. Back to the weird old guy first. I gave Septimus codex to him, but he didn't seem extremely happy. "I got that lexicon inscription for you." "Extraordinary. I see it now," Septimus replied, "But this dwemer device seems to have a second lock, bound by dwemer blood. A panoply of their brethren could gather to form a facsimile. A trick. Something not even they would anticipate. Gather me vials of blood from Altmer, Bosmer, Dunmer, Falmer and Orsimer." Whatever. Later. I had the final scroll. I walked toward the exit. "Inigo, Sofia, Shirley. You guys can probably go home now. But be on standby. I see some stuff going down soon. I'm going to see a guy about a shout. On a mountain," I explained. They had already walked out when I neared the exit. "What the fuck?" I said. A black, roiling mass was in front of me, filled with eyes and tentacles, blocking my exit. "Come. Bask in my presence," it said. Ew. "No thanks. Who are you?" "Hermaeus Mora. Guardian of the unseen, knower of the unknown. I have been watching you." "Of course you have. I seem to be liked by daedra," I muttered. "Most impressive, mortal." "What do you want?" I asked. "Your continuing to aid Septimus renders him increasingly obsolete. He has served me well, but his time is nearing its end. Once that infernal lockbox is opened, he will have exhausted his usefullness to me. When that time comes, take his place as my emissary. What say you?" "Ugh. Again. No thanks," I replied in disgust. "Be warned. Many have thought as you do, and I have broken them all. You shall not evade me forever," it said before it vanished. I paused there for a moment. First, to make sure all the squicky tentacles were gone, but then to think. If a daedric lord wants something so much that a group of mortals made, then those mortals must be kind of a big deal. At that moment I started to think of the dwemer in a new light. Their tech could definitely do things that not even daedric princes could do. That... was on the level of Tiber Septim, the Nerevarine, or the Hero of Kvatch. Maybe I should look into their tech a little more at some point. Also gotta remember it got them exploded or whatever. I stepped outside. "What took you so long?" Serana asked. "Just... eh, don't worry about it," I said. Then I traveled to High Hrothgar and left Serana and Damien there, scaling to the peak again. As I reached the summit, Paarthurnax landed on a nearby rock face, "You have it! The Kel. Tiid kreh qalos. Time shudders at its touch. There is no question. The very bones of the earth are at your disposal. Go! Fulfill your destiny! Take the scroll to the Time-Wound. Alduin will feel the signs! Hurry!" I stepped into the vortex of power at the top of the mountain and opened the Elder Scroll. I felt a blinding light envelop me, and I was looking into the past. A young man and woman and an old man were fighting with a dragon. "Today Alduin will reclaim his throne! I honor your courage. Die now, in vain!" The dragon yelled. He blasted fire at the man, who stood behind a pillar. The woman leapt atop the dragon's head and slashed it in the eyes, while the man finished it. There was much cheering. The man said, "The battle below grows ill. If Aldun does not rise to our challenge, I fear all is lost." The woman replied, "You worry too much, brother. My blade has felled four of his kin today alone. He can't refuse this invitation." "He cannot ignore out defiance," the old man said, "He does not fear us, even now." And he appeared. That black dread dragon landed on the high rocks above and shouted, "Meyye! Tahrodis aanne! Die, mortals!" "Let those that watch from Sovngarde envy us this day!" The woman shouted. Aldion reared back and the three of them did the same. He shouted and shot a cone of frost, and the three of them answered with, "JOOR - ZAH - FRUL." I could feel that familiar pounding in my ears and I knew it. Dragonrend. Mortal - Finite - Temporary. Alduin fell to the snow and they converged on him. "What have you done?! What twisted words have you created? Tahrodiis Paarthunax! My teeth to his neck!" Alduin roared, "You will feed me when you go to Sovngarde!" "I will not die in fear!" The woman yelled. But it seemed, his weakness wasn't enough to stop him entirely. He snapped the woman in his jaws, and as he flung her in the air, her organs and blood sprayed over the battlefield. Alduin was grounded, but he wasn't out. The man cleaved him several times in the face, but Alduin blasted him with fire that blew him away. "Enough! Hold, Alduin on the Wing! Sister Hawk, grant us your sacred breath to make this contract heard!" The old man pulled out the Elder Scroll, "Begone World-Eater! By words with older bones than even your own! You are banished! Alduin, we shout you out from all our endings unto the last!" Alduin blasted fire at the old man, but the fire hit the scroll and turned to nothing. Alduin faded, and vanished. I blinked, having been ejected from the time wound. Then I heard a roar that made my hair stand up. "Dovahkiin! Alduin is here!" Paarthurnax shouted. Fire fell from the sky in his wake, and he blasted the ground around me with frost, nearly killing me before he flew off again. I chugged a large potion. "What good is knowing this shout if I don't live to use it!" I growled. But then I had an idea. "It's time for you to fulfill your bargain, old buddy. DUR - NEH - VIIR!" I shouted, and a massive undead dragon rivaling Alduin's size sprang forth from the ground. At least that would keep him busy while I got to safety. I pulled out my bow as the two beasts fought in the air. It seemed even Durnehviir had his limits, though. I took careful aim, trying not to hit both, then shouted, "JOOR!" I clipped Alduin in the foot, but it was enough. Suffused with blue energy, he fell to the ground. "Never again!" He roared. I charged in and slashed him in the face. When it seemed like he would recover, I threw another Dragonrend, only using the first word to keep the recovery short and keep him locked on the ground. "Don't you touch her!" Serana yelled, spitting frost as she approached. After moments, Alduin turned to me, and said, "Meyz mul, Dovahkiin. You have become strong. But I am Alduin! Firstborn of Akatosh! I cannot be slain here, by you or anyone else!" Then he leapt into the air, throwing off the effects of Dragonrend and retreating. I sighed in relief as the weather returned to normal. Paarthurnax perched on his word wall, "Lot krongah. You truly have the voice of a dovah. Alduin's allies will think twice after this victory." "Victory? He nearly killed me... several times. And he got away." "True. This is not the final victory. But even the heroes of old were not able to defeat Alduin in open battle," Paarthurnax said. "Well, I did have help," I smiled at Serana. Durnehviir had already returned to the Soul Cairn. "Alduin was always arrogant in his power. Uznahgar paar. He took dominion as his birthright. This will shake the loyalty of his dov." "I need to find him and finish this," I said. "One of his allies could tell us. Perhaps if you drew him to the hofkahsejun - the palace in Whiterun. It was built to house a captive dovah," Paarthurnax explained. "The Jarl of Whiterun might not think kindly to that," I said. "Hmm.. yes, but your su'um is strong. I do not doubt that you can convince him of the need." I turned to Serana, "Well, I guess we need to figure out the name of one of his lieutenants. Esburn is pretty knowledgeable about these kinds of things." I told Damien he could head home, then I traveled back to Sky Haven Temple. I approached Esburn. "I have learned the identity of the leader of the Greybeards." "Yeah, he's a dragon. He's helped me a lot," I said. "Well, need I remind you that the Blades kill dragons? And Paarthurnax performed countless atrocities in Alduin's name. He should be made to pay," Esburn said. "Yeah, well. I'm going to focus on killing Alduin first," I said, not committing to killing him at all, "Esburn, what do you know about other dragons that work for Alduin now?" "Why do you ask, Dragonborn?" "I want to trap him in Dragonsreach and get him to tell me where his master is," I said, "Another idea by Paarthurnax." "Mmmm... excellent idea. Your voice in particular is likely to intrigue a dragon after your victory over Alduin. I have one name in mind - Od - Ah - Viing. Winged Snow Hunter, as I read it." I must be getting better at this, because I picked that one up from a non-thu'um. I instantly learned to call him. I grinned, "Alright. I'm going to see Vidnar. Or Balgruuf. Whichever." I showed up in Whiterun now. This all felt like it was happening so fast, but I was definitely traveling a lot. I walked into Dragonreach and approached "Vignar!" I said, "Good to see you're well." "What do you want, Dragonborn?" He asked. I smiled, "I need to trap a dragon in your palace." "I must've misheard you. I thought you asked me to help you trap a dragon in my palace," Vignar replied. "You know I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important," I said. "Of course. You already saved Whiterun from a dragon. I owe you. But why would you invite it in when I'm trying to keep it out?" "You may not have heard from the moot you were absent from, but Alduin is back. I'm trying to figure out where he's hiding. To do that, I need to call and trap one of his lieutenants," I explained. He went from a scowl, slowly, to a smile, his moustache curling the length of his face, "You're crazy. But this is just crazy enough to work." "I'll give you some time to prepare. I'm going to go work out the details of this other Elder Scroll."

Hey, it's Destana. I called a moot in Skyrim. And, for the most part, it seems like the Jarls are willing to go along with my plans. But I had a lot of work ahead of me. This had gotten bigger than just gathering Elder Scrolls to finish the vampires' fool plan. Now, I was on my way to kill Alduin and Harkon. I took Serana to High Hrothgar, leaving the others. I approached Arngeir, "I need a shout that will kill Alduin." "What have you heard? Who have you been talking to?" "Alduin's Wall." "The Blades. Of course. They specialize in meddling with matters that don't concern them. They've always sought to turn the Dragonborn from the path of wisdom. Have you learned nothing from us?" "They're helping," I meant it as both an explanation and a rebuke for the graybeards. "Of course. Unfortunately, I can't teach it to you, because I don't know it. It's called 'Dragonrend,' and we do not regret this loss." "Sounds pretty legendary," Serana said. "So how can I defeat Alduin then?" I asked. "Only Paarthunax, the master of our order, can answer your questions, if he chooses," Arngeir said. "Why haven't I met this guy before?" I asked. "He lives in seclusion on the top of the mountain. We will teach you a shout to open the path," he said, and the old men started slowly walking out back. "Well, congratulations. You're officially Skyrim's errand girl. Even if others don't appreciate you, I do. I hope your name echoes through the ages," Serana smiled. They taught me Clear Skies, and I made my way up the mountain, throwing out the first word of the shout to clear the path as I went up. We only met an Ancient Frost Atronach and an Ice Wraith on the way up, then we were at the summit. A dragon roared, landing in front of me. "Of course this is the secret. I bet you're Paarthurnax," I laughed, "And that's where the Graybeards learned shouts. And why you are a master of the voice." "Greetings, Dovahkiin. You are correct, I am Paarthurnax. I am as my father Akatosh made me. Why have you disturbed my meditation?" "I need to learn the Dragonrend shout." "Drem. First we must greet each other," Paarthurnax said. He had a wizened, old voice. If dragons could grow beards, I imagine his would have been gray and long. "A... dragon?" Serana had lagged behind and just reached the top. "Keep up, hon. This is the leader of the greybeards." I said. "Figures." Paarthurnax turned to the stone wall across the summit and blasted it with fire, "A gift, Dovahkiin. Understand fire as the Dov do." I walked over to the smoldering fire and power drew into me, teaching me, 'Yol.' "Now, show me what you can do. Greet me not as mortal, but as Dov!" "Okay," I smiled, "YOL!" And fire burst from my mouth onto Paarthurnax. He chuckled, "YES! Sossedov los mul! The dragon blood flows strong in you. It is long since I had the pleasure of speech with one of my own kind." He swooped into the air and landed on the wall he'd burned earlier, "Greetings. You have made the journey here. Not so easy for a mortal, even one of dragon blood. What would you ask of me?" "I need to learn Dragonrend." "Prodah. I have expected you. You would not come all this way just to speak with an old Dov. You seek a weapon against Alduin. But I do not know the shout you seek. It cannot be known to me," Paarthurnax said. "Well, shit," I said. "Your kind created it as a weapon against my kind," he explained, "Our minds cannot conceive of the concept. But I know of a way. Drem. All in good time. First, a question. Why do you seek to learn it?" I paused for a second, then said, "I guess... I like this world. Even for all its faults. I don't want it to end." "Some would say that all things must end, so the next can come to pass," he replied, "Perhaps this is only the egg of the next world, destined to be born. Would you stop it?" "The next world can take care of itself," I replied. "Paas. Well said. Maybe you only balance the forces that bring the end of this world. Even we who ride the currents of time cannot see past time's end. Those who seek to delay it may bring it forth. Those who seek to end it may delay it. But... you have indulged my love for speech long enough. Do you know why I live here on this mountain?" "Well," I shrugged, "Dragons like mountains, right?" "True. But not many know this is the spot where Alduin was slain. Perhaps none but me remember how he was defeated." "Dragonrend?" I asked. "Yes and no. The shout weakened him. It was an Elder Scroll," he said. "Ah, there's our scroll," I said. "Yes, they used it to cast him adrift on the currents of time. Time flows ever onward. He has returned," Paarthurnax said. "How does this help me?" I folded my arms. "Patience. With the Elder Scroll used to cast Alduin to the future, you may be able to peer back through the wound in time. See how your shout was done," he explained. "Hmm... do you know where to find it?" "No. Thousands of years have passed since then. You are likely better informed than I," he replied, "When you find it, return here. You may be able to see my friends Hakon, Gormlaith and Felldir." "Friends?" "Three mortals I first taught Thu'um, who created Dragonrend," Paarthurnax said. "Oh, one more thing, if it doesn't kill dragons, what does it do?" "I've never seen it done. It is said to force immortal dov to experience the concept of mortality, weakening them greatly for a time," he explained. So we trekked back down the mountain. As we walked, Serana said, "I'm at a loss for words. I just saw you talk to a dragon. Not just with words, but literally breathing out fire. Just don't do it to me, ok?" I smirked, "Of course not. But I guess that leaves us nowhere." I went and talked to Arngeir (and got in a sneak feed, and he was a blue blood, as I suspected), who basically told me if Paarthurnuax wills it, then I should go find that elder scroll and learn Dragonrend. Of course, a stodgy old man in a mountain also had no help for me. I stopped by my Private Tower in Helgen to pick up some new clothes. I disenchanted everything that'd been lying around for a while, then used a 'High Alchemy' spell (that was alteration) to transmute all the junk I had into gold. Not quite as lucrative as selling it, but way more convenient. I kept the Crusader Armor, but fished out some new sets of clothing (the joke had worn pretty thin) and enchanted them to my liking. One of them was a leather set from UCM, the other a brown leather set from a mix of places, making me look pretty barbaric. That last one was for much later. Meeting the Forsworn. Though I could just go topless. Then I headed to Sky Haven Temple to ask Esburn about that scroll, who I saw had found a way into the Armory there and was wearing a kimono. Delphine was wearing Akaviri-style armor, and I figured it might be time to take a look. "That's a pretty puzzle," he said in response to the Elder Scroll, "The college of winterhold may be able to help." "Hmm, good idea!" I said. I looked at the armory, though it was mostly heavy armor. But I did find a katana that dealt huge extra damage to dragons: Dragonbane, so I grabbed that. I traveled over to Little Vivec. I asked the dunmer hunter there, "Have you seen any new people pass through here recently?" "Strange question. Stranger still for a stranger such as yourself," he said in deep, dulcet tones. I folded my arms, "Okay, what do you want for the info?" "There's a bandit camp just south of here that've been trying to rob us. So far they've only gotten arrows." "Say no more. When I get back, I expect information," I replied. But when I got there, the bandits were already dead. Well, that's never happened before. Had somebody else been fighting them recently? I took the leader's distinctive helm as proof and walked back. "Curious," the hunter said, "This is his, but you said it was done already? It could have been him." "Who?" "You tried to do our village a service, you have a right to know. A warrior passed through here wearing armor from Morrowind. Powerful and honorable. We talked for a time. I mentioned the bandits, but didn't ask him for help, and gave him no reward. He mentioned a dwemer ruin named Kagrenar." "Thanks," I said, turning to leave. "Wait," the hunter said, "That warrior. He is more than you can imagine. Keep your wits. Azura guide you." "Yeah someone else said something to that effect too," I said, "Now I'm excited to meet him." I looked at my map, "Oh wow, that's east of Windhelm. I turned to Serana, "Let's stop in Windhelm. I want you to meet my other son. Then would you mind going ahead to Winterhold and talking to the Librarian? Urag gro-Shub is his name." "Sure. What are you going to do?" "I think I'm going to take a short trip to see this criminal. Shouldn't take more than a day out of the way," I replied. "Okay. Just don't forget about me," Serana replied. "Never," I smiled. And... three dragon attack in Windhelm! As if I didn't need another reminder to hurry up. Ulfric came out and helped with the battle and went back in while I was looting the dragon corpses. We walked into the Palace of the Kings and Thane Skjorta greeted me by the door, "If it isn't Stormblade! How you doing? That was a hell of a moot. People are still talking about it." I smiled at her, "Busy on the hunt for Elder Scrolls." I walked forward, noticing it was just after sunrise, Ulfric just sitting down on his throne. "Hey! Good to see you!" He shouted. I walked over, holding Serana's hand, "Got any time in your busy schedule for me? I know court affairs are mighty important to you." He chuckled, "Gods, this is the most boring part about being a Jarl. What do you need?" I leaned in and whispered to him, making sure Serana came as well, "I want you two to be 'formally introduced." They both raised an eyebrow. "Hear me out," I said, "I think you're both beautiful, and there's room enough for both of you in my life. Why not get acquainted? I'm going to take Serana to your bedchambers. Meet us there in ten minutes." I grabbed her hand again and led her upstairs while Ulfric was handing out a septim award to another adventurer. "I'm not sure about this," Serana said as she closed the door behind her. "I mean, he's handsome, right?" I asked. "Yes. He looks like he's not much older than us." "That's what I said! Oh my gods, I'm stupid. I assumed because I saw you at those DKOs... are you okay with the company of men?" I asked. "Yeah, that's fine. I think I'm like you," she replied, "It's just hard for me to open up to others, you know that." "I know. Just focus on me and ... this'll be fun." "Okay," she smiled. Good to know even with the several coming apocalypses we could take some time out to remember what we were fighting for. I stripped off her robes (they were called robes, but they looked more like a dress) and started to touch. The door cracked open and I peered over, still working. "Sorry," Ulfric said, "I couldn't wait." "It's okay," I held Serana's hand as Ulfric got out of his armor, walking over. First, I kissed the both of them, I laid Ulfric down, got him ready and slid on top of him. I pulled Serana over and had her sit on Ulfric's face while I kissed her. After a while, we switched to me sucking him while he stood, her gripping my hair and forcing me down to the hilt (they both seemed to be enjoying this). I kept going and Serana pressed herself up against Ulfric's back. Then he started to fuck me again. "Lasting a long time today," I smiled at him. We switched soon to our original position, but Serana was laying down being fucked and I was sitting on her face. When he was about to finish he popped off her and came on both of our faces and chests. "Feeling acquainted?" I smiled at them both. "Oh yes. You found a treasure in this one," Ulfric grinned at me. Serana smiled back, "You're pretty good looking for an old guy." He chuckled. "Pretty good looking for anyone!" I said, "Did you see those abs?" "Anyway, I should get to that Library," Serana started to dress. "Before you go, I don't think you're met Fenrir," I said, dragging her over to his room. "Hey kid," I said as I entered. "Mom!" He hugged me, "Who is this?" "This is Serana," I said. She reached out her hand, but he pulled her in for a hug, to which she blinked. Of course Fenrir thought she was pretty too, and he was a smart boy. Her boobs were about face height and he was a kid, so he was doing this with impunity. He sat back down. "I heard you were getting married to dad. Other dad. Ulfric. So what about dad? Sanguine," Fenrir scratched his head. "Well, he's probably going to be gone for a long time," I said. He sighed, "I was starting to think that. I haven't tried to contact him yet. Now I'm starting to wonder if there's a point." I hugged the kid, "You be strong. I'm sure he has very important things to do. Anyway, I'm going to head out to a dwemer ruin. I was just saying hi to you and Ulfric." "I shall go.... to the Library!" Serana cheered. I chuckled, "Yeah, I'll be there soon." I gave them both a hug and headed over to the old Dwemer ruin by myself. First thing I noticed was a dead troll out front. Inside, more dead dwemer spiders and such. There were four pedestals with replicas of the Heart of Kagrenac, Sunder, Keening and Wraithguard. Huh, Morrowind history buff lived here. I took the heart as a souvenir. In the next room I found a book labeled 'The First Question,' and a chest labeled 'The First Answer.' Hmmm... perhaps a riddle. I looked at the book, but it was in dwemer. With rough dunmer scribbled in the margins: 'Powerful magic given form, two souls it binds with an ancient force.' More wordy than I'm used to, like the olde time riddles, but ok. In the room there were a collection of potions, spell scrolls, soul gems, and at the end, curiously, dwemer marriage medallions. Thinking I saw the trick, I grabbed one of the medallions and put it in the chest and in a burst of green the door opened. And of course I ransacked everything of value. I walked through the door and could sense several presences (a new vampire power), so I stealthily approached with my bow. Three dwemer walkers. I shot at one, but he moved at the last second, alerting them all to my presence. But, not a big deal, I shot the three of them down before they could get to me. Second room, second question: The mightiest weapon in all creation. With it, mortals become gods, for it can slay time. Hmm... I looked over to see the door was open. Malfunction with the bots maybe? I looked around the room, a little intrigued by the question, but just took everything (it was mostly dwemer weapons and armor, but I did get some dwarven arrows) and walked through the door. Third room, third question: when cold it destroys, when hot it creates. Let it encase your heart for what lies ahead. Sounds like water or something. I looked around. This room was lined with metals and gems. I swept the table of gems into my bag and picked up a steel ingot, eyeing the bound dwemer centurion in the corner. I put the steel in the box and in a burst of green the door opened. Right again! I stepped through the door to another locked door (requiring a key) and an elevator. When I stepped off the elevator, I heard the sounds of explosions. A woman was yelling, "You picked a bad time to get lost." But not at me, around the corner. I peeked my head out and found a dual wielding man fighting a woman. Had she followed him in before me? I let the fight commence, and he blasted her down almost immediately. He saw me, but he sheathed his weapons, "Hail stranger." It was my original target. Wearing a set of chitin and dwemer custom armor, using two blades and casting magic like a pro. Who was this guy? "That's awfully dangerous to just sheathe your weapons. I was sent after you too," I said. "I've been expecting you, Dragonborn," he said calmly. "You know who I am? Who are you?" I asked. "In a way, I know you better than anyone else. The weight of destiny weighs heavily on your shoulders. Just like me," he said, "I can't say I even remember my birth name it's been so long. Mortal minds weren't meant to deal with immortality. The people of Vvardenfell started calling me the Nerevarine." "Get the fuck outta here. I would be more inclined to believe you if you said you were Akatosh himself. If you are the Nerevarine, where did you go?" I folded my arms. "I went on an expedition to Akavir some two hundred years ago. That much people know. I left there for lands beyond many years ago. Eventually I wound up here. My thirst for adventure knows no bounds. After I defeated Hircine in Solstheim, Morrowind seemed so empty. I needed to see the world. I know you've felt it too," he said. "Okay, maybe I have. Why does nobody know you're back, then?" "I willed it so. I thought maybe I could atone." "For what? What would the Nerevarine have to be ashamed of?" "The oblivion crisis for example. Where was I?" He asked. "Good question. But no. You can't do that to yourself. When big things happen, big damn heroes always seem to find their way to the problems. Like the Hero of Kvatch. Like the Hero of Daggerfall. Like you," I said. Maybe I was starting to believe him, "So why are you here now?" "The Dwemer Smith Kagrenac's lab was here - one of them." "You think he left something here?" "Not just something. When Tiber Septim united Tamriel, he did so with a giant golem called the Numidium. I destroyed a second one later on. This looks like a similar model." "Tiber Septim.... Numidium?" I asked, nearly vibrating now. I looked down at my hands, that were starting to shake, then I looked up at him, "Sir. I'm probably one of your biggest fans. I'm an even bigger fan of Talos. And you know why?" "Why's that, Dragonborn?" "Both of you were mortals that reached for the heavens and found yourselves amongst the immortals. He... embodied an old missing god and you... kind cheated I guess," I smirked, then clapped him on the shoulder, "You want me to help you fight a giant golem? I'm game. If you truly are who you say you are, practically nothing would stop us." It was a pretty epic battle. The golem had an invincibility shield at the beginning and the Nerevarine drew its attention. Taking the hint, I deactivated the beams granting the shield and destroyed the power cores. Then we both laid into the golem. When it went down, we looted the scrap and he nodded to me. "It's been a while since I could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with somebody as strong as me," he smiled. "A good fight deserves a good reward, doesn't it?" I smirked. "I don't have any gold, but I do have some treasures I could give you," he replied. Not what I meant, *wink*. "I have a mace, a greatsword and a bow," he continued. "Oh! Bow!" He handed it to me, and it looked ethereal, like a bound bow. And when I willed it, having it equipped, it casted Invisibility on me, making my mouth water. Speaking of which, I turned back to him, and he was readying a teleportation spell. "Wait!" I said. He stopped, "I'll be at the Shrine of Azura for a while if you want to talk some more. I think I need to have a break." "Wait," I said, and I reached out and pulled off his helm. A dunmer, of course, with a shaven head and dark eyes. "For some reason nobody seems to be clear on what type of person you are," I said, "I always thought you were female." "Yeah, it happens with legends," he replied, "Probably happen with you someday. They'll be saying you're a male Nord." "Probably," I chuckled, and in the meantime I'd been running my hand along his cheek. "Please, dragonborn, you debase yourself. I left feelings such as those behind me long ago," he sighed. "I don't debase myself at all," I said sweetly. Also, how dare he slut-shame me? "Think of it as the ultimate form of fan worship. Or the deepest want of understanding from one hero to another," I said. I started to kiss him on the neck. I could feel him shiver, and without protest, I started pulling his armor off. Then mine. Eventually, he accepted my advances and laid me down on the cold stone. "You have a lot of tattoos," he commented. I could feel he was enjoying my body. It was somewhat vanilla - missionary. But it felt pretty good. I kissed him and he put back on his armor, then he repeated that he'd be at Azura's shrine if I needed him. I could swear I made him blush. So I tried to walk back toward the room that was locked, but the elevator was broken. Guess I needed to go around again. I went out the back way. And Mandyn Hlaalu was outside the bars of the elevator, waiting for me. "I was starting to think I wouldn't be able to find you. Would you kindly return that ring I lent you?" "Sure. Take it. You didn't tell me who the target was, asshole." "Such a shame. If you'd killed him the ring would be red with his blood," the dunmer said, "That coward is not worthy of mercy. And after allying with him, neither are you." He started to draw and I squinted, "So you want to try and kill the person you think was his equal, but you weren't willing to try and kill him?" "Whatever, fuck it," I said. Been meaning to test this out, "YOL!" I shot fire in his face, and he stumbled back, though now he had the fire resist ring I'd just given him back. "Well, going with the tried and true FUS-RO-DAH!" I shouted and he ragdolled off in front of me, slamming into a tree. When I got to him I took one swipe at him, which hurt him quite a bit. He took a swing at me, which I knocked away with my dagger and I slashed him again. He dropped his dagger and ran. I took out my new bow, taking aim and getting him in the back. I may or may not be a hero, but I'm not above shooting people in the back. So I walked back to the room that was locked (by entering the original entrance again), and it was still locked. But there's more than one way of opening doors. When it opened, it had only a key inside... for the lower level. So I circled around again and opened THAT door, and all that was inside was an old unreadable Dwemer tome and a couple trinkets. Oh well. I headed on to Winterhold. I walked into the Library to Urag gro-Shub walking around gathering materials and Serana just staring. "Oh hey!" She said, "Have you ever seen anything like this?" "What's that?" "Books! Many books!" She seemed to be reduced to the vocabulary of a child by this, I laughed inwardly. "I can't even... this is too much. I've never been to a Library this huge before. I mean, I've never been to a proper library," she continued, "Countless tales of old, legends, whew... okay Serana. Just breathe. I know we have important things to do, but could we relax here a little bit?" "Well it looks like we might have to. How long has Urag been looking?" "A few hours, it seems like," she said, "I figured it wouldn't take so long so I waited downstairs and just now walked up to the higher level." Serana and I read books for a while, and I discovered a few new bound spells lying around (whip, claws, etc) and a note and key about a secret lockbox. Then I noticed Urag was gone. It was definitely getting late, so I walked over to his room to find him sleeping. "So, any luck?" I woke him up. "Still looking," he said. "Seen Damien?" I asked. "He's over at Manantis," Urag replied, rolling back over, "I'll most likely find what I was looking for tomorrow." "Crud," I sighed and shut the door behind me. I sat down in the sitting area next to Urag's room with Serana, "So I guess here we wait until he can find something." Then for a bit of catharsis, I snuck into Phinis Gestor's room and cracked open a lockbox. Inside was a lot of gold, and a dragon icon that when I pocketed it turned into 15,000 gold. Which, I threw onto the pile.

Hey, it's Destana. I'm headed to Riften to find Malburn. It's First Seed, 4E 210. Been a while since I pulled off the Emperor's Assassination, and still no waves in Skyrim, though I imagine the ship made it's trip back by now carrying the body. Too bad I'm currently infertile as a vampire, because there could be a whole 'lost hidden heir' of the Emperor ala Oblivion Crisis. But I don't want to go through pregnancy again. I think I'm done having kids, even if I do get 'cured.' Currently hunting for Elder Scrolls and we have two of the three. The Dragon Scroll eludes me, but I figure it will have something to do with me fighting Alduin. I remembered I can just summon Serana and I don't need to go get her, but I figured I'd summon her straight to Riften so she didn't have to make the walk. I decided I would hit up the Bee and Barb and have a drink, though it got me thinking about Sanguine and the first time we met. I sometimes wonder what he's doing. I'm sure I could probably visit... but I think I was feeling stubborn. I summoned Serana. "Oh! I'm here now I guess!" She said, surprised, "Do your other friends ever complain about this?" "Yep. But I do pay them pretty well," I said, then I turned, "Speaking of!" Inigo had just walked into the tavern. I looked at the waning daylight and noticed it was evening. "My friend! You've actually come to me for once!" He slapped me on the back. Most people would've been giving me shit, but Inigo was generally happy to see me. Always the purest companion. "I know we've fought together a couple times, but I don't think we've ever actually been introduced. Our friend here likes to pull us out of thin air on a whim, much to my chagrin, at least. I'm Serana," she extended her hand. "Uh.. hey. So this is where vampire types relax?" He asked awkwardly. She chuckled, "Most people can't see the obvious signs of vampirism. Either they're not magically perceptive, or their eyes are blinded to the truth." "So THAT's why!!" I said loudly, "I guess it's because I'm a bit of a mage that I can tell. Or A dragonborn. Not THE dragonborn." "I would recognize your smell anywhere. And... you smell hungry," Inigo smiled sheepishly. "Interesting. I've never really been sniffed... before. I am a vampire. But not the blood-thirsty monstrous fiend you're thinking of. I don't have any interest in sucking your blood, and I doubt I will," she explained, "I eat bad people. And I don't think you're one." "Whew. I am pleased to meet you. My name is Inigo, as you may already know," he replied I'd already taken a seat at a table and invited them to join. Inigo ordered food and we sat down for a while for dinner. Serana drank a blood potion and I only drank Ale. At this point all the rampaging as a Vampire Lord had kept me pretty sated and I hadn't actually had to use my fangs in quite a while. "How does it feel? Being a vampire I mean," Inigo asked us, taking a drink. "Pretty great, actually," Serana answered. "How so?" "It just does. It's hard to explain. Perhaps it's the power. But... nevermind," she trailed off. "What is it?" Inigo asked expectantly. "Something just came to mind that I don't want to talk about." "I understand," Inigo said, taking another bite of chicken. "Hey, you milk drinkers have room for one more?" A figure asked. I looked up, and it was Sofia. "Sure," I said, "What brings you to Riften?" "What brings YOU to Riften?" She asked back, "I've been living with Inigo for a couple months." "Oh really?" I looked at him, "Where?" Inigo shifted his eyes uncomfortably, "Honeyside." First, I knitted my brow. Then I got a big smile, "Yeah, you can use it. I've been treating you guys like summoned creatures a little bit. You deserve some fringe benefits. I don't even go to my BIG house anymore. It helps not needing to sleep very much." I took a long drink of Ale, "So are you guys an item or something?" "Yes," Inigo said. "Really? Amazing!" I shouted. "Yeah," Sofia said, "I guess all that time we spent together during your campaign in the Civil War really brought us closer together. Though it took this one long enough to realize I was coming on to him. Like six years." Inigo coughed on his bite. Sofia turned to Serana, "I haven't introduced myself to you, have I? Destana keeps calling us mid-quest or mid-battle and we never get a chance to interact. I'm Sofia, but you probably already knew that. I'm quite well-known in Skyrim, but sometimes I'm not sure it's for the right reasons." "Hi," Serana said, but Sofia continued her introduction. "I see myself as an adventurer, though it's no fun without someone to witness my heroic deeds such as... well I'm sure there's probably something. I do like to get drunk, kill things and be a nuisance. What about you?" Sofia finished. "Bit of a chatterbox once you get started, aren't you? And yes, I've heard ... stories. About you. Not a lot of good ones, I would say. You sure do have a way with how you rub some people," Serana started. I smiled a greedy smile. Truth be told, I didn't like Sofia very much. She annoyed me. Bit of an airhead, and you know how much I value being a woman who actually knows what she's doing. But I'd never seen Serana be scathing like this. "Anyway, my name is Serana. Besides being a mage, like our friend here, I'm an adventurer too. It's a pleasure to meet a fellow Nord. I am one myself, but I haven't spent most of my life in Skyrim." "Well, it must be your lucky day. I know Skyrim like the back of my hand," Sofia smiled, taking it all in stride. Or, not noticing the thinly veiled insult. Serana continued, "Killing the things that threaten us would be good. Getting drunk and being a nuisance, well ... maybe. Let's just say there's a time and place for everything." I stifled a laugh, and Serana elbowed me. "So, my friend, you have finally attained full dragonborn status?" Inigo asked, "Being shouted at by old men has never been so rewarding!" I laughed out loud, looking at Serana, "See, this is why I bring this guy. To be honest, I'm only going to do it to a certain point right now. Then, well... maybe you'll see. So, I know these two are from here but why did you come to Skyrim, Inigo?" "Well, that's a long story. I guess, I was an orphan, saved by a soldier. My brother and I were adopted by a pair of assassins. I guess the orphanage doesn't do a background check," he chuckled. "Where were you born?" "Elswyer." "Well, duh. I guess I don't know much about Elswyer. I have been thinking that would be the first place I visit if things get too hot up here. Metaphorically, with the Emperor's death and all." "It is a beautiful place," he replied. "Maker, haven't you heard?" Someone asked. I turned around to find the Innkeeper, Keerava. "Heard what?" I asked. "The Emperor died in Skyrim almost two months ago. The Imperials were clamoring for war. When it came time for the Elder Council to make a decision about it, they kept splitting votes. Finally, somebody got mad about it," Keerava said, "There's a bandit leader, Ariel Sethius. He had a lot of bandit groups working for him, maybe even some here in Skyrim. They started calling him the bandit king a couple years ago, operating out of the lands around Bruma. He saw an opportunity. In the confusion of not having a functioning government, he has laid siege to the Imperial City. Some say the Thalmor are involved in disrupting Imperial supply lines. So they're losing, badly." "Holy shit, are you saying Cyrodiil might fall?" I asked. "I'm not sure what the assassins expected," the bard in the revealing blue dress said, "If the Thalmor are making this happen, I bet they're going to ally with the new Bandit King if they take Cyrodiil and then, Skyrim's next. And we'll have the Aldmeri Empire ruling all of Tamriel." I paused there for a minute. What have I done? I could feel a cold sweat forming on me. Gods, I need to do something about this. I should go to Cyrodiil and personally deal with this problem. But what about the dragons, and the vampires?! Velvet Acid Talos, how does Tamriel have so many problems right now? No, I paused, I need to deal with the dragons first. Skyrim is in no shape to defend against that kind of attack with dragons beating at their backs. "Well, what brought YOU to Skyrim in the first place?" Serana asked, snapping me back to our conversation. I answered, "Chaos back home. Looking for a way to make a living. Oh, and I was stranded here with no money and no way to get back." "Ever think of going back? You know, sail the high seas?" Serana asked. "I was a sailor. And I wouldn't mind going on some nautical adventures with you. Eventually I think I'll go back to Hammerfell. For a visit, at least," I sighed. We continued that conversation til the early morning, and when I walked outside (sun be damned)... another dragon was attacking. I looked down at the purple dress I was still wearing. "Well, there's already a couple of blood stains, I guess," I sighed. The crew jumped in and with the guards we took it down. I wasn't feeling much like a DKO this time, so I fully absorbed the dragon soul and prevented it. I was ready for a little sleep and a real drink, maybe. I meant blood, not ale. And I promised the guys we'd go on a proper adventure soon. "I'll see you," Sofia said, "As much as I know none of you like me, except Inigo, but he's good to everyone. I think I'm valuable." I frowned, "Just because you annoy me doesn't mean I don't appreciate your company. We all need people that keep us on our toes. And I usually can't anticipate what you're going to do next. And Inigo, he's the glue. What say we go out dungeon crawling tomorrow? I feel like one might be coming up soon in this Blades-Dragonborn business I'm stuck in." "Of course," Inigo said, "The Stormblade Company shall ride again!" I slept until that afternoon, then I decided I would leave Serana in the Inn and go to the sewers alone due to it being a tight squeeze. I got back in my armor, of course. I decided I would pass through the guild. It was lively, full of people today. As soon as I walked up to the bar, I heard a shout, "What are you doing, friend?" And a blade being drawn. Then another. When I caught sight of him, he was dead, and Dirge was laughing. He picked up a note from the man's corpse after ransacking the pockets, "Figures. The Thalmor sent this guy here for you. I figured he was a little fishy." Vekel added, "Maybe they thought we wouldn't notice because we've added so many recruits down here." "Don't say I never did anything for you," Dirge smirked. "Oi! Did I miss all the fun?" Delvin walked in, "How you doin, boss?" "Yep, sorry," Vex laughed, sitting at the bar, not having even having moved from her spot. "How's everybody doing?" I asked, but I didn't pause for them to respond, "The Thalmor are looking for a guy hiding in the Ratway. So keep your eyes out. I'm more inclined to get there first." "Yeah, I spotted a couple," Vekel said. "Ok, I'm off," I said. "Wait!" Vex said, "We were waiting for them to die to the traps in the Ratway before we looted their bodies. And while we wait, I've got a request." "Request?" "Yeah. You were the guild's cumdump right?" Vex asked. "I don't really have time right now," I responded. "I know, you're important. We won't take up much of your time. I just wanted to watch you get pounded," Vex smiled devilishly, "Let our traps do their work. Your target will be fine." "Well, okay...I guess," I said, and men surrounded me and picked me up, carrying me off to the Cistern, Vex following. "This is motivated by love, hon," Vex said, "We're all some of the richest people in Skyrim now. Even the castoff scraps you fence here from time to time are worth a king's ransom. We know you like a good fucking, so we're giving it to you." They set me down, and lovingly started to strip themselves and me. Etienne was sitting on one of the beds across the cistern, wide-eyed. He was probably thinking he didn't know what he signed up for. Sapphire walked in, but it seemed like she only wanted to watch. Delvin, Niruin, Cynric, Rune, Thrynn and Vipir were all gathered around me now. Brynjolf slowly walked in, in his Nightingale armor. He stripped down, and the guys got in line. It seemed this time it was going to be one at a time instead of in groups like last time. "Hey boss," he said as he stepped behind me. I bent over, accepting him, and said in between thrusts, "You know, I was coming here to kill the Thalmor, but I guess this is a nice way to take my mind off things." He got faster and I said, "I've been meaning to talk to you about turning over guild...master." "We can talk about it after this, lass," he grunted, finishing in me, "Or are you skilled enough to talk about this while being fucked?" I nodded. Next, Delvin. "Sure you're okay doing this, right in front of your fiancee?" I asked him, looking at Vex. Vex shrugged, "I don't mind." He used the piledriver method. When he was done, Delvin said, "Who do you nominate to take guild master next?" Next was Cynric, who lifted me off the ground and I took the hint, wrapping my legs around him. "I think it should be Brynjolf. Even if he doesn't want it," I said. Then Cynric finished. "Maybe it should be Delvin or Vex, lass," Brynjolf said. Niruin motioned for me to get on my knees, and I did. "Alright. Maybe we should take a vo~" I started, but Niruin stuffed his dick in my mouth, and started to fuck it. "I second the call to vo~*cough* *gag*" Delvin chuckled, "I vote for Vex." Vex said, "Am I allowed to vote for myself?" As soon as the dick pulled out of my throat I said, "I don't care." "Ok. I vote for Delvin," Vex said, mixing it up. "I vote for Brynjolf," I said. Rune gently pushed me to the ground and entered me, prone. "You guys are being really aggressive today," I said. "Vex said that's how you like it!" Rune said, pounding. Brynjolf said, "I vote for Delvin." Tonilia shouted from the edge of the area, "You guys almost let me miss the show. I vote for Vex." "Hmm... who else... gets a vote... these days?" I asked. "We had a few council meetings between your visits," Delvin said. "Did you..." I started, and Rune came on my back. Then Thrynn bent me over backwards. Before he could get in my mouth, I said, "Did you decide to do this in a meeting?" Then he entered and it was all gags. "Yes, actually," Vex said, "You know, this might seem mean-spirited, but I remember you volunteered for this job." "Karliah isn't here," Brynjolf said, "Who's that leave?" Thrynn came in my mouth, and I came up for air. "I vote for Brynjolf," Vekel the man said. He'd been watching from the doorway. "That leaves me!" Vipir the Fleet said, and he meant both that it was his turn to fuck me and his turn to vote. He entered and finished in what seemed like no time. Then he said, "It's nice being the tie-breaker. Brynjolf." I smiled awkwardly, "Alright. I'm going to go check those traps now." "Yeah, he pays us to bring him food now and then, and to leave him be. Strange old coot," Vekel said. "Oh, by the way," Vex said, "The whole council gets a cut, so this doesn't change much about your position here." "Well, thanks for the thorough fucking, I guess. Probably not the best time, but I'll live with it." "Oh, so I guess Brynjolf is the new guild leader!" Delvin shouted, "See you later, Destana." I rinsed off and threw my armor back on, moving to the warrens. There were three dead Thalmor, and another one messing with a tripwire. He finally got it loose and dodged the trap of two spiked balls, only to have my arrow in his back. I made my way past an imperial soldier talking to himself, and a chef talking about cooking (down in the sewers, ew). Then I found a door with a slit. I knocked. The slit opened, "Go away!" "Esburn? Open the door, I'm a friend," I replied. "No, that's not me. I'm not that one," he said. "Delphine sent me." "Delphine? So she led you to me like a rat in a trap?" "She said, remeber the 30th of Frostfall," I said. "So it's true then. You'd better come in before they find us," he opened the door. But, it took a couple minutes with his multiple locks. I stepped in and he shut the door behind me. He was an old, tired looking man. "So Delphine's still keeping up the fight? Hasn't she realized it's hopeless?" He asked. "Why?" "Alduin has returned, just as prophesied. He will devour the world, and it will end." "I'm pretty sick of prophecies," I said, "So far I make my own destiny. Also, I'm dragonborn." "Then there is still hope! Take me to Delphine," Esburn said. Just.. let me gather my things. "Now we're talking." He ran around for a minute before I said, "Esburn. The Thalmor are in the sewers. Granted, not very good ones. But if they start taking this seriously, you could get hurt. Let's go." "Now, now, can't leave secrets for them," he said, and then, "Done. Let's run." We stepped out to find a detachment that had walked in after us, but I was being stealthy out of the gate. "Who's there?" the wizard said, and I shot him in the chest. Esburn threw up a fire cloak and engaged the other two with spells while I snuck up on the third and slit his throat with my sword. I popped a lock (I'd had to jump down when I came in) and made my way back to the Flagon. "Bye you guys, see you next time!" I shouted, and went up the hatch that led outside Riften. I summoned Serana and we traveled back to Riverwood on our magic horses. This time, I used Shadowmere. "Delphine! It's good to see you," Esburn said as we entered. "Good to see you too, old friend," she said, "Orgnar, hold down the bar a minute." She led us downstairs to her secret room. "So I assume you've heard?" Delphine asked. "Yes. Dragonborn. This changes everything. There's still hope," he started to dig through his pack, "Where is it... ah yes." He pulled out a book, 'Annals of the Dragonguard.' "Sky Haven Temple. This is where they built Alduin's Wall. All the accumulated dragon knowledge passed down by the blades. Unfortunately, the location was lost to time," Esburn explained. "I've never heard of it. How can this help us?" I asked. "It will tell us, if there is a way, how to stop Alduin. And I've found it. It should be hidden in the Reach," Esburn replied. "I know the area of the Reach you're talking about. Karthspire might lead us there," Delphine said. "Alright, a lead," I said, "Meet you there." I walked up to Orgnar and paid to rent a room and have a nap. While I was laying down, Delphine said, "Orgnar, the Inn is yours. I'm most likely never coming back here." "Well now. Didn't expect that," Orgnar replied, "Good luck with whatever you're doing." "Farewell, friend." I got in a power nap and headed north to the Dawnstar Sanctuary. I knew I could beat them there on my horse. They were on foot. And of course, when we passed through Dawnstar. A guy attacked me - right in front of the guards, and he was put down quickly. He was carrying a journal, his name was Fenrick. Trying to find sacrifices for Molag Bal so he cure for vampirism. Okay, well, whatever. And guess what! ANOTHER DRAGON ATTACK! With the guards' help, it got shot down. I casted Doom Draw to get to it and slashed with my sword as the guards arrowed it again. Getting tired of dragons, I headed over to the sanctuary. I left Serana outside and walked in. Runa was powwowing with some of the new recruits when I walked down the stairs to the common area. Hey Listener, you too busy to go on a little adventure with your mom? Runa smiled, "I was wondering when you were coming back. Did you see our new recruits?" "Yeah, a Forsworn woman (Averna). And there's a man in a chef's hat and mismatched armor (Stabby). Got some new ones in the traditional armor though. They look decent enough. Are you sure you don't need my help recruiting?" I asked, "Oh hey! It's you!" "Destana!" The jester screamed and hugged me. It was Cicero. "Yeah, I let her back in. Actually, we do need your help soon. Since Astrid's gone, we need somebody to do the whole thing in the shack. And I don't think I'm up to that level of charisma yet," Runa said. "Alright. Want to come with me for a little while?" "I dunno, I'm pretty busy," Runa said. "C'mon! Probably be fun. Get away from all this for a while. Let Babette and Nazir handle it for a few days," I pleaded. "Alright," she acquiesced. We walked outside and I noticed how cold it was. "Hey," I said. "Hey," Serana replied. "Who's this?" They both kind-of said in unison, then smiled. "This is my daughter, Runa Fair-Shield," I replied. "Runa, this is Serana. She's a princess. I'm helping her out for a little while," I explained. "Helping her, huh?" Runa smirked, elbowing me. "Gods, am I that obvious?" I asked, "Well, anyway, we're going to Karthspire to find an ancient temple to get more information about Alduin." "You're finally dealing with the prophecy, eh? Is it just a dungeon crawl though?" She asked. "That's not all. It's a surprise," I replied. We got on horses and headed to the Reach, and I swear I beat Delphine and Esburn there. I didn't know what to expect in here, but I decided I would roll deep and summoned Inigo, Sofia and Shirley right before we approached. Along with me, Runa, Serana, Delphine and Esburn, that would made 8. DEEP. Shirley had upgraded her armor to ebony. "I've gotta stay spry in my old age," she chuckled. "Gods, I was just enjoying a nice mead," Sofia said, "I would kill to finish that mead." She was wearing new armor too. Actual armor from the UNP Store. "Well, there's one thing we agree on," Serana said, "Alcohol. Especially craft-brewed mead." "I love it!" Sofia said. "I'm starting to salivate..." Serana said. "Hey. I got you a present when we were at UNP. A set of robes, gauntlets and boots. And a crown," I took them out and Serana put them on. "These look beautiful!" She said. Time for combat! And when we rolled up... yet another dragon attack, though it was also attacking the Forsworn, so I guess it wasn't all bad. A lot of Forsworn. With mages and warriors. I knew that I was right to bring the posse. We fought through them, some of them retreating. This looked like a main settlement for Forsworn. Anyway, we made our way into a cave and fought some more, then found a puzzle with three spinning pillars. While Esburn talked about the symbols, I just spun them until they worked. There was no confirmation/trap so there was no danger in failure. The next room looked like a huge stone checkerboard with symbols on each pad. I motioned for everyone to stop. "Wait!" Esburn said, "Don't step anywhere." "I just..." I sighed, "I have a light step, so I'm going to walk across these and deactivate the trap." I walked forward and Sofia started to inch forward behind me. A fireball blasted her back on her butt. Only once though, before I was able to pull the chain. I sighed again, "You gotta listen if you're going to dungeon crawl with me." We stepped into a courtyard with a giant head. Esburn said, "It looks like it has a blood seal. Probably your blood, Dragonborn." "Fine," I cut my palm and squeezed a bit of blood onto the circle. The head backed away and we were able to get inside. My companions and I rushed forward, finding an old meeting call with vaulted stone ceilings. Esburn made his way in and started to look at the giant carving on the wall at the back of the hall. "Amazing, isn't it?" He marveled. "Just tell me how to kill Alduin," I said flatly. "Hold on, let me find the right panel," he replied. I waited for a few minutes, in which my group started to walk around. Sofia broke the silence, like she couldn't stand there being quiet, "Everybody in Skyrim has such dirty minds, you know?" "Well, everything you say tends to be overtly sexual," Serana quipped back, "More power to you for being yourself, but maybe you shouldn't say whatever comes to your mind sometimes." "Okay...okay," Sofia said back. "Looks like, Alduin was defeated by a shout," Esburn said. "Well, I know who would know about it, if anyone. The Greybeards," I said. "But first... this place is perfect," I said, turning to the group, "I have something I've been thinking about for a while now. You guys are free to stay or go. Except for Runa, Delphine and Serana. I'm going to be using this hall for something. Something big." "What?" Delphine said, "We just got this place back. What do you want to use it for?" "Well. This is neutral ground, and we've cleared a path to safely get here," I cleared my throat, pausing for effect. "I'm going to call the Moot."

Hey, it's me, Destana. At this point, I'd been living in Skyrim for about four months, and it was right around Saturnalia and the turning of the new year to 2E 202. I turned 19 back in Last Seed (I know, I'm younger than you might think on account of my mad skills). Last time Ulfric Stormcloak sent me to deliver an axe to Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun. I was accompanied by an entourage of Inigo, Vilja, Sofia and Shirley. I'd been to Whiterun previously (even recently, infact to contact Vilja). But when I approached, the gates were closed on account of dragon attacks. "Dragons?" I asked incredulously, "Aren't they extinct? Or like... mythological?" "Sorry, no passage into the gates," the guard returned. "I have an important message from Ulfric Stormcloak for the Jarl. I believe it is a challenge. Or an ultimatum," I raised the axe. "The Jarl will want to hear this," the guard opened the gate. I went straight to the Jarl. "Hold! What makes you think you can interrupt us during an important council meeting?" Jarl Balgruuf said. "I have an urgent message from Ulfric Stormcloak." "I'm sure he told you it was very urgent," Balgruf said, "Save it. We're having a council meeting about the recent dragon attack on Helgen." "I... think Ulfric was there," I said. Balgruf stroked his chin for a moment, studying me, "On second thought, you may be able to help me. Would you do me a favor while you're here? Let's talk to my court wizard." I jogged into the adjoining room. Farengar Secret-Fire nodded to me and said, "What do you need, traveler?" "The Jarl said you needed help with something." "Well I'm very busy, I don't think I do." "Be careful, you're about to step on your own Shock Rune," I joked. Farengar jumped, then he smiled, "I see you're a mage as well. What did you say you needed?" Jarl Balgruuf stepped in behind me now, "Use her for your project." "I see. I have an errand. And by errand I mean a ruin that holds information about the dragons. Bleak Falls Barrow," Farengar replied, "Think you're up for it?" "Easy," I bought a couple spell tomes from him and then turned to the Jarl. "Ulfric wanted me to deliver this axe, by the way," I said. "The man is persistent. I'll give you your answer after you've dealt with this matter," he replied. I sighed, getting on the road to the Barrow. I think I'd been there before, but all these ruins are kinda the same. Nope, not been there. I'm going to stop trying to guess, these ruins all look the same. There were a mix of bandits trying to raid the tomb, but they felt like we were their competition so they had to die after they attacked us. A giant spider, a man wrapped up in webbing with a golden claw. He ran, but the draugr got him and I put him down with my crossbow before he could be ripped apart by the undead. And I claimed the puzzle claw. We continued on past a hallway with blades. I just ran through and activated the pull chain so nobody else had to endanger themselves. We plowed through this time, even more than before. If there was a measure of the level of evil power of a place - this one seemed very low. A couple puzzles, like nord ruins do, and another word wall. This one was, "Fus." Wait wait wait... Fus! I'd heard that word. I stood there, brain firing on all dwemer cylinders for a moment, thinking, 'Fus. That's the thing the draugr keep shouting at us when they blow us back. Are these word rune things some kind of words of power? Wait... Ulfric supposedly shouted the High King to death or something. And I keep seeing these walls and they're reacting to me.' I also picked up a Gem that talked to me, revealing herself as Merida. I slid it into my pack to sell it later. And... the Dragonstone! I brought it back to Farengar. He was speaking with a woman named Delphine. He turned to me, "A cut above the usual brutes the Jarl sends my way. That is where your job ends and mine begins, friend. My friend here is the one who knew where to find it." "How?" "Don't worry yourself about that," she replied, not looking up at me from the Dragonstone. "Farengar! Adventurers!" Irileth, the Jarl's housecarl bustled in, "There are reports of a dragon attack!" "This will be perfect for my research if we can down it!" Farengar smiled. I smiled too. I wanted to see one of these things in action. See if they were really real. Irileth went to the Jarl on the raised area above the mead hall. He was talking with a guard. "My Jarl, I saw a dragon circling over head near the Western Watchtower. I ran for my life. I thought it was going to kill me." "Good work son, dragon hunting is no one-man job. You may have saved Whiterun if we can kill it outside," Balgruuf turned to us, "Friends, Irileth, take some guards and go hunt that dragon. It cannot make it to the city!" I nodded, getting a little excited now. "Oh and if you do this for me I'll let you purchase property within the hold." I blinked. Damn. If I'd known it would be that easy I wouldn't have wasted my time in Riften, though I was much more invested in the Thieves' Guild. I can with my company onto the field near the Western Watchtower. As we passed the stables, Sofia said, "Did I just hear correctly? The Jarl wants you to go fight a dragon? You're not seriously considering it are you?" "Sofia, you can see how fast I'm sprinting, right. I'm what you call an adrenaline junkie. I routinely put myself in deadly situations," I had a big grin on my face. "If you look around here, you will often find butterflies," Vilja said from behind us. "Shor's bones, Vilja. Eyes on the prize!" I shouted back as we neared it. Hmm, no dragon nearby. I poked my head into the tower, which was now half-collapsed and on fire. As I came out, Irileth was just arriving with the men. "Where's this beast?" She asked. I shrugged. The guard who'd spotted it originally shouted, "Oh gods! Here it comes!" I hit amidst the rubble as it glided past. Everyone else was already firing arrows. I pulled out my crossbow and silently trained a bolt at it. I could feel my heart racing. The rush was palpable. After a dozen arrows shooting it, it landed right near me. I shot it in the neck. Vilja jumped on its back and was slashing. I drew my sword and faced the thing directly with shield up. It went down surprisingly fast between the dozen of us. It slumped over, dead, allowing an eerie calm after the rush of terror the dragon brought with it. I stepped up to the dragon to poke at it. Then... something strange happened. I felt a rush of power, not unlike that power at the word walls. The dragon's magic, or spirit, or force drained the flesh from it's bones and surrounded me. I could feel that chanting again just like the word walls. It surrounded me, soaking into my very bones. "WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING?" I shouted. The calm returned. I could feel some sort of power within me. When I opened my mouth to ask if anybody knew what just happened, it came out as, "FUS!" A bunch of the guards fell over. "My gods, I'm sorry!" I said, "What did I just do?" "That was a shout!" One of the guards said, "You must be truly dragonborn!" "Dragonwhat?" I asked. "You're dragonborn. You absorbed the dragon's power," another guard said. "Whatborn?" I asked. "You can shout now, you couldn't before right? The only explanation is that you're dragonborn." "...whatwhat?" I asked. "I don't know about any of that. I do know that's a dead dragon. We know we can kill them now. Just... go talk to the Jarl," Irileth said. As I walked through Whiterun with my entourage, I could hear more shouting. I looked up to find no dragons - I'd noticed when the dragon breathed fire he spoke words just like I'd done when I said 'FUS.' "Huh," I shrugged. Must be nothing. I approached the Jarl again. "What happened?" He asked. "The dragon is dead, but so's the watchtower. Something weird happened when I approached it. I absorbed some sort of power from the dragon and now it's just bones," I explained. "So it's true. The greybeards are summoning you." "Who?" I asked. "Masters of the way of the voice. Shouts," he explained. "If you are dragonborn, then you owe it to Skyrim to go talk to them," Hrongar said, a warrior standing off to the side. I stared daggers at Hrongar, "I don't owe Skyrim shit. If anything, it owes me quite a lot. And I imagine that debt is not going to go out of the red anytime soon." "What do the greybeards want with her?" Aventus asked. A woman from his court. "It's for them to know," the Jarl replied, "Even if you don't believe in our legends, you should go see them." I gritted my teeth, "Okay. But the only reason I'm going to see them is because I've seen what these shouts can do. But, hey, the reason I came here. Will you take the damn axe?" After a few moments of discussion, he returned the axe, "Give this to Ulfric. He has my answer." Then he turned to his scribe, "Get me a pen and some parchment. We're going to tell General Tullius what our conditions are for allowing his Legionnaires into this city." I sighed. Well that was bad news. I decided I would take that trek to High Hrothgar before I returned to Windhelm. We slept at the Inn, and I played, not knowing if and when I would be allowed back into the city since I was a Stormcloak. Then we set off. It was a long and grueling climb, and when I reached the front door, the old men were waiting for us. "So the Dragonborn appears," Arngeir said. He seemed to be in charge. "I'm answering a call. I'm not sure about this whole dragonborn business," I folded my arms. "We will test if you truly have the gift," he said back, "Let me taste of your voice." "That is seriously one of the strangest things anyone has ever said to me," I replied, "And I'm not really sure how I did it." I thought about it for a few seconds, then let out a, "FUS!" "Welcome, dragonborn. We will do our best to help you fulfill your destiny." I squinted at him, "Destiny, huh? What's my destiny?" "Whatever you choose." Oh. I'd thought he was going to say it was my destiny to save the world, to slay the dark lord... in accordance with the prophecy or whatever. I shook my head. Those sorts of stories always annoyed me. Anybody with sound mind and a strong back can do anything if they put their mind to it. "We will teach you the second word of Unrelenting Force - Ro," Arngeir said. Another greybeard spoke the word and the burning runes appeared on the floor. As with the word walls, the knowledge streamed into me. "Normally years of practice allows someone to use shouts. As a dragonborn, you can absorb a dragon's knowledge and power directly and fuel your shouts. It took you moments to master what it took many a lifetime," Arngeir said. "Now, demonstrate your Thu'um," he continued. "FUS -- RO!" I shouted. It blew Vilja and Sofia off their feet. I said, "Seriously guys, you should probably stay out of my way while I'm doing this." Arngeir and the others walked towards the courtyard and I followed. Sofia mused, "I can't imagine being a greybeard. Having to sit in silence all day. I couldn't do it." "Clearly," I said, telling the others to stand back while we do this shouting business in the courtyard. "I will teach you a new shout," Arngeir said, and another of the greybeards repeated the process. This was 'WULD,' the Whirlwind Sprint. The greybeard who'd gifted me the shout then said, "WULD!" And ran through a gate almost faster than my eyes could see. "Now you," Arngeir said. I raised an eyebrow. I turned toward the gate and it opened again. "WULD," I said, passing through the gate harmlessly. This one would be useful for trapped hallways. "What's next?" I smirked. "Next you must recover the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller," Arngeir replied. "Ah, here we go," I smiled, tired from the last couple days of song-and-dance Balgruuf and now these guys were putting me through. "I'll go get the horn..." "Thank you, dragonborn," Arngeir said. "....eventually. When I get around to it," I explained, "Thanks for clarifying for me what all the word walls are about. I've already found several. Thanks for the new powers. I'll take that, but you can keep the destiny. I may or may not be a dragonborn or whatever. But I choose what my destiny is. Me. There's been a lot of talk of what I owe Nirn or Skyrim, or whatever. But the world is pretty much shit. I wouldn't give a shit if it gets burned to the ground. So I'm going to go back to Ulfric Stormcloak and let him know his civil war is on. And when and if I decide to come back here, its going to be because I want to. Are we clear?" I could see the looks of distain on their face, but I didn't care. "C'mon guys," I said. As we were walking out of there, Inigo said, "That seemed a little harsh." "Yeah," I said, "Probably. I'm tired of being forced to do things I don't want to do. I have priorities. Me and mine." And we traveled back to Windhelm. I put the axe on the table. Ulfric shook his head, and Galmar smiled. "We're going to hit them where it hurts," Galmar said. "Make preparations. I want you there on the battlefield, Destana, on the front lines," Ulfric said, and I nodded. That obstinate pig-headed Jarl would get what was coming to him. We went back to Whiterun. While we mustered up, I got wise and stripped off my Nightingale armor as Galmar talked, putting on robes and a circlet of destruction I'd picked up from the college. I readied Elemental Bolt on my offhand and drew my sword. I casted Rally and charged with the Stormcloaks as we stormed the gates. This time, I blew down the barricades and archers with explosive magic. When we finally reached the hold, the Jarl fought a good fight but surrendered before he and Irileth were killed. It was hard to fight someone who'd I'd fought beside only days before. And there were many deaths. I silently pledged to study restoration to see if there was a spell that would bring the recently dead back to life. "You would fight the Empire?" Balgruuf asked, "Now I know why the Greymanes weren't on the wall today." "We are the blood of the empire, and if it were ours, we would be able to worship whoever we damn well please," Vignar Greymane responded, "We should be fighting the elves, not bending knee to them." "Yeah, screw the Thalmor. They destroyed Hammerfell too!" I shouted. "Tell me, how many of those dead men out there once called you friend?" Balgruuf shouted. "Enough! All of you!" Galmar shouted, "There is a burning city out there that needs a government." Vignar took control as Jarl. It pains me, because Balgruuf was one of the good ones. I returned to Windhelm to report. That was the start of our war. I'm going to skim over a little bit. The next nine months gets a little tedious. The things to know are: - The Stormcloaks had the Jagged Crown and the Civil War was just beginning. I became instrumental in this conflict. At first, I was a shock trooper, bringing an eclectic cadre of sellswords to the mix to bolster the Stormcloaks' troops. Then I stood shoulder to shoulder with Galmar in deployment of troops when they realized just how valuable I was. These attacks were seldom - once every few weeks. Usually they were Imperial forts, usually near a hold. And for some reason, no reinforcements ever came from down south. Was the Empire really spread that thin? - After I took a hold with the Stormcloaks, I would play the Inn as a bard, and stay in the Inn before returning to Riften. But see the next bullet - - A few weeks back I took down Mercer Frey (with a little help from a few friends). As I was traveling around with my group, I was doing oddjobs for Vex and Delvin (which I would talk to them until they gave me the *right* jobs, winning us contacts in every major city. When my group would retire to the Inn after a raid, I would stay up and rob the place blind, returning to the guild the spoils after I took a cut of the plunder for my group. - In the morning after each raid I served as the go-between for the men and Ulfric, bringing him news of our victories. I often visited him after hours, and often shared his bed with him. I mean, I was pregnant and in control of my body. Why not? - Despite the College of Winterhold dealing with the Orb problem, they started up regular classes again. I would attend them between the raids - I was trying to master at least some magic. Besides just being cool and generally good for grouping, I thought about what could be GREAT if I ever went to prison again. If I'm stripped of all weapons and armor, well, I can still melt faces with Destruction. I can still bend minds with Illusion (or straight-up go invisible and walk out). I can pick locks without a lockpick with Alternation. I can summon meat shields or summon my own weapons with Conjuration. Infinite possibilities. - Dragons were returning to Skyrim. One bit of 'public service' I deigned to perform, if I was truly dragonborn, was to defend holds as they were attacked by dragons. During this few months I must've killed a dozen dragons (again, with help from my group), and they were getting worse. Most of them led to a dragon kill orgy. I mostly kept to interacting with my group, and each hold's guards usually had a dogpile with each other and the warriors involved. I think we might've started to get a reputation. - Last but certainly not least, I was pregnant with Sanguine's (the daedric lord of debauchery and now my husband) baby. Now a thane of Riften (probably because of all the 'public service' I did), I was spending all my off time with Sanguine and Iona in Honeyside while I continued to get bigger. You might say I was a very busy woman during this period. The nine months of my pregnancy rolled by in a hurry and my baby boy was born just a few days before my 20th birthday. Given the circumstances, I named him Damien. I wasn't sure if he was going to come out red and spiny or looking relatively human. But he was brown, with brown eyes and my near-white eyes. I wasn't sure what to think of this - or if he would manifest demonic powers later, but he was beautiful and perfect. I will let you know now - over the next few years his skin lightened to very pale, along with his hair. He looked Nordic, though he still had my eyes. One last note: on a dare, I got my first (semi-)consensual tattoo. I was drunk, the men and I were at an Inn after a raid, and somebody... I think it might have been Rolof bet me he could drink more than me. In this case, he won. And surprisingly, he didn't demand I have sex with him or something else. He told me I was a true Nord in spirit, having almost bested a Stormcloak warrior and I had to get something to commemorate. I got two axes across my stomach. The boys approved. "What are those tally marks?" One of them asked. "Don't ask. I don't want to talk about it. And yes, it is permanent, just like these," I said, pointing to the axes. They were better than most the Nords out there. Things like this made me want to stay with the Stormcloaks and see this through. This was near the end of the Civil War. Ulfric and Galmar and the men were gearing up for the Empire's final bastion: Solitude. With a grin, I volunteered to head the charge. Because, godsdamn I hate Solitude.

The Blackreach Experiments Part 9 - Accusations You can read Part 8 here: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/148/entry-649-the-blackreach-experiments-part-8/ After meeting with Alduin, Arissa arrived at the Bannered Mare. “Just waiting for the dragonborn to showup will be so boring. There is just nothing to do in this city. It’s a trade capital, shouldn’t it be busier,” she grumbled to herself. She overheard Hulda tell Saadia that a man in strange armor was picked up by the companions. He had fought his way out of Blackreach and collapsed on the surface. “Hmm,” she thought, “this could be interesting.” She snuck up to his room to get a peak at the stranger. “Wow,” he’s not bad at all.” she thought. The man stirred in his sleep. “Celine…I’m sorry I couldn’t save you….” he mumbled. “Well that’s no good. I need some entertainment…unless…” Arissa readied a spell she had recently learned. If it worked, whenever he looked at her, he would see the person he loves most. She charged the spell and struck him with it. Sometime later, Mani woke from his sleep. “Is this the Bannered Mare? It must be. He walked to the indoor balcony connected to his room and looked out at the inn. Then he saw her! His wife, Celine, sitting in the corner enjoying a drink. He blinked and realized it wasn’t her but a blue skinned woman. Apparently she had caught him staring at her because she had gotten up and was coming toward the balcony. “Got a good look?” she asked. Mani looked down, ready to apologize but suddenly the woman looked like his wife. “Well, I’m waiting,” she said. “Uh ummm sorry dear. I mean, not dear…. for a second you looked like my wife.” “Well, someone is very forward. I’m really picky with my men but if you like what you see, then we can talk later.” She gave him a fiendish smile. “No, I really didn’t.. I mean, you… agrh. Forget it. Mani went down to speak to the woman. He explained that his he and his wife, Celine had been separated and he didn’t know if she was alive or dead. Arissa feigned sympathy the entire conversation. Mani straigtened in his chair “But the reason I am in Skyrim is to find the Dragonborn. All I know is there is a plot to kill him. I suspect the Thalmor so I need to find him and warn him.” Arissa sat up straight and immediately wondered, “How did he know of Alduin’s plan to kill the dragonborn?” She knew she’d have to learn more. “Sure, I’ll help you find him. I’ve been curious what he is like.” She was of course lying but Mani had no clue. She stood up, “Well, lets go.” Mani quickly looked because he heard that in his wife’s voice. And it was his wife staring at him. But then it was just an impatient Arrisa again. “Yes, let’s go,” he said. “I heard he may be travelling between here and Riften. I was going to wait but now that I have company, we can catch up to him.” Arissa patted Mani on the rear as she walked past. The two made their way to Riften via carriage. It was an uneventful journey. By the time they arrived, Mani was exhausted. He booked a room and left Arissa to her own devices. Meanwhile downstairs, Arissa spend the next half hour talking to the innkeeper about various things. “But anyway,” Arissa said, “I would love to meet the dragonborn. I mean, if he’s as amazing as they say what with fighting for the Stormcloaks, helping orphans, and being a champion of the people.” Keerava leaned on the bar, “If you wanted to meet him, he just left. He shouldn’t be far. I’ll let your friend know you left.” “Thank you,” Arissa said. Keerava went about refilling drinks and didn’t see Arissa’s change in mood. “That bastard will NOT get away. I will not be deprived of my reward!” she fumed to herself. Arissa was getting more and more furious as she left Riften. It was like she was tapping into power she didn’t know she had. Even her footsteps started leaving ice and frost on the ground. She knew the direction he was heading and she was reacting on pure instinct. She ran to the cliff edge and threw as much magic behind her as she could. It was enough to propel her off the cliff. She sailed gracefully through the air with her target in sight. She used magic to cushion her blow. By now she was radiating with newly discovered power. She was standing only feet from the dragonborn. “I’m going to enjoy killing you, What are going to do? Shout at me?” “You’re not even worth the effort!” He moved with speed and agility that belied his stature. Arissa was caught totally off guard. She readied her weapon but it only dinged his helmet. “By the gods, he can move fast!” she thought. The battle spilled into a road, where it caught the attention of a Stormcloak patrol. The dragonborn was taking the full force of her spell and still closing on her! The Stormcloaks were almost upon them but she didn’t care. She let them share in the icy blast. The dragonborn dropped to his knees. He was gravely wounded. Arissa turned her attention to the soldiers but there were too many. Far too many. She felled soldier after solider until one slashed her in the back. She shrieked out in pain. She killed him with an ice spike but another guard got a well placed cut across her mid section. She collapsed. The dragonborn came up behind her with the last of his stamina and stabbed her through the back. “Die you monster!” The sword grew cold as well did the surrounding air. As he pulled the sword out, a surviving archer got in a few last shots. She collapsed. Ready for death to take her, she whispered, “I just…wanted to go home.” Then a blinding light enveloped her and she was gone. The dragonborn collapsed with the other bodies and the surviving archer ran to the closest city for help. ***Back in Riften *** Mani woke to his room full of guards. “What’s…” was all he had time to say. The commanding officer spoke, “By order of the Jarl, you are under arrest for crimes against the city of Riften and the Stormcloak army. Now get up scum!” He tried to reason with them but to no avail. Apparently Arissa had killed several guards in an attempt to kill the Dragonborn. “This can’t be happening,” he kept telling himself but when he got downstairs, he realized it was far worse than he thought. He was stripped of all his gear and marched out of the city in chains. His only hope would be to speak to the Jarl of Windhelm and explain this was not his doing. *** In Windhelm, several hours later *** The priestesses had done all they could for the Dragonborn. He was given his own room at the inn but he had still not woken up. Outside, the guards were discussing his situation. “So they say he fought some kind of devil.” The other turned to his comrade, “Hopefully the Jarl will do something about the guy that helped her. We had a chance against these damned dragons, but now…” The first guard tried to cheer up his friend, “Listen, when the Jarl returns from the summit, we’ll at least have a cease fire, Ulfric will think of something. Trust me.” *** Down in the Windhelm dungeon *** Mani had been locked into a cell. “Please! I’m innocent! I wanted to help the Dragonborn not kill him!” But there was no one to listen to his pleas. *** In a tranquil glade in Sovngarde **** A magical explosion, followed by the cries of a woman in extreme pain shattered the silence. Arissa lay before Alduin. “Rise mortal. You can not die here. Even know you are healed.” Arissa got to her knees. She was still in terrible pain but thankfully not dying. Realizing Alduin was staring at her with anger, she began pleading, “Please Master, I’m sorry I failed you. I can’t beat him he’s just too strong. Please, just help me to get home and find someone else I beg of you.” Alduin let out aa deep laugh. “Hahaha! I lied little one. That strange ship you came in was destroyed and I have no idea how to send you back.” But I won’t let you leave empty handed. He glared at her and magic engulfed her. She screamed in pain and the magic subsided. “What…what have you done to me?!” Her tears were flowing down her face, she tried to wipe them but her hands had become claws. “Why?! Why would you do this?” She held her head in her hands, too ashamed to even look at herself now. Alduin spoke to her again, “Once you leave this place, you will not be able to return. You will be feared and hunted across all of Tamriel. Not accepted by Man, Mer, or Dragon. That is your reward for failure. Mwhahaha.” Alduin flew off into the sky and vanished, leaving Arissa alone with her tears.

The Blackreach Experiments - Part 6 - Where is the Dragonborn? The boat came to a stop against an outcropping of rocks. The thud of wood hitting stone was loud enough to get Arissa’s attention. Arissa noticed a young noble woman alone and unconscious in the boat. “Now what are you doing all the way out here?” Celine was mumbling in her sleep, “Master…..love….” Arissa could barely make out the words. After carrying the young woman inside, Arissa waited by her bed for her to wake up. Hours passed and she was about to nod off when the young woman shot up and screamed, “KEEPER!” “AH WHAT!” Arissa yelled as she jumped back. The two shared names and Celine told Arissa all about the dreams of the Keeper and her run in with it in the strange place she had been. “Hmm,” Arissa said, “That doesn’t sound like any place I know of but I’m only now delving into the magic here. I’m not from here originally. Where I came from, magic was a trick, like slight. I’ve become very familiar with the different magics here but there is always more to learn. Celine stood up, “So, do you know where to find the dragonborn?” “Ugh! Don’t get me started on him…. I’ve been trying to track him down for what feels like ages. What do need with him anyway?” “Well, I heard that something will happen to him. It’s a prophecy. I have to try to save him, no matter how small the chances are.” “Fine..I’ll take you too where he might be…” Celine felt badly for asking but if this woman could lead her to the dragonborn then maybe the disaster in her time cold be averted. “Hey, sorry for the inconvience Arissa.” “No no, it’s fine. Really. I was heading that way anyway. It’s about a day’s travel to Solitude, then we’ll get a carriage and make our way to Ivarstead. The two women made their way to Ivarstead but Arissa was insistent that they hurry to High Hrothgar and meet with the Graybeards. They waited outside, yelled, even banged on the doors but no one ever came. Suddenly, Arissa yelled, “Hey, you old gas bags! Open the damn door! The lady’s freezing her tits off out here!” Celine banged on the door one last time, yelling, “Please, it’s about the dragonborn! Open the door!” “Maybe they’re not home. We should head to the inn and get some rest. We’ll ask around in the morning.” I’m starting to think you didn’t want that door to open, but whatever, let’s go. I’m about to drop.” As soon as they reached the inn, Celine paid for a room and fell fast asleep. “Now that I’ve got her off my back…” Arissa approached the innkeeper and asked about the dragonborn. “Oh yeah, he came through here not to long ago on the way to Dragon Bridge,” he said. “Great, now I have this crazy idea. You take this gold and when that woman wakes up, you tell her the dragonborn went to Markarth.” The innkeeper looked confused, “Why would I do that?” “Because if you don’t, I’ll come back here and split you in two.” The innkeeper managed to keep his composure, “Okay okay. No need for violence. I’ll tell her.” “Good, and tell her I went on ahead.” Arissa was smiling as she walked out of the inn. Arissa paused outside of the inn. “I need to make sure that little twit doesn’t follow me.” She aimed a spell at the door and ice erupted from her hands. A terrified villager slowly crept away. “There. That should hold her.” Arissa walked into the street and muttered a spell in an odd language. Spears of ice shot from the ground around her as she lifted into the air. And in the blink of an eye, she was gone. **Several hours later** Celes was flying toward Ivarstead at full speed. She had heard from a local that Arissa had been seen entering the city. She met with Celine and they traded stories and names. Celine told her about Arissa not letting her rest then freezing the inn door shut. Celes told her a little bit about herself and what she knew of Arissa’s transformation. Celine took a deep breath, “…but what was really odd is I don’t think she really wanted the Greybeards to let us in. She insulted then and then we came straight back here. And while we were on the path, she fell behind but I could swear she was talking to someone.” “Wait, you leave that for last? Are you stupid?” Celine was talken aback,” Well no sense being that rude about it.” “Sorry,” Celes said, “I’ve been spending a long time tracking her. She was altered by unknown magics and I want to make sure she’s okay. She also may help me find the source of it. Listen, I don’t have anymore time to stand around. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.” Celine could hear the strange dwemer pack fire up as soon as Celes shut the door. “If Arissa really is heading to Markarth, maybe I can catch up to her.” Celes was lost in though when she felt something strike her from behind. “What?! This high up?!” ***On the ground *** “Take that bitch!” Arissa watched Celes fall of the sky. ***Back in the air*** Celes was losing altitude rapidly. She tried to aim for a nearby river. “Shit!! I can’t pull up!” Celes fell into an old dwemer shaft sticking out of the river. Arissa watched the shaft for about an hour and Celes never came back out. She turned to an unseen figure, “It’s done master.” ***Deep within Blackreach*** Mani wadded through dead Falmer, all killed by his steel. "By the Nine I will make it to the surface." He could see the lift and the way seemed clear… (As always leave a comment and let me know what you think.)

First, in Roriksted she met a really energetic young man The companions send her together with farkas into a grave, where some Draugr managed to stun her down After the long and hard fight, Keila had to handle something other long and hard As Keila went to Whiterun, she couldn't resist to try out the local specialities

This entry is just used as a "bridge" to connect this story with the next few entries which will be better and longer. Nonetheless I hope you enjoyed this entry.