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My Followers Pack 6 - Standalone Followers - LE View File Sixth follower pack released! I hope you enjoy this one too. I'll be waiting for your feedback! Thank you for all the support! I hope you're all staying safe ❤️ Read Chloe's story here. Read Christine's story here. Read Eliria's story here. >> Check the outfits list here << Followers: Chloe, Christine, Eliria, Libra and Thalyssa. Level: 10 and will level up with the player. Marriageable: Yes. They wear the following clothes/armor: Chloe → Dwemer armor. Christine → Fine clothes. Eliria → Tavern clothes. Libra → Vampire armor. Thalyssa → Hide armor. I've personally tested this mod in both LE and SE versions. Both work fine on my end. If you find any problem/bug, please report it to me (screenshots may be of help). Chloe - Wandering around Mixwater Mill. Christine - Outside Helgen (follow the road to escape from Helgen). You will spot a little camping settlement. Eliria - Outside the Temple of Dibella, Markarth. Libra - Outside Sleeping Giant Inn, Riverwood. Thalyssa - Hunter's Campsite, Lake Ilinalta. A skeleton that supports the body physics (SE or LE). HDT-SMP (SE) / HDT (LE). Body - Bodyslide Studio - SE / LE Skin - Leyenda Skin - SE / LE Brows - Enhanced Brows - SE / LE Eyes - The Eyes of Beauty - SE / LE Hair - KS Hairdo's - SE / LE ENB - Rudy ENB - SE / LE Submitter Anuketh Submitted 02/04/2021 Category Companions Requires Read description Special Edition Compatible Yes

My Followers Pack 6 - Standalone Followers - SE View File Sixth follower pack released! The esp file is flagged as ESL. I hope you enjoy this one too. I'll be waiting for your feedback! Thank you for all the support! I hope you're all staying safe ❤️ INSTALLATION: This file will redirect you to the LE file. Download and install it with any mod manager. From there, you can choose your Skyrim version (Legendary or Special). Read Chloe's story here. Read Christine's story here. Read Eliria's story here. >> Check the outfits list here << Followers: Chloe, Christine, Eliria, Libra and Thalyssa. Level: 10 and will level up with the player. Marriageable: Yes. They wear the following clothes/armor: Chloe → Dwemer armor. Christine → Fine clothes. Eliria → Tavern clothes. Libra → Vampire armor. Thalyssa → Hide armor. I've personally tested this mod in both LE and SE versions. Both work fine on my end. If you find any problem/bug, please report it to me (screenshots may be of help). Chloe - Wandering around Mixwater Mill. Christine - Outside Helgen (follow the road to escape from Helgen). You will spot a little camping settlement. Eliria - Outside the Temple of Dibella, Markarth. Libra - Outside Sleeping Giant Inn, Riverwood. Thalyssa - Hunter's Campsite, Lake Ilinalta. A skeleton that supports the body physics (SE or LE). HDT-SMP (SE) / HDT (LE). Body - Bodyslide Studio - SE / LE Skin - Fair Skin - SE / LE Brows - Enhanced Brows - SE / LE Eyes - The Eyes of Beauty - SE / LE Hair - KS Hairdo's - SE / LE ENB - Rudy ENB - SE / LE Submitter Anuketh Submitted 02/17/2021 Category Adult Mods Requires Read description Regular Edition Compatible Yes

The rumors spread like wildfire over the next few weeks, engulfing the community in fear and paranoia; the Forsworn were in the city, and the guards were rounding up the native Bretons of the Reach for interrogation. Quinn, not being a native, and being a homeowner, was not among those rounded up. I thanked Kynareth for that small miracle every night as I lay intertwined with him. I wanted to leave this city, to take my family, and Quinn, and never look back, but I lacked the articulacy to convey my message in a way that my husband could accept. Was it a wives duty to obey and stand by their husband with unwavering support? I wished Quinn would see the terror of the city as what it was, and not hide from the truth. The streets were colder now then ever before, most citizen were fearful of leaving their homes any longer then they had to,myself included. The sole solace of the cold and dark of Markarth was the Silver-Blood Inn, even so, I never went there alone. That name dripped of venom, a venom which I had no interest in being poisoned by. "So how long are you going to be gone?" Hilda inquired, looking over Kerah's jewelry. "It'll take a few days to set this deal up" Quinn answered, packing some salted beef into his pack. "Are you going to bring presents when you get back?" "I said I would" Quinn's eyes turned to face mine. He reached for my hand, but I pulled it away. "Why do you have to go?" I asked "Send somebody else for this job" Quinn sighed heavily, the bags under his eyes a sign of his own lack of sleep. I wonder if he lay awake at night, praying for this nightmare to end as I did. "This is an opportunity that I can't afford to miss. If I help settle this mine, I'll be made a co-owner of it, think of what that could mean for us." "This is no time for you to just leave" I pleaded with him desperately. He was my only friend here, and with him gone, I'd be alone. "I know this is scary my love, but I can't turn this down, I'll be home in a few days." Tears streaking my eyeliner, he caressed my cheek, and kissed me softly, and with that, he left. As I walked the steps to Vlindrel Hall, I saw Thongvor speaking with the orc blacksmith Ghorza. I was tired of being left in the dark, I needed answers, and I knew he had them. "Money isn't an issue orc, I need those weapons for the guards." "This is a strange request is...." "Thongvor" I barked, a mix of dread and unbridled rage rose in my voice. He turned to face me, and his eyes showed me nothing they had before, was he truly done with his pursuit? "Can I help you Fiona?" "We need to talk. Alone" "We'll finish this discussion later orc, lead on then" I led him toward my homes front porch, away from curious ears, but close enough to home in case something went south. "I haven't all day woman, speak your piece." "Quinn left for Karthwasten, apparently to claim it, what do you know about this?" "Karthwasten is the last mine I don't control, Quinn has a silver tongue, besides, keeping someone I trust in control only makes sense." "Yet for some reason, I don't think that's all there is to it." His eyes narrowed on me, I saw that I was getting under his skin, then he regained composure. "I'm offering you and your family a chance to better yourselves. Have you ever heard the saying, 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth'. You seem rather ungrateful, considering all the strings I've pulled keeping your family safe." "What are you talking about?" "If it weren't for me, you think Quinn wouldn't be in the Cidhna Mine as we speak?" He was protecting us, why? "Now if were done, I have business to attend to." "So your plan is to leave us in your debt?" He scoffed. "Darling, everybody in the Reach is in my debt, you just need to get with the program. This should be known as prayer here; the Silver-Bloods are the law." With those words, he walked away, leaving me with more questions then answers. "What the hell is happening to this city?" Happy birthday to me, sitting home alone, drinking myself to a stupor, hating everything... but that's neither here nor there. If anybodies wondering, no, I wrote this sober and on the tenth, I just took the pictures and posted it for my birthday, I wish I could write like this drunk. I hope anybody reading this enjoys, and appreciates the time I put into making this story. If you could take the time to tell me what you think, I would love to hear your opinions. So yeah, I hope you enjoy and keep following this story. Updates, updates, oh yeah, I finally got an enb up and running, so I hope my pictures look nicer. I'm going back to college in two days, so I may not be able post as frequent as I do, but I hope I will. I'll keep you posted if anybody wants to know anything. Thanks for taking the time to read this and bye for now.

Flame-Child Chapter Twenty: Deception Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2028-flame-child-chapter-nineteen-a-champion/ Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2030-flame-child-chapter-twenty-one-death-part-one/

Flame-Child feat. Carciel Syliel Chapter Eighteen: Facing The Truth Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2026-flame-child-chapter-seventeen-entering-ones-own/ Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2028-flame-child-chapter-nineteen-a-champion/

Flame-Child Chapter Seventeen: Entering One's Own Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2025-flame-child-chapter-sixteen-the-price/ Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2027-flame-child-chapter-eighteen-facing-the-truth/

Flame-Child introducing One-Eye Chapter Fifteen: The Returning... Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2023-flame-child-chapter-fourteen-no-good-deed/ Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2025-flame-child-chapter-sixteen-the-price/

Flame-Child feat. Lucari Pure-Shot Chapter Fourteen: No Good Deed... Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2022-flame-child-chapter-thirteen-sadness-in-markarth/ Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2024-flame-child-chapter-fifteen-the-returning/

Flame-Child feat. Lucari Pure-Shot Chapter Thirteen: Sadness In Markarth Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2021-flame-child-chapter-twelve-a-surprise-visit/ Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2023-flame-child-chapter-fourteen-no-good-deed/

Flame-Child Chapter Twelve: A Surprise Visit Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2020-flame-child-chapter-eleven-trip-round-markarth/ Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2022-flame-child-chapter-thirteen-sadness-in-markarth/

Flame-Child Chapter Eleven: Trip 'Round Markarth Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2019-flame-child-chapter-ten-a-trip-to-the-past-part-three/ Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2021-flame-child-chapter-twelve-a-surprise-visit/

Flame-Child Chapter Eight: A Forsworn Incident Last: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2014-flame-child-chapter-seven-a-trip-to-the-past-part-one/ Next: http://www.loverslab.com/blog/156/entry-2018-flame-child-chapter-nine-a-trip-to-the-past-part-two/

Special thanks to all my supporters! >> Follow me on Instagram! << >> Feel free to join My Discord <<

Allies of Markarth An peaceful night in Markarth, at least for some, for others it was dark as the others, the fear from the witch-queen and the other forsworns truly placed itself for the hearts of the nords, while the reachmens in the city was secretly cheer for her, even in the cruel Cidhna mines, prisoners celebrated her success against Markarth.. This of course was not really favored by the Jarl, despite what his advisors suggested, Jarl Igmund decided ask an envoy from his allies in Eastern Highrock, the ones who expereinced against the reachmen. Jarl Igmund: We need accept the truth, Markarth can't fight this war alone, we need shallow our pride, we lost our general, and another Thane in the recent months, we started lose battles and our soldiers aren't numerous, they never was... The entire palace was full of Igmund and his advisors arguing, they were clearly against it, since it would shown him weak to the other jarls and his nobility, however the envoy did Arrive, they sent an magister from east to tell the message.. Advisor: But my Jarl... you can't ask just like this... Jarl Igmund: Enough! Envoy is here, please come closer.. The envoy went closer as he asked and she started greet the count, introducing herself.. The Envoy: Greetings Ruler of Markarth and his court, I'm magister Evelin from the Kingdoms Eastern Reach, I came to bear the messages of your allies... Jarl Igmund: Please go on.. Magister Evelin: My Jarl, we can't send any help for you at this point, our knight orders and the other kingdoms are greatly occupied.. Jarl Igmund: By what?! Magister Evelin: It is pretty shameful to say, but... Magister Evelin: Pointless terroritial war from one, from another is civil war, other kingdoms decided to jump in supporting the sides, and our knight orders are occupied greatly with the rising forces of the reachmen tribals, the new leader here seems have some event on them, we never saw this big uprising... Jarl Igmund was angered, he did not react well, but as an ruler, he tried controll his reaction to the bad news... Jarl igmund: By Shor's name, then what should we do, who we can ask to help? Stormcloaks?.. Advisor: Well Ulfric did helped last time.. Jarl Igmund: Yeah, and we still have all the consequence of it, I should just waited for the legion, instead ask help for the person.. Magister Evelin: But my lord, no reason to be angered by this.. Magister Evelin: If you allow me to do an suggestion, based on current state of Markarth, your best decision would be for you to hire mercenaries for coin and the Vigilant of Stendarr, they work for free and helped many places in the Empire.. Your kingdom is wealthiest in all skyrim, sure you can afford the best forces in Skyrim to deal the threat.. Housecarl: She is right my Jarl.. Jarl Igmund: Thanks for the Suggestion, I guess your mission was done, here farewell Magister Evelin.. Magister Evelin: It was an honour, Jarl Igmund.. The arguing continued like nothing happened, while the envoy started to leave... Jarl Igmund: We need call the Legion, we have no other choice.. Advisor: Legion are you mad? Just listen to her, her idea is not bad, we have enough septims to hire an elite force to deal with this menace... Jarl Igmund: And what if we run out the coin, what will do our hired blades do? Or if the Vigilant starting another slaughter based on nothing? We may can afford them, but not for to long... Advisor: Sadly we have no better choice at this point, we are forced for this.. Jarl Igmund: Enough!! Housecarl: But my jarl if you allow a question? How exactly you plan to get allies here, if the Witch Queen's forces blocking our eastern holds and no one comes in west where we are in controll? Legion would need already fighting at the gates and other Jarl's wouldn't bother.. Mercenaries can go and sneak out and they need just reinforce our army.. Jarl Igmund: I said enough!! I need rest... Magister Evelin:(Chuckles) End

First Sin (this is set before the events Gwynolda's story and part of Act I) The year was 196 in the 4th Era of the Nine, average day like any in the safest hold in the Reach, city of Markarth. An young nord maiden went her way to the old city, seeking the temple of Dibella for her reasons. Her name was Svenja and she travelled quite far from the middle of Skyrim to the far west. She was welcomed by the guards before stepped in the city and when she arrived, she was impressed by the architecture, the order and quiet life of the city, it was different from her home Whiterun and her family. The city seemed quite friendly for a young nord girl thought she. As the usual daily route, young sister looked down the streets of Markarth, thought her eyes the city wasn't the same, she was Gwynolda, young initate at the temple, who was preparring for her coming initation in the Temple. Gwynolda: Bloody as usual, and chained... I should go back before I get geezes of the nords.. Svenja was ready to go in the Temple seeking her answers, but someone catched her eyes. She saw a beautiful young woman, her strong vibrant green eyes piercied the young nord girl heart, her dark hair color was strange to Svenja, unusual, almost exotic, she recognised she is from the Sisterhood. Svenja never was really interested in girls, but she wanted make an expection. It seemed svenja got her attention wich made her nervous, she knew she might be her answer. Gwynolda:(sigh).. Svenja didn't noticed how ankwardly, she stared Gwynolda in the middle of the streets, but she made up her mind and decided to join the temple, despite she is not really interested their arts and lessons. She joined not short in the end of her first day, she spent a few months there, learning the ways and the lessons of the temple, thought she rarely ever spoken, she mostly was around Gwynolda and tried talk with her, no success. Being blessed naturally and beautiful herself as the sisters told her, she was really popular in the temple and the city. Svenja was greatly favored by Mother Hamal, who developed affection for a young nord maiden, wich caused divide between her and Gwynolda. Thought Svenja was not pure, when she arrived her initation was planned with someone else then Gwynolda, she get herself together and approached Gwynolda one of the nights. Gwynolda didn't looked too pleased by Svenja's pressence, she weared the flowers in her hair, presenting she was not deflowered and pure sister of the sisterhood. While Svenja adored and "loved" Gwynolda, she never shared this feeling.. Gwynolda: You distrupting my preparations, snowmen girl.. If you want something go tell it otherwise leave me alone.. Svenja: I...have.. name too.. Gwynolda: So..spell it out... Svenja get herself together and told what she wishes from Gwynolda. Svenja: I want do the initation with you, to make love and find my answers from you, I knew I wanted join the temple, moment when I saw you.. Gwynolda: It took quite long time from the months of weird behaviour from you, so you want my flower huh? No.. Svenja: But I thought... initates doing the ritual itself.. Gwynolda: I have right to decline, you even if you are "desirable" snowman girl, but I don't intend to make the ritual of pure love and give my flower for someone I do not like, eversince you are here Hamal went overborad with her jealousy and of course I get the worse, nevermind its not like you would get initation with me, even I would like too.. Gwynolda: Why is that look? I'm not sure what you seeked here, but you don't get your answers from me neither Hamal dry and saggy pee-pee. Gwynolda: If you wish help me leave the temple or just do yourself a favor and get your answers somewhere else, at least you can leave and have family, can go back somewhere... I can't go anywhere else Svenja was left the temple, dissapointed. She spent a few hours sitting and crying a bit, while thought, she spent her time uselessly in the temple. Next day she went back to Whiterun to her family and continued her bard activites. Of course her left was leaved some consequences. Gwynolda got the blame, she was severly punished by Svenja's leaving, her hair got cutted short, humilitated before the entire sisterhood, her body was full of wounds by whips, she was whipped for 5 days in row and she kneeled and forbid to take any different pose for that time. Gwynolda despised every moment of it and her hatred started put its seeds. Sister: This is just the first day Gwynolda, tommorow I will be th eone who will do it(chuckles). Five days later, she went near the river of the city and tended her wounds. She started doubt the Temple after her treatment, despite Sevenja decided to leave her own dissapointment, she never thought she was faulty for that. Even in doubt her faith was strong and the temple seemed slowly becomeless good in her eyes. She painted reachmens marks on her face with her own blood, to show where is from, first sign of her rebellion, she turned back on the temples opinion about her people and started consider herself one of them. She sat for a while, calmy, curing and insulting the leadership of the temple and those who are hurted her, thiknig about how nord girl was treated lot more different than she who was always there. Gwynolda: I starting thing something is not right in the temple, after seeing Svenja's treatment, they definetly hate me...(sigh) She beginned her healing process to remove the scars and het her long hair back, she wished to be beautiful again like she was before. End

Hey guys! About time TFOA gets an update. Summer's here to hopefully I'll be able to pick up the pace. Make sure you've read earlier chapters! Though the previous spoiler should suffice. Let's begin. Previously on The Frost of Ages:

previous part: https://www.loverslab.com/blogs/entry/8731-shade-of-the-reach2/ Shade of the Reach(3/) Let me tell you an old legend or we could call it an old tale of the Reachmen, the tale of the mighty Witch Queen Driada, its a not a story what you heard from the local nords in the tavern, let alone from the modern reachmen. Who was Driada? She was mighty witch of the old times, someone who was almost equal to the greatest Red Eagle, she was immortal ruler of the kingdoms of the Reach, but this "immortality" had a dark secret, she devoured and possesed her own daughters, for a millenia and vowed to rule the Reach hold and destroy Markarth. In the recent times, the mighty Witch Queen after countless of times trying destroying Markath, she realised, its meaningless to try destroy outside, werewolf infestation, plagues, armies sieging down, all were failures, she realised she need take over by a different method, creating a new body to posses who can inherit the kingdom and let it be ruined. she seduced the Igmund the current king of Markath, and this plan made born a daughter, girl named Evelynn, but something went wrong, Driada got inpatient and she took the daughter to posses even before the planned date. To the greatest regret of the Witch Queen, this unusual case of events and the tales about her got into someone's ear, someone very dangerous and mighty, the Imperator Magus heard the rumors and legends and he pictured fast what happening, and when the King of Markarth begged to the Empire helping to get back his poor daughter from the Witch Queen. Gauis Magnus himself came to his aid, of course the Mighty Imperator Magus had his own agenda, exploiting the secrets of the Queen and her magic, and most importantly the daughter with great potential. Everything was foiled, Witch Queen was not even an opponent to the Imperator Magus, he just destroyed Driada, and the hole kingdom she hidden, he lost interest in the daughter as well and brought her back to Markath. The Witch Queen got removed from existence, her legend died with all ties to her, she was nothing more then a child tale in a reachmen village, and only thing she left is the Daughter named Evelynn. Who is Evelynn and what she does now? Good question, but the mystery is easy to solve, it is me after all. Things are that simple, I am the daughter of the True Witch Queen and King of Markarth, of course after vanish and defeat of Driada, my life was rather simple, teached to how to behave in the nobility and lie, especially manupulating and being cut throat as politics works in Markarth, but eventually I lost my status as heir, throwed out the royal family, and ended up a distant relative instead being the Crown Princess. I been sent to Winterhold and other various academies and spent quite a few years learning magic, but I discovered something, opposed my Mother, I had the ability to use all hidden power she put to the daughters, in the end she was a stagant and obsessed women, who losed herself in pointless revenge, gathering power she never could use, opposed me. Soon I ended up one of the few who can claim the most powerful Magister in all Skyrim. After my return, I ended up the new Court Wizard of Markarth, The old elf got stuck with dwemers and my father needed someone he can trust, I was not content with the role, and rightfully deserved more, but stuck with the role for years, while I managed improve my magic as much I can, soon I was master of all magical school and dark arts and the tribal magic of the reach by torturing those worthless hagravens, I ended up very thing what Driada aimed to be, but she perished, and I am alive. Years later, some of her old witches and followers found me, thinking I am Driada and took over the body of the daughter, what a chance to get my throne back and rule the tribes and other kingdoms of the Reachmen, the chance to end the conflict of Nord and Reachmen, forever and rule the reach hold as the greatest Queen. Using illusion magic to hide and change my face always when they speak of me, was easy way to hide my actual identity, pretending to be my mother wasn't hard either, she was barely know entity even amoungs her most loyal followers. For the current Witch-King of the Reach, he was blasted with one spell, and along with all hagravens in my domain and witches, and everyone who could find out who I am. Bear in mind this is the past of few yours ago, not the present, that remain secret how powerful and how much part I rule the Reach now. You just had the chance to now the beginnings of my Rise as the "Witch Queen of the Reach". Since you know now my identity and truth behind me, I presume you not want to die do you? Give me reason to keep you alive my dear Gwynolda, Im sure you can offer something to me. End

It was a long trip, travelling from Falkreath to Markarth. There was a reason, though, as the Dunmer bard known as Thradra N'Tir entered the gates of the great dwemer city. At least is was a great dwemer city. Rumour had it that the court mage for the Jarl had information about Dwemer technology, and this interested Thradra greatly. But first, it was time to rest for the evening. The Silver Blood Inn was the only reputable place in Markarth to lay one's weary head when evening fell. And while she had the gold, there was another way she could get a bed for the evening. "Welcome to the Silver Blood Inn," the inn keeper said as she approached the main bar. An old gentleman who had a charming smile if not a slightly snarky attitude. This was made all the more clear when Thradra spotted the inn keeper's wife roll her eyes as she looked at the inn keeper. "I'm a travelling bard," Thradra said with a charming smile. "I'd like to perform here for the evening." The inn keeper, who's name was Klepper, thought on this for a moment and finally nodded. "Very well. If it's a good performance, you can have a room for the evening." "Fair enough," Thradra replied with a smile. She took out her guitar and moved to the fire side where most of the patrons had gathered. No songs of Skyrim for this one, Markarth seemed split in allegiances with the Stormcloaks and Imperials. Best to leave it with old songs from Morrowind. And so she played a soft instrumental song she had learned as a girl. The crowd seemed pleased as she played, listening intently as she struck the chords of her guitar and allowed each note to ring out. Some danced slowly with the beat of the tune, others tapped their feet and nodded their head in time. An old hagard looking man, an older bard who was taking a break, nodded his approval as Thradra played. The crowd clapped as she finished, and she gave a bow with a bright smile of thanks for the platitudes. With that, she turned to Klepper. "I'm done for now." "Very well played," Klepper said with a smile and a nod of approval. "This is for you." He handed her 25 septims and motioned for her to follow. "Your room is this way." Thradra followed the man up some stairs to a small dwemer styled room. Everything in Markarth was dwemer styled, to be honest. "This is your room. If there's anything else you need just let us know." Thradra nodded her thanks and Klepper left her to herself in the room. It was time for bed. Her rest was actually quite good. And even better, as she awoke, the pretty, beaming face of a young woman was staring back at her. Hroki, the daughter of the inn keeper. "I'm... I'm sorry," Hroki said as her face flushed red with embarassment. "I didn't mean to..." "It's quite alright," Thradra replied with a pleasant smile. "A wonderful surprise to wake up to in the morning." Hroki seemed to smile as she blushed with Thradra's words. "And what do I owe this wonderful, beautiful surprise on this morning?" "I just..." Hroki began as she giggled lightly. "Your playing last night. It was very good. Better than I've ever heard. Even better than Ogmund. And... you just look... so pretty." Thradra smiled slyly as she knew exactly what Hroki was asking for. "And just what is it you'd like?" she said in a whisper as she leaned close to Hroki and let her index finger trail along Hroki's chin. "Were you hoping for a moring of merely talking? Or would you rather have a morning of fucking?" Hroki blushed again and giggled. She wasn't expecting such a crass word from this dunmer bard. But it explained it plainly. "The ... latter ... really." "I think I can accomodate," Thradra said with a delighted grin. She reached back to her pack and produced a well crafted strapon. "You'd best get yourself undressed," Thradra said as she rose to her feet. Hroki nodded and nervously, but excitedly began to remove her clothing stripping down to nothing. She looked to Thradra expectantly. "I'm ready." "Good," Thradra said as she fitted the double sided dildo in place. "Now lay down." Hroki lay down obediently as Thradra moved closer, kneeling down between Hroki's legs. She took the strapon in one hand and guided it carefully to Hroki's waiting pussy. The aroma was incredible as Thradra could tell this young woman was ready and waiting. Slowly, she thrust the strapon deep inside Hroki's pussy, feeling the other end pushing against her own as she let out an excited breath. Hroki moaned deeply as she felt the dildo slide deep inside. Thradra began pumping back and forth ever so slowly at first, then grasped Hroki's ankles as she raised them up, quickening her pace just a tad. Hroki began to let out more pronounce moans as she felt her pleasures increase. Hroki grasped her own legs as though to invite Thradra to go faster. The dunmer bard accepted this invitation without hesitation as she drove the dildo deep into Hroki's wet pussy as the other end began to slide deep within Thradra. The excitement was increasing, as was her arousal. "You it harder, don't you," Thradra said with deep, breathy moans. "Faster? I think so." Hroki nodded wordlessly, only able to form moans of pleasure as she held Thradra's arms tightly. Thradra looked into Hroki's eyes as she thrust harder, feeling her excitement and pleasure growing. If not from the other end of the dildo, at least from seeing this nord woman's own pleasure as she was fucked hard. "Are you ready to cum?" Thradra whispered into Hroki's ear. Hroki nodded with a deep sigh, finally able to answer with a harsh whisper. "...by the Nine... yes... please!" Thradra felt herself begin to climax as Hroki started to. The young woman crying out in pleasure as her body shook from the oncoming orgasm. She reached her arms around Thradra and held tight as she released, small quivers of pleasure flowed through her body. Thradra felt her own come on, and she pressed her lips to Hroki's in a deep, loving kiss. They both held each other tightly as their orgasms began to subside. Thradra eventually withdrew the dildo and flopped beside the young woman. Hroki held Thradra tightly as she smiled brightly. "That... was wonderful," Hroki said as she lay back on the floor. "Will you stay with me for a while?" "For a while," Thradra said as she leaned in to kiss Hroki gently. "But I have business in this city. But I promise, I will be back. You can count on that. And next time, I won't complain one bit if you decide to crawl into bed with me."

(Note: To differentiate them, I think I’m going to start calling beast shouts, “Beast calls.”) Hey, it’s Destana. It’s Day 12 of this month of preparation for the Thalmor. It was morning, and I’d stayed up all night going through the ceremony to become a shaman of the forsworn. I also learned a few new teleport spells from the senior shamans, and got a noticeable increase to my magicka recovery just from the ceremony. I feel like since I came to Skyrim I’d been doing my best to smooth over the rough bits, you know? I’d really taken a liking to this land. I’d spent a lot of time and energy protecting it, and had become a person of some renown in the process. But I feel like every so often I come across something that could be described as a pustule. I poke at it, and it ruptures, and the rot just spills out. The Prison system here had been one of these. I’d escaped and murdered the Jailer in cold blood (literally… cold, in the sea of ghosts). The vampires’ secret nature gave way to a relationship with the holds that was ultimately going to strengthen Skyrim. The gray quarter was now livable. Skyrim had many more people and places to live. That day what started as a project to help with the war, the forsworn, became a cause for me to champion. That morning, instead of being tired, I was wired. I returned to Badycia, the leader of the shamans, looking for more work. She gave me a few jobs, but I’m going to gloss over two of them as they’re not especially important or interesting. 1. So cut it in half The first was a dispute between two women in Vulkos’ camp. Badycia said shamans are the wisdom of the reachmen, so they often act as judges. Each woman said the other woman’s baby died during childbirth and she was trying to steal hers. Vulkos said, “How about a trial by combat? Let the gods decide.” “I could just cut it in half,” I said, “Both women get half a baby.” “Okay,” they both said. “Wait, no! You’re supposed to… okay, trial by combat. Fuck it,” I said, throwing up my hands. 2. Wolf Mother The next job was in a camp with a woman named Genserie. When I got there, she told me the wolf pack in the area was weak and dying out. Sigorn wanted them dead, but I happen to know wolves are a keystone species. When wolves die out, their prey reproduce out of control, eat all the flora and decimate the natural world. (That’s from reading a lot of books over those ten years!) “So, what’s the deal with them? Are they not reproducing or something?” I asked. “No… well, they’re trying,” Genserie replied. We walked over to the wolves’ stomping ground to find a woman having sex with four gray wolves. She was imperial, and surprisingly clean. “Well, there’s your problem,” I said, “Wolves and humans can’t reproduce.” “She thinks she’s a wolf,” Genserie whispered, “I think the females wandered out of the area because she just fucks them all day long.” “I am a wolf!” She said. “Romula Sena. You are not a wolf,” Genserie said. “Of course I am,” she replied, “Why else would I be fucking these wolves? My mate Aki and I are going to have wolf pups soon.” “Well, that’s weird. What do we do?” I asked. “Maybe… if we showed her humans can have sex with wolves?” Genserie replied. “Well, don’t look at me,” I said, “I don’t plan on doing that again.” “I guess it’s up to me then, I’m going in,” Genserie said. When she was done, Genserie told her we had quite a few animals in the forgotten valley. Romula asked if she could come and join our tribe, and left the wolves of the plains to do wolf things. So now the Marses has an Imperial. We took her to Armin, and he was accepting of the situation. A woman who can make the beasts happy… guess that’s positive. 3. New Sibyl The third job is a little more involved, but still fairly short. It was only late morning at this time, and Armin told me he had an idea that would benefit our cause. Seeing as how there are a lot of Forsworn living in Markarth and the towns in the Reach, he heard things. Turns out, there’s a whole information network here. Anyway, he’d heard the High Priestess at the Dibellan Temple had died recently and they were searching for a new Sibyl. He wanted me to go talk to the sisters first, and once I had her, we were going to bring her into our influence. I teleported to Markarth, and while I was in Volkihar Castle I got a couple comments about me being mortal and therefore worthless. Serana said she didn’t like werewolves, and I was the exception. I sighed, thinking I was probably going to go back to vampirism sooner than expected, especially since the vamps would barely give me the time of day at the moment. At Markarth, it seemed like I had been expected. Oh yeah! This was that job they sent for me for. I approached the acting mother, Hamal, and after some anger she said, “The ceremony you so rudely interrupted was the Exalted Protocol of the Dibellan Sibyl. Through this we are able to hone in on the next Sibyl to the north in a small village pressed against the stone. We believe the place in our vision is Karthwasten.” On the way out, a sister spoke to me, “After your mission, are you interested in joining the sisterhood, on a trial basis?” “Uhh… maybe. I don’t have a lot of free time. What do I need to do?” I asked. “Oh, I know who you are. You’d be doing things for us in your off time. I’ve heard a lot of stories that you are quite skilled,” she smirked, then she said, “The Temple is closed, for now, but I could definitely use some help with the collection of donations. With the dragons and the war, the Thalmor, the forsworn, and everything…these are uncertain times. You’re out there, leading the people. I ask that if you do this, you remind people of love and beauty.” “Yeah, but more specifically?” “Take this wreath. Collect donations wearing only this upon your head, let your beauty inspire their gold to flow,” she winked. I smiled, “I… think I can do this.” I went back to Armin, “I infiltrated the sisterhood. It was easy. They sent me to find the Sybil.” “Good. Our men in Karthwasten picked her up. She’ll be in the Broken Tower redoubt. I’m going to send you to ‘rescue’ her. Instead of bringing her back to the Temple of Dibella, bring her to Karthspire. We’ll have a ritual ready.” I nodded, and teleported to Broken Tower Redoubt. I flew to the top level of the tower, and spoke to their Briarheart, “I’m here for the Sybil. Armin sent me to take her to a ritual with our shamans.” The man was named Sigorn. He growled, “Well, if it’s for the shamans, I can’t argue. But I still want her ass. What’s the ritual?” “Not sure on the details. You’re free to show up and see if you can ‘help out.’ It’s at Karthspire,” I said. “Fair. I’ll see you there,” he replied, "No. One more thing.” He put up his fists, putting away his weapons. Then he said loudly, “There’s no way you’re going to take this girl! She’s mine! You’ve been hiding amongst the forsworn this whole time!” He took a wide swing at me, missing horribly. I could tell this was a ploy at this point. “Please, help me!” The girl shouted from within the cage. She was blindfolded. “Oh, by the old gods!” He shouted, then he fell on the ground, making it sound like I’d just beaten him. I walked over and picked the lock on the cell, and grabbed the girl’s hand, still tied, “Let’s go!” “What’s your name?” I asked. “Fjotra. Thank you for saving me!” She yelled as she ran after me, tripping over things. I grabbed her and threw her over my shoulder, taking flight as I walked outside. “The Sisterhood of Dibella sent me to save you. You’re going to be the next Sibyl,” I said. “Really?” She asked, “Why is it so windy? Can you take the blindfold off?” “No, we’re flying. I don’t want you to shriek and fall out of my grip when I take it off. We’ll land in a few minutes,” I replied. I flew her to Karthspire, where Drana, a Hagraven and a few others had set up a platform and a ritual. A wolf, a troll and a few shamans and forsworn were gathered around. “Okay, are we safe? Can I take off the blindfold now?” Fjotra asked. I may have felt bad, since this was against her will and without her knowledge, but it would generally benefit both the sisters AND the forsworn. Drana stepped forward and took the girl’s hands, unbinding them. Then she put her hands on her head, and the girl sat down. “She will be… receptive,” Drana said. “Could you teach me that?” I asked. “Easily. I could do it right now, if you have the talent,” Drana replied. It only took a good ten minutes, but she showed me a few arousal-control spells. Then Drana and the others started to gather energy to start the ritual, creating the same effect as during my shaman ceremony. Drana took off the blindfold and Fjotra was glassy-eyed and receptive. “First, we need a man for the ritual,” Drana said, “Which one of you guards wants the honor? Which is more high-ranking?” Sigorn leapt off his horse and sprinted up the hill. Damn he wanted this girl bad. I mean, she was probably 18 and was very pretty. “Mine!” He shouted, “I’m the leader of the Broken Tower Redoubt. Not a chief, but higher than these guys.” “Very well,” Drana said. Sigorn smirked, rubbing his hands together. He entered her from behind, depositing his load several moments later. “She had formed the bond with a man of the Forsworn. Next,” Drana continued, “The girl will form a bond with our wolf spirit.” I looked at the seemingly normal wolf, and he winked at me. Was it the same one as mine? I smiled back. He mounted her and did the same. Whether this would give the new Sibyl powers of nature on top of the Dibellan powers she would soon get, I wasn’t sure. “What’s the troll for?” I asked. “Stop asking questions girl, I’m getting to that!” Drana cleared her throat, “I don’t want to spoil this for you or give you an unnecessary advantage over the others, but as part of the trial you will do next, you will form a bond with a troll. Trolls are bestial, yes, but they are in tune with nature. They have a line stretching back to the dawn era.” “So, you’re fast-tracking her through the shaman process?” “Basically, yes,” Drana replied. While she had her fun with the troll, Drana engaged with one of the other Forsworn guards. As the last part of the ritual, she cut Kalydi and cast a spell with the sister’s blood on the new Sibyl. “Now, take her to the sisters. Say nothing of this. I will report to Armin. In the future, you keep an eye on the Sibyl. She will be a sleeper in the sisterhood for us, and will follow your commands without question,” Drana explained. We dressed her in a gray robe, and I teleported (through Volk) to Markarth. I walked her into the temple, and she seemed normal. Hamal was just at the entrance to the inner sanctum. She looked me up and down, still in my Forsworn clothes, “Interesting choice of clothes.” “It’s a disguise!” I replied. “This woman saved me from the forsworn,” Fjotra said, “She says you want me to be the next Sibyl?” “Oh, gods! You found her!” Hamal said excitedly, “Bless you! Come with me, girl. I will begin your training.” She turned back to me before they walked out, “You’ve truly earned the Blessing of Dibella. Prostrate yourself before her altar and you will receive her blessing.” They walked away, and I did what she said. I could feel the warmth of Dibella shroud me. Goes to show you that Aedra aren’t actually as choosy as everybody thinks about who they give their blessings to. Really, the only difference between them and the Daedra is the Aedra helped/consented to the creation of mortals and Nirn, and the Daedra didn’t. Of course, like Sanguine, you can enjoy the fruits of somebody else’s labor. I snuck in the back after a few minutes to find Hamal giving Fjotra her first lesson – she was going down on her. 4. Final Exam I returned to the Sacred Tree, and it was only noon. I was making great time today. “So what’s next?” I asked Badycia. “You have one more test to take. This will be designed to test everything you’ve learned so far and the ability to use the powers you received this morning. I sent you out on those jobs because all the others taking this test have years of service under their belts, they’ve proven their ability to deal with complex problems. I needed to see you in action, and let me say you did well.” “You hear about our Sibyl yet?” “Oh, of course. I’m glad you pulled it off,” Badycia replied, “Follow me.” She walked me up the hill on the far side of the tree that’d I’d never had any reason to go up before. At the top of the path was the ancient door of a nord ruin. “Give me all of your possessions. You don’t need them here. Remember our ways as you traverse the ruin,” Badycia said, then smiled at me, “Before you go, I want you to know I actually sincerely hope you pass this. I have a good idea of who you are.” “Oh really?” I asked, already undressing and piling my stuff on the ground, “Who do you think I am?” “The Dragonborn. Everyone respects you. Tell me, what is your purpose here?” “I want the Forsworn to be able to live their lives how they want. And I want there to be peace between the Nords and the Forsworn. Each side might need to give up some of what they want, but together, we can be even stronger than we can imagine.” “What makes you think the Forsworn would assent to this? You know we took Markarth and held it for two years during the Great War, right? Markarth is our city, and we took it back while the Nords and the Empire were distracted.” “Because I think I have a solution that will satisfy everyone,” I finished getting naked, “Also, the Aldmeri Dominion hold most of the continent now, and in two weeks they’re coming for us. Would you rather be an ally of another race of mankind that can look at you and see you as human, or under the boot of a race of people who think humans are inferior and want to crush all of us under their heels?” “You make a solid argument. But, do you know how the Nords got Markarth back?” She asked. “No…” I replied, “It’s like a footnote in most books, the Markarth Incident.” “When you get out of there, I’ll tell you all about it,” Badycia said, “For now I want your mind to be on this task. Remember everything we’ve taught you.” I turned, and opened the door. Inside the first room was huge and open. Two skeevers were threatening a hunter. How’d she get in? I followed the light up to a hole in the overhead, about fifty feet up. “Help me!” She yelled. I immediately casted Bound Bow and loaded an arrow. Then I tilted my head. I walked forward slowly, then called, “KAKE!” The skeevers turned to me, still looking ugly, but docile. “I don’t know what you did, stranger, but thanks!” She pulled out a sword and stabbed one of the skeevers through the head. Red energy started to envelop her, “What’s…. happening?!” She vanished. I blinked. Okay, well, now I understand the rules, I guess. If you kill any of the beasts, you get got. Whether the woman was dead, or just forcibly ejected from the ruin, I wasn’t sure, but I wasn’t about to find out. I walked forward and found a cozy campfire still burning. Apparently owned by the interloping hunter. I looked through her stuff and took what was valuable. But with no pockets… I just laid the gold back down. A wolf was standing at the edge of the firelight, growling. I readied my beast voice, but realized they had cooldowns too. I quickly dodged as he lunged at me, then shouted, “KAAN!” Using my dragon voice to supplement my beast voice. The wolf sat down and I petted him on the head. I told him to stay (since Kyne’s Peace has a limited duration) and continued on. Next, I encountered two spiders, which I used my beast call on and told them to stay (so they don’t kill anything that attacks me later). Then, I found a troll in a room with four levers and a shut portcullis. Realizing Kyne’s Peace wouldn’t work on him and my power was still recovering from the beast voice (the specific call is named Mating Call), I casted invisibility on myself and waited for him to move around as I pulled all four levers, recasting it as necessary. I continued on, crossing a river and finding a rock bridge with another troll. In turning the corner, he was only about ten feet from me now, but he didn’t move to attack. I looked at this one more closely. He had a lot of wrinkles and this one had gray hair. He seemed to hobble a little as he walked. This Old Troll walked up to me calmly. He reached out his hand. I grabbed it, and he gently held my hand. I smiled at him. Maybe, as I had earlier suspected, Trolls and Giants weren’t brainless, just hostile because of years of aggression between our kinds. The troll’s dick started to get erect and he smiled at me. But he wasn’t aggressive. Drana did say this was part of the test. I sighed, “Well, I’ve fucked stranger things. I know what you want.” I moved to the other side of the bridge and he followed, then I got on all fours and presented myself to him. He entered me and fucked me pretty soundly. He also picked me up and hugfucked me. When we were done, I felt like… all this ‘forming bonds’ with beasts and beast-like creatures was causing my beast hide and beast calls to grow stronger. I think I was working out in my head how to give beasts basic commands. I bid the Old Troll goodbye, telling him to stay, and continued on. The next cave had a sheer pit in front of me. Like… a fifteen-foot-wide chasm. With magic I could probably get across. But how were the others supposed to do this? I stretched out my foot and felt it touch stone. “Ha!” I shouted as I stepped out onto the invisible land bridge, “The old leap of faith.” I walked across to the next cave, which had some form of advanced Spriggan in it. She spoke, “I am the Keeper Spriggan, the blessed of Kyraneth. Apprentice. Your will, wits and wisdom have been tested. Now, your knowledge.” “I’m ready,” I smiled. I had a lot of that. I wasn’t a mage for no reason. “How many colors can natural wolves have in all the lands of Nirn?” She asked. “Three,” I replied. “Good. Next question: wolf, snail, troll, frog. Which of these are hermaphroditic?” I blinked, “Wow, testing textbook smarts.” “Hmm.. I’ve never seen a female troll. But they have penises, so maybe they’re rare, like Giantesses,” I thought for a second, “Only the snail.” “Excellent,” the Spriggan replied. Then she smirked, “What is the difference between respiration and fermentation metabolism?” “Respiration is how we breathe. Fermentation huh?” I scratched my head, “Well, that’s how we make beer, which is done by microbes. I guess, fermentation is how microbes respirate?” “That is … acceptable,” the Spriggan replied. Then she blasted me with green light. When I opened my eyes, I was in a cave with an ancient spriggan and three Menthirs (teleportation stones). “Destana!” Katalia shouted and hugged me. “What’s this?” I asked. “Looks like you passed. We’re waiting for everybody to come through, then we’re all going to touch our Menthirs. Each Menthir is attuned to a different type of shamanism. After you touch them, you’ll be transported out of here and be given a gift. So, which type will you choose?” There were three women before me, one trying to become each type. Katalia chose to be a Koldun shaman, specializing in life manipulation and curses. Moira (the girl who put my heart back in) wanted to be a Hagraven. Ethrane, who I hadn’t done much with, was choosing to be a Primal shaman, who were friends of the spriggans and focused on healing. I chose that one. We touched our stones, and were teleported. I made nice with the Spriggans in the spriggan cave, and then I went back to Badycia, who didn’t have anything else for me yet, other than congratulations. “So what is the deal with Markarth? Am I going to be angry?” “Probably,” Badycia said, “You’re about to marry Ulfric Stormcloak, aren’t you? Well, you are a shaman, either way. So I’ll tell you this and do what you will with it. During the Great War, the Empire pulled back its forces to deal with the Thalmor. When the Forsworn took back the Reach, we drove out Jarl Hrolfdir. Keep that in mind when I tell you this: he went to Ulfric Stormcloak for help. Two years later, when they retook the Reach, they killed everyone. Not just the Forsworn. But also, the Nords who didn’t actively help retake the city. Men, women, and children. Our king, Madanach, was taken prisoner. To this day, an old man, he still remains in Cidhna Mine.” I could feel my eyebrows twitching, “Yeah, but we ousted Hrolfdir.” “Yeah, because he didn’t uphold his bargain with Ulfric. Weak man didn’t stand by Talos worship. With the Silver-Bloods, things have changed a little. On the surface, they claim they want to rid the Reach of the Forsworn, but fighting against us has actually lessened. I think the Silver-Bloods either give a shit about us, or they want to stay in power and are using Madanach as a hostage. Either way, something fishy is going on,” Badycia replied. I huffed, clenching my fists, “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. First, I’m going to have a talk with my fiancée. Then I’m going to figure out what the hell’s going on in Markarth.” Badycia smirked, “Good luck, shaman.” I teleported to V, then to Windhelm, which put me at the gates. As I walked the streets in my forsworn garb, people just seemed confused seeing ‘those people’ so far from the Reach. In the plaza with the Talos statue, Fenrir turned, “Mom!” He blinked, “Could you put a shirt on?” “Sorry, son. I’m on a mission right now,” I said. He followed me just inside. “Hi mom!” Runa was sitting at the dinner table with Aventus, thanes and other officials, Ulfric standing at the other end of the hall talking to organizers. He turned, “My darling! I was beginning to think you wouldn’t ~” He started, but I reached him and slapped him across the face. He turned back to me, annoyed look on his face, “What was that for?” “There’s more where that came from,” I asked, “Ever heard of the Markarth Incident?” “That was a long time ago…” he said, “Another Jarl came to me, asking for help.” “What you did to those people… it was barbaric!” I said, “Did you really kill everyone?” I reached back my hand to slap him again, and he caught my hand at the wrist. “We stormed the city and took it back. That was it. When things were secure, I handed it off to Hrolfdir. What he did after that, I don’t know,” Ulfric said flatly. By this time the Jarl’s Hall had become silent, all eyes on us. “Well then, Hrolfdir is on my list when we’re declared King and Queen. Since he’s not even a Jarl anymore. You know, I meant what I said. I want the Forsworn to have their own hold, their own seat on the council. Now I’m considering if I should give them Markarth. Pray to the gods they don’t do to the Nords there what you guys did to them!” I snatched my hand back. “So does that mean you still want to marry me?” He asked. “Yes!” I yelled at him, “FUS!” I blew him onto his butt, sitting on the stairs to his throne. Then he shouted back at me, “FUS!” “Wanna get in a shouting match with me?” Ulfric growled. “No,” I said angrily, “Because I’d win, and I like you. Mostly.” I turned and walked out, “Hi Runa. See you the day after tomorrow.” “Wow, she was mad,” Jorleif said. “Yeah,” Ulfric stood, “She looked good in that Forsworn getup though. I know a lot of them go topless. On her, it really works.” “Geez,” Runa said to Fenrir, by the door. “Yeah, imagine the two of them actually yelling at each other,” Fenrir shook his head, “They’d probably level the building.”

Hi, it's me, Destana. Last time I did some work for the Riften Jarl, the Thieves' Guild and the Dark Brotherhood, attended a class at Winterhold, and then I was on my way to Markarth. And what do you know, when I arrived in Markarth, it was being attacked by Lost Valley Forsworn, with a Mammoth and Giant. I jumped in, managing to take a couple down with my bow and sneaking into the guard tower to continue my onslaught of arrows. Really, the guards kept them busy while I killed everything (though it took probably 50 arrows for the giant and mammoth, and a few potions because of archers getting wise and firing back). I walked up to the gate to find all the Markarth gate guards piled in a charred heap. Guess they'll need to hire more. Had I been to Markarth before at this point? I don't think so. First impressions are crucial. I walked in and witnessed a murder not five seconds after I thought I was safe within the city walls. The murderer yelled something about the forsworn. So, I guess I'll put it on my list to find out about these forsworn guys. A guy handed me a note and assured me he had no idea what was going on but the note said to meet him later. But I had more important things to do. The Silver Blood Inn was right in front of me so I went and talked to the DB contact first - Muiri. She wanted me to kill a guy in an old dwarven ruin. He used her. Her body also. That's a murder I can get behind. And bonus, she wants me to kill a woman in Windhelm as well. I'm sure I'll be back there eventually. "I will be done," I said, meaning, 'I'll get to it when I get to it.' (EDIT): I totally forgot about this, but I walked into a house while I was there and Molag Bal contacted me. A Bro of Stendarr was there with me. Apparantly Molag Bro told him that it was him or me. Before he could even finish drawing his weapon, he was stabbed. I went to the basement and found Molag Bal's statue, who spoke to me. He asked me to find a priest and destroy him. Which... I nodded my head, and to this day have still not done. I did, however, find three Daedra at the entrance to the house on my way out. And... wondering if they all measured up to Sanguine, I enticed them and got them to show me. If you know what I mean. They don't, by the way. (/EDIT) Next, I went to see Calcelmo, into the dwarven ruins that served as a hold for the Jarl. As soon as I entered, a robed man and a nord were having a disagreement. Apparently the inner dwemer ruins are locked. I approached him, feeling like I was going to be drawn into the ruins here eventually anyway, "What's wrong?" "People have been showing up with bite marks when coming out of the Hall of the Dead. You look like an adventurer, want to take a look?" "Geez, you barely know me and you're offering me the keys? Sure," I said, taking the keys. I continued through a passage to Calcelmo. "What do you want?" He didn't even look up from his notes. "I'd like to buy some spell tomes," I said. "Magic, always magic. Never history!" He seemed unusually angry. "Well, I am curious about history too. I've been told you're an expert on the Falmer language," I said. "Yes, yes I am," he said. "Could I see your texts?" "You're crazy. It's my life's work," he said. "Surely I could pay you for your time," I replied. "Being a scholar, money isn't my highest priority," he sneered. "..." I waited a few seconds, thinking I should formally train my speechcraft, "I'll give you a blowjob." The old man looked at me with a little disgust, then he smirked, "It's been years. I guess I could let you into my lab." So I did. I'm good at using my mouth to convince people, one way or another. He handed me the keys to his lab, then I said, "How about the ruins proper? I'd like to explore. I'm kind of a dungeon connoisseur." "Hmm... if you deal with a nasty giant spider, then sure," he said, handing me another key. I went to kill the spider first, judging it to be a quicker task. And, indeed, I sliced through a few small monstrous spiders with my sword and killed the big boy with my bow before he got to me. After the spider was a journal with a corpse, detailing an expedition that'd been lost, I presumed. Urgh! The breadcrumbs! I wrote that down in my quest log and continued in further. Once inside, I had my first encounter with the Falmer. Disgusting creatures. Because I was completely silent and now getting very good with the bow, I made short work of most the targets I came across, though a Chaurus Reaper was a little tougher. I gathered journals of the other expedition members and turned on the defenses of the area, at which point I was attacked by a very strong golden dwemer ghost who summoned a large centurion. Sensing I was beyond my depth, I hopped down to a previous door and ran out between the remaining falmer fighting the now awakened dwemer defense systems. I then ventured into the museum, ready to have this over with. A guard tried to stop me, but I showed him the key. While I was walking away I remember him saying, "This is Markarth, traveler, safest city in the Reach." I almost burst out laughing. I nearly got killed twice just trying to get in the doors. I passed some guards and books about dwemer, then tried to open the doors to the lab. The key I had didn't open, so I used my own key. Easy lockpick. I walked in further to find more armed guards, but not the hold variety. Looked like freelancers. They immediately drew weapons on me. "Help! Intruder!" The woman in heavy armor shouted, coming at me with sword and shield. "I'm here for Calcelmo!" I shouted, but she wasn't hearing it. I used my shield to knock her sword out of the way and gave her a few good slashes, sending her down. A man behind her followed up, getting the same treatment. I took keys and gold from their bodies. Strange. I went up some stairs and found two more guards looking at some mechanism. Not chancing it this time, I put the left guard down with an arrow to the back of the neck. The right guard hadn't even reacted before he got the same treatment. I continued on and a third walked toward the scene of gore. I jumped out from behind him and slit his throat. Wondering if I was going overboard, I walked up to another guard a few rooms later sitting in a chair. He immediately drew weapons on me and attacked, so I killed him too. Another joined the battle and I put him down, then a third, who'd been firing arrows into the room. I shot her in the leg and finished the job with my sword as I closed the distance. Who were these guys? And for that matter, why were they so weak? They seemed like amateurs. The next room I snuck in quickly before anybody saw me and slit a guy's throat. A wizard sitting at a table and more guards drew so I booked it out of the room. When the first guard turned the corner he got an arrow to the face, an arrow to the knee, a shield to the side of the head, then a blade to the chest. The second guard (single file, I guess) got an arrow between the eyes and died instantly. I peeked into the next room to find the wizard aiming spells at me. "Why are you attacking me? I'm just trying to find something and I'll go!" But he kept shooting. I buried an arrow in his chest, which nearly immediately killed him. Guess I didn't know my own strength. Then he started to run. I stepped into the room and aimed the last arrow in his back. Were these guys trying to rob Calcelmo or something? I mean, that's not to say I wasn't taking the stray valuables as I trekked through. I shrugged. I've killed people for less. I continued in to Calcelmo's Tower. Before me, a balcony. I jumped up onto the balcony to find the slab I'd been looking for. But I didn't have anything to record the data. I ventured through the balcony's door and found come charcoal and paper to take a rubbing. I did the deed and found a few more of the mysterious guards approaching. My first thought was just to kill them. But I realized I could just shut the door behind me, cast Lock, wait for them to pass by the balcony and just slip out unnoticed. One of them stayed to guard the door and I aimed my bow at his head. But then he also walked into the room. I slipped out. Seeing that it was night and feeling the sleep deprivation hit me, I told Calcelmo about the spider and gave him the journals. I played at the Silver-Blood Inn and slept until noon the next day. But honestly, who sleeps on stone beds? Terrible. I was talking with the innkeeper about rumors and he said Helgen'd been attacked and destroyed, and bandits had taken residence there. An entry for later. On the way to Windhelm, I stopped at Raldbthar and killed Muiri's target. Hardly worth a mention - a group of bandits and some random dwemer constructs (found myself a Bandit Skull Shield), then to Windhelm where her secondary target was. I walked in and talked to her, offering her comfort in the form of sex. The thing about Windhelm is there aren't a lot of private places, but I was able to do the deed in an alley and stash the body out of sight. Then I continued to go north to Enthir and Karliah with that rubbing from earlier. He asked how I got the rubbing, to which I told him I blew the old man. And he asked for one too. Sigh, whatever. Spread debauchery. After he translated the text we found Mercer had desecrated something called the Twilight Sepulcher. Karliah gave me a Nightingale Blade and told me to meet her at the guild so we could explain what was happening. I figured I would get those books the Archmage wanted while I was here. The Librarian said the books were gone, taken by a mage to a place called Fellglow Keep. Wait! I already killed everything there a few weeks ago. Smiling, I decided I would take a detour and just collect the things on the way to Riften. I slept in my college bed before going. Good thing I have a horse, I'm doing a lot of traveling. ...Or not! I showed up at Fellglow Keep to find a group of wizards having moved in. This was bound to happen after an area is cleared out. What's more as I drew near voices came from behind me. A bunch of thugs who'd been hired to hunt me down! First thing I did was run off into the open plains so the wizards didn't follow, then have a long drawn-out fight with the thugs (stronger by far than anything I'd been fighting recently). After downing two of them, one of the mages started shooting at the last thug. I was confused by this, but maybe the mages weren't immediately hostile to me. When the thug was down, the mage nodded to me calmly, then readied a spell. I sighed, drawing bow and dealing the last hit to him. I ventured inside, ready for more of the same. I killed the first bandit by shooing him between the eyes, killing his pet spiders in short order and the bandit mage sitting at a table easily. I went into a hallway to find a Goblin Shaman and an Apprentice Fire Mage fighting. The Goblin kept eying me as I was sneaking behind the mage, like he knew I was going to kill whoever won. He was right, of course. But the mage stepped on a dart trap and killed himself, so it saved me the work. The next room held a jail with vampire fleglings and I threw all the levers, letting them all out. They rushed past me and wreaked havok on the mages in the next room, both sides decimating each other. Maybe I hadn't cleared this area. Lots going on here. I went into the next room that had dead vampires splayed out on tables. Forget books - I was interested in what was going on here. Next room was filled with dead goblins and mages. Then after that, pyromancers testing fire spells on vampires in cages, which, I killed the mages. Another jail room, with the mage who stole the books. I let him out, but he couldn't tell me where the books were, only with the Caller. Right. Just another person for me to kill. "Want me to follow you around and help you find them?" He asked. "You should get to safety," I replied, not really in the mood to talk to anyone. "You're sure you don't need my help?" He asked. "If you don't get out of my face I might kill you myself," I replied. "I hope the caller turns you inside out," he replied. I growled, took out my sword and swung it at him in immediate rage and took his head off. Whoops!! I clenched my teeth. I may have reacted a little bit overboard. I was just mad and trying to scare him. I sheathed it and said to myself, "Yeah... those bandits are unbelievable. Why would they behead him...?" I stepped into a crypt, making short work of skeletons and necromancers, keeping my search going. Finally, I reached the Caller, who told me she would let me leave even after I'd killed her men, but would not give me the books. Wrong answer. I drew my bow and she started summoning, and she was dead before her lackeys came in to help her. They followed soon after. Gods, I am on a roll. From there I headed to Riften to the Ragged Flagon. Karliah and I showed the guild the proof that Mercer is a scumbag, and they checked the vault. Everything was gone. So they tasked me with getting in to Mercer's house in Riften. I leapt over the gate and instead of reasoning with Vald I opted for the stabbing him to death - the same method I used with all of Mercer's guards (which, do these people just wait here all the time and just draw a paycheck? He never comes here). I got the plans, a mountain of gems and somehow all his traps are super sensitive as I was not able to bypass them. I found he had a secret path back to the Flagon, which I used to get back there. Karliah told us to meet at the Twilight Sepulcher, which seems like a good thing for doing immediately. Blessing of Nocturnal, here I come. Maybe it was her that was looking after me during my early days. I went over to the Shadow Stone and we dealt with a couple random necromancers before Karliah led us into the Sepulcher. We took the oath. Now I'm a Nightingale, whatever that really means. So my next mission is to kill Mercer and get the Skeleton Key. "We had a long discussion before you arrived," Brynjolf started as he came down from his pedestal, "Somebody needs to take Mercer's place as guild leader." "Okay," I said, "That's obvious." "Because of you we were able to root out this cancer in the guild. We think you should replace Mercer." I raised an eyebrow as high as I could, "I've been in the guild three, maybe three and a half months. Why don't you do it? You're the obvious choice." "I've been at this a long time. I might even be one of the best. But I don't want to lead. Never desired it, never cared for it. Don't want it. Once we establish the foothold we need and we do this one big job, you're it." "Alright. I guess," I said, "I mean, I am the boots on the ground. I am like 70% of the guild's income." Brynjolf laughed, "That's the spirit. Mercer is in Irkngthand. We'll meet you there." I walked back to Riften and to the Jarl's palace. "I sorted out that Skooma den," I told her. "You're a boon to this city. Like Mjoll, you've done service to the members of this community. I'd like to offer you the title of Thane. Honeyside is available for purchase if you'd like it." I turned to the steward to make the arrangements. I handed her a huge sack of gold and said, "Please, add a children's bedroom. Do I get my own housecarl?" "Her name's Iona." "She sounds lovely," I replied, headed to sleep in my new home. It would take the Nightingales a couple days to get to that ruin I still can't pronounce. In the mean time, I decided it was time to raise that army!