Search the Community

Hey, Destana again. The dreams are continuing. Is the mundanity is enough to call them nightmares? Probably not. Last time a bunch of mystery fluid and 'life' waters got spilled on a bunch of children. I informed Runa and Damien. They weren't sure how to take it. Both knowing no bad had come from the waters so far, Runa shrugged it off and Damien just said he'd monitor. Also, the raid on the Dawnguard went well. Their members are gone or on the run. So here I am, wondering why my half brother, known as the Ebony Warrior, wants to die so badly. "Did you wait long?" I asked. He shook his head silently. I could tell he was sizing me up. Probably wondering why my entire torso is exposed. Or maybe he did his research. "Buddy, I gotta tell you, this seems pointless." "I want to reach Sovngarde. That is the point. I thought I told you I didn't want to talk. Just fight," he said. "Well, I'll talk then. You listen," I responded, "I did go talk to Jura, and I found out, you're my half brother. For a long time I didn't really have anybody. As I was wandering the world I had to make my own family. I know how it can be to feel alone. Family means something. If you kill me, there'll be a lot of people who miss me. And if I kill you, I'll feel like I should've pushed harder." "They never said you were so sentimental," EW replied. "Sentimental my ass. I've been to Sovngarde. It might be fun for a week, banging and drinking and fighting, but that gets old pretty quick." He turned to me, "You make a valid point." "Besides, have you ever been to Roscrea? Elswyer? Akavir? Oblivion?" He folded his arms, "I haven't. Not all of them anyway." "There are still more challenges to face, my friend. EW. What's your real name anyway?" "Gods," he sat down on a rock, "I haven't used my real name in twenty years." I raised an eyebrow, "Well since you're my brother, I can safely rule out the possibility that your name is Rehman Ebonarm and you're the avatar or reincarnation of a Yokudan god." "Heh," he scoffed, "Is that what they're saying about me?" I stood in front of him, nearly the same height with him sitting, "Yeah, I mean why are you so tall?" "I'm... just tall. I'm an outlier. Nothing magic about it," he replied, then he laughed, "Why the hell not, though. Just call me Rehman. Maybe my legend can grow as large as yours." "So we're... not going to fight then?" I asked. "Well," he stood, "I have a couple requests. First: do you now how to get back to Sovngarde? The reason I want to get there is personal." I tilted my head, "I might be able to figure something out. No promises. Tsun shouted me back to Nirn when I was done there. I might be able to figure out how to do that. Failing that option, I have some of the greatest mages on Nirn as friends. May I ask why?" He sighed, "Godsdamnit. They told me you were persuasive. In my youth, my best friend, a warrior named Estrid... we fought a thousand battles together. In the years after the great war, I fought with Hammerfell." "Should've called you for our war with the Thalmor, I guess," I said. "For me it was less ideological. I was drawn in by friends. I was only a boy at the time, but I learned fast. I was a natural at battle. Later we fought as mercenaries in High Rock against the seldom Akaviri incursions. Estrid was originally of Morthal, and she died in battle like a good Nord. I resolved to do everything I could to ensure I got into Sovngarde, thus, I did everything there was to do as a warrior." "Speaking of which, don't only Nords make it to Sovngarde the normal way?" I asked. "I'm half Nord. Jura told me about my mother, but I've never searched for her," he replied "Okay, well I should be able to make the Sovngarde thing happen," I said, "You mentioned a second request." The EW drew his ebony sword, "I still want to fight you." "Not to the death, though?" I asked. Who was I kidding. I was grinning already, pulling out my melee weapons. "We're both professionals. Don't pull your punches," he said, "Show me you are the hero they say you are." I licked my lips, "FUS!" "FUS!" He shouted back, our voices cancelling each other out. He quickly summoned a Xivelai Lord and I drew my bow. I charged an arrow once and fired, but EW slapped it away with his shield. In the intervening time, his summon had summoned another combatant (a zombie) and was throwing fireballs at me. I dodged the first. The EW lunged for me but I evaded him, charging forward and slicing through the zombie with ease. I sprinted over to the Xivelai, dodging another fireball and diced him up with a well-placed combo. While I was busy, the EW had drawn his bow and took a shot at me, sticking me once. "WULD!" I shouted, closing the distance. He drew his ebony sword and shield and we clashed. Every slash of a dagger was met with a sword, a shield, a well-timed dodge. I grinned, "You live up to your reputation!" He went on the offensive and was met with parry, parry, dodge, parry. He slashed downward and I trapped his sword under my boot. Then he chuckled, "FUS-RO-DAH!" I flew backward, sliding across the snow. He charged at me, using a hands-free summon of a ghost casting ice shards before he got to me. I rolled out of his reach, charged past him and immediately bisected the ghost. When he got to me again, we started our quick-as-lightning standoff again. Weapons clashed at blinding speed. An onlooker would likely have trouble following the intricate movements between us. I finally... finally found an opening. I left myself open, he did another downward thrust, I clipped his wrist with my off-hand dagger, changed direction and slashed both weapons across his stomach. He spun around, getting me across the chest with his sword. Of course, my skin is hard. Harder than Ebony, I guess. I backed up so he couldn't get another blow. He used this opportunity to do another quick summon spell - Dark Seducer. Unfortunately, she was right in front of me and I slashed through her in seconds. "FUS-RO-DAH!" EW shouted, blowing me back again. Only got a few tricks huh? I have a lot of tricks. "WULD!" I closed the distance again. "YES! FIGHT ON!" The EW yelled. I turned to him and shouted, "FUS-RO-DAH!" He lifted off the ground and followed up with, "TIID-KLO-UL!" His body sailed off at a snail's pace and I closed the distance. I slashed him, again and again as he hovered in the air. By the time he hit the ground, I could tell he was nearly on death's door. As time righted itself, the low rumble I'd been hearing became clear: Rehman was laughing. He was on his back, bleeding, hacked up and exposed. "What the hell do you call that, Dragonborn?" He kept laughing. "I dunno," I smiled, "I just thought of it. You're fast as hell in that armor with a much larger set of weapons." "We all have our strengths." "Satisfied?" I asked, offering my hand. "Not until you take me to Sovngarde," he got up on his own, "No offense, but I weigh like 400 pounds with this armor on." "400? Geez," I said. I sheathed my weapons. "Yeah, I'm about 300. Plate mail weighs 50 lbs, ebony is about twice as heavy as steel." "Anyway, give me a few minutes," I said, pulling out one of my rarer journals labeled, 'Dovazul for Beginners by Queen Destana.' "Tsun shouted me back to Nirn when I was done in Sovngarde. I've winged it before when I summoned the spirit of Skjor from Hircine's Hunting Grounds." I flipped for a few minutes. "Okay, I think I can go about it like this," I said finally. I would shout 'move mortal Sovngarde.' Dragons don't have their own word for Sovngarde. "Hold on to me," I said. He did, then I shouted, "BO - JOOR - SOVNGARDE!" Hmm... nothing. "Well guess they can't all be winners," I said, "But I do have an alternate idea." "OD - AH - VIING!" I shouted. Within moments the dragon appeared in the sky. "Dragon buddy!" I yelled as he landed. "What can I do for you....? ...Human buddy..." Odahviing asked, growling to make sure I knew he was annoyed. The Ebony Warrior stood stoically next to me. "How you been?" I asked. Odahviing sighed, "Just tell me what you want, Dovahkiin. I was enjoying a nice cow." "Well what I'm going to ask will take you away from your cow," I said, "Might take a while. I need you take me to Skuldafn again. Or wait, honestly, I could fly myself. Could you give me directions?" Odavviing sounded completely done with this, but amicable to talking for a few minutes rather than being my dragon mount for a couple hours. "Well, it's in the Velothi Mountains," he started, and gave me precise directions. I smiled, "Thanks." And Odavviing flew off. "See you at the next Greyscales/Greybeards meeting!" I yelled as he soared away. I could hear him groan from the ground. "What's at Skuldafn? And how am I getting there?" The EW asked. "Of course I have a plan," I smirked at him, "You may have noticed I'm very good at telekinesis. Well my TK skills got much better when I learned how to fly. It involves learning to concentrate on TK for long periods of time without thinking about it, autonomically. I can tether you to me while I fly." His face behind the helm was of course, inscrutable, but I imagine he was casually impressed. "Ready?" I grabbed his shoulder, "I hope you're not afraid of heights." "I fear nothing," he said stoically. Then we blasted off into the night sky. We travelled for a couple hours, (it actually took me most the night to find it) eventually finding it amongst the peaks. I looked over the scene below. "Hmm... well the draugr came back," I groaned, "Up for some violence?" "Always," he said, "What's at the end of this?" "There's a portal to Sovngarde. Alduin was using it to go there and wreak havoc on the hero's souls. Of course, I killed him, so that mess is cleared up," I explained, then I reconsidered where to set us down, "Wait, I could literally put us at the end. After the dungeon." "Well, they are shooting at us," he said. "There it is," I pointed, "The altar. Looks like the Dragon Priest is back. Guess I need to crush his phylactery this time." I dropped him down first and he started going to town on the draugr. I dropped down next and pincered the draugr until they were no more. "One last one," I said as I blasted him with a charged bowshot. Then I turned to Rehman, "I'm going to sneak up on the dragon priest." He shrugged, "There're some draugr left on the other side. I'll dispose of them. Call me when the portal is ready." I got the drop on him. He phased in and out of invisibility a few times, but I iced him the same as I did the first time. I took his staff and jammed it in the hole to reactivate the portal. "Anyway," I shouted, "You done over there? Portal's open!" The EW appeared within a couple minutes. "Time to trip the rift," I said. We were sucked into the portal, appearing in the fields of Sovngarde. "Nice. Just as good," I said. We followed the path for a while until we came to the spine bridge. I may have had an ulterior motive for making the trip here. "Tsun!" I shouted. The Aedra looked up from his vigil, like he'd been thinking about something. And to my surprise, the stone-faced man's eyes lit up, "If it isn't the queen of Skyrim." "Oh, have you been watching me?" "My vigil gets boring at times," he said. "Well I'll be sure to bathe outside sometimes, then," I snickered. He laughed loudly, "Who is your friend?" "This is my brother, who claims the name Rehman," I said. They stood across from each other, Tsun only slightly taller than the EW. "I know. Really, any chance to keep you here a few minutes longer is a win. I was watching you guys fight. I know why you're here." I raised an eyebrow, "I get how you could see us, but how could you hear us talking?" "I've become very good at reading lips over the millennia I've been stationed here," Tsun said. "So if I stood toe-to-toe with you a couple years ago, and now I'm quite a bit stronger, and he performed well against me, can he just pass on through?" Tsun shook his head, "Never has a soul passed through here without facing me in battle." "I will fight," the EW said. "Of course, I know fighting's your favorite. But I wanted to discuss a theory I've been hearing around Nirn with Tsun here. He's been in these halls longer than anyone." "What's that, Dragonborn?" He asked. "Well, it's that I'm the Last Shezarrine," I replied. "That's quite a claim," Tsun said. "I've been reading books on the subject for years now, and I'm just not sure how to prove it. I mean, when did Tiber Septim know he was Talos? When did any of those guys know? Say, Shor's throne... what was it you guys said when I was here a couple years ago?" "Shor's high seat stands empty; his mien is too bright for mortal eyes." "Can other people sit in his throne?" "No. That much is certain," Tsun replied. "So if I put my big dark ass in that throne and don't get violently disintegrated or whatever, I'm either Shor in mortal form, which is the Nordic aspect of Lorkhan, or I'm some kind of avatar. Or maybe I'm like Alduin is to Akatosh. Food for thought. You boys have your spar, I'm gonna go sit down and have a drink. We walked a long way," I said, casually walking toward the hall. The EW and Tsun looked at each other, then look at me as I slowly walked away. "Do you want to watch this, or?" The EW asked. "I was ordered to keep watch by Shor himself," Tsun said, "Short bout. I'm certain you'll do fine." "Dragonborn!" A few of the men called to me as I entered the hall. "Been a couple years!" I walked over toward Shor's throne and found Olaf One-Eye, Ysgramor and a couple people I didn't recognize. Jurgen Windcaller approached from the other side of the platform. "You die for real this time?" Olaf asked. "Of course not. I don't plan to ever die," I chuckled, "But hey, Ysgramor, I did that thing you asked. A good man is Harbinger and the Companions are no longer cursed by Lycanthropy, unless they want to be, of course. Also, nice haircut. Gotta keep it fresh." "Of course. Kodlak told me. I thank you. Please, eat and drink. Enjoy some reveling." "Oh, I intend to," I smirked. Olaf smiled back, "What did you have in mind?" "I imagine some of these men would enjoy my company," I said, "But also, I do wonder, why are there so few people here? Over ages there should be more, right? Even if Alduin did devour a lot of them." "Many warriors move on," Jurgen explained, "When we tire of this place, there's the option to move on to the Dreamsleeve like any other mortal, and be reincarnated." While we'd been talking, I'd grabbed a tankard of mead and had been moving towards Shor's throne. I must admit, my heart was pumping a little fast. Without warning, and to everyone's surprise, I just sat down. "What the...!" Ysgramor shouted. The hall grew silent, and all eyes were on me. "What?" I said loudly, "I just flew in from Skyrim and my arms are tired, or whatever." Olaf and Ysgramor blinked at each other, then they laughed. I drained my stein, then I said, "So I guess my theory is right, or there's nothing special about this chair." People went back to their reveling, taking little notice of me. The EW approached. "So we're in the Hall of Heroes. Go find your lady-friend," I said. He didn't need to be told twice. I decided I would sit there at least for the amount of time it took me to eat a solid meal and get a little tipsy. It didn't take much to beckon me from the throne. Seeing a couple of the men and a woman enjoying each other's company by the throne, I decided I would find a couple men to satisfy other hungers. I got up, downing another stein. I'd had enough of the dudes fawning over my ability to put my ass on a chair. So I put my ass in the air. It was easy to find takers, because, I mean, when you're dead you don't really have many inhibitions anymore, I guess. I swept the food off the table in front of me and just let them fuck me. Then another pair down by the pit. Finally I went and found my old buddy Tsun, seeking to scratch an itch. Honestly, he'd hit me deeper than any other man than I'd been with (except maybe Sanguine). Without words as I approached him, he stripped off his loincloth. I exclaimed, "Did you get bigger?!" "I doubt it. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, perhaps," the stoic statuesque god smiled, "Is it strange that now I know you're my old commanding officer - or perhaps some embodiment of him somehow, I'm even more interested?" "Strange? No, not really. A lot of people are attracted to me for my power, I think," I replied. He slid gently but firmly inside me. And gods, it was fucking huge, just like I remembered. He managed to hit back with only about half his length. "Oh... my gods... would you look at that... sky... fuck... do you ever get... tired of... Talos fucking fuck!" "Beautiful as the first day I walked into Sovngarde," he said. That went on for a while. Don't think I was up for a whole week of this at this point in my life. When I finally decided I would find Rehman, he was watching two women spar. He sighed as he watched the women trade blows, "I met with everyone in the halls. She's not here." "I guess, they move on to the Dreamsleeve from here and are reincarnated. Only the truly stubborn stay here forever," I explained. He shook his head, "Damn. I waited too long. If I'd just went and died like a real warrior, I'd have ended up here and I could see her again." I put my hand on his shoulder, "Sorry." "No, don't be sorry. If you'd killed me, I would've ended up here on my own for no reason. Now I can go back to Nirn. I owe you, Dragonborn," Rehman replied. "You can call me Destana, you know. Also, I'll take you back, but you should relax here for a few hours. I think I'm going to rest and go another round with Tsun," I smiled wide. "Oh, you fought him too? It was definitely a thrilling combat," the EW said. "Uhh... yeah. Quite the struggle," I smirked. After eating and drinking enough to burst several times over, and getting my brains fucked out half a dozen times, I decided it was about time to head home. "Did you enjoy the local culture at all?" I asked. He shrugged, "I did find a strong woman. One of the older ones. To be honest, it started with us speaking of Estrid. She was kind to me, showed me attention. It's been a while. I followed your lead, though not to the same level as you, and enjoyed myself. But she'll be moving on soon as well. I think it's time to go back to Nirn." I nodded, putting his hand on my shoulder again. Then I cast Teleport: Imperial City, putting us directly in the Imperial Palace. Jura was there, sitting on the throne, signing papers again. Feels like all he ever does anymore. "You know you could have a little fun with it. Being Emperor isn't all work you know," I said. He smiled, not looking up yet, "Girl, I've been on enough benders for ten lifetimes." When he looked up he said, "Look who it is. Finally decided to come see your dad, huh?" The EW sighed, "This one is very persuasive, and I had no choice in the matter." "Persuasive?" He asked. Then I proceeded to tell him the whole story. "Two Redguards in Sovngarde? Hoonding's spongy backside," he chuckled as he cursed. Then he said, "Well, what did you have in mind for fun, anyway?" "I'm pretty funned out, actually," I said. Probably be walking with a limp for a while, "I did have a proposition for you, though. How often do people make attempts on your life?" "Not as often as you'd think, but it happens," Jura replied. "Well, you don't have Calleius as a bodyguard anymore either," I added. "What are you suggesting?" The EW asked. "Maybe this could be your temporary gig, until we go to war again with... I dunno, whoever. I'm sure it'll happen eventually. There's not a lot of foes and bullshit to conquer in these peaceful times." "That sounds like an idea for now. Although..." Jura started, "High Rock's pretty dangerous. I've actually been meaning to send someone to the Western Reach to put Mynisera's mind at ease." "I've got a rapport with the Forsworn of the Eastern Reach," I commented. "These dudes are far far more zealous and brutal than their Eastern cousins." "I might be able to find you someone," I replied. I turned to the EW, "For now, how about it?" He shrugged, "Alright. But if you do go on any adventures that you think are dangerous, call on me. For now, I'll languish here." "And maybe you should think about searching out some of your other sons and daughters," I said to Jura. He looked at me flatly, "You're probably right." "Hey um, mom..." I turned to Runa, holding a BIG baby. "Think I figured out what the life waters do to kids," she said. "Kintyra grew a lot," I grimaced, then turned to Jura, "Hey, how long ago did I ask you about this guy?" "It was like, 5 weeks?" He replied. The EW commented, "We fought like two days ago, right? Dunno how long you reveled. No day/night cycle in Sovngarde." "Well time is weird in Sovngarde. Sorry if you missed any appointments or whatever," I explained, "But that baby grew to a year old in a few weeks."

Hey, it’s Destana again. Last time I continued my work with the Companions, and I became a werewolf and merc'ed some Silver Hand dudes. Big picture, it’s day 7 of 30(ish) and I’m not as far down my list as I wanted, but I’m having fun solving the Companions’ problems. I came back after my first night as a werewolf, and fought two dragons in the city before I crashed (after fighting several in the wild, and some new kinds I haven’t seen before). The next day, I asked Aela if she knew where the Silver Hand was hiding out, and she gave me the location of a tower, where one of their small cells was holed up. I went there and pretty much rampaged through it as a werewolf, and found a naked wench. I shifted back into human form and took the hood off her head, then gave her a set of Tavern Clothes I’d been saving because I knew there were wenches out here somewhere. Then took her back to Whiterun. Aela told me about a bandit fort where the Silver Hand had been seen recently, and when I went there it was swarming with bandits, so I steamrolled them as a werewolf, and came upon some plans the Silver Hand left (I presume they were kicked out by these bandits). I delivered the papers to Aela. When I got home later that day, I happened by Kodlak’s room. “Please, join me, young one. Sit down,” he requested. “What’s on your mind?” I asked. “Of course, Skjor filled me in. I hear you were sent here to help us. Instead, you’ve taken our curse upon yourself.” “Not everybody sees it as a curse,” he said. “Yes, Skjor didn’t. I also wanted to say that your heart is filled with revenge, I know. This campaign of wiping out the Silver Hand reeks of Hircine’s hunt.” “So I like hunting.” “But you’ve taken more life than honor demanded,” Kodlak continued, “The cycle of retaliation will continue until everyone is dead. Just, think on it. Either way, I have a task I need doing.” “What do you need?” I asked. “The Companions are nearly five thousand years old. How we came to be werewolves – one of my predecessors made a pact with Glenmoril witches. He was deceived. The power of Hircine seeps into not only the body, but the soul. Upon death, even righteous Nords are claimed by Hircine for his hunting grounds. This is a paradise for many, but I wish to retire to Sovngarde.” “So, is there a cure?” I asked. “That’s what I spent my twilight years trying to figure out. And I’ve found – only the witches magic can release us. We can extract it by force. Go to their coven, strike them down. Bring me their heads. You will have no shield-brother this time. But the spirit of Ysgramor goes with you.” I got up, “Consider it done, old man.” When I got there, several Glenmoril werewolves, a troll, and a couple witches were waiting for me. Seems the Companions are not the only ones who were taken in by promises of power. When I saw this, I gave the WW’s an Unrelenting Force and ran into the brush. When they gave chase, it was enough distance so the casters were obstructed, and enough so I could transform as they closed the distance. Instead of immediately merc’ing the wolves I actually had to dodge and use strategy. They approached my own level of strength. I slashed the troll up without much trouble – he was a regular troll. Probably an intern learning to be an armored troll or something. The witches had been trying to hit me with magic, but I was quick, leapt from the brush and launched the first one. When I got to the second one, she casted something funny which didn’t seem to have any effect. But seconds later I popped out of Werewolf form. “Buh? What the hell did you do?” I shouted. I was naked, because of the surprise, and completely surprised and exposed. She was already laying into me with frost spells. “Gods, there’s actually an intelligent foe here…” I said, then I noticed something, and I immediately used it without hesitation. I raised both hands and summoned a cloud of bats that started to drain the witches’ life away and give it to me. Then I reached out my left hand, casting a lightning cloak, and both hands I started a vampire drain. She melted under the triple-DoT pressure. I mentally went through the spells I knew, and curiously, most the spells I gained while a vampire were still available to me. Not the ones I could only use in VL form, and I didn’t have fangs so I couldn’t manually drain people, but I could drain with a spell, I could charm, I could use bat swarm. It seemed being a vampire had left a permanent mark on me. I had none of the passive benefits, but I could tell that if I ever went back, that power was stored in my blood (or soul?) and I could pick up where I left off. I waited a minute and then transformed back – feasting on both the witches (I’d already gotten the wolves and troll). I rushed inside. “Oh gods! One of the beasts returns!” A witch screamed as I pounced on her. None of the rest of the witches were prepared or clever as that first one, and I took their heads without incident. Well, except I couldn’t find the path to the last one, and my damned map was hidden in my extradimensional equipment space, so I had to wait and shift out and kill the last one the old-fashioned way – stealth archer. I traveled back to Whiterun in the air (it wasn’t too far, didn’t need to teleport), touching down in Dragonsreach. I set down next to a group of guards at a shift change. One of the guards accosted me. Ah geez, I thought. What did I do this time? “Dragonborn! We all owe our lives to you. You killed Alduin. I know a lot of the common folk don’t appreciate you, but I do. Thanks.” “Aww… I appreciate that,” I said. I felt like I was tearing up. “You shouldn’t have come here!” Another guard shouted. I was immediately confused. “Get the beast!” A man shouted, and the guards drew their blades. Three Silver Hand members were on the opposite side of the bridge, with the guards between us and they were laying into them. With just a couple strokes, one of the guards fell. Wow! These dudes were not playing around anymore! They sent their most elite fighters. And they were armed to the teeth with magic weapons! “You after me!?” I drew my weapons, “I’m one of the Circle!” “Out of our way guards!” One of the elites shouted. I leapt into the moat and swam to shore, diverting the Silver Hand to me. When two of them reached me, I turned and shouted, “FUS – RO – DAH!” And sent them in their heavy armor into the water. But there were three more in my face now. The guards were supporting, and I had the SH’s attention on me. The three surrounded me, to which I responded, “TIID!” I backed out of the reach of their snail-slow attacks and got behind one. I gave him a few slashes on the back, then touched the Nerevarine’s Bow, went invisible, and sliced his throat. The three in the water were climbing out now. “Mom!” Runa shouted as she came from behind, then she shouted, “KRII!” Marking one of them for death as she approached. She beheaded him. “What the hell’s going on here?” I asked, dodging and parrying attacks from the now seven Silver Hand attacking me. “They attacked Jorrvaskr!” She shouted back. “YOL – TOOR!” I caught the group on fire, which also staggered them and bought me a few seconds. My style of combat is not the best when dealing with huge groups. But you know what is? Well, WW would be, but I was in town. But you know what else is? I casted Bats, Lightning Cloak, and queued up Elemental Bolts. I gave them an Unrelenting Force to toss a good portion of them backward. Runa got clipped but held onto the wall. She responded with her own “FUS!” Concussing them. Then I casted my Flight spell. “You awoke a sleeping dragon this time!” I shouted, rising off the ground and out of their reach. “No fair!” One of them said, bats slashing at his face. “You know what’s really not fair?” I chugged a Mana Regen potion and blasted the whole group, double-handed with electric-explosions until they were a charred group of corpses. I looked over to the bridge. “Dammit!” All the guards involved had already been killed by the Silver Hand. I looked over to Jorrvaskr, and it seemed Aela and Farkas were mopping up the last of them over there. As I touched down, Runa said, “Damn, they only sent a couple after each of the other members of the Circle (and me), and a small group to waylay the other new bloods. I think they knew who they were dealing with when they sent eight (total) after you.” “And they still… fucking…. failed,” I said angrily, “Godsdammit. Those were good guards. Go to Sovngarde, my friends.” Runa patted me on the back, and we started to walk toward Jorrvaskr. I sighed, “I should really see if Colette at the College knows how to resurrect people who’ve died recently. Or knows of somebody who can do that.” Torvar, one of the new bloods who’d joined since I did, called to me, “These bastards had the nerve to attack Jorrvaskr.” We walked past Farkas and Aela, who were still watching the door with weapons drawn. “Where the hell have you been?” Vilkas said as I entered. “Kodlak sent me on a mission,” I said. “I hope it was important, because you weren’t here to help defend him. We fought them off, but one of them slipped past us and got to the old man. Kodlak’s dead.” “Bastards!” I shouted, “They get anybody else?” “Only cuts and scrapes here.” “They sent the most Elite members after me, I guess. The guards paid the price,” I growled, “I really wanna end these assholes. Even more than the Dawnguard.” “Also, they took our fragments of Wuuthrad.” I walked over to Vilkas. “You and I are gonna get them back,” he said. Aela walked through the open door, “After quite some digging and work, I know where their main camp is.” “Show me. There will be none left to tell their stories. Only songs of Jorrvaskr will be sung. For Kodlak!” Vilkas said. “Now you’re talking!” “They will know terror before the end!” Vilkas shouted. That trip, was kind of a blur. Vilkas, Runa and I traveled to their camp, and I transformed and ran ahead in a bloody rage, ripping apart everything before me. The others gave me a wide berth, killing everyone who tried to run. When we were done, I handed the fragments to Vilkas, but he told me to carry them. In the heat of my werewolf lust, I returned to my human form. I looked at Vilkas. “Godsdamnit, if I weren’t so grieved, I’d jump you right now,” I growled. “Mom!” Runa shouted. “Uh… umm….” Vilkas looked at me awkwardly. I pulled him to me and kissed him passionately. I’d flirted with him a little before, and he always got tongue-tied. “Maybe that’ll loosen your tongue. I think I’m going to have to take a raincheck on anything else though. I’m more mad than anything,” I said. A somewhat confused Vilkas and I returned to Whiterun with Runa trailing behind. It was night, and we walked up to the Skyforge. In our absence, the others set up a pyre for Kodlak. “For our comrades…” Aela started. “We shout!” The circle said. I tried to keep up, but I’ve not been to a lot of Nord funerals. “For ourselves…” “We take our leave.” “Kodlak’s spirit departs to Sovngarde,” Aela said as she lit the pyre. After a few moments of burning, the circle withdrew to the Underforge. Eorlund Graymane the blacksmith approached me before I could leave, “Give me the fragments. I’m going to mount them. Also… could you do me a favor? Go to Kodlak’s room. There was a small piece he kept locked away, and I don’t feel right rummaging through his things.” Runa told me she was going to go check on the brotherhood, and I told her I’d check on her later. I ran to Kodlak’s room. I saw Njada on the way. “I saw you fighting so many of those bastards,” she said, “I still don’t like you, but I respect your prowess.” “Thanks.” I grabbed the fragment, and Eorlund was waiting in the main hall. Then I went to the Underforge, and the others were already talking. “But he’s not going to Sovngarde…” Vilkas said, “He was cursed, just like us.” “He’s claimed by Hircine. Stop speaking of it like it’s a curse. I’m fine with where I’m going,” Aela said. “That’s fine for you. But the old man wanted to be clean,” Vilkas said back, “He wanted to meet Ysgramor and know the glories of Sovngarde. But that is out of his reach. Taken from him.” “You avenged him,” Aela said. “Kodlak did not care for vengeance,” Farkas said. “No, Farkas, he didn’t. But that’s not what this is about,” Aela replied. “We should be honoring his wishes, no matter our thoughts on the blood,” Vilkas said. “You’re right,” Aela said, “You’re right. It’s what he wanted. And he deserved to have it.” “Yeah, and then we could visit him sometime,” I said. They all looked at me like I was insane. We talked for a while before we came to anything useful. Vilkas said, “The old man used to speak of a way to cleanse the soul, even in death. You know the legends of the Tomb of Ysgramor.” “The souls of the past Harbingers heed the call of northern steel,” Aela said, “But we can’t even enter the tomb without Wuuthrad, and it’s in pieces.” The door slid open. “Who goes~” “It was in pieces,” Eorlund raised the axe above his head. “Godsdammit, old man, how long did you wait for that dramatic reveal?” I asked. “I just finished it,” he said. “How is that possible?” Aela asked. “Just because something is doesn’t mean it must be. The elves used to rule Skyrim. The gods walked on Nirn in ancient times. It’s easy for the best smith in Skyrim,” Eorlund replied, “In this age where we learn dragons were not myth, Wuuthrad returns to us. The blade is a weapon, a tool. Tools can be fixed. I think as the one who gathered the last few fragments, you should be the one to bear Wuuthrad into battle.” He handed it to me, and I cocked an eyebrow, “Have you looked at me?” “A little too much, maybe,” Eorlund chuckled. “No, I mean, I don’t use heavy weapons. Farkas, here,” I said, handing it to him. “So, we enter the tomb, and find out if there is any truth to this?” Aela asked. “For Kodlak!” Vilkas shouted. “For Kodlak!” Farkas shouted. We walked out on foot and were there as the sun rose. We stood before the statue of Ysgramor in the entryway and I said, “It’s fairly accurate.” Farkas put the axe in the statue’s hands and a rock wall slid away, revealing a passage. “I’ll keep guard here, incase there are any more Silver Hand,” Vilkas said. “You’re not coming?” I asked. “I don’t regret the vengeance we took on the Silver Hand. But I don’t feel right going down there. You three will have to prove yourselves worthy to the finest warriors of Skyrim’s history. Keep your wits,” he said. “Like any other time?” I joked. “I imagine we’re expected,” he said back in a grave tone. Aela, Farkas and I ventured further in. We fought through ghosts of the companions, who matched our numbers and faded away when they saw us as worthy. There were a couple spiders in there, and a random witch who claimed to be a ghost, but there were surprisingly not a single draugr. I suppose keeping a ghostly honor guard will prevent any meddling with the corpses, or weird curses. Wait… how are draugr made if there aren’t necromancers? It is possible that over millenia all of them have been given life and eventually their necro masters die and they return to their tombs, or perhaps there’s a deeper secret in Skyrim that makes all dead eventually become undead. Question for another time. We reached the final room and didn’t find a final challenge. Kodlak’s ghost was standing there, warming his hands at a stone brazier. “Is… that you?” Aela asked. “Of course. My fellow harbingers and I have been warming ourselves here. Trying to evade Hircine.” “I don’t… see anybody else,” I said. “You see only me because your heart knows only me as Harbinger,” he replied. “Askar,” Aela pointed, “That’s all I know.” “Yes, the man who proceeded me found me in Hammerfell and brought me back to Skyrim. I’m sure old Vidnar would see half a dozen of my predecessors. I see them all. The ones in Sovngarde. The ones already trapped in Hircine’s Hunting Grounds. And they all see all of you. You’ve brought honor to the Companions. We won’t soon forget it.” “Vilkas said you can be cured,” Farkas said. “Did he now? You still have the witches’ heads?” Kodlak smiled, “Throw one into the fire. It will release the magic, for me at least.” I did it, and a red spirit wolf was born from the ashes. It attacked, and we killed it. “Thank you,” Kodlak said, “That was the spirit of the beast within me. The other Harbingers already trapped remain there. Perhaps from Sovngarde, the heroes of old can join me in their rescue. The Harrowing of the Hunting Grounds. Now that will be a tale!” I had my quest log out and was penciling in that title to follow up on at a later date. “Perhaps someday you lot can join us in that battle,” Kodlak grinned, “But for today, celebrate. Return to Jorrvaskr. Destana – lead the companions to further glory.” His spirit faded and I turned to the others, “So…” I pulled two smaller bags out of my bag, then uncovered one of them a little. “Is that…?” “Yes, they’re witches heads.” “I don’t want that,” Aela said, “Gross.” “No, no. Take it. Even if you don’t use it today, keep it. My gift to you.” Aela and Farkas reluctantly put the sacked heads in their own packs. “Did I hear that right?” Aela asked, “Did he just say you were to be the next Harbinger?” “Yeah. But I mean, I understand if one of you wants to take it. I’ve been in the Companions literally a week,” I replied. “No, no. You deserve it. You are the strongest among us,” Aela replied. “Yeah, maybe,” I said. Farkas folded his arms, “I’d say Skjor, if he weren’t also dead.” “Speaking of which,” I said, pulling another head out of my pack. “Shor’s bones! How many severed heads do you have in there?” Farkas exclaimed. “More than I’m comfortable with admitting,” I said, “It’s bigger on the inside. I’ve had this thing since I came to Skyrim, about ten years ago. It’s served me well. I don't know why more people don't carry them. This one... could do with a cleaning.” Then I pondered. If you call a dragon, they will be asked to come… I wonder if it works with ghosts… ‘I know how to summon heroes from Sovngarde, maybe this will work too. It is said spirits can be in multiple places at once…’ I thought. “This is gonna be a little out of left field. Also, my Dov is not the best,” I said. “ZEY – MAH – ZIN! SKJOR!” I shouted. That is Companion - Skjor. It might have been because we were in Asgramor’s tomb, but spirit coalesced, and responded, “Yes?” “Thank Ysgramor. How you holding up? Would you rather be in Sovngarde or the Hunting Grounds?” I asked. “You can do this?” He asked. “We did it for Kodlak,” I said. “Sovngarde. Gotta do it,” he responded. I tossed a head in the fire, and we killed a white winter wolf spirit. “Damn, guys. I did not wake up today expecting anything like this,” Skjor said, “Thank you.” He faded away. Farkas said, “Well, I will take this head, and head back to Jorrvaskr. Coming?” “I think I’m going to commune for a while,” Aela said, then she smiled at me. I smirked. When Farkas had left, she picked me up in her beefy arms, “Hey, I know I’m not very good at this. I’m not a people person. You’re a good friend, and that’s hard to find. No reason to complicate this.” “My thoughts exactly,” I replied. “You did a hell of a job on the Companions,” she said as she started to touch me, “In a week you became Harbinger, helped finish off our biggest foe, gave us the means to cure our ‘curse’ as the men say. But I think with my head, not with my heart. It’s a numerical advantage that I’m keeping for now. Also – in a week you stole all of our hearts, I think.” “Maybe not everybody. But I do plan on making nice with everyone when we get back. Might even host a Thieves’ Guild-style orgy for everyone.” “Yeah, I heard a little bit about that. Word gets around about you,” Aela said. “Who told you?” I asked. “An old traveling buddy. Mjoll. She lives in Riften now, right?” “Yeah! I remember her,” I said. And with that, we got to it. Making love in the Companions’ sacred hall. It was only about five minutes before I remembered the old Harbingers were probably watching us. Probably enjoying it too, the old bastards. A good few of the ghosts we fought were women too, and I have to imagine being honor guard for eternity leads to some fun times. Aela stayed for a while and I walked out the back way, entering through the front door to retrieve the axe. Farkas and Vilkas were still standing there, talking. I stealthed my way to them. “I tell you, she’s into me more!” Farkas said, “She practically ripped my clothes off the last time we did a dungeon crawl together.” “Yeah well, she said she wanted to fuck me. And kissed me. On the lips!” Vilkas responded. “Big deal. She got on top of me and fucked me on the dais with Wuuthrad’s fragment. And sucked my dick as a werewolf,” Farkas said. “That’s… kinda gross actually,” Vilkas said. “Eh, I’m a thinking creature. Probably not much different than a Khajiit or an Argonian. “Hmm… never thought about it that way,” Vilkas said, “Do they have ‘normal’ dicks?” “Boo!” I jabbed Farkas in the rib. “Fuck!” Farkas shouted, and I chuckled. Vilkas chuckled, then Farkas chuckled. “How long were you listening, Harbinger?” Farkas smirked. “Harb~?” Vilkas asked, “I should’ve known you’d steal it away from us.” “Steal? Kodlak was pretty appreciative after we cured his werewolfism,” I said, “Speaking of which, here.” I handed him a sack with a witch’s head in it. “Ugh,” Vilkas took it and put it in his bag. I’m guessing Farkas told him everything. I guess brothers do share. “Hey,” Farkas said, “So which one of us are you interested in, anyway?” “In what capacity?” I asked. “Like…” Vilkas started, being awkward again. “Like sex? Or a relationship?” I asked. “Both? Either?” Farkas asked. “Well, can’t it be both?” I asked. “I just said both,” Farkas said. “No, I mean both of you. Maybe at the same time,” I said, then I looked at Vilkas, “Maybe not.” “Gods, all due respect Harbinger, do you act like that with everyone?” Farkas asked. “Aela seemed to like my attention. Though, she’s more of a giver, I guess,” I said. “Aela too?” Vilkas asked, “What about Skjor? Kodlak? The new bloods?” “No, none of those. Strictly professional. Though I did have a weird experience with Ria and a bear…” I cut myself off, not wanting to go into it, “Look, I’m not interested in a relationship. Further than a good friendship. I just would take benefits too, while I’m here.” “I…” Farkas said, “I think we can accommodate you.” “What are you saying, brother?” Vilkas whispered strongly. “Gods, has it been that long for you?” Farkas whispered back. “That’s not the point!” Vilkas whispered angrily. They went back and forth for a while until Vilkas said, “Okay. Meet me in my room later, if you want. I’m not going to do anything here.” Farkas and I were standing there when he left. “Well?” He asked, “Aren’t you gonna grab the axe? Looks like there’s a back way (I saw you come back in the front door) so Aela isn’t trapped.” I smirked, and turned to pull the axe out of Ysgramor’s hands. As I did, Farkas grabbed my hips from behind and started kissing my neck, “It’s been crazy around here. I haven’t had a chance for a part two of this. Want me to transform?” I shook my head, “Start out like this. If you feel the need later, go right ahead.” “You, I like,” he said as we started to undress. “I plan on being here for you if you need me,” I said, “Not in Whiterun, mind you. I go all over.” “Yeah, I figured you wouldn’t stick around long. I’ve heard about you. But I’ll love you for it anyway,” he said back, and entered me from behind. A few minutes later Aela walked in. Her eyes went wide and she smiled, “I figured I’d make sure you boys picked up Wuuthrad. And now I am pleasantly surprised.” “Keep… *ah* it casual *ah* right?” I asked. She smiled, and watched. After a few minutes she had her clothes off and was touching herself too. Farkas transformed and finished off in the same position – doggystyle. “Feel better?” I asked. “It’s like relaxing into a warm mug of spiced mead,” Farkas smiled. We all returned to Jorrvaskr tired and elated. I took a nap in Kodlak’s bed – realizing I hadn’t slept in at least a day, then I went over to the common room to find what sounded like another brawl.

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.

Nordic Queen and the God of Trials In the realm where the valiant warriors who die with honor in a great battle, Sovngarde, a former living warrior arrives. Warrior: Sovngarde! I make it here! She walked up and started go toward to the legendary Hall of Valor, where all great heroes reside. Warrior: Can't wait to meet the greatests. She was once a Queen-Warrior, who died valiantly in a war against Skyrim enemies in an ancient era, now she forgotten to the modern Eras. She looked stunnedly up the sky of Sonvgarde. Nordic Queen: Beautiful. Nordic Queen: This place looks better than the legends. As she getting closer to the bridge, Tsun the god of Trials who guard the gateway greeted her. Tsun: Whats bring you, wayfarer grim, To wander here, Shor's gift to honored dead? As she looked that way, she saw the mighty Tsun, Shor's housecarl and nordic god of Trials. Who guard the Whalebone-bridge to the legendary Hall of Valor, he only allow the worthy. Nordic Queen: You must be Tsun. Nordic Queen: I seek entrance to the Hall of Valor. Tsun: By what right do you request entry? Nordic Queen: Rules I was, ruled once the mighty Kingdown of Eastern Skyrim seating in Windhelm, led battle against the demons of Morrowind fall against their kings. Tsun: Worthy deeds for a ruler might be, but Living or Dead I judge you with the warrior test. As Tsun said his words, she started to run forward him with attacking intent. However... Nordic Queen: Fine by me!! Her attack did nothing, her face was suprised and confused. Nordic Queen:.... Not possible.. Tsun looked dissapointly toward her, while standing like nothing happened. Nordic Queen: Why this isn't working?!! He looked sad and pity the same time, he cannot hide his dissapointment. Tsun: You cannot win with dishonestly and dishonor, as the lie came out your mouth the moment where you false claim deeds instead your own, you was defeated. Tsun swinged his axe, the Nordic Queen of Eastern Skyrim was in on the ground before she could notice. Nordic Queen: What happened? Where is my weapons and my flag? Tsun: I moved my axe simply as it is, with my strike I saw who are you really. You can't deveice me. Tsun: Queen truly of the eastern holds and fought in a war, but your death came with mere fact you can't blowjob properly like a true nordic woman and died in deep throat. Unworthy death, no glory no true battle. You died against the dick. Nordic Queen:... My weapons... Tsun: You are not worthy of your weapons and to bear your flag. Tsun looked more angrily toward her, betrayed he no lonher pitied the queen before him. Tsun: If you not lied you could even remain here and might enter if you succed defeating me, what a shame. She looked shamefully and accepted her defeat humbly. Nordic Queen: What will going to happen to me? Tsun: Not know that part of the old song of me? Nordic Queen: Well... Tsun: Spread your ass for Tsun, He will spread, The seeds. She spread her ass, as the song was written in the song and prepares herself what will come. Nordic Queen: Wich kind of Seed? We are going to do.. Tsun: Soon, you will know. Tsun shrinked of his mighty size to match the queen, he started preparing the seeds what the song claimed, while he do that, the queen looked behind, seeing the hall of Valor. Knowing she will not enter anytime soon. Tsun started licking her from behind. Tsun: Lets Judge your ass, it is worthy for my seeds. Nordic Queen: Ummmm? What? As he started, she immedialty felt she dealing with not ordinary person. Nordic Queen: Damn you know how to do it. Tsun: The Taste deemed you Worthy, now time to put the true trial. Nordic Queen: Well at least something is still worthy in me. As soon as he said , he already put her under the true trial. Nordic Queen: By Shor, this feels good!! Nordic Queen: You surely do good job at putting up trials, Ahhh! Tsun: the Trial is not over, lets put the armor off. Show me your true Strenght! Tsun teleported her amor away, making her full naked. Nordic Queen: Yeahhh! Nordic: Ohhhhhh!!! Tsun: Not bad.. Nordic Queen: Uhhhhh! You good as with your cock like with weapons. Tsun: I was Shor's housecarl, of course I am master all weapon, even with my dick, not read much song do you? Nordic Queen: Ahhhhhh!!? Nordic Queen: I'm almost cummed, but not going to let happen until I am worthy!!! Nordic Queen: Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Tsun: Your ass was worthy for my seed, you passed the Trial After the trial, she was teleported back, she wondered a bit. Nordic Queen: Where is the seed or what kind of seed is it? I feel no cum in bottom. Tsun: The Seed of Reborn, you where worthy to have it, I'm going to let you reborn in a different time, an Era where you are forgotten, your new life might give you worthy feats and skills to enter here again. Nordic Queen: Whaaat??!! Tsun: From the Forgotten Nordic Queen, the seeds will give a life of a worthy warrior. Reborn, I will wait here as ever, til we meet again and you show yourself as worthy warrior. End

Hello dearest ones, QUICK NOTE: I like posting on LL more than 'NXS'. For some reason, I am more comfortable posting here than there.... TO THE POINT!!! I CTD whenever I enter the 'Hall of Valor' in Sovngarde. It's the gigantic building behind the sexy muscled Tsun-Senpai , with a bridge made of a skeleton of a GIGANTIC DRAGON!!!! The place where all the glorious (And possibly drunkest ) heroes rest, drink, laugh, have orgies....that kind of thing (And no Talos in sight I heard ) >> I tried GOOGLE, but it failed me....BIG TIME!!! Seems like I am the only one with this bug/crash (TBH, there was another 2 people who posted a similar issue, but not the same as mine XD ) >> I tried running LOOT again, but nothing >> I went on TES5Edit (Which I am really afraid of for some reason), loaded all my mods (Had to disable a few armors since it kept telling me I exceeded the 254 threshold), right-clicked the Skyrim.esm (Where 'Supposedly' the original Cell of the Hall of Valor is located), clicked 'Show conflict losers' (Losers!!! Laughed hard at that one ), looked up the cell ID Sovngarde01 (That's the place's cell name) and it showed five main mods that affect that place, disabled them one plugin at a time to catch the culprit and reloaded......and it still CTDed >> Tried disabling a bunch other mods/plugins that seemed guilty, but I still CRASHED TO DESKTOP!!! SO, here I am. Please help me!! I haven't reached that point in the main quest since years, and back then I didn't even mod the game. Now I am playing Skyrim 'one last time' so this is gonna be my swan song before let go of Skyrim forever.......(And then go crazy on Fallout 4 next XD XD ) So any help will be much appreciated NOTE: Vanilla Plugins are clean. Dunno if this has anything to do with it or not Oh yeah, and here's my load order Thanks in advance