The air is getting crisp out. After being forced to leave my cave I had taken shelter in for nearly two months I have been wandering the barren southern landscape of Skyrim. I stumbled into a small dismal town they called Falkreath were I overheard several men speaking of a violent murder of a little girl. They tried to shoo me away when they saw my condition, but I was persistent until they at last told me that the killer was a man locked in the town's dungeons. He was as I had expected, inhuman The whole situation had reeked of Magicka or else I would have never investigated. After a mild charm spell had been cast on him the man was more than willing to explain to me that he was indeed a werewolf, but for some reason he was very unwilling to disclose he was cursed by Hircine. Hircine is, as far as my knowledge of Daedric princes goes, supposedly a friend of were wolfs and all creatures of the hunt. I questioned the man once on this matter but his resistance was too strong, and I felt that strengthening the spell was an unnecessary expenditure of my energy.
Regardless, the man offered me the cursed ring which Hircine and 'gifted' him and asked that I slay the great white stag which roamed the area to summon Hircine, and then straightway return the ring to the Daedric prince. Typically I would be unwilling to lend aid to a stranger, especially one was so deeply entangled in Magicka I do not fully understand. But something about the man's plea, and the chance that I may be able to confront the Prince of the Hunt, obliged me to say yes.
Hunting down the stag was not as difficult as I had imagined it would be. After lacing my daggar with the poisen of the vile frostbite spider I found a bushy spot where I could hide. The man had told me the area where the stag came to drink, and sure enough, he had not steered me wrong. I heard the great beast step softley into the clearing. I held myself back though until I could smell it near me, and to my great luck it stopped mere feet away from me to lap up the cool water.
After the beast lay dead at my feet it was only a matter of moments before I heard Hircine's voice. He congratulated me on my victory, particularly pleased that I had managed the job so smoothly without any form of vision. His next request however put a sour taste into my mouth, he wished me to prove my ability to hunt by finding the werewolf who I had spoken to in the prison and slaying him as well. I told Hircine that I would, but never in my head was I able to agree to the arrangement I may play with black magic, perhaps I have killed a few innocents as well. But I have never gone back on my word. I promised the cursed man that I would intercede on his behalf and not even the Daedric prince Hircine had any ability to make me change my mind.
I left the Daedric prince thinking that he had just sealed his wayward werewolf's fate. It was not to be, however. I found the werewolf hiding in small underground barrow, near where Hircine had told me he might be. Inside were a few hunters, most were bloodied and several were already dead. They told me that the werewolf had ventured further in, and looked at me in shock when I nodded and continued after the beast alone.
In fact I did not have to walk for long. The man found me. He was wary, as he should have been, I'm sure that he had guessed Hircine desired him dead. I calmed his fears however, and offered him my help in clearing the barrow of the remaining hunters. It was an easy task. In fact most of the hunters turned tail and ran when they saw the mighty feral beast and the blind Elven necromancer leaping at them from the darkness. The ones that didn't move fast enough were slowed by my magic and then shredded by the ivory claws of my companion.
After the brief battle the werewolf thanked me quietly and then left me. I suppose he didn't want to wait around long enough for me to change my mind. I was a bit concerned as I exited the barrow, afriad that Hircine would be waiting outside, furious at my blatant lie.
I did hear his voice the moment I stepped outside, but it was not angry, in fact he sounded jovial at my turning of the hunt upon the hunters He finally accepted the cursed ring from me and exchanged it with one he said may someday bring me greater prowess in the hunt. I did not understand, but I thanked him and moved on.
Right now I am reclining on a dirty bedroll I found near a burning fire which is nestled under a stone wall near the barrow. It began to rain almost as soon as I got here so I was very grateful for the shelter. There were a few men and one woman who must have been calling this their home but I heard them running noisily through the rain and used a shock spell to kill them before they even reached their destination. I will not stay here for more than a day. I must return to Falkreath so that I can attempt to get some money out of them for 'avenging' the girls death. I need supplies badly.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The soul eater
Ahh skyrim how i realize i have not missed you as much as my fealty to you demands! But a new mistress has been dominating my horizon for the last several weeks. Yes, i have fallen victim to the World of Warcraft. In one week i have almost leveled my paladin 30 times...and managed to work 60 some hours too. I will tell you leveling in wow is almost as difficult as making crudites for 350...however the crudites aren't half as rewarding!
On another random note...i think my cat has a bladder infection because she considers herself the self appointed Venus flytrap of the house... fly's have so many icky bacteria on them, doesn't it seem plausible Either way i intend to start lacing her food with febreeze cause if shes gonna pee on everything it might as well deodorize instead of hardcore reek...
On another random note...i think my cat has a bladder infection because she considers herself the self appointed Venus flytrap of the house... fly's have so many icky bacteria on them, doesn't it seem plausible Either way i intend to start lacing her food with febreeze cause if shes gonna pee on everything it might as well deodorize instead of hardcore reek...
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Noon, the next day
The claw wound up opening a door even further into the ruins, inside the door I had hoped to find a good spot to call home and start my experimenting, it was not to be however. There was a huge arcane 'wall' in the back of the room. When I approached it a strange humming noise began to emit from it, filling my senses like a good bottle of Sujamma.
I don't know if it was only emanating power or if some kind of ancient Nordic power actually entered me. Either was it was enough to make me realize that a place holding powers like this was no place for me to set up shop.
After I left the Barrow I found this cave, filled with skeletons and one novice necromancer. It even has an enchanting table already located inside! What luck! It's not far from Rivertown, and in a few hours I intend to set out to Whiterun and see how far away it is. I may just call this cave home, unless of course I find a better one on my way to Whiterun. I'm so excited to use the corpse of the necromancer as my first victim! I just can't wait!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Sundas, 8:44 PM 17th of Last Seed
A dragon. The greatest of all the creatures, a creature even the most daring of conjurers fears to bring forth. I saw a dragon. And it was no mere mist or shade from the netherworld, oh no, this was a true reincarnation of the mighty Alduin himself, I have no doubt in my mind. It was he.
A kindly city guard helped me escape the wreckage of Helgen, in fact he brought me to his families home, fed me and offered me a bed for the night as well. But I am no stranger to the dark, nor to the cold, although I shall admit that I have never stepped foot in Skyrim before, so I expect there will be some differences here from what I am used to in Morrowind. I hear they have no Cliff Racers. What a pity. No Guars either, I will miss those peaceful creatures. They seemed to bring a sense of stability to the upheaval and unrest that is Morrowind these days. I have no intention of intruding on this peacful open family any more, I bring with me only death and threat of death. I must retire to somewhere hidden where I can once again practice my dark art without threat or interruption.
I overheard the family talking about a certain "Bleak Falls Barrow" situated not far out of town, to the north west I believe. It sounds like some sort of old Nord ruin, perhaps containing undead! I head there as soon as I have bartered for a pair of boots from the uncle (who is also a blacksmith) NOT made of chainmail, I can barely move my feet in these dreadful things. I am a 109 pound dunmer woman, how in the world did he expect me to be able to move!
A kindly city guard helped me escape the wreckage of Helgen, in fact he brought me to his families home, fed me and offered me a bed for the night as well. But I am no stranger to the dark, nor to the cold, although I shall admit that I have never stepped foot in Skyrim before, so I expect there will be some differences here from what I am used to in Morrowind. I hear they have no Cliff Racers. What a pity. No Guars either, I will miss those peaceful creatures. They seemed to bring a sense of stability to the upheaval and unrest that is Morrowind these days. I have no intention of intruding on this peacful open family any more, I bring with me only death and threat of death. I must retire to somewhere hidden where I can once again practice my dark art without threat or interruption.
I overheard the family talking about a certain "Bleak Falls Barrow" situated not far out of town, to the north west I believe. It sounds like some sort of old Nord ruin, perhaps containing undead! I head there as soon as I have bartered for a pair of boots from the uncle (who is also a blacksmith) NOT made of chainmail, I can barely move my feet in these dreadful things. I am a 109 pound dunmer woman, how in the world did he expect me to be able to move!
New Character
So I'm starting a new character. I didn't really have the desire to play Jade any more since she beat the main quest, plus for a while now I've been wanting to try playing a darker character.
My new heroine then (since the only man I ever play is an imperial 'andre the giant') is Ravenna Polk (not her real last name, she changed it to protect her family and herself), dark elf from Morrowind. She's actually based on a character from a novel I'm trying to finish writing. In both my book and for Skyrim Ravenna was cast out of her family and her country when she torched her parents estate to the ground while practicing necromantic rituals. Her family was unaware of the fact that their daughter was in the process of studying necromancy or they surely would have killed her. Unlike some Dunmer who are fine with the idea of raising the dead, Ravenna's parents found it a disgusting, sinful crime. She was exported to Cyrodiil where she began tried to begin her studies anew, but found it too dificult in the tight laced country...so she decided to cross the border to Skyrim...da da da dum.
So I've never succesfully played a mage character before, so this should be interesting we'll see how far I get. Oh! And I forgot to mention two things about Ravenna. One: the fire left her blind, her other senses are very keen however, especially her sense of hearing, so she can still operate very effectively in stealth combat situations, and one on one, however group fights with with steel she has little choice but to run from. (hence why she is a mage) She also cannot use a bow and arrow...should make the dragon slaying interesting...work on that ranged magic! Secondly: In the explosion that destroyed her home she was attempting to learn how the body and soul are seperated at death, and how it is that the soul never really seems to die, only the body. Somehow in the process she partially seperated her own soul and body, which had the result of making her almost immortal...her body can be killed, but her soul is capable of reincarnating her body becuase of the fact that it is no longer trapped inside of it. (it makes a lot more sense in my book, I explain better :) Basically though her soul brings her back to wherever the last F5 was :D
On another note my kitty got declawed today and she wants me to tell everyone out their suffering from rare tropical diseases that it could be a lot worse.
Off to Skyriming!
My new heroine then (since the only man I ever play is an imperial 'andre the giant') is Ravenna Polk (not her real last name, she changed it to protect her family and herself), dark elf from Morrowind. She's actually based on a character from a novel I'm trying to finish writing. In both my book and for Skyrim Ravenna was cast out of her family and her country when she torched her parents estate to the ground while practicing necromantic rituals. Her family was unaware of the fact that their daughter was in the process of studying necromancy or they surely would have killed her. Unlike some Dunmer who are fine with the idea of raising the dead, Ravenna's parents found it a disgusting, sinful crime. She was exported to Cyrodiil where she began tried to begin her studies anew, but found it too dificult in the tight laced country...so she decided to cross the border to Skyrim...da da da dum.
So I've never succesfully played a mage character before, so this should be interesting we'll see how far I get. Oh! And I forgot to mention two things about Ravenna. One: the fire left her blind, her other senses are very keen however, especially her sense of hearing, so she can still operate very effectively in stealth combat situations, and one on one, however group fights with with steel she has little choice but to run from. (hence why she is a mage) She also cannot use a bow and arrow...should make the dragon slaying interesting...work on that ranged magic! Secondly: In the explosion that destroyed her home she was attempting to learn how the body and soul are seperated at death, and how it is that the soul never really seems to die, only the body. Somehow in the process she partially seperated her own soul and body, which had the result of making her almost immortal...her body can be killed, but her soul is capable of reincarnating her body becuase of the fact that it is no longer trapped inside of it. (it makes a lot more sense in my book, I explain better :) Basically though her soul brings her back to wherever the last F5 was :D
On another note my kitty got declawed today and she wants me to tell everyone out their suffering from rare tropical diseases that it could be a lot worse.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Unknown, Perhaps non-exsistant
I know not how many days have passed since I first arrived in this strange and beautiful land. In fact I barely remember how I got here. I rode a dragon. Over mountains and rivers and valleys and through heavy thick clouds filled with droplets of water that clung to my armor and made breathing difficult. And then I was left at a keep high on some mountain, I know not which, but I believe it was on Skyrim's very Eastern border. I fought my way to the top of this ruined keep. When I finally reached it's summit there was a huge pillar of glowing energy which consumed most of the stone ground, in fact it was the ground in most places. Although a large part of me dreaded it, I knew what I had to do, I leapt into the energy. I will never be able to accurately explain what it feels like for a living body--flesh and blood--to be transported to Sovngarde, but let it suffice to say it was no pleasant experience. For several bloodshot minutes I was fully aware of every fiber of my being, every nerve ending, every pulsating artery, every layer of skin, it was as if some evil force was exerting every bit of it's power to fillet me alive. But somehow I made it through the portal in one piece. I was thrown violently into a misty dark land. Not the Sovngarde of legend by any means. They air was hot and thick, the sky overcast and ominous. I lay on the ground for a long time, trying to regain my breath and my composure. I wanted nothing more than to strip off my armor and throw myself into the weak trickle of water that ran nearby me, but when I approached it I saw that it too was hot almost to the point of boiling.
I followed a winding path through the dark land, shouting away the fog as I could, stumbling through it when I felt my strength waning. The sweat ran down in rivers over my brow, down my back. When I felt I could go no further I beheld a weak light in the distance. It was a torch, on a bridge. A huge man, the biggest Nord I have ever seen was guarding the bridge. Tsun I discovered his name to be. He came up to me with stately strides, he seemed unaffected by the heat. I told him that I was in Sovngarde because of my right as Dragonborn, and yet still he challenged my worth. Exhausted as I was I drew my blade and accepted his challenge. I knew the only way to defeat Alduin was to gain the acceptance of the shades of Sovngarde.
Tsun was a powerful opponent, but he was big, almost immediately he broke out into a sweat, which encouraged me. He was not immune to the heat after all. His heavy waraxe swung quickly and deftly, driving me back, the sweat ran into my eyes, stinging like Oblivion's fire. I tore off my trusty face-plate and tossed it aside, wiped my eyes and dodged another lethal blow. For several hellish minutes I feared I would perish in the land of the dead. But then like a breath of fresh air I felt a new spirit enter me, a fresh, well rested spirit, ready to dive into battle. I swung my sword fervently, drove Tsun back now, I slashed out at him knocking him off balance and then with a graceful twist of my blade I sliced the tendons of his wrist, I pulled my blade back and up, and disarmed him.
He didn't try to fight any more. He congratulated me on my victory, retrieved his ax, and granted me entrance. Although I knew I didn't have to I apologized for maiming him, he merely laughed, pointing out that he was already dead, the body he had know would heal itself quickly.
Once I entered the hall of Valor I was directed to the three heroes I witnessed fighting off Alduin the first time I read to elder scroll at the time wound. They said that they would help me do so again. This time permanently destroying the ancient beast.
We used our combined shouts to permanently clear the fog surrounding the hall of valor. We also succeeded in summoning Alduin. He came careening down through the sky, a massive comet of black, scale, and fire. I used Dragon-rend to bring him down, and then the four of us charged in. It took many hours, but every time he would attempt to take to the air to escape I shouted him back down. Eventually he realized that we were going to defeat him. He charged at me, with one snap of his jaws he could have easily killed me, but I darted back, his swinging teeth caught on to my sword instead, ripped it from my grasp and shattered it. Knocked off balance I fell back. He would have been on me in an instant if the three heroes would not have used the distraction to charge him. As I lay useless on the ground, Alduin was being destroyed before me. I shouted, slow time, released the silver dagger from my boot and jumped up, I was not going to let them stand alone in victory. As the world blurred around me I leapt foreword, onto the wing of the beast, ran up his uneven hide and drove my dagger through his eye. Time resumed its pace, Alduin threw me off his neck, I slammed against the rock and lay as if dead. But it was Alduin who was dying. He flung himself back and forth, black energy seemed to consume him. He rose up into the air, shouting words I do not know in the dragon tongue. And then with a mighty flash and a resounding deep crack that seemed to split the world in two, he was gone.
With Alduin's demise Sovngarde has been returned to its former glory. The shades now walk in peace once again. Tsun has informed me that I may go back whenever I please, but I know that I should not stay in this place much longer, it is not a place that the living should tread in. However, dining with King Olaf the one eyed, and exchanging tales with Jurgen Wind-caller is a life that I find hard to leave. But I must. I will eat one more meal with these might men and woman, and then resume my native land. I wonder what news awaits me when I return to Tamriel. I wonder if any time will have passed at all.
I followed a winding path through the dark land, shouting away the fog as I could, stumbling through it when I felt my strength waning. The sweat ran down in rivers over my brow, down my back. When I felt I could go no further I beheld a weak light in the distance. It was a torch, on a bridge. A huge man, the biggest Nord I have ever seen was guarding the bridge. Tsun I discovered his name to be. He came up to me with stately strides, he seemed unaffected by the heat. I told him that I was in Sovngarde because of my right as Dragonborn, and yet still he challenged my worth. Exhausted as I was I drew my blade and accepted his challenge. I knew the only way to defeat Alduin was to gain the acceptance of the shades of Sovngarde.
Tsun was a powerful opponent, but he was big, almost immediately he broke out into a sweat, which encouraged me. He was not immune to the heat after all. His heavy waraxe swung quickly and deftly, driving me back, the sweat ran into my eyes, stinging like Oblivion's fire. I tore off my trusty face-plate and tossed it aside, wiped my eyes and dodged another lethal blow. For several hellish minutes I feared I would perish in the land of the dead. But then like a breath of fresh air I felt a new spirit enter me, a fresh, well rested spirit, ready to dive into battle. I swung my sword fervently, drove Tsun back now, I slashed out at him knocking him off balance and then with a graceful twist of my blade I sliced the tendons of his wrist, I pulled my blade back and up, and disarmed him.
He didn't try to fight any more. He congratulated me on my victory, retrieved his ax, and granted me entrance. Although I knew I didn't have to I apologized for maiming him, he merely laughed, pointing out that he was already dead, the body he had know would heal itself quickly.
Once I entered the hall of Valor I was directed to the three heroes I witnessed fighting off Alduin the first time I read to elder scroll at the time wound. They said that they would help me do so again. This time permanently destroying the ancient beast.
We used our combined shouts to permanently clear the fog surrounding the hall of valor. We also succeeded in summoning Alduin. He came careening down through the sky, a massive comet of black, scale, and fire. I used Dragon-rend to bring him down, and then the four of us charged in. It took many hours, but every time he would attempt to take to the air to escape I shouted him back down. Eventually he realized that we were going to defeat him. He charged at me, with one snap of his jaws he could have easily killed me, but I darted back, his swinging teeth caught on to my sword instead, ripped it from my grasp and shattered it. Knocked off balance I fell back. He would have been on me in an instant if the three heroes would not have used the distraction to charge him. As I lay useless on the ground, Alduin was being destroyed before me. I shouted, slow time, released the silver dagger from my boot and jumped up, I was not going to let them stand alone in victory. As the world blurred around me I leapt foreword, onto the wing of the beast, ran up his uneven hide and drove my dagger through his eye. Time resumed its pace, Alduin threw me off his neck, I slammed against the rock and lay as if dead. But it was Alduin who was dying. He flung himself back and forth, black energy seemed to consume him. He rose up into the air, shouting words I do not know in the dragon tongue. And then with a mighty flash and a resounding deep crack that seemed to split the world in two, he was gone.
With Alduin's demise Sovngarde has been returned to its former glory. The shades now walk in peace once again. Tsun has informed me that I may go back whenever I please, but I know that I should not stay in this place much longer, it is not a place that the living should tread in. However, dining with King Olaf the one eyed, and exchanging tales with Jurgen Wind-caller is a life that I find hard to leave. But I must. I will eat one more meal with these might men and woman, and then resume my native land. I wonder what news awaits me when I return to Tamriel. I wonder if any time will have passed at all.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Sundas, 10:18 AM, 4th of Morning Star
Season unending. The ancient Nord word for war. War. What is it about that putrid beast that makes men swarm like carnivorous flies?? Like blood-starved wolves? I do not understand the draw. And because I refuse to take a side, to throw in my lot with either small minded leader I am looked down upon as a weakling, I felt at the council as if I was even viewed as a traitor by both sides at times. Yes, I realize that if I were to join either the Imperials or the Stormcloaks I could probably turn the tide of battle in their favor. Ulfric Stormcloak openly admitted this to be true when I spoke to him at Windhelm, Tulius did not come out and say it in so many words, but small minded as he is, he is not stupid, I'm sure he knows having the dragon born on his side would be a powerful ally.
But yet still I hold out, I will not fight for either side. I suppose that soon the time will come when the forces clash on my doorstep, and I am no fool. I will not die before picking up a sword to fight. When the time comes for me to fight, I will be ready. I will kill Nord and Imperial alike if I must. But until that day comes, I will hold out.
And for the moment at least I have brought an unsteady peace. Tulius and Ulfric have laid down their arms...ready to snatch them back up again at a moments notice if the need arise, but at least they have arrived at some childish measure of peace. They say that they will give me time to stop the dragons. We will see if either man can hold to his word for that long. The way I see it I am now in a race against time. I must capture a dragon in Whiterun...in Dragonsreach. Now that the peace is established the Jarl will have no qualms in allowing me to use his courtyard. I must bring the dragon down and interrogate it. I have never even interrogated a fellow Nord...so interrogating a dragon sounds a bit out of my league, but what choice do I have. I plan on using dragon-rend on it. From everything I've heard making a dragon stare mortality in the face is one of the most painful experiences it can go through. We'll see.
And after the dragon tells me where Alduin has gone...well...I go 'there'. Wherever there might be. I must kill the world eater once and for all. Or at least permanently banish him. I am curious to see how all this planning will actually unfold in reality. It is no small task I am undertaking here, that I realize. They Greybeards plainly told me they only support me because of the fact that Paarthurnax does.
On that subject: Delphine was at the council, I didn't invite her, I don't know how she heard about it, but she showed up. The long standing hatred between the sword wielding blades and the peace loving grey beards was immediately evident, but they did well to refrain from harsh words. However, after the council had adjourned and we were heading our separate ways Delphine approached me. She seemed to be furious.
"So Paarthurnax, the great leader of the Greybeards has spoken to you?"
I told her it was so, and expressed my initial shock at him being a dragon.
"So I heard as well, did you know he was once Alduin's true friend, yet betrayed him in the end?"
I had assumed that Paarthurnax had some tie to Alduin, but that they had been close I was not aware. I told Delphine so.
"What's to keep him from betraying us as well? Rae, until this 'Paarthurnax' lies dead, I'm afraid the Blades cannot offer you their hand any more."
So blunt. So very like Delphine. Before I could respond she turned on her heel and was on her way out. I didn't bother to stop her. It was obvious she didn't care to argue. I cannot however justify killing Paarthurnax in my own mind. Perhaps he's done some things that would appall even the most battle born. What of it? The past is the past. Perhaps the fact that I am a creature of the night myself makes me more understanding of the faults in others. I see no reason to kill him for what he has done. I judge solely on what he is doing. And up to this point he has been a true friend and mentor to me. Perhaps I will come to regret my choice, it wouldn't be the first time I've had a friendship go south. And at that time I will do what I have to. But for now I am not about to walk up a mountain and kill the sole dragon who I am on speaking terms with because an angry Blade told me to.
I rest at High Hrothgar today. I shall head down to Whiterun in the evening.
But yet still I hold out, I will not fight for either side. I suppose that soon the time will come when the forces clash on my doorstep, and I am no fool. I will not die before picking up a sword to fight. When the time comes for me to fight, I will be ready. I will kill Nord and Imperial alike if I must. But until that day comes, I will hold out.
And for the moment at least I have brought an unsteady peace. Tulius and Ulfric have laid down their arms...ready to snatch them back up again at a moments notice if the need arise, but at least they have arrived at some childish measure of peace. They say that they will give me time to stop the dragons. We will see if either man can hold to his word for that long. The way I see it I am now in a race against time. I must capture a dragon in Whiterun...in Dragonsreach. Now that the peace is established the Jarl will have no qualms in allowing me to use his courtyard. I must bring the dragon down and interrogate it. I have never even interrogated a fellow Nord...so interrogating a dragon sounds a bit out of my league, but what choice do I have. I plan on using dragon-rend on it. From everything I've heard making a dragon stare mortality in the face is one of the most painful experiences it can go through. We'll see.
And after the dragon tells me where Alduin has gone...well...I go 'there'. Wherever there might be. I must kill the world eater once and for all. Or at least permanently banish him. I am curious to see how all this planning will actually unfold in reality. It is no small task I am undertaking here, that I realize. They Greybeards plainly told me they only support me because of the fact that Paarthurnax does.
On that subject: Delphine was at the council, I didn't invite her, I don't know how she heard about it, but she showed up. The long standing hatred between the sword wielding blades and the peace loving grey beards was immediately evident, but they did well to refrain from harsh words. However, after the council had adjourned and we were heading our separate ways Delphine approached me. She seemed to be furious.
"So Paarthurnax, the great leader of the Greybeards has spoken to you?"
I told her it was so, and expressed my initial shock at him being a dragon.
"So I heard as well, did you know he was once Alduin's true friend, yet betrayed him in the end?"
I had assumed that Paarthurnax had some tie to Alduin, but that they had been close I was not aware. I told Delphine so.
"What's to keep him from betraying us as well? Rae, until this 'Paarthurnax' lies dead, I'm afraid the Blades cannot offer you their hand any more."
So blunt. So very like Delphine. Before I could respond she turned on her heel and was on her way out. I didn't bother to stop her. It was obvious she didn't care to argue. I cannot however justify killing Paarthurnax in my own mind. Perhaps he's done some things that would appall even the most battle born. What of it? The past is the past. Perhaps the fact that I am a creature of the night myself makes me more understanding of the faults in others. I see no reason to kill him for what he has done. I judge solely on what he is doing. And up to this point he has been a true friend and mentor to me. Perhaps I will come to regret my choice, it wouldn't be the first time I've had a friendship go south. And at that time I will do what I have to. But for now I am not about to walk up a mountain and kill the sole dragon who I am on speaking terms with because an angry Blade told me to.
I rest at High Hrothgar today. I shall head down to Whiterun in the evening.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Fredas, 4:11 AM, 26th of Evening Star
Resting at High Hrothgar today. I've never actually slept here before, this place has a surreal aura about it. The hooded grey men silently walking the halls, they make not a noise as they step, the only sound is the wind whistling around the stony walls and parapets of the fortress.
Despite the fact that I believe I have proven my prowess and indeed power to them they still refuse to speak to me, while all save Arngier, he seems to think that they would obliterate me if the were to speak. I would like to see what he means by that, I find it hard to believe that I can knock Alduin out of the sky with my Thu'um and yet a gnarled old man could destroy my very soul with a simple 'Top of the morning to you!' Perhaps someday I will force a word out of one of them, right now that is not my most pressing mission.
I spoke to Arngeir about hosting a peace counsel between Ulfric Stormcloak and General Tulius. Of course he didn't want to, he tried to weasel out of it by saying the Grey Beards do not involve themselves in the affairs of mere mortals...or something along those lines. but I patiently reminded him that I was the Dragonborn and that Paarthurnax himself had come up with the idea, and he eventually caved. Leaving it to me of course to inform the warring sides that they had been summoned by the Grey Beards.
I do not look forward to speaking to either side in this conflict. I have long debated with myself which side I support, but have been unable to come to a conclusion. Living the majority of my life outside of Skyrim thus far has rendered me somewhat numb to the calls of the Stormcloaks, as well as the fact that I have never been overly religious, so the banning of Talos worship has little effect on me. Of course I do admire what happened with Talos, the whole story of his heroism is one for the ages, yet I have no interest in worshiping him! But I do respect the fact that others should be able to worship as they see fit, and Talos worship in my opinion has never hurt anyone. I don't know, I just don't have the energy to get involved right now. I would probably side with the empire just because they have resources that Skyrim desperately needs, and I don't think that they have mistreated the land, despite what Ulfric would have us believe. But then there are those damned Thalmor! Why must the Empire side with them! The Thalmor are one of the main reasons that I have not cast in my lot with Tulius. If I could I would send everyone of their damned self-righteous Elven souls to Oblivion! Yes, I understand they are powerful, and the empire needs all the help it can get right now...but still! Damned Thalmor...
I intend to leave at dusk for Solitude, and from there speak to Ulfrik on my way back to High Hrothgar. We'll see if things actually go as planned for once. Perhaps I'll stop in Riverwood and inform Delphine of my progress, I'm sure she's anxious to know what is going on.
Despite the fact that I believe I have proven my prowess and indeed power to them they still refuse to speak to me, while all save Arngier, he seems to think that they would obliterate me if the were to speak. I would like to see what he means by that, I find it hard to believe that I can knock Alduin out of the sky with my Thu'um and yet a gnarled old man could destroy my very soul with a simple 'Top of the morning to you!' Perhaps someday I will force a word out of one of them, right now that is not my most pressing mission.
I spoke to Arngeir about hosting a peace counsel between Ulfric Stormcloak and General Tulius. Of course he didn't want to, he tried to weasel out of it by saying the Grey Beards do not involve themselves in the affairs of mere mortals...or something along those lines. but I patiently reminded him that I was the Dragonborn and that Paarthurnax himself had come up with the idea, and he eventually caved. Leaving it to me of course to inform the warring sides that they had been summoned by the Grey Beards.
I do not look forward to speaking to either side in this conflict. I have long debated with myself which side I support, but have been unable to come to a conclusion. Living the majority of my life outside of Skyrim thus far has rendered me somewhat numb to the calls of the Stormcloaks, as well as the fact that I have never been overly religious, so the banning of Talos worship has little effect on me. Of course I do admire what happened with Talos, the whole story of his heroism is one for the ages, yet I have no interest in worshiping him! But I do respect the fact that others should be able to worship as they see fit, and Talos worship in my opinion has never hurt anyone. I don't know, I just don't have the energy to get involved right now. I would probably side with the empire just because they have resources that Skyrim desperately needs, and I don't think that they have mistreated the land, despite what Ulfric would have us believe. But then there are those damned Thalmor! Why must the Empire side with them! The Thalmor are one of the main reasons that I have not cast in my lot with Tulius. If I could I would send everyone of their damned self-righteous Elven souls to Oblivion! Yes, I understand they are powerful, and the empire needs all the help it can get right now...but still! Damned Thalmor...
I intend to leave at dusk for Solitude, and from there speak to Ulfrik on my way back to High Hrothgar. We'll see if things actually go as planned for once. Perhaps I'll stop in Riverwood and inform Delphine of my progress, I'm sure she's anxious to know what is going on.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Middas, 10:18, 24th of Evening Star
So...I guess I caused a bit of a stir in Solitude the other day. Lately my one single burning desire has been to master the art of smithing. Now I figured that would be easy, I live in Whiterun, so does Jorland Grey-Mane, and of course as any one will tell you Jorland is a master smith. Well I went and talked to him about a week ago to see if he'd be willing to pass on some knowledge. I didn't realize that besides having an uncanny talent to work steel, he also has a razor sharp wit and no nonsense personality. He told me he had no intention of training anyone who was not a member of the companions. The last thing I need right now is some other organization vying for my attention, but I had my mind set on learning more about smithing, so I went and asked if I could join the companions. They were very elusive and confusing about how to become a member and who was in charge, but I beat the horse crap out of one of their men who challenged me and they changed their minds. I was told to go intimidate a man in Markarth and then I'd be in. Easy enough, I went to Markarth, beat the horse crap out of a man at the Silver-Blood inn, (I have no idea why, no one would tell me why I was intimidating him, only that it needed to be done) and then was preparing to take the carriage back to Whiterun. And then I had an idea. I thought that if I traveled to Solitude I could stock up on Iron Ingots to bring back with me so that I'd have more raw materials to work with while I was learning. It seemed a perfectly logical plan to me. So I went to Solitude, bought out the Blacksmith, and decided to spend the night.
For some reason I didn't feed that night. I don't know why, I just didn't think about it. I had a horrible dream as I lay asleep at the Winking Skeever. It was as if I could see myself in a blurry, spectator view, sneaking through the rooms of the Blue Palace, drinking blood and slitting throats. I started on the main floor, I snuck into the kitchen. The chef was over by a pot on the fire completely unaware that I was feasting on his two assistants. One I drained dry, the other I left with some life in her. Then I moved upstairs. There were two guards standing by the stairway, silently I stood up behind the one, dragging my silver blade across his neck, before his knees had time to buckle I was behind the other, spilling his blood as well. I left them lying face down in growing crimson pools as I snuck nearer Elisif's bedchambers. The former Jarl's wife laid in her luxurious bed, guarded closely by two guards positioned directly outside her chambers. I had relived the first two guards of their steel daggers. Holding one in each hand I breathed out slowly. It was as if all of time stood still, I could feel even my own heart-rate decrease.
I swirled out from behind my hiding place to face the guards, in the dimly lit hall they couldn't see me, or perhaps I was invisible, either way they made no move as if they saw a threat. I hurled the twin daggers simultaneously at their throats. Daggers found marks, tracheas were severed, a soft thud was the only noise, and then a brief scraping of chain-mail as they slumped to the floor.
I entered the woman's chambers. She lay, covered in white and lace, pale skin so beautiful, soft brow finally relaxed after being creased with worry all day, gentle hands finally open and at peace after being clenched in determined fists all day. I wanted her so bad, I wanted to drink up every bit of life in her, taste every mouth full and savor it all. I pulled the covers away from her slowly, living in the moment, appreciating every breath she inhaled, feeling every gentle exhale. I was leaning forward when I heard the footstep. Faster then I thought I could move I had thrown myself back into the shadow. From an adjoining room came a shape, that of a man. As he walked closer I could see that it was Falk Firebeard the Jarl's steward. What was he doing up? Did a man like him really have duties to do at this hour of the morning?
It mattered not, within the passage of a few seconds I knew he was going to see the pool of blood at the doorway and raise the alarm. I had but one choice to get out alive. Their was a window near Elisif's bed, it was stained glass, it would not be easy to break. But I still had my dragon born powers, even in my dreaming state. I stood slowly, using the looming shadow of a dresser to hide myself. Firebeard saw the blood in the doorway, I had a split second as he stood in shock.
"WULD NAH KEST!" I threw my arms over my face and leapt into the air, the power of my thu'um throwing my body through the air and out the window. Colored slivers of glass went everywhere, glinting off moonlight as they flew through the silent night air. Once I cleared the window I began to fall, the ground was a long way off. I fell, and I fell and I fell. Until I woke up in my bed at the Winking Skeever.
The guard all around town was in an uproar, everywhere, searching for a vampire. Saying that no one is safe, and no one can leave. The whole town was practically upside down when I snuck out, I'm sure it still is crazy, though I haven't heard anything since I returned to Whiterun.
Did I really do that? Do I have control like Farengar said, or am I turning into a monster? I don't know if the dream I had was all reality. I didn't stay in Whiterun long enough to find out what exactly had happened, I only heard the shouts of 'vampire! vampire!' and knew I had to flee.
Did I really use my whirlwind sprint shout? If I did and Firebeard heard it could he know if was me? I certainly hope not, but I have had dealings with Firebeard in the past when those necromancers were trying to resurrect Potema. He knows that I am dragon-born.
Gods preserve me. What have I done?
For some reason I didn't feed that night. I don't know why, I just didn't think about it. I had a horrible dream as I lay asleep at the Winking Skeever. It was as if I could see myself in a blurry, spectator view, sneaking through the rooms of the Blue Palace, drinking blood and slitting throats. I started on the main floor, I snuck into the kitchen. The chef was over by a pot on the fire completely unaware that I was feasting on his two assistants. One I drained dry, the other I left with some life in her. Then I moved upstairs. There were two guards standing by the stairway, silently I stood up behind the one, dragging my silver blade across his neck, before his knees had time to buckle I was behind the other, spilling his blood as well. I left them lying face down in growing crimson pools as I snuck nearer Elisif's bedchambers. The former Jarl's wife laid in her luxurious bed, guarded closely by two guards positioned directly outside her chambers. I had relived the first two guards of their steel daggers. Holding one in each hand I breathed out slowly. It was as if all of time stood still, I could feel even my own heart-rate decrease.
I swirled out from behind my hiding place to face the guards, in the dimly lit hall they couldn't see me, or perhaps I was invisible, either way they made no move as if they saw a threat. I hurled the twin daggers simultaneously at their throats. Daggers found marks, tracheas were severed, a soft thud was the only noise, and then a brief scraping of chain-mail as they slumped to the floor.
I entered the woman's chambers. She lay, covered in white and lace, pale skin so beautiful, soft brow finally relaxed after being creased with worry all day, gentle hands finally open and at peace after being clenched in determined fists all day. I wanted her so bad, I wanted to drink up every bit of life in her, taste every mouth full and savor it all. I pulled the covers away from her slowly, living in the moment, appreciating every breath she inhaled, feeling every gentle exhale. I was leaning forward when I heard the footstep. Faster then I thought I could move I had thrown myself back into the shadow. From an adjoining room came a shape, that of a man. As he walked closer I could see that it was Falk Firebeard the Jarl's steward. What was he doing up? Did a man like him really have duties to do at this hour of the morning?
It mattered not, within the passage of a few seconds I knew he was going to see the pool of blood at the doorway and raise the alarm. I had but one choice to get out alive. Their was a window near Elisif's bed, it was stained glass, it would not be easy to break. But I still had my dragon born powers, even in my dreaming state. I stood slowly, using the looming shadow of a dresser to hide myself. Firebeard saw the blood in the doorway, I had a split second as he stood in shock.
"WULD NAH KEST!" I threw my arms over my face and leapt into the air, the power of my thu'um throwing my body through the air and out the window. Colored slivers of glass went everywhere, glinting off moonlight as they flew through the silent night air. Once I cleared the window I began to fall, the ground was a long way off. I fell, and I fell and I fell. Until I woke up in my bed at the Winking Skeever.
The guard all around town was in an uproar, everywhere, searching for a vampire. Saying that no one is safe, and no one can leave. The whole town was practically upside down when I snuck out, I'm sure it still is crazy, though I haven't heard anything since I returned to Whiterun.
Did I really do that? Do I have control like Farengar said, or am I turning into a monster? I don't know if the dream I had was all reality. I didn't stay in Whiterun long enough to find out what exactly had happened, I only heard the shouts of 'vampire! vampire!' and knew I had to flee.
Did I really use my whirlwind sprint shout? If I did and Firebeard heard it could he know if was me? I certainly hope not, but I have had dealings with Firebeard in the past when those necromancers were trying to resurrect Potema. He knows that I am dragon-born.
Gods preserve me. What have I done?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Fredas, 9:15 PM, 12th of Evening Star
I sit at my desk in my bedroom at Breeze home. I don't know where to begin this entry. So much has happened in the last few days with the Thieves Guild. So perhaps I will start by speaking of more recent events, since I have been in Whiterun nearly two days now, selling off loot and speaking to the Jarl.
Yes, I spoke to the Jarl this morning about the dragon 'situation'. According to Paarthurnax, last I talked to him, the best way to capture Alduin so that he can be really truly defeated is inside Dragonsreach. In case the reader of the journal is unfamiliar with the events and history laid out behind Dragonsreach I will do my best to explain.
In the time of the dragons there was a great Nord hero named Olaf. Olaf met the dragon Numinex in single combat, he shouted the dragon into submission and then forced him into the keep which was later named Dragonsreach. The dragon was imprisoned there, for how long I am not certain, but I do know that the skull of Numinex can be seen when one enters the keep. (on a different subject, wouldn't that be a fun item to try and lift. I bet there would be plenty of salivating buyers ready to take the skull of Numinex off your hands...) I wish I could remember more of Olaf's history, when I went to the bards college in Solitude many months ago to attend the burning of King Olaf they told me more of the history, but I was so filled up on meat pies and spiced wine that I effectively lost most of the information as quickly as I absorbed it.
Anyway, the Jarl of Whiterun is willing to try and capture Alduin in the keep despite the fact that he thinks it's crazy. But he's not willing to try with the threat of General Tulius and Ulfric Stormcloak attacking him at any time. I respect that, I wouldn't be willing to put my city in such grave danger either. So we came to the conclusion that a peace council must be held, at least temporarily so that the fighting stops long enough to capture Alduin...if that is even possible. I am going to head off to the Greybeards soon, as soon as I return this skeleton key to Namira's Shrine.
Which brings me to my next subject, and by far the lengthier one: the hunt and extermination of Mercer Frey.
We tracked him to Irkngthand, we being myself, Karliah and Brynjolf. Irkngthand is an old Dwarven ruin, as the name implies, however it originated as a Falmer encampment, and is once again one thanks to the disappearance of the Dwarves. While we scrounged through the top levels of this long forgot ruin, the complete savagery and cruelty of the Dwarves was once again made clear to me. I remember vividly one chamber we entered filled with strange and distorted machines of torture that the Dwemer must have used against the Falmer to force them to submit. Perhaps it is better for all that the Dwemer are no more. From all knowledge I have gathered about them they sound like they were a heartless evil society.
As we ventured deeper into the bowels of the ruin where the Falmer now live free where once they were enslaved I had a difficult decision to make: Do we fight our way through, killing perhaps complete villages of Falmer, or do we let them have their dank underground recesses and sneak as well we could past them? The decision was mostly made for me. We had managed to sneak past a few encampments when we reached a large room, filled with Falmer and their lodgings. And in the middle of the room, still attached to it's steam pipes in blissful rest was an enormous Dwarven centurion. Why the centurion had remained in stasis for so long with so many Falmer surrounding it is beyond me. For the moment I stepped foot on the ground near it it awoke. And then the whole damn Falmer village was on us. The centurion mindlessly attacking everything that moved, the Falmer coming after us and trying to avoid the blows of the centurion.
From that point on we killed everything that stirred the shadows. I didn't want anything following us and sneaking up from behind, so we left no survivors. Strangely enough Karliah and Brynjolf took this command complacently. I do not consider myself a leader, so it never ceases to amaze and startle me when people treat me as if I am one. Moving through the Falmer hid outs like this we actually made better progress than we would have had we still been trying stealth. I could tell that we were gaining on Frey, Karliah could too. As we approached a huge gilded Dwarven door she began to visually fidget. I asked her if she was ok, she responded she was, just anxious to get the search over with.
It took all three of us to get the door open as it had been barred from the other side, when it finally did give way, what I saw took my breath away. It was a great statue of a Snow Elf, perhaps it was meant to depict the snow prince himself, I know not. But I do know that it was beautiful, despite it's state of disrepair. But what really caught our attention was it's eyes...or eye, as the right one had already been dislodged by Frey. He was clinging to the statue's brow, working the left eye out of it's socket when we entered. At first Karliah tried to use stealth, thinking that he had not seen us yet, but he had the power of the skeleton key, he knew exactley where we were. He cast some sort of spell, causing the whole cavern to begin to to quake and rip itself assunder. The chamber we were in began to fill itself with water, in the chaos that followed I lost my footing and fell down to the main floor, leaving Karliah and Brynjolf on the ledge above...
Frey's next move was even more twisted, using the power of the skeleton key he cast a frenzy spell over Brynjolf, causing the man to attack Karliah. Mercer Frey then turned his affections towards me. He seemed to be not at all pleased that I was still alive. I told him he could hand over the eyes before or after I killed him, it made little difference to me. He cast an invisibility potion, but he misjudged me vampiric senses, invisible or not, he was still a mammal with very warm blood flowing through his body, I could sense him even with no visual ques to guide me. I chased him across the chamber, splashing through the puddles of water which were quickly turning into pools the more the water level rose. Even with the skeleton key, Mercer fell under my blade relatively fast once I caught up with him, I relieved him of the eyes of the Falmer and the Skeleton Key, and then waded back to Karliah and Brynjolf. They were no longer at each others necks, in fact Brynjolf was nearly on his knees begging for Karliah's forgiveness.
She was more interested in finding a way for us to escape. So was I, but I could find no answer, soon we were treading water, taking turns diving down to search for a tunnel we may have missed when we first entered the room. Since I was wearing my Nightingale garb and Volsung was back at Breeze home I had no capability of breathing underwater so I admit, I began to panic.
Thankfully just as the water had almost reached the ceiling a large clump of rocks dislodged from above our heads, revealing a steep path up. I helped pull Karliah up, and then Brynjolf and then the three of us darted across the slippery rocks, until finally we burst out into the cool night air. Safe.
Which brings me pretty much up to current events. Brynjolf went back to the Thieves guild to report to them that Mercer Frey is dead, Karliah has gone back to Nightingale hall to await news that the skeleton key is returned to its rightful place in Namira's shrine...and I am in Whiterun, debating if I will leave tonight or tomorrow night.
I did go see Farengar today...when I was at the Jarl's palace I noticed him sulking in the shadows. I attempted to simply leave, as I am extremely paranoid about anyone discovering my horrible identity but he cleverly prevented me from doing so. He told the guards that he needed me in his study and that they must not let me leave the keep until I had gone to see him. The Whiterun guards can blindly follow orders if they can do anything, so I was forced to go to Farengar's study. When I arrived he immediately shut the door behind me, the only light in the room came from a row of flickering candles he had on his desk and the crackling fire.
"What has changed about you Rae?" He asked, he walked up close to me and I turned my head away, willing him not to see the truth. Slowly he pulled my Nightingale hood away from my face. Still I said nothing.
"You do not answer, your skin is as pale as a new moon, look at me." I looked up finally, he stared at my eyes, my bloodthirsty eyes. "Can it be?" He whispered, "Tell me, Rae, when did this happen to you?"
Rarely do I find myself short on words, but for a moment I did not know what to say, how was it that he knew I was a vampire and yet still he stood, his face but a few inches from my own? "I don't know," I muttered finally, "perhaps a month now, perhaps more."
"And you have kept it a secret from all, a secret that you, the Dragon-born, the woman who is supposed to save all of Tamriel drinks the blood of her people when the sun sets."
"Yes."
And then he did something I would never have expected any man or mer to do after discovering the truth, he rested his hands on my shoulders and leaned his forehead against mine, slowly muttering the words of a calming spell. I closed my eyes and allowed the feeling of comfort to pervade me.
"Why is it that you do not fear me?" I asked.
He looked up. "What is there to fear? You are still you are you not? You have great constitution Jade Rae, you will do what you must to survive, yet I do not see you becoming a mindless maniac."
And then he led me into his chambers, where we stayed for several hours. In fact I only recently got home. I still have that feeling of peace hanging over me, perhaps that is why I am finding it so difficult to leave home tonight.
Yes, I spoke to the Jarl this morning about the dragon 'situation'. According to Paarthurnax, last I talked to him, the best way to capture Alduin so that he can be really truly defeated is inside Dragonsreach. In case the reader of the journal is unfamiliar with the events and history laid out behind Dragonsreach I will do my best to explain.
In the time of the dragons there was a great Nord hero named Olaf. Olaf met the dragon Numinex in single combat, he shouted the dragon into submission and then forced him into the keep which was later named Dragonsreach. The dragon was imprisoned there, for how long I am not certain, but I do know that the skull of Numinex can be seen when one enters the keep. (on a different subject, wouldn't that be a fun item to try and lift. I bet there would be plenty of salivating buyers ready to take the skull of Numinex off your hands...) I wish I could remember more of Olaf's history, when I went to the bards college in Solitude many months ago to attend the burning of King Olaf they told me more of the history, but I was so filled up on meat pies and spiced wine that I effectively lost most of the information as quickly as I absorbed it.
Anyway, the Jarl of Whiterun is willing to try and capture Alduin in the keep despite the fact that he thinks it's crazy. But he's not willing to try with the threat of General Tulius and Ulfric Stormcloak attacking him at any time. I respect that, I wouldn't be willing to put my city in such grave danger either. So we came to the conclusion that a peace council must be held, at least temporarily so that the fighting stops long enough to capture Alduin...if that is even possible. I am going to head off to the Greybeards soon, as soon as I return this skeleton key to Namira's Shrine.
Which brings me to my next subject, and by far the lengthier one: the hunt and extermination of Mercer Frey.
We tracked him to Irkngthand, we being myself, Karliah and Brynjolf. Irkngthand is an old Dwarven ruin, as the name implies, however it originated as a Falmer encampment, and is once again one thanks to the disappearance of the Dwarves. While we scrounged through the top levels of this long forgot ruin, the complete savagery and cruelty of the Dwarves was once again made clear to me. I remember vividly one chamber we entered filled with strange and distorted machines of torture that the Dwemer must have used against the Falmer to force them to submit. Perhaps it is better for all that the Dwemer are no more. From all knowledge I have gathered about them they sound like they were a heartless evil society.
As we ventured deeper into the bowels of the ruin where the Falmer now live free where once they were enslaved I had a difficult decision to make: Do we fight our way through, killing perhaps complete villages of Falmer, or do we let them have their dank underground recesses and sneak as well we could past them? The decision was mostly made for me. We had managed to sneak past a few encampments when we reached a large room, filled with Falmer and their lodgings. And in the middle of the room, still attached to it's steam pipes in blissful rest was an enormous Dwarven centurion. Why the centurion had remained in stasis for so long with so many Falmer surrounding it is beyond me. For the moment I stepped foot on the ground near it it awoke. And then the whole damn Falmer village was on us. The centurion mindlessly attacking everything that moved, the Falmer coming after us and trying to avoid the blows of the centurion.
From that point on we killed everything that stirred the shadows. I didn't want anything following us and sneaking up from behind, so we left no survivors. Strangely enough Karliah and Brynjolf took this command complacently. I do not consider myself a leader, so it never ceases to amaze and startle me when people treat me as if I am one. Moving through the Falmer hid outs like this we actually made better progress than we would have had we still been trying stealth. I could tell that we were gaining on Frey, Karliah could too. As we approached a huge gilded Dwarven door she began to visually fidget. I asked her if she was ok, she responded she was, just anxious to get the search over with.
It took all three of us to get the door open as it had been barred from the other side, when it finally did give way, what I saw took my breath away. It was a great statue of a Snow Elf, perhaps it was meant to depict the snow prince himself, I know not. But I do know that it was beautiful, despite it's state of disrepair. But what really caught our attention was it's eyes...or eye, as the right one had already been dislodged by Frey. He was clinging to the statue's brow, working the left eye out of it's socket when we entered. At first Karliah tried to use stealth, thinking that he had not seen us yet, but he had the power of the skeleton key, he knew exactley where we were. He cast some sort of spell, causing the whole cavern to begin to to quake and rip itself assunder. The chamber we were in began to fill itself with water, in the chaos that followed I lost my footing and fell down to the main floor, leaving Karliah and Brynjolf on the ledge above...
Frey's next move was even more twisted, using the power of the skeleton key he cast a frenzy spell over Brynjolf, causing the man to attack Karliah. Mercer Frey then turned his affections towards me. He seemed to be not at all pleased that I was still alive. I told him he could hand over the eyes before or after I killed him, it made little difference to me. He cast an invisibility potion, but he misjudged me vampiric senses, invisible or not, he was still a mammal with very warm blood flowing through his body, I could sense him even with no visual ques to guide me. I chased him across the chamber, splashing through the puddles of water which were quickly turning into pools the more the water level rose. Even with the skeleton key, Mercer fell under my blade relatively fast once I caught up with him, I relieved him of the eyes of the Falmer and the Skeleton Key, and then waded back to Karliah and Brynjolf. They were no longer at each others necks, in fact Brynjolf was nearly on his knees begging for Karliah's forgiveness.
She was more interested in finding a way for us to escape. So was I, but I could find no answer, soon we were treading water, taking turns diving down to search for a tunnel we may have missed when we first entered the room. Since I was wearing my Nightingale garb and Volsung was back at Breeze home I had no capability of breathing underwater so I admit, I began to panic.
Thankfully just as the water had almost reached the ceiling a large clump of rocks dislodged from above our heads, revealing a steep path up. I helped pull Karliah up, and then Brynjolf and then the three of us darted across the slippery rocks, until finally we burst out into the cool night air. Safe.
Which brings me pretty much up to current events. Brynjolf went back to the Thieves guild to report to them that Mercer Frey is dead, Karliah has gone back to Nightingale hall to await news that the skeleton key is returned to its rightful place in Namira's shrine...and I am in Whiterun, debating if I will leave tonight or tomorrow night.
I did go see Farengar today...when I was at the Jarl's palace I noticed him sulking in the shadows. I attempted to simply leave, as I am extremely paranoid about anyone discovering my horrible identity but he cleverly prevented me from doing so. He told the guards that he needed me in his study and that they must not let me leave the keep until I had gone to see him. The Whiterun guards can blindly follow orders if they can do anything, so I was forced to go to Farengar's study. When I arrived he immediately shut the door behind me, the only light in the room came from a row of flickering candles he had on his desk and the crackling fire.
"What has changed about you Rae?" He asked, he walked up close to me and I turned my head away, willing him not to see the truth. Slowly he pulled my Nightingale hood away from my face. Still I said nothing.
"You do not answer, your skin is as pale as a new moon, look at me." I looked up finally, he stared at my eyes, my bloodthirsty eyes. "Can it be?" He whispered, "Tell me, Rae, when did this happen to you?"
Rarely do I find myself short on words, but for a moment I did not know what to say, how was it that he knew I was a vampire and yet still he stood, his face but a few inches from my own? "I don't know," I muttered finally, "perhaps a month now, perhaps more."
"And you have kept it a secret from all, a secret that you, the Dragon-born, the woman who is supposed to save all of Tamriel drinks the blood of her people when the sun sets."
"Yes."
And then he did something I would never have expected any man or mer to do after discovering the truth, he rested his hands on my shoulders and leaned his forehead against mine, slowly muttering the words of a calming spell. I closed my eyes and allowed the feeling of comfort to pervade me.
"Why is it that you do not fear me?" I asked.
He looked up. "What is there to fear? You are still you are you not? You have great constitution Jade Rae, you will do what you must to survive, yet I do not see you becoming a mindless maniac."
And then he led me into his chambers, where we stayed for several hours. In fact I only recently got home. I still have that feeling of peace hanging over me, perhaps that is why I am finding it so difficult to leave home tonight.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Fredas, 2:14 AM, 5th of Evening Star
That damned traitor! I cannot believe I was stupid enough to trust the Bastard! Mercer Frey, leader of the Thieves Guild, cold-blooded, back-stabbing murderer! When I got back to the Thieves Guild and told him the news he immediately demanded that we set out to 'where the end began' or as he assumed Karliah to have meant, Snow veil sanctum. I followed him there, and then diligently led him through the sanctum, killing draugr left and right, defending his life with the utmost loyalty. And then he turned on me! I was struck by a poisoned arrow--from the Dark Elf Karliah's quiver, but it turned out that the arrow saved my life by slowing my heart-rate enough that I didn't bleed out. Through my hallucinations as I lay on the damp floor of the ancient crypt I faintly remember hearing a blurred conversation between Frey and Karliah, it turned violent...and then Karliah disappeared. Mercer Frey then walked over to my paralyzed form, lifted his blade, and unceremoniously ran me through. If it would not have been for Karliah's poison and compassion in coming back for me I would now be dead. As it is, I have an ugly scar below my left breast and shoulder blade from where the blade came just short of piercing my heart. I assume I will carry this scar forever, just another glorious reminder to trust no one. Oh, and that bastard also killed Vigilance, I was never able to find out if the dog was any good in a fight, he didn't stand a chance against Frey. I miss him. I don't miss his incessant barking though, that was damned annoying and put a damper on my sneaking, but I do miss his companionship, he didn't care that I get drunk off blood.
Karliah claims that it was not her who killed Gallus, but Frey. I wouldn't have believed her before, but recent events make me much more prone to accepting this. And wasn't it only a few days ago that I wrote down in here how much I though Frey was an egotistical ass? Guess I was right! Karliah has the encoded journal Gallus left behind, it is her hope that if we can decode it we can expose Mercer for who he really is. Fortunately she thinks that Enthir at the mages guild may be able to do this. I hope so. Seeing as I'm the Arch-mage he better be wiling to! I was going to rest another day before heading out, but the winds here are bitter, Karliah has little food, and she is beginning to look like food herself...so beautiful...I have never tasted a Dunmer, but I hear drinking any elf's blood is like taking that of a child's, young sweet and fresh...ahh..I must leave her before I make a move I regret!
Later,
I made it to Winterhold uneventfully. Enthir was more then willing to help when he heard what was going on. He said that Gallus's journal is written in the language of the Falmer. That is why I couldn't recognize it. I've never even seen a sample of Falmer writing, despite all the Falmer who have met their end at the edge of my blade. I guess I didn't really realize just how tragic the Falmer's history is. While we munched on sweet rolls at the Frozen Hearth and shared a fine bottle of Black Briar mead, Enthir gave me a history lesson.
Apparently back before the Nords came from High Rock the Falmer, or Snow Elves as they were colloquially called, were scattered across Skyrim, living above ground, peacefully coexisting with each other. Enthir even admitted that their culture could have easily rivaled his own, that of the Altmer. I guess when the Nord's came to Skyrim the Snow Elves were no match for their brutality and skill as warriors. They were killed by the thousands, eventually being driven underground where they made an uneasy alliance with the Dwemer. But the Dwemer also turned on the Falmer eventually, making them what they are today--blind monstrosities which will kill anything that ventures too close. It's a shame really, to think that such a beautiful culture could be reduced to such a level of base depravity.
Enthir said that the court wizard at Markarth, Calcelmo, should be able to help with decoding the journal, but also warned that Calcemo is not fond of sharing his knowledge. I kind of got that impression the last time I had to deal with the wizard. I have my fingers crossed that he hands over what I need to know peacefully. But if he does not, I am more then prepared to take it by whatever means necesary. Mercer Frey shall pay for his wrongdoings!
Karliah claims that it was not her who killed Gallus, but Frey. I wouldn't have believed her before, but recent events make me much more prone to accepting this. And wasn't it only a few days ago that I wrote down in here how much I though Frey was an egotistical ass? Guess I was right! Karliah has the encoded journal Gallus left behind, it is her hope that if we can decode it we can expose Mercer for who he really is. Fortunately she thinks that Enthir at the mages guild may be able to do this. I hope so. Seeing as I'm the Arch-mage he better be wiling to! I was going to rest another day before heading out, but the winds here are bitter, Karliah has little food, and she is beginning to look like food herself...so beautiful...I have never tasted a Dunmer, but I hear drinking any elf's blood is like taking that of a child's, young sweet and fresh...ahh..I must leave her before I make a move I regret!
Later,
I made it to Winterhold uneventfully. Enthir was more then willing to help when he heard what was going on. He said that Gallus's journal is written in the language of the Falmer. That is why I couldn't recognize it. I've never even seen a sample of Falmer writing, despite all the Falmer who have met their end at the edge of my blade. I guess I didn't really realize just how tragic the Falmer's history is. While we munched on sweet rolls at the Frozen Hearth and shared a fine bottle of Black Briar mead, Enthir gave me a history lesson.
Apparently back before the Nords came from High Rock the Falmer, or Snow Elves as they were colloquially called, were scattered across Skyrim, living above ground, peacefully coexisting with each other. Enthir even admitted that their culture could have easily rivaled his own, that of the Altmer. I guess when the Nord's came to Skyrim the Snow Elves were no match for their brutality and skill as warriors. They were killed by the thousands, eventually being driven underground where they made an uneasy alliance with the Dwemer. But the Dwemer also turned on the Falmer eventually, making them what they are today--blind monstrosities which will kill anything that ventures too close. It's a shame really, to think that such a beautiful culture could be reduced to such a level of base depravity.
Enthir said that the court wizard at Markarth, Calcelmo, should be able to help with decoding the journal, but also warned that Calcemo is not fond of sharing his knowledge. I kind of got that impression the last time I had to deal with the wizard. I have my fingers crossed that he hands over what I need to know peacefully. But if he does not, I am more then prepared to take it by whatever means necesary. Mercer Frey shall pay for his wrongdoings!
Tirdas, 11:33 PM, 25th of Sun's Dusk
Traveled to Solitude today to confront Gulum-Ei. He proved to be a tricky little Argonian. he acted as if he knew nothing at first, but then I managed to persuade him to tell me he did act as a go-between for the purchase of Honningbrew. he said he knew nothing about the purchaser, merely that she was a female. I didn't buy his feigned niaveness. I shadowed him out of Solitude and into the East Empire Trading Company Warehouse. I was perplexed at first, wondering what he might be doing there, but it all became clear, as he led me to a partially submerged entrance to a grotto underneath the shipping company where the lizard apparently is trying to set up his own gang without the thieves guild's knowledge.
This time when I confronted him he was much more talkative, I would assume it was mainly due to the fact that he was surrounded by the bodies of what used to be his gang. I made short work of them! Gulum-Ei said that the buyer of Honningbrew was a certain Dark Elf by the name of Karliah. Apparently she is responsible for the death of the previous leader of the thieves guild, Gallus, and now she's going after Mercer Frey. I wonder what it is that she has against the thieves guild. I need to get back to Brynjolf to tell him the news. I need to feed first however, I feel my powers growing ever stronger as I hunger. However my rational judgment continues to leave me the hungrier I get. I am in no hurry to become a mindless overpowered wandering stalker of the night.
On my way back into Solitude after dealing with Gulum-Ei I was accosted by a poor farmer leading a scrappy hound behind him into town. He said that he was taking the dog to market to sell him as he had no money left to feed his family. He offered to sell me the dog for 25 gold pieces. I gave the poor man 100 gold plus a bottle of Black Briar that I had been intending on drinking tonight. He looked like he needed it more than me. The man said that the dog's name is Vigilance, and that despite his small stature he was an excellent fighter. We'll see. He needs a bath something fierce, that much is sure. Perhaps tonight on our way back I'll take him through some river and streams. Although I am considering just taking a carriage, I want to get back to Brynjolf as quickly as possible. it's not so much that I'm concerned about the fate of Frey, he strikes me as being an arrogant asshole, but I know that Brynjolf is fiercely loyal to Frey, and I am concerned about Brynjolf's fate.
This time when I confronted him he was much more talkative, I would assume it was mainly due to the fact that he was surrounded by the bodies of what used to be his gang. I made short work of them! Gulum-Ei said that the buyer of Honningbrew was a certain Dark Elf by the name of Karliah. Apparently she is responsible for the death of the previous leader of the thieves guild, Gallus, and now she's going after Mercer Frey. I wonder what it is that she has against the thieves guild. I need to get back to Brynjolf to tell him the news. I need to feed first however, I feel my powers growing ever stronger as I hunger. However my rational judgment continues to leave me the hungrier I get. I am in no hurry to become a mindless overpowered wandering stalker of the night.
On my way back into Solitude after dealing with Gulum-Ei I was accosted by a poor farmer leading a scrappy hound behind him into town. He said that he was taking the dog to market to sell him as he had no money left to feed his family. He offered to sell me the dog for 25 gold pieces. I gave the poor man 100 gold plus a bottle of Black Briar that I had been intending on drinking tonight. He looked like he needed it more than me. The man said that the dog's name is Vigilance, and that despite his small stature he was an excellent fighter. We'll see. He needs a bath something fierce, that much is sure. Perhaps tonight on our way back I'll take him through some river and streams. Although I am considering just taking a carriage, I want to get back to Brynjolf as quickly as possible. it's not so much that I'm concerned about the fate of Frey, he strikes me as being an arrogant asshole, but I know that Brynjolf is fiercely loyal to Frey, and I am concerned about Brynjolf's fate.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tirdas, 9:33 AM, 25th of Sun's Dusk
So apparently telling the truth is not a strong point among the members of the Thieves Guild. I will have to remember that. 'Clear out the skeevers' they told me, 'poison the vats' they said, 'simple in and out'. What a bunch of liars. Those skeevers were no ordinary skeevers. They were huge, and strong and had an uncanny blood-lust. There was also an healthy nest of Frostbite Spiders that I had not been informed of. But see, I'm a semi-forgiving Nord, I could have let all of this slide...if it wouldn't have been for the simple fact that they forgot to mention the Deranged and Yet Very Powerful MAGE living under the meadery!!!!
I never was much of a mage-hater, but the more I encounter them in Skyrim, the more I am learning to hate them. It seems every damned mage is on a mission to kill and conquer. Where are the peace-loving, alchemically focused mages that I know and love from Cyrodiil? I miss those mages. They were powerful too, but they had no desire to rip my head from my shoulders and then reanimate my decapitated body to become their minion.
You know, maybe it's because necromancy is not frowned on as much as it was in Cyrodiil. Here you find an abandoned cave or fort...or tunnel...and you can practice necromancy all you want, as long as it doesn't interfere too much with everyone else's life it seems no one really cares all that much. I am not a fan of necromancers. I think that they should all join each other in Oblivion. But who am I too judge? Perhaps I have just not yet been enlightened yet. Enlightened or no, any necromancer who crosses paths with me will find themselves offed by the Dragon Born!!
I never was much of a mage-hater, but the more I encounter them in Skyrim, the more I am learning to hate them. It seems every damned mage is on a mission to kill and conquer. Where are the peace-loving, alchemically focused mages that I know and love from Cyrodiil? I miss those mages. They were powerful too, but they had no desire to rip my head from my shoulders and then reanimate my decapitated body to become their minion.
You know, maybe it's because necromancy is not frowned on as much as it was in Cyrodiil. Here you find an abandoned cave or fort...or tunnel...and you can practice necromancy all you want, as long as it doesn't interfere too much with everyone else's life it seems no one really cares all that much. I am not a fan of necromancers. I think that they should all join each other in Oblivion. But who am I too judge? Perhaps I have just not yet been enlightened yet. Enlightened or no, any necromancer who crosses paths with me will find themselves offed by the Dragon Born!!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Morndas, 9:33 AM, 24th of Sun's Dusk
I traveled to Riften on a random errand the other day, leaving Lydia at Breeze home. At least for now. On my way to Riften I traveled up to Paarthurnax's summit. I used the Elder Scroll and I learned the shout. It was an amazing experience. It was as if my mind and soul were transported back to that very day and I was seeing through the eyes of a disengaged onlooker. It was a beautiful experience. I saw Alduin defeated.
And then I did it again. Alduin was somehow summoned, or was already nearby when I returned to my native reality. I used the Dragon Rend shout on him to bring him to the earth. Thankfully I had stocked up on resist fire potions before the battle or I would have died. But I also had Paarthurnax's aid and he proved a powerful ally.
Unfortunately Alduin didn't stick around long enough for us to completely defeat him, instead when he saw that defeat was imminent he took to the air and fled like the coward he is. I know not where I go from here. I must find some way of tracking down Alduin and killing him for good, only then will the dragon crisis and the impending doom of the world by avoided. However for now I believe that I have at least put events at a temporary standstill. Alduin will have to regain his strength before he can continue resurrecting dragons. I have some time.
That's why I am at the thieves guild. I actually didn't intend to hook up with them when I first entered Riften, but I randomly encountered one of their number, a certain Brynjolf (a very attractive man I might add). He paid me well to do naught but plant a stolen ring on a certain merchant at the market square. I like gold. And I like the fact that the thieves guild base is underground away from the wretched sunlight.
Yesterday I burned down Golden Glow estate (accidentally the whole thing) for the Thieves guild. I'm not sure why, some kind of power play I think between Maven Black Briar and the world. I got yelled at for bring the whole place to the ground, but what was I supposed to do?! There were guards everywhere! The moment that I shouted "YOL!" they began to swarm towards me. So I grabbed my sword and sliced through the base support of the hive I had just set ablaze. I then gave it a solid kick, sending it tumbling, domino style into the hives adjacent to it. I didn't look back after that. I simply charged to the edge of the estate, with a mighty straining leap I cleared the rock surrounding the small island and dove into the cool lake water.
Today I am heading to Honningbrew Meadery to poison the vats before the tasting ceremony with the guard captain. Fun, Fun!
And then I did it again. Alduin was somehow summoned, or was already nearby when I returned to my native reality. I used the Dragon Rend shout on him to bring him to the earth. Thankfully I had stocked up on resist fire potions before the battle or I would have died. But I also had Paarthurnax's aid and he proved a powerful ally.
Unfortunately Alduin didn't stick around long enough for us to completely defeat him, instead when he saw that defeat was imminent he took to the air and fled like the coward he is. I know not where I go from here. I must find some way of tracking down Alduin and killing him for good, only then will the dragon crisis and the impending doom of the world by avoided. However for now I believe that I have at least put events at a temporary standstill. Alduin will have to regain his strength before he can continue resurrecting dragons. I have some time.
That's why I am at the thieves guild. I actually didn't intend to hook up with them when I first entered Riften, but I randomly encountered one of their number, a certain Brynjolf (a very attractive man I might add). He paid me well to do naught but plant a stolen ring on a certain merchant at the market square. I like gold. And I like the fact that the thieves guild base is underground away from the wretched sunlight.
Yesterday I burned down Golden Glow estate (accidentally the whole thing) for the Thieves guild. I'm not sure why, some kind of power play I think between Maven Black Briar and the world. I got yelled at for bring the whole place to the ground, but what was I supposed to do?! There were guards everywhere! The moment that I shouted "YOL!" they began to swarm towards me. So I grabbed my sword and sliced through the base support of the hive I had just set ablaze. I then gave it a solid kick, sending it tumbling, domino style into the hives adjacent to it. I didn't look back after that. I simply charged to the edge of the estate, with a mighty straining leap I cleared the rock surrounding the small island and dove into the cool lake water.
Today I am heading to Honningbrew Meadery to poison the vats before the tasting ceremony with the guard captain. Fun, Fun!
Sundas, 11:38 AM, 16th of Sun's Dusk
Snuck out Middas night and fed. So good. I feel so much more lucid now. And even the sun when I poked my head out into it didn't seem as bad. I was planning on returning to my cave for awhile, at least until I worked up the nerve to travel back to Paarthurnax but an incredible twist of fate changed my mind.
I found Lydia.
Or rather, she found me. On my way back to my cave I was accosted by a fierce blood dragon. It swooped down out of nowhere, spewing fire from its might jaws. Of course in my vampiric state even a tiny flame can prove fatal so I immediately dove for cover, intending to snipe at it with my bow from beneath a small overhang. But the beast was smart. It dropped to the ground barely 20 feet away from me. I was cornered. I shouted.
"FUS ROH DAH!" The dragon was momentarily stunned, I darted out of my hideout, intending to run to different cover, but it was unnecessary. Over my head, from above the rocks I'd been hiding under leapt a lithe gleaming figure. she landed squarely on the dragons might back, close to his neck, and swinging a midnight ebony blade high over her head, Lydia cleanly decapitated the beast.
I am not too proud to say that she easily could have saved my life. She convinced me to go back to Breeze home with her, apparently she had happened to be there on a mission for the legion and recognized me when I slunk into the city. I have not told her I am a vampire. Since I just fed it is in no way apparent. I just told her I needed to get away, I was hiding out for awhile.
I know she suspects something is ary, but I just got her back, I cannot loose her again. we've been staying at Breeze home these last few days, I've been sneaking over to the Blacksmiths' to feed at night and then coming back before Lydia notices my absence.
Lydia says she wants to travel with me again. Apparently the Legion is not as fulfilling as she had hoped. We'll see. I fear that if she travels with me she will discover my secret, and once again shun me. We will see.
Middas, 7:50 PM, 12th of Sun's Dusk
I ventured out of Black Reach today. SHE was there, that horrible burning ball of vibrant fire. I find that I can be out in the sunlight, but it drains my stamina, and I am practically useless in combat, I was almost destroyed by a wolf! I found a cave near the base of the grey beards mountain. I feel the scroll telling me to take it back to the time wound, to learn the shout. But I cannot stand who I am.
I was attacked by a group of Storm-cloak soldiers. Why? I must be hideous to look upon. I left Krosis, my trusty face-plate in Breeze home when I first discovered my fate and fled the city. I must be horrible to look upon.
Tonight I will find a village. I must feed, although the very idea repulses me. I must, for I feel myself dying inside without blood.
7:33 AM, Tirdas, 11th of Sun's Dusk
I have found a home, at least for now. In the bowels of Black Reach I wallow in my sordid state.
AKATOSH KYNERETH MARA DIVINES HELP ME
I Am A VAMPIRE!!
Midas 333 5th of sUNS DUSK
yes it is true. I AM A DEMON A DEVIL. IS THIS MY FATE?! THIS LONGING FOR SWEET RED NECTAR?
WHAT OF THE DRAGONS? WHAT
OF THEM???? I must go away. I cannot be seen anymore what is life anymore.
Midas 333 5th of sUNS DUSK
yes it is true. I AM A DEMON A DEVIL. IS THIS MY FATE?! THIS LONGING FOR SWEET RED NECTAR?
WHAT OF THE DRAGONS? WHAT
OF THEM???? I must go away. I cannot be seen anymore what is life anymore.
Sundas, 8:24 PM, 2nd of Sun's Dusk
I do not feel well at all tonight. As I fell into my bed at Breeze home it was as if all I could see was covered in a thick red haze. And I am so hungry. I've been eating nonstop since I got home, practically emptied every cupboard in this place and yet still my stomach screams out. Food is not satisfying.
I recovered the Elder scroll from Black Reach under Alftand, along with 30 samples of a Crimson Nirnroot, the likes of which I have never seen before. For now I have it stored in my chest in the Alchemy room. I am in no mood to experiment with it now. I can't believe I have the elder scroll. I need to take it to that crazy elf. But I am in no mood to do so. I just feel so sick.
So tired and hungry...oh sooooo hungry.....
I recovered the Elder scroll from Black Reach under Alftand, along with 30 samples of a Crimson Nirnroot, the likes of which I have never seen before. For now I have it stored in my chest in the Alchemy room. I am in no mood to experiment with it now. I can't believe I have the elder scroll. I need to take it to that crazy elf. But I am in no mood to do so. I just feel so sick.
So tired and hungry...oh sooooo hungry.....
Tirdas, 10:24 PM, 28th of Frostfall
J'zargo is dead. One second we were travelling silently though a misty cave near Solitude, next second we were in the middle of a necromancers' ambush. They came at us from all sides. we fought them off, J'zargo with his spells, claws and powerful ward spells, me with my steel. As the last Necromancer fell into a pile of ragged robes the air grew heavy and still. Suddenly it was as if someone blacked out all light. And then shot it back on again. I was momentarily blinded, I easily would have been killed by the first blast of fire if J'zargo's senses would not have been keener then my own. He was in front of my with a ward to block the blast before it struck. He then moved to the side and leveled a lightening bolt on our opponent.
What followed proved to be an encounter with one of the most powerful necromage's I have even encountered. Even with my heavily enchanted shield, the mage's next blast of fire knocked my too my knees. Like a flash J'zargo was there in front of my again, hands braced forward, fingers laced with a ward spell. The necromage unleashed another fiery bolt. I heard J'zargo moan softly but his ward held. I could hear the walls of the cavern we stood in beginning to quake. J'zargo did too.
"J'zargo shall return to his warm sands now." I heard him whisper, barely audible over the crackle of Magicka. And then he rushed the mage. I was on my feet behind him in an instant, I knew our only hope of survival was to get in close and stay behind his ward. The ward absorbed another blast from the necromancer. I leapt out around it at the mage but the man was too fast. He moved faster then any man his age should have been able too. He easily dodged my swinging blade and tossed another bolt of flame. J'zargo darted in front of me, his ward broke as the fire impacted it. And he was gone. Just like that, completely consumed in the fire.
"IIS SLEN!" I do not know the last word of the shout, but the first two were more then sufficient. The necromancer slammed to the ground, a solid hunk of ice. I could feel tears of rage and sorrow welling up inside of me. I stepped over the ash that was J'zargo to where the wizard lay. And rejoicing snear still frozen on his face from his victory over my companion. Holding Gugnir by the blade I brought down its hilt in a mighty arc upon the brow of the solid icy form. A million tiny pieces of ice, now melting into bloody flesh.
I gathered what I could of J'zargo's remains. I have them with me know sitting on my rented desk in my rented room at the winking Skeever. I still need to go to Alftand but I am struggling with finding a will to do so. I hope to take J'zargo's ashes back to the mages guild for now. Perhaps someday I will be able to bring them back to his clan in Elswyyr. But for now I will pay them what respect this harsh land can offer.
As I sit here and mourn the realization overwhelms me that I am the Dragon Born. Perhaps I do wrong by trying to share this destiny with any companion. Look at what his happened with Lydia and J'zargo. My mind wander to Farengar almost with effort. If I see him any more, does that increase the chance of something terrible happening to him as well?
I realize now that I must travel alone from here out. My destiny is not one to be shared.
Fredas, 8:37 PM, 24th of Frostfall
We are on our way to collecting the Elder Scroll, and learning the Word of Power. In fact I have but to stop by Solitude to sell off some items and run a few errands and we will be off to Alftand, where it is rumored that the mighty Dwemer city still holds this ancient repository of knowledge. At least that is what the crazed lunatic I found way up north said. But he seemed to be obsessed with finding an elder scroll, so I have my fingers crossed that he pointed me in the right direction! Alftand, here we come!
Turdas, 9:45 PM, 23rd of Frostfall
Alduin was defeated by a shout. I must learn that shout! I am already on my way to the mage's guild. Paarthurnax, the grey beards wise old dragon leader says that I must obtain an elder scroll in order to view the past and learn the shout that the Nord heroes used to bring Alduin down. But how in Oblivion am I supposed to find an Elder Scroll!! It's not like I can just drop in at the Pawned Prawn and be like, "I would like to purchase all of your elder scrolls please." Where will I find one!?
Well that's why I'm headed to Winterhold, our Arcanaeum at the College may hold the answer, if it lies anywhere that is. But I have faith in our loyal Orc librarian, I'm sure he'll at least be able to point me in the right general direction.
Ha, J'zargo just expressed his concern that there are no Elder Scrolls in existence and we are on a wild goose chase. I reassured him that even if there were no elder scrolls there would be coin to be found wherever we looked for them. He seems happier.
Middas, 5:45 PM, 22nd of Frostfall
Found Esbern, hiding out in the Ratways beneath Riften, just barely got to him in time, the Thalmor had already penetrated the tunnels and where hot on his trail when J'zargo and I showed up. We sent them to Oblivion, and then had the most difficult time getting Esbern to open his door (strewn with well over a dozen locks) and let us in. I had been told by Delphine to ask him something about the 20th of Frostfall. I don't think I worded it just right, but it must have been close enough, he finally let down his guard enough to let us in.
We just arrived back in Riverwood with Esbern in tow. Delphine was ecstatic when she saw him , apparently she though he was dead and didn't think we were going to find him. Esbern says we must go to the old blades temple of Sky Haven where it apparently recorded how Alduin was defeated many years ago by the old Nord heroes.
So that's who this might black dragon is. Alduin himself. Ahh, and I am the dragon born. I see my path leading me closer and closer to an encounter with the mighty Alduin himself. For now though we are off to Sky Haven Temple, ancient fortress of the Blades.
Tirdas, 11:34 PM, 21st of Frostfall
Finally back from the Thalmor embassy. I'd like to say it went smoothly, but I am a terrible liar. At least I got in and out in one piece, and I managed to at least keep out contact alive. For now, undoubtedly the Thalmor will eventually track him down and kill him.
I secured several Thalmor missives in one of the buildings on premises, after I managed to sneak away from their very boring party. Sadly, and unfortunately for Delphine and I the Thalmor know nothing about the dragons, and are just as confused as we are. In fact they are blaming the blades! Delphine laughed when she read this, "How typical, the old enemies immediately point the finger at each other!"
The Thalmor seem to think some old blade hiding out in Riften may know more. I intend to find him before they do. We'll see whether or not my luck holds out.
Morndas, 3:58 PM, 20th of Frostfall
Arrived at the Winking Skeever in Skingrad. Sorpulus, the owner is an odd one, but a good sturdy nord all the same. Girsly execution on my way into town. Apparently the man who opened the gate for Ulfric Stormcloak to escape after he killed High King Toryyg. Can't say I blame them for being mad and wanting him dead, but a public execution? Ha, who am I to talk, I'm forgetting my first introduction to Skyrim...under the headsman's axe, for no other reason that attempting to cross the border in search of my calling. Oh well, such is the way of things these days.
Didn't find any dragons on our way here but I did run across a word wall when I ventured on a whim off of the beaten path. It was by a large statue dedicated to Meridia. The Daedra lord didn't speak to me when I approached the statue, as most of them have, I guess I'm not good enough for her. whatever.
I'm going to look for my contact tommorow, I intend to run a couple of errands yet today, including checking out a nearby crypt for a rumored 'source of power' which I can only imagine is a word wall. ...or it could be legions of undead, either way it sounds fun!
Loredas, 2:08 AM, 18th of Frostfall
Returned the horn, the had to run to the college to sell off some magical items, while there our enchanter asked me to run to Markarth (ugh stupid Markarth) for him. I took a carriage to get there, as I was in a hurry to get back to Delphine. While in Markarth I save a young woman who was attacked by an agent of the forsworn in broad daylight in the marketplace! I'm glad I saw him coming, because he could have easily one shotted the poor girl. Margeret I think her name was. She was an Imperial form Cyrodiil and was quite shook up over the incident. After I had dispatched the looney and helped Margeret back to where she was staying at the Silverblood in I was approached by a man. He handed me a piece of paper he claimed I had dropped. On the paper was a cryptic message about meeting him at the shrine of Talos tonight. I obviouslt didn't. He had seemed urgent, but my mission is more urgent. I think whatever he wanted to talk about can wait, dragons tearing apart Tamriel is more important.
Delphine has figured out a way for me to sneak into the Thalmor Embassy and secure information to see if they have any part in the dragons. I'm hoping this works. I'm going to run to Whiterun to drop off this Ebony Mail Boethia gave me the other day before heading to Solitude to meet our contact. W00T!
Oh and on a side note J'zargo had his first real dragon fight today (not counting the one with Delphine). His spells and my sword are the best dragon busting combination in Skyrim. We had that thing down in ten minutes.
Delphine has figured out a way for me to sneak into the Thalmor Embassy and secure information to see if they have any part in the dragons. I'm hoping this works. I'm going to run to Whiterun to drop off this Ebony Mail Boethia gave me the other day before heading to Solitude to meet our contact. W00T!
Oh and on a side note J'zargo had his first real dragon fight today (not counting the one with Delphine). His spells and my sword are the best dragon busting combination in Skyrim. We had that thing down in ten minutes.
Morndas, 9:30 PM, 13th of Frostfall
I went and saw the grey beards finally. Odd bunch, hiding away in seclusion on top of a mountain like that. (very hard to get to btw!) Claiming that they are so ridiculously powerful. They did teach me some new shouts however, so in that regard it was useful. They sent me to retrieve the horn of Jurgen Windcaller as a sort of "initiation test" I guess, as if I need to be tested. I went anyways though, as they were persistent. when I got to the spot where the horn should have been however there was only a mysterious note signed "a friend" and no horn. I did a little research and traced the note to Riverwood. Back where I first entered Skyrim. The innkeeper, Delphine claims to be a member of the blades, and that she's been looking for a purpose for her life and now she has one: me! Ok, so that's not exactly what she said, but she was so long winded, and I'm so not interested in her wretched history. If she would have talked more about the history of the Blades or the Thalmor she could have easily piqued my interest, but no. All she wanted to say was how everything from oblivion and back was out to get her...bla bla bla.
She wants my help in stopping the dragons. I agree the dragons need to be stopped and since she gave my Jurgen Windcaller's horn back I agreed to help her. We set off immediately to a dragon burial sight and were just in time to observe the huge black dragon from Helgen resurrect another dragon from the burial sight. As the mighty dragon spoke the muscles, ligaments tissues and scales bound them selves onto the awakened skeletal dragon. Of course Delphine and I immediately dispatched the disoriented awakened dragon. The big black one flew off immediately after resurrecting the other.
Apparently I'm the only one who can really kill a dragon. And this is because I am capable of absorbing their soul when it dies. Other ppl can kill them as well but they just go into some sort of sleep/hibernation, and can be resurrected obviously as this one was. So does this mean it is my mission to re-kill every dragon? I hope not. That sounds like a bloody awful task, one that would probably end in my inevitable death.
Delphine wants me to stay and help her more, I'm going to go return the horn to the grey-beards, and then I probably will, I'm just as interested as she is now in discovering what's going on and why the dragon's are being resurrected.
Tirdas, 9:38 PM, 30th of Heartfire
Killed a bandit Leader at Valtheim Towers today. Very unique location for a bandit holdup. I was quite smitten by the vista as a matter of fact, if I ever completely decide to let myself go and become the most bad-ass bandit leader Skyrim has ever seen, I will have a HQ at Valtheim. I like it!
I decided somewhat randomly to stay at the Bannered Mare tonight, mainly because I need to clean out the guest bedroom for J'zargo, I haven't been in there since Lydia left. But I also just wanted a little bit of Spiced wine and some friendly faces and to hear a tune about the Dragon born herself. I was given another bounty letter for a bandit at Silent Moons Camp. I'll head there tomorrow. I saw Farengar today when I went to hand in the competed Valtheim bounty. At first he was aloof and professional and I was dejected. But I asked him to look over some petty soul gems I had clinking around in my bag anyways, figuring I might as well get them appraised while I was there. He took me into his study to look them over. Then he became really quite violent. In a good sort of way! I did discover I wretched shortcoming to Elven armor today. It is a royal pain to get it off quickly!
Tirdas, 5:17 AM, 30th of Heartfire
Let me begin by saying that in the last 20 days I have seen only two dragons and been attacked by but one. The frequency of their appearences seems to have become greatly reduced, or at the very least not increased any more. I am not complaining, not in the least. Tonight I slept at Breezehome, I made the long journey from Winterhold to here yesterday with my new companion J'zargo. He is a skilled Kajitti mage. With an attitude and competitive drive to match his skill (Perhaps surpass it...) I met him at the college and he asked if he could follow me. He simply wishes to share in the spoils and glory. Unlike Lydia he has no preconcieved grand notions of where we must go or who we must align ourselves with. All he wants is fortune and glory. I can deal with that, I like him.
On a side not, thorugh a series of strange events, after I arrived back at the college and defeated the demented Thalmor who was threatening to unleash the power of the Eye of Magnus I discovered that Savos Aren, the (former) archmage of Winterhold College was killed in the scuffle. I am being called the archmage of Winterhold college now. A title that I am completely unworthy to bear, as my understanding of magicka is rudimentary to say the least. I can throw some restoration spells around, but even then my magicka depletes at an alarming rate unless I quaff potions like a boss, and that makes me feel sick. Arch mage is a position with many perks however I have discovered, so I'm not about to relinquish the title.
I believe that I will go to the Jarl's palace in winterhold to say hi to Farengar, I have sorely missed him this last month.
On a side not, thorugh a series of strange events, after I arrived back at the college and defeated the demented Thalmor who was threatening to unleash the power of the Eye of Magnus I discovered that Savos Aren, the (former) archmage of Winterhold College was killed in the scuffle. I am being called the archmage of Winterhold college now. A title that I am completely unworthy to bear, as my understanding of magicka is rudimentary to say the least. I can throw some restoration spells around, but even then my magicka depletes at an alarming rate unless I quaff potions like a boss, and that makes me feel sick. Arch mage is a position with many perks however I have discovered, so I'm not about to relinquish the title.
I believe that I will go to the Jarl's palace in winterhold to say hi to Farengar, I have sorely missed him this last month.
Unknown, Heartfire--Night
Lydia and I had a falling out earlier. I sit on the edge of my borrowed bed at the mage's college alone. I never meant to be here so long. She thinks that it is our duty to go to Solitude and join the legion and save the empire yada yada. I obviously want no part in this war.
So I 'dragged' her to this gods forsaken college of crazy mages north of Winterhold and far away from the Legion. I told her that I was just going to run a few errands for the college, make us some gold, and we'd be on our way. It has been many days since I said that. I have plenty of gold and yet I am still here. today we went and talked to the auger down in the Midden beneath the college. He told me that I must find the staff of Magnus in order to maintain some sort of control over this massive magical artifact Tolfdir and I unearthed in Saarthal.
On our way out Lydia asked me about it. "You aren't really going to delve into an ancient crypt...Labrynthian no less...because some floating blue ball of talking light told you too, right?" I told her that that was exactly what I intended to do. I guess I should have at least been gentler in my wording. I hadn't realized just how upset she really was about our prolonged stint with the mage's. I forget that it's practically inbred into Skyrim's Nords to hate magic and love war. She really wanted to join the Legion, and she really hates mages. For a moment Lydia stared at me in anger, but then she pulled her dismissive, "Whatever you wish my Thane." I hate it when she calls me that, it makes me feel like a damnable slave driver! And so I snapped at her. I told her that she could go at any time, she wasn't my slave, and I certainly didn't need her. If she was willing to let this impending doom that threatened all of Skyrim, possibly Tamriel itself happen, then she was free to leave, to walk away from it all. I wasn't about to though.
"Ha! You wouldn't be able to survive a day without me you blundering buffoon! I carry your burdens, trip your traps and kill your enemies. I practically parry every thrust and attack directed at you! And you have the gall to say you don't need me! Ha!" She shouted at me.
My blood began to boil, I lost all sense of reason as her taunting remarks slapped against my ego, "Then go! Leave!" I shouted, "We'll see which of us needs the other! Because by Akatosh I do not need you !"
Lydia looked at me, somewhat disbelieving, as if she hadn't expected me to really send her away. But then her features hardened, a sneer set on her fine lips and I could see she was about to level another barrage of curses in my direction. And then I shouted. I should never have done it but I did.
"FUS!"
The power of my Thu'um nearly knocked her to the ground. She turned and ran.
And now I am alone.
I will set out for Labrynthian to retrieve the Staff of Magnus tomorrow morning.
Alone.
So I 'dragged' her to this gods forsaken college of crazy mages north of Winterhold and far away from the Legion. I told her that I was just going to run a few errands for the college, make us some gold, and we'd be on our way. It has been many days since I said that. I have plenty of gold and yet I am still here. today we went and talked to the auger down in the Midden beneath the college. He told me that I must find the staff of Magnus in order to maintain some sort of control over this massive magical artifact Tolfdir and I unearthed in Saarthal.
On our way out Lydia asked me about it. "You aren't really going to delve into an ancient crypt...Labrynthian no less...because some floating blue ball of talking light told you too, right?" I told her that that was exactly what I intended to do. I guess I should have at least been gentler in my wording. I hadn't realized just how upset she really was about our prolonged stint with the mage's. I forget that it's practically inbred into Skyrim's Nords to hate magic and love war. She really wanted to join the Legion, and she really hates mages. For a moment Lydia stared at me in anger, but then she pulled her dismissive, "Whatever you wish my Thane." I hate it when she calls me that, it makes me feel like a damnable slave driver! And so I snapped at her. I told her that she could go at any time, she wasn't my slave, and I certainly didn't need her. If she was willing to let this impending doom that threatened all of Skyrim, possibly Tamriel itself happen, then she was free to leave, to walk away from it all. I wasn't about to though.
"Ha! You wouldn't be able to survive a day without me you blundering buffoon! I carry your burdens, trip your traps and kill your enemies. I practically parry every thrust and attack directed at you! And you have the gall to say you don't need me! Ha!" She shouted at me.
My blood began to boil, I lost all sense of reason as her taunting remarks slapped against my ego, "Then go! Leave!" I shouted, "We'll see which of us needs the other! Because by Akatosh I do not need you !"
Lydia looked at me, somewhat disbelieving, as if she hadn't expected me to really send her away. But then her features hardened, a sneer set on her fine lips and I could see she was about to level another barrage of curses in my direction. And then I shouted. I should never have done it but I did.
"FUS!"
The power of my Thu'um nearly knocked her to the ground. She turned and ran.
And now I am alone.
I will set out for Labrynthian to retrieve the Staff of Magnus tomorrow morning.
Alone.
Middas, 10:42 PM, 10th of Heartfire
Winterhold. On my way to the college but it got too damned dark and too damned cold! Ah Skyrim how I love you! So I stopped at the Frozen Hearth. Inn-keep gave me a bounty letter for some bandits at a fort around here, I'll maybe take care of that tomorrow too. I'm really just curious what this college is all about. i'm not really much of a mage at all, I can barely aim a fireball spell, much less cast it in a manner dangerous to any one other then myself. I've just heard so many interesting things about the college that I figured it couldn't hurt to explore it, if anything it's a minor waste of time, and I may make some good contacts for later on.
Tirdas, 4:05 AM, 9th of Heartfire
Got back to Breeze home late last night. I wish I could sleep but when I close my eyes all I can see are scales and fire. Although I personally have not seen a dragon in several weeks not they are always on my mind. I know that they still are a very real and growing threat to Skyrim. I hear of their damage everywhere I go. Hut it's like I myself am avoiding them. It's not that I'm sacred of them, if anything I'm scared of myself. What is this power I have? Am I turning into some sort of devil? With every soul that I absorb I feel my strength and knowledge and perception increase.
That's it. I am decided. Lydia and I are going to High Hrothgar to see the Grey beards. I'll get breakfast at the Mare and then head out to the Grey beards later this morning. Oh, I'll sell off all of this Elven Armor I have stashed away here first. I keep tripping over all this junk. It's all loot from when Lydia and I rescued Thorald from the Thalmor for his Grey mane family. I tried not to take sides in this war, and I still am trying not to, but the cruelty and pointless imprisonment of Thorald was just too much. I had tried to rescue him peacefully but that became obviously impossible. So we brought that fort to it's knees!
8:28, later
I decided to stay in Whiterun one more day because while I was at breakfast the innkeeper ( can still never remember her name) approached me and handed me a bounty for the head of the giant at Sleeping Tree Rock. Of course I can't resist the call of glinting Septims. I figured I'd hike out there, (It's less then an hour from Whiterun), kill the giant and have plenty of time to get to High Hrothgar...but.... (and please allow me to prelude this by saying that I am, after all, only a woman). Farengar, the Jarl's wizard accosted me when I went back to Dragon's Reach for my reward. he said he was excited to say that he had deciphered most of the Dragon stone I had unearthed at Bleak Falls Barrow, and was wondering if I would like to join him in his quarters to learn more. Of course I said yes. Upstairs he poured us some Alto Wine and spread out his papers before us. they were covered with is fine, neat print, dragon ruins and illustrations. Apparently the stone speaks of the lord who was killed and how only Alduin can restore him (I was right!) or something. I don't really remember. What I do remember is the air in Farengar's quarters was thick with Magicka. I could feel it, and I am no expert with magic. I asked Farengar about it and he replied, looking me straight in the eye, that it was a charm spell, meant for me. And then he threw back his hood, revealing his well chiseled jaw, piercing, deep set yellow eyes, beautifully formed mouth. He walked to my chair and held out his hand and asked if I would have him. "Nothing permanent, that's not how I am, I simply find your spirit intoxicating, your will irresistible, and your beauty alluring."
For a moment I must have stared at him in dumb shock, this beautiful creature wanted me!? I still look back on the moment in disbelieving shock. I did not see that coming. It had been many months since I had been with a man, and the last one certainly wasn't a court mage! My how I've moved up in the world. Needless to say I took him up on his offer. He was amazing, he reminded me that their are other thrills in life besides a bursting chest full of loot...
That's it. I am decided. Lydia and I are going to High Hrothgar to see the Grey beards. I'll get breakfast at the Mare and then head out to the Grey beards later this morning. Oh, I'll sell off all of this Elven Armor I have stashed away here first. I keep tripping over all this junk. It's all loot from when Lydia and I rescued Thorald from the Thalmor for his Grey mane family. I tried not to take sides in this war, and I still am trying not to, but the cruelty and pointless imprisonment of Thorald was just too much. I had tried to rescue him peacefully but that became obviously impossible. So we brought that fort to it's knees!
8:28, later
I decided to stay in Whiterun one more day because while I was at breakfast the innkeeper ( can still never remember her name) approached me and handed me a bounty for the head of the giant at Sleeping Tree Rock. Of course I can't resist the call of glinting Septims. I figured I'd hike out there, (It's less then an hour from Whiterun), kill the giant and have plenty of time to get to High Hrothgar...but.... (and please allow me to prelude this by saying that I am, after all, only a woman). Farengar, the Jarl's wizard accosted me when I went back to Dragon's Reach for my reward. he said he was excited to say that he had deciphered most of the Dragon stone I had unearthed at Bleak Falls Barrow, and was wondering if I would like to join him in his quarters to learn more. Of course I said yes. Upstairs he poured us some Alto Wine and spread out his papers before us. they were covered with is fine, neat print, dragon ruins and illustrations. Apparently the stone speaks of the lord who was killed and how only Alduin can restore him (I was right!) or something. I don't really remember. What I do remember is the air in Farengar's quarters was thick with Magicka. I could feel it, and I am no expert with magic. I asked Farengar about it and he replied, looking me straight in the eye, that it was a charm spell, meant for me. And then he threw back his hood, revealing his well chiseled jaw, piercing, deep set yellow eyes, beautifully formed mouth. He walked to my chair and held out his hand and asked if I would have him. "Nothing permanent, that's not how I am, I simply find your spirit intoxicating, your will irresistible, and your beauty alluring."
For a moment I must have stared at him in dumb shock, this beautiful creature wanted me!? I still look back on the moment in disbelieving shock. I did not see that coming. It had been many months since I had been with a man, and the last one certainly wasn't a court mage! My how I've moved up in the world. Needless to say I took him up on his offer. He was amazing, he reminded me that their are other thrills in life besides a bursting chest full of loot...
Midas?
Just a not to remind myself that there is ore of the Moonstone variety in in Soljund's Sinkhole by Rorikstead.
Tirdas, 9:29 AM, 4th of Heartfire
Had a run in with the Daedric Lord Sanguine! I thought I was participating in a mere drinking contest at the Bannered Mare but no! Turns out I passed out cold and woke up a day later in Markarth! Never even been to that god forsaken tower of stone, and hope never to return there! Apparently I stole a goat and proposed to a Hagraven and fondled quite licentiously a statue of Dibella before regaining my senses. Too bad I don't remember a damned moment of any of it. Everything I know is based off of the rumors I'm hearing and the angered citizens who say I harmed them that night. In the end, after I had righted all of my wrongs, (which took a good two days), Sanguine gave me this beautiful ornate staff which leans against my desk now as I write. That's right I have a desk. I have a house. Here in Whiterun. It's all very exciting. I'm calling it Breezehome manor, even though it is anything but a manor. I decided to purchase it when I got back from Markarth, mainly because owning a home and having a reliable place to crash every night that doesn't involve bandits or drinking should help prevent me trying to marry any more Hagravens (and by Mara was she a crone!).
Tonight will be my last night at the Bannered Mare, at least for awhile. I'm going to kind of miss Saadia, ever since I killed her redguard stalker Kematu (best dual wielding swordsman I'd ever fought by the way) She's given me free drinks! I'll probably still come back to the Mare often, I do like my spiced wine!
I'm thinking of heading to Riften and checking out the Thieves Guild. I haven't seen a dragon in awhile, that makes me happy.
LATER,
Forgot to mention that I also found another obscure treasure map, this one labeled, "Lighthouse." Am guessing it refers to Solitude? though I have never been there myself, I know that it has one of the most used lighthouses in Skyrim. I'm hoping it doesn't refer to some out of the way lighthouse in the back 40 of some yodels private property...
I copied the map down just in case I loose the paper before getting to Solitude.
LATER,
Forgot to mention that I also found another obscure treasure map, this one labeled, "Lighthouse." Am guessing it refers to Solitude? though I have never been there myself, I know that it has one of the most used lighthouses in Skyrim. I'm hoping it doesn't refer to some out of the way lighthouse in the back 40 of some yodels private property...
I copied the map down just in case I loose the paper before getting to Solitude.
Morndas, 8:14, 1st of Heartfire
Killed a bandit leader at Redoran's Retreat today. While looting his den I found another Treasure map like the one I found by the bandit's in Riverwood (I did go back and find that treasure by the way, nothing to write home about, I was sorely disappointed). Only this one is for a Treasure near Whiterun. After several tedious hours of searching, and an attack by a saber cat, we found it. Worth the search! I am much closer to my homeowners ambitions! I also got my 100 gold for the bandit's head and sold off most of his loot. I'm hoping to buy some silver and hone Gugnir at the whetstone tomorrow morning.
Sundas, 7:42 PM, 31st of Last Seed
After retrieving Nettlebane I took the dagger to the cave/place of worship to gather sap from the Eldergleam tree so that my little priestess could heal her tree in Whiterun. The tree was actually located in a shady grove/overhand. There were several worshipers and a priestess of Kynereth there. The priestess begged me not to use Nettlebane on the Eldergleam tree, foretelling some sort of dire consequences if I did, but I saw no other alternative. I never even had to hit the tree, it's massive roots seemed to recoil in pure fear of the dagger. I wonder why? After collecting the sap in a small vial, things went South quickly. A small army of Spriggans ambushed us. I swear that they had some kind of supernatural force too. They broke my sturdy silver sword! If not for that I may have been able to save Kynereth's followers, but armed with only a steel dagger, even between Lydia and I we were unable to save any of them. In fact we barely got out alive ourselves.
I have spent the last few days running odd jobs and selling off my loot to that I can afford a new sword. The Jarl's steward informed me last time I was at the palace that as a Thane of Whiterun I can now purchase property in the city. I will have to think about that. Although I like the Bannered Mare, and it certainly is in my budget, it would be nice to have a place where I can keep certain things, this dagger named Nettlebane for one. I may have to hack a few more bandit necks in order to afford a house though, property costs are ridiculous around here.
Just today I actually forged my new sword. I'm calling it Gugnir, and look forward to trying it out, it's balanced excellently, and the silver coated blade is sharp and beautifully made. I'm very proud of myself!
Morndas, 8:55 PM, 25th of Last Seed
Was going to go straight to Whiterun but decided to make a slight detour and retrieve this ceremonial dagger 'Nettlebane' for that cute priestess who I was hanging around at the temple in Whiterun. Cleared out a bandit camp and am staying the night here. Will continue to the Hagraven nest in the morning.
Sundas, 6:52 PM, 24th of Last Seed
Uh. Why do things always become so damned complicated! What was supposed to be a quick hike up to Azura's Shrine turned into an all day ordeal. And yes, I suppose it is partially my fault. I figured I could take a shortcut, shave off an hour or so--instead I wound up falling into a cave, much like the one Lydia fell into, only much larger, and having to fight my way through a huge underground Dwemer ruin filled with Falmer (yes they do exist!) and their poisonous pets. On the upside I picked up some nice poisons off the Falmer corpses. but on the downside I've already used them all...on those vicious little Falmer. Upside! Azura let me keep her cleansed star when I finally got it back to her. Downside...attacked by an Argonian assassin from the Dark Brotherhood. UPSIDE! Argonian assassin from the dark brotherhood will never be bothering anyone ever again!
Lydia and I are going to stay at the Frozen Hearth one more night before heading back to Whiterun.
Lydia and I are going to stay at the Frozen Hearth one more night before heading back to Whiterun.
Loredas, 6:27 PM, 23rd of Last Seed
Just a quick note to say I found Lydia! Quiet on accident, I fell down into the same cave she did while retracing our steps. She's fine, except for a sprained ankle, she managed to kill three skeever from a sitting position with only the small shaft of light from where she fell to guide her blade. The girl does have skill. I will admit that. I took her to the Frozen Hearth inn in Winterhold for now to rest while I run that errand for the Daedra. A man accosted me just now as I was leaving, saying he could put this broken Soul Gem to good use for me. But I'd rather not cross a Daedra, silent as she may be.
One other note: while she was staying here yesterday, Lydia managed to befriend the inn-keep and got an interesting story out of her about a local drunk's lost lover Isabelle who apparently run off with a thief named Vex to Riften. I would like to learn more about this fabled 'thieves guild' and perhaps this bit of information will help. For now I'm letting Lydia rest a little longer as I run back up the mountain to deliver this gem to Azura's Priestess.
One other note: while she was staying here yesterday, Lydia managed to befriend the inn-keep and got an interesting story out of her about a local drunk's lost lover Isabelle who apparently run off with a thief named Vex to Riften. I would like to learn more about this fabled 'thieves guild' and perhaps this bit of information will help. For now I'm letting Lydia rest a little longer as I run back up the mountain to deliver this gem to Azura's Priestess.
Tirdas, 7:15 PM, 21st of Last Seed
Attacked by ANOTHER dragon today! I ran out of arrows during the fight but was lucky enough to find an alcove to hide in for shelter. The beast came down after me and I was quick to finish it. On our way down the mountain Lydia slipped. I swear to Talos I moved faster then I ever have before but I was unable to catch her outstretched hand. I have been searching all day for her...her body, her sword, anything alive or other wise and found nothing. I stumbled across the Shrine of Azura just as night was setting in and have decided to camp here at least for tonight. The sole priestess allowed it on the condition that I do some menial favor for the silent god. I agreed but told them that Lydia came first. I must find her, the echoes of her piercing painful scream echo through my head like they echoed against the icy mountain sides. I know that beautiful girl would search until her little legs went out if I were to go missing. I must find her!
Midas, 4:23 PM, 20th of Last Seed
I thought I'd make it to Iron Bind Barrow today. And honestly if I really pushed myself I probably could. But I am spent. Lydia had a chance to prove herself in battle today! The girl did well. She took less of a beating than I did, I wasn't aware that she was so skilled in ranged attacks. What happened is this: we were attacked by a dragon! We brought it down in time, and then it was just a simple game of cat and mouse dodging in, getting in a good hit and then darting back out before it's giant jaws snapped shut on us.
And that's not all. As we continued down the hill after slaying the dragon I sighted another Word Wall like the one I learned the dragon word 'fus' from in Bleak Falls Barrow. Curious about the word which might be inscribed on it I ventured closer. There was a coffin by the wall but I paid it little heed. It was broad daylight out, what sort of crazy undead would awaken under a luminous sun? I though. I was wrong. The coffin opened. And what followed was the hairiest fight of my life. I swear he some kind of demi-god, the power that creature wielded! But Lydia and I prevailed, mainly by kiting him from a distance. Or one of us would distract him while the other dashed in to land a solid blow. when he finally succumbed I found a strange and obviously powerful mask in his ashy remains, inscribed withe the single word, 'Krosis'. It seems very valuable, but after that fight I think I may well keep this mask as a trophy!
We are going to spend the rest of the day and night at Night Gate Inn. I took several good blows, including a bloody wonder to the head, and feel I should rest at least a day before braving the vile winds again.
And that's not all. As we continued down the hill after slaying the dragon I sighted another Word Wall like the one I learned the dragon word 'fus' from in Bleak Falls Barrow. Curious about the word which might be inscribed on it I ventured closer. There was a coffin by the wall but I paid it little heed. It was broad daylight out, what sort of crazy undead would awaken under a luminous sun? I though. I was wrong. The coffin opened. And what followed was the hairiest fight of my life. I swear he some kind of demi-god, the power that creature wielded! But Lydia and I prevailed, mainly by kiting him from a distance. Or one of us would distract him while the other dashed in to land a solid blow. when he finally succumbed I found a strange and obviously powerful mask in his ashy remains, inscribed withe the single word, 'Krosis'. It seems very valuable, but after that fight I think I may well keep this mask as a trophy!
We are going to spend the rest of the day and night at Night Gate Inn. I took several good blows, including a bloody wonder to the head, and feel I should rest at least a day before braving the vile winds again.
Tirdas, 9:00 PM, 19th of Last Seed
Made it to Jarl Baalgruuf's keep today (or however the hell you spell his name...I may be a Nord but I was raised in southern Cyrodiil). His bodyguard accosted me on the way in, but she turned out to be a fairly decent woman. The Jarl sent us to the Western Watchtower almost immediately to clear out what we thought was the dragon that attacked Helgen. His court wizard also relieved me of that Dragon Tablet I'd been carrying, so I'm glad I copied the ruins down.
When we arrived at the watchtower it was immediately obvious to me that this was not the same dragon which assaulted us at Helgen. It was much smaller and less powerful. We brought it down fairly quickly. but now here's the weird part. As the dragon exhaled for the last time this hot current of --energy? --life force? began to rip away from the body--and come towards me! I admit I may have flinched, cowered back at first as the hot ripples of power surrounded me, but as this energy continued to surround it also began to penetrate, at least I swear that's what it felt like. It entered me. I stood tall then and grew more confident, it was an amazing feeling of power. I don't know how to describe it. It was as if all the memories, all the victories, all the soul of the fallen dragon were transferred to me. Of course the guard were all in an uproar about it, calling me the mythical 'dragon-born' but I'm a Nord, in no way a descendant to the Septims. Erelith, the Jarl's bodyguard agreed with me I believe, although she did try to evade the subject. She finally said she assumed it was just because I landed the last blow in the dragon, it could have been any one of us. But she also mentioned that if I really wanted to learn more I could go to the grey beards. I don't know about that though. Perhaps. On a side not the Jarl declared me his Thane and gave me a housecarl named Lydia. She's sweet and young and I have yet to see how she handles a sword.
On my way back into Whiterun I heard a might voice like thunder rip across the skies. "DOVAKIIN!" Are they grey beards summoning me? Do they presume that I am their wretched puppet because I assisted a group of six guards and the Jarl's personal bodyguard in bringing down a dragon?
When we arrived at the watchtower it was immediately obvious to me that this was not the same dragon which assaulted us at Helgen. It was much smaller and less powerful. We brought it down fairly quickly. but now here's the weird part. As the dragon exhaled for the last time this hot current of --energy? --life force? began to rip away from the body--and come towards me! I admit I may have flinched, cowered back at first as the hot ripples of power surrounded me, but as this energy continued to surround it also began to penetrate, at least I swear that's what it felt like. It entered me. I stood tall then and grew more confident, it was an amazing feeling of power. I don't know how to describe it. It was as if all the memories, all the victories, all the soul of the fallen dragon were transferred to me. Of course the guard were all in an uproar about it, calling me the mythical 'dragon-born' but I'm a Nord, in no way a descendant to the Septims. Erelith, the Jarl's bodyguard agreed with me I believe, although she did try to evade the subject. She finally said she assumed it was just because I landed the last blow in the dragon, it could have been any one of us. But she also mentioned that if I really wanted to learn more I could go to the grey beards. I don't know about that though. Perhaps. On a side not the Jarl declared me his Thane and gave me a housecarl named Lydia. She's sweet and young and I have yet to see how she handles a sword.
On my way back into Whiterun I heard a might voice like thunder rip across the skies. "DOVAKIIN!" Are they grey beards summoning me? Do they presume that I am their wretched puppet because I assisted a group of six guards and the Jarl's personal bodyguard in bringing down a dragon?
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