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.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)