Sovngarde, Dovahkiin mused, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Song here was stronger than he'd ever dared imagine, rising in an exhilarating hymn into vastness of Aetherius, the power of the notes humming in his blood. The colors were bright and vivid and everything just seemed so much more real, as though he were living with a veil over his eyes before this moment.
But where there was beauty, there was also danger. Dovakiin found that if he stared at the sky for too long, at the sun that somehow didn't seem out of place amidst more stars than he'd ever seen, he began to come undone. His bones felt a bit lighter, his blood hotter, and his mind began to fade. This was Aetherius, the source of all magic, and his dragon soul screamed a warning when he began to look to deep.
With a jolt, he tore his gaze away from the sky, looking instead at the man in front of him.
Tsun was, simply put, a giant. Towering over Dovahkiin by a good two heads, he was built like a bear with strong arms and a barrel of a chest. A weathered face told of a life outdoors, and his eyes belied of eons of wisdom. Tsun was, after all, a god. "Enjoying the view, are we?" He leaned against the Whale Bone Bridge, a smirk firmly lodged in his features.
Dovahkiin nodded slightly, still recovering from his near-dissolving experience.
Tsun gave a great, booming laugh. "Aye, Aetherius has a far stronger effect on the living. When you are dead, it will be less," he paused, taking in Dovahkiin's pale skin and uneven breathing, "disquieting," he finished, noticeably quieter.
He watched closely for a moment, and spoke when he was sure the Dragonborn wouldn't be keeling over any time soon.
"You have done well, Dragonborn. You have slain Alduin the World-Eater and prevented the fall of this world. I believe it is time to send you home."
Home.
Home to Lydia and Aela and the twins Farkas and Vilkas. To his soft bed in Breezehome and the sound of Adrianna working the forge every morning. To the noises of the children playing tag and the vendors trying to sell their wares. To the simple warmth of the fires and friends at the Bannered Mare.
Sovngarde was more than he'd ever dreamed it would be, more than he'd ever dreamed that it could be, but it still wasn't home.
And call him crazy, but he wanted another swig of honey mead before he died.
Dovahkiin nodded, running a hand over his eyes in his exhaustion. "I agree. It is time."
Tsun inclined his head in a gesture of respect. "As you wish, Dragonborn. We you have completed your count of days, I may welcome you again with glad friendship, and bid you join the blessed feasting. If you ever have need for aid, just Shout and we will heed your call."
Tsun paused, and drew in a deep breath.
Dovahkiin closed his eyes.
"Nahl Daal Vus!"
The effects of the god's Shout were immediate. The ground vanished from underneath his feet, his head spun madly, and the ferocious roar of the wind drowned out all other sound. When Dovahkiin dared open his eyes again, the sun of the mortal realm greeted him with its fiery visage. He blinked irritably, shading his eyes with his hand before shoving himself up off of the ground.
The world came into focus, revealing nothing but trees and a gurgling brook about fifty feet away. Dovahkiin bit back a groan. Trust a god to dump him in the middle of nowhere.