Last Seed, 18th, 4E 201

What a day! I cleared a mine of ore and bandits, then travelled from Riverwood to Whiterun, and spent hours brushing up on my smithing. And to think, yesterday I was a prisoner bound for beheading in Helgen. Now I have an audience with the Jarl on the morrow. Bet the dragon didn't see that coming when he inadvertently freed me from my execution! And an unjust execution it would have been! Who ever thought that being in the wrong place at the wrong time suddenly made you a criminal? Unless Skyrim has stricter rules on crossing the border than I was led to believe. Nevertheless, a productive day on the whole, and tomorrow will only be that much more. It's a good thing I never wanted to live a simple, quiet life.

Last Seed, 19th, 4E 201

And I thought yesterday was a busy day! I've been running around all day doing tasks both great and small for the good folk of Whiterun, and now the Jarl's court wizard has sent me off to fetch a tablet from a barrow! There should be no end to the excitement of that adventure.

Last night I rested my head in the Bannered Mare Inn. Tonight, I sleep in the bed of a Companion! I look forward to eventually calling this company my friends, and my family.

Last Seed, 20th, 4E 201

This place is huge! Climbing the mountain to Bleak Falls Barrow was simple enough—barring the bitter cold and the bandits I ran into. Unsurprisingly, there were more bandits within, led by a Dunmer named Arvel the Swift. I took his journal, and the golden claw Lucan contracted me to find. I believe the claw is some sort of key, but I've yet to find a matching lock within this immense barrow. If nothing else, the Nords sure know how to bury their dead—surrounded by endless amounts of treasure in lavish tombs. Unfortunately, some of these Nords just won't stay dead. Damnable Draugr!

I've done it! I found the door! Now, what was that trick again?

I suppose that this will be the first of many strange and magical adventures that I shall undertake. I found the Dragonstone for Farengar, but it was guarded by a Draugr Overlord! Not only that, but he could Shout! I did manage to defeat him though, and in his chamber, there was a stone wall carved with strange runes. I believe they were in the dragon language. One word in particular popped out at me: Fus. Force. I imagine that this small piece of knowledge will come in handy sooner or later. I'd prefer sooner.

Well, Lucan was more than grateful for the return of his golden claw, and I was able to sell off most of my hard-earned loot besides. I walked out of the Riverwood Trader with my pockets fairly thickly lined. By then, however, it was too late in the evening to begin the trek back to Whiterun, so I'll be staying the night with Alvor and Sigrid's. I was about to pay for a room at the inn when the blacksmith's wife all but dragged me back to her home, insisting that I could stay as often and as long as I liked. So, here I am, having dinner with Hadvar's family. On the morrow, I make for Whiterun.

Last Seed, 21st, 4E 201

I brought the Dragonstone to Farengar, and no sooner had our business been completed than a dragon attacked western watchtower! Now the Jarl is sending me out with his Housecarl Irileth to fight the beast, since I have 'experience with dragons', due to Helgen. Jarl Balgruuf has also rewarded me for helping his court wizard, allowing me the right to purchase property in Whiterun. We'll have to wait and see if I survive the fight with the dragon before I even consider buying a home here.

We killed him, and yet I feel like a part of me has died instead. I took his soul, his strength and knowledge, so I at least find comfort in that: part of him will live on through me. I must not squander his unwilling gift to me. Mirmulnir, you will be remembered.

"Krosis dii fahdon. Zu'u fent zin fin vahrukt se faal sahrot dovah wen sil zu'u drey du. Bo nu wah ul ahrk praan ko drem." – Dragon Prayer for the Dead.

Upon returning to Dragonsreach, the Jarl named me Thane of Whiterun. Prior to that, the guards had named me Dragonborn. Balgruuf believes I must go to the Greybeards to learn about my new powers. I don't know when that will be, however. I need to first muster my courage to face them. I know most people do not honour or revere dragons as they once did, but I still feel guilty over Mirmulnir's death. That shadow will hang over me for the rest of my life, and I fear other shadows will join his in time.

Tonight, I make my way to Valtheim Towers, to clear it of bandits as per the bounty. I was ambushed by a lone thief, but made quick work of him. It's far too dark to continue my journey, so I have opted to camp alongside the road. And I can't help but think: if I were a thief, I would be able to hold my own in a fight, if it ever came to that.

Last Seed, 22nd, 4E 201

I stumbled upon a necromancer at the Ritual Stone on my way to Valtheim. He fought tirelessly until the end, and it was a clean and swift end for one such as he. When I did arrive at the Towers, they were swarming with bandits, and I soon got riddled with arrows; I'll have plenty of new scars soon enough. I had hoped that the leader would yield, but then I remembered who I was dealing with: bandits fight like men with nothing to lose. They would sooner die than surrender. Pity. And sadly, there are more bandits on my kill list for today: Amren's family sword is in Halted Stream Camp, surrounded by the fiends; and Farkas bade me clear out the den at Redoran's Retreat as a Companions' contact.

I got a letter from the Jarl of Falkreath today. It seems that I now have the opportunity to own my own land, and build my own home. Once I'm done with all these bandits—and my newest task for the Companions—I'll be heading straight to Falkreath to meet Jarl Siddgeir.

Last Seed, 24th, 4E 201

It's been quite the time-consuming task, running all over the holds of Whiterun and Falkreath in order to build my home. I was so tired yesterday I missed my entry. Siddgeir had me slay a group of bandits in order to win his favour, and once I completed that task, I was allowed to purchase the land. Lakeview Manor, I've called it, for it overlooks Lake Illinalta. I'm planning additions to the entryway and main hall I built yesterday: a greenhouse off the west wing; a kitchen off the east wing; and a storage room off the north wing, with a balcony atop it to admire the splendid view. Before all that, however, I'm off to Riften to get a horse and a steward for my new home... and I may even join the Thieves Guild.

Last Seed, 25th, 4E 201

I spent the night in Shor's Watchtower, and my sleep was fitful at best: the corpses of Riften guards were strewn about the place, both outside and in. Had there been an inn at Shor's Stone... what's done is done. After a quick breakfast I am once again en route to the city of Riften. Gods grant me speed and safe passage through the Rift henceforth.

Fort Greenwall sits right on the road to Riften, so I had no choice but to go through. It was overrun by bandits, but somehow, I managed to sneak by unnoticed. On the other side of the fort, I ran into a Khajiit caravanner and her entourage. We traded briefly and then went our respective ways. The city is just around the next bend.

The number of small errands I've done and accepted in the short time I've been in Riften is astounding. The rumours I'd heard were confirmed by a man named Louis Letrush: Frost is being held by the Black-Briars. Frost is said to be the fastest, strongest stallion in Skyrim, and I couldn't think of a better mount for the Dragonborn. In other news, I met a man named Brynjolf who seems to be a member of the Thieves Guild. The way I have it figured, I get in good with him, he'll pass the word on to his superiors to let me join the Guild. I hear it's fallen on hard times, and what better person to turn it around—and maybe eventually run it—than the Dragonborn?

The exchange is done, and Frost is mine! Now to find a steward... but there is Barbas to consider. The Daedric pact we've made prevents me from travelling with anyone but said mutt until our task is done. So, I'm off to Rimerock Burrow, somewhere in northwestern Haafingar. Once we return the Rueful Axe to Clavicus Vile, I'll be free to hire Marcurio as my steward. Unless I can exploit this opportunity... the way I see it, having a wizard and a warrior—being the Housecarl I'll eventually get from Siddgeir—protecting my home when I'm away seems like the best course of action. Maybe I'll even find a husband sometime. After all, three blades are better than none!

Last Seed, 26th, 4E 201

I spent the night in a Stormcloak camp, then found a loophole to be free of Barbas. When I do wish to help him reunite with Clavicus Vile, he will simply be waiting in Haemar's Shame. I'm on my way to Riften again, to lie to Sibbi and recruit Marcurio.

The day is full of frustrations! Marcurio refuses to follow me! He insists that I already have a follower, but I've already dismissed Barbas! It seems there is no loophole after all. On the morrow, I'll finish my small Riften tasks and then make my way to Haafingar.

Last Seed, 27th, 4E 201

I've killed another one; another brother; another dragon. My prayer gives me solace, but I still do not relish the killing of my brethren. I shall kill as few dragons as possible, if I have anything to say about it.

I stumbled upon a cabin in Falkreath hold called Hunter's Rest, and the hunters residing there allowed me to put my bedroll on their floor for the evening. It definitely beats sleeping on the cold, hard ground with the constant, bitter Skyrim winds whipping at you all night long. I've assured my hosts that I won't need any food—having brought my own—and that I'll be off at first light tomorrow.

Last Seed, 28th, 4E 201

My journey took me west, and after informing the Alik'r in Rorikstead of their quarry, I encountered a Khajiit named Kesh the Clean at the shrine of Peryite in the Reach. I also found the Lover Stone, and incurred its blessing. Now I'm on my way to Haafingar once more, but night is fast approaching, and I am near no towns. It seems I'll be camping under the stars tonight. I do love it so, despite the cold.

Lady Luck is on my side it seems: I found a cabin called Crabber's Shanty, where the owner has kindly let me rest my head. Another night of sleeping in a bedroll with a roof over my head; not something to complain about.

Last Seed, 29th, 4E 201

I found a dog on the side of the road while I was travelling through Hjaalmarch on my way to Haafingar. His name is Meeko, and his Nord master recently died. I left the poor thing some food, and I may one day return to him and bring him home with me. Until then, he seems safe enough in his Shack.

I've recently passed through the town of Dragon Bridge, and my, what a bridge it was! I lingered for a while just to admire the dragon carvings and other intricate stonework. I'm now on my way to Mount Kilkreath, to return Meridia's Beacon and clear her temple of the undead. From there, I'll find that Rueful Axe, and maybe free Thorald too.

I killed the necromancer Malkoran and retrieved Meridia's Daedric Artifact for my efforts: Dawnbreaker. Now I'll camp in the shadow of her temple, then proceed in my quest for Clavicus Vile on the morrow.

Last Seed, 30th, 4E 201

I've got the Rueful Axe in tow, after killing Sebastian Lort, the very wizard who wished for it—indirectly. I've also assaulted Northwatch Keep and freed Thorald Grey-Mane from the clutches of the Thalmor. I must return to Clavicus, and then Fralia, for my rewards.

Last Seed, 31st, 4E 201

I slept in my own bed in my own house last night. A nice change from all the musty cabins and fort floors of late. Barbas and the Rueful Axe are almost out of my hair, and once they're gone I'm off to Whiterun.

The Daedric Prince accepted Barbas back, if grudgingly. He offered for me to keep the Rueful Axe if I first killed the mutt with it, but I opted to let the dog live. In return, Barbas and Clavicus were reunited, and I obtained the Masque of Clavicus Vile. If only it were light armour and not heavy... but at last I am free of that mutt! Free to hire Marcurio and finally have a steward for Lakeview Manor!

A/N

Dragon Prayer for the Dead translation: Apologies, my friend. I shall honour the memory of the mighty dragon whose soul I did devour. Fly now to eternity and rest in peace.

I'd like to point out that I'm not overly versed in the dragon language. I took these english sentences and threw them into the translator on , so forgive any grammatical errors. Also, the gist I'm going for with the prayer is that the Dragonborn is more of a gateway: the dragon souls go through her, she collects their knowledge, then the souls go to whatever serves as the dragon afterlife. For all that I love this game, I hate killing dragons... even if these guys are mere wyverns.