And wait she did.
A bird called in the distance. The wind had died to a gentle breeze. The leaves danced amongst the clouds and waltzed between the tree branches. She opened her eyes and looked around.
"It is so cold here," she thought to herself. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, illuminating the high snowy mountains and autumnal trees. So this is Skyrim. She had been luckier than some of the other Aedra. Right now they were located in the wintry areas. Here she was in a beautiful setting amongst trees and a beautiful lake.
As the sun inched itself higher into the sky, painting pinks and yellows as it went, Dibella walked to the edge of the lake to see what she looked like… what Dianne looked like.
As she leaned over the pond, she was startled by her beauty. The girl Dianne was just as beautiful, maybe, dare she admit it, more beautiful than Dibella. Akatosh had placed her in the body of a Nord woman. Her blonde hair had been trimmed and tied into a neat braid over her shoulder. Her cheeks were rosy and soft, and her eyes shone green as the grass. Two rosy pink lips puckered naturally, and her ivory skin was splashed with freckles. The gown she was wearing was simple and modest: a blue tunic with a brown corset and a pink sash to tie it with.
By the spot where she had awoken was a satchel. She rummaged through it and found; a healing potion, an ebony dagger, a cowl, three diamonds, a small pouch filled with flour, and 500 septims. She remembered Akatosh telling her to travel to Ivarstead. There, she would find the farmer and sell him the flour. She could use the septims to solicit information to Fastred's location.
As she began to walk along a cobblestone path, the sun beat down hard upon her head. So, she removed the cowl from the satchel and tied it around her face.
"Much better," Dibella thought to herself. As she looked ahead, all she could see were trees. Above the crowns of the trees loomed a huge mountain, much bigger than any of the others around Tamriel.
"That must be the Throat of the World! How beautiful it is!" exclaimed Dibella. She stopped staring only when she noticed the road sign. It told her to follow a bridge to the West to reach Ivarstead. As she stepped onto the bridge, she heard a chilling growl behind her. She stopped cold and slowly turned.
There was a wolf with fur black as night slowly prowling towards her. She noticed its sharp rigid teeth protruding from its jaws.
"Damn you, Kynareth!" Dibella thought. In one fluid motion, Dibella drew the ebony dagger. In sync with her timing, the wolf leapt towards her throat. Reaching up, Dibella slit the beast's throat just as its jaws were about to close on her neck. As the wolf fell to the dirt, Dibella drew the dagger out. Pearls of blood were dripping off of it into a puddle around her boots.
"How disgusting," Dibella whined while trying to shake the blood off the dagger. She walked towards the lake to wash it off.
"Did you kill that beast, stranger?" asked a voice. Dibella whirled around to face a man with a helmet over his eyes and a red shield in his grasp. She raised the dagger.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" yelled the man, alarmed. "I'm just a guard around here. I'm not trying to hurt you. I heard the howl and came running. I'll ask again: Did you kill that beast?" he said, pointing to the body of the wolf.
"Yes, I did, sir" replied Dibella. "But I did not intend to kill it. Lady Kynareth shall be so upset with me."
The guard scoffed. "Lady, the Divines have abandoned us in this terrible time. Worshipping them is obsolete."
"Obsolete?" shrieked Dibella, standing up. "Without Talos's guidance, you would stand no chance in warfare! Without assistance from Lady Dibella, you would never find friendship or love! Have you any faith, sir?"
"No, I do not. Although I do seek guidance from Talos, I have no use for the other Divines."
Dibella opened her mouth to protest, but the guard interrupted, "I am not here to discuss political matters with you. I am here to ask if you are all right from being attacked."
"I am fine," uttered Dibella through clenched teeth. "I just need to reach Ivarstead to do business with the farmer there."
"Ivarstead is right across this bridge," said the guard while pointing to the top of a building looming over the hilltop. "You can stay at Vilemyr Inn while you're there. Not sure what a woman like you would be out here for, but whatever the reason, be sure to stay away from Shroud-Hearth Barrow."
Dibella nodded and hurried across the bridge. When she saw all of Ivarstead, her lips drooped in disappointment. For starters, the town was incredibly small. Dibella counted five buildings: one of which was burned and lay in ruin. The serene setting was nice, but the sinister-looking barrow ruined all of that.
"Might as well rent a room in the Inn first," thought Dibella. As she made her way into town, she passed a blonde bearded man. "Excuse me!" she called. "Where can I find the Vilemyr Inn?"
He turned and looked at her. "Vilemyr Inn? Its right over there," he pointed to a fairly large building to the left. "But why would an outsider like you be looking to stay here in Ivarstead?"
Dibella played through the scenario Akatosh had given her and said, "I come from Riften looking to sell flour to the farmer and raise money so that I can move to Solitude" she said.
"Solitude, you say? I hear it's a beautiful place. Well, the farmer here in town is Jofthor over at Fellstar Farm. He should give you a good price for flour" he nodded. As she turned to leave, he quickly added, "My name is Klimmek. Look for me if you need help. Have a safe journey, may the Nine watch over you!"
Dibella tried to conceal her smile. At last, she had finally found someone who acknowledged her existence!
She walked up the steps into the inn, the wood flooring buckling beneath her feet as she did so. When she pushed open the door, her nostrils filled with the smell of fire and mead. A bard stood in the corner strumming a melancholy tune on her lute. Two men sat by the fire with tankards filled with mead. Their hearty laughs echoed across the barren hall.
As Dibella made her way up to the innkeeper, she fished ten septims out of her satchel. She tossed the coins in her hands and laid them down in front of the man, who smiled slyly. "I'd like to rent a room," she said.
He picked up the coins with one hand and pointed towards a room with the other. "Enjoy your stay," he sputtered while fiddling with a bottle of wine.
"Actually, I have a question for you."
"Really now?" he smirked. "Well, I have answers for you. But I'm going to need a little more…" he clicked his tongue and rubbed his fingers together.
Dibella wanted to slap him on the spot. Mortal fool! Did he know he was trying to solicit a goddess! She would curse him for this!
Swallowing the need to harm him, Dibella sighed heavily and said, "Divines curse you," he rolled his eyes. Oh yes, he would pay dearly for this. She continued, "I'm looking for the whereabouts of a girl named Fastred." As she said this, she fished out ten more septims from her satchel. "Can you tell me where she lives?"
The innkeeper greedily grabbed the coins and muttered, "Yeah, Fastred. She's Jofthor's daughter. Lives up at Fellstar with her folks."
"Good day," she spat bitterly at the man as she turned away. After exiting the inn, she began to look around the town. In one corner sat a mill. Across from it was what appeared to be a small farm. Since there seemed to be no other farms around, Dibella walked towards it.
The sun was beginning to set, and the rays penetrated through the cowl. Dibella was blinded for a moment and stumbled around like an inebriate. Suddenly, she felt the impact of something else and fell to the ground.
"Oh my!" shrieked a girl's voice. "I am so terribly sorry!"
When she opened her eyes, Dibella saw a young girl with shoulder-length chestnut hair bending down to gather a breadbasket that had been strewn upon the impact. She extended her arm to help Dibella stand.
"Is your head alright?" asked the girl as she removed the cowl carefully. Dibella watched her face as it morphed from worry into astonishment.
"Am I alright?" Dibella asked worriedly.
"Oh yes, you are fine!" giggled the girl. "Sorry, I was so taken by your beauty! Why do you wear a cowl when you have such a beautiful face?"
Dibella was flattered, and she wasn't flattered often. The goddesses made fun of her and the gods would only complement her when they were drunk. The mortal girl was very pretty herself. Caramel eyes, prominent cheekbones, and creamy skin were the first features Dibella noticed. She liked the girl very much, so she decided to test her.
"I wear this cowl because Lady Dibella asked it of me, to protect my skin in the sunlight."
The girl smiled broadly. "The Nine Divines! Oh, how lucky you are! My family is too poor to leave work at the farm to travel. I have never been to a Temple. But I have heard stories of them, and I pray to Lady Mara and Lady Dibella to let a stranger fall in love with me, and he can whisk me right out of Ivarstead into a great city!"
That did it. Dibella loved this girl.
"Oh, how rude of me," responded the girl. "I never asked your name. What is it? Where do you come from? It's not often we see travelers around here."
"My name is Dib…Dianne. Dianne Winthrop." Dibella caught herself quickly. "I come from Riften to sell flour to the farmer so I can move to Solitude."
The girl replied, "Wonderful to meet you, Dianne. My name is Fastred."
Perfect.
Fastred continued, "My father Jofthor is the farmer around here. He can give you a good deal of septims for flour," she sighed dreamily and continued, "I 've never traveled outside of Ivarstead. My love keeps me pinned here."
Dibella's interests had suddenly peaked. "Love?" she asked. "Tell me of your problems. I can teach you what Lady Dibella has taught me. Let's walk to the inn."
Fastred glanced sadly back towards the farm, but suddenly a mischievous smile spread across her face. "Okay! I was headed there to give this breadbasket to Wilhelm, but I suppose I can stay a bit longer."
With a smile, the two girls walked towards the inn.
Wilhelm was the nasty innkeeper. Dibella kept note of this. She would be sure to curse him eternally once she returned to the Pantheon.
The two girls took a seat by the fire pit and picked up their conversation.
Fastred explained, "A few years ago, I used to see Klimmek. My parents adored him and nearly begged me to marry him. But they only want me to stay in Ivarstead so that I can work on the farm and take it over some day. If I married Klimmek, I would spend the rest of my days here in Ivarstead and never get to see the rest of Skyrim," she paused for a moment and her eyes suddenly glazed over dreamily. "And then there is Bassianus. He's been courting me for a month now, but it feels so…so right whenever I'm with him."
Dibella smiled and secretly envied her. She had spent a long time creating the emotion of love. It was such a complicated and gently thing, yet so easily influenced. But when love was true, there is no word strong enough to describe the ecstasy. How Dibella wished she could love as the mortals do.
Fastred went on, "But Papa hates Bassianus. I'm not sure why, but I think it's because Bassianus would have me move to Riften with him if we get married."
Dibella stifled a chuckle. This girl was so naïve, toying with love. Changing her object of affection frequently. Sure, she had a woman's body, but her mind was that of a child's.
"So," Fastred asked Dibella. "What do you think I should do? What have you learned from Dibella?"
Dibella thought for a moment and responded, "I shall recite to you the commandment of Lady Dibella: 'Open your heart to the noble secrets of art and love. Treasure the gifts of friendship. Seek joy and inspiration in the mysteries of love.'"
Fastred looked confused. "What does that mean?"
Dibella winked. "Dwell upon it for a moment, good sister. Feel Dibella instructing your heart."
Fastred closed her eyes, and Dibella looked at her. Without her godly form, Dibella could not assist Fastred, but perhaps Fastred could assist herself.
After a moment Fastred opened her eyes and exclaimed, "I understand now!"
Dibella leaned forward to listen to Fastred's interpretation of the commandment.
"Ivarstead is a small down. It is only one small part of Skyrim, which is only one small part of Tamriel. But my love is not true with Bassianus or Klimmek…there is another man out there waiting for me."
Dibella nodded. That would have to do.
"But," Fastred added. "My parents would be so upset if I leave. And what if Lady Dibella is wrong? What if Bassianus and I are meant to be? …No, no. Of course we aren't. But he will be so heartbroken when I tell him."
Dibella piped up, "Then don't!"
Fastred looked alarmed. "What do you mean?"
"In two days I am leaving town, but I shall not go alone. You and I will sneak out of here. I'll take you to Riften, and there we can get a carriage ride to Solitude."
Fastred's caramel eyes lit up in excitement. "Two days? To Solitude? Oh my, this…this is a lot to think about. I'll meet you here tomorrow. Give me a day to decide."
"Fair enough," Dibella said. "But let's enjoy tonight. Bartender!" she yelled to Wilhelm. "Get us a round of mead over here!"
Dibella woke up the next morning with an awful throbbing in her temples. What was the word mortals used to describe this? Ah yes, a hangover.
As she tried to gather recollections of last night, Dibella remembered planning to sneak Fastred out into Solitude. After the first round of mead, there was a lot of singing and dancing in the inn, but nothing of importance. As she dressed herself, she noticed that she was down to 450 septims. Let's see, she had spent ten for the room and ten for the rumor, so she must have spent thirty more septims on mead. Curse alcohol.
As she stumbled out of the inn carrying the flour pouch, a group of men sitting by the bar called to her, "Hey Dianne! Some party last night! Who knew you could take so many rounds?" at that, they all roared in drunken laughter. Dibella smirked and continued on her way to the farm.
Fastred was working in the fields harvesting cabbage when Dibella walked through. She waved to her and quickly strolled over. "When I snuck in last night, my parents were asleep and didn't even notice I was gone. I still have yet to decide whether I'll go with you or not, but I'll meet you at the inn again tonight."
"Okay," Dibella responded. She was actually slightly disappointed that Fastred had not been caught. Since she was but a young woman, punishment may have triggered the rebellious side of her youth, making her more compelled to leave.
"My father is just inside the farmhouse. You can sell him that flour."
"Great, thank you!" Dibella said as she walked inside the farmhouse.
She crinkled her nose at the smell that filled her once she entered. It smelled like livestock, spoiled produce, and sweat. Lots of sweat. A woman stood by the fireplace, stirring a pot of stew, and an old man stood behind the counter.
"Good day, sir. You must be Jofthor," Dibella said.
"Yes, I am Jofthor. I haven't seen you around here before. What is your name?"
"I am Dianne Winthrop of Riften, here to sell you this pouch of flour," Dibella decided to leave out the part about traveling to Solitude with the money.
As she placed the pouch onto the counter, Jofthor's eyes got wide. He opened it and ran a finger across the flour's smooth surface. "Why, this is amazing! I could get so much use from this. I can give you 500 septims for it, will that work?"
Dibella smiled and exclaimed, "Wonderful!"
He passed over the septims to her, and she handed over the pouch. As she turned to leave, Jofthor shouted, "Good day, Dianne!"
Fastred was eagerly waiting for Dibella to come out. She ran up to her and whispered, "Well? How much did you get?"
Dibella winked and replied, "Five-hundred septims. On top of the four-hundred and fifty I already had, that should be more than enough for the carriage ride and rooms at the inn."
"Oh my," Fastred said with widened eyes. "Oh, this certainly is a difficult decision. I sure do have a lot to think about."
"And you should think about it carefully. Do what your heart asks of you. Lady Dibella shall guide you," Dibella smiled as she said this. Yes, Dibella would most certainly guide Fastred.
Fastred started to reply, but she directed her attention to above Dibella's head.
"Oh no,"
A deafening roar echoed across the mountains. Dibella whirled around and her mouth dropped open. Flying down from the Throat of the World was a huge dragon, with golden scythes and a maw of fire. They were the children of Akatosh, and not to be trifled with. Dibella recalled many years ago when these wyrms had infected all of Skyrim. Now they were back.
The citizens shrieked in terror as the beast swooped down and spat fire upon them.
"Fastred, go inside!" yelled Dibella. Even in this mortal body, Dibella could not be harmed. "I'll be okay, just go!" Fasted nodded quickly and stumbled as she ran inside the farmhouse. Her mother grabbed her and pulled her through the door, and her father emerged with a bow.
As the dragon flew by over their heads again, a barrage of arrows fell just short of the monster. Three guards along with Jofthor, Wilhelm, and Klimmek were all aiming their bows for a second round. After they let the arrows fly, one pierced the dragon in the neck. It roared, infuriated, and landed on the ground. In a split second, it had one of the guards in its maw. All they could do was watch helplessly as the guard was flung into the sky like a ragdoll.
At this point, Dibella drew her dagger to aid the men. Klimmek and another guard had been wounded by the dragon's razor teeth. Now the only ones fighting were Dibella, Jofthor, and a guard. Time seemed to slow as the dragon opened its wings and took to the sky. It locked its hideous gaze upon Jofthor and opened its mouth. Dibella couldn't let him be harmed. If he died, Fastred would never leave her mother alone to work on the farm.
In the same moment, flames licked Jofthor's shoulder, causing his tunic to be set ablaze which charred his skin. Dibella leapt into the air to push him away from the jet of flames. Before she came in contact with him, she heard a thunderous cry;
"Joor Zah Frul,"
The dragon suddenly was engulfed by a blue fire, and fell to the earth like a boulder. Suddenly, a figure leapt from behind it onto its head, and ran an ebony sword right through the beast's neck. The blade made it look as if piercing those armored scales was as easy as cutting butter. When the dragon fell down dead, the apparition dismounted and sheathed her sword.
Dibella stood up shakily and approached the shrouded figure. "Who are you?"
The figure took of the hood. Dibella was shocked to see it was a Nordic woman who looked much like Dianne. Her very beautiful face was flawless other than two light scars extending beneath her eyes. She spoke, "My name is Elysa. I am the Dragonborn."