Grimm first appeared either just before or just after the end of the Mythic Era, coinciding with the disappearance of dragons. Most scholars believe that the dragons were their natural predators, and their deaths lead the Grimm to reproduce out of control.
The next morning, Yang was still giggling at Ruby's enthusiasm.
"'Can I have your autographs?' Ruby you are so adorable sometimes!"
Ruby frowned. "When I become a Companion, I'll give people my autograph!"
Yang just laughed harder as she led her sister out of the Bannered Mare.
They had arrived too late to visit the Jarl, so they had spent the night for another ten Septims. On the plus side, despite the city being on lockdown because of a dragon sighting, the guards didn't try to stop them entering.
Walking in the company of the Companions was the best endorsement possible.
In the light of day, Whiterun was a bustling city, filled with people and beautiful wooden architecture, tiled roofs of numerous shades glinting in the morning sun, and the interplay of light and shadow highlighting intricate patterns etched into walls and doors.
As they ascended up the hill towards the Jarl's residence they passed a dead tree outside of a temple and a priest screaming a sermon about Talos at the top of his lungs. Ruby let out a whine like a puppy because to their immediate right was Jorrvaskr, legendary mead hall and home of the Companions – and not their destination at the moment.
Their destination was directly up the stairs, at the very top of the hill that all of Whiterun was built on: Dragonsreach.
Yang pushed open the doors, and while she wasn't sure what she'd been expecting, it wasn't quite what she saw.
Leading from the main entrance to the door was an ornate rug. On either side were tall wooden pillars with intricate knots carved into their bases, arches seemingly fused to them supporting a second floor. Banners bearing the white and yellow colors and horse's head emblem of the hold hung all across the main hall, and a trio of chandeliers and a fire pit provided illumination. Finally, she could see at the far end of the hall what must have given the palace its name: a dragon's skull, mounted just over the throne.
While no guards moved to stop them, she could see that they were eyeing both of them warily. Ignoring it, she ascended the stairs.
Beyond the fire pit set between the two long dinner tables, Jarl Balgruuf the Greater sat on the throne, listening and occasionally speaking to a bald Imperial that Yang could only assume was his advisor. As she and Ruby got closer, a Dunmer woman in leather armor drew a sword and stepped into their path.
"What is the meaning of this interruption?" she demanded in a cold tone. "Jarl Balgruuf is not seeing any visitors."
"Alvor sent us. Riverwood is in danger."
Yang added, "A dragon destroyed Helgen, and he's afraid Riverwood is next."
"You know about Helgen?" the elf asked, sheathing her sword. "That explains why the guards let you in. The Jarl will want to speak to you personally. Approach."
The Jarl was currently speaking to one of his advisors, a balding man in fancy robes, but both ceased and looked up as Yang and Ruby got closer.
"So, you were at Helgen. You saw this dragon with your own eyes?"
"Yes. We got there just as it was leaving and–"
"It was huge!" The girl in the red cape tried convey it's size by spreading her arms. "The size of the inn and black as a Grimm, and–!"
"Ruby!" Yang hissed.
If the Jarl was put off at all by Ruby's exuberance, he didn't show it. He immediately looked to his advisor.
"What do you say now, Proventus? Shall we continue to trust in the strength of our walls? Against a dragon?"
Proventus didn't get a chance to reply. Irileth spoke first. "My lord,we should send troops to Riverwood at once. It's in the most immediate danger. If that dragon is lurking in the mountains…"
"The Jarl of Falkreath will view that as a provocation!" Proventus burst out, speaking with a Cyrodiilic accent. "He'll assume we're preparing to join Ulfric's side and attack him! We should not–"
"Enough!" Balgruuf bellowed. "I'll not stand idly by while a dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people! Irileth, send a detachment to Riverwood at once."
"Yes, my Jarl."
"If you'll excuse me, I'll return to my duties." Proventus added.
Looking to him, the jarl replied, "That would be best." He then looked back to Yang and Ruby. "Well done. You sought me out, on your own initiative. You've done Whiterun a service, and I won't forget it. Here, take this as a small token of my esteem." He handed them both an amulet enchanted to resist fire. "There is another thing you could do for me. Suitable for someone of your particular talents, perhaps. Come, let's go find Farengar, my court wizard. He's been looking into a matter related to these dragons and...rumors of dragons."
Balgruuf stood up from his throne and gestured for them to follow him, and he led them off to one side of the palace, through a doorway into a sparsely decorated room filled with arcane objects.
To the right was a simple partition with a map of Skyrim pinned to it. Immediately in front of them was a table covered in books and pink crystals Yang vaguely recalled as being soul gems. And beyond that were a pair of tables against the wall: one with an alembic for alchemy; and the other with a skull, crystal ball, and sigils carved into it's surface. An enchanting station.
"Farengar," The jarl called out, "I think I've found people who can help you with your dragon project. Go ahead and fill them in with all the details."
A man in dark blue hooded robes emerged from a room on the left.
"So the Jarl thinks you can be of use to me? Oh yes, he must be referring to my research into the dragons. Yes, I could use someone to fetch something for me. Well, when I say fetch, I really mean delve into a dangerous ruin in search of an ancient stone tablet that may or may not actually be there."
Yang and Ruby glanced at each other. Ruby shrugged as if to say, "Why not," and Yang smirked.
"Alright, where are we going and what are we fetching?"
"Straight to the point, eh? No need for tedious hows and whys. I like that. Leave those details to your betters, am I right?"
Yang clenched her fists, and Ruby grabbed her arm. Out of the corner of her eye, Yang could see her sister subtly shaking her head no, and the Jarl standing behind them quietly looking at Farengar with something akin to exasperation.
"I, ah, learned of a certain stone tablet said to be housed in Bleak Falls Barrow – a 'Dragonstone,' said to contain a map of dragon burial sites. Go to Bleak Falls Barrow, find this tablet – no doubt in the main chamber – and bring it to me. Simplicity itself."
"You can count on us." Ruby spoke for them both since Yang was still trying to reign in her temper.
"Ah, speaking of errands, that reminds me of something. Could you deliver these Frost Salts to Arcadia at her shop?"
"Do I look like a courier to you?" Yang snapped.
Farengar appeared to give her a quick look up and down and replied, "Worn, scuffed armor, dust everywhere, scruffy appearance, and messy hair. I'd say you do."
Yang's eyes flared red and she took a step forward – only to be jerked backwards out of the room by Ruby in a burst of rose petals.
"Okaywe'lldeliverthesaltsandgettheDragonstonebye!"
Yang briefly forgot her anger, impressed at the sheer speed with which Ruby was pulling her along. Her feet weren't even touching the ground right now.
Then Ruby abruptly stopped, and Yang almost fell backwards trying to regain her balance. She turned to glare at her sister, but Ruby had already entered the shop. Yang glanced at the sign and saw that it said "Arcadia's Cauldron." Ruby emerged a few seconds later, blushing madly.
"Okaylet'sgo!"
Yang anchored herself this time and held on tight.
"Not until you tell me what happened in there." She pointed her thumb over her shoulder at the shop.
"Oh." Ruby looked awkward for a moment. "Arcadia said the salts are for a love elixir. And that she's thinking of testing it on Farengar. Then she gave me all of these." Ruby pointed at a trio of new potions on her belt, labeled as providing brief invisibility, enhanced stamina, and momentary improvements to the understanding of the Illusion school of magic.
Yang laughed, all anger forgotten at the image of the condescending wizard drooling like a dog at the sight of someone.
The next morning they were in Riverwood again and preparing for their trip to the barrow that loomed ominously over the town. They entered the general store to get supplies and heard an argument.
"Well one of us has to do something!" shouted a woman.
"I said no! No adventures, no theatrics, no thief-chasing!" a man replied.
"Well what are you going to do then, huh? Let's hear it!"
"We are done talking about this!" the man suddenly noticed Yang and Ruby. "Oh, customers. Sorry you had to hear that."
As the Huntresses approached the counter the man slipped into business mode, "I don't know what you overheard but the Riverwood Trader is still open, feel free to shop."
"Did something happen?" Ruby asked.
"Uh, well yes, we did have a bit of a break-in. But we've still got plenty to sell! Thieves were only after one thing: an ornament in the shape of a dragon's claw, made of solid gold."
As Ruby was picking out healing salves and Aura restoratives Yang remembered hearing about this break in during their first stay in Riverwood. "We could get the claw back for you."
"You could?" The excitement in the store owner's voice was palpable, "I've got some gold coming in from my last shipment. It's yours if you get my claw back."
"Sure. We just need to take care of some business at Bleak Falls Barrow first."
The man looked at her almost skeptically. "That's convenient; that's where the thieves are most likely holed up."
"Oh. Well then we'll be back even sooner."
"So this is your plan Lucan?" the woman sitting behind them asked.
"Yes. So you don't have to go now do you?"
"Oh really? Well I think your new helpers need a guide."
Lucan sputtered, and muttered something that sounded like "Camilla," but relented. "Oh, by the Eight, fine! But only to the edge of town!"
She led them out the door and said, "We have to go through town and over the bridge to get to Bleak Falls Barrow. You can see it from here though." She pointed, "The mountain just over the buildings."
As she started walking them toward the bridge she continued, "Those thieves must be mad hiding out there. Those old crypts are filled with nothing but traps, trolls, and who knows what else! I wonder why they only stole Lucan's golden claw. I mean, we have plenty of things in the shop that are worth just as much coin. Lucan found the claw about a year after he opened the store. He never quite explained where he got it. He's a tricky one."
Yang glanced at Ruby, and saw that her sister was making funny faces as Camilla rambled on.
"This is the bridge out of town." Yang resisted rolling her eyes and saying that they'd noticed. "The path up the mountain to the northwest leads to Bleak Falls Barrow. I guess I should get back to my brother. He'll throw a fit if I take too long. Such a child!"
"Do you know how far it is?" Yang asked.
"Well, it's a winding road up the mountain just ahead. You'll know you're in the right place once you spot the old watchtower. Once you get to the tower head north. Bleak Falls Barrow should be just around the corner further up. I'm afraid I don't know how far that is though."
"Well, good thing it's early then. C'mon Yang!"
For the second time in as many days, Yang felt herself flying as Ruby dragged her along with her Semblance. It was a good thing she'd learned to like having rose petals in her hair.
Of course, Ruby could not run all the way to the barrow – Skyrim is a large province, a full fifth of Tamriel's landmass. She only pulled Yang along until she got to the top of hill where the landscape began transitioning to ice and snow-covered rock. A narrow path showed the way forward.
The sisters walked along as the sun rose higher and higher, and at noon they saw and heard one of the province's worst denizens.
White fur, gray armored hide, and (perhaps most tellingly) three eyes marked this creature as a frost troll. It spotted them and started charging.
Yang got into a defensive stance but Ruby interrupted, "I got this one."
She saw her sister transform Crescent Rose into it's scythe form and slam the blade into the ground, creating a monopod. Then she loaded it with fire Dust ammunition.
Yang smiled. That had probably been the one useful thing they'd gleaned from Professor Port's stories: trolls had nearly nonexistent Auras, but healed rapidly from anything apart from fire damage.
A shot rang out, and one of the beast's eyes seemed to implode shortly before the creature's head detonated. It's body kept moving forward solely due to momentum and landed at Yang's feet. Without missing a beat, Ruby walked up to the carcass and started slicing I open to get at the fat.
"Ruby, you do know that people pay a lot more for troll skulls than troll fat, right?"
Ruby nodded and replied, "But if Skyrim is like home, the local alchemist's give you discounts if you bring the ingredients for the potions you buy, and troll fat can make a potion that increases my skill with my sweetie!" She plucked Crescent Rose off the ground and spun it around while it transformed back into its boxy compact form for emphasis, then she hugged it as if it were her firstborn child. Or maybe her boyfriend. Yang thought it was hard to tell sometimes.
They stepped over the troll corpse and moved on.
Not long after they came to the old watchtower and received an unpleasant surprise: bandits.
"That's close enough!" snapped a one-eyed Nord with a splotch of blue war-paint on his face.
Yang cracked her knuckles and extended Ember Celica from a pair of bracelets into gauntlets, and the Nord raised his axe.
"We just want to go to Bleak Falls Barrow, we don't want to fight you!" Ruby shouted.
"Oh, then go right ahead ladies." The bandit lowered his axe and leaned back up against the tree.
"See Yang," Ruby whispered, "sometimes they can be reasoned with." Ruby headed towards the bend in the path, and after glaring warily at the man, Yang continued after her.
Barely four seconds passed before she heard an arrow whistling towards them. Yang whirled around and deflected it with her gauntlets, knocking it harmlessly to one side, eyes red with rage, and she heard the telltale sound of Crescent Rose extending.
She also saw that the first bandit, the one with the war-paint, hadn't moved, but over the small bridge in the watchtower's doorway was a badly scarred Wood Elf holding a simple bow and readying another arrow.
Yang fired at the elf, and apparently he hadn't trained much because he tried to block it with his simple wooden bow, which shattered into many splinters.
The Nord rushed at her now, but out of the corner of her eye Yang saw Ruby already moving to intercept so she ignored him in favor of focusing on the Elf.
He pulled a dagger from a simple sheath at his hip and Yang almost laughed in pity as he rushed at her, then he suddenly ducked and a spotted grey Khajiit in Nordic armor leaped over him directly at her, claws extended.
Yang blocked both claws easily, but the cat-man's greater weight forced her to back off and take a defensive stance. Ruby, bless her heart and thank the Divines for her skills, was not trying to kill her two attackers, but was also beating them badly with the blunt side of her scythe in the hope of avoiding bloodshed.
The Khajiit was not a master of it by any means, but Yang could see elements of the Whispering Fang style in his moves. There was a certain fluidity to his slashes, each move, even when unsuccessful, transitioning seamlessly into the next. It made it hard to get a swing in.
So she kicked him instead, the blow to his gut staggering him and then she fired Ember Celica. One, two, three explosions echoed over the light mountain wind. The first was mostly stopped by the armor. The second destroyed it. And the third struck vulnerable flesh. The Khajiit bandit retracted his claws and placed his hands over his stomach wound before falling over.
Ruby had the Elf disarmed and pinned, and the Nord seemed to be out cold, but as the redhead looked away, Yang saw the Nord open his eyes and pull out a dagger then rush for her sister.
Even as she called out, "Ruby!" she fired Ember Celica at his raised hand, and the explosion tore off his arm.
With a scream he clutched his stump, but he was swiftly silenced as Yang leaped forward and punched him in the chest so hard that his upper body separated from his lower half.
Ruby glanced briefly at the carnage, then without batting an eye looked back at the Elf.
"Surrender now?"
"I yield, I yield! Just get her away from me!"
Ruby turned away from him and started walking again, and Yang gave him a red-eyed scowl before following. She heard something behind her and turned, but it turned out that Ruby was faster.
The elf had the axe raised high with both hands, and then his arms and head fell from his body. Crescent Rose's blade was stained red.
"Why do they always get back up?" Ruby yelled angrily.
Yang gave her sister a hug before they got to the grim business of looting the dead and cleaning the blood from their weapons. These were not the honored dead whose possessions were sacred, but thieves whose ill gotten gains could be put to better use elsewhere.
They found a few satchels of gold and some vegetables that had frozen in the cold, but nothing else, and so they continued their journey, alert for more bandits.
And that awareness was a good thing. It saved their lives from a hail of arrows as they rounded the corner.
An Orc and two Nords, a man and a woman, all had bows and were all firing them rapidly from their positions on the barrow's elevated entrance.
"I'll draw their fire!" Yang dashed away from her sister and started firing Ember Celica, forcing the archers to move and shoot, throwing off their aim.
As they focused all of their attention on Yang, Ruby pushed her Semblance to its limits, becoming not just a speedy young woman that trailed rose petals, but a cloud of rose petals as fast as a gunshot.
Before they could blink, Ruby was behind them. She placed the blade against one of the archers and fired it, the bullet killing a second archer while the recoil forced her blade through the first's torso, tearing him in half.
The Orc ignored Yang now, dropped his bow and pulling out a two-handed axe. He charged and brought it down where Ruby had been a mere instant ago. She had dashed away, and as the Orc lifted the axe a gain she extended Crescent Rose's blade further, forming a spear, and rushed forward, impaling the bandit.
Ruby cleaned her blade once again on a scrap of cloth cut from a bandit's clothes, and they packed away one of the bows. It looked like an Elven bow, which was rather valuable.
They approached the enormous black doors into the barrow and looked at each other. Yang winked cockily and pushed them open, and the young Huntresses entered Bleak Falls Barrow.
Author's Note: Hello everyone. So, uh, funny story but I've had this chapter on my PC for almost a year because I wanted to wait until I had the chapter afterwards finished to publish it, but then I had to deal with real life stuff and just kind of forgot about it. Sorry about that. Regardless, that long hiatus will hopefully never happen again, and I promise that chapter 4 will debut very, very soon.
Oh, and mods! My mod list has changed quite a bit, but while there are none to specifically highlight here, that means I just get to highlight the ones I think immerse me more in the world. "Bandolier - Bags and Pouches" is a mainstay in my load order, as are "Cloaks of Skyrim," and "Winter is Coming." "Improved Closefaced Helmets" lets you actually make eye contact with everyone wearing a helmet, and works wonders for immersion. To prevent myself from just pasting my entire load order, I think I'll stop there for now.
