Dovahkiin Fahliil (Elven Dragonborn)

Part 1

Chapter 11: First Lesson in Shouting

Synopsis:

Lina is an Altmer Warrior Mage and a traitor in the eyes of the Thalmor. After evading them for three years, she is finally caught and sent to Helgen to be executed, but her death sentence is interrupted by the return of the dragons, and more specifically, the World Eater himself. Lina escapes Helgen alive, only be dragged into new dangers and to discover a great secret: She is Dovahkiin and the only one with the power to stop Alduin from causing Nirn's destruction.

Her journey takes place over the course of several years, consisting of a battle against Alduin, Lina's reluctant decision to fight in the Civil War, and learning about a strange connection between her and the World Eater allowing them to see each other in dreams, while at the same time, trying to master her newly discovered powers.

The fanfiction itself is divided into four parts:

Part 1:

Lina travels throughout Skyrim searching for Words of Power and ways to get stronger while learning what it means to be Dovahkiin and prepare for the inevitable battle with Alduin. But at the same time, she starts experiencing reoccurring dreams about the World Eater after the events of Helgen. Then to make things worse, there is increasing turmoil in the Guilds Lina is a member of: the College of Winterhold and the Companions.

Part 1 is heavily based on the Main Quest and the Guild Quests.

...

Disclaimer:

I do not own the Elder Scrolls franchise, Skyrim, or any of its characters. The only characters I own are Lina and Nalcarum.

A/N: This took a lot longer to write than it should have, which I blame on both writer's block and the fact that I'm in college. But I have to thank Aroswing from Deviantart again because he's the one who gave me the idea for the conflict in this chapter as a way to change the initial training with the Greybeards. I really did not want to resort to just rewriting the in-game events because last time I did that, I ended up with the third chapter, which I've already said that I hated writing aside from the flashback with Camilla.

The dream sequence I included is mostly filler, but it was something I wanted to write at some point during this fanfiction (I apologize for nothing). And when Arngeir is explaining the concept of Dovahkiin and dragon souls to Lina, it is based mostly on headcanon and whatever information I could get from the Elder Scrolls Wiki, along with in-game explanations for how the Dragonborn can learn to Shout.

The man in the hooded cloak quickly looked me over before speaking again, "Forgive me, but I did not expect you to be an Elf," he said.

"You wouldn't be the first person," I said, recalling what the guards and bandit said about how the Dragonborn should only be a Nord.

"Well, all other known Dovahkiin have been Nords," the man said, "You are the first known Elven Dragonborn—or Dovahkiin Fahliil as the dragons would address you. Now what do you call yourself?"

"Lina," I said and then gestured to Lydia who gave a slight bow, "And this is Lydia of Whiterun."

"I am Master Arngeir," the hooded man said, "And I will be overseeing your training."

"You mean…teach me to Shout?" I asked.

"Of course," Arngeir said, "But for now, you and your companion may rest. Travelling the 7,000 Steps must have been tiring and both of you look like you need to sleep."

I fought back a yawn and realized that sleep did sound appealing. Lydia only nodded in agreement before we let Arngeir lead us to what was essentially a makeshift bedroom. I could only assume it had been used by others who were called to the mountain as Dovahkiin—including Tiber Septim. The only furniture in the room was a small table and one bed, which Lydia insisted that I took before setting up her bedroll on the ground. I was not in the mood to argue, so I just laid on the bed and drifted to sleep.

...

In my dream, I found myself in the arena where I fought as a gladiator during my time in Cyrodiil. My leather armor had been replaced with a set of armor that had been required for gladiators and the sword at my hip was an ebony one rather than the steel sword I had been using for the past few weeks. And I was standing in front of the gate to the arena, waiting for it to open and for the fight to begin.

But something felt off—for the first time since the events at Helgen, there was no sign of Alduin. I barely heard the fight being announced as my gaze shifted towards the sky, searching for the black dragon. But then the gate lowered and I realized that Alduin was not coming. Relief flooded me as I drew my sword and stepped into the arena. Tonight I could actually enjoy my dreams of being back in the arena.

At first, my opponent was out of sight, but then he materialized behind the other gate and ran into the arena, wielding a Daedric greatsword. I charged and swung my own sword, causing our blades to collide. I tried to pull back, but the force against my sword was too great and I realized that moving my weapon would do nothing but make me vulnerable to attacks.

But being this close to my opponent gave me a chance to study him and the first thing I noticed was that he was tall—even by Altmer standards. In fact, I would have assumed he was an Altmer if not for her lack of golden skin. Most of his body was covered by black armor that looked out of place in the arena, but what little skin I could see was pale and had clearly never been golden at any point in this man's life.

Then there were his eyes—the only part of his face that was not covered by a helmet. His eyes were a bright red that I suppose could be mistaken for gold or vibrant orange under a different light. And there was something familiar about those eyes, but I could not recall seeing them before.

But now was not the time to question why this man's eyes looked familiar. Now was the time to defeat him. After all, these fights only ended when one gladiator was slain, so losing to him was not an option.

With my free hand, I conjured flames and sent them at the man's face. His helmet would likely protect him from direct contact with the fire, but not from the heat. His eyes widened and he immediately recoiled, dropping his sword in the process, and hastily tore off his helmet, allowing me to see his face.

Long black hair had fallen out of his helmet and blew behind him while his face had become somewhat red—likely from my fire. But his face was still unscarred and he appeared to be only a year or two older than I was. But his strangest feature had to be a set of black horns on his head, which looked like they belonged on a dragon or a dremora, not a man.

Then, to my surprise, the man inhaled deeply and unleashed a power I would have never expected to see in the arena.

"FUS RO DAH!"

I didn't have time to react before I was sent flying and crashed into the arena wall. I fell to the ground, groaning from the pain, but I managed to look up, only to see the man standing over me, once again holding his Daedric greatsword. I knew he intended to kill me, but I had dropped my own sword and I needed another way to defend myself. I could only think of one.

"FUS!"

My Shout was not as powerful as his had been, but it still made him stagger long enough for me to stand, although I had to keep my hand on the wall to steady myself. By the time I was upright, the man was looking at me with an expression that betrayed his astonishment, but it quickly changed into a glare.

"So you can Shout after all," the man said in a voice that sounded oddly familiar.

"Yes, but why should that concern you?" I asked, ""You can Shout as well and your power is greater than mine."

The man growled, apparently frustrated with my ignorance. "If you were wise enough to recognize me, you would not ask such a question."

I was about to ask his name, but then I realized there was a reason I recognized his eyes and his voice sounded familiar; it was a voice than constantly haunted my dreams and this man's name could only be that of the voice's owner.

"Alduin?"

The man nodded, "You did not expect to find peace dreaming about your former life fighting as a gladiator, did you?"

"I did, but I suppose I should have known better than to hope so," I said.

"I must say that the career of a gladiator is one that is ill-suited for you, Dovahkiin," Alduin said, "Fighting to the death against lesser warriors should be beneath you."

I rolled my eyes, but before I could retort, Alduin whispered something that I could not understand, but assumed was in his native tongue. Then, in a flash of light, he transformed into the dragon I was accustomed to seeing in my dreams and he immediately took flight. I watched as Alduin disappeared from sight and my surroundings faded to darkness.

...

My eyes opened a moment before I heard someone knocking on the door. Lydia, who must have awoken before I did, turned to the source of the noise with me before we heard Arngeir's voice.

"Dovahkiin, are you awake?"

"Of course," I called back.

"Then come out. It is time for your training to begin."

I hastily left the room with Lydia following and went to the room where we first met the Greybeards. There we found Arngeir and the other three men.

"I trust you slept well," Arngeir said.

"Well enough," I replied. I might have wanted to know more about my dreams, but this was not the time to mention them.

Arngeir made a sound of acknowledgement before asking Lydia to step aside. She took a seat on the ground in an area where she would be out of the way, but could still watch whatever was about to occur. Then Arngeir turned back to me.

"Before we begin, show us what you are already capable of," he said.

"You mean any Shouts that I already know?" I asked.

Arngeir nodded, so I Shouted a single word.

"FUS!"

Surprisingly, Arngeir remained in place, though his cloak was blown back. Odd. Even in my recent dream, my target was knocked back, even if it was just barely. But maybe being a Master of the Voice, as Jarl Balgruuf called the Greybeards, gave Arngeir some resistance to the power of a Shout.

"Is that all you can do so far?" Arngeir asked.

"Yes. It is," I said, "I have only recently learned what I am and what powers I should possess because of it."

"I cannot say I am surprised," Arngeir said, "A Dovah-Sil—or Dragon Soul in the Common Tongue—is usually kept in a dormant state until the Dovahkiin in question reaches a certain age or an event occurs to trigger its awakening. And I assume yours has only recently awakened."

"I suppose so," I said, though I could not say when this…dragon soul had actually awakened and this was the first time I heard another refer to my apparent source of power as a dragon's soul. And I wasn't even sure how it was possible for me to possess such a thing when I clearly had the body of an Altmer instead of a dragon. I had to ask, "Sir, before we continue, would you be willing to explain things to me?"

"Of course," Arngeir said, "I will tell you everything later, but for now, what you need to know is that a Dovahkiin comes into existence when a mortal is granted the soul and blood of a dragon by Akatosh—or Auri-El as your people would address him. Because of this, you have the ability to instinctively master the Thu'um or Voice as the dragons can."

"You mean I will be able to learn how to breathe fire?" I asked.

I could hear Lydia sigh, but Arngeir looked slightly amused.

"In time, yes," the Greybeard said, "But for now, we will start with some of the more basic Shouts."

"Alright," I said, a little disappointed that I would not be able to breathe fire for some time, "I'm ready to begin."

"First, you must know that all Shouts are made of three Words of Power and mastering each one will make your Thu'um stronger," Arngeir said, "The Shout you just demonstrated was the first word to one called Unrelenting Force. I will have Master Einarch teach you the second word."

One of the other Greybeards stepped forward and I had to assume he was Einarch. I did not quite know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't what actually occurred. Einarch looked towards the ground and spoke a single word, "Ro."

Then, to my astonishment, markings similar to the ones I saw in Bleak Falls Barrow formed on the ground. At first, I could only stare at the markings as they glowed brightly, but Arngeir must have sensed that something was wrong (I'm sure my inability to effectively to conceal my emotions did not help).

"Dovahkiin, is something wrong?" he asked.

I had not yet told anyone about the wall with the glowing markings in Bleak Falls Barrow, not even the Companions, so I did not know if I wanted to say anything about that event to the Greybeards yet. I doubted Tiber Septim came here speaking of such things. So I quickly shook my head and forced myself to step towards the markings on the floor. The instant my feet touched them, I felt some kind of magic rush into me as I had at the stone wall in Bleak Falls Barrow before a word echoed in my head.

Ro—Balance

I looked at Arngeir and Einarth, who exchanged a few quick looks before Einarth clasped his hands together and started glowing. To most, something like that might be astonishing, but I was born and raised in a society created by elite magic-users. I was sure that I had seen mages doing similar things in the past. But then this power rushed out of Einarth and into me before I heard the Word of Power echoing in my head again.

Fus—Force

Ro—Balance

Unrelenting Force

"What…What just happened?" I asked, turning to Arngeir for an explanation.

"Master Einarth has granted you his understanding of 'Ro' or 'Balance,'" Arngeir said, "Ordinarily, it takes years of practice to utilize a single Word of Power, but as Dovahkiin, you can learn to Shout in a more direct manner—either by taking the required understanding from a dragon you slay or being given it by a Master of the Voice."

"I think I understand," I said, though this was certainly a lot to take in.

"Perhaps it would be best to practice with this new Thu'um," Arngeir suggested, "I will have the others project targets, which I want you to strike using both words of Unrelenting Force."

"Alright," I said. At this point, I was willing to try almost anything. I have always learned best by doing, so why should it be any different when I was trying to learn how to harness the powers of a dragon?

Arngeir motioned to one of the other Greybeards, who stepped forward and Shouted three words.

"FIIK LO SAH!"

A spectral form of the Greybeard appeared in the center of the room, clearly the target I was supposed to strike. I inhaled deeply and Shouted the two Words of Power.

"FUS RO!"

The Spectral Greybeard burst into smoke when my Shout hit it. Arngeir then had me do this two more times, though he did give me enough time to recover between Shouts. After I destroyed the last Spectral Greybeard, Arngeir gave me an approving look while Lydia approached me.

"I'm impressed," Lydia said.

"As am I," Arngeir said, "We will teach you the final word of Unrelenting Force, but later. For now, let us try something new in the courtyard."

I nodded and started to follow Arngeir and the other Greybeards towards the doorway, but I felt like something was wrong. Maybe I was just being paranoid, but I did not believe that was the case. I felt like I was being watched, but that led to the question of why? As far as I knew, the only other people here were Lydia and the four Greybeards, all of which were currently in front of me. I hesitantly turned around to see if there was another person, only to find that there was no one behind me…or at least that's what I initially thought.

Just as I was about to turn around again, I saw the slightest movement. It wasn't much, but it was enough to convince me that someone else was here and I doubted they were in league with the Greybeards.

I drew my sword and walked towards the area where I saw movement, but Arngeir must have realized that I was no longer following him.

"Dovahkiin, where are you going?" he asked.

"There's someone here," I replied.

I saw the Greybeards tense at the thought of an intruder while Lydia drew his sword and raised her shield, but before I could take another step, multiple arrows were fired in my direction. I barely had time to react and threw myself on the ground. Not the most dignified way of dodging arrows, I admit, but at least the unknown archer (or more likely, archers) failed to hit me.

More arrows came towards me, but by then Lydia was at my side and blocked the arrows with her shield. I was able to stand while Lydia looked towards the source of the attack.

"Assassins," she hissed, "And I believe they're after you."

"What makes you sure I'm their target?" I asked.

At that moment, another arrow was fired, which Lydia quickly blocked.

"Think about it. Every arrow fired so far has been aimed in your direction, even though I am now at your side and the Greybeards don't wear armor, so they are far more vulnerable than you," Lydia said, "Besides, you've already admitted to being an enemy of the Aldmeri Dominion and I doubt it's beneath the Thalmor to send assassins after traitors."

"You might be right," I admitted.

"And we'll need to force them out into the open," Lydia said, "I have never seen an assassin who is skilled at fighting the way we are. And it's the only way we'll be able to see them."

I nodded and conjured a fireball, but before I could throw it, I heard Arngeir call out, "Dovahkiin, wait."

I turned around and saw that he and the other Greybeards had taken shelter behind statues and in doorways. But Arngeir had chosen that moment to step out in the open and moved surprisingly quickly towards Lydia and me. Then he closed his eyes and whispered three words.

"Laas Yah Nir!"

Lydia and I shared a look of confusion as Arngeir opened his eyes and turned to us. "There are three assassins, but one is in another room," he said and then pointed towards an area concealed in the shadows, "The other two are there."

I did not have time to question him. I had to assume that the three words Arngeir had whispered were a form of Detection spell (or perhaps a Detection Shout) and trust his judgment for now. So before we could be assaulted by more arrows, I threw my fireball in the direction Arngeir had pointed. I missed the assassins, but when the fireball exploded, it created enough light for me to see two figures clad in black and red leather armor and holding bows.

I was about to charge a second fireball, but Arngeir struck first.

"FUS RO DAH!"

Both assassins were knocked into the wall and fell to the ground, but before they could stand, I charged a fireball and threw it at one assassin while Lydia drew he bow and fired and arrow at the other. The one I targeted was killed instantly in the fiery explosion, but Lydia had to fire a couple more arrows to slay the other assassin. But then I recalled Arngeir saying there was a third assassin in another room who still needed to be found.

"Where is the last assassin?" I asked the Greybeard.

Arngeir closed his eyes again and whispered the same three words from before.

"Laas Yah Nir!"

He opened his eyes and pointed towards the room where the last assassin was concealed. Lydia and I slowly advanced with Arngeir following behind us. But the instant we stepped into the room, an arrow was fired at us, which Lydia swiftly blocked. A few more arrows were fired after that, but Lydia managed to guard Arngeir and me until they stopped.

Once I was convinced that another arrow was not going to be fired, I ran out into the open, but that had been a mistake. The assassin fired at the instant I was exposed. I was able to jump to the side in time to avoid a lethal injury, but the arrow still grazed my arm. I hissed from the pain as blood ran down my arm, but before I could attempt to cast a healing spell, more arrows came my way.

I ran to evade them, but some of the arrows grazed me and one lodged itself in my shoulder. The leather armor was not enough to fully protect me and I cried out in pain before ripping the arrow out of my shoulder and collapsing against the wall, pressing a hand against my wound. But that was not enough to stop me from casting a fireball at the assassin out of frustration. To my misfortune, it hit the wall instead of the assassin, but I managed to catch a glimpse at them before the fire went out.

I didn't have the strength to throw more fireballs at the assassin, but I saw Lydia discard her shield and use her bow to fire at the assassin. But each of her arrow missed its mark and I could hear them bouncing off the wall. Then when the assassin retaliated, Lydia was forced to find cover.

Then my gaze shifted to Arngeir, who I just realized was completely exposed. He was standing where only a fool would have realized that he was an easy target for an archer. Yet he didn't move—at least he didn't until he was ready to strike. At that moment, Arngeir darted forwards, Shouting three words that I recognized instantly.

"YOL TOOR SHUL!"

I heard an agonizing scream and knew that he had burnt the assassin, especially with the light the fire had created. But when it went out, Lydia insisted on checking the body. While she approached the charred assassin, Arngeir came to me and offered me a hand, which I gratefully accepted.

"Are you alright, Dovahkiin?" he asked.

"I've endured worse," I replied as Arngeir led me to another room, but then I changed the subject, "But what about you? You can breath fire!"

I did nothing to conceal my amazement, but Arngeir only nodded. "Yes, but you seem a little too interested in fire, Dovahkiin," he said.

"I'm a pyromancer. It cannot be that surprising," I stated as Arngeir had me sit on a wooden chair.

He only sighed. "Perhaps."

Arngier then retrieved a healing potion from a nearby shelf and handed it to me. I did not hesitate to drink it and instantly felt relieved when my shoulder wound mended itself.

"And what about that spell you used to locate the assassins?" I asked, "Was that another Shout?"

"Yes. That was Aura Whisper," Arngeir said, "It is a Shout that serves as a stronger version of spells such as Detect Life."

"Will you teach it to me?" I asked.

"In time," Arngier said, "But for now, we will take a break from training to dispose of the assassins' bodies."

I made a sound of acknowledgement before I heard the sound of someone approaching. I turned to the source of the noise and saw Lydia, who appeared to be holding something.

"What are you holding?" I asked, "Did you find anything interesting on that assassin?"

Lydia responded by holding out a burned scrap of paper. "This is what I found," she said, "Most of the message was burned away and I cannot read what little remains, but I assume it's the assassin's orders."

"Let me see it," I said, holding out my hand.

Lydia gave me the burned paper, which I immediately looked over. She wasn't lying when she said most of the message was gone, but unlike Lydia, I could actually read what was left unburned. It was written in Elvish and more specifically, the dialect used in my homeland. I saw mention of my name and the Black Sacrament, which reinforced the notion that I was the one they were after and made it obvious that the assassins were in league with the Dark Brotherhood. My bounty was listed as well, which was currently 2,000 septims (I have to admit that I thought it would be higher).

The Elvish writing should have been enough to make it obvious who had contacted the Dark Brotherhood and sent the assassins after me, but seeing my bounty only made it more obvious. Only one faction was after me and sought my death: the Thalmor.

Perhaps these assassins were contacted long before Lydia and I arrived in Ivarstead and they only just located me, but I did not care. In my frustration, I unintentionally summoned flames and burned what remained of the scrap of paper. At the same time, Lydia and Arngeir shared a look of concern, as if they both knew that the contents of the note were making me vengeful.