Skyrim Wilderness-Current Time
''So how much further till we make it to the rock?''
Ralof asked and Link turned to him and said.
''Not much further from what it said we should be able to get through here soon enough but what are we going to do about the Hags that normally stay with the Hag Ravens?''
Thinking Link smirked as he put on a familiar hawk mask and cursed as he saw several black cloaked figures ahead and then looking up the ridge onto the hill ahead he saw an altar. Where a large woman far taller than any he had ever seen for a human like being , stood up across the ridge moving about a twisted harsh looking creature and Link sighed as he took out his bow and waited as the three Witches as Lydia called them moved in sync. Then he launched an arrow and winced as he shot one of them in the head before hardening his resolve. Link quickly drew back his goal and hit the second in the head but the third launched a lightning bolt in their direction. Link ducked to the side for cover to protect him right behind a large rock, and Lydia and Ralof did the same behind some trees the bolts hit the slab along with a few others carving partway into it. However Link peeked out and shot his enemy hitting her dead in the center of her chest.
However before he could celebrate a horrible screech rang out as a fireball flew out he yelled saying.
''Scatter move forward behind more cover there's nothing else behind us!''
He yelled as they moved further into the woods to the right of the open path a shrill yell laws over heard and Link looked at his friends Ralof already meeting him as he said.
''A damn foul bitch she is !I knew Hag Ravens were nasty by rumor but a fireball without even knowing the enemy bomb the bitch Link we definitely need to.''
Lydia spoke after this and said.
'"I can try to go around my thane and distract her? Hagravens are known to use powerful magic's for defense.''
She said but Link said to her as he tied a bomb to his arrow then struck it with a piece of flint to light it up aiming at his foe.
''No I'd like to end this now.''
He said launching it at the Hagraven who promptly launch several more fireballs making the group leap for denser cover as they exploded. However she was shock as the bomb arrow hit her blowing her apart her mangled cry echoing through the area as she did.
Lydia said seeing the bomb go off so well.
''Well..It would ..Seem my lord that you have a powerful means non magical to deal with such threats I am glad you were not hurt in this bout.''
She said and Link nodded saying to her.
''Now to go retrieve Nettlebane and then we can get on to the next part of our journey.''
Hearing this Ralof said to him.
''You mean restoring the tree and then bringing your people here to Skyrim? Do you think it might be a better idea to wait until it's over or when the dragons are gone ?''
Sighing Link looked at his friend then told him quite bluntly.
''No Ralof because if I don't there might not be a chance later on Ralof they are a scattered people in a land that just had a harsh invasion. And if that wasn't' bad enough we all know how that looks to other countries a weakened nation, one which they long since fought with there just might be war Ralof .I might not talk the most and to some back home they wondered if I was a mute, but I'm not dumb I know the odds aren't good for them. But if you're worried about them invading you shouldn't be ,I swear I won't ever lead them in any such way and if I know about nay invasion I'll tell Jarl Balgruuf instantly alright?''
Nodding Ralof said to him simply.
''I trust you Link Lord Talos has vouched for your god it's just with the situation as crazy as it is, I honestly don't' know if what your people might experience coming here may be worse.''
Lydia hearing this said simply.
''We will just have to wait and see but if you are going to bring your people here might I suggest thinking of a place to bring them to. There are numerous abandoned forts and other such places in Skyrim perhaps having them settle there might be the best thing perhaps make your own hold for them to live at.''
Nodding the two Nords agreed with their friend as the group headed out to their next destination with Nettlebane in hand.
Whiterun-Fifty Minutes Later-Kynareth temple.
''So have you got the Nettlebane back from those Hags?''
Asked Danica Pure Spring as she saw Link and his group enter the temple. Link smiled softly as he took out the blade and Danica Pure springs eyes lit up as she said shocked.
''Good…I wasn't' sure how it would go but it's good that you have it and made it out in one piece. I don't want to touch Nettlebane so please don't' hand it to me like that.''
Scowling Ralof said to her.
'"So what do we do with the damn thing then? It's something magic related isn't it? Something you know is going to be more dangerous then you spoke of because Hag ravens are definitely dangerous. And if it were as simple as just getting this well you would just get one of your priests or priestesses to do it for you.''
Danica sighed Lydia seemed as if she wanted to correct him but instead looked at the Priestess with slightly narrowed eyes as the women said.
''Fine you want to know what's there then? I don't know not fully, but the Elder gleam sanctuary is no doubt a powerful potent sight of nature meaning it will have guardians.''
Hearing this Lydia said immediately with a gasp under her breath.
''Spriggans it'll have those elk horn wearing tree beings at the sight.''
At this Dannica said to them.
''More than likely if you all are not up to it I understand.''
Hearing this Link said to her in a tone that made her shiver.
''I assure you we will have the sap you need when we come back do you have a bottle for it?''
Sighing Danica Purespring moved over to a cabinet and got a large tiny bottle and said .
''This was once a bottle used for sleeping tree sap it has been thoroughly cleansed of its taint , it can be used to hold the sap until you come back here with it .But I must ask what gives you this confidence?''
Hearing this Link looked her in her eyes and said.
''I've survived a lot of things most people would have died facing.''
He said before reaching out with his hands and taking the bottle the man sighed as he turned to stepped out but was soon approached by a man tunic clothes.
''I hear you were travelling to the site of the Eldergleam I would be honored if you allowed me to come with you.''
Hearing this Link asked him.
''We will probably have to fight things there Spriggans would you be alright being in a battle.?''
Link asked the man who seem dab it shocked but said.
''All my life I've followed the voice of Kynareth and dreamt of seeing the Eldergleam , I promise not to get in the way and I have some skill in watching out for myself even if I do not wish to harm others.''
Ralof rolled his eyes slightly but said nothing Lydia looked at link , Link seeing this said to him.
''You can join us were going to collect the sap form the Elder gleam meet us at the sanctuary here is a copy of the map Danica slipped in my hand under the bottle.''
Nodding the man said to him.
''I know where it is but to hear you have means to get to the tree itself I have to go nothing can stop me from seeing such beauty up close.''
The man said while Ralof muttered under his breath as they left.
''Except the various branches that guard it the gods damned Spriggans.''
Link only thought briefly on what Ralof said and asked Lydia .''
'"What is a Spriggan?''
And hearing this she turned to her Thane and said to him.
'"A creature of nature in the form of a woman but glowing with magical energy she is made from bark and strikes with vast swarms of insect like magic clouds.''
Shaking his head Link said.
''Fire then in other words.''
Ralog grinned saying to him.
'"Lots of bombs! I just might like this little errand ore then I thought!''
He said as they exited the temple and Dannica pure Spring shuddered and said to herself.
''Maybe getting them for such a task was not the best idea.''
Eldergleam sanctuary-Forty Minutes Later.
''My Thane I do not believe we are going to be attacked yet there are people ahead of us and they appear to be travelers.''
Link looked at her then nodded letting go of his swords handle on his back while Ralof looked ahead further squinting his eyes a bit and said.
''Well I certainly didn't expect a crowd perhaps we should talk with them before moving ahead to the branches.''
He said nodding Link and his companions carefully made their way down to the entrances base, where several rough uneven mounds of grassy land . Which were arranged the sound of rushing water all around them , as the water passed at a normal rate around them through the stream. The group moved forward and saw a large water fall sporadically pouring down water a large stone base with several roots jutting out of it .
A man in well fitting clothes with a sword on his belt and short hair parted along his shoulders in two braids.
He said to them in a pleasant tone.
''Welcome to the sight of the Eldergleam the sacred sanctuary I wish you all a good time observing the beauty around us.''
He said before turning away Lydia hearing this spoke to Link as she looked to the side and said.
''I do believe that is the path we must take my Thane but without our weapons drawn.''
Nodding Link and Ralof joined her as they made their way further into the sanctuary and followed the Stone path with Lydia.
''My Thane I do believe we will be having some difficulty hear the long stepped path and the sound of the place is just not normal.''
She said while Ralof sighed saying.
''She's right it's too quiet save the waterfall there isn't a bit of sound this may be a sanctuary but even those have animal life ,insects ,but this has nothing .Link we may have to accept that this is a trap not a preset one for us but a danger great enough not to have animals here is something to note.''
Ralof said while Link said to them his breath slightly lowered.
'"I know I don't like it either but it would seem that we have to take this path there are few others.''
Link said and though they disliked it both Nords followed him along the wooden bridge and up further past the wooden series of stairs. The only sounds being the waterfall and faint sounds of the few other people in the cave with them. With the group arriving at their first obstacle Ralof said.
''Well time to see if that blade works , that way we can see just what kind of power it have what do you think Link?''
Shaking his head as he felt a nervous feeling inside him he said.
'"We climb past them something doesn't' seem right about this.''
Lydia said as she moved in front of him holding out her arm in front of Link's chest.
'"I will go first my Thane if there is any danger it is better it harms me rather then you.''
Link frowned and saw Ralof mouthing the words.
'Housecarls duty.'
Before Link nodded Lydia's eyes not having looked to their friend he said.
''I'm honored for your continued protection.''
Link said carefully and Lydia smiled before putting up her shield and then trying to climb through the gap in the roots. That was when it happened Link grabbed Lydia's armor along her spine and pulled back Lydia letting out a gasp, and shuddered as the Roots had several spikes appear through the gap where her head just was before receding.
Seeing this Ralof whistled lowly and shook his head muttering.
''Damned magic I didn't' even feel anything wrong how did you know Link?''
Muttering his answer Link said to them.
''The Tri-Force on my hand began to pulse and something just felt wrong an instinct screaming to me there was danger .It would seem we can't get through normally and yes Ralof I know you want me to use Nettlebane but before I do this tree is Kynareths isn't it?''
He asked and the Nords nodded at his question Lydia saying.
''Yes it belongs to Kynareth It is an ancient tree blessed by her the goddess of Sky, air, and wind as well as nature.''
Nodding Link said.
''Then before I use this weapon designed to hurt nature I'm going to ask for her help, I'd rather to piss off someone whose the equivalent to Farore of Hyrule it would be a terrible idea . And if I can avoid it I'd rather do so now if possible, Oh Kynareth Divine and Goddess of the Sky, air, wind, and nature! I come here now on a quest by one of your priestesses to try and retrieve the Sap of the Eldergleam to restore the Gidlergreen at your temple! Please allow us safe passage so that we can restore it without incident now I beseech thee.''
Saying this Link and the Nords waited and Ralof sighed and opened his mouth to speak when the roots sounded as if they were groaning and several sections of them began to part ways a voice came up behind them.
''I'm sorry I'm late! There were bandits I had to hide to evade them and-By all that is good you've done it! You've moved the Eldergleams roots! I can finally achieve my dream and see the tree!''
Maurice Jondrelle said having introduced themselves on the way out of Whiterun , the man had insisted they go on ahead without him . Just as he would get a ride form a friend by the farms further out from Whiterun Link seeing him said to him.
''Yes we were able to get past them now let's hurry before they close back up but with caution we don't' know what may guard the tree ahead.''
Nodding the companions moved with him up the winding path to the tree and after several minutes of climbing came upon it's center. The large tree jutted outwards in an almost intimidating fashion it's large branches extending outwards to the roof of the cave it's light purple flowers filling the top of the area .
''Amazing truly amazing.''
Maurice said as he began to pray sighing Link took out the bottle and put up Netherbane, Ralof raised an eyebrow while Lydia said as she squinted and saw the Hylians reason for his actions.
''It's dripping out slowly, it may take some time to collect.''
Nodding Link sighed as he went up to the tree and took out the bottle setting it down , right after uncorking it then placed it under the dripping sap and let out a deep breath .Then without warning a hissing sound filled the air and around the area several bursts of green energy began to appear within the roots on the very edges of the area shapes began to form.
''Spriggans!''
Lydia said while Ralof cursed and said.
'"We should have just used the damn knife! No offense Link but I think your prayers went unanswered maybe she was even offended.''
Said Ralof while Link groaned and took out a bomb lighting it quickly and throwing it at the Spriggans furthest from him on the left side of the tree. The bombs exploded and Link turned to his side taking out his sword he slashed the head off the nearest formed Spriggans fire bursting from the wound. Link felt it the tri-force pulsing and telling him of danger he cursed as he looked down at the bottle collecting the sap before turning to his right just as Lydia yelled to him.
''My Thane Behind you!''
Instantly Link still turned opposite of Lydia and was shocked as he felt himself being pushed , out of the way as the sound of blocked blow could be heard and a cry of pain. Looking up Link could see Lydia stabbing a Spriggan through its chest a small burst of energy going out from it before it stopped glowing and went limp.
However he also could see a swarm of insect like magic slashing Lydia as a small burst of lit flew by her blood flying out of the wound as she hit the ground crying out in pain . Parts of her armor were carved out from her side where it laid on the ground.
''Intruders you should have gone back now she will die.''
The being said dispassionately however a sound almost like a howl went out as Link as he took a breath and with every bit of might he possessed let out a yell . A yell with a burst of strength outwards like the wailing wind the words coming out from his mouth as the energy flared from it in a wave .
''RO DAH!''