Companions 3.5

I awoke early that morning. At the same time, the prospect of a warm bath was a perfectly valid reason to wake up at six in the morning. Not that much earlier from my usual waking hour. I was usually awake at seven.

There was something I wanted to try with the map.

There was a basket on the table. It contained my clothes and Dawnbreaker, as well as the pelt that served as my towel and a vial of lavender-flavored soap that was Arcadia's specialty. My map was next to it. Still in my pajama, I headed to the porch and, once I was outside, I teleported to Bonestrewn Crest. From there, finding a decent spring despite the occasional wolf was relatively easy.

I made sure no one was around, then stripped and slipped in the spring. Ah, the touch of warm water! Even with magic, it usually took awhile to heat water decently and most of my baths had amounted to a swift dip in the river or simply scrubbing the smellier parts of my body in the morning. The discovery of these hot springs was a godsend.

I took a moment to relax, then washed properly. Hedwig, despite being on lookout duty, still took a dip once in awhile. She, too, enjoyed the hot water. When I got out, the towel around my waist, I stretched and smiled. I hadn't felt so clean in a long time.

Going back to Dragonsreach and taking a swift breakfast was as easy as going to the spring. No long after I was done, I saw Farkas enter the palace.

"Harry! Doing fine, this morning?"

"I tried using my map to teleport to the hot springs for a warm bath." I grinned. "It worked."

"No wonder you're in a good mood if you got a free hot bath. And it's good because there's a place I want to take you today."

I raised a brow. He was going to take me somewhere? Now, I was curious.

"Remember our encounter with that giant during the incident with Sanguine? We're going to Blizzard Rest. Today's lesson: how to take down one such guy."

My blood ran cold.

"I already do: blast them with a Fireball of equal size or an arrow in the skull."

Farkas laughed. I wondered what was funny in risking your life fighting a guy who could send you into low orbit with a single swing.

"You can take them down from close range just fine. Come on, I'll teach you."

"I hope you're good because the only aerial view I want of Skyrim is from a dragon's back."

So, we headed north, toward the snowy landscape of the Pale. We went by Loreius's farm on the way and noticed a man whose cart had a broken wheel.

This is how I first met Cicero.

Many months would go by before I discovered the man was an assassin. I wonder if it would have changed things, had I known about his true nature from the start.

The man was dressed in a red and black jester outfit and was cussing a storm.

"Can we help you?" I asked timidly.

The jester turned to us.

"Kindly strangers? Offering to help poor Cicero and his mother? Of course! Of course! I was taking Mother to a new crypt – because Sweet Mother is dead, alas – but darnedest wagon wheel! It broke, and now poor Cicero is struck…" He gave us begging eyes. "Could the kind strangers go to Loreius's farm? Loreius has the tools, but he won't help poor Cicero. I asked and asked and asked… but he refused! Always!"

"It's alright." I smiled kindly. "We'll talk to Loreius. You won't have to wait long." I looked at the wooden chest in the wagon. "And… sorry for your mother. You have our condolences."

So we went. When we asked Loreius, the answer was cold to say the least.

"No."

"Why?"

"Have you seen the man!?" Loreius asked in disbelief. "He's completely out of his mind! A jester? In Skyrim? People like him are not welcome. And besides, have you seen the box in his wagon? He says it's a coffin, but he could also be lying. There could be anything in it: skooma, weapons, contraband… Sorry, but I'm not getting involved."

Farkas crossed his arms.

"So, you won't repair his wheel?"

"No."

"What if we do it?"

This caught the farmer aback. Farkas explained.

"I can understand the little guy makes you nervous. Nevertheless, he still needs help. If you don't want to repair his wheel, I'll do it. Just give us the tools."

"If he goes on a sudden murder spree, it's on your head."

On this, he gave us the tools. I had no experience in repair so I watched as Farkas removed and replaced the wagon's wheel. Cicero did a little gig in happiness.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou! Now, Cicero can take his Sweet Mother to her new crypt! We thank you both, kindly strangers."

"Anytime." I grinned.

Stupid me.

After an hour of walking, we finally reached the giant camp. Farkas held me.

"Be careful around the mammoths. They are usually peaceful, but will become aggressive if we attack their handler. Strike them on the flank. Their fur makes it hard for swords to get through, but Dawnbreaker is no ordinary sword. You can also use the Thu'um to bat them away. If FUS RO DAH can send a dragon flying, it can do the same with them."

I nodded. Farkas turned to the giant.

"Now, the target itself. Yes, giants are incredibly strong, and deceptively fast. But they can be killed. Get in their back or flank them, then strike at the knee. Once they're brought down to decent level, off with their head! Got it?"

I nodded again. Actually, the tactic seemed sound. And, unlike Farkas, I had the advantage of the Thu'um. If I wanted to run, I could always use WULD or use Unrelenting Force to throw my opponent away.

"So, you want to take on the giant or the mammoths?"

I considered my options, then looked at the giant.

"The big guy."

"Got it. I'll handle the mammoths. Hulda will be happy."

So, the two of us went. When he saw me with Dawnbreaker drawn, the giant took his club and ran. I rolled between his legs, a stunt made easier with my lightweight armor. Doing semi-acrobatic moves in a steel armor had to be rather hard. Rising faster than the giant could turn, I slashed his knees, bringing him down. His head ran a moment later. I turned to see Farkas hacking at the neck of one of the mammoths while Hedwig was harassing the second one. I went to the beast and struck the neck, half-slitting it. Farkas smiled.

"Well played, whelp. See? I told you you could take them down from up close. And you didn't go flying."

"Yeah… It went better than expected."

"You worry too much. Some things are often easier than they look. Now, lend me a hand. We got food to bring to Hulda."

And so, I learned how to cut an animal up. I quickly teleported to Jorrvaskr to ask for help from the Companions. Wasting in Skyrim wasn't something one could afford to do, so we took all we could from the two carcasses and returned to Whiterun the slow way. Adrianne the blacksmith was pleased when we gave her the hides and Belethor gave us five hundred septims for each tusk. Finally, Hulda thanked us fondly when we gave her the meat. We were heading back to Jorrvaskr for a quick cleaning when we saw a pair of Redguards in traditional armor harassing Ahlam.

"I am telling you: I am not the woman you're looking for! You're making a mistake!"

"That's what you say. Now, keep quiet and come with us."

"You have no right-"

One of the Redguards slapped her. He got Farkas's fist in his face.

"Leave her alone!" The Companion growled.

I noticed Amren, a little further, standing protectively before his wife and daughter. Nazeem was nowhere to be seen. People slowly gathered, wondering what the ruckus was. Ahlam jumped into Farkas's arms.

"They came to me and Saffir, saying they were looking for a Redguard woman. They said she is a traitor to Hammerfell and they were here to bring her back. Amren came to Saffir's defense, so they backed away, but Nazeem fled like a coward and said I was on my own!"

"Well, I'm here now." Farkas glared at the Redguards. "I know Ahlam. She is a healer at the Temple of Kynareth. I will not let you accuse her of being some kind of traitor to anyone. Now leave!"

The Redguards took one solid look to the Companion and drew their scimitars…

"In the name of the jarl, you are under arrest!"

Everyone turned to see Balgruuf, Irileth, Hrongar and Commander Caius walking toward us. Balgruuf was wearing a full set of plate armor and had an axe in hand. He pointed it to the Redguards. The next moment, Irileth and Hrongar knocked the men down and disarmed them. Balgruuf glared at the pair.

"Did you honestly think you could enter my city, threaten my people and expect no retribution?"

"We're looking for a traitor…"

"Don't lie. You are Alik'r, a group of mercenaries hired by the Aldmeri Dominion to hunt their enemies. And, unfortunately for you, I may not be on Ulfric's side but I'm not on the Thalmor's either. They're looking for someone in my hold? Tough luck, they're on their own. You should have been more tactful when looking for your target. Now, enjoy some time in jail."

The Alik'r were taken away by guards. Farkas took Ahlam to the temple so Danica could help her recover while Kodlak and I followed Balgruuf to Dragonsreach. The jarl was in a bad mood.

"I know I shouldn't say this, but the Thalmor are getting on my nerves. I know the White-Gold Concordat gives them free reign to hunt Talos worshippers, but it is only Talos worshippers, not political dissenters. The Alik'r have nothing to do in Skyrim."

"On this, we agree." Kodlak frowned. "I got word of several Redguard women harassed in towns and on the roads as the Alik'r searched their targets. The Companions actually received demands that they be dealt with. We haven't yet answered, but…"

The doors of Dragonsreach opened and, to everyone's surprise, Saadia entered. Usually, she served as a cook and maid at the Bannered Mare, and I knew she made a good beef stew. The woman timidly went to Balgruuf.

"I heard you get angry at the Alik'r." She explained. "Actually… I'm the one they are looking for."

We all turned to her. Saadia explained.

"At first, I was going to remain hidden, but after hearing your outburst, I decided to try my chance. My real name… My real name is Iman, from the noble family Suda. I spoke openly against the Thalmor, so they sent the Alik'r after me. I managed to escape by hiding in Whiterun as a maid, but they somehow managed to find my trace. And now…"

"Now, they are targeting every Redguard woman in Skyrim." I understood. "Hoping one of them will be the one."

"Exactly."

"Well, this won't stand. Nord, Breton, Redguard or Bosmer, the people of Whiterun are my people." Balgruuf crossed his arms. "You are my people, Saadia, and I won't let the Thalmor's hounds come after them or you. How much do you know about them?"

"Not a lot. They are mostly doing this because the Thalmor paid them. Convince them the pay isn't worth it – say, by killing their leader, Kematu – and they should leave. But where the man is, I have no idea."

"Maybe you don't…" I frowned, deep in thought. "But the men the guards imprisoned earlier may know. Why not ask them?"

"Let me handle it…" Kodlak offered.

We did. He returned half an hour later with a predatory grin on his face.

"Kematu is located in Swindler's Den, due west of Whiterun."

"Good. Then you know what you have to do." Balgruuf's eyes narrowed. "These mercenaries have been steering up trouble in my hold. I want them to stop. Go, find Kematu and kill him."

"It will be done." Kodlak nodded.

So, we headed west. As we went by Redoran's Retreat, I narrowly dodged the arrow a thug fired at me. The Companions looked at one another as the thug took one solid look at us and realized his mistake.

"Should we deal with them?" Aela asked.

"Yes." Kodlak agreed. "This will make one less bandit camp Balgruuf will have to worry about."

One thing I had learned pretty quickly was that, when it came to my safety, the Companions played no game. I was Balgruuf's ward in all but name, and the person prophesized to stop the Beast of the Apocalypse. Skyrim needed me alive, and the Companions had taken to themselves to keep me so. The bandits at Redoran's Retreat were killed without an ounce of mercy. In one of the chests, Vilkas found a sword Skjor recognized as belonging to Amren.

"I remember him and Saffir arguing about it." I frowned. "Saffir threatened to leave him if he went looking for it."

"Well, she won't have to." Farkas smiled. "Hey, what is… A map?"

I looked at the piece of paper in his hand. It was indeed a treasure map. The chest was located south-west of Pelagia's farm.

"Can we go looking for it after the Alik'r? Please?"

Farkas looked at me and smiled.

"Of course."

Our next stop was Swindler's Den. The bandit at the entrance gulped when he saw us.

"What… are you here for?"

"The Alik'r. Jarl Balgruuf tasked us to kill their leader, Kematu."

The bandit nodded sharply and headed inside. A few moments later, a group of bandits and an Argonian mage left the cave.

"Kematu doesn't pay us enough to stand between him and the Companions. Good luck, warriors."

"You are wise." Kodlak nodded.

I looked at the men, surprised.

"I didn't expect that."

"Everyone in Skyrim knows of the Companions." Aela explained. "Clever bandits avoid committing crimes that would earn a jarl sending us after them. The bandits of Swindler's Den belong to that category."

I nodded and followed the Companions inside. The cave was empty, its inhabitants having left in a mild hurry. Soon, we found ourselves in the last chamber. Kematu and his men were waiting for us.

"Companions…" The man spoke. "I wasn't expecting you."

"Few do." Kodlak crossed his arms. "You threatened the people of Whiterun. Jarl Balgruuf ordered us to bring you down for the offence."

Kematu shrugged.

"I am merely searching for a criminal. Hand her to us and we shall leave. Simple enough."

Kodlak shook his head.

"We know her. All Iman did was speak against the Thalmor, and for this they want her dead. I don't feel like giving the Thalmor what they want – and besides, Iman has been living peacefully in Whiterun until now. As far as Balgruuf is concerned, she is no criminal. You, on the other hand…"

"Are you forgetting the White Gold Concordat?"

"No. But the White Gold Concordat gives the Thalmor the right to hunt Talos worshippers, and only them. Iman is a political dissenter."

The Alik'r drew their swords.

"I see there is no arguing with you."

"Indeed." Aela notched an arrow. "We will do what we were asked, and we were asked to kill you. Harry?"

I took my breath. The Alik'r were eight. I Shouted.

FUS RO DAH

The fighters were sent flying. The Companions took advantage of it to attack. I saw Kodlak personally behead Kematu as Aela shot two of his men. Farkas and Vilkas's heavy swings took two man each and Skjor eviscerated the last. Our duty done, we left the den. We were passing by Pelagia's farm when my stomach growled.

"Uh, I'm hungry."

Farkas looked around and took the map we found in Redoran's Retreat.

"We'll get you something after we found that treasure. According to the map, it isn't far."

It took us half an hour of combing the cliffs surrounding the farm before we found the chest, hidden between rocks in a patch of snow. What was inside was mildly interesting, but we still took it. Septims were septims and I wasn't exactly rich. Then we headed for the Bannered Mare and I devoured a beefsteak and vegetable soup in short order, for free, courtesy of a grateful Saadia.

"By the way, any plan for this afternoon?"

"Aside from kicking back in my bed and reading? Maybe work my alchemy a bit, but otherwise…"

"I overheard Skjor and Aela talking about a raid on the Silver Hand. They have set camp at Gallows Rock and Kodlak admitted he wanted to take them down because, even though wild werewolves are dangerous, there are still innocents who try to fight the curse and the Silver Hand strikes indiscriminately. Also…" Farkas lowered his voice. I leaned closer. "Some say they conduct experiments on werewolves. Ugly ones. Kodlak wants them to stop."

I nodded.

"I understand. So, Skjor, Aela, Kodlak, you and Vilkas?"

"And you as well. Kodlak thinks your talents as a healer may help, if we ever manage to free some of their victims."

"Got it. I'm in."

I was still warm from this morning's activity. We gathered at Whiterun's entrance and headed to the fort, in Eastmarch Hold. It was surprisingly close to Morvunskar.

Here again, we made no prisoner. The Silver Hand targeted werewolves indiscriminately, without caring whether or not the cursed had sought it or not, and even went as far as targeting the Companions. So we killed them. It impressed me and worried me both that I was caring less and less about taking a life. Skjor shrugged.

"When you get in a fight, it's kill or be killed. If you don't strike your opponent down, he will rise in your back and strike you down. Don't give him the chance."

"And even if you don't enjoy fighting and try to avoid it, never forget this is Skyrim." Kodlak added. "There are times taking a life is a necessity. Do not let go of your guilt, though. Feeling remorse when taking a life is good, because it means you respect Life and can be trusted to know when to end it and when to spare it."

I nodded and followed them.

I would never forget this lesson.

As we dived further and further into the fort, I felt my stomach churn. First, we found a dead werewolf in a narrow room, hanging by a wrist and half-skinned. A set of still bloody torture tools was nearby. Aela sniffed the air.

"We didn't know him. He was wild."

"Those people aren't hunters." I uttered. "They're butchers! I mean, I know werewolves are dangerous, but not all of them asked to be like that! They didn't deserve… this!"

"Yes." Vilkas said quietly. "They had to die, but not in such cruel way. This is why the Silver Hand must be countered."

Then we found the place where they kept caged werewolves. Aela sighed.

"Some people completely lose themselves to the beast. There's nothing to be done for them, except give them a merciful death."

So, Farkas and Vilkas executed the beasts. They were about to strike the last one when it morphed, revealing a Breton woman in her underwear.

"Ugh, what happened? I thought… I had a nightmare."

"A nightmare?" I asked.

The rest of the Companions were at a short distance behind me. The woman shuddered. She had sunny blonde hairs and amber eyes, and was more skinny than svelte.

"Yes. I was… I was at a chapel of Mara, on the road between Bruma and Falkreath. I was in the garden, taking care of the plants when… someone… put a bag on my head. They took me somewhere, I don't know where but… they tied me. Then they forced me to… drink something warm and thick, and a bit salty too. And then… The rage…"

The woman shuddered. I put a hand on her shoulder.

"I don't remember clearly after that. Only… blood… pain… claws and… fangs… Screams. Lots of it. I felt like… I felt like I had become a beast. Then there was pain, but a pain that burned. Someone… Someone held me, threw me… there. Then all the pain, the rage and the blood disappeared and I woke up there."

The Companions looked at one another.

"Of course." Vilkas sighed. "They had to catch her during her first transformation."

The woman looked at us, puzzled.

"…Transformation?"

"You are now part of the pack, sister." Aela said sadly. "You are a werewolf."

I saw her eyes widen, her mouth open but no sound escape. She was finally understanding her predicament, and it obviously hurt her.

"N-No! I can't… I can't be a werewolf! Divines help me…"

She collapsed in tears. Farkas knelt at her side and held her shoulder. The woman leaned and cried in his chest. We let her. Skjor turned to Kodlak.

"So, what do we do?"

Kodlak thought for a moment and knelt to the woman.

"Do you have family?"

"…No."*sob*"This is why I became a priestess."

"Then you'll stay with us. Very few people can stay in control during their transformation. If you were to lose yourself, we'd be there to stop you. What's your name?"

The woman hesitated.

"Lucile."

"Very well, Lucile. Let's find you something to wear."

Before we found clothes, we found ourselves in the room where the Silver Hand worked leather. I saw the animal pelts and leather pieces and straps, my disgust growing every passing moment. When the Silver Hand attacked, we were merciless. I noticed one of the archers seemed to be Lucile's size. A Bound Arrow from my bow struck her in the head. I undressed her and offered the hide armor to our new comrade. Lucile didn't say a word, still being under shock, but she put it on. At least, now, she was decent. The upper floor of the room had tables on which women were lying, dead and covered with wounds of various shapes.

"They experiment." Skjor sneered. "They want to find a cure for lycanthropy, but their methods… Ugh! Shor hears me, this is disgusting!"

"On this, we agree." Kodlak frowned. "Their leader is ahead. I can tell. People call him Krev the Skinner. You can all guess why…"

"If I didn't need my magic to heal you, he would get two icicles in the head. Bastard."

Farkas tapped my shoulder.

"Don't worry. There's plenty of small bandit camps for you to practice your magic. I heard of one south of Lake Ilinalta."

I grumbled. I could feel my draconic soul snarling in my head, itching for a good, messy, bloody fight. I considered indulging in it before going against it. There were six Companions and members of the Circle, the very best of the crew, plus the teenage healer who could send people flying. Wait, I could do more than that…

"Mind if I announce us?"

"Go ahead, whelp." Kodlak nodded.

I grinned, took my breath and opened the door. The people in it turned to us.

"Hello." I said cheerfully. "YOL!"

The blast of fire struck at least three men. The Companions charged and everything became chaos.

Keeping your comrades alive when there's pure mayhem going on around you is challenging, not to say tedious. I wished I had a second set of arms because swinging Dawnbreaker with one hand and healing Aela with the other felt more than a little complicated. Oh, and I had to keep myself alive on top of it.

On the other hand, the Companions were said to be the best fighters of Skyrim, some even said Tamriel. They proved it today. For all their silver weaponry and their prowess, the Companions made the Silver Hand pay. As for Krev…

I took a moment to catch my breath. Farkas and Vilkas were fighting back to back, Aela was just done skewering an archer with her dagger and Kodlak had beheaded a hunter with a single swing. I turned to Skjor and froze.

Skjor was on the ground, his left arm lying a little further and Krev standing tall above him, his battleaxe still bloody.

"Die, dog!"

My blood ran cold. Time seemed to slow down. I felt my draconic soul rage with the fury of Alduin himself.

No one, no one hurt my fahdonne!

I Shouted. Unrelenting Force sent Krev crashing on the wall. Before he could react, I Shouted WULD and bum-rushed him, Dawnbreaker tearing through his stomach. I wasn't done yet. The draconic part of me wasn't nearly done. I drew Dawnbreaker back and, with a roar, beheaded him and held his head high. Seeing their leader dead was enough to cow the remaining Silver Hands and made them easy target for the Companions.

The rush died down and I dropped the head. The first thing that came to my mind was Skjor! Right, Skjor was wounded. Krev had taken his arm. I reacted on instinct. A wound so wide, my first reflex was to stop the bleeding and the first thing that came through my mind was fire. So, a fire spell in hand, I ran to Skjor's side and burned the wound. He screamed. Of course, he did. But I wanted to save him and I was running on pure instinct there, remembering all I'd learned to save his life somehow.

Krev had cut Skjor's arm clean at the shoulder, right at the join. Once the wound was cauterized, I took my healer's bag. It was more than a simple first-aid kit, given I was the only healer of the Companions and fights tended to leave nasty wounds, so I had to be prepared for just about everything. Danica and Ahlam had helped me set it and Arcadia had advised me which potion to add.

First, I took a roll of clean linen and poured my strongest healing potion on it – a homemade brew that healed and regenerated the victim and had some antidote added just in case.

"Remove his armor." I ordered no one in particular.

Farkas complied and I wrapped the tissue around Skjor's chest. I gave him a healing potion and used my ice spell at its weakest to numb his shoulder. Skjor took on himself to bite his lip during the process, holding on from screaming his lungs off. I finished by swallowing a mana potion and using my renewed magical reserves to cast Healing Touch. Once the process was over, I took time to sit and breathe. Still, I handed Skjor a bottle of mead as reward.

"You earned it."

Skjor looked at me weakly.

"Thanks whelp. You're getting good – Ow!"

"We can't take him to Jorrvaskr." Kodkal shook his head. "Injured as he is, the trip would only weaken him further."

"We got my map." I countered.

"No. I've seen your map at work but I prefer not to use it. We don't know what it would do to him. I prefer setting camp here until he recovers."

I looked at the map and grinned.

"Morvunskar is just around. We could take him there instead. I'm sure Lyrian and the others will gladly take care of him."

The Companions thought for a moment.

"The mages of Morvunskar use magic, but they have the spirit of true Nords. Skjor?"

"Fine by me."

So we carried Skjor to Morvunskar. Raegil, Lyrian and the mages were glad to see us and agreed at once to take care of our friend. Ianna was a healer herself and promised he would be fine and fresh come next week. We took the road back to Whiterun and cut by Mara's Eye Pond. As we reached Gallows Rock, I saw Paarthurnax fly above us, heading south west. Lucile, who hadn't said a word since we'd left the fort, screamed. I reassured her.

"It's alright, I know him. He's my teacher."

Paarthurnax flew above us once more and roared, calling us to follow him. We did. He landed by a small lake above which was a Talos shrine. He looked at us, quietly resting on one of the stone heads.

Aela looked around.

"There was a fight there. The armors are rusted, but I can still make them out."

"Indeed, Ahvahdin." Paarthurnax nodded. "This is where Vahzah Dovahkiin, the True Dragonborn, died in battle." He turned to me. "His name was Rael of Bruma. Harry, do you remember the dream Bormah sent you about the Oblivion Crisis? Rael was the grandson of Martin's companion, Larinath. He and his brothers in arms fell fighting the Thurfahlille, the Thalmor."

"Oh."

So, this was where my predecessor had fallen. I closed my eyes and addressed a silent prayer to Akatosh. Then I heard Farkas's voice.

"What do you mean by True Dragonborn? Harry is a Dragonborn as well, right?"

"Yes, he is Laat Dovahkiin, the Last Dragonborn. Rael is the True Dragonborn by virtue of being the one originally meant to kill Alduin. But he died, and Akatosh was forced to pick a replacement. This was Harry."

"So… This means Harry will still defeat Alduin, even though it wasn't meant to be his job."

"Yes."

Paarthurnax leaped from his spot and dug a hole by one of the bodies. He retrieved a katana akin to Delphine's, but notably more worn. He held it to me.

"This was Rael's blade. As his successor, you deserve to wield it, even though it is damaged."

I gave the katana a look. For something that, I calculated, had spent more than two months buried, it was in surprisingly good shape. Sure, there were spots of rust here and there and the edge had dulled, not to mention the leather of the handle needed to be replaced, but it was still good. I turned to Kodlak.

"Do you think Eorlund will be able to repair it?"

"Do you think Ulfric Stormcloak will bow to the Empire?" Aela retorted. "Silly question. Of course, Eorlund will repair it! With the Skyforge, there's nothing he can't do. Now, come on. I am getting worn, and the sooner we can get to Whiterun, the sooner we can give him the blade and take some rest."

This was something we all agreed.

And done ! Damn, the part with Kematu gave me trouble... But it is done, the chapter is complete and Harry got his future permanent sword. It just needs some repairs, but between Eorlund and the Skyforge... Little spoiler here: his final sword will still be Rael's katana, but upgraded with stahlrim and the Dragonrend Shout.

Now, the translations:

Ahvahdin: Hunter Maiden/Lady

Thurfahlille: (literally) Tyrant Elves - kinda fitting for the Thalmor, don't you think ?

And the reviews...

- 13stars: I'm not one for angst unless it serves for character development (like Harry getting spooked at his draconic side and learning to balance his dual nature, or coming to term with killing people). I'm more the kind who prefers awesomeness and fluffy heart feelings.

- Disruptors: no Sload out to appear.

- Garion1: Snowy owls actually bark, rather than hoot. They can also "mewl", especially the females, and clap their beaks. Check Wikipedia.

- Guest: Sirius's fate will be adressed during the next arc, Home. Don't worry, the Ministry won't get him. After all, he did see what happened to Harry...

- bLuewErewOlf25: Hearthfire will be covered by the next arc, Home. Dawnguard will probably be the arc after.

- bob19h: Whiterun won't be attacked by either side. Remember the neutrality agreements.

- the metaphorical god of heroes: yes, Harry got cojones. Comes with being a Griffindor and having part of his soul being draconic.

- Divine Protector of Skyrim: jul is the draconic word for man/human/mankind as a whole.

- jedielfsorcerer: I have better. McGonagall never said you had to pick a partner of different gender... (doesn't mean I'll make Harry gay, don't worry. He will be fourteen by then and, like a lot of people, questionning)

- Zaraki Jaegerjaquez: Sheo getting mad was a slow process. To make it short, Oblivion's Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood quests happened after the main quest and Knights of the Nine.

- Beer is food: bring it on. I got marshmallow to put on the pitchforks and heat on the flames. Shadenfreude may be german, but it is also a word that passed into other languages, and I thought it was more common than that. You recalled wrong, it only took Harry and Paarthurnax a few hours to go to High Hrothgar, just like it took hours to go from High Hrothgar to Ustengrav. Dragons fly fast... I always believed the Daedric Artifacts were a tiny part of their respective Daedric Princes, so it didn't matter where they went - being connected to their Creator, they were always able to channel his/her power. But that's just my theory. A wand is much shorter than a staff. Compare the size of Harry's holly wand and the almost man-sized Sanguine Rose. Wand cane staff, by order of size. And I agree, it is hard to find a balance between making it game-like and making it real world-like. I've been struggling with the issue for years.

- picnic990: anyone can kill a dragon. It takes a Dragonborn to make it stay dead.

- hellz swordsman: not teling yet...

- Arrow Riddari: well, Akatosh and Notcurnal do have an agreement going on...

- AnnElfwind: Daedric Princes don't care for gender, so the answer is XI.

Alright. Now only one more chapter and an Interlude and we can start the next arc, Home (previously Hearthfire)

See you soon !