A/N: I was going to go ahead and pat myself on the back for actually posting early, but since I've done such a poor job of it lately, I decided I don't really deserve that. So instead I will just say enjoy, take care, and all the best. And of course, a million thanks to all you patient readers! Oh, and I can't claim any ownership of the dragons' conversation, that's all Bethesda. (They knew what they were doing!)
The trip south to Ivarstead was lengthy, but uneventful. Aine refused to be mothered by Seamus and they utilized Tal and Lettie rather than the carriage. The mounts were thrilled to be put to use and the weather was just as changeable as ever. They reached the little village during the night and Aine stabled the horses, ignored Seamus' protests, and started up the pilgrims path. It was a rare clear night, the stars winked in the sky, and the moonshine gleamed bright on the snow. The light was enough to see without the assistance of a torch and though there was an occasional rustle in the bushes, the only wildlife they saw was an owl that swooped silently overhead before diving sharply to snatch at some unfortunate creature.
High Hrothgar was dark and still, but the door was not locked and they stepped gratefully into the warm foyer. The faint crackle of the fire was the only sound and Seamus bent closer.
"What now?"
"I need to talk to Paarthurnax," She dropped her pack onto one of the chairs and pulled the Elder Scroll free. Her bow, arrows, and matching set of daggers were added as well and she rifled to make sure she had everything she needed in her belt pouches, "And you know you can't come with me, Seamus. But hey, everyone's asleep and now's your chance. Snoop and pilfer to your heart's content, I shouldn't be long."
"Are you sure?"
"Would you rather I wake up Arngeir and have him babysit you?"
"Better get moving and be careful."
He gave her shoulder a gentle push and she crossed to the door that led out to the courtyard. The moonlight seemed even brighter here, casting long shadows across the glittering snow. She made her way back up the path that clung to the top of the mountain and felt she was finally getting the hang of using her Shouts to clear the way.
Paarthurnax made an impressive gargoyle on top of one of the jagged peaks and his sharp face turned from the stars to Aine when she stepped into the flat expanse here.
"The Kel is with you. Tiid kreh… qalos. The Time shuddered as you drew near."
Aine held the scroll in both hands. She didn't unwrap it yet and she looked up at the dragon.
"I do indeed."
"Doom-driven. Kogaan Akatosh. The bones of the world are at your disposal, dovah."
"How do I use it?"
"Take it to the time wound," Paarthurnax tipped his head toward the word wall, "Open it and you will learn."
She glanced between the wrapped scroll and Paarthurnax and then nodded once. She heard him shift on his perch and saw a shimmer in the air as she got closer to the wall. She stepped into its center and flipped the linen wrap open. The scroll was beautiful in the moonlight, gleaming soft gold and she clasped it in one hand to pull the parchment free of its case.
Instantly, the runes inscribed on the page lit white-blue. Her first impression was a labyrinth, though there were definite words within this. The light grew brighter and brighter and seemed to lift from the parchment. Aine wasn't able to look away and she felt its power erupt around her. Something pulled on her, like it was attempting to suck her into its center, and everything around her disappeared in a blinding flash of white. She finally managed to close her eyes and when they opened, she stumbled back before she could help it.
She was staring through a tunnel of the runes. She just caught them in the corners of her eyes and when she looked straight ahead, the sky was on fire. Orange and red glowed from every direction and the wind whipped around the peaks. She started to call Paarthurnax's name and then heard a voice shout.
"We're running out of time! Gormlaith, the battle is-"
"Daar sul thur se Alduin vokrii. Alduin's lordship will be restored."
Aine stepped back even more. A Nord ran in front of her and slid across the snow before turning about with his axe in his hands. The dragon's deep voice was unmistakable and one crouched on its powerful legs to her right. She searched for cover and then remembered her conversation with Paarthurnax about time standing still here. She was watching this unfold; yes, from a front row seat, but she was just a spectator. Not that that made it any less unsettling.
"I honor your courage, joor. Krif voth ahkrin. Die now, in vain."
The dragon took a step back and the Nord darted forward.
"For Skyrim!"
He swung the axe powerfully, sidestepping the gout of flames the dragon spewed. The Nord stepped again, keeping the dragon focused on him and Aine just registered a shadow in the corner of her eye. Another form leapt at the monster, using its front leg as a launching point to jump onto the thing's neck.
"Know that Gormlaith sent you to your death, beast!"
It was a woman's voice and she raised a huge sword to drive into the back of the dragon's neck. The beast screeched and then fell forward in the snow. Gormlaith held tight and yanked her blade free, jumping from the dragon's body.
"Hakon, glorious battle, isn't it?"
"You should give thought to other matters as well, Gorm," The Nord held his axe tight in one hand and moved to the edge of the peak to look below, "The battle is not going well. We need Alduin to jump to our challenge. If he doesn't, I fear all may be lost."
"Peace, brother, he won't be able to resist. Victory will be ours."
"Why does he not attack? We put everything into this plan, old man."
Hakon was clearly not convinced and he turned back as Gormlaith moved forward as well. Aine turned to see who they were talking to. It was a third figure and he raised one hand.
"He will come. He will not ignore our challenge and why should he fear us?"
"Four of his own have already been mine," Gormlaith was fierce and proud and Aine recognized the type that normally drove her absolutely mad, "That is enough to fear, yes?"
"Do not grow lax and arrogant, Gormlaith. We have already lost several: Sorri, Birkir, Gal-"
"Take heart, Felldir. We have Dragonrend and they didn't. When we bring him down, I will have his head."
Aine perked at this and she stepped forward a little. Here was what she had been hoping to see and hear.
"You still fail to understand, Gormlaith. Alduin cannot be slain like his brethren. None of us are strong enough," Felldir looked swiftly at Hakon and the Nord straightened even more if that was possible. Even through the distracting ruins and with the confusing welter of red and orange behind him, Aine saw him narrow his eyes at the older man, "Which is why I have brought the Elder Scroll with me."
"Felldir! We agreed not to use it."
"No, Hakon, I did not agree," Felldir's voice was sharp and Aine had taken a few steps forward before she realized, "If I am correct in my thinking - and I do not know why I would not be - we will not need it."
"You mean if I am right, I'm sure."
Hakon wasn't asking and Gormlaith raised her blade, her whole body tensing in response to what she saw approaching.
"Enough, you two. We will find out soon enough. Here he comes."
Aine took an involuntary step back when a familiar dragon swooped low towards them. He came in fast and when he landed on top of the word wall, the whole peak shook.
"Meyye! Tahrodiis aanne! Him hinde pah liiv! Zu'u hin daan!"
Gormlaith raised her sword above her head and didn't back down from the intimidating creature that looked like sheer malevolence.
"May those in Sovngarde envy us this day!"
Felldir and Hakon stepped up in line with her and together they Shouted.
"Joor Zah Frul!"
A flash of blue light erupted around Alduin and he started up into the air with a screech. He managed about a dozen feet and then fell back to the peak. He stomped his clawed feet and shook his head. There was an unmistakable look of fear or worry about him, though Aine wasn't sure how this was accomplished. And the sudden flood of the power of this Shout was somewhat distracting.
"Nivahriin joarre! What is this? What Words did you create?! Tahrodiis Paarthurnax! I will feast upon his neck!" He slammed his front feet down and the three warriors staggered when the mountain shook again. His eyes were on fire, "But first… dir ko maar! You will die in terror, knowing I came for you even in Sovngarde!"
"If I die, worm, it will be removing your head from your deplorable body!" Gormlaith returned and started forward.
Felldir Shouted and flew to her assistance while Hakon looped around to flank Alduin.
"Skyrim shall be freed!"
Aine watched the battle unfold. The warriors were incredible and the way they worked together was enviable. They seemed to have a sixth sense about where each of the others were in the field and - unbelievably - they seemed to be gaining the upper hand with the dragon. He tossed his head about, swinging his powerful tail and spewing flames whenever he had the chance. It looked an even match for a time and then Alduin swung his head, knocking Gormlaith out of the way and shifting again to focus his attention on Hakon and Felldir. Hakon kept the dragon working on him as Felldir stepped back and pulled out a familiar looking case.
It was the Elder Scroll and Aine watched even more closely. He had moved closer to her and lifted the scroll above his head.
"Sister Hawk, grant us your scared breath to make this conflict heard! Begone, Alduin Eater of Worlds! By words older than your bones we break your hold on this age and send you out! You are banished, we Shout you out from this world's endings unto the last!" Power erupted from the scroll and enveloped the dragon. His movements slowed to the point of ineffectiveness and a cloud of greyish-white surrounded him, "You are banished!"
With a bright white flash, Alduin disappeared and Felldir held for a moment before letting his hands drop. He stepped forward.
"Alduin the World-Eater is gone. May the gods have mercy on our souls."
The runes spun again and Aine felt the tug of the power. Everything happened in reverse and she had to close her eyes against the sickening blur of runes. She was aware of the cold breeze first and she felt like her feet were placed firmly on the ground again. She staggered a bit and then immediately reacted when she heard a rumbling voice above her.
"Bahloki nahkip sillesejoor. Your mortal souls have kept me satisfied for generations, Dovahkiin. You will die now and await your fate in your Sovngarde!"
Aine cursed roundly, dropping the scroll into the snow and yanking her bow from her shoulders. Paarthurnax was nowhere to be seen and she dove toward the meager protection of the boulders around the word wall when Alduin swooped low overhead. He banked sharply and headed straight for her. She knocked an arrow and dropped to one knee, taking careful aim as the dragon sped toward her. She was a breath away from loosing the arrow when Paarthurnax's dark grey body collided with Alduin and she heard his voice echo about the peak.
"Lost funt. You are too late, Alduin!"
The dragons tumbled away and Aine had a brief moment to reconnoiter. She found a slightly more defensible place and waited for a clear shot before Alduin and Paarthurnax split apart and Paarthurnax glided low overhead.
"Remember why you are here, dovah, use the Shout!"
Aine blinked and then dropped her bow arm and Shouted when Alduin flew overhead after Paarthurnax. As usual, the right words came without her having to do anything special and the Shout hit him in the belly. It knocked him sideways and his wings flapped uselessly as he fell to the peak. He landed on his side and Aine took her chance while he attempted to get to his feet. She knocked the arrow again and shot him in the underside of his neck. He roared in pain and anger and Paarthurnax rained down fire on him.
Aine ducked her head against the intense heat and Alduin roared again. This one sounded different and she looked up to see him spreading his wings. She felt shaky and exhausted, but she tried anyway. The Shout didn't feel nearly as strong and she knocked two arrows, letting them fly. They embedded deep into Alduin's neck beside the first and he screeched. Paarthurnax landed in front of him and more flames erupted.
Alduin was on his feet and he swung his body, whipping at Paarthurnax with his tail when he faced Aine's hiding place. He gave his own Shout and she pressed herself against the wall when the flames scorched the air around her. She felt the intense heat against her back and she threw herself down into the snow when she realized her bow had caught fire. The dragon's stomping feet was the only thing she could hear for a moment and then she heard the swish of the wings. She arched up and let out another Shout, grounding Alduin again.
His voice sounded and though it was soft, Aine felt certain it was curse-laden. He Shouted at her in return and she let another few arrows loose. They found their mark and Paarthurnax let out another gout of flames. Alduin was definitely weakening and Aine ventured from her protection when the beast turned his attention to Paarthurnax. She acted quickly, dipping the heads of the next four arrows into a bottle of potent poison. Two of these sank into the dragon's flesh and the others bounced harmlessly away.
Alduin screeched, flapped his wings, and got nowhere. His head dropped and Aine felt herself waiting before she fired again. The fletchings were almost warm in her fingers and she had to make a very conscious effort to keep from shooting.
"Meyz mul, Dovahkiin. You have a strength," Alduin sounded rather breathless; a good thing as far as Aine was concerned, "However I am Al-du-in, firstborn of the Akatosh! Melagi zok loft. I cannot be slain in this world, not by you or any of the mortal kind. You cannot prevail against me; I will outlast you!"
Alduin spread his wings and lifted from the ground. He circled once and then flew off, leaving Aine and Paarthurnax alone. Aine let out a sigh and had to catch herself against one of the nearby boulders when her legs gave up on her. Paarthurnax turned and came closer. She investigated the end of the bow where it had caught. There were some decent scorch marks and she would have to ask Seamus about new twine.
"He left," She said quietly when Paarthurnax lowered his face and stared steadily at her, "I didn't expect that."
"Lot krongrah. You posses the voice of the Dovah. Alduin sees this and his allies will think twice after hearing of this victory."
She smiled at him and would have reached out to touch his nose if her hands were steady, but she didn't want him to see how affected she was by the conflict.
"I don't think I could have managed without you, Paarthurnax, you have my very grateful thanks. I only regret we couldn't finish him off."
"Indeed, this is not the final krongrah, yet you saw that not even the heroes of old were capable of destroying him. Alduin was forever pahlok - arrogant in his power. He believed domination was his birthright. Your success here will shake the loyalty of those dov that follow him."
Aine glanced away where Alduin had disappeared and shifted her weight against the boulder. Her side was aching and though the trembling in her legs was going away, she still didn't think she could manage to stand upright. Her fingers played with the bow string and Paarthurnax edged his sharp face closer to her.
"Do you know where he goes when he leaves like this? I mean, does he have a home as you do?"
Paarthurnax blinked his large yellow eyes.
"Perhaps one of his allies could tell us. Motmahus… It will not be easy to convince one of them to betray him."
"And what part of this has been easy?"
He tipped his head and actually managed to look amused.
"Perhaps the hofskahsejun… Dragonsreach in Whiterun. The palace was built to house captive dov. It might be a fine place to trap one of Alduin's own."
Aine's lips parted and she stared at him. She almost dropped the bow and she tightened her hold again and straightened.
"I - I think the jarl might have some trepidation about that one, Paarthurnax. I don't know how the hell I'll convince him; even if it is using Dragonsreach how it's supposed to be used."
"Lok, Thu'um, but you must try."
"I was afraid you'd say that," Aine pushed from the boulder, slung her bow back, and pressed her hand to the space between Paarthurnax's nostrils. His eyes softened and he gave her slow blink, "Well, I'll see what Arngeir says about this. Thank you again, you have no idea how I appreciate your help."