Hi, guys! I'm finally in school now, and so far I've been able to manage it with my work and writing this story. So don't you worry I'm not abandoning this. Also just so you guys know, I'm also creating an Archive of our own account soon, but I won't abandon this website. Now enjoy your chapter!
Ch 24. Reunion in Riverwood
It wasn't long before Rune found a safe spot to land for from Whiterun, deep in the woods near by Riverwood. Once the dragons landed Valka got off of Cloudjumper with Lucia in her arms. "Don't worry Lucia we're safe now" she said softly after letting her down. But the little Imperial girl still kept clinging down to her. The former Viking didn't blame her though, someone just tried to kill her only son.
Speaking of her son, the Mage that saved him from the assassin was still clinging on to Rune like a life raft even after they landed. "Uh… excuse me, but we've landed, it's safe to get off now" the Dragonborn said choking a little. The Mage opened his eyes and realized they were indeed on the ground. "Oh… uh...sorry" the Mage quickly apologized as he embarrassedly got off.
"Hiccup!" Valka cried as she embraced her son the minute he got off of Toothless. "Are you alright son!?" she asked panicking thinking her son was injured. "Don't worry I'm fine mom, thanks to this stranger," Rune said pointing to the Mage that was recovering from flying high in the air on a dragon. His hood was now down revealing his face. He had blue eyes and his red hair was long to his chest and combed neatly in a low ponytail in the back "He helped me escape the assassin and Speed Stingers" he explained.
"Who exactly are you?" Valka then asked as she let go of her son.
"Soren, Soren Wolfsblood, I'm a student at the College of Winterhold. I was on my way to Whiterun to visit my brother but I arrived late and came across the Dark Brotherhood assassin that attempted to kill your son" the Mage named Soren explained as he introduced himself.
But Valka had her suspicions on this man. He just showed up out of nowhere and helped her son out, sounds a little suspicious. But her thoughts were interrupted when she heard someone yell "Soren!"
"Eran! Slow down, how do you even know if that scream is your brothers?"
"Only my big brother scream is like a little girl's and he's in trouble!"
"What was that?" Lucia asked looking around. The trio plus dragons then spotted a light flickering in the woods. When it got closer towards them Valka could make out three figures. One was a big green skin tusked buffed guy, A woman with gold skin, pointy ears and carrying a ball of light in her hand. And a buffed man. Rune, however, knew them instantly.
"Mal! Eran! Lurog!" he called out to them.
"Rune!?" Malukah called back upon seeing her Dragonborn friend. "Guys! It's Rune! He's alright!" the high elf yelled to her companions. Upon hearing those words the other two ran right up to Rune, relieved to see him alive and in one peace. "Thank Mara you're alright!" Malukah said relieved as she hugged Rune.
"It's okay, I'm alright Mal" Rune replied, hugging his high elf friend back.
"Where were you?" Lurog asked interrupting their little tender moment. "And what took you so long?"
"It's… kind of a long story" Rune replied as he broke the hug with the elf.
Eran meanwhile was hugging the living daylights out of Soren upon seeing him while crying like a baby. "Soren! My brother, you're alright!"
"Uh... Eran… not that I'm happy to see you… but I would like to breath please!?" Soren asked as Eran was choking in his death grip.
"Oh… sorry bro" Eran said embarrassed as he let go of his elder brother. "What in the world took you so long, I honestly thought those speedy lizards got you or something" Eran then asked.
"Let's just say it involves some bandits, wolves, and a mad jester trying to move his mother's corpse to a better grave" Soren explained while rubbing his head exhausted.
"A mad jester, now this I gotta hear," Eran said smirking, interested in hearing about his elder brother's misadventures.
"You two know each other?" Rune asked as he walked right up to the two, along with Malukah and Lurog. "Well obviously yes, they are brothers after all" Lurog answered smirking a little too.
"Brothers?! You two are related" Rune asked a bit surprised.
"Yep, believe it or not, he's my older brother!" Eran explained proudly as he placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.
"How'd you two meet anyways?" Eran then asked Soren. "Well… I… saved him from a Dark Brotherhood assassin" Soren replied a bit nervously.
"Dark Brotherhood assassin !?" the three companions called out in horror. "You guys encountered a Dark Brotherhood assassin and lived!?" Eran called out all the while shaking his brother shaking his brother like a sack of potatoes.
"Eran… will… you… stop that!" Soren yelled annoyed.
"Sorry, " Eran apologized once again. Valka meanwhile was kind of in the dark about what's going on. From the way her son was interacting with the three warriors, they were obviously friends and most likely the ones he mentioned earlier. "Hiccup, are these the dragon riders you told me about?" She then asked getting her son's attention.
"Uh… Rune, who's she?" Malukah asked upon noticing Valka.
"And why did she call you Hiccup?" Lurog added.
"And what kind of dragon is that?" Eran also added upon noticing Cloudjumper.
"Oh boy," Rune thought nervously, he's apparently forgotten about his mother. "Well… long story short… she's my mother, and… Hiccup is apparently my birth name" he then explained.
"What!" the three companions said in unison.
"She's your mother!?" Malukah asked in disbelief.
"Your real name is… Hiccup?" Lurog also asked trying really hard not to laugh. Eran how ever was laughing his but off.
"Oh my Talos, your name is really Hiccup! Aha ha ha ha ha" the Nord continued. That's when his elder brother Soren slapped him on the back of his head annoyed. "Ow! What was that for!?" Eran asked annoyed while rubbing the back of his sore head.
"The mother who gave him that name is right there and she happens to have a dragon!" Soren reminded his younger brother.
"Technically it was my husband that gave him that name" Valka then informed the two Nords.
Once the laugh fest was done Rune walked right up to his mother. "Yes mom, these are the other the dragon riders I told you about" he then began introducing each one. "This is Malukah the High Elf Mage Huntress, Lurog the Orc, and Eran the Nord" he then turned to his comrades and continued. "I discovered my mother was living among the Greybeards and I lost track of time catching up with her"
"Well, you sure picked a fine time for a family reunion." Lurog replied sarcastically.
"Lurog!" Mal scolded her Orc companion smacking his arm.
"We could have used his help back in Whiterun is all I'm saying," the Orc said in defense.
"Speaking of which, what happened in Whiterun? The entire city is deserted" Soren then asked, wanting to know what's going on.
"The minute the sun set these speedy stinging lizards came out of nowhere and frozen everybody they sting like a statue" Eran explained.
"But where is everybody?" Rune then asked.
"Don't worry there all safe in Riverwood, you can thank the Jarl and everybody within the Companions and the dragons for getting them to safety" Mal answered reassuring her Dragonborn friend that they're all alright and safe. "Any idea what those lizards were" Lurog then asked.
"Yes I do, I'll tell you guys once we're back to Riverwood. I don't want to be around if those Speed Stingers decides to come back" Rune then suggested.
"I agree" Soren agreed. "I do not want to see those lizards again"
"Probably a good idea, the Jarl's been worried sick about you" Lurog then added. "Little warning, though, it's a bit crowded" the Orc then warned.
"But what about our Dragons, won't the villagers be frightened by them?" Valka asked concerned for her dragon Cloudjumper and her sons as well. "Don't worry, there may be a few nervous and uneasy towns folks but the Jarl has reassured the people of Riverwood that the dragons will protect them" Malukah reassured Valka. "Alright then, " Valka said still a little unsure about the towns folks reaction to their dragons. So with that, the six plus dragons made their way through the woods to Riverwood.
As Lurog warned, Riverwood was indeed crowded with the refugees from Whiterun. But despite the numbers the towns folks of Riverwood offered aid to them. Whether it's offering shelter vie house or tents to assisting in the injured or frozen. Even many of the Companions helped out despite the tough battle they had with those Speed Stingers.
"This will have to be your home for now." a familiar Alik'r mercenary said as she finished setting up a tent for a woman named Carlotta and her daughter Mila.
"Thank you," Carlotta said grateful for what Iszarra did for them.
"Mother, when can we go back home?" Mila then asked a little scared.
"I don't know dear" Carlotta replied honestly having no idea if it's even safe to return.
"Don't you worry little one, will figure out a way to drive out those lizards from Whiterun! You can count on the Companions for sure" the Red Guard then said reassuring Mila that it will all work out.
"Really?" Mila then asked Iszarra.
"As Akatosh as my witness," she then vowed. "Now if you'll excuse me there're some more people who need my help" she then said before leaving, but not before hearing Carlotta say "Divines bless your kind heart". Once she was away her smile turned into a frown. Truth be told she wasn't sure if they could be driven out of the city.
"Iszarra!" someone called out snapping the young mercenary out of her out of her thoughts. She looked and saw Aela and Lydia walking up to her.
"Any sign of Rune or Toothless?" Iszarra then asked worriedly.
"Fraid not. We couldn't find the Thane anywhere" Lydia answered slightly down.
"I even tried to track him down in my wolf form, and still nothing" Aela then added.
"You don't suppose those lizards got to him when he got back, do you?" the Red Guard then asked scared.
"Don't worry my shield sister, from what I've seen the young Dragonborn can handle himself" Aela replied.
"Not to mention his dragon is always by his side." Lydia then added.
"I guess you have a point," Iszarra said upon remembering when she first battled Rune in that cave.
"Though I would like to know what's taking him so long to get back. I may not know much about these Greybeards, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't take this long to learn about this Thu'um thing." Iszarra then stated sounding a little impatient.
"Who knows, the only thing we can do for now is praying for his swift and safe return" Aela replied.
"The Dragonborn has returned!" someone then shouted. This caused nearly all the towns folks to rush to the entrance to the village.
"Finally!" Iszarra said relieved and a little ticked.
"Well… we better get up there then" Lydia then said.
"You two go ahead, someone's got to informed the Jarl" Aela then said.
"Very well then" Lydia replied before she and Iszarra joined the crowd.
The minute Rune entered Riverwood nearly all the townsfolk (mainly the ones from Whiterun) began surrounding him and asking him questions after questions.
"Where have you been?"
"What took you so long?"
"Did those lizards get you to?"
"Can I have your autograph?"
"Are… they always like this son?" Valka asked a little confused. "Kinda…" Rune replied nervously.
"Okay out of the way, give the Dragonborn some space." Lurog then said as he, Eran, and Malukah controlled the crowd.
"My Thane" Lydia called out as she emerged from the crowd along with Iszarra.
"Lydia! Iszarra!" Rune called out as he ran up to the two women warriors, relieved that there alright as well. "You two okay?" he then asked the two women warriors.
"Don't worry my Thane, we are both well" Lydia replied.
"I might suggest you get going to the Inn Rune, the Jarls been anxiously worried about you" Iszarra then added.
"Alright, I'm heading down there right now" Rune replied as he began walking towards the inn with his friends and his mother not far behind.
"Say who's the elder woman with you?" Iszarra then whispered in Rune's ear upon noticing Valka.
"She's… my mother actually" Rune whispered back.
"What, seriously?" she whispered in disbelief.
"Yeah, apparently she's been living among the Greybeards for the past 18 years" Ruen continued. "Oh… so that's why you're so late" Iszarra then said in realization. "Oh and I almost forgot," she said before punching him really hard in the shoulder.
"Ow! What was that for?" Rune asked rubbing his sore shoulder.
"That's for scaring the living daylights out of me as a Werewolf!" she said a little ticked.
"Uh… you know about that?" Rune asked nervously. "Mal explained everything" Iszarra explained. "I was there when you emerged from that hidden chamber.
"Sorry,shorten" Rune responded a little embarrassed. "Did… I hurt you?"
"No, but you may have shortened my life by a few years" Iszarra replied.
Valka meanwhile was a little confused to what her son and the dark skinned girl were talking about, something to do with Werewolves she believed they said? That's when she remembered what her son mentioned back in Whiterun. "Son, what's this about you turning into a Werewolf?" Valka then asked Rune, a little angry.
"Oh Boy", Rune thought. He was kind of hoping his mother would forget about that. "I promise I'll tell you about that later. Right now the Jarl want's to know what's going on" Rune whispered in his mother's ear.
The gang then arrived at The Sleeping Giant Inn, where they were greeted by a familiar blond Breaton.
"Thank Mara, your back" Dawn said happily as he walked right up to the gang. "The Jarl want's to see you right away" he then informed Rune.
"Don't worry, I'm heading inside" Rune replied as he walked inside. Dawn meanwhile was heading out the door.
"Hey Dawn, aren't you coming?" Malukah then asked. "I'd love to, but someone's gotta help the townsfolk and show them the dragons are here to help" Dawn replied.
"You sure you can handle it by yourself?" the High Elf asked a little concerned. "Don't worry, my mom's gone so it'll be easy to convince the townsfolk" Dawn replied.
"Alright, but just be careful" Mal replied before she entered the inn and Dawn went off.
The Sleeping Giant was your average Nordic style inn, only instead average guest and travelers staying for the night it's filled with some soldiers and few townsfolk all frozen and still like a statue, all victims of the Speed Stingers venom.
"What happened to them?" Valka asked upon seeing the statue townsfolk.
"Those lizards stung them and froze em like a stone statue," Lurog explained.
"It's really creepy if you ask me" Eran added a little creeped out by the still almost lifeless men and women. "Just how are they able to do that?" he then asked.
"Well, their venom is designed to freeze upon stinging their victims. But it's only temporary so don't worry, they'll be fine when it wears off." Rune answered, reassuring his comrades that they would be alright.
Three of the statue townsfolk caught Rune's eyes. They were none other than Hongar the Jarl's brother, Farkas, and Kodlack. He was about to say something when Aela came right up to Rune.
"It's good you've returned unharmed shield brother," she said relieved that he's o, however, was more focus on the three.
"You alright Rune?" Mal then asked noticing Rune's worried face.
"I just wished I came back sooner, I could have helped" Rune replied a little depressed.
"There's nothing you could have done. You probably would've wound up like them" Aela then said "But don't be so down. Our shield brothers and sisters fought valiantly. It took six of those lizards to freeze our Harpenger.
Kodlak then began making a series of grunts, trying to speak. "You got it Kodlak, sir." Eran then said giving the old Nord a thumbs up.
"What's he saying?" Rune asked Eran.
"No clue, I just don't want to make him feel worse then he already is" Eran whispered to Rune. Kodlak then made more grunt noises.
"Couldn't agree more!" Eran said to Kodlak again while smiling.
"Anyways the Jarl's down stairs in the basement waiting for you" Aela then mentioned.
"I'm on my way" Rune replied as Aela guided him and his friends and mother down to the basement.
The basement in the inn was filled with barrels of mead and other alcoholic drinks along with shelves and other barrels filled with food and other stuff. And in one corner of the basement was a couple of guards around a table with the Jarl Balgruuf and his housecarl the Dark Elf Irilith.
"My Jarl, Rune has arrived," Aela said making her presence known.
The Jarl looked up and saw Rune and the gang right in front of him and smiled. "Thane Rune, thank the Devines you're here," Balgruuf said relieved that the new Thane had arrived and in one peace. "I was beginning to think those weird lizards got you"
"Don't worry my Jarl, I'm alright" Rune replied as they both shook hands with each other.
"So I take it you know what's going on?" Balgruuf then asked Rune once the hand shaking was done.
"Yeah, got a lovely welcome back party from the Speed Stingers themselves" Rune replied sarcastically.
"Speed Stingers, is that what those lizards that took over the city are called? What do you know about them?" the Jarl began asking. And so Rune began explaining everything he knew about the Speed Stingers for a good five minutes as his mother, his comrades, and the guards listened carefully. The Jarl meanwhile was amazed a little bit that there really dragons, but he was still ticked off about them raiding his city.
"And you say these Speed Stingers are scavengers?" he then asked Rune.
"Basically yes...but I noticed these that took over Whiterun didn't take any of the food when I arrived" Rune explained.
"Really?" Balgruuf asked confused. "Then why did they invaded my city?"
"Well… you see…" Rune began nervously. He really didn't want to tell the Jarl about the assassin. Largely because he didn't want to case a panic, especially among his friends.
"There… alpha… is a… Argonian… Dark Brotherhood… assassin… that was after me" The entire room fell silent upon hearing those words out of fear.
"What!?" the Jarl said in utter shock. "Are you sure?"
"Fraid so my Jarl" Rune replied sighing a little.
His friends meanwhile were in complete shock by this news. "Is this true?" Mal then asked Soren.
"Yep, I was there" Soren replied.
"And you're both alive?" Eran asked in shock.
"Barely" Soren replied.
"Those Speed Stingers had us surrounded. We would have been goners if it weren't for his mother and her dragon.
"Um… I don't mean to interrupt but who or what is the Dark Brotherhood?" Valka then asked her son's friends.
"There basically a cult/guild of assassins that kill in the name of Sithis, and it looks like somebody performed the black sacrament and wants your son dead" Soren explained.
Poor Valka was now completely overwhelmed by this. Somebody wanted her son dead. But her reaction was nothing compared the guards reaction in the room.
Many of the guards started panicking and run around the room like a bunch of headless chickens. "The Dark Brotherhood control dragons now!"
"This truly is the end of the world!"
"I want my mommy!"
"It's a cookbook! It's a cookbook!"
"CALM DOWN EVERYONE!" Irilith then yelled at the top of her lungs causing all the guards to stop in there tracks (and some to trip and comically fall down like in those cartoons). "Honestly, you're all acting like children." the Dunmer said really annoyed by their idiotic behavior. "We've dealt with stuff like this before"
"But not a Dark Brotherhood assassin! With dragons! That took out nearly half our guards!" one of the cowardly guards pointed out.
"And he will be hunted down" the Jarl then stated. All the guards then turned to him like he was mad or something, and they weren't the only ones.
"Pardon me my Jarl, but these guys are nearly impossible to kill. I mean these are the same cult that managed to kill Emperor Pelagius the first some centuries ago." Soren then interrupted, reminding the Jarl these guys mean business.
"I'm aware of that, but I won't let that stop me from protecting my people, friends, and family. I'll slater every single one of those heathens if I have to" Jarl Balgruuf then replied.
"That's not necessary my Jarl" Rune then said. "The assassin is only after me and I don't want to put you or your guards in danger"
"I'd say it is since you have helped my people so much in the past four days then anyone has in a lifetime" the Jarl then began. "You came on your own accord to warn us about the dragons return, helped my court wizard in retrieving an ancient tablet that was a great help in his research, stopped a dragon from attacking my city, showed them that many of them can make great companions, and helped my son to open up and tell me what's wrong. You've helped my people so much and it's high time we return the favor."
"I agree with the Jarl, you've been a major help to us Thane Rune, I too am more than willing to lend my blade in your service" Irlith then said agreeing with the Jarl.
"You can count on me as well." Lurog then spoke while cracking his knuckles. "No one tries to kill my friend and lives to brag about it"
"I'm in to" Malukah also spoke wanting to help Rune with his Dark Brotherhood problem.
"You can count on the Companions to aid you" Aela then added.
"Well it's been nice knowing you Rune" Eran then said as he was attempting to leave the room, but was stopped by Lurog.
"Oh no, you don't! Last I checked Rune's your friend to" the Orc said as he grabbed the cowardly Nord and held him by the collar in the air.
"But… but...but!" the Nord muttered really scared.
"No buts, you're going to stay and help get rid of that assassin even if it kills you!" Lurog then said glaring at Eran.
"But I don't wanna die!" the Norn then whined.
"Don't worry, that assassin won't kill you, not so long as I'm here" Soren then said walking right up to his brother hanging in the air.
"Really big bro?" Eran asked staring at his brother with tears in his eyes.
"Yes, someone has to make sure you don't get yourself killed, " Soren said sighing a little, he hates it when Eran gets all emotional like this.
"Thank, big bro!" Eran yelled happily as he got out of Lurog's hold and hugged his brother.
"Eran I can't breath" Soren choked as his little brother was crushing his ribs.
"Sorry,apologized" Eraapologized as he let go of his elder brother.
"Face it Rune, were going to help you weather you like it or not" Iszarra then said smirking a little.
Rune sighed in defeat. There was no stopping them from helping him with the assassin. But at the same time, it did make him feel good that even the Jarl would help him out. Plus he's going to need a lot of help in taking down this assassin and his Speed Stingers.
"So it's settled then." Jarl Balgruuf then announced. "Now you should probably get some rest lad, you'll need it for tomorrow" he then suggested to Rune.
"My Jarl, we should send some guards to keep watch all night, in case that assassin or those dragons decide to come hear" Irlith then suggested.
"Very well Irlith, see if you can find some volunteers to keep watch" the Jarl then said, agreeing with his housecarl.
"I'll see if any of the Companions are willing to volunteer also my Jarl" Aela then spoke.
"I thank you," Balgruuf said grateful for the Companions aid.
And with that, the Jarl dismissed everybody and they all returned up stairs to the inn. "Pardon me madam, but I don't believe I've seen you before" Balgruuf then asked Valka, he'd remembered seeing her during the meeting standing in the corner among Rune's companions.
"This is my mother actually, I discovered she's been living among the Greybeards taking care of the dragons that go to High Hrothgard." Rune explained.
The Jarl was slightly surprised by this news. Not just the fact that his mother was living up there, but that they were dragons up there, that's something he'd never knew.
"I want to personally thank you for wanting to help my son with this assassin problem" Valka then said gratefully.
"Your son has done a lot for my people, it's the least I can do. You should be proud of him." the Jarl then replied shaking Valka's hand.
"So I've heard" Valka then said while staring at her son, smiling a little. Rune slightly blushed in embarrassment.
"But I don't understand why someone would want my son dead" Valka then said concerned.
"Probably somebody Rune pissed off or want's revenge or something and hired the Dark Brotherhood to take him out for him or her" Soren then explained.
"But who hired the Dark Brother hood?" Iszarra then asked.
"Do you suppose it's a bandit you missed on one of your missions?" Eran then asked.
"Possibly, who knows" Rune lied. In truth, Rune had an idea who might be after him.
"Who knows who's after him but I suggest we all get some rest because we're going to need it for tomorrow," Lurog grumbled
"I agree, today's been quite crazy" Rune agreed.
"Tell me about it" Soren then muttered remembering his misadventure.
"You still need to tell me about that mad jester" Eran then asked his brother.
"Uhhhh… where do I begin" Soren sighed exhaustedly.
Latter that night…
Rune sat in a chair right next to the fire pit with a mug full of mead in his hand. His mind was on the assassin that tried to kill him hours earlier. He ran through the event in his mind dozens of times trying to piece together how that Argonian was able to command those Speed Stingers since they were so difficult to train.
One time he'd encounter one juvenile Speed Stinger injured on his island and with the help of the dragons, he managed to fix the Stingers leg and upon realizing he was helping him, he earned his trust and began treating every dragon including himself and Thoren like a member of a pack.
"Hey Rune you doing alright?" someone then asked, snapping Rune out of his thoughts. The young Dragonborn turned to find a familiar Breton right next to him.
"Dawn,what are you doing here?" Rune asked a bit surprised.
"My mom owns this inn, so I basically live here" Dawn explained.
"Oh," Rune replied a little embarrassed, remembering what Malukah told him.
"So what exactly happened in Whiterun that caused the entire town to evacuate to Riverwood?" Dawn then asked as he sat in a chair across from Rune.
"It's a long story" Rune sighed tiredly"
"But is there anything I can do to help?" Dawn then asked.
"Not unless you can figure out how a Dark Brotherhood assassin managed to tame a pack of Speed Stingers" Rune replied a little stressed.
"Dark Brotherhood? Speed Stingers?" Dawn asked now really confused.
Remembering that Dawn wasn't there during the meeting, he told him the whole story for the past 2 minutes.
"So this assassin from that heathen cult can somehow control these Speed Stingers Dragons?" Dawn asked in disbelief.
"Yep it's true and I'm apparently on his hit list" Rune replied confirming it.
"By Talos!" Dawn muttered in fear. "But who hired the Dark Brotherhood to kill you?" he then asked.
"I… may have an idea who it might be" Rune replied nervously.
"You do?" Dawn asked.
"You remember that dragon cult that was after Toothless?" Rune then asked.
"How can I not" Dawn replied remembering how they imprisoned him, thinking he was a spy. "What… do you think it's them that hired the Dark Brotherhood?"
"My guts telling it is. The assassin mentioned that a Dragon Priest performed the Black Sacrament" Rune replied.
"You think it's another attempt to get at Toothless?" Dawn then asked again.
"Possibly, but what do they want with Toothless?" Rune replied/asked confused.
"Don't know, but I do remember something I over heard by two cult members while I was tied up" dawn then said remembering something.
"What was it?" Rune then asked.
"Well… they mentioned waiting for someone named Dinokqo and his human pet" Dawn explained.
"Dinokqo, I think I heard that leader mentioned that name" Rune then mentioned, remembering what that guy said yesterday. "Any idea what he was talking about? Who's Dinokqo?"
"I… might have an idea… but I'm not sure if it's true since I heard it from an old story my mother used to tell me when I was a kid" Dawn then replied.
"Well, what's the story?" Rune asked eager to hear the story.
"The story is manly about a Alduin, but there was a part of the story that mentions a dragon by that name" Dawn began. "According to the story Alduin had a right hand dragon that followed his every command and was the most loyal dragon that he himself created. He was so loyal that he stood by his master's side when he was defeated by the Tongues, heros that had the power of the Thu'um and was supposedly killed along with his master. But it was said that he will return one day by his master's side and will help him rule once again."
Rune sat silently for a moment thinking about the story Dawn just told him. "I don't believe I've ever heard that story in any other legend and stories of Alduin and the Dragon War" Rune then admitted.
"Well like I said it's a children's story, but there was a part of the story that struck out to me" Dawn then explained.
"What was it?" Rune then asked.
"The dragon Dinoqko is often described as a dragon with scales darker than the night sky" Dawn explained. "Sound familiar?"
"Yeah… that pretty much describes a Night Fury to a T" Rune replied.
"Do you suppose the dragon cult mistook Toothless for this Dinoqko" he then asked Dawn. "Possibly, or… he is Dinoqko." Dawn then suggested.
"But that's impossible. The Dragon War was thousands of years ago and my mother confirmed he's around my age" Rune said disagreeing.
"Your mom?" Dawn then asked confused.
"Long story short I discovered my mother living among the Greybeards and is an expert in dragons, even more then I am
" Rune explained. "Anyways… I think it's impossible since he's my age and according to the story Dinokqo would be about, thousands of years old"
"I see your point" Dawn said realizing Rune was right. "So it's most likely they've mistook him for that dragon"
"Maybe, but I doubt we can negotiate with them" Rune then said as he pointed out there situation.
"They just won't stop till they have Toothless." Dawn then added.
"I won't let that happen" Rune then said firmly. "They'll have to go through me if they want Toothless"
"Most likely why they hired the Dark Brotherhood." Dawn then added. "And they'll stop at nothing till your soul is in the void, no matter how many you kill"
"Don't remind me" Rune sighed stressfully. "I just need to figure out how to separate that assassin from the Speed Stingers"
"We'll I suggest you get some rest then." Dawn then suggested.
"You're probably right Dawn," Rune said, agreeing with his Breton friend.
"I'll see if I can find anything more on Dinokqo that might help us" Dawn then offered. "Thanks, Dawn" Rune replied gratefully.
"What are friends for" Dawn simply replied before getting up.
"Say, Dawn, you mind not telling the others about this?" Rune then asked.
"You didn't tell the others?" Dawn asked a little surprised.
"Yes, and I like to keep it that way, I don't want them to worry about more than they already are" Rune explained.
"Very well, but sooner or later you're going to have to tell them" Dawn promised.
"Thanks, goodnight," Rune said before leaving the room.
"Night" Dawn replied before he to left the room.
Valka silently watched as her son and his friend left the room behind a pillar. She came to the room earlier hopping to talk to her son about something when she overheard their conversation about who was most likely after him. This left Valka thinking about the cult her son talked about. "No, it couldn't be them, could it?" Valka thought alarmed.
Her thoughts however were interrupted by the sound of tiny foot steps. Valka turned to see a familiar little Imperial girl hiding behind another pillar. "What are you doing up dear?" Valka asked Lucina.
"I can't sleep" Lucina replied sounding really scared. The poor girl's been silent since they arrived in Riverwood and when Valka asked around for the girls parents none of them knew. Not to mentioned she wouldn't leave her side.
"You still afraid?" Valka then asked as she walked right up to Lucina. "Hmm hmm,sadly" she replied scared.
"Don't worry, those Speed Stingers won't come here, I promise" Valka then said trying to comfort the little girl. She replied by hugging/clinging to Valka.
"There there," Valka said patting her head, comforting her as best she could. "Do you know where your mother or father are?" She then asked. The little girl, however, didn't answered, and instead buried her face in her chest. "Don't you want to return to your family Lucina?" Valka asked again.
"I don't have a family anymore" Lucina sadly.
This caught Valka's attention. "What do you mean, what happened?" she asked concerned. But she didn't reply, but instead cried in her chest. "It's alright dear,you can tell me" Valka said as she gently rubbed her back. Feeling the dragon lady's warm hug and gentle massage made the young Imperial feel safe, almost like her mother was still around.
That's when she began ballying as she told her everything. "Mommy died in a farming accident, Daddy left us, and my Aunt and Uncle kicked me out after taking over the farm, said I was good for nothing. So I beg for money on the streets of Whiterun. I don't know what to do anymore."
Now Valka was in tears after hearing Lucia's story. How could someone do that to a child who lost a parent. True her parents were a little rough on her, but never would they never do this to her when she was at her lowest. Without thinking Valka then picked up Lucina and began rocking her like a baby. "It's alright Lucia, I'm here" She whispered as she comforted the little girl and then began to sing.
Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
Still the stars find their way
Awaken from a quiet sleep
Hear the whispering of the wind
Awaken as the silence grows
In the solitude of the night
Darkness spreads through all the land
And your weary eyes open silently
Sunsets have forsaken all
The most far off horizons
Nightmares come when shadows grow
Eyes close and heartbeats slow
Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
Still the stars find their way
And you can always be strong
Lift your voice with the first light of dawn
Dawn's just a heartbeat away
Hope's just a sunrise away
Distant sounds of melodies
Calling through the night to your heart
Auroras, mists, and echoes dance
In the solitude of our life
Pleading, sighing arias
Gently grieving in captive misery
Darkness sings a forlorn song
Yet our hope can still rise up
Nightmares come when shadows roam
Lift your voice, lift your hope
Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
Still the stars find their way
And though the night sky's filled with blackness
Fear not, rise up, call out and take my hand
Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
(Still the stars find their way)
Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
(Still the stars find their way)
And you can always be strong
Lift your voice with the first light of dawn
Dawn's just a heartbeat away
Hope's just a sunrise away
The lullaby she sang was something her mother used to sing to her when ever she was upset. She also sang it to Hiccup when he was a baby when he was fussy. She may had not have sung it for a long time, but it worked like a charm and it calmed lucina to the point that she fell asleep in her arms. Quietly she walked towards the room Lusina was sleeping in all the while pondering what she can do to help this beautiful child.
The song Valka just sung was Fear not this night from Guild Wars 2, a very beautiful song also composed by Jeramy himself. And it would seem Valka knows something about the Cult. Does she know the?Keep reading and find out! And if anybody has a question for me or my characters,ask on Hoy to Become Dragonborn Q and A. Till next time!