A/N: I love listening to the Song of the Dragonborn, whether I am writing or just for the heck of it. I'd like to recommend to all my readers that they find their favorite version and put it on when the song starts in the story for added effect!


- The Hall of Valor -

The inside of the Hall of Valor was completely different than the exterior. While it was dark and foggy outside, the inside of the mead hall was full of golden light from countless candles and braziers filling the place. A huge dining table full of delicacies of every type waited at the bottom of a short set of steps. I could see several groups of people all ages and both genders standing around talk, reenacting fight scenes, or laughing. The only thing in common they all had was that they were Nords. No other race was represented here.

A tawny haired man with a full beard wearing ancient Nordic armor approached me. On his back, he wore a two-handed axe similar to Tsun. The blade was engraved with runes and looked very familiar. I had seen it in Jorrvaskr sitting in position of honor after their leader had died.

"That's Wuuthrad, isn't it?" I asked, indicating the axe. "That would make you Ysgramor, right?"

The man laughed loudly as he clapped me on the back. His strength was enough that I almost fell over. "It is good to know that my name hasn't been forgotten. Even foreigners remember my axe."

"I saw it personally in Jorrvaskr," I said, trying to not tumble down the stairs. "It had been shattered and the Companions spent a great deal of time and energy to rebuild it."

"It pleases me to hear my old mead hall still stands after all this time," Ysgramor said heartily. He led me down the stairs into the building proper. "I take it that you are the Dragonborn everyone is talking about lately. I cannot say we get many Imperials up here. In fact, we don't get much of anything recently. Our door has stood empty since Alduin first set his soul-snare here."

"Why hasn't anyone done anything?" I asked angrily. "All of you are heroes of legend or at least Nords who died with honor. Why haven't you gathered your strength and destroyed Alduin yourselves?"

"By Shor's command, we sheathed our blades and ventured not the vale's dark mist," Ysgramor sighed. "We could no more go against our lord's wishes in death than we did our mortal masters in life."

"I cannot find Alduin alone," I said, tears threatening to fall down my face. "I tried! I swear I tried. But his fog…it leeches your mind. It makes you forget who you are. I cannot fight him if I am fighting his damn trap at the same time."

"Worry not, Dragonborn," Ysgramor said. He pointed to small group of two men and a woman standing off a ways. I recognized them from my vision – Hakon One-Eye, Felldir the Old, and Gormlaith Golden-Hilt. "Three await your word to loose their fury upon the perilous foe. Shor has granted them the chance to end their ancient enemy once and for all with your aid."

The first Companion patted my back. "Go meet with them. Plan your attack. Then eat and rest. It is important to enter battle with a fresh mind and body or you will betray yourself and help your enemy defeat you. Gods' speed to you, Dragonborn." With that final bit of advice, Ysgramor turned and left to talk to another group of heroes.

"Thanks," I said to the empty air. Aela was going to have a litter of puppies when I told her who I met!

When I approached the group of Voice Masters, Gormlaith turned and smiled excitedly at me. "At long last!" she declared as she drew her sword. "Alduin's doom is now ours to seal – just speak the word and with high hearts, we'll hasten forth to smite the worm wherever he lurks."

"Hold, comrade," Felldir said gently, like a grandfather to an excited grandchild. "Let us counsel take before battle is blindly joined. Alduin's mist is more than a snare – its shadowy gloom is his shield and cloak. With four Voices joined, we can blast the mist and bring him to battle."

"Felldir speaks wisdom," Hakon said, his voice low and calm unlike the hotheaded nature of Gormlaith. "The World-Eater, coward, fears you, Dragonborn. We must drive away his mist, Shouting together, and then unsheathe our blades in desperate battle with our black-winged foe."

"First, there are certain rituals that must be observed," Felldir reminded his companions. "Our newest companion must meditate and rest before we can take to the battlefield. Once she is in harmony, then her Shout may join ours."

"I don't know about being in harmony," I admitted, "but I'll try to compose myself enough to represent well beside you."

"I suppose that is all we can expect from a non-Nord," Gormlaith said haughtily. I tried to suppress a growl when I saw her arrogant expression.

"Ignore my sister," Hakon laughed. "She has been gnawing at the bit ever since the fogs first appeared. She is merely hot-blooded for battle." He turned to the golden haired warrior. "It would do you well to mediate as well."

"I've never been more ready!" Gormlaith declared.

"Unfortunately, the mortal is not," Felldir said. He pointed to me. Despite standing, I was struggling to stay awake. Now that I was some place warm and not being chased by a dragon, my exhaustion was overtaking me. "Once the Dragonborn is rested, we will go to battle."

"Thank you," I said softly when a maiden came over and gestured for me to follow her.

I was given a room with a single soft bed. I barely managed to drag off my filthy armor before crawling into the bed and passed out. Sleep was dreamless and a dark Void.


- Purification -

When I woke, the same maid who had led me to my room was waiting for me. She led me to a large room that was full of steam. A depression was full of hot water and bathing supplies were waiting in a small metal basket for me.

"Please meditate upon the upcoming battle," the warrior maid said softly as she helped me remove my dirty underclothes. "We will clean and prepare your armor. When you are ready, we will proceed with the ritual."

I stepped into the water, enjoying the feeling of heat for what felt like the first time in forever. Ever since I came to Skyrim, I had felt constantly chilled. My muscles relaxed and I sighed in relief. I didn't linger long. I started to clean myself while trying to mentally prepare myself for the upcoming battle. It felt impossible. How could I possibly calm myself for this?

Outside I could hear the hum of the ancestral choir chanting. They were praying in the form of song to rally the heroes before the final fight with Alduin. Would the gods actually take notice and give us their blessing this day or were we on our own?

Although the song was in the ancient tongue, I could understand it as clearly as if Lydia were speaking it to me.

Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn,
To keep evil forever at bay!
And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph's
shout,
Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!

I sighed and stood, not wanting to leave the cleansing waters of the bath, but it was time to get ready. As I stepped out of the bath, attendants swarmed me with large towels to dry me. I stood patiently with my arms spread as they worked. My eyes closed as I tried to focus on breathing.

Hearken now,

Sons of snow, to an age, long ago,
And the tale, boldly told, of the one!
Who was kin to both
wyrm, and the races of man,
With a power to rival the sun!

The clothes I would wear under the chafing armor were brought out next. I hastily pulled on the smallclothes, breast band, and dress. The heat of the bath was gone and only the chill of Sovngarde remained.

And the voice, he did wield, on that glorious field,
When great Tamriel shuddered with war!
Mighty Thu'um, like a blade, cut through enemies all,
As the Dragonborn issued his roar!

My dragon scale armor, cleaned and polished, was brought to me. Clever hands quickly tightened the buckles to ensure they would not loosen during battle. I waved away the celestial assistants as I sat on a bench to pull on and lace my boots. I wiggled my toes against the fur lining to check for any stones or torn soles.

Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn,
To keep evil forever at bay!
And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph's shout,
Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!

Next my hair was brushed out and plaited before being wound into the multiple braids that I favored. War paint was applied to my face to give me a fearsome appearance. My eyelids were graced with deep purple paint that trailed down my cheeks. Normally, I didn't wear war paint, but it seemed a good day as any for the extra ritual.

And the

Scrolls have foretold, of black wings in the cold,
That when brothers wage
war come unfurled!
Alduin, Bane of Kings, ancient shadow unbound,
With a hunger to swallow the world!

I held my hand out and an attendant gave me my helmet. I placed it on my head before checking my appearance in the mirror. I was pleased to see that no sign of emotion was on my face for if there was, it would be that of fear and uncertainty. I wasn't going to give Alduin that particular satisfaction.

But a day shall arise when the dark dragon's lies
Will be silenced forever and then!
Fair
Skyrim will be free from foul Alduin's maw!
Dragonborn, be the savior of men!

I pulled on my gloves, completing the outfit. With a sigh, I turned and walked out to the main hall where the others were waiting. Hakon One-Eye was focused on sharpening his double headed axe while Felldir the Old silently mouthed incantations that he was studying out of a book.

Gormlaith Golden-Hilt haughtily stood to the side in her steel armor. Her face paint was similar to Aela's with the three claw marks running down her race. I wondered briefly if the two of them were distantly related.

Her eyes ran over me, taking in my personal armor and judging me. Although the woman was obviously eager for battle, her demeanor indicated that she was uncertain of my usefulness. "Are you ready?" she asked, her tone doubtful.

I nodded as I belted on my glass sword and bow.

Gormlaith grinned fiercely as she drew her sword and held it aloft in the air. "To battle, my friends! The fields will echo with the clamor of war, our wills undaunted."

Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn,
To keep evil forever at bay!
And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph's shout,
Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!

The four of us turned as one and proceeded out of the hall and to the mist covered plains outside.

It was time.


-The Final Battle -

We stopped at the edge of the mists. As I looked down, I could see the tendrils slowly trying to curl around my boots. I angrily stomped it, trying to drive it back.

"Alduin will hide in this lightless mist until we Shout together and shatter his power," Hakon stated. He looked to his right at Felldir and Gormlaith, who both nodded back at him. Then he turned to his left to me, waiting for my signal.

I pulled my bow out and tested the string. I didn't like how much moisture was in the air. It was sure to be hellish on my bow. Still, it seemed taut enough. I nodded. "Let's do this."

"LOK VAH KOOR!"

Our combined Shout caused much more of the fog to be pushed back than my singular Shout had and more than I would have thought four single Shouts would have. I could actually see the landscape around us as the mist dissipated.

In the distance, Alduin roared, "VEN MUL RIIK!"

A thunder-like sound rippled through the air. The miasma consolidated and started to roll back towards us. It looked less than it had before, but Alduin's Shout had definitely reinforced it.

"Again!" Gormlaith yelled.

"LOK VAH KOOR!"

Once again the soul-snare was pushed back, and once again Alduin strengthened it with his Shout. "VEN MUL RIIK!"

"We can shatter his power if we Shout together!" Felldir insisted.

"LOK VAH KOOR!"

"VEN MUL RIIK!"

The thinning mist poured over us. I could feel my confidence ebbing away as it touched me. I looked over to Hakon and saw the same uncertainty on his face. "Does his strength have no end?" the Nord hero asked. "Is our struggle in vain?

"Stand fast! His strength is failing! Once more, and his might will be broken!" Gormlaith cried.

"His power crumbles," Felldir said. "Do not pause for breath!"

Despite the cloying fog, I drew in one last breath and Shouted with the other Heroes. "LOK VAH KOOR!"

Our Shout ripped through the remains of the fog, and to my delight none of it remained. I could now see the mountains that surrounded Sovngarde, the grassy plains, even the various common mountain flowers I had seen all over Skyrim. The sky was still that strange purple color with the shining light in the center, but the battlefield was bereft of the interfering fog. Our minds would be clear for this battle.

On the horizon, I could see Alduin's black form as he flew towards us. He was so much faster than Odahviing, and the red dragon had been the fastest creature I had ever seen. As the dragon god of destruction neared us, I saw the sky was blackening. Dark, angry clouds formed in Alduin's wake.

It was an ill omen.

"The endless wait gives way to battle!" Gormlaith crowed. "Alduin's doom, his death or ours!"

Maybe the female warrior could afford to sound confident given that she had already died once. I hadn't forgotten how her overconfidence had cost her life the first time. Maybe I wasn't as excited because I was still alive.

Alduin roared, his thu'um mighty indeed, as the sky ripped open. Huge gouts of flame tore from the black clouds and fell crashing to the ground. I screamed as one landed near me, almost setting my skirt on fire.

"Bring him down!" Gormlaith commanded. With the ease of a group who has worked together a long time and knows each other's habits, the three Heroes of Old formed together and Shouted.

"JOOR ZAH FRUL!"

Alduin screamed as the combined Shout hit him, but he managed to stay in the air. I fell to my knees as my dragon soul cried out in pain too. It felt as if the three companions had turned against me and ran their swords into my gullet all at once.

"He's too strong here," Hakon commented. "He has devoured too many souls. Dragonborn, you must add your voice to ours."

"What is wrong with her?" Gormlaith sneered.

"I'm Dragonborn," I coughed as I held my stomach. "Dragonrend affects me too."

"Hm, an unforeseen problem," Felldir commented. He looked up to the sky. "You must compose yourself quickly. We have no time to wait."

More balls of flame were falling around us, and Alduin looked like he was about to breathe on us.

Hakon helped me to my feet. "Now, we must Shout now."

I nodded, trying to brace myself. The four of us drew in deep breaths.

Serenity, I reminded myself. Harmony. Balance. Kyne's way.

"JOOR ZAH FRUL!"

I felt like I was being beaten within an inch of my life. My head felt like it was going to burst. Thankfully, Alduin felt the same way and crashed to the ground. The world shook with his impact.

The three Heroes gave mighty battle cries before charging the downed dragon. I shakily tried to pull my bow, but found I had no strength in me. It took everything in me to simply stand again.

"Again!" Gormlaith commanded when it looked like Alduin was starting to get his focus back.

"No, please," I begged. I knew I was crying and that Gormlaith would think less of me for it, but I couldn't stop myself. "Please, don't make me use that Shout again."

"Do it, Imperial!" she barked, uncaring of my pain. The only thing the golden haired warrior saw was victory in her grasp. Gormlaith reached under my helm and grabbed a handful of my hair before jerking on it hard. "Do not fail me now!"

"Okay, okay," I cried.

"JOOR ZAH FRUL!"

I fell to the ground and curled up on my side. The hate, the anger, the pain – all of it felt like it was being stabbed into every part of my body. The dragon part of my soul screamed, both in pain and vengeance. There would be a reckoning.

As I lay there, writhing in pain, I saw that Gormlaith, confident in her prowess, had gotten too close to Alduin's jaws again. Without thinking, I jumped up and threw myself between her and the dragon. I wasn't going to let her die a final death here. Not after having seen this scene before.

I screamed in pain as the dragon's jaws crunched down on my torso. Thankfully, my dragon scale armor was able to protect me or I would have been killed. Something cracked, at least one rib, possibly several, as Alduin tried to feast on me. I pushed helplessly against him, his maw as unmovable as the stone below. I pounded on his muzzle, but he merely snickered at my attempts.

"Push the world, and it pushes back," Arngeir's voice reminded me.

"FUS RO DAH!" I Shouted, putting all of my hurt, anger, and fear into that one Shout. I held nothing back as I focused on the thought of wanting to push Alduin away at any price. The dragon's head snapped back painfully. I could hear the jawbone crack from the impact.

Alduin released me involuntarily, unable to keep his grip on me. I landed roughly on my back before rolling over onto my front, not crying out only because I had nothing left in me to make a single sound. Alduin awkwardly stumbled a few feet away from me. If he had chosen to step on me in that moment, I would not have been able to stop him.

"JOOR ZAH FRUL!" the Heroes Shouted one last time. I didn't even twitch this time, I was so far gone.

Alduin wailed, brought low by the only Shout created by humanity, as the Heroes attacked him from all angles. They were now careful to stay out of the reach of his shattered jaws and his mighty fire breath, but even his wing and tail slap attacks did the ancient dragon warlord no good.

"Zu'u unslaad!" Alduin decreed in pain as he threw his head back. "Zu'u nis oblaan!"

I had learned enough draconic by now to understand that much. "I am eternal. I cannot end!"

Cracks started to appear over every inch of Alduin's body. They ran over him, crisscrossing every which way. The dragon roared over and over as his form tore apart. Finally, in one last burst of energy, Alduin exploded. A black silhouette of a dragon made of shadow and Void was all that remained. It reared back, roaring before a release of fiery energy threw everyone away from it, and it was drawn up into the sky into the glowing white light.

Alduin was gone. He had finally been destroyed as it had been foretold.

Tsun finally left his post by the entrance of the Whale Bone Bridge. He offered me a hand to stand, which I gratefully took. It hurt to move. I held one arm to my side where I felt blood oozing out. I would need medical attention, but it didn't look immediately life threatening.

"This is a mighty deed!" Tsun declared. "The doom of Alduin encompassed at last, and cleansed is Sovngarde of his evil snare."

"Truly, we would not have succeeded if not for your presence," Hakon said graciously as he cleaned his blade and sheathed it.

"Hm," Gormlaith grunted noncommittally. She looked less than impressed by my contribution. Clearly, she never thought she was in any danger from the dragon. Not surprising, really.

"Thank you, Dragonborn," Felldir said with a small bow, his arms tucked into the long sleeves of his robes.

Everything still hurt. I didn't want to move. The combined Shouts, back to back, had left me weak before Alduin had decided to chew on me. For someone who was supposed to be a mere mortal, the Dragonrend Shout still pained me greatly.

"When you have completed your count of days, I will welcome you again, with glad friendship, and bid you join the blessed feasting," Tsun said happily as he pounded my back.

"All hail the Dragonborn!" the others cheered. "All hail her with great praise!"

It took me a moment to realize what Tsun was offering. "You mean you want me to come back here to Sovngarde when I die?" I asked astounded.

"Yes!" Tsun laughed. "Though you are not a Nord by blood, you are one in spirit!"

I had heard that line before.

"To the Void with that!" I yelled.

The others looked at me with shocked expressions. Gormlaith sneered. "We should have known that she would not take well to your offer, Tsun. She is at heart a foul wyrm, no better than the World-Eater. Cowardly and weak."

"Think wisely before you refuse the god's offer, child," Felldir advised.

"The battle has left you tired and not thinking clearly," Hakon offered. "Maybe after you've been attended to by healers."

"No," I said shaking my head. "I know exactly what I'm saying. I don't want to come here when I die. I don't want to have to spend the rest of eternity having to stare up at oversized, drunk, obnoxious Nords who think they are better than me because I'm not a Nord. No matter what any of you say, there will be more of you who think I'm just some inconvenient runt who's hanging off your god Shor's tit in exchange for some favor."

"I have promised that you will return," the huge man growled, "and I do not forsake my vows regardless of how much I may regret making them. Maybe I will have you return as one of the fools you Imperials seem to favor in your courts so much. Give you a chance to teach us Nords some humor." The sarcasm was not lost on me.

"Better a fool who tells the truth than the fool who believes the lie," I retorted. I didn't care that Tsun looked closer to fifteen feet than ten now. I was going to have my say in this matter. "That reminds me. All of you talk like you're from some bad Cyrodilic play."

"Be careful what you wish for, Dragonborn," Tsun said in a soft, but deadly voice. The title had never sounded so much like a curse. "NAHL DAAL VUS!"

The Shout slammed into me and I found myself falling backwards. I tried to scream, but there was no air.

There was nothing.


A/N: So, our hero's journey is almost done! The World-Eater destroyed and the world saved. Maybe not the most heroic of tales, but Diana has never been a very good traditional hero, has she?

One more chapter to go to wrap things up and it will be time to say goodbye.

Don't fret though. I have plans for another sequel called Breath and Focus. Cicero will return as well as a lot of familiar faces - both welcome and despised. I think it's going to be a great story, so I hope all of you join me there.

Comments desperately appreciated! Huge thanks to everyone who has been with me from the beginning. Your comments have helped keep me moving.