Chapter 29:
By no means was my entrance into Sovngard graceful. It was far from it. I thought I was seeing the bright colours of the sky from hitting the ground so hard, but no, auroras of blue, pink and purple circled above. Bright green, orange and blue cloud like formations hung in the sky, filled with stars shining.
The sky was so beautiful, but the land below me was not so. Thick grey fog clouded over the pathway to where I imagined lead to the hall of heroes. If I was to get through this final task, I would have to forget about my life back in Skyrim. For now, everything depended on being in Sovngard.
"Lok Vah Koor!" Erupted from my mouth, letting the fog fade away enough for me to see where I was going. What I would have expected to be green grass and lushes flowers blooming had been replaced by dull grass and a small amount of flowers. I guess I had such I high expectations. All of it had to have been Alduin's doing since taking claim to this land, feeding on the souls that wonder through here. I planned that I wouldn't be next.
I repeatedly shouted into the space, clearing away the fog but was shocked was another soul was wondering the well-used road. "Turn back traveller! Danger awaits in the mist!" The Stormcloak bellowed, fear in his eyes.
"Whoa calm down," I raised my hands. "I'm not a traveller."
The Stormcloak soldier eye's didn't let go of the panic. "Who are you then?"
"I'm the Dragonborn, here to kill the World Eater."
It only takes a few words to brighten someone's life, well afterlife. "Please let me follow you to the Hall of Heroes." He begged.
"Sure," I shrugged and walked past him. He might have been following or not but I didn't care. I was so close now.
The path in front split in two, from what I could see was towards a large rock. I shouted once again, the force of the shout rattling my bones.
"Hana?" Someone called, their voice old and hoarse. I looked down the pathway, my eyes scanning for the owner of the voice. Who would know me here? I would have loved to blame Sovngard for playing tricks with my head, but they weren't. "You haven't changed since the day you came to our hall."
"Kodlak?" I croaked, my eyes already starting to water. I should have guessed I would see the old man here, but what was here and not in the hall? I ran up to the old man and swung my arms around him.
"Aye it's me youngling, good to see a familiar face here," Kodlak smiled as I let go of our hug. "Though I was hoping it wasn't going to be this early."
"Why are you out here and not in the hall?"
"Alduin haunts this land, preying on us like we had hunted our enemies," He said solemnly.
"He won't be here for much longer Kodlak as long as I'm here." I looked down at the ground guiltily, "I hope I haven't disappointed you by not taking the role of Harbinger."
A deathly rumble pushed its way through the mist. Alduin. "You must go Hana, we can talk about this after you defeat the World-Eater. Let the gods lead you to victory," Kodlak said before the mist swallowed us, blocking my view around me. He was right. I had to go.
I wiped away the tears that had fallen onto my cheeks as I neared the end of the path. Golden lights emerged from Shor's hall, a wall of stars and auroras behind it. I guess what the Nords believed in real life had been true, not a bad place to end up when you die.
My eyes followed along the large animal spine that was used as a bridge to the hall and to the land I was on. It would be a miracle I didn't fall through the cracks in the spine once on it. A large Nord stood in the way of my path. Most were taller than I was, but this man was taller than Farkas by a long shot. Long brown hair fell to his shoulders, the only armour he wore was around his waist, covering his stomach, and his leg, the rest was bare.
Tsun.
"What brings you here, wayfarer grim, to wonder here, in Sovngarde, souls-end, Shor's gift to the honoured dead?" Tsun spoke, confident and threatening.
I pushed back the fear that was pooling in my stomach and stood my ground. "By the right of birth, I am Dragonborn, member of the Companions." I addressed, keeping my eyes stern on Tsun's.
"It has been too long since I last faced a doom-driven hero of the dragon-blood." He nodded, leaning on his battle-axe that must have been at least my height.
"Doom-driven? Sounds about right," I scoffed. "So may I enter the hall?"
"Living or dead, by the decree of Shor, none may pass this perilous bridge 'till I judge them worthy by the warriors test," He growled, no longer leaning on his axe.
Tests. If there was anything that I had learned in Skyrim, if someone says tests, it usually means that the person was going to die. I didn't want to be that person.
I jumped back avoiding his swing on his axe, strong enough to have sliced my head straight off. I was not strong enough to stop the blows of his axe if I tried to block them with my shield, so dodging would have to do.
I ducked once again from his swing but while he recovered that was when I attacked, swinging my axe towards the brute. I wasn't sure if my efforts towards the man did anything to him because he didn't show it. I watched as Tsun rose his axe, my shoulders slacked but I had enough time to duck to the side. "FUS RO DAH!" I shouted, sending the guardian stumbling backwards. While he was off balanced, I raced in, driving my axe behind his knee, a small grunt escaping the man.
I didn't run back to face him head on but rather kept running straight past him. I wasn't sure if I what I was about to do was foolish or down right idiotic but with what strength I had, I sent my axe hurtling into the exposed skin of Tsun's back.
Tsun fell to the ground, trying to rip out my axe. His own weapon vanished as he stood, his shadow looming over me as he walked over. "Valiant effort Dragonborn, for now I shall grant you access to Shor's Hall. It has been long since I last let that of the living into the hall," Shor nodded, his face stern.
"Let's see if I can get across the bridge first," I huffed, placing my axe at my side. A hearty laugh escaped Tsun as I moved past him, towards the bone bridge. This place, I have loved to stop where I was before the bridge and start sketching, taking in every detail I could with single strokes. The only problem was that I couldn't, the longer I dwelled here was time wasted in Skyrim. How long could I have been gone by now? Some part of me tried to believe that the theories had been incorrect but the gods never liked to sway in my favour.
Only a misted pit was all I could see as I peered over the edge before walking onto the bridge. I could fight anything that came my way, could travel to Sovngarde and yet, I was afraid of a simple fall. I let the uneasiness get shut off as I started walking across the bones, hugging to the protruding back bones. If I didn't look where I was placing my feet half of the time, I would have fallen into the void bellow.
Eventually my feet left the bone and crunch of snow shifted under my feet. There was snow… in Sovngarde. What a weird place this was. As I ventured up the short stairs towards the hall, beating drums echoed from inside the towering hall, a strong hum of voices following.
I pushed against the stone door of the Hall of Valor, the beating of the drums only increased as I entered the hall. Golden light shone around the room, slightly overwhelming my senses. It was beautiful beyond anyone's imagination. Tapestries hung from the stone columns, shields in place just under them. Large hawk like faces protruded from the walls, staring down at the large fire pit in the centre of the room, an ox spinning slowly above the dancing orange flames.
I couldn't have imagined the place any better. Tables filled to the brim with food lined either sides of the fire pit, even cutlery of gold was scattered along the tables among the goblets of mead. Not a bad place at all to come when you die. A large table sat on top of a high platform, fewer seats faced the fire pit. Reserved for the best of the best I guess.
I barely made it to the bottom of the stairs towards the first table before a deep booming voice greeted me. "Welcome, Dragonborn. It has long since someone has step foot in this hall since Alduin set his soul-snare here." I felt like a child, the man towered over me. Traditional Nordic armour hung off the man, his dirty blonde hair and beard masking the age of his death. I was lost for words as I realised who it was, the indication was Wuuthrad strapped to his back.
"Holy shit," I breathed, earning a deep chuckle from Ysgramor.
"Do not be intimidated girl," Ysgramor nodded his head, "It would be shock to the living to be in the hall."
I looked back around the hall. Many people lined the hall, all wearing the armour that had shed their own blood in, died in. And talking to Ysgramor, Vilkas wouldn't believe anything I say when I go home. No one would. They would think I was as delusional as M'Keenz. "It is an honour to meet you, Ysgramor," I managed to say through the shock.
"By Shor's command we sheathed our blades and ventured not to the vale's dark mist. But three await your word to loose their fury upon the perilous foe. Gormlaith the fearless, Hakon the valiant and Felldir the old. They will be waiting," Ysgramor spoke with dignity before walking away.
I remember all of those names. As if being struck by lightning, I remembered the vision before battling Alduin on the Throat of the World. On cue, three warriors strode over not looking any different from the day of the vision. "At long last! Alduin's doom is now ours to seal!" Gormlaith cheered, raising her sword with triumph, her eyes bright as she grinned my way. "And you Dragonborn are going to put that dragon to his end!"
"Hold comrades, Alduin's mist is more than a snare, its shadowy gloom is his shield and cloak," Felldir stated, his grey robes frayed and worn at the ends.
"I used the clear sky shout before when I was walking here, it removed the mist well enough," I added.
"Correct. With our four Voices joined, our valour combined, we can blast the mist and bring him to battle.
Hakon One-Eye placed a hand on Felldir's shoulder. "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," Hakon nodded towards me, his only eye focusing on me.
"If Alduin fears me, so be it, let it be an interesting battle for us," I smirked, grabbing for my ebony axe. The one beast I dreaded the most feared me, a small Nord woman. Oh how I was going to enjoy killing this beast of old.
"To battle, my friends! The fields will echo with the clamor of war, our wills undaunted!" Gormlaith cheered again, the first to rush for the door. How she hadn't died sooner than the vision I had on top of that mountain, though I didn't doubt her skill with a weapon. It was a sad thought really, that none of them could probably remember what Skyrim or whatever land they lived in was like, years in the hall would no doubt do that to someone. I hoped that I wouldn't forget my own home when I my time came.
"Dragonborn, are you ready for this?" Felldir asked as we walked through the door way of the hall and into the cold air of Sovngarde. I looked up at the old man and shrugged. I didn't really think I was ready, but everyone deemed to think so.
"I do not know myself but I will give it my all," I said with as much confidence I could muster.
"You must have faith in yourself Dragonborn." Hakon strode beside me, his battle axe already tightly gripped in his hands. "Do you have anyone back in Skyrim for you?"
I hesitated before I answered the question. I had so many back in Skyrim now that I could think of, so many I didn't want to think of at current state. "Aye, I do."
"Then make you can return back to them," Felldir instructed as we walked off the bridge, Tsun standing at the entrance. His head was bowed as we walked past the guardian. He nodded good luck in our direction as we passed, the wound on his back from my axe now completely healed, if only I had that ability, I would not have the damned scars that speckled by body.
As if rehearsed, the three Nord heroes in front of me took their place along the path, their weapon drawn and their heads held high. I didn't the same, my arms shaking as I held my dark shield, nothing would help to sooth the nerves that flittered around my veins.
"We cannot fight the foe in this mist!" Felldir bellowed, his eyes scanning the mist a head of us. It was a wonder that I didn't get lost in the snare. I wondered how many where walking around in the mist, Kodlak being one of them.
"Clear Skies! Combine our Shout!" Gormlaith yelled.
This was it.
I sucked in a breath, the fresh air of the new realm waiting. "Lok Vaah Kor!" We all Shouted, our Thu'um clearing any sign of Alduins soul-snare. I caught a glimpse of the real Sovngarde before the trap rolled back in after Alduin's Shout, the grey mist blocking any sign of giving up.
"Again!" Gormlaith ordered.
"Lok Vaah Kor!" We Shouted again, the nerves that rested in my veins slowly disappeared with the second shout.
"Ven Mul Riik!" Alduin's deathly voice cut through the clearing, the mist rolling back in seconds later.
"Oh come on you bastard!" I yelled, stomping my foot.
"Once more! His strength is failing. Stand strong Dragonborn, his might will be broken!" Gormlaith spoke again, her blonde hair bobbing with her. I nodded in her direction and faced back towards the mist, it didn't feel wet among my face as it clouded in front of us. It was dry, purely magic.
"Lok Vaah Kor!" I yelled in sync with the others, our voices combined louder and stronger than before. A distant roar erupted from the beautiful scenery. The same screech that halted my execution at least a year ago.
The dark creature flew over us, his obsidian scales shining in the swirling light above us. His form like a growing darkness in the brightness of the foreign land.
"You are persistent, DovahKiin. Pruzeh ol arr. A fine slave you would have made," Alduin spoke, his dragon tongue shaking the ground as he spoke.
I bared my teeth at the dragon, my own wolf spirit growled in my head. "I should thankyou Alduin. You saved me really at Helgen, if you arrived minuted later I would be dead and the whole of the world would be yours," I pouted up at the dragon, "such a shame."
Alduin let out a thunderous roar, shaking the ground slightly as he circled us in the sky. Four of us against one dragon, it seemed a lot easier in my head than what it did before me.
"Use Dragonrend to bring the bastard down when he come back!" I yelled towards the others, swing axe in my hand.
"Aye! He will taste the earth of Sovngarde as my sword will pierce his skull!" Gormlaith bellowed, the anger in her voice not settling.
It was only a matter of time before the beast joined us, his large wings keeping him in the air. His obsidian like scales let no other light shine through, his crimson red eyes stung me to my soul as he looked down at me. I smiled wickedly at the bastard. "Joor Zah Frul!" I Shouted at him, the crystal blue ripples of the shout ascended towards the beast. Alduin flared in pain as his soul began to way him down, a sickening screech filled the land around us as he fell to the ground with a thud.
"For Skyrim! For Shor! For Sovngarde's freedom!" All three of the warriors shouted as they attacked the beast. I too ran forward towards the World-Eater.
In a matter of seconds, Hakon had been knocked down to the ground by Alduin's tail, a sinister laugh escaping the dragon. I yelled in fury as I swung my axe at Alduin, the same as I did on the mountain. I wasn't going to let him fly away this time. I slashed at the dragons neck, hoping it would some form of impact on him but it didn't show, not even any blood pierced through his scales.
I jumped back with the others as the blue haze from my shout started to fade, releasing the weight off Alduin's soul. "Someone Shout at him again!" I screamed, readying my weapon.
"Joor Zah Frul!" Felldir Shouted towards Alduin, rendering the beast flightless for a few minutes. All four of us would have to make it count.
Gormlaith and I charged Alduin head on while the other two went for the sides. "Yol Toor Shul!" I Shouted at Alduin, the fire wrapping around his body in an orange glow. It was a small victory as Alduin looked at me with hatred in his eyes. I bashed my shield into the side of Alduin's head, making him throw it to the side. His head collided with Gormlaith's sword, a cheer of victory coming from the warrior.
I got too caught up in the small victory I barely had enough time to fall to the ground, avoiding a blow from Alduin's tail, a strike that would have killed me. I scrambled to my feet clutching my axe and jumped for his wings, in an attempt to render him flightless.
I brought my axe down on the joint of his wing but did little effect. Alduin thrashed his head towards me, an orange glow building behind his teeth. I squeaked in shock as I dropped to the ground again without my axe, avoiding the heat from the Shout. My axe cluttered to the ground seconds later, the blade falling in front of my face.
I looked up around me, watching as the three Nord warriors battled Alduin. I looked back at the blade and growled. I was going to finish this.
I backed away from Alduin, evading the onslaught of attacks from his powerful jaws and his flaming breath. He was just like every dragon I had ever fought, always raging when being so close to death. As I ran in for another attack on the beast, the other warriors had eased back while I approached. Though as quick as I had charge him, the quicker I was thrown halfway across the road, a fresh new opening in my armour. Dark blood seeped through my ebony armour, a throbbing pain erupted from my side and leaked from a gash on my forehead. I winced slightly as I stumbled onto my feet, cursing every vulgar would I could think of at the dragon.
"You think you can fly away freely, Alduin!" I screamed, running towards the beast. The others who had back offed enough to let to me through had weakened his strength. "Tormenting Skyrim and those who end up here!"
I swung my axe at him, slashing him across the side of the dragons jaw. A screech of pain escaped him but it didn't stop me from finishing my rant. "You are the reason I am stuck in this mess," My axe slammed down on the other side of his head. "Since the day you showed up at Helgen, you ruined what normal life I had!"
"You disgrace to share the blood of a Dovah you filth!" Alduin roared but was interrupted as I swung at him again.
"I hope your death is painful, Alduin, for all the pain you have made me endure to get here," I snarled.
I skidded to the side, I buried my axe into the side on Alduin's neck, finally able to draw black blood from the beast. "That was for Helgen," I said through gritted teeth, ducking from Alduin's dark wings. "This is for raising all of the dragons," I pummelled my shield into the side of the dragons face, earning a hiss of annoyance from him. "This is for all the nightmares," I yelled, throwing my axe to the centre of Alduin's head. He flared back in pain, causing my axe to drop to the ground. Seeing red, I rushed forward with unknown strength that coursed through me and left onto Alduin's head. "And this for showing me what I really am!" The rage from the years events finally came into play, helping me send the final blow to Alduin.
A terrible sound trembled the ground as Alduin reared back into pain with my axe impaled into his skull. I hit the ground, thrown from Alduin, the pain in my side barely acknowledgeable as pride shot through me as Alduin screeched in pain.
"Zu'u unslaad! Zu'us nis oblaan!" He screeched, the earth under my feet trembling with every word. Orange wisps of light appeared from an unseen place, the light taking place in cracks and marks on Alduin's scales. The orange light invaded him, causing him to shoot back in pain. I shielded my eye's. a bright explosion erupted in front of us, the same orange light cocooning the beast. Alduin's scaled form melted away like ice, leaving behind an ugly form of a tar like creature roaring with pain.
The true beast within him, an ugly malformed creature that was capable of living off the souls of the dead. The orange light I saw could only have been the souls that Alduin had deprived of an afterlife. The bastard deserved to die the day set Helgen ablaze. Had he taken all the souls of those in Helgen? If he had, I wouldn't doubt they would have been the first to kill the beast off.
The ground trembled again at our feet, and when I finally looked back up, Alduin was gone.
Alduin, the World-Eater, was dead.
Dead by my own hand.
I had wipe away the blood from cut away from my eyes to make sure that it had truly happened. Nothing remained of the blight that plagued Skyrim's land. Alduin would never fly over the terrain of Skyrim ever again.
I could feel my own body shaking from the battle and the wound in my side and across my face. As the warriors, my hand dove into my satchel on the side of my body in search of a potion. My hands grasped a red glass bottle and rose the bottle to my lips with a shaking hand. The throbbing in my side dulled to a slight ache, stopping the bleeding from all my wounds. When I looked back up, Tsun, the Nordic warriors, and Kodlak approached, smiles blooming across all of their face.
"They will sing of this battle in Shor's hall forever, Dragonborn!" Tsun bellowed but a frown replaced his smile. "But your fate lies elsewhere. When you have completed your count of days, I may welcome you again, with glad friendship and bid you join the blessed feasting."
I smiled up at him. I could go home. Home back to Skyrim, to Jorrvaskrr. My home was within my grasp. "Thankyou Tsun, let's hope I won't come back anytime soon." I laughed, joined by Gormlaith and Hakon.
"All hail the Dragonborn! Hail her with great praise!" Gormlaith boasted, raising her sword in the air.
I couldn't stop the smile from blooming across my face. Kodlak stepped forth, a smile on his lips. "Well done my child, you have grown since you first came to Jorrvaskrr," Kodlak nodded, his hoarse voice rattling.
"Thank you, Kodlak," I breathed, trying to stay upright. "Oh how I want you to come back with me, Kodlak."
Kodlak frowned down at me, placing a hand on my aching shoulder. "I know you do, as does everyone in the hall but I belong here now. Vilkas will make a fine Harbinger, even though I may not have chosen him."
I frowned up at him. "I'm sorry but I couldn't take the roll for the Companions, sorry if I have upset you." I sniffled.
"It's fine Hana, I understand why. Just know that my spirit will always be there with you in the hall." Kodlak's lips turned upwards. "You must go now Hana, back to Skyrim to live your life." As much as I didn't want to leave this place and the people with it, I had to go. I didn't want to think of how long I may have been gone back in Tamriel. "I hope to see you again Kodlak," I gave the old man a final hug, stealing a few final moments with Kodlak.
"You too Hana. I hope the gods smile upon you and Vilkas in events to come," Kodlak smiled, stepping back with the other warriors.
A shaky breath escaped me as I turned to Tsun. "Take me home, Tsun," I beamed.
"Now to Nirn, with this rich boon from Shor, my lord: a Shout to bring a hero from Sovngarde in your hour of need. Nahl Daal Vus!" Tsun shouted.
A thunderous crack sounded, white light evolving around me. My whole body felt weightless as the white light became blinding as the fresh snow in Skyrim. I was truly going home. Finally.
Vilkas:
Who knew that being Harbinger would have so much paperwork to deal with. The amount of gold that we had spent on mead and other purchases for the guild, as well as keeping everyone happy. I didn't understand how Kodlak had managed it in his old age without sending him mad.
I set down my quill, studying the paperwork and the new letters from people needing our services. I would have thought there would be enough sense in Skyrim not leave a door open to let a wolf or a bear inside a home.
It hadn't been dull the moment I had got back from the temple with M'Keenz. When we arrived back, everyone had asked questions about what had happened, what it was like to be on a dragon, if Hana was coming back. I could answer most of the questions with help from M'Keenz, but I couldn't answer the last. No one knew when she was coming back, if she was coming back.
Everyone had faith that she would come back, but sometimes faith wasn't enough to keep ones loved one alive. I wanted her back just like everyone else but we couldn't sit around each week waiting for her to come home. That's when I realised I had to catch up on all the paperwork. Paperwork be damned, I could be reading or being out in the plains.
I stretched my arms above my head with ease, my usual armour resting peacefully in the chest. It was a rare occurance that I wasn't out of it. My legs groaned as I stood up from the chair and made my way out of the room. If I sat there any longer, I would have fallen asleep.
"Glad to see you're out of your den, Vilkas," Grace snickered as I emerged from the stairs. She had been the worst to have in the hall, even as bad as M'Keenz. Being six months along for her, it has been an onslaught of mood changes coming from the woman. I didn't understand how my brother was able to tolerate it.
"Always a pleasure seeing you too, Grace," I grumbled, grabbing for a bottle of mead on the table. "Where's my brother?"
"On watch for Hana," Grace sighed, picking at a piece of salmon. I frowned. Two weeks after Hana had left, we all had our hopes us that she would have come back by then but she never did. Since someone has been out watching and waiting for her return at the guard tower. It would be my turn to go out tomorrow, waiting for someone that may never come back. I had to shut out the one nightmare that had been plaguing me since Hana had left.
It never helped whenever I woke back up that she wasn't there next to me.
"And M'Keenz? Hasn't she come back yet either from her mission?"
M'Keenz had insisted that she joined, I don't even know if the gods knew why I agreed to it but she always managed to bring in a large sum of gold. I wasn't complaining, but every time she came back she would dump her belongings in the hall or try to show us a new trick. Either way it ended with fire.
"I doubt she wouldn't come back until late tonight," Grace shrugged.
It was already late in the afternoon and no one was in the hall apart from the two of us. The others were either out training or I had set them on tasks all over Skyrim, bringing the Companions back to its original state.
"How long has it been now?" Grace asked as I sat down a few seats away from her, her bright eyes now dull as she looked into the blazing fire.
I looked up at the ceiling for answers, but never received any. "I think about four months now."
Grace let out a frustrated sigh. "The others are beginning to think she isn't coming back, M'Keenz is even starting to believe it."
"I wouldn't put it past her, she just got Hana back and now she's gone again." I rocked back in my chair. "Though we should be used to it right? This makes it the third time." Grace laughed slightly at what I had said. It was true. She has left us for the third time. The first after the fight with Lockan which was nothing compared to the other two. The last and most recent have been the toughest times. The moment she had thrown her amulet I had given her onto the wooden boards of the hall shattered me, and now, it had crushed me to dust.
"Aye, you aren't wrong. Let's hope she doesn't come back crazy like the last time," Grace chuckled.
I shook my head, that is a sight I never want to see again. That poison did havoc to her body and her mind. I hoped she wouldn't come back a mess like we did on the snowy mountain.
"Let the others believe what they want about Hana, she will come back, I know she will," I sighed, taking another swig from my bottle.
"She kind of has to. She's the one you are getting married to."
I smiled slightly. I was soon to be a married man, if Hana would come back. "Aye, that is true."
Grace threw her hands up in the air and cupped her face. "It couldn't be any more perfect, the mighty Dragonborn is to marry the Harbinger of the Companions. How the gods are smiling on you two," Grace snickered again, sarcasm riddled through her voice.
"Says you. You and my brother are having a child and you aren't even married," I scoffed, "you better not dump the thing here and run off."
An angry scowl rested on Grace's face. "I would never do that, Vilkas. I could never. Besides, you just never caught on," Waved her fingers in the air, a golden band wrapped around her wedding finger. I stared in shock at Grace's hand as she couldn't contain her laughter. I had been to focused on other issues to even notice. I didn't know if I should have been offended that I wasn't invited to the wedding or that my own brother never told me. "And I thought you werewolves had good senses."
"Apparently not," I grumbled.
"We're just going to let everyone else catch on," Grace shrugged, "it was bound to happen before I have my child."
It did make sense but I didn't doubt that Hana wouldn't notice it straight away. The creaking of the great doors of Jorrvaskrr sounded, Farkas walking through with a confused expression.
I furrowed my eyebrows at him. "What is it?" I asked.
"Five more dragons were spotted like the others. They never attacked just flew straight towards the mountain." He stated, resting his own broad sword against the wall, the glow of the fire reflecting off the steel.
"Again? That's the third time this week," Grace said flatly, "What's up there anyway? I thought it was just that old dragon Hana was talking about."
I furrowed my eyebrows again and tapped the bottle in my hand. "Aye, Paathurnax might be summoning them if he could. Or something bigger is happening."
"Like Hana coming back?" Farkas added, taking a seat next to his woman.
"That could be one possibility, or," I paused before finishing the sentence. It was the one thing everyone had been dreading. "They are grouping to reunite with Alduin."
Two sets of nervous eyes faced me. "So we are to expect the worse?" Grace hissed. "Give up on Hana coming back?"
"I never said that, Grace." I scowled. "It is a possibility. He would have to come from the temple near Riften if Alduin was to come back. So it doesn't make sense as to why they are heading to the mountain."
"Well you can think about it while you are on watch for your woman," Grace flicked her wrist, trying to dismiss me. Here are the mood swings that have been occurring. I was glad to be leaving and not putting up with her.
"Aye, whatever," I rolled my eyes at Grace, removing myself from my chair and headed back downstairs to change into my armour. There was no way I was going outside without it on, especially if something was to happen.
By the time I left the hall, the stars were already glistening in the sky, the moons dull compared to the bright orbs. It was nights like these that I prayed that Hana would come back. The streets were empty as I walked, only a few guards were walking, their bodies illuminated by the flickering torches they held. I walked out of the city gates and into the plains surrounding Whiterun. I wasn't too worried that something would attack while I was out here alone, not with all the dragons that had been flying over. Everyone had been on alert whenever another dragon was spotted, not wanting to have another incident like Helgen.
I didn't want to believe what the others had bene saying about Hana not coming back, but some part of me was beginning to think that she may not be coming back. The dragons though have been giving me hope that she was coming back but it could be signalling Alduin's return.
I looked up at the mountain as I perched myself on one of the rocks, the very top of the mountain clouded from view. They were all up there, waiting for something. Something that we could only wait for.
0o0
I rested the back of my head against the pillar of the back patio, pretending to take some form of interest into the training session. The past few days have been sunny but today, grey gloomy clouds hung over the plains, debating to shower us in rain.
"How late did you stay out last night?" M'Keenz asked, walking up from behind and stopped next to me.
"Till dawn," I yawned. I have doing the same thing every time I was out on the night shift. Not like I could sleep properly anyway.
"It's been a little over four months, Vilkas," M'Keenz sighed, "She should have been back by now."
I frowned at her. "Hana never said how long she would be, we just have to have faith."
M'Keenz looked out into the plains, her face vacant of any expression. "It's just hard. I know that its Skyrim and someone dies like it isn't too much of an issue but…"
"But?"
"Hana has so much going for her. She has you to come back to, the hall and her family. She shouldn't have it all stripped from her."
I nodded in agreement. She wasn't wrong, but M'Keenz shouldn't believe that Hana isn't coming back. I rested a hand on M'Keenz's shoulder, "I understand your concern, trust me I'm as paranoid about it as you. If Hana found out we thought she was dead, she would throw her daggers at us." A small laugh escaped M'Keenz, brushing off my hand.
"Too true."
I chuckled slightly, looking down at the yard. Ria and Athis were the only other whelps that had come back from their missions, arriving late in the night. Grace didn't really leave the city much anymore, leaving Farkas to run around after the woman at times and M'Keenz well, I haven't seen her so depressed since. "Why are you so down today? I haven't seen you this still since Grace scared you."
"The weather. If it rains, no fire. No fire, no happiness," She frowned. Of course. Just on que, small droplets of water started falling from the sky, cool against my skin.
"I'm heading back inside to do more paperwork, you know where to find me," I called walking away from the patio towards the hall.
"Uh, Vilkas," M'Keenz hesitated. I looked back at her, M'Keenz's eyes looking straight at the mountain. A thunderous noise filled the air, not giving up for a few seconds. I rushed over to M'Keenz, following her gaze to the mountain. The ground shook violently as another clap of thunder filled the plains. What the hell was going on. Was Alduin coming back? A bright rush of colours beamed from the mountain, blues and purples wisps of light barely there for a few seconds.
"Could that be her?" M'Keenz yelled over another clap of thunder.
"It could be," I yelled back, "Quick to the plains. Farkas is out there."
"It will take us forever to get out there!"
"No it won't," I growled. I ran for the Underforge, M'Keenz trailing after me.
"I don't think running into stone will help, Vilkas," M'Keenz stated as we reached the entrance.
"Shut up and trust me woman," I mumbled, letting the door open. I didn't bother listening to M'Keenz afterwards as I ran in, shutting the door behind her. She followed me through the Underforge and towards the exit into the plains where my brother would be.
I dropped down from the ledge, offering to catch M'Keenz but she fell down by herself anyway, already running. "Why didn't you tell me of that place?" M'Keenz asked when I caught up to her.
"You didn't need to know. There's my brother," I nodded, Farkas standing in the middle of the plains, looking towards the mountain.
He stood there in shock, not believing what he saw like the rest of us. "What was that?" Farkas asked me, not taking his eyes off the mountain. "I didn't just imagine that did I?"
"No you didn't," I breathed. Like the rest of us, we couldn't keep our eyes off the top of the mountain, the clouds fogging our view of the peak. Would Hana be up there? But why had all those dragons been up there?
"Is it just me, or is something in those mountains moving?" M'Keenz freaked slightly, her palms bursting with fire. She wasn't wrong. Dragons emerged from the clouds, spreading out all across the land, probably flying away from whatever had landed moments before, fleeing almost. None of them bothered to attack or swoop anyone nearby. They just simply went back to where they had come from.
"Don't worry, it's not just you," I mumbled, keeping my eyes on the sky. I glanced over to my brother, his hands already gripping onto his great sword. I followed where his eyes where focusing on. Second later I was reaching for mine.
"One's coming to attack," Farkas warned.
I strained my eyes on the beast that was flying towards us, my hold on my sword tighter than before as it came closer.
I glanced over at M'Keenz who had no fire to be seem around her instead she was… waving? "What are you doing woman?" I hissed.
"She's back!" M'Keenz squealed. "She's back! She's back! She's back!"
I snapped my head back to the dragon, dropping my sword. Four months I had been waiting for her to arrive at the doors of Jorrvaskrr, not on the back of Odahviing. A figure waved back to M'Keenz as she neared was a struggle to keep myself from falling out beneath me as we ran towards the dragon. It approached the ground, dust and rocks flying as it fell onto the earth, stretching its wings.
The blood stained warrior patted her companion, sending the dragon back into the sky with a final roar before turning back to us. I didn't even notice I had began walking towards Hana, the distance between us shrunk as she ran forward, wrapping her arms around me. She was back, my little dragonborn was back.
I leant back from her, staring into her emerald eyes. Before she could speak a word, I pressed my lips to hers, ignoring the others behind us. As I pulled back, tears rolled down her grime covered cheek. "Well that was a welcome and a bit," She laughed slightly, pulling me back in for a hug.
"Move over," M'Keenz said, intruding my hug with Hana. I laughed as I stepped back, allowing the half breed through. "It took you long enough to come back, everyone thinks you died."
Hana pulled back from her friend with eyebrows raised. "Wait what?"
"How long ago do you think you left?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.
"I was only in Sovngard for what felt like a day or two. I wasn't gone for more than a few weeks I'm guessing."
I didn't want to tell her but I couldn't lie to her, didn't want to lie to her. "You were gone for four months."
Like a doe before an arrow pierced its side, it's face was exactly the same as Hana's. She looked at M'Keenz first and then back to me then to my brother. No one would want to believe they had been gone for that long. I knew her well enough that she would be worrying, that she left us the way she did and why. Everyone missed her, but we knew she would come back, well most of us.
"Well," Hana paused brushing off invisible dirt, "I'm back now and we have a wedding to plan."
