Sorry guys If I haven't updated in a while. I got submerged by work... I actually still am, but I found some time to start writing again...
I'm not sure how constantly I will be able to update in the next months... looks like my course has decided to become a living deadline hell. It is also hard to get back into the atmosphere of the story you're writing when you've been ditching it for more than a month
I think I finally managed to get back into the mood though... It took me some re-reading... and I used the time to correct some typos and mistakes too.. but yup... I've also come up with the whole second act, up until its end... I just need to put it on paper -.- sigh... sometimes I wish my mind could be just copy/pasted onto the screen...
ALSO THIS STORY HAS JUST HIT PAST 30K VIEWS... WOHOOOOOOOOOOO :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Anyhow, enjoy, and by the way, review answers are at the bottom!
(I do not own Skyrim)
Chapter 37: High Hrothgar
Tosh.. damnit, why isn't he answering…..
Remembering how easily he replied the last time I wished to see him, I was quite worried about the current lack of response. It couldn't even be that he was too busy to answer. As a god of time, he had no excuse….
There was only one possible explanation: He didn't want to answer. I wondered if the tremendous storm currently shaking the outside of Shroud Hearth Barrow truly meant he was upset.
I just wanted to ask him about it… and about that weird soul absorbing experience I had in Whiterun…. and about the circlet…. and maybe shout at him a little for not mentioning it could make me invisible and turn elves into chicken…..
But now I was worried. What could get a god upset?
Well, except for me, the first day I met him…. But I hadn't done nothing wrong right now.. had I?
I shrugged it off as Fae approached me. Tosh could sulk by himself, I was not going to worry about that… jerk…
"So, got any answer yet?"
I shook my head, annoyed
"No, he won't answer me… I guess you were right, the storm is a hint from an angry divine…"
Fae raised an eyebrow
"You know that right now I could easily interpret what you said as a sign that you do not really commune with the god of time, and you've just been bluffing all along…" He teased
I smirked
"Believe what you will. Maybe you are traveling with a madwoman… But then what are you? Given that you follow me anyways?"
Fae laughed
"Ok, ok… you win this one, dragon lady…"
I glared at him
"I am not a dragon lady"
The elf grinned
"Oh, really? Then explain to me how you can breathe fire out of your mouth…"
I gave an exasperated sigh
"I use the voice.. even humans can use that… no big deal…"
Fae winked
"Still looked like a dragon to me"
Gritting my teeth, I tried to change topic of conversation. I really did NOT want to be compared to a Dragon, or to anything different from a human in general…
"SO… how come you are so good at picking locks… anyways?"
"How come you are so good at knowing this place?"
"I told you I have already been through here!… in a videogame… back in my world…"
"Geeze, no need to get angry, it was just a question…"
"Yes, and you still haven't answered mine… got something to hide, chicken?"
Fae's eyes widened for a second, in dismay, before he straightened himself up
"Would you stop it with the low blows!?"
I sighed, staring at the ground. I needed to cool down. Tosh's lack of response and Fae's cockiness weren't helping me.
"Fine.. but I've told you nearly everything about me… It's really not nice of you to keep me in the dark…"
Then I raised my head to meet his gaze
His eyes were blank, but just behind them, I could smell a hint of fear… sadness… guilt. Our staring contest lasted a few seconds, before I felt compelled to stop it.
"Whatever, I'll find out eventually… Let's get to the next chamber… The Word Wall should be there, as well as a lot of draugr…."
I waved my hand dismissively while waking forward, leaving the elf behind. It wasn't fair that he would hide things from me.. but something in his eyes just wanted me to stop poking the issue. Whatever it was, he obviously felt pain in even mentioning it….
Still, as I had expected, Fae was not what he seemed. He had no problems dealing with undead mummies, was an excellent lockpicker, and was enjoying himself even though we were likely in peril. Even as an experienced hunter, he should have been a little more.. scared. All in all, he was an good adventure companion, but it just made me wonder what sort of life he lead before I met him.
Behind my shoulders, I heard a sigh
"How many of these things are there…."
"I hope there is going to be a pretty damn good reason to enter the next set of catacombs. I've had enough of these ones to last me a lifetime!"
I smiled. We were currently at the beginning of our climb over the seven thousand steps to High Hrothgar. Exiting Shroud Hearth Barrow had been.. pleasant. We had dragged a tied up Wyndelius to Wilhelm's inn and showed him his diary, effectively shocking the whole village. Meanwhile, the storm had magically ceased to be. I wondered how Tosh had managed to solve his issues, and then, when I would be able to contact him again….
"I'm afraid not, Fae. I expect lots of undead in our near future…"
I grinned as I heard a loud, desperate groan coming out of the grumpy elf's mouth
A part of me was thoroughly confused as to how I could enjoy or even joke about battling tons of rotting monsters. I wondered if my new powers were making me reckless, or if I was just doing it to tick Faendal off….
"Stupid Word Walls and stupid smelly reanimating Nord mummies…" He mumbled silently. I laughed. He probably didn't expect me to hear that
"Well, at least these places are full of treasure. I could probably buy two horses now.. and a nice house in Whiterun"
Fae's eyes widened in surprise, before he returned to his cheery attitude
"You know, I never figured you'd be such an opportunist. I could barely picture you stealing from the dead" he said with a smirk
I shrugged. I wasn't about to let go of useful things because of some morals. Loot was loot, and I seriously doubted those mummies needed it anyways…
The me from one month ago would have been a little disgusted by my actions, but then again, she didn't have to claw her way through life like I was doing now… It was a bitter thought…
Sensing my unwilling response, the elf went on with his rambling
"Let me guess, our tomb explorations are directly connected to those shiny glowing runes carved into walls that seem to react whenever you're nearby…."
I nodded, shaking myself out of my gloomy realizations
"They're called Word Walls. I just learned a new Thu'um by going through there" I stated smugly
Fae's shoulders slumped
"And I expect you want to learn more.. yeah, I figured as much… what word did you learn, anyways?"
I smiled
"Kaan" I whispered, nervously trying not to activate the power of the Thu'um
"It stands for Kyne, or Kynareth, I guess. The shout is meant to soothe beasts, apparently. It's a lot similar to what you did in the clearing that time…
I froze. That time Riverwood was attacked. That time destruction was brought upon the village. That time men had died, all because of me…
"….Nevermind… Let's just go… I'd rather get to High Hrothgar before a frost troll attacks us"
I moved forward, coldly, avoiding the elf's gaze. I hated my recent memories… I really did
Fae was silently following. After all, we both shared the same grief.
"Uhm… D…. I j-just had a… s-stunning… r-realization"
The wind was sharp and icy cold, The thick snow reducing our visibility. We had finally arrived on top of the seven thousand steps, a menacing fortress standing before us. It was nighttime, and even with the storm's scarce visibility, a huge aurora borealis was lighting our path, surrounding the mountain in different, mesmerizing colors. We had decided to keep moving after the sun was down, given the good visibility. It was best to rest once we reached a safe and warm environment….
Fae was covered from head to toe with pelts and still shivering. It made me wonder just how insensible to temperature I had become, given that I was standing there, in my barely covering studded armor, and I couldn't even feel a chill.
"Can it wait, Fae?" I shouted. The wind was blocking sound, so we had to talk really loud. I didn't have any problems hearing the elf, but it was still better if we communicated once we were safely inside the keep.
"N-not r-really" He told me while his teeth rattled
What could be so serious that he wanted to stand outside in this cold to tell me?
"d-don't l-legends s-say t-the Greybeards a-are d-dangerous t-to p-people w-with an untrained v-voice?"
My eyes widened. Damn, how could I have forgotten about that? According to them, those who weren't trained in the Thu'um could be torn apart! But then I remembered…
Lydia had often followed me in the Greybeard keep while I was playing. Nothing had happened to her
There was a meeting between the Stormcloacks and the Imperials, right inside High Hrothgar. No one had died.
What was I to do? I most certainly could not leave Fae out here in the cold…
"I think those are mostly legends to scare people away. Let's just get in, then I'll scout ahead to warn them of your presence" I yelled
The elf nodded nervously. We ventured toward the large carved metal doors. I pushed on them effortlessly, easily making my way inside.
A huge, dark hall was in front of us. I could tell the cold had diminished, and Fae just confirmed it when he seemed to relax and stopped gripping tightly on his pelts. I motioned him to stay next to the entrance, and he nodded, warily. I honestly was a little nervous myself… I didn't know how these Greybeards would react to my presence. They looked peaceful enough in the game, but, well… there can always be surprises….
Sighing, and preparing myself, I lurched forward
Surpassing a dark corridor, I entered what I assumed was a large atrium. You could tell that whoever built this place, wanted for it to convey power and fear. The carved stone walls, barely lit by the surrounding braziers, would cast intimidating shadows . The hall was eerily silent.
I moved towards the center of it, my feet silently grazing the ground, as I glanced around for any signs of life.
I did not like this
Extending my senses, I tried to probe for any heartbeats, or small sounds.
Four, I counted. They were staying in the nearby chambers, probably their bedrooms
There was also another presence, feeble yet great, as if of something being far away, high over my head. I felt it not as sound, or smell. It was more like… energy… similar to the energy that enveloped my body, the same I had learnt to reign in. I could not exactly tell what weird perception this was, and for a second I wondered if my mind was playing tricks.
But I knew better than to discard hints like these, especially given the situation I was in.
Shrugging off those weird sensorial inputs, I decided it was best for me to make myself known
"Excuse me?! Is anyone here?"
I head several startled pulses as one of the Greybeards rose up from a sitting position and made his way towards the Atrium
As soon as he entered my line of sight, I could see how thin and mangled he looked, with his burnt skin and crispy white beard, under his ragged robes. A hermit's life didn't treat people kindly, that was for sure...
Yet, there was something distinguished about the man. An aura of power. I could sense the same energy from before leaking off him, though in a very small dose. I was now getting confused.
I couldn't sense this aura before, so why could I know? Was it related to the voice? Then, maybe, the great presence I felt slightly above my head would have been….
…Pathurnaax
A small grin escaped my lips as the man approached
"Who are you? And how dare you trespass these halls?" The man, who was probably Arngeir, placidly asked, his voice resonating through the stone, causing some of it to tremble slightly.
Behind me, back in the corridor, I could almost hear Faendal shudder
When he noticed I wouldn't even flinch, he looked surprised
"Have you trained in using the voice? Most people, by now would fear being torn to pieces.." He noted, this time without causing any external repercussions.
"And would their fears be justified?" I asked, trying to keep the same tone Arngeir was making use of.
The hermit smiled, a small spark in his glassy grey eyes
"No, they wouldn't , it is mostly superstition, though if you happen to come with ill intent, I will make sure to enforce those rumors" He ended, his veiled threat masked by amusement, in a way only old people could manage
I sighed in relief. Faendal was safe
"I come with no bad intentions. I was actually answering your summons… "
Arngeir raised one of his furry white eyebrows, and interrupted me
"You mean to say you are Dragonborn?" He asked in slight disbelief
I choked a gulp and nodded
Arngeir took a moment to stare at me, seemingly taking in all of what I was, from head to toe, before scratching his beard and muttering by himself "How very peculiar…."
"We were sure the Dragonborn was a male. Descriptions tended to mention a Daedric set of armor and a demonic appearance… you do not really fit the part…." He continued
Before I could answer, he kept on talking
"But then again, why come here otherwise? And I do sense some power coming from you… Did our informant fail?..."
I was about to say something, when….
"That Klimmek! He must have decided it would be fun to trick us!... honestly, could he not see the repercussions?!… damn peasant…"
At this point, I could honestly say that I was experiencing a sweatdrop… anime style….
"Yeah, bu…"
"Or, you could just be an intruder, but I must say, you have got to be quite brave for entering here so carelessly…"
"No.. I"
"This calls for a meeting, I wonder what master Borri would think of this? Should we spare you for your insolence? Or are you really what you claim to be…"
"YES I a…"
"Still, there can be only one way to prove it… You will have to…"
"FUS!"
Tired of the old man's antics, I let out my shout in a burst of crystalline blue shockwaves. It had increased in power, strangely enough, almost enveloping half of the hall…. I mentally noted to take it easy the next time I did it… I was lucky enough that I hadn't shattered anything… or hit the old man…..
Obviously, after seeing this display of power, Arngeir paled a little
I could feel the rest of the Greybeards approaching, startled by the sound
Their leader shook himself from his stupor
"Well… It seems you really are Dragonborn…"
He then broke into a very old smile
"Welcome to High Hrothgar"
Review answering time! YAY! :D
To Lunatic Pandora1:
Yeah, I figured something similar, with a little twist ;P but I won't say more or I might spoil the fun heheheheh, Oh and I already know of Malukah, she's awesome :D
To Partsu:
Glad I managed to scramble your mind ;P
To anonomon:
Oh, man, what have my characters gotten themself into XD
Soon I'll get wacky deviantart pics... I know it XD
To Baby Fawn:
No, you're right, honestly, right now, he looks like the most lovable character... but I'm not counting on romance here ... not yet at least... I dunno, we'll see ;P
To AriannaTheChosenOne152588:
Oh, man, I'm flattered... You seriously think Bethesda would like this? Oh and thanks for the reminder, I'll probably start to place disclaimers since this story is hitting it off in popularity :)
To Shirahime Jade Silverstone:
*wink*
To kenegi:
Yeah, Diana is now part of a really messed up family, though *Daughter* is not the exact definition. You must keep in mind that gods are weird about reproduction, so having Akatosh's blood affecting her is enough to make her a *child*, or *sister* but it's not like she really is related. The changes the blood will bring will uniquely adapt to her. We won't be having an Akatosh female copy.
Also, I've taken care of the horn thing, and as for resurrecting dragons, it isn't possible, because the souls of the resurrected dragons are being devoured and automatically used to fuel her changes into godhood... so no... she's basically a massive incinerator for Dragons, and generally souls... it is quìte disturbing if you think about it
(I'm half thinking about making her cross over with Bleach later on... can you imagine the carnage?) XD
To Valentine03:
Thank you, and who says it's gone? ;P (read kenegi's answer to understand)
To Sobe James:
Glad you liked it ;P
To PrincessMist619:
Me: Tosh?
Tosh: Yeah?
Me: You're a father
Tosh: 0.0
Lawl, yeah I enjoyed writing that, and I'm glad ye like the Fae relationship, I'm counting on it a lot :)
Hopefully a new chapter will come soon, it depends on how much free time I get T.T
I honestly want this story over with... I've got it all figured it out.. but writing it down takes me a lot T.T
To Lanoost and GirXzimXfanatic:
Thank you and I hope I'll be able to update faster from now on. Don't worry, I live by the principle than when I start a work, I should keep going until I finish it. I won't abandon this fic... pause it?... maybe... abandon it? Nah