Disclaimer: I don't own Trailer Park Boys or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Looks like we're at the 10th chapter which I feel awesome regarding having finally reached. Things look to be heading in quite an interesting direction regarding the story what with the role of the Dragonborn Ricky has learned he has and the powers that accompany it. Also something to note is regarding the schedule of this particular story has been changed from a chapter per 14 days to per month. I've done this so as given the ever increasing length of these chapters completing them in such a short time frame is not ideal anymore. I hope you are all okay with this. Anyways for now I should probably stop rambling which on reflection regarding authors notes I may do a little too much. Anyways I hope you enjoy the latest chapter!.
The Way Of The Voice
The trio looked around the grass plain in complete shock at what had just occurred. Unsettled being quite an understatement in their case as they looked to find the source of the powerful voice that had just echoed through the skies and ended as soon as it began.
"Boys, can one of you please tell me just WHAT IN THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED!" Bubbles yelled still from recovering from the initial shock of what occurred just seconds ago.
"Keep calm Bubs, I don't what the fuck that was but I think its just a passing thing" Julian said to the Imperial trying to soothe his very frantic and anxious manner.
"That still doesn't answer my fucking question, I mean what the fuck was that great loud voice blowing up across the sky, that is not fucking normal" Bubbles replied contemplating what they had just heard.
"I think I recognise that fucking thing it said" Ricky added catching the attention of both Julian and Bubbles.
"What do ya mean Rick?" Julian asked curious if the Nord had any idea what he was talking about.
"Well whatever or whoever fuck did that shout said the same thing that Mirmulnir said to me, called me a fucking 'Dovahkeen' or something" Ricky responded his mind flashing back to his last words with the dragon before he sliced its head off. "You don't think its that bastard talking to me again right?".
"Ricky what are you fucking talking about, you killed that cocksucker like 10 minutes ago" Bubbles added wondering just what it was Ricky was saying.
"I know that Bubs but I'm thinking maybe its his spirit or some shit trying to fucking talk to me" Ricky said to the Imperial who still stood confused wondering where Ricky had gotten that idea from.
"Ricky I don't think that was Mirmulnir and even if it was he wouldn't just say one word to you, he'd probably do some fucked up rant about how much he hates you" Julian interjected.
"I don't know Julian this all seems like some big fucking coincidental sort of thing, some dragon who tries to kill us calls me a name, then some fucking voice says that name, somethings fucking us around here" Ricky ranted as he tried to make sense of a mystery that was too much of his simple mind to wrap around.
"You know what I fuck'n think, I think it has something do with you being the Dragonborn Ricky" Bubbles said as he brought back the subject of the power Ricky now possessed.
"You could be fucking right about that Bubs, maybe that fucking voice was one of the divines trying to say something to me about being the dragonborn " Ricky rambled as he found himself overwhelmed by the possibilities. "This whole fucking thing is one big mess of confusing shit".
"Well theres only way we're gonna get some answers" Julian said as he not so subtly hinted at the city which he jerked his head at, "hopefully the Jarl or someone at least understands what the fuck is going on.
"Yeah we should probably head up there now" Bubbles added in agreement with Julian as the two began to make their way back to the gates of the city, Ricky walking some metres behind them. The trio made their way up to a familiar pair of large wooden gates, one they had passed through quite a couple of times in the current.
The guards recognising the group and the importance task they had set out to do sometime earlier quickly opened up the gates. The soldiers gave them nods of appreciation, a respect granted towards three of the surviving heroes of the dragon battle that had shook the very plains of Whiterun.
The triumvirate made their way through the streets of Whiterun and back up the hill to the palace of Dragonsreach. Upon reaching the entrance and walking through it making only a metre distance within they were greeted by Proventus. "Good you're finally here the Jarls been waiting for you" the advisor said to the trio urging them forward to the throne where the Jarl himself sat ever patient conversing with a familiar armoured warrior with a buzzcut hairstyle.
"You heard the summons what else could it mean?,the Greybeards…." Balgruuf said to the man, he then noticed the group walking up to him and like that his attention was now fixed on them.
"We were just talking about you, my brother needs a word with you" the warrior said addressing the 3 who now were made aware of being involved in quite an important matter.
"So what happened at the watch tower, was the dragon there?" the Jarl asked eager to hear news of what had unfolded at the particular location.
"Well for starters the majority of the guards there are dead and the towers practically fucked, but we managed to kill the fucking dragon" Bubbles answered giving a simple account of the prior event.
"It seems I was right, I knew deep down that you three possessed the ability to slay the beast and that is what you have done, you have my thanks and that of the entire region" Balgruuf replied congratulating the trio who were humbled by his praise of them. "But there must be more than that, did…. did something….. strange happen when the dragon died".
"Well after I killed the thing some weird energy shit happened and apparently I absorbed his fucking soul into me" Ricky explained recounting the previous happening that still bewildered him even now.
"So its true, the Greybeards really were summoning you" The Jarl proclaimed as he looked upon Ricky with great astonishment clear in his eyes.
"The Greybeards?" Bubbles asked with very much intrigue given the declared title did hold some familiarity and nostalgia to him and the rest of the boys, "where do I remember that name from?" the Imperial wondered.
"Masters of the way of the voice, they live in seclusion high on the slopes of the throat of the world" Jarl Balgruuf explained to the trio who now having found the missing essential detail now recalled to a certain point who these individuals were. Ricky, Julian and Bubbles could remember as far back as their childhood of being told in the form of story, of an ancient and honored order who wielded great power with their very voices and dwelled in their mountain sanctuary located on the highest peak of Tamriel. Now it seems this very mysterious group had their eye fixed on one of them.
"What do the Greybeards want with Ricky?" Julian quizzed.
"The Dragonborn is said to be uniquely gifted in the voice, the ability to focus your vital essence into a Thu'um or a shout" Jarl Balgruuf responded to the Breton. "If your friend Ricky really is the Dragonborn, they can teach him how to use his gift".
"Didn't you hear the thundering voice of the Greybeards, summoning you to High Hrothgar!" the armoured warrior suddenly added to the conversation catching the trios attention. "This hasn't happened in… centuries at least, not since Tiber Septim himself was summoned when he was still Talos of Amora" he said excitedly adding to the amount of references the trio had heard about the man slash Divine this day.
"Hrongar calm yourself, what does any of this Nord nonsense have to do with our friend here" Proventus interjected receiving a annoyed glance from the warrior and Ricky who were both annoyed at what he meant by 'Nord nonsense'. "Capable as he may be, I don't see any signs of him being this, what, 'Dragonborn?'.
"Nord nonsense what the fuck do you mean by that!" Ricky said to the advisor who looked taken aback by his agitation, Julian and Bubbles were quick to try calm him down with various whispers warning him to settle down.
"I agree , how dare you you puffed up ignorant… these are our sacred traditions, that go back to the founding of the first empire!" Hrongar retorted with clear passion as he defended the notions of honour regarding this element in Nord culture.
"Hrongar don't be so hard on Avenecci" Balgruuf said to the latter who judging from the glance he received from the Jarl was quick to calm himself, he then turned gaze to Ricky who appeared to be cooling off his temper with his two friends on either side of him.
"I mean no disrespect of course, its just that… what do these Greybeards want with him?" Proventus asked his curious nature in this very great unique matter most evident indeed.
"Thats the Greybeards business, not ours" the Jarl replied giving his answer that put an end to his advisors curiosity for now and successfully ended the debate. He then turned his head to face the group or more specifically one of them given the important nature of his new role. "Whatever happened when you killed that, it revealed something in you and the Greybeards heard it" Balgruuf said to the latter. "If they think your Dragonborn who are we to argue".
"So what your saying is that these guys actually believe I'm the fucking Dragonborn" Ricky replied surprised by the amount of faith this ancient cult of monks had in him.
"Indeed, you'd better get up to High Hrothgar as soon as you can tomorrow, theres no refusing the summons of the Greybeards its a tremendous honour" Jarl Balgruuf said to the latter, his very advice showing how significant this matter was what with the urging to make haste to the mountain with utmost speed. "I envy you, you know, to climb the 7000 steps again… I made the pilgrimage once did you know".
"7000 fucking steps" Bubbles said out loud to himself overwhelmed by the sheer amount of climbing and hiking they would have to do. As if the name of the mountain "the throat of the world" didn't already discourage them enough, this set record for the amount of stone steps added to the sheer daunting prospect of it.
"Yes it is quite a height, at the top High Hrothgar is a very peaceful place, very disconnected from the troubles of this world" the Jarl responded describing the place in a very faraway fantasy sort of manner which made sense given the legendary status of the location."I wonder if the Greybeards even notice whats going on down here, they haven't seemed to care before" Balgruuf rambled to himself. "No matter go to High Hrothgar, learn what the Greybeards can teach you".
"Before we go I just wanted to ask if, is there was by a chance a reward for killing the dragon?" Julian quizzed, his request gaining a surprised glance from Bubbles who believed the Breton was really reaching with his demand.
"Julian I don't think we need to be demanding a fucking reward from the Jarl himself" Bubbles hissed anxiously to the latter, getting frustrated that his friends greed in this situation had the potential to land them in quite some trouble.
"Not its alright, I do believe quite a reward is fair enough for the heroes who've done a great service for my city, defending it with your lives from the dragon" Balgruuf stated with great pride in his tone as addressed the 3 unique individuals in front of him. "By my right as Jarl I name you Thanes of Whiterun, its the greatest honour thats within my power to grant".
This announcement regarding the new titles and the prestige that came with left Ricky, Julian and Bubbles absolutely speechless with excitement and shock. They never once expected in their entire lives to be given such high positions of honour and recognition. "I'll also assign you Lydia as a personal housecarl and this weapon from armoury to serve as my badge of honour" the Jarl said to the still stunned trio who were trying to wrap their minds that this was in fact happening.
"I'll also notify my guards of your new title, wouldn't want them to think your part of the common rabble now would we" Jarl Balgruuf added bringing the conclusion to his short ceremony in bestowing the titles of Whiteruns newest thanes. "We are honoured to have all of you as Thanes of our city, especially you Dragonborn".
"Thank you Jarl Balgruuf we greatly appreciate it, this truly a fuck'n honour beyond anything we ever expected, we're incredibly grateful thank you" Bubbles replied to the leader of the hold with much joy and thankfulness clear in his voice tone.
The Jarl gave a nod of appreciation of this statement of gratitude to the Imperial and by extension his friends. "One last thing before I forget, Farengar my court wizard has been looking into matters relating to these dragons, perhaps you could help him?" Balgruuf queried as he presented the option of a new task to the trio.
Ricky given his tiredness and his extreme need to get high was about to speak up to decline when Julian gave the Jarl his answer, "sure we'll be more than happy to help out" the Breton replied.
"Thank you, Farengars lab is just opposite of this room" the Jarl explained to the 3 new thanes who each bowed their heads in a farewell manner to him as they left the throne and headed to the room just to the far right of that part of the room section.
"Julian why the fuck do we have to do this today, we've already done more than fucking enough" Ricky complained not at all glad to be involved in what could be more tiring work.
"Ricky don't be an asshole we owe him a lot for giving us the title of thane, they don't just hand out those fucking things to everybody" Julian responded annoyed with Rickys ungrateful tone."Besides I don't think this will take very long".
"Fine but I swear if I don't smoke any dope today I'm gonna fucking snap" the Nord commented his temper flaring in his last threat especially given how much stress he had gone through today.
The trio walked into the room where a man in black mage robes stood looking over a map of the province which rested upon the counter he stood behind. Across from him to a certain angle sat a shelf with several crystals assorted throughout it and close by in the back sat an alchemy table alongside an enchanting table.
"Excuse me Farengar right?" Julian asked the robed man who shifted his attention from the map to the heavily armoured Breton in front of him.
"Yes, what is you have need of me for?" Farengar quizzed curious as to what this unknown group of strangers purpose was.
"Well the Jarl asked us if we could help out with your stuff" Bubbles answered revealing their intentions to the court wizard.
"So the Jarl thinks you three can be of use to me, oh yes he must be referring to my research into the dragons" Farengar said as he locked gazes with each member of triumvirate, switching his gaze from one to the other analysing them. "I could use someone to fetch something for me".
"What the fuck do you mean fetch?" Ricky asked rather bluntly to the man whose short and not all descriptive reply left him did not do him any justice regarding knowing what the mage wanted them to do.
"Well when I say fetch, I really mean delve into an ancient ruin in search of an ancient stone tablet, that may or may not actually be there" Farengar explained to the Nord who most definitely was not happy at the prospect of another adventure into a ancient ruin.
"What does this have to do with the dragons?" Julian inquired wanting more information from Farengar who had not yet revealed onto them the crucial issue of how this proposed venture connected to what they had originally came for.
"Ah no mere brute mercenary but a thinker, perhaps even a scholar" Farengar quipped to a confused Julian who from the look on his stoic face did not find this comment amusing. "You see when the stories of dragons began to circulate, many dismissed them as mere fantasies, rumours impossibilities" Farengar explained to the trio who found themselves hooked into the court mages story. "One sure mark of a fool is to dismiss anything that falls out of his experience as impossible".
At this last comment Ricky and Bubbles gave Julian an amused glance recalling his disbelief towards the Draugr in Bleak falls barrow, the Breton simply returned their teasing by flipping the bird at them discreetly.
Meanwhile Farengar continued his summary to the group,"But I began to search for information about the dragons such as where had they gone all those years and where now are they coming from?" the wizard said in a pondering manner".
"So what exactly is it you want us to do?" Bubbles asked tired of all the beating around the bush concerning the task.
"Well I learned of a certain stone tablet housed in Bleak falls barrow, a 'Dragonstone' said to contain a map of dragon burial sites" Farengar replied. "I want you to go to Bleak falls barrow and find this tablet, no doubt interred in the main chamber and bring it to me, simplicity itself".
His response instantly sent waves of shock and nostalgia through all of them, Bubbles especially given he realised he still had a certain artefact from the barrows that did march the wizards description. Remembering that he aside from several examinations during the week he had not pulled the tablet out much from the pouch it rested in, where it should still be given thats where he had left it last if the Imperial recalled.
Farengars centre of focus drifted over to the Imperial who appeared to looking through his pack for something, the mage curiosity deepening even further to the point of excitement once he saw the man with large focused glasses pulled from his bag.
"Is this the thing you were looking for?" Bubbles announced as he handed the tablet in full display to the court wizard whose eyes practically glowed with joy while his face lit up
"Ah the dragonstone of Bleak falls barrow!, you are cut from a different cloth than the usual brutes the Jarl foists onto me" Farengar complimented as he caressed the stone with wonder in his hands.
"Thanks" Ricky replied rather dryly.
"So what about a reward for this?" Julian inquired hoping that Farengar could give them quite decent payment for the stone, especially given the Bretons own personal history regarding finding the item.
"You'll have to see the Jarl about that or maybe his steward Avenicci, I'm sure one of them will pay you appropriately" the mage answered truthfully regarding the matter. "For you though as a special one time offer I'm willing sell my spell tomes at a deducted reasonable if you'd like to buy".
Julian and Ricky recognising who he was talking turned their attention to Bubbles whose excitement was physically evident given his very energetic body language and wide grin displayed on his face. They found they couldn't say no to him especially given his somewhat adorable enthusiastic reaction to the thought of learning more spells.
"Sure I'll definitely be happy to fucking buy some, lay em out!" Bubbles said with quite a lot of joy at the thought of learning more knowledge on one his favourite interests.
"I had you figured for a mage, I think you'll appreciate this" Farengar replied with a smile happy to indulge a fellow user of magic. The court wizard then proceeded laid out a series of books on the counter in an arranged alphabetical order.
The Imperials eyes widened to the size of saucers as he looked at one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen, a huge collection of spell tomes made of different subjects and colors of all kinds. Bubbles purchased 4 of the spell tomes, one of which he paid for by selling his firebolt staff which he found he didn't really need anymore given one of the tomes would teach him the rods magical ability. Alongside the firebolt spell tome Bubbles 3 other magic books included one titled healing hands which gave him the ability to heal his companions, another known as candlelight allowed him to summon an orb of light useful for brightening dim spaces and finally a spell called conjure Flame Atronach which would allow the user to summon a lesser daedra to combat foes.
Satisfied with what Bubbles had gotten the trio said goodbye to the court wizard who now was dedicated to studying the tablet. On the way out of Dragonsreach they talked to Proventus who gave them a 120 coin reward which they split into 3 equal shares. With all matters of business and personal things taken care of in the palace the boys walked out the doors heading back down into the bustling streets of Whiterun.
Over the course of the next series of hours Ricky, Julian and Bubbles went about completing the various parts of their planned schedule. Shortly after leaving Dragonsreach they went to an inn titled "The Drunken Huntsmen" where they bought themselves a room for the night. Afterwards Ricky and Julian headed out to do some shopping, Bubbles himself was content to just stay in the room the Imperial very eager to start reading his new tomes.
Julian alongside Ricky went to the forge to seek improvements for their armour and weapons at the forge, the Nord also bought himself a new shield there, trading in his old iron one for a steel shield. After having payed for the upgrade the blacksmith Adrianne assured them it would be completed by the morning. Holding her to her solemn vow that none save her would lay hands on the weapons while in her care the two left the place going their individuals ways to buy various things at the stores. Ricky bought some gifts for his family, a doll for Trinity, a gold ring for Lucy and a set of colovian brandy that his father Ray would surely appreciate given his nightly drinking binges.
In terms of what Julian bought for himself he got several books that would help advance his skill set regarding certain things, such as utilising heavy armour, using two handed weapons in battle, blocking attacks and finally increase his skill in lock picking. Once they had finished up their shopping the two met up with Bubbles who had finished 2 of his spell tomes and decided to have a nice set of drinks to end the day. It was a little after midnight that we now see the boys currently seated after their last set of drinks. Most of the trio practically tired out save for a certain hyped Nord who had little more than the others to drink plus he was very hight at the time.
"Man we should order some more fucking drink boys I wants to get really fucked up" Ricky said slurring his intent very loudly given his current state.
"Nah thats enough for all of us especially you Ricky, we gotta get up fucking early for the trip to Ivarstead" Bubbles replied hoping his friend would listen to his reasoning.
"Fuck no we gotta have more Bubs, c'mon lets order another fucking round!" the Nord responded enthusiastically back hoping that the two would go along with having more drinks so as to make things more fun.
"He's right Ricky we're done man I'm not waking up with a shitty fucking hangover" Julian countered knowing that despite his high alcohol tolerance and the fact he was only slightly tipsy, the Breton knew it was wise to have the last drinks remain the last.
"What the hells wrong with you guys!" Ricky loudly moaned as he drunkenly stood up to his full height. His stature very wobbly plus unstable as his intoxicated state affected his posture and balance. "C'mon guys this is a fucking celebration!".
"Ricky calm the fuck down and sit down your gonna hurt yourself!" Bubbles warned as he found himself very paranoid about the Nords current state especially
"Fuck are ya talking about" Ricky slurred as he tried to make a single step to the left only to stumble over his left foot straight towards a nearby table in corner of the room.
"The fuck Ricky!" Julian yelled.
Luckily for the Nord he managed to keep himself from completely impacting the wooden table as he planted his hands on the wooden table surface, halting his fall midway. Pushing himself off he straightened his height and looking ahead came face to face with the tables occupant, a Dunmer women with several gold markings and dressed in leather armour who gazed at him with a calculated yet intrigued look.
"Oh hey how are ya doing, my names Ricky" Ricky greeted the women whose expression only grew more concentrated as she looked at the very friendly and clearly drunk man.
"I am well enough, my name is Jenassa" Jenassa replied greeting back the Nord, very curious of his upbeat and seemingly obnoxious nature which seemed to contain something more to it.
"Ricky are ya alright?" Bubbles asked concerned as he and Julian made their way over to the Nord who now turned to face his concerned friends faces.
"Yeah I'm all good boys" Ricky said in a reassuring response to the two felt twinges of relief at this confirmation, "anyways this is "Janassa" the Nord added introducing the Dunmer women who upon hearing the incorrect pronunciation of her name closed her eyes in annoyance for a brief second.
"Its Jennasa, and who are the two of you?" Jenassa asked curious as to the identity of Rickys two friends who appeared as quite an an interesting pair. Especially what with one being a muscular Breton with a goatee and the other being an Imperial with very focused set of glasses that made his eyes look large.
"I'm Julian and my friend here is Bubbles, I guess you've already met Ricky" Julian said as he indicated to the very evidently intoxicated Nord who appeared to zone out at times. "Hows the night been for you here at the Huntsmen?".
"Its been an interesting night, its certainly a rowdy one will all the drunks like your friend" the Dunmer warrior replied as she pointed towards Ricky who appeared to be leaning on Bubbles for balance while the latter tried to keep him steady.
"Oh yeah sorry about that, Ricky really doesn't know how to pace himself well with drinking and just gets way too fucking drunk" Julian said apologising to Jenassa.
"Its alright I've had more than enough experience dealing with clumsy drunks, and besides we wouldn't be speaking now if not for your friend" Jenassa replied reassuring the Breton.
"Thats true" Julian said finding himself in agreement on that point, the Breton the brought his next casual question forward. "So you got much planned for the night?".
"Not much really, I'm just waiting around for potential employers who may have need of my particular arts" the Dunmer stated, her mention of her services or rather "arts" capturing the interest of both Julian and Bubbles.
"What kinda arts do ya provide?" Bubbles asked with a genuine curiosity despite having some idea what it applied about it given her apparel.
"Blade and shadow, silence and death these are my arts" Jenassa said to the two in the form of something akin to a sales pitch.
"So your like a fucking mercenary or some shit" Ricky added as he joined the conversation, still very intoxicated as ever.
"Indeed, you know for a modest fee I could make great art for you 3 as well" Jenassa said presenting them quite an offer which held quite a number of benefits. Especially what with having quite a well skilled fighter by their side in taking on the dangers and enemies that awaited them in future endeavours.
Though unfortunately Julian decided to decline seeing some of the major negatives such as their already limited amount coins which he did not want to deplete even more with retainer to the mercenary decided to decline the offer. "I appreciate the offer but we'll have to say no, sorry about that" the Breton replied in a feeling guilty of declining her offer.
"It is of no worry to me" Jenassa responded not as upset as the Breton expected that they had pass up on her services.
"Hey but maybe in the future we could see about hiring you for job, that sound good with you?" Julian asked as he gave the Dunmer his counter offer to make up for the no.
"Sure, I'll glad to be of assistance when the time comes" Jenassa said back with a short nod, her simple response providing the Breton with the confirmation he needed that she could be of great support in the future.
Julian then found a certain hand tapping his shoulder which could only belong to the Imperial beside him. Turning to face him he saw the latter point now at Ricky who was now lying on the ground muttering to himself. The Breton mentally groaned as he and Bubbles went over to the Nord who they grabbed by his arms pulling him off the ground, Jenassa watching on in subtle amusement. The two then lifted his arms around their shoulders, ensuring that Ricky would stay upright through their support.
"We're probably gonna head off now, it was great talking with you Jenassa I hope you have a great night" Julian farewelled the Dunmer women who returned it.
"As did I, Goodnight Julian" Jenassa said to the Breton as she watched the two slowly carry their mumbling drunk friend back across the inns glowing room to their nightly abode.
Upon unlocking the door to their room and heaving their friend through it, Julian and Bubbles somewhat threw Ricky onto his bed who." "I feel like I gotta take a fucking leak" The Nord grumbled to himself as he rolled around on the top covers.
"Ricky hold on we'll take ya outside to piss soon enough" Bubbles replied back busy hoping that would ensure Rickys compliance. The Imperial quickly shuffled his books back into the organised pile he preferred and turned to face a rather shocking sight. Ricky was standing facing the corner having unbuckled his undergarments off.
"What the fuckity fuck are you doing Ricky?!" Bubbles yelled out rhetorically in complete disgust as he realised what the drunk Nord was doing.
"I can't hold it in boys, its gotta be be fucking now" Ricky said making it clear that this very unhiegienic decision was the most clear one to do.
Julian who had also caught sight of what Ricky was doing quickly rushed to grab one of the nearby buckets in the room and quickly positioned it under the Nord before he let loose. The sound of water flowing into a container could now be heard as the Breton and the Imperial looked away from the very gross sight. Finally after Ricky was done he turned to face the two who looked at him with disdain which went unnoticed by him in his current state.
"Fuck that was a good piss" Ricky said in an oddly happy way as he tried to wipe his hands on Julian who quickly who backed away from him.
"Yeah Ricky completely fucking 'wonderful' job" Bubbles congratulated sarcastically to the latter who nodded in return while wiping his hands with his own shirt.
"I'm gonna end off to sleep now, goodnight guys" Ricky said before practically falling face first on his bed and within a matter of seconds fell deep into a deep slumber.
As the Nord snored loudly Julian and Bubbles still stood standing up as they realised what kind of a task they had to take care of now. "Hey Bubs do you think you can-" Julian asked though he was quickly met with a very loud and audible sigh.
"Yes Julian I'll do it" Bubbles replied with a very unhappy tone at the thought of having to take care of his friends left over urine. The Imperial immediately went to the corner and picked up the now slightly filled bucket, cringing in disgust and feelings of queasiness as the smell hit him. He then left the room and through the inn went outside where he emptied the contents into a close by bush.
After he was done emptying Bubbles washed the bucket in the running stream that ran directly uphill next to the path way leading up to Dragonsreach. Once he was done with this Bubbles headed back to the inn and walked into the room where he found both Ricky and now Julian asleep in their beds. The Imperial made his way over to his own bed, which now after a long mentally and physically and exhausting day seemed most inviting.
Now comfortably tucked into bed Bubbles closed his eyes and soon found himself drifting off to sleep. The Imperial dreams being quite a series of interesting ones, dreams filled with the boys fighting many of the past monsters and creatures they had fought in the past since arriving back in Skyrim. The battles themselves taking place in environments of distorted colours that changed very frequently in hue and brightness, all in not at all very flattering ways.
One familiar monstrous figure stood out in particular, especially as he loomed largely over everyone in the background. The ebony coloured dragon looked upon everyone before him, ally and foes alike with a very calculated plus analytical stare. His eye was especially fixed upon a specific individual who stood fighting alongside his two friends. The dragon saw him as a central important piece in a game that spanned over the fates of all beings.
The next morning Bubbles woke up relatively early, his mind still spinning from much of the weird dreams he had the night before which left him with quite some eerie feelings. To past the time while Ricky and Julian slept in the latter snacked on some fruit whilst studying the two other books in possession. Just as he was on the last page a knock could be heard at the door, startling him and waking up Julian whose eyes widened
"Who the fuck do you think it is?" Julian queried with curiosity as to who was at the door.
"Don't have a fucking clue Julian, we'll just have to see" Bubbles replied to the latter as he went up to the door and opened it. In front of the Imperial in the entrance way stood a very strong looking Nord woman with raven black hair and equipped head to toe in steel armour.
"Um hello is there anything that I can help ya with miss?" Bubbles greeted the woman, feeling very awkward given his lack of confidence in talking one on one with a very beautiful stranger.
"My name is Lydia the Jarl had appointed me to be your housecarl" Lydia replied introducing herself with a stoic respectable tone giving a courteous nod to the Imperial. Bubbles brain was instantly hit by the memory of what the Jarl had said to them yesterday concerning assigning them a personal bodyguard or protector. He had practically forgotten all about that across the course of the prior day, cursing himself that the Imperial was only reminded just now.
"Well its fuck'n great to meet ya Lydia, the names Bubbles" Bubbles said as he greeted her with a very enthusiastic demeanour that the Nord lady couldn't but smile back in response despite the crudeness of his speech.
"Likewise, it'll be an honour to serve you my thane" Lydia replied back with a very staunch amount of dedication.
"Its alright you can just call me Bubbles, I'm not really one for that kind of formal title thing" the Imperial responded preferring to be addressed the way he preferred with his normal name.
"Alright then… Bubbles, is there anything you require of me?" the housecarl responded feeling a sense of awkwardness at the lack of formality she had not expected of one of her thanes.
"Well uh do you wanna come inside and meet my friends?" Bubbles asked finding himself very confused on how to adjust to this new bodyguard dynamic.
"If that is what you wish" Lydia replied with utmost obedience as she followed the Imperial into the room, Bubbles made his way over to Julian who was sitting at the the table sipping a glass of ale. The bretons gaze now fixed itself from the Imperial to the new person who stood in the middle of the room.
"Hey Bubs" Julian said to the Imperial who returned it was a greet of his own.
"I've got someone for you to meet, Julian this is Lydia she's the housecarl the Jarl sent us, and Lydia this is my best friend Julian" Bubbles said introducing the armoured women to Julian and vice verse with Lydia to the Breton
"Its awesome to meet you Lydia" Julian said as he shook hands with the housecarl who he noted had a very strong grip, "so your like our personal bodyguard? the Breton queried.
Indeed, I am sworn to your service my thane" Lydia replied with utmost respect to the Breton who found himself surprised just as Bubbles was with the way they were addressed, as if they were of a higher class of person than her.
"Just Julians fine, I'm kind of the same deal as him regarding fancy name shit" the Breton replied back to the housecarl who nodded in understanding.
As they wrapped up introductions a certain still sleeping person in the room could be heard muttering to himself capturing all their attention. "Don't steal my fucking pepperoni cock you dick" Ricky rambled heavily in his sleep.
"Who's that?" Lydia inquired.
"Oh thats our friend Ricky" Bubbles said introducing the currently still slumbering Nord in the early hours of the morning.
"You mean hes the one who's… the Dragonborn?" the housecarl said as her eyes widened at the surprise of the fact that she was a protector of a very legendary figure.
"Yeah I guess thats what he is now" Bubbles replied his mind being reminded of the whole mystical voice powers dilemma that had been revealed to them and that they now had to sort out today.
"I think we should probably wake him up now" Julian said having had enough of Rickys oversleeping especially in wake of the incidents of the prior day.
Bubbles was quick to act on this suggestion as he walked up the bedside and tried to shake Ricky awake. "Its time to get up Ricky" he urged.
"Fuck off Cory you ain't getting any dope today" Ricky mumbled still very out of it much to Bubbles frustration, especially given the conventional method of stirring him awake wasn't working. Suddenly after scanning the room for a bit he found the answer to the current problem, the Imperial smirked to himself remembering a certain promise he had given Ricky after a certain humiliating incident.
Upon grabbing it Bubbles tilted the bucket that still had a litre of stream water contained within so that it faced to pour onto the Nords face, which it did in a rapid splash.
"Ah fuck!, what the fuck!" Ricky yelled beyond annoyed to be woken up in a shocked state thanks to the feeling of ice cold water. As he sat up and turned to face the source of his irritation he glared at the smug Imperial still clutching the now empty bucket. "Why in the ever fuck did ya have to wake me up with cock freezing water".
"Well Ricky you could call that payback for being an asshole yesterday and especially last night" Bubbles responded back with no apologies at all in mind given the complete justification in the act.
"I can't even fucking remember what happened last night, by Akatosh my fucking head feels like its killing me" the Nord said as he rubbed his temple hoping that a palm soothe would make it go away to which it barely did anything.
"Thats cause your hungover Ricky" Bubbles stated to the latter as he went looking through his satchel, eventually pulling out a certain potion mix. "Here this should help get rid of that fucking whore of a migraine" the Imperial added handing him the drink.
Ricky quickly downed the drink and thankfully to his immediate relief found that the pain in his head was quick to vanish. As he sighed in relief Ricky finally noticed Lydia who caught him off guard not knowing there was another person in the room with them. "So boys whose this?" Ricky queried in a very curious tone given his unfamiliarity with the well equipped warrior.
"Ricky this is our housecarl Lydia" Bubbles said introducing to the latter who looked at him with a very obvious expression of confusion.
"Why the fuck would a person be a house cat, that is fucked up" Ricky ranted to the 3 who looked at him in bewilderment and irritation by his off topic misinterpretation. Lydia was the most affected by this giving her being unused to Rickys very 'unique' personality.
"No Ricky I said that shes a house-carl which is like a bodyguard not a fucking house cat, how did you hear that there was nothing I said that was even fuck'n remotely connected to a kitty" Bubbles criticised finding himself annoyed with Rickys intro already going downhill.
"Bubbles you know all those fancy name type shit flies over my head, what the fuck did you expect" Ricky retorted not surprisingly dodging all responsibility regarding the naming mix up. "Anyways sorry about the fuck up with your job title, my names Ricky how are you doing" the Nord said greeting the women who found herself more and more shocked by the Dragonborns unexpected bizarre personality.
"I am well enough, it is the greatest honour to meet you Dragonborn" Lydia replied back with a high degree of respect in her tone which surprised the Nord who did not expect such praise.
"Thanks, its fucking cool to meet you as well Lydia" Ricky responded back humbly which she accepted with gladness, "I guess it'll be pretty awesome to fight alongside ya in battle, whenever that shit happens".
"You may just get a chance today Rick considering where we're going" Julian interjected as the Breton felt his appropriate to now launch into the main objective of the day.
"Oh yeah, so we're going up to that fucking mountain to speak to those Greybeard guys" the Nord replied as he now recalled the purpose of todays mission which to a degree excited him given the ability he now wielded and could be honed.
"Exactly, how are ya feeling about it Ricky?" Julian asked with genuine concern regarding how his friend felt about the matter.
"I honestly don't know, its all so fucking weird how much shit has happened these past few days" Ricky said beginning his speech which centred on admitting how overwhelming it all was. "I mean we originally came here just to send a message and do some shopping, instead we fought an actual fucking dragon, then I apparently found out I'm the Dragonborn from the stories and now I gotta learnt some stuff from a group of old guys up the biggest fucking mountain in Skyrim".
"I know how ya feel its lot to fucking take in, I'll be honest everything feels really fucked up and strange" Bubbles interjected feeling much relation to Rickys current uneasiness.
"Well I guess we're all thinking the same thing, I know things have been really fucking unusual lately but boys I know we're gonna get through this and when we do our lives will be the better for it" Julian said once again acting as the positive encouraging influence of the group who were grateful for his support.
"Thanks Julian" Ricky replied alongside Bubbles.
"No worries Ricky, anyways we should probably pack up and head off now" Julian said with a strong sense determination in his tone as he laid out his instructions to Ricky and Bubbles who complied and went about collecting their things. The Breton then turned to face Lydia who had remained as she had alway been standing with perfect strong pose and a well built posture. "If your gonna be coming along with us to High Hrothgar we're gonna need to get you some stuff" Julian stated to the housecarl.
"It is of no concern I have all the equipment I'll need" Lydia responded showcasing her two sets of weapons, one being a sword and a steel shield, the other a hunting bow plus a average sized stack of Iron arrows in a quiver hoisted around her back. She also had a small satchel containing a total variety of provisions which would last for a week.
"Well its good that we don't have to worry about you" Julian commented with satisfaction and relief that she had come prepared before heading off to pack up his stuff. Within the space of 10 minutes the trio had finished gathering their stuff and with Lydia in tow checked out of the inn, leaving it behind.
The group made their way to the forge where Julian and Ricky collected their upgraded armour plus weapons from the blacksmith, giving her their humble thanks for upgrade which she accepted with great pride. Following this they went to the stables to collect Alvor's horse who appeared to be in great shape and well rested from his short holiday, all the more ready for quite a trip. Leading the stallion over they quickly strapped him back up to the reins of the carriage which lay out in the open for them, still in line with other wooden compartments which stood alongside it.
Julian once again acted as the driver of the carriage directing the horse to the gates, the vehicles occupants Ricky, Bubbles and Lydia sat in the back compartment admiring the view of the city's scenery passing by them. It wasn't long before the wooden vehicle finally made its way through the open gates of the city and back onto the gravelly road of the countryside plus its ever winding plains that lay before it, stretching as far as the eye could see.
The destination ahead of them would be even further than the one the boys took getting from Riverwood to the capital city especially with the main place itself being halfway between Whiterun and Riften which was a close by major region. By Julians estimate he wished to reach the village of Ivarstead which was near the bottom of High Horthgar by 1:00 in the afternoon. As such the wooden transport was set to make its journey bypassing the mountainside to the northwest of it and then eventually turning right by which point they'd eventually reach Ivarstead.
About half an hour had passed by the time the carriage was making its detour around the mountainside, the locations randomly shifted from rapid running rivers bordered by rock creek sides to small hills coated in various pine trees and other greenery. All the while the mountain loomed over them an ever constant in term of its overshadowing and colossal nature. Ricky and Bubbles occasionally conversed in the back, Lydia not joining in much on their conversations though the two asked to her about things.
"So did you grow up in Whiterun?" Ricky asked with a curious tone.
"Yes, I was born in the city" Lydia answered with a simple nod to confirm that it was indeed correct.
"Thats cool, I grew up in Riverwood, mostly lived there my whole life with my Dad" Ricky explained to the latter who soaked in all the details before launching her own inquiry.
"What about your mother?" Lydia inquired though she mentally cursed for prying too much oncd she saw Rickys face shift uncomfortably at what may have been a sensitive topic.
"She uh passed away 8 years ago, its kinda of a long fuck'n story" Ricky said.
"I apologise I shouldn't have asked such a personal question" the housecarl said feeling regret for being foolish to press such a question relating to a dead family member, especially if it was one of her thanes.
"Nah its okay, your alright you didn't do anything fucking wrong at all" Ricky replied reassuring her that she did no wrong, soothing her worries. With that things seemed to calm down.
"Hows your family doing?" Bubbles asked Lydia who gave him a straight answer on the topic.
"I don't- really have a family, I was abandoned by my parents and raised in an orphanage" Lydia explained to the Nord and Imperial who gave her looks of sympathy.
"That fuck'n sucks, I'm sorry that you grew up alone without family" Bubbles said with a tone that showed much sadness and to Lydias surprise even understanding in his voice. "If it makes you feel better I know what its like growing up on your own".
"You do?" the housecarl asked shocked that the man had gone through a similar experience as hers.
"My parents left me when I was a little guy, for most of my life aside from my kitties Ricky and Julian have been my only family in the world" Bubbles explained to Lydia who immediately felt sympathy for this poor man who had clearly been through a lot.
"I'm sorry that you've had such a lonely life" Lydia said with much of a sympathetic tone apparent in her voice and a somewhat saddened look in her usually stoic facial expression.
"Thanks Lydia I appreciate it " the Imperial responded with a sad smile, Ricky quickly cheering him up with a reassuring hand on his shoulder which did help a little bit.
The silence following this awkward discussion was quick to fill the air as the only sound that could be heard was the natural ones from nature, the wooden wheels creaking across the gravel and the trots made by the horse out in front. Suddenly the carriage came to an immediate abrupt halt, taking everyone in the compartment by surprise. Ricky turned to face the front seeing that they had stopped at what appeared to be one of the entrances to a large set of towers, a river running between them creating quite a large seperate distance.
Across from the carriage just by the entryway stood a bandit from the looks of it who approach the drivers seat where Julian sat looking at him anxiously. "Listen here theres a toll to use this road so either pay up or else" the Bandit stated to Julian who now felt an anxiety build up in his heart and headspace.
The Breton now found himself stuck in a very precarious situation given he didn't want to give up a huge portion of their limited coin and on the other hand he didn't know how to talk his way out of the situation. Julian could only stare at the currently impatient man with a nervous stare, praying to the divines that there would be a way to get out of this situation without giving up their coin. Fortunately the chance would indeed arrive.
"Hey hows it going" Ricky suddenly interjected, his voice and random appearance startling the bandit who now focused his attention from the Breton to the Nord
"None of your fucking business, now how about that coin?" the Bandit ordered starting to lose his patience with the two.
"Look relax man you got it all wrong we're the extra support that the boss whats to bring down north" Ricky lied knowing that he could lead this Bandit on with his improvised ruse.
"I don't remember nothing about no back up, whats your name?" the Bandit quizzed wondering if he recalled the individual.
"My names Trevor and this is Cory" the Nord replied introducing himself and Julian to the bandit who took all this information in.
"I never heard of anybody part of our group called Cory but I have heard of you Trevor, apparently your with some of our guys down west" The bandit said to Ricky who absorbed the revealed info. Bubbles, Julian and especially Lydia watched on in shock as his careful manipulation of the thug seemed to be working.
"Yeah man we're just heading down cause the boss wants our help in clearing out some important infested shithole full of 8 legged frostbite fuckers" Ricky explained to the Bandit who nodded in agreement. "I hate those fucking pricks".
"Tell me about it I'm still recovering from a battle with those fucked up freaks of nature" the Bandit responded shaking his head in disgust of a prior unpleasant memory.
"I feel ya man, anyways we gotta get going" Ricky said to the Bandit who had been clear of his need for all haste.
"Of course, safe travels and hey make sure to put in a word with the boss for me will ya" the Bandit said as he moved out of the path of the carriage as it stated up again moving on down the road and past the towering structures.
"Will do!" Ricky yelled back to the man who was slowly shrinking into the distance as the wooden transport made sure to quickly leave the area in the dust. As soon as they were a far enough distance away from the towers and most certainly out of sight Ricky broke into a smirk as he looked at Bubbles and Lydia. "Man that fucking guy was dumb as shit".
"That he is Ricky, great fucking job on fooling him" Bubbles congratulated with a joyful demeanour patting his friend on the back.
"I'm not one who admires lying in any form but that was quite a useful ploy" Lydia added impressed with his ability in getting the four of them out of the situation.
"Thanks you guys" Ricky said cheerfully as he accepted their praise of him in handling the situation. The trio continued to converse in the back compartment of the wagon whilst Julian remained at the front directing it on its course to their main place.
After what had been 4 hours worth of travelling, various in between breaks and even random attacks by wolves the carriage finally pulled up at the village of Ivarstead at exactly 1:02 in the afternoon. From looks alone the place reminded the trio of Riverwood being a small town of various wooden structures nestled under the close by mountains and surrounded by much forest though to a lesser extent then back home for the boys.
Their first priority upon entering the village was to drop their horse off at the stables so as to ensure it would be well looked after during the period of time they were up on the mountain. The carriage itself was left in a small spot of the village alongside a line formation of other carriages. With this all taken care of Ricky, Julian, Bubbles and Lydia left the village, now entirely cantered on reach the top of the mountain where the sanctuary of the Greybeards lay isolated from the rest of Skyrim.
After a short while they crossed the bridge connecting to where the area where the main pathway leading up the mountain started. Along the way they came across a man conversing with his friend. "On your way up the 7000 steps again Kilmmek?" one the men asked the other, a bald headed man with a sharply cut long beard with much intrigue.
"Not today, I'm just not ready to make the climb to High Hrothgar, the path isn't safe" Kilmmek responded, the information he revealed about the state of the steps catching the ear of the current listening group.
"Aren't the Greybeards expecting supplies?" the other man said to Kilmmek with concern regarding his absence from doing daily deliveries to the monks.
"Honestly I'm not certain, I've yet to be allowed into the monastery" Kilmmek replied with a most obivious tone of uncertainty. "Perhaps one day…" he added wishfully. With that they concluded their conversation, going their seperate ways from the area.
Kilmmek upon spotting the large group who seemed to facing the direction of the pathway approached with a great sense of interest. "Passing through on your way to High Hrothgar?" he asked addressing the 4 standing before him.
"Yeah man" Ricky responded with a nod confirming to Kilmmek that they were heading up that way.
"Interesting, I'm about to make a delivery up there myself" Kilmmek revealed to the group.
"What exactly are you delivering up there?" Bubbles quizzed out of simple curiosity in terms of the supply type.
"Mostly food supplies like dried fish and salted meat, things that keep fresh for a long time" the man replied making it known that he was primary food delivery source for the ancient cult. "The Greybeards tend to not get out much if you catch my meaning" Kilmmek said, his words reflecting the isolationist nature that this group of old voice practitioners had indulged in for quite some time.
"What exactly do they give you in return?" Julian inquired wondering as to whether this group had some form of communication with the man.
"Well its kind of an understanding between us, I mean it just wouldn't feel right charging them for a bit of preserved food" Kilmmek explained to the boys and Lydia who could understand his reasons and even respect his generosity towards providing for these old group. "The trouble is my legs aren't what they used to be and climbing the 7000 steps takes its toll" he added now bringing up the difficulties of his current age in his line of work.
"We could bring it up for you, no fucking problem" Ricky said his offer taking everyone by surprise given it wasn't usual that the Nord would do such massive tasks for a stranger or for that matter anyone given his enormous laziness .
"You sure Rick cause thats gonna be quite an extra fucking load" Julian directed at the latter hoping he did understand the extra burden they would have to carry up and wondering what exactly his friends reasons was.
"Chill out its just some food Julian it shouldn't weigh that fucking much, plus it might help us get in good with those Greybeard guys" Ricky replied letting the Breton in on why he was mainly doing it though he did feel sympathy of the ageing delivery man.
"Thank your kind heart here take this bag of supplies, at the top of the steps you'll see an offering chest, just leave the bag of supplies and you're done" Kilmmek instructed as he handed Ricky the bag which the Nord slung over his shoulder as another addition to the other packs strapped to him.
"I'll let you four head off now, good luck and farewell!" Kilmmek said before he turned and made his way back to the village.
Meanwhile our every determined continued on their way across the bridge and finally arrived at the beginning of what would be their most toughest, physically exhausting and even dangerous mountain hike as of yet in Skyrim. Even making their prior trip to Bleak falls barrow look something like a short trek in comparison.
"Looks like this is fucking it boys, 7000 god damn steps all the way to the top of this massive fucking mountain" Bubbles said in a rather overwhelmed manner given the sheer frightening heights of the mountain and the fact they had never done anything on this scale.
"Indeed, this will be truly an event worthy of remembrance" Lydia stated very formally reflecting hers and the boys inner thoughts on what they were just about to attempt in taking on Tamriels largest mountain. The group stood for a while looking directly at the path, dreading what lay ahead on the slopes and peaks of High Hrothgar that seemed to glare at them
"Well theres no sense in putting this off any longer" Julian declared being the first to snap back to the main objective and put all feelings of anxious behind him. The Breton proceeded to make his way up stairs followed up by Ricky and then Bubbles, Lydia being the last in the line.
As they walked up the first few levels steps Ricky noticed something out of the corner of his eye."Hey come look at this shit!" Ricky said as he motioned for Julian, Bubbles and Lydia to take a look at what he was seeing. The four proceeded to crowd around what appeared to be a very old stone tablet with clear words steeped in the common tongue inscribed upon the rock.
"What does it say Ricky?" Bubbles asked very intrigued by the ancient small stone structure, the Nord quickly obliged reading to the best of his ability which as you'd expect was very limited.
"It says " Before the birth of men the Dragons ruled all of Mundus, their word was the voice and they spoke only for true needs, for the voice could blot out the sky and flood the land'" Ricky said surprisingly able to say the words accurately though understandingly given none of them were too formal or extended, yet.
"Holy fuck is the voice ever so fucking powerful, I mean look at what it can do with controlling the fucking weather itself oh my fuck" Bubbles exclaimed very shocked despite knowing already knowing the potential of it but hearing the acts itself actually happened took him by surprise.
"No wonder those fucking dragon pricks were in control of everything I mean who the fuck can go up against a bunch of giant reptile assholes who can flood the land for fuck sakes" Ricky added in wondering of how their ancestors fared against such a powerful race.
"Well its good thing they went fucking extinct" Julian remarked though he was quickly shot with sceptical looks, "up until now I mean" he added awkwardly.
Seeking to quickly change the subject from his awkward mistake the Breton got them back on track with marching up back up the path. Slowly and steadly the group made their way climbing up the steps of High Hrothgar, the atmosphere and weather slowly dropping as they made their progress.
About an hour later the group was now making their way further up, pushing with all their will power through the cold icy weather that relentlessly beat at them. The passage and much of the surrounding mountainside was completely blanketed in layers of thick white snow. Suddenly another stone tablet appeared before them which Bubbles immediately went up to, wiping the bits of snowing blocking it somewhat.
"What does it say Bubs?" Julian questioned curious as to what the next verse was about, he stood some steps behind the Imperial, just beside Ricky and Lydia.
Upon request Bubbles appeared to read aloud the next line, "Men were born and spread over the face of Mundus, the Dragons presided over the crawling masses, men were weak then and had no voice".
"Wow not only do those fucked in the head assholes kill us for fun but they made us their fucking slaves as well" Ricky commented not at all happy about hearing how the so called superior race treated human beings. "Fuck them".
"Agreed, its awful knowing what the people of that time suffered through" Lydia added as she looked at the tablet with a mixed expression of anger and sadness towards the injustices most likely done onto these past men, women and children.
"Hey but at least we know that their fucking suffering wasn't in vain, cause we're free and still around and not much of those flying pricks are" Julian said reassuring both of his companions with a rather positive message. Now that they were finished the second shrine the group continued on pressing through upwards through the snow.
Eventually they would come across the 3rd shrine which stuck out to their left on the path, this time it would be Julian who would be reading given he was the closest and given the order of things seemed only natural it was his turn. "The fledgling spirit of men was strong in old times, unafraid to war with Dragons and their voices but the Dragons only shouted them down and broke their hearts" the Breton retold of the historical fragment to the group.
"Dirty bastards" Bubbles growled at the thought of what the dragons had done to a people who had just desired freedom from tyranny.
"You know if I had the smallest regret for killing that fuckhead Mirmulnir, it went straight out the door now" Ricky said throwing his piece into the comments.
After a short session of commentary the boys and Lydia went back on track with their main journey up the mountain. As they found themselves getting closer and closer many of the twists and turn along the mountainside were starting to give way to very large dangerous openings, spelling certain death to any who fell in. To make matters worse the view itself was being worsened by a great thick fog which rendered visibility at a great decrease only adding to the danger. With this in mind the group proceeded more cautiously in the descent upwards.
Around the time Lydia alongside the others had made their way around a treacherous corner she spotted what appeared to be another stone tablet, "Everyone I believe theres another one of the tablets over here!" she announced yelling out to the others who crowded around it with her in front.
"What does it say?" Ricky asked the housecarl who proceeded to speak the words out loud to the group.
"Kyne called on Paarthunax who pitied men, together they taught men to use the Voice, then the Dragon war raged, Dragon against tongue" Lydia spoke to the group who found themselves by this turning point in the story.
"Who the fuck is Paarthunax?" Ricky quizzed out loud hoping someone in this group knew of this mysterious powerful entity who helped mankind in its darkest hour. To which they did not.
"I don't know Rick, but from the sounds of it he definitely doesn't seem like he was a human or some shit" Julian replied relaying to the Nord he had the same thoughts on the matter.
Suddenly a loud commotion could be heard coming from somewhere ahead of them, the sounds of something falling to the ground and some barely heard inaudible growls could be heard in the distance. Needless to say the group was startled and somewhat put on edge , these words especially an understatement for a certain Imperial who started freaking out.
"Oh divines what the fuck was that, please don't be what I fucking think its is!" Bubbles yelled out shaking very hyperactively as he did, "please let it not be a fucking samsquanch!"
"Sam-squanch?" Lydia asked out loud very confused by the very strange term used by the Imperial as he stood with quivering at the thought of his mortal fear stalking them.
"Its what Bubbles calls trolls" Julian explained to the housecarl who took this in now knowing it was the Imperial personal term for a particular monstrous species in Skyrim.
"Akatosh above I bet its a great 7 foot big ugly cocksucker with fucking razor sharp claws and a hunger to tear us to shreds!" the Imperial yelled out in panic of what could be an imaginary threat.
"Bubbles just relax man its probably just some fucking rocks that fell down" Ricky shouted to the man hoping to calm him down which given the latters consistent anxiety was not working.
"How the fuck do you know Ricky?" Bubbles questioned the Nord in a demand for a proper reassuring answer regarding the prior sounds.
"I'll fucking show ya that it was nothing!" Ricky yelled as he made his way past the group in the direction of the previous commotion.
"Ricky what the fuck are you doing!" Julian yelled out alarmed by his friend who was starting to fade a bit in terms of visibility amidst the swirling fog.
"See theres nothing over here, just some snow clumps that fell off the top of this fucking small cliff over here" shouted Ricky in the fog as the group made there way over to him. " And way the fuck over here is-".
Julian, Bubbles and Lydia finally caught up Ricky just as the latter got cut off mid rant by what looked like a mysterious figure that he walked right into. As soon as they caught sight of this being or rather creature, practically immediately their eyes went wide in shock at realisation of the danger the Nord was in.
"Hey watch where you're standing you fucking dick you could have-" Ricky insulted though he never finished his last words given how they literally got stuck in his throat upon the revelation of the sight in front of him. Before him stood a large bulky white creature large with 3 fingered claws, as it turned around Ricky got a very disturbing and up close look of its face which had a set of 3 pinprick eyes plus a very large horrific set of teeth. Whether the Nord realised it or not Ricky was now facing one for Skyrims most homicidal creatures, a Frost troll.
Ricky could barely let loose a scream just as the Frost troll roared loudly in his face, attempting a vicious swing at his head which he barely dodged falling onto his knees. Thinking quickly before it could prepare another swing Ricky drew upon the familiar power of the voice that had remained contained up in his head up until now.
"Fus!" the Nord shouted sending a projected force that caused the beast to stagger back with its arm swaying wildly. Seeing its vulnerability Ricky slashed at the Frost troll chest section causing it roar in pain. He then attempted another swing to penetrate its heart though unfortunately for him this time it recovered and in retaliation for its injury smashed its claw into Rickys sword arm, spraining it.
"Ah fuck!" Ricky groaned in pain as he dropped his sword by accident, unfortunately he would not have time to go back for it what with the Troll attempting another swing at him which he just blocked in time with his shield. The impact caused him to fall back into the snow. Seeing its preys vulnerability the Frost troll attempted a downward strike to crush the skull of the injured man.
It would never get is chance due to a certain Imperials interference, the Frost Troll screeched loudly as a stream of electricity struck its eye blinding it. Just when things couldn't get worse for the troll Julian in a sense of irony smashed its elbow with his steel war hammer breaking the limb of the monster causing it to howl even more.
Julian the went for another two handed powered strike causing a blow to the ribs, causing it even more pain. The Frost troll tired of this Bretons aggravating assaults smashed him back with his remaining arm causing the man to stumble back. Julian was quick to recover from this and was swift to be back on his feet, as he looked at the creature his eyes widened at the strange phenomenon going on with its body. The Frost trolls body seemed to be healing at a supernatural rate, the previous broken arm had snapped back into place as if it had never been broken and a certain chest slash mark had practically faded away.
"You gotta be fucking me" Julian groaned in absolute annoyance at the fact this monstrous brute had the ability to heal, meanwhile the creature made its way towards him to engage him in another battle. As the two fought a certain housecarl stood with her bow, slowly preparing to aim her already loaded arrow at the beast. Bubbles stood to the side currently utilising his healings hands spell on Ricky, slowly mending the damage to the Nords sprained arm.
Over in the battle between man and monster, Julian prepared to have the upper hand what with him smashing the Frost trolls shoulder, absolutely enraging it. In a sudden move that shook the Breton to his core the creature managed to grab the war hammer during its mid swing. With inhuman strength the Troll jerked the weapon in a sudden motion pulling Julian somewhat off the ground and with a powerful driven swing used the weapon to fling Julian some distance away.
The Frost troll dropped the weapon and advanced upon the Breton who lay face down in the snow somewhat disorientated. As it attempted to make its way towards him the Troll was suddenly hit in the shoulder by an arrow. Turning around it saw Lydia who appeared to be quickly preparing another arrow to fire, angered at this new annoyances attack the Frost Troll charged towards her with a roar that could be heard for miles. As soon as she was able another arrow was shot at the creature, this time taking off its left ear which unfortunately did not slow its rapid approach and only made it even more pissed off.
Lydia knew she did not have much time to reload another arrow from the quiver given how close it was to reaching, instead drawing her sword and shield quickly. Luckily for her it would never reach as suddenly a fast moving firebolt impacted it straight on its left side, causing a great big intense fiery explosion that sent the Frost troll collapsing onto the ground.
"Take that you fucking ugly samsquanch fuck!, attack him now Lydia put this fucker down!"
Upon instantly hearing the Imperials voice she immediately acted upon the opportunity. Quickly before the Frost troll could lift itself off the ground the housecarl quickly rushed over and impaled her sword straight through the abominations face and out the back of its skull ensuring its demise. The Frost troll corpse now lay on the ground amidst the snow whose white colour almost blended in with it. Satisfied with the fact it was dead Lydia made her way over to Bubbles and Ricky who were helping pull Julian off the ground and back to standing on his own two legs.
"That was a fucking decent job Lydia taking it down" Bubbles said thanking the female warrior who appreciated his congratulations of her successful kill of the Frost troll.
"Yeah you did really fucking amazing" Ricky added also very impressed.
"Ah its no big deal, I'm just grateful to be rid of that vile troll" Lydia replied humbly in regards to her prior actions.
They proceeded to wait for a bit for Julian to regain his breath from having the wind knocked out him by his impact on the ground. As soon as he was better the group continued on with their trek, moving away from the area with much haste especially given the prior encounter with the Frost troll.
It would be a couple of hours later when our heroes came across what seemed to be the 5th stone shrine in their path, Ricky would the honours speaking the particular words carved upon it.
"Men preva-iled, shouting Alduin out of the world, proving for all that their voice too was strong, although the sacrifices were many- fold" Ricky spoke aloud, his wording being almost entirely aside from an error near the start.
"Alduin?, who the fuck is that guy, sounds like he was a big deal back then" Bubbles said contemplating out loud the identity of yet another mysterious individual who the tale had introduced in a very brief segment.
"I don't know Bubs maybe he was like their leader back then before he got booted the fuck out of the world" Julian said offering an assumption surrounding the creature named 'Alduin'.
Once they were finished with their small conspiracy talk the group continued their journey eventually coming across the 6th in a row stone structure, Lydia herself read this one. "With roaring tongues the sky children conquer, founding the first empire with sword and voice, whilst the Dragons withdrew from this world".
"Well boys I guess that explains why those flying lizard fuckheads are still around, they didn't just fucking die out they were in hiding this whole time" Ricky stated regarding the answer to the dragons longtime absence from the land for thousands of years.
"Where exactly did they go then?" Lydia said asking the next crucial question in mind concerning the next stage of the whole big mystery of the dragons.
"Who knows, could have been in an entirely different dimension for all we fuck'n know" Bubbles answered presenting his theory which was admittedly quite loose in explanation.
Finished with their purpose with the stone tablet the 4 made walked onwards eventually making their way up around a large stone formation. As they were turning around the corner of it the group caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a large castle far off in the distance.
"Gods above is that fucking High Hrothgar over there?!" Bubbles queried as he found his excitement rising at the thought of being nearly at the main destination.
"It think it is buddy" Ricky replied with equal enthusiasm as he patted the Imperials shoulder, "we're nearly there!".
"Hey come check this out!" Julian yelled calling out to the 3 other people in his group who marched over to look at yet another stone shrine, which the Breton proceeded to read to the group. "The tongues at red mountain went away humbled, Jurgen Windcaller began his seven year meditation, to understand how strong voices could fail" Julian worded to the group.
"Jurgen Windcaller, where have I heard that guys fucking name from?" Bubbles pondered to himself out loud given the aforementioned individual seemed familiar to him though he couldn't quite place the original source of it.
"From what I recall I believe he was the founder of the Greybeards" Lydia explained to the boys who found themselves surprised by the fact that this powerful individual blessed with the same ability as Ricky formed the group they were about to meet.
"So he created the Greybeards" Julian said to the housecarl who gave him a nod in return, "damn, seems like we're learning a lot of history today".
"Seems like it" Lydia replied founding herself in agreement with the Breton on the matter of how the interestingly the day was turning out.
The group continued marching forward now more faster and persistent than ever, especially with the far off sight of the castle in mind which they seemed to be getting closer and closer to.
During their walk towards it Bubbles stumbled across the 8th stone shrine, the words of which he said word by word loudly to the group. "Jurgen Windcaller chose silence and returned, the 17 disputants could not shout him down, Jurgen the calm built his home on the throat of the world" the Imperial recounted on the 8th part of the epic tale.
"I guess thats his fucking place over there then" Ricky remarked to himself and the other members of the group pointing his finger at the large monastery far across from them. Keeping this little fact in mind the ever determined group walked on towards the large ancient building which Jurgen Windcaller once resided in.
The 9th stone tablet soon made its appearance on the side of their path which out of the mountain climbers Julian decided to speak in terms of saying its particular message. "For years all silent the Greybeards spoke one name, Tiber Septim, stripling then, was summoned to High Hrothgar, there they named him Dovahkiin".
"Isn't that what fucking Mirmulnir called me, what the hell does that mean?" Ricky questioned as he recalled what the currently deceased dragon had said to him while the Nord was at his mercy.
"I think that might be another title for Dragonborn, seem like the Greybeards were the ones who gave him that name" Bubbles replied, answering his friends particular inquiry on the matter.
"Huh I guess they did, I wonder if they'll do the same fucking thing for me then" Ricky said muttering the last part to himself.
"We'll just have to wait and see Ricky" Julian said to the Nord having overheard him.
After another couple of minutes of walking our very tired, mentally and almost certainly pyschially drained band of unique individuals finally found themselves right they wanted to be at long last. They stood at the front of High Hrothgar itself which to everyone in the group was truly a grand structure to behold, the material it was comprised of looked to be stronger than any wood or stone that anyone of them had seen before. At the front some metres away from where they were standing stood two sets of stairs leading up to the main entrance, a double set of well carved doors. In between the stairs was what looked to be a chest with several items surrounding it, and far in front of that appeared to be the final stone tablet.
As for who would read these last in parting words, Ricky himself felt like he should be the one especially given he had the biggest role out of everyone being here at this place. "The Voice is worship, follow the inner path, speak only in true need" Ricky said speaking the final words, which wound up being quite a philosophical message.
"It seems the last one is in fact the shortest " Lydia said stating her obvious observation on the length of the tales conclusion.
"Short but wise, guess they wanted to leave us with a warning about how dangerous this fuck'n voice power is" Bubbles said as he found the history lessons finishing point to be somewhat enlightening. From all that he had found out and heard the voice truly seemed to be capable of some truly frightening heights in regards to its infinite potential.
Moving on from the shrine the boys and Lydia stuck the food supplies in the chest, under the later to be found correct assumption that it was the main storage for various items required for the Greybeards daily life cycle. After they were done loading the group made their way up the stairs stopping just short of the doors themselves.
"You guys ready?" asked Julian who received a series of nods from everyone else who by this point had come to far to turn back now at the most crucial point of all in their journey. With confirmation in mind Julian opened up the doors to the entrance and with that all four of them walked into the dark sanctuary of Greybeards.
Upon entering Ricky, Julian, Bubbles and Lydia found themselves in area entirely comprised of stone, the lighting of the place being very dim with only a few candles and burning fires currently keeping the place from pure darkness. As they made their way into what seemed like the main area and the primary focal point of light they could see a few banners hanging down. The group quickly came to stop upon seeing an old monk in hooded black robes straight across from where they stood, he made his way over to the group.
"So… a Dragonborn appears, at this moment in the turning of the age" the old man rasped in a dramatic and very much intrigued tone, his eyes particularly fixed on one of the travellers before him.
"Your talking about me right?" Ricky asked the monk in curiosity.
"I am but first let us see if you are truly Dragonborn" the hooded old man declared to the latter, behind him 3 other old men in similar hooded robes made their way down to join the main elder. "Let us taste your voice" he instructed Ricky who eyed him in immediate confusion.
"Taste, how the fuck can you taste a voice its not like a piece of steak or something its just words, which probably if you could eat them taste like shit" Ricky replied in an a random ramble over the message terminology that he misinterpreted.
"No Rick he's talking about using the voice power on them" Julian said trying to help the Nord understand while the main old monk raised his eyebrow at the unusual scene before him.
"Oh" Ricky said understanding now what he meant, the Nord proceeded to address the old man with some concern given he didn't wanna break a random old mans back. "Do you guys really want to get fucking knocked over?".
"Do not be afraid, your shout will not harm us" the hooded old monk replied reassuring Ricky that he could cause them no harm.
"Okay then, Fus!" Ricky shouted causing the old man to stumble back a bit before he recovered very quickly to his former stature to the Nords surprise.
"Dragonborn it is you…, welcome to High Hrothgar" greeted the old man who appeared to surprised by the fact that the Nord man before him was the Dragonborn himself. "I am Master Arngeir I speak for the Greybeards" Arngeir said introducing himself and his fellow Greybeards who now seemed to alongside him gather around the bewildered Ricky. "Now tell me Dragonborn, why have you come here?".
"Wait I thought you guys were the ones calling me?" Ricky asked confused by Argneirs inquiry concerning their reasons for being here at the home of the Greybeards.
"Yeah thats what Jarl Balgruuf said" Julian added finding himself just as lost as Ricky was on what the old man meant in particular.
"That is right " Argneir responded confirming that they had indeed called Ricky, "but let me rephrase the question, why Dragonborn are you here personally?, what do you seek?" the master of the Greybeards asked.
"Well I guess I came here looking to be taught by you guys about all there is to be learnt on the voice and all that shit" Ricky answered truthfully on the matter to which Argneir nodded in understanding as he gazed at the Nord.
"We can teach you the ways of the voice, but are you ready to learn?" the Greybeard inquired throwing his next question at Ricky regarding his current mentality.
"Sure man I'm fucking ready to take it on" the Nord replied with a confident belief in himself.
"You have shown that you are Dragonborn, you have the inborn gift but do you have the discipline and temperament to follow the path laid out for you" Argneir queried to the Nord who admittedly zoned out midway through the old mans small speech.
"Yeah I'm fucking perfectly responsible" Ricky replied to the Greybeard who could tell from the mans mixed up speech, the skeptical looks shot at the Dragonborn by his group and the inner immature nature practically shining through his eyes that this was definitely not the case.
"That remains to be seen" Argneir replied with a look of non amusement before proceeding on, "without training you have already taken the first steps towards projecting your voice into a Thu'um, a shout" he explained to Ricky. "Now let us see if your willing and able to learn".
Argneir then proceeded to respectfully ask the rest of the group to take a series of steps back so as to give Ricky a wide area of space for what would be his first trial. "When you shout you speak in the language of the dragons, thus your dragon blood gives you an inborn ability to learn words of power" he said imparting his knowledge onto Ricky who seemed to grasp the basics of what the Greybeard spoke of.
"So I can just naturally absorb this stuff, wow thats really fucking handy" Ricky remarked impressed that he was able to learn the words in a swift manner, negating any slow aggravating process.
"That it is, all shouts are made up of 3 words of power, as you master each word your shout will become progressively stronger" Argneir stated to the Nord before he proceeded to indicate to one of the other Greybeards. "Master Einarth will now teach you 'Ro' the second word in 'Unrelenting Force', Ro means 'balance' in the Dragon tongue, combine it with 'Fus', 'focus', to focus your Thu'um more sharply.
As if upon command the name called Greybeard stepped forward, standing between Ricky and Argneir. "Ro!" Einarth shouted at the ground causing the building to shake much to Ricky and his companions alarm, by that time it stopped Ricky could see that the spot the Greybeard shouted had a large glowing rune.
Suddenly a light flowed directly from the bright symbol directly at Ricky who found that much like the experience at Bleak falls barrow this word burned itself into his mind, Ro - Balance. Ricky also now felt the same power he did when he had absorbed Mirmulnir's soul which made sense given the rune transfer gave him both the shouts ability, and the essence to activate its power. Once it had finished the process the Rune vanished as quickly as it appeared.
"Astonishing… you learn a new word like masters, you truly do have a gift" Argenir spoke aloud in amazement of what he had witnessed before he quickly recomposed himself. "But learning a word of power is only the first step, you must unlock its meaning through constant practice in order to use it in a shout" Argneir instructed. "Well, that is how the rest of us learn shouts, as Dragonborn you can absorb a slain dragons life force and knowledge directly" he added.
Now finished with lecture part of the teaching session Argneir gave Ricky his instructions for the task, "Now let us see how quickly, you can master your new Thu'um, use your Unrelenting Force shout to strike the targets as they appear" the master of the Greybeards ordered.
"Flik Lo… Sah!" one of the Greybeards shouted causing a glowing shadowy figure to appear, it did not take Ricky long to figure out that this was the target which he instantly attacked.
"Fus Ro!" Ricky shouted at the target causing it to disappear, the Nord noted that this time his shout carried twice the power in terms of the projected force.
"Well done, again" Argneir instructed as Ricky got back into position, meanwhile Julian, Bubbles and Lydia watched on, two of them impressed by how well their friend was doing.
"Flik Lo… Sah!" Einarth shouted summoning forth the same target, which Ricky instantly responded to.
"Fus Ro!" the Nord shouted at the second target destroying it utterly.
"You learn quickly, once more" Argneir said just as the last Greybeard summoned forth the same old target for the last time.
"Fus Ro!" shouted Ricky as he destroyed the 3rd target completing the first trial, he then stood beaming in pride of having finished it while at the same time hearing his friends cheering for him in support.
"Great Job Ricky!" Bubbles yelled out enthusiastically alongside Julian in a cheer for how the latter had passed the first test
"Impressive, your Thu'um is precise, you show great promise Dragonborn" Argneir said to the latter very pleased with the Nords accomplishment.
"Thanks man" Ricky replied humbled and most prideful at the approval given to him by a very experienced member that wielded his ability.
"We will perform your next trial in the courtyard, come follow Master Borri" Argneir instructed as he and Ricky followed one of the monks out through the gate at the back of the room. Julian, Bubbles, Lydia and the other Greybeards following behind them out the building.
Once outside Ricky immediately found that the courtyard itself was more freezing than the trip up to the mountain. The entireity area itself sat upon an open cliffside, across from the gathering of Greybeards and our interesting group stood a large set of double gates. To the right giant snow storm was brewing a large distance away from the courtyard and was currently blocking the pathway up to the very peak at the top of the throat of the world.
"We will see how quickly you learn a completely new shout, Master Borri will teach you 'Wuld', which means Whirlwind" Argneir announced to the Nord who liked excited at the prospect of learning a new ability.
"Sounds fucking awsome man" Ricky said to the Greybeard who found himself once again surprised by the vulgarness of the new Dragonborns personality, though accepted it as merely a trait of an eccentric Dovahkiin like some of those that came before Ricky.
Meanwhile Master Borri stepped forward to use his shout. "Wuld!" he shouted summoning another glowing rune symbol which Ricky absorbed just like he did the last one, the word now burned into his brain, Wuld - Wirlwind.
"Now we will see how quickly you can master a new shout, Master Wulfgar will demonstrate Whirlwind Sprint then it will be your turn" Argenir instructed before turning to face Master Borri who instantly obliged in his assigned duty.
"Bex!" Borri shouted causing the gate to swing wide open, leaving Lydia and the boys reactions in complete shock.
If that was an eye opener the next phase would be a jaw dropping moment in terms of what the Greybeards would next demonstrate of the Voices potential. "Wuld Nah… Kest!" Wulfgar shouted and in a flash sped through the gate so fast that no could ever see it. Once Master Wulfgar was behind it the gate shut.
"Did you just fucking see that Julian" Bubbles said in tone of complete and utter astonishment at something he never thought possible.
"Yeah Bubs… I think I did" the Breton replied just as bewildered at the fact their was an ability that could turn people briefly into actual speedsters capable of scary feats.
Meanwhile Argneir turned to face Ricky now who was shocked by what he was capable of now with this incredible new shout. "Now it is your turn, stand next to me, Master Borri will open the gate, use your Whirlwind shout to pass before it closes" the Greybeard instructed to the Nord who nodded in understanding.
Ricky proceeded to wait for Master Borri to open up the gate to which he did, though unfortunately for the Nord he would wind up timing the shout too late . "Wuld!" Ricky shouted as he dashed at great speed hoping to make it pass the gate though he would wind up smacking into the gate just as it closed.
Lydia, Julian and Bubbles gasped in shock seeing Ricky impact the gate before falling onto back first onto the snow.
"What the fuck was that shit, this gate can suck my cock!" Ricky cursed feeling beyond annoyed and frustrated, especially with the pain in his shoulder which had been bruised by the impact on the gate.
"Calm yourself Dragonborn, you will have another chance to go through the gate, this time do not wait too long" Argneir advised the currently hotheaded individual who upon instruction proceeded to make his way back to the starting point.
After a short period of waiting Master Borri reopened the gate and this Ricky was much more prepared, "Wuld!" the Nord shouted quickly dashing through the gate to the other side before it closed. The two double doors would eventually open up allowing Ricky to cross back over to where the Greybeards stood alongside Julian and Bubbles who were congratulating him on completing the 2nd trial.
"You did fucking great brother!" Julian yelled to the Nord who accepted his praises with a wide grin feeling a great deal of pride and joy rise within him.
"Yeah Ricky you should be fuck'n proud of yourself" Bubbles added with a loud clap of enthusiasm.
Even the usually stoic Lydia gave a statement of acknowledgement at what he had just accomplished , "you did well my Thane".
"Thanks Lydia but you can just call me Ricky you know" the Nord replied.
"Your beginning was a little off, but your quick mastery of a new Thu'um is astonishing" Argneir proclaimed finding himself in awe of Rickys natural gift, "I've heard the stories of the abilities of the Dragonborn, but to see it for myself….".
"Yeah I really don't know it fucking works, it just happens for whatever reason" Ricky replied his honesty clear in the matter.
"You were given this gift by the gods for a reason. Its up to you to figure out how to best use it" Argneir stated to the Nord who took this particular message in with much mixed feelings.
"So what about my next trial?" Ricky asked wondering if there was gonna be one happening right after this.
"Your last trial… will be a matter for tomorrow" Argneir revealed to the latter who was surprised that the next challenge would take place tomorrow.
"Wait what tomorrow?, I thought we were gonna finish it today?" Ricky replied finding himself a little annoyed that he'd have to wait a bit longer to finish his trials.
"Unfortunately that won't be an option given it is in fact nearly nighttime" Argneir said pointing out the current state of the time which was fast approaching night time given the sun had nearly vanished over the horizon. The group had been so caught up with their journey as well as Rickys training with the Greybeards they failed to notice the amount of time that had passed in the long overall period. "You are more than welcome to stay here for the night, there is plenty of food and enough accomodation for you and your companions Dragonborn".
"He's right Ricky we should probably call it in for the day" Julian said hoping Ricky would see the logic in settling in for the evening.
"Well I guess I am feeling a little fuck'n tired so yeah sure lets just go relax" Ricky replied finding himself in agreement with the Breton due the exhaustion of the day catching up. He then turned to face Argneir and the rest of the Greybeards, "I guess we'll head on back in then".
"Of course" Argneir replied giving a heavy nod which the group took as permission to go.
As they alongside the other Greybeards filtered back into the large ever grand structure that was the sanctuary of High of Hrothgar Argneir stood in contemplation. Much had transpired within the span of singular day, they had finally met the Dragonborn himself and he seemed to possess truly quite an interesting nature that seemed entwined with much ego, immaturity, anger, mental slowness and surprisingly enough pure hearted loyalty. They had truly not expected such an enormous figure of prophecy to have such a 'unique' personality only made even more extravagant by the colourful individuals surrounding him.
The Greybeard then proceeded to look to the highest peak of the mountain itself, still surrounded by a thick seemingly impregnable ever lasting storm of snow. Argneir wondered what 'he' would think of the Dragonborn, of this Ricky who had been bestowed with quite a heavy destiny. In time would he would be able to combat what was coming, would he be ready to face the World Eater himself?.
To Be Continued
Damn that was quite a chapter and honestly my largest to date which is something I feel I keep stating with each one though somehow I usually break the established record each time. Anyways there ya have it folks, wow it looks like I really covered a lot of official story in this combined with some minor game and original moment stuff. It feels amazing to finally have this done. I hope you enjoyed my introduction and characterisation of the Greybeards plus Lydia who are all gonna be major characters in this story, especially across the first 3 arcs. Also we got to meet some minor characters with Farengar and Jenassa whose intros I was glad to implement into this story at last given my liking towards their particular characters. Things have gotten really intriguing in the story what with the boys finally at High Hrothgar and we've gotten to see Ricky begin his training under the tutelage of Argneir plus the other Greybeards in the ways of the voice. In terms of whats coming in the next chapter we'll see Ricky and the boys going back underground in some ruins in search of a certain founders 'horn'. Anywho as always I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and as always are excited for the next. Until next time!.