Chapter 7

The Gildergreen and the Whispering Door

Last time, Hiccup and his new friends found out they are a group of special beings known as Dragonborn and were made Thanes of Whiterun after saving the city from a dragon attack. As one of the gifts that the Jarl bestowed on them, the Dragonborn were led by their recently-employed housecarl, Lydia, to their new house: Breezehome. While J'Kiir was forced to stay behind to clean the place with Lydia, Rahm-Ku went out to look for work and Hiccup returned to Dragonsreach to exchange dragon words with the court wizard, Farengar. But this story starts with Renee.

Renee left Breezehome with Hiccup, who was on his way to Dragonsreach. Once they have reached the Gildergreen, Renee bid Hiccup a farewell and good luck while she headed up the steps to Jorrvaskr. Her heart raced as she got closer to the legendary mead hall, but her heart wasn't as fast as it was when she was fighting that dragon at the watchtower.

After opening the door, the sound of a fistfight reached Renee's ears. Looking to her left, she saw a Dunmer and a Nord have at each other in a fistfight. The fight was spectated by a large group of warriors of various races and they were cheering on to their favorite fighter. The only one who didn't join in the spectacle was an elderly woman who was sweeping next to some stairs that led to a lower section of Jorrvaskr. Casually, Renee approached the woman and spoke.

"Excuse me, ma'am. Can you tell me where I can find a Kodlak Whitemane?"

"Oh yes. He's just down the stairs and down the hall, dearie." The old woman replied.

Thanking the woman, Renee walked down the stairs and passed through another set of doors, leaving the fight above.

Down below was obviously the Companions' barracks, for as Renee walked down the hall, every room she saw had at least one bed in it. She turned her attention as she began to overhear a conversation between and elderly, bearded man and a younger man with short, brown hair. The second man spoke with concern to the elder.

"But I still here the call of the blood." "We all do. It is our burden to bear. But we can overcome." The elder spoke before he took notice of Renee. "A stranger comes to our hall."

Clearing her throat, Renee stepped forward and spoke.

"I'm looking to join the Companions. I was told to speak with a Kodlak Whitemane."

The elder then spoke.

"Aye. I am he, lass. And you are?"

"Renee Silverglass. I came here with four friends of mine."

Kodlak then looked at Renee for a moment, examining her. Shortly, he spoke again.

"Hm. Yes, perhaps. A certain strength of spirit."

It was then the other man spoke.

"Master, you're not truly considering accepting her?"

Kodlak answered the man with strength and wisdom in his eyes.

"I am nobody's master, Vilkas. And last I checked, we had some empty beds in Jorrvaskr for those with a fire burning in their hearts."

The man, Vilkas, then spoke.

"Apologies. But perhaps this isn't the time. I've never even heard of this outsider."

The elder looked on to Renee and explained what Vilkas was talking about to her.

"Sometimes the famous come to us. Sometimes men and women come here to seek their fame. It makes no difference. What matters is their heart."

"And their arm." Vilkas added in, still doubting Renee.

Kodlak nodded and spoke to Renee again.

"Of course. How are you in a battle, lass?"

Renee answered truthfully.

"I have grown up with the Sabre Fangs across Tamriel. While they have taught me how to fight, I still have a lot to learn."

The elder smiled as he nodded in approval.

"Now that's what I like to hear. Honesty."

He then turned to Vilkas once again.

"Vilkas, take her out to the yard and see what she can do."

"Aye." Vilkas answered simply before standing up and walking past Renee.

The young Nord found his attitude irritating and is eager to prove herself. Thanking Kodlak for finding the time to speak with her, Renee hurried down the corridor and followed Vilkas up the stairs and out the doors opposite the ones she came in.

Upon entering the outside again, Renee found herself in a small courtyard adorned with targets and dummies. As they reached the cobblestone, Vilkas spoke.

"The old man said to have a look at you, so let's do this."

As Vilkas drew his sword, so did Renee with her own sword and shield. Immediately, the two charged at each other. Vilkas swung his sword at Renee, only to be blocked by her shield. Remembering what she was taught, Renee tested Vilkas' defenses by swinging her sword a few times, and all of them were blocked by either sword or shield. Once she saw the pattern, Renee lifted her sword up again, making Vilkas believe that she was going to strike again, only to find himself charged to the ground as Renee used her shield to block any attacks as she rammed him, his sword flying from his hand.

As Renee stood up, Vilkas, seeing his defeat, spoke.

"Not bad. Next time won't be so easy."

Renee was debating if that was a compliment or not as Vilkas stood up and retrieved his sword, still speaking.

"You might just make it. But for now, you're still a whelp to us, new blood. So you do what we tell you."

He then handed Renee his sword.

"Here's my sword. Go and take it up to Eorlund to have it sharpened. And be careful, it's probably worth more than you are."

As Vilkas left, Renee withheld the urge to stick her tongue out at his back and headed up towards a large statue of an eagle. She had heard about this forge from the members of the Sabre Fangs. This was the legendary Skyforge, which was older than even men and mer. According to legend, all of Whiterun, not just Jorrvaskr, was said to be founded around the Skyforge instead of the other way around. It is also where weapons made of Skyforge Steel were created.

Having nearly forgotten about her 'errand', Renee headed up the steps of the Skyforge and saw what appeared to be a regular forge at the statue's feet. And hammering away at a piece of heated metal was another elderly man, one who many in the way of the blade knew was the fabled Eorlund Grey-Mane. Approaching the blacksmith, Renee cleared her throat, gaining his attention while he worked on the steel.

"Yes? What brings you to the Skyforge, lass?"

"Vilkas sent me with his sword. He wants it to be sharpened." Renee answered.

At the moment, Eorlund stopped working and looked up to Renee, now recognizing her.

"I'm guessing you're the newcomer then?"

Renee nodded before asking a question of her own.

"Does Vilkas always send newcomers on errands?"

"Oh, don't worry too much about it. They were all whelps once. They just might not like to talk about it. And don't always just do what you're told. Nobody rules anybody in the Companions."

This statement confused Renee a bit.

"But someone has to be in charge, though."

Eorlund stroked his beard before he answered her inquiry.

"Well, I'm not sure how they've managed it, but they have. No leaders since Ysgramor. Kodlak is the Harbinger, and he's a sort of advisor for the whole group, but every man is his own. Every woman, her own."

"I see. Thank you."

But just as Renee was about to leave, Eorlund stopped her.

"Hold it. I have a favor to ask."

Renee turned to the blacksmith and gave him a puzzled look.

"A favor?"

"I've been working on a shield for Aela. My wife is in mourning and I need to get back to her soon. I'd be much obliged if you could take the shield to Aela for me."

Seeing that the man was asking her an actual favor and not an order given to her like with Vilkas, Renee nodded and accepted the favor.

"That's a good lass." Eorlund replied with gratitude.

After being given the shield, Renee headed down to Jorrvaskr until a thought popped into her mind: she didn't know who Aela was. Not wanting to bother Eorlund, Renee headed inside and asked the nearest Companion, the Dunmer from the fistfight that ended while she was meeting Kodlak, and asked her question.

"Excuse me. But can you tell me where I can find an Aela?"

"Sure, lass. She's down the stairs, second hallway to your left."

Thanking the Dunmer, Renee headed back down to the barracks and followed the path she was directed too. It didn't take her long until she found the archer she had spoken to outside Whiterun speaking with another, armored man.

Knocking on the open door, Renee caught the attention of both Companions.

"Excuse me, but I have a shield for an Aela?"

The archer, hearing the name, spoke.

"Ah, good. I've been waiting for this."

While she took the shield, Aela took a look at Renee and recognized her.

"Wait…I remember you. So the old man thinks you've got some heart, I guess."

The man, whom Aela was talking to earlier, spoke.

"You know this one? I saw her training in the yard with Vilkas."

Hearing this, Aela smirked.

"Ah, yes. I heard you gave him quite a thrashing."

"Don't let Vilkas catch you saying that." The man spoke with a smirk.

Aela then asked Renee a serious question.

"Do you think you could handle Vilkas in a real fight?"

Renee folded her arms as she once again spoke with honesty.

"I don't care for boasting."

Aela nodded in approval.

"That's what I like to hear. A woman who lets her actions speak for her." She then spoke of a different subject. "Here, let's have Farkas show you where you'll be resting your head."

But Renee shook her head.

"Oh, there's no need. I've actually just been given a home here in Whiterun an hour ago."

"Maybe so, but it is always a good idea to have a second bunk around just in case." Aela answered as the man called for Farkas.

Just then, a man who looks like a scruffier version of Vilkas appeared from the corridor. It was the same man who helped Aela took down the giant earlier.

"Did you call me?"

"Of course we did, icebrain. Show this new blood where the rest of the whelps sleep."

The new man, Farkas, gave a confused look before noticing Renee.

"New blood? Oh. I remember you. Come on, follow me."

Nodding at Aela and the other man, Renee followed Farkas down the corridor. As they walked, Farkas spoke.

"Skjor and Aela like to tease me, but they're good people. They challenge us to do our best."

After a bit more silence, he spoke again.

"Nice to have a new face around. It gets boring here sometimes. I hope we keep you. This can be a rough life."

"He makes it sound like I'm a puppy being adopted." Renee thought to herself.

Reaching the end of the hall, Farkas turned to the right and spoke.

"The quarters are up here. Just pick a bed and fall in it when you're tired. Tilma will keep the place clean. She always has."

He then stopped and turned to Renee.

"All right, so here you are. Looks like the others are eager to meet you. Come to me or Aela if you're looking for work. Once you've made a bit of a name for yourself, Skjor and Vilkas might have things for you to do. Good luck. Welcome to the Companions."

"Thanks, Farkas." Renee spoke.

But before she could take another two steps in any direction, Farkas stopped her.

"By the way, if you're looking for something to do, we've got a request for someone to speak with the priestess of Kynareth in the temple. Apparently, it's about the tree in the square."

Renee realized what Farkas meant. He was talking about the Gildergreen.

"Aye." Renee simply said, not wanting to babble about how she thought of doing the same thing.

As short while, Renee left Jorrvaskr and headed down to the Gildergreen. Sitting at a bench was a woman dressed in a priestess' robes. As the Priest of Talos was busy shouting his sermons, Renee figured that the priestess was the Priestess of Kynareth. Clearing her throat, she gained the priestess' attention.

"Excuse me. I'm a member of the Companions and I heard something happened at the temple."

The priestess nodded as she stood up.

"The Gildergreen, yes. It's a bit of an eyesore at the moment. More of a problem for the pilgrims than for me, but not many of them around anymore."

"I've heard about this tree when I was a child. I believe it is a cutting off an even greater tree?"

"Aye. To the east of here lies a hidden grove where the Eldergleam resides. It's the oldest living thing in Skyrim. Maybe even all of Tamriel. Our tree here in the city is indeed a cutting from that same tree. You can still feel the glory of the mother tree through it, even in this state."

"Is there a way to revive the tree?" Renee asked.

The Priestess answered her.

"I've thought about that. Trees like this never really die. They only slumber. I think that if we had some of the sap of the parent tree, we could wake up its child."

She then spoke with an ever greyer tone.

"But here's the reason why I asked for a member of the Companions to help me with restoring the tree. Even if you get to the Eldergleam, you couldn't tap it. Not with any normal metal."

"Then what will work?" Renee asked.

"The Eldergleam is older than metal, from a time before men or elves. To even affect it, you have to tap into the old magic. You'll have to deal with the Hagravens. I've heard about a weapon they've made for sacrificing Spriggans."

"What is this weapon?"

"It's called 'Nettlebane.' The hags terrify me, or I would have gone after it myself."

Now knowing what was needed to restore the Gildergreen, Renee spoke up.

"I'll get Nettlebane for you."

Relief washed over the priestess' face as she thanked Renee.

"Your spirit is strong. From what I heard, Nettlebane is held in a Hagraven nest called Orphan Rock. Kynareth's winds will guide your path."

After that, the priestess left Renee's presence and returned to the temple. Now that she knew what to do, Renee decided that before she could go and find out about where Orphan Rock was, she was going to have to go to the local blacksmith and pick up a new set of armor. After receiving a loan from Rahm-Ku after visiting him at a fruit and vegetable stall, Renee was able to purchase a set of steel armor similar to Lydia's save for the fact it had steel shoulder caps. She also bought steel cuffed booths and Nordic gauntlets for her hands and feet.

After looking at a map provided by the blacksmith woman, Renee was on her way to Orphan Rock.

Meanwhile, with J'Kiir…

As Renee left for Orphan Rock, J'Kiir was finally able to take a break from cleaning Breezehome with Lydia and was now entering an inn at the end of the path. Looking at the sign, he learned that the place was called the 'Bannered Mare' and entered its doors. Inside, he found that he wasn't the only patron of the inn, as several unfamiliar faces conversed with each other and either drinking or eating.

As he sat down at a nearby vacant table, J'Kiir was approached by a Redguard woman, who obviously worked at the inn.

"Can I get you anything, sir?"

"A tankard of your best mead and the day's special." J'Kiir answered, pulling out a large handful of septims from his pouch.

The Redguard obeyed and left to prepare the meal after she handed him his mead. She called it 'Honningbrew Mead' as she handed the ale to the Khajiit.

"I have heard that the taste rivals that of the Black-Briar mead in Riften, but I have yet to taste it."

After thanking the woman, J'Kiir began to sip at his mead while waiting for the special: Venison Stew. The Thief tasted a strong dose of honey in the sweet mead, creating an exquisite taste. But as he drank, he couldn't help but overhear two women gossiping near his table.

"I say this war is idiotic. Look what it's doing to the children of Skyrim."

"Why? What have you heard?"

"Well, there's a boy in Windhelm that is now performing the Black Sacrament."

"He's trying to contact the Dark Brotherhood? Why?"

"Who knows. But I bet it isn't as bad as what is happening to Jarl Balgruuf's youngest son."

"Oh! I've heard that rumor, about him saying the most awful things about his own father."

"Exactly! And I blame the war for their behavior."

J'Kiir stopped listening as his meal arrived and as he ate, he went into deep thought. These rumors about these two boys were disturbing. But were they even true? After he finished his meal and paid the innkeeper, J'Kiir followed his curiosity back to Dragonsreach. As he entered the fortress, he swore he could hear Farengar continue to ask Hiccup and the Viking was struggling to keep up with his answers.

J'Kiir sighed in remorse as he approached the Jarl a third time that day. Seeing his new Thane, Jarl Balgruuf spoke. "Thane J'Kiir. What brings you back to Dragonsreach?" After bowing to show his respect, the Thief answered.

"Jarl Balgruuf. It has come to my attention the rumors concerning your youngest son. I was wondering if there is anything I could help with."

The Jarl was surprised. He ushered the Khajiit up the stairs to the doors of the Great Porch before speaking again.

"How have you heard of this?"

"Does it really matter now? It is obvious that what I heard was true. Otherwise, why would you rush me here to speak privately? I had only wanted to confirm that it was nothing more than a rumor."

Balgruuf realized that J'Kiir was right. He, the Jarl, acted first instead of asking. Perhaps it was a sign that he needed any help he could take. And with J'Kiir offering to help, he had to take it.

"Yes, my youngest, Nelkir. He is a dark child. I just don't know what to do with him. If you could speak with him, draw out the truth, I would be immensely grateful."

Thanking the Jarl for giving him permission to talk to one of his children, J'Kiir looked around Dragonsreach until he came across a lone boy sitting at a corner of the upper floors, reading a book. Taking notice of J'Kiir, the boy spoke.

"Another wanderer, here to lick my father's booths. Good job."

Ignoring the snide remark, J'Kiir spoke to the boy.

"If I may, my name is J'Kiir. And I take it you must be Nelkir. Your father said to speak to you."

Narrowing his eyes, Nelkir spoke sharply.

"So the disgusting pig sent you to bother me? One day, I'll tear his face apart so he can leave me alone. But I know about him. And about the war. More than he might think."

Raising an eyebrow, J'Kiir asked Nelkir a question.

"How exactly do you know these things?"

Now his turn to raise an eyebrow, Nelkir answered him.

"This castle is old. Lots of places nobody's been in a long while. Places where you can overhear things. See things. And the Whispering Lady."

"Whispering Lady?" J'Kiir asked.

"She won't tell me her name. But I can't open the door."

"What door?"

"In the basement. Trust me. You'll see it. I bet she'll talk to you too."

Suspicious about this 'Whispering Lady,' J'Kiir left Nelkir and headed to the basement, which was just below the kitchens. Avoiding the cooks' gazes, J'Kiir found himself in the basement. After opening one door, J'Kiir came across a single door with a padlock on it. The door was covered in rust and soot as if it had survived a fire. Taking a deep breath, the Khajiit approached the door and placed an ear next to it. Suddenly, a smoothing, yet snake-like voice reached J'Kiir's ears.

"At last. The child is spirited, but lacks…agency."

Suspicious, J'Kiir spoke to the door.

"What could he not do?"

The door answered him.

"The boy is good at sussing out secrets, but the corruptibility of children is ultimately too limited for my purposes. You, though, I expect will prove far more malleable."

"And who are you really to expect anything?" J'Kiir spoke, carefully using his words to bait the voice to reveal itself.

What she said next surprised him.

"I am Mephala, the Lady of Whispers."

If his fur could, J'Kiir would have turned completely white. Mephala was one of the Daedric Princes of Oblivion and is known as the prince of lies, secrets, and conspiracies. Even though she is known for such shady things, she was considered one of the Good Daedra of the Dunmer. A fact he learned while he was in Morrowind for a time.

Even a thief like J'Kiir knew he had to keep a careful eye out for any signs of the Princes. Now, his soft spot for children has him now compelled to continue to listen to Mephala and possibly obey.

"What exactly do you want me to do?"

"First, you must open this door." Mephala answered.

But just as J'Kiir was about to take out a lockpick to work the lock, the prince spoke again.

"It is no use to use such ways, young thief. This lock was made so that only the key would work on it."

"Then how do I open this door?" J'Kiir asked, now curious as to what exactly what was on the other side of the door.

"The whole of Whiterun is ripe with paranoia and tension. The Jarl's court is right to fear the power I hold behind this door. The Jarl trusts a few, and they will be his undoing. The dark child knows of what I speak. Let him guide your path."

With that, Mephala's voice fell silent, leaving J'Kiir no choice but to go back to Nelkir. Making his way back to the boy, J'Kiir was only a few feet away from the boy when Nelkir looked up and spoke, not with disdain this time.

"You… you know the Whispering Lady, don't you. I can tell."

"Aye, lad. And I know her name too."

This intrigued the boy.

"Really? What is it."

Kneeling down on the floor, J'Kiir answered the boy.

"She is known as Mephala. She's one of the Daedric Princes of Oblivion."

Nelkir's eyes widened at this knowledge as J'Kiir spoke again.

"I take it you have heard of the Daedric Princes?"

Nelkir nodded and held up the book he was reading, the title being 'The Book of the Daedra.'

"So…was everything she said to me a lie?" Nelkir asked.

J'Kiir shook his head, not in disagreement, but in uncertainty.

"I do not know, lad. I know you don't exactly hold your father to a good light right now, but the only way to get real answers is to ask him. You can't just solely believe in the words of one person. I will not lie that there is a war going on right now, but that is a matter you shouldn't be concerning yourself with. You are young and the last thing you need to worry about is the possibility of a Stormcloak invasion."

After a moment of silence, Nelkir spoke again.

"Mephala… Does she have you doing her bidding now?"

J'Kiir sighed and nodded.

"Yes. While I spent most of my life trying to avoid Daedra, sometimes things like this can't be helped. Mephala has told me to open the Whispering Door and that you would know how to open it."

Even though he was still shocked at the thought of being in contact with one of the princes, Nelkir now felt obligated to the Khajiit in front in him, who was now halfway bounded to a prince because of the boy's own bitterness and naiveté. Sighing, he gave Nelkir his answer.

"I thought that the door was special for some reason. Only two people can open it: Bal-my father, and Farengar, the court wizard."

Sighing at this information, J'Kiir spoke to Nelkir once again.

"Thank you, Nelkir. For trusting me. But I must ask that we make this our little secret and that you'll promise me to keep an open mind and talk to your father about what you have been hearing. Alright?"

Nelkir nodded, making his promise.

After leaving Nelkir once more, J'Kiir headed over to where Farengar was: the Great Porch. Upon opening the doors, he found Hiccup in complete exhaustion, especially since the sun had set. Clearing his throat, J'Kiir was able to stop Farengar's constant questioning and catch the attention of both the court wizard and the Viking.

"I don't mean to interrupt, but I think it's best that our northern friend here gets a good night sleep. It's time for him to come home."

As the meeting dispersed, Hiccup mouthed 'thank you' as he took off on Toothless. As the Viking flew, Farengar spoke.

"Everything that boy has told me is absolutely fascinating. I'm surprised that I haven't heard of the things he told me sooner."

"Well, from what I've heard, Hiccup's homeland is a secluded place. Such things about knowledge and culture are like treasure to them."

As Farengar walked passed, J'Kiir followed, his hands at his back, holding the key he pickpocketed when the court wizard passed him.

After parting from Farengar, J'Kiir hurried back to the Whispering Door and, after looking around to see if anyone was watching him, unlocked the door. Upon opening the door, he found that inside the room was not a shrine, but a single table with two items on it: a book and a sword. The sword was a long, katana-like blade that, despite its rusted appearance, held a terrifying power.

Knowing the blade was meant for him to take, J'Kiir gulped and picked up the sword. Upon his touch, the voice of Mephala rang again.

"Excellent work. Now, I trust you're sharp enough to see that the sword doesn't match the description of the Ebony Blade you may know. It has languished too long outside the winds of alliance and betrayal. To return to its past glory, it must first drink the blood of deceit. Your world is admirably seeped in lies and inclinations. My blade is a darling leech that feeds on deceptions, and nourishes its master. Seek out five closest to you. The final pluck of their misguided heartstrings will accompany my blade in the song of your grandeur."

Then, Mephala fell silent once more.

J'Kiir knew what the Prince of Conspiracies meant. In order for the Ebony Blade to be fully restored, he must kill five people who will or have betrayed him with it. Only when it had tasted the blood of five betrayers that it will be the powerful Daedric artifact he had heard about in legend. He had only hoped that his companions won't recognize the blade.

As J'Kiir left Dragonsreach, he was pleased to see the Jarl and Nelkir having a much needed father-son talk. And from the looks of it, everything is going to be alright for the family. Question is, will it be for a Khajiit Thief who is now a champion of a Daedric Prince?