Turdas, 4:10 PM, 16th of Evening Star, 4E 201
It's been a day since I decided to go to Bleak Falls and get the golden claw and tablet. I couldn't help myself. I love adventure. I gave the claw to a shopkeeper in Riverwood who gave me a few gold and now I have a permanent 50% discount on everything. Later, I helped out a jester, he paid me more gold. Strange fellow he was. Cicero, I think his name was. Ever since then these Dark Brotherhood characters have been trying to kill me. Not only that, but rumors say that the dragon cult is back, and they are worshiping me. I have my own cult! They've been building an outpost for me in the fields of Whiterun, where I "battled" Alduin. I checked it out and it was a decent place. There was an inn, general store, guard towers, their own mine, and we even have a dragon patrolling the place. A legendary dragon. Nice guy.
Right now, I am coming back from clearing out some bandits harassing Whiterun. Clearing them out was a task for me so I can join the Companions. A group of highly skilled warriors. I just hope they accept me as one. When I first came in, I was his with the smell of werewolf's. I'll ask about it later. "H-Hey!" I heard a familiar voice cheer. "Dragonborn! It's an honor to see you again." It was the two guards. I waited as they opened the gates.
"So, finally got that mead spell from the college?" I asked. They looked at each other, then back at me.
"Uh, how... did you-" I took off my helmet.
"I have keen hearing." I cut the second guard off, walking in. I heard the gates shut as I laughed to myself, walking to Jorrvaskr. The Companions headquarters.
"Is it done?" Vilkas asked. He was one of the top companions.
"Yep." I said as I shut the door.
"Good, here's your pay." He handed me a pouch of gold. "Thanks. Is that all?" He shook his head.
"Not right now, maybe later." I nodded. I almost forgot to ask about the werewolf's I leaned in close to him, making sure to be quiet.
"Are you a werewolf?" I asked. "Or do you know any? I won't tell anyone, I mean... I'm a dragon. So..." Vilkas grabbed me by the shoulder and pushed me downstairs.
"H-Hey?" I yelled as he threw me into the living quarters.
"How much do you know?" He demanded, yelling with his sword drawn. Aela, Farkas, Kodlak, and Skjor gathered around to see the commotion.
"Vilkas? What is the meaning of this?" Kodlak asked.
"He knows." Vilkas seethed as his sword poked my chest. I was wearing a new set of dragonscale armor that I got from my visit to Dragons Hold. My outpost.
"Knows what, Vilkas?" Kodlak asked.
"About us." At that the old man started to chuckle, giving Vilkis a confused look. "Why are you laughing? An outsider knows of us." Aela walked up next to me, and just stood there.
"Of course he knows, Vilkas. Don't you know who you are threatening?" Vilkas laughed.
"Yeah, a Silverblood spy." He replied. Aela shook her head in disapproval. She knocked the sword out of his hand.
"No, Vilkas. This Argonian is the Dragonborn He has the soul of a dragon! Can you not smell it?" She said almost as if she were mad at him. Vilkas picked up his sword.
"No. I never thought that this skinny lizard could be THE Dragonborn." He deadpanned.
"Hey, if it makes anyone feel better, I found this axe on my adventures. It has some familiar markings like the one's here." I showed them the axe. Everyone gasped. I gave it to Kodlak, who looked at the weapon with awe.
"A Fragment of Wuuthrad!" He gasped. Everyone looked at me.
"Uh. Did I... do... something bad?" I was confused about the whole situation. Aela wrapped her arm around my neck and laughed with glee.
"I knew you would make a good companion." She beamed.
"Uh, thanks." I said walking towards the door to the first floor. "Liston, I just came here to get my pay. I need to go take care of some stuff." And with that said and done, I ran up the stairs and out of Jorrvaskr.
I sighed as I shut the door and walked down the stairs away from the building. "I guess I'm in." I told myself. Now I need to see Jarl Balgruuf. I got a letter from him from a courier. So I started my way to Dragonsreach. The preacher was still yelling about Talos as I walked up the long set of stairs. Does that guy ever stop? His throat must be strong if he's been doing that before I arrived. Must be annoying for the other people. I walked across the bridge to Dragonsreach and went inside. The guards greeted me as I passed. I walked up more stairs to find everyone in Farengar's room. So I joined them. "I'm back." I waved.
Everyone was gathered around his desk. A hooded woman was here too, both looking at a book. "You see? The terminology is clearly First Era or even earlier. I'm convinced this is a copy of a much older text. Perhaps dating to just after the Dragon War. If so..." They both looked up at me. "Ah, yes, the Jarl's protege! To what do I owe the pleasure?" I opened my satchel and gave him the Dragonstone. "Ah! The Dragonstone of Bleak Falls Barrow! Seems you are above the usual brutes the Jarl sends my way." He complimented as he took the stone.
"It's nothing, really. I enjoy it. And besides. It's always good to have the original copy... for collectors!" I quipped with a smile.
"This is why I like you, we are very much alike." I giggle.
"Hey, it takes a genius to know a genius." He smiled and nodded.
"My... associate here will be pleased to see your handwork. She wants to meet the man who beat her to the location. And we have you to thank for recovering it as well." She looked at me with her arms crossed.
"You went into Bleak Falls Barrow and got that? Nice work." She went back to looking at the book on the desk. "Just send me a copy when you deciphered it." I pretended to cough.
"Uh, I already knew what the stone said. I speak and read dovahzul so... thank you." I smirked. She snapped at me.
"Really? May I ask how?" She asked inquisitively.
"Oh sure."
I sat down in a nearby chair and cleared my throat. "So I already told Farengar this but, what's the harm?" Farengar grabbed a chair and brought it over next to mine.
"Oh. You are going to love this!" He said with anticipation. She walked over and leaned next to the nearby wall.
"So, hi, my name is Diinmaar, Emperor Talon-jei's son." The girl narrowed her eyes at me but I didn't care. "I was trained by three dragons to become Dragonborn. I came to Skyrim to end this civil war, although the dragons were rising again thanks to Alduin... ha ha." I sighed. "He's no longer a threat." They both stood up and yelled.
"WHAT!" Farengar looked ecstatic, but the stranger looked... mad?
"Impossible! How can one person kill a god!" She yelled.
"Well it's..." Farengar sat back down with a smile.
"Amazing!" He interrupted. I laughed at his antics.
"Well... I didn't kill him. I more of... eh... turned him into a mortal with a Shout... I hope. Well it was what I was hoping for." I finished quietly. Farengar sat there looking like he was about to die from internal laughter. The stranger looked dumbfounded, to put it simply.
"Farengar!" I hear Irileth yell from the throne. "Farengar, you need to come at once. Two dragon's have been sighted nearby." She said as she stopped by the door. She looked at me. "You should come too, Dragonborn." I nodded with determination.
"Where was it seen? What was it doing?" Farengar asked from behind as we ran behind Irileth.
"I'd take this a bit more seriously if I were you. If a dragon decides to attack Whiterun, I don't know if we can stop it. Maybe Paarthurnax would help in an attack, that other dragon seems... unstable." I felt a pang of guilt wash over me as Irileth mentioned Gandr.
"She will help." I suddenly said unconsciously. I heard her hum in approval.
"I suppose she might." Ending the conversation as we reached the top of some stairs, we met with Balgruuf and a guard.
"So, Irileth, tell me you came from the western watchtower?" The guard panted as if he ran for days.
"Yes my lord." Irileth went by Bulgruuf's side.
"Tell him what you told me, about the dragon's" The guard swallowed hard as he stood up straight.
"Uh... that's right. We saw them coming from the south. They were fast... faster than anything I've ever seen." Balgruuf stepped closer to the guard.
"What did they do? Are they attacking the watchtower?" He asked.
"No my lord. They were just circling around overhead when I left. I never ran so fast in my life... I thought they would come after me for sure." Balgruuf nodded.
"Good work son. We'll take it from here. Head down to the barracks for some food and rest. You've earned it." He turned to me. "Diinmaar, you'd better gather your friends in the Inn and get down there." I nodded.
"Gladly, Balgruuf." I said as I turned around to head out.
"Sir, if I may, don't you think it would be wise for me to send some of our men to help?" Irileth asked. Balgruuf shook his head.
"And have more of our men killed? No. The Dragonborn can handle himself." Irileth nodded.
"But you can catch up with him and tell him that I have instructed Avenicci that he is now allowed to purchase property in the city. And please, give him this from my personal armory." He handed Irileth a yellow shield with Whiterun's insignia on it.
"It will be done." Balgruuf grabbed her shoulder.
"One last thing, Irileth. This isn't a glory or death mission. I need to know what we're dealing with." She nodded.
"Don't worry my lord. I will tell him, and survey the battle." She ran off to find Diinmaar. Farengar walked up from the sidelines.
"I should go with him. I would very much like to see more dragons." He said with hope.
"No. I can't afford to risk both of you. I need you here working on ways to defend the city against these dragons." Farengar nodded.
"As you command." And with that he walked off.
Me and my party were waiting behind a rock, surveying the ruined building before us. "Alright, Inigo, I need you to provide long ranged fire. You have the best shot out of all of us." He nodded and ran up the watchtower. "Ky'ren. I need you to stay in the shadows and strike when you feel is best." She nodded and hid under some destroyed rubble. "Siigon, you get up close and personal." He drew his great sword and stood out in the open. "And Lily, I need you with him. He needs a restoration ward on him" I was about to get into position but Lily stopped me with a hand.
"What about you, Dare? I don't want to see you get hurt." She said with worry in her eyes.
"Hey, don't worry about me. You heard what Alduin said, my father's "Akatosh"." I exasperated on the name Akatosh because that's total nonsense.
"Alright. Just be careful." Unsure of herself, she went to join Siigon.
"No! Get back!" A tower guard yelled, coming out of the tower. "They're still here somewhere!" A roar was heard closely. To close for my liking. "Hroki and Tor just got grabbed when they tried to run for it!" He yelled as another roar was heard.
"Where are these dragons?" I heard Siigon ask.
"I don't know!" The guard said as he crept back into the tower. "Kynareth, save us, here they come again..." I looked up to see a brown dragon, the weakest of the bunch. This should be easy. But where's the other one? I heard another roar, but not from the brown dragon. I looked behind the first at another dragon. Slender in shape, smooth purple scales, purple eyes. This was a female legendary dragon. Was the brown dragon her mate? That wouldn't be right. Dragons usually only mate with dragons of the same rank. The brown dragon roared again as he breathed fire on us. All the while the female stayed far up in the air out of arrow range.
"Zu'u fen du pah do hi, joor! (I will devour all of you, mortals!)" He roared as he was about to blast a wave of fire on me.
"Fiem zii gron! (Fade Spirit Bind!)" I shouted as the flamed went through me. "You have to do better than that, fatty!" I taunted. And it was true, this dragon was a little bloated around the edges.
"Zu'u fen velaaz hin qeth! (I will feast on your bones!)" He bellowed as he tried to dive bomb me. I dodged with ease as the shout wore off.
"To slow." I taunted as he growled, getting back up. "Alright guy's!" I yelled to my team. "Let 'em have it!" Soon an arrow pierced his left eye. He roared and thrashed about, bellowing curses and empty threats. Siigon started his assault on the dragon, raising his sword above his head, charging with a battle cry. But was knocked back by a wing. Getting impaled on a sharpened stick though his heart.
"SIIGON!" Lily screamed, dropping her staff as it faded from existence. She ran to him and attempted to heal him, but it was too late. His heart was clear out of his chest. At least he died quickly. I focused my attention on the dragon who pulled out the arrow. He glared daggers at me as I did the same.
"You shouldn't have done that." I mumbled as I walked towards the hulking beast. The dragon started to charge, but I kept my pace. I readied Keening and stared at the dragon. He opened his mouth to bite me whole, but that was his mistake. I stabbed my dagger through the top of his mouth. We stayed like that for a moment, him with the look of hatred and me with emotionless valor. That is, until he started to burn. That's when he gained a look of panic. I yanked out Keening and backed up. My features still held nothing. The dragon looked at me in horror.
"Dovahkiin? No." He rasped as he fell. I felt the warm sensation of his soul enter me as I closed my eyes.
Even after I absorbed his soul, I kept my eyes closed. Only until I felt a thud behind me. "Nox hi, Dovahkiin. (Thank you, Dragonborn.)" I heard the female dragon say. I turned around and looked at her.
"Thank you?" I asked.
"Yes, Mirmulnir has been courting me ever since Alduin brought me back. I tried to tell him no, with words and by force. But he would never stop." She looked down. "He... tried to force me to mate." I looked at the now skeletal remains of the dragon, Mirmulnir.
"My friend died, killing him." She looked at Siigon's corpse with a saddened expression.
"I am sorry, Diinmaar."
"How do you know my name?" I asked as she curled around me.
"Most dragons know of you, Diinmaar." I looked at her confused.
"Why are you laying around me?" I asked as I became trapped by her pulling me into her chest with her paw. I tried to get out by moving it but she was obviously stronger than I.
"You helped me find my mate." She purred as she lowered her head and let me go.
"Oh, right." I mumbled as I backed up. I sighed. "I am sorry. But I am not looking for a mate. I already had this discussion with another." She lifted her head and narrowed her blue eyes.
"And who is this... other?" She asked with a hint of malice.
"Uh... a female dragon... um... southwest of Cyrodiil." Once I finished she instantly took out of Skyrim. I won't be seeing her for a while. Inigo ran up to me with his bow still in hand.
"Did you really get asked out by a dragon?" I shook my head. Then I paused in thought.
"Yes, actually. Just now was my second. I made up the dragon that she is flying after." He laughed a little. He looked to Lily who was kneeling over Siigon's dead body.
"Should we do something?" He asked. I shook my head slightly.
"Nope."
It was late and we were in the Bannered Mare. Inigo was sitting alone, staring at the table. I feel bad for him because he lost his drinking buddy. I looked over at Ky'ren was at the bar, drinking her thought away. She never knew Siigon as well at the others. And Lily was alone upstairs. She is suffering the worst. Didn't they do everything together? I have to check on her. I walked across the room and up the stairs. I looked back to see Inigo give a nod. I looked at the door and raised my hand, hesitant to knock. Taking a deep breath, I slowly knocked on the door. "Lily?" My voice was full of worry. I didn't hear anything but the chatter downstairs. I knocked again. "Lily? I-It's Dare." I said but still no response. I decided to open the door.
I slowly twisted the handle, opening the door slowly. I peeked inside only to see a dark room. "Lily?" I asked again, stepping inside. "If you need anything... I'm here for you." I spoke into the darkness. I walked deeper inside, the door shutting behind me, consuming the room in total darkness. "Lily?" I stepped on what felt like cloth. That's when I felt a pair of bare arms wrapped around me, followed by... breasts rubbing against my back. I stumbled forward and turned around. I saw nothing because of the darkness. "Lily? What are you doing?" I almost yelled. I heard her footsteps near. A hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me down. Her other hand felt around my chest. "L-Lily." I rasped. "What are you doing." I said, trying to escape.
"Please Diinmaar." I heard her purr as her hand went under my clothes, traveling down to my groin.
"L-Lily! What in Oblivion! You're drunk, stop!" I yelled. She pressed her smooth breasts to my slim body.
"You said we can have fun when this is over, and you killed Alduin." She purred, as both of her hands trapped me with her. She started to move her hips up and down, trying to get me aroused. Normally a person would get hard with something like this, but I was too shocked to notice. A fully naked women giving me the opportunity to have sex, and I didn't take it. A Nord would be at a loss for words if he or she found out.
I heard her moan. And I felt something wet between her legs. When my mind finally caught up with the situation, I knew what I had to do. "Fiem zii gron. (Fade Spirit Bind.)" I whispered so I knew no one outside would hear. My body became a ghost as I stood up and lit a candle with a flame spell. When I could see, I saw Lily's clothes on the floor, and a very much nude Lily bent over on the bed, showing me her best side. Tail raised and all. She turned her head and smirked devilishly. Shaking her butt in an attempt to seduce me more.
"Diinmaar, I want this." She said pleadingly as she spread her legs even more, moaning with lusty eyes boring into mine. That was it for me. I left the room, slamming the door as sweat ran down my face. I didn't even know Argonians could sweat!
I quickly ran down the steps, calmly walking towards the table Inigo was at, and sat down. My face was unreadable. He looked up from having his head on the table. "How'd it go?" He asked, not knowing what that question sounded like to me. My shaking head hit the table with a loud thud.
"I will have nightmares of this day for an eternity." I cried.
"What happened?" He asked, sounding a bit more alive than before. I kept my head on the table, groaning in embarrassment.
"She wanted to have sex with me, naked. She was drunk." I muttered, lifting my head from the table. I looked at him worryingly, he had the look of amusement.
"Say no more my friend." He patted my back with a grin.
"Do you have any more Bloodwine?" I asked. He reached under the table and grabbed a bottle. He handed me the whole thing. I took it gratefully. "Thanks." I muttered, taking a swing.
"Hey, I saved it just for you." He nudged my shoulder playfully. He held up a bottle of Juniper Berry Mead. "To a better tomorrow." I smiled and hit his bottle with mine with a clink.
"To a better tomorrow."
And this is why I rarely drink. Hangovers. "Oh man. My head." I held my head as I sat up. What happened yesterday? The last thing I remembered was Balgruuf walking in and joining me and Inigo. I looked to the side of the bed to see a shield leaning on it. I picked it up to take a closer look. It was yellow, and it bore the Whiterun mark. "Oh... now I remember." I smiled as I stretched. I was currently in the Hold of Whiterun, Balgruuf let me stay here when I told him about Lily. Lily! I got out of bed quickly and I put on my gear which was laying in a chest by the door of the guest room. I had to check to see if she was alright. After about a minute I ran out the door and down the stairs.
Now in the main hall, I saw a young woman standing there. She walked up to me with a nod. "The Jarl has recognized you as a person of great importance in the hold. A hero." I chuckled.
"Well I wouldn't put it like that..." She shook her head.
"The title of Thane is an honor, a gift for your service. Guards will know to look the other way, if you tell them who you are." I raised an eyebrow.
"Wait, are you saying that I would do something bad?" I asked her, almost offended.
"No my Thane, I was just telling you the benefits..." I held up a hand.
"Liston, Housecarl. I'm the prince of the Empire, I think I am above that of a lowly bandit. Nonetheless, I have acquired a house in the city and need you to look after it." She nodded.
"Yes my Thane." I was about to leave when I forgot the most basic thing to ask in a conversation.
"Oh, and one more thing." She waited for me to continue. "What's your name?" She held out a hand, I shook it firmly.
"Lydia." I smiled.
"Diinmaar."
Ky'ren and Lily have been in the Bannered Mare for the past nine days. During that time I have been practicing my magic arts at the College of Winterhold. Even stopped a crazy wizard and became the Arch-Mage. And that was only the first five days. The sixth, seventh and eighth days, I helped around with the companions, even found a cure for lycanthropy. And on the ninth day, I took a carriage to all the holds, just to see what issues they were suffering from. To make a list of sorts. But today, I got a note from someone named Deeja saying that she got one of Inigo's recruitment fliers. And that she needs my help with a personal problem. She told me to meet her brother in Solitude. So that's where Inigo and I were headed.
A few hours of a silent ride and we arrived in Solitude. As we got off the carriage, the evening sun finally started to go down. I grabbed my pack with Inigo on guard behind me. "We should go find this Jaree-Ra. Okay..." I looked at the note given to me that also had a detailed description of my contact. "Black scales, leather armor, blue eyes, and usually hangs around the plaza." I put the note away. "Got that?" I heard a hum of acknowledgment from behind. "Let's go." I put Keening in my boot, it should be hidden due to the fact that I'm wearing mage's robes. Inigo and I walked up to the gates of Solitude, trying to keep out heads down. I told him to wear some steel plated armor instead of his Imperial set so we don't look suspicious. The guards let us in without a word, but the side that waited inside was not a pleasant one.
A public execution was taking place. "They can't hurt uncle Roggvir. Tell them he didn't do it." I heard a little girl plea to her dad. A sad display this was. A guard walked up to the executioner who had an axe in hand.
"Positions." He announced.
"Svari, you need to go home. Go home and stay there until your mother comes." Her dad said. She did as told and ran away. A high elf walked up to him.
"You should tell her that her uncle is a scum that betrayed the High King. Best she knows now, Addvar." She told him with a hint of venom.
"You're all heart, Vivienne." He muttered. I looked back up to the stand as a Captain walked up to the uncle. I was getting a sense of deja vu.
"Roggvir. You helped Ulfric Stormcloak escape this city after he murdered High King Torygg. By opening that gate for Ulfric you betrayed the people of Solitude." Everyone yelled Traitor and other slurs at him.
"There was no murder! Ulfric challenged Torygg. He beat the High King in fair combat. Such is our way! Such is the ancient custom of Skyrim, and all Nords!" He bellowed.
That was followed by more insults. I had enough of this. I decided to leave before things got worse. Inigo right behind me. Both of us looked at the scene as we left. "Gods, I hate public executions. I'd rather die in battle than on my knees in front of a crowd. Horrible." I looked away.
"Yeah." I saw an Argonian leaning up against a poll ahead. I bumped Inigo as we stopped a few feet away. "That one matches the description. Okay remember, we're just mercs." He nodded as we walked up. He saw us coming and greeted us.
"You're passing through Solitude? Maybe you're looking to make some easy gold, yes?" We nodded.
"Yeah, what did you have in mind?" He chuckled.
"It's easy to find things to sell. Things nobody will miss. Things from underground, or left lying around in someone's house. I bet the three of us, we're very alike. So why not take the next step? We can help each other. My sister Deeja and I are treasure hunters. We like to collect things." I faked a smirk.
"I'm listening..." He stood straight up.
"I knew you looked like a clever one... With the war, many more ships come through these docks. Loaded with weapons and pay, but few people. And they pass through dangerous waters. We have an interest in one of those boats, the Icerunner. The Solitude Lighthouse will be guiding it in." I stopped him with a hand raised.
"And you want us to put it out." I crossed his arms and grinned.
"What an interesting idea." I stopped him again.
"Hey. A friend once told me to stick to the point, leave any details out. So can we wrap this up?" I deadpanned.
"I like you. Well, I will meet you at the docks when this is done with more information."
And with that done, he walked off. Inigo and I looked at each other for a moment. "Uh, what did we just get ourselves into?" I asked. Inigo didn't say anything as he started his jog out of Solitude's gates and down to the docks. Past the docks there is a dirt road that will lead us to the lighthouse. I snapped out of my thoughts to find out that I was alone. "H-Hey! Wait for me!" I yelled after him.
A small jog down the mountain, across the bridge, and down the road, we finally made it to the lighthouse. "So, how do we put it out?" I asked my companion.
"Hmm, bucket?" I was about to agree when I immediately felt like an idiot. I sighed as I walked up the steps to the top.
"Idigo, I cannot believe that I forgot that I was Dragonborn." He thought for a moment, then he started chuckle.
"My friend you are a genius." I smiled.
"I know." We reached the top and I readied my shout. The fire was strong and bright, but that will change. "Fo Krah Diin! (Frost Cold Freeze!)" I shouted and the whole section of the tower became solid ice. I flinched at the outcome as I looked at Inigo. "To much?" He shook his head, his hand covering his face.
"We should go." He mumbled.
"Agreed." We both ran down the stairs and to the docks.
A few minutes of running later we made it. The sun was already going below the horizon. That should help with the task at hand. And we just committed a crime. I guess you need to do some bad for the good to prevail. Looking ahead, I saw Jaree-Ra standing on the upper platform of docks, waiting for us. "Alright, are you ready?" I asked Inigo.
"To be honest, I am used to this. Me being a former mercenary and all." I thought about what he said for a moment as we walked down the steps of the dock to meet Jaree-Ra.
"Is that where you became such an impressive marksman?" I said, tapping his ebony bow with my knuckle. He nodded as we approached Jaree-Ra. The Argonian turned around.
"Looks like you had no trouble." Inigo chuckled. "The effects have already been felt. The Icerunner has failed to dock on time. Without the Lighthouse, the Icerunner would have swung wide of the western shoal, and run aground on the eastern coast. My sister Deeja will be at the wreck with our Blackblood Marauders. She knows to expect you."
And with that information given, Inigo and I made our journey to the downed ship. For that, we had to take a small raft across the river, and walk a distance down the shoreline. Where the Icerunner sat in ruins. A bunch of marauders in leather gear were unloading the cargo. A man in black mage robes greeted us as we arrived. "You're the ones that put out the fire in the Lighthouse, right?" We both nodded. "That was good work. Deeja's in the hold of the ship. Go down two levels." I nodded and we walked up the ramp and on the ship where two Imperial guards and a few sailors lay dead. I grabbed Inigo's arm to halt him.
"Stay here." I whispered. "When the arrows start flying, that's your queue to kill these bastards." He nodded. I looked to the entrance of the hull and sighed. "Okay."
Opening the door and walking inside, I found even more marauders grabbing things here and there. Some of them greeted me but I ignored them as I made my way down the ship. I had to go through several rooms to get there. And down another set of stairs, where at the bottom level water was leaking into the ship. And a door at the far edge of the large room was closed. Probably where Deeja was. I stepped in the slowly rising pool of cold water and walked over to the door. I was hesitant to open it at first. What if this was a trap? Or if this was a fluke to assassinate me? I brushed off those thoughts, knowing I could handle anything that might happen. With my mind set and ready, I opened the door. On the other side was an Argonian. Green scales, two rows of small horns on her head, and... I sighed at the last thing I noticed. An Amulet of Mara. She was wearing hide armor that was either too tight for her, or she perpetually wears it that she doesn't notice. It must be uncomfortable. When she turned around, all I can say is that she was the most perfect looking woman I've ever seen. I quickly looked away from her as she turned. Of course she has her chest partly exposed. Why wouldn't she? Now that I think of it it's a good tactic. Seduce then go for the kill.
She smiled when she saw who I was. "My brother told me you were coming." She said as she walked passed me and shut the door. I heard a click of a lock which was a bad sign. She kept her hands on the handle of the door as she turned her head to look at me. "I'm supposed to give you what you've earned." I nodded, slightly confused.
"Uh, I thought you said this was a personal problem." I told her as I prepared for an attack.
"Ha! I'm afraid the loot's already moved!" She boasted as she slowly walked towards me, her hips swaying as she went. "You've been useful to the Blackbloods, though. You've earned a quick death!" In a blink of an eye she grabbed Keening from its sheath and knocked me down with her full weight on top of me. She looked down on me smirking at her victory.
"Gah! Dammit!" I yelled as I struggled to get out of her iron grip. That's when things went weird. She leaned in close, her mouth pressed against my ear.
"Shh." Her voice made my body shiver. She raised her head and her smile disappeared. "I need your help." She suddenly whispered in a panicked state. Now I was really confused. "My brother has been going down a path that I never wanted to follow." She turned her head and showed me three yellow paint markings on her neck. "Those were where he struck me for disagreeing with him. He needs to go. No matter how hard it is for me to come to terms with." I was busy with what just happened to really focus much.
She looked down at our... intimate position as I looked at her dumbfounded the entire time, still trying to process what just happened. She looked back into my eyes as a green hue appeared on her cheeks. And with that we both immediately scramble to our feet. "I-I'm so sorry. Um, let's forget this happened. Here." She reached into her bra and handed me a paper slip. It read; Sister, Once you have picked up the package send them to me at Broken Oar Grotto. The fool who did our work at the lighthouse should arrive shortly thereafter, make sure he is taken care of. I crumpled up the note and threw it on the ground.
"It's the task I was given by my brother and I plan on seeing it come to flourish. The marauders are already bringing the supply's to the grotto, and I plan on taking care of you until my scales start to lose their color, if you would have me... Accompany you that is! Tell Jaree-Ra you killed me. Tell him you killed me with no effort. That I was weak." She looked down. "You're giving me a chance here, Dragonborn. I owe you my very heart." She wrapped me in a hug, sniffling.
"Deeja, hey." I whispered as I grabbed her shoulders and looked her in the eyes. "My friend Inigo is waiting outside." She nodded as I wiped away some tears that were falling.
"Go... I will take care of these marauders." I slightly pushed her towards the door, I joined her after I got up. "Can I have my dagger back?" I asked. She still had Keening in her hand from our little show. She raised it to examine it. The blue crystal blade sparkling in her eyes.
"I've never seen a blade like this before." She looked at it in awe.
"My father gave it to me. I'll tell you more about it once we get out of here." I gently took hold of her hand that held Keening and she let go. I readied a flame spell and prayed to Akatosh that I will survive this. These assholes will not survive this day. I kicked the door open and charged at the first marauder I saw, an unsuspecting Redguard. He was clearing a chest on the far side of the room. When he heard me kick the door open he stumbled down the stairs and the chest rushed his head in a violent display of blood and gore. "Well, scratch one." I said to no one in particular. I ran across the room and up the stairs to deal with the others. I rounded the corner to find two more marauders, a Nord and a Breton. I grinned as I charged at them.
Outside, Inigo waited for the bloodshed by the entrance of the Icerunner. It has been minutes now and still nothing. I should go and check on him. Maybe he was betrayed by that Deeja? I will kill that Argonian if she did. Most of the Marauders were out here, waiting for Deeja and probably some others. All the loot has already been shipped. I have a bad feeling about this. "Whoa!" I jumped when a marauder went flying out as the door I was standing next to flew open.
"You brought this on yourself!" A female voice said behind the door.
"Deeja wow. That was... overly extensive on that guy." I heard the familiar voice of Dare say. The door shut to reveal him and a female Argonian who I am assuming is Deeja. The marauder who went flying to the other side of the deck started getting up. This was my chance for some action. I grabbed an Imperial sword from one of the dead guards and charged at the dazed Orc. "I will see you in Oblivion! Greeny!" The Orc was about to grab his sword which fell out of his hand but an arrow pierced his skull.
"Oh come on! I had him!" I turned around suspecting Dare with a bow in hand, but it was Deeja.
"Nice shot, Deeja!" Dare told her. I grumbled as I walked over to them.
Back with Diinmaar... I seethed Keening as Inigo approached. "Good job, Inigo. You almost got a kill." He grumbled. "Deeja here might be competition for you." Inigo went wide eyed for a moment, then narrowed his eyes at Deeja.
"Why'd you do that Deeja?" She shrugged.
"I honestly don't know." I looked at her confused.
"Really?" She nodded.
"Yes. I didn't think of it. I just did it. I'm sorry." She looked away in embarrassment.
"It's okay, Deeja. You two can settle this later. Liston, I own a house in Whiterun, Breezehome. Some of the other members in my party are staying there. Go get yourself antiquated." She nodded and started her way to Solitude where she could get a carriage, but stopped short to look back at us.
"What about you!" She yelled.
"Don't worry, I'll be there soon!" She nodded again and continued to walked to the city. I turned to the mountainside under Solitude. "So Inigo, ready for some action?" I heard him chuckle.
"My friend. I have been waiting for this day ever since I arrived in Skyrim." I cracked my knuckles.
"Let's go then."
Broken Oar Grotto was not as far away as I thought. A few minutes of swimming back to the lighthouse, and a mile down the trail. We eventually came across a small ruined dock with a cave. This must be it. "Hey, Inigo." He came walking up behind me.
"Yes my friend?" I pointed to the cave with my dagger.
"Jaree is in there. And I know you've been dying to kill some bad guys so... have at it." He smiled as he charged in with sword and shield. "Oh! But Jaree-Ra is mine." He gave me a thumbs up as he disappeared into the cave. I decided to take some time and sit at the nearby campsite to pass the time. Luckily I brought my favorite book, The Dragons of Septim, by Torhal Biorik. It's about the last known sighting of dragons in Tamriel. A time when Tiber Septim was Emperor. He made a pact with the dragons and protected them if they would serve him. Despite his promise, some people were arrogant and still slaughtered them. All in all it's a good book. I'll enjoy reading it until Inigo gets back from the slaughter.
It has been an hour since Inigo went in and I still had no word from him. I was actually starting to worry about the blue Khajiit. I sighed from the long wait. "What's taking him so long?" I groaned as I stood up from a log. I looked to the mouth of the cave and waited for a few seconds, contemplating if I should go in. Inigo is my friend and he would do the same for me. "Akatosh keeps me safe." I prayed, drawing my dagger and heading inside. Completely oblivious to the shadow following behind.
With Inigo a few minutes before. "Dammit... gah... I... arge!" Inigo was held in the clutches of two marauders as they dragged him to their leader. "Aaargh! Let... go of me!" He seethed as an Argonian stepped up to him. It was Jaree-Ra. He bent down to his level and bared his teeth. Inigo did the same.
"You knew I would be here." Jaree-Ra stated. "Who betrayed me?" Inigo didn't answer as he continued to struggle against his captors.
"You are wasting your time. You stupid... bandit scum! You... You won't get a word from me!" Jaree-Ra smiled at him and slapped him in the face, hard. But Inigo held strong. Jaree-Ra stood up and grabbed a dagger from one of his goons. "Come on! Is that all you got? Huh?" Inigo yelled. Knowing very well that this could be the end.
"Hargar!" Jaree-Ra pointed the dagger at his Captain, walking up to the Nord. He flipped the dagger so he was holding the blade and handed it to Hargar. "Kill him." Hargar took the dagger and approached Inigo.
"Yeah, that's it. Kill me. Baldy!" Hargar readied the dagger in a thrusting position. He drew his arm back. "Do it! Come on! You don't have the guts to stab me! Come on! Baldy! Do it! UGH!" Inigo's eyes widened in shock as he gasped for air. As the dagger penetrated his stomach and he fell to the ground. Blood seeping from his stab wound as he coughed up more from his mouth. He tried to pull out the blade but failed because of the blade's design. Clearly not meant for taking out. So he decided to lay there. As his vision blurred, Jaree-Ra came into view with a grin. He laughed as he and the other marauders left him to die.