Turdas, 11:54 AM, 12th of Sun's Dawn, 4E 202
"It's only natural you feel this way, my daughter." Alduin was at this point seething with rage as she talked with her mother in Riften's Temple of Mara. Most of the Acolytes were scared of her so they left the room quite a while ago.
"Natural? What is NATURAL about this? I am a female in heat, and I saved my enemy's life! I should have killed him while he was weak! I had him too! In my jaws! So fragile, so small... so... so..." She tried to stop them, she tried so very hard, but in the end she gave in. She curled in on her knees as her cries ushered throughout the temple.
"Alduin." A new voice said from behind her.
That only made her curl further in on herself. "What... a-are you... d-doing h-here?" She asked. Not looking at him. She kept her eyes squeezed shut. He is one of the last people she wants to see right now.
"Even a god needs repenting, Alduin. And I have committed a sin, worse than you can possibly imagine. I thought I was doing the right thing by waiting but... I was wrong." Alduin slowly looked up to her father who was in his Argonian form.
"W-What do you m-mean?" She sniffled as she rubbed her now dry eyes.
"Diinmaar." She growled at the name but it soon became a small whimper. Akatosh's mouth moved but the words struggled to come.
"I…" He paused. "He…" It looked like it was painful for him to speak. Eventually he sighed and looked away. "He found out." Alduin perked her head up in mild curiosity.
"About w-what?" He only sighed and kept his gaze on the ground as he took a seat next to his daughter, never attaining eye contact.
"About me. Who I really am." Alduin seemed surprised by this.
"You mean you never told him? All this time I thought..." There was a pause. Her sad demeanor was replaced with that of curiosity and mild… anger? Why would she be angry?
"In my time as a mortal my senses became nullified. And I openly told one of his friends and he told Diinmaar and..." A sigh escaped him as he finally looked up at her. "Now... Now he hates me. He said things that may never leave my mind." Alduin only became more intrigued as he continued. "He wants nothing to do with me. He has severed himself from me, the Empire, his friends and his duty." She looked down at the reminder of why the Dragonborn exists. To kill all dragons and especially... her.
"I know what you're thinking. And, no... you're wrong. His goal is to protect all of Nirn, and beyond." She thought about this. Beyond? To protect Nirn from what?
"Can you find him?" He shook his head in regret.
"No. Something is stopping me from doing so. I don't think anyone can find him." She smiled. She has a way to find him.
"Not entirely true." Akatosh raised his head in question.
"I can still smell him, father. And every day it gets stronger." He smiled as well, sharing a small laugh before getting up. The thought of Diinmaar overflowed her senses making her forget why she was sad or mad at all.
"Then lead the way, let's find my son. He may hate me but I am still his father. I need to make up for my wrongs." Together, Akatosh and Alduin headed for the door leading outside. Their path set forth on a journey to find Diinmaar. Wherever he may be.
Riverwood. Probably one of my favorite parts of Skyrim. It's a small little town that keeps to itself. It's... also the place where all of this basically began. Right now I'm in the Sleeping Giant Inn. Drinking a little. But mostly I was just talking to a Draconian who said she could help me in escaping Skyrim unnoticed. I never knew that there were more of them. I thought that Siigon and Lily were the only ones. But here is another! But unlike the two others I've met, she looked more like a dragon. The classic femme fatale. By the looks of it she looks like the unstable yet calm but prone to explosive outbursts, caring about nothing but herself, kind of girl. She is a white dragon, orange with yellow reptilian eyes, tan belly, a tail-blade, big white wings with tan membranes that were almost the size of the rest of her, and two curved horns on her head. But what was strange was that she wore no clothes. Well except for two platinum bracers on her wrists, a platinum choker on her neck, and another bracer on her tail, and a ruby necklace. She also had some kind of black marking on her head. It looked like eyes. But that's just me pretending I know what I'm talking about. Her body was lithe and had a pointed face. Her face, which did not look pleased.
I shook my head. "Sorry, I was just..." I trailed off.
"It's fine, Diinmaar." She interrupted. I suddenly became alert and cautious as I watched the strange person in front of me. How did she know my name?
"How do you know my name?" I asked her. Putting a hand on her forehead she sighed in irritation.
"Everyone knows your name. And because you're the Emperor's son. Because you're the Dragonborn. And because I've been following you from the moment you got captured by the Imperial patrol."
"So. Since you've been stalking me for the longest time, tell me, why?" She only looked down. Did I hit a nerve? Or is there a bigger picture?
"At first, I was supposed to bring you to my master. A dark, evil, disgusting dragon by the name of Tarvokus." The irony in that name. An evil dragon, literally named Greedy. Ha! I shouldn't be laughing inside. "He wanted me to find you and "persuade" you into coming to my home and "meet" him. What that really means is he wanted me to seduce you into coming to his castle and kill you." Okay, now I'm confused again.
"Why?" She sighed.
"Because you're a threat to him. After Lyg got word of Alduin's defeat, he started to panic. He became delusional, paranoid. Thinking the Dragonborn was going to kill him. And that's when he ordered me to find you. At first I thought that this could be my escape, but then I remembered all of my friends back at the castle who were being violated by him. Luckily for me he never got to me yet..." And now I'm getting an idea of what she wants. "I need you to help rescue my friends and kill Tarvokus. But before you say anything, I just want to say I respect whatever decision you make." I only shrugged. I guess I can use this to get my mind off things.
"Why not." I mumbled. I got up and grabbed my things. Paladin's armor. Steel armor with gold engravings and wings on the helmet. A weapon I found called the Skullcrusher, and my wits. I liked the armor because it left all my features out of sight, all except my eyes. She however, only had a steel dagger. But I guess beggars can't be choosers. As the saying goes. "Hey, first can I finish some stuff here? It may be a while, and you can come with me if you want, but this stuff has been put off long enough." She smiled and nodded.
"I will be honored to serve you."
For the last two months, me and the half-dragon known as Sahvotei, meaning "Faithful" in dovahzul, traveled throughout Skyrim completing quests for people in need. While avoiding dragons, or anyone or anything to do with Akatosh. We helped out those Dawnguard people with their vampire problem. Found a girl named Sarana who had an ELDER SCROLL! Basically her father, Lord Harkon who was an evil vampire lord wanted to block out the sun. Which would kill everyone. Even the gods would die. So we killed some creatures, went to a place called the Soul Cairn and befriended a somewhat undead dragon named Durnehviir. It was not pleasant, I lost my soul, gained my soul back, found the last Snow Elf alive who tasked me with killing his corrupted brother who turned out to be already killed when we reached the Temple of Akatosh and got one of his artifacts at the temple. I had to regretfully go to Paarthurnax to find the now dubbed "Dragon" Elder Scroll. And that was a whole journey on it's own. And now Alduin is apparently back to normal. So that's another problem. After all that all I can say is I had a small meltdown at that point. But Sahvotei helped me out of it. After that, Sarana, Sahvitei and I, and the rest of the Dawnguard invaded Harkon's castle and killed everyone there. I even got to keep one of their weapons called a "crossbow", and might I say, it's my favorite thing in the world right now.
During that whole time, the Graybeards, Paarthurnax, Jormungandr, Alduin, and a few others were all calling my name. Or, calling for the Dovahkiin. But I have other things to do. Like help the people of Skyrim, find my lost brother Derkeethus, and help Sahvotei who seems to be enjoying herself. And now that I know more about her, I've come to realize that she and I aren't so different. Her father used her to gain power for himself. She committed horrible acts, and she does feel terrible about it. I have to keep reminding her that it wasn't her fault. Sooner or later, I think she'll come around.
"So, now that we got that done... what now, Dare?" I looked down over the ledge to the trees and mountains below. Sahvitei stood beside me and looked at the setting sun. Suddenly I heard footsteps from the forest behind.
"I don't know what you two will do, but I know what I'm doing." Turning around we saw an unexpected face.
"Veezara?" He walked up to us from the treeline that stood tall behind us.
"I know. I know. But do you honestly expect for me to just leave after all the fun we had? Ha! Never. To Oblivion and back, as they say." He looked different. By different I mean he isn't wearing his usual armor. Now he's wearing leather armor. On his hip were two weapons, a glass axe and an Elven mace. I went back to looking over Skyrim, now sitting down on the edge and my feet dangling off.
I was about to comment on how he looked when more rustling drew my attention to the treeline. "Veezara! How are you so swift? That was the seventh time I tripped on a root!" I shifted so I could look back to the trees. Veezara only laughed as Inigo fell into the open. When he got up, dirt covered his furry face. "Make that eight." He let his head fall back in the mud puddle as he groaned loudly. "Why did I agree to this? Oh... right. Sweetrolls." He was wearing new gear too. Steel plated by the looks of it. It looked like it was made long ago. The design was different then the usual ones I see now. It had a different design than the armor here. He had a matching sword and shield to go with it.
"Inigo?" I looked for anyone else to show up. But so far no one did. "Why are you here?" I asked as he walked up to join us, wiping the mud and grime off his face.
"What kind of question is that? You are my brother." He put the helmet that was resting in his arm down as he sat on the ledge with Sahvotei and I.
"Where have you been?" I was actually curious about this subject. Everyone sort of disbanded after I was contacted by the Brotherhood.
"That is a long story my friend." There was a pause. I watched a hawk go by as I waited for him to continue. But when he didn't, I looked at him. He was looking on, same as I.
"Well... are you going to tell me?" He looked on for a moment before he shook his head.
"Oh right, sorry. Uh..." I waited, and as I waited I heard Veezara come up to join us. "After you left, Lily, Kasrava, and I were worried about-" He stopped. His ears were twitching. Suddenly his eyes widened as he drew his sword. "We have trouble." He whispered. I picked up my iron sword as I stood up and faced the forest. Veezara did the same.
"Who's there?" He yelled. We all looked around for the stalker. As we slowly made our advance I looked at Veezara and pointed to the forest. He saw the command and nodded, slowly making his way to flank the intruder. Everyone was on high alert. I pointed at Inigo and held up two fingers, indicating to him to draw his bow. He did and knocked an arrow all the way back, his eyes squinting to focus. I tapped Sahvotei's shoulder as I slowly approached the void of foliage. She got up and jogged to my back.
"I got your back." She whispered. I smiled. She seems more clingy than before. I guess weeks of being together on adventures can do that to you. Focusing back on the matter at hand, I stalked towards the forest, holding a hand out to tell Sahvotei to stay.
I was only a few feet away from the edge of the forest when I heard rustling from within. I stopped just a few inches away. The sounds and movement got louder and louder. We all tensed for what's to come. We watched as we started to see a figure, but we were relieved to see that it was only a fox. "Huh." I laughed. Seething my weapon and turning around, everyone was glaring at Inigo who slunk back. "It's okay everyone! It's just a fox." I said as I started to walk back to the ledge. Suddenly out of nowhere a figure charged out of the forest and knocked me down from behind. I looked up, prepared to face the attacker. But when I did, I couldn't believe my eyes. In front of me standing tall and proud was Pelinal Whitestrake himself! A Knight of the Nine! A Divine Crusader! But the story's say he fell to the demigod Umaril the Unfeathered in the First Era? I guess those stories were wrong. But what is he doing here?
"Whitestrake." I calmly said as I got up. He had his blade to Sahvotei's stomach. He visibly flinched when I said the name. Inigo and Veezara had their aim directed towards him. "It is an honor to stand before you... but why do you have my companion at your mercy?" At first he just stood there, looking at Sahvotei in the intent to kill. Then he turned towards me.
"This THING is not your ally." Thing? What does he mean by thing?
"What do you mean? I've known Sahvotei for weeks now. She has done nothing but help me in my struggles. And is now one of the few people I can call friend." I drew my crossbow that hung from my back. I knocked in a bolt and aimed it at him. "I'm sorry if I failed to understand your motives, but I suggest you LAY OFF SAHVOTEI!"
At the sound of my inner dragon freeing itself he withdrew his sword. He looked at me for a moment then back at Sahvotei, then back at me. Our weapons still trained on him the entire time. I looked at her, the crossbow still raised. "Are you okay?" She quickly nodded, fear in her eyes. I brought my gaze back to the legend. "So... enlighten us." I seethed as I proceeded to slowly walk to him. Step by step. And by the time he said anything, my weapon was right in his face. He sighed as he seethed his weapon. I did the same.
"You are Dragonborn." His voice was low. "I was brought back to aid you in slaying any and all unholy creatures." Brought back? So he did die. Wait...
"Brought back by who?" He stood up straight and knelt before me.
"By Arkay, milord. But please, refrain from calling me that name. Call me Marcus. Whitestrake is no more."
He turned back around to face Sahvotei. "I know what you are, creature. Do not think that he can save you forever. I do not know what your intentions are... but I assure you..." He grabbed her by the fur bra and hoisted her up, both face to face... or helmet. "You will not succeed." He growled as he threw her away. "I will be watching you, abomination." I heard that somewhere before. It was... with Siigon! Rikke! I looked at Sahvotei in suspicion. She gulped. And my stare seemed to scare her as she looked away... in shame. I guess that confirmed it then. I raised my bow again, this time at Sahvotei. She didn't move, she didn't flinch, she didn't care, it seemed.
"Is it true?" My voice was even. How could I be so blind? How could I not sense it? But this only brings the question. Who else is a fake. Inigo put up his hands to try and calm me down. I could actually feel the tension in the air. I pointed it at him as well. "Back off!" He raised his hands above his head. His mouth went shut after that. I looked at Marcus. "Can you see if anyone else is one of them?" I looked at the Khajiit and Argonian and shook his head.
"They're fine. Just look at their eyes." Their eyes? I looked into Sahvotei's, but I only saw the orange eyes I saw the first time. I looked back to Marcus.
"What am I seeing?" I saw a slight tilt of his head. He walked over and stood by me, next to Sahvotei. He grunted.
"You're supposed to see only black. And I know what I saw." He grumbled.
"He tells the truth." Sahvotei suddenly blurted out. Both of us turned to the still laying form of Sahvotei, or whatever her name is. "But..." She swallowed. "...I... I'm not evil!" She pleaded as I aimed at her again. "I really do need your help! I wasn't lying! Tarvokus really is torturing us! The few of us who chose to sway from our primal instincts! Using the rest of us as weapons!" I looked at Marcus and he looked at me. "That one you encountered must have followed me here. They are manipulative, deceiving, animals. Who's one goal is to silently feast on the flesh of others, even our own kind. That's why I ran, to find someone to help. To save my people, to..." She finally looked up. "...to save my little brother and sisters. And maybe my mother, if she's alive. Or sane." I lowered my weapon, but kept it ready. "I do not blame you for not trusting me. My kind has its... dark past. We are only very recently, learning to become... civilized."
I sighed and slung my weapon on my shoulder. I held out a hand, silently asking her to grab it. "You're lucky I've mastered the art of perspective." She looked up at the hand, and hesitantly grabbed it. "But tell me... are all the things we did together to earn my trust? Or to gather information?" She answered immediately.
"I did it because you were going to help me. And... because that Divine charm has taken its hold on me as well." She looked away, embarrassed. Divine charm? Div- It suddenly hit me like a shock blast.
"You saw that, huh?" She nodded with a slight smile.
"I guess all I want in life is a strong young man to take away all of my problems. Although I know that you do not want a mate." She sounded almost sad when she said that. But she is right on that point. I'm just not ready. "But at least I can fantasize. And hope. One day." She took my hand and I helped her up. She thanked me as I walked back to get my helmet, which fell when Marcus rammed into me. But her hand held firm as I almost tripped on myself. But before I could she yanked me up to her and wrapped me in a hug. At first I was shocked, mostly because of how fast it happened. I pulled my head back to look at her. She had her face buried in my neck. Her eyes were shut tight and I think I even heard a sob. She quickly let go and regained her composure. "Thank you. Diinmaar." I shrugged and walked over to my helmet and dusted it off.
"Eh, It's what I'm known for. Genius, wealthy, kind hearted, dragon loving Argonian." I smiled.
"I guess that's why Alduin loves you." She said dryly. I nearly tripped when she said that. "The dragons do love the strong and wealthy. And because you're Dovahkiin..." She had a mischievous look as she looked at me. "And because the Great Akatosh himself claimed YOU as his son." Her grin lessened a bit as she looked at the setting sun. "Many would say you are acting selfish." I tried not to glare at her, I usually avoid having negative emotions. "When you were a dragon and attacked him in blind rage I watched from the shadows. And your father... Akatosh you... you killed him inside. I mean even for you that's a bit much. Actually killing him would have been considered mercy instead of what he now feels." She has a point. He deserved it, sure but... he did raise me from a young age. Maybe I was his second chance for the failure of Aduin. And I guess I should be glad he did. I sighed, looking down in defeat. She smiled again as she adjusted her bra back into place.
"You're right on one thing. He is my father. No matter what I think. But Alduin doesn't love me now. He was turned into a female and was in heat. And the mating season has ended. So we now need to deal with the second main reason why I came to Skyrim. Killing him before it gets out of hand." I put my helmet back on and started my way to Lyg. Let's kill this bastard then focus on what really matters.
"Dii Vahlok!" Alduin tried to call him again but she got no response... again. She growled, sitting on her throne, waiting. Where is he?
"You're saying his name wrong. It's Diin Maar, verb, not Dii Vahlok, noun. Try again, he will come." She glared at her father.
"I do not see you helping." She looked to the sky and tried again. "Diin Maar!" Nothing. Nothing for two months! She gave Talen-Jei a worried glance. Alduin couldn't believe she was actually whimpering! Like a small helpless hatchling! Did her shade kill him? She put all of her effort into putting all of her power into it. Was it too much? Is that why she felt so weak? Did her shade actually kill the Dovahkiin? Did he kill her lover? Is she alone now? Talen-Jei felt sympathy for his daughter as she whimpered and was on the verge of crying again. She hasn't slept for days and she is beginning to act like Mara when she finds out about Alduin going through the Kel, the Elder Scroll. "He killed him... No contact... No callings or sightings... Nothing. My shade is probably out there feasting on him now." She bellowed. She mumbled some things before she changed to her mortal form. She was now on her knees, crying into her hands. No matter how much he wants to mourn, he needs to be here for Alduin. So she doesn't fulfill that prophecy. And destroy everything he's grown to love. He is Nirns's salvation. And they don't even know it.
"Akatosh." An old raspy voice rang out from behind. He smiled at the old dragon.
"Paarthurnax. It has been too long." He sat perched on a pillar, looking down at the two dragons turned mortal.
"I recently have had contact with Diinmaar. He is with one of those creatures that infiltrated your ranks. I do not think he knows." Talen-Jei was about to reply when Alduin shoved him out of the way.
"Where?" She demanded. "Where did you see the Dovahkiin?" Paarthurnax raised an eye at this. Alduin is not one for... caring.
"On my mountain. He asked about a Ker, an Elder Scroll. He said that he and his friends are going to save the world." He ruffled his wings a bit "And I know what you want, Alduin. And I will not give it to you." He then looked at Talen-Jei. "Or you. Vir vust hi nok wah sen tol lingrah? Daar joor los zos mindosaal wey mu kuz niin fah. Daar tozein los nau hi, ahrk hi naalein, nok. (How could you lie to a boy that long? These mortals are more intelligent than we take them for. This mistake is on you, and you alone, liar.)"
"I did what I did! Yes, I lied! But it was so he didn't end up like her!" Talen-Jei jabbed a finger at Alduin.
"Yes, that was wise. But why lie to him for so long? Rok fund bo wah uniid zos vahk. (He would have come to terms easier.)" Why does he push on this? Why does he care? Talen-Jei was going to tell him... eventually. And he is still giving him that look of wanting more. "What could you gain by-"
"BECAUSE I WANT TO LOVE SOMETHING OF MY OWN PAARHURNAX! BECAUSE I WANT MY OWN FAMILY!" When did we become so arrogant? All of this... It's too much. Talen-Jei looked away from them both as he walked down the stairs of Skuldafn on his way out. A red dragon by the name of Odaviing, one of Alduin's lieutenants and the Overseer of Shor' enantiomorph, Shezarrine waited at the bottom. At least something has gone right from all of this.
"Father!"
'Lorkhan help me.' Talen-Jei thought.
"What... Alduin?" She was running up as he mounted Odaviing.
"The Dovahkiin did this to you, Thuri?" Odaviing asked. Putting his head up in thought. "I wonder if he could make me blue?" Both ignored that comment as Alduin came to a halt beside them.
"I am coming with you." Her voice sounded desperate.
"No." Akatosh deadpanned.
"No? You cannot tell me no! I am Aldu-"
"AND I... am your father." For once in her life would she just listen?
"Why then?" As soon as she asked, he chuckled, so did Odahviing.
"Because you are wearing no garments. I will not be seen with a naked woman when I have a wife. And mortals do not approve of such acts, unless they are a wench or a Deadra." She didn't miss a beat.
"Then I will get some clothes. Do you know what I should get?" He didn't answer. He only patted Odahviing's head and they took off. Leaving Alduin behind with Paarthurnax.
Alduin stood there for a moment. Staring up at where her father was last seen in the dark sky. She huffed as her body began to glow. And a few small moments later she was a dragon once again. "Fine. I'll get my own clothes." She told herself as she pushed off into the air, heading to the city of Solitude. If she remembered correctly there is a store called the Radiant Raiment. The store is run by those pesky High Elves but she will need to put her hatred aside if she wants their cooperation.
"So... this is Lyg." I mumbled. Everything looked normal. It looked like new land. There are no cites, no settlements, and all around there were mostly wild beasts. Veezara and Marcus were poking at some strange plant. Inigo and Sahvotei were talking alone. I was surveying the area. And so far there was nothing. Just nothing but trees, mountains and ferns in this marsh. It almost reminded me of Black Marsh in a way but less buildings and there are no Hist trees.
"Dare." I went to the edge and looked down from my position on a high rock and saw Sahvotei looking at me. "Our destination is a couple days' venture that way to the North East. I recommend we get some rest for now, and maybe place some traps. Life here isn't exactly... friendly." I nodded.
"I already got a bedroll for myself up here. And I already have traps placed." I got up and went back to the small fire I had.
"Are you sure she's trustworthy?" A voice rang out. I looked to my left to see another Night of the Nine. This one had the same armor, but had a cloak instead of a helmet. A unique greatsword called the Dragonfang, rested on the warrior's back. And this warrior is a Lykaios. A wolf-like race.
"I trust her. If that's what you're asking, Husk." He had white fur, blue eyes and has a knack for rushing into battlefields headfirst. Oh... and did I mention that he is the High King of High Rock. A master warrior, brilliant politician, well-rounded in trading, speechcraft, and a brilliant strategist. He is only the second High King in High Rock, the first being Emeric of Cumberland.
"If you say so. But just so you know, I will be keeping my eye on her. This could be a trap." I nodded. Of course it could. Everyone wants to kill me. The Elves, the remaining vampires, ignorant dragons, bandits, literally anyone who hates Argonians.
"And this is something I don't already know? Husk, I'm a Shadowscale and the Dragonborn... we're fine." I decided to call it quits and get into my bedroll. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get some shut-eye for the journey tomorrow." And with that I closed my eyes, and waited for sleep to take me.