Author's note: I SAID I WAS GOING TO UPDATE TODAY, and I actually stuck to schedule. HA. So yeah. This is going to have to be two (or more) parts, since I didn't get half of the stuff I wanted to in this update. But that shall come on Monday. Trying out a different style here, so that's fun.

Thank you to everyone who has been reading and... reading!
*Please review*

Anyone else listen to The Adventure Zone? I'm mildly obsessed with it, and I just started listening to it. Whoops.

Disclaimer: Not mine

The following inclusions were found on journal entries from various sources. While only the Dragonborn's is needed for the investigation, the other entries have been included due to their connection with the Dragonborn, and possible clues to the village ruins found near the Aetherium shard location.

Found in a charred journal, buried deep beneath the earth. Only a few pages remain, this being one of the few legible bits.

Today I was approached by the most odd of people. He came from the main road that leads into town, with one other person. They were on foot, and the other man seemed exhausted. He was obviously a mage, what with the staff and shimmering robes. However, he still had a sword attached to his belt, and obviously knew how to wield it. The other one was dressed in armour, not an uncommon thing in these times, but a type I had never seen before. It was made of some sort of carved stone, and looked like it must have weighed a hundred pounds. However, he wore it like cloth, and moved incredibly quickly despite the stuff. At his side were two blades, one made of another material that I had never seen before, the other a shining dagger. Because of his battle-worn appearance, I was rather surprised when he made his way up to where I was working. And I most certainly did not expect him to begin talking to me. He asked me about the town, and the fields, and if we've had any dragon problems recently. I found myself rather embarrassed in the presence of a warrior, and ended up tripping over all my words. It was rather plain that he didn't mind, though, and he let me speak at my own pace. I talked a bit about our inn, and mentioned that we had no blacksmith, since he seemed like he might be looking for armour. I didn't ask very many questions since I was so nervous, but I did manage to work up enough courage to ask him why he was in town. He didn't really respond… Maybe he's a drifter? Or perhaps he's on the run from the law, and our town is so secluded that he decided to come here? Or maybe he is a great warrior, and is on a quest to save the world. Either way, he excused himself from the conversation directly afterward, and I think I might have scared him off. Nice going.

He headed straight out of town after speaking to my father, and then turned left on the road and vanished out of site. I thought he was gone for good, and resigned myself to continuing to work without any other distractions. But then, later, I saw him come back into town. When the sun began to set, he strode in once more, this time with his partner, and they went into the inn. He waved at me, so he must have remembered who I was, thankfully! He didn't look too freaked out, and he hadn't completely left yet, so I must not have said anything too horrible. I retired from the fields shortly after, and stopped by the inn as well for some needed ale. The man and his companion were talking in a corner, and while they mostly ignored me, the one in armour smiled as I walked by. They both looked fairly serious, and I noticed that there were healing supplies spread out on the table in front of them. I sat down for my drink, and meal, but when I looked up they were gone. Lilah informed me that they had left the inn, and shortly afterwards, left the town. They seem to be gone for good now. I'll probably never see such a warrior again. And to think, I even forgot to ask his name. Of course I would.

-Khilheru

Page taken from the journal of the Dragonborn, also found buried deep beneath the earth.

I entered a new village today. The villagers seemed fairly friendly, and I made a new acquaintance. He was the only one in the village who took more than a passing glance at myself, so taking that as a good sign, I went up to him. The curious ones usually know more about what's going on in their town. However, he got flustered as I came up to him, and only gave brief responses to my questions. I was about to excuse myself when he asked me why I was passing through. I wasn't sure what to tell him, though. It's not like I can simply say, "Oh yes, I was searching for Aetherium shards in Dwemer ruins that may or may not exist, with the help of a ghost who wa searching for them as well until she fell to her death." That would sound completely crazy, and while I may have that reputation in other areas, I didn't want to scare away a possible friend. I tried to avoid his question, but may have ended up completely failing. I had to excuse myself shortly after that, though, as I needed to rendezvous with Marcurio. He looked disappointed to see me off, and I hope I didn't scare him off.

After meeting with Marcurio, we discussed the possible regions for the Dwemer ruins to be. Thankfully, they have to be somewhere in the area, as Katria's notes point to the ruins that dot this section of the landscape. I suppose we'll have a look in the morning. He and I decided to head to the inn to discuss more of the details, and hopefully stock up on a few supplies before leaving. As we were walking in, I saw my acquaintance once more. I waved at him, wishing to show that I wasn't avoiding him, and to my surprise, he grinned and waved back. We headed into the inn, and purchased some food, and a few herbs. I'll make a list below. My new acquaintance walked in, and I smiled at him, though I couldn't stop to talk. After some short discussion, Marcurio and I left town, choosing instead to continue our march. We are currently stopped in a small forest, near the bottom of the mountains. We've so far managed to avoid any large confrontations, and I plan to keep it that way. Picked up a few more bear pelts, and a nirnroot. I'll add those to my list below. The man I talked to back in town mentioned something about getting a good price for bear pelts, and I don't want to have to lug them around for our entire journey. I must remember to ask for his name the next time we meet. I can't keep calling him "my acquaintance," after all. Marcurio and I finished our preparations to go, and rented a room for the night. I'm in good spirits, and I'm sure that we shall find the shards before long.

-Káno

Found on a scrap of paper, acting as a bookmark for the previous journal entry.

Damnit! We got too far into the ruins, and met with some Chaurus. They severely wounded Marcurio and myself before we managed to kill them. I've got to get us out of here, before we are killed entirely.

-Káno

Found in a charred journal, the same as before. There is more to the entry, but it is illegible.

My acquaintance from earlier appeared in town once more, this time badly hurt, and carrying his friend. They are both in horrible condition, and I've only been able to skitter down a few words between fetching herbs and water for our local healer. However, I did manage to get a word in with the man… his name is Káno and he is on a quest.

-Khilheru

Excerpt from the same charred journal, most notably one of the final pages.

I entered the sick room today, only to find that Káno was wide awake, and looking at me. I got nervous again, being in the presence of someone so battle-hardened, and almost walked away. However, he motioned for me to stay, and so I sat down in the chair between his and his friend's bed. He asked me if I had been helping to heal his friend, whose name is apparently Markuryo(?) I'll have to ask how it's spelled later. I responded with a nod, and a smile blossomed across his face. "I'd say you've done a good job," he said. "Thank you. It's much better than I could have done." I felt it necessary to explain that I hadn't done anything, and that it had mostly been the work of Carran, our healer. Either way, he offered me a fairly large sum of money for helping heal him and his friend, which I had to refuse. I can't just take money from an injured man, especially when I'm not the one who has healed him. Káno looked disappointed that I hadn't taken it, but put it away, probably saving the money for Carran, oblivious as he is to hospitality and kindness. We sat in silence for a few more minutes, before I finally decided on my course of action. "What… what quest are you on?" He sighed, and ran a hand through his hair. "One that you could not possibly begin to comprehend, my friend." Then a look of horror dawned on his face. "I never asked you your name!" I laughed, because he was right, and spoke. "Khilheru. My name is Khilheru."

"Ah. A noble name." I flushed, but continued to press him for details concerning this "quest" of his. Finally, he gave in.

"You have seen the dragons, I am sure. But do you know of the Dragonborn?"

I had, and responded as such.

"I am the Dragonborn, and I am on a quest to rid the world the world of the dragon scourge, so that people like you and your village may live in peace. At this moment in time, I am trying to recover fragments of an ancient artifact from Dwemer ruins, although I am not sure what purpose that will serve."

I was incredulous. The man who was staying in our village, who had come back almost dead, and who had (according to Lilah) drunk even Martin under the bar before he left, was the Dragonborn of legend? However, as I began to mull it over a little more, I realized that he could have been telling the truth. It would explain his odd armour and weapons, as well as the ungodly amount of keys, and various supplies he was carrying. Finally, he saw my slightly confused stare. "Listen, is this proof enough?" With his uninjured hand, he pulled out a slightly bloodstained letter from his armour, and handed it to me. "What is this?"

He gestured impatiently for me to open it. I unfolded the parchment, and found, in shaky handwriting, summons to the Greybeards. I had to set it down, and I looked at Káno

"Oh."

He gave a hearty laugh, and took it back, stowing it in his armour once more. We talked for a bit more, until Carran came back in and promptly kicked me out, with the excuse that I was "Cluttering up my sickbay and TIRING OUT MY PATIENT, KHILHERU YOU IDIOT." (His words, not mine). I suppose I'll talk to Káno tomorrow… I still can't believe he is the Dragonborn.

-Khilheru

Found on a scrap of paper in a forest near to the burned village.

Damn the man, he's tiring out my patient! There are only so many herbs that can help him heal, and Khilheru is not helping in the slightest. I'm heading out to the forest to gather-

Here the line cuts off, due to water damage. There is no more legible print.