4E 201
23rd of Sun's Dusk
The three women walked down the main thoroughfare of Whiterun's Plains District the following evening, having just arrived from Riverwood. The trip had been uneventful, coming across only the local wildlife and the occasional Imperial patrol party- of which they kept a wide berth of. It was just before the sun began to disappear behind the mountains that they left their horses in the stables before entering the city.
Adjusting her heavy backpack, Ty'ani let out a sigh, feeling spikes of muscle pain through her body from the journey. As she couldn't ride, she wasn't used to the inactivity she experienced while atop Valiant. Not only did she have to stay astride the huge and muscled stallion for so long, but she was also wedged in with Haema in the saddle. She was a little bow-legged and wobbly as the blood flowed back through her legs but it was something that she could ignore. For now anyway, no doubt she'll be stiff in the morning.
She trailed behind the Nord and Altmer as they entered the market square, seeing the store vendors packing away for the night. It was usually at this time that Ty'ani would take advantage of the organised mess and pilfer a few things, since most of the time people were far too busy to notice her slink by and swipe some small items and a few coins. Right now though, she was far too tired to care. Plus with the added company, it would raise questions she would rather not answer. So therefore, she continued on toward the Bannered Mare.
About to climb the stairs after her comrades, that was when something hard hit her in the shoulder. She jumped in surprise and yelled out in pain, instinctively gripping the affected area as she investigated the cause. Turning, she saw a sizeable rock roll away from her while a loud childish voice yelled out. "You cats aren't allowed here! Get back out into the wilds where you belong!"
Looking up, the Khajiit spotted a young Redguard girl scowling at her as she bent down to retrieve another rock. Ty'ani flinched at the child's words, shock overtaking as her exhausted mind came to a screeching halt, unable to think of what to say back to her. The abuse was nothing new of course, Ty'ani had far worse thrown at her, but for some reason having a child taunt and hate her was something that really bit deep.
Thankfully, just as the girl was about to throw her newly acquired rock, Haema stepped down from the Inn's entrance and waved the girl away. "That is enough, Braith! Away with you!" at the Nord woman's scorning tone, the girl dropped the rock and immediately fled up the stairs to the Wind District. Haema scowled after her, shaking her head in disapproval. "Disrespectful girl. If she was my child I would have tanned her hide a long time ago." she turned back to Ty'ani, a look of concern replacing the scorn in seconds. "Are you alright?"
Ty'ani just nodded, removing her hand from her shoulder to show the Nord there was no lasting damage. "It's no trouble." she reassured. "I've had worse."
Haema sighed. "That isn't fair. You should not be treated like that in the first place, none of your kind should."
Seeing Haema's exasperated expression, Ty'ani placed a hand on the woman's gauntlet. "Haema really, it's no trouble. I've grown used to it."
"Either way," Alasse commented, provoking the two to glance at her. "That sort of treatment is disgusting. Nobody should be treated like that."
Ty'ani nodded, but couldn't help but wonder about Alasse's words as they entered the tavern. More specifically, the tone that she used. It sounded quiet venomous, even for the Altmer woman, as if she had personal experience of verbal abuse. Though it was in that same instance that Ty'ani figured out that Alasse was a high-elf, the same species as those in the Aldmeri Dominion. Of course she would receive abuse for her race alone. Sometimes with all the racism thrown at her, it was easy to forget that in these lands, just about anyone who isn't a Nord receives the same treatment.
Inside the tavern proper now, the three were beset with the loud voices of the patrons and the soft strumming of the bard's lute. Looking around, it was difficult to find an empty table, but thankfully there was one available in the corner at the far end. It was quite a ways from the fire and swathed in shadow, but it saved them from the rabble that crowded around the hearth. Navigating past the drunken people- rather awkwardly since they didn't want to catch them with their weapons- the three finally made it past.
Removing her backpack, bow and quiver, Ty'ani carefully placed them in the corner as she sank into her seat, unbuckling her fur cloak as she did so. Flinging the collar over the back of the seat, she watched Haema and Alasse get comfortable as well.
"Saadia! Wake up dear!" came the voice of the Inn's owner over the white noise. In response, the Redguard barmaid rushed over to them while carefully balancing a tray of tankards and bottles, expertly dodging some overly excited patrons on her way. She sidled up to their table, lowering the tray on its surface in offering.
As Haema took a bottle of ale, she spoke up. "You want a meal I'm assuming?"
The Nord woman smiled at the barmaid. "Just three bowls of beef stew please, Saadia."
Saadia nodded, turning to the Altmer and Khajiit. "You two want a drink?"
"A glass of spiced wine if you please." Alasse responded.
Ty'ani rung her hands together as Saadia turned her gaze to her next, obviously still shaken up from earlier and feeling quiet awkward as a result. "Erm... just water please."
Saadia cocked a brow at that but she shook her head, lifting the tray back up. "Coming right up." she informed them before departing for the kitchen.
The three of them settled down as the melody of the lute came to an end. As applause and cheers erupted from the crowd, the bard took a well deserved drink from her tankard, waiting a few seconds before starting anew. As she stummed the cords of her instrument, the crowd fell silent as they waited for the new song to begin.
"This is a favourite of mine." the bard announced. "One of the first songs I ever learnt and a legend we all know and love."
As she started to sing, the soft tones of her voice seemed to calm the patrons within the breakroom. It almost seemed as though time itself had slowed in response, as she began to sing The Dragonborn Comes. Reaching the chorus of the song, the assembled Nords joined in with her, drowning out the accompanied groans of the other species within.
Ty'ani listened to the song with a keen ear. She had heard it multiple times before and understood why the Nords hold the legend in such high regard, but for some reason she couldn't find herself to like it. Don't get her wrong, she thought it was a lovely melody, there was just something about it that rubbed her the wrong way.
Looking over to Haema, the Khajiit could see that she was enjoying listening to the song, therefore she let her be. On the other hand, Ty'ani caught Alasse rolling her eyes as she pulled out her journal, immediately opening the pages and grabbing her inkwell and quill. Feeling uncomfortable in the silence between them, Ty'ani nibbled her lower lip, patiently waiting for the song to end.
It was at that point that the empty chair to Ty'ani's left was pulled sharply back, the wooden legs scraping harshly against the stone floor. The Khajiit eyes snapped opened widely, her ears pressing against her skull, as a young woman plopped onto the seat.
"I know I'm not invited." the woman slurred. "But ya look as though your lovin' this song as much as I." she tried to take a slurp from a half-filled tankard, but missed completely as the amber liquid cascaded down her chin and onto her bountiful bosom.
Blinking in surprise, Ty'ani's brain took a moment to register the appearance of the obviously drunk woman before her. "E-er..."
The woman leant back heavily in the seat. "Well... if ya seen the things I've seen." she explain, as more liquid escaped from the waving tankard. "An' lived as long as I... eh, I s'ppose three-hundred years ain't that long."
Thoroughly confused now, the only thing that came out of Ty'ani's mouth was: "I'm sorry?"
The woman finally turned to her, a confused frown on her face. "Why? Wot you done?"
"I... Well, I don't even know who you are." Ty'ani pointed out.
The baffled look increased in the woman's expression, attempting to draw herself to full height while still sitting. "Wot? Oh, ya musta heard of me, right? I'm Altwen, the famous huntress! The conqueror of virtue!" she rose the tankard to her lips, this time being successful in taking a mouthful. It was at that point that Ty'ani took the opportunity to speak.
"Who...?"
"Altwen! I'm the..." she then glanced at Ty'ani deeply, as though she had just realised that the young Khajiit was there. "Oh, you have such pretty eyes."
"I have... what?" Ty'ani stuttered.
It was at that point that the meals and drinks were finally brought over, the barmaid delivering the trayful to the table. Though there seemed to be an extra tankard, filled to the brim with sweet smelling mead. As Saadia turned to leave, the now empty tray under her arm, Altwen lunged forward and playfully backhanded the Redguard's behind. The barmaid let out a small shriek, pivoting sharply to glare at the woman who in turn was pointing at an unsuspecting man nearby. Snarling, Saadia delivered a quick slap to the poor man's face, a sharp thwack sounding out. Patrons nearby erupted into cheers and laughter as the barmaid stomped off, leaving behind a very confused male in her wake.
Alasse, watching the chaos playing before her, kept her silence, feeling only discontent. Suffice to say, she had seen this behaviour played out before with drunken males. Admittedly, this was the first time she had seen this display with a female, but regardless, she knew the outcome would be the same. The participants would shame themselves, dropping their self-esteem as each minute passed, ending either with a fist fight or the individual falling unconscious. Either way, she felt nothing but disgust toward this woman.
Having her attention torn away from the bard, Haema stared at the interloper that had intruded on them as she let out a boisterous laugh, which was directed toward the unfortunate male. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened in the warrior's time, but every time it did it irked her a little more each time.
Ty'ani on the other hand took the opportunity to thoroughly study this Altwen. It was strange that she didn't notice before, but the woman had a brown hood covering her head. She had the features of a Nord, with a strong jawline and full lips, but her skin had a bronze tint to it. Her eyes were the colour of the forest and a silk wrapping that encased deep red hair escaped the confines of the hood on the right side of her face. Her clothes though were quite unusual. Consisting of a brown studded bodice with an off-white shirt that in no way hid her well defined breasts, brown breeches and brown boots. The buckles all throughout the clothing were bright gold, contrasting against the dark colour. She didn't appear to be armed, but Ty'ani could venture a guess that there were a number of hidden weapons on her person.
The Khajiit flattened one ear, feeling quite uncomfortable with this woman next to her. "You're very odd, you know that?"
"Why thank you!" Altwen slurred with a wide smile. "I certainly am. I mean, who wants to be normal? Hey, I ever tell you ya got a sexy tail?"
Ty'ani spluttered in embarrassment, her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth at the unexpected turn in the conversation. She glanced at her companions, pleading with her eyes for them to help her out. Thankfully, Alasse seemed to heed her plea as the Altmer closed her book slowly, casting a withering eye toward Altwen.
"Oh boy, I'm in trouble now." the red head said with sarcasm dripping from every word.
"Indeed." replied Alasse in a warning tone.
It was obvious that, in spite of the high-elf's acidic tone, Altwen really didn't seem to care as her grin became wider. She leant forward, banging her tankard on the table top. "What's with the hood then?"
Alasse blinked in surprise, quite put out at the sudden question. "I beg your pardon?" she delivered, her tone slow and disapproving.
Altwen leant further forward, resting her arms on the table as the tension rose between the two. "What's with the hood, Ice Queen?" she repeated, her tone loosing the playful edge.
Acid eyes narrowing, Alasse curled her lip in irritation. "I do hope you realise that..."
Alasse never had the chance to finish her sentence however, as the apparently drunk woman sprung up out of her seat. Before any of them could react appropriately, Alasse's hood had been removed and was now pooling over her shoulders, causing her auburn hair to fly free. The Altmer barely let out a gasp of shock before the red haired woman continued to lunge forward and delivered a sloppy kiss to her forehead. As Alasse recoiled, Altwen dropped back into her seat in a fit of hysterics. The Nords around her, whom had been watching the women closely- secretly hoping for a fight- burst into laughter much to Alasse's humiliation.
Haema, at this point, wasn't really sure whether to laugh or frown. Instead, she passed each person their forgotten drinks that had been sitting in the centre of the table, hoping that would defuse the situation. While she did that, the high-elf scrambled to fold her hood back over her head, her cheeks taking on a light pink tint.
Almost immediately, Altwen grabbed one of the drinks and took a quick swallow. "Ah! Damn, you are a woman after my own heart, Muscles. I thank you kindly."
"I wouldn't try." Haema warned while taking a small spoonful of her stew. "I am a married woman."
"Doesn't stop ya from havin' fun though." Altwen retaliated.
"It does when children are part of the equation."
Altwen let out a huff, slumping back. "You're no fun at all." she took another swig before she darted back up, as though she had a brilliant idea. "Oh wait, is it because men find you intimidatin'? Does your husband?"
Haema's eyes narrowed at that. "That is none of your concern. You are bordering on personal territory here and I don't much appreciate that."
"Ooh... sore spot?" the woman teased.
Becoming annoyed now, the large Nord woman leant forward, glaring at the other with icy eyes. "I will give you a sore spot if you keep this up."
"Ooh, feisty. That must make things interestin' in the bedroom."
Sighing, Haema rolled her eyes and returned to her meal as she replied. "Is there a reason you decided to intrude on us, or are you here just on principle?"
Altwen smirked. "I'm just here for a good time." she answered innocently and it would have been believable if she wasn't crowding in on Ty'ani, her voice dropping to a purr. "If you know what I mean."
Well and truly uncomfortable now, the Khajiit squirmed away and slipped out of her chair. "Ah, you know what, I think I'm going to turn in now. I have a busy day tomorrow." she exclaimed quickly, making a mad grab for her equipment. "Haema, could I have the Dragonstone please?"
"Yes, of course." the Nord replied, brandishing the heavy stone from her backpack. As Ty'ani took it, she yelped when Altwen tugged on her tail.
"Aw, I was just startin' to have fun." she whined as Ty'ani swiftly escaped from the corner, clearing her throat.
"Anyway, I don't know if I'll see either of you again, but thank you for all your help. I never would have made it out of there without either of you." she thanked them both.
Alasse, now having gotten over her shock, glanced up at Ty'ani with a small smile. "As I told you before, it was our pleasure. Your a skilled bow-woman and a survivor Ty'ani, you will do fine on your own I am sure."
"Aw," Altwen piped up, leaning her head heavily in her palm. "Don't tell me you lot are sayin' goodbye. I hate goodbyes."
Pointedly ignoring the woman, Alasse continued. "I wish you good fortune wherever you go, Ty'ani."
"As do I." Haema agreed. "Should you ever need me again, you'll find me at Jorrvaskr."
The Khajiit girl nodded, stepping away from the table and to the bar to ask for a room. After paying the tavern owner- though she swore that she paid more than was necessary- she swiftly went upstairs to find her room. Using the key to unlock the door, she stepped in and dropped the Dragonstone on the bedside table and her equipment on the floor. She could have brought her meal up with her, but right now she was too exhausted to care. Plus, she didn't want to deal with that Altwen again. So therefore, she stripped off her armour, dumping it on the floor too and pulled on her night shirt.
Laying in bed, it didn't take long for her to fall to sleep.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoO
The next morning was a miserable one as rain fell from the sky, but Ty'ani still climbed the stairs to Dragonsreach, the Dragonstone hugged tightly against her chest. She didn't want to waste any more time than she had to, since she needed to get back to Riften and the Guild as quickly as possible. After all, she has to deal with an irate Imperial when she got back. Ty'ani may have completed the job, but she still got caught and Vex was not going to be happy about that.
Entering the palace, Ty'ani shook off her hood and swiftly moved to Farengar's corner, her muscles beginning to protest against holding the Dragonstone for so long. Stepping up to the doorway, Ty'ani stood just inside it as she found that Farengar had company. A woman garbed in leather armour and a hood over her head was leaning against the desk, studying a tome as the Nord mage spoke to her.
"You see. The terminology is clearly First Era or even earlier. I'm convinced this is a copy of a much older text." he explained eagerly. "Perhaps dating back to just after the Dragon War. If so, I could use this to cross-reference the names with other later texts."
"Good." the woman replied, standing upright to gaze at Farengar completely. "I'm glad your making progress. My employers are anxious to have some tangible answers." It was clear that the both of them were quite busy, so Ty'ani waited for one of them to notice her.
Farengar smiled brightly at her then. "Oh, have no fear. The Jarl himself has finally taken an interest, so I am now able to devote most of my time to this research."
"Time is running, Farengar, don't forget. This isn't some theoretical question. Dragons have come back."
Farengar nodded. "Yes, yes. Don't worry. Although the chance to see a living dragon up close would be tremendously valuable..." he moved to her side, now pulling out another tome and placing it on the table in front of her. "Now, let me show you something else I found... very intriguing... I think your employers may be interested as well..."
"You have a visitor." the woman interrupted, her gaze now fixed on Ty'ani standing in the doorway. The Khajiit stepped into the room as Farengar glanced up to her with a questioning hum. Though his expression brightened upon seeing her.
"Ah!" Farengar exclaimed excitedly, moving around the table to guide Ty'ani further inside. "Yes, the Jarl's protégée! Back from Bleak Falls Barrow? You didn't die it seems." once by the desk, Ty'ani hefted the heavy stone she was carrying onto the surface as carefully as she could, letting out a sigh of relief when the weight was taken off her arms. She then looked up at the mage.
"Well, there you go. That is what you wanted, wasn't it?"
Farengar's eyes lit up. "The Dagonstone of Bleak Falls Barrow! Seems you are a cut above the usual brute the Jarl sends my way."
Ty'ani stepped away from the desk, rubbing her sore muscles as she did so. "Okay, so what reward do I get from this? Aside from the obvious." she asked almost too eagerly. A ghost of a smile graced Farengar's face at her enquiry.
"You'll have to see the Jarl about that. Maybe his steward, Avenicci. I'm sure one of them will pay you appropriately." he turned his attention to the woman he was talking to previously, seeing that she was eyeing the two of them, as he continued to talk to the young Khajiit. "My... associate here will be pleased to see your handiwork. She discovered its location, by means she has so far declined to share with me." he turned his attention to the woman, beginning to address her. "So, your information was correct after all. And we have our friend here to thank for recovering it for us."
An impressed look slowly emerged on the woman's face as she studied Ty'ani. "You went into Bleak Falls Barrow and got that? Nice work."
Ty'ani smiled at the compliment. "Well, I didn't do it alone." she replied honestly.
"But still, well done. Not many people would brave a Nordic burial crypt." she turned her gaze back to Farengar. "Just send me a copy when you've deciphered it."
Just as Farengar was about to reply, a familiar voice suddenly shouted out his name. A moment later, the Jarl's Housecarl, Irileth, appeared in the doorway, looking quite stricken. "Farengar, you need to come at once. A dragon's been sighted nearby." she briefly glanced at Ty'ani as she continued. "You should come too."
"A dragon!" Farengar enthusiastically exclaimed, jogging out of the room, Ty'ani not far behind. "How exciting! Where was it seen? What was it doing?"
"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." Irileth signalled to the guard that had followed her and the four of them quickly made their way up to the second level. "Let's go."
As she followed behind, Ty'ani couldn't help but feel a sense of dread settle in her gut. A dragon, by the city? Oh she hoped that it wasn't the same as the one at Helgen. If that was the case, as soon as the Jarl's done with her, then she's getting out of here as fast as possible. Finally, they reached the top floor.
Ty'ani had only ever been to the top floor of Dragonsreach once, and that was when she had that bedlam job for the Thieves Guild. The main chamber was a large strategy room with multiple maps of Skyrim and documents of the war and other such business. A large set of double doors lead to the grand balcony at the back of the palace, with archways leading to balcony's overlooking the throne room opposite that. On the far side was a smaller set of double doors which lead to the Jarl's sleeping quarters. Jarl Balgruuf stood in the centre of the chamber, crossing his arms as he addressed the guardsmen that was with them.
"So, Irileth tells me you came from the Western Watchtower?"
"Yes my lord." the guard replied.
"Tell him what you told me." Irileth said. "About the dragon."
The guard shook his head, almost as if he didn't want to. "Uh... that's right. We saw it coming from the south. It was fast... faster than anything I've ever seen."
"What did it do?" Balgruuf asked hurriedly. "Is it attacking the watchtower?"
"No my lord. It was just circling overhead when I left. I never ran so fast in my life... I thought it would come after me for sure."
Balgruuf nodded, a grim look on his face as he patted the guard's shoulder. "Good work, son. We'll take it from here. Head down to the barracks for some food and rest. You've earned it." as the guard went to do so, Balgruuf turned his attention to his Housecarl. "Irileth, you'd better gather some guardsmen and get down there."
Irileth nodded. "I've already ordered my men to muster near the main gate." she replied confidently.
"Good. Don't fail me." he then glanced at Ty'ani, who stood next to Farengar. "There's no time to stand on ceremony, my friend. I need your help again. I want you to go with Irileth and help her fight this dragon."
Ty'ani started when she heard that, almost panicking. Surely the Jarl cannot be serious. "But," she squeaked. "I've already done one job for you. I don't even know how to fight dragons!"
"And neither do we. I am asking you because you survived Helgen, so you have more experience with dragons then anyone else here. But I haven't forgotten the service you did for me in retrieving the Dragonstone for Farengar. As a token of my esteem, you have been formally pardoned and permitted to freely enter the city whenever you wish."
Ty'ani nodded, still feeling cheated. How could the Jarl do this to her? Had she not risked her life enough as it is? Who cares if she's got more experience with dragons, that didn't mean she knew how to beat them. She was soon snapped from her thoughts as Farengar stepped forward. "I should come along. I would very much like to see this dragon."
Balgruuf frowned at this request, shaking his head. "No. I can't afford to risk both of you. I need you here working on ways to defend the city against these dragons."
While Farengar looked disappointed, there was some truth to Balgruuf's words. He was the only one in the city who knew the most about dragons. If he were to be killed, the city would be defenceless without his knowledge. "As you command."
As he made his way back down the stairs, Ty'ani heard the Jarl speak to Irileth once again. "One last thing, Irileth. This isn't a death or glory mission, I need to know what we're dealing with."
The Houscarl nodded at that. "Don't worry m'lord, I'm the very soul of caution." She turned around, locking gazes with Ty'ani and gestured to her to follow. Letting out a sigh, the Khajiit obeyed.
As they exited the palace and jogged down the stairs, Irileth spoke up. "I don't know why the Jarl would place his trust in you, thief, but know that your knowledge on these dragons will be detrimental. Do not disappoint."
Ty'ani frowned, about to reply with a biting remark, but that was until she spotted a familiar figure jogging toward them, followed by a familiar voice. "Housecarl!"
Pausing in their stride, Irileth and Ty'ani turned as one, seeing Haema coming toward them from Jorrvaskr. She was fully armoured and armed, wearing a grim expression on her face. Stopping before the Dunmer, she spoke. "Are the rumours true? Is there a dragon near the city?"
Irileth frowned at the tall Nord woman, but nodded none the less. "I'm not sure how you came to hear that, but yes the rumours are true."
"Then I wish to accompany your men in bringing it down. It is my sole duty to protect my home after all." it was then that Haema happened to glance over Irileth's shoulder, seeing the small Khajiit behind her. Her eyes widened in surprise, though Irileth caught her attention once again.
"I will be more then happy to accept your help, Harbinger." she said, inclining her head. "My men are already at the main gate, we must make haste." at that, the Housecarl began to run again, this time with both Ty'ani and Haema behind her.
The Nord woman glanced at the Khajiit, a confused frown on her face. "Why are you here Ty'ani? You're about to go off and fight a dragon."
"I know." the girl replied, feeling her spirit drop a little more. "But I don't have much choice. Needless to say, I haven't exactly been very honest with you. I'll tell you about it if I survive this battle."
Haema was about to reply, maybe even inquire as to what she meant, but that was when they reached the main gate. Spotting a group of guardsmen waiting outside the barracks, the two intermingled with them as Irileth addressed them.
"Here's the situation." she said as she marched back and forth in front of the assembled warriors. "A dragon is attacking the Western Watchtower."
Shocked and fearful expressions crossed the men's faces, each voicing out their disbelief.
"You heard right!" Irileth continued when they quietened. "I said a dragon! I don't much care where it came from or who sent it. What I do know is that it's made the mistake of attacking Whiterun!"
"But Housecarl..." one of the guardsmen stuttered, gaining Irileth's attention. "How can we fight a dragon?"
Irileth closed her eyes before continuing to pace. "That's a fair question. None of us has ever seen a dragon before, or expected to face one in battle. But we are honour bound to fight it, even if we fail. This dragon is threatening our homes... our families." she paused as she crossed her arms, a look of determination crossing her face. "Could you call yourselves Nords if you ran from this monster? Are you going to let me face this thing alone?"
The guards straightened as they replied that they wouldn't. One lowered his head, muttering that they were doomed. Irileth continued.
"But it's more then our honour at stake here. Think of it- the first dragon seen in Skyrim since the last age. The glory of killing it is ours, if your with me! So what do you say? Shall we go kill us a dragon!"
The guards raised their fists in the air, yelling out in agreement, their courage now increased tenfold. Ty'ani had to say that she was impressed with Irileth's little speech. She had a certain fire about her that made her more a Nord then a Dunmer. She still had reservations on doing this, but had to admit that her spirits had been lifted slightly. She felt she was ready to do this.
"Lets move out."
oOoOoOoOoOoOoO
The tower was a complete mess. Fallen braziers burned the ground around the area, thick smoke rising to the heavens as the small band of soldiers approached. Rubble littered the foot of the tower, corpses of guards strewn around, laying prone amongst the destruction. Ty'ani's sensitive nose picked up the distinctive scent of death and that caused her to shiver, a cold stone dropping in her stomach. She wrapped her arms around herself, both because she was uneasy and to protect herself from the chilly rain.
Haema noticed Ty'ani's discomfort and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze of reassurance. The young Khajiit peeked round her hood, looking at the tall woman and flashed an uneasy smile at her.
Irileth frowned as she too took in the destruction, rising her hand above her brow to block out the rain. "No sign of any dragon right now, but it sure looks like he's been here." She turned to the assembled group, seeing the uneasiness on their faces. "I know it looks bad," she reassured. "But we've got to figure out what happened. And if that dragon is still skulking around somewhere." she drew her sword, signalling the others to do the same. "Spread out and look for survivors. We need to know what we're dealing with."
The group fanned out, covering all corners of the tower. Haema and a couple of guardsmen searched the bodies for signs of life, while Irileth and the rest of the guards searched the perimeter and the sky.
Ty'ani on the other hand approached the tower entrance, her bow drawn as she scanned the area. She was in awe. How could one dragon cause all of this and not alert the city in the same instance? She had heard nothing at all. In fact, she was actually surprised that the tower itself was still in considerably good shape. As she searched around some more, Ty'ani's sharp eyesight caught something foreign among the rubble nearby, surmising that it was a man's arm. Feeling hopeful, she rushed over to investigate.
Peering over the rocks, she gasped and froze in terror when she saw the body. The top half of the body was relatively unharmed, but everything else was gone. From this angle, the Khajiit could clearly see the bloody and ragged flesh, the corpses intestines spilling out gruesomely. The sight was far too much for Ty'ani to handle, as she promptly pivoted away from the sight and doubled over, emptying the contents of her stomach.
Wiping her mouth and gagging at the after taste, Ty'ani fled from the sight, moving now to the ramp that lead to the tower entrance. She rose a hand over her eyes to block out the rain, trying to see if there was someone, anyone, still alive.
It was then that she saw movement originating from the doorway into the tower. Hopeful, she rushed up the ramp and looked past the doorway, relief filling her when she saw a battered and bloodstained guardsmen. His already pale skin was now white in terror and shock. The Khajiit rushed up to his side, attempting to coax him out of the tower. "Hey, it's alright." she said softly. "You're safe now..."
"No!" he yelled, making a desperate grab for her cloak, trying to push her away. "Get back! It's still here somewhere. Hroki and Tor just got grabbed when they tried to make a run for it!"
"Guardsmen." came the voice of Irileth, her tone full of surprise as if she never expected to find a survivor. "What happened here? Where's this dragon? Quickly now!"
Ty'ani found that the dark-elf was being a little unfair to this obviously scared man, as he was traumatised enough. Regardless, he turned his fearful eyes to the Housecarl, shaking his head as his voice trembled. "I don't know!" it was then that an echoing roar sounded from over the mountains, carrying through the winds like a thunderclap. The guard panicked. "Kynareth save us, here he comes again..."
A fearful chill ran down Ty'ani's spine as another roar sounded out. It didn't take long before the beast itself broke through the screen of rain, it's form silhouetted against the grey clouds. Irileth snarled, tightening her grip on her sword, summoning a lightning spell in her other hand. "Here he comes! Find cover and make every arrow count!"
As it hurtled closer, Ty'ani immediately observed that this one was much different then the one at Helgen. It was much smaller, lacking the spines running down it's back and seem less imposing with it's brown scales, but that didn't mean it wasn't intimidating. She shivered in fear, her feet rooted on the spot as the company braced themselves. As the dragon banked round the tower, it let out a spine chilling roar in challenge, to which a war horn sounded out in reply.
In the next instant, the tower became a battle ground. The guards scrambled to cover, drawing bows and releasing arrows at the legendary creature, all flying harmlessly passed as the dragon soared over at breakneck speed. As it flew back around the tower, it slowed itself down as it glared at the soldiers below it. From the tower entrance, Ty'ani watched, almost in slow motion, as the dragon inhaled a deep breath. In the next second, she swore she heard it say something, but that thought was dashed from her mind in an instant, as a jet of flame burst from it's open maw.
The scream of the guard caught in the blast assaulted Ty'ani's ears, causing bile to rise up her throat once more as he was incinerated. The Khajiit stared at the dragon, panic overflowing her system. There seemed to be no weaknesses on it, as the arrows that scoured a hit either didn't bother the dragon at all, or they just bounced off it's scales. This is impossible. It had already killed one of their number and they haven't even put a dent in it.
With that in mind, Ty'ani finally gained control of her limbs, though she used them to flee inside the tower.
Haema growled as the beast began to move again, feeling utterly useless with only her battle axe. With it in the air, she couldn't help the guards, as she had no magical talent and no skills with a bow. She kept herself close to the guardsmen though, willing to put herself between them and the dragon should it ever land. At the moment it seemed the beast had no intention of doing that, at least not on the ground. Using it's claws, the dragon clung to the tower, bending it's elongated neck to spout another volley of flame at the people below it.
Inside the tower, Ty'ani- being on her hands and knees- felt a flare of dread when the tower shook slightly, fearing that it would collapse on top of her. Thankfully, Nords knew how to build their structures as the tower held. She sighed in relief, but it was a reminder of what was still outside. What she had left her friend to face.
That thought was sobering. Ty'ani knew that she couldn't leave her companion, or the guards for that matter, to that beast's mercy. Not only that, if they couldn't stop it then Whiterun could be next and what happened to Helgen will most definitely happen there. With that in mind, she attempt to get her feet back under her, but unfortunately with the fear still coursing through her system, her limbs refused to obey her.
Back outside, the dragon was circling them again. The guards tried their best to bring it down, but whatever arrows that hit left no lasting impact. Not even Irileth's lightning spells effected it.
Haema cursed, but that was turned to a shout of shock as the dragon soared over toward her. She dived to the side, the creature's tail barely missing her as she crashed to the muddy ground. She scrambled back to her feet, turning just in time to see the dragon bank and come down for a landing. Right in front of her.
Meanwhile, Ty'ani was still trying to force herself to move but with her limbs still shaking with fear, it was difficult to convince herself.
"Come on." she hissed to herself. "Come on, move." she heard a loud thud coming from outside, figuring out that the dragon had decided to land. This was her chance to act, but she had to convince herself first. "Come on, people are depending on you out there. They need you. Whiterun will become Helgen if you don't do something. Come on Ty'ani, MOVE!"
At last, it seemed that she has finally got control of her limbs, as she snapped to her feet faster then she could comprehend. Now standing, her mind begun to race. The last thing she wanted to do was charge out there and get herself killed without bringing harm to the dragon. It would be nothing like shooting a bear from a distance, as one single arrow would not bring it down, even if she caught it by surprise. No, she had to be smart about this. "Think Ty'ani. The dragon is strongest in the air. It can both avoid our efforts and attack us at the same time. Maybe if I can cripple it's wings, bring it to the ground and take away that advantage, then it would be easier to kill it." she glanced up to the stairs that lead to the top of the tower, an idea forming in her mind. "I just need to get it's attention."
Outside, Haema stumbled as the dragon landed, it's weight making the earth tremor which made her and a few nearby guards go off balance. A thing that it took advantage of, snapping it's jaws at the Nord woman. Though she saw the attack and threw herself back, allowing the teeth to snap at open air. She retaliated by swinging her battle axe at it's snout with a shout.
Surprised by her response, the dragon's head jerked to the side from the power, clearly shocked and impressed at this mortal's ferocity. The other mortals, seeing that he was on the ground, joined the fray. Most kept their distance and just shot at him with their annoying arrows, but others charged at him with swords. Baring his teeth, he rose up with an almighty roar, spreading his impressive wings before whipping them forward which sent a powerful gust of wind at the attackers.
Completely unprepared for that, the soldiers were blown back. The only one to stand her ground was Haema, though even she had been surprised by the defence as well as she stumbled back a few paces. The dragon, seeing that she was the more powerful of it's foes, began to lumber toward her.
Ty'ani finally made it to the top of the tower, feeling the rain pelting her body. The winds were more harsh up here and it blew her hood off her head, but she paid no mind to that as she ran to the edge. Even through the rain, she spotted the dragon far below her, engaging the soldiers head on. She watched as it snapped it's wings at them, sending them all to the ground. The only one to stand was Haema, but even she was stunned. That didn't stop the dragon from engaging her.
Ty'ani watched in horror as it snapped for her, it's teeth barely missing as she allowed herself to fall back, swinging her axe at the same time. The dragon reared, but as she landed on her back, it struck again. It's jaws locked around the Nord's form, bringing her up in it's mouth.
Panicking and fearing for her friend's life, Ty'ani wrenched an arrow out of her quiver, hopping up onto the railing as she fired, yelling at the top of her lungs. "RELEASE HER FOUL CREATURE!"
Even at this distance and with her vision impaired by the storm, the arrow still struck true, burying into the dragon's neck. She was lucky that it was a broad-head she happened to grab, as the dragon let out a shocked roar, dropping the Nordic warrior. Ice and sparks formed around the arrow, zigzagging it's whole form dealing it additional damage due to the Nightingale bow. It's attention had definitely been caught, as it turned it's head to her direction as she fired two more at it. The next thing she knew, it spread it's wings again, whipping them down and bringing itself back into the air.
Ty'ani stood her ground for the time being, continuing to shoot at it, but as it flew closer she felt her courage flee. Sapphire eyes widening, she jumped back on the tower with a fearful scream as it propelled itself above it, the snap of it's wings like a thunderclap in her ears. She took a few stumbling steps, her balance compromised so she used her hands to assist in her get away. However, she completely lost her footing as the tower shook, the dragon having heavily perched itself on the edge.
Ty'ani turned onto her back, screaming in terror as the dragon struck for her. She rolled to the side, it's jaws crashing into the stone, leaving behind an impressive hole. She rolled again, it's jaws once again missing her. Hearing it growl, she shrieked in fear when a giant clawed and winged appendage flattened down over her, pinning her upper body to the unforgiving stone below. Once again, panic bloomed through her veins, wriggling her body in a fruitless effort to get free, her boots scrambling to gain purchase on the wet stone beneath her.
The dragon growled above her, smoke puffing out it's nostrils as it lowered it's head to her. Her form trembled, seeing that her nightmares had finally taken flesh. She began to hyperventilate, continuing to struggle in it's hold, trying with all her might to free herself. However, she discovered that her left hand was free. In her state, she never noticed that before but now that she had that knowledge, she reached for her dagger.
When her fingers wrapped round its shaft, she jerked in surprise when the dragon spoke, drawing her sapphire eyes to it's face. "Hi krif pruzah. Nuz Zu'u los krongrahkei, ahrk hi fen grind dii drog ko Sovrngarde."
She didn't understand a word it said, but she didn't care either way as she jerked her dagger from its sheath. "You will not take another life!" she screamed at it before stabbing the ebony blade into it's flesh.
The dragon roared in pain, as the place she happened to stab it was in the fleshy areas between it's clawed fingers. She wrenched the dagger out just as it released it's hold on her and she scrambled to her feet, using the time she had to grab her bow. However with her back turned, it gave the dragon the time it needed to bite for her.
Just as the Khajiit had hold of her bow, it was then that she was lifted off her feet. She shrieked as she was lifted by her backpack and shook around like a ragdoll. Following her instincts, Ty'ani straightened her arms and brought them above her head, allowing the straps of her backpack to slip from her shoulders and letting her slide free. But even though one arm was freed, the other got caught as she was flung around. Her arm was harshly jarred, but she never got the chance to do anything before she was released. Luckily for her, the dragon was just beginning another swing and as a result, she was flung into the tower wall. Her bow on the other hand was catapulted over the edge.
Amazingly though, she still had her dagger in a white knuckled fist. Therefore, she used that to her advantage. As the dragon flung her backpack into a corner, she sprinted toward it. Using her forward momentum she slid the rest of the way, using the wet stone to assist her. Now under the dragon's head, she swiped her dagger at the soft area under it's jaw. The dragon once again roared in pain as blood flowed from it's wound. As a result, it didn't have time to react as Ty'ani pivoted back to her feet and pounced on it's neck.
Feeling the mortal upon it, the dragon let out a rumble of rage, which turned pained when she stabbed her dagger into the divides between it's scales. Wounded and humiliated, it spread it's wings once again, purposely falling from the tower before catching the wind and took to the air again, this time with Ty'ani in tow.
As that was happening, the warriors recovered and were about to run up the tower to help the Khajiit but as they did so, the dragon took to the air again. Haema, who was bleeding but was still on her feet, rose her battle axe in preparation.
However, it surprised them when they noticed the dragon bucking and making sharp turns. It almost looked as if the thing was trying to shake something off. Either way, as it flew overhead, the soldiers prepared themselves for an onslaught.
But yet again, they became surprised when the dragon didn't even pay them any mind. It just flew over them, still continuing to buck off whatever was on it. That became clear to them at the same instant, as they heard over the fall of the rain a loud and shrill scream.
Ty'ani held on to the dragon's back spine for dear life, completely terrified beyond compare. She knew that a fall from this height would most definitely kill her and that was what scared her, but she also knew that she couldn't just stay there frozen. This was her one chance to get the dragon to land and if she wasted this, she would die anyway. With that in mind, she wrenched her dagger from it's neck, earning a pained growl and before the dragon could glean on what she was doing, she stabbed it into it's wing joint.
An ear splitting shriek cut through the air, the dragon's flight having been compromised by her attack. It bucked once again, though this time the sharp movement effectively forced her to loose her grip, sending her into the air momentarily. She screamed, rolling along the dragon's wing, feeling her fear reach its crescendo. Her instincts took over completely, survival being the only thing in the forefront of her mind as she stabbed in the general direction of the dragon's wing.
The blade struck true, burying into the membrane. With her weight against it, as well as the speed the dragon was travelling at, it ripped an impressive gash through the wing, spouting blood everywhere. A deafening roar was let loose, the dragon being in obvious pain and began to completely loose control of it's flight. Before either it or Ty'ani knew, it landed ungracefully, sending her flying and crashing on the muddy ground.
The soldiers didn't waste any time after that, charging the beast with bravado and weapons poised. The creature barely had time to react when a battle axe found it's way across it's muzzle, courtesy of Haema. Unprepared, the dragon's head reeled to the side, a large bloody gash now crossed it's snout. A guard brought his axe down on the dragon's damaged wing, the hit being successful. However, despite the membrane being damaged beyond repair, the dragon still thrust it out, swiping the soldier off his feet.
Two of the guards came at it from the other side, attacking it's flank. One landed a hit on the joint, where the paw turned to the wing, while the other went for it's hide. The same result happened to one of them as what happened to the first guard: the wing struck out and they went flying.
The dragon then, having sensed more coming at him from the back, swung his tail. The large appendage swatted the mortals away like flies. He then swept his head toward the powerful female Nord, knocking her aside as well, but that was when movement right before him beckoned his attention. It was the Khajiit. Snarling he advanced on her.
Ty'ani had just turned onto her back, her hand above her to block the rain. Even with that impairing her vision, she still saw the shadow that fell over her. She screamed when the dragon came in full clarity, it's jaws open and advancing on her. With no one to help her, Ty'ani had to defend herself, but her only defence was her dagger.
However, in that one split second as the dragon advanced, she knew what she needed to do. Following her gut instinct, she thrust the dagger up just as the large maw surrounded her. Her strike was true, the blade burying in the unprotected flesh of the dragon's upper mouth. She folded her ears back, squeezing her eyes closed and gritted her teeth as it let out a ear-splitting scream, hot breath washing over her, making her gag. Blood and saliva cascaded down on her, making her stomach roil as she wrenched out the dagger and, in the same instant, rolled to the side. Jumping to her feet, she pounced on the dragon's neck yet again.
With it thoroughly distracted, it was her chance to cause more damage to it. Raising her dagger again, she brought it down viciously, burying it to the hilt in it's eye.
She held on as the dragon bucked up, another scream shaking the earth. Through the sound, she swore she heard something else. "Dovahkiin! No!"
Seeing her chance as she pulled herself to her feet, Haema charged forward, rushing to it's front. With it's neck exposed, she had the opportunity to deal the final blow. She brought her axe behind herself for a sidewards swipe, swinging it with all her might with a loud roar of her own, effectively burying the blade into the dragon's throat. A shocked gargle interrupted the scream, blood flying from the wound in an endless river, covering the Nord. She wrenched out the axe, jumping out of the way as the dragon landed heavily down. Ty'ani was thrown forward from the motion with a yell, though she rolled on the ground which cushioned her fall, skidding to her knees and pivoting around in the same movement.
Looking at the beast, the Khajiit could clearly see it twitching still. By Gods, the thing was still alive! Scowling, she rose to her feet, holding her dagger in a backward hold. Standing before it, she panted as she glared at it, seeing it's amber eye glancing at her. There was no rage, no sense of defeat. In fact, unless she was mistaken, she only saw peace in that gaze. Regardless though, she knew that it still needed to die. Not only to keep it from suffering, but also to ensure that Whiterun will be safe.
With that in mind, she gripped her dagger with both hands and brought it above her head- spying momentarily that the dragon had closed it's eyes, resigning to it's fate- and brought it down. The ebony blade disappeared through the tough scales of it's forehead, burying into it's brain. The dragon jerked a few times, but it didn't take long before the body went limp. The dragon was dead.
Ripping out the dagger, that was when something inexplicable happened. The dragon began to burn, flames appearing randomly across it's body for absolutely no reason. The guards, Irileth and Haema stepped back in shock. "What's happening?" one of the men asked in bewilderment.
"Everybody, get back!" Irileth commanded. They all followed her orders, as there was no telling what this strange phenomenon was.
However, Ty'ani found that she couldn't move. She tried with all her willpower to force herself to run, but it was like she was mentally shouting at a stone wall as her body stayed fixed on the spot. All she could do was watch the dragon's corpse melt before her eyes. Anything organic was consumed by the flame, leaving behind only the bones, the fire floating into the air like particles of dust.
It was then that Ty'ani felt her conscience being pushed to the side, just like what happened to her at the Barrow. Against her will, her mind was opened, as if it was preparing to accept something. As the fire thinned out, transforming into strands of light, Ty'ani soon found out why her mind was doing that. The light shot forward, wrapping around and into her. Ty'ani's limbs went rigid, her head snapping back and her arms spread out, as if she were being crucified. Her vision darkened, feeling only the intense power flowing into her and coursing through her veins.
It was then that she heard a roar. It sounded in perfect clarity in her ears, and yet it was also muffled at the same time. It was a weird sensation as it echoed through her mind, though it didn't take long before that dispersed, being replaced with a word. One that her entire conscience told her, commanded her, to shout to the heavens.
Finding that she couldn't control it, Ty'ani shouted as her senses returned to her in a rush. "FUS!"
With her sight and other senses returned, Ty'ani saw that a blue shock wave was hurtling toward the sky, pushing away the rain as it travelled, temporarily making a sheltered spot. Ty'ani then stepped back, collapsing to her hands and knees and panted, as if she had just run the length of Skyrim with no breaks. Small tremors travelled her body as she attempted to recover from the... violating experience. Before long Ty'ani regain her footing, her mind going a mile a minute as she attempted to figure out what just happened.
Staring at the dragon's bones in shock, she turned when she saw movement in her peripherals, spotting the guards and Haema. All of their mouths were hanging open in shock, eyes wide in disbelief as they stared at her. She squirmed uncomfortably under their gaze, feeling as if she were being judged.
Then one of the guards took a cautious step toward her, his eyes looking her up and down before speaking. "I can't believe it! You're... Dragonborn!"
Ty'ani blinked at that, taking a step back as she processed what she was just told. "I-I'm what? What do you mean?"
The same guard answered her question, still staring at her in awe. "In the very oldest tales, back from when there were still dragons in Skyrim, the Dragonborn would slay dragons and steal their power. That's what you did, isn't it? Absorb the dragon's power?"
Ty'ani shook her head, holding her hands up. "I-I don't know what happened to me."
The guard smiled at her flustered answer. "Well, you've already shouted. That's proof enough to me."
"Hold on." said another guard as he stepped forward. "Dragonborn? What are you talking about."
"That's right," a third guard exclaimed. "My grandfather used to tell stories of the Dragonborn. Those born with the Dragon Blood in them. Like Tiber Septim himself."
The second guard that spoke looked to the third, disbelief in his expression. "I never heard of Tiber Septim killing any dragons."
"There weren't any dragons then, idiot." the first guard snapped. "They're just coming back now for the first time in... forever."
The third guard then glanced at Ty'ani, a grin on his face. "But the old tales tell of the Dragonborn who could kill dragons and steal their power. You must be one!"
The second guard then crossed his arms, glancing over at Ty'ani. "You're out of your minds. Your telling us that this... Khajiit of all things is the Dragonborn? The hero of Nordic legends?"
"Yes, that's precisely what I'm saying."
Ty'ani could barely comprehend what was being said. She was utterly speechless as she glanced between each of the men before her, her words leaving her completely. She looked then to her companion, seeing that she was just as speechless. The Khajiit gazed pleadingly at Haema. "Haema, I-I don't... please tell me this isn't true."
The Nord woman cast her eyes down, pursing her lips as she sighed through her nose. "I'm not sure what you want me to say, Ty'ani. We all saw what happened, the evidence is right in front of us." she explained, gesturing to the dragon bones.
The last guard, whom Ty'ani had found in the watchtower, turned to the quiet Dunmer Housecarl. "What do you say, Irileth? Your being awfully quiet."
All the attention was then diverted to the woman in question, who just pointedly stared at the one who put her in the spotlight. The guards looked to her impatiently, waiting for her comment. "Come on Irileth, tell us, do you believe in this Dragonborn business?"
The Housecarl crossed her arms, huffing. "Humph, some of you would be better off keeping quiet then flapping your gums on matters you don't know anything about." she turned her gaze to the large corpse before them, gesturing to it. "Here's a dead dragon, and that's something I definitely understand. Now we know we can kill them. But I don't need no mythical Dragonborn. Someone who can put down a dragon is more than enough for me."
The first guard shook his head. "You wouldn't understand, Housecarl. You ain't a Nord."
Irileth frowned. "I've been all across Tamriel. I've seen plenty of things just as outlandish as this. I'd advise you all to trust in the strength of your sword arm over tales and legends."
It was at that point that Ty'ani couldn't take it any more. As the guards spoke with Irileth, she walked away, feeling incredibly withdrawn. What had happened in the span of the last five minutes, it was far too much for her, so she retreated back to the tower. Climbing the stairs and reaching the top, Ty'ani wrapped her arms under her petite breasts, her long tail curling around her leg. She shivered, both from the rain soaking her thoroughly and from the memory of the events earlier.
She heard what the guards had said between the lines, she knew what they expected from her. Now that their legendary hero was here, she was expected to be just that. Not only that, but she also heard the discontent in their tones. By the Gods, why is it when things seem to be looking up, the fates seem to throw something else at her? She doesn't want to be a hero, she doesn't want to be the Dragonborn. All she wants is to return to the shadows, be forgotten by the people and never be seen, that's how it's always been for her. Until she came here that is.
Squeezing her eyes shut in an attempt to prevent her tears, it was when her ears twitched toward a noise behind her. Over the rain was sets of footsteps ascending the tower steps. Turning, she saw Haema looking at her with concern.
The Nord woman stepped up to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?" she simply asked.
Turning away, Ty'ani glanced to the horizon, or more specifically towards Whiterun. She shook her head in negative. "No. No I'm not." she answered. "I saw the look on their faces Haema. They expect me to be their hero and they hate me for it. Here I am, a Khajiit who is their Dragonborn. I just..." her voice cracked then, her head lowering.
She felt Haema lightly squeeze her shoulder. "No one said you needed to be." she sighed then, walking into Ty'ani's peripherals. "Look Ty'ani, I really don't know what to say to comfort you. What happened down there, none of us expected it."
The Khajiit girl bit her lip, her spirit dropping with each second that ticked by. She jerked her head to the side when something entered her vision. She saw that it was her bow, the black and silver weapon was slightly dirty, but it was still in good shape. Looking round some more, she saw that it was Haema that had hold of it. She gave her a small smile as she offered it up. "Found this on my way up, figured you'd want it back."
Ty'ani let loose a tiny smile of her own, graciously taking her weapon from her. Looking round some more, she spotted her backpack a few paces away, seeing that it was a little tattered now. She'll need to get a new one when they got back. Sighing, she paced toward it, lifting it off the ground and shrugging it back on her shoulders, looping her bow over afterwards.
"We'd better return to Whiterun." Haema said quietly. "Irileth said she will remain here to help with the clean up, and the Jarl will want to know of what happened."
The Khajiit girl just nodded, following the Nord down the tower and on the road toward the city. On their way back though, that's when something else happened.
A low rumbling echoed through the air, causing the ground to shake. The two paused in their step, stumbling from the unexpected turn. Citizens looked out windows and doors, gazing around with worry. Suddenly, a thundering crack exploded from seemingly nowhere, like Akatosh himself was communicating with the earth.
From amidst the chaos, a word was heard. A word that caused all to turn their gazes to the sky.
DOVAHKIIN.
After a final rumble, all went silent, the only sound to be heard was the still falling rain. In that time, no one dared to move but before long, disbelieving and excited chatter filled the air as the citizens discussed what had just happened. Ty'ani blinked, quite bewildered about the event. "What was that?" she questioned.
Haema had turned her eyes to the east, looking to the the mountain that was barely visible through the rain. "By Gods. I think that may have been the Greybeards."
"The Greybeards?" Ty'ani echoed, thoroughly confused.
"They are the masters of the Voice." Haema answered, turning her gaze to the small Khajiit beside her. "If they are calling, then that cements it. You are the Dragonborn."
Ty'ani's chest tightened, staring pointedly at the woman. "How can you be sure?"
"Trust me, I'm sure." she said, a smile on her face. "The Jarl will want to know of this as well. We'd better make haste."
oOoOoOoOoOoOoO
It was a sombre mood in the palace as the two made their way to the throne. The muffled patter of the increasing storm outside only added to the atmosphere. The Jarl's steward was pacing back and forth at the foot of the throne, with the Jarl and another Nord man in scaled armour conversing on the platform. Even though they were dripping wet and weren't exactly looking their best, Ty'ani and Haema still approached the throne.
Pausing in his step, the steward's attention was drawn immediately to them, nodding when he spotted Ty'ani. "Good. You're finally here. The Jarl's been waiting for you." he then walked to his usual place at the Jarl's side, while the large Nord stepped to the side as well. Wiping her wet locks from her forehead, Ty'ani took one step ahead of her companion as the Jarl spoke.
"You heard the summons. What else could it mean?" he turned his gaze to the Khajiit, his eyes filled with an undistinguished look. "The Greybeards."
Ty'ani fidgeted under that intense gaze as she did the last time, though like before she fixed her eyes onto his as the large man at the side addressed her. "We were just talking about you. My brother needs a word with you."
Wasting no time, the Jarl began. "So what happened at the watchtower? Was the dragon there?" it was an open question, so therefore, Haema answered confidently.
"Yes, my lord. The watchtower was destroyed, but we killed the dragon."
Balgruuf smiled, nodding. "Very good. My faith was well placed." he glanced pointedly at Ty'ani then and she could see that he knew there was something more. "But there must be more to it then that."
Haema glanced at the Khajiit, sighing as she lowered her voice to a whisper. "Perhaps it will be best if you told him, Ty'ani." she said as she stepped back.
She didn't particularly want to but Ty'ani took a deep breath, deciding to get it over with. "When the dragon died," she began. "I... well, I, absorbed some sort of power from it."
At this revelation, Balgruuf sat up higher in his seat. "So it's true." he whispered, his voice full of awe. "The Greybeards really were summoning you."
Ty'ani lowered her brows in a questioning manner. "Who exactly are the Greybeards?"
"Masters of the Way of the Voice." the Jarl explained as he leant back. "They live in seclusion high on the slopes of the Throat of the World."
"And what do they want with me?"
Balgruuf leant his elbow on the arm of his chair as he answered her question. "The Dragonborn is said to be uniquely gifted in the Voice- the ability to focus your vital essence into a Thu'um, or Shout. If you really are Dragonborn, they could teach you how to use your gift."
Ty'ani was having a hard time processing everything that was told to her. Her head was spinning at just the prospect of her being Dragonborn, never mind anything else. The Jarl calls it a gift but frankly, all Ty'ani could think of it as was a curse. One that completely changes everything. At that point, the other Nord- Balgruuf's brother- spoke to her as well.
"Didn't you hear the thundering sound as you returned to Whiterun?" he asked. "That was the voice of the Greybeards, summoning you to High Hrothgar. This hasn't happened in... centuries, at least. Not since Tiber Septim himself was summoned when he was still Talos of Atmora!"
It was then that the Jarl's steward cut in with a shake of his head. "Hrongar, calm yourself. What does any of this Nord nonsense have to do with our friend here?" he gestured casually to Ty'ani, who was feeling quite put out by the fact they were talking about her as if she weren't there. "Capable as she may be, I don't see any sign of her being this, what, 'Dragonborn'. Never mind the fact that she is a Khajiit atop that."
Ty'ani bristled at that. Even with her fur being wet and clinging to her skin, it still seemed as though it puffed up in irritation as she unconsciously let out a throaty growl, one which actually sounded like an angry cat. She wasn't the only one that felt angry at the Imperial though, even if it was for a different reason. "Nord nonsense!?" Hrongar repeated, scowling at the man. "Why you puffed up ignorant... these are our sacred traditions that go back to the founding of the first Empire!"
Balgruuf quickly stepped in before things got ugly. "Hrongar, don't be so hard on Avenicci."
Avenicci bowed his head as he replied. "I meant no disrespect, of course. It's just that..." he glanced briefly at Ty'ani, taking note of her scalding expression. "What do these Greybeards want with her?"
"That's the Greybeard's business, not ours." Balgruuf said with finality before bringing his gaze to her. "Whatever happened when you killed that dragon, it revealed something in you, and the Greybeards heard it. If they think your Dragonborn, who are we to argue? You'd better get up to High Hrothgar immediately. There's no refusing the summons of the Greybeards. It's a tremendous honour." he paused as he studied the small girl, a smile forming on his face. "I envy you, you know. To climb the seven thousand steps again... I made the pilgrimage once, did you know that? High Hrothgar is a very peaceful place. Very... disconnected from the troubles of this world. I wonder that the Greybeards even notice what's going on down here. They never seemed to care before." he pondered, his eyes glazing over for a moment but that didn't last, shaking his head. "No matter."
He stood from his throne then, pacing toward the Khajiit and standing before her. Ty'ani glanced up at the man as he placed gentle hands on her shoulders, staring into her sapphire gaze. "I know that we have not had the best of beginnings, but that no longer matters. You have done a far greater service for me and my city then either of us had predicted, Dragonborn. and I no longer believe that a purely physical reward will be fit for the deeds you have done. Therefore, by my right as Jarl, I have decided to name you Thane of Whiterun. It is the greatest honour that is within my power to grant."
Ty'ani's eyes widened in surprise at this new development. Even the occupants of the room seemed to draw in a breath as one, as every pair of eyes looked to the small Khajiit girl. Ty'ani herself felt as though the ground had opened up and swallowed her. In fact, at this moment she actually wanted that to happen. She hasn't even recovered from the shock of being Dragonborn and now all of a sudden, she's become a Thane as well. She may be undereducated, but that didn't mean that she didn't know what a Thane was. Being such meant that she was just under the authority of a Jarl and as such, will be the most recognised person in the city. The Jarl must be completely out of his mind to bestow that title on her.
Oblivious to her inner turmoil, Balgruuf continued. "And as a Thane, you are entitled to your own personal Housecarl. I assign you Lydia, a well decorated Lieutenant of my guard. We are honoured to have you as Thane of our city, Dragonborn. Lydia shall be with you by morning and will accompany you to High Hrothgar. Learn all that the Greybeards can teach you, and I wish you good fortune on your journey."
Sensing that she was dismissed, Ty'ani turned from the throne. She briefly heard Avenicci beginning to protest to the Jarl by assigning her as Thane, but she didn't hear much else as she paced past her companion. Haema was quite happy with the honour bestowed upon her, but upon seeing her faraway look, the Nord quickly figured out that this was far too much for the girl to handle.
As Ty'ani stepped through the double doors and back out into the storm, it seemed as if the grip she had on her panic switch finally slipped off. She wanted to scream, to curl up in a tight ball and cry. What had gone wrong? Her life had been so simple; hiding amongst the crowd, picking pockets and breaking into houses. She was just another Khajiit and no one paid attention to her, which suited her just fine. Now, she was the most recognised person in Whiterun, and there was no doubt in her mind that all of Skyrim will soon find out about this as well. She released a shuddering breath as her eyes stung with tears. 'Here I was, thinking that things would not get worse. Well, they did. Much, much worse.' she mentally said, feeling the first tear roll down her cheek.
It was then that a rumble filtered through the air, signifying that the storm had become worse as well. How fitting.
Ty'ani suddenly jumped in surprise as she felt a hand on her shoulder, opening her eyes to look behind herself. Her vision was filled with Haema glancing at her in concern. Blinking away the tears- she actually was thankful for the rain- she forced on a smile. "Sorry." she whispered. "I... it's just been a really long day and I'm tired. If you don't mind I'm... just going to go rest." 'And hope that this is another bad dream.'
Haema nodded. "I think maybe food and rest is the best option right now." at that, they headed to the Bannered Mare.