Chapter 3: Storm

Emelin...

The mountainside blurred as the thick and heavy snow fell upon me and blinded my sight. Through the blizzard the only sounds I could hear were the wind lashing against the trees and the distant echo of a far-away dragon. I gripped the reins as Arvark began to stir, the force of the wind and the every-growing ground warring him down. Sceolang stayed close behind. Even with the light from my spell looming over us, little other than blended white specks could be seen. Skyrim was a lot harsher than Cyrodiil, and the weather was not to be trifled with.

I could remember the summers I had spent back at home. Birds circled the skies and the sunlight beamed down on the Imperial City. Even though Cyrodiil was known for its weather changes, summer wasn't as bad as the other seasons. My brother, Aden, and I would often leave the city's walls and play games in the forests surrounding the area. Looking back, I had to admit that I missed him. We were close after all; only two years apart. His jokes, sarcastic remarks and the fact that he always found some way to humiliate me in front of others were unforgettable. I smiled at the memory.

I had been in Skyrim for almost a year, and that was a year away from my family. This was even longer for Aden. He had left months before I did to venture to Morrowind. I had to wonder how his life had gotten on. I'd seen so much of the world, more than anyone could believe. It was ironic, really. As the younger sibling, I was the one to go on the adventure my brother had dreamed of, the journey I didn't want at the time. I loved exploring, but never thought that it would lead to where I was. Although, I was glad that I did. Even though the journey was a struggle from the start, it was all worth it. I felt more at home in Skyrim then I ever did in Cyrodiil. I had friends, true friends, became someone of importance, and felt free for once. I wouldn't take it back for anything.

I neared the mountainside; silhouettes of the ice-covered rocks and the disappearance of what was left of the road gave me small comfort in knowing that the cave was close. I was on my way back to the Forgotten Vale. After defeating Serana's father, Harkon, and putting the prophecy to rest, I was left to get back to my life. However, I couldn't get one person out of my mind. Gelebor. I hadn't expected to meet someone like him, someone of his race that was untainted by what the dwarves had done. I had a fascination with Snow elf history as well as the Dwemer, and wanted to know more. What could I say? History and magic were important to me. That's why I was a mage.

I wasn't comfortable with travelling alone; I never had been. I wanted Serana to come with me, but I understood why she couldn't.

"Aren't you coming with me?" I asked, halfway out the Dawnguard castle's doors. She shook her head. "Is everything alright?"

She sighed heavily. "Yeah. I think I'll stay with the Dawnguard for a while. I can't go back to the castle. It's... it's too soon. I think it's best if you go without me. I need to be alone for a while."

I nodded. "Alright."

"Try to not get into any trouble."

I laughed. "Don't worry. I'll try not to."

It had been several days after Harkon's defeat. The Dawnguard were overjoyed with Harkon's death and celebrated, but neither Serana nor I felt like they did. I understood that it was going to be hard for her. Harkon was her father after all, even if he had planned to kill her. To be honest, from the very start I wanted the ordeal to be over. It was one trip after another. I was just glad that I could return to the life I had, even if it wasn't exactly normal.

I managed to climb off of the saddle; Arvark soon disappearing. My hood flew back as the wind pressed against me, drawing me further and further away from the cave entrance. Sceolang whined behind.

"Wuld!" I shouted, disappearing and then reappearing just inside the cave. I leant against the walls, panting lightly and pulled my hood back over my messy black hair. I looked down at my pale blue hands; they shook from the sheer cold and were decorated with old scratches. Fire sparked within my palms and soon lit them. Once they were warmed, the fire extinguished and I carried on down the cave, the darkness surrounding both Sceolang and I.

The weather had worsened when we made it to the Forgotten Vale. I gaped at the blanket of white that smothered the Vale.

"Lok, Vah, Koor!" I shouted to the sky, but that only seemed to have weakened the blizzard by a small fraction. As soon as the shout was done, the snow returned.

"You have got to be kidding me." I muttered under my breath. I knew the wayshrine was close, but wasn't prepared for the force of the weather. I sprinted down the small hill. Without warning, my foot hit something solid and I fell to the ground, the snow thankfully breaking my fall.

"Ugh-" I placed my hand on my head. "Why does this always happen to me?"

I managed to stand back up and run over to the wayshrine before I could fall again. One of the wayshrine prelates smiled at me as I passed. I instinctively smiled back and entered the portal to Darkfall Cave.

The damp, gloomy cave was a welcome change. Though, one thing I immediately noticed was that Gelebor was nowhere to be seen. His belongings were also missing.

"Hmm... strange. Where could he be?" I looked back at Sceolang and shook my head. "I'm talking to a dog. Divines help me, I'm finally losing it." Either way, Sceolang barked happily in reply; waggling his tail and wide eyes staring at me without a care in the world. "Come on boy, he might be on the balcony."

The temperature immediately dropped and I folded my arms and brought them to my chest. The wayshrine was still open, but I couldn't see any part of the balcony. Gelebor couldn't be out there, could he? I braced myself and ventured out.

"Gelebor?" I shouted, only to have the wind howl back a reply. "Great."

I forced my way through the weather to the Inner Sanctum, almost tripping down the stairs. A dimly lit fire and Gelebor's belongings were packed into a corner. Rubbing my hands together, I knelt by the fire. Without warning someone spoke from behind and I jumped back in surprise.

"I don't know what brought you here, but I suggest you leave." I held my hands up and felt sharp pressure to the back of my neck. Sceolang growled from beside me.

"Sceolang, down boy!" I whispered.

I pulled my hood down and turned.

The man's eyes widened. "Emelin?"