Skyrim(c) Bethesda.
Forgotten Paladin, Chapter V: Rumors and books.
Her eyes widened. Paladin. She was a Paladin.
Now things made sense. The way Ulfric Stormcloak had looked at her with such scrutiny. Why the General had thought she was one. What didn't make sense to her was her anger towards werewolves. A book was handed to her. Paladin Orders, Author Unknown. "You should read that. And when you have gotten to the chapter 'Paladin Armor', come to me. One of your relatives, your father in fact, was buried in Whiterun's Hall of the Dead." Placing the book on the desk, she wrapped her arms around Kodlak. Tears trickled down her face. "Thank you. Thank you so much." He stroked her hair. "I know lass, I know."
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When she entered the room reserved for the whelps, she quickly removed her armor and settled on her bed. Thumbing the book, she felt many different emotions pass through her. Anger, shock, happiness, and anticipation. How many questions would this book answer? Was there a strict amount guidelines she was meant to follow? If so, how many had she broken already? She opened the book to the first chapter.
Chapter I: Paladin Orders
There are three types of Paladins: the Dawnguard, the Vigilants of Stendarr, and the Paladins. However, the Paladins were destroyed during the Great War of 4E 171. These mighty warriors had been cut down by the Aldmeri Dominion, whom had feared them for their well-known restoration powers. In this book, we will be following the Paladins.
Raiden Whitestrake, a descendant of Pelinal Whitestrake, had founded the order after the fall of Potema in 3E 137. After that, Raiden swore to Arkay that he would destroy any necromancer, vampire, or any undead who's only goal was to bring harm to mortals. Arkay, hearing Raiden's promise, bestowed him and his family the power needed to complete his goals.
In 3E 340, Raiden had slayed Careath, a powerful Altmer Lord. When the Summerset Isles heard of Careath's death, they called for Raiden's head. The recently crowned Magnus did not heed the cries and ignored them. This only served to anger the Altmer even more. While resting at an inn, Raiden was assassinated by the Dark Brotherhood. Scholars do agree that a High Elf had ordered the contact.
The Paladins, upon hearing about their leader's death, had started to look for the offender. Magnus, fearing that the Paladins would end up wiping themselves out, order them to stay put. Even though their hearts rang for vengeance, they agreed to halt the search. This event had caused an uneasy tension between the Paladins and the Summerset Isles.
Dareth, Raiden's son and successor, spent his first few years trying to make peace the Altmer. But, the deed had been done, and the Altmer refused to make peace. Across the land of the Empire, a secret war was raged. Altmer would attack a Paladin without provocation, and the Paladins would attack a High Elf the same way. Dareth eventually decided that moving the Order's location would be the best course of action. They moved to the Jerall Mountains, and worked in the shadows.
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At the current moment, only the Vigilants of Stendarr where active. She knew that much already. All Paladins, but her, had been killed, and the Dawnguard were disbanded years ago. Now, I'll have to be careful of the Thalmor too. No wonder Vilkas pushes me so hard during training sessions. It is truly for my own good. She flipped to the next chapter.
Chapter II: Guidelines and Behaviors
These Paladins have few guidelines.
I. You can loot the body of a dead person so long as they are bandits or other undesirables.
II. If a vampire or werewolf has been proven to hold back and not attack innocents, than there is no need to kill.
III. Werewolves and vampires, that have proven themselves, may join so as long as they agree to cure themselves. This is their first test.
IIII. Try not to attack an Altmer if you can help it.
V. Never tell the location of the new base, even if you are being tortured.
There are more laws, but these are the only ones I have managed to recover.
Paladins have a certain way they hold themselves. You could say they hold themselves (?)prideful, but that is not correct. They hold themselves with confidence. It is not only confidence. At a young age, they are taught to stand with a certain aura of strength and politeness. Even at a distance, and if you know what you are looking for, you can tell the person you see is a Paladin or not.
Many people have asked them why they behave the way they do. Franin, the headmaster at the time, said they want people to feel peace and safety around them. They want people to be unafraid. To know that the moment you meet one, you know can trust them to protect you, or do their duty. It is interesting he would respond in such a way. Most guilds or orders would not have their members behave in such a way.
This does not mean the Paladins where a heartless killer against the undead, or chosen enemy. Only on the battle field did that act this way, but when with a client or with family or friends, they would one the nicest people you would meet.
Chapter III: Paladin Armor and Weapons.
Like many other orders or guilds, the Paladins had custom weapons and armor. While most heavy armor users used armor that covered them well, the Paladins did not. Their 'heavy armor' consisted of a helmet, arm armor, and leg armor. There was no torso armor, only tunic that fell half way between the pelvis and knee area.
The helmet had a visor that allowed the wearer to lift it so they did not have remove the helmet, and holes in the visor, making it easier to breath. The left side, of the arm armor, was like any other heavy armor. A pauldron, armor covering the arm and elbow, and a gauntleted hand. The right side was much different. There was only a shoulder plate present. The leg armor is also like any other heavy armor.
There were two favorite combinations that many used. It was either using a great sword, or a straight sword or shield. The hilt of the straight sword was black and had a golden guard. The shield had three tips on the top of it, and curved outward on the top then curving inward until the bottom had its own tip. The great sword had an orange hilt and black guard.
Closing the book in one hand she dropped the book her into pack. She slipped under the furs. She'll rest first before talking to Kodlak. As she drifted off to sleep, the word of Tullius came back to her. "You have the strangest of eyes, and I have only seen them during the Great War, back when the Paladins were in existence."
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"Shall we?" She nodded quickly, anxiety building in her chest. Pushing open the doors to the Hall of the Dead, they were greeted by a priest of Arkay. "Hello Kodlak, I wasn't expecting you this morning. Who's this?" Kodlak gestured towards Kaylee with a smile. "This, my dear friend, is Kaylee Whitestrake. Daughter of Rudin." The priest looked her up and down. "By the Eight. He had a daughter?" "Aye. And no one knew till now." The priest stroked his chin. "I take you are here to visit his grave?" "Not just visit. I know he was buried with his armor."
"I see. Well, be careful in there. I swear I keep hearing creaking in there. Oh, and if you find my Amulet of Arkay, can you bring it to me?" As Kodlak led her through the door, she heard him call out, "Aye. We will."
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It was a beautiful coffin. Light brown with silver engravings. "Well, lass, here we are. Go on, take his armor. I know he would want it." Carefully opening the coffin, as not to disturb her father, she took the armor. First the helmet, then the tunic, leg and arm armor, shield and sword. To her surprise, the armor didn't even look a day old. Or the sword. "His last wish was to keep his armor in good shape. That confused a lot of people, but now that you are here, I imagination people will understand now." He reached down and took the leg armor, shield and helmet. "Come, we'll ask Tilma to clean the tunic."
It would take two days before she could wear her father's armor. Tilma had wanted to make sure it was clean, and Eorlund wanted to repolish the armor. In the meantime, Kaylee asked Vilkas to help her get used to using the sword and shield. "Oh the Circle knew of you heritage the moment you were done sparring with me. Kodlak made sure we knew. We had to be careful around you." He dodged backwards. "I see. I take you told to push me hard? To ensure I would be ready to handle the news?" Fainting to right she watched as Vilkas raise his shield, before she bashed him with hers. Vilkas grunted a little. She may be a small Imperial to him, but she was strong. "Yes. We didn't want you didn't running of and getting killed."
He moved to the left to block Kaylee's thrust. "You've gotten better. That's good, but you still have a lot to learn." She smirked at him before hooking her right leg behind his right leg and giving a tug. Vilkas found himself on the ground with a knee on his chest. Kaylee was grinning down at him. "Well, seems we're back to the beginning."
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Knocking on the door to Kodlak's room is where Kaylee found herself two days later. "Come in. What is, lass?" "I need to leave again Kodlak. The Graybeards are waiting for me." Kodlak turned towards her. "I know lass. Be careful, come back to us in one piece and wear that armor with pride." She stood up straighter and nodded. "I promise."
Several months later...
General Tullius,
As you may have heard, a dragon did indeed attack Whiterun. A Dragonborn also has appeared. It is not just that. A Paladin surfaced with the Dragonborn as well. Kaylee Whitestrake, they call her, Paladin and Dragonborn. As far as I know, she has headed back to the Graybeards, returning an artifact to them, claiming her Dragonborn heritage. On top of this, she has been named Harbinger of the Companions.
My sources have told me that she did go to the Embassy. Possible cause for the ruckus. Last known location was Winterhold. Going towards Windhelm. For what, I don't know. It's possible she is returning to Whiterun, though I wouldn't be surprised she went back to the Graybeards.
I will keep you posted.
Olfrid Battle-Born
He doesn't know how many times he has gaze at this letter. Rikke sits beside him, waiting. Rubbing his forehead, he hands over it to Rikke, whom stares at it. The cold air in Castle Dour tightens around him. Its gray walls silent as if holding a terrible secret. He stares at a nearby candle, mulling over the note. She had finally found out about her history, but how?
I think I will join the Companions. The words come back to him, quiet and familiar. The Companions. His thoughts race as he tries to bring up a name. Perhaps he should listen to Rikke more about Skyrim's guilds. "Kodlak Whitemane." Rikke answers his unspoken question. She knows him well, although not well enough. Even then it is enough. Nodding, Tullius waits for her to say more. "He would have known. He fought next to one of the Paladins. Rudin, I think his name was."
He takes a swing of wine. It burns in his mouth and through his body. He has heard the stories. Shifting back into the chair, he thumbs the note Rikke has given back. While most Paladins would have took another Paladin, Rudin, the future headmaster, declared he wanted to test other warriors. Other fighters. Perhaps he had wanted to fight along another warrior. One that wasn't a Paladin. While it might seem impossible, the might of one Paladin and four Companions took down three Giants, and two saber cats. Such a battle should have been lost, but the group had proved otherwise.
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The Thalmor would find out about this. There is no doubt about it. The question is how well they will react. His mind returns to Kaylee. Concern fills him, yet he doesn't know why. He berates himself. Somewhat. A Paladin would be of great use to the Empire. Tullius is unsure of the Dragonborn part. If she is Dragonborn, would that mean she would have a legit claim to the Imperial Throne? Possible. He thumbs the note once more. The Emperor will have to hear about this. He hears Rikke leave for sleep, but doesn't register it. Too lost in thought.
They had been loyal to the Empire. They fought with their dying breath. Did that same loyalty run through her? His thoughts take a turn towards the dragon from Helgen. He wonders if Kaylee is connected to the return of the dragons. Everything points to it. At least, that is what Rikke believes. Some part of him wants to agree. The other part denies, with all its strength. The burning comes again as he downs more wine.
Skyrim seems to have a way of craving you down. Breaking your spirit if you allow it. It hasn't broken his, time did that, but even he has to admit it has changed him. A small voice inside him comments that is probably for the best.