The Return

The bright light turned grey and slowly shapes materialized. Some of the shapes were moving, flying around me, and I finally discerned their shapes as dragons. At least a dozen were circling high above me, some spitting out fire, though too far to be a threat. I looked around and even more dragons were perched on rocks all around me. I recognized the place as the Throat of the World. It was dark and snowing, but there was no doubt. I took a shaky step and the roosting dragons threw their heads up and roared. This time they were not issuing threats, but saluting me in chorus, their wings spread wide in a show of respect and subjugation. I felt they were mine to command and yet also that I was one of them. For the first time in my life, I felt true pride. I spotted a familiar face and jogged over to Paarthurnax by the word wall. He was somber and held his head low.

"Congratulations, Dovahkiin," he said. "You defeated Alduin, saving this world, and perhaps many others. The dov under his tyranny have come to bear witness to their savior. But you will excuse me if I do not celebrate just yet. He was my brother, after all."

"I understand, Paarthurnax. I understand more than I can explain even to myself. It's as if I have found a new family here. Though it was necessary, the victory feels hollow. My return and the salute of my fellow dragons has lightened my heart, however."

"Fellow dragons? So you accept that you are one of us?"

"I feel it in my soul."

"And yet you still wear that offensive armor?"

I looked down, realizing what he is talking about. Embarrassed, I started to undo the straps to my Blades armor.

"Perhaps you should wait until you leave the top of the mountain, Dovahkiin," Paarthurnax suggested. "The wind here will turn your scaleless body to ice long before you reach the bottom. The gesture is appreciated, however."

"I suppose you are right. I will destroy it first chance I get. After I see to some affairs back home, I will return and together, we will right some other wrongs as well. The Blades still want you dead and expect me to help them. I see now that they were merely using me and I do not doubt that eventually they would have turned their murderous gaze my way to be rid of all traces of dragonblood."

Paarthurnax almost smiled. "I am beyond vengeance at this point, though others may take up the mantle. While you are gone, I will see just how prominent a role I may play now over my dragonkin, what with my brother out of the way."

"Remember, Paarthurnax, that I am still in charge. I will return."

Paarthurnax lowered his head, though the smile did not fade, "Of course, Dovahkiin."

I removed my helmet and tossed it over the edge of the mountain. The sound of it falling was lost in the whip of the wind. I left my new brothers behind and started down the mountain.

Now that I was back in Skyrim and the land of the living, it felt like a second life was beginning. I knew I still wanted the mantle of ruler, I just had a different view of how to accomplish it. I had a different view of a lot of things now and I was determined to get this second chance started off right.

I sped back down the mountain, not bothering with any random encounters. I stayed at High Hrothgar just long enough to relate the tale and warm back up before moving on. I thought I would be tired from the descent, but instead the closer I got to the ground the more invigorated I became. The seven thousand steps went by like seven hundred and I did not bother to stop at Iverstead. It was late and they would hear the news of Alduin's defeat soon enough. I jogged for the mountain pass that would bring me to the road by the Ritual Stone.

At the other end of the pass I crept by the Stormcloak camp in case anyone recognized me. With no war to fight, they amused themselves with some game where they kicked a ball made of leather back and forth as teams tried to put it through a goal at either end. It seemed the only rule was they could not use their hands. It would never catch on.

I ran past two mages fighting by White River Watch and ignored the guards lollygagging outside of Honningbrew Meadery. The Khajiit caravan was set up outside the city. Ma'dran waved me over and showed me a fresh six pack of skooma. I laughed and turned away when I realized I no longer felt the craving for the sweet drug. I supposed I had finally found something worthy to fill that festering hole. The sun was beginning to come up by the time I pushed open the gates to Whiterun.

I burst through the door of Breezehome. "Lydia?" No one answered. "Come on down, woman. Your hero has returned." Still no answer. She was probably still at Dragonsreach waiting. Just as well.

I shed the Blades armor and found my best clothes to change into after suitably cleaning myself up. I scarfed down a joint of beef and some soup then washed it down with a bottle of Blackbriar mead. Suddenly I was starting to feel sleepy but I shook it off. I had too much to do and I was too close to stop now. I picked up the pile of armor and carried it all over to Warmaidens. After a bit of chopping I managed to cram the whole outfit into the smelter. Good riddance. Feeling free, I walked confidently through the streets of Whiterun towards Dragonsreach.

Along the way, a few people tried to stop and talk to me but I would not be distracted and told them I would recount the tale of my heroism in due time. That placated them enough to allow me not to have to stop. I ran up the steps to Dragonsreach and flung open the doors.

"Lydia?" I shouted from the door.

"Ralos?"

I ran up the steps to the sound of her voice. Halfway there she ran and jumped into my arms. Her momentum spun us around and threatened to send us both tumbling back down the steps. We embraced and I set her down while the others in the room cheered my return.

"By the Light, girl," I said, "I forgot how solid you are. You nearly sent us crashing back out the door."

Lydia wiped away a tear then held a hand up, "Just shut up for a moment and let me look at you."

I took a step back and posed appropriately. "Drink it in, Deary."

Lydia had her fill then I took my turn. "You look finer than when I left, Lydia. Say, that's quite a necklace you have on. I don't think I've seen it before on you."

"It's a necklace of Mara," Lydia said, "I got it while you were gone. Are you familiar with it?"

"I've heard of Mara, but what does the necklace do?"

"Well, when someone wears it, it means they are opening themselves to more committed relationships, but only with people who are truly interested." She stared at me. I wondered why everyone was keeping their distance yet staring at us.

"Oh," I said, then it dawned on me, "Oooh. You mean that you... that you got it so you could... Is it hot in here?"

Lydia took my hands, "Ralos, are you interested in me?"

I swallowed hard. This was all coming so fast. But it was also what I had intended ever since Alduin nearly killed me. "Yes, Lydia. Are you interested in me?"

"I never thought I'd say this, but yes, Ralos. Very interested."

"Then it's settled," I said, "If I may say so, you've made a wise choice. My mother always did want me to marry a smart woman."

Lydia shook her head then turned to the others in the throne room. "He said yes!"

A cheer went up then everyone rushed in with congratulations and questions about my adventure. I promised everyone a full recounting of my heroic deeds later. For now, they could take comfort in knowing Alduin was no more. It took several minutes and eventually some shouting from Balgruuf to get everyone to leave the two of us alone.

"So," I said, "When do you want to have the honor of becoming Lydia Ravenclaw? We should do it quickly. Word of Alduin's death will spread like an oil fire. The other women will know I've returned and will want a piece of the conquering hero."

"Insufferable to the last," she sighed, "But I guess it wouldn't be you if it came out any other way. Let's grab the carriage to Riften today. Maramal said we could have the wedding the day after we tell him."

"Well, that should be more than enough time to get everyone to arrive from all corners of Skyrim. Let's do it. After you, Sweethips."

"I'm still just a follower so, after you. Behind every great man is an equally great woman."

"Yes, but where I come from it's ladies first. And I intend to enjoy the view for as long as I can."

Lydia gave up. "Such a pig," she said, smiling, then lead the way out, putting on a subtle show for her betrothed.