DRAGON CRISIS

Destiny Unraveled

XII

17th of Sun's Dawn, 4E 203

Windhelm was a cold city and home to proud Nords who venerated battle-hardened versions of the Divines. They tamed the land of their ancestors, mastered its soil, and grew sustenance amid the snow and ice. Working hard and dying in battle, was a mantra almost every Nord man, woman, and child preached. Their lives were hard, without question, and as such, they viewed anyone who seemingly struggled less than them as a milk drinker, a flower - useless and fit to bully.

Argonians, who seemed to be the butt of every Nord's improper jest, lived in a dorm-like establishment called Argonian Assemblage. Amongst themselves, they called it the Catacombs, believing that one day, they will all die in their beds. Not once did it happen that one of the dock workers was carried inside the Assemblage, unable to walk on their own feet be it because of beatings or some 'accident'. As such, it was to no one's surprise when Tashhee was carried into the Assemblage, bruised, bloody, and barely bandaged.

Stands-In-Shallows was the one who found her on the streets. Elder Argonian and an addict at that, he normally trotted the streets at night in hopes of funding his next fit. Somewhere between the New Gnisis club and the staircase that led to the docks, he stumbled across unconscious Tashhee. At first, he thought she was already dead but when she groaned in pain, he mustered all the strength he could to get her to the Assemblage.

"She lost a lot of blood," Neetrenaza, another Argonian dock worker, said raspily. "Whoever did this wanted to kill her."

"A healer can patch her up," a female Argonian named Shahvee said. "We should reach out to the priestess of Talos."

"Are you insane?" Neetrenaza seethed. "Nords care little for us and they certainly don't care about a random dock worker fighting for her life."

"Do you have a better idea?" Shahvee countered.

"Perhaps we should stick to the traditional medicine," Scouts-Many-Marshes said softly while placing his hand against Tashhee's forehead. "We could ask Sadri or the alchemists at the White Phial for ingredients."

"It could work," Shahvee said, pleading with Neetrenaza silently.

Though hesitant, Neetrenaza nodded in approval and had one of the younger dock workers rush to the alchemists' shop to bring healing ingredients. Meanwhile, the rest of them circled the unconscious woman.

A long night issued as they struggled to keep her alive. By the time she received treatment - which was delayed because of fat-headed Nords guarding their precious city against malevolent Argonian workers - Tashhee could barely breathe at all. Each time they resuscitated her, her eyes rolled backward or she writhed in pain. Slowly succumbing to her injuries, death seemed imminent for this young woman.

After half an hour, the door of the Assemblage burst open, revealing a young Argonian and an Imperial. Neetrenaza noticed them first and recognized the Imperial as Quintus Navale, an apprentice at the White Phial.

"What are you doing here?" Neetrenaza asked sternly.

"He offered to help," the young dock worker said in defense of the alchemist.

Neetrenaza gave the Imperial a sharp glare before nodding in approval. Taking his cue, Quintus approached the gathered group and sat next to the dying Tashhee.

"How long has she been like this?" he asked as he rummaged through his bag full of vials and bottles.

"We found her almost an hour ago," Neetrenaza said.

Quintus sighed. "We don't have much time. I will need an assistant."

"I will help you," Shahvee said as she scooched closer to the alchemist.

Quintus carefully prepared mixtures in a high-quality stone mortar, grinding the dried herbs and animal parts to dust. His hands moved with practiced grace and agility only an experienced alchemist could have. He then had Shahvee reach inside his bag and retrieve a vial with clear fluid inside, labeled with a red string wrapped around the neck of the vial. She handed the liquid to the alchemist and he poured its contents into the mortar, mixing it with the powdered ingredients. Once the mixture was homogeneous, he then asked Shahvee to take out a vial labeled as a catalyst from his bag. Taking the sophisticated pipette, he extracted a small amount of the catalyst before pushing out just a few drops into the mixture. After a fourth drop, the mixture began to bubble and shimmer before settling into an opaque red mass. Quintus instructed Neetrenaza to lift Tashhee into a sitting position.

"Open her mouth," he said and Shahvee did just that.

Carefully, he poured the mixture into her mouth. He proceeded with the treatment slowly, knowing that the woman was unconscious at the moment. The rest of the people present were anxious as they waited for something to happen. The tension filled the air inside the Assemblage, being almost palpable. The pressure was evident and Quintus tried to ignore it as he focused on the task at hand.

Once the mortar in his hands was empty, Quintus set it aside and went on to check Tashhee's vital signs. He checked her heartbeat, her pulse, and her breathing. He tried to wake her up but with little success.

"Why is she not waking up?" Neetrenaza asked slowly.

"Her injuries are overwhelming," Quintus answered carefully. "I gave her a strong healing potion but it will take a while for it to take effect. We have to be patient."

Neetrenaza sighed in defeat. Wake up, he thought as he gently stroked Tashhee's head. Please, wake up.


The Thalmor Embassy was vacant.

With the news of Dragonborn appearing in the city of Whiterun, Ambassador Elenwen had nearly all of the agents dispatched to find anything about the individual. Information on the Dragonborn was scarce and inconclusive which gave the agents little to no trace to follow. Nevertheless, they were loyal to the cause and followed their orders without question. As such, one by one, the agents left the Embassy and scattered across the province. Kaelan was the last agent to be deployed, partially because Elenwen wanted him to handle a delicate matter of the entire operation.

"Agent Aedus," Elenwen said as she twisted the scroll with a headhunting contract in her hands. "Your objective is to capture the Dragonborn."

Kaelan bowed curtly to his mistress. "Where do I begin, Lady Elenwen?"

Elenwen put the contract on the table before pushing it toward Kaelan. "All the information is in here."

"Anything else, my Lady?" he asked as he took the scroll and placed it inside his satchel.

"Yes," Elenwen said softly. "Don't die."

Kaelan smirked. "Is that worry I detect in your voice?"

Elenwen frowned as she looked downward. "Return alive and I'll answer your question."

Kaelan said nothing as he bowed once more. Some words are better left unspoken, he thought as he looked at Elenwen one final time before departing her solar.


Ziiah took a deep breath. The last twenty and odd hours were dreadful, eventful, and miserable. She could hardly recall a worse day than what she had experienced as of late.

The first incident took place right after she left the barracks with Elvaynu and her vampire Dark Sister Babette. Waiting for them near the gate were Kaani and Tarhrin. Ziiah quickly realized that Loro wasn't with them. Before they could join them, however, they were apprehended by the guard captain and a small entourage of guardsmen. He was visibly displeased and went on to interrogate them in the street. Despite being pressured to talk, Ziiah remained poised and graceful as she answered the captain's questions ambiguously. This exchange of questions and answers went on for a rather long time, long enough that Elvaynu was drawing weary of the man and was ready to slice his throat to stop the whole ordeal. Fortunately, they were saved by Kaani's quick thinking. Sneaking behind the group of men, she snapped her fingers, and almost instantly, the men seemed somewhat confused. They couldn't recall what they were doing or where they were for that matter. Using the given chance, Ziiah urged the women to walk toward the gate where Tarhrin was waiting for them patiently.

"Where's the Harbinger?" Ziiah asked.

Tarhrin opened his mouth, ready to respond, but remained quiet as he stared up the street. Following his line of gaze, Ziiah saw a large figure running down the street toward them.

"Nevermind," Ziiah sighed as Loro joined them soon after. "I thought you were already waiting for us."

"Had to tell my Shielf Siblings that I was leaving again," he said while breathing heavily.

"What's with the rush?" Kaani asked.

Loro glanced at Ziiah. "Aela."

Point taken, Ziiah thought as she nodded to the Orc in understanding. "Let's go."

The second incident - not counting the whole Orc-running-down-the-street - occurred sometime later, about halfway to Riverwood. The gang decided to follow the main road to the village which meant walking up the river. The walk was comfortable and the serene scenery attributed to its relaxing effect. Ziiah in particular enjoyed the stroll. However, a pack of wolves descended from the hills above and attacked them. Naturally, they defeated the wildlife easily but a small mishap in their coordination resulted in a loud argument between Kaani, Loro, and Bebette.

"You almost cut off my head, you lummox," Kaani hissed at Loro before turning to Babette, "and you could've killed me with that draining spell of yours."

"Get out of the way next time?" Babette suggested with a statement roll of her eyes.

"I had it under control," Loro nearly yelled as he fastened his axes to his belt. "You should've stayed behind while I handled the wolves."

"Well, I'm sorry," Kaani went on with a sour smile on her lips, "next time a wolf charges at me, I'll happily let it dismember me until you notice it."

Needless to say, Ziiah was growing tired of their trip and it was barely early noon when they arrived at the humble village of Riverwood - just in time for supper. Luckily for them, the village wasn't heavily guarded yet and it helped them to blend in easier. The villagers didn't pay them much attention, except for Loro for obvious reasons.

"I'm not a bandit," Ziiah heard him mumble into his chin at some point.

She chuckled at his discomfort. For the first time since meeting the man, Ziiah took a good look at him. Upon their first interaction almost two years earlier, he was wearing the wolf armor exclusive to the members of the Circle. He had since switched to a less flashy and toned-down steel armor which consisted of bracers, shin protectors, a breastplate, and a single shoulder plate. She took notice of his primary trait: his dark, forest-green skin that was adorned with numerous scars, judging from what she could see protruding from under his armor. He was strong, but not bulky. He still drew attention as most Orcs would but he wasn't imposing in his appearance. His tusks weren't as prominent as most Orcs she had met before and his eyes were sky blue, adding to the 'soft' image of the Harbinger. At some point, Loro caught her staring at him which in turn made her snap her gaze elsewhere while fighting the flush threatening to color her cheeks. Unknown to her, however, the Orc smirked as his face grew warm.

"I propose we split up here," Tarhrin said suddenly, leaning in closer to Ziiah.

Ziiah lifted a brow quizzically, sober from her previous embarrassment. "I thought we were sticking together until we reach the manor."

"Look at us," he said, referring to their little group of comrades. "We attract too much attention."

"I'm with the spy on this one," Kaani commented. "We can always regroup at the manor later on."

"You'd leave me alone to handle this?" Ziiah asked the Khajiit, somewhat offended by her statement.

Kaani rolled her eyes. "Not for eternity, Ziiah. Besides, whoever left that note in the ruins most certainly doesn't expect you to arrive with a small army behind you."

Ziiah bit her lower lip. She couldn't fight Kaani's argument; after all, making an entrance with a dozen people was a statement at best and a threat at worst. On the other hand, she didn't wish to go alone.

"How about the rest of you leave for Tarhrin's manor," Ziiah said after a while of contemplation, "while Kaani and I stay here? We'll join you as soon as we're done."

Tarhrin frowned. "Are you sure? Maybe it's better if Nyx or Veilheim stay with you."

Kaani scoffed. "What's wrong with me staying instead?"

"Mistress, you are a Khajiit," he said. "I have nothing against it but it may pose a problem. You are noticeable for obvious reasons, just like I would be noticeable or the Harbinger."

Kaani hummed before looking back at Ziiah, saying reluctantly, "He does have a point."

"Fine," Ziiah sighed as she turned to the aforementioned duo. "Well, who's it going to be?"

Nyx and Veilheim exchanged looks with Veilheim shrugging his shoulders. Nyx rolled his eyes before nodding to Ziiah, volunteering.

"Excellent," Ziiah said before referring to Tarhrin. "Where is the manor?"

"Head south to Falkreath," the Elf said. "About an hour's walk. The manor is visible from the main road."

"I presume it's the only one in the area," Nyx said sarcastically.

Tarhrin smirked. "You presume correctly."

Ziiah groaned, breaking the rising tensions. "Alright, be on your way, all of you."

Nyx refused to move whereas Tarhrin excused himself with so much as a curt bow to Ziiah. Veilheim followed suit while Loro merely nodded in her direction. Kaani and Elvaynu reached for her hands, grasping them gently. They were worried, Ziiah realized as they had the same kind of sadness in their eyes.

"We'll see each other soon," Ziiah said to both of them.

"Please, be careful," Kaani said. "Don't go looking for trouble. If something seems odd, even for a second, run."

Elvaynu nodded in agreement and looked at Nyx as she said, "Take good care of her. I'm counting on you."

Nyx smirked. "Don't worry, El. She's in good hands."

Ziiah rolled her eyes. "You're in good hands, Imperial. Don't fool yourself."

"I stand corrected," he added in jest.

Elvaynu seemed displeased with his jokes however she found comfort and assurance in Ziiah's confidence. The Dunmer smiled softly at her friend, somewhat feeling bittersweet. She knew their separation was temporary and that they'll soon have a chance to talk about anything and everything that transpired in the time that they'd spent apart. Just for now, let her go, she thought and gingerly let the girl's hand slip from her own.

"Don't be late," she said softly before hugging Babette.

"I won't," Ziiah responded in kind then looked at Kaani, "I promise."

The Khajiit had a harder time letting go but she stiffed her upper lip and did what she had to do. She let go of her friend and joined the rest of the group as they proceeded to Falkreath. Ziiah and Nyx watched them walk away, passing through the southern gate and disappearing into the woods. Ziiah sighed once they were out of sight, unaware she had been holding her breath all that time.

"Shall we?" Nyx asked after a moment, offering his hand to her.

Ziiah smirked as she took his offered hand, "To the Sleeping Giant, then."

Hand in hand, the Imperial and half Redguard made their way to the only inn in the village, the aforementioned Sleeping Giant. Ziiah had spent several nights in the establishment and she was looking forward to eating their baked potatoes again. It was a trivial thing, probably not worth the mention but she enjoyed the dish nevertheless. It made revisiting Riverwood more meaningful. As they entered the tavern, the pair found themselves amid a celebration. Somewhat confused, the two exchanged looks.

"Did we miss an invitation?" Nyx asked.

"I wouldn't know," Ziiah answered as they made their way through the merry crowd.

She recognized several faces in the mass, mostly the locals such as the smith Alvor and the merchant Lucan Valerius. She also saw Gerdur who owned the mill and Faendal, the Bosmer hunter who appeared to be rather drunk. Nords have a high tolerance, Elf, she thought with a snigger.

"How will we find our man in this crowd?" Nyx asked her.

"What if it's a woman?" Ziiah countered with a smirk.

Nyx rolled his eyes. "Whichever."

Ziiah chuckled. "They said that we rent an attic room so that's what will do."

Nyx leaned on her shoulder and pointed towards the bar. "I think those are the innkeepers."

Ziiah glanced in the direction he was pointing at. Ahead was the bar and two people were standing behind it - a man and a woman. The man was tall and buffed, much like any other Nord in the province. What was it? Ziiah thought, trying to remember the man's name. Hrongvar? Anvar? Oh, fuck it. The woman was a lot shorter than him but also strong-built. Ziiah recognized her as Delphine, a friendly Breton innkeeper of the Sleeping Giant Inn. She had never spoken to the women extensively, nothing beyond greetings and services rendered. She's got nice hair, though, Ziiah wondered as she took notice of the woman's golden strands neatly pulled into a ponytail.

"Your thought is correct," Ziiah said and took Nyx's hand as they proceeded toward the bar.

They approached the couple but even from a distance, they could overhear them arguing. Something about stale ale and potatoes in someone's ears. As the fight continued, Ziiah realized that they weren't getting their attention any time soon so she knocked on the bar once. She tried a second time when the pair went on arguing. Before she could knock a third time, Nyx slammed his fist against the bar, finally having the pair's attention.

"Sorry," the man said as he turned to them, effectively ignoring Delphine. "How can I help you?"

Ziiah smiled in return. "That's alright. We were just looking for an attic room if you have available."

The man was visibly confused. "Attic room? That's - "

"We don't have attic rooms," Delphine cut in with a soft smile on her face, adding, "but you can have one on the left."

Ziiah and Nyx exchanged worried looks before Nyx said, "That's okay. We'll take whatever you have available."

Delphine offered them a polite bow. "I'll show you to your room."

Nyx leaned toward Ziiah, whispering, "Something's not right."

Ziiah nodded wordlessly, sharing his worries. The note and directions in it were clear and precise - rent an attic room at Sleeping Giant Inn. Could the author be mistaken? she thought. No, that seems unlikely. Nevertheless, the two followed Delphine to their assigned room.

"Go on in," she said and allowed them to enter the room before her.

A loud bang was heard as the door shut closed. Nyx and Ziiah drew their weapons at once and turned toward the only entrance to the room. Standing in front of them was Delphine with her hands in the air and a smug grin on her face. Ziiah frowned as she held her sword tightly.

"Explain yourself," Nyx said.

"I mean you no harm," Delphine said while slowly reaching for her pouch. "After all, you came here for me."

Ziiah stared at the woman in confusion. "What do you - "

As Delphine withdrew her hand from her pouch, she revealed an intricate horn in her hand. " I believe you're looking for this."

Ziiah's frown deepened as the woman threw the horn at her. Quickly, Ziiah grabbed the item midair. Doubtful, she inspected the horn in her hands, tracing the jagged edges with her thumb.

"Who are you?" Ziiah asked, not taking her eyes off the horn.

"That," Delphine said, "will take a while to explain."

"That's alright," Ziiah said, putting the horn in her pack. "We've got time."

Delphine smirked. "Wonderful."


"Aela, calm down."

"Don't tell me what to do!"

Vilkas sighed. "He informed us ahead this time around. Why are you making an issue out of this?"

Aela glared at him, fury seeping through her eyes and mouth. "He left with her!"

"She has been made Thane, Aela," Farkas commented from where he had been sitting. "If she requires the services of our Harbinger, he is free to oblige her."

"He follows her much too often, don't you think?" the Nord woman seethed, pacing around the mead hall. "Did he forget what she had done to us?"

"If he did, I'm sure you've reminded him, Aela," Vilkas said in a flat tone.

Aela snapped at her Shield Brother, "Those comments will be the end of you one day, Brother."

Vilkas frowned. "No need for threats, Sister."

Taking a few long strides toward him, Aela bent over, her face coming dangerously close to his. "Aren't you jealous, Vilkas? That harlot of yours is off to the wilds with our Harbinger all the time. Imagine, a long night, the starry sky, the warmth of a single bedroll - "

"That's enough, Aela," Farkas barked. "You're being needlessly cruel."

Though still infuriated, the woman did stop. The pained look adorned on Vilkas' features made her take a step back as well. A part of her wished to apologize for her actions but her hatred and disdain toward the woman he loved was too strong for her to swallow her pride. Instead, she sighed and stormed out of the mead hall, making her way to the training grounds. The door shut behind her with a loud bang which echoed throughout Jorrvaskr. Silence then fell on the Companions' hall.

"She didn't mean it," Farkas said softly to his brother, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"She did, Farkas," Vilkas said as he grasped his brother's hand, "she did."