I Blame Alex! The epic fight scene wasn't good enough so I fixed it and streamlined it more enjoy!
Chapter 8- Slayer Scrolls
Chapter 7-Chrissy
Day 8?- Early Morning – I see fire.
Inn River Run
The persistent tapping on wood was followed by someone saying, "Hey, hey. Breakfast is ready." Woke Chrissy from a deep sleep.
"I'll be out in a few." Chrissy calls back forcing herself out of bed. After gathering her things Chrissy removes the chair from the door then unlatches it.
"Here some fried beef, eggs, and potatoes. That will be 5 copper." Delfine loudly says when Chrissy walks up to the bar, then quietly tells her. "The Strangers are in the corner. Take your time."
"Thanks." Chrissy says then just before taking a bite of the eggs, asks. "What have they done that makes everyone so suspicious of them?"
"Let's just say items have disappeared in both Genny and Lucus stores."
"This is good. Could I have a mug of cow milk if you have any? What about Valnor's?" Chrissy remarks.
After placing a mug of milk in front of Chrissy, Delfine says. "That's a copper and the only thing he has complains about, that was taken is that damn claw. Speaking of which I heard you got roped into trying to get it for him."
"The asshole lied to me and said that they also kidnapped his sister." Chrissy answers after drinking some of the milk.
"So, did you get it? Are you going to give it back? Even if you did get it. You can claim the law of Bounty for the trick he pulled on you. Of course, he could have the jarl adjudicate it. But since him and the jarl don't get along, I don't see a problem."
Chrissy smiles evilly at this new information.
"I almost feel sorry for him by the look on your face." Delfine laughs.
"By chance did you brew any Jaffa beans?"
"No why?"
"You should. It's great to wake up with."
"I just may. Thanks."
Chrissy just continues with her breakfast while patiently waiting for the strangers to leave. All the time both Chrissy and Delfine kept an eye on them while they chatted with each other quietly.
"Thanks for the meal. It hit the spot. Hey, I was wondering if I could leave a letter with you."
"For that good-looking friend of yours?"
"Yeah. You see I promised that I wouldn't be too far behind them but as you know I got sidetracked and now must head to White Run. And if things don't work out where they were heading, they would come back here if I didn't send a courier."
"And since there hasn't been a courier around for weeks you want to leave a letter to hear for them." Delfine finishes for her.
"Yes, please I can pay."
"You got one written or do you need time to write it?"
"I don't have anything to write on or with."
"You're in luck. Here take this. Two copper for me to keep it and if they show I am sure he and I can work something out." Delfine says with a wink as she takes a scroll, writing quill and an ink well out from behind the counter and places them in front of Chrissy.
"You two are consenting adults and I don't need or want to know." Chrissy laughs as she sets to writing Borazon and Samuel.
Hey Borazon and Samuel
First off want to tell you as of a couple of days after we parted I am fine. Just had some really strange things happen and trust me when I tell you you won't believe me if I did tell you. But on a short note, I will be heading to White Run. Something major has happened here and the people here have asked me to see the jarl and ask for help here. As soon as I have done that, I plan on meeting up with you two. If things don't go as planned, I'll keep leaving messages at each Inn I stay at. I miss you guys.
Sincerely Chrissy.
It wasn't too long after she was halfway through her meal when the strangers got up and left.
Folding the note up, writing their names on it and hands it and the coins to Delfine Chrissy say. "Here you are and thanks."
"No problem. Heading to White Run now?"
"I am going to Genny's, Lucus's, and Valnor's shops. Does Camrea know what Valmor did?"
"Not that I am wear of, but I am sure you will let her know."
"Yup." Chrissy remarks as she pays for her food then heads out for Genny's shop.
At the herbalist's shop, Chrissy was thankful that the smell from the last time she was there had lessened.
"Genny are you here?" Chrissy calls out as she enters.
"I'll be there in a minute go ahead and look around. Now where did I put that…." Genny calls back from the other room.
Chrissy looks around and notices that Genny does sell spider eggs and is low.
"Sorry about the wait... Oh, it's you. I thought you were heading for White Run?" Genny says as she comes out from the back room.
"I was but got sidetracked along the way. I remember you saying you were low on spider venom. I happened upon another spider and got some. I had to use some of those health potions, and I was wondering if you had any more?"
"I just finished up a full batch this morning. How much spider venom were you able to get?"
Chrissy pulls out the large bottle of venom and gives it to her to look at. "I'll tell you to want I usually get 15 copper per bottle, but I'll trade you 3 health for this whole bottle."
"I'll trade you that bottle of venom, some spider eggs, glow-in-the-dark mushrooms, and webbing for four health potions, 2 small packets of jaffa beans, and one antidote for spider venom."
"That sounds fair." Genny says as she gets the jar of Jaffa beans.
"I am also looking for some soap, and something to clean my teeth with."
"I don't have any finished product like that. Valnor at the general goods might."
"Thanks. Who is running Lucus's shop while he's at Helena?"
"His wife and daughter. Don't worry, they know their stuff. Here you go. Be safe."
"Thanks. You too." Chrissy says as she heads out the door with her supplies.
Chrissy arrived at the Blacksmith shop just as Saray was finishing starting the forge.
"Morning Saray."
"Oh, dear I thought you went to White Run."
"I headed that way but got sidetracked by someone whose ass I am going to kick in a little bit."
"So, it's true."
"Yup."
"Well, I tell you he has had that coming for a long time." Saray evilly smiles.
"I got a few things while I was up there. I believe the law of bounty applies."
"It does so let me see what you have." Saray answers.
"Do you mind if we go inside your house first?" Chrissy asks while looking over her shoulder towards the strangers.
"Why?"
"Can we please just go inside." Chrissy says as she nods towards the strangers going into the trading goods shop.
"Okay." Saray agrees that both women head into the house.
Inside the house, Chrissy looks for Hadvin and smiles as she sees he is sitting up and looking much better. When he sees her, he smiles back.
"Well, you don't look like something that cat dragged in anymore." Chrissy smirks when she sees his smile.
"Well, I do feel better, but Auntie Saray refuses to allow me to leave this bed for at least two more days. You are back early. Uncle Lucus said you were heading for White Run."
"Good for her. But I got to know how you are keeping him here."
"Mom took his clothes." Lynn answers from her spot on the floor where she was playing with her dolls causing Hadvin to turn slightly red.
"Smart." Chrissy laughs.
"Yes, I am. But you want to show me something."
"Just don't freak out." Chrissy says.
"I won't freak out." Saray replies getting a little annoyed at her taking some long.
"Okay. Just remember you said you won't." Chrissy says as she starts to pull the armor and weapons, she has gotten from the bandits out of her backpack.
"How?" Saray asks in disbelief after the 5th set of armor Chrissy pulls out, knowing that the girl's backpack shouldn't be able to hold that much stuff.
"I don't know I just figured it out when I was trying to save Camrea." Chrissy says as she tosses it at Saray. "Capacity isn't the only thing that's strange about it."
"Oof." Saray remarks. "This isn't bad, but it should weigh more with that stuff in it."
"Nope, it weighs the same as if it was empty."
"It must be enchanted but I have never seen or heard of an enchantment like that."
"I have no idea how it got enchanted. I have had it since I was no bigger than Lynn and it was never like this before." Chrissy explains.
"That is too powerful to be a mortal enchantment, but it could be a blessing." Hadvin says with a snap of his fingers.
"He's right there aren't any enchantment runes on it." Saray remarks as looks closer at it.
"Huh?"
"It is said that sometimes the divines walk amongst as regular people and if you impress them, they bless you without your knowledge." Hadvin explains. "You went to help Camera not for gold but just because it was the right thing to do. I am sure you do a lot of that and this impresses one of those divines. If it is blessed, you best keep that knowledge to yourself."
"I don't know what I could have done that would have done that. I guess it's a good answer for now. Saray, check out this sword it's cold." Chrissy says as she takes the backpack back and then pulls out a very old-looking sword.
"Oh my, that is a very old chilling enchantment." Saray says as she stares at the runes that are almost all the way down the blade.
"What do you think?" Chrissy asks.
"The bandits had that?" Hadvin asks in disbelief as he starts to get out of bed but quickly stops when Chrissy whistles at his almost nakedness while Saray gives him a death glare that spoke volumes about the pain he would suffer if he didn't get back into bed. He returns to bed very quickly muttering he'd rather face an army of pissed-off orcs than her wrath.
"Actually, it was further down being wheeled by a walking-dead guy." Chrissy answers with a shrug.
"You took on the dead?" Hadvin asks in awe.
Chrissy just nods her head and then asks. "What do you think I can get for it?"
"Why don't you look around and see if there is anything I could trade you for it and this armor? Is there anything else in there you might be interested in trading?" Saray staggers out.
"There is some raw ore and gems. Hey, I was wondering if you have any more of that thick material you use for this." Chrissy says as she tugs on the padding, she had on over her clothing but under her armor."
"Oh, you mean a gambeson. Why do you want more you have several here?"
"I don't need it already sewn into form. I want to use it as padding for my bed roll."
"I do have some that hasn't been sewn into form yet. Lynn go get me that roll of gambeson material from the loft." Saray orders.
Lyn got up from the seat she had been playing dollies on and climbed the stairs to the loft. While they bartered and traded for the supplies Chrissy had gotten and needed.
"That's all I think I need here. You guys take care of yourself. Hadvin don't go getting bit by another spider."
"I'll try not to."
"Lynn make sure that he behaves himself." Chrissy laughs.
"I will." Lyn chimes back.
"Have fun at Valnor's." Saray says as she watches Chrissy stalks across the street.
"Oh, don't worry I will but he won't." Chrissy remarks just before she enters his shop.
"Morning and welcome to Valnor's Trading Goods. I am Camrea let me know if there is anything I can help you with."
"Are you Valmor's sister?" Chrissy questions but her tone asks even more. "Do you know what your brother did?'
"Yes." Camrea simply replied to both questions.
"Is he in?" Chrissy asks but her expression asks. "I am going to do something about what he did are you okay with that?"
After pulling out a small bag of nuts Camrea calls out with an evilly sweet tone. "Oh, brother dear you are wanted." While that tone and action told Chrissy. "Whatever you have in store for him, within reason, he deserves. I'm looking forward to watching the show."
From the floor above Valmor could be heard saying "I'll be right there." All the while the two women gave each other sneaky looks as to what was about to happen.
"Welcome to Val…It's you…I.I.. Did get my claw?" A nervous Valmor says when he sees who is waiting for him with her arms angrily crossed over her chest and a look on her face that would scare even the dead.
Chrissy just looks over at his sister then back at him and raises one eyebrow.
"Listen I just.." Valmor studders.
"Don't." Chrissy coldly quietly snaps.
"But.."
"Your lying caused a lot of unnecessary death!" Chrissy sneers stalking over to him. "You LIED to me. I only went there to save your sister and when I get back, I find she has been safe and sound all along." Chrissy points out with her finger against his chest backing him into the wall next to the fireplace in the room. "And you don't care that I could have died."
"But you didn't." Valmor stupidly points out.
"Fine! You want this?" Chrissy asks as she easily grabs the gold claw in one hand while still pinning him to the wall with her finger.
Valmor just nods.
"I want double the gold you offered. And I will give you a list of items I want. If you don't, I will claim the law of bounty on this and sell it to the highest bidder. And remember you and the jarl don't get along."
"Double?" Valmor grumbles with a whine.
"And my list or I demand 3 times as much."
"Okay." He quietly agrees.
"As much as I enjoy watching my brother squirm what's on your list and I will get it for you.?"
"You stay right there. Or else!" Chrissy orders in a tone of voice that froze him in place. "Your sister and I need to talk." Chrissy turns to talk to her but snaps back to him with a glare sending him by his own accord back against the wall harder than she had placed him.
"For my own personal care, I am looking for some scented soap, some skin lotion, along with a brush for my hair. Some type of paste or powder that I can use to clean my teeth. Fabric large enough that I can use as a towel when I bathe. Then I'll need things to take care of my gear like cleaning oil for my sword and leather oil, and a sewing kit for both fabric and leather if you have it. Do know of anything I can waterproof my stuff with?"
"I have sewing kits that you can use for both leather and cloth. Mammoth is the best to use for weather proofing. How much do you want?" Camrea asks while arranging the sewing kits on the counter.
"Let's start with two bottles of the oil."
"Tarsus just finished making these brushes, combs and mirrors." Camrea remarks pulling out some beautifully crafted horsehair brushes followed by wood combs and small mirrors.
"These are beautiful." Chrissy smiles at the selection before her. Chrissy spends the next little bit ogling each one until she finally picks out matching pieces with flowers craved in the handles.
"We do not have any scented soaps or lotions, or stuff to clean your teeth with but they might at the public bath house in White Run. I do have some plain soap. If you happen to go, would you have Mira the owner send me a sample case of all of those?"
"Sure, but she might require coin up front."
"I'll add 50 silver coins to what my brother owes you." Mira sweetly smiles but gives her brother a death glare as if daring him to say differently.
"And if it's less?"
"Keep it."
"I'll see what I can do."
"Do you have any preferences as to the type of fabric?"
"As long as it's not scratchy it should be good."
"We just got in some nice thick expensive elven woven material would you like to take a look?" she says as she pulls out a bolt of bluish, gold, silky fabric.
"Sis, you can't that's…That is Chancellor Bog.." Valmor starts to say but is silenced by both his sister and Chrissy with just a glare.
"Yes, this should do nicely."
"How much would you like?"
"As much as I am tall for height and width. Please."
"That's a nice size."
"Yeah, I hate small towels."
"Is this enough for your list?"
"Yes, but I'll need the gold, too."
"Here you go, and you are always welcome here." Camrea says after she has finished collecting all the items Chrissy had asked for.
"Thank you." Chrissy says after she places everything in her backpack.
"Okay. Can I have my claw now?" Valnor dares to speak.
Chrissy sashays over to him and is about to hand it over but at the last moment she slams the claws nails first into the stone wall of the fireplace next to his head, embedding it permanently into the wall.
"Now you don't have to worry about it ever being stolen again. This prevents you jeopardizing anyone else's life for it." Chrissy says as she takes her items and heads to the door but at the last moment she remarks. "If I ever find out you lied to someone else like you did me, I'll be back, and your sister will be one brother short."
"Actually, you'll be in line behind me." Camrea tells him as a matter-of-factly pinning him back to the wall with just a glare. Then turns to Chrissy and says. "Have a pleasant and safe day."
"You too." Chrissy says as she heads out the door.
As Chrissy leaves the porch of the traders shop Valnor wines can be clear heard but is quick silences. Chrissy just shakes her head at the man's gal and heads for the gate. The Gate Warden sees her coming and opens.
"Do you think you will make it to White Run this time?" He asks.
"I am hoping. Which way did those strangers go?"
"They left by the other gate so they shouldn't bother you. Speaking of Bandits, I have some signed wanted posters of the bandits you dealt with up there. Turn these into the jarl and he'll reward you." The Gate warden tells her.
"Thanks."
"No problem just be sure to have the jarl send reinforcements while the others are gone, I don't think those two are up to anything good." The Gate Warden warns.
"No more stops along the way." Chrissy says as she leaves.
"Be safe Chrissy."
"You too, Hondren." Chrissy says with a wave goodbye while starting to set a good pace.
Day 8 - Day – I see fire.
On the road to White Run
Most of the trip was long and uneventful but mostly for Chrissy it was lonely. It was a familiar road but there was no one to share it with. Chrissy's heart longed for her family, sister slayers, her friends from back home on Earth to the new ones she had just made. Tears would flow for lives that were lost from her parents, Flo, to her Sister Slayers.
Then there was the feeling like she was missing people she just couldn't remember it was like someone or something was blocking her memory. The few times she'd stop to eat and relieve herself she would long to be riding her bike. It was during those times she would try and sense her bike, but it was always faint and far away and seemed to get farther away with each step. At one point she felt that it couldn't move, and it tried to reach her too but was too far away. She sent it a feeling to it hoping it would understand "I am coming to get you next. Just hold on." Not too long after she sent that she got a strange response. "I will human be safe."
It was well past midday when Chrissy finally saw the city of White Run and her mouth about dropped at the sight for it looked like a mid-evil fantasy painting and yet it was real. Chrissy picks up her pace to get down there before they close the gates. She hit the intersection of the two stone bridges and kept going hoping that she would find the castle gate soon. She passed several small farms and after about an hour Chrissy was figuring she had gone the wrong way when she came across a guard who was putting a note of some kind on a farm.
"Good afternoon kind sir I was hoping you could help me?" Chrissy asks remembering her time visiting a ren fair and how people spoke there with kindness and respect.
"Good afternoon, how may I help you."
"I think I am lost. Which direction is the gates of White Run?"
"Just let me finish putting up this notice of sale."
"Sale?"
"Yes, the past owner died and had no heirs, so the jarl has placed everything up for sale."
"How much?"
"4,500 gold and you must have done a great service for the jarl. Right now, only the Thanes have a chance, and they don't want to live outside the city. You wanted the gate. You need to go back to Stone Bridges intersection and follow the path to the right it will take you to the new tented area. Once you are inside the tented area take the first right. It will take you past the stables then up and round to the gates. I would take you, but I have to get to my new post, and it is in the opposite direction."
"Thank you. Do I need to pay a gate warden?"
"No that's only at night in the smaller towns. But there is the word of a dragon about and the gate is closed."
"I have word from River Run and Helena that the jarl must hear."
"They should let you in for that."
"Thank you and be safe." Chrissy says as she heads back but not before she gives the small farm a last look and thinks that Borazon might like this place.
When Chrissy reached the stone bridge's intersection, she took a hard right onto a cobblestone path that followed a stream, and on the other side of the stream were the towering walls of White Run. She passed some large buildings she thought they were a lodge at first but when she read the signs it said it was Honeydew Meadery, she just kept going and past a few small farms.
At first, Chrissy was in awe when she saw a giant but that soon turned to anger as she saw him attacking innocent unarmed people who were trying to get away from it. Chrissy poured on the speed and drew her bow and arrows while aiming. All three arrows of Chrissy's hit their mark, but it kept attacking. After putting her bow back Chrissy pulls out her sword and shield ready to engage. By the time she reached the giant, there were three 4others already fighting it. There was one on each side attacking it while another stood back shooting at it. The giant swung its huge club knocking two of them back away from him. Pouring on the speed even more Chrissy did either the dumbest or smartest thing she could do she raised her sword high and thrust it upwards as she ran directly between its legs and kept running. The sword hits its intended target. The giant screams in agonizing pain dropping its club and falling to its knees. Chrissy turns around just in time to watch as a female warrior shoots the giant that is bent over on its knees, cupping its private area. The shot puts the giant out of its misery permanently.
"Nice shooting." Chrissy tells the warrior as she comes back to the giant to retrieve 2 of her arrows as the third was busted.
"Well, that is taken care of. No thanks to you." A Warrior woman snidely remarks.
"Hey, I did what I could." Chrissy snaps back
"Ha. Another milk drinker crying about their effort." The warrior woman jeers.
"I didn't do it for you I did it because people needed help." Chrissy remarks.
"Glory only awaits those who triumph." The warrior woman announces.
"I don't give a rat's ass about Glory. People were getting killed." Chrissy butts in.
"And as Companions, our glory must always be hard-fought." The warrior woman continues.
"Who are the Companions?" Chrissy said while she thought in disgust. "They must be a type of mercenaries.."
"An outsider, eh? Never heard of the companions. An order of warriors. We are brothers and sisters in honor." and we show up to solve problems if the coin is good enough."
"Yup, mercenaries." Chrissy thinks but says "Who can join?"
"Not for me to say. You'll have to talk to Kadlak Whitemane up in Jorrvaskr. The old man's got a good sense for people. He can look in your eyes and tell your worth. If you go to him, good luck."
"Thanks." Chrissy says as she heads back to the road.
It was when she passed through what appeared to be temporary gates into the tented area Chrissy was saddened to see that the line of people, she had seen the days before had made a type of small tent city outside the wall of White Run. She knew there was nothing she could do so she kept moving.
At the stable, Chrissy took an immediate right, and headed up a slight incline to the first set of drop-down gates that were wide open. It didn't take her too long to pass through the first drop-down gate and then go up and around through the 2nd drop-down gate. Stepping into a small area that led to a large double door style gate, Chrissy is stopped by a guard saying. "Halt! City's Closed with the Dragons about. Official business only.
"I have word from River Run and Helena." Chrissy tells in with authority.
"Fine, but we'll be keeping an eye on you. You'll want dragon's reach it's at the top." The guard tells her.
"Thank you. Who do I collect a bounty from for dealing with some bandits?"
"That would be Proventus but you might want to visit the public bathhouse first. It is just above the second town square area next to the companion's lodge." The guard remarks as he gets a whiff of Chrissy as she passes by him after he has opened the gates.
"I will. Thanks again."
Day 8- Early Evening– I see fire.
White Run
The gate opens just enough for her to slip through and then is immediately locked behind her. She crosses over a small stone bridge just in time to hear a legionnaire speaking to a woman asking her to fulfill an order of weapons. Chrissy pays just enough attention to their conversation to realize the woman is some type of blacksmith but continues. She follows the cobblestone path past several log thatch roof buildings, mostly homes but some businesses.
After a little bit of walking, an area that appears to be the first level of the town square soon becomes visible. The town square buildings remind Chrissy of old Norse log homes with thatched roofs. Most of them were only one to two stories high. Chrissy could make out fancy signs on some of them declaring the profession within such as general goods, an herbalist shop, and an Inn. Other buildings behind and figured that they could be more shops, homes, or both. In front of the buildings surrounding a Statue of a Giant White Horse water fountain, were some small merchant stalls, each sold different items one baked goods while another had Vegetables, a person selling Fresh meats, yet another sold Jewelry, and a small peddler's stall of what not's.
Chrissy takes notice of some of the stone stairs that had running water on each side which was between the fresh food stalls. She heads up the stairs and sees a very old dying white tree at the center of this level. She hears a guy behind it preaching about Thor causing her heart to ache for her friends. Chrissy shakes off the ache and starts looking around for the public bathhouse.
She can't seem to find it and hears a couple talking.
"I know your family's honor is important to you, but we can't afford it!" The woman says.
"It took me weeks to find that thieves' den. I can't stop now, and I can't get the sword on my own." The man remarks.
"So, you're willing to starve your wife and daughter to reclaim some rusty old sword?" the woman snaps.
"I just need to hire one, maybe two good men. You won't starve." He answers her.
"Excuse me I hate to butt in."
"My Safina doesn't like that I've been spending so much time looking for my father's old sword. He fed his entire family with the gold he made using that weapon. I'm not about to let it gather dust in some thief's trophy room."
"Tell you what. Give me the information on the thief who took it, and I might come across him, I will see if I can get it back for you."
"I tracked it to a group of bandits nearby. But I am no fool. I would need the guard or maybe higher the companions to get it. I don't know why I'm saying this, but if you find it out in your travels, I would be grateful to you."
"No guarantees but stay here and look after your wife and daughter I'll see what I can do. But for right now could you direct me to the public bathhouse."
"Sure, you go up those stairs walk across that area and it's right behind the statue of Thor." He says as he points where it was.
"Thank you." Chrissy says and heads off into the direction he showed.
Day 8?- Evening – I see fire.
Public Bath House WhiteRun
Inside the public bathhouse, Chrissy is greeted by the owner. "Hello and welcome my name is Mina.
"Hi, I am Chrissy. I was wondering what facilities you have and how much to use them?"
"Well, we have the large warm bath and the cleansing shower. To use both is only 5 copper coins. That is unless you want private time then it is 10 gold. If you need any scented oils are lotions or soaps those are an additional 2 copper coins each."
"Could you send a sample shipment of each scent to Camrea at the River Run Trader."
"That is a large order I can give it to you for 25 silver."
"20 and you will have a regular order from them."
"Done."
"Here is the payment for the first two just let her reorder after she gets them so that she may order the more popular ones."
"I like the way you think."
"Here is the money for me. I'll take a lavender soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and the tooth powder you have."
"Do you need a bath towel?"
"No, I have my own but thank you. Do you know who would sell undergarments?
"Yes. As for undergarments I see then… I would say think I know what size you are. Do you have a preference on color and material?" Mira asks as she sizes up Chrissy.
"Do you have something soft but durable?
"Ahh, so you are an adventurer. I know just what you need. I'll be right back." Mira says then enters a room. A short time later she comes out with a few different sets of undergarments for Chrissy.
"Wow, these are great." Chrissy says she loves each set.
"Which ones would you like?"
"I'll take these three for now. How much?"
"5 copper for each piece but as you are wanting 3 sets, I'll only charge 9 copper per set."
"Great here is the money for the garments. My armor stinks. Is there a place I can get it cleaned?
"The vapor from the bath will clean the stink out of it. But for a good cleaning, some refugees will clean it for a small price."
"No local?"
"No Illa the laundress who owned the public wash house passed away a few days back."
"I am sorry to hear that. I'll I just use the cleansing shower for now. You said I could have a private time?"
"Yes, you can in fact no one is scheduled for today and my usuals won't be in until later today."
"How long do I have?"
"I cannot give you more than an hour. Here are your supplies. The bath is just down there your hour starts now."
"Thank you." Chrissy says as she quickly gathers her supplies, hands her the gold, then heads down the stairs.
Heading down the stairs, Chrissy is greeted by moist warmth coming up. At the bottom, there are some changing benches. It appeared to be a large one-room area with a huge indoor stone bath about the size of a small swimming pool. The pool was heated by a blazing fire the length of the far wall. Off in the corner, is a small nook that has a pulled chain above the grate. Chrissy can tell by the vast emptiness that she is alone, so she takes a few moments and uses the changing benches to set her stuff.
Taking out some dried meat, cheese, and a small loaf of bread. Chrissy munches on the food while undressing. Just outside the shower, she places the shampoo, conditioner, towel, and soap on the ledge next to the stone stairs that go up into the pool bath area.
Stepping inside Chrissy pulls the chain and checks the water temperature. To her utter relief it is lukewarm. Jumping inside and letting the water cascade all the dirt off then she pulls her hair out of the hair tie. After a second pull on the chain shuts the water off. After soaping up her hair and body she pulls the chain again, the water starts rinsing herself. Repeating the cycle with the conditioner she finishes quickly and shuts the shower off. After drying off just a bit she wraps the towel around and places her supplies into her backpack.
A towel-covered Chrissy goes up the stone steps and places her towel on a wood bench at the top then tests the water to find it is like a hot tub and enters it. Dropping her towel next to her pack Chrissy walks through the waist-high water to a stone bench next to the fire and sits down. The heat of the water and fire relaxes and relieves her muscles while she listens to the waterfalling off to the side.
"Chrissy your time is almost up." Mira calls from the top waking Chrissy.
"Thank you I'll be up in a few." Chrissy responds back as she gets up and out of the pond while wrapping up in the towel and then heading over to her gear.
"Armor before jarl or fine clothes?" Chrissy asks herself and decides to go with a little of both. Taking out her new brush, toothbrush, and tooth powder, Chrissy first brushes her hair and then teeth. After putting them back puts on her new undergarments followed by the blue tunic Samuel had given her, but adds the gauntlets, leather belt, and steel boots. She rolls up her used garments into her towel and places them in her pack.
"I got to find a place to clean my clothes especially if I am going to be here for any length of time." Chrissy remarks to herself as she was placing the wanted posters in a side pocket on her backpack. She sticks to the rest of her equipment except for her sword and shield in her backpack.
"Okay, Chrissy my next clients are here your time is up." Mira tells her.
"I am done and thank you so much." Chrissy tells her when she reaches the top of the stairs.
"No problem. Should I set you for a certain date and time?"
"Not at this time maybe later." Chrissy says as she goes to leave but stops and asks. "How do I get to Dragon's reach?"
"You go back to the town circle or as some refer to it the 2nd level of the town square. And take a right then head up the stone stairs. Dragon's Reach is at the top." Mira answers.
"Thanks." Chrissy says even though she is not looking forward to climbing the stairs that she was sure didn't have handrails.
Day 8- Evening – I see fire.
Dragon's Reach
The sun was down but Chrissy was thankful that someone had lit lanterns all along the streets. The darkness helped to hide the height so she was able to climb it will little issue other than just knowing it was out there. At the top, she was greeted by a guard.
"Why are you here?"
"I was sent from River Run with a message for the jarl only."
"We were told you were coming. I am glad to see you listen to the last guard."
"Not going to argue with someone when they are right." Chrissy tells him with a smile.
"You may enter. But keep those swords sheathed." He says as he opens the door.
"No problem and thanks." Chrissy says as she enters.
Chrissy was in awe at the sight before for it looked like a grand wooden cathedral with the six huge columns that when up at least 3 stories stood upon a beautifully maintained wooden floor ending at a stone and wood stairway that led up to the main area. The main area consists of 6 similar columns except for more intricately carved ones holding up a church-style archway with an open second floor. The first or main area had two buffet tables on each side of a fire pit that ended at a throne. People were milling around chatting with each other. Servants bustled by her doing different jobs.
As Chrissy reached the stairs that led to the throne, she couldn't help but overhear the argument that was going on.
"If the news from Helena is true…. Well, there is no telling what it means." A man standing next to the throne said. "I only counsel caution. We cannot afford to act irrationally in times like these.
"Oh, great a wet-nosed whiny politician." Chrissy thought to herself.
"My Lord. Please. You have to listen." The same man said.
"What would you have me do, then? Nothing?" The man on the throne barks back with the slamming of his fist on his throne's arm.
"What's the meaning of this interruption? Jarl Balgruuf is not receiving visitors." A very fierce-looking ebony female warrior demands as she draws a sword and approaches Chrissy.
"I was sent from River Run about a dragon I saw attacking Helena."
"Well, that explains why the guards let you in. Come on then, the Jarl will want to speak to you personally." The woman says then motions for Chrissy to follow her. Chrissy does a slight bow before the jarl.
"So, you were at Helena. You saw a dragon with your own eyes?" The jarl demands.
"Yes, I saw a big black dragon leaving when I arrived. The whole place was on fire. I found only one person living. Having been bitten by a spider. He is resting at his uncle's home in River Run. Lucus and some other men have gone to deal with the dead. They wish for you to send aid while there is this threat to them."
"By Ysmir, Irlieth was right! What do you say now, Proventus? Shall we continue to trust in the strength of our walls?" Against a dragon?"
"My lord we should send troops to River Run at once." Irlieth suggests. "It's in the most immediate danger if that dragon is lurking in the mountains."
"The Jarl of Falls Creek will view that as a provocation! He'll assume we're preparing to join Ulfric's side and attack him."
"What an ass." Chrissy thought all the while wanting to shove her sword through him.
"I'll not stand idly by while a dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people!" The Jarl refutes than commands. "Irlieth, send a detachment to River Run at once.
"Yes, my jarl."
"Oh, I like this jarl." Chrissy thinks.
"If you'll excuse me. I'll return to my duties." Poventus says.
"Go run and hide you little rat." Chrissy thinks as she doesn't know why she just really doesn't like him. "Crap he's the guy I have to see to collect those bounties good thing I kept my mouth shut this time."
"That would be best." The jarl says to him then turns to Chrissy and says . "You have done well, you sought me out. You have done White Run a service, and I won't forget it." Then gives Chrissy an imperial cuirass while saying. "Here take this as a small token of my esteem."
"Thank you, my jarl, I am honored." Chrissy says with a slight bow and takes it.
"There is another thing you could do for me. Suitable for someone of your particular talents, perhaps. Come, let's go find Farengar, my court wizard. He's been looking into a matter related to these dragons and … rumors of dragons."
"I'll be with you in just a few moments my jarl." Chrissy replies with a bow.
"That will be fine. My court wizard's area is there meet me there when you are done."
"Okay, I hopefully will not be long." Chrissy says as she goes to deal with Proventus.
He just finishing arguing with another man when Chrissy finds him.
"Proventus, I am here to collect the bounty on these." Chrissy says as she hands him the signed wanted posters."
"Ah that is good they are dealt with. That is 200 gold coins. Here you go." He says as he hands Chrissy a large bag of gold.
"I understand that there is a homestead outside of the city for sale."
"Yes, there is but you must have 4,500 gold, be a thane, or have done a great service for the jarl."
"Not a thane but the jarl just said I did him a great service and with this, I have the gold," Chrissy tells him.
After Chrissy gives him the money he says. "Wonderful here is the key to your new home." He then hands her the key along with two pieces of paper and walks away.
"Why two pieces of paper?" Chrissy wonders as she opens the first. "This is a deed but what is this? Oh hell no." Chrissy says as she reads the note warning her that someone was trying to kill the jarl and he is asking her to investigate it. "I can't let this happen," Chrissy mutters as she walks over to where the jarl is waiting while placing the note into one of the pockets on her belt.
"Farengar, I think I've found someone who can help you with your dragon project. Go ahead and fill her in with all the details."
"So, the jarl thinks you can be of use to me? Oh yes, he must be referring to my research into the dragons. Yes, I could use someone to fetch something for me. Well, when I say fetch, I mean to delve into a dangerous ruin in search of an ancient stone tablet that may or may not be there. "
"What does this have to do with the dragons?"
"Ah, no mere brute mercenary, but a thinker-perhaps even a scholar? You see, when the stories of Dragons began to circulate many dismissed them as mere fantasies in rumors and impossibilities. A fool is to dismiss anything that falls outside his experience as being impossible. But I began to search for information about Dragons where have they gone all those years ago? And where were they coming from?"
"Hurry up what do you want me to fetch and where is it?" Chrissy says as she starts shifting from one foot to the other the need to find a privy was becoming very strong.
"I, uh, learned of a certain dragon tablet said to be housed in Bleak Falls Barrow. A
Dragonstone is said to contain a map of the dragon burial sites. Go to Bleak Falls Barrow, find this tablet no doubt it's interred in the main chamber and bring it to me. Simplicity itself."
"Been there done that. And hell, no it wasn't simple!" Chrissy snidely remarks as she takes off her backpack.
"Huh?"
"I was there already and got this old stone map thing." Chrissy clarifies for him and pulls out the tablet he wants.
Once he picks his jaw up from the floor, Farengar responds. "Ah, The Dragonstone of Bleak Falls Barrow! You already found it! You are cut from a different cloth than the usual brutes the jarl foists on me."
"Great do I get a reward or anything?"
"You'll have to ask the jarl."
"Where is a privy I can use."
"There is one across the hall and through the kitchen, down the stairs in the servant's area you may use."
"Thanks." Chrissy says as she heads there.
When Chrissy reaches the servant's area, she notices a washbasin next to a door and figures that is the privy. "Yes." She says as she had guests right the first time. Once inside she sees a stone bench with a hole in it covered by a lid and hears running water under it. After relieving herself she changes back into armor in hopes she will be able to get on the road to find out who was trying to kill the Jarl and stop it.
"Excuse me miss but are you the stranger who came from River Run?" A servant girl asks.
"Yes. Why?" Chrissy asks as she finishes using the washbasin.
"The jarl is asking for you." She answers.
"Okay, where will I find him?"
"He is in the war room above his throne."
"Thanks." Chrissy says as she heads up that way.
Chrissy reaches the main area just in time to hear Irlieth speaking to the wizard.
"Farengar, you need to come at once, A dragon's been sighted nearby." Irlieth says then turns to Chrissy and remarks. "You should come too."
"Shit." Chrissy mutters as she remembers the burning people she couldn't save.
"A dragon how exciting. Where was it seen and what was it doing?" The wizard excitedly asked.
"I take this a bit more seriously if I were you. If a dragon decides to attack White Run, I don't know if we can stop it." Irlieth replies heading up the stairs with the wizard and Chrissy close behind.
"So, Irlieth tells me you came from the western watchtower?" The jarl asks once they have reached the war room.
"Yes, my lord." A guard says who had been following Irlieth.
"Tell him what you told me. About the dragon." Irlieth instructs.
"Uh… that's right. We saw it coming from the South. It was fast…. Faster than anything I have ever seen." the guard relays.
"What did it do? Is it attacking the watchtower?" The jarl asks.
"No, my Lord. It was just circling overhead when I left. I never ran so fast in my life…. I thought it would come for us for sure."
"Good work, son. We'll take it from here. Head down to the barracks for some food and rest. You have earned it." The jarl instructs. "Irlieth, you'd better gather some guardsmen and get down there."
"I've already ordered my men to muster near the main gate." Irlieth informs him.
"Good. Don't fail me." The jarl tells her then turns to Chrissy and says. "There's no time to stand on ceremony, my friend. I need your help again. I want you to go with Irlieth and help her fight this dragon."
"What?"
"You survived Helena, so you have more experience with Dragons than anyone else here."
"Helena those people I couldn't save…" Chrissy mutters.
"You may not have saved them, but you can save some here. But I haven't forgotten the service you did for me in retrieving the dragon stone for my wizard. As a token of my esteem, I have instructed Avenicci that you Are now permitted to purchase property in the city. Please accept this gift from my personal Armory."
"Wow, thank you my jarl." Chrissy says as she accepts some black hide armor with a warming sensation of magic coming off of.
"Help Irlieth kill this dragon before it can attack White Run. There is no time to lose."
"Of course, my jarl. I will do what I can. When do we leave Irlieth?"
"I'll meet you at the main gate in half an hour. So, tend to what you need to do." Irlieth tells her.
"See you there." Chrissy says as she literally bumps into Avenicci Proventus . "Oops sorry… ahh just the guy I wanted to see."
"How may I help you?"
"The jarl said I can purchase property inside the city."
"Yes, I heard. But you have already purchased property outside the city."
"So can't I have both?"
"Yes, you may. Splendid! There's a house available right now. It is right next to the blacksmith. It is 6000 gold so I don't know if you can afford it."
"Here." Chrissy says as she hands over the gold.
"How?"
"Law of Bounty." Chrissy answers.
"Ah yes, this is true. Those Bandits were quite a nuisance. Here is your key. It is partly furnished already. You may talk to some of the local merchants to furnish it more or I can do that for you for a price."
"I'll take a look at it first hopefully after I get back. Is there any way I can leave the property to a friend if I do not return?"
"Yes. I am the person, but I will need to be paid for this service in advance." He tells her.
"How much?"
"Usually, it costs 50 copper but as you have done much for White Run, I'll only charge you 25."
"Okay here." Chrissy says as she hands over the gold.
"Now who would you like to leave your belongings to?"
"In case of my death, I would like all my belongings and properties to go to a young man and his grandfather. Samuel. Son of Johan and Karian. But now just Grandson of Borazon."
"Where should I send word if it happens?" He says while he pulls out a small book and writes everything down.
"We made an agreement that we would keep in contact via the Inns because the courier hadn't been to River Run lately. Last I heard they were heading to Falls Creek." She told him as she headed out.
"Good luck." He tells her but mutters. "Great now I have to find someone else to save the jarl as I don't want his brother to obtain his position."
"Good luck. I hope you are there in time." The guard who reported the attack says when Chrissy passes him as she is heading out the large doors of Dragon's Reach.
"Here is hoping." Chrissy remarks but thinks "I must be crazy. I am willing to try and take on a dragon! It killed those people, and they didn't do anything to it. I have at least tried. If there is someone up there looking out for me, you have a big job ahead of you, and thanks if you do help me. I am going to need it."
Chrissy is almost at the main gate when she remembers that she now has a home here close to the blacksmith. Not seeing Irlieth yet Chrissy decides she can at least check it out. Stopping at the house right next to the blacksmith Chrissy tries the small key she was given for it and finds it works.
Inside her city place, Chrissy lights the travel lantern to reveal old rotting and dust-covered furniture on the first level sitting on a cobblestone floor. There is a small closed-off room in the back and a set of old rickety stairs that head up to another floor. She notices a chest and an old weapons rack. Moving further into the main room, she stumbles and falls onto a table when the floor suddenly dips down and then up. Chrissy takes a closer look at what she has stumbled into and figures it was some type of fire pit from the old cold coals. Continuing her exploration towards the back area, she sees an unlit fireplace that looks like it doubles as a cooking stove and baking oven. Opening the door to the back room reveals two broken-down small beds. Chrissy completely misses the eyes watching her from underneath one of them.
Closing the door Chrissy impresses herself and climbs the stairs. She was thankful they were stronger than they looked. Upstairs are two rooms. One small room with a half-decent bed in it. While in the larger room, she finds heaven in the form of a large 4-poster canopy bed. She was almost tempted to use it but out the window, she could hear the guardsmen already starting to head out of the gate.
Chrissy runs down the stairs and out the door only pausing long enough to lock it. Chrissy is just in time to follow the last guard out the gate.
Day 8 - Late Evening – I see fire.
Western Watchtower
Following the guards out the gates and down through the drop gates then past the stable where they take a right. The guards and Chrissy follow a cobblestone path out of the city for a few hours when the rain slowly starts. Chrissy hisses at the rain. "Really!"
The guard next to her points out. "Well, it might help fight the fire of the dragon."
"I guess any help is better than none. I am Chrissy." Chrissy informs him.
"I am Thadmor. I heard you saw the dragon at Helena." Thadmor says.
"I saw it and what it did. It wasn't good."
"I never believed the legends of dragons."
"Well, you better believe now look." Chrissy says as she sees fire and lots of it lighting up the area around a stone tower.
"By Thor!?" He responds as he and Chrissy run over to where Irlieth was waving them over too.
"No sign of any dragon right now." Irlieth says.
"What about the fires?" A guard remarks.
"Those could have been set by other enemies. So, we should be prepared if a dragon or others is pretending to be."
"I hope you are right." Chrissy said as she remembered the cold evil she felt from that dragon.
"I know it looks bad, but we've got to figure out what happened. And if that dragon or enemy is still skulking around somewhere." Irlieth instructs everyone. "Spread out and look for survivors. We need to know what we're dealing with."
Everyone there pulls out their swords and shields while cautiously proceeding towards the watchtower. Upon reaching the tower a guard runs out screaming. "
"No. Get back! It's still here somewhere! Throki and Torak just got grabbed when they tried to make a run for it!"
"Guardsman! What happened here? Where is this dragon? Quickly now!" Irlieth demands.
"I don't know!" The guard responds as he frantically looks around.
While they were arguing Chrissy had a suddenly unnerving sensation shake her entire body. This did not go unnoticed by the guard standing next to her.
"What is wrong?"
"It's coming." Chrissy responds and puts back her sword and grabs her bow and arrows while taking cover under a fallen piece of the tower.
"Thor save us. Here it comes again." The guard from the tower cries out.
"Here it comes. Find cover and make every arrow count!" Irlieth does as she commands.
Rain, lightning, and thunder seem to pound down with the dragon. The sheets of rain made it almost impossible to see. When the dragon lets loose with its fire breath Chrissy aims for it. The aim is true, but the fire burns her arrow before it reaches its mark. Thankfully the arrows of the others hit the mark causing the creature to aim its fire toward them. Chrissy sends out a second shot but even as the arrow leaves her bow Chrissy is off and running towards the back of the dragon. When the arrow connects to the head of the dragon it sends out a blast of fire where Chrissy had been.
"Spread out and keep moving! Don't give it a chance to fire on you! "Irlieth commands as she sends an arrow at the creature and then moves. The guards follow orders by shooting and moving. But not all are as quick as Chrissy some fall to flames.
"Come you sick Fuck over here!" Chrissy calls out as she shoots at the flying creature. This time her aim is true and connects does little as her arrow barely scratches the scales. But that is enough that the dragon turns its eyes on her and lets loose its flame where she had been. What the dragon hadn't known was as soon as the arrow left the bow Chrissy was off and moving to its other side by par-coring over the top of a boulder and then doing a baseball slide under some rubble.
Irlieth calls upon some magic and uses shots of Ice spikes on it. It was about to fry her when Thadmor tackles her to the ground behind a large piece of the tower. Igniting his wool cloak. He quickly takes it off and throws it away so that the dragon can't see them. Several of the other guards give them cover by firing at the creature's mouth as the dragon lets another blast loose towards Irlieth and Thadmor who are hiding behind the rubble.
"Hey ASSHOLE OVER HERE!" Chrissy screams while shooting more arrows at the back of the dragon who seems to be focused on burning Irlieith and Thadmor. The guards follow Chrissy's lead and launch several arrows at the creature. Some of the guards are out of arrows and start picking up rocks and tossing them at the dragon. Chrissy manages to get its attention, so it lands and starts chasing her.
"Fuck!" Chrissy bellows as she barely manages to avoid the snapping fangs of the dragon by running up part of the Watchtower and flipping back over the dragon. The Dragon loses track of her as when she lands, she runs under its belly towards its back side. She sprints out to one side and jumps then rolls over the creature's tail. While not stopping her motion, she continues to run and jump over more rubble.
The group finally manages to put enough arrows into the creature to keep it down for a while. Chrissy was breathing hard as she hides behind some fallen rubble from the towner when she realized she is out of arrows. "What the hell can I do now?" Chriss pants when she faintly remembers someone had once told her "The best way to kill a dragon is to down it by pinning the wings and or tail." Heeding that advice Chrissy puts her bow away, takes out her swords then does the craziest thing she could do. She runs behind the creature and plunges both swords into its tail. The dragon roars in pain as the action pins its tail to the ground.
It spins to snap at her but one of the guards smacks it in the jaw with a war hammer. The dragon bites the brave guard in half. That really pisses off Chrissy and she sees red. Chrissy sprints up the dragon's back bringing her shield around. Once she reaches just behind the creature's head, she drops down on its neck. Gripping the shield with each hand she repeatedly slams the edge down just between where the skull meets the neck. The Dragon flips its head back and around to try to dislodge her. To counter this, Chrissy locks her legs around its neck while still slamming her shield. She looks like a crazy blond blood mess riding the most dangerous bucking creature in the worlds. Wings flap for flight but fail to lift it as the swords held firm. The dragon tries to whip its tail out, but the glass swords only slightly vibrate against the dragon's strength.
Irlieith and Thadmor cautiously look over the rubble to see crimson-red lightning illuminates the fight between the human and dragon. Dragon blood and Chrissy's human blood, from the shield slicing through her gauntlets into her palms when the horns would crash against the shield, mixes, and slings over them. Chrissy's battle screams of anger could be heard even over the booming thunder and the deafening roars of the dragon. Neither dragon nor Chrissy cared as they continued their epic battle. Both understand that this was a fight for their life and only one would survive.
"Help her!" Irlieith orders.
"We are out of arrows." One of the guards' retorts.
"She's not using arrows." Thadmor counters as he draws his sword and runs into the battle only to be smacked back by one of the dragon's wings. That though is enough to urge the others on only to meet the same fate as Thadmor.
"We can't get close." One of the guards remarks to Thadmor after he catches his breath.
Irlieith sends an ice spike spell but almost hits Chrissy when the dragon moves its head.
"Use rocks then we need to distract it away from her!" Thadmor says as he picks up some of the closest stones to him and starts to throw them at the creature. The rest of the guards follow his lead but stop after a few tosses.
The fight between rider and creature was so intense that the remaining guards and Irlieth just stood awe struck watching a girl no more than a mere child trying to kill the dragon with just a shield.
"By the Divines she is brutal!" Irlieith remarks in fear at the pure unbridled rage written across Chrissy.
None of them could believe the savagery that such a small young girl could produce on an enormous dragon. They were so engrossed in the battle they failed to notice a stranger come up amongst them and watch the battle unfold.
"By the ancient builders. She must be Crazy!" The stranger says in awe at the battle.
Everyone on the ground jumped back as the Dragon reared up, throwing out its wings while bellowing out flames in all directions. After what seemed like an eternity the dragon finally succumbed to the injuries that Chrissy was laying upon its neck as its head separates from its body. Chrissy is so deep into blood lust that she doesn't realize that as it died the dragon calls out in her mind. "Dovahkin? No!" Even with the dragon finally collapsing in death Chrissy continues to slam her shield down onto the creature's neck. Just as the head separated from the neck Chrissy unleashed a powerful downwards swing. Without a target the force of the swing off balances Chrissy causing her to lose her grip on the shield sending it to the ground. She hangs over the bloody stump of where the Dragon's head once was attached still pounding on it with her fists. The last pumps of the creature's mighty heart spray arterial blood directly into Chrissy's face. The corpse of the great beast crashes to the ground pinning Chrissy's legs underneath the muscular neck.
"Chrissy. Chrissy! Enough! You have won the creature is dead." Irlieth screams several times at Chrissy and finally pulls Chrissy out of her blood frenzy.
"It is!?" Chrissy says dumbly then tries to get up but finds that one of her legs is pinned beneath the Dragon's neck.
"Are you alright?" Thadmor hesitantly asks.
"I could use a little help." Chrissy says as she tries to kick off what was left of the dragon's neck of her pin leg. "And please tell me what's on my face is mud."
Everyone present just solemnly shakes their head no.
"EWWWWW! It's in my mouth!" Chrissy spits out.
Thadmor goes to help Chrissy but suddenly Irlieth shouts. "Everyone get back!"
Irlieth and the guards immediately pull back leaving Chrissy as the dragon appears to catch fire.
"No!" Chrissy screams as she feels intense burning power flow into her, and her mind goes blank until a voice speaks.
"You can stop screaming…" A malevolent voice dryly tells her.
"What happened? Why is it so black. Am I in hell?" Chrissy responds.
"No child you are not in what you call hell we are in the "between". The voice answers.
"Between what?"
"Everything. It is that place and time between everything."
"Why are we here? Chrissy asks.
"So that I can Thank you for freeing me." He tells her.
"Who are you?" Chrissy inquires.
"I was once known as Mirmulnir. Your people call me a dragon. We call ourselves Dovah's."
"Oh, dear God, I killed you?" Chrissy cries.
"No dear child you freed my soul from one who shall not be spoken of."
"I'm sorry I don't understand."
"The black dragon I see in your memories is using our bones to steal our souls from what you would call limbo rather than forcing many of us to obey him. He wants us to destroy this world and its people."
"So how did I free you?"
"You freed me from his control, and my soul entered the closest compatible vessel and I choose you."
"I didn't mean to."
"It's alright. My soul being with you allows me the chance to redeem myself and pass on to what you would call heaven. Had you not been compatible my soul would have been forced back to the dark relic that trapped me in the first place."
"How?"
"Before coming here you were in contact with several dragons and your kindness to them allows for this to happen."
"I don't remember meeting any other dragons."
"Your memories of that time are blocked from you but not from me."
"Can you unblock them?"
"No, it is not the right time or place. But if you allow me, I will teach you the words of power and how to use them. And if you continue to help people with my gifts with my soul inside of you, I may make amends for the horror I have done."
"What happens if I don't."
"Then we both just die I return to limbo or worse but as for you human I don't know."
"Do you really want to make up for what you have done even if you don't get to go to heaven?"
"Yes."
"Okay then teach away."
"I already am. My power and soul have flowed into you and when you awake you will just know how to use a word of power. You will be able to help others of my kind in the same way. Now wake child as you will not remember what happened here."
Chrissy stops screaming as the power finishes entering her and a sense of calm knowledge replaces the fear she had felt. Chrissy looks around to see the once alive dragon that have been covered in scales now was just a pile of bones with a few things under it. Chrissy pulls her leg out from under the skeleton while a voice in the back of her mind urges her to pick up some of the smaller bones she sees, along with the few scales and old gold coins. She quickly does it and puts them into her pack before the guards or Irlieth can see.
"It's all clear!" Chrissy calls out.
"What happened?" Irlieth asks as she approaches Chrissy.
"I don't know but we need to stay on our guard. That was not the Dragon I saw over Helena." Chrissy honestly answers.
"Are you sure it's just a pile of bones right now?" Thadmor asks.
"Yes, the one I saw was black ink and this one was red." Chrissy answers while pointing at the bones.
"That is not good." Irlieth remarks and is interrupted by a guard.
"I can't believe it! You're…. Dragonborn…" A guard says as he runs up to her.
"What the hell is a Dragonborn? What do you mean?" Chrissy asks.
"Leave her alone she can't be.." Thadmor tells the other guard.
"Remember how in the very oldest tales, back when there were still dragons roaming the lands, the Dragonborn would slay dragons and steal their power." The guard continues. "That's what you did, isn't it? Absorbed the dragon's power?"
"I don't know what the hell happened to me."
"There's only one way to find out. Try and Shout… That would prove it. According to the old legends, only the Dragonborn can Shout without training, the way the dragons do." The guard pushes.
"Dragonborn?" What are you talking about?" Another White Run guard demands as he comes out of hiding.
"That's right! My grandfather used to tell stories about the Dragonborn." The first guard tells them. "Those born with the dragon blood in them."
"The old tales tell of the Dragonborn who could kill dragons and steal their power. You must be one."
"What do you say Irlieth? You're being quiet." A guard asks. "Come on, Irlieth, tell us. Do you believe in this Dragonborn business?"
"Hmph. Some of you would be better off keeping quiet than flapping your gums on matters you don't know anything about." Irlieth reprimands. "Here is a dead dragon, and that's something I understand. Now we know we can kill them. But I don't need something mythical Dragonborn. Someone who can put down a dragon is more than enough for me."
"You wouldn't understand. Housecarl. Your ain't a Nord." The guard refutes.
"It doesn't matter.."
"I don't….know…." Chrissy starts to say but suddenly just knows what he means, and she calls forth a single word that she remembers from the word wall. When Chrissy speaks the word "FUS" her voice sends the dragon skeleton flying back.
"See she did it. She is Dragonborn." The guard cries out.
"I don't know what she did but right now we must secure the area and let the jarl know what is going on." Irlieth orders.
It was at that moment that Chrissy falls to her knees and sees how much blood she was losing out of her hand. "Oh shit… what the hell I am missing a finger." Chrissy cries out as she sees the middle finger of her left hand was missing and all that was there was blood.
"Take her to the healers at once." Irlieth commands Thadmor.
Thadmor starts to wrap up Chrissy's hand.
"My swords and shield?"
It takes three guards to remove the first glass sword from the ground but then they try to remove the second it shatters into pieces.
"I am so sorry. Forgive me." The guard says as he stares at the busted sword.
"I am glad it's just the sword and not a person." Chrissy says.
"Why didn't the other one bust?" A guard asks.
"It's spelled and that might be why?" Chrissy answers as Thadmor finishes wrapping her hand and helps her up.
"Here you go Dragonborn. I am glad you are on our side." A guard says as he attaches her shield to her pack then puts the sword into its sheath on her hip. "Thank you."
"I think your shield may need to see the blacksmith." Thadmor remarks at seeing the small crack and dents in the shield.
"Damn, will I guess dragon spine isn't as soft as a wet newspaper." Chrissy smirks.
"The Blacksmith of the High Forge may be able to repair it." The stranger announces.
"I'll put it on my to-do list but I think I need a health potion and then a nap first." Chrissy says as she slightly sways due to coming done off of an adrenaline high.
"Does anyone have a health potion? Thadmor calls out.
"I have some health potions in my pack." Chrissy tells them.
"Drink." The guard says after he had gotten it out of her pack.
"Thank you."
"Come on I am taking you to the healers then you can report to the jarl." Thadmor tells her as he lets her lean on him.
"Okay. Sounds like a plan." Chrissy faintly tells him as they walk back towards White Run.
When they are out of sight every person on the battlefield picks up a piece of the shattered glass sword to keep as a souvenir. Irlieth commands the guards to help each other tend to the wounded and the dead.
The trek back to White Run was much slower for Chrissy as she had to rely on Thadmor's help. The situation reminds her of how her role was reversed just a couple of days ago and she starts to laugh.
"What is so funny?" Thadmor questions
"I was in the same position as you, just a couple of days ago and now I am the weak one." Chrissy just laughs at the irony of it.
"Who did you help?" Thadmor questions.
"Don't be jealous it was Hadvin he was injured from a spider under Helena." Chrissy teases.
"I am not jealous of this Hadvin." Thadmor replies.
"The only thing I wish was the same is that there was no rain! Come on give me a break with the rain and mud!" Chrissy cries out to the sky who answers with a roar of thunder than a flash of lightning.
"I think Thor is laughing at you."
"More than likely." Chrissy laughs.
Then suddenly, the rain stops.
"Not creepy, in the least. But I'll take it." Chrissy sarcastically remarks as they finally makes it to the gates of the tented area.
"By Ysmir, you did it. You killed a dragon." A female guard remarks as Chrissy and Thadmor walks in. "There's been talk amongst the guards. That you are …. Dragonborn. But such a thing… Surely that's not possible."
"Sounds like I have fans." Chrissy weakly remarks.
"You are going to have many." Thadmor says as he lifts her up. "Come on Chrissy it's just a little way."
"I am so tired." Chrissy replied as she fought the darkness that was trying to claim her.
They had just reached the second drop gate when the ground shook and the sky booms "Dovah Kine" . Chrissy at this moment succumbs to the darkness…