Yeah, yeah. I'm trying my hand at this one again. I know what you're all gonna say, but c'mon, for those of you who did manage to see the last version... you could admit that it needed some SERIOUS work and redoing. Like, I think the whole 'banished hero' plot that I went with was a little typical and cliche, plus it didn't really make any sense now that I think about it. So, I'm rewriting the story, for the tenth time or so, and will see this one through to the end.
And I swear my words are true and I will see this to the end.
The story is relatively the same in that the Dragonborn is paired with Saphira and will become a dragon later on in the story, though able to change back and forth between human and dragon at will. Also, I plan to try and introduce a threat from Tamriel that threatens all of Alagaesia and only Daemon (The Dragonborn) can stop it, which is something I didn't do in the previous versions because I wasn't sure how to try and do this idea.
But now I'm saying to hell with it and going for it.
And unlike previous versions, this one is gonna have Daemon meet Eragon, Saphira, and Brom a little later than usual, like around the time of Garrow's death will Daemon arrive in Alagaesia and become involved.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Inheritance Cycle or The Elder Scrolls series. They belong to Christopher Paolini and Bethesda Studios respectively.
There was nothing but the sound of crickets in the darkness of the night, the forest surrounding the small town of Falkreath was quiet tonight save for the scuttling of foxes who ran to their homes, birds taking off from one tree branch to go to a higher one. Animals scattered as they sensed the presence of a predator.
Creeping through the foliage was a pale-skinned, dark robed, red-eyed man who's lip curled to reveal two sharp fangs that identified him for what he is; a vampire.
The vampire, whose name was Mikael, was a wanted man with a bounty of 20,000 gold for the murder of twelve men, six women and five children. He wasn't the only one, as his mate was also wanted, although they had split off with a hunter had come searching for them, but not just any hunter. Any human they could easily handle and drink the blood from.
The one who hunted them installed fear from his name alone, a man who had hunted vampires and was well known for being a member of the Dawnguard.
The vampire paused as he caught a scent, his nose wrinkling when it invaded his nostrils before he crouched down, spotting a patch of blood on the ground. He dipped his finger in and licked the blood, getting a taste before the sound of a twig snapping ahead made his eyes snap to a dark shape near a tree. Mikael grinned as he drew a dagger, slowly approaching.
"You're growing rusty in your skills…" Mikael hissed quietly, the thrill of the hunt making his blood boil with anticipation. "...Dragonborn. Soon, my mate and I shall feast on your flesh… and drink from your bones!"
He darted forward, ready to drive the dagger into his unsuspecting prey. However, he froze and stared with wide eyed upon seeing that what he thought was the one hunting him… was actually his mate, who was struck up on the tree with a thick tree branch through her stomach, her throat slashed open, her expression forever stuck in one of horrifying realization, the last expression she had made before her death.
"C-Carmilla?" Mikael whispered in horror, slowly, shakily, reaching out towards his beloved when a voice behind him stopped him cold.
"Don't worry… you'll be joining her soon."
Mikael hissed and whirled around with a cry. "Murderer-!" He choked as he found a tight grip around his throat, soon lifted off his feet as he looked upon his attacker and the killer of his mate.
A young white-skinned Nord in his mid twenties, around twenty five years old, with shoulder-length black hair that draped over his shoulders and back, cold, dark blue eyes that stared into the vampire's blood-red eyes with such coldness and lack of mercy that it made the vampire tremble with fear. The man was clad in dark armor that Mikael realized was that of a Nightingale.
There was a reason Mikael feared this man, not only because he was a skilled vampire hunter and had slain many vampires who preyed on the innocent, but because this man was the one who slayed Lord Harkon with the help of his treacherous daughter, Serena.
He went by many titles. Harbinger of the Companions, Listener of the Dark Brotherhood, Guild Master of the Thieves Guild, Arch-Mage of the College of Winterhold, the one who brought an end to the civil war between the Empire and the Stormcloaks, but there was one title that everyone feared and respected, one that identified what he truly was.
Dragonborn.
His name was Daemon… the Last Dragonborn.
Daemon's grip on the vampire was so tight that Mikael dropped the dagger in his hand, trying to pry the tight, strong grip from his throat. Daemon growled, almost like a dragon, as he glared at him. "I have been in your shadow for hours, but you sensed nothing!" He sighed and shook his head with disappointment. "Pathetic for a former member of Harkon's Court."
Despite knowing he was staring at death given physical form, Mikael glared with defiance. "You can go rot in Oblivion, Dragonborn! You, along with that treacherous whore, Seren-!"
The sound of a sword being unsheathed and impaling through flesh pierced the air, followed by Mikael's shocked, gurgled gasps as he looked down to see a blade buried in his chest, right where his heart was. He looked up into his killer's eyes as the blood spat from his mouth.
Daemon released the vampire's throat, his sword keeping the vampire pinned to the tree. He stared at the undead bloodsucker for a short moment, then grasped the sword, ripped it out and slashed the air.
A second later, Mikael's head fell to the ground, expression forever etched into one of horror.
Daemon sighed and flicked the blood off his sword and looked it over. It was made to be as strong as even the likes of Elven, Daedric and Ebony metals. The sword had a black guard with a dragon head pommel at the top. Along the blade were a series of words in the Dovahzul, the language of the dragons, the words being 'Dovah do Dinok' which means 'Dragon of Death'. It had been a blade he had forged not long before his final battle with Alduin, strong enough to damage a dragon's hide and go up against the strongest armours in the world.
Upon pulling the sword halfway out, he stared at the smooth, silver, reflective blade, staring at his own reflection before he sheathed the sword.
(AN: For better description, think of Zar'roc from the Eragon movie but the blade is silver like any other sword, and the ruby is replaced by a dragon head and the blade also has the language of the dragons going down it.)
Daemon sheathed his blade, bending down to pick up the head which he gave a dismissive look while walking over to the female vampire's corpse. Hunting them had been easy, seeing as they took up residence in a small hut just outside of Falkreath, preying on the townspeople. It got so bad the Jarl of Falkreach put up a twenty thousand bounty on their heads, and Daemon had learned of this thanks to Vilkas telling him when he returned from a job for the Companions.
The Dragonborn had been very busy since he slayed Harkon, and had made it his personal mission to kill those who were members of Harkon's Court, and thanks to Serena he knew their descriptions well. A shame his hunt was over because Mikael had been the last of Harkon's Court… until Daemon had gotten to him.
At least they won't trouble anyone any further. Daemon thought, taking out his sword again before he swung it and cut off the female vampire's head, which he collected and began walking back to Falkreath, which wouldn't take him very long.
However, the ground suddenly shook, causing Daemon to stumble a little, the sky rumbled and thundered as a powerful voice shouted through the winds, a call being heard across all of Skyrim.
"DOVAHKIIN!"
Daemon frowned as the land settled from the intensity of the Thu'um. He knew who was calling him, and he knew that it had to be something very serious and important if Paarthurnax was the one calling him to the Throat of the World. The old dragon had never summoned him as a jest.
I better get my payment for these two, then go and see what Paarthurnax wants. Daemon concluded with a nod to himself before he set off with purpose towards Falkreath. The sooner he did this, the quicker he could travel to the top of High Hrothgar.
"Drem Yol Lok, Dovahkiin." Paarthurnax greeted Daemon as the Dragonborn arrived at the top of the Throat of the World.
"Paarthurnax." Daemon greeted his friend with a smile, then glanced at the red dragon perched nearby. "Odahviing."
"Drem Yol Lok, Dovahkiin," Odahviing replied.
Daemon cast a glance around him as he took in the view of being at the top of the mountain. It was at the top of this mountain where Alduin the World-Eater was sent forward in time at the end of the Dragon War, it was here that he reemerged, and it was here that Daemon first battled him before forcing the firstborn of Akatosh to retreat to Sovngarde in order to gather his strength, the place where Daemon put an end to the dragon.
That was five years ago.
Now, Daemon had been declared 'Thuri' by some of the dragons who followed Alduin, seeing his Voice and strength was greater than that of their former leader and if there's one thing the dragons valued it was strength. Despite once being a dragonslayer, Daemon did not enjoy killing them, as it tore his soul apart.
Being Dragonborn, his blood and soul was that of a dragon, essentially a dragon in the body of a mortal, so he was basically killing members of his own kind.
So Daemon offered them a compromise after Alduin's defeat. He would not go hunting them for sport or follow some stupid ideal that because he was Dragonborn, that meant he should kill every last dragon in Tamriel. He wanted them to have a chance to live and prosper, to not be extinct as they had been before Alduin brought them back. So he gave them land for nesting, breeding and hunting, and in return they wouldn't go harming any innocents nor would they attack any cities or towns, they could only attack if in defence of themselves.
Any dragon that followed the old ways by killing for the pleasure of spilling blood or just for the thrill of killing would meet the same fate as Alduin.
Though of course, not every dragon did follow Daemon's way.
Daemon shook his head, clearing the memories and current troubles away as he looked at Paarthurnax curiously. "You summoned me here, why? Is everything okay?"
Paarthurnax lifted his head and looked off to the far north, where the Sea of Ghosts laid and... whatever was beyond those waters. "Zu'u mindok ni. (I know not.) But I have felt a kropahvok. (disturbance)"
"A disturbance?" Daemon frowned. "What kind?"
"A force far across the sea... in the land of Alagaësia." Paarthurnax said, to which confused Daemon.
"I have never heard of a land called Alagaësia." The Dragonborn said, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Zu'u los ni eldraag wah hon daar. (I am not surprised to hear this.) It is a land, far, far across the Sea of Ghosts, known along to beings as old as the land itself... such as dragons, the Aedra and the Daedra. But by Akatosh's decree and power, no one is to venture there, it is to be left untouched by the people of Tamriel."
"Why?" Daemon blinked, showing his confusion.
"Because Alduin once sought to dominate the land he saw as his father's 'side project'." Odahviing explained, bring Daemon's attention to him. "You see, Alagaësia was a land Akatosh was interested in a long time ago, for it had it's own branch of magic, one unlike the magic of this land. I do not know much, krosis, only what Alduin mentioned when he was... displeased about it."
"When Alduin's interest in the land started to draw the attention of the Daedra towards it, Akatosh ceased looking in on the people of Alagaësia and forbade anyone from going there, even the Daedra." Paarthurnax continued. "But even though no dragon was allowed to go, we were at least allowed to keep an eye on it through our own means such as when we felt the battle between you and Alduin."
"Alagaësia is a land as vast as Skyrim, filled with many creatures including humans, elves and dwarves." Odajviing continued, then shared a look with Paarthurnax who soon nodded. "Even dragons."
"Dragons?" Daemon's eyes widened a little at this.
"Geh. (Yes.)" Paarthurnax nodded. "Though quite unlike the ones you are used to, but they are the same as they are different. We believe Akatosh created these dragons and had them roam Alagaësia to their heart's content, but they are not gifted with the talent of speech like us, nor capable of wielding the Thu'um for they have their own power to rely upon, which is connected to that land's branch of magic, or so we believe. As Odahviing said, we don't know much for Akatosh kept us from ever venturing to sate our curiosity. But what we can tell you is that these dragons were as wild and fierce as we are... before the war."
"War?" Daemon frowned.
Odahviing growled and shifted. "A war with elves began."
Daemon's eyes narrowed. "The Thalmor?"
"Nid. (No.)." Paarthurnax shook his head. "These elves were from another far-away land, one we do not know the name of. When they arrived in Alagaësia, they made the grave mistake of viewing the dragons as mere animals."
"And all it took to plunge both into war was an arrogant elf killing a dragon like it's some kind of game!" Odahviing growled angrily. While he had his own opinions on the dragons of Alagaësia following their war with the elves, that did not mean he would not be angry at them being killed for sport or some kind of twisted game.
Paarthurnax glanced at him, then looked at Daemon. "The elves tried to reconcile the situation and explain the misunderstanding. Despite their efforts, however, they did not have the means of communicating with the dragons and the dragons' onslaught continued unabated. At first, the elves fought mainly in their own defence, but ultimately the fierceness of the dragons' offensives demanded they make a strike of their own. Soon, a full-scale war was raging. When Alduin heard of this, he amassed his forces and attempted to storm the land, but Akatosh himself arrived and forced his son to return or face punishment for defying his orders. Despite this, we kept our senses attuned to the war, which lasted five years."
"How did it end?" Daemon frowned.
"A young elf found an abandoned dragon egg, and raised the hatchling as his own upon it hatching. Odahviing continued. A bond was formed between them and they set out to bring peace and end the war, and their efforts were successful. Afterward, elf and dragon worked together to form the order of the Dragon Riders, peacemakers and ambassadors between each and every race."
"Dragon Riders?" Daemon said slowly.
Paarthurnax nodded. "We don't know much about it, but we know the dragon chooses its rider and a bond is formed, connecting them together in their heart, soul and mind. They share thoughts with each other and can feel the other's emotions and feelings. This act was... not seen positively by us when we found out about it. Alduin was the most angriest, finding it to be an abomination, a stain on the pride of dragons and our very name. He demanded Akatosh wipe the 'vermin' off the face of the land or he'll do it, but Akatosh refused. Those who disobeyed his orders and tried to go were met with a swift death. Even Miraak dared not venture for fear of bringing Akatosh's wrath upon him."
Daemon was surprised that not even Miraak, the First Dragonborn who enslaved dragons and bent them to his will upon rising up against his masters, would not venture to the other land. But it was for the past, he didn't want to imagine what Miraak would've done had he stepped foot in Alagaësia.
"So do they have something to do with this disturbance you have felt?" Daemon asked with a frown.
Paarthurnax shook his head sadly. "No. I'm afraid... there are no more Dragon Riders, nor are there any dragons left in Alagaësia, except a very small few."
"What happened?" Daemon asked.
"One of their own betrayed them, gained the loyalty of twelve others, and wiped them out, driving the race of dragons to extinction and leaving no Rider alive. This betrayer, named Galbatorix, declared himself king of Alagaësia and has ruled it through tyranny and fear." Paarthurnax explained,.
"So there are no more dragons alive over there except a small few." Daemon concluded.
"Yes." Odahviing nodded. "The self-proclaimed King's, another, and three others, two of which are unhatched while one hatched two months ago."
"That is when I sensed the disturbance." Paarthurnax continued. "A new Rider has been born."
"Then what does this have to do with me?" Daemon frowned.
"Recently, Akatosh visited me in my dream when I was meditating." Paarthurnax rumbled. "He has sensed a great darkness beginning to form, one that is spreading towards the land of Alagaësia and may consume it."
"What kind of darkness?" Daemon narrowed his eyes.
Paarthurnax met his gaze. "Daedra origin."
That was all Daemon needed to know as his hands clenched into fists. He had no love for the Daedric Princes, having been on... tense terms with most of them such as Hircine, Molag Bol and Mehrunes Dagon, the three who wanted him dead the most. Of course, there was also those who wanted to make him their tool, their servant, and there was those who had an... intimate interest in him such as Mephala, Azura and Meridia, given he was their Champion at one point before he renounced his service to them, but it had not stopped them from wanting to make him their 'eternal beloved'.
He had enough women wanting him simply because he was the Dragonborn.
The only one he remained in service to was Nocturnal, who the Nightingales were in service too.
"The disturbance I felt..." Paarthurnax said, drawing Daemon's attention back to him. "It comes from the land of Alagaësia, as the creation of a bond between a dragon and it's Rider. This was about two full moons ago, and I have kept it to myself until Akatosh came to me and explained about the looming darkness that has it's attention on Alagaësia. That is why I have called you here today, Daemon. Akatosh wants you to go to Alagaësia, protect the new Rider and their dragon, find the darkness and destroy it."
"And what of Galbatorix?" Daemon asked seriously.
"The new Rider, if they are not a servant of the Black King, then they may be the land's only hope to it being free from him. Your help in freeing the land would boost their chances at bringing an end to the King." Odahviing said. "He has ruled the land for far too long through fear and tyranny, and if he is alligned with this darkness, then he is aligned with a Daedra. Both must be stopped. The new Rider and their dragon will need you. The people will need you."
Daemon huffed slightly. "Another land in need of me. Very well, I will go " He looked at Odahviing. "Would you accompany me, fahdon? (friend?)"
Odahviing sadly shook his head. "Zu'u fund med wah aav hi, dii fahdon. (I would like to join you, my friend.) But I can only fly you to the land before I must return, someone must keep the others in line from seizing power and usurping your position."
Daemon nodded, conceding his point. In the five years since Alduin's death, some dragons who believed they should be leader had tried to usurp Daemon's position as the new leader only to be put in their place by Daemon's power. Not all of them were content with Daemon's way of things, after all, and with him being gone for who knows how long, some may take the chance to take over.
"How long will it take for us to reach Alagaësia?" Daemon asked.
"By boat, it will take you a couple of months. On dragonback, we will get there within the week." Odahviing said.
Daemon nodded and turned to begin his decent down the mountain. "Be ready when I call you after I pack some essentials."
"I will be waiting."
It took Daemon two days to reach the bottom of the mountain that towers over all of Skyrim and can be seen, even from the city of Solitude. Upon reaching the bottom of the seven thousand steps and walking into Ivarstead, Daemon found his companion, and trusted horse, Shadowmere, waiting for him.
"Hello my friend." Daemon said with a soft smile as he stroked the horse's snout, chuckling as Shadowmere buried his face into his chest, his hoof stamping the ground. Though the horse couldn't communicate in any way, Daemon always seemed to know just what exactly the shadow horse was saying. "Looks like we've got another adventure ahead of us. Only this one is taking us to a far-away land that is unknown to us."
Shadowmere snorted then nickered.
Daemon nodded. "I'm sure there will be plenty of enemies for us to cut down, and I know you enjoy adventures as much as I do since I met you. And I have a feeling… this one will be quite the adventure."
He swung himself up onto the saddle and Shadowmere turned before galloping off out of Ivarstead.
It took Daemon approximately two more days to reach the city of Whiterun on horseback, but Shadowmere was a fast horse, faster than any other normal horse. But that could be because Shadowmere himself wasn't just any normal horse. He could outrun various creatures, such as trolls, bears, giants, and he could almost keep up with a dragon.
Coming to a stop at the Whiterun stables, Daemon got off Shadowmere and made his way to the city gates, giving the two guards posted there a quick nod of greeting which they returned as he entered past the gates.
Whiterun was as busy as ever in the afternoon, and it brought a smile to Daemon's face. As much as he would like to stick around and check on his friends, such as the Companions, to let them know of where he was going, they knew the procedure when he was gone for an extended period of time without their knowledge. Aela was to be in charge in his absence.
Entering Breezehome, Daemon made his way upstairs and into his room where he quickly began assembling the stuff he would take with him such as food, waterskin, bedroll, spare clothes, a Daedric dagger that he once took from a Daedric warrior, which he tucked into his boot. He did briefly decide whether he should take an armor set with him like his Daedric or Ebony set, but decided not to. Nightingale would do him for now, and he could always use healing magic on himself should he ever be struck by a weapon.
Once packed, Daemon swung his pack onto his back before making his way out of his home, casting it one final glance as he didn't know how long he would be gone nor if he would return, before closing the door, locked it and made his way back to Shadowmere. From there, he would go to an area and call Odahviing to begin the journey to Alagaësia.
Upon reaching a large clearing, far from populated areas, Daemon looked to the sky and shouted. "ODAHVIING!"
The sky thundered with the power of the Thu'um, and Daemon was certain anywhere nearby would've heard it. His Voice had grown stronger in the past five years, to the point he could make the very ground shake a little. It had taken him a while, but he had managed to locate and learn practically every Shout, find every Word Wall in all of Skyrim, which helped increase his power.
A few seconds later, he heard a roar and looked up as the dark red form of Odahviing landed before him, kicking up dirt and dust along the way while the red dragon shook his wings before landing his eyes on Daemon.
"Are you prepared, Dovahkiin?" He asked with a rumble.
Daemon nodded as he got off Shadowmere. "Always am." He turned to his horse and patted his neck. "I'll meet you there." He had faith in Shadowmere appearing in Alagaesia, despite having never been there, but Shadowmere has an uncanny habit of appearing in areas when the Dragonborn had need of him.
Walking towards Odahviing, Daemon swung himself onto his neck. "Shall we?"
With a roar, Odahviing spread his wings and pushed himself into the air before turning due north. Daemon leaned forward on Odahviing's neck, ready for the next adventure in his life.
And it was one he would never forget.
And that's it for this chapter everyone. Let me know what you think about it and I promise this story won't be deleted. Not this time. No matter the temptation because of ideas popping into my head. Please give this story much love and reviews, I want to bring love back to the Inheritance Cycle fandom.