The Legend of Zelda: Skyrim - Chapter 20 - Vengeance for Helgi
You can consider this the first "rip and tear" chapter of this story, because there will be certainly more. Roughly half of this chapter is the Helgi quest in Morthal.
Note that this fic is now M, killing vampires is incrediblyviolent. The fic will remain M due to higher stakes and more dangerous situations.
Since this fic is now M, I can now write the world as Skyrim as intended, whether it be quests or fights
Also chapter 20 in over 3 years. Cool. Let's hope it doesn't take four more years to finish the first arc.
Link left Solitude early the next morning after dealing with the goat incident. He had decided to take the snowy scenic route for his travels and wondered if the journey would be disrupted by something.
A brown shape appeared up the cobblestone path, obscured by fog and Epona stopped, clearly on edge as the shape got closer, which was increasing in speed.
It was revealed to be a bear a few moments later.
Cobalt flew out of the knapsack and towards the bear, snapping and screeching at the creature as it turned towards him and roared, stopping in its tracks.
Link got down from the horse and drew Dawnbreaker, eying the bear as it noticed him and then began to shuffle towards him, then charge at the last second.
Link attempted to dodge but was swatted to the ground as the bear reared up and prepared to claw its adversary to pieces.
The bear was kicked in the face by Epona and crumpled to the ground, its jaw clearly broken and the beast either dead or unconscious.
Link slowly got up from the path and checked himself for injuries, then vaulted onto his horse's back and looked around for Cobalt.
The hatchling circled him, then glided off and Link found it hard to keep up even while on Epona due to how fast Cobalt was going, even though he was switching between crawling on the ground and gliding.
Cobalt's squeaks grew farther and farther away as they left the forest and found themselves on the open plains until his noises weren't within hearing distance, then the dragon appeared from a nearby barrow, twisting and turning in the air as he landed on the ledge and then began to glide again.
Link worked out where he was as he got his breath back.
It was Ustengrav. But why did Cobalt bring him here?
He didn't have time to ponder, as Cobalt continued to crawl and glide towards the entrance to the tomb. Link got down from Epona and followed the hatchling inside
.
The sound of metal boots clacking on stone echoed throughout the tomb as the Dragonborn entered Jurgen Windcaller's chamber.
Link finally caught up to Cobalt and gazed at the stone statue and crypt as Cobalt glided over to Link and landed on his head, the Hylian couldn't help but feel as if someone was watching him.
It was probably nothing.
Link approached the crypt and looked down at it, then noticed golden tendrils beginning to rise from the stone and fly towards the warrior.
As the tendrils swirled around him, Link felt off balance and he lowered himself to one knee as he bowed his eyes and closed his eyes, almost overwhelmed by the sudden raging blood coursing through his veins
"So you have returned."
Link didn't recognize the voice and he ignored it, instead focusing on the single word now in his mind.
Nah. He now understood what it meant. Fury. Link soon opened his eyes and saw a spirit standing on the other side of the tomb.
"Nah." The spirit nodded. "The second word of Whirlwind Sprint."
Link slowly rose and gazed over the tomb at the spirit. "Who are you?"
"Jurgen Windcaller." Jurgen smiled. "And you are Lincoln Colton Farmanne, chosen by your own gods to save your homeland, and driven by your courage and integrity, Akatosh chose you to save Nirn."
"How do you know my name?"
"Young Dovahkiin, Akatosh has granted me the ability to know a lot of things. Who you are now, and who you were before Akatosh chose you, are just a few of them."
Link began to respond, but the spirit stopped him. "I also know of your tragic past. Your hardships and sacrifices. I believe Akatosh chose you because he wanted you to have a second chance at life."
"A second chance?" Link watched as the spirit nodded and folded his hands together.
"Yes. You were forced to grow up long before you wanted to, to do and see things no child should have to endure or witness. You traveled to the darkest of places, ones where no light shone, and emerged as a husk as your former self. Akatosh saw this, and took pity."
Jurgen studied Link. "Tell me, how are you feeling in this very moment?"
Link had to think about it. "I suppose I feel like I did back home, wanting to just live a normal life and not have to go out and defend everyone from dangerous creatures, not having to save the world and risk losing myself in the process."
Windcaller stayed silent for a bit. "I see. Do you resent your gods and Akatosh for putting you on this path?"
"I don't know." Link answered honestly. He hadn't thought about it much, hadn't had the time to. The thought had crossed his mind a few times back home, when he had been at his lowest, but not here in Skyrim.
"A question you haven't thought of much, I understand, fate can be a cruel mistress, and it can also be convoluted and unforgiving." Jurgen stated. "Yet here you stand before me, despite what has happened in your life.
The spirit smiled. "You do have many places to be, so I won't keep you. I did enjoy your company, perhaps you can return every now and then?"
Link nodded as he got up from the overturned urn. "I will."
"Did you hear about the house?"
"Yeah. Burned clear to the ground, it did."
Two guards were standing at one of the entrances to Morthal as Link rode up on Epona.
"Did something happen?"
As Link got down from the horse, one of the guards pointed out a charred and destroyed house that stood next to the apparent Jarl building across the wooden walkways. "See that? Hrogaar had a wife and child, the two died in the house during the fire, and Hrogaar shacked up with Alva the next day. Foul play, if you ask me. Course, you're from out of town, so you have no idea who I'm talking about. You'll find Hrogaar and Alva soon enough, though."
The other guard then eyed Link. "Joined the Legion? Good, we were thinking of asking Tulluis to send a few down from Solitude to investigate."
Link eyed the destroyed house from where he was. "Say I decide to help, who do I talk to?"
"Jarl Idgrod, but she's asking that anyone who wants to help to go check out the house first, just to see what you're getting into."
Link nodded. "I'll go and do that." He got down from Epona and the guard he had spoken to led his horse away as the Hylian eyed the distant house and started to walk towards it.
Burnt and blackened grass was crushed underfoot as Link stepped off the wooden pathway and into the remains of the charred wooden stone house.
The scent of death and ash filled the air and he suddenly wanted to leave, a brief memory coming to the forefront of his mind as he stood there. Link shook his head and started to look around, not expecting to find much.
The Hylian flinched as the memory returned, forcing him to relive the last moments of his childhood on his tenth naming day, the burning house and roars of monsters prominent in his mind.
Link quickly left the house soon after and wandered Morthal for a while before he found the Jarl's building, which was marked by a sign that read "Highmoon Hall."
Upon approaching the building, he found the doorway being blocked by three Nords.
"What's the Jarl going to do about it, Aslfur?"
"How are we supposed to feel safe in our own homes?"
Aslfur held up his hands. "Please, enough already! Jurgen and Thonnir, I have told Igrod of your concerns. She'll look after you. Please, go back to your business." He then turned around and made for the door of Highmoon Hall.
"We've no need for wizards in our midst!"
"Morthal has enough problems as it is!"
Aslfur didn't respond as he had already entered the building.
Jurden turned to face the other Nord with an annoyed expression and shook his head. "Bah, it's no use, Thonnir. Let's get back to it then." The two began to walk away from the building.
As they walked away, another Nord passed by and stopped. "Who are you?"
"Someone from the Legion. I want to help investigate the house fire."
"You?" The man laughed. "Look at how small you are, and scrawny too, does the armor even fit?"
"If you're asking for a fight, I'll give you one."
The Nord stopped laughing and studied Link. "A fight… How does one hundred gold sound, kid?"
"Sure."
He clearly hadn't expected Link to accept and was caught off guard but he soon nodded. "No armor or weapons or magic. Wouldn't be fair to me, you respect your opponents, don't you?"
"I do." Link took off his armor and weapons and then set them against the door of Highmoon Hall, then got into a defensive stance. "Feel like upping the reward?"
The man seemed to think about it. "Two hundred gold?"
"That works."
The Nord grinned and swung a fist at Link, who twisted to the side and tried to sweep the Nord's legs out from underneath him.
He avoided the attack and kept his distance from Link, choosing instead to circle him and then try to get a hit in.
It connected to the Hylian's chest and Link was forced back a few paces, feeling like the wind had been knocked out of him.
"Done already?" The brawler asked, bringing up his hands and moving in for another punch.
Link shook his head and dodged another swing, then uppercut his opponent, sending the man into the nearby water:
The warrior sat up, shaking his body. "Should have watched my footing." He muttered as the Nord got up and back onto solid ground, he then dug around in a pouch and gave Link the bet money. "You might need to dry them off, but all two hundred are there. You're a real fighter, boy. I like that. Name's Benor. You ever need my steel by your side, you just ask." Benor gave a nod at Link and then wandered off.
"You're sure you're alright?" Aslfur asked with concern as he opened the door and stepped out. At Link's nod, he sighed and shook his head. "I would say that I am glad to see a visitor but tensions are high at the moment. I assume you're here to speak to my wife about the burned house?"
"I am."
Aslfur nodded. "Wonderful." He stepped over to the door and made as if to open it.
"What was that argument outside the Hall earlier?"
Aslfur let go of the door and turned to face Link. "Ah, you saw that, did you? Life in Morthal has been troubled lately. The people are uncertain, restless. They merely look to the Jarl for leadership."
"What's going wrong in Morthal?"
"There's news of rebellion against the Empire. Strange noises have been heard in the marshes at night. And then, the tragedy with Hroggar's home. The men simply seek wisdom. Everything will be fine. Now, if you follow me, you can speak to my wife about investigating the fire." Stated the steward as he stepped back inside the building.
Link looked down at the ground for a second, then used Heal on himself and followed Aslfur inside.
An old woman was sitting in a chair at the end of the building, gazing at Link intently while Aslfur was standing at her side. "So you fought Benor and won. I heard from my husband that it was a good fight."
Link nodded. "I hear you want someone to look into that house fire." He said as he approached the woman. "Are you Ingrod?"
The woman nodded. "Hroggar's house fire? He lost his wife and daughter in the blaze. My people believe it to be cursed now. Who am I to gainsay them?"
"I already went to the house and looked around, but didn't find anything."
The old woman leaned forward on her chair. "Did you? Perhaps another search will reveal answers."
"Maybe. Is there anything I should be looking for?"
Idgrod nodded. "I never did get your name. As to what you should be looking for, a spirit was reported to be seen at the house."
"Link Farmanne."
"Link… Very well. The spirit is said to be rather shy, it might take a while for it to appear." Idgrod told him.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Link left Highmoon Hall soon after and returned to the burned house again but nothing happened. He then looked up at the sky. 'A shy spirit… what if she meant nightfall?'
He had around three hours until then, if he was reading the sun correctly, and he thought back to the conversation that had taken place before Highmoon Hall. 'I wonder who this wizard person is.'
Link left the house and returned to Highmoon, where he found Aslfur sweeping the wooden planks outside with a broom. "I want to talk to you about what was being discussed earlier."
The steward looked up and set the broom against the side of the building. "Yes?"
"Who is this wizard they were speaking of?"
Alsfur gestured to the nearby swamp. "Falion. He's the resident court wizard here. Likes to keep to himself and has weird experiments. He should be home at this time of day though."
"Thanks." As Link walked away, he saw Alsfur picked up the broom and resume sweeping.
On the way out of Morthal, Link passed a woman who was sitting in a chair in front of a house and followed him with her eyes as he walked by. "Going somewhere?"
He turned around. "Me?"
The woman smiled. "Yes."
"I'm off to see Falion." Yet something didn't feel right about this woman.
"Are you? Such a shame, you'd learn a lot more about magic from me." The woman pouted. "Still, I'll give you the satisfaction of knowing my name. It's Alva."
Link nodded, feeling like he should not respond and just walk away. The feeling was increased by his Triforce flaring up, and he hid the golden glow by summoning a Fireball and tossing it up and down in his hand. "I'd like to learn magic from you, but I'm going to see what Falion can teach me first." He then turned and walked away at a decent pace, but once he was out of sight, he increased his speed. 'I really don't like her.'
The Hylian found a house next to the water on the outskirts of Morthal. There was a sign that read "home of Falion, Morthal's court-wizard". Link figured he could just step in, although he knocked first.
A voice answered. "Yes?"
"Are you Falion?"
"I am, what can I do for you?"
"I wanted to see what tomes you have."
"An aspiring mage. Let me get the door." The door opened to reveal a dark skinned man in blue robes. "Hmmm…" He looked Link over. "Do you happen to know any spells?"
Link listed the three he knew.
"Fireball, Heal and Healing Hands." Repeated the man. "So you are capable… Follow me."
Link followed Falion into the house and looked around. There was a counter with potions and books on it, bookshelves, and apprant living quarters,
"What spells are you looking for? Illusion? Destruction or Conjuration? Restoration or Alteration?"
"I'd rather look first."
"If you are here to purchase, I have many spells available." Falion walked behind the counter and laid out various tomes.
Link inspected all of them until he stopped at one that he recognized, but then decided he wanted more information on. "What's a Flame Atronach?"
"Ah, an apprentice leveled tome. Flame Atronachs are Elemental Daedra native to a collective realm full and made of lava and fire. They are a source of Fire Salts, their appearance is of a woman made of flame wearing metal armor, and they can be found in the wilderness or summoned to act as guards."
'So that's why it sounded familiar. I dealt with one in Sheogorath's realm.' "If I wanted to summon one, how much would the tome cost?"
Falion checked something behind him and then turned back around. "The price is thirty Septims."
Link gave Falion the needed Septims and picked up the tome, then opened it. Just like the tomes in Breezehome, this one also turned to dust, and he felt the knowledge of the tome enter his mind.
"If you want to test the spell, please do so outside. I suppose I could make sure nothing goes wrong, since this will be your first time summoning something." Falion commented.
Link nodded and headed outside and behind the house, Falion following him. "How does the summoning work?"
"Simply hold out your hand in front of you and recite the summon." The Redguard stated.
"Okay." That seemed simple enough. Link held out his hand and said the spell.
The spell began to manipulate his magic in a way that felt similar when he used Fireball or Heal, yet it was different in that this magic was twisting in on itself.
A woman made of flame appeared in a fiery vortex that faded away, then looked around. She then turned and seemed to study Link with curiosity.
Link gazed back. "Um… Hello."
"Excellent. You seem to have a natural affinity for summoning spells." Falion smiled slightly. "This Atronach is bound to you, now, whenever you need her aid, say the spell and she will appear."
The Flame Atronach floated towards Link and circled him, then tilted her head to the side before she smiled and nodded in approval.
She then vanished and Link turned to Falion. "Is there a reason she left?"
"The spell has a time limit. Perhaps with more practice, the spell could stay active longer."
Link remembered the strange feeling as the magic dissipated. "Is there anything special about the spell?"
"Conjuration is a special school of magic that involves tapping directly into the plane of Oblivion." Falion stated.
Link turned and shook the Redguard's hand. "Thank you Falion."
Falion smiled. "You're welcome. If you require any more tomes, feel free to stop by."
"On second thought, do you happen to have any tomes that provide light sources?"
Falion knew the excited expression Link had. "I do. Follow me." He led the youth inside and laid out a selection. "I suggest Candle Light."
Link looked at the tome in question. "What does it do?"
"It creates a ball of light around the user. It's useful for seeing in the dark and seems to ward off evil, from reports and my own experiences."
"I'll take it. How much?"
"Ten Septims. You can try out this spell in here if you wish."
Link paid the ten coins and was handed the tome, he then opened it and the tome turned to dust from him learning the spell.
He then said "Candlelight" and a second later, a blue ball of light began to circle him, casting a soft glow around the room.
Falion nodded. "Good. Do you need anything else?"
"I don't think so, no."
"Then I won't keep you then. If you want more tomes, just come and find me."
Link left Falion's house and returned to the destroyed building, then stood in the center, trying to ignore the faded and best forgotten memories of his youth as he looked for anything he might have missed.
"Hi!"
A young girl's voice came from nowhere and the Hylian turned to find himself looking at a spirit. "Hello."
"You're a soldier? That's so cool! My name's Helgi. What's your name?"
"Link."
The girl nodded. "Cool."
Link found himself liking the spirit already. "Do you know what happened here?"
Helgi nodded. "I was here with my mother. There was smoke and flames, I felt tired, so I laid under a table and fell asleep… Then I was like this." The spirit gestured to herself, then her face lit up. "Let's play a game?"
Link was taken back by her emotional shift. "A… game?" He asked slowly.
Helgi nodded. "Hide and seek. I hide, and you find me!"
Hide and seek. This couldn't be that hard. "Is there a catch to this?"
"You have to find me after dark, so the other player can join in!" Helgi exclaimed.
Link looked up at the sky. It was already twilight. He then moved his gaze back to Helgi. "'Other player'? Who are they?"
At this, Helgi looked around with a scared expression on her face and she shushed the warrior. "The other one is close and might hear me! If you can find me first, I'll tell you!" Then the girl's spirit vanished and Link was left alone in the charred broken house.
Link returned to Highmoon Hall and approached Idgrod, who got up from her chair. "Did you find anything?"
The Dragonborn nodded. "I… spoke to her spirit."
Idngrod nodded. "And what did she say?"
"She told me of what happened, then wanted to play a game with me and she wants to talk to me after dark, though she didn't tell me where she would be."
The old woman didn't speak for a few seconds. "The graveyard." Idgrod finally stated solemnly. "Her coffin is there. She does seem to be fond of you, Link."
Link nodded, unsure of how to respond.
Idgrod got up from her chair and looked out a nearby window. "I'd say it's dark enough that you can head there now, but be vigilant."
Link left Highmoon Hall and made his way to the graveyard, where he found a woman standing before an unburied coffin. "Hello."
The woman spun around, staring at Link as she held a dagger in her hand. "Who are you?" She demanded.
"Just someone investigating the burned house. Are you Laelette?"
The woman pointed the dagger at him. "So you're the one wandering into things you should keep your distance from!" She slashed the dagger towards Link, causing him to step back as it scratched his chestplate. "If I kill you, our secret can remain hidden!"
Laelette lunged towards Link, who sidestepped and watched in silent horror as she fell on the shovel she had been using to dig up the coffin. The woman didn't get up and Link knelt beside her, checking for a pulse. There was none, and as he moved the body away from the shovel, he noted it left a blood trail as he set the corpse in the middle of the graveyard, then stood and approached Helgi's coffin.
"You found me before she did!" Helgi's voice came from within the coffin as it began to glow softly.
"I did. The Jarl wants to know what happened."
And so, Helgi told Link of how an unwilling Laelette was forced to burn the house. Laelette, in an effort to save Helgi, attempted to turn her into a vampire, but Helgi was too far gone from the fire and perished.
Link sighed as he took off his helmet and closed his eyes as he nursed what he knew was an encroaching headache. 'Why must I be the one to deal with this?'
"Are you hurt?" Helgi asked from within the coffin.
"No… it's just a headache, that's all." He muttered as he opened his eyes.
"Oh." There was a beat of silence that was marked by bird calls. "I'm tired, I think I'll go to sleep now. It was fun meeting you, Link."
"You too, Helgi." Link watched in silence as the coffin's glow faded and hung his head, staring at the ground. 'I need to deal with this now before anyone else is hurt.'
Link head footfalls and lifted his head to find a man standing there, looking down at the fresh corpse. "Are you Thonnir?"
The man nodded and then knelt beside Laelette. "I thought she had left me to join the resistance, and now I find her dead!"
"Was there anything strange going on before she left?"
Thonnir looked up and then stood.. "My wife… had begun to spend a lot of time with Alva, they were supposed to meet on the night she vanished. When I asked Alva, she claimed Laelette had never shown up."
"Thonnir." Link chose his words carefully. "Alva is a vampire, and she turned Laelette. Helgi told me that Laelette tried to turn her as well, but she was too far gone from the fire."
Thonnir gazed at Link for a second before he suddenly lashed out at the warrior, ignoring the boy's yelp of pain as the man's fist gave the warrior a black eye and sent him back a bit. "I refuse to believe Alva is a vampire!" Thonnir yelled. "I refuse to believe your lies! You have no proof!"
Link kept his distance in case the man attacked him again as he raised a hand to his face, covering his black eye. "Do you normally attack people like that?" It was unable to keep the hint of pain from his voice.
The grief stricken man was kneeling next to his dead wife and got up when he heard Link speak. "I think you should stop interfering with things that you shouldn't get involved in." Thorrin curled his hands into fists. "Maybe I have to teach you a lesson." He then walked over to Link at a fast pace and swung a punch.
Link caught the fist with his left hand, and chose not to give the man a response as he drew his other hand back, and knocked Thorrin to the ground with a well aimed punch to the jaw.
The Dragonborn looked at the unconscious man for a few seconds, then turned away and left Thorrin there where he fell as he walked through the graveyard.
He reached the end of the graveyard, then stepped around the corner, leaning against the wooden frame of a house as he used Heal on his eye and waited for the spell to take effect. 'Great. I need to get proof somehow…'
Link's gaze fell on a suspicious looking house nearby. 'Wait a second, that's Alva's house." It looked just like the one he had passed on the way to see Falion.
A few minutes later, Link stared at the lockpick in his hand, then gazed at the locked door he was standing in front of that was lit by a nearby torch. 'It's now or never,' He knelt before the door and inserted the lockpick into the lock, carefully twisting and turning the pick until the door was unlocked and he slowly opened it, a hand on one of his twin daggers as he stepped into the house.
No one was inside.
Link found no sign of Alva as he searched the house, although he did find a wooden coffin in the basement. Upon opening it, he found what appeared to be a journal. He normally wouldn't go through someone's personal belongings, but this time was a bit different.
The Dragonborn picked up the journal and then skimmed through it. Some of it wasn't that interesting, something about a romance, most of it was intriguing however. It detailed how Alva had fallen in love with someone named Morvarth, and how he had turned her into a vampire. Morvarth was to take over Morthal and enslave everyone, courtesy of Alva seducing all of the capable fighters.
Link couldn't help but wonder if that included him.
He spent some time looking around the basement and house, hoping to find anything else. Link didn't find anything, so he returned to Highmoon Hall and approached Idgrod. "Here. I found this journal in Alva's house."
Idgrod reached out and took the journal from Link while setting a small pouch of Septims on the table. "Your payment." Her eyes narrowed as she opened the book and read its contents. "I knew it." She muttered darkly. "Movarth still lives, and it says that he turned Alva into one of his own kind… there's something in here about…" The old woman's eyes widened. "'Enslaving the town of Morthal for their blood.'"
Idgord slammed the journal shut and tossed it on a nearby table, her face dark. "I appreciate all that you've done for us, young mister Farmanne, but I'm afraid there's one last task - go to Morvarth's lair and slay all of the vampires that you find there. I'll find a group to go with you."
Link stood there in thought. 'I've never heard of these creatures before. Judging by what I've learned, they most likely sleep in coffins and can turn people somehow.' "What are vampires?" He asked in curiosity.
"Creatures that are created by the Daedric Prince, Molag Bal. They prey on all living things to suck their blood for nourishment. They loathe the sun due to it burning them, and they're able to turn others into Vampires by biting them." Idgrod explained.
A nearby guard spoke up. "They say if a Vampire scratches you, that is enough to turn you into one of them." The man looked peckish from just imagining it. "And once that happens, there's no return." He finished ominously.
"Shouldn't be any trouble at all, I'll just go find this cave and deal with them, then return here." 'I just have to be careful, and I'll be fine.'
"You forget what you're dealing with, boy." Idgrod reprimanded. "Vampires are an entirely different breed of monster. I don't care who you are, Dragonborn or not, if one of them bites you, you're as good as dead if you don't get the bite treated in time."
"Why is that?" Link questioned as he reached down and picked up the Septim filled pouch from the table, momentarily distracted due to counting out the Septims, which ended up being a total of two hundred.
"Because you'll turn into one of those bloodsucking fiends, and then you'll be killed."
Link looked up. "I'm sure I'll be fine." He stated, then paused. "You don't need to give me this much, I have more than I know what to do with."
The old woman smiled. "That may be true now, but you may need those someday. Keep them."
Link thought about responding but decided not to and nodded. "Since you don't want me to go alone, who are you sending?"
"Thonnir, for one. He'll gather the others. Let me see your map." Idgrod stepped back as Link set his somewhat marked map on the table, before the Jarl marked a location close to Morthal. "That's the cave."
"I didn't see Alva."
"Then she's most likely there." Idgrod stated before she placed a hand on Link's shoulder, making him look up at her. "Be extremely careful."
"I'll try."
When Link stepped out of Highmoon Hall, he was greeted by Thorrin and several others. Thorrin didn't seem too happy to see Link. "So Idgrod sent you?"
"Yes." He saw Benor in the crowd and walked over to him.
"Are you sure you want to go with us? Vampires are dangerous." Benor stated.
"I'll be fine."
"That attitude of yours is going to get you killed." Mentioned a nearby guard.
"I've survived worse." Link answered as he watched Thorrin gather the others.
"Today, we go to rid Morthal of a vampire who dwells nearby in a cave. We must stop it and its thralls before it attacks our hold." Said the Nord as the others drew close.
The others cheered and waved their various weapons in the air as they turned and ran out of Morthal, Link followed at a decent pace in silence, thinking about what Idgrod and the guard and told him about Vampires.
The journey took the group out of Morthal and through the marsh, they passed by various creatures that Link didn't know the names of, and soon they reached a cave entrance.
Link noticed the others hung back as he walked up to the opening and looked in. He turned back to face them. "Aren't you going to fight?"
Thorrin looked nervous and he visibly hesitated. "We are… however…"
Someone else in the crowd spoke. "What are we waiting for? Aren't we going to go in?"
"Now that I think about it, I don't want to be torn to shreds or worse by vampires! We should have never agreed to this!" The man who had spoken broke off from the crowd and started to run back towards Morthal.
"So you're all afraid and you don't want to admit it." Link stated in an annoyed tone. "That's fine. I will go in and slay all of the vampires by myself, since all of you seem to be completely incapable." The Hylian turned and entered the cave without another word.
The entry tunnel led to a wooden platform over a room with two frostbite spiders.
Link eyed the spiders as they skittered across the wooden platform, then he reached to his side and drew Dawnbreaker, watching as the two spiders started to back away from the flaming sword. The spiders backed away enough that they fell from the wooden platform and died upon hitting the floor below.
There was a ramp to the left of the platform that descended into the chamber. There was nothing else of interest in this first room, except the dark tunnel to the south which led to another room, where a vampire's thrall was sitting at a table with a lantern.
The Thrall made as if to get up, but ended up being pinned to the chair by Dusk, the dagger soon freezing the thrall solid. Link retrieved the thrown dagger and continued on his way, wondering why he appeared to be alone here in the caves.
Beyond the thrall, along a short twisting path, was a small room with three carts filled with the remains of a few people, and an imp stool growing in the middle of the room. There was a hole in the rock wall to the left, but it was too high to reach.
The path deeper into the network of caverns was to the north of where the vampire's thrall sat. Another low-level vampire was working in this room, burying corpses in a hole in the northwest portion of the room.
This vampire was ran-through with Dawnbreaker from behind, Link kicked the corpse off of the sword and looked around.
There were three piles of rocks around the room littered with remains. There was a table to the left of the entrance with some generic clothes, another to the right with more generic clothes, and a bleeding crown growing at the base of the second table. By the western wall was a cart and a table with more clothes. By this table was a pickaxe, a barrel with a potion of minor magicka, and beyond that a bleeding crown. The corpses of three Nords and a Redguard lay in the hole, and the only thing of note was that the Redguard carried a lockpick. Lastly, on the other side of the room, there was a bed roll and another bleeding crown.
Link took the alchemy items as well as the lockpick and magicka potion, then pressed onwards.
The next tunnel was to the north, and split into a higher and lower pathway. The higher path was bridged with wooden planks, and there was an iron ore vein in the wall. This path led around the wall to a bedroom of sorts.
The tunnel to the northeast led to the other side of the bedroom area that the higher wooden path led to. There were two imp stools growing in the northeast tunnel. The room was split in two: one part with a single bed, and another section with three bed rolls. By the single bed was a copy of the book 2920, Sun's Dawn, v2, a pair of boots that had Movarth's name on them (which appeared to be enchanted somehow), and a shelf with a large assortment of boots (which included a pair of Imperial light boots and a pair of Stormcloak officer boots). The only item of note by the bed rolls was a potion of minor healing on a dresser. Link took all of the items and turned to leave the room when he heard a voice.
"Leaving so soon? How disappointing."
Link looked over a shoulder to see Alva sitting on the bed, he didn't like the way her eyes lit up. "A strong warrior like you… I was hoping to have a bit of… fun."
Link remembered what he had read in Alva's journal and then knew what she wanted from him. "I'm not interested, sorry."
He really didn't like the way she was looking at him, the feeling grew as she slowly rose from the bed and slowly walked over to him. "I'm afraid this isn't a choice. My plan can still work." Alva bared her fangs as she drew closer; Link tried to suppress a shiver as he saw the glint of some sort of poison in the dim light. "I can't think of any better first victim than you."
"I could easily kill you." Link tried to keep his voice steady as he started to reach for Dawnbreaker.
Alva laughed. "I know." She was inches away now, she leaned forward, enjoying the look in Link's eyes as he started to back away. "But you won't get the chance to."
'I have to get out of here.' Link looked around for the room's exit while he kept himself facing Alva, who was drawing closer by the second.
Alva bared her fangs, then lunged towards the warrior, as she scratched at his neck, he twisted away and drew Dawnbreaker, swinging it at Alva and slashing her across the face.
The Vampire screamed and clawed at her face as it seemed to catch fire. "It burns!" She wailed as she stumbled around the room before Alva snapped her head up and lunged towards Link again, her yellow eyes glinting in the low light and her fangs bared.
Link swung Dawnbreaker again and slashed Alva's chest, then noticed that the sword had stopped glowing. He didn't think much of it as Alva slashed at him again, causing deep scratches in the chestplate and slicing it, the inverted metal cutting into his skin.
The Dragonborn got his bearings and then took out a Clawshot, then pierced Alva in the heart after firing it. The weapon got stuck on bones and as the Vampire collapsed, Link tore open her chest with Dawnbreaker, gore and blood flying in all directions as the claw and chain retracted.
It took him a second to note that Alva's heart was stuck on the blood soaked claw and he almost dropped the Clawshot. Link held the weapon away from him and swung it a few times, trying to dislodge the heart. It finally hit the wall and slid to the floor, leaving a blood trail on the stone wall.
Link chose to leave the room then before he passed out from shock.
Link slowly walked down the corridor, stopping every now and then to catch his breath.
His clothes and armor were disheveled and stained with blood as he reached out and caught himself against the wall before he fell.
Thoughts swirled in his head as he leaned forward, closing his eyes as he rested his head on the cold dirt wall. 'I'm still alive…' His legs gave out and he sank to the ground, just now noticing that his neck hurt.
More than hurt, it burned.
Were mere scratches supposed to hurt this much?
Link reached up and took off his helmet, gingerly feeling his neck injury as he moved to a sitting position against the wall.
He tried to not remember how Alva had died, that had been too much, even for a vampire.
After a while, Link recollected himself, got up, and continued walking.
The lower path led to the main chamber, where the master vampire and one of his followers were feasting.
Link watched from the shadows, a hand set on Dawnbreaker's hilt, able to see more of his surroundings now that his helmet was off, having been placed in his knapsack. No, he couldn't attack just yet.
"Do you know who I am, child? I am Movarth Piquine. I must admit, you have been a thorn in my side ever since you learnt of Morthal's secret. But that ends here." snarled the master vampire as he rose from the table and his eyes locked onto where Link was hiding. "I can see you. Come forth from the shadows."
Two more vampires appeared, one from the south tunnel, and the other from the northeast as Link stepped from behind a standing pillar, drawing Dawnbreaker from its scabbard and smiling as the vampires stepped back for a second before their resolve returned.
As Morvarth and his followers surrounded Link, he closed his eyes, drew a deep breath, then opened his eyes and used Unrelenting Force.
The Dragonborn watched in silent satisfaction as Morvarth was sent backwards by the Shout and impaled on a metal spike at the back of the room, his followers scattered in all directions.
Link spun Dawnbreaker in his hand as he eyed a vampire that had gotten up and was approaching him. Once the creature got close enough, the Hylian ran forward and slashed upward, before spinning around and catching the vampire in the side. The creature screamed and collapsed as Morvarth freed himself from the metal spike.
Morvarth turned into a cloud of bats and flew towards the warrior, screeching and clawing at the air, then scattering as Link cast Fireball at the bat cloud. Morvarth reformed before Link and snarled. "I see Alva was slain by your hand. You shall pay for your insolence."
Link eyed the master vampire nervously and then raised Dawnbreaker, the holy sword seeming to blaze in the presence of evil from the light of the nearby torches.
"So that's how it is, then. Very well." Morvarth stated before he shocked Link with lightning.
Link blocked most of it with Dawnbreaker, channeling the lightning into the sword itself, then swinging it towards the vampires that were enclosing in on him to the left and right. They convulsed in place and then collapsed.
"Your reign ends here, Morvarth." It somewhat hurt to speak and Link tasted blood as he got into a defensive stance, eying the remaining vampire.
Morvarth laughed. "Look at yourself, child. You are wounded, fatigued, and unable to speak. If you surrender now, I may let you live."
The Dragonborn narrowed his eyes and growled as he lunged forward, sword poised at Morvarth's chest.
Morvarth twisted away, leaving Link off balance as he tried to correct himself. He failed to do so and fell to the ground, rolling out of the way as the vampire stabbed downwards with his own sword.
Link got up and began to circle Morvarth, the vampire always keeping his front towards him. "Give up, you've already lost."
The Dragonborn shook his head and lunged forward again, skewering the vampire to the wall by Dawnbreaker.
Morvarth looked down and then slashed at Link with his sword, narrowly missing his right eye as the vampire then tried to pry himself from the sword. "You haven't won, child. Not against your mind."
Link cast Fireball again at Morvarth's face, but he missed due to the sudden pain of his Triforce burning again, this distraction caused Morvarth to free himself.
"I say it once again, surrender, and I might let you live." Commanded Morvarth as he cast a spell upon Link that made some sort of red mist leave his body and gather on the vampire's palm. Strangely enough, Morvarth's injures seemed to be disappearing.
Several more vampires appeared and Link found himself backing away, knowing that he was now outnumbered.
'Wait a second.' He realized. 'I'm not alone after all.' He held out a hand and called out "Summon Flame Atronach."
"What are you doing?" Questioned Movarth as he drew near the warrior, then found himself leaping back as a woman of flame appeared in a roaring fire.
The Flame Atronach frowned when she saw Link, then turned around in the air and noticed the vampires. She gazed at them for a moment, then summoned fire and began to cast it at the undead.
Morvarth started to flee, but Link ran after him as the summoned Daedra took care of the others. Link cornered the Master Vampire at the end of the room and stabbed him in the shoulder with Dawnbreaker.
"You can't kill me, I am invincible, immortal, a mere child can't possibly-" Morvarth went silent as the Flame Atronach appeared behind Link and gazed at him with disapproval.
The vampire then turned to ash after the creature rained fire upon him and the sword clattered to the ground.
Link winced from the sword slash as he picked up Dawnbreaker and closed his eyes for a few seconds, then opened them and looked around as the Flame Atronach vanished. He thought about finding somewhere to sleep in the cave due to feeling so tired, but thought against it and checked the contents of the room.
There wasn't much in the main room. The table was covered with food and drink, with a medium coin purse, two small coin purses, and a fair bit of loose gold. The table also held an enchanter's potion, as well as remnains of the vampires' victims, clothes, armor, bones, etc. Lastly, there were two Namira's rot growing between the table and the southern tunnel.
The three coin purses held in all two hundred Septims, and the loose gold numbered twenty, which Link took as well as the alchemy ingredients.
Behind Movarth's throne to the east in the main chamber was a wooden ramp to a small room with another vampire.
A well timed throw of Dawn caused the creature to burst into flames and make an ash pile on the floor.
There was an empty chest and an alchemy lab here, along with a set of shelves holding a potion of healing and a copy of Immortal Blood, a book about Movarth. Link took the potion of healing and downed it before he examined the book briefly. He took it with him to read later.
The tunnel to the south led to one final room. There was a vampire on the platform to the left.
Link and the vampire eyed each other before Link ran forward and cut the creature down where it stood by decapitating it. He wondered how the remaining vampires hadn't heard the fight in the main room.
To the right was a wooden platform with a bed roll, an empty chest, and a poison bottle on a dresser. At the top of the stone ramp was another imp stool, with a large coin purse that held fifty Septims, an orcish bow, and ten arrows on the cobweb-covered table to the left. Link took everything and continued onward. A tunnel to the right led to the opening above the small room with the three carts filled with remains, providing a convenient return to the entrance.
He didn't expect Helgi's spirit to show up. "You're hurt." The girl frowned.
"I've survived worse." Link tried to make light of his situation, but he wasn't so sure that what he had said was true.
"I don't sense any of the vampires."
"No. Helgi, I avenged you and your mother."
"Mother's calling me. It's time for me to sleep now. I'm so tired, thank you for making her feel better."
As the girl vanished, Link felt like he was being hugged for a second, then the sensation faded. Yet he felt as if the pain had lessened slightly as he left the cave.
Had that presence been Helgi's mother? Link would never know.
When Link stepped out of the cave, no one was there to greet him. He slowly made his way back to Morthal, feeling his damaged chestplate injure him more and more until he stopped and inspected his injury.
He slowly pried the bent metal from his chest and then removed the chestplate, letting it fall to the ground next to him as he looked up at the dawning sky. A light cold rain was falling, Link closed his eyes and breathed deeply as he felt the rain wash over him and somewhat cleanse his wounds.
He then knelt on a somewhat dry marsh surface and rummaged through his bag until he found a major healing potion, then downed it, then used Heal on himself. His chest wound slowly healed, but strangely enough, the scratches on his neck didn't heal at all. There was still the issue of his Triforce burning.
Link decided to not worry about it and collected his things, then continued to walk across the marsh to Morthal.
"What happened to your armor?" Idgrod asked as Link stepped into Highmoon Hall holding his damaged chestplate.
"Alva." Link responded as he all but collapsed at the long table in the middle of the room, then removed all of his armor and tossed it on the wooden surface.
Link didn't even realize he had fallen asleep until he felt someone roughly shake him and he lifted his head and slowly focused on Idgrod.
"If you were in better condition, I'd suggest you get a room at the inn, but you're clearly still injured…" Idgrod trailed off in thought. "I'll make an exception. I have a side room for important guests, I'd say you've earned the right to use it." She helped Link up from the table and walked him over to the side room. "Unfortunately, we don't happen to have a blacksmith, but your armor can still be cleaned. You can tell me what happened after you've rested."
The second that Idgrod left the room, Link disarmed himself completely and let all of the weapons fall to the floor as he set his bags on the nearby table. He didn't even remember falling onto the bed.
Link awoke several hours later, feeling somewhat better. He gathered his things after leaving the bed and then left the room. Idgrod was sitting on her throne at the end of the hall, as she usually did.
The Hylian approached her. "Hello."
Idgrod looked up from where she had been reading some book. "You seem more coherent now. I take it the rest did you good?"
"It did, thank you. I think I remember you telling me I could explain what happened after I woke up?"
"Yes. You mentioned Alva when I asked about the state of your armor."
Link decided to sit at the long table. "I fought Alva in the cave. She tried to kill me, but I ended her life."
"Good." Idgrod nodded in approval. "And what of Morvarth?"
"Dead." Link responded. "I spoke to Helgi's spirit before I left."
"You did? What did she say?" Idgrod leaned forward in her chair a bit in curiosity.
"She thanked me for avenging her and her mother." Link responded, then changed the subject. "I met Falion."
"What did you think of him?" Idgrod questioned.
"He's nice. Seemed happy to teach me how to learn spells."
"Good. He taught at the College for a while but didn't like it there. He must have been thrilled to have a student like you."
"College?"
"The College of Winterhold, to the northeast. Mages of all sorts live there." The Jarl explained.
"I'll have to visit someday." Link commented before he saw his armor lying nearby. It was so clean he could see his reflection in the metal, although it was still damaged. It looked like the twisted metal had been worn down enough so it wouldn't bother him. He donned his armor and then got up from the table. "I hope your hold is more peaceful now."
"You certainly helped, Link. How do you feel about becoming Thane?"
"I'm already the Thane of Whiterun."
Idgrod nodded. "A Thane of another hold can still be Thane in others. I won't hold you back, however, as I foresaw you doing great things. And from what I've heard, I would choose no other to bequeath the title of Thane. Because of what you did, all you need to do is take the hearts of my people, and I shall make you my Thane.
"Thank you, Idgrod."
Link left Highmoon Hall and walked to the stables, retrieved Epona, then finally left Morthal.
Water didn't fill his thirst, neither did food fill his hunger. This was something else entirely. The heat of the sun overhead was overbearing and seemed to burn at times. The burning of his Triforce had increased to be almost constant, yet there was the new sensation of his Twilight curse also being affected.
Link soon came across a Sabertooth cat that was wandering around nearby his location a few hours after leaving Morthal. He didn't pay it any mind, but when it attacked Epona, he intervened, leaping from the horse's back and drawing his sword as he brought it down upon the cat's back.
The cat screamed as the sword sliced through its spine and pierced its stomach, blood coating the ground below as the Sabertooth twisted and raked claws down Link's hand, causing him to draw back and let go of the sword.
The Sabertooth fell to the ground and started to spin in circles, being half paralyzed. Link gazed at the cat for a while before he drew one of his daggers and stabbed the creature in the head, killing it instantly.
Link found himself eying the sword that was stuck in the corpse, the sight of the blood soaked blade nearly driving him mad. He lowered his head to the metal surface and tasted -
He froze mid-lick, his eyes went wide and he pulled back, leaving the sword in the dead cat as he retreated from the dead Sabertooth.
'Why did I do that?'
He stopped and looked back at the dead cat, feeling the strange hunger surge again. Link felt himself shifting and changing - he was now a wolf.
The beast salivated at the scent of blood, and he tore across the grass over to the cat and started to tear into the corpse, not stopping until his hunger and thirst were satisfied. The Sabertooth was nearly picked clean by the time he was done and the wolf lounged by the bones as he rested.
After a while, Link realized what he had done and he stared at the bones in horror and mortification. What Idgrod and the guard had said ran through his mind as he lay there. He felt faint and the world started to spin, causing him to drop his head and close his eyes as he listened to his panicked, ragged breathing. 'I can't be… I can't…'
Link forced himself to rise and stagger away from the corpse, focusing his gaze on Epona as he felt himself shift back to his human self. Somehow, looking at the horse helped him calm down slightly as he managed to find a nearby stream and get the taste of blood out of his mouth.
The Hylian then noticed that his eyes were now yellow in color, then watched as they turned to a dual black and red, then to his normal sky blue in the water's reflection. 'Might be my current state of mind, but that is interesting.'
Link then left the stream to return to Epona, and he looked back at the Sabertooth to see the sword sticking out of it.
He slowly walked over to Dawnbreaker and uprooted it from the ground, noting the blood-stained grass as he turned away, heading back to Epona. 'This can't be happening.' Yet it was.
'I need to get to Whiterun.' He thought frantically as he leapt onto Epona's back and kicked her roughly in the sides for once as the horse took off across the plains. 'I need to-' Pain coursed through his body and his vision turned red for a few moments, then slowly returned to normal. '-Great. They didn't tell me about this.'
It would be a long few hours to Whiterun.
Dancia knew the symptoms of Sanguinare Vampiris when she saw it. When she saw a somewhat familiar face slowly walk into her temple, she set down the paper she was writing on and swiftly walked over to him. "Where in Nirn did you get bit by a Vampire?"
"Morthal."
Dancia took Link by the shoulders and met his gaze. "I will help you, my life is devoted to helping those inflicted with the curses. You have nothing to worry about."
The Priestess guided the frantic youth to an unoccupied cot and made him comfortable.
Dancia handed Link a filled potion bottle. "Here. Drink this. It's a Cure Disease potion, but it'll make you sleep for a few hours. Looks like you need to rest anyway."
Link grabbed the potion from the woman and drained it, almost dropping it in the process. He felt extremely tired afterwards and made himself comfortable on the cot. "What happens now?"
"I'll watch over you while the potion cures you. You'll awaken in a few hours, and you should be cured."
Link didn't even know that he had fallen asleep until he noticed that time had passed the next time he opened his eyes, finding that his armor and weapons were gone and that he was covered by a heavy blanket.
There were no more painful red flashes, the sun's rays, shining through the windows of the temple, didn't seem to burn him, and he no longer had that insatiable hunger and thirst.
He noted that his Triforce no longer burned and he slowly rose to a sitting position, feeling relief that he had made it to Whiterun in time.
"You're awake." Dancia walked over. "Some of the Companions stopped by and decided to take your things to Jorrvaskr."
"How long has it been?"
"Six hours since you arrived." Dancia sighed. "You were incredibly lucky you arrived here when you did. Another day and the process would have been irreversible."
"Irreversible… It was a good thing you managed to cure me then, I wouldn't have wanted to be stuck like that forever." Link responded, then added. "I believe I have something to give to you. Where's my bag?"
"Here." Dancia handed him his magically enchanted knapsack and Link sifted through it until he carefully took out the sapling and held it out to the priestess. "Here."
Dancia's eyes widened. "Is that an Eldergleam Sapling?"
"It is."
The woman took the sapling from Link and looked down at it. "I thank you. But... I can't run the Temple without the support of people who are inspired by the Gildergreen. How can this little tree bring new worshippers?"
"Maurice told me, specifically, that renewal is more important than maintenance."
"I... you're right of course. It can be hard to hear the winds of Kynareth when all you hear are the rabble in the temple. Death feeds new life. I'm sure that, in time, this little sapling will grow into a new Gildergreen that will tower over Whiterun. Thank you. You've risked so much to help everyone, I hope seeing the sapling in the square will help ease the burden of all that you've sacrificed." Dancia then stepped out of the temple and Link was alone.
But not for long.
The door soon opened and a familiar Khajiit and Argonian stepped in.
"See? I told you he was here, Swift." Said the Khajiit.
"And did you believe that yourself? No." Responded Swift as she crossed the room and hugged Link, who gladly returned the hug. "You really need to stop getting into situations like this."
"I don't think that's possible."
Samson walked over. "No. The life of a warrior like yourself is fraught with danger, yes?"
Link rose from the cot and grabbed Sam's hand, then hugged him. "It's been awhile since I saw the two of you." He felt the soft fur of the Khajiit before he stepped back and then properly hugged Swift, then let go and eyed his friends.
"It has." Swift commented. "But a vampire? What were you doing?"
"Saving Morthal. Avenging deaths. The usual."
Samson grinned. "Sounds about right."
"I have to go to Jorrvaskr, my things are there." Link said as he attempted to walk across the room and then stopped halfway. "I might need help getting there though."
Sam nodded. "Sure."
The Khajiit and Argonian walked with Link out of the temple and outside; the Gildergreen was gone, and a sapling was in its place.
Dancia stood from where she had been planting the sapling and noticed Link. "The Gildergreen was finally cut down earlier today." As she said this, the tiny sapling started to grow and the four of them watched as the sapling grew into a small, thin and alive tree.
"I'm not sure how long it shall take for the tree to grow into its full size, but seeing an alive tree in the square makes me not worry as much." Dancia turned to Link. "I thank you again, if you ever need my services, my temple is open to you." She then walked away back into Kynareth Temple.
Swift walked over to the small tree and began to examine it. "So this will grow into the massive tree that was here before?"
"At some point, I assume." Sam answered as he also inspected the tree.
Link said farewell to Samson and Swift, then turned and walked up the steps towards the overturned boat.
The doors to Jorrvaskr opened as Link stepped inside.
He was greeted by multiple Companions, Farkas included. "Welcome back. I'm glad to see that you're awake." The man wrapped Link in a bear hug and ruffled his hair before stepping back. "I visited you during the few hours you were asleep at the temple."
Aela approached from the stairs. "We all were wondering what happened to you."
"I saved Morthal from a vampire clan, and happened to be attacked when I was in the cave dealing with the vampires. Nearly became one of them, but I got to Whiterun and was cured in time."
Farkas and the others in the room complemented Link. "Yes, we heard about Morthal being saved."
"We heard rumors that you had fought a master vampire. Seems they were true after all." Said Aela. "You'd be a good fit here."
'I would? In that case…' "I want to join." Link stated.
A man approached that Link recognized as Vilkas. "You do?" The Nord studied him. "You think you can even hold a sword in your condition?"
"I'm not sure. Why?"
"Part of the initiation is fighting me in a sword duel." Vilkas answered.
Farkas reprimanded Vilkas. "You know he can't properly join until the Harbinger approves of him." He turned to Link. "Go and speak to Kodlak, he's downstairs at the moment in his room."
Link nodded and headed downstairs. There were several rooms that were bedrooms, judging by what Link could see from the hallway. Eventually, he reached the end room and found Kodlak sitting in a chair. "Voices carry from upstairs. So you want to join?"
"I do."
"Would you now? Here, let me have a look at you." Kodlak motioned for Link to sit down at the other chair and he did so.
"Hm. Yes, perhaps. A certain strength of spirit." Kodlak eyed Link from across the table. "You've gained new scars since I saw you last. And from what I've heard, you've been all over Skyrim. Tell me, out of the holds that you've been to so far, which one is your favorite?"
Link had to think about it. 'Solitude is massive and it's in a snowy region, Morthal is built on a marsh, Whiterun is on plains, Windhelm is in snow as well but it's surrounded by a large birch forest.' "I'd have to say the Rift."
"A good choice, but what is your reasoning?"
"It's nice there. Lots of forests to walk through. High Hrothgar is nearby on the mountain, and everyone I've met there is friendly."
Kodlak nodded. "That's the case everywhere, mostly. Skyrim is full of outgoing citizens." He seemed to study Link some more. "They asked for my approval? They have it. Go upstairs and talk to Vilkas."
"Thank you, Kodlak." Link responded as he got up from the table and headed upstairs.
"So?" Farkas questioned when Link approached him.
"I'm approved."
"Good." Vilkas said as he walked over. "If you're up to it, I can test your worth."
Link walked over to the table and sat down at it. "Considering I was cured earlier from almost turning into a Vampire, I'm not so sure fighting anyone is a good idea at the moment."
"Here. If you can't fight, you can still help us, and I can duel you later on." Vilkas set his sword on the table before Link, which caused him to become alert. "Take this up to Eorlund at the Sky-Forge to be sharpened. I don't expect you to do it right away. Farkas has something to give you when you get back."
Link examined the sword before he nodded up at Vilkas and slowly got up from the table, taking the sword with him as he left Jorrvaskr and headed for the Sky-Forge.
He could hear the banging of metal as he climbed the steps, feeling the heat of the forge as he drew close to the lone man forming something into shape.
"Eorlund?"
The man looked up and smiled. "Link!" He dropped the tool he was using and attempted to clean his soot covered hands with his apron as he approached Link and shook his hand. "You've been through a lot in the past few days, from what I've heard. Been to Solitude and Morthal, have you? News does spread quickly around these parts. What can I do for you?"
"Vilkas sent me so you can sharpen his sword."
Eorlund frowned. "Sending you to do the mule's work? Suppose you could use the experience. Come on over here."
Link and Eorlund approached a grindstone, where the smith took the sword from Link and began to sharpen the sword. "Shouldn't take too long at all."
A few minutes later, the sword was sharpened and Eorlund tested the blade's prowess by swinging it at a training figure made of straw. The sword cut through the straw figure's head. "Good." He then handed the sword to Link, then turned to the forge and picked up a shield. "This goes to Aela."
Link took the shield and examined it.
"Do be careful out there." Eorlund said, going back to his forge.
"Can't make any promises." Link watched the man work the forge for a while before he returned to Jorrvaskr, deciding to give Vilkas his sword first.
Vilkas and Kodlak were talking in Kodlak's room when Link walked down the stairs and approached the room. "Vilkas?"
The two men stopped talking and Vilkas got up from his chair. "Let me see."
Link handed the sword to Vilkas and the man inspected it. "Perfect. Aela is wanting a shield, did you also get that?"
Link nodded. "I wanted to give you your sword first."
Vilkas smiled. "Good. You're free to leave."
"Wait a moment, Vilkas." Kodlak said, eying Link. "Let me speak to him."
Vilkas gazed at Link, then nodded and stepped out.
Kodlak gestured to the now empty chair at the table. "Sit."
Link joined the older man at the table.
The Nord eyed Link and sighed. "I heard what happened in Morthal." He said quietly. "That you dealt with an entire vampire clan. That you were nearly turned…" The man shook his head. "I can't imagine what it was like for you."
The warrior didn't respond and lowered his gaze to the table.
"Link."
He looked up at Kodlak.
"I want you to know that you are safe here. As long as I live, nothing will hurt you here in Jorrvaskr." Kodlak smiled. "You will always have a place here."
Link gazed at the man for a moment, then smiled back. "Thank you." 'Maybe I will be okay.'
"I believe you have a shield to deliver." Kodlak got up from his chair. "Aela should be down here somewhere."
Link didn't expect to be hugged by the Nord as he stood. He was taken aback but then gladly returned the gesture for at least twenty seconds before they separated.
Aela and Skjor were talking when Link walked down the steps with the shield after going upstairs to retrieve it.
"Aela."
The woman turned. "My shield?" Aela took it from Link and eyed it. "This is perfect, thank you."
Skjor looked down at Link. "I think you've grown since I saw you last."
"You think so?"
"Mayhaps." Skjor concluded, deciding that he wasn't able to tell.
Kodlak stepped out of his room and Vilkas walked down the stairs. "Is he ready to join us yet?"
Kodlak looked at Vilkas. "I'm still deciding on that. Question is, does he think he's ready?"
All four companions gazed at Link, who began to feel uncomfortable and shifted from side to side a bit.
That was when they heard a roar.
"What was that?" Voiced Vilkas.
Link raised his gaze to the ceiling, his senses on high alert. He knew that roar.
Kodlak frowned. "Whatever it is, it's massive."
There was a second roar and dust rained down from the ceiling.
"Where are my things?" Link asked the four Companions and Kodlak took him to a side room where he found his weapons and armor. He had finished adjusting his helmet when he realized what was attacking Whiterun.
"Dragon." Link hissed as he felt a nearly overwhelming rage and more dust rained down as the beast roared a third time.
He wanted to punch something.
"Save your anger for the dragon." Kodlak gently told Link, who nodded mutely and reluctantly followed the four Companions up the stairs and outside, where he was greeted by a red and black scaled dragon that was swooping down and terrorizing the citizens of Whiterun.
He tracked the dragon's movements as it dove upon the city, and finally used Unrelenting Force to get its attention as he and the Companions ran down the steps to the market.
"Dovahkiin!" Roared the beast as it turned on a Septim and landed before Link, baring its fangs as dust momentarily blinded him. "Face me in battle!"
As the dust cleared, Link felt strangely… calm. He closed his eyes for a second, then reached to his side and freed Dawnbreaker from its scabbard and opened his eyes as he swung the blade at the dragon. "Whiterun is under my protection. If you leave now. I'll let you live."
The dragon snarled and racked a wing across the cobblestone, sending dust and stone shards in all directions. "You? Making demands?" The beast then laughed. "Au wen (On whose) authority?"
"Mine." Except Link didn't say it in the common tongue. He had actually said "Diil."
The dragon reared its head back. "You've learnt Dovah?" The beast questioned.
Had he?
"Maybe."
The dragon growled as its tail lashed back and forth, knocking over the well that was behind it. "You are but a child, and I shall put you in your place!" It roared and glided across the market towards Link, who then got an idea and brought out the ball and chain, then swung it at his side until it became a blur. When the dragon got close enough, Link let go and the weapon flew into the beast's chest.
"Ruth!" Screamed the dragon as it crashed to the ground and clawed at its bloodied chest, glaring at Link with blazing yellow eyes.
Link reached out and caught the weapon as the dragon tore it from its chest and threw it at him. His arm was almost seemingly torn from its socket and he winced before he dropped the ball and chain at his side, then raised Dawnbreaker and charged at the dragon.
Link saw flames appear in the beast's open maw and he dove out of the way as the Dragon Shouted. "Yol…. Toor shul!" A wave of fire rolled over the square as the dragon then snapped his jaws at Link, who stabbed upward with Dawnbreaker and then got up from his dive. The dragon roared in pain as the sword sheared off a few fangs and the Dragonborn was coated in blood.
Link was tossed into the air by a wing and he ended up on the dragon's neck as it took to the air and continued to bite at him.
All Link could do was avoid getting bit and hang on for dear life as the beast twisted and dove, trying to rid itself of the human on its neck. The Dragon then flew towards Dragonsreach and Link saw guards readying their bows.
A few arrows flew through the air and struck the beast's wings, causing it to drop altitude as it turned and headed for the balcony.
The dragon crashlanded inside the large room after being hit with more arrows and Link vaulted off and rolled when he hit the ground, then stood and got out Wabbajack.
He waited until the dragon had stood and regained its bearings before he used the staff against the beast, watching as both fire and ice left the staff and hit the dragon in the head.
'That's new. Does this thing have elemental powers against dragons?' Link didn't have long to ponder this as the door opened behind him and numerous guards entered the room, firing arrows at the dragon.
One guard unfortunately got too close and was snatched by the dragon and eaten alive. This only infuriated the remaining guards as they all drew their swords and began to directly attack the beast, who was still focused on Link.
There was no more conversation between the two, Link was now in his element as he used both the Wabbajack and Dawnbreaker to attack the dragon. But then Wabbajack stopped firing elemental spells and the dragon began to take off again.
Link ran up to the dragon after desummoning Wabbajack and managed to vault onto its neck before the dragon turned in the air and flew out of the room and over the balcony, still being struck by arrows courtesy of the guards.
The dragon began to lose altitude as it flew over Whiterun, and soon it fell to land in the market square, sending the remains of stalls in all directions.
Something in Link snapped and he raised Dawnbreaker above his head, then a red fog covered his vision until he heard someone yell his name. Farkas.
"Link!"
He found himself sitting on the downed dragon's neck in the ruined square, Dawnbreaker buried deep within the beast's head.
"It's dead! You can stop attacking it!"
Link shook his head and looked around, finding the Companions standing around the dragon.
'What happened?' He thought as he reached out and set both hands on the pommel of the sword and hung his head in exhaustion. He felt heat around him and knew the dragon was burning away to bones.
The scent of burning flesh and fat and blood combined into a sickly concoction that didn't bother Link at all. Perhaps it was because he was part dragon.
The dragon skeleton was now visible and Link closed his eyes as he caught a glimpse of the now familiar tendrils reaching towards him. He felt an invisible wind flow around him as a new found strength coursed through his veins. The remaining pain in his throat from the vampire scratches was gone, and he felt more alert. He felt a tad bit light headed, but the feeling soon passed, and the warrior opened his eyes and focused on Dawnbreaker.
He then reached out and pulled upwards on the hilt, sending bone shards flying in all directions as he then thought on how to get down.
"Need help?" Vilkas approached the dragon skeleton.
Link nodded and slowly got down from the bones with Vilkas help, the other Companions surrounding him as he finally touched solid ground.
The Dragonborn found himself looking towards the Throat of the World, alit from the midday sun. Tomorrow, he would head there to get advice from the Greybreads, but for now…
Now he just wanted to rest.
He turned his gaze towards Breezehome, suddenly wanting to do nothing more than fall into his bed there.
Link felt older than he really was, had felt it for a long while, even back home, but he really felt it in that exact moment. 'Sleep would be nice.'
He stepped away from the Companions and began to walk towards the distant house, ignoring Farkas and the others as they questioned where he was going.
It didn't take Link long to reach Breezehome, and he stared at the door for a few seconds, before he looked into his knapsack and spent some time looking for the key. Cobalt found it for him and Link unlocked the door, then picked up the hatching and hugged the creature as he stepped inside the house and then closed the door.
Link cradled Cobalt in his arms for an unknown amount of time, overwhelmed with joy to see the tiny dragon again. Cobalt was happy to see him, too.
"Link?"
A voice made him freeze and he looked up to gaze upon Lydia.
"Um… I can explain…" Link was interrupted by the woman hugging him fiercely, feeling bewildered as Lydia began to switch between scolding him and checking him over.
Finally the woman stood back. "I visited you while you were at the temple."
"You did?" Link was somewhat distracted by Cobalt climbing from his shoulders to his head and constantly repeating the motions.
Lydia nodded. "I… I'm just glad you're safe."
Link reached up and removed the hatchling from his head, wincing as Cobalt playfully nipped at his hand. "Yeah…"
Lydia smiled. "Does he have a name? Where did you find him?"
Link then realized that no one knew that there were female dragons, so he decided to come up with something on the spot.
"His name is Cobalt… And I found him back home one day and decided to raise him. He somehow ended up here in Skyrim and I found him." Link found somewhere to sit down as he set all of his weapons and armor on a nearby table. "I plan to go to High Hrothgar tomorrow."
"No you're not." Lydia responded as she checked Link's equipment. "You haven't been taking care of your armor."
"I just got it yes…" Link trailed off. "What is today's date?"
"The eight of Hearthfire, it's Mondas." Lydia looked over her shoulder at Link.
"…I guess it has been four days, and I've been here for almost a month." He sighed and made himself comfortable in the chair he was seated in. "Why can't I go to High Hrothgar?"
"Because you need to rest." Lydia turned back to the items on the table.
"I can't argue with that." Link decided to make himself useful and began to sort out his gear. After a while, he went upstairs and brought down everything out of his room and sorted all of that as well.
All in all, what he had currently was the following:
For books, he had copies of Book of the Dragonborn, A Brief History of the Empire V2, Thief, Mystery of Talara V2,Surfeit of Thieves, Battle of Red Mountain, The Buying Game, Thief of Virtue, The Golden Ribbon of Merit, 2920, Sun's Dawn, v2 and Immortal Blood. He found a Transmute Mineral Ore spell tome that he decided to learn then. He also found a scroll of Circle of Protection that he thought was useful, so he also learned that.
For alchemy items, he had a lavender branch, a Chaurus egg, two spider eggs, a purple mountain flower, bone meal, three Ice Wraith essence, eighteen shade essence, three Namira's rot, three canis root, three imp stools, one leather strip, two bleeding crowns, and one ebony ingot. He put all of the ingredients under the stairs for later.
For potions, he had one weak healing potion, a draught of the healer, two Major healing, three major Magicka, two major Stamina, sixteen minor healing, a potion of resist magic, potion of invisibility, a draught of the knight, a major potion of strength, a damage health poison, a bottle of regular poison, two minor stamina, four minor Magicka, a potion of the knight, a paralysis potion, and one potion of healing.
For soul gems, arrows and lockpicks; he had five petty, two normal, and three empty gems, one hundred and twenty eight Iron Arrows, twenty five ancient arrows, and seventeen lockpicks.
For gems, he had one flawless ruby, two garnets, and one ruby.
For armor and weapons, he had the following: Numinex's Bane, Dawnbreaker, the Master Sword's scabbard, the Dawn and Dusk daggers, the Lantern, the Ball and Chain, the Clawshots, the Fire Rod, Stormcloak armor, the Hero's Bow, Normal clothes, fine clothes, a Locket of Resist Frost, the shackle necklace enchanted with poison resist, a Sapphire Necklace of Resist Frost, an Iron War Axe, a Woodcutter's axe, Legion armor, an Amulet of Talos, a Gold Emerald Ring, an Orcish sword, a silver ring, an Orcish bow, Morvarth's boots, Light Imperial boots, and a pair of Stormcloak Officer boots.
He put aside the imperial boots, stormcloak boots, the Orcish bow and sword and the iron war axe to sell.
He then put Dawnbreaker on the table and let Lydia look at it while he painstakingly counted out how many coins he had, which was made more difficult by Cobalt choosing to play with them.
The total number of Septims he had at that point in time were thirteen thousand, three hundred and sixty.
As Link looked over the items, he picked up Sun's Dawn and skimmed the book's pages. The book was about historic events that had taken place in the month of Sun's Dawn, in the year of 2920, and as he read it more thoroughly, he learned there were spells that could tamper with the minds of enemies. He made a mental note to see Farengar before he left Whiterun.