Cura and her allies regrouped and rested the night in the Bannered Mare, where they would await the coming trial ahead.
Cura slept in a bit. It was almost as if her body itself wanted her to cease this madness before it was too late. But what could she do? She was born for this.
Fate decreed it. It was declared in the Elder Themselves that she would face the World-Eater.
She supposed the hardest part of this was knowing that for her entire life, she was a slave to fate. Perhaps Hermaeus Mora was right. Perhaps she defied him for nothing.
Maybe she should have accepted Clavicus Vile's offer after all.
No, don't think like that. Now is not the time. Cura wrestled with herself. She said her morning prayers, though they were distinct this time. "Stendarr grant me the strength to proceed and the will to endure. Grant me valour like that of Ysgramor and The Tongues." she held her arms up and looked up to the ceiling while she prayed. "...May you ever shine radiantly."
When Cura descended the stairs from her bedroom at the inn, the first thing she noticed was the unlit hearth at the center of the main room and the complete lack of sound. It was dark and gloomy, and empty.
The sounds of pouring rain could be heard hitting the roof above and the low growl of thunder sounded off in the distance.
"Ah, you're awake, my friend!" Inigo exclaimed as he entered the inn. "Good, good! Mjoll and the city guard rounded up the people and brought them down to the Hall of the Dead - they should be safer down there, like pickles in a jar."
Cura smiled nervously. "Good, that's good." she was relieved that the people were out of harm's way at least.
"Are you ready?" Inigo asked.
"Honestly, I don't think anybody could be ready for this." Cura admitted. "But I'll do what I can." she rubbed her hands together.
"I am right with you." Inigo reassured her. "Let us make a purse out of that lizard!"
"Er - we need it alive, remember?" Cura reminded him as they both exited the front door.
The storm was relentless. Cura could quell the skies with a Shout, but she would rather conserve her energy for the real struggle ahead.
As she stepped out into the soaking market place she was greeted by the City Guard and Commander Caius, Onmund, J'zargo, Brelyna, Nirya, Faralda, Colette, Phinis, Isran, Sorine, Gunmar, Agmaer, Erandur, Florentius, Vigilant Tolan, Brother Adalvald, several Vigilants and Dawnguard Soldiers, Vilkas, Farkas, Aela, Kodlak, Ria, Athis, Njada, Torvar, Delphine, Esbern, Marcurio, Erik, Mjoll, Vilja, Lucien, Serana, and of course, Inigo at her side.
Wow. So many people came to support her. More than she was expecting. Cura's heart was consoled with warmth as the ensemble cheered upon her entrance onto the scene.
"Thank you all for being here. It means a lot to me." Cura addressed the gathering.
Vilja, Lucien and Inigo joined Cura, standing before the rest.
"You didn't expect the Companions to stand idly by and watch one of our Shield-Sisters battle a Dragon on our turf without helping, did you?" Kodlak spoke truthfully.
"There would be no greater disgrace." Vilkas added in.
Nirya stepped up beside Serana. "As soon as I'd overheard the Master Wizard speaking of this to the Arch-Mage, I had to spread the word around campus."
Colette nodded in agreement. "There was no way we would want to miss this!" she looked at Florentius and Erandur. "We've decided amongst ourselves that these two priests and myself will offer healing to the injured in the struggle."
Florentius added in. "Arkay thinks it would be best if we three each took a quarter of the city; I will help the wounded in the Wind District, Erandur will take the Plains District," He gestured towards the Dawnguard, City Guards, the Companions and the Vigilants, and then to Cura and her friends. "and Colette will go with you."
"Of course she would." Lucien mumbled under his breath. Cura was her little Restoration pet back at the college, after all.
"Lady Mara blesses us with her grace on this day. May we fight well." Erandur proclaimed.
Onmund, J'zargo and Brelyna walked up to Cura. Brelyna spoke up. "We're going to stick with you while the others guard the city. We're a team."
"J'zargo wants to test his new flame spell! He hoped that it will at least scorch the Dragon enough to make him give up." the sly cat twirled his black moustache.
"J'zargo, temper your spell with caution. It must survive so that Cura can interrogate it." Faralda explained.
Phinis scoffed. "Worst comes to worst, I can reanimate it."
The Vigilants and Isran immediately glared at him, and the Conjuration mage quickly redacted.
"Er... I meant rehabilitate it. Yes."
Brother Adalvald walked directly to Cura and placed his hand on her left shoulder. "You've got this, Cura. We all believe in you."
Vigilant Tolan agreed, slinging his hefty Steel Warhammer over his shoulder. "We've got your back. Don't worry about the city. Focus on bringing that beast down."
Sorine walked up to Inigo and handed him a new sort of Dwarven Crossbow. "Here you go, Inigo. I made this just for you!"
The blue Khajiit's eyes lit up with joy. "Wow! This looks... different somehow...?" Inigo ogled the weapon excitedly from many angles.
Gunmar laughed heartily. "Sorine and I were drinking an ale a few weeks ago when we came up with the idea of a crossbow that could launch two separate elemental bolts at once."
"I know how much you love exploding things," Sorine smiled. "so, test it out for me, will you?"
"With pleasure! Hehehe." Inigo chuckled mischievously.
Delphine spoke next. "Well, Dragonborn, it appears you've amassed quite a following. The Skyguard is at your disposal." she gestured to Esbern, Marcurio and Erik, who were, like herself, clad in dark blue Akaviri armour.
Erik readjusted his shield on his arm. "We're ready to do our part."
"This is what we signed up for, isn't it?" Marcurio stated.
Agmaer laughed nervously. "Fighting a Dragon wasn't exactly what I envisioned myself doing, but for you guys, I'd do anything."
Cura smiled at the anxious Nord. "Thank you, Agmaer. You've already done so much."
Indeed, he lost his vision in one eye for her sake already. Though he was volunteering for this, Cura couldn't help but feel like she was using the poor guy.
After a moment of silence, Farkas looked at the Skyguard. "Ohhhhh. It's like the Dragonguard!" the brute exclaimed with shock.
Brother Adalvald added in. "Aye, like in the days of Reman Cyrodiil."
"We are the last remnants of the Blades." Delphine stated. "It was time we returned to our roots."
Isran grunted. "I can commend that." he turned to Cura. "So, do you have any idea how this is going to work?"
"We incapacitate the Dragon and lock it on the Dragonsreach balcony using the trap." Cura stated. "From there, I will interrogate it."
"Do you need any bamboo sticks?" Inigo asked. "In case we need to tear off its claws?"
"You know, I'm pretty good myself at getting answers out of people. Never tried my hand at a Dragon before." Delphine volunteered.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Delphine." Esbern advised. "This is the Dragonborn's call to make."
"Oh, so now you acknowledge her authority." Inigo sneered.
"I would like to interrogate a Dragon. Could be fun!" Vilja laughed. "I can always throw Frostbite Venom in its eyes. Won't kill it, but it will hurt like Oblivion."
"We'll have to catch him first. Let's focus on that." Cura stated.
Serana nodded. "I'm going with you up there. Maybe you can give me the scoop on the way there."
"Sure, Serana." Cura obliged.
"Me, as well. I'd like to know more about this... this asinine scheme!" Colette exclaimed.
"Okay, everyone into positions!" Cura proclaimed. "Cover every corner, and have your projectiles in hand!"
"Dawnguard, with me." Isran beckoned Agmaer, Sorine, Gunmar and the other recruits to follow him to the western corner of the City, surrounding the City gate, Warmaiden's, the Drunken Huntsman and Breezehome.
Gunmar and Sorine took to the balcony above the Guard Barracks and Isran took to climbing onto the roof of Warmaiden's.
Agmaer found his place atop the Drunken Huntsman, and the recruits stationed themselves all along the road.
Faralda led Phinis and Nirya to the Marketplace, where they would stand their ground. Erandur walked past them and elected to position himself by Belethor's General Goods.
The Companions, led by Kodlak, took the entire Wind District, surrounding Jorrvaskr, the Temple of Kynareth, the Hall of the Dead, and part of the upper housing sector.
The City Guard, led by Commander Caius, mingled with all the groups, and had their bows at the ready, spreading throughout the two Districts and the stairs leading up to Dragonsreach.
Florentius stood by the Hall of the Dead, listening to the soothing voice of his god as he awaited action.
The Vigilants of Stendarr took the desolate corners of the city, and readied their crossbows as well. They stood by the other factions, also offering healing as needed.
The rain continued to come down in buckets and lightning flashed in the dark clouds above, illuminating the face of Talos that loomed behind the young Gildergreen.
Cura marched into Dragonsreach, accompanied by Inigo, Lucien, Serana, Vilja, Colette, Onmund, J'zargo, Brelyna, Delphine, Esbern, Erik, Marcurio, Mjoll, Tolan and Adalvald.
Cura explained the situation in full detail to her group as they ascended the inner stairs and entered the throne room.
At the forum, under the skull of Numinex, Jarl Balgruuf donned a set of Plated Steel Armour and was joined by Hrongar and Irileth, and more Guards. They were ready for combat.
Proventus handed him a Steel Greatsword; a gift from Adrianne, who stood beside him with her husband, Uthberth.
Jarl Balgruuf examined the sword, running his finger along the flat of the blade. "Now that it's upon us, I'm rather looking forward to the challenge. I'll be famouser than Olaf One-Eye!" he laughed.
Cura approached him directly and waved to note him. "I'm ready, Jarl Balgruuf. Everyone has taken their positions." Cura's eyes were fierce with the burning flames of assurance.
Serana looked over at Cura beside her and felt a tad nervous; a tad unquiet. Something was bothering her, but she needed to await the appointed time to say it. The vampiress rubbed her hands together soothingly.
This was it.
Cura's big moment was approaching. She would either live to see the next day, or perish under the skies of Sovngarde. This Dragon was but a stepping stone.
"My men know what to do. Make sure you do your part. I'm putting my city in your hands." The Jarl reminded her.
"I love this city. I promise you, my Jarl, not a civilian soul will perish." Cura gave him her word.
Jarl Balgruuf nodded acceptantly and hung the Greatsword on his back and he led everybody up the stairs adjacent to his throne. They reached the war room and headed out the large set of double doors.
As they arrived at the Great Porch, Balgruuf cleared his throat. "Go ahead and call this Dragon of yours. We're ready."
Cura was stunned when she saw the trap. It looked like a guillotine blade within the arches of the roof; a hardwood and steel set of pillaries that would lower around the Dragon's neck, suspended by steel chains that connected to turning pulleys that the Guards would handle.
Inigo tapped Cura on the shoulder. "Good luck, my friend! We have your back!"
J'zargo stared in awe. "So this is the famous trap. I hope it will not crush us on the way down."
Serana examined the surroundings. "I'll fly out; I'll scope out the Dragon's location." she began to levitate, to the horror of the City Guards and flew out of the immediate area, and landed on the roof.
Visibility was poor in the weather, but she would keep an eye open.
Colette tapped Cura on the back. "Don't fret, dearie. We'll show that Dragon what-for, or my name isn't Colette Marence!"
Esbern stepped forward. "May our blades be strong, and our courage undeterred."
"I'm a little nervous. Please be careful." Vilja requested of Cura.
"I'll try." Cura responded.
Mjoll readied her bow and looked at Cura confidently. "It's been a while since I've fought by your side, but I'm glad it's here and now. You've come a long way; don't get discouraged."
Delphine gestured for Erik and Marcurio to take the western and eastern flanks and she and Esbern closed in beside Cura. "We're ready when you are."
Lucien called out over the thunder. "Good luck, Candle! We've got this!"
Vigilant Tolan and Brother Adalvald stood beside Cura, slightly ahead. They both nodded at her and drew their Warhammers.
Jarl Balgruuf stood in the back with his help, and the Mages took position among the guards.
Cura stood at the railing and looked up into the maelstrom. She was ready. "OD AH VIING!"
Her voice shook the balcony and rumbled through the thrashing skies.
The people in the city below heard the mighty echo and felt the vibration of Cura's Thu'um.
Isran shook from the force and gripped his crossbow tightly.
Gunmar saw something high in the skies over the city wall, approaching in the dark shadows of the overcast. "DRAGON!" he cried to the troops below.
Author's Note: Oh, yeah! We're doing this! :) I recommend "The One they Fear" for this one! Happy reading!
"Hrroooooaaar!" resounded the beast's voice. The Dragon was a deep crimson colour, unlike any that had shown itself before, and was covered in jagged scales, with four horns crowning its head and a white underbelly. "Who dares challenge me?" his voice droned angrily as he passed the city wall.
"FIRE!" Isran commanded the Dawnguard.
From their positions, they all began to blast the beast with exploding bolts, loosing one after the next in a relentless barrage. Some bolts connected with Odahviing, while others missed.
Some Vigilants of Stendarr picked up the slack, hitting the beast's scales with plain bolts.
Odahviing swayed side to side in the air and swerved around. As he dove overhead, he unleashed hell upon the group with open jaws. "YOL TOOR SHUL!"
Isran leapt out of the way of the burning torrent of fire and other Dawnguard members followed suit.
Embers were thankfully extinguished by the relentless, heavy downpour. It was almost as if Kynareth herself was protecting the city.
"There!" Farkas pointed up to the sky as Odahviing briefly came into view.
Aela loosed the first arrow, which struck the Dragon's left shoulder and cracked on impact with the jagged scales.
"Victory or Sovngarde!" Kodlak bellowed from the west side of town, firing another arrow to redirect the beast away from the houses.
Faralda saw it homing in towards the Bannered Mare and launched an Elemental Bolts in its face. "Don't let it near the Buildings! Don't let it rest for a second!"
"It isn't going to rest as long as I'm here!" Phinis' Storm Atronach fired a bolt of lightning and he threw a pair of Lightning bolts, himself. Nirya unleashed an Ice Storm at the Dragon.
Odahviing blasted frost at the Mages, who quickly drew their wards to deter it. Their wards barely managed to contain the soulless cold, and the raindrops surrounding them turned to ice pellets and broke on the floor.
Faralda retaliated with a vicious Thunderball, which met it's mark at the dragon's chest. Amplified by the rain, the thunderous pain was supercharged through the lizard.
"Nice shot!" Nirya exclaimed, to Faralda's surprise. "My turn, now." she proceeded to Raise a tall wall of stone up over the Dragon and brought it tumbling down.
The beast swerved around it, but it's tail was hit, as well as the unfortunate well and Belethor's store's wooden parapet, which collapsed on impact.
The Companions hurried down the steps and began to pelt the Dragon with arrows and the Dawnguard and Vigilants routes from the south with crossbows.
Aela's arrow struck the Dragon in the stomach, causing it to recoil.
Farkas looked at it with great awe. "They are real! Wow! I want one of its scales!"
"Shut up and fire!" Vilkas barked as his arrow flew through the air, guiding the Dragon eastward as the other Companions followed suit.
Cura, I really hope you know what you're doing! Vilkas thought to himself as he nocked and fired another arrow, which hit the Dragon's foot like an annoying stinger.
It was so long since Vilkas had last seen Cura, and she changed a lot from what he remembered two years ago. She was reckless before, but this - this was on a whole new level.
Serana, who hovered next to Dragonsreach, kept the group updated. "It's hovering over the market area - they're engaging it!"
"They're supposed to chase it here!" Cura exclaimed, growing nervous. "What are they doing?!"
"Dragonborn, my city -" before Balgruuf could remind her, Cura Shouted again.
"ODAHVIING!"
The Dragon blew smoke out of his nose. He turned his head around to face Dragonsreach and began to ascend in its direction.
The Winterhold Mages brought up a collective forcefield around their sector in case the beast should loop back around while Erandur mended their frostbitten wounds.
Nirya shouted over the lightning. "WE DID IT! IT'S HEADED THAT WAY!"
"GOOD WORK!" Faralda shouted back.
The Vigilants healed themselves and the Dawnguard as they recuperated from the blitz.
They successfully deterred the Dragon from their sector. Agmaer slid off the roof of the Drunken Huntsman and attempted to run after the Dragon, but Gunmar pulled him back. "The Beast has fled. We have to stay here in case it decides to come back."
"My heart is racing!" Sorine clenched her chest as she looked up at the skies. "Cura is going to trap that thing?! Is she nuts?!"
"Hear that?" Jarl Balgruuf asked as he clenched his sword tightly.
A Whiterun Guard cried out. "Shor's bones, here he comes!"
Odahviing came swooping down in an attempt to grab a Whiterun Guard. "Dovahkiin! Here I am!"
Cura quickly tackled the Guard to the ground and he narrowly missed the Dragon's wrathful talons. She made a promise to Jarl Balgruuf that his city would go without major casualties. That included the City Guards.
As Cura slowly raised, she could feel the rain pelt her face, and pulled her hood back up over her head. Lightning illuminated the skies, and Odahviing's figure silhouettted in the clouds. it was swooping around for another attack, and its roar echoed in the heavens.
"I can see it! Marcurio, Erik! There!" Delphine instructed the pair attack the western cloudhead. Marcurio launched a couple of Ice Spikes into the sky, and Erik shot a couple of Fire Arrows. The arrows and Ice Spikes halted the Dragon in flight and it pulled an aerial U-turn to avoid them.
Thunder cracked overhead and Irileth hurried to the pulleyes next to the Guards, readying to give the signal and keeping her eyes sharp, Jarl Balgruuf looked at her and then at the roaring skies ahead.
The wind was violent and kicked up debris from the fields, almost as if a tornado were threatening to engulf Dragonsreach.
Delphine's hairband came loose from the violent gale, and one of the guards' capes pulled him backwards, yanked by the sheer force of the wind tunnel the Great Balcony creayed by its constrained proportions.
"Steady! Steady, now! Keep under cover until it's down!" Balgruuf shouted to the people. He then turned to Mjoll. "You there! I want you and the wizards to cover the west flank! Fire when I give the order!" He gestured to his men to cover the east side.
"Aye, aye, sir!" Mjoll obeyed and rushed to her position. Onmund, Brelyna, J'zargo, Lucien and Colette covered that half of the balcony.
Inigo stood behind Cura; her guardian shadow, with his new double crossbow aimed for the sky. "Let us see what this baby can do!" he chuckled naughtily as he tilted his head to angle it properly.
Vilja stood with the guards on the east flank, and clenched her sword tightly. This was not how she was expecting to spend her time here in Skyrim, but it was what it was.
Serana leapt off the roof and launched icicles in the Dragon's direction, pelting it in the sides and avoiding its snapping jaws as it barrel rolled in attempt to bite her. She gave chase to the Dragon in air, and Whiterun Guards began to loose their arrows, one narrowly missing Serana.
Vigilant Tolan readied his warhammer and Brother Adalvald planted his feet firmly on the ground.
"Hold your fire until he's close!" Jarl Balgruuf barked at his men.
Odahviing dove down and blasted fire towards the warriors on the balcony, but the fire was held at bay by the large Ward spearheaded by Colette and maintained by herself and the students. J'zargo broke formation and fired Large Fireballs at Odahviing's head, stunning the Dragon, causing it to fall forward over the railing. Vigilant Tolan brought his hammer down in a sideways arc, as did Brother Adalvald, and the pair sandwiched the Dragon's head between them in a mighty united pummel.
Dazed and aggitated, Odahviing spat fire in various directions, but thankfully the Mages' Wards held in place, guarding everyone.
Vilja swiped the beast's nose, and Erik slashed at it relentlessly. Delphine and Esbern fired arrows at the Dragon's shoulder scales, which seemed to cause the wyrm to stumble forward.
Mjoll rushed forward and brought down her battleaxe in a vertical downward swipe. Cura smacked the beast over the head with her mace and then cast a Healing Spell once she'd realized the extent of the damages.
Odagviing thrust his head forward, knocking Cura and Mjoll back, and Inigo loosed a Double Exploding Bolt at the beast. The recoil caused Inigo to fly backwards, and the Dragon's head thrust over to the side and the lizard wailed.
Serana hovered above it and pelted the back of its head with Ice Storms.
Lucien concentrated his Lightning on the Dragon's head, and Brelyna's summoned Frost Atronach pounded on the wyrm's face with its massive, sharp fists.
Cura and Mjoll were back on their feet, and Mjoll was bitten by the beast. Thankfully, Cura was quick to heal her so the berserker could drive her attacks forward.
The Dragon could barely move; it was being attacked from all angles, and the Whiterun Guards relentlessly fired arrows at it. Odahviing tried to pull himself up, but was growing weaker.
Vilja lunged forward and drove her sword into the side of its neck. "Got you!"
Cura was quick to heal the Dragon, though the others were far too enthusiastic to do it harm. Colette could see the damages growing, and joined Cura with great haste in attempt to keep the Dragon alive through the wrathful barrage.
Jarl Balgruuf shouted at the fighters, witnessing the struggle. "Get back! Get back! We need to trap it, not kill it!"
Mjoll, the Guards, Lucien, Inigo, Serana, and the Mages all pulled back, but Cura remained, staring the Dragon directly in the eyes. The walkway was clear, and Cura noted the trap behind her. She just had to goad the beast into it. She had one shot at this, so she would make it count.
"Here I am, Odahviing. Come and get me!" She waved her arms tauntingly and slowly backed up.
"You - you dare mock me, joor?! Dir hi!" Odahviing roared angrily as he began to pull himself along the ground in attempt to bite Cura, unawares of the trap looming above.
Cura glanced carefully at the trap on the ceiling, and all of her allies watched in nervous wonder as the Dragon loomed closer and closer. The Dragonborn continued to beckon the beast as she took one backwards step after another.
"You make me nervous when you do like that! Look where you're going or you'll trip and fall!" Vilja chastised from the sidelines.
Closer... closer...
"NOW!" Jarl Balgruuf's voice carried through the open air.
The two Guards standing by the activators hit the binders and released the chains. Cura leapt backwards and Odahviing arched his head forward to snap at her, when suddenly the pillaries dropped down and pinned his neck to the ground. "Nid!
When Odahviing was successfully captured, Jarl Balgruuf smacked his hands together and laughed with great satisfaction. "Got him!"
Everybody in the vicinity clapped and cheered joyously.
The Companions in the Wind District were recuperating when they heard the loud clanking noise resound through the city.
"By Shor, I think she did it!" Vilkas exclaimed in great surprise as he looked up towards Dragonsreach.
The Mages and the Dawnguard and healers all hurried up to their level and looked at the castle for a sign of an escaping Dragon, but there was none; just the flashes of lightning above.
Farkas pursed his lips. "What, that's all? I wanted to cleave off one of its scales."
Kodlak laughed. "We trained her well. Who knew it would lead here one day?"
"Fate is fickle. I'm glad we pulled through." Aela responded.
Ria, Athis, Torvar and Njada stood guard ahead, and kept their eyes on the sky, in case the beast should ride again.
Isran nodded approvingly as he looked up at the palace. "She really is an oddball, that Cura. Never did things the right way. I'm proud of her." Sorine, Gunmar and Agmaer joined him to watch the spectacle.
With the dragon captured, the warriors took a brief respite, and some were hyped by the experience.
"Did you see what J'zargo did back there? And how the Dragon's head snapped backwards? A sight of glory, to be sure!" the gray Khajit laughed victoriously.
"Sorine's crossbow really packs a punch. My shoulder does not thank her." Inigo groaned as he examined the mighty blaster in his hands.
"I'm still amazed that your plan worked. You'll be the toast of Whiterun for this!" Jarl Balgruuf proclaimed with a friendly tap on Cura's shoulder as he gestured towards the captive Dragon.
One of the guards examined the binds. "I think it's holding!"
"Horvutah med kodaav. Caught like a bear in a trap... Zok frini grind ko grah drun viiki, Dovahkiin" Odahviing grunted. However, his pained expression turned to one of amusement as Cura mended his wounds with a Healing Spell. The wyrm continued. "Ah. I forget. You do not have the dovah speech. My... eagerness to meet you in battle was my... undoing, Dovahkiin. I salute your, hmm, low cunning in devising such a grahmindol - strategem."
"Tinvaak mal muldeytorax - I speak a little bit." Cura informed the red drake as her gentle touch closed up his bleeding injuries. "Dovah fought pruzah, Jul zos tokaan."
"Yes.. your tokaan - number - was more than I." Odahviing admitted. The Dragon was as confused as he was angry about his capture. Just who was this Half-Elf, luring him into a trap, getting him injured, and then electing to heal his wounds and bolster his pride?
The language seemed to come out of Cura as she needed it. It was as the Greybeards said; language was intrinsic to her very being.
"Zu'u bonaar. You went to a great deal of trouble to put me in this... humiliating position. Hind siiv Alduin, hmm? No doubt you want to know where to find Alduin?" Odahviing surmised her intentions as Cura finished working on him.
She figured he already knew. Dragons were not stupid. "That's right. Where is he hiding?"
Delphine came up on one side and Vilja came up on the other.
"You'd best answer the Dragonborn." Vilja warned him. "We don't want to kill you, but we can."
Delphine scoffed. "There are a myriad of ways we could get you to talk, so make it easy for us, for your own sake." She ran her index finger along the point of her sword.
Cura shook her head. "Let me talk to him. He deserves that much respect."
The Dragon was humiliated enough as it was; being trapped by the humans and locked down like a swine. Being taunted and threatened might make him more likely to accept death than cooperate.
Dragons were proud creatures; and death was more preferable to dishonour.
"Rinik vazah. An apt phrase. Alduin bovul. One reason I came to your call was to test your Thu'um for myself." Odahviing told her. "Many of us have began to question Alduin's lordship, whether his Thu'um was truly the strongest. Among ourselves, of course. Mu ni meyye. None were yet ready to openly defy him."
The Dragons too were questioning Alduin? There was a bit of information Cura hadn't dreamed of. Still, she wanted to know what she went through the trouble of capturing him for. "I'll stop him. Can you tell me where to find Alduin?"
"Unslaad krosis. Innumerable pardons. I digress. He has travelled to Sovngarde to regain his strength, devouring the sillesejoor... the souls of the mortal dead. A privilege he jealously guards..." Odahviing spat. It was clear this uniqueness was something Alduin lorded over the lot of them, and perhaps could have been the origin of Durnehviir's Soul Tear Shout; perhaps an attempt to mimic it.
Odahviing continued. "His door to Sovngarde is at Skuldalfn, one of his ancient fanes high in in the eastern mountains. Mindoraan, pah ok middovahhe lahvraan til. I surely do not need to warn you that all his remaining strength is marshalled there."
Skuldafn! Cura'd heard that name before some time ago.
"Zu'u lost ofan hin laan... now that I have answered your question, you will allow me to go free?" Odahviing asked softly. He had enough embarassment for one day.
Cura knew the rules of the Dragons. She was Durnehviir and Odahviing's Qahnaariin. "Do you promise to serve me?" She asked.
"Aam? Serve you? ...no. Ni tiid. If and when you defeat Alduin, I will reconsider." Odahviing told her plainly, to Delphine and Esbern's shock.
What on Nirn was this girl doing? Getting Dragons to serve her? Unthinkable!
"Hmm... krosis. There is one... detail about Skuldalfn I neglected to mention." Odahviing continued.
"What can you tell me?" Cura asked plaintively. If there was something unexpected, she wanted to expect it.
"Only this. You have the Thu'um of a Dovah, but without the wings of one, you will never set foot in Skuldafn." and with that, Cura knew where he was going with this. And he did not disappoint her expectations. "Of course... I could fly you there. But not while imprisoned like this."
"Uh-huh. And how do I know you won't just fly away if I loose the trap? We seem to be at an impasse." Cura stated with crossed arms.
"Indeed. Orin brit ro. I cannot leave here until you defeat Alduin, which you cannot do without my help." Odahviing stated plainly.
She could summon Durnehviir instead, but due to his limit time of existence on Nirn, she was unsure how long he could fly her before she tumbles down to her death in the mountains. She exhaled through her nose. She glanced over at Delphine for advice.
"If you have to do it, then do it." Delphine stated. "We'll get him later."
She looked over at Vilja, desperate for a second opinion.
"He looks rather sad like that. Maybe we should free him." Vilja stated as she considered the reptile's predicament.
Fine. I'll set you free if you promise to take me to Skuldafn." Cura told Odahviing. If he refuses to comply, she has Dragonrend.
"Onikaan koraav gein miraad. It is wise to recognize when you only have one choice. And you can trust me." Odahviing reassured her honestly. He prided himseld as a Dragon of his word. "Zu'u ni tahrodiis. Alduin has proven himself unworthy to rule. I go my own way now. Free me, and I will carry you to Skuldafn."
'I need to ride this Dragon to Skuldafn." Cura scratched the back of her neck.
"Do you have any other ideas?" Serana chastised. "I don't think it exactly sits well with me for you to travel alone, on top of a Dragon, only to arrive at another ancient burial ground by yourself."
Cura scratched her forehead. "Serana - "
The vampiress continued. "Then travel to a realm of Aetherius. Defeat Alduin, and somehow come back to the world of the living in one piece."
"I know. I know. I've given it a lot of thought." Cura resigned herself to her fate. "I have to do this. I'm the only one who can put an end to the World-Eater."
"You could die, and... sigh..." Serana grew sad at the thought.
In the time they'd travelled together, Serana had grown fond of Cura and her friends. The thought of losing them wrenched the Undead woman's heart, though she knew the inevitability of it. Why did it have to be so soon?
Serana took Cura's hands into her own. "I don't know what I'd ever do without you. You are my one reason to live - you are what keeps me going. And I'm not sure I want to risk that. Just... just don't go. There has to be another way."
Cura slowly pulled her hands away. "Serana, please don't make this harder than it already is. Even if I die, I promise I'll come back to visit you in Winterhold. How is that?"
"That's not funny." Serana wiped the corners of her eyes to stay the tears. "You're the first real friend I've had since... ever. I... I can't stay back and allow this without at least speaking my piece."
Cura nodded. "I understand, Serana. If it were you in my place, I'd be in shambles. Any of you." she looked around at the group as a whole before returning to Serana. "But this is the only way. The Divines have decreed it so."
"I... sigh... All right. It... it's not easy just watching you go like this and there's nothing I can do." Serana resolved herself and shook the tears away. "Now go, and do this for the world. And for me. Good luck! Hopefully I'll see you again soon."
The two hugged in that moment, which seemed to last for years. The world was dark and dim, and fate was cruel, but their relationship would stand the test of time, and eternity, if it need be. "Now go on, mighty hero. Save the world." Serana goaded her playfully, though hints of sadness crept through the playful sarcasm.
Cura slowly released her friend and walked away from her to approach her other close friend Inigo, who seemed antsy, himself. The Blue Khajiit twiddled his thumbs nervously as Cura approached, knowing all too well what her intent was. "You are really going to ride that beast, eh? You continue to be the most impressive and reckless person I know."
"I'm a bit nervous, to be honest." Cura shuddered.
"If you were not you would be insane. I know you will be OK though. You always are." Inigo reassured her. He tapped her on the upper right arm. "Remember to summon me when you reach your destination. I want to see this through to the end if possible."
A moment of silence passed between them, and Inigo continued. "Look after yourself, my friend. Do you need anything from me before you go?"
Cura rushed forward and pulled Inigo into a tight embrace. She buried her face in his fluffy collarbone and clasped tightly around his back. This. This was what she needed more than anything else. With the trials ahead, she needed something warm and soft and familiar to cling to.
"We've accomplished so much, Inigo. And you were always at my side, for as long as I could remember." Cura smiled. "At least, in my Dragonborn life. In case I never see you again, I want you to know it's been a lot of fun, and I couldn't have gotten this far without you. Your life has meaning, Inigo - not even just as the Doom Strider's Bane - but as the Khajiit who helped the Dragonborn meet her destiny and defeat Alduin. You, Serana, Lucien, Mjoll and Vilja. You all helped in some facet. But you, Inigo, you were my MVP."
Inigo laughed jovially. "That is good to hear! And I will be your number one cheerleader as well."
Cura smiled as she gave his hands a firm squeeze. "Thank you, Inigo. For everything. You're the best friend I could ever have hoped to have. I want you to know that."
"Fly well, my friend. I wish you all the luck in the world... not that you need it."
Lucien crossed his arms. "Well now, that was something to write about. Capturing a Dragon in the Jarl's Palace... what an experience!"
Cura smiled sadly as she tried to find the words for her other friend.
"But I suppose it's time for us to part ways. I don't think that Dragon's offering a group trip, after all." Lucien tried to make light of it.
Cura shrugged. "I suppose I'll see you on the other side, Lucien." Upon speaking she realized how fatalistic that sounded, even if she hadn't intended it that way.
"Oh, I certainly hope so." Lucien understood what she really meant. "Look... be careful, all right?" he placed his hand on Cura's arm. "Skyrim needs its Dragonborn. Not to mention, so do I." his face slowly flushed red as Cura smirked. "Ah, that sounded awfully gushy, didn't it? Still, it's true. For all our ups and downs my life would be tremendously dull without you in it."
Cura blew air out her nose as she hid an amused laugh. "It's been fun, Lucien. If I don't make it back, I'm sorry I never got to bring you to Dumzbthar." She took his hands and passed him a Coin Purse containing 300 coins.
"What's this?" Lucien asked as he ogled it.
"The payment you gave me when we first met. It was for me to bring you to Dumzbthar eventually, right?" Cura asked. "If I die to the World-Eater I won't be able to fulfill that promise. It's only right that you don't get ripped off."
Lucien looked at the Coin purse and then at Cura. His eyes welled up with tears. "It's... it's not the money, Candle... you've already done so much for me, and I've seen more of Skyrim than I've ever dreamed possible."
Marcurio, who was off in the distance, recuperating, laughed at Lucien's blubbery.
"Good luck with Alduin. Please try very hard not to die." Lucien squeaked nervously.
Cura turned to Mjoll next. "Well, this is where we part ways, Mjoll. It's been a pleasure to fight by you again."
"And you as well, friend. May you die with a sword in your hands." Mjoll nudged her arm. "Er, but not this day, of course. But to think, you're going to see Sovngarde before I do. I am a little jealous."
Cura laughed lightheartedly. "Well, maybe I'll write a preparation manual for you so you'll know what to expect."
Mjoll scoffed and gave Cura a playful punch on the upper arm. "All right, then. Go and beat that flying, gluttonous lizard."
Delphine, Esbern, and Colette approached Cura next.
"So, this is it, then. The rest is up to you, Dragonborn." Delphine told her. "We've done our part in getting you this far, and I only have one order to give you."
Barking orders even now?
Cura gave her the go-ahead.
"Don't die." Delphine extended a hand for a shake. "For the love of Lorkhan, you have to live, damn it. Whether you stay with us or not - it wouldn't sit right with me if you die to Alduin."
Esbern shook his head. "No, it wouldn't. But I have no doubt you'll prevail. You chased the beast away once already, did you not? You can do it again; and this time he will have nowhere to flee to."
Colette stepped up, pushing the other two out of the way, and J'zargo, Brelyna and Onmund came behind her, as well. The eccentric Breton laughed nervously and took Cura's hands into her own. "Dearie, you've always been an exceptional student, but I have one more lesson to teach you - perhaps even more useful than Bane of the Undead."
"What is it, Colette?" Cura wanted to know. Any little thing helps.
"Avoid Death." Colette told her. "A trick many Restoration mages know. Do you know it? At death's door, with the final burst of your life force, you can heal your body for a second chance."
"Yeah, I know what that is. Keeper Carcette told me about that ages ago! ...And I have relied on it, a couple of times." Cura admitted.
"Good; keep it in mind, will you? These circumstances are highly unusual, and I want my Star pupil to come back alive!" Colette barked at her and grabbed her arms and shook her aggressively. "ALIVE! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?! If you're a Ghost by the time you return. don't bother talking to me!"
Onmund spoke next. "I didn't think I'd ever be party to capturing a Dragon! It was pretty exciting. Thanks for the cool experience."
"You're welcome, Onmund. Thanks for your help." Cura responded.
"Good luck out there." Onmund told her. "And come back alive."
"Of course she will come back alive! If this one can best J'zargo, this one can best Alduin! Of her success, J'zargo has no doubts." J'zargo proclaimed proudly.
Brelyna added in. "You're exceptional, Cura. Just believe in yourself; J'zargo is right. After what I saw you do back in Winterhold, I believe in you."
Cura felt more confident, if not emboldened by the words of her friends. "Thank you, all of you."
Brother Adalvald gave Cura a quick hug. "Many Nords have died and earned their place in Sovngarde. I expect you'll see some interesting figures."
Vigilant Tolan added in. "Yes. Many hundreds of millions, I would guess, over the centuries." He moved ahead and gave Cura a quick hug. "Don't be overwhelmed Kiddo, you deserve a place among them in Shor's Hall, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Cura smiled. "Thank you, Vigilant Tolan." She returned to what he said. "Millions? Wouldn't that make The Hall of Valour noisy and crowded?" with all those souls, there was no wonder Alduin could consider it a feast.
Adalvald provided an explanation. "No, because there are an infinite number of halls. Each one contains a limited number of spirits. If I were looking for somebody, for instance, Olaf One-Eye, we would encounter each other. I would expect you to encounter the most famous heroes because I'm sure that Shor would surround himself with the best of the best during this crisis."
Vilja stepped in and asked Cura. "Will you see Shor? Oh, please; if you make it back alive, tell me what it was like in Sovngarde?"
"I don't know, but I will tell you all about it either now, or when you arrive." Cura assured her.
Vigilant Tolan scratched his chin. "So, to enter the Hall of Valour, you're going to have to fight Stendarr's brother, Tsun, a Shield-Thane of Shor. Only those who prove their battle skills can cross The Dragonbone Bridge and enter The Hall of Valour."
Serana stood some distance away and paced the floor nervously. She seemed to be watching Cura from afar.
"So she will have to fight a god to fight a dark god?" Vilja grit her teeth.
"Comforting." Cura muttered sarcastically.
Brother Adalvald reassured her. "Cura, if you could push Alduin back, I am sure you could fight Tsun."
"Wouldn't that be tantamount to defeating Stendarr himself?" Cura furrowed her brows. "It's not possible. How could I ever beat Tsun?"
"Trust in your power. And in Stendarr." Vigilant Tolan winked at her.
"Tsun measures each individual and adjusts his skills accordingly." Brother Adalvald reassured her.
"It seems a bit redundant, doesn't it? It is a ritual that appeals to those who glorify battle. If you were unworthy to begin with, your soul would not have been allowed into Sovngarde." Vilja called out the nonsense of it. "Anyway, I have no doubt you can do it. You killed two Dragons right in front of me; I'd be hard-pressed to find something you couldn't do!"
Serana seemed to be pacing the floor some distance away, wrestling with herself on something for a while. Eventually, she resigned herself and took a deep breath before heading back over to Cura. "There's... there's something I need to tell you. I-I'm sorry. I had to work up the courage for it. If you die to Alduin, I'll never get the chance."
Cura sighed. She was pressed for time, but she would allow it. "Very well."
Serana shuddered. Whatever it was, it wasn't going to be easy. "Do you remember when you first met me, back at Dimhollow Crypt?"
Of course. She remembered it all too well; she'd gone in with Vigilant Tolan, Inigo, and Erandur, and had just saved Brother Adalvald from the vampire assailants. Then her blood activated the contraption that freed Serana. Cura nodded.
"Did you ever ask yourself why you were so calm when you first saw me?" Serana asked as she scanned the group before her and narrowed down on Cura. Her words were choppy and she was clearly nervous. "You were a vampire hunter. While you were new to the Dawnguard, you still accepted that as your creed. Nevermind just bieng a Vigilant of Stendarr. Otherwise you wouldn't have slayed every single vampire that my father sent."
"Well... I did it in retaliation for what they'd done." Cura stated. "And to protect the people I care about."
"Then why didn't you kill me? I just looked like any other vampire in that cave..." Serana moved her bangs aside awkwardly. "Maybe a bit more attractive, but you get the point."
"I'm not sure I do, actually." Cura admitted. "What does all this mean?"
"Being a trained vampire huntress, your first instinct would be to draw your mace and attack. You would have slain me then and there, taken the Scroll, then fled. But you didn't." Serana stated.
Cura shook her head. "I don't think I would have."
"No, you say that now because you know me. You can't speak retroactively." Serana corrected her, causing Cura to stiffen up. She sighed sadly. "You were so calm, because I casted a "Calm" spell on you."
Cura was first bewildered, and then she felt a little hurt. "What?"
Vigilant Tolan pursed his lips. "Told you. I knew there was foul play."
Brother Adalvald was dumbstricken. How had he not realized it back in those days?
Serana saw fit to explain. "Look, you were the first group of people I saw after being locked up for thousands of years... and you were armed to the teeth. I wasn't exactly mind-controlling you, but I did mess with your head, deceiving you without your consent."
"I'm sure that's how deception always works, Serana." Cura responded dryly. She crossed her arms and swayed over to her left.
"I know I complained about my family, and how I wasn't able to choose my own path and my own decisions." Serana grew more emotional by the second. "It turns out though... that I'm not that different compared to them. I'm just a hypocrite." Her stoic facade broke and the water came running down her cheeks. "I didn't even believe in myself enough, or believe in the 'trust' I talk about. I was merely a vulnerable girl doing whatever she could to get what - no, I didn't even want anything back then. I... didn't even know what I was thinking. There were so many thoughts rushing through my head, and I just..."
How long had she been keeping this to herself?
"I manipulated you. I really just wanted to survive then and there." Serana admitted with another forceful sigh. "I'm sorry. I realize now that our entire relationship must have been built off of this entire lie. If you didn't want to be friends with me anymore, I could understand it. I wouldn't blame you."
Cura looked over at Odahviing, who was still bound in the trap, and then looked back at Serana. "Do you want to know how I feel about that, Serana? Will it give you closure?"
Serana silently nodded. She feared the worst of what Cura could respond.
Instead, she got a shrug. "Okay."
Serana was stumped by the nonchalance of it. "What? 'Okay?' Why 'okay?' It's not okay! How could that possibly be 'okay?!'"
"I was in a bad place at that time. The Hall was just destroyed, and I lost someone who was a good friend to me, and I thought I lost someone else I cared about. If you didn't cast that Calm spell, I can't guarantee that I would have listened to reason back then." Cura admitted. "In a way, thank you for using it on me. The Calm spell. It let me think rationally, and I made a really good friend that day."
Serana could not believe what she was hearing. "You're not mad about it? At all?"
Cura wasn't too upset, in truth, the more thought she gave it. She shook her head. "Our friendship wasn't built on a lie, it was built on hardships and necessity. I have no regrets."
"I..." Serana stumbled. "I'm sorry. I allowed everything that's been going on to get the better of me. I want to prove to myself that the Serana you see if the Serana I believe I am. You have to be alive to see it." she sobbed harder, and covered her face with her forearm. "I know it's late, but I want to start from zero. I want our friendship to get off on the right foot. I promise."
Cura smiled. "It's all right, Serana. I forgive you; you don't have to worry about it. I promise that if I come out of this alive, maybe we can all have a fun hangout day. Maybe we could go on that picnic at the Forgotten Vale like we talked about?"
Serana began to laugh as the tears poured out. "I-is that a promise?"
"Yes, let's make it one." Cura gave her friend a reassuring hug.
Serana held her Dragonborn friend tightly, hesitant to release her to her horrific trial ahead. "Sob...Thank you, for everything. You truly mean a lot to me. Please keep that promise in mind when you fight that beast. Don't let it psyche you out - just come back safely. Please?"
"I will do my best." Cura told her honestly.
Vigilant Tolan moved aside to allow Cura walking room to Odahviing. "We believe in you, kiddo. Go; do what you were born to do. We'll be waiting for you back at Fort Dawnguard. Don't take too long, eh?"
Odahviing grunted impatiently as he waited for Cura to bid her farewells, and was approached by a strange man in blue, hooded wizard robes with dark mutton chops on his lower cheeks.
Farengar, the court wizard, had waited until the noise quieted down before working up the nerve to come outside. As soon as he saw the Dragon in person, the opportunist's eyes lit up. "Incredible! Uh... sir, you have no idea how long I have waited for such an opportunity! I would be most appreciative if you would permit me to perform some, ah, tests on you. Purely in the interests of the advancement of knowledge."
Odahviing snorted angrily. "Begone, mage. Do not test my promise to the Dovahkiin."
Farengar wasn't taking the hint, and slowly began to walk around the Dragon, to Irileth and Balgruuf's dismay. "I assure you, you will not even notice me. Most of them are hardly painful at all to a large dragon such as yourself."
Irileth masaged her forehead. "Farengar, very bad idea. Even for you."
Farengar knelt down under the beast's tail and began to shift his hands around underneath. "Surely you won't miss a few scales... or a small amount of blood..."
Jarl Balgruuf yelled after him. "Farengar! Enough, fool!"
Odahviing snarled with great discomfort. "Joor mey! What are you doing back there?" He arced his head upwards. "YOL... TOOR...SHUL!" he blasted hte ceiling with a violent roar of fire, and Farengar fearfully yelped and rushed back indoors.
"Fool wizard." Brother Adalvald shook his head disapprovingly.
Esbern shrugged. "I could understand the desire to learn more, but this is neither the time, nor the place."
Marcurio walked over to Lucien. "So, this is what Skyrim Wizards are like?"
"Not normally." Lucien responded.
Cura approached Jarl Balgruuf and shook his hand. "Thank you for all you've done for me, Jarl Balgruuf. I hope to live up to the expectations Skyrim has for me."
"You'll live up to them and more, I think. I have faith in you; if anyone can stop this monster, it's you. Godspeed, Dragonborn." the Jarl reassured her.
"All right. We need to release Odahviing so he could lead me to Alduin." Cura informed him.
The Jarl turned to Commander Caius, who was overseeing the trap from the upper balcony. "Open the trap!"
The Guard Captain turned to his men. "Get ready to open the trap!" He looked to Jarl Balgruuf and scratched the back of his head. "This seems like a really bad idea to me."
Cura walked up to Odahviing and kept her eye on him.
Jarl Balgruuf took Cura's side and reaffirmed his position. "Carry on, soldier. This is all part of the Dragonborn's plan."
Irileth massaged her forehead. "By all the gods..." They went through all the trouble of luring it here and catching it, and now Cura wanted to let it go? What fresh chaos would this wreak?
Odahviing spoke to Cura in their tongue. "Faas nu, zini dein ruthi ahst vaal."
Te Jarl looked over at Cura and asked. "What did he just say?"
"He said, 'Fear not, my honor holds my rage at bay.'" Cura responded without taking her eyes away from the red Dragon.
With a loud shifting noise and the clattering of sliding chains, the pillaries were lifted off the Dragon's head and the trap lifted up into the ceiling, where it began.
"Saraan uth - I await your command, as promised. Are you ready to see the world as only a dovah can?" Odahviing expressed, almost offering joyfully. Truly, there was nothing that mattered more to a Dragon than to soar freely.
Cura was excited. She'd flown before, but the prospect was always incredible. She smiled and nodded as she gestured for him to lower his head. "I'm ready. Take me to Skuldafn."
"Zok brit uth! I warn you, once you've flown the skies of Keizaal, your envy of the dov will only increase. Amativ! Mu bo kotin stinselok." Odahviing chuckled lightheartedly as Cura climbed on top of his neck.
She gripped two of his sharp spikes like handles and took one last look at all of her friends below. "Good-bye, everyone! Wish me luck!" She gave the Dragon a light kick and he turned around and began to crawl across the balcony floor, heading to the rails and passing by everyone.
"Stendarr be with you!" Brother Adalvald proclaimed.
"You've got this, Cura!" Vigilant Tolan proclaimed.
"Send Alduin our regards!" Delphine shouted.
"Godspeed!" shouted Esbern.
"Good luck, Cura!" Erik shouted.
"Don't get burnt!" Marcurio shouted.
"Fly like a buttergly and sting like a bee!" Inigo shouted.
"Give it your all, Candle! NO HOLDING BACK!" Lucien cried out.
"Come back safely, please!" Vilja shouted.
"Don't forget what I told youuuuu!" Colette bellowed.
"J'zargo will be cheering for you until the very end!" J'zargo shouted.
"Please, come back to us!" Serana shouted.
Irileth shook her head as Cura arrived at the balcony. "You're either the bravest person I've ever met or the biggest fool."
"May Kynareth guard you while you pass through her realm!" Jarl Balgruuf blessed her.
Odahviing reached the railings and then leapt forward, pushing himself up into the skies. As Cura rode atop the Dragon's neck, she could see the world spread out before her as the skies grew brighter. Sparkles of raindrops filled the air, and she could see Whiterun in its beauty from a whole new perspective. Below in the city, she could see the Companions, the Dawnguard, Faralda, Nirya, Erandur, Phinis, Florentius, and the Vigilants in the streets below, and she waved to all of them from atop the Dragon.
Isran looked stunned even from far away, and the others were cheering for her as she departed. The sounds of victory cries filled the air.
Cura saw Vilkas and the Companions waving back to her, and she smiled serenely. People were leaving the Hall of the Dead, and she could make out the Gray-Manes, Battle-Borns, Carlotta, Belethor, Brenuin, and even Nazeem among the surprised faces of the crowd.
"Do these joor mean something to you, Dovahkiin?" Odahviing asked as he ferried her over the hold.
"Everything." Cura said simply.
She wasn't exavtly sure if Dragons could grasp the concept of family and friends, but perhaps he could understand it as they understand mortality.
"I see." Odahviing said softly as he passed over the front gate.
Cura had passed over the whole city and they traversed eastward.
To Skuldafn.