The soldiers and the Eds had returned to Whiterun to tell of the events that had transpired on the battlefield. The Eds were kneeling a good distance away from the Jarl while Irileth did her best to explain everything she saw to Jarl Balgruuf.
Not surprisingly, he was very skeptical.
"Irileth, you've been my Housecarl and trusted friend for many a year. But after hearing that story, I find myself compelled to ask you...have you been hitting the Skooma?" Balgruuf asked.
"I know it sounds ridiculous, my Jarl, but there are many soldiers who will tell you the same thing, and even they still don't believe it themselves." Irileth stated. Jarl Balgruuf hummed in thought before eyeing the Eds. Edd was nervous, Eddy was being impatient and Ed was facing the wrong way entirely.
"Well, regardless of how the dragon was slain, the fact remains that it is indeed dead." Balgruuf said. "Young Ed."
"Hello?" Ed said while looking at Balgruuf.
"You have done as you were told and helped to slay the dragon. As promised, I declare you pardoned for your earlier crime. You're a free man." Ed merely stared at him before Eddy smacked him in the head.
"Okay!" Ed answered.
"Good." Balgruuf said before addressing all three Eds. "Now, on to new business. Irileth informed me that, after slaying the dragon, it's skin melted away and a light emerging from it entered your friend here. And that afterwards, he was able to Shout. Is that correct?"
"It's true, Jarl Balgruuf. Although, I'm a little unaware of exactly what Ed was shouting." Edd stated.
"Yeah. And those soldiers started to call Ed Dragonborn or something." Eddy added, making those present speak in hushed whispers.
"Dragonborn? Him?"
"The one spoken of in legends?"
"It can't be...can it?"
The Eds looked around in confusion before Jarl Balgruuf raised his hand, silencing the room.
"From the confused looks on your faces, I gather you've never heard of Dragonborn?" he asked, earning a collective no from the Eds. "I don't know everything about dragons, but I do know that they have the ability to absorb the souls of their fallen brethren to make themselves stronger. The god, Akatosh, created the Dragonborn, a mortal that has been blessed with the blood and soul of a dragon. As such, they can absorb the souls of dragons and become stronger."
"I-I'm sorry. From what you've just explained, you're saying that-"
"You're saying Monobrow here's some kind of dragon?!" Eddy finished for Ed.
"No. The tale is more complicated than that. Perhaps the Greybeards can tell you more." Balgruuf answered.
"The who?" Eddy asked.
"Did you happen to see that tall mountain?" Balgruuf asked.
"The really tall, pointy one?" Ed asked.
"That is High Hrothgar, the highest mountain in the world. At it's peak is a monastery that is home to the Greybeards, the Masters of the Voice." Balgruuf began.
"Voice?" Edd repeated.
And so, Balgruuf explained all that he could to the Eds during this written out message since the author is too lazy to write it all out.
"Put some work into it, author!" Eddy snapped.
(Hey shut up! We're doing the best we can! Huhuhuhuh!(Dark runs away crying))
"Who is you friend talking to?" Balgruuf asked.
"You'd never believe us." Edd answered. "So the group of voices we heard shouting earlier were the Greybeards summoning Ed to High Hrothgar atop the Throat of the World?"
"Yes. It is an honor to be summoned by them. I hope your friend here does not disappoint." said Balgruuf before smiling fondly. "Ah, it's been quite some time since I last walked those 7,000 steps."
"7,000?!" Edd gasped.
"Good luck, Ed." Eddy chuckled while patting Ed's back before he and Edd were grabbed by Ed and pulled into a big hug.
"We shall head up to the top! Together!" he announced.
"What?!" the other two yelped.
"Perfect! But I insist you rest. You've no doubt had a rough day after dealing with a dragon. I'll have the Inn put you up for the night." Balgruuf stated. "And you should make sure your equipment and supplies are ready as well. Wouldn't do to die out there due to negligence."
"Ooooh! We're off to see the Wizard! The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!" Ed sang as he skipped out of the room, to the bafflement of the onlookers.
"IT'S GREYBEARDS, ED!" Edd yelled.
"I AIN'T WALKING UP NO 7,000 STUPID STEPS! LET GO, LUMPY!" Eddy protested.
After having skipped about town for 10 minutes, Ed finally stopped in front of the Gildergreen tree, friends still in his arms.
"Uhm...Where was I going just now?" Ed asked.
"ED, YOU IDIOT! PUT US DOWN!" Eddy ordered, making Ed drop both him and Edd.
"Edd, we have to prepare to climb that mountain!" Edd stated while pointing at The Throat of the World. "And judging by the snow and ice covering all that was see on it, the trip up will be very, very frigid! We could get frostbite if we're not careful!"
"Why do you keep saying 'we?' I'm not going up there!" Eddy spoke up.
"If we don't go with him, Ed's sure to get lost on the way up. Could you live with yourself if anything happened to Ed that we could've prevented?!" Edd asked. Eddy's only response was to cross his arms and grumble.
"Fine. But there had better be a staircase!" he relented.
"Thank you, Eddy. Now, as Balgruuf suggested, we must gather supplies and equipment to prepare for the journey." Edd reminded them.
"Like swords! And axes! And cool armor!" Ed stated excitedly.
"Equipment is good, yes, but it won't be enough. We need provisions as well. And most important? We need information. We know next to nothing of this strange place. We won't be able to get very far without any proper knowledge." Edd explained.
"Alright. You guys get those things." Eddy said before he walked over to the Gildergreen and laid down against it. "I'll wait right here."
"But Eddy-" Edd started to protest, only to stop and frown when Eddy started to 'snore', making the smart Edd groan and shrug before turning to Ed. "It appears that it's just the two of us, Ed. Shall we tour the town of Whiterun?"
"Nah. Let's just look around the town!" Ed answered, earning a chuckle and eye roll from Edd as he and his friend walked off, leaving Eddy alone. The two walked around and marveled at the sights.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
One of which caught Ed's attention as he followed the sound of metal striking metal, leading him to the Blacksmith. He watched as a woman named Adrianne Avenicci was forging a hot lump of metal into an unknown weapon.
"Cool!" Ed stated, catching her attention.
"Hm? Is there something I can help you with?" she asked as she wiped the sweat from her brow.
"My apologies for interrupting your work, but my friends and I are in need of some new equipment for our journeys." Edd answered.
"We're going up to a big throat!" Ed stated, earning a confused look from the woman.
"He means the Throat of the World. Forgive Ed. He's easily excitable and...not quite there sometimes." Edd explained.
"You're going up there? Well, you'll need heavier clothing than what you have on now. And you'll definitely need some weapons for any creatures you may encounter. If not them, then for the dragons that have supposedly returned." Adrianne stated while cooling off some metal, then tempering another.
"Why do you keep smacking the same piece of metal and cooling it?" Ed asked.
"Because making weapons isn't as easy as those soldiers seem to think it is. It takes time, patience, precision and practice to make even the simplest of weapons or armor." she answered.
"Can Ed try?" Ed asked.
"You want to learn how to do what I do?" she asked before chuckling. "Well, I could use a moment's rest. I can teach you a few things, but only if you do something for me."
"What's that?" Edd asked.
"My father, Proventus Avenicci, is Jarl Balgruuf's steward. I want you to deliver something for him to give to the Jarl." she said as she walked over to something wrapped in cloth. "It's the Jarl's Greatsword. I finished repairing it but haven't had time to deliver it. If you take it to my father to give to him, I'll let you try your hand at smithing."
"Cool." Ed said as he reached for the sword, only for Edd to take it.
"I have business up there anyway, so I'll take it to him. Plus, I have the horrible feeling you'll play with it and either hurt yourself or someone else on the way." Edd interjected before looking at Adrianne. "Will this be acceptable?"
"As long as the sword is delivered." she said before turning to Ed. "As for you, come over here. We'll start at the basics: Materials."
Ed followed her to the smelter while Edd carried the greatsword, with slight difficulty, towards Dragonsreach.
"I really must increase my protein intake." he said as he walked on. He stopped at the Gildergreen when he noticed that Eddy was absent. "Where'd Eddy go? I hope he's not trying to scam anyone. We don't need to give everyone here the same reason to hate us as the kids do back home." he grumbled as he continued onwards. After reaching the top of the steps, and stopping to catch his breath, he was let back in by the guards and approached the throne, which Irileth stopped him halfway through.
"Ah, you've returned. Have you more business with the Jarl?" she asked.
"Actually, I'm here to see his Steward, Proventus Avenicci. His daughter sent me here with a delivery." he answered while showing the cloth covered sword in his hands.
"One moment." Irileth said before walking to the man in question, who walked over towards Edd.
"My daughter sent you with the Jarl's sword? Wonderful. Here's some coin for your trouble." he said as he gave Ed 20 gold pieces after taking the sword.
"Thank you." Edd said with a nod before he turned to leave.
"Excuse me." Farengar spoke up, catching Edd's attention. "Before you go, I wanted to talk with you."
"Is something wrong? Ed didn't break the Dragonstone when he threw it at you, did he?" Edd asked.
"No. Both the Dragonstone and I are okay. I was actually wanting to speak with you about your magic." Farengar explained.
"My magic?" Edd asked.
"Yes. I do remember that you were asking about it when you and your friends were preparing to face the dragon. I wanted to know if you would be interested in looking into the mystic arts. If you are, I have a few books tips I can give and spellbooks I can offer for a good price."
"Hmm. I have been curious about magic since I was able to make cold wind shoot from my hand." Edd said. "However, I'll have to decline the books for the moment. My friend, Eddy, has taken charge of our finances and is very...reluctant to part with it."
"Ah. One of those types, huh? Well, I can still offer you some advice and other tips. What do you say?" Farengar asked.
"I believe I can stay for a few moments. If this magic can be of use, I certainly wish to understand more of it." Edd said.
"Then follow me." Farengar said as he lead Eddward into his little area of the castle.
-Times passes-
"And that's why constant, but carefully, use of magic allows you to deepen your mana pool, allowing for longer or more complex spellcasting." Farengar explained, with Edd taking notes as he listened.
"This is all fascinating." Edd said with a smile.
"Indeed. If you ever find yourself wishing to look deeper into magic, you should try the College of Winterhold. Their reputation may not be the best, but they're the best when it comes to teaching spells." Farengar suggested.
"I'll take that into consideration." Edd said before he sat up off his chair and cracked his back, then shook his legs. "I must remember to stand and stretch my legs during this long lectures, otherwise they fall a...sleep...How long have we been in here?" the smart Ed suddenly asked.
"Hmm. At a rough estimate...about three hours?" Farengar answered.
"THREE HOURS?!" Edd yelled in horror. "I SPENT TOO MUCH TIME HERE!"
"Come now. Magic isn't something to be rushed and-"
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! I'VE BEEN HERE FOR THREE HOURS! THAT MEANS ED'S BEEN ALONE AT THE BLACKSMITH NEAR TOOLS AND WEAPONS FOR THREE HOURS!" Edd answered before he shot out of the room and ran out the door as fast as his legs could take him. "Please let nothing be damaged!" he repeated over and over and his quickly ran through Whiterun before arriving at Warmaidens. "ED! ARE YOU-" Ed started before seeing Ed on the grinder wheel, an iron dagger being sharpened by him.
"Who's yelling?" Adrianne asked as she stepped out before seeing Edd. "Ah! There you are! It's been hours since you left. Did you deliver the greatsword?"
"I..uh...yes. What's going on here?" Edd asked while looking at Ed.
"Your friend here's a natural. He picked up the basics after only a few lessons." she answered before pointing at a pile of broken pieces of metal. "Granted, he was overzealous in the beginning, but now he's got the hang of it. Even sold a few pieces he made for a good price." Adrianne explained. "Now, where have you been all this time?"
"I was...caught up with learning about magic with Farengar." Edd answered while Ed inspected the dagger before holding it out to Adrianne.
"Another one done, boss!" he stated.
"And the sheathe?" she asked, making Ed's expression change to one of droopy-eyed confusion.
"I will make one for it!" he said with a smile before he started to get to work.
"It's too bad my husband and I don't have the funds to officially hire him. Would make work a lot easier." she said before looking at Edd, who just stared in complete befuddlement. "You seem surprised. What did you think was happening?"
Edd blinked before multiple images of Ed causing chaos and disaster ran through his mind. Of Ed swinging swords and other weapons everywhere. Of Ed pouring the entire contents of the smelter onto one tiny ingot mold. Of Ed stoking the fire with the billows so harshly that the flames spread to the blacksmith shop.
Eventually, he shook his head and just gave a nervous chuckle.
"Let's just say that Ed's usual antics have gotten us in more trouble in the past than I can count." Edd answered. "Still, I'm glad that he's learned something new without wrecking something...again."
"One sheathe!" Ed announced after presenting the sheathe. Adrianne took it and inspected it before nodding and handing Ed a pouch of coins.
"You worked hard. Here. 150 gold for your hard work, after deducting the cost of the materials from your first tries." she said. "I'll also work on your equipment so it's ready for you by tomorrow morning."
"Bravo, Ed! With that money, you should be able to afford supplies for...Wait...Something's not right." Edd suddenly stated.
"What do you mean?" Adrianna asked.
"It feels like something's missing." Edd answered while tapping his chin.
"Do you think Eddy will be happy about this money?" Ed asked.
"That's it!" Edd yelped while snapping his fingers. "Eddy! He didn't appear and take the money like he always does!"
"Who's Eddy?" Adrianne asked.
"He's a friend of ours." Edd answered. "He was with us before we all split to rest and gather supplies. Well, Ed and I to gather supplies. He just decided to fall asleep against the Gildergreen while we do the work."
"Did you say he fell asleep against the Gildergreen?" Adrianne asked.
"Yes, I did." Edd responded.
"...I think I know where he is."
Eddy was grumbling as he swept the floors of the Temple of Kynareth. He took a look around to see the priest and priestesses all busy, allowing him to put the broom down and head towards the door, only to fearfully back away as two guards approached him, weapons at the ready. His nervous smile fell when he felt the broom smack him atop his head before it was thrust back into his hands.
"Sweep!" a priestess ordered, making Eddy grumble as he went back to sweeping, with Ed, Edd and Adrianne watching from just outside the front door.
"As you can see, the Gildergreen is held in high regard here. Sleeping up against it is an affront to them, so they make those who they think defile it in any way suffer for their transgression." Adrianne explained.
"Indeed. Your friend there's been cleaning this place for the last three hours, and we've been making sure he does it." a nearby guard told them. "And he's not allowed to stop cleaning until sundown, so he's going to be here for the rest of the day."
"Aww. That means we can't go item shopping." Ed groaned sadly.
"Cheer up, Ed. The two of us can still seek out supplies and equipment on our own. Besides, Eddy's finally learning his lesson." said Edd.
"At least he has a chance to learn. Unlike the last guy." the guard chuckled.
"Last guy?" Edd asked.
"Some milk-drinking sop was complaining that the priestess didn't heal a tiny scrape and tended to soldiers who had battle wounds. He thought it'd be a good idea to piss on the Gildergreen as revenge." the guard elaborated.
"Oh dear. What happened to this disrespectful man?" Edd asked.
"Trust me. You don't want to know." the guard answered before shuddering. "Still, if you wish to supply yourself, you'd best do it sooner rather than later. Otherwise, the good items will disappear."
"Thank you for the helpful advice." Edd said before turning to Eddy, a faint smirk on his face as he prepared for what came next. "Pardon me, Eddy." he spoke up, making an irate Eddy look at him. He smiled before he pointed at a random area of the floor. "You missed a spot."
Edd and Ed had to run as the broom and a few other pieces of furniture were thrown at them. Despite the rotten move, Edd couldn't help but laugh.
"Years of constant blackmail and guilt tripping into making his scams come to fruition! I do not regret my actions!" he stated in pride.
The day was over and night had fallen, leaving the citizens of Whiterun to retire for the day and head to either their homes or wherever they slept at night. Eddy was literally dragging himself to the Inn after the sun went down, ready to call it a day.
"I...hate...cleaning." he grouched before he stumbled into the Inn, the warm air from within a pleasant change from the cool night air.
"Hi Eddy!" Ed called out from the bar area, where he and Edd were enjoying some food and drink. Ed watched Eddy keep dragging himself over until he worked himself onto a seat.
"Welcome to the Bannered Mare. What'll you have?" asked Hulda.
"...Food." Eddy got out before he fell over.
"Aww. He's tired." Ed cooed.
"I heard he caused a commotion with the priestesses at the Temple of Kynareth. They take the Gildergreen seriously." Hulda chuckled as she placed a plate of salmon steak and grilled leeks in front of Eddy, a bottle of booze to go with it.
"I'm glad you finally joined us, Eddy. Perhaps now you'll think about the consequences of your actions in the future?" said Edd.
"Shut up and let me eat, Double D." Eddy huffed before he tore into his food. "You guys get all that junk we need for the trip?"
"Indeed. I've acquired a bit of information and some supplies for the journey. Also, Ed here was not only able to earn some money, he's also shown an aptitude for blacksmithing." Edd answered.
"Ed's got cash?!" Eddy asked.
"Not anymore. I gave it to Double D to buy stuff with." Ed answered.
"WHAT?! Don't you know nothing, Burrhead?! I'm the one in charge of the money!" Eddy stated in anger.
"If we leave all the finances to you, we won't get anywhere due to your miserly greed." Edd countered. "Now it not the time to be pinching pennies."
"Hmph! I still stick to what I said. All money goes through me first!" Eddy ordered.
"Very well, then. Then you can pay for this meal." Edd said before he dismounted his chair and turned to Hulda. "Thank you for the great meal."
"Anytime." Hulda said with a smile before turning to Eddy, hand held out. "As for you, that food cost 50 gold coins."
"50?! For this?!" Eddy snapped as he gestured to his plate.
"It's mostly the booze." Hulda stated while pointing at the bottle. "That's Black-Briar Mead. High quality. Very pricey. Now, will that be coin or coin?"
"Uh...guys?" Eddy yelped as he turned to Ed and Edd, both of whom were long gone. "Uh...I just remembered, I left my wallet at the temple. Be right back!" he said before he got off his seat and tried to charge towards the door. Tried being the keyword since Hulda had a death grip on Eddy's leather armor. "I-I know! Put it on my tab!"
"Saadia!"
A Redguard woman appeared from inside the kitchen, a ladle in her hand.
"Yes, Ma'am?" she asked before moving out of the way when a struggling Eddy was violently walked over and pushed inside and onto the floor.
"This broke chump tried to skip out on meal worth 50 gold. See to it that he works it all off." Hulda ordered, her kind smile not leaving her face.
"Yes, Ma'am." Saadia smiled back. She then grabbed a broom and threw it at a dazed Eddy, who was smacked with the bristles before falling again. "Sweep!"
"Not again." Eddy groaned.
Morning came and the Eds were already walking down the path towards the Whiterun Stables.
"Need a ride?" asked Bjorlam, the carriage driver.
"Yes. Do you go to Ivarstead?" Edd asked.
"I can, but it'll cost a little extra." he answered. Edd took out a small bag of coins and handed it to Bjorlam, who did a quick count before nodding. "This'll do. Climb on back and we'll be off."
"Okay!" Ed answered before throwing Eddy onto the back, who groaned and moaned in pain as he laid there.
"What's with your friend? He sick or something?" Bjorlam asked.
"No. This is what happens when Eddy's forced to put in a hard day's work." Edd answered before giggling.
"He a poncy nobleman?" Bjorlam asked as Ed and Edd got in the back.
"No. He's just lazy and has everyone else do all the work." Edd answered.
"HAHAHA! One of those people, huh?" Bjorlam laughed as the Eds all got situated in. "Everyone ready? Giddyup!" he said while cracking the reins, making the horse pull the carriage.
The trip to Ivarstead was a smooth one, the scenery on the way having a calming effect on the Eds. Eventually, the trip ended and the three were dropped off in Ivarstead.
"Good luck on your climb!" Bjorlam said to the three before leaving to let his horse rest. The Eds didn't even acknowledge him as they stared up at the Throat of the World, the tall icy mountain towering over them, making all three of them feel small.
"...I ain't climbing that." Eddy stated.
