-Heartfire, 1st, 4E 201-

I feel like such an idiot.
I asked Kaidan about his tattoo this morning, just out of curiosity. I had thought it a casual question considering my own tattoos and their meanings, but I was oh so wrong. Kaidan's tattoo came from his time in a cult known as the Blooded Dawn. He was at first proud of it when he got it because it showed he finally belonged somewhere, had a family. Now he sees it as a brand from a bitter past, showing that no matter how he tries to get away, the Blooded Dawn owns him.
This got me to thinking a bit. The wings and holly tattoos that I have are my own choice that I got when I came of age, but the runes on my arms and legs were placed on me by the Synod when I was a child. They told me that they would aid me in learning magic. But could they have had a different purpose?

-Heartfire, 1st, 4E 201-

I'm getting a knack at forging armor. I've learned Nordic, Cyrodiilic, Akaviri, Altmeri, and I even picked up some tips from Imperial and Orcish smiths.
I think I'm going to mix and match my armors as I see fit, combine the disciplines and make my own sense of style and function.
Forging weapons outside of normal blades, polearms and bows is proving to be a bit more difficult, but very intriguing. So many moving parts interacting with each other, so many unique materials.
I should really keep up studies so I can learn more.
I would talk to Alvor or Adrianne, but they are more traditionalist, and Eorlan Graymane works the Skyforge, so his work is exquisite but very niche.
Perhaps I can find some Dwemeri schematics in my travels…

-Heartfire, 1st, 4E 201-

Geez, we're heading to clear out a bandit camp, but there were like 3 in between that we had to clear because we were attacked unprovoked. Talk about chaos.
While I was searching through the chests of this most recent camp, I came across an interesting little ball, looks almost like quartz. When I touched it, however, a booming voice spoke to me, telling me to take this beacon to Mount Kilkreath to her temple. She spoke of a foul darkness that is now plaguing her temple. After hearing this I kind of groaned, because I have a suspicion who it could be.
Meridia. Just my luck that I would get mixed up with daedra, and with one of the princes at that.
At least Meridia is one of the more neutral ones.

-Heartfire, 1st, 4E 201-

We finally cleared Bilegulch mine and rescued a wench named Kahanne. I summoned my tent and we are going to rest for the night before returning to Falkreath to turn in this bounty.
Through the battles I've figured out that I need to tweak my musket a bit. It isn't doing the best damage. Just goes to show there is much more for me to learn with Smithing.

-Heartfire, 2nd, 4E 201-

Upon the return to Falkreath, I noticed the nature around us was so beautiful, and the morning sun so warm and inviting, that I decided to make my morning prayer to Dibella here. This always elicits amusing reactions from my companions of course, seeing as it's best to commune with my Lady while nude. Kaidan always acts serious, but I always see him sneaking a peek. Lucian acts indifferent, but we're both from Cyrodiil and he's passed by the shrines and temples of Dibella many times, and the devout there always commune nude. Auri giggles and acts carefree, because nudity in her culture is just another everyday thing.

-Heartfire, 2nd, 4E 201-

I dropped off Kahanne at the Dead Man's Drink tavern, and went to speak with Marcus Jannus. Apparently there is an anti-Thalmor mercenary group that is or will be holding up in the ruins of Helgen with there leader, Valerius Tiberius Audatore. A group like this is worth looking into, seeing as I would love to settle the score with the Thalmor myself.
I turned in the bounty to Jarl Siddgeir, and he rewarded me with gold and permission to purchase property. After talking with the steward, I learned that it's a piece of land and not a house. I've never built a house myself, but I'll check out the land and see what I'm working with.

-Heartfire, 2nd, 4E 201-

The land is prime for building, but I'll focus on that later, as it will take a great deal of time and coin. Right now I have more pressing concerns to take care of.
I met with Val in Helgen, though his trigger happy men almost turned it into a bloodbath. He agreed to meet with Marcus, and told me to send a message back. Honestly, what do I look like, a courier?
In any case, best get back to Falkreath, get some sleep and deal with it in the morning.

-Heartfire, 3rd, 4E 201-

So I escorted Marcus back to Helgen to meet with Val. Turns out he wants to rebuild Helgen, and was trying to call in a favor. I almost rolled my eyes at that. In any case, I got paid, so it's time to go onto the next contract and the next adventure.
I left my companions in the tent and flew my way over to Ivarstead. I guess from here all I need to do is go up the mountain? Good thing I have wings, that makes it so much easier.
I set up the tent outside of High Hrothgar. For now I'm so tired that I will meet with the Greybeards in the morning.

-Heartfire, 4th, 4E 201-

I was so tired last night that I don't even know when I drifted off. Guess it's time to go see the Greybeards and learn more about this Dragonborn business.
There was a lot more to discover than I expected.
Not only do I absorb a dragon's soul, I also absorb their knowledge and experience, though I'm not yet adept at harnessing it. Master Arngier was very open with all the information about the Dovahkiin, the Dragonborn. I'm not the first (Which I knew, given the line of succession from Saint Alessia up to Saint Martin), nor will I probably be the last. Though I was surprised to learn that not even Saint Alessia was the first, that the title and powers of Dovahkiin stretch all the way back to the Early Merithic Era.

-Heartfire, 4th, 4E 201-

Thanks to the generosity of the Greybeards, I have gained a word for my existing shout (Ro, Balance), and a new word for a new shout (Wuld, Whirlwind). I like the names they give to these shouts though. Names like "Unrelenting Force" and "Whirlwind Sprint" give them an air of legitimacy that a master mage would approve of.
My next task is to head to Ustengrav, a Nord tomb near Morthal, to retrieve an item called "The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller". This tomb also sits not far from a river delta which on the other side is the seat of Skyrim's governance and commerce, Solitude.
I think I will talk to the curator of the museum there to see if he has any insights into the history and lore of the Dragonborn.

-Heartfire, 4th, 4E 201-

I think I will make my way to Markarth, taking the main road in a big loop. I'm still curious about the Temple to my Lady Dibella, so that will be one of my first stops. Then Solitude, then Morthal, then Ustengrav, and whatever adventures come along the way.
The rains and snows have been constant ever since I came to Skyrim. I think it's about time that I make a hood and cloak to help stave off the wetness and the cold.
I have made a warm mantle and traveling cloak. The main problem though is I can't fly with them. Not really a problem though, seeing as I can't fly in the rain.

-Heartfire, 5th, 4E 201-

Ah, a fresh new morning. Time to wake the companions and get on the road soon.
For some reason, when I looked at Kaidan as I went to wake him, he looked really cute. No, not cute. Hot. For some reason right now Kaidan is looking extremely attractive to me. My heart is pounding hard, and my stomach is unsettled. Could...could I be falling for him?
I prayed to my Lady for guidance. Her whispers soothed me. She led me to believe I need to follow my heart, for this way I would learn the true meaning of love.

-Heartfire, 5th, 4E 201-

I have found a shop on the side of the road on the way to Markarth, Divine Elegance. It's just up the road from a shrine to Dibella, so I think I will set up a tent here for the night, and commune a bit.
This shop is amazing! So many elegant and beautiful dresses and finery. I'm almost embarrassed to say, but I found my dress for my future wedding here. I'll store it back for when that day hopefully comes.

-Heartfire, 6th, 4E 201-

The rain was still drizzling this morning, but it didn't stop me from stripping down and communing with my Lady at her shrine. My Lady's whispers came in stronger here, Her words more clear. I need to talk with Sister Senna at Her temple. This servant of my Lady is the one who is supposed to guide me to the next step of my journey.
Just on a random note, I need to find a way to extend this wing spell to my companions. It would certainly make travel faster than any steed. Kaidan would just follow my lead, Lucien seems intrigued by it, and Auri is delighted at the thought. I'll do some research and see if I can recreate the tome again, only this time have it as a target cast.

-Heartfire, 6th, 4E 201-

We arrived at Markarth just in time to witness a murder in the streets. A poor Breton woman just perusing the jewelry stand was stabbed in the back by what looked to be a filthy Breton man. His clothes were soiled and his face was dirty. He shouted something about "forsworn" when he attacked. This is not a city of Love I was expecting. I wonder if my Lady intended this to be my mission field instead of my sanctuary?
I have arrived at the Temple and spoken to Sister Senna. This temple is amazing! Beautiful statuary and intricate carving adorn almost everything in the main hall. Still, I can here my Lady's whispers telling me to trust my intuition, that the beauty here is merely on the surface.

-Heartfire, 6th, 4E 201-

I have been accepted as an acolyte of Dibella formally here in the temple by Sister Senna. She informed me to go out into the lands and collect donations wearing a neophyte wreath and nothing else, letting my beauty inspire people to donate.
I agreed, but I feel perturbed by this. My nude form is a beauty that should be looked upon freely, but should only be given to my Lady and any lover I choose to have in the future, not as a transaction for some paltry donation. I will instead rely upon my style and my natural charm to elicit donations. After all, this is a Temple of Beauty and Love, not a den of degradation and lust.

-Heartfire, 6th, 4E 201-

As I left Markarth heading down the road, I was compelled to climb a nearby hill. In a hollow past the top of the hill stood one of those ancient standing stones. I inspected it and looked at the etching and runes. From what I was able to interpret, this one is known as the Lover Stone. As I touched it, I felt the same warm energy as when I first touched the sigil of my Lady Dibella. I'm fairly certain she led me here.
So, I now know who the Forsworn are. As we headed down the road again, we were ambushed by a group of them near a bridge. They seem Breton like me, but savage and a bit primitive, their weapons made from bones and stones instead of metal. I returned their corpses to the beauty of nature.

-Heartfire, 6th, 4E 201-

A highwayman on the bridge. How original.
Seriously, there are better forms of banditry than sitting on a bridge all day hoping somebody passes by, not to mention the risk of trying to rob someone who can potentially blast your soul straight to Oblivion.
I have arrived in the settlement of Dragon's Bridge, though not without difficulty. Bandit checkpoints and Forsworn redoubts bogged down our pace, but we finally got here. With so many hazards along the roads here in Skyrim, it's a wonder anyone arrives to their destination at all, let alone unharmed. A rest and a cup of mead by the fire should help lift this sour feeling.

-Heartfire, 8th, 4E 201-

We have arrived at the gates of Solitude. I set up my tent right outside and I will enter the city in the morning. As the seat of governance in Skyrim, Solitude will have social trappings similar to those of the Imperial City, so I need some preparation to make myself presentable.
I guess it's kind of a force of habit among Bretons, especially those who are High Rock descended, to have societal finery and social intrigue as a manner of unconscious ritual. I guess I'm an odd one of my race, as I don't have a natural affinity for these kind of things. I learned social niceties as a matter of working with the mages, otherwise I spent most of my childhood with my feet gritty and my arms buried in alchemical ingredients and tomes of magical theory.

-Heartfire, 9th, 4E 201-

My Lady Dibella has apparently seen fit to reward my devotion to her. A mark has appeared upon my left breast after this morning's prayer and I feel protected, even when nude. I will still abide by the laws of the land of course and not go prancing about sky-clad, but this gift is one I will treasure.
The rain hasn't abated yet. As I don't want to get my finery wet, I have spent most of the day improving gear and working on enchantments.
I do need to make a run back to some of the mines soon. Some of my materials are running a bit low.

-Heartfire, 11th, 4E 201-

I had decided to take only Kaidan with me, and left Auri and Lucien to rest. When I'm ready to visit the museum, I will fetch Lucien.
When I went through the gates of Solitude, I noticed a crowd had gathered around a raised platform. On it was a Solitude guard captain, a large man in executioners garb, and a bound prisoner. It seems a death sentence was being carried out for this prisoner, Roggvir. I was a bit ill. I didn't expect my first impression of Solitude to start with an execution.

-Heartfire, 11th, 4E 201-

I decided to browse through the clothier store, Radiant Raiment. While doing so, I noticed a stylist off in a side room. Upon speaking to her, I found out she was a piercer. So a few hundred gold later, my ears are finally pierced.
This could be to my advantage when they are healed as earrings, like other jewelry, are able to be enchanted and can be useful in both combat and everyday life.
I arrived at the Blue Palace and presented myself to the Jarl of the hold, Elisif, as I have done previously in Whiterun and Falkreath. She greeted me graciously, taking note of my Cyrodiilic manner when I addressed her, as well as of Kaidan standing at my side.

-Heartfire, 11th, 4E 201-

I had a nice conversation with Jarl Elisif. She seemed rather interested about life in Cyrodiil. As I went to depart, she whispered to me to come see her in her quarters at night one of these nights, stating she has something to discuss with me that she doesn't want stated in open court. I agreed and departed.
Still, I can't help but wonder what she wants of me.
I finally made a breakthrough!
I managed to replicate and modify the wings tome, so now I can give my companions wings.

-Heartfire, 12th, 4E 201-

This is getting problematic. I can't stop thinking about Kaidan. He's always on my mind, and it's starting to distract me from things I need to do.
I think I might confront him when we reach this cavern he told me about.
I confronted Kaidan in the Shadowgreen Cavern. Well, more like I suggested we sit on the side of the cavern's creek and share a drink together. So we had a drink and talked about how things were going. Not long after though, my body was feeling warm and I leaned forward and kissed him. This led to quite a bit of touching and making out, until finally he took my virginity upon the bear pelt blanket we had spread out. My thoughts are calm now, my mood serene. I think Kaidan and I have grown closer than we have before.

-Heartfire, 12th, 4E 201-

We arrived at Ustengrav to find the entrance in pandemonium. A group of bandits was fighting a small group of necromancers and losing badly.
We held off until the necros had killed the bandits, then set upon them before they could reanimate their fallen foes.
Given that it's late evening, I'm going to summon my tent close to the necro's campfire and lean-to, and tackle the quest in Ustengrav in the morning.

-Heartfire, 13th, 4E 201-

Oh goody. Seems like the little spat between the bandits and the necros had also gone on inside Ustengrav. We surprised and put down any remaining necros we found and pressed on.
More draugr, and more undead wench maidens. They don't seem to happy about the necros presence either, and definitely were displeased about our presence. More blood and viscera to clean off...
And more of the same. at least I got a word of power from delving through this place.
Well great. Someone has already taken the horn. they left a note telling me to rent a room at the Sleeping Giant in Riverwood. What the heck is this supposed to mean?

-Heartfire, 13th, 4E 201-

Well this is a productive rest of the day. Passed through Morthal and took down the dragon at Eldersblood Peak and picked up another word of power. Then we went through Cold Rock Pass and cleared any trolls living there along the way. Now we're taking on ghosts outside of Ravnig's Feast.
I summoned my tent and let my companions rest. Auri and Lucien went off to have a discussion about who knows what, and I shared a drink with Kaidan. This has led to another liaison, though I think I should be careful as it's getting close to my time of the month.

-Heartfire, 14th, 4E 201-

We walked through the tundras and came across a derelict farm, Goldenhills Plantation. Here we found a dead man outside and a dead woman in the basement. Going through their journals showed that their son had gone missing, and they turned on each other for differing overblown suspicions. We had to fight their spirits during this. We went to a location mentioned in the son's journal and found his remains, and brought back his toy sword. When we placed the sword on the dresser they all appeared before us, grateful, before fading away and leaving behind a key to the property. Guess it's mine now.
I might have to look into hiring some hands later to maintain it. For now, better for us to press on.

-Heartfire, 15th, 4E 201-

We have arrived back in Riverwood as the shadows were lengthening, soaked to the bone. I've decided to summon my tent early so we can all get dried out.
Lucien and Auri went off to a corner of the tent, discussing some minute detail of Bosmer history and culture no doubt. I shared a drink with Kaidan by the fireside, but did not feel the same burning rush that I had on previous occasions. If anything I feel... serene. At peace. We bantered and joked with each other, the passion of previous times replaced with a sense of familiarity and comfort. So many things to reflect on.

-Heartfire, 16th, 4E 201-

I decided to let Lucien and Auri sleep in this morning, and took Kaidan with me to the outskirts of town. As the rain has passed, I decided to commune with my Lady surrounded by the beauty of nature. Kaidan stood guard, stoic as always. Though it's cute that he thinks I don't notice him sneaking a peek at my nude form while I pray.

Well this was interesting. I went to the Sleeping Giant as instructed by the note and met a familiar face. It was Delphine, the woman I saw conversing with Farangar before the dragon that awakened me attacked the western watchtower.

-Heartfire, 16th, 4E 201-

After Delphine returned the horn to me, I followed her into a secret room in the inn and conversed with her at length, eager to learn what she knew of the Dragonborn. It turns out that she's part of a secret organization that has been looking for the Dragonborn for at least a couple of centuries now. She said that her organization remembers lore of the Dragonborn far more ancient than anything currently known, that the Dragonborn is the ultimate dragon slayer, and the only one who can permanently kill a dragon by absorbing it's soul. When I asked her what she knew of the dragons coming back to Skyrim, it turns out they weren't. They were actually coming back to life, rising from various burial mounds that she deciphered the locations of from the Dragonstone that I retrieved for Farangar. I felt that there was little time to waste upon hearing that. I will return the horn to the Greybeards and then meet Delphine in Kynesgrove, which is the next likely dragon resurrection site.

-Heartfire, 16th, 4E 201-

As I was getting ready to leave I went up to Kaidan to have him come along. To my surprise he seemed to be acting awkward and quite flustered, then asked if he could give me a hug. I blushed hard but accepted his embrace. He then gave me a bloom of dragon's tongue, saying that it was pretty and he thought I would like it. He's quite the cutie, and it's starting to become pretty obvious that he's falling for me. Though it's also interesting, to see my own bashfulness in his actions. My Lady has guided me to this, and I can think of no other suitor who is more worthy of my affections.

-Heartfire, 16th, 4E 201-

Kaidan and I flew our way up to High Hrothgar and returned the horn to the Greybeards. Master Arngeir gave me a final word for my Unrelenting Force shout, and then all four of them shouted an interesting chant. I'm starting to learn a bit more of the Dovah language, but most of what they chanted I could not understand. Apparently I have completed my trials with the Greybeards, and all the knowledge and services of High Hrothgar are open to me.
Kaidan's eyes gleamed during this whole ritual, and he told me that this proves I'm more than worthy to do the work that I do. I know he's right, but I have much to reflect on as we make our way to Kynesgrove.

-Heartfire, 16th, 4E 201-

We made our way to Kynesgrove only to find the black dragon I saw in Helgen flying over the dragon mound. As we looked on, it shouted down to the mound and a dragon started to crawl it's way out. This dragon started conversing with the black one. Through what little I could figure from their conversation, the resurrected one was named Sahlokinir and the black one is called Alduin.
Alduin looked directly at me and started speaking to me in Dovah, but switched to standard Imperial when he saw I didn't understand. He chided me for calling myself Dovah and called it such arrogance. He then said something to Sahlokinir that I knew to be a command and flew off. We then faced off against Sahlokinir and slew him. I absorbed his soul as Delphine looked on.

-Heartfire, 16th, 4E 201-

Kaidan and I conversed with Delphine, looking for answers. Rather, I conversed and he yelled at her for putting me in danger. I didn't realize he took his duties so seriously. Or is there more to it than that?
In any case, the info Delphine revealed to us was both intriguing and concerning. She says that she is a member of the Blades and is investigating to see who or what is behind the dragon resurrections. She cocked her eyebrow when she saw the look of recognition in my eyes. As a citizen of Bruma, of course I know about the Blades and their historical significance. She told me to meet her back in Riverwood to plan our next move. Given that this might require subterfuge with the Thalmor, I think I better curry favor and rub elbows with some of the important people of the land first.

-Heartfire, 16th, 4E 201-

I talked with Kaidan and Lucian about the events that transpired. The Blades, the dragon mounds, my awakening. This isn't something I thought I would consider myself saying, but I think it's time for me to go home. Not for good or anything like that, but more to seek out the history of the Blades, specifically the ones my great grandmother fought alongside during the Oblivion Crisis. I think I need to seek out the ruins of Cloud Ruler Temple, and pay closer attention to the details of the Akaviri collection in the castle of Count Bruma. We'll all head for the border of Cyrodiil in the morning. Lucian is unhappy about that, but I assured him it will be just a quick hop over the border, then it's back to Skyrim.

-Heartfire, 17th, 4E 201-

We've broken camp and started making our way to the border via the Riften path. Even though the skies are clear, I've decided to walk it as there are some ingredients here in Eastmarch that I would like to pick along the way.
We had encountered a dragon harassing a giant's camp along the path, though it would seem that the camp had been taken over by an ogre. We made short work of the dragon and the ogre, and climbed our way up to the nearby hillside. There we found a word wall for a new shout, and a woman who was nude and tied to a couple of wooden posts. I let her down and gave her some spare clothing. Turns out she was a conjurer that the local superstitious Nords mistook for a witch, and tied her to the post as a sacrifice to the dragon. Hope I don't come across these Nords.

-Heartfire, 17th, 4E 201-

My companions and I arrived at the gates of Riften as the shadows are starting to lengthen. I think we'll rest here for the night at the local tavern, and resume our journey in the morning.
I have availed myself to the temple of Mara, a sister Divine of Love to my Lady Dibella. Lady Mara's Love presides over hearth, home and family. While communing with my Lady in this temple, she whispered to me to listen also to Lady Mara's voice, that soon I will know all facets of Love.

-Heartfire, 18th, 4E 201-

The Temple to Lady Mara is nice and welcoming enough, but I had a nagging feeling about Riften itself. While on the surface it looks to be a normal bustling hold city, it feels as if there is something more desperate and sinister just under the surface.
I decided to avoid sleeping in Riften and summoned my tent just a bit beyond the north gate. I know my feeling might be nothing, but I've always been one to err on the side of caution. As it is, my companions and I will continue our trek to the border after breakfast.

-Heartfire, 18th, 4E 201-

We made our way to the border, though not without difficulties. We were attacked by a group of bandits occupying the fort that overlooks the south entrance to Helgen. It was a hard fought battle, and it hurts my heart to have to resort to the ugliness of violence. At the end, I had to return over a dozen slain bandits to the beauty of nature. Plants of such beauty, grown from such an ugly soil.
As we approached the border we were accosted by a highwaywoman. This one I felt no remorse for slaying, as this is justice for chasing me off when I first arrived a month ago. I returned her to the beauty of nature as well.

-Heartfire, 18th, 4E 201-

Crossing the border proved to be as trivial as the first time, even with the presence of my companions. Not that they would raise any alarm of course.
Eeeee! It finally happened! Kaidan came out and said he liked me! When I told him I liked him as well, he asked me if he could kiss me. Of course I said yes! We shared a lingering kiss and embrace, but it felt different from the first time. This time we were both sober, our feelings finally caught up to our reasoning. This time, it felt as if I was finally whole. I could feel my Lady smiling warmly on the both of us.
I set up the tent not far from Stones Rest. In all of the excitement, I seem to have let the shadows creep up on us. We'll make our way to Bruma and Cloud Ruler Temple in the morning.

-Heartfire, 19th, 4E 201-

So, here I am. A month after leaving this city behind, I have returned to the place of my birth and childhood. Now that I'm aware of being Dragonborn, there is much about my origins I need to uncover, if only to give me final closure about my linage. At present my main points will be to the castle Museum and Cloud Ruler Temple. I will decide from there what more I will need.
I'm glad I have the people at my side that I do. Kaidan, ever loyal and stalwart. Auri, quick with both a bow and a joke, sharp in both tongue and blade. And of course Lucien, ever knowledgeable and curious, a true field scholar.

-Heartfire, 20th, 4E 201-

We found the hidden path leading to the ruins of Cloud Ruler Temple as the shadows were lengthening on the horizon. I summoned my tent for the night and settled in. Kaidan offered to keep me company during the night, and I offered to have him share my bed. He accepted and we had both passed out in exhaustion. We awoke snuggled together, and had a little giggle. After breakfast we'll venture into the ruins.
I had come to Cloud Ruler Temple to find knowledge about my lineage. Instead I found only ruins, shadows of the past and spirits in torment. At least I was able to release those poor souls from their captivity to this place. It's sad how quickly lives can be lost then forgotten.

-Heartfire, 20th, 4E 201-

Cloud Ruler Temple proved to be fruitless aside from a reclaimed artifact for the Blades. There is one other place I can think of for info. Frostcrag Spire. It was in my family for two generations, and was one of two main homes for my great grandmother.
Trouble is, after my grandmother passed my father had no interest in pure magic and joined the Legion. As a result, Frostcrag was given to the Synod for study. Though I was raised to adulthood by the Synod, I doubt they would let me up to the tower.
I can certainly try however.

-Heartfire, 20th, 4E 201-

So it would seem the Synod had no interest in Frostcrag, and it has been sealed ever since my grandmother left it for Cheydanhal. It's now being excavated by members of the College of Whispers, a rival group of sorts to the Synod. As I am an independent mage, they have no quarrel with me and let me into the tower.
I inspected the enchanting table and noticed some odd scratches on the table itself. To the untrained eye it looks like random scratches, but I recognized them as a type of cuneiform taught to me by my father when I was very young, a writing system that had been used by the Aura clan for well over two millennia. It will take me time to translate it.

-Heartfire, 20th, 4E 201-

I have deciphered what was written on this table. There isn't much to it, but it looks to have been left by my great grandmother Luminus. All I was able to make out was a few words. They were "hidden", "legacy", "Sancre Tor" and "Skyrim". I could try to head towards the sacred ruins of Sancre Tor. Though I suspect I need to have a more in depth chat with Ri'saad. My great grandmother spent some time in Elsweyr, and I know Ri'saad's clan has always been close to my own.

-Heartfire, 21st, 4E 201-

Today it is still raining, and I am feeling drained for some reason. I've decided to stay in camp for today, upgrading mine and my companions gear and working a bit on alchemy and enchanting.
This is wonderful! I had reached the end of the quartermaster's guide, and I felt like my smithy skills are good enough now that I could attempt to make this last flintlock schematic in the book.
It worked! I now have a flintlock with two barrels! I do realize it will be slower reloading, but it's twice the power over my other flintlock. Once combined with enchantments it will be quite formidable.
Admittedly it wasn't easy to craft as I don't know enhanced methods for smithing crossbows, but I innovated by using a dragon bone banded in ebony to make the upgraded stock it needed.

-Heartfire, 22nd, 4E 201-

As we headed out this morning, I headed back into Bruma to my old family home, now the location of Ice Wind Traders. The trader greeted me warmly and let me go downstairs to take a look around. Behind the staircase I found the scratches on the wall I had seen as a very small child but had forgotten until now. Sure enough, it was Aura clan cuneiform. "Rif", "south" and "hidden" were the only things I were able to make out in the weathered wood.
My companions and I are going to make our way back to Pale Pass. There are a few things back in Skyrim I need to look into.

-Heartfire, 23rd, 4E 201-

I had set up my tent at my Falkreath property for the night. I think I'm going to make my way towards Solitude and look into that relic hunter job. I'm fairly certain my great grandmother has been leaving messages for her descendants and not just random scribbles, so I need to learn better investigative skills to try and find then decipher them.
I do have to admit, flying does make travel much easier. Too bad there is so much that can be missed compared to walking. In any case, we stopped by the Dragonborn Museum and picked up the relic hunter assignments, then went over to the Blue Palace and picked up some bounties from the steward and the court mage.

-Heartfire, 23rd, 4E 201-

On the way to Wolfskull Cave I heard a piercing voice call out to me, making me cringe. It seems that the path to our bounty passed by Mt. Kilkreath and Meridia's Temple, and She doesn't really take no for an answer. So we're going to clear the temple and be done with it, though I will remain wary. Meridia may be one of the benevolent Daedric Princes, but there is always some sort of catch to watch out for when dealing with their kind.

-Heartfire, 24th, 4E 201-

After a good night of rest we're off again to the next mark. The area around Mt. Kilkreath is quiet now, at peace since we vanquished Malkoran. Hopefully our next mark at Wolfskull will be a bit more mundane.
Well that was wishful thinking. Instead of a mundane dungeon crawl, we have to take down a large group of necromancers, the leader of which was using an artifact that was thought to be destroyed during the Oblivion Crisis! And to top it off, they were trying to draw and bind to them the soul of the Wolf Queen herself! Falk is not going to be happy about this. Given what I know about my family history on my great grandfather's side, I certainly am not.

-Heartfire, 24th, 4E 201-

As expected, Falk wasn't happy with the news I brought him. I think I'll take my companions to the Winking Skeever for a drink or several. We've definitely earned it.
I came across that madman Durvenan again. I had ignored him the past few times I traveled this way, but this time I felt compelled to lend an ear. He's looking for his master I guess? Said he was visiting in the Pelagius wing of the Blue Palace, and said I needed an item to get in. Then he gave me a hip bone? This may seem a fool's errand to some, but I remember words my father taught me. "Do not discredit the words of a madman, for they can speak truths within the nonsense."

-Heartfire, 24th, 4E 201-

After getting some food for our packs and some mead for our nerves at the Winking Skeever, my companions and I are headed out to the next job, or rather, jobs. The museum curator has tasked us with the retrieval of three unique items, scattered across the lands here in Skyrim. It will definitely take a few days at least, but I have a feeling it will be worth it.
The bandits between the Reach and Haafangar hold are more organized than I thought. My party and I were ambushed by a very large group of them as we approached the bandit checkpoint camp we had previously cleared out a few days ago. We prevailed as usual, but the battle was hard fought. There were around 20-30 bandits, and I think it was only by the foresight of my enchanting everyone's gear that we survived with but a few injuries. As it is, we all let out a sigh of relief when I summoned the tent for the night. A bath to help with the sore muscles and abrasions, and night's rest on comfortable bedding will do wonders.

-Heartfire, 25th, 4E 201-

I awoke this morning covered in bruises and feeling quite sore. After my morning communion, I had decided to stay a bit longer in the tent working on my smithing and on my personal makeup. The rest didn't complain. I'm pretty certain they are feeling just as sore as I am, especially Lucien. For being as soft as he was when I first met him, he's becoming quite the adventurer and field scholar. Eventually I should see if I can find passage to Solstheim so he can look into this Dwemer ruin his father wrote to him about, but for now I can look into some of the ruins here in Skyrim to keep him occupied.
We'll make our way to Rorikstead this afternoon, and I will be sure to keep a wary eye out while we're on the road. Though we were victorious, these harder battles do take a toll, and I would prefer to keep them few and far between.

-Heartfire, 25th, 4E 201-

Came across a group of militia fighting with a group of bandits at the crossroads leading to Rorikstead. The militia was overwhelmed by the time we got up there, but we were able to pick off the bandits with ease at a distance.
Sigh. Is it too much to ask for a peaceful stroll along the road without getting accosted? A dragon swooped down on my party as we were leaving Rorikstead, then had the great idea to pick a fight with both a giant and the bandits of Steadwatch camp. So instead of a pleasant stroll, I get to delve into the chaos of a dragon/bandit/giant three-way fight to the death. Bandits killed the giant, dragon killed half the bandits, and my party comes in and wipes out the rest. Profitable, but so exhausting.

-Heartfire, 25th, 4E 201-

As the evening came upon us on the road, we were ambushed by a Dark Brotherhood assassin. Poor girl wasn't even able to get close to me before being cleaved by Kaidan's Akaviri sword and roasted in Lucien's magickal flames. We checked her body and found a note that had me named as the target. Looks like I made some poor fool desperate enough that they performed the profane rituals to take out a contract on me. If I figure out who it was, I will personally repay the favor. As for any other Dark Brotherhood assassins, they best stay to the shadows and keep to themselves, else I send them to their void god with great haste.

-Heartfire, 26th, 4E 201-

We made our way back up to High Hrothgar. I'm looking for more info on the Thu'um for myself, and some way to translate the Dovahzul on Kaidan's sword. So far Arngeir hasn't been much help with the latter, but pointed me to a new location for the former. I'm going to look around here a bit longer and see if I can find anything else of use.
I found a guide and a shrine to Kyne/Kynareth in the library wing. This guide shows me alternate shouts that can be spoken with the words I collect, and I am to meditate at the shrine to properly learn their significance. My Lady whispered to me, and told me meditating at her sister's shrine does not lessen my devotion to Her, so I will continue with my studies of the Thu'um. I'm also thinking of making my way to the College at Winterhold, see if I can get some magickal knowledge for the abilities that I possess.

-Heartfire, 27th, 4E 201-

It seems being in service to one Divine means having some sort of connection to others. On the whispers of my Lady I had accepted a task given to me by a servant of Mother Mara. I completed this task yesterday evening, and now a young couple is starting their life together. My Lady is right. There are many facets of Love that intrigue me, and I discovered one today. The first steps of the Love of a new family.
Falmer are so icky. My companions and I started towards Winterhold on foot because it was raining, and we decided to go through Darkwater Crossing. There were plenty of those cave dwelling mer that we had to fight through. Unlike Nords, I feel pity for this fallen race. Reduced from a proud complex society to wretched, barely sentient creatures over the past ten millennia. Time can be cruel.

-Heartfire, 28th, 4E 201-

We had made it to Winterhold with no trouble. The rain let up and we were able to fly the rest of the way.
I was required to take a test in order to enter the College of Winterhold. I hadn't really considered becoming a student of the College, but I passed the test with no difficulty. Master Wizard Mirabelle showed me around, and I learned a little bit about wards from the Alteration wizard Tolfdir. After this I checked around the library looking for the language book Kaidan told me about, but came up with nothing. We'll continue searching around.

-Heartfire, 28th, 4E 201-

It looks like this college doesn't function like a typical academic institution would, and instead functions more like a loosely organized guild. Instead of structured lessons and practice sessions, every member is left to their own studies and can freely interact with colleagues at any and every tier of skill. Discoveries by any member is shared among this guild as a whole in a fascinated free learning environment.
We are heading to Saarthal so I can further talk with Tolfdir and see if I can get more information on translating Dovahzul.

-Heartfire, 28th, 4E 201-

Saarthal was a bust when it comes to finding out more on Dovahzul, but it wasn't a fool's errand either. Floating magick orbs, Psijic Order projections, and lots of draugr are what greeted us here. Guess I'll head back to the College and meet with the Archmage. Nothing else for me to learn here really.

We made it back to the College and reported to the Archmage. Naturally, he had something else for me to do, which set Kaidan off. He chewed out the Archmage for putting me in dangerous situations for the sake of "research" and "discovery". Not going to lie, I love when Kaidan does the noble protector bit in my defense. I can't think of anyone better I would want at my side, both in battle and in a lifetime.

-Heartfire, 29th, 4E 201-

As we left the College, Kaidan did bring up a good point. He thinks that I rely too much on my enchantments, muskets and magicks. I have to admit, I think he's right. Because of my confidence in my enchanting skill, I've just been taking the hits while in battle instead of blocking or dodging. As a result, my martial skills have become a bit rusty, and I often come out of battle with a new bruise or two. I normally figure I'm pretty tough, but I could use some practice. Since there is no chapter of the Fighter's Guild in Skyrim, and since I don't want to cross the border again any time soon, I'm going to travel to Jorrvasker in Whiterun, and see if there is anybody among the Companions who can instruct me.

-Heartfire, 29th, 4E 201-

While on the road, I came across a hagraven for the first time. Not a tough fight, mainly magick based. What I found odd though was that this creature had both the flowers and a mark coin of my Lady on it's corpse. Why would such a foul creature have items for the goddess of beauty?

Came across an interesting situation. A jester was standing in the road next to a wagon with a wheel off. He begged me to help convince the farmer nearby to help fix it, which I did out of kindness. But then he got creepy. He kept going on about Kaidan's eyes and sword, seemingly acting the fool but I knew better. He was quick to pick up on when I silently drew my pistol during his tirade, and when we had a pause we quickly walked away. I don't know who you are Cicero, but I hope we don't meet again.

-Heartfire, 30th, 4E 201-

Joining up with the Companions proved easier than I thought. Apparently Kaidan has some friends among their ranks, so a simple test of my sword arm was all that it took. Should be a good way to both hone my martial skills and pick up some coin.

Clearing out Redoran Retreat was easy enough, so that should satisfy Vilkas. Taking on Silent Moon Camp proved trickier however, as the location was heavily fortified due to the illicit slave trade taking place. I made use of some of my new shouts and managed to get in some practice dodging spells and other projectiles. We fought our way through and secured the ring the curator was looking for with little difficulty, aside from Lucien being knocked on his ass by a stray fireball. I think a nice rest and repair in the tent is called for.