Ulrich362: It's been a little while, but it's finally time for Frisk, Jin, and the others to try and reach Esbern before the Thalmor right bopdog?

bopdog111: Yup.

Ulrich362: Sounds like a plan, though I wonder how he'll react to seeing the monsters, and Frisk in Tiber Septim's armor.

bopdog111: Right now they should get to Riften before then.

Ulrich362: True, makes sense to me, enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: We don't own Undertale or the Elder Scrolls Series, all we own are the OCs.

So after a nights rest everyone had headed out to Riften together in a carriage. Chara is pretty nervous to return to Riften after what had happened involving Honorhall but Frisk holds her hand smiling which she softly smiled back. Jin looked back over to them which he then asked Chara. "You still thinking about Grelod?"

"How can I not be? I mean... it's one thing to not like humanity and prefer monsters but I murdered someone." she frowned trembling a bit. "I took her life, in cold blood!"

Frisk hugged her softly. "Your not alone Chara... you have all of us."

She nodded shivering a bit. "Oh... ok, thanks Frisk."

They smiled before Jin looked up. "We're here." They looked seeing the gate of Riften. They exited the carriage but before approaching the gate they smelled a strong stench of alcohol, and body odor.

Asriel recoiled from that. "What is that horrible smell?"

Jin narrowed his eyes. "That scent..." That he walked to the small stone windmill where a frustrated looking Dark Elf woman was outside staring in with crossed arms. "Trouble?"

"Trouble? Of course there's trouble! That drunk is in my windmill again! Doesn't he find a day not to drink his ass off?" the Dark Elf complained over. "At the least he should've reserved a room in the Bee and Barb."

"Can we do anything to help?" Frisk asked the Dark Elf woman.

"If you can get him out of it, I'd appreciate it! It's scaring away customers!"

Jin nodded at that before looking over. "Let's head in."

The group nodded as they entered the windmill only for Asriel to recoil. "Oh... it smells even worse in here."

Looking they see a ragged clothing Breton man snoozing shirtless, and looking really dirty sleeping against the hay blocks with a bottle of Black-Briar Mead in his hand not looking empty. Jin shakes his head seeing this. "Of all the places..." He walked over kicking the man again. "Hey dead-drunk, wake the hell up."

"Agh, wha..." the Breton man slowly woke up dropping the bottle yawning, and looked over groggy seeing Jin who is glaring with crossed arms. Still looking a little drunk but mostly sober the Breton man smiled goofy waving, "Ah, hey Ffamran! It's been way too long since I last seen your scaly hide!"

This surprised them. Jin knows this Breton? But why did he call him Ffamran?

"Ffamran is dead to me, I'm Jin-Noyei now." Jin stated over to him with crossed arms. "Though, I'd hardly expected seeing your drunken ass here of all places, and still getting drunk stupid."

"Ah well, it's all I have now." the Breton man shrugged slowly getting up a little light on his feet. "Ah how's the old man doing? He doing alright?"

"You know he's dead before I employed myself..."

"Oh yeah..."

The Argonian sighed face-palming before turning to the group. "Sorry about that, and his lack of decency."

"You know him?" Frisk asked curiously.

"He's a... comrade of mine." Jin explained before introducing. "This hopeless drunk here is Ainertick Matrph, and as you can see he's a Breton."

"Hello there." the Breton, Ainertick, waved a little slurred.

"Is there a reason you're intoxicated in a windmill?" Asgore inquired.

"Alcohol's the life of the party, amirite?" Jin shakes his head while Ainertick chuckled a little from him asking. Seeing the bottle Ainertick reached but Jin takes it. "Heeeeey Ffamraaaaaannnnn, that's mine!"

"I think you've done enough damage today drunk-ass." Jin stated over to him before throwing the bottle out the window. "Now what trouble did you get into this time?"

"Why are you assuming I did something?"

"You being drunk is always not a good sign." Jin stated with a glare. "So what is this time? Stealing woman's nickers? Punching a guard under the assumption there a spy?"

And boy were the group off guard. Ainertick really doesn't look like someone who can hold is liquor, and if Jin is listing the things that he does while intoxicated there really glad they have someone who experienced it before to set him straight.

"He tried flirting with Maven Black-Briar." the Dark Elf woman happened to overhear, and answered what. "Then tried to start a brawl, and getting thrown out of Riften."

"Ainertick your drunken habits are always trouble." Jin stared at him being sighing. "Fine let's help you out. We will reserve you a room for the Bee and Barb for you to sleep it off. But when you wake up, we're gonna fix you up."

"Okay..." Ainertick yawned still a little drunk stumbling on his feet.

"Here, let me help you." Toriel offered.

They took him out of the windmill with the Dark Elf woman thanking them giving them a bag of vegetables for free as thanks. Arriving at the gate the Guard looked about to do the 'Visitor's Tax' as before but notices Ainertick. "Hold up, that drunk is with you?"

"Yes he is unfortunately." Jin admitted to him. "But we will fix him up, if you tell us all he done, then we will pay for any damages he done, and be on our way. Right now we need to have a room at the Bee and Barb for him to sleep it off."

"Just make sure he doesn't cause anymore trouble then he's been doing here." the Guard instructed before then saying. "Of course, first you need to pay the visitor's tax."

"That sounds like extortion." Jin frowned looking at the guard.

"Okay, keep your voice down." To avoid trouble from how that's sounding, the Guard dropped it over. "Do you want everyone to hear? I'll open the gate enter when ready." He walked unlocking the gate, and walked away gesturing them to head in.

"Come on Ainertick, let's get you to the inn." Toriel mentioned helping him into the city.

They all head inside. Along the way they see some people noticing Ainertick glared over with some whispers over while Jin frowned seeing Riften is not too kind on Ainertick probably due to him being drunk. Making there way in the Bee and Barb they see a yellow cloaked monk in the middle of the room talking.

"People of Riften, heed my words. The return of the dragons is not mere coincidence. This is one of the signs." the monk who is black skinned said raising his arms. "The signs that Lady Mara is displeased with your constant inebriation. Put down your flagons filled with your vile liquids, and embrace the teachings of the handmaiden of Kyne."

"No, no, Maramal...We talked about this...Talen..." a female Argonian sighed exhausted over while a male one frowned walking over,

"Keerava, certainly we can come to some sort of understanding? These people must be made aware of the chaos they've sown."

"Enough, Maramal. We've all heard of the dragons and their return." the male Argonian frowned to him. "There's no need to use them as an excuse to harrass our customers."

"Very well, Talen. I'll remove myself from this den of iniquity."

"We're not kicking you out," the male Argonian, Talen, pointed out crossing his arms, "just keep the sermons at the temple and let us all sin in peace."

With that the monk, Maramal, turned walking out passing the group, "Excuse me." He didn't bat an eye looking a bit annoyed over being rejected like that.

Frisk blinked seeing that. "Is he from the temple of Mara?"

"As evident." Jin said before he turned to Talen. "Excuse me...?"

Talen turned seeing him, and softly smiled. "Welcome to the Bee and Barb, milord. If I can interest you in one of our special drinks, you let me know."

"We were actually hoping to rent a room for one of our own." Jin admitted to him.

"You might want to talk to Keerava about that." Talen gestured to the female Argoanian wiping the bar.

Jin nodded turning to her. "Do you have a room for the evening?"

"Yes I do." Keevara turned over answering but notices Ainertick. "Wait are you with that drunk brute?"

"Well yes we need to rent a room for-"

"I'm not giving a room for that drunkard as long as he doesn't pay my gold." Keevara stated simply with a glare. "He has a bit of a debt going on right now so I won't give him services if he doesn't pay."

"Oh come on Keevara... just once for ol' times sake?" Ainertick said with a drunken grin. "I'll pay your money soon, I just need more time-!"

"You spend all your time wasting away with mead! If you got time for mead then you've got time for paying back your debt!" Keevara snapped to him. "And that doesn't excuse that time you stolen one of my nickers for yourself you pervert!"

While Ainertick complained about this Jin sighed tired feeling a headache before waving his hand. "Look whatever debt he has we will pay it for you, we just need a room for you to lend so he can sleep this off. We will fix him up but he needs to be sober for us to work. How much does he owe?"

"5000 gold coins." Keevara stated crossing her arms with a glare. "All for food, room, and drinks."

"5000?" Asriel asked in shock. "How does he own that much gold?"

"Him being a drunk is bound to get into trouble. I can't remember how many times he broken a chair or any furniture."

Jin sighed again reaching, and takes a bag out placing it on her countertop. "All of those are gems each of Flawless. They should be enough to settle his debt. Satisfied?"

Keevara takes the bag checking it, and pulled out a Flawless Ruby checking it over. "Well shit this is the real stuff." Placing it back in the bag she turned back. "Alright fine he's clear for now but the next time he racks it up, I won't be so kind a second time."

"So can we have the room now?"

"Sure no problem now. 20 gold." Jin paid before she nodded. "Have a good evening." She walked over to Talen to have the gems sold.

"I can stay and keep an eye on him if you'd like." Toriel offered to Jin.

"Please do so, and make sure he doesn't get another bottle." Jin stated over.

"Hey come on, Ffamran, I need to blood of the part-"

"Go to sleep." Jin glared over to him before rubbing his head with a sigh. "Honestly, out of all of them why did I have to encounter you first though... well no matter." He turned to the rest. "Let's try, and find this Ratway. There's probably someone here to help us find the way."

The others nodded as Toriel went up with Ainertick to keep an eye on him and keep him out of trouble. They were about to walk out of the inn but a voice stopped them.

"Never done an honest day's work in your life for all that coin you're carrying, eh lad?"

Confused they looked seeing a red haired man having a trimmed beard, and goatee was in front of them with a kind smile wearing fine clothing.

"Huh, what do you mean?" Frisk asked him.

"I'm saying you've got the coin but you didn't earn a septim of it honestly. I can tell."

"And what makes you think you can?"

"It's all about sizing up your mark, lad. The way they walk, what they're wearing. It's a dead giveaway."

Jin tched over turning away. "Our wealth is not your business to discuss." He proceeded to walk pass him.

"Oh, but that's where you're wrong, lad. Wealth is my business." the man spoke making Jin stop beside him where he then turned offering. "Maybe you'd like a taste?"

"We're actually here to look for someone. Someone in the Ratway." Jin stated over to him they have more important priorities.

"Expecting free information, eh? Help me deal with business first, then we'll see how I can help you. Besides, you look like your pockets are a little light on coin, am I right?" the man asked him at that.

"What exactly are you suggesting?" Asgore questioned.

"Look how you sniffed out my little scheme at the North Gate. You knew it was a shakedown and you called him on it. That's what I'm talking about." the man revealed over.

"Wait that guard was your guy?" Frisk asked hearing that.

"Aye, that he was. And you sniffed him out because he broke one of the cardinal rules of our business..." the man answered with a grin. "He got greedy. He was told to run the scam on merchants, but he smelled the gold on you and his judgment went out the window." He then shrugged over. "Actually, I admire how you handled the situation. You kept your cool and you didn't kill him. That's the mark of a professional thief."

"Thief... wait, you mean your in the Thieves Guild?" Jin realized who exactly he is.

"Aye, lad. And I know the guy your looking for." the man confirmed with crossed arms. "I just need some aid first, I've got a bit of an errand to perform, but I need an extra pair of hands. And in my line of work, extra hands are well-paid."

The Dreemurr siblings exchanged a glance to decide who would try and help him though none of them looked happy about it.

Frisk then stepped forward. "I can try."

"Frisk?" Undyne blinked at that.

"Well I... I know stealing is wrong... but if we have to do it to find Esbern, and learn how to stop the dragons I can do what I can." Frisk admitted over to them. She turned to the man. "What do I have to do?"

"Simple... I'm going to cause a distraction and you're going to steal Madesi's silver ring from a strongbox under his stand. Once you have it, I want you to place it in Brand-Shei's pocket without him noticing." the man instructed her with a grin over.

Frisk's eyes widened. "I... I can try."

"Are you sure you can?" Chara asked her if she really can since they don't know who Brand-Shei is or if they really should do it.

"I'll give you some time lass. I'll be out in the market all day, from eight in the morning until eight in the evening. Meet me then if you've still got the stomach for it." the man said to Frisk before bowing walking out of the inn to prepare.

"We need to find Esbern, people's lives are at risk and the dragons are really dangerous... it might be our only choice." Frisk admitted before looking down.

Jin softly nodded from that before saying. "Well be sure to be careful. Word on the street is the Thieves Guild is starting to be sloppy nowadays so your gonna have a hard time trying to do it without being caught."

Frisk flinched at that but nodded. "I'll do my best."

So first they head for lunch, and after that Frisk thinks she's ready heading out seeing the man in a stall checking stuff before noticing her, and smiled. "Good to see you again lass? You ready to make some coin?"

"Yes, but if I help you'll help us find who we're looking for?" Frisk asked quietly.

"Aye lass that's the bargain. Now I'll make the distraction, and you try and take the ring, and plant it in Brand-Shei's pocket without anyone noticing." the man stated over while gesturing the spots with a Argonian at a stand, and a Dark Elf man in another selling Jewelry, and random stuff.

Frisk nodded taking a slow breath as she moved back to wait for her chance to steal the ring.

After a minute the man started to call over. "Gather 'round all!" Everyone turned over curious walking over wondering what he wants though some of them looked annoyed. "No pushing, no shoving. Plenty of room! This way everyone! Over here! You need to hear this!"

"Come on, Brynjolf... what is it this time?" the Dark Elf, Brand-Shei, asked looking bored sitting down with crossed arms nearby.

"Patience, Brand-Shei. This is a rare opportunity, and I wouldn't want you to get left out."

"That's what you said about the Wisp Essence and it turned out to be crushed nirnroot mixed with water!" the Argonian, Madesi, reminded over from being scammed that time.

Despite this the man, Brynjolf, shrugged waving that off. "That was a simple misunderstanding, but this item is the real thing. Lads and lasses I give you, Falmerblood Elixir!" He held up a bottle as he declared this.

"Oh come on, are you talking about the Snow Elves?" While this happens Frisk quietly moved over to Madesi's stand managing to open the stand, and sees the strong box. Gulping she begins to pick into it.

"The one and only. Mystical beings who live in legends and were masters of great magic. Imagine the power that coursed through their veins!"

"How did you get that, then? No one's seen them in years!"

"My sources must remain a secret for their own protection but I can promise that the contents are genuine." Frisk manages to unlock the strong box opening it checking over. Seeing the ring she quietly takes it, and closes the box, and the stand sneaking over. "One sip of the elixir and your wishes will be granted. Great wealth, everlasting life or perhaps limitless power could be yours!"

"How much does it cost?"

"Only twenty gold septims! Hurry before my supply is gone." Brynjolf answered holding up the bottle in response to Brand-Shei's question.

"He has to be lying! Twenty coins? No one has that much."

"I dunno, sounds like I should try it."

"Please, please... hold all your questions until after I've finished!" Brynjolf called over while everyone talks it over. Seeing Frisk behind Brand-Shei she softly places the ring in his pocket before nodding saying she done it, he knew it's time to finish it. "Well, I see that my time is up. Come back tomorrow if you wish to buy."

"What a waste of time." Madesi muttered turning off.

"Damn. I knew I shouldn't have waited." Brand-Shei sighed getting up, and walked to his stand not catching Frisk quickly escaping from his stand.

Frisk sighed in relief walking over to Brynjolf who grinned over to her. "Looks like I chose the right person for the job. And here you go... your payment, just as I promised." He handed a bag of coins to her which she takes. "The way things have been going around here, it's a relief that our plan went off without a hitch."

"So you'll help us now?" Frisk asked as he could see she wasn't happy to have helped steal.

"Yeah. I bet I know your guy. He's hiding out in the Ratway Warrens. Paying us good coin for nobody to know about it." Brynjolf answered before then saying. "You'll need to enter the Ratway below to our hideout. And of course best of all, there's more goldwhere that came from... if you think you can handle it. The group I represent has its home in the Ratway beneath Riften... a tavern called the Ragged Flagon. Get there in one piece and we'll see if you've really got what it takes or you find your guy."

"Ok, thank you." Frisk nodded going back to the others as Sans hugged her gently.

"Well you done it. Now we got to head to the Ratway to see if we can find Esbern." Jin spoke to her patting her head.

"Yeah..." she nodded at that.

"Don't worry, you won't have to steal ever again." Asriel promised. "This was just a one time bad thing."

So they headed down to the entrance of the Ratway. Opening they entered looking around finding some Skeevers around squeaking.

Asgore and Undyne used there weapons to kill them as Asriel defended himself with a sword. They also encountered some thugs which Jin deals with walking along finding there way. Eventually they entered in a area that's large as they see something at the otherside of the room seeing several people.

"I don't think we can sneak by them." Chara frowned. "Do you think that's the tavern he mentioned?"

"Yeah looks like it. Let me do the talking." Jin said to them walking along.

While making there way Frisk sees someone, and could've sworn the guy looks familiar. But she shakes her head probably thinking it's a coincidence. Walking to the bartender Jin cleared his throat making him look over. "Got a lot of nerve coming down here. People tend to get hurt in the Ratway."

"We're here for some guy in the Ratway Warrens."

"Lot of people looking for him. Don't know his name, but he's paid good money for nobody to know he's down here."

"Here maybe this can job your memory?" Jin reveals a bag of gold coins over to him.

Seeing that the man takes it. Well... when you put it that way, I think I do know the old guy you're talking about. He's holed up in the Ratway Warrens. Hardly ever leaves the place - has someone bring him food and such. Crazy old coot, from what I've heard. For that to stand out here, he must really be off his nut." He gestured over to a door nearby.

Frisk frowned only to notice the guy she thought she recognized getting up and heading in the direction the man indicated after exchanging a glance with Asriel and Chara the three of them quietly followed him.

"Where are you going?" Jin asked which she raised a hand gesturing to stay quiet.

Following the man he exited the Ragged Flagon, and followed where they hear him talking. "She's in the Flagon right now, get ready?"

"You're sure?" the voice of a Thalmor asked him as they see him discussing with a Thalmor mage.

"Of course, I'm sure her associates are asking about Esbern." the man confirmed before she recognized the man, Gissur the same man who was displeased from lack of paying from Rulindil back at the Thalmor Embassy.

Widening her eyes she turned to Chara and Asriel who both looked shocked seeing a Thalmor and realized they had to warn the others and so they quietly and quickly made their way back as Asriel ran to his parents and Jin. "The Thalmor are here... and I think someone recognized Frisk."

"Thalmor? Here?" Jin asked hearing that before noticing at the entrance some Thalmor entering. "We got company. All of you hide to the best." With that everyone proceeded to move quickly hiding to avoid getting caught as the Thalmor are approaching over to the Ragged Flagon.

Frisk was shaking slightly as Asriel took her hand gently as the Thalmor walked into the Ragged Flagon.

"Where is the one who was asking about the fugitive hiding in the Ratway?" the lead Thalmor questioned.

"You're in the wrong place to be asking those kinds of questions, pal." the bartender stated walking off glaring with crossed arms. "You'd better clear out before someone gets hurt."

Alarmed the two Thalmor with the lead one drew there weapons warningly.

"No. Not yet." the lead Thalmor stated as the other two sheathed their blades. "Your lack of cooperation has been noted. We'll be back if we require farther information. You won't get a second chance."

"The answer ain't gonna be any different the next time." the bartender stated glaring walking to be back to work muttering 'Arrogant Elven bastard' under his breath.

Then one Thalmor notices Frisk near the door to the Warrens. "Hey!" The other two looked, and drew there weapons.

"Well we tried being quiet." Jin came out unsheathing his sword.

But the two armored Thalmor suddenly got arms around there necks which they struggled before there necks are snapped making the mage turned seeing a big leather armored man just snapped there necks together before a blonde woman quickly slit the throat of the mage as he choked before collapsing. Chara's eyes widened and she shuddered a bit seeing that.

"Who are you two?" Asgore questioned.

"Dirge."

"Vex." the two stated simply before going back with there business.

"I believe you all are looking for someone?" the bartender reminded over to them. "We'll clean up the bodies but remember you owe us for it."

"Right..." Undyne nodded uncertainly before heading to the door the bartender indicated before.

Arriving in they carefully looked around walking together. They are quite tense feeling this is dangerous over wondering how Esbern managed to stay sane from this for this long. But then they hear a voice. "You sure he's here?" Looking they see more Thalmor discussing with each other if Esbern is really here. Seeing them Asgore frowned a bit as they tried to stay out of sight.

When they do get spotted they fought hard with Jin striking hard with slashes around slicing off there limbs or others stab, vaporize or punch them. Chara stabbed one in the leg to keep one from moving, Asriel blocks or dodges kicking one away, and Frisk uses her Blades Katana to attack stabbing the side to injure them while Jin loots there corpses. This continued on walking around to find Esbern eventually finding a room looking around, and hear several people talking to themselves but sees a rather enforced door nearby.

Frisk shuddered but took a slow breath. "I... I need to practice this."

Closing her eyes to focus she conjured her Flame Antronach again as it got the attention of the people talking but in the direction opposite the group. They stared before turning back to there business.

"That... I hoped it would get their attention." Frisk frowned looking down as she felt she wasted her time and then shuddered looking exhausted.

"I don't think these people are hostile." Jin stated over to her. "Besides your managing to get some practice in summoning that Atronach so not a complete waste."

"Yeah but... I'm worn out in case we have to fight again." Frisk admitted as they walked to see who the people were.

Jin however pays attention to the enforced door walking over. He knocked on it as something from it slid which he blinked only for a elder voice to snap. "Go away!"

"Are you Esbern, we're friends. We've come to help you get somewhere safe." Asgore mentioned.

"What?! No, that's not me. I'm not Esbern. I don't know what you're talking about." the man denied shaking his head.

"Esbern... please trust us, Delphine sent us to find you." Frisk mentioned.

"Delphine? How do you..." the man looked surprised before then recognizing Frisk. "Oh you, your... so you've finally found her, and she led you to me. And here I am, caught like a rat in a trap."

"What, no we need your help to stop the dragons." Undyne frowned. "You, Delphine, and the punk are all blades so shouldn't you three work together?"

"So Delphine keeps up the fight, after all these years. You'd better come in and tell me how you found me and what you want. This'll just take a moment..." the man, Esbern spoke as he closed the slot. They begin hearing some locks being undone while they waited.

"This one always sticks... there we go. Only a couple more." Then the door opened up showing he's wearing white clothes. "There we are! Come in, come in! Make yourself at home." They entered the room as he closed the door turning to them. "That's better. Now we can talk." He looked over them before crossing his arms. "So Delphine, and you kept up the fight, after all these years. I thought you both have realised it's hopeless by now. I tried to tell you all, years ago..."

"You were right, but you might be the only one who can help us stop the dragons." Jin told him as Esbern noticed Frisk's armor.

"Wait a moment... are you also the one... who is the descendant of Vipsanius Dwellwyn as well?" Esbern asked her seeing the armor before looking at the monsters. "And these creatures... aren't they all?" He then frowned shaking his head. "It doesn't make any difference anyhow. The end is upon us. I may as well die here as anywhere else. I'm tired of running."

"What do you mean the end? What's going on?" Undyne questioned.

"your pal Delphine mentioned you might be able to help us out so we should get going right?" Sans pointed out.

"Don't you all see it's pointless? Haven't you figured it out yet? What more needs to happen before you all wake up and see what's going on? Alduin has returned, just like the prophecy said!" Esbern yelled out from this telling them of the great danger. "The Dragon from the dawn of time, who devours the souls of the dead! No one can escape his hunger, here or in the afterlife! Alduin will devour all things and the world will end. Nothing can stop him. I tried to tell them. They wouldn't listen. Fools. It's all come true... all I could do was watch our doom approach..."

Hearing that Asriel shuddered as Jin frowned. "Alduin, so he's the one bringing the dragons back?"

"Yes, yes! You see, you know but you refuse to understand! Oh, yes. It's all been foretold. The end has begun. Alduin has returned." Esbern answered that question before looking down. "Only a Dragonborn can stop him. But no Dragonborn has been known for centuries. It seems the gods have grown tired of us. They've left us to our fate, as the plaything of Alduin the World-Eater."

"But there is a Dragonborn, Jin is one." Asgore pointed out indicating the Argonian.

That made Esbern widen his eyes turning to Jin. "What? You're... can it really be true? Dragonborn?" His face then brightened up. "Then... then there is hope! The gods have not abandoned us! We must... we must... We must go, quickly now. Take me to Delphine. We have much to discuss." He ran over to the room looking over. "But, give me... just a moment... I must gather a few things... I'll need this... No, no, useless trash... where'd I put my annotated Anuad? One moment, I know time is of the essence, but mustn't leave secrets for the Thalmor... there's one more thing I must bring..." Packing things in his bag he turned over. "Well, I guess that's good enough... let's be off..."

"heh, hold onto this lazybones... i know a shortcut." Sans grinned.

Esbern blinked as everyone places a hand on Sans. Confused Esbern follows there lead placing a hand on him. There was a blink as he found himself suddenly in an inn in the Sleeping Giant Inn only for Sans to pause and just vanish. Esbern looked around shocked from this as Jin sighed. "Trust me I don't understand it either."

"No offense, but you said something about a dragon named Alduin?" Undyne reminded Esbern.

"Uh yes, but I can only discuss in safety with Delphine. To many Thalmor around." Esbern stated to them that he'll only talk once he's sure he's safe.

"That voice, Esbern, is it really you?"

They looked over hearing that. It was Delphine who looked shocked to see him before smiling.

"Delphine! I... it's good to see you. It's been... a long time."

"It's good to see you, too, Esbern. It's been too long, old friend. Too long. Well, then." Delphine said to him relieved. "You made it, safe and sound. Good. Come on, I have a place we can talk." Just then Sans appeared with Toriel, and a more sober looking Ainertick rubbing his head which Delphine blinked seeing the Breton. "Who's this guy?"

"A drunkard who likes to waste himself." Jin answered before telling Delphine. "Just let him sleep it off, and we will look to fix him up."

"Fine, he can use the room over there." Delphine said gesturing to the room. "Come on back to the hideout."

The group nodded following her to the secret basement room. They walked down together in the room where there alone. Delphine turned over to Esbern who is starting to look through his bag. "Now then. I assume you know about..."

"Oh yes! Dragonborn! Indeed, yes. This changes everything, of course." Esbern didn't look up while looking in his bag. "There's no time to lose. We must locate... let me show you. I know I had it here, somewhere..."

"Esbern, what..."

"Give me... just a moment... Ah! Here it is." With a smiled he pulls out a book placing it on the table. "Come, let me show you. You see, right here. Sky Haven Temple, constructed around one of the main Akaviri military camps in the Reach, during their conquest of Skyrim."

"Do you know what he's talking about?" Delphine asked confused to everyone else.

"I... I think so, it was something I learned about the history of the Blades... It's supposed to be an impenetrable fortress for the Blades, even more secure than Cloud Ruler Temple in Cyrodil if I remember right." Frisk asked. "I thought it was just a rumor though."

"Shh!" Esbern shush them for them to pay attention. "This is where they built Alduin's Wall, to set down in stone all their accumulated dragonlore. A hedge against the forgetfulness of centuries. A wise and foresighted policy, in the event. Despite the far-reaching fame of Alduin's Wall at the time - one of the wonders of the ancient world - its location was lost."

"Esbern. What are you getting at?"

Esbern blinked over to Delphine owlishly hearing that. "You mean... you don't mean to say you haven't heard of Alduin's Wall?" He then turned over to Frisk, and Jin. "Either of you?"

"For sake of argument let's say no we've never heard of it... what exactly is Alduin's Wall?" Jin inquired.

"Alduin's Wall was where the ancient Blades recorded all they knew of Alduin and his return. Part history, part prophecy. Its location has been lost for centuries, but I've found it again." Esbern spoken over figuring it's best to just explain what it was to not waste time. "Not lost, you see, just forgotten. The Blades archives held so many secrets... I was only able to save a few scraps..."

"So you think that Alduin's Wall will tell us how to defeat Alduin?" Delphine asked him straight to the point.

"Well, yes, but... there's no guarantee, of course." Exbern admitted over.

That made Delphine nod from this. "Sky Haven Temple it is, then. I knew you'd have something for us, Esbern." She turned over to everyone saying over. "I know the area of the Reach that Esbern's talking about. Near what's now known as Karthspire, in the Karth River canyon."

"THEN WE SHOULD HEAD OUT RIGHT AWAY!" Papyrus grinned.

"Well either way, the Reach is wild country these days. The Forsworn are everywhere. Best be careful." Delphine warned over.

The group nodded at that.

Ulrich362: Well, Sans Shortcuts are pretty convenient... then again, fast travel exists so... it makes sense.

bopdog111: And we have one of Jin's comrades with him, Ainertick Matrph, first thoughts?

Ulrich362: He's a drunk bum who's not worth anything... then again that probably means he's the best fighter Jin knows... or an accomplished wizard, or something else. We'll have to wait and find out.

bopdog111: We will find out soon. And that Jin's name is Ffamran apparently. Be sure to review!

Ulrich362: See you in the next chapter.