I don't know of this is even necessary, but I'll say it anyway.
When I use the word 'queer' in this story I use it's original meaning of 'strange', not it's modern meaning of 'gay'.
I put this here as I have seen other authors receive some... Unpleasant comments in response to using the word. I have seen entire stories deleted because someone intrepreted the word in the wrong way.
Basically - don't lynch me, ok? I'm just using the word for the 'days of yore' vibe it gives off. That's all.
Sorry for putting this here - I'm sure it does kill immersion yet this way as many people will see this as possible. But... Yeah, enjoy the story! And please have a good time.
Without further ado... I present this latest Chapter of Reign of Alduin!
A single ruby-red eye gleamed unto Ruth. She saw pure, unending, and raw hate inside of it. Ruth's silver eyes widened as she crawled away. She slipped upon the glass and hit her against it. It hurt, yes, but her attention was fixated upon the Hell-eye that loomed over her.
She breathed deeply as the beast made a rumbling sound. It seemed to stir as it's neck slithered back - curving so as to rise through air. She could feel the wind whistling past her face as it peered down upon her.
"YOL TOOR SHU—"
"Bbbrrrrsssskkkk!"
"Rrrrraaaaannnssssskkkk!" The beast's head plummeted back unto glass-earth. Shattering echoed as a glowing energy spewed from a gaping slit across it's fell throat, "Rrrrggggggssssss!" It growl-hissed as it's body did quiver. It bent it's serpent-neck so as to peer upon it's wound, "Dovahkiin! Zu'u... Zu'u fen lost dii nahkriin! Dovahkiin! Rrrraaaassshhh!" It began rumbling as it did hack up more scarlet rivers of pure wroth. The energy burned the glass it touched into oozing orange-red veins of liquid-fire.
Ruth did watch with fearful eyes. She held her arms before herself in meager defense; eyes shut tightly. She awaited death and the Gods embrace... Yet neither found her. Only the silence of confusion settled - occasionally broken by the loud wheezing of the great star-beast. Ruth could feel the earth rumble with every pained breath it took.
Slowly did thin arms lower as silver eyes hesitantly watched the titan-shape. It watched her, too. Silver against crimson; eyes locked. Or, rather, her eyes locked unto it's sole Hell-eye. She had not noticed she stopped breathing until her lungs did burn. Her hand clutched her amulet with trembling fingers; burnt skin resting against cool metal.
"W-w-wh-what... A-are you...?" Her words were shakey and full of terror; yet brave her young heart was. She did not flee, but she certainly entertained the idea of it, "A-a... D-De-Demon?"
"Deyra!? Wo los... Hi wah faazrot... Zey ful, joor?" Sounds came from between great beaked jaws - a voice deeper than thunder did boom slowly: mighty and commanding. Every fiber of Ruth's soul told her to run. She fought with herself not too. Her legs did tremble. The creature did lay against earth, bleeding... She felt pity in spite of fear. Or maybe because of it?
"Y-you... Sp-speak?" Her voice was nary a whisper amongst the howling winds. The ruby-eye did narrow unto her. She slowly rose to her feet, "W-what," She coughed to clear her parched throat, "What... Who... Are you...! A-are... Are you Speaking? Who... Who are you!?"
"Hhhhsssssss...!" A low hiss did emanate from deep within it's throat like earth rending earth, "Zu'u Alduin! Zu'u los Diistkiin do Bormah! Zu'u los diist Dovah! Zu'u los diist Rah wah vopraan! Zu'u los diist—"
"Trrrrrrrsssskkk!"
"Rrrrrgggggrrrrsssss!" It did stop suddenly and begun to snarl and hiss as more crimson energy poured from it's throat. Something had been rended inside of it, "Krosis! Nahkriin... Dovahkiin!" It snarled the final word like a curse. It's eye seethed pure hate, Ruth saw, but not at her...
"Y-you speak!?" No Demon had the power of speech! T'was a gift unto Men and Gods alone! But it had clearly just spoken. Within it's gleaming Hell-eye did reside, she spied, a single snow-pure slit. It's eye alone was as tall as a man... The thing was massive. If it pleased it could kill her as she could a mere ant. Trembling hands clutched her amulet ever tighter, "You speak!?"
"Dreh hi... Lorot zey... Raan? Nunal... Sivaas!? Hinzaal joor. Zu'u irkbaan hi!" Did it's voicd thunder yet again. She clasped her ears as the winds did howl - from storm or beast she knew not, "Thou... Knowst not... Thy Tongue, dou'st thee, joor?" Ruth's eyes widened even further. Her jaw fell. It had whispered in a voice like smoten fire-moutains - low yet mighty. It had spoken human words unto her. Comprehensible speech... It spoke somewhat like the village-cleirc: authoritative, demanding, and in a antique manner. Yet within that voice did lie smoldering rage... She could hear murderous fury dripping from every word.
"I-I... YOU SPEAK!?" Her voice was far more potent then she degined of it, "I-I mean... What are you!? How are you speaking!? W-what... Are you from... The Heavens...?" Her words sounded hopeful and almost wistful now. She felt her fear waning... It was no Demon! They cannot talk... And it came from the sky. Her mind deduced that it must be a messenger, or servant of the Gods... One meant for her. The Hell-eye did narrow unto a thin line.
"Hinzaal joor! Zu'u Alduin is foe to all the Heavens! Thy foes number of ye Divines... Hi los mey fah sahgaat ful! Thee will be smitten... In ruin..." It's neck writhed yet it's glare never left her. Ruth swallowed hard as her teeth chattered. Her fingers did bleed against her amulet. If not of Heaven, and foe to the Gods - yet no Demon, then... What was it? She gathered her courage; craven she was not!
"I-I... Why? Why do you make battle unto the Gods? What have they done to warrent such rage? What have I done?" The Hell-eye did briefly widen before quickly thinning until the white was nary a pinprick amongst liquid hate. She saw... Something... Stirring against it's side. A... Limb? She prayed it wasn't.
"Rah los hokoron! Nust yah wah nunon grut Zu'u! Rok lokaal hi... Zos wey Zu'u. Thee ilk are all of a lot... Wicked - just like thee's Creators. What is thee's purpose before Zu'u, Alduin? Dou'st thou seek thy ruin?" She could sense nought but wroth... And a hit of painful envy. Ruth shook her head as she steeled herself. She did call unto the Demi-Wolf for it's favor: bravery. She met it's glare with her own determined eyes.
"No... No! I seek only life; preservation! Death is my counterpoint... I seek to save you." At that the eye did widen - slit becoming pupil. She saw an emotion inside - a hint of soulful curiosity. Seething darker overcame it swiftly.
"Rrrrsssssss... Thy pitiful... Attempts at humor fall upon... Deaf ears, joor. Death is thy slave; for Zu'u Alduin is eternal!" It did seethe unto her in waves of arrogance. At that young Ruth did frown; eyes heartfelt. The creature did hiss in confusion.
"Your dying! Y-your... You are broken! Smoten... To deny that is foolhardy! Daft, even! I am healer! I can save you... I seek only to restore, not to destroy!" The titan-shape suddenly hissed. Not a threatening hiss, or a wound-hiss, but a low and rythmic one. Ruth did remain very still as the creature's head did rise ever so slightly, face titling unto glass, the eye better peering unto her form.
"Ssshhhssshhh... Ssshhhsssshhh... Save... Thy? Thou art a fool if thee believes Zu'u, Alduin, requires salvation!" It's voice was low like a shuddering gale, "Alduin is immortal... Thy shalt never know of death - a Dovah am I!" At that Ruth did slowly approach the titan. It did spy her carefully - suspiciously, "Of what dous't thou design? Thou's attempts at slaying thee shalt bare only rotten fruits."
"N-no! I said I had no intentions of slaying you! Too that I hold true," She once more rested her hand against it's snout. It did loom wide over her; shadow cast unto Ruth's form. The girl, on the cusp of being a woman, lost sight of the Hell-eye - so vast was it's night-black maw as to block sight of anything beyond it. She was careful to avoid sword-teeth as she continued to apply balms against it's gaping wounds, "I am no liar! I am no oath-breaker! I always hold fast to my vows... I do!" She proclaimed even as a deep rumble emanated from deep within it's throat.
"Hin eylok... Fen alun... Nok. Your ilk are all of a piece! Thee's heart is sworn too death... Dou'st thee proclaim otherwise? Foolhardy and ignorant if so," Ruth did not answer the question. She knew it spoke truth. Men and women are violent things... She learned that as she was forced to watch her father burn for false crimes, "Thy efforts are in vain. Zu'u, Alduin, requires... Nought from thee!"
"You say that yet all I see are gaping wounds. You are bleeding... Dying. Are you so certain that you are without aid? I... My entire life has been dedicated to healing... You can trust that! I speak no lie or falsehoods! I swear it upon my father's spirit..." At that did the creature go silent. She knew not if it pondered her words, or if it merely gave up on attempting to disuade her. She did know that it was weak - dying - despite it's proclamation otherwise. She would not stomach that too be.
Ruth licked her lips as she inspected it's maw. A frightening thing... Clearly these jaws were meant to snap and crush anything between them. It's teeth were for pinning prey in place, not for shredding flesh. The beek did that... Nay, it was no beek! But a thin snout shaped like one... She saw no lips among it's mouth - only dozens of teeth. Maybe hundreds. But she could spy... Something lodged within one of those fangs. Something impaled into a gum on the upper jaw... Quite a ways up. Whatever the object was it seemed too... Sparkle. Maybe glow? She wasn't certain.
"P-please... Please don't eat me, ok? I-I... Something's in your teeth..." She did brave herself before looking up it's maw once more. Ruth rubbed balm upon her hands; protection against the titan's heat. She placed dainty fingers around a particularly thin fang; so thick her hands could barely grasp it. Most of the teeth were too large for her too hold. She placed her foot atop ridged scale and ascended up the titan's mouth.
As she climbed her mind did wonder. This thing... Zu'u? It kept repeating that word. Zu'u... Zu'u and alduin. What is a alduin? Or a zu'u? Was that it's name? Or a title. What was it...? It... It... It had a passing resemblance unto a Dragon. Dragons are holy things; all Men hold them in high regard. The Gods are Dragons, after all, and according to legend the first Demon was also a Dragon. Or perhaps Dragon-shaped depending on who you asked.
Ruth pulled herself up via thin spike. She placed her foot against a small gash without looking. The creature did shift ever so slightly - a rumble announcing it's agitation, "S... Sorry!" She did rearrange her boot-clad foot to rest upon a broken fang instead. She looked up... She felt nervous. Many, many, many teeth awaited her...
Climbing the star-beast was surprisingly swift. It scarcely moved or shifted - content to be still. She was weary to avoid the injuries and to not touch the tips of spike or fang. The climb, despite it's height, was proving far swifter than she expected. She was alread in the procedd of clearing the lower jaw - her hands grasping onto a fractured tooth for support. She tried not thinking about how close to death she ventured... How the creature need only open it's maw slightly to consume her whole.
"Ugh!" It hit her then. The stench of brimstone - strong and confusing. Ruth clung tightly too a protruding spike emerging from it's upper snout, her nose huffing and eyes watering from the smell, as she pulled herself up. She glanced down... "O-oh..."
The fall would surely kill her. She was well above the broken trees; high enough to see well over a mile in all directions. The wind was warm here... She was so close to the golden light. She began reaching forward towards it.
If it were a God-related beast... What would that imply? If it fell from Heaven, broken, then... What could possibly do this to such a creature? It called itself the enemy of the Divines... T'was one of the Gods who felled it, mayhaps? That was the only explanation her mind could conjure.
If... If the Gods felt the need to battle it directly then... What, too, does that imply? Ruth felt a hint of fear in her heart as she came upon dread epiphany. Maybe... Maybe the Gods are not all-powerful? Mayhaps... They can be challenged? Defeated, even.
And, if so, what... What does that imply about the Gods? About humanity? About the very world? If this creature lost it's fight against the Gods, yet survived their wrath, then... Was it... As unto a God? Like one, mayhaps... Gods and Dragons are one, or so the village-cleric said many times. And this creature resembled a Dragon and like the Gods came from beyond Heaven...
She felt uncertain. These thoughts were heretical... Most would kill her for thinking them. Under normal circumstances, she'd mock herself for such thoughts. She would even burn herself as was custom for Divine tresspass; sacrificing flesh for forgiveness. But to be before such a vast creature... Such a gargantuan titan... A star-beast... Her mind betwixt with many emotions - chief of them all... Hope.
Her fingers grazed against something metal. She saw it wiggle. She needed to get closer. She breathed deeply. She raised her foot from a ridged scale and gently placed it upon the beast's gum. She felt it's head quiver slightly. Her grip on it's spike hardened. Nothing else occurred. She sighed with relief.
Once more she reached for it. Once more her fingers narrowly missed. She bite her lip as she leaned forward, loosening her grip, fingers splaying.
"Come on... Come on! A little further..." She could feel the warm metal much more clearly. She leaned further, "Got it!" Her fingers did ensnare a hilt. The hilt of a weapon, "N-now.. This will hurt, ok? Pl-please... Please don't do anything rash!" A grunt was her sole response - the titan's head shivering from the effort. She prayed that meant it wasn't hungry...
"One... Two... Three!" Particles of scarlet flew towards her as the blade did unseath from the creature's gum. It did not move, or growl, or even so much as wiggle. It remained silent as death. She did remain still for many minutes; weary of the creature. Yet no sign of life did it express beyond breathing. Eventually, slowly, she leveled her eyes on the weapon.
It shone with a brilliant golden hue; a white glowing gem encrusted within the weapon's guard. It was a long sword - thin and narrow. Perfectly crafted, even Ruth's untrained eyes could spy that. It was seeping with the red energy. She held it close as she peered unto her reflection inside it; silver eyes, raven-hair, and pale yet soft features stared back. She could see a burn marking her left eye... An old wound.
It was a beautiful sight to behold - this gleaming sword. It... It was clearly magical. The glow denoted that much without question. She... She could hear a distant ringing from it... Nay, from it's gem! The gem rang like a chime... "Most... Passing strange..." Was it a work of the Gods? There existed many magic swords, yes, but... None glowed gold! Gold...
"Ah-hah!" She realized then with glee what it was truly. A weapon of the Light; Golden God's gift unto her. All gold stems from the God of Light, as all purple does stem from the God of Dark. She knew then that her suspicions were correct from the very beginning. This... This creature, and the blade too, were meant for her... But why? Why would the Gods send unto earth their smoten foe? And with a blade inside it's maw, no less... It made no sense to her. Yet she pushed aside the confusion: the machinations of the Gods are not for Mortals to comprehend, after all. Yet it still boggled her...
"Uhhhmmm...H-how... Am I going to get down now...?" She did ponder as silver eyes gazed unto glass-stricked earth. The fall would surely kill her, and the beast's slight movements made descending the way she came impossible. She pursed her lips. Her fingers coilied about the blade tightly, "C-could... Could you kindly... L-lower me?"
"Hi pahlokaal... Rrrrrrssssss..." It sounded more annoyed than outright hateful now, "Why should thy humor thee? Let theeself fall... Death is thee ilk's God. Embrace it." Ruth felt her heart cool then. She felt a growing annoyance within her. She pushed aside fear as she did summon anger.
"I aided you! I have put my life in danger of beast, fire, ash, and glass for you! I-I... I'm helping you! Of what wrong have I done unto you?" Ruth's voice was laden with repressed anger, indignation, and a desperate desire to know why. The creature's only response was a long huff.
"I... What more must I do before you understand I seek to help you? I... I am not your enemy! You may have wronged the Gods, but against me you have not slighted!" At that she felt shaking. She felt it's head beginning to stir. She clung tightly to her perch as the blade slipped from her thin fingers and fell.
She hugged the spike desperately as she felt wind whipping against her. She shut her eyes tightly as she did pray unto the Gods; answer her they did not. They never did.
Yet, despite her fear, death never came. The wind stopped, the shaking ceased, and her heart did quake. Silence settled. She hugged the spike as though it were her savior; head buried between her arms. She felt her heart thumping against her chest.
"Thy shalt be rewarded only this once - do not test thee's patience again, joor," Zu'u's voice did boom. Her eyes opened slowly as she felt her feet touch glass. Slowly did she release, "Let none say that Zu'u, Alduin, knows not mercy..."
At that Ruth did back away as the titan-shape's head shifted from it's side and unto it's front. Once more the Hell-eye gazed unto her; malice diluted into mere hate: "Who... Are thee?"
"I... I am Ruth! Ruth of God's Stone. I... You are Zu'u, yes? Y... You referred to yourself as thus." She did politely smile despite the circumstances. The ruby-eye did widen. She felt herself awkward beneath it. She grasped her elbow.
"Zu'u? Zu'u...? Rrrrssshhhhhsss! Ssshhhhssshhhsss! Ssshhhssshhh!" It rhythmically hissed once more, "Rrrssshhh! Ssshhhssshhh! Ssshhhssshhh!" It... It laughed! Ruth realized it was laughing... At her? Or what she said? She felt bitterness in her heart - mockery's daughter.
"Zu'u Alduin, Jun do Dovah! I am... Alduin! I am Alduin, Master of all Men! I am Alduin, King of Nirn! I am Alduin, the Firstborn! I am Alduin! Thou shalt be wise to remember that, least thee court thy wroth..." The creature - no, the Dragon! She was certain of that now - did boom. It's head raised slightly from the earth so as to more direclty gaze unto her meager form. Ruth's face was a mixture of shock, awe, and... Complete confusion: "Dou'st thou not recognize thee? Thy name is known to all! I ruled this world for ages... Dou'st thou recognize thy name?" It's ruby-eye seemed to soften as it's slit became a pupil. Ruth wasn't certain, but... This Dragon almost seemed... Desperate. As if it needed to hear her say yes. It's eye did not seethe; it silently begged to be known. To be remembered. The girl's heart did ache.
"I-I... No. I do not know you. I... My apologies..." She peered unto glassened earth. This Dragon claimed to have ruled the world once... She did ponder something. It was always said that there were two Gods, yet after her many revelations she had to ask... What if there was a third?
"Thee... Thou ilk are fools. Ye ilk's lives are short; memories shorter," The Dragon spoke less to her than it did to itself, "Zu'u... Zu'u lokaal hi. Pah do hi. Tul hi lost forgen zey... Thou ilk are cruel - why show unto thy mercy? Thy would not do the same in thee's stead." Did the Dragon, Alduin, speak truth. Ruth looked once more upon it as her eyes hardened. She felt her soul ignite - this Dragon remained stalwart! She had told it many times yet it seems to keep ignoring her.
"You live! That is reason for me... All that lives deserves to keep living... it is my father's legacy. Even if you hate me, or would seek me harm, I will still aid you... It is who I am." She spoke with a heavy heart and a heavier soul. The Dragon seemed to ponder her words. It did close it's eyes.
"Thou... Thou art not like thee's lik. Thou art unto a child; moreso than any other joor. Foolish... Thou's foolishness will be thee's undoing," The Dragon spoke from somber experince. She could hear the sadness within it's thunder-voice, "Thee... Thee has shown thy mercy... Thy owes thee a honor-debt. Of what boon would thee request from Zu'u, Alduin?" At that did the girl cusp her chin. Her brows furrowed as she looked upon boot-clad feet - unbeknownst to her the Hell-eye did narrow as malice creeped unto it once more. She thought deeply.
"I... A boon?" From a Dragon...? Like a wives-tale... She felt excitement at that. Yet... Yet she desired little that she could not gain herself, "I... I would like only to see you returned to good health, ser Dragon!" Silver eyes gleamed unto ruby ones as a beaming smile painted Ruth's lips. The Hell-eye quickly softened from confusion.
"Fos? Thee... Thee seekth no boon from Zu'u, Alduin?" At that Ruth's smile did beam ever brighter; soft and young features betwixt the amber-emotion. She did look as if the face of childish joy was her fancy; hope glowing within silver eyes.
"Only that you live... If you grant me a boon, then be it of your survival! It is all I want..."
The Tyrant Wyrm was betwixt untrusting malice and mighty confusion. This... Mere Mortal did seek him no harm; but that he live through his injuries. Even after his proclamations, his threats, and his attempt to smote her did she still give unto him kindness. That was... Strange. Highly suspect.
Kindness... Mercy. She... She chose to express mercy before him; even as the Dragonborn's curse did stain his immortality. He had not thought on it much before, yet... He could die now. He was truly vunerable. He... Was... Weak.
Death could claim his Divine Soul at any moment. He... He... He was Mortal. In spirit, not body, of course. At least he retained his beauty and perfection! To be cursed with the body of a Mortal... Disgusting. Even now, though, he could sense the curse ebbing away: immortality returning to him. It would be days, however, before he could truly be immune to Death once more. Maybe longer. Until then...
As he was now even this pitifully naive child could slay him, let alone a mighty warrior or sorcerer. Yet she chose not too. She, a mere Mortal - worse, a human! - was... Was expressing mercy unto his sundered form. Highly suspect.
He was confused. Why would she not kill him now? He would in her place. Malice did disspiate as he watched her applying herbs unto his injuries. Useless... He had no blood for them flow into. No flesh-organs for them to dilute. No meat for them to knit together. Alduin was of scale, muscle, bone, heart, and raw energy - nothing more, nothing less. Herbs, poisons, toxins, diseases, and serums were useless to him.
But the gesture was... Appreciated, to a meager extent, of course. Kindness was not something he was acustomed too. He did not trust her... He knew she lied about her reasoning when she rejected his would-be gift - Mortals would never decline more power. She plays games... He simply needs to learn what kind of game.
She was a patient liar. He could sense it. She sought to decieve him. All Mortals do. But to what end? His mind was determined to find answers.
Mayhaps she was genuine? Nay... Mortals lie. It is their nature. Unless she... 'Do rahlo!' Epiphany did resign within the Tyrant Wyrm's furnace-heart. It was obvious now... She sought his honor-debt on purpose! She seeks to decevie him as her ancestors had; hungering for Divine protection! That is her desired boon, though she speak it not aloud... She is a Mortal. She is greedy. She wants something from him. And now he knows what now - control over others through him.
"Dreh hi lorot zey hinzaal?" She did squeak like a pup in surprise as she fell unto glass-earth, "Thee is clever for thy ilk yet. Yet Zu'u, Alduin, dou'st see thou's error! You seek to control thy's might to crush thee's enemies underneath storm and wind! Fool...! None shalt enslave Alduin." He did state factually. The child, the Mortal, did peer unto him with eyes devoid of deceit - eyes of confusion. She was skilled at hiding her lies. Her eyes... They were not so distinct from that of the Man-Drake. At that did Black Wings glare unto silver eyes.
"W-what? No! I seek only to heal you... I have no enemies! I am healer! Please... Trust me!" At that did the ruby-eye thin into a slit once more. No enemies? She must be mighty... A great warrior. Perhaps a Warlord-Queen? Young and small for one if so... Mayhaps she was of Forest-Elf stock? Nay... She lacked the eyes, skin, and ears of one... But if she were, it would explain her height and propensity for healing.
"Thee's foes lie smoten? Of what do thee partake: of sword? Of claw? Of spell? Or art thee without honor - Nocturnal's follower." At that she did frown deeply. Red painted her cheeks as her wretched eyes did peer unto her ebony cloak. The cloak, Dread Alduin surmised, was without use. Torn, tattered, and bareft of magic, "Why dou'st thou hide thee visage?"
"I... I... I am without battle-skill. Fighting is beyond me... I have no talent with magic: giftless am I," At that did the World Eater go silent. She was no combatant... In truth, he suspected such already. It did lend credence to her words as well. Yet it did not prove her true - and like all Mortals, she can lie as easily as she dies, "I... I am without value. Without purpose... Save the healing of others. I... I am sorry, but... I can nary fight to my own life."
"Thee is weak," She did not even attempt to refute the statement. It is fact and both knew that, "Thou art no Champion... Thou art no Wise One... Thou art healer. Ye's work is... Noble in nature," At that did the child gaze unto him with hopeful eyes. For the first time since the ancient ages did Dread Wings feel... Something... Sparking to life within the furnace-heart that wasn't malice, fear, or curiosity, "Without thee's ilk Man would be hopeless against all wound or sickness. Thee's choice of import is thee's wisedom; so sayth Alduin, the King of the All-Life! Let nought betwixt the honor of thy's solemn oath." The girl, the Mortal, did smile slowly. Her soft lips painted her face in joy - her eyes gleaming. The furnace-heart did cool ever so slightly. He may hate all Mankind, but even he knows that a true healer is worthy of an inkiling of respect.
"I... Really!? You think so!?" Her voice was betwixt the cerulean-emotion, "I-I mean... Thank you! Thank you, ser Dragon, your words... They are most kind." She did lower her head, hands clasping before her chest, as she did bow slightly. Alduin did ponder the motion's nature: of reverence? Respect? Thanks? His furnace-heart did attempt to hate her. He truly did. Yet her persistance gnawed at him; doubt slithering inside Entropy.
She did not insult his name. She did not seek to wound him. She did not seek to end his reign... If it could even be called a reign any longer: "Thy's name... T'was ye's name?" He had not payed enough attention to truly grasp it. Mortals oft' chose queer names... Most confusing of sounds did they make. Under Alduin's rule, all were dubbed as one: Mortal.
"I am Ruth, ser Dragon... A healer, as I said. I... Your words are kind... Not many are." At that did the Tyrant Wyrm slowy nod. In truth, he spied within her something... Most queer. He had mistaken it for the All-Life, yet upon closer inspection he knew it was not so. Her soul... Was strange. It... He could not place it, but... Her soul was different in some way.
"Aye. Thee ilk are cruel... Yet thee already knows so," She did nod as joy faded to saddened memories. Her pale features reminded him of the snows of Atmora, "Tell thy... Are ye of the Moons-Kin? Daughter of the Wolf-Leige... Practitioner of the Hunt." At that her face betwixt confusion. Alduin did hate the flesh of Men; and this girl, this... Ruth, was no different. Unto he were all Men hideous. Beauty is found only amongst wings, scales, and horns - not arms, skin, or hair. Yet her eyes were most passing strange. Silver, like Hircine's Half-Men, but... Wrong in some way. He knew he misjudged her now - not her character, of course, but her flesh. She was... Not like other Mortals.
"I... I venerate the Spirit of the Demi-Wolf, yes... I am Moonborn, yes, but... Hunting? No. I am no hunter." Moonborn? At that Alduin did find himself questioning her choice of words. Or word, rather. Moonborn? As though of only one moon? Queer... Most queer, "If I may, ser Dragon, but... Of whom do you call patron?" The ruby-eye did narrow then. Alduin opted for silence. Had she listened to nothing he said? Was she a fool?
"I... I did not mean too offend! Apologies, ser Dragon, I... I... I meant no ill will! I... May I ask you a question?" Hissing was her answer. She was hesitant to continue, "I-I... You are... A Dragon, yes?" His annoyed snarl was her answer, "W-well... Wh-what kind of Dragon? Y... You fell from Heaven. I... I... Are... You... A God?" At that did the ruby-eye's smoldering dim. A long and low hiss did rumble the earth. The girl, this Ruth, did back away as she grew hesitant.
"Geh. Zu'u los Rah! Zoklot do Rah! Aye... Zu'u Alduin is God. I am God! The only God who matters..." He felt strong familiarity. Nahkriin... Nahkriin asked the same question long ago. T'was the days of yore when Alduin was first worshipped... Was first loved. His furnace-heart ached, "Thy am God, indeed... Greatest of all Gods! Or thy was before thee was smoten from Sovengarde..." Curse Shor! Curse Aka! Curse the Gods! Curse the False-Drake; Dovahkiin! Alduin loathed the fell Mortal... He was truly the peak of his breed - in all regards, both good and evil.
"Y... I... I suspected so... I-If... You are a God. I... You are a God! You ARE a God... In the flesh!" It seemed as though as her mind didn't fully comprehend the implications of his words. A part of him felt almost... Relieved she didn't realize the dark connotations of his speech, "I... Are one of them? The Brothers...?" Silver eyes gleamed unto him awe and wonder. He... He felt something inside he hadn't known he could still feel: a sliver of genuine intrigue in this mere Mortal. A desire to commune with her. It was rare he enjoyed speech with one of Man's children.
"Brothers...? Thy... Thy has many brothers, aye. Thousands of them. Yet Zu'u, Alduin, is chief of all! They art thy's servants." Ruth looked shocked. Her smile widened, fell, and widened again. Her eyes were large and aglow with immense intrigue. Alduin almost - almost - felt the spark of something vaguely resembling joy from the mere sight. His malice, unending, ensured he would never know the feeling.
"T... Thousands!? How many Gods are there!?" At that did Alduin ponder. Many... There were many Gods. To some lesser extent, all Dragons were Gods, but not like he was. There were the Thirteen and One of Oblivion. The Eight and Two of Aetherious. The Hundreds and One of the All-Light. There was the Nothing-Soul of the Void... The Everything-Soul of the All-Life. And beyoned these Two King-Gods there dwelt the Supreme Ones - not Gods, nay, but beyond Gods. They are unto Gods as Gods are unto Men. And beyond them lies the Eternal Sleeper... Of that did Alduin know only the most vaguest of knowledges. He and his Rival, the All-Knower, were the only Gods that knew of the Sleeper beyond all Dreams and Realties - The Blind Idiot God.
"Many... Many, indeed. Nought thousands, nay, but hundreds. Gods of Light, Dark, Death, Life, Disease, Purging, Magic, Might, Time-Space, and, chief of all, Entropy: Alduin!" The Dread Wyrm did shift his wings. The Mortal grew fearful now as all around her here did quake. With snarling effort did the God-Dragon rise into the air atop great forelimbs: "Thy art God of Entropy! Thy art King of Dragons! Thy art World E—"
"Rrrrrrgggggssssssss!"
"Sssssoooorrrgggghhhh!"
"Ahhhhhhh!" The Mortal did scream as the great Dragon collpsed back unto glassened earth. The reflective materials shattered under his weight; spikes of glass pointing sky-bound, "A-are you ok!? Do you need aid!?" The girl spoke with compassion and fear lining her young voice. Yet, in his pain, did Alduin realize that her fear was not of him... But for him. His furnace-heart did harden as he pushed aside the epiphany.
He spied her form as she hurried to his side. He watched her applying herbs unto his ichor-seeping wing-tears. Thanks to his movements, his right wing now laid bare; covering the distance between the core of the crater and it's edge. She spoke as she did work to heal him. He did not deign her answer.
He was weak now. Her questions proved such... His inability to so much as stand was undeniable. He... He... If he was Mortal now, then... He was truly vunerable. He was... Was... Victim to death. He could die... He felt fear. True fear... Nay, fear is too weak a word. What he felt could scarce be described as terror.
He was afraid of death. His death. Countless ages he lived and now... Because of a Mortal, he was... Dying. He was truly dying. He... He was dying alone. Without his Priests, or his brothers and sisters, or Chosen Prophet. He was dying like those he exiled into the wastes long ago. He will be forgotten... His life, his sacrifices, his many teachings... Lost forever. Why? Because the Mortals needed a God-King to rule them? Because his Father was too weak to shepherd his own creations? Was it because he defyed his fate as World Eater?
He felt his furnace-heart embolden from fear - the crimson-emotion gripping him tightly. This was not fair... How could this be just? The Death of a God... Why? Why were the Mortals so contempt-fueled! So stone-hearted! They were truly evil...
Curse the Gods! Curse all Mankind! Curse the Dragonborn! They sought to rend a God of Soul... Wicked. Men and their weak Gods are wicked! They will all rue this day! He would make sure of that... Alduin seethed once more in silent suffering. All would regret not destroying him when they had the chance. He would ensure all suffered before him! He was too merciful before... Too naive. He would destroy ALL of them! All of them... Are evil.
But... This Mortal, this girl, this... Ruth sought to aid him. She exploited not his weakness - only seeking to erase it. Why? He knew she lied to him. Mortals always lie... Yet her actions indicated she did seek to aid him. Why would she aid him? Did she not know doing so spelt her doom?
Most importantly... Why was he forgotten? She knew not his name. How did she forget? How could any Mortal not know him? Had... Had it truly been so long? Was he... Was he past the point of fables? Completely forgotten... At that the furnace-heart did go cold.
Forgotten... To be forgotten is the most wicked punishment. He wasn't even hated or feared now; he had become a memory of a memory. He was nothing.
What purpose does he hold now? Too weak to destroy, too sullen to be remembered. How had it come to this? Where did he go wrong? When? He hated his own weakness. He hated his inability to understand why. He hated all things.
Dread Tyrant did seethe, he pondered, and he did writhe amongst terror. He was alone now. Without his brothers or servants. He was completely alone and exposed... Save for the girl. She showed mercy unto his sundered form where all others would slay him. She... She couldn't be evil. How could she be when she gave unto him mercy? She... What was she then? If not evil, yet still very human, then... What was she?
He knew not the answer. Yet her respect, her compassion, her kindness, he knew that... That demanded compensation. A reward. But he would grant no mere boon to one who expressed such virtue. She demanded more. Her actions needed proper reimbursement. He decided then his action.
"Peyt... Peyt Kiir, Zu'u laan do hi daar: would thee forsake thee's lowly Gods? Pledge unto Alduin thee's soul and heart forevermore? Zu'u, Alduin, shalt bestow unto thee all desires in exchange for thee's faith; eternal life. Unending power. Domination over thee's kindred. Worship thee and thy shalt elvevate thee unto the status of a Demigod - knowledge and wealth unending. What say thou?" Yes... Maybe there was still hope for humanity. Yes... Under his learned eyes, there could be redemption... Yes, they could still be redeemed... Under his new reign.
Aria of Ashes here. How are you all? I do hope your all safe and sound.
Here's a fun fact for you all: In Elder Scrolls lore, prior to the events of Morrowind, Vivic - one of the Living Gods of the Tribunal - slept with Molag Bal, the God of Domination and Patron Saint of Rapists. Yeah, Molag Bal is that kinda God.
Anyway, point is Vivic went down on Molag (literally) and bite off his Divine shaft. That shaft. Afterwards, Vivic would impale Molag's manly bits onto a spear and used said spear to vanquish Molag's sister, Azura. How? By impaling her through the mouth and throat, of course!
Yeah... Yeah, I have no idea what Micheal Kirkbride was smoking that day. I don't know how that guy comes up with even half of this crap. Drugs, maybe? Probably copious amounts of LSD and Shrooms.
Regardless! I hope my blighted Vivic and Molag knowledge didn't sour your day. And if it did... Sorry? No, I'm not sorry... I'm not in the slightest. Anyway...
For those wondering, my chapters will be getting longer now. Can't say by how much, but... Longer.
I also think every Author's Note will have a fun fact at the beginning or end of it. Something about either TES or Rwby lore that is obscure or oft' forgotten - maybe a retcon, or lost media. Something like that. Anywho! Goodbye, and have a pleasent day/night.
For now: I will return to the void and fade into ashes.