tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60778668297096037632024-02-08T10:11:52.446-08:00Let's Play Skyrim (With Mods)Taking time to enjoy the sights of Skyrim while scraping out a living.Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-87389696843982777372014-10-15T17:22:00.004-07:002014-10-15T17:22:55.983-07:00Part 27: What is a Dragonborn to Do?Riverwood was quiet when I arrived. I walked in slowly, lost in my thoughts.<br />
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<i>Had I become what I hated most?</i> Someone who kills without regard to another's family?<br />
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Crickets and far off wolves could be heard, and I gazed up at the moon. I sat on a nearby stump, facing my old home, Leaf Rest, where Ysolda had been killed. Arrow shuffled next to me, the crisp night causing clouds of condensation to float through the air, making it look like he was breathing smoke.<br />
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I patted the faithful horse on the shoulder. His skin jumped at my touch, but he settled down once he realized he enjoyed the petting. "What to do, old boy?"<br />
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I felt like I needed some time to think, and perhaps an adventure that didn't include killing Imperials. I brought out my map, unfolding it on my lap, holding it up to the moonlight which shone down brightly.<br />
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I remembered the Greybeards words to me. Retrieve the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller, and then I would prove myself as the Dragonborn. I sighed, releasing a cloud of breath. I would do that. It would bring me back to my earlier days. A man not full of hatred or revenge. A man just wanting to get by. A man who wants a good life for himself and for Skyrim.<br />
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I nodded to myself, putting the map away. Tomorrow, Arrow and I would travel to Ustengrav, to where the Horn was.<br />
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The ride was relatively uneventful the next day, though long. I left Arrow to munch grass outside and I ensured my equipment was ready on my person.<br />
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Well now, isn't that a bit of luck? I quickly grabbed one of the bottles, downing it to calm my nerves. I felt faster and stronger, and headed into the crypt with a renewed sense of confidence.<br />
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Bandits were dead inside, as though they had been killed recently by a mage, judging by a giant ice spike sticking through one of them.<br />
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Up ahead, two Draugr were attacking a Conjurer, but I was unable to save her in time. She went down fast under their weapons, but a few arrows later, they were dead at my feat.<br />
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The chasms inside were amazing to see, the light shining in from who knows where. I thought everything was underground, but, somehow, the light made it in.<br />
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Precarious pathways met me, and I spotted what looked to be another Word Wall. I could hear the faint chanting from up here, and, though still hesitant about walking up to chanting walls, I knew that by learning the words, it would serve me well in defense.<br />
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With my understanding of the word, though, I didn't want to use it straight away without asking the Greybeards about it. I didn't want to become a ghost the rest of my life.<br />
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A strange puzzle soon lay before me, and I looked at it a few times before I figured out what to do. Each of the stone pillars in the middle lit up when you passed them, opening a gate beyond. With good timing, I figured I could use my Shout that caused me to move quickly and get through before they closed.<br />
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I was right! I made it through unscathed!<br />
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An ominous passageway lay before me, and I crept forward silently, axe at the ready.<br />
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In the next room, statues rose up out of the water, and I put my axe away, awed by the sight.<br />
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My footsteps echoed slightly as I walked closer to the pedestal where the horn would lay. I must have been the first person since the last Dragonborn to be in this room. The history weighed down on me and I kept glancing around, feeling strange to be here.<br />
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As I got closer, I squinted, not seeing a horn anywhere. I walked up, brushing past the burial urns at the base of the elaborate carving.<br />
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A...note? I frowned, reaching out to pluck it from the stone hand carving.<br />
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<i>Well.</i><br />
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So much for the test of the Dragonborn if a person who ISN'T the Dragonborn can get through what I just got through!<br />
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<i>Blast it.</i> I angrily crumpled the note, stuffing it into my pack. A swift kick later, and a skeleton head went flying across the room into the pool of water, a small splash echoing through the otherwise silent chamber.<br />
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What does it mean to be Dragonborn? I sat down on the nearby steps and put my head in my hands. Does it mean dealing with this sort of thing? Being shuffled from place to place without any sort of thought as to what I was doing? To be dragged here to there doing deeds for people? No chance to live my own life?<br />
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I wanted no part of that. None whatsoever. The Greybeards could sod off. They can deal with this dragon problem on their own.<br />
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I drew out my map again and shuffled through it's pages. There. I would get away from Skyrim and this utter nonsense. I would find my own way, in a new area.<br />
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<i>Falskaar, here I come.</i><br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-26-civil-war.html" target="_blank">Part 26</a> ----- Part 28 (coming soon)<br />
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Just letting everyone know, that I'm getting towards the end of my coursework, so the updates will be a bit slow from here on. Apologies to those who are enjoying it, but, medical coding is a bit of a drain on the ol' brain sometimes. So, an adventure awaits Markus, and he's really rather tired of all the Dragonborn nonsense he's been put through. He needs a break, and Falskaar might be the very place to go.<br />
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<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-4493636532773108772014-10-14T08:24:00.000-07:002014-10-15T17:23:11.632-07:00Part 26: Civil WarThe next day I went to see the Jarl. I still had to get an answer about the axe.<br />
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"Due to the sidetracking, he has been waiting for a little while for this message." I mention politely.<br />
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Jarl Balgruuf paused for a few moments, and I could see him thinking. "I suppose it is time I give him an answer..." He turned to his Steward. "Proventus, what do you make of all this? If Ulfric were to attack Whiterun..."<br />
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Proventus Avenicci bowed slightly. "As in all things, I urge caution. Wait and see."<br />
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The Jarl sighed. "I feel as though only prey would wait for something to happen. It's time to act."<br />
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His Steward looked shocked. "You plan to march on Windhelm?"<br />
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The Jarl gave him a strange look. "I'm not a fool. I mean it's time for Ulfric to face me as a man, or march his Stormcloaks up to the gates. I am not like the High King Torygg, may he rest in peace. If Ulfric wants to challenge my rule in the old way, let him. Though, I suspect he'll send his 'Stormcloaks' to do it for him."<br />
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I bristled at the insult, refraining from making any biting remarks. I was no Stormcloak, but I was no lover of Imperials as well. Any insult to my Nord brothers I took as an insult to myself.<br />
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Irileth then spoke up. "Ulfric has made it clear. To refuse his claim is to side with the Empire."<br />
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Avenicci held up a hand. "I still feel we should wait. See if Ulfric is serious."<br />
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The Jarl slammed a fist on the throne. "Oh, he is serious. But so am I." He stood up abruptly, thrusting the axe in my direction, and I caught the handle deftly. "Return this axe. The esteemed Jarl of Windhelm has my answer. Make sure he gets it."<br />
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I look him in the eye and nod. "I'm afraid this will be the last time we shall be on speaking terms, Jarl Balgruuf."<br />
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He got my meaning, frowning. "Go then, Nord."<br />
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It was dark when I arrived, but there was no time to waste sleeping, though I was tired and chilled to the bone.<br />
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Ulfric turned to Galmar. "You were right."<br />
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"Again?" Galmar said, an eyebrow raising.<br />
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"I'm in no mood to joke." Ulfric said rising up to lean over the map in the middle of the room.<br />
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I spoke up. "Give the word, and we will go in there and take out the Imperials, my Jarl. Whiterun could be yours."<br />
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Ulfric shook his head. "Whiterun is only a means to an end."<br />
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"I've toured our camps," Galmar stated. "We are ready, Ulfric. Whenever you are."<br />
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Ulfric folded his arms. "Is any man ready to give the order that will mean the deaths of many?"<br />
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I gritted my teeth, slamming a fist onto the table, causing the others to jump. "No! But a man must be ready to give that order when he must! Those Imperial bastards have been getting away with things for too long! Now is the time to strike!" I motion towards Galmar. "These men and women under you call themselves Stormcloaks because they believe in you. I admit that I am a neutral party in all this, though I wish death upon the Imperials who killed my wife. If being in your army gives me that pleasure, then so be it. But these men believe in you. Do not deny them their revenge for the land."<br />
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Galmar joined in. "Those men out there are the meanest, toughest sons of bitches Skyrim has to offer. And they want this. More than you do, more than likely."<br />
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"Whiterun's army will no doubt be bolstered with Legionnares." Ulfric pointed out. "And those walls around Whiterun are old, but they still stand. Are you certain we're ready?"<br />
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Galmar stood straighter. "We are ready."<br />
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"Alright." Ulfric turned to me. "This is it. A new day is dawning and the sun rises over Whiterun. Markus, make haste to our camp in Whiterun. I want you on the front lines. You'll have your chance to take out as many Imperials as you want."<br />
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I nodded sharply. "Many will die by my hand."<br />
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"Aye, I can see that." Ulfric clapped my arm in a handshake. "Fight well, or die well. Talos be with you."<br />
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"And Kyne be with you." I wished him back.<br />
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I spent the night outside in my tent with a large roaring fire and soup to feed my rumbling belly. Then, saddling up Arrow, we headed off for Whiterun.<br />
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Passing the river, I heard what sounded like a large cry, similar to the dragon's cry I fought at the watchtower, and I drew up Arrow short. He stamped his feet nervously as I waited and watched, listening for the noise again.<br />
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The clouds parted in the skies, and I saw it. A huge dragon flying around in a circle, as if searching for something. My stomach did a flip and I immediately kicked Arrow forward, breaking into a gallop.<br />
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But then, ahead of me, I saw something that enraged me.<br />
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That's fucking it. I'm killing them. I warned them not to mess with women traveling, and here they are, messing with women. Their heads are mine.<br />
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I leaped off of Arrow and saw their eyes go wide in recognition at me. They attempted to run, but with two fell swoops of my axe, they fell dead upon the ground. I looked at the woman standing there.<br />
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"You okay?"<br />
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She nodded, looking at my axe fearfully.<br />
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"Don't worry, these guys have been a thorn in my side for a while now. They won't harass anymore women any longer.<br />
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Finally, Whiterun came into view.<br />
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I heard a huge explosion ahead of me, and Arrow startled slightly. I halted, scanning the skies.<br />
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A huge fireball launched from Whiterun and exploded on the ground, causing the area to rumble under the horse's hooves.<br />
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I left Arrow at a nearby farmhouse, hoping he would stay safe from the assault. I manned the catapults as Galmar did a speech, which I didn't much pay attention to. Something about the liberation of Skyrim and all that. I was just ready to knock some Imperial heads in.<br />
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Getting closer to Whiterun, the fireballs got bigger and almost burned me passing by. My heart leaped at the thought of getting hit by one of those and I hurried onward, my Stormcloak companion asking me a strange question, which I subsequently ignored.<br />
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Glad I had so much practice hunting.<br />
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I swung my axe with all my strength, thinking of Lydia as I struck down Imperial after Imperial. Anger grew within me and I led the front line, yelling as I went.<br />
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Inside the city, total panic was over the people, and a few children darted into the streets in front of me. I shoved them out of the way, telling them to get inside somewhere, as I didn't want them to get hurt. My problem was with the Imperials, not the children.<br />
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The city was easily gone through, and I felt a little bad having to cut down some of the Whiterun guards, as I recognized some of them in my travels through the city before. We had reached the Jarl though.<br />
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He surrendered quickly, and I put away my axe, honoring his surrender.<br />
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The men around us fell to a more relaxed position, but we were all still wary of each other.<br />
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"The Imperials are nothing but lying, murderous bastards!" I spat out. Jarl Belgruuf looked at me, astonished. I thrust the note I had been carrying for so long at him. The note that said to kill Ysolda. "She was my wife, and they murdered her."<br />
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Belgruuf held the note, reading it. He looked up at me, sorrow filling his eyes. "I am sorry, Markus. I heard of her death, but did not realize it was by Imperial demands." He handed the note back to me. "If it helps, compensation will be given to you."<br />
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I gritted my teeth, temptation to use my new-found powers rising. "I don't want any of your <i>damn gold</i>! My wife was not a horse that was killed and must be paid for in <i>compensation</i>! The only thing that will come of her death is the death of Imperials!"<br />
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The Jarl stepped forward, pointing towards the front doors. "How many of those corpses lining our streets were the men who killed your wife? What about <i>their</i> families?"<br />
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I was taken aback slightly. A silence fell over the room and the Jarl looked at me, as if awaiting an answer. I shook my head, whispering. "Someone...someone had to pay."<br />
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Galmar stepped forward then. "We did not attack Whiterun for Markus, he was here on his own accord. We attacked because we want Skyrim back. We should be fighting the Thalmor, not bending knee to them. The Empire is nothing more than a puppet of the Thalmor. Skyrim needs a High King who can fight for her, and Whiterun needs a Jarl who will do the same. There is a burning city out there who needs a government. And we will restore order."<br />
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As he turned to leave, Balgruuf called out. "This isn't over! You hear me old fool! This isn't over!" Then, he turned to me with anger in his eyes. "Markus, you, a Stormcloak? I'd thought better of you. I'd hoped it wasn't true. You'll come to regret this day." He pointed a finger at me, and I turned away, leaving him to rule the crumbling walls of his palace.<br />
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Trudging back towards where I had put Arrow, the smells of blood and soot filled the air. The grey skies started rumbling, and I put my cloak around me tighter. I would have to stay at Riverwood's inn tonight.<br />
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I had alot of thinking to do.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-25-lessons-of-old.html" target="_blank">Part 25</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-27-what-is-dragonborn-to-do.html" target="_blank">Part 27</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-24968652894419631972014-10-13T07:54:00.001-07:002014-10-14T08:25:23.463-07:00Part 25: Lessons of Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, we're heading out to Ivarstead, where the start of the 7,000 step climb is. We've a good journey ahead of us, so keep up Lydia. No, I don't have a horse for you, deal.<br />
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Some bandits give us the jump at the large watchtower, and Lydia seems to be a pretty good shot with a bow. I dig through the pockets, and come up with only a small amount of gold, but they do have health potions in their base, which is a welcome addition to my pack.<br />
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What a stupid man.<br />
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After a while of travelling, we come across a man who is laying on the side of the road. I hop down off of Arrow and lean down to him.<br />
<br />
"Are you ok?"<br />
<br />
He winced, holding his side. "Bandits attacked and raided my cart. Can you help me?"<br />
<br />
I looked around. "What can I do for you?"<br />
<br />
"My camp is nearby in the ruins of Nilheim. Get me there safely, and you'll be rewarded."<br />
<br />
I nod, helping him up. We travel only a short way off a side road, and I wonder why he needed the help at all for such a short distance.<br />
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"Wait here, I'll be back with your reward." The man ran off and I stood by Arrow, smoothing out his mane. Lydia stretched nearby, sighing.<br />
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Suddenly, the men in the camp ran at us with weapons drawn! I quickly drew my axe and defended myself, Lydia yelling at me to watch out. I spun to the side, narrowly avoiding a sword blow to the head.<br />
<br />
The man we had escorted up the mountain was shooting arrows towards me and Lydia, but thankfully, he was a horrible shot, and I was able to run right up on him.<br />
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After the battle, I searched a few nearby chests and took some gold coins. After all, they were bandits, and I can donate this to a temple for good use.<br />
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Ivarstead came into view and I sighed in relief as I trotted Arrow over the stone bridge. I stable him in a nearby closed off farmland, and go and speak with the locals, trying to learn more about the Greybeards.<br />
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They aren't entirely helpful, mainly talking about how everyone only comes to Ivarstead to get to High Hrothgar.<br />
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<br />
Level up and skill pick time!<br />
<br />
I rent a room for Lydia and me and we both fall asleep quickly.<br />
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I awoke early the next morning, and as I went to cross the bridge towards the mountain steps, I overheard a conversation about a delivery. I'm good at deliveries, so I hop off Arrow to speak with the man.<br />
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"What sort of goods are you delivering today?" I ask.<br />
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The man, named Klimmek I heard from his friend calling him that, shrugged. "Mostly food supplies like dried fish and salted meats; you know, things that keep fresh a long time. The Greybeards tend to not get out much, if you get my meaning."<br />
<br />
"I could deliver the supplies for you," I offered. "I'm heading there right now, and it wouldn't be any trouble."<br />
<br />
Klimmek brightened. "Really? That would be kind of you, my old legs aren't what they used to be." He handed me a bag. "At the top of the mountain there is an empty chest they always have us put the supplies in. Do that, and I'll give you a little something for my appreciation."<br />
<br />
I take the bag from him and nod. "No problem, I'll be glad to help you out."<br />
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<br />
And with that, we were on our way.<br />
<br />
The mountain path started fairly easy, sloping gently up. I decided to leave Arrow at the bottom of the steps though, as I didn't want to expose the poor horse to the danger of the pathways. Plus, I was worried he might misstep and fall to his death.<br />
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Walking up, Lydia following behind, I came across strange pedestals with writing on them.<br />
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Looks like they told some sort of history.<br />
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I came across another man who was praying at the alter, and I tried not to bother him as I read the next tablet.<br />
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<b>Emblem II</b><br />
<br />
Men were born and spread over the face of<br />
Mundus<br />
<br />
The Dragons presided over the crawling masses<br />
<br />
Men were weak then, and had no Voice<br />
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A snowstorm started kicking into high gear and I was attacked by a huge sabre cat. I managed to shove it down the mountain though, effectively killing it.<br />
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Goat, what are you doing way up here?<br />
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<b>Emblem III</b><br />
<br />
The fledgling spirits of Men were strong in Old<br />
Times<br />
<br />
Unafraid to war with Dragons and their Voices<br />
<br />
But the Dragons only shouted them down and<br />
broke their hearts<br />
<br />
<b>Emblem IV</b><br />
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Kyne called on Paarthurnax, who pitied Man<br />
<br />
Together they taught Men to use the Voice<br />
<br />
Then Dragon War raged, Dragon against Tongue<br />
<br />
<br />
I paused, looking at this. Kyne had helped with the Voice? Maybe that's why I felt such a connection with nature and with Kynareth.<br />
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I rub my arms, shivering slightly. I am feeling not-so-warm now.<br />
<br />
<b>Emblem V</b><br />
<br />
Man prevailed, shouting Alduin out of the world<br />
<br />
Proving for all that their Voice too was strong<br />
<br />
Although their sacrifices were many-fold<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Emblem VI</b><br />
<br />
With roaring Tongues, the Sky-Children conquer<br />
<br />
Founding the First Empire with Sword and Voice<br />
<br />
Whilst the Dragons withdrew from this World<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Emblem VII</b><br />
<br />
The Tongues at Red Mountain went away humbled<br />
<br />
Jurgen Windcaller began His Seven Year<br />
Meditation<br />
<br />
To understand how Strong Voices could fail<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Emblem VIII</b><br />
<br />
Jurgen Windcaller chose silence and returned<br />
<br />
The 17 disputants could not shout Him down<br />
<br />
Jurgen the Calm built His home on the Throat of<br />
the World<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Emblem IX</b><br />
<br />
For years all silent, the Greybeards spoke one name<br />
<br />
Tiber Septim, stripling then, was summoned to Hrothgar<br />
<br />
They blessed and named him Dohvakiin<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Emblem X</b><br />
<br />
The Voice is worship<br />
<br />
Follow the Inner path<br />
<br />
Speak only in True Need<br />
<br />
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I squinted through the snow, seeing a large structure form in front of me.<br />
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This had to be it! High Hrothgar!<br />
<br />
I quickly put the supplies in the nearby chest and scrambled up the steps towards the front door. With a heavy push, the door opened and we hurried inside to get out of the whirling snowstorm.<br />
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When I turned around, I saw old men in robes approaching us, and I took a deep breath, stepping forward.<br />
<br />
"So...a Dragonborn appears; at this moment in the turning of the age." One of the robed men spoke, his voice strong and with no hesitation. "My name is Arngeir. Why have you come here?"<br />
<br />
I blinked. "You summoned me, didn't you? I want to find out what it means to be this so-called Dragonborn, and why you think I am one, and why I should care." I frowned, folding my arms across my chest.<br />
<br />
Arngeir nodded slowly. "We are here to guide you in that pursuit, just as the Greybeards have sought to guide those of the Dragon Blood that came before you. So, show us of your gift."<br />
<br />
I looked around at the other men, and they nodded. I raised an eyebrow. "Show you my...gift? My Shout?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, Dragonborn."<br />
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I turned away from them and set my feet firmly on the ground, bracing myself. I felt the deep magic within me rise up and I Shouted, the loud cry echoing around the large chamber. The Greybeards all murmured their surprise at it, and Arngeir folded his hands into his huge sleeves, smiling.<br />
<br />
"So, it is you. Welcome to High Hrothgar." He motioned to the rest of them. "I speak for all the Greybeards. We will guide you in your destiny."<br />
<br />
"D-destiny?" I stammer, looking around at them in disbelief. "This power I have, what can it be used for, other than to fight? How could you possibly know what my destiny is?"<br />
<br />
Arngeir shook his head. "We do not <i>know</i> it. That is for you to discover. We can show you the Way, but not your destination."<br />
<br />
I rubbed my eyes. "That really doesn't make any sense. How can you guide me in my destiny if you don't know what it is? I control my <i>own</i> destiny, Greybeard." I grit my teeth, angry.<br />
<br />
"You have shown that you are Dragonborn. You have the inborn gift." He lowered his voice, a hint of a laugh underneath his next words. "But, do you have the discipline and temperament to follow the path laid out before you? That remains to be seen."<br />
<br />
I blinked, slightly offended. "Look, you don't even know who I am. How do you know I won't use such a gift for evil, or personal gain?"<br />
<br />
"We cannot know. We can merely guide you on the correct usage of your Shout, and then hope that you follow the old teachings. Without training, you have already taken the first steps towards projecting your voice into a Thu'um, or Shout. Let us see if you are able to learn more."<br />
<br />
I narrowed my eyes. "Fine. What do you want to teach me?"<br />
<br />
"When you Shout," Arngeir began, his voice becoming authoritative in tone. "you speak in the language of dragons. Thus, your Dragon Blood gives you an inborn ability to learn Words of Power. All Shouts are made up of three Words of Power. As you master each Word, your Shout will become progressively stronger<br />
<br />
Arngeir stepped to the side, pointing to one of the other men waiting nearby. "Master Einarth will now teach you 'Ro', the second Word in Unrelenting Force, what you were able to show us before. Ro means 'balance' in the dragon tongue. Combine it with 'Fus'--force--to focus your Thu'um more sharply."<br />
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<br />
Master Einarth walked up into the middle of the room and a word appeared in fiery lettering. I stared at it a moment, and then felt a rush of knowledge, similar to the one I felt before go through me. I felt like I had know the word all along.<br />
<br />
Arngeir stepped back. "You learn a new word like a master...you truly do have the gift."<br />
<br />
"Could I have possibly been faking before this?" I pointed out to him.<br />
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"No, I suppose not. But learning a Word of Power is only the first step...you must unlock its meaning through constant practice in order to us it in a Shout. At least, that is how the rest of us use Shouts. As Dragonborn, you can absorb a slain dragon's life force and knowledge directly, like what you did with the dragon at the watchtower. Let us see how quickly you can master your new Thu'um."<br />
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I followed the group outside, and I told Lydia to stay indoors.<br />
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Wish <i>I </i>could stay indoors too.<br />
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Another word appeared in front of me, and I looked at it, feeling the familiar knowledge pervading my mind.<br />
<br />
Arngeir patted my shoulder fondly. "Your quick mastery of a new Thu'um is...astonishing. I'd heard the stories of the abilities of Dragonborn, but to see it for myself..."<br />
<br />
"What am I to do with this gift? I don't even know how I do it, it just happens."<br />
<br />
Arngeir shook his head at my questions. "You were given this gift by the gods for a reason. It is up to you to figure out how best to use it."<br />
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<br />
After the lessons, I meditated in the halls to Kynareth, hoping that I would be led down a proper path. I knew that I wanted to find revenge for my wife, and I felt that using this power for that would go against what the gods had intended for me. So, I would stick to regular means, and only use it in self-defense.<br />
<br />
Finally, Lydia and I set out back down to Ivarstead. It was an easier journey going down, for sure.<br />
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I met back up with Klimmek and let him know that I had delivered the supplies. He gave me a fair reward of gold, and I was very pleased by that.<br />
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Suddenly, two men in strange masks came up on me, and after confirming that yes, I was the one they called Dragonborn, started attacking me! I didn't have much of a problem dispatching them, as one of the guards helped me out.<br />
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<br />
Great, just great. I've got a hit out on me. See, this is what happens when you get involved in things greater than yourself. You get killed. Or even worse--maimed.<br />
<br />
I stuffed the note in my pack, hoping to be able to ignore it, but just in case I ever made it to Solstheim, I would be wary.<br />
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One long day later, I made it back to Whiterun, exhausted. I needed to speak with the Jarl in the morning to talk with him about the message and the axe.<br />
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<br />
Lydia, you were useful, but I need to let you go. I work better on your own, and I really don't want to be responsible for your life. Go be housecarl to someone else.<br />
<br />
After she left, I fell into a restful sleep, ready for this day to be over with.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-24-dragon-what.html" target="_blank">Part 24</a> -----<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-26-civil-war.html" target="_blank"> Part 26</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-81297211594872768202014-10-07T13:50:00.000-07:002014-10-13T07:54:43.462-07:00Part 24: Dragon what?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Stay here, Arrow. Don't want you getting all corpsified.<br />
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<br />
The tower was in even more ruins than it had been before, fire everywhere. Screams and moans of dying men met my ears and I rushed in to see if there were any survivors.<br />
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Then, through the smoke, I saw it. The tip of a dragon's wing.<br />
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I drew my bow back, putting all my heart into each of my shots. I tried not to let fear cloud my judgement, but I'll freely admit my heart was pounding. The very roar of the beast froze the men in their tracks, and the dragon gobbled down the nearest soldier, horrid crunching noises coming from its mouth, blood seeping through its teeth and dripping onto the cold ground.<br />
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I shot arrow after arrow, and the guards all around me peppered it with the hardy arrows of Whiterun.<br />
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Finally, it shuddered under the onslaught and reared back in one last roar, yelling aloud. "Dovahkiin! No!"<br />
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Dovahkiin? The heck was--<br />
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With a loud whooshing noise, the dragon's corpse went up in flames, and magic rushed out of it, straight towards me. I tried to backpedal, but was unable to escape it, as if it had me rooted to the ground. I closed my eyes, yelling at the incredible rush of energy and fullness in my heart as the light poured into and around my body.<br />
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The light stream stopped, and only a dried skeleton of a dragon lay in front of me. I breathed in and out heavily, feeling as though the very soul of the dragon had entered me.<br />
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To my left, the Whiterun soldiers stood, whispering amongst themselves as I stayed kneeling on the ground, sweat rolling off my body.<br />
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Finally, one soldier stepped forward. "I...I can't believe it. You're....Dragonborn!"<br />
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I was still trying to catch my breath, and I hesitated in my words. "Dragonborn? What...what do you mean?"<br />
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The guard looked back at his comrades, then at me again. "In the very oldest tales, back from when there were still dragons in Skyrim, the Dragonborn would slay dragons and steal their power." He looked at the dead dragon's skeleton. "That's...that's what you did, isn't it? Absorbed that dragon's power?"<br />
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I shook my head, standing up shakily. "I don't know what happened to me."<br />
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The guard stepped backwards. "There's one way to find out. Try to Shout...that would prove it. According to the legends, only Dragonborn can Shout without learning how to, the way dragons do."<br />
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I wasn't sure what to do, but as I turned to face away from the group, I felt a stirring deep in my soul, and I opened my mouth to Shout.<br />
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With the noise, Irileth came over to see what was going on, and some of the men filled her in. She sneered at the dead dragon. "I don't need some mystical Dragonborn. Someone who can put down a dragon is more than enough for me."<br />
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We're all doomed if these guys think I'm about to "save the world."<br />
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I decided to head back to the Jarl and claim some sort of hazard pay for that dragon kill.<br />
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On the way across the plains, I heard the very sky itself rumble, and I looked up as Arrow reared slightly, scared.<br />
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What in all of Skyrim was <i>that</i>?<br />
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Reaching the Jarl's palace, I headed inside, murmurs and whispers of the strange noise a few moments ago littering the conversations.<br />
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The Jarl stood from his chair the moment he saw me. "You heard the summons. What else could it be? The Greybeards..."<br />
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"Greybeards?" I questioned, kneeling before him.<br />
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"What happened at the watchtower? Was the dragon there?"<br />
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"He was there, and the watchtower was destroyed, but me and the men were able to bring the dragon down."<br />
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The Jarl laughed once, relief spilling out. "I knew I could count on you and Irileth. But there must be more to it than that."<br />
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I hesitated a moment before continuing, not really sure how to put it. "Well, when the dragon died, I absorbed some sort of power from it. I think I might be something called the Dragonborn, at least, that's what everyone was saying."<br />
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"Dragonborn?" The Jarl sat up straighter. "What do you know about the Dragonborn?"<br />
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"That's....that's just what the men called me."<br />
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The Jarl's voice lowered in awe. "So it's true. The Greybeards really were summoning you."<br />
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"Who are these Greybeards?" I looked up at him.<br />
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"Masters of the Way of the Voice. They live in seclusion high on the slopes of the Throat of the World."<br />
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"Well...what would they want with me? I'm merely a hunter."<br />
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The Jarl shrugged. "The Dragonborn is said to be uniquely gifted in the Voice--the ability to focus your vital essence into a Thu'um, or Shout. If you <i>really</i> are Dragonborn, they can teach you how to focus your powers."<br />
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Avenicci at my left spoke up. "Did you hear the thundering sounds on your return to Whiterun?"<br />
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I nodded. "I think everyone heard that."<br />
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"That was the voice of the Greybeards, summoning you to High Hrothgar. What do they want with you, I wonder."<br />
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The Jarl held up a hand. "That's the Greybeard's business, not ours." He looked at me seriously. "Whatever happened when you killed that dragon, it revealed something in you, and the Greybeards heard it. If they think you are Dragonborn, who are we to argue? You'd better get going though, you don't want to ignore the summons of the Greybeards. It is a tremendous honor."<br />
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I stood up to go, and he continued talking, so I stopped. "I envy you, you know. To climb the seven thousand steps again...I made that pilgrimage once."<br />
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<i>SEVEN THOUSAND!?</i><br />
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The Jarl ignored the shock on my face. "You've done a great service for me and my city, Dragonborn. By my right as Jarl, I name you Thane of Whiterun. It's the greatest honor that's within my power to grant."<br />
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I guess being Thane could come in handy.<br />
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"In addition, I will also be assigning a personal housecarl, Lydia.<br />
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And there she is.<br />
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Well...I feel weird being responsible for another person's life. I don't have a great record for this.<br />
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But here, have my helmet, and let's go.<br />
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Tomorrow, I'll have to climb seven thousand steps, and I need all the rest I can get.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/post-23-rewards-and-shocking-turn-of.html" target="_blank">Part 23</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-24-dragon-what.html" target="_blank">Part 25</a><br />
<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-30689952626723277122014-10-06T17:08:00.001-07:002014-10-07T13:50:56.914-07:00Post 23: Rewards and Shocking Turn of Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I stood staring at my house for a long time. There wasn't really anyway I could possibly live in it. I decided I should sell it back to Alvor.<br />
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I found him working as usual on his orders from customers. He understood entirely and accepted a sale of the house back to him, though, at a slightly lesser price of 2,500 gold. I didn't mind though, I just wanted it off my hands.<br />
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Bleak Falls Barrow peeked through the trees and I steeled myself for the trials ahead.<br />
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Should have steeled myself for the cold, because, gods, it started to snow and get a lot colder than I thought it would all at once!<br />
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I left Arrow at the entrance of the Barrow and headed up the steps towards the entrance.<br />
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A couple of bandits got in my way, but they were taken out quickly.<br />
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Inside, it was much warmer, and I sneaked quietly through the large chamber, noticing a couple bandits talking with each other around a fire.<br />
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A couple of well-placed arrows later, and they spoke no more. Hey, look, this guy died from an arrow to the knee!<br />
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Sure is nice and warm here. Free bed, free fire, free storage chest. I would live here if it weren't for the fact that this is a horrible location. I'm supposed to be looking for some sort of Golden Claw too, but I don't see any around this area.<br />
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The deeper I go in, the more I have a funny feeling about what sort of monsters I might meet in here.<br />
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I was puzzled by this room for all of five seconds.<br />
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I hate skeevers. Big, stinking, plague-ridden rats.<br />
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I hear a scared voice calling out through the corridors, and I rush cautiously forward, hoping that the voice doesn't attract unwanted attention.<br />
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That funny feeling gets to be a big warning in my head the closer I get.<br />
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Walking into the chamber, my worst fears were realized. A gigantic spider dropped down from the ceiling and started attacking me full on!<br />
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After the battle, I noticed a man bound up by webs in the nearby exit.<br />
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I walked up to him, and he struggled frantically against the webs. "You did it. You killed it. Now cut me down before anything else shows up!"<br />
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I examine the webs, testing their strength with my axe. "Are you in here looking for the Dragonstone or Golden Claw?"<br />
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He nodded as best he could. "Yes, the claw. I know how it works. The claw, the markings, the door in the Hall of Stories. I know how they all fit together!"<br />
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"Well, I don't know about some Hall of Stories," I say.<br />
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"Help me down, and I'll show you. You won't believe the power the Nords have hidden there."<br />
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I hack and saw at the thick strands, and finally, he was able to pull free. With a hard swing, his arm shot forward and the dagger in it glinted in the dim lighting of the room. I fell backwards, unable to react to the quick motion, and got a dagger stuck in my shoulder.<br />
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The man ran off, laughing. "You fool, why should I share the treasure with anyone?"<br />
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I gritted my teeth, getting off the ground and wrenching the dagger out of my shoulder. With a quick motion, I bound it as best I could and continued forward, gripping my axe tightly. I heard muffled screams up ahead and I froze momentarily, just listening.<br />
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A course scraping sound reached my ears, and from around the corner, a Draugr appeared, carrying a huge sword behind it. With an unearthly scream that sent chills down my spine, he rushed at me.<br />
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I fought back valiantly, and it was surprisingly agile, blocking my swings pretty well for an undead creature. Though, it eventually fell to my blade, and I continued onward.<br />
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And he was swift no more.<br />
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I unceremoniously looted his body, taking everything but his clothes. I did actually find the Golden Claw within his possession, so that was a stroke of good luck, I must say.<br />
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I finally found a long hallway with an ominous door at the end of it. This must be the Hall of Stories<br />
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Hmmm.....<br />
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Hmmm....<br />
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Whew, that was a bit hard.<br />
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The chamber beyond was brightly lit, filtering sunlight from the outside world.<br />
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As I got closer, I heard the ominous chanting sounds again, and I looked around, slightly confused.<br />
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The moment my eyes laid on the glowing runes, I couldn't help it. I stepped foward without thinking, without knowing what would happen.<br />
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The chanting got louder and louder, and the magic tendrils started swirling out of the rune.<br />
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I had to squint against the blinding light, and I felt a rush of knowledge enter me.<br />
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It was so overwhelming, my vision blackened for a moment, then slowly returned.<br />
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I felt I could read the rune. It translated into FUS, and it meant Force. How I knew, I can't say. But I didn't have time to ponder what had just happened to me.<br />
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A nearby sarcophagus opened up to reveal a Draugr Overlord coming straight towards me.<br />
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Weak, hungry and tired from the journey, I struggled for a while against him, but finally was able to make the killing blow.<br />
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And in another stroke of good fortune, he actually had the Dragonstone on his person! Good thing no one has looted this crypt for who knows how long.<br />
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A short hop skip and a jump later, I was outdoors, breathing in the cold Skyrim air.<br />
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I take a small moment to look out over the landscape, feeling awed by its grandness.<br />
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While the mountain was large, I was able to conquer it, emerging safely on the other side.<br />
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I called Arrow with my Nordic horn, and we prepared to set out for Whiterun.<br />
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The night sky is just beautiful.<br />
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Back at Whiterun, I hand the wizard the Dragonstone and hold out my hand. "So, reward? I went through Oblivion and back for this.<br />
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Farengar stammered for a moment, then pointed towards the throne room. "You'll have to see the Jarl about that. Maybe his steward, Avenicci. I'm sure one of them will pay you appropriately. My associate will be pleased to see your handiwork. She discovered its location, by means she has so far declined to share with me."<br />
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As I turned around, the Jarl's right hand Dark Elf, I think named Irileth, ran into the room. "Farengar, you need to come at once. A dragon has been sighted nearbye." She looked at me pointedly. "You should come to."<br />
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I was shocked, pointing to myself. "Me?"<br />
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Farengar almost clapped his hands in excitement. "A dragon! How amazing! Where was it seen? What was it doing?"<br />
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Irileth glared at him.<br />
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Irileth grabbed my arm and started dragging me up towards the Jarl's chambers. I wrenched free and walked on my own, glaring at the back of her head. I didn't <i>want</i> to be part of a <i>dragon</i> hunt!<br />
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Up with the Jarl, a soldier stood, sweating and breathing heavily.<br />
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"-came from the western watchtower. It was fast...faster than anything I've ever seen."<br />
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The Jarl folded his arms, drilling the soldier. "What did it do? Is it attacking the tower?"<br />
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The Jarl clapped him on the shoulder. "Good work, son. We'll take it from here. Head down to the barracks for some food and rest." He turned to Irileth as the soldier left. "You'd better get some guardsmen and get down there."<br />
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I began to state, "With all due respect, my Jarl--"<br />
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"--With all due respect, you have no choice!" The Jarl spat out at me. "Any citizen of my hold has an honor bound duty to help me when the call arises!"<br />
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"You survived Helgen, so you have more experience than almost all of my men." He turned and took a helmet off a nearby manniquin. "I've not forgotten your service with the Dragonstone, though. Here, take this helmet. I'm sure it will aid a hunter like you."<br />
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Sure, a hide helmet against a dragon. What could go wrong?<br />
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I wasn't very pleased with this turn of events, but the Jarl was right. I had no choice.<br />
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Off to fight a dragon!<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-22-small-diversion.html" target="_blank">Part 22</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-24-dragon-what.html" target="_blank">Part 24</a><br />
<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-52815721112769935752014-10-05T09:37:00.001-07:002014-10-06T17:09:08.977-07:00Part 22: A Small DiversionThe Bannered Mare was noisy for this time of night, Mikael thankfully only playing his lute. Uthgerd sat in the corner as well, and I nodded in greeting to her, then went to sit at the bar.<br />
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"Hey, hon, how you doing?" Hulda stepped up to the counter, leaning over it to hand me my usual--an ale. She had been pretty devastated when she had heard the news about Ysolda, and did everything she could to try and alleviate the pain.<br />
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"The usual. Though, I've got some busy time ahead. The Jarl has commissioned me to go to Bleak Falls Barrow." I said, grabbing the ale and placing my coin down on the counter, which she swiftly bagged in her coin purse under the counter.<br />
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"Bleak Falls? Isn't that place cursed?" Hulda's eyes went wide. "And why doesn't he get one of his housecarls to do it?"<br />
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I shrugged. "His court wizard wants to search for something called the Dragonstone. Talking with him, there's not much I could get out of him other than a Golden Claw will help me get deeper into the temple, and it's supposed to be stored there."<br />
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Hulda looked thoughtful for a moment. "You know, I think Lucan said something about a gold claw being stolen from his store in Riverwood. Have you spoken with him?"<br />
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I shook my head. "I didn't really get along well with Lucan. His sister...kind of scares me."<br />
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Hulda laughed, "That girl sure has led on those two poor boys long enough, that's for sure."<br />
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"Faendal and Sven? Yeah, I can't hear the end of it. Every time I came home, Ysolda would tell me about one of those two coming to her for advice about Camilla." I trailed off, thinking about Ysolda, and Hulda patted my hand.<br />
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"It'll be all right, lad. You just drink up, next one will be on the house for you."<br />
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"Thank you."<br />
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The front door of the inn creaked open, and I casually glanced to see who had come in. A Dark Elf had just walked in, and his Imperial outfit made me on guard immediately. I eye him suspiciously, as I hadn't seen him around town before. <br />
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The elf went up next to me to speak with Hulda. "Ale, please." As Hulda handed him a drink, he asked if there was any work to be had.<br />
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Hulda shook her head, "Sorry, I have all the help I could want right now. Check back later though."<br />
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I mutter under my breath as the elf walks away. "Damn Imperials." I took another drink from my mug.<br />
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The elf didn't seem to hear me, too preoccupied with his pack. He was digging through it, taking out a couple pelts and set them off to the side, his corner table slowly getting filled with items as he seemed to be searching for something in particular. A fine bow leaned against the table.<br />
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I wonder if he's a hunter? It would be good to speak about tricks with someone else, as there were only a few hunters in the entirety of Whiterun who hunted by trade. We pretty much kept the city fed.<br />
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I motioned to Hulda. "Who is that? I've not seen him around."<br />
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Hulda nodded in his direction. "Him? I'm not sure, he's a newcomer. Seems nice though, doesn't cause any trouble. More than I can say for some Nords in this town." She gave me a laugh.<br />
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"When have I ever caused any trouble?" I grin, and she threw a rag at me. I caught it, and lifted it up. "Ah a token, I see!"<br />
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Hulda blushed. "Cut that out. Why don't you go greet the poor fellow? He looks all alone in the world, and I can remember when you needed a friend."<br />
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"He's clearly an Imperial." I said abruptly. At her look, I rolled my eyes. "Fine, I'll get him an ale."<br />
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I gave her a coin, and she passed me two ales, one for me and one for the elf. I stood up, walking across the wooden floor, trying to remember that this elf had nothing to do with Ysolda, and was probably just a regular person trying to get along in Skyrim. Like me.<br />
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I plunked the ale down on his table, causing him to jump. "Here." I grunted, sitting down across from him. "Looks like you could use about five more drinks."<br />
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The elf smiled at me, reaching for the ale. "First time someone has ever bought me a drink. Thanks for the generosity, I'll try and repay you sometime."<br />
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I scoff lightly. "I've seen what your Imperial <i>kindness</i> does to folks around here. I'm just getting you a drink so you don't gut one of us without provocation." I take a big swig of my drink, leaning back as if to challenge him to even say anything back.<br />
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The elf looked slightly upset. "I'm not an Imperial, I am a Dunmer and I have no place in the war. I am just wearing what I was awarded a few days ago. It's very light and a lot more durable than the fur armor I made for myself. If I ever find something stronger, I can finally switch out of this clothing. But until then, this is all I have to wear." He sounded more aggravated towards the end of his explanation, but, then again elves usually have that tone of voice, so it was hard for me to tell.<br />
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"Well, better watch what you wear in the future, <i>Dunmer</i>." I said. "Some Nords don't take too kindly to Imperials. Just friendly advice." I tilted my cup towards his in a cheer motion. "To the liberation of Skyrim," I said, testing to see how he might respond.<br />
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The elf hesitated a moment, then lifted his cup in response. "I don't care for the liberation of Skyrim but I will accept whatever future the end of the war will give. To the end of the war."<br />
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I nod in acceptance of that. "Aye, to the end of the war." I motion to Hulda to keep the drinks coming to this table, and she nods in confirmation. I look back at the elf. "So, what's an elf, who isn't an Imperial and yet dresses like one, doing in Whiterun?" I hold out my hand to be friendly and properly introduce myself. "Markus, by the way. Markus of Riverwood."<br />
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The elf shook my hand back. "I came to Whiterun to look for work. I have a camp outside of Riverwood and recently, I have been coming here for work. I moved away from hunting to do other things. Oh, my name is Silvir of....I'm not sure where." Silvir took another drink, wincing at the taste of the ale. <br />
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I raised an eyebrow. Seems he was a light drinker. "I'm a hunter myself, by trade. I took down a mammoth a few weeks ago." I take out the tip of the mammoth tusk I had sawn off and showed it to him. "Took me about a week and some odd days to butcher the creature entirely."<br />
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Silvir seemed impressed. "I've not taken down such prey myself! That is quite impressive. You must have had a good reason to take down such a magnificent beast." He put down his drink and started munching on cooked venison that he had ordered.<br />
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I sighed. "What better reason than for love?" I tucked the tusk away in my pack and winced at the thought of Ysolda again. "My wife...she was killed recently, and the pain is still near. Killed by Imperials, I might add." I said, glancing at his garb.<br />
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Silvir lowered his head. "Sorry I am clothed in such a thing. I just like strong armor and this is all I have. But if I get something stronger, no one will see me in such clothing ever again. As for your wife, sorry for your loss. I recently lost a partner who survived a dangerous cave with me, but a recent job got her killed. I never got to say how I felt. She was a dark elf like me." A deep sigh came from him and he chugged his drink down.<br />
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"But this pain is nothing compared to my past with the Blind Moth Priests."<br />
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I cough on my drink. "Blind...Moth Priests?" I laughed, slapping his shoulder. "Do they capture moths for their amusment?"<br />
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Silvir looked serious, and I sobered as he explained. "They are an ancient order that studies the Elder Scrolls. They literally blind themselves studying such a thing. Their studies went from reading an ancient relic to scarring the marks from a scroll onto my body for months. Once I got out, I was thrown in prison and due to an unusual event, I got out and found myself in Skyrim." Sylvir didn't seem to mind the taste of the ale anymore, drinking like a Nord.<br />
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"Can't say we're short on strange old men around here." I laugh, but then grow serious. "I am sorry about that though, Skyrim is a harsh land, can't say she'll welcome you. Plus, you've come at a bad time, what with dragons and civil war happening." I munch on a honey treat Hulda gives me and I nod to her in thanks. "Around here, we usually stay to ourselves, but with my wife killed in our home, I've been pretty restless as of late. There are...things afoot that I can't explain."<br />
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After a moment, I grin at him. "But a bellyful of mead and a warm place to stay usually heals much in the way of men, perhaps Dunmers too."<br />
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Silvir nodded. "I am just glad to have met someone else who has had similar struggles. I may try and face my past instead of running from it. You see, I lost my memory during my time with the Blind Moth Priests. Only my trusty journal is what remains of my past. I write in it every chance I get so in case this happens again, at least I will have some history to rely on. I am afraid to learn what happened before the Blind Moth Priests because of one line in my journal. It just says 'It's probably due to me being...that'. I have no idea what it means though."<br />
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"I am apparently something I don't know... I am afraid to learn of something dark..." Sylvir seems a bit bothered by showing this post to someone else.<br />
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I shrug, feeling that Sylvir might be gearing up to ask me to do a quest. "I can't help you there, I'm a simple man. There are no magic tricks that I can do to bring your memory back. All I can advise is to life each day to the fullest." I lean back, full from dinner and feeling good from the multiple drinks. I chuckled. "And if you can't, there's always Skooma."<br />
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"Skooma? I know of the stuff, how long you been taking it?"<br />
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"Since my wife died. Have any?" I go to reach in my pocket for gold. "My guy charges some expensive prices."<br />
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"I don't take Skooma but do you think the one you lost would want to see you like this? I know it hurts, but taking such a thing isn't going to help you..."<br />
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The drink had completely gone to me by now. "Ysolda? She was a drug dealer. Found out a couple days after she died." I leaned my head on the table. "Pretty much destroyed me. And I don't even care. She's gone now, and all I've got is my revenge. The Jarl of Markarth ordered her execution. Just because of the drugs." I looked at Sylvir. "Does that seem right to you? Executing my wife because of what she sold?"<br />
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"Do you feel right taking the same kinda stuff that got her killed? If I was you, I would have stayed away from the drugs to begin with after it got my lover killed. Even though I took down a dragon, I'm kind of afraid to fight a dragon again. It killed her and she was twice the fighter I was."<br />
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"I was thrown in jail after I found my wife facedown in my house's bath. I went straight to Markarth and murdered every guard I could find." I closed my eyes, leaning my head against the table again. "I was put in jail pretty fast and forced to work in the mines. Skooma was all the prisoners had to get through the day." I shrugged my shoulders, reaching for another drink. "Dragons....dragons are an odd bunch. Did you know dragons..." I blinked owlishly into my empty cup. "I....don't know what I was going to say. Bed might be in order soon."<br />
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"With dragons, just shoot a lot an run away." I reached into my pack and drew out some arrows and thrust them at him. "Here, these have good tips on them. You can have them."<br />
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Silvir took them from me, but tried to reiterate what he said before. "Alright, but I can tell my words can't get to you." Sylvir looks at his journal and begins to write. "If you ever want to get better, here is what I said written down on paper. You should probably head home for tonight. I will remember you, meeting you may allow me to try and find my past. Thank you Markus and if our paths ever cross again, I will make sure to buy you a drink." Sylvir gives me the page from his journal and slips a bottle of ale into his bag.<br />
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I nod, putting the paper into my pack. "May Kyne go with you."<br />
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"May Azura guide you." Sylvir stands up, very drunk, and attempts to exit the Bannard Mare, but as he reaches for the door, he just disappears after being surrounded by some type of magic.<br />
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I blink, staring at my glass. "Way too much." I muttered to myself.<br />
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I stumble up to my rented room, collapsing on the bed. Big day tomorrow, and I could feel the strangeness only beginning.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-21-korvanjund-and-jagged-crown.html" target="_blank">Part 21</a> -----<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/post-23-rewards-and-shocking-turn-of.html" target="_blank"> Part 23</a><br />
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If anyone is interested in Silvir's story, he is a cameo from another Skyrim blog going on. Be sure to check it out on the sidebar, it's called the <i>Quest of Three Heroes</i>.<br />
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Just want to thank everyone so far reading along! I hope you are enjoying the adventure so far!Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-84384945755998173792014-10-04T09:14:00.001-07:002014-10-05T09:37:36.354-07:00Part 21: Korvanjund and the Jagged CrownI awoke, feeling lethargic. I have a bottle of skooma, but I want to save it for when I might really need it.<br />
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An old man had been pestering a guard about something, but was waved away, so I went up to him to find out what was wrong.<br />
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"Well, I was taking an evening walk like I always do, and I saw some men outside of Echo Deep Mine. Thing is, they looked like mercenaries, up to no good."<br />
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"What makes you say that?" I asked, moving out of the way for a few merchant patrons that rushed through.<br />
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"I've never seen them around here, and they looked real tough. In addition, the Echo Deep Mines are not a place people go. There are myths about it." The old man crossed his arms.<br />
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"So, what's the problem then? They'll either get lost, die, or eventually wander off." I shrug.<br />
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"Anyone going into those mines is up to no good," he continued. "I've asked guards to take a look, but they just ignore me. I need someone to see what has happened. I don't want to be attacked in the middle of the night by whatever they dig up there."<br />
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"I'll tell you what," I said, holding out my hand. "I'll take a look for you. I can't promise anything, but I'll come back eventually and let you know what's up with that area, ok?"<br />
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The old man smiled, shaking my hand fervently. "Oh, thank you! I'll mark it on your map. Just be careful. We still don't know what's in there."<br />
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I put that off for another day as I still needed to join up the rest of the team at Korvanjund.<br />
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After arriving at Windhelm, I pushed through the night, knowing that it wasn't too far to the west.<br />
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With nighttime came bitter cold winds though, and I started to regret foraying into the area without warming up by a fire. But the other Stormcloaks were waiting for me, and I needed to help them out.<br />
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After a bit of searching, I found the group talking. I rode up and dismounted, shaking Galmar's hand in greeting.<br />
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"How goes it, Galmar?" I ask, noting the shivering soldiers around me.<br />
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"Cold as the inside of an ice wraith. That and some Imperials are camped out around the entrance, staying nice and warm around their fires."<br />
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Speaking of staying warm, I am not.<br />
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I wrap my fur cloak around me, nodding in Korvanjund's direction. "Imperials? Well, if they're keeping themselves comfortable, let's slip in and send them to their graves that way."<br />
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Galmar nodded. "I do wonder what the Legion is doing here, though. Damn Imperial spies...well, should be fun for us, at least. They don't seem to know we're here yet. Ready to spill Imperial blood for Skyrim, son?"<br />
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"Readier than anything," I grab the axe from my belt and grip it high.<br />
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Galmar turned to the rest of the group and addressed them. "Listen up! Those Imperials aren't here by coincidence! Their spies must have found out we know about the Crown, and they don't want us to have it. But they won't stand in our way. I know some of you are ex-legion and may know men on the other side. But remember this. They are the enemy now and will not hesitate to kill you."<br />
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I followed the group, and dismounted near the entrance, leaving Arrow to roam. I could call him if he roams off too far, and I patted him in farewell.<br />
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The soldiers around the front entrance were taken out quickly.<br />
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One of the guards was wearing this amulet, and I yanked it off him, with intentions to sell later on.<br />
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Heading into the crypt, Galmar motioned towards soldiers standing at the top of stairs. "Pick a man and put him down. On my signal..." With a mighty yell, he leaped forward, sword drawn and held high.<br />
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I wasn't able to pick off any soldiers well due to the fear of hitting one of our own. As the soldiers were taken out, I looked in my pack for something to help me with the fight.<br />
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My fingers brushed the skooma bottle and I hesitated momentarily. Then, I uncapped it and swallowed it impulsively, feeling the familiar rush of strength and pleasure shoot through my bod. I was ready for anything now.<br />
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Galmar had a few soldiers stand guard to watch our backs.<br />
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Farther in, there was an opening that no one wanted to go through. Galmar wanted to find another entrance, but, for some reason, I couldn't stop myself from just rushing in.<br />
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Again, the Imperials clashed with us and we fought face to face. I took down who I could effortlessly, due in part to the skooma.<br />
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Soldier after soldier fell by my axe, and with every hack at their limbs, my hatred for them grew. Had Ysolda been cut down this way? Taken by surprise? I know for a fact she wasn't armed.<br />
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Had she begged for mercy as the sword came down on her? Had she just been slaughtered for no reason, other than for some noble's perverse pleasure?<br />
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This isn't good. Draugr are undead Nordic warriors. It's believed that they once served the Dragon Priests and were buried along with them. They tend to guard the crypts from intruders and gold seekers.<br />
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They're usually weak, but it seems these were able to take down some of the Imperials who came in.<br />
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A long hallway stretched before us, and a large door blocked the passageway. It had ornate carvings of different sizes and I admired its workmanship.<br />
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Next to a dead Imperial who had been peppered with poison arrows, lay a large claw object. It was heavy as I lifted it, turning it over in my hands. The claw itself was made of some sort of shiny jet-black materials, feeling almost stone-like, but smoother than any surface I had come across. It almost resembled a dragon's claw.<br />
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I looked at the claw, then the door.<br />
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I wonder...<br />
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I placed my hand on the rings of the door and pushed. A grinding sound echoed around, and the ring spun around to show a different picture.<br />
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A few more turns, and the claw placed in the holes, the door started opening.<br />
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We all held our breath as the door lowered, dust particles flying everywhere.<br />
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A large chamber was on the other side, and we fanned out to see what was around.<br />
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We couldn't find the crown in this chamber, but I did find a handle for a nearby door to slide up.<br />
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When I got near the Drougr sitting in the middle of the room on a type of throne, he came alive! I slashed my axe frantically, and with some backup help from the others, he was taken down swiftly.<br />
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Found it!<br />
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With that, it's time for a level up, and I took another perk in Armsman.<br />
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When I went to look at the back of the room, I could hear voices starting to chant, and I shook my head. I then noticed a large stone structure--almost exactly the same as the one found in the Dark Brotherhood's Sanctuary--start to glow. A rune on it glowed brighter and brighter, and I felt myself being drawn to it, though, I tried to resist. In my drug induced state, it was difficult to try and get away.<br />
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Suddenly, hands pulled me away. "Watch out, you don't know what that is!" Galmar said, dragging me up the nearby stairs to get to the exit.<br />
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We unlocked the door and made our way out of the crypt, a few men and women short, but overall, successful.<br />
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Come on, Arrow, let's go. At this point, I felt the skooma had worn off and I was a bit slower and felt drained of all my stamina. Even my small magic abilities seemed drained, and I was craving another bottle of skooma to get rid of the feelings.<br />
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We had to get back to Windhelm, and thankfully, it wasn't too far away. I stood near a fire, trying to get warm before heading into the Palace of the Kings, where the Jarl resides.<br />
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As I started that way, though, I was stopped by a dark figure.<br />
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"Dawnguard?" I mutter, drawing my cloak around me. "Who are the Dawnguard?"<br />
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"Vampire hunters. We search out and destroy those bloodsucking scum wherever we can find them."<br />
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I shrug. "I haven't noticed any vampire menace." I started to walk away, but his voice rose and I turned to look him again, annoyed.<br />
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"You're not paying attention, then. Like most everyone else around here. Haven't you heard that the Hall of the Vigilants was destroyed by vampires? They never took the threat seriously, and now they've paid the price. The Vigilants mostly hunt down daedra worshippers, which is why they got torn to pieces when then went up against vampries. That's why our leader Isran is reestablishing the Dawnguard. Real, serious vampire hunters."<br />
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"Look," I began. "I'm cold, hungry, been travelling for a days, and I'm not interested in your little vampire hunt."<br />
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As I walked away, he called after me. "That's what everyone says, right up until they find their throat being ripped out by a pack of hungry vampires! If you change your mind, talk to Isran at Fort Dawnguard, southeast of Riften!"<br />
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I waved my hand in acknowledgement and continued, rolling my eyes.<br />
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So cold, can't wait to get inside and warm up.<br />
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Inside, the Jarl was seated at the main throne and I approached, digging through my pack. I knelt and offered it to him. "Here's the Jagged Crown. I believe you owe Galamar a drink?" I grinned at him.<br />
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Ulfric chuckled. "Damn him--the old bear was right. Did you run into any trouble?"<br />
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"The Imperials were there ahead of us. We lost a few good men."<br />
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"Damn it." Ulfric leaned forward, clasping his hands in front of him. "What were they doing there? Imperial spies are everywhere. Never forget that....I trust you gave them a thrashing? Now then, I'm glad you're here as I have a message I need delivered to the Jarl of Whiterun."<br />
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"I'd be honored, my Jarl." I tilt my head towards him and he reached next to the throne, bringing out his personal axe.<br />
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"Deliver this axe to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater."<br />
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I took the axe and sheathed it. "Should I say anything to him other than who it's from?"<br />
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Ulfric shook his head. "Men who understand each other often have no need for words. There are but a few simple truths behind one warrior giving another his axe. Keep your eyes about you though, he is known for his temper."<br />
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I nod, understanding the message.<br />
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I stayed the night at the local inn, and then headed out in the morning, reaching Whiterun about midday.<br />
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I stood quietly, looking at Ysolda's old house. I guess I own it now...though I'm not sure I could ever really live in it. I will have to sell Leaf Rest though, there's no way I could live in a place that she was killed. But I feel she would want me to have the old house at least.<br />
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It's good for a single person, and I doubt I'll ever get married again. Life is short in Skyrim, indeed.<br />
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Going up to the Jarl's palace, a gaurd stopped me. "The Jarl has no business with you."<br />
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"I have a message for him, it is urgent." I said, frowning. "I have an axe to deliver!"<br />
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The guard, understanding my message, stepped back. "Go on in."<br />
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I knelt, holding out the axe. "Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak asked me to deliver this axe to you."<br />
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"Did he now? The man is persistent, I'll give him that." He shook his head. "Until that dragon is dealt with that was seen from Helgen, though, Ulfric is going to have to wait." He motioned with his hand and his steward took it from me. "For now, I'll hold onto his axe. But it's a tenuous peace at best. Now, I believe you have business to attend to with Bleak Falls Barrow?"<br />
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I grumbled inside. Looks like I was being dragged into this all over again. I couldn't go back to Ulfric without an answer, and the Jarl was holding the axe hostage.<br />
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So, Bleak Falls Barrow it was. But first, maybe a drink at the tavern before I get to bed.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-20-frigid-air-frigid-waters.html" target="_blank">Part 20 </a>----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-22-small-diversion.html" target="_blank">Part 22</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-55867767033317317192014-10-03T08:10:00.002-07:002014-10-04T09:15:25.971-07:00Part 20: Frigid Air, Frigid Waters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Walking up to Arrow the next morning reminded me that I needed tack for him. I bought a simple saddle from the stablemaster.<br />
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Going north. I don't have a fur tent either, as I left that back at my Falkreath home...at that thought, pain in my chest made me suck in a breath, trying not to think of Ysolda. I need to get drunk.<br />
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After about half an hour of travel, I crested over a hill and saw the white plains stretching before me. The closest town was the village of Winterhold, so I headed in that direction.<br />
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I found a man killed by who knows what, and his horse staying loyally by his side. I tried to get the horse to come with me, but he was having none of it.<br />
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Winterhold finally came into view and I nudged Arrow a little faster.<br />
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And just in time. A snowstorm blew in just as I stopped in front of the inn.<br />
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Walking in, conversations were going on, but I stood by the fire, trying to warm up a bit before securing a room for the night.<br />
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I ordered some wine and ale to try and numb my senses a bit.<br />
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After a while, the alcohol hit me and I staggered to my room, completely out of it, and not thinking of anything in the slightest. I only remember hitting my pillow and darkness after that.<br />
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It was still snowing pretty heavy the next morning, but I decided to risk it. It didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon, and the faster I got it over with, the faster I'd be back down in warmer climates.<br />
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I struggled through the snowy wasteland, trying not to force Arrow through any large bodies of water. I knew better than to swim myself, I'd probably be dead in about thirty seconds.<br />
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The wraith was caught up to, though, and after a bit of a fight, I won valiantly in the end. I was a bit worried all through it, as I was completely out of health potions.<br />
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But, I won in the end and started making the long way back to Winterhold.<br />
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I had to make an emergency campfire as I was getting dangerously cold.<br />
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I stumbled completely by accident onto a bandit camp. I was merely following the light in the storm and didn't realize that anyone would have the energy to be hostile out here.<br />
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They had an ice wolf pet who I dispersed with ease.<br />
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The bandit chief had a better cloak and hat than mine, so I switched them out, happy to be warmer under the thick fur cloak.<br />
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Stumbling into Winterhold's inn, my vision was slightly blur around the edges and I was dangerously close to freezing to death.<br />
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Shut up, kid. Trying not to freeze to death here.<br />
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Keep walking.<br />
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Much better.<br />
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Next day I packed up and headed out, thanking the divines that Windhelm wasn't too far away. Just a straight shot down the road a bit.<br />
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So beautiful, yet so dangerous.<br />
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Was nice to see some food laid out. I was getting pretty hungry.<br />
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"Glad you had such confidence in my ability." I said shortly.<br />
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Galmar held up two hands in peace. "I misjudged you. You're definitely Stormcloak material. You even look the part, now. Where did you get that fine cloak?"<br />
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"Ran into bandits." I eyed him.<br />
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Galmar laughed nervously. "Well, it's time we made this official, then! You ready to take the Oath?"<br />
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I took a small drink of water. "Isn't it enough that I want to kill Imperials?"<br />
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"You can stick a sword through an Imperial any day you want. But that doesn't make you a Stormcloak. After all, we're not just fighting Imperials. We're fighting to restore Skyrim to her glory and give her the king she deserves."<br />
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I think a moment. The best way to stick it to Imperials is to join the Stormcloaks, so I nod. "I'm ready to take the Oath."<br />
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"That's the spirit!" Galmar lifted his tankard in celebration. "By swearing this oath you become one of us. A hero of the people. A true son of Skyrim. A Stormcloak. Repeat after me."<br />
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Galmar put his cup down and solemnly lifted one hand. I copied his directions exactly.<br />
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"I do swear my blood and honor to the service of Ulfric Stormcloak Jarl of Windhelm and true High King of Skyrim. As Talos is my witness, may this oath bind me to death and beyond...even to my lord as to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. All hail the Stormcloaks, the true sons and daughters of Skyrim!"<br />
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I repeated the phrases after him, feeling as though I was joining something much bigger than I had expected.<br />
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"Now you're one of us." Galmar said, putting a hand on my shoulder. He looked at the map that was spread on the table and pointed to an area on it. "We're heading to Korvanjund. But, if old King Borgas is indeed buried there, we're bound to run into trouble of some kind."<br />
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"What is at Korvanjund?" I ask.<br />
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"The Jagged Crown. This will show who's the true High King of Skyrim." Galmar grinned.<br />
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"I'll meet you there, I've got business in Riften, but it won't take but a day." I said. Galmar nodded and waved me off.<br />
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I hopped into the back of the carriage, my thoughts going ahead of me. I thought excitedly of the feeling that I had before with the skooma, and hoped I could find a dealer in Riften.<br />
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I found one, without much trouble, as I figured they would be hanging around the Ratway.<br />
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I decided to stay in the free bunkhouse that night. Clutching my possessions to me, I drifted off into sleep.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-19-hardships-ahead.html" target="_blank">Part 19</a> -----<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-21-korvanjund-and-jagged-crown.html" target="_blank"> Part 21</a><br />
<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-83795200750908178052014-10-02T13:17:00.000-07:002014-10-03T08:10:47.976-07:00Part 19: Hardships AheadArrow's chest heaved as I forced him in a run down the forest path. Breath steamed up from the cold air and rain pounded down on us both.<br />
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I had only one thought.<i> Markarth</i>. Get to Markarth and find the man who did this to my wife. Arkay help anyone who gets in my way.<br />
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I pulled Arrow up at the stone steps of Markarth and pulled out my axe, rushing up the stairs at the guards posted there. With two swipes, I cleaved them both down, blood splattering everywhere. I heard shouts from the stables on my right, but I ignored them, pushing into the city.<br />
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My eyes glanced around as I breathed heavily, rage and revenge filling me. I spotted a guard and started to go for him, and his eyes grew large as I ran over, my axe held high. He managed to fend me off with his shield, shoving me backwards.<br />
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A couple locals joined in the fight against me, and I blocked them, yelling. "My fight isn't with you! It's with the Imperial bastards!"<br />
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I felt an arm snake around my neck from behind, putting me into a choke hold, and I struggled futility, trying to breathe. My vision grew dark around the edges, and I dropped my axe, trying to pry the hold away.<br />
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The last thing I heard before all went black was muffled, shocked voices all around me.<br />
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I came to slowly, my head screaming at me. I put a hand to my head, wincing at the movement, and I coughed, my neck sore as well. I took an experimental deep breath, and smelled dust, sweat and dirt.<br />
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I heard a door clang open and I opened my eyes.<br />
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"My...keep?" I asked hoarsely.<br />
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"There's no resting your hide in a cell in this prison. Here, in Cidhna Mine, you work. You'll mine ore until you start throwing up silver bars." She looked at me harshly. "You got it?"<br />
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I was confused and slightly dazed by this turn of events. "What...what's going on exactly?"<br />
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"Don't get smart with me. I'm in charge. You keep it up, I'll have your toes cut off."<br />
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I shut my mouth quickly. She shoved me in front of her, taking me out of the cell. "Come on, this way. You'll join the other prisoners before work detail begins."<br />
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I heard the sounds of digging all around and I joined the one other person at the fire to warm up. I sat down, staring into the flames, and my heart clenched again at the thought of Ysolda.<br />
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The other prisoner, dressed as I was in rags, looked to me. "What are you in for?"<br />
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I looked over at him and thought of what I had done. "Murder." I said simply, looking back into the flames.<br />
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"Violent one, huh? Best keep that to yourself, new blood. Others find out, they'll consider that a challenge. My name is Uraccen." At my silence, he continued. "My advice? Serve your time at the pickaxe and get out. You don't want to end up getting a shiv in the guts over a bottle of skooma."<br />
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My ears perked up. "Skooma." That might be just what I need to dull the pain. "Do you have any?"<br />
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The man wrinkled his nose. "Damn, you were addicted before you came here? I feel for you then. You'd have to talk with Madanach. He's sympathetic to guys like you, and I think he keeps a bottle around. You have to get past Borkul the Beast." He shoved a thumb over his shoulder to point at an Orc guarding a metal door.<br />
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Before I could think it through, I found myself in front of the Orc, who huffed at me, folding his arms. "What do you want, prisoner?"<br />
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"I want to see Madamach." I said, pointing at the door. "He's expecting me." I try and bluff, but with no success as the Orc chuckled.<br />
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"The only thing Madamach expects is a bottle of Skooma in tribute every so often. You're not getting through."<br />
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"Please, let me see him." My voice sounded weak, even to me.<br />
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"Get me a shiv, then. Grisvar makes the best ones. Get me one, and I might be persuaded to let you pass."<br />
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I backed off, going back to join the Uraccen at the fire. He looked at me. "No luck, huh? What did he want?"<br />
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"A shiv," I said sadly. "I don't feel like doing anything though. I just wish they'd let me die here." My heart longed for Ysolda, and I kept seeing her floating in the water at home, her unseeing eyes staring at me.<br />
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Uraccen's face took on a pitied look. "Tell you what, since you are new, and young, you can have my shiv." He reached into his ragged tunic, drawing forth a sharp piece of metal with leather rapped around the lower half of it, forming a type of grip. I hesitantly reached out, my fingers grasping it.<br />
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"Thank you." I said truthfully.<br />
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"I know how it is to be without a hit." Uraccen said. "Go get your Skooma, just remember me next time I need anything."<br />
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I felt a little guilty, but I really needed something to dull my deep ache. Just one bottle of Skooma for now, and that will be it.<br />
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I get up and bring the shiv over to Borkul. "Here's your shiv."<br />
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I went through the short tunnel, and it led out to a small hollowed out area with a bed and desk. An old man sat at the desk, writing something.<br />
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"Madanach?" I inquired.<br />
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The old man turned to glance at me, then went back to his writing.<br />
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"So, my fellow beast, what do you want? Answers about the Forsworn? Drugs? Spit it out."<br />
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Anger boiled up in me all at once, and I clenched my hands into fists, rushing towards him and slamming my fist into the side of his neck. "I want revenge, old man! Revenge for my wife!"<br />
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Madanach coughed harshly, but leapt to his feet and started swinging back. A short scuffle took place and I eventually had my hands around his neck. My vision was blurred and my anger was high, and before I knew it, he was dead.<br />
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When I realized what I had done, I took in a sharp gasp, scrambling off the old man's body. I sat against the nearby wall, my head in my hands, shaking. What have I become? How have I, a Nord, been overtaken by my emotions? How could I carelessly take a life like that.<br />
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I began to shake uncontrollably, and I crawled forward, digging through the man's pockets. A small bottle of skooma dropped out onto my open palm, as well as a letter.<br />
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After reading the letter, I stared at the small bottle in my hand. Then, in one fell swoop, I uncorked it and sucked it down, feeling the liquid burn on the back of my throat.<br />
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Almost immediately, a euphoric rush swept through my body. I didn't feel any pain, only pleasure. My heart rate increased, and I felt like I needed to run to get all the energy out. I snagged the key mentioned in the letter off the old man's body and ran for the nearby door I saw just around the corner.<br />
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Inside was a long tunnel full of spiders that I merely ran by, the energy I had was incredible. I kept running and running, and I felt like nothing could go wrong. Finally, I reached a large door and pushed it open, stunned to see the city of Markarth.<br />
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Before I could run for the front gates though, a man confronted me.<br />
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"What...what are you talking about?" I stammered.<br />
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"You don't think you ended up in there by accident?" He said, raising an eyebrow.<br />
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"My...my wife." I looked at him in horror.<br />
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"Was killed, yes, but she was a drug dealer. I needed someone to do something bad enough that would get them sent to the Mine, so that Madanach would be killed. You've done more than I could have asked--all on your own."<br />
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I fell to the ground on my knees in shock. "I...I don't even know who you are. And, Ysolda, she wasn't a drug dealer!"<br />
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The man shuffled through his pockets and handed me a letter. "Read for yourself."<br />
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<i>Don't try to stiff me on this deal, Ulag.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I can talk the Khajiit caravans into a better price than you'd be able to, and the guards are still looking for you after that little skooma incident. Just bring the sap to my stall in Whiterun like we discussed.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-Ysolda</i><br />
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I looked up at him, my vision filling with unshed tears. "No...it's not true." But there was no denying the handwriting. It was her.<br />
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"Either way, she's dead, and you did exactly what I wanted you to," He said. The man threw a backpack at me. "You'll find all your things that were confiscated. Nothing was taken, not even your gold. If you'll excuse me, I need to find a way to fill our mine up again with workers."<br />
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I watched him go off, my brain not quite grasping what was going on. I could feel the effects of the skooma still there, and I couldn't function to go after him. My wife, Ysolda....killed for such a petty desire of the Imperials. Just to get rid of some Forsworn leader. And I played right into their hands.<br />
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I didn't bother to even dress in my clothes from the backpack, I merely shrugged it over my shoulders and headed for the front gates.<br />
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I found Arrow at the stables, though his equipment was taken off and I couldn't find it. I was such in a fogged state, though, I rode him anyway, heading northeast on the road.<br />
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I saw a carriage up ahead and I stopped, paying the man to head to Windhelm. In the state I was in, I wouldn't be able to make it.<br />
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When I reached Windhelm, the skooma effects had worn off, and I was thinking of finding more. I didn't need anymore, of course, but just in case.<br />
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I did have a plan though, and I needed to have a clear head for it.<br />
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I walked straight up to Jarl Ulfric. "I want to join the Stormcloaks."<br />
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He looked at my state of dress and pointed to a side room. "Speak with Galmar. You've come to the right place, brother Nord. So long as any criminal past stays in the past, and you fight for me with honor and integrity, we'll welcome you into our ranks."<br />
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I went into the side room and spoke with the man there.<br />
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I didn't hesitate. "They killed my wife. Those Imperial dogs killed her, and left her body to rot in our home. Didn't even give her a proper burial. I want to fight the Empire. I'll bleed for the chance to do so."<br />
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Galmar looked somber for a moment. "Can't fault anyone for that. As long as you hate the Empire as much as I do, that I can work with."<br />
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"I can handle anything you throw at me." I said, standing firm.<br />
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He nodded. "That's what I like to hear."<br />
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"What's at Serpentstone Island?"<br />
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"You kill an Ice Wraith out there and I'll have all the proof I need about you. This will prove your abilities, but more importantly, it will prove your commitment."<br />
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I nod. "I'll do this. I'll get your Ice Wraith kill and bring back proof. I so swear it as a Nord."<br />
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"Good man."<br />
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I was left to my own devices, and I stood in place for a moment, swaying from my tiring journey. Sleep. And maybe a little pick-me-up if I can find some. I could feel the ache coming back and I wanted to combat that.<br />
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I would fight the entire Empire if need be.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-18-broken.html" target="_blank">Part 18</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-20-frigid-air-frigid-waters.html" target="_blank">Part 20</a><br />
<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-16155626005391364902014-10-01T10:02:00.000-07:002014-10-02T13:17:34.735-07:00Part 18: Broken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The next day, I decided to travel to Falkreath off the main roads, taking in the local scenery. I took my time, walking Arrow down the road, just smelling the open air. It was beautiful and made me feel happy.<br />
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Came across a nice little waterfall where I was able to drink and water Arrow as well. Soon, we were back on the way to Falkreath, and we reached it shortly.<br />
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It was a bit overcast when we arrived, though, so I rushed inside to the Jarl's house.<br />
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I kneeled in front of the Jarl politely. "I got your letter. I'm Markus."<br />
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The Jarl leaned forward eagerly. "Ah, it's you. Yes, well, now we'll see if the stories they tell about you are true. There's a group of bandits in my Hold that I...want gone, shall we say. They've been causing trouble for my people, and I've heard you've been a good protector of Riverwood--that is where you are living, correct?"<br />
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I nod. "Yes, my Jarl. I live at Leaf Rest with my wife, Ysolda."<br />
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The Jarl nodded. "Go, get rid of the bandits and I'll make it worth your while."<br />
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"It shall be done." I kneel once more and then exit the house, exhaling slowly. I'd been travelling since the morning, and it was going on about 3pm, so I was a bit tired. But, if I hurried, I might be able to make it to the location he marked on my map in no time.<br />
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I was right. I found it with no trouble, and I heard the warning shouts before I even dismounted from Arrow.<br />
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My swings were a little harder, due to my tiredness, but I pushed through, easily dispatching the first bandit.<br />
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One after another, the bandits fell, and entering the mine, I only found the chief. Even he was taken out quickly, and he even had a key on him.<br />
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A bit of experimenting, I found the key fit a nearby locked chest, so I was happy to relieve it of its contents, though, I left the shield.<br />
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With that easy quest complete, I headed back to Falkreath to speak with the Jarl.<br />
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"I've killed the leader of Bilegulch Mine, my Jarl."<br />
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He grinned at me, his eyes glancing up and down, and I shuddered slightly. "You know what, Markus, I like you." He paused, and I panicked slightly inside, but he continued. "You aren't afraid to get your hands dirty."<br />
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"As long as I'm helping out the locals, any bandits who attack are asking to die." I state.<br />
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"I hereby grant you permission to purchase property in Falkreath hold. Talk to my steward if you are interested." He said abruptly.<br />
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I nod and start to turn when he spoke again. "There is room in my court for a new Thane..." I could have sworn he almost licked his lips when he said that. "It's an honorary title, mainly, but there are a few...perks....that come with the job." His eyes once again swept over me. "You would have to become well known among my people, though. You help them, and I will appoint you as my new Thane."<br />
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I felt incredibly uncomfortable in his presence, but didn't want to offend him. "Thank you, my Jarl, it will be a great honor."<br />
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I went to find his steward to find out how much the land cost and take a look at it. I finally find her upstairs drinking.<br />
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"How much is it selling for?" I ask, taking out my coin purse.<br />
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"It is running about 5,000 gold. Very cheap for the land, though. It is a fine property. Well-watered, plentiful stands of timber, and an amazing view of the mountains."<br />
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I eagerly follow her directions to reach the land, and I look around with pride.<br />
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It needs work, but since I told Ysolda I would be gone for a week, perhaps I can get started on it right away.<br />
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I draw out the lines for the house on the drafting table nearby, admiring the view. The steward was right, it is a magnificent piece of property.<br />
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Then, taking some stakes and rope, I measure out the exact space I need to get started on the foundation.<br />
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After about a day of work, I step back to admire what I've done so far. It is getting late though, so I set up my fur tent and a campfire so I can spend the night here and work on it more the next day.<br />
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Each day I added in something new, and after five days of solid work, my little house was in it's basic forms and livable.<br />
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It was starting to get about time to head back to Riverwood, so I left my tent and campfire there, prepared to come back once I had told Ysolda to join me here. I needed to get some supplies and start to pack up the house for the move. Getting a cart up here probably won't be very fun, but the basic things like plates, food and such can be moved, but I might build a new bed.<br />
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Walking into Riverwood, it was very quiet. No children were playing on the street and I didn't see the usual people walking around.<br />
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I continued going to my home, and I thought I kept seeing flashes of people looking out their window at me. What was going on? I stopped in front of my home, cautiously sliding off of Arrow, hitching him slightly to the stable posts.<br />
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Walking up to my front door, my breath caught in my throat. A bloody knife was stuck in the door, holding up a note. I ripped it off the door, scanning it frantically.<br />
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<i>By order of Jarl Igmund of Markarth--</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Any citizen of Skyrim found to be in possession of illegal substances are to be given no mercy. A zero-tolerance program has been started and enacted. Harboring of illegal substances such as skooma, sleeping tree sap or any other substances to even make them will be sentenced to death. Skyrim will not watch as its children fall to such heinous substances.</i><br />
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<i>This house has been deemed a harbinger of illegal substances and as such, action has been taken.</i><br />
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<i>--Order carried out by General Tullius, Imperial Commander of the Fourth Legion and Military Governor of Skyrim</i><br />
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My heart leaped into my throat, and it started to pound hard. I pushed the door slowly, and it creaked open, letting me see into the kitchen area.<br />
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Blood splattered the ground, and my vision grew red. I tore through the house, shouting as I went. "Ysolda! Ysolda, where are you? <i>Answer me</i>!"<br />
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I half ran, half tumbled down the stairs into the living area, and looked wildly around. Silence met my ears, and I went room to room. My mind went fifty miles a minute, all thinking of excuses as to why she wouldn't be answering.<i> Maybe she was at market. Maybe she went to visit the Bannered Mare. Maybe she was called away on a small merchant's trip with others. </i><br />
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<i>Maybe--</i><br />
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The bloody knife from the front door fell from my hands, and it clattered loudly to the stone floor. I fell to my knees, crawling slowly towards the floating body of my wife. I reached out, feeling her cold skin, and I knew.<br />
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Ysolda was dead. I dragged her gently out of the bath chamber and hugged her to me, my heart feeling as though it was being stabbed over and over with the same knife I had found. Wounds covered her, and I could tell she had tried to run, but whoever had done this merely chased after her, overpowered her, and then killed her in cold blood.<br />
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I placed her on our bed, sitting at the end of it silently for a long while. I felt numb. Only hours before I had been happy--planning a life with her. Planning to adopt. My work on the house was supposed to be exciting news for her to hear.<br />
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I looked at the crumpled note in my hand, my tears blurring my vision as I tried to read it again. My teeth gritted and I crunched it up farther, stuffing it into my pack.<br />
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General Tullius. Jarl Igmund of Markarth. Those Imperial bastards had come down, killed my wife for what? Illegal substances? She hadn't dealt in any illegal substances. She was Ysolda, a simple merchant woman who had dreams of owning her own shop. Dreams of traveling with me. Dreams of having a young son or daughter to call our own.<br />
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The Imperials would pay. Oh, they would pay.<br />
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I ran out of the house, not caring to lock up or grab anything. I had but one thing on my mind.<br />
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Get to Markarth and kill every last Imperial bastard I could find.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-17-relaxing.html" target="_blank">Part 17</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-19-hardships-ahead.html" target="_blank">Part 19</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-15522674974969495692014-09-30T12:42:00.000-07:002014-10-01T10:02:34.988-07:00Part 17: RelaxingWaking up the next morning, I realized that there's no way I could go meet that guy at the Shrine of Talos. He might have some horrible quest or adventure for me to go on--bandits, Forsworn, any number of bad things await in this region.<br />
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I did want to take a look around the town though, heading up to look at the Jarl's palace.<br />
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A man was questioning a sellsword about the house he was standing in front of.<br />
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The mercenary shrugged. "It's abandoned, and was always abandoned. No one has bought it, and it's never been offered for sale by any one person."<br />
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The cloaked man turned to me, letting the sellsword go about his business. "Excuse me, but do you know anything about this house? Seen anyone enter or leave?"<br />
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I shook my head. "No, I haven't, but, I live in Riverwood, I'm just in town for business, and I'll actually be leaving soon."<br />
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The man sighed. "Seems no one in this city has. I'm with the Vigil of Stendarr. We believe this house might have been used for <a href="http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Daedra" target="_blank">Daedra</a> worship. Evil rites and so forth."<br />
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I shrug. "Sorry, I don't know anything."<br />
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The man bowed slightly towards me. "Thank you for your time, then. I'll continue asking around."<br />
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The Jarl's palace was actually less impressive than Whiterun. It was dark, not very cozy and everything was made of stone. The slightest whisper was heard from across the room. I wanted to tell the Jarl about the attack in the town, but I had to go through his bodyguard first.<br />
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What? No Forsworn? There are at least Forsworn sympathizers, isn't that pretty much the same thing? I left, disgusted at the Jarl's separation from his people. At least Jarl Balgruuf knows the needs and wants of his people, and have no issue with them coming to speak with him.<br />
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Outside of Markarth, I help the farmers bring in their harvest for a few coins.<br />
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Since it was getting late, and I didn't feel like sleeping on the stone bed of the inn, I camp outside.<br />
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I was on my way back home early next morning, ready to just relax around Riverwood.<br />
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There's nothing like coming around the corner and seeing your house still standing.<br />
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You and I both deserve a good rest, eh, Arrow?<br />
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Glad to see you enjoying that book, Ysolda.<br />
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It's a small garden, but with work it'll flourish nicely.<br />
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Lots of work.<br />
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I take a break to drink some of the water Ysolda had. She boils some fresh everyday so there's no risk of disease.<br />
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Almost forgot to replentish my wood supply I carry around. Always be prepared!<br />
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And after a long day of travel, working in the garden and chopping wood, a relaxing time in the heated water tub does wonders for the muscles.<br />
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I do a bit of leveling as well and took two perks, one for haggling and stealth, so I can sneak up on the elk better.<br />
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Just like this.<br />
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Right in the rump!<br />
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This will be good to sell at the Riverwood Trader, Lucan is always looking to up his meat stock, as we usually have Khajiit traders go through Riverwood on the way to the larger cities.<br />
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After stepping out from the Trader, a courier runs up to me. "Letter from the Jarl! Moving up in the world, eh?"<br />
<br />
I take it from him, thanking him, but very curious what was on his letter. I head back to my house to read it in private, sitting on one of my porch seats.<br />
<br />
<i>Markus,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Siddgeir, and I have the honor to be the Jarl of the proud and ancient city of Falkreath.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The fame of your exploits across Skyrim has been brought to my attention. If you are interested in becoming a Thane of Falkreath hold, I invite you to speak with me the next time you are in Falkreath. Aside from the honor that comes from the title, my thanes are entitled to a personal housecarl. I also can tell you privately that a choice parcel of land in Falkreath would be available for your purchase should your services provide useful to me.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I look forward to meeting you in person.</i><br />
<i><br />I remain,</i><br />
<i>Jarl Siddgeir of Falkreath</i><br />
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I raise an eyebrow at the letter, then head inside to speak with Ysolda about it.<br />
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I see you are enjoying a nice dinner.<br />
<br />
I sit down at the bar across from her and slide the letter across the surface for her to read it. After a few moments, she looked up at me questioningly. "So, what do you plan to do?"<br />
<br />
I shrug, folding the letter up and placing it to the side. "Was hoping you'd have some idea. Being Thane of Falkreath...we'd have to move."<br />
<br />
Ysolda frowned, looking at the house. "But we just moved in here, and it's beautiful!"<br />
<br />
I nod. "It is. I enjoy it here."<br />
<br />
"Plus, all my customers are around Whiterun." She continued.<br />
<br />
"You would be able to sell to new people." I point out. "I'm not saying we should do it, but how about we talk about it? I could head up there and see what sort of homes there are, and I could talk to Avor about selling this place back to him."<br />
<br />
Ysolda bit her lower lip, and I could see her thinking hard. "I can agree with that. At least go there and find out what sort of homes they might offer you."<br />
<br />
I nod, stretching. "All right. Tomorrow, I'll head to Falkreath and speak with the Jarl about becoming Thane. I'll see what he needs me to do, I'm sure it'll be some sort of bandit problem or helping the people around town. After I've finished up there, I'll come back here to let you know about the different houses available, and then we can move up there together. Sound good?"<br />
<br />
Ysolda smiled, nodding. "That will work just fine. You'll be gone a few weeks then?"<br />
<br />
"At least a week, probably." I confirm.<br />
<br />
"I shall miss you then. You better go get some sleep if you want to head out in the morning."<br />
<br />
I stood up, pocketing the letter. "Indeed. I'll probably head out about six or seven, but I'll wake you to say goodbye."<br />
<br />
I head into the bedroom, flopping down on the bed, excited about the future prospects.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, Falkreath.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-16-contests-traveling-and-sudden.html" target="_blank">Part 16</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/10/part-18-broken.html" target="_blank">Part 18</a><br />
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<i><b>End notes: I did buy a Hunting Bow of Scorching and sold my old bow, so if there are inconsistencies in the future, that is the reason why. </b></i>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-8550784800346551742014-09-29T09:12:00.001-07:002014-09-30T12:42:18.378-07:00Part 16: Contests, Traveling, and Sudden StabsIt wasn't my fault.<br />
<br />
I swear.<br />
<br />
I was egged on.<br />
<br />
I had to prove, you see, that I was a man.<br />
<br />
I couldn't be shown up by a woman!<br />
<br />
Let me start at the beginning.<br />
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I headed towards Whiterun this morning to sell some of my meat and pelts I have collected. If the rain didn't let up, then I would head to Markarth tomorrow, staying at the inn tonight.<br />
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I chat with Belethor a bit, just asking how his business was going. He gave me a bit extra for my wolf pelt I had due to him feeling nice that day, so that was a small perk. After my business was concluded, I stopped into the Bannered Mare to rent a room for the night.<br />
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I order a few ales for myself, really getting into the song that Mikael plays.<br />
<br />
I hear a roaring cheer from across the bar, and I focus my gaze to see Uthgerd the Unbroken slamming down an empty tankard of mead, raising a fist. The man seated across from her slowly slid to the floor, passed out from his drink.<br />
<br />
I feel Sinmir, the local Whiterun mercenary give a hearty slap on my back. "Ah, Markus! Go show what a Nord can do!"<br />
<br />
Before I could protest, he shoved me forward as chants of "who's next?" rang around the bar. Uthgerd grinned wide and motioned for me to sit. I was shoved into the chair, and two huge bottles of mead were placed in front of me. The fumes from the drinks made me gag a little, and I felt my stomach churning. I had already had a couple ales, and mead was pretty strong.<br />
<br />
"Go on, man, drink up!" A cheer went up and they started chanting my name, encouraging me to chug the drink. Uthgerd raised her glass and started going for it, and....<br />
<br />
Okay, I gave in to the peer pressure, I know. But, how could I not? I didn't want to let my fellow Nordsmen down. I grabbed the tankard and raised it to my lips, gulping the liquid, not thinking about the burning sensation as it slid down my throat.<br />
<br />
After I slammed my mug down, I raised a fist in victory, and someone shoved the other tankard into my hand. I stared at it, and shouts of "Chug! Chug! Chug!" went up. I shrugged and lifted the mug. I guess one more couldn't hurt.<br />
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Suddenly, my vision went blurry and my hearing felt like there was burlap stuck in my ears.<br />
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I decided to become acquainted with the floor, and I felt my muscles just go to liquid, and I slammed up against the floor hard.<br />
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Hands helped me up and laughter went all around, and I could feel myself burning with embarrassment.<br />
<br />
"Oh, poor Markus! You better get home to yer wife, she can clean you up!"<br />
<br />
Before I could tell them I had already rented a room here, I was shoved into the pouring rain. My feet didn't work properly and I stumbled down the stone steps, landing in a puddle of water. I tried to open my eyes and instantly regretted it.<br />
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The blinding rain and light seared into my brain and I shut my eyes quickly, feeling the wet pavestones underneath me. I headed to where I thought the exit of Whiterun was, not thinking clearly at all.<br />
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Oh, thank the divines, Arrow, help me.<br />
<br />
I feel Arrow nudge me, and I fall against him, fumbling with the reigns. He nervously tossed his head, and I managed to climb on, leaning against his wet neck.<br />
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"Take us home, Arrow, I can't function." I slurred out, and I nudged him forward, hoping he would sense where his stable was.<br />
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I don't remember anything after that, just waking up on my bed with a resounding headache.<br />
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I prayed for forgiveness and received a blessing, so I felt much better afterwards.<br />
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Ysolda greeted me with a harsh eye, and I hung my head.<br />
<br />
"I....uh...don't remember much last night." I mumbled, taking my seat at the table.<br />
<br />
"I should say not. I'm surprised you got here all in one piece what with you not even leading Arrow. It's a good thing that horse seems smarter than you!" She roughly shoved a plate of food in front of me, and I winced at the yelling, a headache still lingering.<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry, love."<br />
<br />
"You best be."<br />
<br />
"It won't happen again."<br />
<br />
"It better not. I'll not tend to you the next time you come home drunk."<br />
<br />
"Aye, it was...it was foolish of me, I have no excuses."<br />
<br />
Her face softened and she patted my hand. "It'll be all right. You need to go to Markarth though, you keep complaining that you have to finish your delivery. Are you okay for travel?"<br />
<br />
I ate my breakfast and nodded towards her. "Yeah, I really should hit the road after this. I'll see you in a couple days, I'll probably stay over at Markarth and see what wares they have. Do you want anything?"<br />
<br />
Ysolda gave a thoughtful look. "Perhaps a new dress, or some salt if they have any. Riverwood doesn't carry much in the way of salt, and when he gets any in, it's expensive."<br />
<br />
"We can afford it." I said, shoving back from the table.<br />
<br />
"I know, but it's good to be careful with the money."<br />
<br />
I grabbed my cloak off the hook by the door and put it on, looking at her. "Oh, if you need money, it's in the safe behind the book panel in my study. Just press it once and it'll open. I have an emergency stash there."<br />
<br />
"Thank you, save travels!"<br />
<br />
She gave me a quick kiss and sent me out the door. I smelled the fresh air and noted the time. It was about 7 or 8 in the morning, and I walked over to Arrow's stall, patting him. "Thank you, old boy for yesterday. Let's get going, we've a long road ahead."<br />
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Nothing too major happened, but I did come across a spilled carriage with a dead Khajiit. There were no notes, and nothing of value left, so I dragged the body off the road at least.<br />
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I was daydreaming and went a bit farther than intended, running into Karthwasten. An old city, it's a mining town, full of rough men trying to scrape by. Take up hunting, it's been very lucrative.<br />
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Finally, I make it into Markarth, passing by a few tents set up, though, no one was around.<br />
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Opening up the big city gates, I catch the tail end of a brutal stabbing. The guards immediately go for him, but I got to him first.<br />
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Yeah, that's what happens when you stab women for no good reason. You die!<br />
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Yeah, I have no idea what Forsworn are, buddy.<br />
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Okay, but, who are the Forsworn?<br />
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Ah. Well, that doesn't seem to be anyone good to be sympathetic towards.<br />
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We are interrupted by a man leaning against a nearby wall.<br />
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"Did you see what happened?" He asked me.<br />
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I just pointed to my axe. "Yeah, he almost killed me, but I was able to take him out."<br />
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"I'm so sorry, I hope the Eight bring you peace in the future."<br />
<br />
I noted the lack of acknowledgement towards Talos, but held my silence, nodding in affirmation. He walked up to me, shoving a piece of paper in my hand. "I think you dropped this."<br />
<br />
He then quickly walked away before I could respond.<br />
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I glance at the paper. <i>Meet me at the shrine of Talos.</i><br />
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Oh, gods. A quest. I crumple the paper up and put it in my pocket, deciding to deal with that later. I go to rent a room at the local inn.<br />
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<br />
You must not have heard what just happened out on the streets.<br />
<br />
At that, one room rented later, I sit down and rest, ready to sight see in about an hour.<br />
<br />
And maybe, just maybe, I'll go to the shrine of Talos. My curiosity has been peaked.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-15-new-home.html" target="_blank">Part 15</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-17-relaxing.html" target="_blank">Part 17</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-5684058265802718082014-09-29T09:09:00.001-07:002014-09-29T09:13:09.673-07:00Part 15: A New HomeYsolda, dear, I love you, but your house is not built for two people.<br />
<br />
So, on my way to Shore's Stone to give Verner's Satchel back to Sylgja. Poor woman could probably have walked there and back by now, and I did promise to bring her back news of her parents.<br />
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As you can see, we have a small journey ahead, but shouldn't take too long.<br />
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Oh, no. Really? These guys? They better be guards, and not bandits.<br />
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My sentiments exactly.<br />
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Nothing exciting in the battle, I beat them up pretty good, and the last guy even yielded, so I let him run off. I hope he tells his buddy to stay away from this part of the road, because, man, I really gotta talk to the Jarl about this.<br />
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Okay, that's it. This is the fourth time I've caught these guys harassing women on the road. Time to see what's up.<br />
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Okay, and that just gives you the right to verbally attack women on the main roads?<br />
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Guess what, this isn't Whiterun! Go up the road a bit and check IN Whiterun! Get off my road! If I see you again on these roads, I may just have to intervene for good so the women of Skyrim can be safe.<br />
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No cat sneaks up on me while I'm just walking down the road. You'll get an axe to the face!<br />
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Oh, a house. Maybe I can rest a bit inside.<br />
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Gosh, everywhere I go, just Skooma this and Skooma that. Must be some good stuff, but, I am on an errand and can't be distracted.<br />
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A couple hours later, I finally meet up with Sylgja. She pays me with a silver ring, though I try and give it back, because, it's not like I was the fastest messenger. She insisted I take it, and I never refuse twice.<br />
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The trip back was pretty boring. It is nice to see Whiterun up ahead though.<br />
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Remember, always leave nature how you left it!<br />
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While hunting, I come across a strange tree.<br />
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It's very pretty, but it doesn't seem to do anything. It's right in the middle of a giant's camp, so I don't get too close.<br />
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I sleep out overnight, and then head to Riverwood, hearing that there was a house for sale. As I trot over the bridge, I can see it, and it looks very nice.<br />
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The previous owners had just left for a new life in Markarth, and it was up for sale for a nice cheap price of only 4,000 gold. I jump at the chance, but take a look around first.<br />
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And of course, try out the different features it has.<br />
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A nice cozy kitchen and dining area, once I get a fire started, it'll be much warmer too.<br />
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Yes, I will take this house. I payed Avor the 4,000 gold and he gave me the key. I was excited to move in, but I had to let Ysolda know that I had a house for her here. Since it was getting later, I decided to pay a messenger boy to take a letter to her.<br />
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While waiting for her to arrive, I decided to set up things so they were comfortable.<br />
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Like your new stable, Arrow?<br />
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There's a grey fox running around, and seems keen to stick to me wherever I go. I've taken to calling him Moy.<br />
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Dude, get off my lawn.<br />
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Ysolda arrived and was extremely excited about the home. She got right to work making us some fresh bread.<br />
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She requested I chop some wood for the cooking fire, though, and I headed down to the basement.<br />
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One yummy dinner later, and I was stuffed and happy.<br />
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After dinner, I said my evening prayers to Kynareth.<br />
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A quick stop at the sauna, and I felt stronger, like I could carry more things.<br />
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I then end the day with nice bit of fishing for a meal. Tomorrow, heading to Markarth to deliver the contract I was given from the man in Riften.<br />
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And then, I should be able to relax again for a couple days before needing to go on a big hunt.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-14-life-changing-decision.html" target="_blank">Part 14</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-16-contests-traveling-and-sudden.html" target="_blank">Part 16</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-57637212989690543992014-09-28T10:54:00.001-07:002014-09-29T09:10:27.458-07:00Part 14: A Life-Changing DecisionDragon Bridge is quiet today.<br />
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Not many people in sight, so they must be doing jobs inside. Walking into the Commander's outpost, I hold up a fist in victory and smile at him.<br />
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"I did it. The Dark Brotherhood? Wiped out. Completely." I say, grasping the hand he held forth.<br />
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He let out a large laugh. "This is a great day, my friend. You have struck a blow against darkness that will not soon be forgotten! Here, as promised--a most generous reward! I'll make sure the Emporer himsef hears of all you have accomplished! You've made Skyrim a better place."<br />
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He turned and grasped a large sack, which clinked as he turned to hand it to me. My eyes grew large as he told me there was 3,000 gold inside. I very quickly put the bag into my backpack, and he sent a guard along with me to make sure I got out of town safely.<br />
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Well, old boy, what do we do now?<br />
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Back to Whiterun! I have an idea for a quest of love.<br />
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Ysolda, my sweet. It is a fine day with <i>you</i> around. I traverse around the town and see if anyone has news on Ysolda and if she might be interested in getting married.<br />
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No one says that she is spoken for, so, my next step is obtaining an Amulet of Mara. I've learned from speaking with the locals that since Skyrim life is so short, an Amulet of Mara will show that you are interested in marrying someone. It's a simple way of communication, and will basically let people know that you are not spoken for.<br />
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The only way to get an Amulet of Mara is to travel to Riften and visit the Temple of Mara, though. Since I am now financially stable, I feel I can take a bride, and then work on getting a house for us both while we reside in her old house here in Whiterun. I'd rather be away from the city, having a house that's in or around Riverwood would be nice, I think. Still very close to Whiterun, but has good hunting potential. Plus, I can try and do my part in keeping them safe from bandits.<br />
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Also, I ran across this when leaving the local Temple of Kynareth.<br />
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Just terrible, making that homeless, penniless girl watch you stuff your face with food!<br />
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To Riften! I decide to travel in style there and back, mainly because I dread the long journey. I am impatient, so while this might be slower, it is safer.<br />
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The local Bee and Barb has Maramal giving a small sermon. He's talking about the dragons returning, so while I wait at the bar to rent a room for the night, I listen in.<br />
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"This is one of the signs. The signs that Lady Mara is displeased with your constant inebriation! Put down your flagons of vile liquids and embrace the teachings of the handmaiden of Kyne."<br />
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I glance at the drink in my hand. Kyne would be displeased with drinking? But...I've always still received my blessings, even if I've had a few drinks here and there, and I've never gotten so drunk I don't remember what happened...<br />
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Talen-Jei, the Argonian helper of the tavern stepped forward. "Come, now, Brother Maramal, let our guests drink in peace."<br />
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"But they must be aware of the chaos they've sown, Talen-Jei!" Maramal insisted.<br />
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"Enough, Maramal. We've all heard of the dragons and their return. There's no need to us them as an excuse to harass our customers."<br />
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Maramal turned, and I headed over, the music starting up again and raucous laughter ringing at the merrymaking.<br />
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"Maramal," I start, putting a hand on his shoulder. He turned around, surprised. "I was wondering if I could have an Amulet of Mara. I have a woman I want to let know I am unspoken for."<br />
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Maramal nodded. "They are sold for 200 gold, but all the proceeds go towards Mara's Shrine and its upkeep."<br />
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"I would like to buy one, then."<br />
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I've already gotten her a mammoth tusk, what else would she want?<br />
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I go to sit down and have a drink, when a man nods at me, joining me at the table. "My name is Bolli, I'm one of the best fisherman in these parts. Mind if I join you?"<br />
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I nodded, despite the strange way he introduced himself, company was always good with a drink.<br />
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"Who buys all your fish?" I ask, taking a gulp from my tankard.<br />
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"All over Skyrim," He waved a hand. "the only untapped market left is Markarth. However, I just got word that Kleppr at the Silver Blood Inn might be interested."<br />
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I sense a delivery coming along, and I braced myself for the request.<br />
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I can't say no to a delivery quest!<br />
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I decide to stop by the orphanage the next day and see how the children are coming along.<br />
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Well, aren't you just cute as a button.<br />
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A few days later, I make it back to Whiterun and proudly displayed my amulet around Ysolda, making sure that it laid prominently on me for her to see. I worked in the market all day, helping out the vendors with their stock, and I kept seeing her give me glances out of the corner of her eye every now and then.<br />
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Finally, my heard almost stopped as she started to come up to me and speak.<br />
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I blush slightly, but flirt back. "Interested in me, are you?" I try and give her a handsome look, but feel that I might have failed when she grinned.<br />
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"Well, yes. Why wouldn't I be? Are you...interested in me?" She smiled sweetly, and her gaze just melted my heart.<br />
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I fumbled over my words. "Yes. Yes I am." There; short, sweet, to the point. I held my breath as a moment passed between us.<br />
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My heart soared as I gave her my Amulet of Mara to seal the arrangement. I would go back to Riften and arrange our marriage, and she would meet me there in two day's time.<br />
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Two days later, dressed in the finest clothes I had, I stood in front of the Temple of Mara, my heart beating loudly in my chest. This was it. I would have a beautiful wife, and we would have a grand life together. Then, once our new house was built, we would be able to adopt a child as soon as the papers went through.<br />
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I gulped and started up the stone stairs, every step bringing me closer to a new life. With Ysolda.<br />
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She was stunningly beautiful at the alter, her simple homespun dress accentuating all her fine features.<br />
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I was so nervous, I didn't want to look directly at her, feeling I might burst into un-manly tears. I had to hold it together. For her.<br />
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I held my breath. This would be her last chance to get out of it. To leave me.<br />
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He then turned to me, and I almost couldn't hear him over the sounds of happiness in my heart.<br />
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"Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?"<br />
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I nodded fervently. "I do. Now and forever."<br />
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Maramal smiled at us both. "Under the authority of Mara, the Divine of Love, I declare this couple to be wed." He held out two rings for us, and we each took one. "I present the two of you these matching rings, blessed by Mara's divine grace. May they protect each of you in your new life together."<br />
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Putting on the ring, I felt a sense of renewal. A new life has just begun for me, and I turned to smile at Ysolda. She was beaming as well and gave me a quick kiss. "I shall meet you back in Whiterun, my love. Do you have a house, or shall you live with me?"<br />
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"I plan to build us a nice home in Riverwood." I said. "I can buy the property from the overseer of their land, and then, if you want, you can start up that store you've always wanted."<br />
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She gave me a startled look, and then tears came to her eyes. "That would be wonderful, absolutely wonderful!"<br />
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Since I had leftover business here in Riften, we parted ways and I looked at my ring in closer detail.<br />
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I'm married now! I gave a quick hop of joy and went off to the local shops to see if they had anything of interest before heading back to Whiterun.<br />
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Back in Whiterun, Ysolda gave me the grand tour of her humble home.<br />
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It was small. Very small. I'm going to have to get that house as soon as possible.<br />
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Oh. Well, that's okay...I can...sleep at the inn I guess...<br />
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Filled with even more determination to make sure my hunting pays the bills, I head out the next day, ready to hunt anything that moved!<br />
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I very nearly almost lost my first Elk when it went down in some tall grass. I had to search forever for it, as it blended in pretty well.<br />
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After about five or so hours of hunting, I had a nice big haul ready to skin and butcher at my campsight.<br />
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Okay, so, my tent is a little crooked, but...<br />
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So much money to be made! No time for sleep anyway!<br />
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And with that, I head into my tent to sleep the rest of the night, as it was almost four in the morning. I'll sell my wares tomorrow.<br />
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For now, though, sleep well, Skyrim.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-13-brotherhood-takedown.html" target="_blank">Part 13</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-15-new-home.html" target="_blank">Part 15</a><br />
<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-23246725551213236222014-09-27T08:22:00.002-07:002014-09-28T10:54:23.287-07:00Part 13: Brotherhood TakedownWalking up to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary might have been the most foolhardy thing I've ever done in my life. But, I'm determined. I have to take these guys out.<br />
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Technology has gotten pretty good in Skyrim, to the point where you too can program your very own door password system! Yes, the DOOR asks you the password. Not a person, who then checks to make sure they recognize you. The door.<br />
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Great security here, guys. It's almost as if anyone who learns the password can just walk right on in.<br />
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I walk right on in and am greeted by the lovely shades of gold of this place.<br />
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It's a bit tense going in, mainly because I don't know where anyone is, and I heard these guys are quite strong in their abilities.<br />
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The first guy I find goes down easily enough. He had just leapt out of bed and was on his way to attack me when I fired a few arrows. He didn't stand much of a chance.<br />
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I'm pretty tense through this whole ordeal, and expecting people to hear the fighting and rush in all at once. I have no idea how many members there are, but this seems like a pretty big place.<br />
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I fire off a couple shots at an Argonian I see, but he's pretty quick on his feet and reaches me pretty fast. My axe takes him out fairly quickly.<br />
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These guys are kind of pushovers, where's the great skill I keep hearing about? These are just like the bandits that attack me--no thought to strategy.<br />
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A strange stone structure sits in the corner of the large chamber I'm in. There are ancient runes written all over it and one of the runes glows almost menacingly. I'm almost drawn to it, but I resist it's hold over me and give it a wide berth. Tendrils of light start to swirl out of it whenever I get closer, and I have no desire to know what it does.<br />
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I was attacked and killed this guy so fast, I didn't manage to catch a picture of the fight. It went sort of like this:<br />
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<i>A man jumped out of the shadows with a scimitar held high!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I stuck my axe in his face and he died!</i><br />
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That's about it.<br />
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At this point, the fights aren't very interesting and I'm slightly angered by how fast they're dying. I wanted a grand struggle against good and evil, and these guys are just falling over whenever I breath on 'em.<br />
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But at least I can share with you glorious spurts of blood as I rush in and take them out!<br />
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When I'm done, an overwhelming sense of accomplishment washes over me, and I feel as though I have completed my mission in full. I put away my axe and rifle through the sanctuary briefly, grabbing any gold I see--hey, a man has to eat--and also checking for any victims who might have family on the outside so I can explain their fate.<br />
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I see this skeleton in the spider pit (yes, they had a spider pit, doesn't seem very safe), and find a note under the body:<br />
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<i>(cont.) Sanctuary itself. I don't have time to even think about the dangers. The truth must be known!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>~Gaston Bellefort</i><br />
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He must have run in completely naked and without weapons, because, frankly, I didn't see threatening things anywhere. The spider they had was taken out with one hit by my axe!<br />
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Must....resist...<br />
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I then leave the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary behind, Taking only the note and a book I found entitled <i>The Night Mother's Truth</i>. I'll be reading that later.<br />
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With all that "challenge", I can now level up. I put some more points into health this time, probably going to take some stamina next time. I decide that Armsman is probably a good perk to take, as I've been using my one handed weapon more than I thought I would. It's handy in a pinch and when there isn't room to draw back a bow.<br />
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Since Commander Maro is up in Dragon Bridge, I head northwest to swing into Markarth and get that city marked on my map. On my way up, I daydreamed briefly of the songs they would sing in my honor....<br />
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<i>(sung to the tune of Age of Oppression)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The Dark Brotherhood was a den full of theives,</i><br />
<i>Telling us they were the ones to believe.</i><br />
<i>We were to fear their Black Sacrament chant,</i><br />
<i>and brandish a knife rubbed with nightshade plant!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Then Markus, a hunter who came from Whiterun,</i><br />
<i>Said that their takedown had only begun</i><br />
<i>He had taken out Astrid, their leader of old</i><br />
<i>And had freed her captives from being controlled!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Then Markus went right into their den</i><br />
<i>His bow drawn back and ready to end</i><br />
<i>the Dark Brotherhood came rushing at him</i><br />
<i>But he bravely kept hacking at all of their limbs</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Markus, the hero of all Tamriel,</i><br />
<i>A man full of honor, and stories to tell!</i><br />
<i>Of him fighting the evil surrounding us all</i><br />
<i>When we have an issue, he's at beck and call!</i><br />
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But, that might be just a dream. I smiled, maybe I should give my idea to a bard, and he could make it better and make it seem that there was a great fight...I shook my head, laughing at my dreams of being famous. I don't think that would<i> ever</i> happen.<br />
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A sawmill is right off the road, so I stop off there to speak with the owner.<br />
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Oh yeah...that "war" that's going on. I haven't seen much proof of fighting, other than the patrols that attack each other when they meet. But, I guess that could be a war. More like a quick skirmish though.<br />
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Getting kind of a strange vibe from this place. Their butchered meat isn't even prepared properly and is just laying around all over the place.<br />
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Nice! Just the place for me!<br />
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There's not much in the building, though, but I head into the nearby valley to check out the camp that I see below.<br />
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This guy sees a deer and chases after it, so I stay behind to watch his things.<br />
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I feel bad, almost like I'm flaunting how awesome my tent looks over his.<br />
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I guess he wasn't able to take it out, so he comes back and sits on my side of the camp. Oh well, I can sit in my tent. I decide to stay here for the night, but it's not quite time for bed.<br />
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I do a little hunting, as there are wolves nearby. It takes me a couple hours to get them all dressed down and butchered though.<br />
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I spend the night pretty nice, even bagging an Elk in the morning. I don't have time to butcher it though, so I sling it across the back of Arrow and head out.<br />
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The trip becomes miserable pretty fast.<br />
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I am drenched through pretty quick, and the road is pretty hard to see.<br />
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It clears up nicely though, and we get this awesome view.<br />
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That looks a bit ominous.<br />
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I finally meet another traveler, but he's on his way to Windhelm. Wow, you've got a long journey ahead of you without a horse. Why don't you take the carriage?<br />
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A mine near here seems to be having trouble with their mine--it has been overrun with some monsters. I wish them luck and head on my way.<br />
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I finally run across Markarth, but I don't go inside, I'll come back later. There's no business to really tend to in this area, and I have squat for sales items. I pay 20 gold for a ride to Solitude, as I'm getting pretty tired and grungy from traveling.<br />
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One room rented later, and I'm ready to hit the sack.<br />
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In the morning, I'll head for Dragon Bridge to let the Commander know I've taken out the Dark Brotherhood.<br />
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Good night, Skyrim.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-12-falkreath.html" target="_blank">Part 12</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-14-life-changing-decision.html" target="_blank">Part 14</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-23421681275170490892014-09-26T15:08:00.002-07:002014-09-27T18:54:33.442-07:00Part 12: FalkreathAnd thus, it begins.<br />
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I woke up a little late this morning, but eager to get on the road. I'm heading south today, towards Falkreath, so I can try and find the Dark Brotherhood entrance. I've been told by the Commander to try and get rid of all of them inside, and I'm more than willing to. Then, I can tell everyone they have nothing to fear anymore.<br />
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I sold off my pelts, so Arrow has a lot of room on back, as well as in his saddlebags.<br />
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See you later, Whiterun!<br />
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Onward to Falkreath!<br />
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Funny, I don't remember that last time I was at Helgen...<br />
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Oh, hello there! I see you're flourishing in a town full of dead people!<br />
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I found a couple farmers when I just about reached Falkreath. I felt sorry, as they had been run out by the dragon, and were afraid on where to live. I decided to give them what they would accept.<br />
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I wish people would accept higher amounts, at this point, I'm a rich man compared to how I started out. But, I'm pretty frugal with my money.<br />
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For some reason, I thought Falkreath would be bigger...looks like a backwater town.<br />
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I wouldn't be able to accept, fair one. I'm a spoken for man. Ysolda is awaiting my love at home.<br />
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I sit down at the bar, and an Orc warrior walked over from the other side of the room, plopping herself down, close to my personal space. I give a polite "please get out of my space" look, and she snorts.<br />
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"What's a milk-drinker like you doing here?" she snorts out, grabbing her tankard to take a large gulp. As she exhaled, I coughed lightly, the fumes strong.<br />
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"Excuse me? I don't think you should talk to me like that." I said politely.<br />
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The orc let out a bellowing laugh, silence falling in the tavern. "And what are you going to do about it, <i>cry</i>, milk-drinker?"<br />
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You could hear a cup drop it was so silent. The barkeeper shifted back a bit, grabbing the nearby sack of coins on the bar.<br />
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I set my bottle of ale down and turned to her. I was fed up with being poked, prodded and anylized wherever I went. I am just a man trying to get by in this world of Skyrim. "I don't want any trouble." I try to persuade her to back off.<br />
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She shoved me off the stool and I crashed to the ground, my drink going everywhere. "Gods, you're so boring!" The orc took out her mace and started swinging it at me, and I struggled back, trying to get at my axe.<br />
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The bard seemed to take this as a cue to sing Ragnar the Red and I rolled my eyes.<br />
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The patrons cheered me on and I swung wildly at the orc, catching her right across the throat. Blood sprayed gracefully across the room, and everyone ducked out of the way. She was dead before she hit the floor.<br />
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I stood in the pool of blood growing from her body and turned to the barkeeper, handing her 100 gold. "Here...sorry about the mess...I'll just...go now." I walk out, trying not to meet the eyes of anyone looking at me. A few whispers went around and I ducked out of the door hurriedly.<br />
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The Jarl's house is decorated nicely. I actually like those banners a lot.<br />
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Can never have too much firewood. Especially when your life may depend on it. After that, I run across a small graveyard near the town's House of the Dead, with shrines of Arkay around. I tip my head to the shrine as I pass, paying my respect.<br />
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A woman and her husband look to be having a funeral, so I stay and give some moral support. When the ceremony ended, the woman spoke with the priest a bit longer and I went up to the man to give my condolences and ask who had died so I could remember them in my next meditation.<br />
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I put my hand out to comfort him and he nodded, holding back tears. "What was her name?"<br />
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"Lavinia." he said softly.<br />
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"I will be sure to remember her." I said, speaking honestly. I want a child of my own one day, and I can't even imagine what her parents must be going through, having to bury their only daughter.<br />
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Talking to a few other people around the town, I learn that she had actually been murdered, and they had the murderer, Sinding, in the local jail. I decide to visit the man and look him in the eyes.<br />
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An odd jail, for sure. A standing pool of water came up to the prisoner's knees. When he noticed me, he started walking up to talk.<br />
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"No, Sinding, I just want to know why you killed Lavinia."<br />
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He gave a deep, shaky sigh. "It wasn't anything I wanted to do. I just...lost control." He looked up, pleading. "I tried to tell them, but they didn't believe me. It's all on account of a blasted ring!"<br />
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I looked at him, confused. "What ring?"<br />
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Sinding held up his hand. "This is the Ring of Hircine. I was told it would let me control my transformations." He swirled it around his finger and shrugged. "Perhaps it used to. But I'll never know now. Hircine didn't care for my taking it, and threw a curse on it. I put it on, and the changes just came to me...I could never guess when. It would be at the worst of times." He put a hand over his face. "Like with the little girl. I had just come to Falkreath, helping at the mill. I thought it would be safe--something I could do."<br />
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"So what are your plans, then, before you die?" I ask.<br />
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"I want to beg Hircine for forgiveness. Give him back the ring. But while I'm stuck here, the beast wanders free."<br />
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"I am sorry for your fate." I nod to him, and he walks back down to his pool of water, looking up through the barred windows.<br />
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With it dark, I travel up the road a short way and find my way to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.<br />
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It is very ominous.<br />
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It'll be okay, Arrow, I'll be back! You stay here!<br />
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With a deep breath, I start towards the door.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-11-butchering-butchering-butchering.html" target="_blank">Part 11</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-13-brotherhood-takedown.html" target="_blank">Part 13</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-45182527448802541632014-09-26T06:59:00.002-07:002014-09-26T15:08:38.558-07:00Part 11: Butchering, Butchering, ButcheringSo now that the Jarl has been told of the danger of dragons, I can do a bit of relaxing. I've been traveling a lot recently. I deserve a bit of a relaxing day, and then I can go out and hunt. I'm in a comfortable zone with money, but I will still need more if I'm to buy a house or even marry.<br />
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Because, I do want to marry, of course. And I actually have my eye on one lady in particular.<br />
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Ysolda, you are a simple woman. You merely need a mammoth tusk to be happy. And, despite the danger to my well-being, I cannot resist the call. You shall have your mammoth tusk. And it will be...mammothy...and tusky.<br />
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Okay, so I'm not great with my words, but she got my meaning.<br />
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But today. Today is for relaxing.<br />
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As I head out to check on Arrow, I see the Jarl's orders have meaning behind them. I'm impressed, actually. I didn't expect him to really send guards out to Riverwood.<br />
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There he goes, running off to Riverwood. Good luck!<br />
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I take a snack break from helping farmers in the fields--after what I've been through, yes, that's relaxing.<br />
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And then I found it. Ysolda's house. Isn't it just quaint? I will capture her heart!<br />
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To prepare for my hunting trip the next day, I craft a small fur tent to keep in the heat from a fire. Leather helps against rain, and fur helps against cold, however, rain can actually water log your fur tent and make it useless.<br />
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A little stroll around town never hurt anyone!<br />
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And of course, a bit of merrymaking!<br />
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I wake up very early the next morning, ready for a hunt.<br />
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I stop by the shrine of Kynareth to ask for a blessing, and to heal my disease. It hadn't effected me too much, but I feel much better after getting rid of it.<br />
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So tempting to just buy it off of this Khajiit...but no, to truly win my love, I must take down the mighty mammoth on my own!<br />
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The camp in view, I stop for a moment, wondering if I really want to go through with this. I pat Arrow on the neck, reassuring him.<br />
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You stay here, buddy. I'll be back. Don't want you getting squished by a giant, now, do we?<br />
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There's the mammoth....and a giant. I really have no choice but to take that giant out. I fire off a few arrows in its direction, and it immediately finds me crouching in this shrubbery.<br />
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Ride like the wind, Arrow!<br />
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After wearing the giant down, I finally bag it! I feel a little sorry as it's majestic (yet hideous) form crashes to the ground.<br />
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Ysolda really better like this tusk. I'm going through great lengths to get this.<br />
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I tried to lead one mammoth away from the pack, but two of 'em got close together, so I run off, the pit of my stomach lurching at the thought of one of those tusks meeting my head.<br />
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I run straight into this.<br />
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Where bandits attack me. Come on, guys! Full grown mammoth headed this way!<br />
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I dispatch them as quickly as I can, panicking about the mammoth slowly getting closer. I've managed to lure it away from it's partner, so I keep firing my bow, drawing it ever closer.<br />
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Found a nice vantage point that it can't get up to (I hope), and it seems to just be okay standing there taking arrow after arrow in the side.<br />
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And then, finally:<br />
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VICTORY!<br />
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I pitch my tent nearby and sharpen my tools, prepared to butcher the massive carcass. I figure it might take a day or so to get everything,<br />
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It...it takes a little longer than that.<br />
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Day One.<br />
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Day Two.<br />
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Day three. By this time, I have so much meat, I can't carry it all, so my hot air balloon kit deployed <i>(For those who don't know, your character can only hold so much before you are unable to run. This kit gets around that, and I had made it earlier, just didn't say anything about it, because I wasn't sure what it did. Now I know.)</i>.<br />
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Day four.<br />
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Worked through the night.<br />
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Day five. See that bandit? That's how I feel. So tired.<br />
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Day six.<br />
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Worked through the night.<br />
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Day 7. Morning.<br />
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Day eight. Started to rain, so I took shelter. That's blood from the butchering process on the screen.<br />
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Day eight was just miserable. I didn't get any work done.<br />
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And then, finally, two days later, the carcass was done! I got everything!<br />
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I got 1590 pieces of mammoth meat. Holy Mara, guys. That's a lot of meat.<br />
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In your face! Who's a great hunter now!?<br />
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I cleaned up and rushed over to where Ysolda was, holding out her mammoth tusk. I offered it to her with great flair.<br />
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I don't mind so much now about that speech skill. I'm getting much better!<br />
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After the adventure of butchering a gigantic mammoth, I'm tired as anything. After a bit more trading, I'm heading to the inn to sleep. Good night, sweet Skyrim.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-10-longest-journey.html" target="_blank">Part 10</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-12-falkreath.html" target="_blank">Part 12</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-54794006810332522232014-09-25T07:42:00.001-07:002014-09-26T06:59:29.853-07:00Part 10: The Longest Journey*Another long post. Stuff happened that I didn't mean to happen, so, couldn't really split it up too well. Enjoy!*<br />
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You may notice that our horse has changed colour. And has a name now. Be sure to welcome Arrow to our story!<br />
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<b><i>*The reason that Arrow is different from our usual horse, is because Name Your Horse mod had a bit of a hiccup. Sometimes, people have issues naming their already-bought horse, and I was one of them. It does offer a workaround on it's mod page (which you can find on the sidebar), though. So, what I did was find a horse as close as I could to our original, which was in Windhelm. One has to basically rebuy a horse, and since I was fixing this problem for the LP, I just gave myself 1,000g and deleted the other horse. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>And thus, the explanation on why Arrow is the way he is. So, let's get started!*</i></b><br />
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My route today is going to take me to Darkwater Crossing. Maybe a days ride, but I might loop around to Riverwood and see how the old crowd is doing on my way back and maybe find some new towns.<br />
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By taking this route, I should pass through Ivarstead right around Darkwater Crossing.<br />
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Man, what is it with this part of the road? People die left and right. I hop off my horse to examine the dead guy, when one of the soldiers comes up to me.<br />
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"You, there! Ah...citizen. This way is off limits."<br />
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I glance at the dead guy on the ground. "What happened? Are bandits still in this area?" I reach back to calm Arrow, who had started stamping the ground and acting nervous.<br />
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The orc folded his arms and held out a hand. "You are interfering with Imperial business. I'm going to have to have you pay a fine...of say, 100 gold. Pay up, citizen."<br />
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My jaw dropped. "That's outrageous! I've never heard of a fine for just asking a question! I'll take this up with the Jarl if I have to, there's no way I'm paying that just for passing by you on the road! What is this a highway robbery section?"<br />
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I saw them tense up and the orc I was talking to took out his sword. Slowly, a realization came over me, and I looked at the dead man again. He was clearly of Imperial lineage. I looked at him, and looked at the orc.<br />
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"Oh..." I took a step back and tried to hop on my horse, but an arrow shot past me (thankfully missing Arrow) and I ran away, slapping the horse on the rump to get him to trot off.<br />
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I jumped off a small outcropping of rocks and into the nearby river, swimming across. There, I hunkered down and took out my bow, my hands shaking. I really hoped they were bandits in disguise, because I could get into real trouble killing them otherwise.<br />
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After dispatching them easily with my bow, I went to rifle through their pockets. I did find a long bow, so I'll be interested in trying that out, but I'll probably stick with my trusty hunting bow.<br />
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At least I was right, they sure had attacked and stolen the clothes of some soldiers. Not sure what they were really planning to do, did they think that gig would last long? The soldiers don't have anything, but I do line their bodies up respectfully for the guards to come along and scrape them up later.<br />
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And, it's starting to rain. Of course, can't just have a nice trip, eh, Arrow?<br />
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Yet another temptation! I already said no!<br />
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Well, at least I can read the signpost for Ivarstead, though it looks more like Ivarsread.<br />
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This is a pretty area to travel through.<br />
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And then, the sounds of fighting. Oh joy. And this looks like bandits, not even a proper patrol. Where are the laws of our roads being enforced! Do we have to post someone every five feet?<br />
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The bandits don't appreciate me getting all up in their faces.<br />
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A shame I can't wear a backpack and a knapsack. But at least I can sell it for a tidy profit.<br />
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The rest of the trip is pretty quiet, a couple wolves here and there, nothing too major. We finally pull up into Darkwater Crossing, and I hop off to find the woman's parents.<br />
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The folks around let me know he's in the mine, and boy, it's dark in here.<br />
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I'm given things to return, and I happily agree. Because, I could be knee deep in frost spiders, and instead, I'm delivering something. Much safer. Though, the way the road situation is going, seems the forest route would be better.<br />
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I take a moment to chop some wood, because we might be heading into a mountain pass soon, and it's good to be prepared. Don't want to freeze our little toes off, now, would we?<br />
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It starts to get pretty foggy on the way to Ivarstead, and there isn't really much to see.<br />
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Until we hit past that cloud-line, and wow, what a view!<br />
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I really start to enjoy the route up here. It's colourful, pleasant and it's just nice to trot through. I wouldn't mind living up here, to be honest. Commute would be a bit terrible, up and down that mountain, but there looks to be a fair amount of wildlife up here. Could live off of that, for sure.<br />
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Oh hey, a minstrel!<br />
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Run away! Run away!<br />
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Ivarstead isn't too far away, and I'm ready to sell some of the wares I've collected. But after wandering the town a bit, I couldn't find a general goods store. I'm highly disappointed in you, Ivarstead. Very boring town.<br />
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Even the townsfolk want to get out of here. Temba has a nice quest though, she wants ten bear pelts! I puff out my chest and point to all the furs that are strapped to Arrow. I'm the best huntsman in Skyrim! I will bring you your ten bear pelts, my fair lady!<br />
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DO THESE BEARS EAT SKOOMA?!<br />
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After barely hanging onto life, I scrape the belt off the bear and wince at my multiple wounds. I'm shaking and feel weak. That bear must have had something and just gave me some sort of horrible illness. I limp back to Arrow and strap the pelt on the back.<br />
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I think I should head back to Riverwood and get whatever's wrong with me looked at. I pull out a book I have for such occasions and take a look through symptoms, diseases and how one can catch things. I find that bears usually give you Bone Break Fever, which makes you tired and just worn out from anything that you do.<br />
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I'm already feeling the effects as I climb ungracefully onto Arrow's back. He tossed his head a little and I nudged him towards the way of Riverwood.<br />
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Up the mountain pass I run into a huge patrol fighting it out, but I just run by them, hoping that I wasn't noticed.<br />
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And then, a horrible thing happens.<br />
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I stumble onto an area that I was told to go to. Helgen. I pull up at the gate and suddenly, with a mighty whoosh, a dragon leapt from the inner city, let out a huge roar, and flew off towards the north.<br />
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I sat on Arrow, stunned for a moment. The rumors of dragons were true? Dragons, here in Skyrim? The smell of burnt wood and flesh start to catch up to my senses, and I hesitantly open the city gates.<br />
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It's a complete wasteland. Just burned out buildings and carts everywhere.<br />
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What's left to discover, that is.<br />
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As I'm starting to get very cold, I take a moment to warm myself by the fire before heading out of the walls to set up camp.<br />
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I don't like camping this close to a dragon-attacked village, but, there's nothing left here, so might as well. Plus, if I don't get continuous warmth, I might die.<br />
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The night passes, and I don't get much sleep, just staring out into the flames. Must have been a horrible thing to go through, being attacked by a dragon. I wonder what set it off? I try and get comfortable, hoping to find more information in the morning, with the light of the sun on my side.<br />
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The destruction of Helgen is more evident than ever in the morning. At least I'm feeling more rested, though I need to still find a healer soon. I realize everyone must have died if no one knows of this yet. I'm standing in a graveyard.<br />
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I notice a crisp body off to one side, and, I'm not sure what possessed me to do it, but I saw a journal wedged under the body. It's edges were burnt, but the text was legible:<br />
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<i><u>12th of Last Seed, 4E 201</u></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Hard to believe I filled up that whole journal already. I've never realized how much of Cyrodiil I hadn't seen yet! So much diversity, yet so much destruction from the Great War. A lot of history has been lost here forever.</i><br />
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<i>The expedition is ending soon and everyone will be returning home. I have one last task to perform before I do the same. I'll send the other journal ahead with my supplies and the artifacts we recovered.</i><br />
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<i><u>14th of Last Seed, 4E 201</u></i><br />
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<i>I've received word from my contacts in Skyrim. All seems quiet for now. Probably for the first time since High King Torygg was killed. I should be able to make the crossing quetly enough during the night. So long as there are no Imperial patrols to deal with.</i><br />
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<i><u>15 of Last Seed, 4E 201</u></i><br />
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<i>So much for being discreet! I crossed the border near a small village called Helgen and made my way up to Darkwater Crossing. Unfortunately, I can't get back to my camp now because the area has filled with Imperial patrols! </i><br />
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<i>It seems they are searching for someone. Someone very important. If I'm not mistaken, someone they intend to ambush here. This could be the very thing I am--</i><br />
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The page was too smudged here to read, and I impatiently flipped ahead to an entry I could read.<br />
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<i><u>17 of Last Seed, 4E 201</u> </i><br />
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<i>Shor's bones, if only I had known sooner! The ambush, the captives in the cart with me. Stormcloak rebels! Led by none other than Ulfric Stormcloak himself!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There's no time to explain properly. I scarcely believe it myself. If it hadn't been for the dragon, I'd not even be here to write this down. Yes! A dragon! Big, black, as large as the towers of the keep itself. It swooped in out of nowhere and laid waste to the village and keep.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>General Tullius didn't take my head today, nor the heads of several Stormcloak rebels, but that doens't matter now. Hadvar and Ralof set aside</i>--<br />
<br />
The rest of the book was unreadable. I groaned in frustration at the cutoff. With the morning passing quickly though, I realize that with Riverwood so close, I need to warn them of the dragon.<br />
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I stuff the book in my pack, leaping onto Arrow, and we shot down the road at a fast pace, stopping for nothing.<br />
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Reaching Riverwood, Arrow shaking in exertion, I leapt from his back and ran up to the man I trusted most in the town--Alvor. He was working at the tanning rack, and startled when I ran up to him.<br />
<br />
"Markus what--"<br />
<br />
"A dragon attacked Helgen!" I sputtered out, panting.<br />
<br />
Alvor dropped his tool. "What? A dragon?! In Helgen?" He sat down on the nearby bench and put his head in his hands. "That explains what I saw earlier...flying down the valley from the south...I was hoping I was wrong about what I thought it was."<br />
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"The dragon flew this way, you must have seen it." I said.<br />
<br />
"You're right," he nodded. "I saw it. Didn't want to believe my own eyes, is all." He looked towards the sky. "A dragon here in Skyrim. What's this world coming to? First the war, now dragons. Trouble loves company, they say."<br />
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"What do we do?" I ask, worriedly. "Should we tell the Jarl?"<br />
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Alvor seemed to shake out of his trance. "Yes. The Jarl needs to know there is a dragon on the loose. Riverwood is defenseless...have him send whatever soldiers he can. Speak directly to Jarl Balgruuf. Do this for me, and I'll be in your debt."<br />
<br />
I shake my head. "This problem belongs to all now, there is no debt to be payed."<br />
<br />
I give him a quick man-hug and rush to Arrow. "Sorry, boy, but we've gotta keep going." I urge him forward, and I can feel his muscles straining under everything. "You can do it!"<br />
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And indeed, we flew down the mountain side like the very dragon was after us.<br />
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Finally making it into Dragonsreach, I am stopped from going up to the Jarl. I angrily try to push past her, but she blocks my way.<br />
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"What business do you have here, citizen?"<br />
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"News of Helgen. A dragon has attacked! I must speak with the Jarl directly, Alvor of Riverwood sent me!"<br />
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She immediately backed off. "That explains why the guards let you in. Come, the Jarl will want to speak with you directly."<br />
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I am shoved in front of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater and kneel respectfully, waiting to be acknowledged as the customs state.<br />
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"So. You were at Hegen? You saw this dragon with your own eyes?"<br />
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I look up, directly into his eyes. "Yes, my Jarl. I arrived late at night at Helen, due to it being dark and missing the way I wanted to go on the main road. With my own eyes I saw the beast fly northward, flying over Riverwood. Thankfully, it did not attack them."<br />
<br />
The Jarl slammed a hand onto the armrest of his throne, causing me to jump at the quick movement. "By Ysmir, Irileth was right!" He turned to his adviser at his right. "What do you say now, Proventus? Shall we continue to trust in the strength of our walls? Against a dragon?"<br />
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Proventus, who I remember is Adrianne's father (they don't look much alike), just hung his head slightly.<br />
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The woman who stopped me before walked up to the Jarl. "We need to send reinforcements to Riverwood. It's in the most immediate danger, if that dragon is lurking somewhere in the mountains."<br />
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The Jarl nodded. "Yes, send a detachment to Riverwood at once. I'll not stand by while my people are slaughtered." He sent the two away to do what they were told, then turned to speak with me again.<br />
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"Well, I was in Helgen and went to warn Riverwood, my Jarl. I was then sent by Alvor to warn you."<br />
<br />
"Either way, your message was sent. Please take this as a token of my gratitude." He reached down beside his throne and handed me some studded armor.<br />
<br />
"Thank you, my Jarl." I accepted the gift graciously, planning to sell it as soon as I could for a decent price. I turned to leave, but he stopped me.<br />
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Well...I...kind of want to go, but if I'm needed...I guess.<br />
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Wait, what? Who said anything about me helping with the dragon?<br />
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No, no, wrong person. Not me. I don't help people with a lot of stuff, and dragons is kind of right at the top of the list. In fact, the list of what not to help people on is made out of dragons, just as a reminder.<br />
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He tries to sell me some sort of line about searching a cave for something he needs. I tune it out and finally manage to escape.<br />
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I need about ten drinks. After today, I'm just going to relax. Way too much adventure for a simple hunter like me.<br />
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I bump my stamina up and put my perk into Haggling, so I can sell my pelts for more. And then, I'm going to bed.<br />
<br />
Hope a dragon doesn't eat me in the middle of the night.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-9-stranger-in-strange-land.html" target="_blank">Part 9</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-11-butchering-butchering-butchering.html" target="_blank">Part 11</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-13289808618226237382014-09-24T06:49:00.000-07:002014-09-25T07:42:36.279-07:00Part 9: Stranger in a Strange LandWell, I'm somewhat in a pickle.<br />
<br />
I'm in Morthal, the butt-crack of Skyrim, no horse, no carriage to ride and only my boots for walking.<br />
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I consult my map and decide to head west a bit for Dragon Bridge town to let the Commander know about what's going on. Then, maybe I can hunt for the rest of those Dark Brotherhood mercenaries. Every time I think about them, it's just so much anger filling up. I was kidnapped and almost forced to <i>kill</i> someone! At least I took out the leader, that means they're going to be running around not knowing what to do.<br />
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Time to get out of this ramshackle town.<br />
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Not many roads out here, going to have to go straight through the forest to get to Dragon Bridge.<br />
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Not really sure if this is a friendly place, so I walk a good distance around it. I'm starting to get cold, and I think it's going to rain soon, so I hope I find a place to rest and warm up.<br />
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As if answering my wish, a cabin suddenly shows up through the trees. It is small and quaint. I could see msyelf living here.<br />
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If it weren't for the dead guy. I drag him out of the house and give him a proper burial. In the nearby bushes.<br />
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Judging by this, he had Rockjoint. I've heard of this sickness before. I think it's a pretty bad way to go, I've heard you swell up everywhere, and just are unable to move from the pain. And if you don't have a helper, you just die from starvation or exposure.<br />
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I stare out into the rain a bit, trying to get warm.<br />
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When the rain passes, I continue on, finding a road. All of a sudden, a man who looks like a fugitive runs up to me and shoves a Warhammer into my hands.<br />
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I fumble with it, trying to give it back, but he runs off and I sigh. Skyrim is<i> literally </i>shoving quests into my hands now.<br />
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What is this, Riften? I run across a Skooma dealer and glare at him. I don't approve of Skooma, as I've seen my friends try it before. They always go on about how awesome it is and how I should try it, and how it makes them stronger and faster. I've not been one for that scene, but, I am curious.<br />
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I go ahead and pass for now, though, my curiosity is peaked. I wonder what it would be like?<br />
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Another guy just runs up to me and asks about a fugitive. I point down the road where I saw him go, and try to drop the hammer to give to that guy, but, he just ignored it. So, I guess I have a free hammer. Which I will sell at the earliest opportunity.<br />
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At least I can still hunt. I may be horseless, but I am not without my skills.<br />
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It takes a few hours to dress, skin, and butcher the elk, but in the end, I manage to slice off 35 pieces of meat, a poor pelt, and a couple small bones.<br />
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And due to the weight I'm carrying, I decide to slow down, walk, and enjoy the sights.<br />
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And walk.<br />
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And walk.<br />
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And dear Mara, I wish I had my horse. I feel in pain I'm going so slow.<br />
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A rush of exhilaration washes over me as I inch across the border to Dragon Bridge.<br />
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Finally! I'm able to sell my wares! Even though, she is a bit rude. I'm not here to cause trouble, once I'm done with my errand, I'm heading up the river to Solitude so I can catch a carriage back to Whiterun.<br />
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After selling most of my elk meat, I can now walk around unhindered by my other 200 pounds of equipment. Looking around the town, there isn't much here, but I do find the Commander's house.<br />
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He's a bit disbelieving of my story, but I show him the sword (that I plan to sell later) and he recognizes it as Astrid's, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood.<br />
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"How did you manage to kill her?" He asks, examining the sword.<br />
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"She kidnapped me and took me to an abandoned shack out in the middle of nowhere." I explain.<br />
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Maro looked up sharply. "Now, why in the world would she do something like that?"<br />
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I shrug, not about to tell him the truth. "Because I'm handsome?"<br />
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Maro just looked at me. I grinned. "Joke."<br />
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"Ah." He rolled his eyes slightly and rubbed his mustache. "This is a stroke of good fortune. With the leader dead, now is a good time to strike. I've recently learned where their hideout is, and what password will get you inside. It's 'Silence, my Brother.' Every agent in that hold must be put down!"<br />
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I shook the hand he thrust forward. "I'll be glad to do it. For too long, they've caused fear in the land and I'll not see it go any farther."<br />
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Maro nodded once. "Do this, and you will be rewarded most handsomely!"<br />
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I then leave, tired from my journey all day, and since it's so late, I head to the inn to rent a room.<br />
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And they call me suspicious? At least I don't have "Shady" in my name.<br />
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Something is just not right when you've got two heads hanging over your bed. Also, no door, again.<br />
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The next day, the walk up the road is fairly quiet. I'm not really attacked by anything, and except for the occasional guard, I don't see many people. I take this time to contemplate my next move after getting back to Whiterun. I still need to see the Jarl about a home, and I still haven't seen prices pick up from selling my pelts. I'll probably stick around Whiterun for a time, just to get to know the people there, and then maybe they'll pay more for my things.<br />
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Yep, that's what I'll do. Odd jobs and make nice with the townfolk. I need a good place to settle, and so far, Whiterun is very nice.<br />
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Solitude shows up in the distance! And huzzah, a stable! That means there should be a carriage that can take me to Whiterun.<br />
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I might buy another horse when I've got the money, then maybe I can have my own little stable.<br />
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But since the city is right here, I might as well go in and sell some stuff I've gotten. Walking in the city, it appears I've arrived just in time for an execution.<br />
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Huzzah! *applaudes*<br />
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The crowd seems upset...was this guy liked? Was he not a murderer?<br />
<br />
Greta explains to me what happened. According to her, he opened up the gates to let Ulfric Stormcloak <i>(Jarl of Windhelm who started this whole rebellion thing I've been hearing about)</i> into the city with the intention of challenging the then-High King Torygg <i>(Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Game)</i>.<br />
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While accounts vary, it seems that Ulfric just stormed in and...shouted the High King to death?<br />
<br />
I almost laughed, I mean, how can you shout a man to death?<br />
<br />
So after Ulfric "shouted" a man to death, he ran off, and Roggvir apparently opened the front gate for him. Roggvir always said until the end though, that he had no idea what had happened, and even if he did, it was not murder, it was the way the Nords fight.<br />
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Well, I'm a Nord, and I certainly never shouted anyone to death.<br />
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I decide to relax a bit and change out of my gross smelly clothes I've been wearing for a while now, and change into some fresh ones while the others are laundered.<br />
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With not much else in the city that I want to do, and eager to get back "home", I go ahead and rent a carriage back to Whiterun.<br />
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It's about 7:30pm when we arrive, and thankfully, my horse is okay. The stablemaster has been feeding him, and I pay him back by buying a Horsecaller. This will help me if I ever get into that sort of situation again if I'm without my horse.<br />
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I went to find the Jarl, but he was sleeping, so I figured I would come back in the morning to ask about that house.<br />
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With a full tavern, and a full belly, I slip off to bed, hoping that I won't be attacked and dragged out in the middle of the night.<br />
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Tomorrow, odd jobs, hunting, and maybe learning how much a house would cost me.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-8-unexpected-turn.html" target="_blank">Part 8</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-10-longest-journey.html" target="_blank">Part 10</a>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-22079920046841502882014-09-23T08:04:00.003-07:002014-09-24T06:50:56.768-07:00Part 8: An Unexpected Turn<b>*This is somewhat of a long post, but I couldn't really split it up. Enjoy!*</b><br />
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I spent a pretty good night at Windhelm and got up, eager to get back to Whiterun. I was planning to get back and rest up before heading over to Darkwater Crossing, as it isn't too far away from Whiterun. Just have to follow the river southeast a bit.<br />
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I know, man. Absolute pity.<br />
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Ready to go, Unnamed Horse? Seriously, I'll think of a good name eventually. Can't keep calling him "Horse".<br />
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I decide to take the western road out of Windhelm and run across Anga's Mill. I ask the owner if there are any jobs she might have, and she says she needs a worker for the mill. I file that away if I ever need a place to work, I can come here, then.<br />
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A little ways off from the mill I find a small camp. Looks to be a hunter's camp, but I guess he's out at the moment.<br />
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I decide to take advantage of the opportunity to warm up a bit.<br />
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While I'm warming up, a courier runs up to me coming from the western direction on the road. I stand up and thank him, asking him who the message was from.<br />
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Odd, I wonder who it was. I certainly don't have any real friends in Skyrim, just acquaintances, and maybe a couple people I've helped out so far.<br />
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I can feel the blood rushing from my face as I read the note. The tell-tale sign of the Dark Brotherhood splashes across the face, the black handprint staring out at me like a curse.<br />
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They know.<br />
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I take a swig of ale to calm my nerves and I stuff the note in my pocket hurriedly. They must know that I tried to get Aventus to reject the Dark Brotherhood. They must know about Grelod's death, and how bad it made them look unable to kill her themselves.<br />
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I quickly pack up my things on Horse and ride off down the road at a faster place, wanting to get to Whiterun as fast as I could. Being out in the wild when the threat of the Dark Brotherhood hangs over you? Not a good place to be.<br />
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I curse at my wanting to help people, and take this as a sign to stay out of things I have no business being in. Just simple things from now on. Deliveries, I can do. Looking for gems and minerals, I can do.<br />
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Being attacked by Dark Brotherhood assassins because I wanted to help a little boy get away from the evils of it? Never again.<br />
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Looks like a fight going on up ahead....I think I'll just slow down a bit and wait for them to be done.<br />
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A Stormcloak and Imperial patrol met. I guess they had an argument about something.<br />
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And the Stormcloaks won. They didn't really have anything on them, but I did swipe an apple from one guy to eat, as my stomach was rumbling a bit from the rushed morning.<br />
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Oh look. Another mammoth tusk I can't actually have. I sigh and nudge Horse along.<br />
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At last, the open plains around Whiterun can be seen!<br />
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My storm senses kick in, and as I pass by a herd of wild horses, it starts to rain.<br />
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I guess someone got stuck on the road. I should probably help him out, and hopefully I can still make it to Whiterun before I get completely drenched.<br />
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As I get closer, I can hear the man muttering to himself as he looks at his broken wheel on the wagon.<br />
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I immediately regret getting off my horse. Now I can't just walk away, it'll be rude.<br />
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I motion to the carriage. "Problem, eh?"<br />
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His high pitched whining voice grates my ears when he talks. "Poor Cicero is stuck. Can't you see? I was transporting my dear, sweet mother. Well, not her. Her corpse! She's quite dead."<br />
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Oh, is <i>that</i> what that big box is? Is that legal? Can you just move corpses around here? In my land, we had things called customs, you can't just take bodies over borders, you see. You're in Whiterun, now, buddy. And crossing over from The Pale region with a dead body isn't going to go over too well I think with the Jarl. Not that I've met him.<br />
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Cicero continues whining as I think. "I'm taking mother to a new home. A new crypt. But....agh! Wagon wheel! Damnedest wagon wheel! It broke! Don't you see?"<br />
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I nod, folding my arms in front of me. "Is there some way I can help you get back on the road? I don't have any tools, but maybe we can rig something."<br />
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Cicero's face lit up, and a crazed smile came over him. "Oh! Oh, yes! Kindly stranger will help me!" He turns and points to a farm a little ways off the main road. "That is the Loreius Farm. Just over there, off the road. Talk to Loreius. He has tools! He can help me! But he won't! He refuses!"<br />
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I frown. "Well, I very well can't force a man to help another. Did he say why he refuses?"<br />
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Cicero shook his head violently. "No one trusts poor Cicero! Poor mother is dead and in need of a new crypt! Cicero only wants to help sweet mother!" He rifled through his pockets and held out a bag of coin. "Cicero can give you shiny, gleamy coins if you help!"<br />
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I contemplate shoving the coins in his throat so he'll shut up. But, I suppose since I've come this far, might as well talk to this Loreius.<br />
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I ride up the path leading off the main road towards the farm and find the owner easy enough.<br />
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It's almost like he knows why I'm here already. Not that I'm surprised. I think the Jarl of Whiterun could hear Cicero's squalling. I can hear it all the way up here, just whining and crying over his mother.<br />
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I point down the road. "That...um....little man really needs your help with his wagon."<br />
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He leaned back in his chair and scoffed. "That Cicero fellow? Hmph. Tell me something I don't know. Crazy fool's already asked me about five times. Seem's he's not satisfied with my answer of no."<br />
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"I'm sure he'll pay you for the supplies." I mention to him.<br />
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Loreius grew angry. "Pay me! You think this is about money? Have you actually talked to the man? He's completely out of his head! He's insane! He should be locked up, not travelling the roads!" He calmed down a bit and shook his head. "And he's transporting a giant box. Say's it's a coffin and he's going to bury his mother. Mother my eye."<br />
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"Do you not believe him? I mean, it's hard to tell, but it looks coffin-sized."<br />
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Loreius shrugged. "He could have anything in there. War contraband. Weapons. Skooma<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6077866829709603763#1" name="top1"><sup>1</sup></a>. No way I'm getting involved in any of that."<br />
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I rest against the nearby fence, annoyed at the rain. I am totally going to be drenched by the time this is all settled. "You know, you should help him. Not only because we're all out here trying to scrape a living off of the harsh land, but that'll actually get him off the road in front of your farm. I mean, wouldn't you rather him be gone than hanging about bothering you and your family?"<br />
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Loreius paused a moment. "You know...I never thought of it that way." He slowly nodded at my persuasion. "You're right, you're right. Feller might be complete nutters, might not. But fact is, he needs to get away from my farm. Go ahead and let him know that I'll be down in a bit once this rain clears up to help him out."<br />
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I give him a smile and then head back down to my horse.<br />
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Ugh. Going to take forever to dry off, and I'm starting to get really cold.<br />
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Cicero hands me 250 gold, and I take it without question. I'm going to need to buy some supplies for the road in Whiterun, and this will help.<br />
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As I walk by the wagon with the box to get to my horse, I feel a chill run down my spine. I swear I can almost hear a faint voice calling my name, and I whirl around to stare at the wagon. A deep fear goes over me and I try and shake it off.<br />
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I really hope I didn't make a mistake helping this guy.<br />
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I push the horse into a faster gallop to reach Whiterun, as the rain is falling harder than ever.<br />
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After about five minutes, I'm in the city and stopped off at the Drunken Huntsman to warm up, dry off, and see what they have for sale. So nice to warm my fingers by the fire.<br />
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The owner, Elrindir, has some pretty good bows for sale, but they're all a bit expensive for the amount of income I make at the moment. They don't have any rooms for rent, so I go up the street to the Bannered Mare.<br />
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I rest a bit, speaking with Uthgerd the Unbroken. We make small talk, but eventually, the mead gets to both of us, and she opens up a bit about her past.<br />
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She attempted to join the Companions, a local guild in Whiterun, but they set her up against a mere boy for her test to join. They didn't think she could take him because she was a woman, and she accidentally killed him. Because of this, she wasn't accepted into their ranks, and holds a deep grudge.<br />
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I buy her a couple more drinks then stagger up to bed. Falling in, I happily wrap the blankets around me and fall asleep to the bard playing his flute.<br />
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I wake up with a splitting headache and my entire body sore. I try and open my eyes, only to be met with darkness, and I try and lift my hands to take off the hood over my face. My hands are tied up!<br />
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I roll off the bed that I'm on and fall hard to the floor, the wind being knocked out of me. I lay there a moment and groan at the pain. Suddenly, a voice breaks the silence.<br />
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"Sleep well?"<br />
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It is a woman's voice. I try and sit up, and I feel a hand grasp the front of my shirt to wrench me into a sitting position. My hood is ripped off and I blink against the sudden light, everything still a bit fuzzy.<br />
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I cough at the dryness in my throat as I struggle to take in more air. "What...who...where am I? Who are you, what's going on!" I try and sound demanding, though, I know I just sound feeble.<br />
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The woman gave a small chuckle. "Does it matter? You're warm, dry...and still very much alive. That's more than can be said for old Grelod, hmm?"<br />
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I stammer for a response. "I didn't kill Grelod! I swear, she just fell over and died! How do you even know about that?"<br />
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The woman's eyes glared at me. "Half of Skyrim knows about that. Old hag dies in her own orphanage? Things like that tend to get around."<br />
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"I swear, I didn't do it. Please let me go." I plead, trying to loosen my bonds.<br />
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"Don't misunderstand. I'm not criticizing. It was a good kill. Looked very much like an accident. Divine intervention almost. Old crone had it coming, though. And you did save a bunch of urchins." Her voice was almost complementary. "But, you see, there is a slight...problem."<br />
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I don't think I like where this is going.<br />
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"You see, that little Aretino boy was looking for the Dark Brotherhood. For me, the leader, and my followers. Grelod was by all rights, a Dark Brotherhood contract. A kill...that you stole."<br />
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"But, I didn't--"<br />
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"Shut up, fool!" She reached out, taking hold of my neck. "I don't care if you did it, if your god did it, if Grelod herself did it! The point is, she's dead! Our kill was stolen! And now you must repay it!"<br />
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She released me and I flinched away, coughing at the rough hold. "Repay? What, do you want me to die instead?"<br />
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A short laugh escaped her. "Funny you should ask. If you turn around, you'll notice my guests. I've collected them from....well, that's not really important. The here and now. That's what matters."<br />
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I try and turn, but I can't move my head around enough to see anything. But, now that I'm listening, I can hear muffled movements and sobs coming from behind me.<br />
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The woman continues speaking. "You see, there's a contract on one of them, and that person can't leave the room alive. But...which one? Go on, see if you can figure it out." She reached out, holding a knife and I closed my eyes, waiting for the pain. But she merely reached around me, cutting my bonds. The tip of the knife ran across my jawline and I looked at her, wide-eyed.<br />
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"Make your choice. Make your kill. I just want to observe...and admire."<br />
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As the knife point left my jaw, I took a deep breath and brought my arms around to the front of my body, rubbing my wrists. "I'll have no part in this insanity."<br />
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"Now, that is a shame." She thrust the knife forward quickly, and I managed to duck in time, though the blade caught a bit of my side.<br />
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I took in a sharp breath, glancing around quickly for any weapons. I see my things bundled in the corner, and I run for it, the startled cries of the three other captives on the other side of the small cabin ringing out.<br />
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"Help us!"<br />
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"Let us go!"<br />
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I wrap my fingers around the axe in the pile and bring it around in front of me just in time to block a knife the woman threw at me. "Working on it!" I yell towards the captives.<br />
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My head still hurting from everything, my vision goes a bit blurry as she gets in a couple hits with a sword she drew out. I flail wildly with my axe, looking for any opening she gives me.<br />
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With a strong final blow, I knock her to the ground, blood spurting everywhere. I drop to my knees, shuddering with the strain that my body is going through. I feel like I have to throw up, but I hold it in.<br />
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As I look down at the woman's body, a strong rage comes over me, and a single thought grows in my mind. The Dark Brotherhood must be destroyed. I'll never get any peace if I'm kidnapped over and over, and Stendarr forbid that another boy is corrupted by their ways.<br />
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This thought grows and grows until I feel like I must do this. I must go and find them. Eradicate them from existence.<br />
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I free the captives, not questioning why they're here. I just tell them to get out of here as fast as they can and try and not stir up anymore trouble. I rifle through the woman's things, noticing that her name on her ID is Astrid. I take the blade she was holding, as well as her clothes as proof of her death. I also retrieve my things in the corner and pull out my map.<br />
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Using the key she held to get out of the shack I look around at the landscape.<br />
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I have no idea where I'm at. I glance at my map to see if there are any markings or any proof of a swamp on it, as where I'm at has a very swamp look about it.<br />
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I am so very much in the boonies. Morthal seems to be the closest route, so I wrap my cloak around me and set off, taking out my bow for protection. It's night, and who knows what sort of manner of creature might be around?<br />
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Oh, sure, I'll just go right up to these stones and see what's up. No way. I take a wide berth around them, heading south towards Morthal.<br />
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After a couple close encounters with wolves, Morthal finally comes into sight.<br />
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The very first guard I see, I let him know that I had killed the leader of the Dark Brotherhood. He stares at me, agap for a moment.<br />
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"You did what?"<br />
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I reiterate. "I killed Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood." I hold up Astrid's sword for proof.<br />
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"By the gods, you're serious! You'd better report this to Commander Maro right away. He's at the Penitus Oculatus outpost, northewest in Dragon Bridge town."<br />
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I nod and he continues on his route. A out of breath courier comes up to me, and I instantly shrink back, scared of what he's bringing me.<br />
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Oh, whew. Just an advertisement for orphans. Good. I feel sorry for them, but with Constance in charge, I'm sure that she'll be much better that Grelod. At least she's allowing them to be adopted out. Maybe one day I can adopt...<br />
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I find the local inn and rent a room, tired, sore, angry and hungry. It's been a bad day, and I flop into bed, annoyed at the lack of doors on my room. Oh well, if someone wants to watch me sleep, that's fine with me. Just don't drug me and take me to an abandoned shack in the middle of nowhere.<br />
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Good night, Skyrim. Tomorrow, who knows what?<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-7-helping-orphans.html" target="_blank">Part 7</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-9-stranger-in-strange-land.html" target="_blank">Part 9</a><br />
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<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="1"><b>1 </b></a>Skooma is a highly addictive drug found in Skyrim.<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6077866829709603763#top1"><sup>↩</sup></a>
</span>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-64363832554298787972014-09-22T09:25:00.001-07:002014-09-23T08:05:39.056-07:00Part 7: Helping OrphansThe next morning, I stomp back to the orphanage to give Grelod a piece of my mind. I sought advice from Kyne last night, hoping that she would guide my words in ensuring that Grelod was aware of her ways.<br />
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Stepping into the orphanage, I was met with a terrible, and yet, happy sight.<br />
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Grelod the Kind was dead. I am stunned by this turn of events.*<br />
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I asked about it to the children, who had just gotten up. They said they didn't know, but that Grelod usually makes breakfast for herself in the morning, and that it looks like she died of natural causes. They said that she usually drank a solution every morning as she had pains in her chest. One little boy spoke up.<br />
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"I saw Grelod clutch her chest before she fell over!"<br />
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A warm feeling swept over me, and I felt that Kyne was reassuring me. A heart disease then. Something that had festered for a long time and was probably kept at bay by her solutions she drank. Looks like the most recent drought didn't help her. Thank Kyne, I don't have to kill her.<br />
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I then realize that I am at the scene of what appears to be murder, and I rush out, stumbling over my own feet as I push the front doors open.<br />
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The marketplace is nearby, and I scuttle over there, hoping to look non-suspicious.<br />
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Um, excuse me? I worked hard for my coin, killing animals left and right! Okay, maybe a bit of taking things off of dead bodies, but it's not like they were using anything!<br />
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Well, even after being rude, I suppose a simple delivery job will be ok.<br />
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I hate Riften. Everything is just so shady. NO! Madesi is nice, there's no way I'd ever steal from him!<br />
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Marise is an interesting vendor. She uses ground-up Ice Wraith teeth as a preservative for her foods, so she can actually boast that she has the freshest fruits available.<br />
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I went ahead and accepted this quest to get some extras for her, because I'm sure I can buy them somewhere eventually. Or find them. I'm certainly not going out of my way to kill Ice Wraiths.<br />
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I do a bit of hunting and exploring outside of the city, as it's still early and I wanted to hang around for a day before heading back to Windhelm.<br />
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I help her out with her harvest, expressly ignoring her desired quest.<br />
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Hope this isn't a bandit camp...<br />
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Ah! Fellow hunters! How be ye? They don't have much to say, so I continue hunting. They spot a fox running off though, and set after it pretty quick.<br />
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Nothing like wild horses running around to give you a smile.<br />
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I head back into the city to the tavern, I believe it's called the Bee and Barb.<br />
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Despite being shady, I like the atmosphere in taverns.<br />
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NO! No shady deals!<br />
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Since there was a follower of Mara here, I donate what I can to the temple.<br />
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One rented room later, I'm snoozing away, preparing for my day-long trip tomorrow back to Windhelm.<br />
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Before I hit the road the next morning, I stop by Madesi's stall and let him know I'll try and help him out. He's pretty grateful, and gives me a list of things to find. Two flawless sapphires, a mammoth tusk, and a chunk of gold ore. Sure, I'll keep my eye on--<br />
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ANOTHER mammoth tusk! Come on, that's sorta risking life and limb there! I grumble to myself and remind myself to really do some training to go head to head with those things.<br />
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Hey look, these guys again. Bothering a woman. Again. I give them a harsh glare I go by and they disperse quickly.<br />
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Okay, these guys seem fun.<br />
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A bit close to the giant camp to be drinking, but sure, whatever floats your boat, I guess.<br />
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Free drink! Can't turn that down!<br />
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Right before I hit Windhelm, I run into a little inn and some farmland around it, kind of tucked away out of sight.<br />
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Inside was a very easy quest to just talk to some guy about him not having to pay his bill. Didn't get much for it, but my speech improved.<br />
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Finally back in Windhelm, I put my horse at the stable (really need to name him) and head into the city to find the boy.<br />
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I nod at his question and he hops up and down and yells in excitement. "Aha! I knew you could do it! I just knew it! I knew the Dark Brotherhood would save me!"<br />
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I shook my head. "No, I didn't kill her. The Dark Brotherhood didn't kill her. She was already dead when I got there."<br />
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He stopped jumping around and looked at me, confused. "Then....how? Who killed her?"<br />
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"I think Kynareth did," I answered truthfully, as that was my belief on the matter. "She just keeled over and died while making breakfast. I had asked her for help with the problem the night before I went to see Grelod."<br />
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Aventus sat down on a nearby chair. "So...the Black Sacrament...never worked?"<br />
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"No, the Dark Brotherhood did not hear you. They are mostly disbanded anyway, just mercenaries and thieves work for them. Their code is no longer followed--they've been struggling for survival since the Third Era. And the Great War wiped out all of their hideouts. There is no one, anymore, just don't think about them. Don't give them a greater name than they deserve."<br />
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Aventus nodded. "I understand. I'll go ahead and head back to the orphanage when everything is sorted out with Grelod."<br />
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I give him enough coin for the carriage ride to Riften and head back out of the house, confidant that I had done the best I could for the situation.<br />
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After that, I found a wood chopping area so I could replenish my firewood supply after my last camping session in the woods.<br />
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Outta the way, grandpa!<br />
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I also make some improvements on my gear and weapons.<br />
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Tomorrow I'll head to Darkwater Crossing to deliver the woman's goods to her parents, and then probably head back to Whiterun and inquire about a house. I can only live out of inns for so long.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-6-journeying-to-riften.html" target="_blank">Part 6</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-8-unexpected-turn.html" target="_blank">Part 8</a><br />
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<i>*You might be wondering about the Grelod issue. Due to the way Skyrim works, she is basically necessary to kill to start a quest that I want to go through. However, Markus doesn't kill people unnecessarily. Yes, he will fight back and kill if need be, but he won't go up to an old woman and completely destroy her in cold blood. So...think of this as divine intervention, developer console style.* </i>Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-73026095336163661952014-09-21T09:42:00.000-07:002014-09-22T09:25:25.481-07:00Part 6: Journeying to RiftenLast time, we were planning to go to Riften and were sleeping over at Windhelm until morning.<br />
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When I wake up, I'm listening to the sounds of the bard singing her heart out.<br />
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Not quite the wake-up call I wanted. It's about 6 in the morning and I drag my self out of bed and stretch a little, nodding to the barkeeper as I walk out towards the stables.<br />
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The crisp cold air greets me and I check my map before I saddle up.<br />
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A long road ahead so I better get going.<br />
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As I journey along, I think back on the request to kill Grelod the Kind. There's no way I can do that, it just goes against everything of what I follow. I can't just go up to someone and kill them in cold blood unless they've attacked me first. And I doubt an old woman is going to attack a strange man who shows up at her doorstep.<br />
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Hmm. Still not brave enough to take one on, and there is a second one off-screen to the left. No giant though, so at least herds exist without those guys running around.<br />
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Nevermind, the mammoths were just around the corner from this place.<br />
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I run across a group who sounds like they're lost and I hop off my horse to greet them and give them some directions to Solitude, as I have a pretty good map.<br />
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Well, he's pretty rude, so I hope he blunders into that large fire in the background.<br />
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Busy roads! I also come across two folks bothering a woman, though I had to search for a while before I saw her, as she was hidden pretty well in the bushes:<br />
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When I walk up, they disperse. I guess they were looking for someone who looked like the woman, but I didn't talk to them. Hope they find who they're looking for in a non-threatening manner next time.<br />
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I find a nice eye-candy spot to snap a photo without the HUD.<br />
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I ran across this watchtower where it the guards have been killed. A shame really, but I don't really take anything off of them other than their arrows.<br />
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Nice view from inside the tower.<br />
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The view is kind of ruined with the dead bodies and the locked chest though. If I was anybody else, I'd be ripping into that chest to find out what's inside. But, I always sell or throw out my lockpicks, as Markus doesn't need them. He doesn't steal what's locked.<br />
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One guard does have something I'm incredibly interested in. An amulet of Kynareth. This will help me send prayers to the goddess as well as give me some extra stamina.<br />
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Unsure if Akar was amongst the dead, I honestly didn't pay attention. So, either Akar is dead, or never got this info.<br />
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Just south of the watchtower is a nice little outcropping of buildigs called Shore's Stone. There's a mine nearbye, campfires, blacksmith, things of that sort.<br />
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I take one of the many wolf pelts I have (seriously, I keep getting attacked by wolves on this journey, and it's not incredibly interesting to show), and make a backpack.<br />
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I then add my Amulet of Kynareth to it so it's out of the way and doesn't get caught on anything when it's around my neck.<br />
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Not much in the nearbye houses, though I do run into this woman. She's unable to travel and needs to get some items to her parents who live in Darkwater Crossing<br />
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I take it on, because again, I'll probably end up going that way. It's the opposite way of where I'm going, but I can swing around when going back to Windhelm.<br />
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I step outside, and a few bandits attack the folks, though, there are Riften guards to help us out.<br />
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And thus, the short life of the blacksmith, Filnjar ends. We knew him so--actually, we didn't know him well at all, actually. I sold a fox pelt to him, that's it. What an idiot, rushing in without a weapon and only a blacksmith apron to shield him.<br />
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To punish his stupidity, I take his house key, silver ring, and gold that he had on him.<br />
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Though, there's not much in his house that I want or feel right taking. I mean, his body probably isn't even cold yet. I can make myself at home on the way back.<br />
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With it getting late and starting to rain, I set up camp a little ways off from the main area.<br />
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After a good nights sleep (I kept nice and dry due to the leather tent), I have finally found my way to Riften!<br />
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Awwww, are we there yet?!<br />
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More towers, though, I'm determined to get to Riften, so I don't stop and investigate. There's a live guard walking around, so I assume everyone isn't dead.<br />
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There we go! That looks like a major city! I stable my horse at the...well...stables, and then head towards the front gate to enter in and talk some sense into Grelod.<br />
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What?! Visitor tax! No way! What for?<br />
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I am on very important business here. I've got to convince an old woman not to beat up on young children. This is quite obviously extortion of visitors to your city! I protested this loudly and started to get the attention of the nearby people.<br />
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Riften doesn't look to bad actually, at first glance. It is sunny out though, it probably helps it. A nice fresh sun paint always helps things look better. Pretty much immediately, Skyrim starts throwing quests at me left and right, trying to convince me to do something. I stoutly ignore all of them and head deeper inside.<br />
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Where I am scrutinized by the locals as of my intentions in the city.<br />
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Yeah, I noticed that.<br />
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I wander around the city a bit, trying to find the orphanage when I discover the market circle.<br />
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Madesi makes his own jewelry and seems like a rather nice fellow. He asks if I can look for supplies for him on my travels, but I tell him I have to think about it. I'll probably accept though, because as long as I'm doing stuff anyway, might as well have a few other things to look for. As long as it doesn't take me into dark, dangerous caves of doom.<br />
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There is no way I'm living here.<br />
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And, thankfully, I'm not living here. I crack my knuckles and go on in, hoping that what the boy said wasn't true.<br />
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I think it might be true.<br />
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Just gettin' that vibe, you see.<br />
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And so, on that note, I have to think about how to go about this. Maybe I can tell a guard that she's torturing the children and doing horrible things. Then maybe they will arrest her!<br />
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I exit the orphanage and head to the tavern to think.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-5-immersive-world-immersive-mind.html" target="_blank">Part 5</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-7-helping-orphans.html" target="_blank">Part 7</a><br />
<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-22079340467131261712014-09-20T07:01:00.000-07:002014-09-21T09:42:38.284-07:00Part 5: Immersive World, Immersive Mind<b>*As of this post, I have added in Immersive Patrols and Inconsequential NPCs. They won't effect too many things, but it'll be nice if someone interesting comes along, I can talk with them and see what's up. I've been adding mods one at a time to see how they work out in the world, thus why I just didn't add these all at once, but I try and make sure the sidebar is updated as soon as I add them.*</b><br />
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I awake the next morning, well rested and ready for a big journey. I've decided, that instead of going after that Mammoth Tusk (because, seriously, I'll die), I'm going to head back to Windhelm to talk with the poor boy who was performing the Black Sacrament. I keep hearing rumors about it, and I feel that I can help him, since no one else seems to be bothered doing anything about it. On the way up, I can hunt and then sell my wares when I get there.<br />
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Before I set out, though:<br />
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Indeed! You will be mine!<br />
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It pains me to see all my hard work be given over, but the horse will help me travel faster and allow me a companion on my journeys.<br />
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I strap my furs, hunting equipment and tent to the back of the saddle and prepare to ride off. I'll have to think of a good name for him.<br />
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And look at that, we're already friendly to all factions. At least, my horse is.<br />
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Up the road a bit, I come across this guy. A travelling minstrel! I pay him 25 gold to listen to a nice little tune called The Dragonborn Comes. He sings this quaint, catchy tune (that I find myself humming the rest of the trip). Seems there's some guy called the Dragonborn who will come down and help people with their problems. Hope he shows up and helps, I need some help myself with getting a trade going.<br />
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Not too far ahead looks to be a watchtower, hopefully I can stop in and warm up a bit.<br />
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Or not. Looks like this is a toll road and I am apparently expected to pay 200 gold to pass! Thankfully, Markus has a relaxed tone about him:<br />
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And I manage to persuade her to let me through for only 50. Still, kind of sucks that I have to pay for a road this close to Whiterun, you'd think the taxes would pay for all that.<br />
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Up the road, this lady starts bolting down it, and I turn to follow her and see if she needs help with anything. She just continues running though, and I head back to go towards Windhelm again.<br />
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I think I know why she was running. Again, I'm too late to save a person's life, and now this time, I've let their murderer go free! I angrily paw through the man's possessions, seeing if he needs anything.<br />
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I find his ID in his wallet and deduce his name was Lonnie. Looks like Lonnie was a trader. Of clothes and sundries. Nothing really worth picking up here, and he doesn't have anything else on him, so I drag him to the nearby river and give him an honorable sendoff.<br />
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Goodbye, Lonnie. You will be missed.<br />
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Roads sure are busy today. I meet this guy on his way to Solitude to join up with the Legion. Man, you've got a long way to go heading this way, you'll have to take the southern roads, it'll be quicker if you take the northern roads through Winterhold and Dawnstar, probably. He ignores my advice though and continues heading towards Whiterun.<br />
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The Mixwater Mill seems very quiet today. I don't see the owner walking about at all. I nervously climb off my horse and head to the worker's house on the left.<br />
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Can't tell if it's just not kept up, or if it was ransacked recently. Bottles and pots litter the floor, along with various food products.<br />
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Gah! The temptation! I leave the house, shaking off the cobwebs and jump back on my horse, ready to get out of this area. It's just too eerily quiet...<br />
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Checking my map, I'm almost there!<br />
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Ah, Windhelm. Full of grunge and snow. The cold is starting to set in, and I feel a bit chilly, but I need to stable my horse before I can get into the city. After parking--stabling him, I head towards the city gates and into Windhelm.<br />
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Warming up briefly at the nearbye fire roaring in a basin, I feel a little warmer and continue on to find the boy's house....Aventus Aretino I think was his name?<br />
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Here it is! Nice house, honestly. Kind of be weird to have a road run through your house, but, I guess that's the style nowedays.<br />
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Before I head in, though, I take a quick detour to the marketplace to see if there are good prices anyone has for buying pelts.<br />
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I sell a couple pelts off to some folks, then chat with this woman. She just needs a simple delivery done, and I agree, as all I need to do is head over to the Palace and find the man who needs it. Simple, quick, not dangerous. Just my sort of work.<br />
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I get a less-than-warm welcome in the palace by the Thane. Hmmpf. The Jarl <i>(king-type figure in Skyrim, the j is pronounced like a y)</i> should probably hire a new Thane <i>(right-hand to the Jarl)</i>. Someone who actually listens to the people.<br />
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Oh yeah. This isn't creepy at all.<br />
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I deliver, asking no questions why he wants it, and then scoot the heck out of there.<br />
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Okay, time to talk to the boy. I knock on the door, but no one answers, so I just push myself on in, trying to stay respectful.<br />
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A young boy's voice can be heard through the house, and he's crying, sounding frustrated at the same time.<br />
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I walk carefully up the stairs and through what looks like the living room, the voice getting louder as I grow closer to the source. The sobs subside into an angry chant of the Black Sacrament. All through the chant, I hear a knife stabbing into something hard.<br />
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When I turn the corner, the horrific sight of a young boy lying amongst bones and human organs almost makes me lose my lunch. I inch closer, my hand twitching, ready to defend myself in case he attacks me.<br />
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The boy, overcome with sadness, cries over the bones and organs he has laid out. He continues to cry as he stabs the effigy with his knife, which I notice is wrapped in Nightshade plants.<br />
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I was about to speak, when another angry cry came forth from him. Apparently Grelod is who he wants killed. What could the woman have possibly done to him to evoke the Black Sacrament?<br />
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My hand reaches out, touching his shoulder to shake off the spell that gripped him.<br />
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He started back, and yelled at the surprise, and I held my hands up.<br />
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"It's ok, I'm just here to help."<br />
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He looked at me a moment, wide eyes unblinking, then a large grin ripped across his face. "You've come at last! I knew you would!"<br />
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I lean down on his level, trying to avoid the blood that was on the floorboards. "Are you all right?"<br />
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Aventus held out the book in his hand, thrusting it towards me. "I did the Black Sacrament, over and over. With the body, and the....the things. And then you came! An assassin from the Dark Brotherhood!"<br />
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I quickly shook my head, taking the book from him. "No, I'm sorry boy, but I'm not who you think I am. I'm no assassin."<br />
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He crossed his arms, glaring at me. "Of course you are! I prayed, and you came, and now you'll accept my contract!" He wiped his eyes, tearing up a bit. "It took so long. So very long."<br />
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Against my better judgement, I asked him what he meant by contract.<br />
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"My mother...she died." He started out saying. I didn't interrupt him, wanting him to let me know what was wrong. "I...I'm all alone now. So they sent me to that terrible orphanage in Riften. Honorhall. The headmistress there is an evil, cruel woman. They call her Grelod the Kind. But she's not kind. She's terrible. To all of us." He grew angry, stamping his foot and glaring down at the dagger on the floor.<br />
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"What happened?" I gently prodded.<br />
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"I ran away and came home. And then I performed the Black Sacrament. Now you're here! And you can kill Grelod!" His face lit up, staring up at me.<br />
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I held up my hands. "Woah, woah. Are you really sure about this, boy? Murdering this woman?"<br />
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He nodded quickly. "I've never been so sure about anything in all my life! Someone like Grelod doesn't deserve to live one more day. She's a monster."<br />
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I sigh, placing my hand on his shoulder. "Look, I can't promise to kill her. I'm not the type of person to go up to someone and just kill them in cold blood, no matter what they've done. It goes against my beliefs."<br />
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Aventus looked at me, wide-mouth. "But...you must be from the Dark Brotherhood! You have to help me!"<br />
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I frowned and looked down at his pleading face. "Boy, you need to get as far away from the Dark Brotherhood as you possibly can. They're just evil, murdering mercenaries out to get a few gold pieces for someone's life. At some point, they'll have to be dealt with, but it won't be by you or me. What I can do though is travel to Riften for you. I can speak with the local authorities there and put in a complaint about the way they treat the children there. It will be a long trip for me, but as I'm a hunter by trade, I can make my way there and get her fired."<br />
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Aventus looked downcast for a moment, but then nodded. "Okay. I guess killing would be a bit extreme if you can help me in other ways."<br />
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I pat him solidly on the shoulder. "Good. I'm glad we agree with this. Why don't you stay at the inn tonight on me?" I pressed ten gold pieces into his hand and he ran off, sending a thank you back over his shoulder.<br />
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I head back out of the house, the freezing wind biting my face after being in the house for a while. I glance at the sun, noting it was getting late. and start heading back to the tavern.<br />
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Tomorrow, I guess, I ride for Riften.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-4-mining-adventure.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-6-journeying-to-riften.html" target="_blank">Part 6</a><br />
<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-98097013619233002014-09-19T06:44:00.000-07:002014-09-20T07:01:21.956-07:00Part 4: A Mining AdventureAs of this post, I've added in the Hunterborn mod, which you can see on the sidebar of the blog or by visiting the Introduction page. For this mod to work, I've also installed Sky UI, which basically overhauls the menus and such to make it better for mouse/keyboard usage. I've always had an issue with misclicking on items in the menu, or it just sometimes didn't plain work. So this is what my menu looks like now:<br />
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It is about 5am and I'm going out to do some hunting. I pass by a couple guards and they don't really say anything interesting. Something about bandits and my map was updated, but this guy kind of peaked my interest:<br />
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A house called Breezehome, huh? And all I have to do is talk to the steward so he can sell me the home? I sure hope it isn't too expensive.<br />
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Walking out into the fresh morning air, I take in the view, filling my lungs with Skyrim freshness. And then immedately cough because the horse stables are right there. Which reminds me, I really need to get some gold up so I can travel a good ways on a horse.<br />
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I might head over to Riverwood again today to see how the hunting in that area is. The plains out here are just too wide open.<br />
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Good thing I know where Riverwood is. Otherwise, this sign is useless for navigating there.<br />
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Checking my quests, I am reminded of the job I was forced upon. I really don't want to follow up on war rumors. I'm just not very interested in this whole Stormcloak vs Imperials, and I think the whole thing is a load of--<br />
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--looks like it's going to rain. Good thing I have my cloak then. I bring my cloak around me closer, trying to shield the rain.<br />
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About four seconds later, I run into this guy. He's leading a very ornately painted cow towards the giant camp. He explains that this is part of a ritual the giants and farmers have to live together harmoniously. I ask if he needs any help, but he turns me down, saying that he'll probably go to the inn to have a drink afterwards.<br />
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I actually followed him for a bit, hoping that I could save him from almost certain death by giants, when:<br />
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He got stuck. I stood there for about a minute seeing if he would move, but he would just keep turning in place. Oh well, at least he won't die by a giant's hand!<br />
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Also, updated duds picture:<br />
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Looking way more hunter-like, though, I've really gotta get a shirt, my exposure sucks right now. I have to admire my apparent work-out schedule, I've got some major abs going on!<br />
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Passing through Riverwood (now rather nice without a heavy mist around it), I am set upon by a pair of wild wolves. I make short work of them and get to work dressing them down.<br />
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I manage to get quite a lot of meat off of them, but my skills aren't good yet for getting pelts, and as of yet, I have no hunting knife, so I ruin the pelts. Dag-blast these clumsy fingers!<br />
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I contemplate shooting the fish jumping upriver a moment, then continue up the road, sneaking along hoping that prey will drop into my lap. Because I really suck at the bow right now.<br />
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Hmm. Wonder where this leads.<br />
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My spidey senses go off, and I realize that I've discovered Embershard Mine. I think about it a moment, if I can find a pickaxe or something in there, I could probably mine iron, and I've also found random iron pockets around the Whiterun city area. That could be pretty useful.<br />
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I head towards the mine, sheathing my bow. Only to have to unsheath my axe directly after, as a bandit attacked me. He was standing right outside the mine entrance.<br />
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These guys should probably just learn to talk things out. Good thing Markus is no pacifist. You hit him, he'll hit back just as hard.<br />
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See, now this is a problem. I now know this is a Bandit's Hideout. A BH. An HQ for Bandits. There are lots of bandity goodness in there. Bandity and dangerous goodness.<br />
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Markus isn't one to rush headlong into the unknown. He's a cautious man, not one for large adventures. He's just a hunter. However, his need to help people is very high. He doesn't like bandits, especially after finding that poor young woman on the side of the road a couple nights ago.<br />
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Riverwood is but a few hundred yards away. Bandits could be gearing up to attack the town, thinking the mine is a great spot. It looks abandoned and not really kept up judging by the outside of it.<br />
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I feel the need to wipe out the bandit hole, perhaps run them out. If Markus takes them all out, then Riverwood will be safe for a while. No bandits to worry about, at least in the mine area. And then maybe the people can use it again.<br />
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I grip my axe tighter and grit my teeth. Walking towards the mine entrance, I take a deep breath and plunge in.<br />
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Tendrils of smoke and dust swirl around me and I stare down into the maw of the mine. A deep slop leads down, and only darkness greets me as I move forward. Every little sound puts me on edge, my footsteps are quiet, though, and I sneak, my hunter's reflexes kicking in.<br />
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I stop short as I hear voices around the corner.<br />
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I inch every so slowly forward.<br />
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Unfortunately, just as they come into view, a shout rang out from one of them. I was spotted! I immediately rush in, my axe held high and I scream to try and strike fear in their hearts!<br />
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A short battle later, and I'm outfitted in some new fur armour.<br />
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Well, that wasn't so bad. They were actually kind of pushovers. At least I have a shirt now. I proceed with more confidence. I hear more voices ahead.<br />
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Those voices are also dispatched easily.<br />
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This guy landed rather painfully. I hope he was dead before he hit that position. A bit deeper in the cave, I run across a rather gruesome sight (other than half-naked bandits, of course).<br />
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Gold that no one has claimed. Disgusting.<br />
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My blood boils a bit to learn of a brother Nord being forced to work down in these mines. I slam the book shut and my eyes flick to see more bandits running up. I toss the book down beside the skeleton and rush in, taking them out easily.<br />
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A cozy little nook to loot-er-look for supplies.<br />
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There's nothing quite like the feeling of leveling up by reading a book. I'll pick my perk later, for now, we've got bandits to kill. Revenge for our Nord brother!<br />
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These guys have quite the setup down here.<br />
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I finally eradicate all the bandits and find the other end of the mine.<br />
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It leads straight out near Riverwood, and I feel justified, I think I might have saved the entire town from complete destruction.<br />
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I take a moment to enjoy the view.<br />
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Hmm. Weird stones. Dunno what they might be doing out here. Seems like I shouldn't touch them though.<br />
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Wonder what that is. I'll have to check it out at some point, looks like some sort of ruins.<br />
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I take the time to upgrade my stamina, but I still decide to wait on choosing a perk until tonight.<br />
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I meet another hunter on the road, but he really doesn't have anything of interest.<br />
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Holy Mara, wish I could sell my pelts for that much!<br />
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*goes pale* I've....I've been poaching? Like, actually poaching?! Why did no one tell me this! I mean, I haven't shot any actual deer yet, just Elk and wolves, but...gosh, I guess I'll have to pass on the deer then, if it's illegal. Really don't want to be sent to jail.<br />
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I notice it's getting dark, and I head back to Riverwood through a little shortcut trail my map says is here. I then head into the Riverwood Trader to sell all of the stuff I got in the mine.<br />
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Also, I sell off my extra meat. Nice! I can afford a horse now!<br />
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On the way back to Whiterun, I snag an Elk and it takes until about 10:30pm to completely break it down into meat and hide. I did gain a bit of experience, though, and only came out with a poor hide rather than a ruined one. I'm getting better.<br />
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Oh, hey, this guy! Sorry about yesterday when I shot you. You okay? Good, looks like he didn't die and he doesn't mention the incident, so I just leave him be and continue to Whiterun.<br />
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*shakes fist* You will be mine, Midnight Sun! Or, whatever I name you.<br />
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With only a moose head for company and over a thousand gold in my pocket, I'd say it was a profitable day!<br />
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I pick a perk in Light Armour and then hit the sack. I stayed up a bit late, but I should get up about 8 or 9. As for tomorrow...I really need to get that mammoth tusk. I'll make a more concentrated effort and see if I can snag one for Ysolda.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-3-large-task.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> ----- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-5-immersive-world-immersive-mind.html" target="_blank">Part 5</a><br />
<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077866829709603763.post-68124900260902337052014-09-18T11:01:00.000-07:002014-09-19T06:44:56.167-07:00Part 3: A Large Task<b>*As of 9/17 I added the Hunterborn mod, however, I had already played and taken snapshots for today's posting, so Hunterborn will kick in next post and I'll go over the interesting aspects of that. I have updated the Introduction page for a link to that mod.*</b><br />
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Next time turning the game on, this beautiful splash screen greeted me:<br />
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Yeah, believe me, I'm not going to be heading there anytime soon after greeted by that wonderful face.<br />
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After Markus gets up early (about 7 or 8), I head out to find Ysolda to take on her mammoth tusk quest:<br />
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Well, I'd rather have gold, but if you teach me some speech skill, that'd be fine as well. Also, before I completely head out, here's a little glimpse of my level screen so we have a comparison at the end of the day:<br />
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I'm thinking of concentrating on Sneak, Archery, One-Handed for unavoidable fights up-close, and some sort of Light Armour skill. My last character I ran he was just a big buff heavy armour user and only two handed weapons. I might try and use the shields and things like that this time around.<br />
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I head out of the city, passing by the stables on the way into the wild fields to look for game to hunt.<br />
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You will be mine someday, horse. Someday.<br />
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The field doesn't have too much to offer at first, as I run across mostly dead things.<br />
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Yeah, this guy's "mostly" dead, right? Can't even loot it. Those antlers are nice.<br />
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Found a mammoth tusk! Oh....wait...I can't actually HAVE it. Moving on.<br />
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Hearing rumors of live mammoths in a westward area called Bleakwind Basin, I start heading over towards that area, and run across the Khajiit traders headed out of town.<br />
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They don't have anything I need though, just odds and ends, so I just continue onwards.<br />
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These sort of things are nice little touches. Just an abandoned house out in the middle of a giant field. Looks as though it was burned down or perhaps ransacked.<br />
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And a chest was hidden inside under the floorboards! Two gold get! It's a small amount, but it brings me up to 301 gold, and I need every bit I can. This was a pleasant surprise actually, I didn't expect there to be anything actually in the house, I just checked it on a hunch.<br />
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First kill of the day! Little fox was just standing by some rocks, and I sneaked up to it and shot an arrow right into it's little hide. Which I then gleefully ripped off and stuck in my pocket.<br />
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Mammoths! I let loose a couple arrows towards them from a safe distance, and I didn't appear to do any damage, so I'll just let them lumber by for now. I might need better arrows.<br />
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Dynamic fox takedown!<br />
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After the last fox, I see this guy near the mammoths, and I'm almost glad my arrow didn't connect, or else I'd probably be dead. The giant doesn't seem to mind me just walking by without any weapon drawn, so he continues herding his mammoths across the basin.<br />
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Little more wandering and I'm attacked by about four wolves in quick succession.<br />
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This guy's face was just too precious to leave out.<br />
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Two dead elk and four dead wolves later, I'm rolling in pelts, meat and antlers.<br />
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Also:<br />
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Bleakwind Basin discovered! Giants and mammoths seem to roam around here, but I still can't seem to harm the mammoths. I'll have to consult the local archery teacher (coughwikicough) to find out what I might be doing wrong.<br />
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While fumbling around trying to kill the mammoth, a giant didn't like that I was getting too close with a weapon drawn and he chased me a fair distance away, I almost had gotten back to Whiterun by the time he stopped (or, by the time I was brave enough to look behind me and see where he was).<br />
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Today's hunt was good, so I convert everything into leather and leather strips so I can make a small leather tent. This will help when I'm away from cities and want to stay dry in the rain. I'll need to do more hunting for a fur tent though, if I want to head north from here. I might go farther south though and hang around Riverwood for a while. There are deeper woods there and might be more chance for better game.<br />
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I also sell off the rest of the elven armour, donning the fur items I have already. So, I don't have any helmet, gauntlets, or really a shirt, so I'm hoping to find a better set that covers up everything.<br />
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I head back towards the town square (actually, more of a circle), and run across Carlotta, one of the venders who sells fruts and veggies.<br />
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I strike up a small conversation with her, and turns out she has a bit of trouble on her hands.<br />
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Now, Markus doesn't claim to be a fighting type, confrontational man. He'll go out and kill deer, foxes and mammoths all day long from long range, but when it comes to brawling with fists, he's not much for that scene. However, a woman's honor is at at stake here, and I feel obligated to help. If only because it's in town and sounds somewhat easy.<br />
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I head into the Bannered Mare to look for Mikael.<br />
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I let him know to leave her alone, and that no means no. I think he assumes I want her for myself, because he gets very defensive.<br />
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But with a little persuasion, his hackles go down and I convince him that he really should stop bothering her in case he wants a warrant served. In the shape of my fist, right in the middle of his face. I also learn the tidbit that she is a widow. So I hope I can learn more about her later.<br />
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Carlotta is very thankful, shoving 250 gold into my hands. Hey, not bad for just a quick in and out of a nearby building! I could get used to these sort of "quests"!<br />
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Since it's not quite dark yet, I go out for another hunt, and also reflect on the local scenery.<br />
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Also, while hunting, I saw some movement in the trees and accidentally shoot some Khajiit named M'aiq the Liar (he's not in the picture, I think he's behind the tree). I try and go up to him to say sorry, but he just runs around saying "I yield, I yield!" And I'm trying to shout back "I'm sorry! You looked like a deer!"<br />
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He just runs around cowering, and I leave him to his devices. Can't have been too bad, with him having the name of "Liar". Though, since it was an accident, I hope I don't get in trouble for it.<br />
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I do more harvesting for the local farmers, selling the cabbages and potatoes I have to them, and then head back into the city as it is now getting dark proper.<br />
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You will be mine. And I will call you Star Dancer! Maybe. Probably not.<br />
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Well, excuse me for trying to have a conversation, lady.<br />
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And then, a quest is forced upon me due to a misclick. Skyrim has forced this quest on me, and I'll have to now think of a reason why Markus would do this. *grumble*<br />
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One rented room later, and we can level up!<br />
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I decide to go with expanding my health and putting a perk into my archery tree. I usually up my health the first few level ups, and then put a lot into stamina. I feel though, this time around I'll be running away from things quite a bit, so I might go with stamina immediately after this.<br />
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Now, this is a dilemma. This technically wouldn't be stealing, but it really doesn't belong to me, so the gold piece must stay in the bedside table. If things are indoors, Markus will not take them (unless it's required by a quest).<br />
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Markus ends the day with about a 9 hour sleep and we'll be ready to head back Riverwood tomorrow, or even more south if time permits.<br />
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<a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-2-hunter-turns-hunted.html" target="_blank">Part Two</a> ---- <a href="http://giadrosichskyrim.blogspot.com/2014/09/part-4-mining-adventure.html" target="_blank">Part Four</a><br />
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<br />Brynna Giadrosichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343614248243059164noreply@blogger.com2