The Missing Snow Elf

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Rhew

The missing snow elf
rhew banner.jpg
WATCH YOUR DRAGONS TONGUE


ADULT CONTENT (almost forgot)

An old fort loomed ahead. It was a tall tower with a bridge high above the ground that went into the mountain. A woman in fur armor sat in a chair outside next to the path. She stood up as we got closer. “Halt!This is a toll road you see? You’ll have to hand over…. say…. 200 gold to use this road!”

“200 gold!” I cried out. I wasn’t even sure we had that much anymore.

“Looks like we have ourselves a hero!” a gruff voice from above us called down. I glanced up at the bridge. Three other bandits watched down at us bows drawn ready to kill us if we did anything. I looked at Lydia and saw that she had her sword unsheathed half way.

“Lydia. Put away your sword.” I told her. Lydia’s hand wavered at the hilt but she didn’t move.

“I would listen to the little elf if I were you.” The bandit said. “You might be able to kill me but they will kill you so fast you won’t have time to scream.” She motioned at the three bandits on the bridge.

“Lydia.” I repeated.

“Fine,” she sighed sheathing her sword.

“You did the right thing,” the bandit said slyly, “Now then. Hand over 200 gold.”

“How about 50?” Faendal haggled.

The bandit watched each of us for a moment before shrugging. “Fine. 50 gold. You’re not worth the trouble. Just get out of here before I change my mind.” He handed her the gold and we continued past the tower. How could a group of bandits be allowed to take advantage of travellers like this?

“There’s a contract out for those bandits.” Lydia said once we were out of sight of the tower. “We could get rid of those bandits and get the reward.” She glanced at the two of us. “I have a feeling you could use the gold.” She’s right. We could use the extra gold. I could see the gleam in Faendal’s eyes at the mention of the contract. It reminded me of how he looked when we went through the ruins. I knew what Faendal would suggest and I needed to suggest something else first.

“Let’s go back and get those bandits then! I can easily pick them off.” Faendal suggested with a smile.

“I would like us to get to High Hrothgar without dying.” I said. “If they are still around when we come back we’ll do the contract then.” Faendal frowned but agreed.

We followed the path around the mountain. The river flowed to our left. Ahead a beautiful waterfall fell from the mountain side. A bridge crossed the river where the waterfall was. Faendal picked a flower that grew around the bridge and handed it to me. “Dragon’s tongue for the dragonborn.” I didn’t like being called the dragonborn but I took the orange flower and smiled. It smelled sweet like spring.

“Thank you. But I thought you couldn’t harm plants?” I asked.

He smiled. “It’s only plants in Valenwood. The plants of Skyrim are free game for all Y’ffre cares.” He leaned in towards me, “Or did you think I worked at a lumber mill in defiance of my god?” He started laughing. I had never thought of him working at a lumber mill to be strange. But now of course I did.

“Then why did you refuse to pick alchemical supplies for the mages at Winterhold?” I asked him.

“Oh that! Right, I forgot about that.” a sly smile spread across his face, “Other races don’t know anything more about the green pact outside of not eating plants and the cannibalism thing. And they usually don’t care to learn more. I used it to keep those mages from taking complete advantage of me.” He shrugged, “Also the idea of running around Winterhold picking plants didn’t sound like my idea of a fun day.”

“You’re telling me!” Lydia agreed with Faendal. She looked at me, “And you’re ok with being with a cannibal?”

I chuckled, “He’s not a cannibal,” I watched as Faendal leaned against the stone bridge watching the waterfall. “We’ve discussed this before.”

“Maybe not a cannibal but he’s definitely either a sympathizer of the Imperials or the Thalmor.” She’s the second person to mention this. Although Enthir claimed Faendal worked for one of the two, I thought. “Either way, it’s because of them that we are not allowed to worship Talos.”

I’ve heard that name and I still don’t know who it is. “Who is Talos?” I asked.

Lydia looked shocked. “You don’t know who Talos is!?”

“She didn’t even know who the Thalmor were.” Faendal stated as he stood up and stretched.

“What! Have you been living in a cave?” She exclaimed. I frowned at her. Faendal shook his head slightly. “Oh, right. You’re a Falmer. Falmer….. caves….. not a good statement. Sorry.” I didn’t understand what she meant by that. “Well, when the high-king Tiber Septim died, he became a god. Talos. But the Aldmeri Dominion doesn’t recognize him as a god so they have banned the worship of Talos.”

“Tiber Septim?”

Her eyes narrowed at me. “You’ve never heard of Tiber Septim?” I shook my head. “What about a high-king.”

I thought for a moment. “You mean like HIgh-King Herald?”

Lydia’s mouth dropped open. “How can you know who Herald is and not Tiber Septim?” She demanded. I wasn’t sure how to answer that question. That name was the one that popped into my head when I heard “HIgh-King”.

“Who was High-King Herald?” Faendal asked.

“He was the High-king who destroyed the last groups of the snow elves in Skyrim.” she explained. “That was thousands of years ago.”

I studied the flower in my hand. The red veins in the orange petals. The purple stem in the middle. The High-King that I remember was not from just a thousand years ago but thousands of years. “What if I’m not even from this era?” I questioned.

Faendal placed his arms around me and pulled me into him. “It doesn’t matter to me. But it seems highly unlikely. You’re probably from some little group of snow elves who survived long ago. They wouldn’t really know the history of Skyrim would they?” He tried to comfort me but I knew what he said wasn’t right. The small amount of memories I did remember didn’t fit with what he said.

I buried my head into his shoulder and sighed. “I think we should continue. This conversation is only confusing me.” I said softly. Faendal pulled my head to his and kissed me softly. I closed my eyes and kissed him back.

“Ok, Let’s get going then,” Lydia said annoyed, “You two acting like this isn’t getting us any closer to High Hrothgar.”

“sorry.” I blushed as we parted.

“No! What are you sorry for? It’s nice to see that two people can still find love in this day and age in Skyrim. Really.” Lydia said sarcastically. We followed the path as it slowly twisted and turned up the mountain. The sun rose high above us as we travelled up the mountain. At the top of the twists the path opened up to a beautiful birch forest. The trees were covered in orange and yellow leaves. Faendal already had his bow out and an arrow notched.

“Think of the game you could find here!” He exclaimed. Before we could say anything he took off into the trees.

“Faendal!” I called after him.

He turned towards me, “Don’t worry! I’ll find you! You’re easy to track!” And with that he disappeared into the forest. He’s hunted in every area we’ve visited, I realized.

“What did he mean by that?” I asked Lydia.

“It almost sounded like an insult.” She replied. We continued down the path through the birch tree forest. It wasn’t long before we were in the sleepy farming town of Ivarstead. The sun hung low in the sky by the time we entered the small town. I looked back at the birch forest hoping Faendal would arrive to the town soon.

A farmer stared at us as we walked by. “Might as well keep going. There isn’t anything here for travellers.” He told us. Lydia and I glanced at each other but ignored the farmer and headed for the tavern.

There were a few people inside the tavern. No bard though. That saddened me since I had become so fond of hearing “Ragnar the Red”. Maybe after a few tankards of mead I could sing the song for the tavern. I chuckled at the idea. We sat down and ordered tankards of mead and bowls of soup. I tried to enjoy my time but my eyes kept moving back to the door. I couldn’t help but think of the bandit incident. “You really do care for that old elf don’t you?” Lydia asked. She must have noticed me watching the door.

“Well, yeah. His sharp features are so handsome.” I smiled into my tankard.

“To each their own,” she said with a shrug. “It’s just strange. You seem not that much older than me. And he looks old. Even for an elf.” But he doesn’t act or sound old, I thought. I never really thought of him as older than me. In fact, for some reason I thought of him as younger. It was yet another strange thing I couldn’t explain.

“He’s been with me practically since day one,” I told her deciding not to share my thoughts on the age difference. The thoughts wouldn’t make sense to her if they didn’t make sense to me. “I would have been lost without him.”

“Well, speaking of old elves.” I followed Lydia’s gaze towards the door. Faendal entered the tavern. A new skin was rolled and attached to his satchel. I flew from the table and into his arms. I pressed my lips against his and kissed him as if we hadn’t seen each other in months.

“Woah! What was that for? I was only gone a few hours.” He said once we parted. I could feel everyone staring at us. I pulled away from him embarrassed.

“What if bandits got you again?” I asked as we made our way back to the table.

He laughed. “I was hunting deer, not bandits.” Faendal took out a small pouch full of leaves and bark. “This is for the ice wraith bite. It’ll help with the pain and swelling.” I looked at the leaves and bark skeptically. Last time he gave me something for the bite it burned! He laughed. “Don’t worry. You’ll like this medicine.” He left the table to fix the concoction. I wasn’t looking forward to trying anything made of leave and bark but if it helped heal my arm faster I would try it.

“That wound was from an ice wraith?” Lydia asked. I nodded as I nonchalantly rubbed my arm. “You’re lucky it didn’t get your neck.” My eyes widened in horror at the thought. My hand wrapped around my neck as if I was protecting it from an invisible beast.

“I really just want this wound to heal. I’m tired of not being able to use my magic.” I sighed in frustration and leaned onto the table.

“Well, until then you have my sword and shield and his bow to protect you.” She tried to comfort me. The idea only annoyed me more.

“I don’t want to be protected. I’m not some damsel in distress.”

Lydia only shrugged. “Whether you want it or not, it is my job to protect you.” She glanced at Faendal who was engrossed in fixing the potion next to the fire pit. “And I have a feeling he won’t stop protecting you regardless if you could kick his ass with your magic.” We both laughed. I couldn’t imagine a situation that would cause us to fight but the idea of Faendal running from my magic made me giggle.

Faendal returned to the table placing two mugs of amber liquid onto the table. “What’s so funny?” He asked. The both of us refused to tell him. He shrugged the laughter off. “Drink this. It has honey in it.” He said handing me one of the mugs.

“For taste?” I wondered as I looked at the liquid made from leaves and bark in disgust.

He chuckled. “Honey helps with the pain.” I sipped the liquid tentatively and found it delicious. It was a sweet earthy taste. I finished the drink in a couple of gulps.

“It’s good but this is supposed to help with the pain?” I asked skeptically. How could a cup of tea do that?

“Well, yeah. With the help of this other mug.” He said motioning for the second mug.

“I have to drink two cups?”

Faendal pushed the mug away from my hands. “No. This one isn’t for drinking.” he explained. “I’ll finish taking care of your arm in the room.”

“Oh, I know where this is headed,” Lydia stated as she stood up and stretched. “Good night, you two.” We headed into our separate rooms. Faendal and I stripped our armor once inside the privacy of the room. It was nice to be out of the armor. I wore my white tunic that covered my body midway to my thighs. I sat on the edge of the bed anticipating what the medicine would do. Faendal had other ideas though. He kneeled in front of me and rubbed his hands up my legs to under my tunic. Electricity ran up my legs and through my body from his touches. “Those legs,” he breathed and our lips connected. A deep sensual kiss.

I didn’t want to but I finally pulled away. “Faendal, my arm.” I reminded him.

“Right…. right…..” He muttered with a small frown. Neither of us wanted to stop but he left and soaked a rag with the tea. “Take the bandage off.” he requested as he sat next to me with the soaked rag in his hands. Once I had taken the bandage off he gently pressed the rag to my wound. It seemed to suck the pain from my arm. The redness and swelling were almost completely gone when he moved the rag.

“This is from plants in this forest?” I asked astonished.

He smiled. “It feels much better than the salve, doesn’t it?”

“It’s amazing,” I straddled him and wrapped my arms around his neck. HIs hands started moving up my legs again. “You’re amazing.” Our lips brushed against each other. I pulled his head to mine and eagerly kissed him. His soft lips parted mine. His arms traveled up my body slowly pushing the tunic over my hips and up my back. I moaned softly at his touches. Everything about him drove me crazy. His smell (like fallen leaves in Autumn), his soft yet strong touch, his taste. We parted long enough for him to pull my tunic off. We fell back onto the bed. He stroked my face gently with one hand while the other made its way down my body. I cried out in pleasure from his touches and eagerly pulled at his clothes. Faendal stood up to strip his clothes. I squirmed waiting for him. It was driving me crazy.

“Please hurry,” I begged. He pulled his shirt over his head and smiled as he returned to me. The feel of his skin against mine was intoxicating. My nails dug into his back as his legs pushed between mine. I could feel him. All of him and I wanted more. “Faendal,” I breathed as we became one.
 
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Rhew

The missing snow elf
rhew banner.jpg
7000 STEPS



“Faendal! Look at this!” I exclaimed shaking the wood elf awake. He curled up under the covers and tried to pull me into his arms. I chuckled as I shook him again. This was the first time I could think of that I was awake before him. But I was very excited. There was no redness or swelling in my arm. I could move my wrist which meant I could use magic. A ball of light glew in my hand. I sent the glowing ball to Faendal’s head. It floated above his head illuminating the area in bright light. Faendal threw the cover over his head but the ball of light went under the cover with him. I laughed so hard I fell out of the bed. I hit the cold stone hard but it didn’t stop me from laughing.

“You really think it’s that funny waking me up like this?” He asked sitting up. He squinted from the light that hung above his head.

“I think it’s hilarious!” I replied pulling myself back into the bed. “That potion did wonders! My magic is back!” I started sending balls of light to every corner of the room. There were balls of light hovering over the chairs, tables, and the bed. Soon it was so bright in the room it was as if we were staring at the sun.

Faendal grabbed my arm gently and forced it to the bed. “I’m glad but if you don’t stop I will use my calming spell to make you stop. It’s too bright.”

“Which calming spell?” I asked suggestively leaning in towards him.

He leaned in to me so close our lips almost touched but whenever I tried to connect he would pull back just slightly. He kissed me on the nose and laughed at my shock. “The one you don’t like.” He finished.

There was a light rap at the door. “Hey guys?” Lydia’s voice said through the door. I pulled the cover around my body as the door opened. She poked her head into the room but jerked back out. “By Ysmir! What is with the light?!” Faendal and I burst into laughter.

“Sorry, Lydia. We’ll be out in a minute.” I called out to her. Once we had dressed and Faendal had wrapped a fresh bandage around my healing wound we left the room.

Lydia started laughing at the ball of light that hung above Faendal’s head. “Really! What’s with the light?”

“I can use my magic again!” I explained as I sent another ball of light to Lydia’s head. She glanced up at the light and back down at me.

“Really?” She asked with a smirk. “Was that necessary?”

I laughed. “No! But it’s fun!”

The innkeeper glanced into our room that was glowing from all the light. “Um, will this magic go away?” He asked unsure of what he was looking at. I assured him the light would disappear after a few minutes.

After a quick breakfast we left the tavern and followed the dirt road to a bridge. I looked up at the mountain. The clouds hung low on the sheer and jagged cliffs. I couldn’t even see where we were supposed to go. There was a wood elf and a nord at the bridge talking about climbing the steps. The nord talked about needing to make a supply run to High Hrothgar but being unable to do it. “Maybe we could help,” I pipped in, “We’re going to High Hrothgar today,”

“You’d do that? It would be much appreciated.” The nord said.

Faendal sighed. “When you mean “we” you really mean me.” I smiled at him innocently, “Ok, hand me the supplies.” The nord handed Faendal the bag of supplies. Faendal repositioned his bow, quiver, and the bag onto his back.

“Thank you! You’re such a great man,” I said. Faendal stared at me. “Mer? Merman? I - I don’t know what to call you.” I admitted.

“You can call me Faendal.” He chortled. The other Bosmer laughed as well. More Bosmer humor? I wondered. I glanced at Lydia but she only shrugged.

“Thank you again.” The nord said as we started across the bridge. “Find me once you’re back down here.”

We started up the mountain. The steps were uneven and some were completely gone all together. It was a hard climb zig zagging up the mountain. The higher we climbed the colder it became. Snow fell in small flurries but was soon so thick we could hardly see in front of our faces. I tried to close my cloak as much as possible to get away from the heavy snow fall.

Faendal stopped us suddenly. He hushed us when we asked what was wrong. “Don’t you hear it?” He hissed. I could only hear the wind blowing the snow around our heads. I strained for noises besides the wind and heard what he was referring to. The distinct cries of a troll. “We need to sneak up on it and take it by surprise.” He whispered.

As if defying him Lydia unsheathed her sword and charged towards the sound of the troll. “What are you doing!?” Faendal yelled after her. We chased after her and soon saw the silhouettes of Lydia and the troll fighting. She blocked the trolls swings with her shield while catching the troll’s body with her sword when there were openings. “That housecarl of your’s is mad.” Faendal stated as he took out his bow and notched an arrow. I conjured a frost atronach to help Lydia. It ran at the troll and bashed the troll in the stomach. Faendal let an arrow loose hitting the troll in it’s arm. He was having difficulty aiming for the troll since Lydia would move suddenly and get in his aim. “Dammit!” He cursed. His arm wavered as he held back the arrow waiting for an opening. The ice atronach slammed into the troll giving Faendal the opening he needed. The arrow flew through the blizzard and hit the troll in the eye. It fell to the ground dead.

“Great shot!” Lydia exclaimed as she walked back to us.

“I once shot a bear from three hundred yards in a blizzard.” Faendal bragged as he placed his bow on his back. He was acting like his shot was nothing special. He’s mood suddenly changed to anger. “And what are you doing running into a fight with a troll like that!”

“I’m a Nord. Sneaking is for the elves.” She exclaimed arrogantly.

“And we are elves!” He stressed. I hadn’t seen Faendal this angry since Soldin told him about giving Camilla the fake letter.

I gently touched his arm. He was tense. “Faendal, calm down. We’re safe and no one is injured.” I told him softly.

“Fine,” He pulled his arm from my hand and went ahead of us continuing up the uneven steps. “But next time listen to the hunter when it comes to beasts.” he called back at us. We followed behind him up the mountain. Soon we were above the clouds and the blizzard. The sky was clear. The air crisp. The journey up the steps became much more enjoyable. Faendal slowly made his way back to us as we climbed up the mountain.

Some areas of the steps descended only to ascend in other places. I wasn’t looking forward to going back down as ascending the steps were safer than descending. The ice on the steps were almost impossible to avoid. We climbed in silence. The three of us were out of breath from the climb to be able to talk more than was necessary. A snow mound ahead of us glistened in the sun. It seemed to move the closer we got to it. Was the snow slithering? “Ice wraith?” I asked Faendal. He nodded and stepped ahead in an attempt to protect me from it. But I wanted revenge. This ice wraith was mine.

The ice wraith slithered from the snow and hissed. I glared at the icy serpent and pushed past Faendal sprinting at the ice wraith while throwing balls of fire at it. “Rhew! What are you doing?” Faendal called after me.

The ice wraith was fast and tried to slither around to catch me off balance but I was always a step ahead of it. “Gods damn you! DIe you slithering ice!” I yelled as fireballs blasted into the icy serpent. It disintegrated into a pile of ice crystals. I picked up the teeth and handed them to Faendal. He took the teeth unsure what had just happened. Lydia and Faendal both looked at me as if I was a stranger. “Right. Let’s continue. We still have quite the climb ahead.” I said continuing to climb the stairs not wanting to wait for them to speak.
 
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Rhew

The missing snow elf
rhew banner.jpg
MEETING THE GREYBEARDS



We were all out of breath but we made it. High Hrothgar was in sight. The large building atop the mountain seemed so peaceful compared to the journey we just made. Faendal placed the bag of supplies inside a chest that stood in front of the stairs that led to the building. There were offerings of food, weapons, armor, and flowers left at the base of the chest. We made our way up the stairs and into the sanctuary. Is it a sanctuary? I wondered. It wasn’t much warmer inside but it was nice getting away from the bitter winds. As we walked into the main room an old man in a long grey cloak came to us. I could see why they were called “Greybeards”. “Ah, so after so many centuries a Dragonborn appears before us at this day and age.” He said, “I am Arngeir. Why do you come here, Dragonborn?” He asked.

“Well, you summoned me, didn’t you?” I replied uncertain.

Arngeir thought for a moment. “Ah, yes. But that was months ago. Why appear now?” I glanced to the floor uncomfortable. “Well, it doesn’t matter. You’re here now. Let us taste your voice, Dragonborn.”

“You….. you want me to shout at you?” I asked. He nodded. “Well, ok.” I licked my lips and drew in a breath. “Fus!” Arngeir and a second Greybeard stumbled for a moment.

“So you really are Dragonborn! We welcome you, Dovahkiin.” Arngeir said after he regained his balance. “Let’s see how well you can learn another part of the shout.” Arngeir explained to me that each shout has three words. Each word makes the shout stronger. This reminded me of being in Helgen and the Imperial turning to flames when I said the words the dragon had. Did I already know these shouts before I lost my memories? Three other Greybeards appeared in the room as Arngeir explained the shouts to me.

One of the Greybeards shouted at the floor before my feet. “Ro.” It almost sounded like a whisper. The floor cracked and claw like markings appeared. Dragon language. I stared at the word. It was Ro. But…… but I already knew this word and I didn’t know why. Fus….. Fus Ro…. Fus Ro…..Dah. That was it! I looked around the room for an area that didn’t have a person standing and shouted. “Fus Ro Dah!” A sonic force flew across the room. Random items were blown across the room from the shout. Once the shout dissipated he room was silent.

I looked around at everyone and saw dropped jaws. From the Greybeards because I shouted a word I shouldn’t know. From Lydia because this was the first time she had actually seen me shout. Faendal was the only one who didn’t look shocked. He looked proud. “Well, you really are Dragonborn.” Arngeir said once he gathered his composure. “Let’s see if we can teach you a shout you don’t know. Follow us to the courtyard.”

Faendal, Lydia and I followed the Greybeards through HIgh Hrothgar and out the back to a large courtyard. To the right of us was a large gate where an ice storm was constantly blowing. I looked up above the sanctuary and saw the mountain still went quite a ways more. I wonder what is up there. We stopped at the foot of the steps. “Let’s see if you know this shout, Dragonborn.” Arngeir said. “We will teach you the first word to whirlwind sprint, Wuld.” Another Greybeard whispered his shout at the snowy ground. Like before the ground cracked and the claw marked word appeared. I studied this word and realized I didn’t know it but I could feel it entering my being. The Greybeard had me face him and I felt the knowledge of the word rush from him into me. I gasped from the feeling. It was like jumping from a great height. Thrilling. “We’ll test you on the word. Watch how master Bolli gets through the gate before it closes.”

The Greybeard shouted a word and the gate opened. Bolli shouted. He flew across the ground so fast he looked like a blur and was through the gate before the other Greybeard could finish his shout. “Wow.” I gasped in amazement. They set up the gate for me to try. The Greybeard shouted. The gate swung open. “Wuld!” I flew across the snowy bank through the gate. I had to wait for the rush to reside. I started laughing from the excitement. That was fun. I walked back to everyone but I felt a little disoriented. Lydia and Faendal laughed at my disoriented walk.

“It does take a few tries to get used to.” Arngeir explained to me. “Well then, you’re ready for your test.”

“Test?” I asked once I could see straight.

“Yes, to prove once and for all you are Dragonborn.” I looked at him skeptically. “Retrieve the horn of Jurgen Windcaller from his tomb. Bring it back here once you have retrieved it.”

“Who?”

“He is the one who built High Hrothgar and began the Way of the Voice which we Greybeards follow.”

“He was around during High-king Herald’s reign. You might know who he is.” Lydia mentioned. I shook my head. His name did not bring up any memories for me.

We headed back into the building to get out of the bitter cold. Inside Faendal unfurled the map and Arngeir marked where the tomb was. It was between Morthal and Solitude. “All the way out there!” I cried out. “And then we have to climb all the way back up here?”

“Tests are not meant to be easy, Dragonborn.” Arngeir said simply. I sighed. He was right. Faendal started laughing.

“What’s so funny to you?” I asked with slight.

“Traveling with you is the exact opposite of what my life used to be, Rhew.” He claimed happily. “At this rate we’ll end up exploring every inch of Skyrim.” I couldn’t help but smile. Faendal always seemed to look at the positive side of situations. It was nice.

I nodded. “Ok, we should out so we can get to the bottom of the mountain before night fall.” I wasn’t looking forward to leaving so soon after the long climb but we had a long travel ahead.

“Sky above, voice within.” Arngeir told us as we left. I repeated it back which seemed to make him happy.

Making our way back down the mountain seemed to take longer than it did to climb. The slick stairs covered in ice made the descend a crawl. I slipped on one step and fell. Faendal managed to catch my arm saving me from possible flying down and over the mountain. Lydia started laughing. “Aren’t you a snow elf? Shouldn’t this be easy for you?”

I laughed sarcastically back at her. “Yes, because having the word “snow” in my name means I can dance all the way down the mountain with no problem.” We all laughed at the image of us dancing our way down the massive mountain. If only it was that easy to descend.

It was dusk by the time we made it back to Ivarstead. I was relieved we made it before the sun had completely disappeared. The Nord from the morning was in the tavern drinking a mead with the Bosmer. “You’re back! Quite a climb wasn’t it?” He remarked.

“Yes, and we delivered your supplies.” I told him. Faendal nudged me. “Ok, ok. He did.” I restated motioning at Faendal.

“Thanks, friends! You really helped me out. I’m glad you found me. I wanted to give you this for the help.” He handed me a large fat purse of coins. I stared at the purse. It was so large. “That’s 1000 septims.”

“1000!” Faendal and I cried out. “I can’t accept that much!” I protested trying to shove the purse back into the Nord’s hands.

He only pushed the purse back to me. “No. Really, take it. I want you to have it. I know how hard that climb can be. You really did me a great favor by taking the supplies for me.”

“Well, let us buy you a mead at least.” Faendal offered. He politely denied the offer. We were uncomfortable at the kindness we were seeing. From the small time I had escaped Helgen I realized kindness was a rare thing in Skyrim.
 
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shadowkitty

Mistress of Shadows
Just thought I'd let you know that I'm really enjoying this Fanfic. Great writing, light and a joy to read.

If you are having a problem with the first person style, you could do a couple of chapters from one of the other characters point of view. Would make it interesting I think to see what was happening through their eyes.

Apart from that, keep up the great work!
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
Just thought I'd let you know that I'm really enjoying this Fanfic. Great writing, light and a joy to read.

If you are having a problem with the first person style, you could do a couple of chapters from one of the other characters point of view. Would make it interesting I think to see what was happening through their eyes.

Apart from that, keep up the great work!

Thank you so much! I really like the idea of writing through the eyes of the other characters. I've been wanting to incorporate Basilio into the story more than just a passing mention so I may start adding Basilio chapters. Thanks for the suggestion :)
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
faendal banner.jpg
FAENDAL: ENTHIR'S REQUEST

This chapter goes back to Winterhold and shows Faendal's side of the story when he went to retrieve a staff for Enthir. :)

Faendal drew the string and exhaled slowly. He let the string slip from his fingers. The arrow flew through the snow fall and hit the center of the hay target. He grabbed another arrow from his quiver and notched it. Faendal held his bow in front of him as he stared at the target. Cold stone buildings and icy tundras was no place for a wood elf. Sometimes he wondered why he was still at the college. But then Rhew would appear and smile at him and he remembered what he was doing there. He aimed the arrow at the target and drew back the string. She smelled like flowers. It reminded him of Valenwood. The arrow flew and hit the corner of the target. “Damn it.” Faendal muttered. I can’t think of her when firing arrows, he thought.

Faendal took out another arrow and started notching it to the string. “Hey, brother Bosmer!” Enthir’s voice called out from behind him. Faendal turned and saw Enthir walking towards him from the door. “Buddy! Friend!”

“Brother? Buddy? Friend?” Faendal asked as he returned the arrow to his quiver. “You’ve never called me any of those.”

Enthir gave a fake look of shock. “Can’t two Bosmers talk about…. ehhhhh” He paused, “archery?”

Faendal cocked an eyebrow. “You want to give it a shot?” He asked holding out the bow to Enthir.

“No. Not really.” Enthir replied pushing the bow away with a finger. They stood in silence for a moment. Faendal glanced around wondering what Enthir could want. “So you know that Snow Elf girl you own?” He asked breaking the silence.

“Own? Rhew is not an item to own.” Faendal said flabbergasted.

“Uh huh.” Enthir didn’t seem to care. “Well anyway, she borrowed a spell book from me and I need some form of compensation.”

“Borrowed.” Faendal said flatly.

“Yes.”

“A spell book.”

“Yes.” Enthir repeated with a little annoyance,

“A book that disintegrates after you read it and comprehend it.”

“Yes! Alright?!”

Faendal watched Enthir for a moment. “You know, if you had something you wanted to ask me to do you should have just come to me instead of tricking Rhew and using that to…. compel me to do a favor for you.”

“I could have sold that spell to J’zargo for double the price!” Enthir claimed angrily. Faendal only shrugged. “A staff was supposed to be delivered to me but it obviously hasn’t arrived. I think a bear got the courrier because I was able to track the staff to a bear den in the Rift.”

“So, you want me to go to a bear den in the Rift and retrieve your staff?”

“Thank you! I knew I could count on you! Here’s a map to the location.” Enthir replied shoving a rolled up parchment in Faendal’s hand.

‘Wait! I haven’t even agreed to do it!” Faendal called after Enthir as he went back into the college. Enthir waved a hand at Faendal and was gone. Faendal placed his bow on his back and opened the parchment. It was a crudely drawn map that showed a cave near a small town called Kynesgrove. If it’s just a bear den it shouldn’t be much of a problem, Faendal thought.

He went to his room and packed a few supplies for the trip. A couple of potions and food to last for two days. He didn’t see how the trip would last longer than that. Faendal began to leave the college. He hesitated at the gate debating whether to tell Rhew. She would demand to come with me, he thought. And as much as he enjoyed her company she wasn’t very good at stealth. Faendal decided against it and headed out the gate. He’d be back the next day. There was no need to worry her.

Faendal traveled south down the only road that led from Winterhold. When the road turned west he decided to continue south off the trail. Windhelm shouldn’t be too far and the den wasn’t much further from there. He passed by the ruins that dotted the snowy hills making his way to WIndhelm. Faendal walked around the towering stone walls of Windhelm and found the road that led to the Rift. Soon the snow disappeared and the cracked earth of the Rift appeared. Steam burst from the cracks as Faendal walked further into the Rift.

He stopped for a moment and checked the crude map. The den was nearby just off the road. Faendal took out his bow and readied an arrow. A traveller walked by him watching Faendal cautiously. He slowly made his way off the road through the cracks and small cliffs of the Rift. He stopped in the shadows of one cliff just out of sight of the cave’s entrance. Faendal’s eyes widened in surprise. This wasn’t a bear den. It was a bandit camp! A bandit stood guarding the outside of the cave. Faendal silently cursed Enthir. He would not have agreed to this if he knew it was bandits and not bears!

Faendal aimed the arrow at the bandit and fired. The bandit fell to the ground dead. He waited a few minutes in the shadows for other bandits to appear. When none did Faendal slowly made his way into the cave hoping there would only be a couple of bandits. A second bandit appeared ahead in the narrow passage as Faendal silently stepped across the uneven ground. It looked like this bandit was alone as well. Another guard? He readied another arrow to shoot but lost his footing on a loose stone.

The bandit heard the sound from Faendal slipping and pulled a lever near him. He heard the sound of boulders dropping from behind. Faendal was able to fire his arrow before the boulders began rolling by but only caught the bandit in his shoulder. The bandit cried out in pain. Faendal was knocked to the floor by a boulder. It hit his back as other boulders rolled past him. Faendal gritted his teeth to stop from yelping from the blow. The bandit miscalculated how far the boulders were rolled and was caught up in them as well. When the boulders stopped the bandit had disappeared under the massive stones.

Faendal started to push himself up and fell back to the ground in pain. His ribs on the left side of his body cried out in pain. This wasn’t good. Something must be broken, he thought. And he could hear the other bandits heading towards him. At least three more. What if I die here? Faendal thought. He pushed the idea out of his head. Dammit, Enthir! I wanted to get out of Winterhold but this wasn’t what I had in mind!

He shuffled through the satchel pushing back the pain and pulled out a small vial. He swallowed the liquid and felt the pain numb to a dull throb. It didn’t heal his injury but made it so he could ignore the pain which may not be a good idea but he had to get out of this cave. He pushed himself to his feet and grabbed the bow. Faendal took another arrow from the quiver causing a sharp pain shoot through his body but he ignored it. Readying the arrow, Faendal pulled back the bowstring as the first bandit came in sight. “Here’s the intruder!” He yelled in a gruff voice. Faendal fired the arrow and dropped the bandit. He grimaced from the pain. Faendal continued further into the cave and went around a corner where he came face to chest with a giant orc. The orc swung a warhammer at Faendal. He fell back avoiding the hammer swing dropping his bow in the process. Faendal rolled by the orc avoiding the hammer slamming into the floor. He grabbed the dagger from his boot and slashed at the back of the orc’s legs. The orc fell to the ground bellowing in pain. Faendal plunged the dagger into the back of the orc and pulled it out.

I really hope there’s just one more, he thought. Faendal followed the twisting cavern further until it opened up to a large room. To his relief there was only one bandit in this room. The chief, Faendal assumed. “One elf!?” The chief yelled, “One elf has killed my entire group?!” Faendal spotted a staff propped against a corner of the room. That must be Enthir’s staff.

“I’m just here for the staff.” Faendal explained leaning against the wall. The pain in his side was increasing. “It doesn’t belong to you.”

The chief laughed. “What do you know what belongs to me or not? You killed all my men. I’m not giving you anything and you are not leaving here alive.” He took out a two handed sword and charged at Faendal.

Faendal sighed partially from exasperation and partially from the pain. He unsheathed his sword and ran at the chief. He ducked under the swing of the chief’s sword and turned to strike. They both connected at the same time. The large sword caught Faendal’s thigh. Faendal sliced the long of the bandit’s back. They both fell screaming in pain. His hand went to the gash. Blood drenched his hand as he pushed himself up to his feet with the help of his sword. The bandit laid on the ground howling in pain.

Faendal ignored the screams of the bandit and hobbled to the staff. He loathed this staff but everything would be for nothing if he didn’t bring it back to Enthir. He tucked the staff between his back and the quiver. Faendal turned at a sound from behind him in time to thrust his sword through the chest of the bandit chief. The chief’s sword plunged into Faendal’s shoulder. He pulled his sword out and let the bandit fall to the ground. Sheathing his sword, Faendal began to limp slowly out of the cave. He managed to pick up his bow on the way out despite the piercing pain he felt. All the pain from the gashes and his ribs came back ten fold now that the bandits were dead. He assumed that it was the adrenaline of the fight that had allowed him to ignore the pain and not the potion.

He slowly made his way through the Rift and back onto the stone cobbled road. Every step sent jolts of pain through his body. Every breath caught in his throat. Inhaling felt like a punch in his ribs. He came to a crossroads and saw a sign for Kynesgrove. At the top of the hill was a small building that he prayed was an inn. The sun was low and the moons were bright in the sky by the time Faendal made it to the wooden building. He made his way inside and to the counter. The innkeeper looked alarmed at his state. “I need-” he started collapsing on the counter. The sharp pain was too much. “I need-” he tried again unable to speak more.

“Don’t try to speak!” She exclaimed, “I’ll help you to a warm bed. You look like you got caught by a band of bandits!” She said as she helped Faendal into a spare room.

“I caught them.” He managed to get out. He tried to laugh but grimaced. The innkeeper helped him into the bed and he tried to rest. But all he could do was lay there breathing in sharp gasps.

The innkeeper returned and handed him a vial of liquid. “It’s a sleeping potion.” She told him. “We don’t have much but this should help some.” He thanked her and took the potion and drifted into unconsciousness soon after.

Faendal left the inn early the next morning to the protests of the innkeeper. She offered for him to stay until his injuries were healed but he knew he had to get back to Winterhold. He could only imagine how worried Rhew was. It took Faendal the entire day to walk from Kynesgrove to WIndhelm. Just the day before it had been maybe a couple hours trip. Even with the potion the pain was unbearable. He kept one hand against the gash on his thigh. The other arm wrapped around his side in any attempt to ease the pain.

He fell into the bed at the inn in Windhelm. The idea of continuing on the next day filled Faendal with dread. Without another potion his sleep was nonexistent. The night consisted of him forcing himself to breath and attempting to push the pain out of his mind. He wasn’t succeeding. Faendal now wished Rhew had come along to get the staff with him. Her restoration spells could ease the pain and her destruction spells may have been able to avoid the injuries all together.

At sun up he forced himself out of the tavern and outside Windhelm. He made it as far as the stables unable to walk any further. Faendal paid the carriage driver double his usual rate to get him to Winterhold. Every slight bump the wheels went over was torture to the wood elf. When they finally arrived in WInterhold after the long hours, Faendal staggered towards the college. He was part way across the bridge when he saw Rhew run to him. He collapsed in her arms glad to have made it back alive.
 
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Rhew

The missing snow elf
basilio banner 2.jpg
BASILIO: AWAKENING



When Basilio had finally awoken he had yelled out in confusion and agony scaring the two soldiers that were watching over him. The soldiers had ran to retrieve an alchemist and a mage to see what could be done about his injuries. While the worst of the injuries had healed in his month long sleep he was still in immense discomfort. The muscles in his leg and back spasmed uncontrollably causing aches in areas he didn’t know could ache.

Legate Rikke was sent to speak with him once his injuries were taken care of. She asked basic questions. Who was he? Where did he come from? Which company was he a part of? Why did he leave his post? Both Basilio and Legate Rikke were confused at everything. “Stormcloaks? Civil war? What are you talking about?”

“And what are you talking about? Dragon priests? Dragons? Snow elves? All of those things have been gone for centuries.” She retorted. Basilio was called crazy. His story was too insane to be real and yet he was too sane to be crazy.

“What?” Basilio was baffled. He couldn’t figure out what was happening and he could tell Legate Rikke was confused as well. “What year is it?”

“That’s a strange question.” She responded. “What year do you think it is?”

Basilio felt unnerved at the question. “Well, I know some time has passed but when the dragon attacked us it was 1E 156.”

Rikke and the other soldiers in the room stared at Basilio with wide eyes. “More than some time has passed. How can you be alive still?”

“I told you, Rhew shouted a wall of ice around us before the avalanche engulfed us. She saved our lives.” Basilio repeated. He looked around the room at the skeptical faces and knew no one believed his story. “Where is she?” He demanded. No one answered him. RIkke had the other soldiers leave the room. She sat across the table from him. Her arms propped on the table. “What? What’s going on?” Basilio asked concerned.

“There was an elf named Rhew at Helgen when the dragon attacked. She was sent there to be executed. It is unknown at the time if she made it out of Helgen alive.” Rikke explained.

“What!” Basilio bellowed jumping out of his chair so fast the chair toppled over. He ignored the pain that shot through his body. “Why would you execute her! She’s dragonborn!” he yelled. Basilio gripped the table until his knuckles were white. “She’s also one of the most innocent people in Tamriel!” Which is amazing with all the tragic things that has happened to her, he thought.

“You need to sit down, soldier.” Rikke demanded. They watched each other seeing who would give in first. Basilio exhaled in frustration and picked his chair up from the floor. “It was a mistake by a captain of ours.” She started once he sat down. “In the confusion of capturing the Stormcloaks he mistook her for one as well.”

Basilio sat in silence taking everything in. If Rhew did escape Helgen…. no, not if. Basilio knew Rhew could escape a dragon attack. They had done it many times before. She would probably be too scared to show up here if she thought the Imperials were actively searching for her. It must confuse and scare her being attacked by the group that saved her from the Nords. I have to find her! Basilio thought as he lifted himself from the chair once again but the pain made him collapse back into it.

Legate Rikke stood up and headed for the door. “Don’t move around so quickly, soldier. You’re still injured. I’ll see if I can find more information on this elf for you.” She told Basilio as she left. Basilio laid his head into his arms puzzled at all the new information.


A month had passed since Basilio had awoken. Basilio stared out the window of his room in the castle dour. He knew he was lucky to be alive but he hated being here. This time period didn’t suit him at all. He was still badly injured. Basilio had trouble walking around his room let alone trying to do anything more. While the Imperials knew Basilio was a soldier based on his uniform they were still skeptical about his story. An Imperial soldier from the first era? Everyone looked at him like he was crazy when he first told his story. But the longer he’s been awake the more they started to believe him. Basilio didn’t know what was happening in the world. He didn’t know anything about the civil war he and Rhew seemed to have awaken in the middle of. The powers of Tamriel were different from when he was alive. The Ayleid? Everyone laughed when he asked about them. They haven’t been around for centuries!

Basilio was frustrated. Bored. Resentful. He was in a nice large bedroom with a fireplace on one side. It looked like they were treating him as a higher up but he knew better. He was being watched. Tullius didn’t trust Basilio. And Basilio knew this. There was always someone nearby Basilio. They were just curious they would say. But Basilio knew better. Basilio sighed frustrated at everything that had happened the past few months. He limped to a chair in front of the fireplace and fell into it.

And where was Rhew? Basilio thought angrily. He heard rumors of dragonborns appearing. A Stormcloak soldier and A snow elf dragonborn who seemed to have a wood elf following her around. How could she just abandon me like that! He thought. Not a word from her! Not even a letter! Basilio grabbed a book from the table and threw it at the fire. The fire devoured the pages to the book eagerly.

There was a rap at the door. A tall blond woman entered his room. “What is it, Legate Rikke?” He asked never moving his gaze from the fire.

She glanced at the burning book as she walked up to him. “Another one? I should stop bringing books to you.” She sat in a chair next to him. “If it bothers you so much that the dragonborn hasn’t come to see you then why don’t you send her a message?”

Basilio glanced away from the fire and looked over at Rikke. “And where do you suppose I send this message to?”

“There are rumors of the dragonborn’s location arriving all the time.” Rikke explained, “I’m sure a courier would find her eventually.” It’s not like Basilio hadn’t thought of sending Rhew a message before. He was stubborn and expected her to come find him.

“She just tossed me aside when she found someone new.” He scoffed.

“There are rumors that she has amnesia. Perhaps she does not remember you.”

“Amnesia.” He repeated. “That would be a blessing.” Knowing that everything he knew and everyone he loved was no longer around was unbearable at times. It wouldn’t be so bad if Rhew was around but her not being here was a blow Basilio didn’t need. “What are you doing here?” He asked her.

“General Tullius has asked to speak to you.” Rikke responded.

“Oh, great. Another interrogation.” How many times would this be now? Basilio wondered. It seemed once a week Tullius would call on Basilio and ask him to repeat his story. Basilio was sure Tullius was trying to catch him in a lie. That he would slip on the details, the years, the people. Anything that proved Basilio was lying. Basilio had a feeling Tullius suspected he was a spy.

“No. Not this time.” Rikke replied. Basilio sat up and waited for her to continue. General Tullius wants to speak with me for some other reason? “Just go see him when you have the chance.” She said standing and heading for the door. “After you’ve won the battle with your enemy, the books?” She added with a small smile as she disappeared through the door.

Basilio went back to the book roasting in the fire. All that was left was the charred cover. The fire attempted to lick at the cover but the book was no longer flammable.
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
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BANDITS AND MAGES



It took us two days to get to Morthal. A small town in the marsh. It was made of platforms and buildings that stood off from the platforms. I was feeling drained and uncomfortable. Just the day before I had some disturbing memories come back to me while walking through the Rift. Lydia, Faendal, and I had walked by a giant’s camp that stood just off the road. I recognized the camp. It was where I was arrested and where the giants had attacked Basilio and me. I remembered being chased by the giants but not why we were at the camp. Faendal suggested the giants may be the reason I have amnesia.

I fell into the bed at the inn mentally and physically exhausted. Soon I was wrapped safely in Faendal’s arms. Yes, sleep is good. We need it for the ruins tomorrow, I thought. “Draugr!” I cried out shooting up from the bed.

“Draugr?!” Faendal repeated rattled.

“We’re going into a tomb tomorrow! What if there are draugrs! Traps! Ghosts! Bandits! Those creepy carvings that are around the ruins!” I was babbling. “And skeevers! I don’t want to see any of those things!” I shivered.

Faendal laughed and pulled me back down to him. “Don’t worry. You’re not doing this by yourself. You have Lydia and me with you.”

“You’re right. Of course.” I responded sinking into him. “I still hate those things.”

The next morning we headed towards the ruins from Morthal. It wasn’t a long walk before the old eroded columns of Nord ruins appeared. I was happy to learn we didn’t have to go through the marsh water to get to the ruins. Faendal pulled me behind one of the columns and motioned Lydia to hide behind one as well when we approached the tomb. There was a fight in front of us. A group of mages and bandits were attacking each other. Luckily they had not heard us arriving. It was a bloody mess! We watched in silence as the bandits ran at the mages attempting to avoid their spells. Some did and were able to cut down the mages but others weren’t so lucky. Soon only one mage was left. She ran into the ruins unaware we were watching them.

Faendal made us wait a moment before we continued towards the ruins. I looked around in horror at the slaughter. The dead littered the ground. This is what we’re walking into?! I glanced at Faendal as we slowly made our way to the entrance.. His face was full of concentration. Just like it had been at the ruins above Riverwood, I noticed. We walked down the stone slab stairs that spiralled into the entrance of the ruins. Another bandit sat dead against the wall. “What is happening here?” I thought aloud.

Faendal opened the door to the ruins slowly to keep it from creaking. My eyes took a minute to adjust to the sudden darkness of the ruins. More dead bandits laid across the halls of the ruins. We quietly followed the hall to a large room where more mages and bandits fought. We watched the battle hidden behind a fallen column. Soon these bandits fell to the mages as well. But these bandits stood up and began hacking at the collapsed hallway with pickaxes. “Necromancers.” Lydia whispered.

One of the bandits fell into a pile of ashes. “Ugh! Another one! These bandits are useless!” One of the necromancers said.

“You could pick up a pickaxe, you know.” The other commented.

“Ha! I’ll leave the physical work to my thralls.” She responded. A commotion could be heard down a hall that stood off the main room. “What is going on down there?” The two mages ran towards the commotion leaving us with the bandit working on the collapsed hall.

I stood up and walked towards the bandit. Faendal grabbed my arm. “Rhew, get down.” he hissed. I pulled my arm from his grip and shook my head at him. No, it was safe. I could feel it. I walked up to the bandit chipping away at the stones. She groaned from time to time. An orc. I felt sadness and pity for the orc. I turned to see Faendal and Lydia standing near me. Lydia watched the hall the mages ran down but we could still hear the commotion. More fighting was happening further in the ruins. “Faendal, hand me your dagger.” I requested.

‘I don’t have a dagger.” He stated flatly.

“Yes you do. It’s in your boot. I’ve seen you use it.” Why would he lie about this?

He smiled and took out the dagger from his boot. “Why do you want the dagger?” He asked as he handed it to me.

“I want to end her suffering.” I told him. My hand shook as I placed the dagger against her throat. She’s already dead so it’s not like I’m killing her, right? I tried to convince myself. I slid the dagger across her neck. A line of blood started to fall from the gash I left her.

She fell to the ground. “Thank you,” she groaned as she turned to ash. I stared at the pile of ashes in dismay. Did she just thank me?

Faendal gently took my arm and slid the dagger from my grip. He wiped the blood off the dagger and placed it back in his boot. I was shaking. I wasn’t expecting the orc to speak. It left me unnerved. “Can you feel in that state?” I asked Faendal.

“I don’t know.” He pulled me to him and gently kissed me. I could feel my jitters leave as we kissed.

“Guys.” Lydia hissed at us. We pulled apart. The commotion down the hall had stopped. We dropped behind some fallen boulders in the main room and waited to see what would emerge from the hall. There was no movement and I was getting tired of waiting.

I conjured a frost atronach in front of the entrance of the hall. “What are you doing?” Faendal asked.

“I’m tired of waiting.” I told him, “The atronach will be the bait. Get your bow ready.” Faendal nodded understanding what I was doing. He took out his bow and notched an arrow. I readied myself with an ice spike. I could see Lydia was itching to stop sneaking around as well.

The two mages from earlier appeared from the hallway. “What is this!” One cried out when the frost atronach slammed its arm into the ground in front of them. Faendal fired an arrow and dropped one of the mages as they were preoccupied with the atronach. I threw an ice spike at the second mage and missed as she dodged the punches of the atronach. She started throwing fire at it. Lydia took off running at the mage. She reached the mage when the atronach fell into a pile of ice. “Where did you come from!” The mage yelled as she ran from Lydia. Another arrow flew and dropped the mage.

“Well, that was boring,” Lydia said as she made her way back to us, “I was hoping to have an actual fight.”
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
rhew banner.jpg
THE MISSING HORN



We followed the hallway stepping over the bodies of mages and draugrs. The hall of the tomb would twist and turn before opening up into another room. This room was gigantic. We were at the top of a cliff that looked down on an alter with pews and a waterfall that fell from an opening above. The sun shone down through the opening reflecting off the water. Trees grew around the pool of water below. It was beautiful. I noticed a stone wall next to the pool. “Look! It looks like the same kind of wall from the ruins at Riverwood.” I pointed below at the wall.

Faendal’s and Lydia’s gaze followed my finger. He nodded, “It does. We should get to it.” We followed a path down the side of the cliff and climbed down a broken bridge carefully. There was a path that curved around behind the waterfall just beyond the alter. I could feel the word resonate inside me the closer I stepped to the wall. It felt like a second heartbeat thumping inside my chest. I was standing in front of the wall watching the lights flicker and glow from the scratch-marked word. “Is it glowing like the other wall from before?” Faendal asked. I jumped from hearing his voice. The light glew so brightly and called for me so strongly I couldn’t see anything but the word.

I nodded and stepped towards the word letting it rush into me. That feeling of adrenaline filled me. This one felt different from before. I didn’t get a glimpse of my past with this word. Maybe only words I've learned before could bring back memories, I thought. This was a word I never learned! A new word, I thought excitedly. “Feim!” I tried out the new shout but nothing seemed to happen. I frowned. I don’t get it. I looked at Faendal and Lydia who stared at me astounded. “What is it?” I asked. Faendal reached out to touch me but his hand went through my body. I was see through like a ghost! I tried to touch him as well. My hand disappeared into his shoulder. The effect only lasted a couple of minutes and I was back to normal. “This could be useful if I’m ever in a bad situation.”

Faendal agreed with me but Lydia still looked astounded. “I have never seen anything like that!” She exclaimed. “I still can’t get over the fact that you are the dragonborn!”

“Why is that?” I asked as we made our way back towards the alter.

“I thought only Nords could be Dragonborn.”

“Yes, well I seem to be the mysterious one, don’t I?” I responded agitated.

Faendal placed his arm around my shoulders. “Your mysteries are what makes you interesting.” He said in an attempt to cheer me up.

I shrugged his arm off me. “Oh! So I wouldn’t be interesting without these mysteries!” He was speechless. I walked ahead of them. These mysteries weren’t interesting to me. They were frustrating. There was nothing more that I wanted than to have my memories returned to me. I heard Faendal cursing under his breathe behind me. I smiled knowing he thought he was in trouble.

We climbed back up the broken bridge and continued following the hall since there was nothing more to do in the large room. The hall led to a strange room with three large stones lined in the middle of the room. Three gates stood at the other end of the room. When we walked by the stones they would glow red and one gate would open for a short period of time. Faendal, being the quickest and most dexterous of us, tried sprinting through the stones and gates but became stuck between the second and third gate. Lydia and I laughed as he tried to figure out how to get out. He found a chain that raised the first and second gates.

“What about that shout the Greybeards taught you?” Lydia suggested.

“No way! It made me so dizzy!” I protested.

“It’s the only way, Rhew. This is probably why they taught you that shout.” Faendal added. “I’ll run through the stones and you shout through the gates when they open.” I reluctantly agreed and waited in front of the gates for them to open.

I heard Faendal sprint through the stones. The gates began to bang open. Third, second, first! “Wuld!” I flew through the gates. I heard them bang close behind me. I stopped in front of a flight of stairs and collapsed on the bottom stair dizzy from the sudden burst.

“Rhew! Look for a chain to open the gates!” Faendal called out to me. I slowly stood up still dizzy from the shout and searched for a chain to pull. I found it near the gate. It was difficult to pull. Must be rusted, I thought. But I managed to pull it and the gates banged open. Faendal and Lydia ran through the gates unsure if the gates would close after them.

We followed the stairway deeper into the tomb. Not far into the hall we entered another large room. Faendal pulled me back from where I was about to step. “This room is covered in pressure plates.” I looked out at the room and saw what he meant. There wasn’t anywhere safe to step! We gingerly made our way across the first few plates. They seemed to no longer work but we didn’t want to take our chances. I conjured a frost atronach and had it run across the hall. Fire blasted from the pressure plates as it stomped around the hall. It soon melted away to nothing.

“How can we get across this!” I exclaimed.

“I can walk across those without triggering them.” Faendal explained. “You should use that shout to fly across them.”

Lydia cleared her throat. “And me?”

“What if I held your hand while I shout?” I suggested. “I can pull you across with me.”

Faendal shook his head. “That could dislocate her shoulder.” How does he know all these things? I wondered. I really wanted to know more about him before he was in Skyrim but now was not the time.

“I’ll just sprint across.” She said irked. I tried to protest against it but she had made up her mind. I searched for a safe place to get to and found a small area without pressure plates in a corner. That’s where I need to aim.

I shouted and flew by the pressure plates. None went off as I passed them. I ran into the wall and held onto it as I recovered from the shout. I repeated this two more times collapsing on a platform in the middle of the pressure plates. My head swam from the speed. Faendal ran quickly and lightly over the pressure plates. Not one plate triggered. Could all wood elves do this? Lydia stood at the other end of the pressure plates staring at them with unease. She gulped and took off running across the plates. Fountains of fire sprouted behind her at each step. She fell to her knees when she reached the platform breathing quickly. “Let’s never do that again.” She said between breaths.

Once we all had regained our composure we continued forward. I could see the coffin of Jurgen WIndcaller ahead. My heart began to beat quickly. This was almost over with. Large statues of… mudcrab claws? Dragon heads? I wasn’t sure what they were but they rose from the murky water of the tomb as we passed by. The horn is just in my reach. “Where is the horn?” I asked when we reached the coffin. There was a hand on top of the coffin that looked like it held something at one time. Now it stood empty. Tomb robbers!? “Where’s the horn!” I demanded. All this way for nothing?!

“Rhew, look at this.” Lydia said picking up a small piece of paper from the floor. I took it and read the words written on the letter.



Dragonborn--

I need to speak to you. Urgently.

Rent the attic room at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood, and I'll meet you.

--A friend


“Attic room? Sleeping Giant Inn! Riverwood!?” I yelled as I read the letter. I balled it up and threw it against the wall. The paper bounced off the wall and rolled a little before Faendal picked it up to read.

“That’s weird. I didn’t think the Sleeping Giant has an attic room.” He mentioned studying the paper. “Must be Delphine….” He muttered.

“Delphine?”

“Ah! It’s nothing.” He said quickly. That was weird, I thought. We have to go to Riverwood? I felt deflated. I wasn’t looking forward to going there. Not just because of the distance but because of the letter I sent to Camilla only a few days ago. What if she apologizes to Faendal and he decides to take her back? I thought in horror. Maybe we can be there without her ever knowing he was there. That’s a stupid thought. Riverwood is tiny! Of course she’ll know. “Rhew, it’s ok. We’ll get that horn.” Faendal said. My worries must have shown on my face again. I smiled at him. He doesn’t know what I’m actually worried about.
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
rhew banner.jpg
SLEEPING GIANT SECRETS



The sleepy town of Riverwood seemed even sleepier at night. We were all exhausted by the time we arrived in the town. I just wanted to fall into a bed having walked all day and a good portion of the night. But I also wanted to get this over with. I wanted that horn more than I wanted my memories at this point. We had gone through too much to end up empty handed. But one thing really bothered me. “You have your own cabin. Why do we need to rent a room here?” I asked Faendal as we walked up the stairs to the inn.

Faendal shrugged. “That’s what the letter said.”

“And who is Delphine?”

Faendal looked taken aback by this question. “She’s just the innkeeper.” I watched him for a moment. I didn’t believe him. “No, really. She’s just the innkeeper.” He repeated. He’s hiding something. I can feel it. But I didn’t push the subject.

We entered the inn. It was empty except for a big man behind the counter, an older blond woman wiping down tables, and a bard playing his lute. When the bard saw us he propped his lute against the column and walked to us. “Well well. Someone I didn’t expect to ever see again. What are you doing here, Faendal?” This must be Sven, I thought. I wasn’t able to get a good look at him last time I was in the town. He was tall with shoulder length hair tied back in braids. His face was chiselled but not as sharp as Faendal’s. He had a more round soft face. I could see why Camilla would like him. He was handsome.

“It’s none of your concern why I’m here.” Faendal responded.

Sven glanced at me and started laughing. “And the irony! The letter I sent was meant to just get Camilla to stop seeing you. But here you are! With the first wood elf girl you came into contact with!”

“I’m a snow elf.” I corrected him.

Like everyone else Sven looked surprised when I said my race. “Well, elf is elf.” he shrugged. “It doesn’t matter now.” He seemed to deflate in defeat. “She found out I wrote that letter. She won’t even look at me.”

The tavern door banged open. Camilla rushed in and pointed at Faendal. “You! I need to speak with you right now.” She turned and left as hurriedly as she had entered. There was a shocked silence in the tavern.

“I’ll be right back, I guess,” Faendal said uncertain. He followed after Camilla and disappeared outside the tavern.

Sven ran to the wall of the tavern next to the door. “There’s a spot here where you can hear everything that happens on the porch.” He explained pressing his ear against the wall. “And I mean everything.” I looked at him skeptically. I didn’t need to listen in on Faendal and Camilla’s conversation. I may be worried about the conversation but in the end I trusted Faendal. “Aren’t you a little curious what they’re talking about?”

I couldn’t deny it. I was curious. I glanced at Lydia who only rolled her eyes at him. My curiosity got the best of me and I leaned my ear against the wooden wall next to Sven. It was muffled but you could hear the two speaking. “I received a letter.” Camilla said, “ It explained that Sven wrote that letter that came from you.”

There was silence. “Yes. I never wrote that letter to you.”

“Why didn’t you explain this before?” She asked.

“You didn’t give me a chance to explain.” Faendal responded. “Besides I had no idea what you were yelling about at the time.”

“I want to give us a second chance. I miss you, Faendal. I can take you back if you apologize to me.” She said. My breath caught in my throat. Even though I trusted Faendal it still worried me what his answer would be.

“Take me back? Apologize to you?” He scoffed. “You should be apologizing to me! I loved you unconditionally. And you threw it away as soon as you get a letter that’s supposedly from me?” Hearing him talk of unconditional love made my heart stop. “I had never sent you a letter before. Why would you ever think a letter like that one would be from me? It doesn’t matter. I’m with Rhew now. You missed your chance.” There was a loud slap. Foot steps stomped away. Sven and I ran to a couple of chairs. The innkeeper shook her head at us. Lydia looked amused.

“Looks like you’re the lucky one.” Sven said. I was grinning ear to ear. I couldn’t help myself. “How I wish he had given her the letter and we ran off together instead.”

I wrinkled my nose at him. “I don’t think it worked like that.” Lydia chuckled.

Faendal entered the tavern rubbing his cheek. “I don’t think I deserved that.” he muttered.

“Are you ok?” I asked walking to him.

“Of course.” He kissed me on the forehead.

“Riverwood hasn’t been as interesting without you around, Faendal.” the tavern owner said amused.

“How’s that?” He asked.

She laughed. “You two fighting over Camilla has been the most interesting thing to happen to the town in a long time.”

“Anyway, we need to rent a room.” I interrupted. Enough had been said about the love triangle. It was over now.

“A room? Don’t you have a place, Faendal?” She asked curious.

“We need the attic room, Delphine.” He added.

Delphine raised an eyebrow. “Sven, I need you to leave. And I mean it. No sneaking on the porch to overhear us.” Sven looked shocked and then mad. But he grabbed his loot and left the tavern. “There isn’t an attic room. I never expected you to ask for it.” She looked at Faendal knowingly. “So the elf you left with was the dragonborn after all.”

“Are you the one that took the horn?” I asked irritated.

“Surprised?” she said with a smirk. “I needed to make sure this wasn’t a Thalmor trap.” She glanced at Faendal giving him that look again. “You used to be a Thalmor agent. How do I know this isn’t a trap?”

“How did you-” He asked in surprise. Lydia took a few steps away from Faendal in revulsion. He was Thalmor? A lot of the questions I had about him suddenly made sense. Why he didn’t seem to have any qualms killing others. All the random skills he seemed to have. The things he knew. I knew very little about the Thalmor but from what I heard they were not a good group.

“I’m the innkeeper. I know everything about this town.” She said. “Years ago when you came to the village you wore a Thalmor uniform. One day you stopped wearing that uniform and took the facade of being a hunter.” She studied him. “What happened to your uniform?”

“I threw it into the river.” He said uneasily. “I’m not one anymore.”

“And I’m assuming you’ve known who I am all this time?”

“Yes,” he said barely above a whisper.

She shook her head. “I just can’t trust you. Sorry. It’s just too many coincidences. You ending up in the same town as me and the woman you leave Riverwood with turns out to be the Dragonborn. You need to leave. I’m not taking any chances.”

“That’s fine.” He stated. “I’ll be at my cabin. You can find me after talking with her.” He said to me and walked away.

“Wait!” I called after him. I turned to Delphine. “He has been with me since day one. I trust him with my life. No Faendal. No dragonborn.” I ran after Faendal.

“You should just let him stay. The only thing that’ll keep those two apart is oblivion.” I heard Lydia say as I ran out of the tavern.

“Faendal, please wait.” I stopped him on the porch.

He turned to face me. “Rhew, what are you doing? You need to listen to what Delphine has to say.”

“But I want you there with me. I don’t understand why you can’t.”

“I know you don’t.” Faendal replied.

“Why did you join this group if they’re so hated?” I asked him.

“I wasn’t really given a choice. It was either join or die.” He shrugged but looked uncomfortable. “Most in my village didn’t get that choice.”

I looked away distressed. “I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok, Rhew. It was a long time ago.”

I pulled him into my arms and caressed his cheek. “I don’t care about your past, Faendal. I only care about now.” I kissed him tenderly. “Please come back inside. I won’t do this without you.”

“Rhew, what if one day I can’t be with you?” He asked.

I frowned at him. What a random question. “Don’t ever say that.” I told him. “We’re going back inside.” I pulled him toward the inn but he didn’t budge.

“I can’t, Rhew. This really is for the best. Maybe you’ll be able to understand it one day.” He told me. “Don’t worry. It won’t be for long. Just go listen to what Delphine wants to say.” I frowned but nodded. I watched as he walked away to his cabin. I headed back inside the tavern when he disappeared into the darkness.
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
rhew banner.jpg
THALMOR AND BLADES

ADULT CONTENT ( not detailed)

I entered the tavern and walked to Delphine and Lydia. “I see he made the right decision.” Delphine stated, “Or he would be dead already.” I looked at her confused. I still didn’t understand what was going on between the two of them. Haven’t they lived near each other for years? “One last thing before we start. Who is she?” Delphine asked motioning towards Lydia.

“I’m Lydia.”

“She’s my housecarl.” I replied.

“Housecarl? You’re a thane? Well, there’s a lot of surprises from you.” Delphine responded. “Ok. Follow me. I’ll take you to where we can talk.” Lydia and I followed Delphine into a side bedroom where she opened a wardrobe revealing a set of stairs. We followed the stairs into a room with weapons lining the walls. A table stood in the middle with a rubbing of a map on it. The map looked like the stone I had found in the ruins long ago. Next to the map was an ancient horn.

“Is that Jurgen Windcaller’s horn?” I asked as I picked it up and examined it. It looked like it was carved from a goat horn.

“Yes. I knew the Greybeards would send you there. That’s why I took it. I needed to make sure this wasn’t a Thalmor trap.” She explained as she walked to the other side of the table. “Of course, I was expecting the Nord that was with you. Not sure if I’m relieved or disappointed that you’re not him.” I looked up from the horn at her waiting for her to continue. “With you being around Faendal it is uncertain if this is a Thalmor trap after all.”

“I haven’t seen any signs that the wood elf is Thalmor.” Lydia argued. I was shocked and glad to see Lydia speaking up for us. The look of revulsion on her face when Delphine accused him of being Thalmor had bothered me.

“I can’t be too careful.” Delphine simply said. “But if you really are the Dragonborn I’ll have to take my chances.”

“Ok. Well I’m here. What do you want?”

“I’m part of a group that’s been looking for you.” She started.

“Looking for me?” I asked astonished.

“Well someone like you. Dragonborn.” She added, “The dragonborn is the only person who can kill a dragon permanently by devouring it’s soul. Can you do it? Devour a dragon’s soul?”

I felt uneasy. “I wouldn’t say I devour the soul. It’s more like absorbing. The dragon burns and it’s essence flows into me.”

“This isn’t the time to be timid about your powers! You either are or you’re not!” She yelled irritated.

“I am. And I have absorbed dragons’ souls.” I restated abashed at her sudden outburst.

‘Good. You’ll have a chance to prove it to me soon.”

“Prove it to you? How?”

“Look.” She pointed at the rubbing of a map. “Dragons aren’t just coming back. They’re coming back to life!”

“That sounds crazy!” Lydia exclaimed.

“Ha! I said the same thing! But I’ve seen it. I’ve been to their burial sites and found them empty.” She began pointing out different spots on the map that had marks striked out. “It seems to be following a pattern and I think I’ve found the next one. It’s near a small village called Kynesgrove.”

“And we’re going to go there?” I asked.

“Yes. And hope we get there before the dragon is brought back. I want to see who is bringing them back. I have a hunch the Thalmor are behind this.” She explained.

“Why do you hate the Thalmor so much?”

Delphine raised her eyebrow at me. Lydia quickly spoke up. “Rhew doesn’t know any recent history of Tamriel. Or really anything after the first era.”

“Really.” Delphine kept watching me.

“We think she’s from a very isolated village.” Lydia continued. “She didn’t know who the Stormcloaks were, who Talos was, or who the Thalmor were until recently.”

“Also I have amnesia that was caused by a giant’s club.” I added. That’s important, isn’t it? I wondered.

“I see. More surprises from you,” Delphine said frankly. “We’re very old enemies. That’s all that needs to be said about it for now.” She glanced back and forth between Lydia and me. “If that’s all we need to head for Kynesgrove as soon as possible. I just need to change into my armor and we can go.”

“What!” Lydia exclaimed.

“Are you mad?! We walked all the way here from Morthal this morning! We walked non stop from early this morning until late into the night!” I explained angrily. “You’ll have us marching to our deaths fighting a dragon after all the distance we’ve made.”

“Time is of the essence!” Delphine started to argue.

“Essence! When did you take the horn from that tomb? The Greybeards called for me over two months ago! If time was of the essence you would have found a way to contact me sooner.” Delphine glared at me but didn’t say anything. I was right and she knew it. “Lydia and I need to rest. A few more hours will not hurt.”

“Fine. We will leave at dawn.” Delphine huffed.

“And Faendal goes with us.” I added.

“No!” Delphine shouted slamming her fist on the table. “I do not trust that wood elf!”

“We need his bow.” I stated, “And if he isn’t with us and is indeed a Thalmor agent what’s to stop him from contacting them while we’re gone? At least you can keep your eye on him if he is with us.” Oh, please let this change her mind. “I mean, how long have you two lived in the same town and you never did anything to him and vice versa.”

“I was watching him.” She said. She stood there for a moment, thinking in silence. She looked conflicted. “Fine. He can come. But the moment he shows any sign that he’s a Thalmor agent he is dead.” I agreed knowing it would never come to that.

I left the inn and headed for Faendal’s cabin. Everything that had just happened was so confusing. I tried to let it all sink in but it was too much. Faendal is a Thalmor? Or was one? There are people looking for me? Who want to help me? I was still uncertain about Delphine. The way she talked at me…. no, she talked down on me. And repeating that she was expecting Soldin instead of me?

I opened the door to the cabin slowly and peered in. Faendal was already asleep, I noticed. The fireplace glew with the embers of a long lost fire. I grabbed a couple of firewood and added them. I stirpped out of my armor until I was only in my tunic and sat in a chair in front of the fire. I grabbed a poker and poked at the embers to help catch the fire again. As much as I wanted to crawl into the bed with him I was also reluctant. “Rhew?” I looked over towards the bed and saw Faendal sitting up. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. The scar on his shoulder from the bandit incident seemed to glow white compared to his darker skin. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

My gaze went back to the fire. “What group is Delphine apart of and why does she seem to hate you?”

The fire crackled and popped in an attempt to eat at the new logs. After a long silence Faendal finally answered my questions. “Delphine is part of a group called the Blades. They were seen as a threat to the Aldmeri Dominion which I used to be apart of. You could say they’re enemies.” I glanced back at Faendal. He looked worried. There was more to it than that. He wasn’t telling me everything.

“Why would the Blades want the Dragonborn?”

“I don’t know. The Blades protected the Emperor. That’s all I know.” Faendal frowned. “What’s wrong, Rhew?”

What was wrong with me? I thought. Was I letting Delphine get to me? I smiled at him. “Nothing is wrong.” I lied. “So what did you do while you were in the Aldmeri Dominion?”

“I was just a scout.” He shrugged off the question but his face was furrowed with worry.

“And what did you search for when you were a scout?” I pushed.

“Ravens.” The worry in his face was replaced with a sly smile.

“Ravens!?”

“I had to learn which side of a raven had more feathers.”

“What?” I asked with a confused laugh. I knew where this was leading and yet I asked. “Which side has more feathers?”

“The outside.” He said laughing. I smirked at him but soon was laughing with him. I knew he was using these bad jokes to avoid answering my questions but they made me laugh.

I left the chair and fell into the bed with Faendal. “I know what you’re doing telling bad jokes but you make me laugh so I like it.” I told him.

He pretended to be upset. “Bad jokes? Those are my best ones!” He pulled me into him and kissed me. “You are the best thing to happen to me in a long time.” My heart fluttered as I jumped on top of him and pressed my lips hard against his. We hastily stripped each other’s clothes and made love.
 
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Rhew

The missing snow elf
basilio banner 2.jpg
BASILIO: GARRISONS



Basilio made his way through the castle dour hall slowly. His hand lightly brushed the cold rough stone to help keep his balance. Just one more thing that frustrated Basilio. His leg was healing but not as fast as he would like. People watched him with sympathy. He wanted to punch those people in the face. Basilio took the steps gently grimacing each time his bad leg was forced to bend. He could see the large table with a map unfurled in front of him. General Tullius stood over the map studying it. Another soldier in a yellow uniform similar to the Solitude guard’s stood uncomfortably next to the general. Legate Rikke and a couple of other captains stood around the room

General Tullius glanced up from the map when he heard Basilio arrive into the room. “Ah, you’re finally here! Good! We can start this now.” General Tullius commented. “We have received word from the Jarl of Whiterun that the Stormcloaks are planning to attack him.” He explained. “We only have a few days to prepare for this attack.”

“Jarl Balgruuf has finally decided to side with the empire?” Legate Rikke asked.

“With some terms we can allow, yes.” Tullius replied. “It seems an elf dragonborn warned him of the attack.” he added looking at Basilio.

Basilio perked up. “Rhew? She’s in Whiterun?” Basilio could see the Whiterun guard shake his head no.

“Our intelligence is unsure where she is at the moment, Basilio.” Tullius said.

“Do you think this means she has decided to side with the Empire as well?” Legate Rikke asked.

General Tullius was becoming irrate. “That is unknown as well and is not the important thing at the moment. We need to get soldiers to Whiterun to help defend it as soon as possible.”

“We’ll start gathering our men.” Legate RIkke said as she and the other captains left the room in a hurry.

The only people left in the room was the Whiterun guard, General Tullius, and Basilio. He was confused why he was called down there. “What does this have to do with me?” He asked the general.

“You’re going to Whiterun to defend it as well.” General Tullius told him as if it was common sense.

“With this lame leg?”

“You can use a bow can’t you soldier?”

“Of course.” Basilio replied irritated. You can’t fight a dragon if you don’t know how to use a bow, he thought.

“There is a steed waiting for you.” Tullius explained. “That way you can fight. We need every able body to fight.” Basilio nodded at this. As long as he isn’t just thrown into the heat of the battle he is fine with this. “You told me once that you use restoration magic as well?” Tullius asked. Basilio told Tullius this was correct. “Adept at it?”

“Highly adept.”

“Good, we could use that on the battlefield. Might save a few lives.”

General Tullius dismissed Basilio who made his way slowly to the courtyard. What is he thinking sending me out to battle? Basilio thought. This has to be a test of my loyalty to the Empire. Hundreds of troops were everywhere in the courtyard when Basilio exited the castle dour. It was mass chaos as the soldiers were placed into divisions. Legate Rikke stood to the side of the troops with two horses. Basilio made his way to her. “I’m assuming one of these are for me?” He asked her.

“Take your pick.” She told him. Basilio pulled himself onto the tan and white spotted horse. It stomped it’s hoof ready to go. The courtyard was buzzing with captains explaining the situation to the many divisions. Basilio could only grab a word or two from them. “Hey, soldier.” Legate Rikke said after she had saddled her horse. “Do you want to try and pick out what is happening from them or let me explain it to you on our way to Whiterun?”

“Sure. Let’s get out of here.” He said. They trotted through Solitude and passed through the gate heading towards Whiterun. It felt strange to Basilio to be able to travel the roads so freely and amongst Nords as well. He and Rhew had to hide during their travels only moving through the forests and over those damned mountains. The Nords had been ruthless searching for Rhew. Being Falmer was bad enough for her but on top of that she had been Dragonborn; the Nords were furious with her claiming this. It couldn’t be true! She had to be pretending. But what could she had gotten out of pretending to be Dragonborn? Basilio realized Legate Rikke had been speaking the entire time they had left Solitude. He had been so far into thought that he didn’t even notice.

“.....Jarl Balgruuf has sent a letter to us stating he will be willing to side with the Empire if we follow his requests.” She said. “He is taking the warning from the Snow Elf seriously. I hope she’s right or this could be a waste of energy.”

“Regardless if she was right or wrong you still get Whiterun.” Basilio pointed out. “I’m not sure how that’s a waste of energy.”

She looked at Basilio. “If we were going to Whiterun because Jarl Balgruuf decided to join the Empire and not because of battle we wouldn’t have to send so many men. Those extra men could be sent to other areas of Skyrim. Areas where we need men.” That made sense, Basilio thought but he couldn’t help but chuckle. “And what is so funny?”

“It just seems odd to see Nords taking a warning from a Falmer seriously instead of just killing her.” He told her.

“That was thousands of years ago.” Legate Rikke said. “We wouldn’t kill the Dragonborn regardless of her race.” She glanced at Basilio and saw he wasn’t convinced. “We have no problem with her being a Snow Elf.”

“That’s because there are none left.” Basilio commented with irritation. They were coming up to a small town next to an old bridge with a dragon head in the middle. “Dragon bridge.” Basilio muttered.

“Ah, so you know this bridge?” Legate Rikke asked.

“Yeah. It looks a lot nicer without Snow elves swinging from it.” He replied.

“Once we get to Whiterun our troops will set up camp to the west of the city.” Rikke started ignoring Basilio’s comment. “Whiterun is on a hill so we will have an advantage with our archers. You will probably ride around the battlefield and heal our troops when they are injured.”

Basilio nodded at this idea. He was fine healing people in battle. In fact, he was just happy to get out of the stone city of Solitude even if it did mean he was getting thrown into the middle of a battle. But Basilio really didn’t care about the war. It didn’t concern him even if he was an Imperial.

Basilio looked back and saw the massive army marching behind them. It was overwhelming the small town next to Dragon Bridge. He was curious why he was being treated as an officer when General Tullius and Legate Rikke didn’t know anything about him. “Is there anything you would like me to explain, Basilio?” Legate Rikke asked.

Basilio turned back and looked at RIkke. “No. I understand everything that is happening.” He told her. The garrison marched its way slowly through the valleys toward Whiterun. It was dusk by the time the garrison could see the silhouette of Whiterun. What they saw caught Basilio’s and RIkke’s breathes. Groups of Stormcloaks were gathered around the city. Catapults lined the valley ready to fire at a moments notice.

“It looks like we got here just in time. We’ll have to thank the Dragonborn when we get the chance.” Rikke finally stated. Basilio nodded. The garrison continued towards Whiterun knowing they could be marching to their deaths.
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
I wanted to write an update but this one has spoilers so I'm adding it here. I never actually meant to make Faendal a Thalmor soldier. Delphine kind of did that for me. I always had it in my head that he was an Imperial sympathizer who ran during a purge. But Delphine forcing me to make him Thalmor is more fun. He can grow lot as a character this way. :)
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
rhew banner.jpg
VALTHEIM TOWERS



Delphine was not joking when she said we were leaving at dawn. Faendal and I were jerked awake by a loud pounding on the door. “By Y’ffre! What the!” Faendal cried out in shock.

“We’re leaving!” Delphine yelled through the door. “I’m giving you two minutes before I knock down the door to drag you out!”

“Leaving in two minutes?” Faendal asked groggy while rubbing his eyes.

I stretched long and forced myself up. “We’re going to a dragon burial site to fight a dragon. Maybe.” I said as I started putting on my armor. “I talked Delphine into letting you go. You know, as long as you don’t sabotage it.”

“Sabotage it? Why would I…..? Oh, right.” He looked uneasy. “She’s going to watch me like a hawk.” He said as he pushed himself out of the bed and pulled his leather armor on. “The hunter becomes hunted.” He said under his breath. I watched him for a moment as he prepared to leave. I know he’s a hunter but I felt that the comment went deeper than that. I also probably wasn’t meant to hear it so I pretended as if I had not.

We left the cabin once we were ready. Delphine and Lydia stood near by. Lydia looked as uncomfortable and tired as I felt. Delphine wore a leather armor. She had a bow strapped to her back and a sword sheathed at her side. “Good. You’re ready. We need to move quickly to get to Kynesgrove.” Delphine said. A hint of agitation was in her voice. Was she hoping to bust down the door? Delphine looked over Faendal before glancing at me. “Right. Let’s get going. We have a lot of land to cover.”

We left town at a jogging pace. Delphine stayed ahead of us. She would make comments about me staying close so I don’t die on the way. I did not enjoy those comments. The sun slowly rose in the sky. The sky turned multiple colors: purple, red, orange. It was beautiful. It took my breath away.

My breath was taken away by a different reason when we entered the Whiterun valley. Tents and catapults dotted the valley around the city walls. I stopped jogging and examined the sight in shock. “What is going on?” I uttered.

Faendal stopped next to me. “Remember that warning Soldin gave you?” He asked. I nodded. “That’s what is going on.” So the warning was real. I felt relieved that my warning to the Jarl hadn’t been for nothing. But the sheer volume of soldiers was startling. “The stormcloaks are at the East of the city. The Imperials are at the West. You can see the difference in their tents.” He pointed out. He was right. The tents looked different on each side of the city.

“Has it already been a week?” I asked.

Faendal thought for a moment counting out the days that had passed on his fingers. “Yes. It has been a week.” How quickly time passes, I thought.

“As interesting as this may be we need to continue.” Delphine stated. I nodded and started following her never taking my eyes off the scene. Lydia looked concerned as we passed the valley.

“Lydia, do you have family in Whiterun?” I asked. I suddenly felt bad for never asking her about herself.

“Yes. But I trust the Jarl’s judgement.” She stated. I could tell she didn’t want to talk about it. I didn’t press the issue further.

I recognized the direction we were going in. it was the same road we took to go to Ivarstead. That means we’re going to encounter those bandits again, I thought. I knew what Faendal would want to do and wondered if we would attack the bandits or not. One look at Faendal’s face gave my answer. We were. “There’s a notorious bandit group up ahead.” Delphine told us as we neared the tower. “We may have to kill some bandits.”

“Oh, yes. We know about them already.” Faendal said as he took out his bow. “They’re not taking another septim from us.” He took an arrow out and notched it. He began inching towards a large boulder that stuck out from the river. He drew back the arrow and aimed at the top of the tower. I squinted towards the tower and saw a man standing on a wooden plank at the top. It was so far off! How could he make this shot? I wondered. Faendal took a second to aim at the bandit and then aimed higher before letting the arrow fly. The arrow flew high into the air. It looked like it was going to fly over the bandit but it began to curve downward hitting the bandit. The bandit fell off the tower. His body dropped to the ground with a loud thud.

The tower became frenzied with the other bandits running around searching for us. I watched the scene in awe. That was an impossible shot! How did he make that? “Remember you gave me a necklace that helps my archery?” He answered as if he could read what I was wondering. There was more than that. My necklace could not have done that, could it?

“You are a dangerous elf.” Delphine commented.

“Rhew, bring out an atronach.” Faendal said ignoring her comment. “Lydia, do what you do best.” Lydia smiled and stood from behind the boulder we were hiding. She unsheathed her sword and charged for the tower. I conjured a flame atronach. It glided after her throwing fireballs at the bandits on the bridge.

“You’re going to send her to her death!” Delphine cried out as she chased after Lydia. Arrows rained around Lydia and Delphine as they made their way to the tower. Another bandit ran at Lydia. They clashed. The bandit’s dagger hit Lydia’s shield. She pushed back the bandit with the shield making her fall. Delphine finished off the bandit with a swift swing of her sword.

Faendal ran after them drawing back an arrow and firing it at the bandits on the bridge. One fell off the bridge into the river below. Another was thrown off the bridge from a fireball my atronach threw. Lydia and Delphine disappeared into the tower. I could hear the cries and clashing of steel. I watched the scene in alarm. I was frozen, unable to move. Soon the screams and commotion was over.

Faendal appeared on the bridge picking through the bodies of the bandits. Lydia and Delphine were back outside the tower. “Where’s the dragonborn?” Delphine demanded. I forced myself to move from behind the boulder and walk towards them. “Oh, there you are. Hiding?” She asked smugly. I glared at her.

“You want her to stay alive, don’t you? Staying back was the best for her.” Lydia said before I could say my retort.

“And him?” She asked motioning towards the tower that Faendal was still inside. “This seemed like a careless and sudden act to me.” She was the only one of us that still has out her weapon, I realized.

“I did say we could take care of these bandits if we came across them again.” I explained what happened last time we crossed the bandits. Lydia added that the jarl had a contract out for the bandits. Delphine didn’t seem pleased but she tolerated our reasons.

“I doubt Whiterun is going to care about a few bandits right now.” She said.

“We’ll just wait until the battle is over.” Faendal said as he made his way towards us. “Either way, those bandits won’t be taking advantage of travelers anymore.” He looked at me. His pride was replaced with concern. “Are you ok, Rhew?”

“Yes. I’m fine. We have a dragon to kill.” I said quickly nodding. Faendal frowned. He doesn’t believe me. I need to work on not showing my uneasiness on my face, I thought. I was letting what Delphine said get to me and it was showing. Faendal is still Faendal. Nothing has changed. I just know more about him now, I tried to convince myself. I pushed the thoughts out of my head and decided to concentrate on getting to Kynesgrove and killing the dragon.
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
rhew banner.jpg
KYNESGROVE



Miles of jogging left me exhausted but we were finally in Kynesgrove. A woman sprinted to us in fear screaming of dragons. We sprinted up the hill towards the dragon burial site. No time for a rest, I thought irate. The black dragon from Helgen was flying around the burial site. My breath caught in my throat from the sight. “Look at that big bastard!” Delphine exclaimed. The dragon positioned itself over the burial site and began speaking in dragon tongue.

“Slen tiid vo!” It shouted. A force flew to the grave. THe ground began to shake.

“Did you understand what he said?’ Faendal asked me. I shook my head. I had no idea what those words were.

The bones of the dead dragon pushed it’s way out of the grave. “By the gods!” Lydia cried out as we ran further from the grave. The skin of the dragon slowly formed around the bones. It looked like when I absorb the dragon’s souls in reverse. Dragons really are being brought back to life! I thought in horror.

"Alduin, thuri! Boaan tiid vokriiha suleyksejun kruziik?" (Alduin, my lord! The ancient undead rising again?) The freshly brought back dragon asked. Alduin? I recognized that name but from where?

"Geh, Sahloknir, kaali mir." (Yes, Sahloknir, the Allegiance of Champions.) Alduin replied. “You!” he said in surprise watching me. “I thought I killed you thousands of years ago! How are you here at this time?”

“You know me?” I asked the black dragon.

“You may be a bigger foe than I anticipated.” He proclaimed. “Sahloknir, krii daar joorre.” He flew off out of sight. Sahloknir flew into the air and circled around us. He seemed to stumble as he circled.

“He’s weak since he’s just woken up!” Delphine declared, “Kill him!” Faendal and Delphine fired arrows at the dragon. I threw an ice spike at him. It hit his wing.

A deep gruff laugh came from the dragon. “You think ice will harm me?” He challenged. Sahloknir hovered over us. “Fo Krah Diin!” A blast of frost was launched toward us. Delphine yelled for us to move. We ran from the blast. Lydia cried out in pain as the blast hit her leg.

“Fus ro dah!” I shouted at Sahloknir.The force made him stumble and stop the blast. Faendal and Delphine regained their composure and continued firing arrows at it. I ran to Lydia and kneeled next to her. She grimaced in pain. I placed a hand on her leg and started healing her. Her leg felt frozen solid. Soon it warmed and felt normal and her grimace disappeared. “I need a bow.” She said.

“Top priority after we finish this dragon.” I agreed with her. Once her leg felt warm Lydia and I stood up and ran to join Faendal and Delphine. I conjured a flame atronach and started throwing fireballs at the dragon. My fire spells weren’t as strong as my ice spells but they seemed to do the trick. Sahloknir began to falter and fell towards us. I ran as he crashed into the ground in front of us and slid across the field leaving a deep groove in the ground. Lydia took this opportunity to start helping and ran at it’s side stabbing the dragon as it regained its composure.

Sahloknir turned towards the person closest to his head, which was Faendal, and started to shout. “Iiz slen-” I watched in horror. I knew that shout would freeze Faendal but I didn’t know why. I needed to do something fast!

“Fus ro!” I shouted at Faendal. He flew back a few feet and landed on his back. He gasped as the wind was knocked out of him. I’m sorry, Faendal! I thought.

“-Nus!” A breath of ice flew across the field hitting the corpse of a Stormcloak. The corpse was encased in ice. Delphine and Lydia jumped on top of the dragon’s head and struck the finishing blows.

I ran to Faendal and helped him up. “I’m sorry.” I apologized. “I just did the first thing I could think to get you out of the way of the shout quickly.” He was still trying to catch his breath. I was afraid he might be mad at me for shouting at him. “I didn’t want you to become an icicle.”

Faendal chuckled “Was that another shout you knew before?” I did know the shout the dragon used. I knew both of the shouts he used. I didn’t understand how but I began to believe that may have been dragonborn before my amnesia happened.

‘The dragon is dead!” I heard Delphine exclaim. I turned towards them knowing what was going to happen. The dragon started to crackle as if it was on fire. “By the gods! What is happening?” His knowledge and memories rushed into me. I gasped at the rush. It was something I felt I would never get used to. Sahloknir was only bones. “So you really are dragonborn!” She exclaimed.

“Yes.” I said after the rush left my body, “Now who are you and what do the Blades want with me?”

Delphine’s eyebrows raised. “How do you know I’m Blades?” She looked at Faendal.

“She asked. I answered.” He shrugged.

“And I bet you also said you were just a scout.”

“I was just a scout.” Faendal claimed.

“You hunted us like animals!” She exclaimed furious. “Not just the Thalmor but you personally!”

Lydia and I shifted uncomfortably at the confrontation. “Um, can you please tell me why we just went through all of this?” I asked bringing the conversation back to where it should be.

“I am one of last remaining members of the Blades. At one time the Blades were dragonslayers and they followed the dragonborn, the ultimate dragonslayer.” She explained. “We are sworn to guard and protect the dragonborn but there hasn’t been one for a very long time. Until now.” She narrowed her eyes at me. “That black dragon said he tried to kill you thousands of years ago.”

I shuffled uncomfortably. “He did say that but I don’t remember anything. His name, Alduin, sounds familiar to me.” I tried to remember what happened before. “An avalanche?” I questioned.

“Avalanche?” Delphine repeated. “Well, whatever happened, we need to figure out who is behind the dragons returning. I have a hunch it’s the Thalmor.”

“It’s not the Thalmor.” Faendal spoke up exasperated.

“It has to be them.” She rebutted. Faendal threw up his arms in frustration and started to walk away. “Don’t leave my line of sight. I still don’t trust you.” She demanded. He waved a hand showing he heard her. He sat on a boulder that looked over the small town of Kynesgrove.

“So what are we going to do?” I asked returning to the subject again.

“We need to get into the Thalmor Embassy. It’s their center of operations in Skyrim. If there is any information on the dragons returning it will be there.” She explained.

“You want us to get into the Thalmor Embassy?” Lydia asked surprised. “How would that even happen?”

Delphine shook her head. “I have some ideas but nothing solid yet. Maybe even something that will help Faendal gain my trust.” She thought for a moment. “I’m going to head back to Riverwood. I’ll send a letter for you when I’ve come up with an idea. Don’t worry it’ll be in code. You’ll know it’s from me.” She left us at the top of the glade with the dragon bones giving Faendal one last look before continuing down the hill.

“The horn!” I gasped. I had forgotten it in all the confusion of getting to Kynesgrove!

Lydia gave me a huge grin and pulled out the horn from her satchel. “I took it last night when you left the inn.” She said. I threw my arms around her neck and hugged her. She laughed awkwardly.

“You’re a life saver!” I exclaimed when I pulled from her. We started to head down the hill to the tavern. I stopped next to Faendal and kneeled next to him. He was so lost in thought he never noticed me sitting next to him. “Hello.”

He started and looked at me. “Hello.” he smiled.

“We’re going to the inn.” I told him. he nodded and stood up to follow.

“So do you know those shouts the dragon used?” He asked as we made our way down the hill.

“I recognized them. But I’m not sure I can use them.” I said.

“Try it!” Lydia asked excited.

I looked at the two of them and saw they were both interested in me trying the shouts. “Well, ok.” I agreed. “Iis slen nus!” I shouted at a tree. A block of ice covered the trunk of the tree. I stared at it in amazement. “I guess I can.” I muttered.

“That’s amazing!” Lydia exclaimed. “To think I am the housecarl of the dragonborn! I still can’t believe it!” I smiled at Lydia. It seemed like she was finally warming up to me.

“Maybe there are other shouts you know.” Faendal stated.

“Maybe.” I agreed as we headed for the tavern.
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
basilio banner 2.jpg
Basilio: For Whiterun



Basilio was thrown into the heat of the battle in the early morning. The skies around Whiterun rained fire and boulders that were blasted into the city walls. The boulders bounced across the plains of Whiterun leaving divots in the ground. The fire catapulted by the Stormcloaks exploded when it hit the ground and walls. The boulders and fire took out Imperials and Stormcloaks indiscriminately in the chaos of the battle. Men and women cried out in pain and fear when the explosions hit them. Arrows rained from the city walls as the Imperials protected her from the Stormcloaks.

Basilio galloped around the battlefield healing anyone who was injured and was still moving. At this point it didn’t matter to him if that soldier was an Imperial or a Stormcloak. He healed everyone. The battle had been going on for hours. A boulder slammed into the ground in front of his horse. Debris sprayed in every direction. Basilio’s horse bucked in fear. He somehow managed to stay on the horse. Basilio looked around the field at the damage that had happened. The Imperials were keeping the Stormcloaks out of the city but they weren’t giving up easily. He saw a Stormcloak in a brown uniform running towards an injured Imperial. His mace raised above his head ready to strike down the Imperial.

Basilio kicked the horse and galloped towards the Stormcloak. He unsheathed his sword and caught the mace before it could strike down the soldier. The Stormcloak glared at Basilio. “Why don’t you get off that horse and fight me like a real man!” He demanded.

“Real men attack injured soldiers!?” Basilio bellowed. Basilio steadied the horse as she danced around uneasy at the chaos. He sent a quick healing spell at the Imperial who took off running.

“If you don’t get off that horse I will force you to!” The Stormcloak threatened. Basilio ignored the Stormcloak and began to ride of in search for more injured soldiers. The Stormcloaks were starting to retreat. He didn’t need to be bothered with one Stormcloak. “Fus Ro Dah!” Basilio was thrown off his horse. He flew through the air over the heads of other soldiers. Another Dragonborn? He thought before hitting the ground.

His bad leg screamed in pain. “Dammit! This is bad!” Basilio tried to push himself up but his leg would not cooperate and the Stormcloak was charging at him. This would have been a good time to know some other magic besides restoration, he thought. My sword? It had been thrown out of his hand during the blast. Basilio was defenseless. He watched the mace start to swing toward his head.

“Basilio!” He heard someone call out his name and run in front of him. A sword clashed with the mace stopping it inches from his head. It was Legate Rikke Basilio realized once he was able to concentrate. She glared at the Stormcloak who refused to let up. “Get out of here, Soldin! The Stormcloaks are retreating.” She told him.

Soldin glared back at Rikke. He finally moved his mace from the sword. “For now. We’ll be back.” He started to walk off but stopped and turned back to them as if realizing something. “Your name is Basilio?” He asked.

“Yeah. What’s it to you?” Basilio said.

Soldin’s face twisted into a mischievous smile. “I’ll have to tell a certain elf you said hello.” He began to laugh.

“You know Rhew!? Where is she! I swear to Mara if you’ve hurt her!” Basilio started. Soldin only continued to laugh.

“Get out of here, Soldin!” Legate Rikke repeated.

“I’ll tell Ulfric you said hello as well, Rikke.” Soldin walked off laughing even more.

Legate Rikke helped Basilo to his feet. His horse was long gone but he was determined to not let his leg get the best of him. Basilio pulled away from Rikke’s grip and started after the Stormcloak. “Basilio! What are you doing?” Rikke called after him.

He ignored her. “Hey! You! Stormcloak!” He yelled at Soldin. Soldin turned to look at him. An amused look was on his face. “Where is Rhew? How do you know her?” Basilio demanded.

“She must have listened to me or I’m sure you Imperials would have forced her on the front line as some political move.” Soldin started. “She’s smart by not staying around.”

Legate Rikke looked at him in curiosity. “You’re the one that warned her of the battle? Why would you do that?”

“I saw her a week ago. She seemed fine when she passed through Windhelm. Her arm was injured but nothing that her lover couldn’t take care of.” Soldin said ignoring Rikke.

“Lover!?” Basilio’s blood began to boil. He balled his hands into fists. His arms began to shake.

Soldin roared in laughter. “This is priceless! The dragonborn is in a love triangle and doesn’t even know it!” Basilio roared and jumped at Soldin punching him in the face. They landed on the ground and rolled around. Soldin ended up on top and pulled Basilio up by his tunic and slammed him into the ground. Basilio’s head hit the ground so hard his vision went black for a moment. Basilio tried to pry Soldin’s hands from him but Soldin was much larger and stronger than Basilio was. He was slammed into the ground a second time. Basilio gasped from the pain.

“Soldin, let him go!” Legate RIkke demanded as she ripped Soldin off of Basilio.

He took a few steps away from Basilio breathing heavily. “What are you doing attacking me!? I’m not the one she’s been under!” Basilio pushed himself onto his elbows and glared at Soldin. “What is it with the men Rhew chooses? They seem to like punching people in the face unprovoked.”

“Soldin, get out of here before I decide to take you prisoner!” Legate Rikke repeated.

“I’d like to see you try that again.” He said with a wink and took off running after the other Stormcloaks.

Legate Rikke helped Basilio up. “Are you alright?” She asked him.

“I’m fine.” He claimed bluntly. He pulled from her grip and limped back to the Imperial camp. Basilio ignored the cheers from the other Imperials of their win. He disappeared into his tent. This was not a win to him.
 

A.Auditore

maybe...
and more? >_> swear you and kitty always stop right in the middle of these things :mad: flips desk
 

Rhew

The missing snow elf
and more? >_> swear you and kitty always stop right in the middle of these things :mad: flips desk
hahaha! I'm working on the next chapter now :) Besides that's how a trap you. Stopping in the middle so you have to come back. It's like 1001 arabian nights. *evil laughter* ;)
 
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A.Auditore

maybe...
Evil%20Otter.jpg
 

T. Rakinson

A Brute among Beasts
Nice scene! It's nice to see Dragonborns as enemies for a change.
 

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