The snows were beginning to blow hard this high up and she walked blindly towards an old watch tower that overlooked Riverwood. As she neared it a figure separated from a tree nearby a bridge. He said, “Well, well what do we have here, hey we have a visitor. “
Several others both men and women appeared. One of them said, “She’s unarmed and look at the fancy armor she has. I want that, let’s get her.” She began to walk down a path that wound its way under the bridge. They began to follow her drawing their weapons. She simply raised her fingers and made some signs in the air, and they were all knocked out cold by a strong cold wind that almost froze them in place on the spot.
She hadn’t even thought about it, she felt violated inside like somehow she was caught up in someone else’s story, someone else’s life. She soon found herself wondering through the woods, past the cabin where she remembered Hadvar had told her Anise lived, the witch he called her but also an Alchemist. She continued to walk her way down and around past the cabin and saw the lake spreading out further down. She looked up and saw what looked like a tower and an old, ruined town.
She thought, maybe I should take some shelter there. I wonder what this place is, it seems to be empty. She walked inside and found nothing but old books resting in their shelves still. An old bed, and some wood for a fire. She picked it up and set them up in the now empty ring. She sat down and her eyes scanned the books on the shelves. She saw one titled, “The Trails of Saint Alessia.” She thought Sven had mentioned her during their conversations. Maybe I should read about her. “
Back in Riverwood, Fanedal came running into Alvor and Sigrids house. “You better come Hadvar, I saw her out by the bridge, she stayed there for a while just holding onto the rail, then she bowed her head. I thought I heard her crying. I was on my way to go hunting for a while. She went silent then walked across the bridge and up towards the old Watchtower where the bandits are. We need to find her, she didn’t look good Hadvar, I am worried for her.”
Sigrid turned towards Alvor, “Get your Battleaxe and go with Fanedal and Hadvar. You need to find her. We should have sent someone to check on her earlier. What’s wrong with us!” Alvor went and grabbed a double-edged battle axe from a mount on the wall, he said, “If she’s gone up there, we’ll need some warm clothes. Do you have something I can give her if we find her to keep her warm until we get her back here?” Gerdur said, “ I have something, let me run to the house and get it. “
Gerdur met the men out by the bridge. Fanedal was checking the signs and told them, “She went up there for sure towards the tower. Let’s go then.” They all had packs with them too with supplies not knowing where she had gone or how far she had gone from Riverwood. When they got near the tower Fanedal said, “ Look at that!”
Fanedal then asked, “ You see them? Those are bandits but their all frozen in place. You think she did that?” The snows had becoming a blinding blizzard. Hadvar said, we’ll never find her in this. Let’s get these people carried inside and get a fire going. We can tie them up and send for the Whiterun guard to get them. They set up one area with a fire to thaw out the bandits who they had tied up. There was a living quarter further up in the tower.
Alvor said, “ I’ll stay here and keep watch on this bunch. You both go on up and take up residence up there until this storm blows past us.” Morning came and some of the bandits had thawed out and said, “Hey you, who was that girl anyway?” Alvor said, “Why do you ask?” One of the bandits said, “She just walked past us as if she didn’t even know we were there. Then when one of us called out to the others to get her so she could take her armor from her, she just flicked her fingers, none us could move, the next thing I know we wake up tied up here.”
Alvor asked, “Did you see which way she went?” “Down under the bridge. Not up towards the barrow.” Fanedal and Hadvar came down from upstairs. Alvor said, “Come on, we can leave them here and once we find her send word to the Whiterun guard to gather them up. This one said she was heading down into the deep woods that lead past the cabin where Anise lives. Maybe she saw her, with all this snow it may be hard to find her trace. “
The night before she pulled the book from the shelf and began to read it. As she began she read, “Akatosh made a covenant with Alessia in those days so long ago. He gathered the tangles skeins of Oblivion and knit them fast with the bloody sinews of his Heart, and gave them to Alessia saying, ‘This shall be my token to you, that so long as your blood and oath hold true, yet so shall my blood and token be true to you. This token shall be the Amulet of Kings, and the Covenant shall be made between us, for I am the King of Spirits, and you are the Queen of Mortals. As you shall stand witness for all Mortal Flesh, so shall I stand witness for all Immortal Spirits.’
She paused thinking about the ballad and then unrolled it and scanned its text until she found these words.
“It Is Of The Elder Blood, spoken before the First World of Dawn.”
Your blood is not of this world, but a legacy etched in time,
A covenant between the mortal and the divine,
The Elder Blood remembers what the scrolls cannot tell,
That love is not a choice, but a call that heals and kills.
She thought to herself, “No that can’t be, but they speak of the same thing.” Let me continue reading, “And Akatosh drew from his breast a burning handful of his Heart’s blood, and he gave it into Alessia’s hand, saying, ‘This shall also be a token to you of our joined blood and pledged faith. So long as you and your descendants shall wear the Amulet of Kings, then shall the Dragonfires burn, an eternal flame, as a sign to all men and gods of our faithfulness.”
She thought about those words, “So long as the Dragonfires burn, to you, and to all generations, I swear that my Heart’s blood shall hold fast the Gates of Oblivion. “ She thought again about the ballad, what was it, yes here it is,
“Not all has been told, from resilience and love is the little fire born.”
This fire is not a roar, but a whisper in your chest,
A spark that turns to flame when love’s truth is confessed.
It was born before the first word of The First Elder Scroll Exist,
A secret kept in the marrow of the old, you must be bold to learn who you are.
She thought to herself, “They were in love with each other. This was not just a bond of faith but a flame when love’s truth is confessed as it states in the ballad. “ She read on in the book, “So long as the Blood of the Dragon runs strong in her, the glory of the Empire shall extend in unbroken years. But should the Dragonfires fail and should no heir of our joined blood wear the Amulet of Kings, then shall the Empire descend into darkness, and the Demon Lords of Misrule shall govern the land.’” She let her fingers glide across the shelf and came across another book titled, “The Amulet of Kings.”
She pulled this one, then stood up and thought, “ I sense I need to move again. I don’t want them to find me yet. This blizzard should cover my trace well. “ She went by pure instinct then and after an hour she found an old, sheltered campsite. There near the lake, there was a small boat there, a fire already lit by someone or something with a warm pot of stew bubbling in the pot. There she found a lean to that was full of bedding and warm blankets. She also saw a two-person tent tucked away under the trees nearby.
The mountains ran impossibly high behind her but kept the worst of the storm away from this site. She sat down in on a stump near the fire. Grabbed a bowl nearby and dipped some of the hot stew in the bowl. She sat down on a tree stump and began to eat. Once she was done she took up a seat in the sheltered lean to. Covered herself with the fur blankets then began to read the books she brought with her.
It read, “In the first years of the First Era, a powerful race of Elves called the Ayleids, or the Heartland High Elves, ruled central Tamriel with an iron hand. The high and haughty Ayleids relied on the patrons, the treacherous Daedra Lords, to provide armies of Daedra with dead spirits; with these fearless magical armies, the Ayleids preyed without mercy upon the young races of men, slaughtering or enslaving them at their whim.
On behalf of the suffering human races, Saint Alessia, the first in the line of Cyrodiil, sought the aid of Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time, and the ruler of the noble Aedra. Akatosh, looking with pity upon the plight of men, drew precious blood from his own heart, and blessed Saint Alessia with this blood of Dragons. Made a Covenant that so long as Alessia’s generations where true to the Dragon Blood, Akatosh would endeavor to seal tight the Gates of Oblivion, and to deny the armies of Daedra and undead to their enemies, the Daedra-loving Ayleids.
In token of this Covenant, Akatosh gave to Alessia and her descendants the Amulet of Kings. The gem is the Red Diamond in the middle of the Amulet. This is the Symbol of the Empire and later taken as the symbol of the Septim line. It is surrounded by eight other gems, one for each of the divines.”
She wondered then, I wonder what happened to the Amulet of Kings? I have no such thing so how could I be related to that” She continued to read, “So long as the empire shall maintain its worship of Akatosh and his kin, and so long as Alessia’s heirs shall bear the Amulet of Kings, Akatosh and his divine kin maintain a strong barrier between Tamriel and Oblivion, so that mortal man need never again fear the devastating summoned hosts of the Daedra Lords.
But if the Empire should slacken in its dedication to the Divines, or if the blood of Alessia’s heirs should fail, then shall the barrier between Tamriel and the Daedra realms fall, and Deadra-worshippers might summon lesser Daedra and undead spirits to trouble the races of men.”
She closed the book then and thought, “I need to rest before morning so I can leave again before they catch up to me. I sense I am on to something. This whole story about Saint Alessia, Akatosh, the Covenant, the Amulet of Kings, and her line. But that can’t possibly be!”
The next morning the fire was cracking bright again and she woke to see a young girl dressed in warm fur clothing like a huntress with bow and arrow and a dagger or long knife tied to her calf sitting there cooking eggs and meat.
She said, “Good morning you care to share some breakfast? There’s enough for both of us.” The Breton girl sat up in the lean to and the huntress said, “By the way my name is Rosenlyn. You are…” She said, “Everyone just calls me the Breton girl! I don’t know who I am. I am trying to figure that out. Long story. Let just say I took a nasty bump on the back of my head and now I can’t remember anything, not who I am, where I am from, who my parents were, nothing!”
Rosenlyn handed her a plate for eggs and meat and then poured her a hot cup of herbal tea. “Well she who remember nothing, That’s some heavy reading there you were reviewing last night. Oh yes, I watched you from a distance until I saw you lie down and fall asleep. I quietly came in and went to sleep in the tent over there.” Rosenlyn said, you know your of Breton heritage. You have the eyes and the ears to prove that out. If you know some magic that will pretty much seal the deal.”
She smiled and said, “Yeah some others I met in Riverwood said the same thing. Is this your campsite?” “Actually, it belonged to my grandmother. She lives in Cyrodiil, in Bravil. She has an inn down there that she runs. This used to be her camp a long time ago. “
“She used to tell me stories about Skyrim, about this campsite and how her and another saved an injured girl that the Thalmor were after. They became close friends and were separated for a long time but discovered each other again later in Bravil. The girl became pregnant and came to Bravil to ask Mara to bless her child. The Temple of Mara is headquartered in Bravil in Cyrodiil you know.”
“What was your grandmother’s name? It was Royze, it means flower. I was named after her. You know there are some men up yonder that appear to be hunting for you. What do you want me to tell them?” She replied to Rosenlyn, “They are nice people so don’t go shooting those arrows of yours into them. Let them know I was here but left already.” “Where are you going from here?” “I am not sure, any suggestions?”
There’s another town called Falkreath if you keep heading around the lake, past the mill. When you get there see if anyone has a copy of “The Scripture of Saint Martin, Volume One and Two. If your reading about Akatosh, Alessia, the Covenant, and the Amulet of Kings, you’ll want to read those too.”
By the way, I hope you find what you’re looking for. “Thank you Rosenlyn, I don’t think I’ll ever forget the kindness you show me.” She came over and hugged her then said, “ I have to go now, maybe we’ll see each other again.”
With that she headed off and Rosenlyn said, “Be careful when you get near the old sunken fort out in the lake. Sometimes there are some old skeletons that guard the place and you can find some imps hanging around there too.” The girl nodded then disappeared. Rosenlyn looked where she went and noticed, “That’s strange she didn’t leave a single footprint in the snow, as if she never was.”
The Breton made her way up from the old sunken fort then back inland and across to the old mill. She didn’t stop there but continued on until she saw another town nestled deep in the old forest of this hold. When she got into town she saw an inn and went in. She asked the innkeeper for a hot meal and some hot herbal tea. She asked her also if she knew where she could find the books on Saint Martin. The Innkeeper told her to take up a seat back in the corner where the bookshelves were.
She said, “You’ll find a copy of those there. Oh and by the way. That well-dressed man back there. He is a scholar from Cyrodiil. They say he knows a lot about all kinds of things. His name is Julian Valerius. I am sure he would love to talk to you about all that stuff. I enjoy speaking with him about stuff like that when I have the time.”
She said, “Okay, thank you.” The Innkeeper said, I’ll bring you your food and tea to you over there.” She took an empty seat and looked through the shelves and found the books on Saint Martin and place them on table. The innkeeper brought over the food and tea and said, “Here you go. Oh, I see your found the books.” She open the first one then Julian introduced himself.
“Hello, I hope you don’t mind, my name Is Julian and it’s not often I see someone taking an interest in books like those.” I know a lot about all of that and studied in the great libraries in the Imperial City in Cyrodiil. You are…” She took a bit of soup then sipped her tea. “ I apologize but I was camping out in that blizzard last night, so I was bit hungry and cold. I don’t actually know who I am. I took a big bump on the back of head and haven’t been able to remember anything since then.”
Julian said to her, “I have read of such a condition before they call it amnesia I believe. Most times it goes away in time. Sometimes it takes a trigger too bring the memories back.” “You mean like a journey of discovery?” Julian replied, “ I am not sure that is what most people do but is that what you’re doing?” She looked at him then and said, “Okay Julian I need some insight and you seem to be pretty smart. Let’s trust you a bit. Maybe you can help me and learn something you may not know about yet. “
Julian said, “Okay, by the way that armor your wearing is a style not seen since the first era. It is of the royal houses of that time.” The Breton asked, “I take it you learned that as well in the Imperial City?” Julian replied, “Well, yes I used to spend all my days reviewing volumes of books, some had drawings and ink pictures in them as well.”
Then she asked Julian, “If I read you something can you tell me based on what you know of Akatosh, Saint Alessia, The Amulet of Kings and Saint Martin if any of it fits into those stories?” Julian replied, “ I will try.” She pulled out a scroll then and said to him, don’t try to touch the scroll it will make you regret it.” Your Breton right, are you a mage too?” “I’ve been told I am Breton; I am certainly not a trained mage but seem to have some instinct around it.”
As she unrolled the scroll sparks flew along its edges. Julian said, “Oh my where did you get that. I ‘ve never seen a scroll to that!” She smiled and said, “ I made it!” “You what?” She replied, “Long story Julian and I have limited time here so let’s focus on this ballad stuff. Let me read you something from it, then you tell me what you think.”
Let start with this:
“It Is Of The Elder Blood, spoken before the First World of Dawn.”
Your blood is not of this world, but a legacy etched in time,
A covenant between the mortal and the divine,
The Elder Blood remembers what the scrolls cannot tell,
That love is not a choice, but a call that heals and kills.
Julian didn’t take long before he began committing. “Elder Blood, and its referring to the Dawn Era. This refers to your blood line being one of legacy etched in time, that means old blood lines like those of Saint Alessia. And then it explicitly mentions a Covenant between mortals and the divines.”
She said quietly, “Are you sure?” “Yes, of course I am certain. Where did you say this came from and you said you wrote it? “No, I did not say that. I said that I made it. The ballad was written by my mother. “ “Well, where is she?” “ I have no clue, it was just a voice talking in my head “ Julian said, “Really was this some type of Divine intervention!”
Julian then excited said, “Well, there is only one time that happened in the past, The Covenant between Akatosh and Saint Alessia which produced the Amulet of Kings. And this part about the Elder Blood remembers what the scrolls cannot tell. That is a direct refence to The Elder Scrolls, they were created as our world came into existence. The end though is odd, love is not a choice but a call that heals and kills. That seems like a warning to you.”
“But I can’t be related to that blood line, I mean that was a long, long, time ago.” Julian replied, “I know but there must be a lot more you’re not saying about your story!” “What if you are some kind of incarnation of the line.” “What, how would that happen?”
Julian paused, then said, “I don’t know but anything else happen to you before all of this?” She raised her voice then without meaning to, “ You mean like people wanting to chop off my head and a big black dragon landing who left Helgen a burning pile of ash. You mean something like that!” Every head in the inn was turned her way then.
Julian said, “A dragon destroyed Helgen, really?” She was standing now, and she said, “Yes, he told me he did it because of me, to show me how helpless I was against him.” Julian said, “He spoke to you? But I thought dragons used some old language only they know.” “Well apparently I know it too.!” I have to go; I have already stirred up a hornets nest here.”
She looked at Julian and said, “Look! I thank you, but I have to go there are others looking for me. Not bad people but I have to find out more.” She turned and began to walk across the inn. An old man sitting at a table reached out and gently grabbed her forearm, “Helgen destroyed, by a dragon! That really happened?” She replied, “Yes, it did. I apologize but I have to go now. She was almost in tears.” She left the inn. The old man said, “Someone go and tell the Jarl what happened, they may not know yet.”
The Innkeeper said, “She disappeared out the door. Someone check to see of you can tell where she went to!” Julian got up to follow but when he stepped outside she had just vanished if not even there.” Some of the Jarl’s men came to the Inn with the Steward, Nenya, who turned out was also a High Elf. One of the guards asked, “Where is this girl does anyone know?”
Nenya, who was soft spoken said, “The Jarl wants to talk to her.” Julian said, “She disappeared! “ “What, come on Julian you’re a scholar. People don’t just disappear.” “ I don’t think she was just any people.” “You talked to her then?” “Yes, we were talking about Akatosh, Saint Alessia, The Amulet of Kings, Edler Blood and the Dawn Era when she got upset and started yelling at me about almost having her head chopped off.”
Nenya asked, “Who would want to do that to her, was she a criminal or something?” Julian and others said, “No, not her!” An old Nord stood up, well dressed, Nenya said, “Dengier of Stuhn, did you see her, speak with her?” Dengier was the former Jarl of Falkreath. Dengier said when she was running by. I reached out and grabbed her forearm. “She stopped and looked at me. There was something about her. You could feel it in the air around you when she was near you.”
Nenya asked, “You spoke with her too!” “Only briefly, but in those brief moments I could sense it, she is of royal blood I think! However, I felt something different when I reached out to touch her, to ask about what we all had just heard her say to Julian. It was something old, like out of the old Nordic Pantheon legends.”
The innkeeper, Valga Vinica said to Nenya, “She asked if we had the books called “The Scripture of Saint Martin, Volume One and Two.” Nenya asked, “Why would she want to see those books?” Julian said, because she carries with her a strange scroll. Something old, made from the fragments of the old bones of Nirn. We were reviewing something written in it. It was part of a long ballad that she told me was given to her by her mother.”
Nenya asked, “Who, is her mother, then? Do we know?” Julian said, “No, she didn’t even know who she was. She told me after they escaped the destruction of Helgen that she fell to the ground, she was with someone else she said.
She said she made the scroll from the bones of Nirn, that the Elder Blood wrote the scroll. She warned me it was dangerous for anyone other than herself to touch it.” Nenya asked then, “Was it an Elder Scroll?” Julian said, “No! Something older according to what she told me of it.” Nenya said, “Thank you all, we may have more questions for you after we speak with the Jarl.”
Nenya then said, “One of you, get a couple of men up here and place guards outside this place.” Protect these good citizens of Falkreath, and if she returns, please protect her and bring her to the Jarl’s house.”
One of the guards said, “Of course Steward, by your order!” He ran off to get some trusted guards. As they headed for the Jarls hall, many people were gathered around, Nenya stopped then, “Did anyone see which way that girl went? She was dressed in fancy armor. Auburn colored hair and bright green eyes with ruddy colored cheeks.”
A town beggar, a lady who had fallen on hard times said, “She hadn’t noticed me, but I sure noticed her. She moved with another worldly speed. She just vanished briefly right before my eyes but then I saw her reappear briefly by the gate near the mill.” Nenya said, “Thank you, here buy yourself a couple of meals and a bath from Valga. Let her know I said it was okay.” She nodded then Nenya, Julian, and some of the Jarl’s guards headed for his hall.”
The Breton girl left Falkreath and headed deep into the forested area. She headed back towards Half-Moon Mill which was situated across the lake from where the camp was where she had met Rosenlyn. Once she was past the mill, she headed towards Rorikstead, a small farming community that had an Inn. She had asked some random merchants that were traveling between places with their goods. They told her there was an Inn there called the Frostfruit Inn. Nice quiet place but they also said the countryside around the city is dangerous.
This was open country here, she could see for miles unending. Old Nordic ruins, graveyards, old battlefields, rocky plateaus dotted the land. She felt free here, free from the words of the ballad, free from feeling the need to always be attentive to other people’s needs.
Meanwhile, Fanedal, Alvor, and Hadvar had found the old run-down tower that led up to an old mostly burnt-out village above near Anise’s cabin. Fanedal said she had been here but not long. Then Hadvar found the book on the table still opened and he carefully picked it up and whistled a moment. “She’s trying to figure it out, the ballad on her own. Look at what she was reading, Alvor in particular said, “She on the trail isn’t she. I mean if she’s reading this, “The Trails Of Saint Alessia” she’s trying to put the puzzle together.”
Come on were wasting our time. She’s way ahead of us by now. Fanedal can you find any other trace of where she went from there. Fanedal went scouting around the place. He saw Anise sitting out on a chair in front of her old cabin. She waved him over to her. She said, if you’re looking for that young lady, she headed that way. There’s an old camp down that way. She likely put up there for the night.”
Fanedal thanked her but then she said, “There’s a hunter there, all the way up from Cyrodiil. I knew her grandmother and she buys stuff from me once in a while. Her name is Rosenlyn. She might know something but be kind to her. Her grandmother has some powerful friends back in Cyrodiil.” Fanedal asked, “What part does her grandmother hail from?” “ I hear she has an inn in Bravil, The Gold Coast area.”
Fanedal said, “That’s a beautiful area down there. Bravil isn’t the richest town but lots of good-hearted people there.” Anise said, “You must have grown up in Valenwood then. “ Fanedal replied, “Thanks and here take these for your help and he dropped some gold and silver coins in her lap.
He went back to Alvor and Hadvar and the three of them walked off towards the lake to work their way around to this camp to see if they could find this Rosenlyn and ask her if she had passed by her camp.
As they neared the camp they saw the hunter. Fanedal noticed right away. She was pretty young, but her muscles were well toned, and she carried an unusual bow strapped to her back. They noticed she was standing over the pot cooking up something. She watched them enter the camp. “Well, let’s see an Imperial Officer, a Blacksmith, and a Wood Elf all traveling together.”
She giggled, then said, “ Now that’s something you don’t see in these parts too much!” Hadvar asked politely, “Have you seen a young Breton lady come past your camp?” She smiled, then replied, “You must be Hadvar, she said don’t mis judge the Imperial, he’s not like the rest of them. Has a big heart. You know she has some special feelings for you!” Alvor said, “So, she was here?” “ She said, “Why don’t you take a seat gentleman, we can share some of this fine stew here I am cooking and talk about your friend a bit.”
Fanedal said, “We appreciate the invitation, but we’re all worried about her and need to see if we can catch up to her.” The huntress said, “That’s not going to happen! Your friend there has something special about her.” Hadvar asked, “What do you mean by that?” “Well, there’s not too many people I’ve ever met that can walk away from a campsite after a blizzard had just blown through the night before and leave not a single trace that she was ever here. I would call that special, wouldn’t you?”
Then she said, “Come on, if you pass this meal up, you’ll regret it later when you searching takes you in circles because you have no clue on where to go next.” Fanedal asked, “And you do?” “I might. Grab some bowls boys and a spoon so I can serve this and we can sit and talk about her a bit.” They all sat down on the trunks that were scattered around the campsite. They noticed the Lean To, and the two-person tent off in the trees.”
She began the conversation in earnest, “She stayed the night here. She had some serious reading to do. I watched her for a long time from out there. Once I saw her close the book and lay down in the lean-to. I came in and made sure she was tucked in proper. She had that book with her, and I knew once I saw her that she is marked, much like a friend of my grandmother Royze back in Cyrodiil.”
Alvor asked, “What do you mean marked?” She replied to Alvor, “The divines have taken a special interest in her. I mean, how many people do you know that read books like “Saint Alessia’s Trials and The Amulet of Kings?” They all looked at each other and then she really threw a curve at them.
Oh, by the way Alvor, “I know all about you and your family dedication to a certain Empress. What was her name, Oh yeah, Saint Alessia wasn’t it? You must be still keeping guard over her stuff as that Breton girl was wearing her armor.”
Alvor exclaimed, “How do you know that? No one is supposed to know except..” “Except for those who are related to her blood line and have the special attention of the divines as well, am I right!” Anyone want seconds, I need to tell you a short story, not all of it mind you. But enough so you understand I know what I am speaking about.”
Hadvar said, “I’ll take some seconds, that was really good.” “Glad you liked it; it’s a special recipe my grandmother invented back when this was her campsite. Who was your grandmother, her name is Royze. She is still alive you know!”
She poured all of them some more stew, unwrapped some warm twisted bread she had and gave a piece to each of them. Then she began to tell a story, “ Long ago, my grandmother saved a young girl from Cyrodiil. She had been injured pretty severely by the Thalmor.”
Fanedal asked, “Why were they after her, well they gave her some special care when she was just a young girl. Killed her father, you might have heard of him, Ragnar his name was. You know he was related in blood to Titus Meade the First. There was an old ambassador that saved her life. “
The huntress paused then said, “She had been beaten with whips to an inch of her life. I saw the scars just like those your friend had. She couldn’t hide them when she bent over to help me clean up. The sunlight sparkled down her shoulder and back enough for me to take notice.”
She had their attention now and said, “Anyway, it’s a long story but that girl grew up and then by chance she was taken away by that ambassador and hidden until she was of age. She went back there to where the Thalmor had tortured her and killed every last one of them that was there at the time.”
She paused then continued, “Fierce fighter that one was. Had a temper that would flare up quick and light up the nighttime.” Alvor, Hadvar, and Fanedal all looked at each other. “Yeah, I thought so. Anyway my grandmother was able to get some help from a really nice man; he was related to the Septim blood line you know! They found out much later.”
Those two fell in love over time and then had a daughter. He and my grandmother became really close friends. Still are but those two eventually retired, gave up everything except their titles, couldn’t really do much about that and live somewhere down near Anvil I hear.”
“Your friend, she’s on a quest much like this other girl was. The divines absolutely touch her.” She paused briefly, took a few bites then said, “ She told me a bit about that scroll and the ballad her mother gave to her. You already know the connection Alvor or she wouldn’t be wearing her mother’s armor would she?” She looked straight at Alvor then and said, “You know she’s going to need the other things as well at some point.”
Both Hadvar and Fanedal looked at Alvor and said, “When were you going to tell us all of that! And just who’s armor is she wearing anyway?” Alvor said, “ I can’t tell you right now. My family has been the keeper and protectors of something made for someone that would someday come. I was waiting for her to discover who she is. We promised her mother we would not reveal any of that until she came and asked directly. “
Rosenlyn then spoke, “Your friend was looking for a copy of “Saint Martins’ Trials Volume 1 and 2. I told her she might want to stop in Falkreath. That the Innkeeper there had a special collection of books in her inn. Oh, before you leave, there’s a scholar from Cyrodiil in Falkreath, his name is Julian Valerius. You might want to see what he knows. If she did go there, I am sure those two would have met up. “
The huntress then said, “Can I say something? This young lady’s story appears to be mirroring that of the one my grandmother knew. If that is so, she is bound by some special destiny. She doesn’t appear to be too excited by that. She just wants to be normal, to fall in love, get married, and live out her life loving her husband and their children.” She’s going to need some help, I hope you gentleman are committed to that.”
Fanedal finally asked, “That bow, those arrows, those are from the royal treasuries of Valenwood. How did you come by them?” She answered him, “ My grandmother was also a healer, dedicated to Mara. She was in Valenwood visiting with the Queen then with her two friends I told you about. The Queen had been poisoned and so was quite ill. My mother stayed with her for a month along with her two friends and their daughter. When the Queen got better she gifted it to my Grandmother who gave it to me when I came of age.”
Fanedal said, “Your grandmother’s friends must have been someone of special importance if they were spending their days visiting with Queens and Kings.” She laughed, “Yeah, you could say they had a bit of influence on clearing the way for that young lady your looking for.”
She drank some tea then said, “Falkreath should be your next stop. Tell the innkeeper and Julian if he’s still there that your friends with me. That will gain you some trust. One more thing, don’t give up on her, she will need you more than you need her. So Please ‘ don’t stop showing her the dedication you already are.”
“There’s a boat tied to the shore. You can use that to speed up your trip. Take it to the mill across the way and let them know I need it retuned. I’ll pay them for their time once they bring it back. She stood up and bowed very gracefully to each of them and then said, I have a mountain to climb before dark. There’s a temple at the top dedicated to Azura. I am hoping she might let me in on a few secrets concerning our mutual friend.”
“Rosenlyn, thank you very much. You’ve been a great help, and your cooking is particularly good,” said Alvor. She came over and gave each of them a hug, then said, “Well I have a long way up the mountain and Frost Trolls keep wanting to take up residence up there.” Hadvar asked, “There’s really a temple to Azura up there?”
Rosenlyn replied, “Yeah, its’ been there since my grandmother’s time. If we meet up again someday maybe I can tell you more of that tale. I am sure your friend would like to hear it.” They got in the boat and began to row across the lake to where there was a dock set for smaller boats near the mill. They got out, found someone working the mill and told them about the boat and Rosenlyn. They said they would be happy to get it back to her. Fanedal said, “Come on, let’s try and get to Falkreath before it gets dark.”