Arriving in Rorikstead she, referred to as the Breton girl, settled into a casual life of staying at the Inn in the evenings and going out exploring a bit during the day. She had learned that the area around the town was dangerous, there were various bandit hideouts, caves with who knew what in them, and then the Foresworn from the Reach had begun to migrate closer to the town.
She would borrow a book, sit outside, and read during the day. She was reading everything she could find that directly or indirectly referenced the Oblivion Crisis, Cyrodiil, The Ayleids and Dwemer, and any other related books. She refused to touch or open the scroll for the time being.
Her friends from Riverwood; Alvor, Hadvar, and Fanedal arrived in Falkreath. Hadvar was getting some not so friendly looks and Alvor said, “The smith here is a friend of mine. Let’s trade in that uniform of yours and get some different gear. We may find ourselves in areas where it could increase the danger to all of us. Is that okay, Hadvar!”
Hadvar said, “Yeah, that makes sense. Let go there first.” They headed for the Blacksmith’s place and Alvor took the lead. “Hey Lod, it’s been a long time hasn’t it?” “Alvor, how the heck are you doing and what brings you here?” Alvor said, that’s a story we’d have to have over cold ales.” “What can I do for you then?” “I need to sell you my nephews Imperial Uniform for some less stand-out but well-made armor. Maybe get a different sword or axe too. “
They made the trades and Alvor added in a little more coin for the nice chain mail, new steel sword, and shield. Alvor said, “Lod, thanks! By the way, has there been any trouble coming through lately? “ You mean like a young lady, smarter than anyone has a right to be and the ability to vanish. That type of trouble?”
Alvor said, “Exactly that type of trouble.” Lod said, you need to talk to Nenya, the Jarl’s steward. He may want to chat with you too. Also, Mr. Smarty pants from Cyrodiil. He spent some time with her.” Alvor replied, “Thanks, we’ll stop by the Jarl’s Hall first. Then we’ll go the inn. We heard he might be taking up residence there.!” Lod looked at him then said, “Consider where Riverwood is, I take it you know about Helgen?”
Hadvar replied this time, “Yeah we know about it, she and I are the only two survivors that we know of from that!” Lod looked a long time at Hadvar then, “Lots of respect to you and that girl if that’s the case. I went up there with a group of volunteers to see what happened. What a mess. I don’t know how you got out of there, but the divines must be watching over you.” Alvor replied, “Not Hadvar, her, the girl.!” Lod said, no surprise there. Hey you better get over to the Jarl’s house and speak with them. I hear Julian stays up late reading in those books. He can wait!”
They left and walked to the Jarl’s house, the guards there said, “What’s your business with the Jarl?” Alvor said, “The girl that was here!” One of the guards opened the door and said, you better go on in. They have a lot of questions about her?” Hadvar replied, “Yeah, so does she!” Then they walked in leaving two guards wondering what the heck that was supposed to mean.”
They walked in and the Jarl was discussion something with the Steward, his House Carl, and maybe that scholar, Julian. They looked up as one and saw the three of them standing there. “The Jarl said, Alvor right, from Riverwood?” The Jarl then asked, “So what brings you, your nephew, and a wood elf from Valenwood to Falkreath?” Alvor said, “likely the same thing you’re talking about, the girl.” Nenya said, “You know her?” Alvor said, “May we approach. My nephew and her were maybe the only two that escaped Helgen alive!” The Jarl said, “What, you were both there?”
Hadvar said, “We were but we need to find out what happened here before we talk about that! We’ve been trailing her for almost five days. From Riverwood to Anise’s place to the old tower up near there, to a campsite that used to be abandoned but has someone from Cyrodiil staying there now and finally to here.”
The Jarl told them, “ Come, sit down!” He called over a guard and said, bring us some drinks and food from the inn, this might take a while. Tell her I’ll pay her extra for the late service.” “Yes, my Jarl, right away.” They all sat down and he said well you know all of us except for Julian here. He is a scholar for Cyrodiil who came to Falkreath to study our history, its people, the places, and anything else he can learn.” Cyrodiil has taken a personal interest in updating their understanding of Skyrim since Ulfric decided to declare war on the Imperials.”
They shook hands with Julian then said, “We need to know what she talked to you about Julian, and did she mentioned anything from some scroll she carries with her?” Julian responded, “She came over last night after ordering some food and tea and sat down at the same table as I was at. She scanned the books shelves and pulled out volume 1 and 2 on…” Hadvar said, “The Trials of Saint Martin.” Julian replied, how did you know that already?”
Valga showed up with some help, and they set the table with food and drink. She looked at Alvor and said, “You’re the blacksmith from Riverwood right?” Alvor nodded yes, “You’re here about that girl aren’t you? “
She looked at them then and said, “You need to help her, she’s scare, I could read it in her eyes, her stance. Something is deeply hurting her emotionally.” Hadvar said, “We heard from Julian that she spoke with you first. “ Valga replied, “Yeah, she ordered some food and drink paid for them, then asked about some books about Saint Martin. I told her where she could find them and told her she might want to talk to Julian. That he was a scholar from Cyrodiil and knew a lot about all of that.”
The Jarl said, “You’re welcome to stay Valga but we need to find out what’s going on first so listen first, and this is not the town gossip. Nothing said here leaves here, understood?” Valga said, “Yes of course my Jarl. “
Everyone was seated and Hadvar asked Julian, “So, did she speak to you about the ballad in the scroll?” Julian replied, “ Yes she did, she even told me how the scroll came about. I could tell it was different.” Which part did she ask about it? “Before I tell you that, just how long is that Ballad?”
Hadvar said, “Really long, I was with her when she created it from the bones of the earth. She had dug her hands into the earth and roots began to form around her hands, then the scroll began to take shape. Once it was done it began to write the ballad.” Julian asked, “ How does a scroll write on its own initiative?” Hadvar responded, “Fireflies flew in and burned the letters into the scroll. When it was done, a voice spoke to her. It said they were her mother. That she was to follow the path the Ballad laid out for her. That she would discover her name, who she was, and what she was destined to be!”
“Who is this girl?”, asked Nenya. Hadvar replied, “She doesn’t know who she is, where she came from, nothing or why she is so badly scared all along her shoulder and back as if someone tried to whip her to death” All the others said what, “Who did that to her?” Hadvar replied, “She doesn’t know but we heard a story together from some girl in the hold here camping out at some old campsite across the lake from the Mill.”
Hadvar paused, then continued. “Her name was Rosenlyn; she said her Grandmother who lives in Cyrodiil used to be here at that campsite. They helped another girl a long time ago, said she had scars just like our girl. “ Nenya said, I remember her, the Thalmor had reward posters all of the place back then. They wanted her really bad. Is she still alive?”
Alvor said, “Yes apparently so, she’s married now, they have a daughter and apparently she is very well connected to a lot of people with influence, money, and power. Not only in Cyrodiil but all across Nirn. She never said her name though she did say her grandmother’s name was Royze.” “Royze, Auburn hair with green eyes. Yeah, Rosenlyn must look a lot like her then. Anyway, what part did she talk to you about Julian?”
Julian said, “She discuss this part. He opened his notebook and began to read from it.
“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.
Nenya immediately said, “The Elder Blood and the Dawn Era. The covenant between mortals and the divine. Oh my if she is that we need to find her, protect her.” Alvor said, “I know we do, that’s why we’ve been chasing her down.” Julian asked, why did she leave Riverwood? You all seem to be really nice folks, supportive of her.”
Fanedal spoke then, “Because our bard in Riverwood, Sven was trained in Solitude at the Bards college. They reviewed the whole ballad, and he gave his insight as to what it meant. She became really upset afterwards and left. We didn’t think that she was that upset though. You know, enough to just get up and leave.”
Julian asked, “How could you not know that? Imagine what it must be like to hear that you might be some sort of incarnation of the bloodline of Alessia and are also fated to reestablish the Covenant of The Amulet Of Kings. I can’t imagine what that must be doing to her. No wonder she yelled at me after I told her the possibility was in fact that! “ Alvor said, “She yelled at you? What did she say?”
Julian said, “Well she was really upset and the whole inn heard her say, ‘How would you feel to be lined up to have your head separated from your shoulders, then a black dragon comes landing from the heavens and rains fire balls and dragon shouts everywhere. She also said the dragon spoke to her and told her it was her fault he was there, that he leveled Helgen to prove that she had no defense and no way to stop him!” Julian said, “She ran out of the inn then and simply vanished from sight, as if she was never there.”
Julian then said, “We confirmed the destruction of Helgen, I went with Lod, and some others, it’s not even a town anymore. Everywhere we looked there were the remains of dead soldiers, women, children. The dragon just indiscriminately destroyed them all.”
The Jarl asked, “This girl, Rosenlyn did you say her name was? Can we bring her here, she seemed to know an awful lot about all of this. ” Fanedal said, “I don’t think you’re going to be able to find her again. She said she was going to the top of the mountain that there was an ancient temple of Azura up there. She was going to gain some guidance from her concerning this girl. I also sense she wasn’t coming back. Maybe she plans on tracking her and keeping an eye out for her.”
The Jarl looked at Nenya and said to her, “We need to contact some of the other holds so we can get word about what’s happened here without the Thalmor learning about it. So, none of the normal courier services. We need to use other services that will ensure the messages get delivered discreetly to them.” Nenya replied, “Of course Jarl, I will make sure that gets done.”
Nenya then said, “We have an empty house that is furnished. I will make sure you are shown where it is. I would like to suggest you stay there for the night. “ That way we reduce the chance for the rumor mill to get stirred. Also, Julian, I would suggest you stay there as well, there is a study there where you can setup to research and find out anything else that may help our new friends here or the girl once we find her.”
Hadvar asked then, “I know you have been a loyal steward for the house of Falkreath and their stewards a long time now. I don’t mean to question it suddenly!” Hadvar paused, “However, regardless of our feeling of duty to country, if she is what we believe now she might be. All of us need to align our loyalties to her.”
Hadvar looked around the room then at each person and then said, “Imagine the enemies that would be lining up to kill her if they knew what we do right now? Also, remember there’s still a dragon on the loose and we already know it is not happy about her existence at all!”
Nenya said, “I concur completely Hadvar. If she is some sort of incarnation to the Alessia line, she will need all of our strengths and loyalty for her to be able to claim that title. This is an age of strange signs and things that are beginning to happen!”
Hadvar said, “Nenya, Jarl, House Carl, we sincerely thank you all for your help. Please reach out to us if you learn anything. We will do the same for you.” The Jarl finally said, “It’s been a long day. Let’s get some rest. I think we’re all going to need it in the future.”
They went to the house that was designated as being available for them for the night by Nenya, the House Steward. When they got in they sat down and discussed a few things together. One thing had become clear. It was time for them to return to Riverwood. Alvor had to return to the business of providing services and earning money to support his family. They had no idea where she had gone from Falkreath either. So, they decided that waiting in Riverwood would be the best move.
Hadvar had said too before going to bed, “ I believe she will return to Riverwood once she understands who she is, and what she is meant to do.” She was upset, yes, but my sense is she was more upset because of the possibilities of what all of this might mean vs. her being upset with any of us individually or as group.”
The silence spoke to the fact that everyone else agreed. Julian asked before they retired, “Would it be too much a bother if I accompanied you back to Riverwood? I am willing to earn my keep there and it would provide me with an opportunity to know more about all of you.” Julian thought for a moment then said, “there may be some possibilities of why she was kind of awoken near there too!”
Alvor said, “That would be fine Julian, in fact maybe you could tutor our little Dorthe while your there. She and the Breton had a special relationship you know! She seemed to lean on Dorthe’s willingness to be there for her, when no one else saw the need.”
Julian brightened up over hearing that, “That would be wonderful, an opportunity to teach another would be a great experience for us both. Thank you Alvor. I begin to understand why she was so attracted to all of you in Riverwood.” Julian additionally offered, “ I can help your wife with the gardening. I know a lot about how to help vegetables to grow better, crop rotation, ways to mix up what is grown to help the soil stay rich from year-to-year.”
Alvor replied, “Sigrid would love to have some help with that.” Well, we’ve been running hard for several days now, so I am going to retire. We’ll wake you in the morning so you can prepare whatever you need before leaving Falkreath.”
In Rorikstead, the Breton, had woken up early, took some bread that had been left out on the counter and grabbed a cold ale from behind the bar, left some silver coins on the counter as payment and walked outside to sit and watch the sunrise. The first book was the Annals of the Dragonguard. “Apparently, this Sky Heaven Temple is within this area somewhere. It is said to be extremely dangerous to get there. Something about Foresworn, whomever they are? Not too happy about a lot of things apparently.” Then she mused quietly to herself, “Well, I guess that mirrors everyone else here in Skyrim too!”
She read through several entries until she got to these summaries in the book:
2805: The Temple is besieged. The fool Kalien was sent to Winterhold and sacked the city. There was a reason he was denied entry into the Dragonguard. But the local people do not count the difference between Akaviri. All our years of building up trust with people of Skyrim are now for naught.
2806: We learned of the accession of Reman II (of blessed name) when the siege of the Temple was lifted. We provided the honor guard for the Emperor’s first visit to Skyrim, a great boost to the Temple’s prestige.
2809: We received reports of a dragon in the east. Scouts were sent immediately, and signs of it were discovered, but they fled at our approach. The survivors have grown wary indeed.
2812: We finally received permission from the Emperor to begin construction of Alduin’s Wall. Craftsmen from Temples across the Empire have arrived and begun the great work, overseen by our own Master, as is only fitting, as she is unmatched in her dragonlore.
2813: Work on Alduin’s Wall progresses. The Master dismissed several craftsmen (from a western Temple that I do not need to name, they are so well-known for their stiff-necked pride), which has delayed the work, but there must be no compromise. Alduin’s Wall is our gift to those that come after us.
2815: The Grandmaster visited the Temple in the summer to view the progress of the Wall. He has received complaints about the expense (there is no doubt where these originate), but he was so impressed by the Wall even in its half-finished state that he gave our Master a Writ of Requisition under the Emperor’s seal. There will be no more delays!
Further reports of dragons in the east which could not be verified.
2818: An auspicious year. Alduin’s Wall was finished, a dragon was located and slain, and Emperor Reman II visited to officially dedicate the Wall. The Blood Seal was consecrated in the presence of all the Dragonguard of Skyrim, a great honor of which few Temples can boast.
She mused, “This Alduin, is a legendary black dragon. No, they couldn’t be the same one. I sure would like to see this temple and wall someday. I wonder who this Grandmaster was at the time who visited the Temple?”
The sun was coming up, and she had a sudden sense of something important. She opened up the scroll for the first time in a month. She began to read through the ballad again until she came to this;
“In Resilience not a shield, but a dance!”
Resilience is not a just a shield, but a dance,
A flicker in the dark that refuses to be erased,
She bends, she breaks, she bends again,
For in her bones, lies the remains that echo of a thousand suns.
She thought, “A flicker in the dark that refuses to be erased. Could that be Alduin’s Wall? If that is the case how is my essence, my name related to the dragons or maybe the Blades?” She watched the morning sunrise blaze across the plains and rocky peaks of the hills nearby. She got up, returned the books to a place under the bed where she was staying at the inn, and then went back out and said, I need to get a better view from higher up somewhere and see if I can visually see where this temple is.
“Wake up Julian!”, said Hadvar. Julian opened his eyes and said, “Time to go already?” Hadvar said, “No not quite yet but we thought you might want some breakfast and time to get your things together. Also, the Jarl and Nenya invited us over to have breakfast with them. They want to share some news they have already discovered concerning our mutual friend.”
Julian said after rising from the bed, “It won’t take me long to gather my things, I am pretty much ready to go all the time.” Alvor poked his head in and said “Are those the only clothes you have? No armor!” Julian replied, “Well I relay on fellows like yourself to help protect me if I decide to go out venturing about Skyrim.”
Alvor said, “We’ll get you something to better to protect yourself once were back in Riverwood. I have plenty of armor and weapons I’ve made. Some of it will likely fit you.” They all got ready and left the house. They headed for the Jarl’s Hall and were greeted by the House Carl. “We have everything ready and Nenya has some news to share with you.”
Nenya and the Jarl said, “Good morning, get something to eat and drink first and then we’ll share some news we received this morning.” Alvor said, “Thank you for all you’ve done for us. We want forget it. If ever you need our skills or arms we will come to your aid.” Nenya replied, “Thank you Alvor, It’s not often we get thanks of that kind from others that live in other holds.”
Alvor said, “I think we’re going to need each other’s help quite a bit in the future if what we believe comes true!” The Jarl replied, “I agree and since we’ve breached the subject, Nenya, why don’t you share with them what we received word of this morning.”
Nenya took a sip of hot tea, then she said,” There is a courier who does work for us on contract. He gets around a lot and often makes stops in Rorikstead. He said there is often a young lady who fits our description who has been staying at the inn there. He said she often seen in the early mornings, having breakfast and reading through volumes of books.
All kinds of them but mostly related to the Oblivion Crisis, Aedra and Daedra, Alessia, The Blades, and recently a book that logs the events that happened at Sky Temple in the Reach. The old Akivari and Blades temple. “
Julian asked, “This courier has spoken with her?” “Yes, several times. He said she is always pleasant to him and smart as a whip!” Nenya then said, “He had just returned from up that way this morning to Falkreath. The Innkeepers trade with each other you know. He said she asked him if he knew approximately where Sky Temple was located? He told us he pointed the direction and marked it on a map for her. She then asked him if he knew anything about Alduin’s Wall!”
Nenya gasped and so did Julian, “Alduin’s Wall! I thought that was just some local Nordic Myth, not an actual real wall.” Nenya said, “No, it is real and not many know how to read it, maybe a Blade if you could find one. However, it is said that it is the Prophecy of Alduin, Akatosh’s first born who was created to be the World Eater when the Aedra thought it was time for a new cycle here in Nirn.”
Julian then asked, “You think she’s going to try to get there. Is there something on that scroll of hers that refers to it. I mean it possible that she would be mixed up in all of that if she turns out to be some type of incarnation of the Alessian bloodline.” Hadvar said, “I remember there was something about, “A flicker in the dark that refuses to be erased, She bends, she breaks, she bends again, For in her bones, lies the remains that echo of a thousand suns.”
Julian then replied, “That’s it, so much allegory in that ballad.” Nenya asked what do you believe, “Think about it, ‘A flicker in the dark that refuses to be erased!’ I mean that could be a direct reference to Alduin’s Wall and the Prophecy it holds about his return someday.” The Jarl and his House Carl both said then, “She will be in great danger if she tries to get to the Temple. That area is heavily settled by the Foresworn. They will not tolerate anyone who is not one of them. Pretty much a kill onsite policy.”
Hadvar then said, “I wouldn’t be too worried about that. She can handle herself like no other warrior I’ve ever seen.” The all asked at once, “How would you know that?” When the Breton and I were trying to escape Helgen during the Dragon attack both Imperial Soldiers and some of Ulfric’s Stormcloaks were in the keep. We came across Stormcloaks time-and-time again. Each time she, disabled them, knocked them out cold in many cases before I could move two steps forward.”
Many exclaimed, “What? How could she do that and why haven’t we heard about that before?” Hadvar said, “Because for that girl and I, it has been a non-stop harrowing adventure just to still be alive. So much as happened in such a short time.”
He paused thinking, “When we had a break from it all deep within some caverns that run under Helgen I asked her about it. Why she never killed anyone?” She hazed over again and spoke some creed, like an old oath. She told me afterwards that it was an ancient creed, called the Warrior’s Way. That it taught them to lead with honor, loyalty, truth, and above all Kindness at the tip of their spears.”
Julian said, “I’ve never heard of such a thing. I mean yes the Imperials, Stormcloaks and even the Blades all had their oaths they swore but nothing like that. Every time we hear something about this girl, it points more and more to her being something so extraordinary that she could redefine the current age. “
Nenya agreed, “I have been alive a long time being a high elf and I have heard of tales back in Summerset a long time ago, of ancient creeds such as that. But the scholars all said that it was old like maybe even from the Dawn Era. If that is so then this reference to the Elder Blood makes even more sense now.”
“What are you going to do? Alvor said, “We need to return to Riverwood. I think as Hadvar and Fanedal does. That once she is done with this discovery she will return to Riverwood. Plus, I have a family and business there. You know where to find us and if she returns we’ll send word to you immediately.”
The Jarl said, “ That’s a sound plan, I don’t think we’re going to be able to catch up with her. Plus if she is that gifted then even if we did and she didn’t want to be found yet. I think she would disappear again before we could learn anything about what she’s discovered.” The Jarl paused in thought then continued, “Julian when you get to Riverwood take the time to visit with this Bard, Sven and discuss his findings concerning her and let us know what you find out.” Julian nodded he would.
They said, “We best be heading out. It’s a bit of trip back to Riverwood. I know my wife and daughter must be missing me by now. I know I sure do miss them.” Nenya spoke, “ I hope that someday I am lucky enough to share in such good fortune as you Alvor. To have such as loving wife and daughter. “ Alvor replied, “You will, I am sure of it. I feel a change coming ahead, something that might reforge all our futures.”
They got up and left the Jarl’s Hall then, once they were outside of the gates of Falkreath and away from earshot. Alvor pulled Fanedal aside. “Can we go back by way of the camp of Rosenlyn? I know it’s a small chance, but wouldn’t you like to know if Azura shared anything with her.
Also, I wouldn’t mind mentioning the latest news to see what her reaction is.” Fanedal said of course, I’ll scout ahead so we can stop there.” They went a different direction that would lead them to the mill. They felt Fanedal would try and secure the boat once they got there.”
Once they made it to the mill Fanedal was waiting. He said he spoke with the Mill wright. They said that Rosenlyn came over early. Said she was heading to Riverwood to wait for all of you. She said she wanted to meet your family and do some scouting around to see what traces she could find of our mutual friend.”
Hadvar said, “Really, did she use the boat to go downstream to the hunters camp? That’s what they thought. Hadvar said, “Well this ought to be interesting. I can’t image how Sigrid will respond to her.” Alvor said, “Yeah, come on, let’s get back to Riverwood and find out what’s going on.”
Julian then chimed in, “You know this Rosenlyn you mentioned may sense the same thing, that this girl will return to Riverwood and all of you at some point.” Hadvar said, “I hadn’t thought about that, but you may be right.”
When they arrived at Riverwood Dorthe was waiting by the gate. There were guards there from Whiterun who were patrolling the town and beginning to set up additional defenses. Dorthe came to her father and jump up into his arms to snuggle her head against his beard.
“ Daddy, a lot has happened since you left. Irileth, the Jarl’s House Carl is here, they have already been to Helgen with that new girl, Rosenlyn. I really like her, she’s so nice and smart too!” Alvor asked her, “Where is everyone?” Dorthe replied, “They’re all at the inn. Delphine has provided it as a way for everyone to meet.”
Dorthe thought, “Especially since there’s more people here now. You better come home first, mom is there and she’s really worried about all of you although Rosenlyn tried to put her worst fears to bed. As she put it.” Alvor said, “She did, that sounds like the Rosenlyn we met.” Alvor and Hadvar headed for home. Fanedal did the same. Said he needed to clean up a bit and maybe check on things before rejoining them again.
When Alvor walked in the front door he was happy to see their home returned to its normal state. He gave Sigrid a hug and told her he missed her. He asked how everything was going then he said, “Where is everyone? I heard from Dorthe that many were at the inn these days. We have some news we need to discuss. “
Alvor then looked Sigrid in the eyes and said to her, “Also, I think it may be almost time. “ Really, you think that she is…” “Yes, more points the stars at her each and every time we learn something new about her. Also, we brought a scholar with us who hails from Cyrodiil. He is going to help tutor Dorthe and said he also had a lot of knowledge about gardening.” Sigrid said, “Does he really? We’ll sit down; I’ll get you something to drink but then you better get the forge lit. Gerdur needs some of the blades and axes sharpened again for the mill.”
The Beton girl had made her way up to higher locations based on the marked location that courier gave her. As she came upon a rise she could now see the temple across the deep rocky canyons and waterfalls that rolled down into the raging rivers below. She saw the settlement sprawling out below. The Foresworn as she had been told were living here. Blocking her way to be able to reach it. She closed her eyes and felt the whispers of ancient voices coming from the Temple. They spoke to her.
She did not step forward with her feet, but with her soul. Closing her eyes against the wind of the Reach, the physical world blurred. The distance between her perch upon the stone cliff and the stone temple collapsed. Her spirit drifted across the great canyons , stepping onto the paths walked by thousands of boots centuries ago.
Back in Riverwood Rosenlyn ran out of the inn where she was quietly drinking some ale laced with juniper berries. She felt the weight of the immense shift in the world. She thought, “Oh no, by the divines, she’s not doing that is she.” She jumped up and ran to Alvor’s house, “You need to come here. She’s using incredible powers to breach the Sky Haven Temple in the Reach!” Rosenlyn was upset and paused out of breath. Then she said, “You know, the ancient temple of the Akaviri Dragonguard and The Old Order of The Blades!”
Hadvar jumped up and said, “What you can feel that?” “Yes, she is ripping the very fabric of time to walk its halls. To understand what it is that calls to her.” Alvor came running in from the forge, Sigrid, do you feel it? She’s…” Sigrid appeared, “Yes, I do she is tearing the fabric of time itself.” Rosenlyn said, “You both feel it too. But how?” Rosenlyn, back at the camp you said you knew who my family was. Knowing that how could you not understand how tightly we are both bound to her bloodline?”
“Come on outside, maybe we can use the stones to pull her to us. I’ll need your help and others. Bring this Delphine, the Innkeeper. She is hiding who she is, but I have seen it. She is linked to the past of that temple. Tell her it is because of Sky Haven Temple. She will come.” Hadvar ran to the Inn to get Delphine.
Suddenly , the Breton girl sensed she was not alone. The air grew thick, vibrating with the hum of ancient industry and unwavering devotion. She felt the heavy, rhythmic clink, clack, clink of chisels striking the stone. The echoes of their vibrations were pulsing through her very bones. The ache of their shoulders were raw with pain from hauling blocks up the mountain, yet the pain was completely swallowed by a fierce, burning understanding of what they were creating.
The whispers amplified, shifting from a chaotic rush of voices into a unified, breathless chant. It was the Akaviri Dragonguard. She felt their absolute commitment, a desperate, generational promise carved into the stone of the Temple. She knew that they understood they would die before the End Times arrived, but they hammered their lives, their fears, and their hope into the dark rock. They built the temple to outlast empires. They built it to remember.
Guided by their unseen hands, her spirit swept past the blood-seal courtyard and poured into the main cavern. There, the overwhelming weight of Alduin’s Wall hit her. It was not just stone; it was a living memory. Her soul pressed against the relief carvings, feeling the jagged edges of a world on fire, the cruel teeth of the World-Eater, and the defiant, singular spark of the Dragonborn that stood ready.
Then she realized in that moment. The Wall did not remember just the past; it remembered her. It pulsed against her spirit like a second heartbeat, echoing the ballad that had driven her here.
The realization did not hit her like a thought; it struck her like an ancient sword unsheathed in her mind. The ballad’s final line locked into place inside her heart, in her very bones. “The ‘flicker’ was not a nameless legend. It was her!”
Below, the dead stone of Sky Haven Temple woke up. The mountain itself seemed to draw a deep, shuddering breath. A low resonant hum vibrated up through the cliffside, shaking the loose gravel around her boots.
Down in the dark cavern, the relief carvings on Alduin’s Wall began to bleed a faint, golden light from the deep chiseled grooves. The stone grew warm. For thousands of years, the Wall had held its breath, a stone monument waiting for a living heart to complete the circuit. Now, the connection was made.
As the group back in Riverwood began to make their way up the road to the standing stones. Delphine fell to her knees holding her chest. She screamed, “She’s awoken the stone, the hall is speaking to her. The very foundation of the temple has come alive with the recognition of the one it has been waiting for. “ Rosenlyn turned to Irileth and some guards who had no clue as to what was happening. Rosenlyn commanded, “Help her. I will need her up at the stones. Please I beg of you.”
Deep in the temple her spirit felt the chaotic whispering of the ghosts stopped instantly, The frantic, desperate energy that had driven them for centuries evaporated. A profound silence fell over the spectral paths. The hosts of the Dragonguard, men and women who had died in this temple, far from home, clinging to the hope of a prophecy, finally let go of their weapons.
She felt their collective relief wash over her like a warm wind. It was the absolute peace of a vow fulfilled. Their labor was done; the message had been delivered to the heart and soul of the chosen, meant to receive it. One-by-one the spirits of the dead dissolved into the mountain air, leaving behind only a lingering sense of gratitude. They were finally allowed to rest.
Back in Riverwood the group had finally reach the stones. Rosenlyn came and knelt between the stones at the confluence of them. She said, “Alvor, Hadvar, Sigrid touch the stones and then touch me with your other hand. Delphine, you need to bow on one knee to submit to the fulfillment of all those that has come before you.”
Rosenlyn then told them, “At the right time, I will use our connections to pull her to us, she will likely collapse from such an act so be ready to help carry her back to Riverwood.” Irileth commanded some of the nearby soldiers. “Quickly go and bring more help from Riverwood. We need something to carry her on too once she appears.”
Delphine said, “Who are you Rosenlyn. I am tied by blood and by spirit bound to the legacy of her family’s bloodline. I am an Acolyte to Azura whose spiritual daughter is tied to all of this as well. You just have to trust me if you care at all what happens to this girl. “
Far away, atop the Throat of the Word, hidden deep within a visual shroud of the sky, Alduin felt the cosmic shift. A sharp, violent pang of ancient dread pierced the Dragon God’s consciousness. For centuries, he had ruled secure in the knowledge that his ultimate foe was blind, lost, and broken by amnesia. He had watched her wander, a harmless flicker, easily snuffed out.
But as her spirit claimed the Temple, the flicker exploded into a sun. Alduin unleased a roar that shattered glaciers across Skyrim. It was not a roar of triumph, but of a sudden, furious realization. The veil he had used to hide her identity from her had torn completely open. He knew, with absolute certainty, that the hunt had flipped. She now knew who she was!
Julian and others arrived. “Have you felt that? Something echoed down from the throat of the world! It has torn the ice from the mountains; the stones of the earth shake as if in pain! What are you all getting ready to do?” Rosenlyn said “I am going to bring her home to us. Be ready to help her.” Julian exclaimed, “You mean the girl I met is the reason for all of this?”
Then they all heard a loud roar echo down from the mountain tops. The sheer force of Alduin’s distant, angry roar rippled through the spiritual plane, snapping her soul back across the chasm like a taunt string. Her eyes flew open. She was back on the freezing cliffside, gasping for air, she had been transformed reborn. The confusion that had clouded her mind for years was entirely gone. Her vision was sharper now, the mountain air tasted like lightning, and as she looked across at the temple gates, she didn’t see an ancient ruin anymore. She saw her inheritance.
Rosenlyn cried, “Now! By the power of Azura, she who is the daughter of twilight and sunrise, I call upon you and all the divines to help me. Your sister is in need. Help me bring her to us here. By my very life I swear this oath, we will protect her.” The three stones lit up, and fires of a thousand suns exploded into the vault of the skies above. Then a ball of light began to form in front of Rosenlyn, and then an image of the Breton girl began to form. There was a loud cry from the mountain tops. “Dovahkiin, you have awaken!”
Then she was there before them bowed down in submission. A voice rose above them, and all who were there at the standing stones heard the proclamation. “Here before you stands Etain, Saorlaith, Oralaith. Etain incarnated from before the first word of The Elder Scrolls was born, Saorlaith, of royal blood, a ruler yet to be, and Oralaith, empress and high queen of Nirn and the coming age.”
She collapsed before them then and Rosenlyn let the power of the divines return to the stone. She open her eyes and saw both those she knew and loved and strangers all around her. She said, “I know who I am now!” She was crying tears of blood from her eyes, and she said, “ I have a name, the veil of darkness has been lifted from me.”
Rosenlyn said, “Welcome home Etain, Saorlaith, Oralaith.” Then she turned to Irileth, please get her to Riverwood, we need, need some healers too, send for help, not just for her, but for us as well.” Rosenlyn was turning very pale, “The cost of that was just a bit more than I expected.” Rosenlyn before collapsing told the guard, “With your life Irileth, guard her! You heard who she is.” Then she collapsed and the others involved in the ceremony were close to doing the same, exhausted, and barely conscious.