They made their way into camp, and everyone smiled to see that they had made it up to the temple then returned. Delphine sat down with Celestine who she had grown a special bound with. Hadvar brought her a fresh bowl of he stew and something to drink. Rosenlyn went to Etain and said, “Walk with me Etain, we need to talk!” The party of people watched both Etain and Rosenlyn walk away and the camp felt lonely, quiet without the presence of those two in it.
Once they were away from the camp enough. Etain reached in and hugged Rosenlyn. “I missed you sister.” Rosenlyn said, “I missed you two!” Etain then asked, “So, I take it this has something to do with Delphine!” Rosenlyn sat down next to her friend. Then she said, “Isn’t this a beautiful spot with winds blowing in across the lake, the sparkling sun dancing off the waters, and the gentle rustling of the leaves through the trees. “ Etain looked at her and said, “Okay, out with it!”
Rosenlyn said to Etain, “The cursed spell placed on Delphine was incredibly hard to extract from her. It seemed like he had a special plan for her and did not want to let go.!” Etain replied, “ I heard him roar, it must have been either during the struggle or directly after you and Azura finally lifted it.” Rosenlyn replied, “Yes, it was after it actually!”
Etain, “Everything before is a blank slate for her. She doesn’t remember anything concerning the events of the previous day when you challenged her to let go of her old ways and creed and accept your path. You need to find a different way of helping to pull her to your goals. I sense after last night and struggling for so long against Alduin that there is so much conflict within her. “
Etain thought and then said, “Delphine is unique in this. Her heart is burdened by centuries of the Blades past sins. She feels the same overwhelming burden after the Emperor was killed and the Blades felt shamed and broken that they failed to fulfill their oath as the protectors of the Septim line.”
Rosenlyn said, “I know, I felt it all too! During the ceremony that took hours last night, I had to do what you did with Hadvar to provide the conduit that was strong enough to overcome Alduin’s will. I felt all her most deeply held secrets in that moment. It was like a rush of pain from centuries of it being passed down as the Blades ran from what they considered to be their greatest failure. The felt berated of the honor they once had.”
Etain said, “Okay, let us act as if that never happened. Help me though to monitor her. You are now connected to her as sisters within your souls. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you believe I need to intervene with your help of course.” Etain paused then said, “Rosenlyn!” Rosenlyn said, “What’s bothering you Etain!”
Etain said, “When we arrive at High Hrothgar, I need to speak with the Greybeards alone first, especially with Delphine with us. I need to prepare them and convince them to trust me. There is a place behind the last standing stone where all of you can setup camp, get a large fire going and wait for me to come back to bring you in.”
Rosenlyn asked, you think they know who you are? Why you have come? That you’re not there for traditional training with them?” Etain said, “They know something unusual has happened. I mean I have redefined reality now multiple times. I virtually destroyed the old barrow and free thousands of souls. I can’t imagine they do not understand that something has happened.”
Etain went silent for a while then Rosenlyn asked, “Your worried about the years they have spent being who they are; the same ridged rules and belief systems that we have had to deal with as we met with each new group.”
Etain said, “Yes, but I think I might be able to get some help from their leader this time. I have asked my father to advise him.” Rosenlyn pulled back and looked at Etain, then asked, “Advise who?” Etain laughed, “Their leader is a Dovah! He is in fact my father’s second child. Unlike Alduin, he has isolated himself on top of Kyne’s Sacred Mountain and spent years disciplining himself to resist the core impulses that almost all dragons have.”
Rosenly asked, “You mean the whole domination, bow down to me thing!” Etain laughed and said, “Exactly that one.” Etain then said, “We better get back, they’re going to start wondering what the two of us are up to. We don’t want them to think the wrong thing!” They both had a hardly laugh over that. Rosenlyn said, “You know sister, way too much of me is rubbing off on you.” Etain laughed and said, “Yes, but it is the best parts of you!” They both stood, hugged each other then began to walked back to the camp.
They arrived in camp and Etain said immediately, “Change of plans we leave in an hour. Start preparing and Alea, you’ll have to lead the way. I don’t have the slightest clue on which way to go.” Alea said, “Okay, can we ask why we’re leaving soon?”
Several others chimed in as well. Etain looked at each one of them sitting around the camp, “We’re too close to where my brother likes to hang out. I am sure in part he is still cleaning up his ego after our last little encounter. Also, he knows exactly where we are now. Do you want to take the chance that he produces some other devious plan to stop us? I am sure he knows where I am going next!”
They all looked at each other and began to prepare for leaving the camp. Alea then said, “Etain, can I speak with you, Rosenlyn, and Hadvar. I have an idea that may throw off anyone tracking us.” Etain looked at Rosenlyn and Hadvar. There was no descent so she said, “Okay, Rosenlyn lead us somewhere we can talk about this.”
Alea said, “I can hear the protests before I begin but hear me out, please?” Etain said, “Okay Alea, let’s hear it!” Alea said, “We cross into Cyrodiil, go to Bruma. The fighter’s guild knows the Companions and will house us so we can stay out of sight, out of mind.” Rosenlyn was immediately in, she said, “Time in Bruma, are you kidding me, count me in.”
Hadvar though said, “How are we going to cross the border up near the Pale Pass? I meant that place is going to be locked down because of the Civil War and whatever else they’ve heard concerning strange events in Skyrim.”
Alea said, there’s another way in that very few know about.” Hadvar said, “Not the Serpent’s Trail, I mean that place is really dangerous. It full of bandits, goblins, and all kind of other creatures.”
Alea said, “Hadvar do you think I would lead Etain into that nightmare? The most dangerous part of the trip is that we need to sneak past old Fort Neugrad.” Hadvar asked, “Why past there? I mean I know there’s an old lake behind the fort so is there another cave that leads over the border?”
Alea said, “I don’t think so and if there was, it would likely be used by bandits in the fort for smuggling operations or something. No, high up near the top of the mountains is a small opening. That opening leads into a cave that leads to some old Ayleid Ruins that then leads within the Ayleid Ruin of Rielle.” Rosenlyn excitedly said, “Rielle! Well Etain, we have some interesting family history there!”
Etain said, “Really, tell me about it!” Rosenlyn said, “I can’t they want to and they would never forgive me if I didn’t reserve those stories for much later.” Alea then asked, “Who are we talking about?” Rosenlyn said, “Nope, like I said, not now. Not the right time or place for it.” Hadvar said we’re going to need warmer clothing and something we can cover all of that up with!”
Hadvar pointed to Etain and said, “We can’t take the chance once we’re in Cyrodiil that someone recognizes it. Also, we’ll need some other stuff for Delphine. The Blades are not exactly popular and there are likely to be Thalmor in Bruma.” Etain asked, “Can we take this decision to the whole group now? I would like to get everyone’s input into this.” The small group returned to the camp.
Etain then said, “We believe we have another way to our next destination. However, I wanted to discuss it with all of you and get some feedback as to your thoughts.” They began spelling out the plan to the overall group. Delphine then said, “Instead of staying at the Fighters Guild wouldn’t it be wiser to go to Cloud Ruler Temple?”
Hadvar asked, “How would we get in there? I mean I’ve heard that place is locked up tight. No one has been in there since the Oblivion crisis.” Delphine said, “Well, I am a Blade and so I know all the secret words to open the way, and I have the key with me.”
Etain said, “I like it we can stay there, resupply, spend time scouting, and maybe even sneak into Bruma one night or early morning so I can at least see it. We don’t have to go in anywhere, but it would be nice to see the place.”
Rosenlyn then said, I know a way into Bruma Castle, but once we’re in you’ll have to let me speak with the current Countess, so I can clear the way for us to come in. We’ll need to make sure the place is kept quiet.” Etain asked, “You still know a lot of people there?” Rosenlyn replied, “ Yes, I can even arrange for us to stay in your mother’s old bedroom! The current countess had a new wing setup and her quarters and those of most of the other stay there.”
Etain looked around the group. Okay, that’s a good plan, do we go to Falkreath first, ask Nenya for some help to get warm clothing for us and some supplies. We should be able to come in the back way through the old cemetery there and then into the Jarl’s House. Hadvar, they know you, maybe you could go in first to clear the way and make sure they know we’re coming.”
Alea then said, “We can spend the night in Falkreath, there’s an old campsite up above Falkreath that used to belong to a lady named Angi, she was a hunter, but no one lives there now.” Rosenlyn said, I know that place. Good idea Alea, plus there’s family history there too.”
Etain smiled and said, I don’t want to reveal all of this until after we’re in Falkreath inside the Jarl’s Home where I know we can trust them to keep things quiet. We won’t be able to get away without revealing something but no details, even to them. We can’t chance where there might be spies.”
They packed up everything at the camp and Etain said, “Let’s go!” Alea came and spoke with Etain briefly. She said the nights can be quite cold at the campsite we will be staying at for the evening. I think we should go there first. We can get the fireplace going, the cook fire, get everything ready for when we return.”
Etain said, “Excellent thinking, you see you’re already proving yourself as the right choice for this trip.” Alea smiled and said, “Thank you Etain. It means a lot to me.” Alea knew the ways to keep them hidden under the deep forest that blanket the area on their way to the old camp of the hunter that live there at one time.
They finally came to an area where there had been an old camp at one time and there was a statue to the Daedric Prince Of the Hunt, Hircine nearby. Alea stopped them and said we’ll be above the tree line soon, but no one comes up this high except for the occasional Ogre that migrates between Cyrodiil and here.
They continue to make their way up higher until they passed the turn off finally for way to the campsite. When they arrived, Rosenlyn said, “it’s just as I remember when my Grandmother brought me here a long time ago. “ Alea then said, “Okay everyone let’s get some wood into the cabin. There’s both a cooking pit and a stone fireplace in there. We can get the inside warmed up for later.”
There was plenty of wood setup in a covered area meant to let it breath but keep it from getting wet from passing storms of rain or snow. Mostly snow this high up. Once everything was in motion she came to Etain and Rosenlyn and said, “I am going to go and make sure we weren’t followed.”
She disappeared and an hour and a half later she returned. Etain asked, “Clear?” Alea replied, “ Yes, it was beginning to get dark, and she said I did some hunting while I was out and found some wild carrots, turnips, onion, and leeks we can use.”
Alea then said, “I went to the old mill and traded them the fresh kill for some prepared deer and elk meat I brought with me. Let’s get that in the kettle. I think we should prepare for a night here, we can go into Falkreath at first light.” Etain asked, “Everyone else good with that?” There was a resounding, “Yes!”
After the meal was eaten. They looked around to determine how to set up bedding for the night. There was a large bed in a bedroom that had been added on to the cabin later. The original bedroom looked like it was used by a young person. Rosenlyn said, “Etain and I are staying in the shelter across the way. There are two beds in there. Come on Etain!”
The both left and went to the separate shelter; it looked like it had just a flap of material across it originally but later had an actual wooden frame built in place to help keep the cold winds and snow out. Rosenlyn opened the door and there was a warm fire already going in a stone fireplace that had been added into the shelter over time. Rosenlyn closed the door and then sat down on a stack of pillows and furs that had been laid out across the floor.
They both sat down and Rosenlyn took a tea kettle that began to whistle and poured some tea. Handed a cup to Etain and said, “Let me tell you a story about this place.” Etain said, “Okay, I like your story time Rosenlyn.”
Rosenlyn began, “A long time ago when my grandmother was my age, that young girl I told you about with the whip scars like yours. This was her temporary home.” Etain said, “Why was she here?” Rosenlyn said, “ She had been injured really bad, and Angi, the huntress that used to live here found her while she was out hunting. Brought her back here and nursed her back to health. They had become close. Mostly because of shared trauma.”
Etain asked, “What happened to Angi?” Something similar to what happened to you!” When she was a young teenager, the Great War had recently ended and there were large groups of Thalmor, Imperials, and Mercenaries running around through Skyrim.”
“Her parents had a farm down closer to Falkreath. This group of soldiers, Thalmor and mercenaries had camped nearby and that night they got drunk. They came over and said they wanted the farmer’s daughter. The father and brother refused of course. A fight broke out and Angi was hidden away. When she got out of the secret tunnel she could see they had set fire to the whole farm. “
Etain asked, “What happened to her family?” The drunken imperials and Thalmor had killed them all, her father, brother, and her mom who had been found with a spear in her back.” Rosenlyn continued, “Angi was alone and even though the people of Falkreath were doing what they could for her. Angi was fiercely independent. Kind of like you Etain!”
Rosenlyn said, “Angi found her way up here, built this cabin the campsite over the long years and isolated herself up here. “ Rosenlyn said, fast forward and the girl with the whipped scars like yours got injured again. I already told you about that. Eventually, she and her husband, he was just a friend back then found their way up here and this became a place they stayed for a while.”
Etain said, “So the lady, her husband who was just a friend back then, eventually had a daughter, then they moved away to some isolated island location to live happily ever after.” Rosenlyn said, “Yes, but there was a whole lot of stuff that happened to them long before all of that. “ Rosenlyn then said, “I just wanted you to know. I thought it might be important to you. You take her bed and I’ll take that one which is the guest bed.”
She said, “Come on, let’s get some sleep, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” Etain said, “What if I want to know more about them?” Rosenlyn just said, “You’ll have to wait, as we come across other places where they were, I’ll fill in bits and pieces for you.” Etain asked, “How many places had they been to together? “ Rosenlyn said, “Those two adventures took them across most of Skyrim and likely across all of Cyrodiil.”
“Anyway, goodnight Etain, get some sleep.” Etain took off her armor and sword, then slipped in under the warm blankets and furs. As she slept she dreamt a vivid dream in which she saw the two of them, the lady and man Rosenlyn kept telling her stories about, climb up high in the mountain behind them. Fight their way through some caves. They were full of Frost Spiders and Trolls. Then they made their way down and across to an old Castle.
It had been built back during the Tiber War at the end of the Second Era. It had been started by the Colovian warlord Cuhlecain and continued by his general Tiber Septim. That was the end of the Interregnum, a period mostly known as a time of anti-intellectualism due to the decline in living standards across Tamriel. Roads and cities fell into ruin and were not repaired until centuries later. Even the famed Amulet of Kings was lost. This old castle had been built to help monitor as well as act as a deterrent to raids from the Nords of Skyrim into Cyrodiil.
Etain saw in her dreams that the two spoken of in the story Rosenlyn told her had to fight their way through this castle that had been taken over by a full contingent of Thalmor and Dominion Regulars. It was a long and fierce battle through the old castle and when they got to the lowest depths of it where the prisoner cells were located they found a little girl whose parent had been tortured and killed.” Then the dream stopped.”
The morning sun was peeking through a window and Rosenlyn said, “Come on sleepy head, get dressed we have to go and get some breakfast and tea, then make our way into Falkreath before the town wakes up.” Etain sat up and Rosenlyn asked, “Did you not sleep?” You don’t look very rested.”
Etain asked, “Who was she?” Rosenlyn replied, “Who was who?” The little girl they saved in the Castle after fighting their way through a large group of Thalmor and Dominion Regulars.” Rosenlyn said, “How do you know about that? I never said a word about it!”
Etain said, “I had a very vivid dream about the two of them making their way up the mountain to some caves, fighting their way through spiders and trolls, making their way up the mountain then back down and across to some old castle that was somehow connected to Tiber Septim back during the end of the Second Era and beginning of the Third Era. They fought their way through a horde of Thalmor and Dominion Regulars. Then they found the girl and he knew that the Thalmor had killed her parents.”
Rosenlyn said, “Strange, association memories. I am going to have to be more careful with you in the future. There’s a long story that involves that little girl. She became a critical part of your story and helped clear the way for you to come along and finish the job. “ Rosenlyn paused a moment and said, “I can tell you that Angi, the huntress I told you about ended up adopting her and she and another took really good care of her. Loved her as their own and gave her the best education they could. Angi being a master archer taught her how to be a crack shot too!”
Rosenlyn said as she headed out the door. “Anyway hurry up so we can get some food and tea. Then we have to get moving. The others are waiting for us!” Etain was alone. She finished getting ready, washed her face then put out the fire in the fireplace, looked around the room, and said, “Thank you, whoever you are, thank you for sharing the memories with me. “
She left the shelter and walked across to enter the larger cabin and sat down with the others. Rosenlyn handed her another cup of tea and said, you’re looking a bit better, what took you so long?” Etain said, “I was just thanking her, for sharing the stories with me.” Everyone in the cabin looked at Etain and Hadvar asked, “Who was sharing stories with you?” Etain said, “I don’t know her name, but it seemed important that I know something of what they sacrificed for me to be here with all of you. That’s all I can say for now.”
Delphine looked at Rosenlyn for a moment as if she knew something, but Rosenlyn quietly put her fingers to her lips and acted like she was zipping them close. Delphine smiled then and began eating some more of the stew.
They cleaned everything up and put out the fires. Alea led the way back down some isolated path and they came into Falkreath early in the morning down past the cemetery. They easily made their way in and Hadvar went ahead to clear the way for them to quietly enter. He came back and said, “let’s go, they opened up the back way so we could go in through there so no one sees the group going in through the front door.”
Everyone rose up except for Etain. They all rose up from their hiding places among the tombstones of the cemetery, Etain had saw a lone figure placing a single flower on a tombstone. She listen as this lone lady said a poem for someone she lost. It was like a lament of some type.
“In the hush of twilight, where shadows softly blend,
A circle of emotion, with no beginning nor end,
Whispers of love echo in the fading light,
While shadows stretch long, bidding day’s final goodnight.
Today could be the last, a fleeting sunset’s grace,
Tomorrow’s dawn uncertain, a veil we cannot face.
So gather close, dear heart, to those you hold so tight,
Let laughter rise like music, in the encroaching night.
Raise your voice as a beacon, through storm and bright weather,
For moments shared in warmth are bound by spirit’s tether.
Tell your friends, your lovers, and parents with pride,
To cherish this journey, side by side, side by side.
For in the echoes of laughter, in tears that gently fall,
We honor those departed; we remember them all.
Their legacies flow through us, like rivers deep and wide,
With every drop of memory, they too shall abide.
Grief, a river of longing, meanders through our days,
On currents of remembrance, their love forever stays.
Each heart a cherished vessel, where melodies resound,
In the rhythm of our stories, their presence is profound.
Hold dear the treasured moments, those tender, fleeting sighs,
For time has its own wisdom, through laughter and goodbye.
So feel the waves of sorrow, their grace will gently bind,
As we navigate the currents, with love that’s intertwined.
Though grief may roll like tides, forever to and from,
In the depth of our connection, their light will ever glow.
With every tear unspoken, with every joyful cheer,
We weave the tales of living, through the echoes of our years.
Together we will honor, this circle we will keep,
In the hearts of love lost and lives that gently sleep.
For grief is but a river, yet love, it knows it’s rhyme,
In every memory, softly, those spirits will align.
Forever flowing in the gentle currents of the river we call time. “
Etain had made her way over to her and placed her hand on her shoulder saying, “I’m sorry for your loss, that was an extremely sweet remembrance. You must have had an incredibly special relationship and love for each other.” The lady looked up at her, she saw some scars on her face near her eye, then the lady said, “ Come kneel with me!” They knelt together but everyone else in the company only saw Etain kneeling alone at the Tombstone.”
The lady turned to her, and Etain noticed, “We have similar features, are you. ..” The lady then smiled and said, “Etain, remember the song, I wrote it for you. Remember me Etain, remember us always.” Then she vanished and Etain was left alone. Etain reached out and rubbed the snow and ice off the tombstone. It read, “In remembrance to one who would light the way for all who came before!”
Etain broke down then until Rosenlyn saw her and said Etain, “What’s wrong?” She turned and Rosenlyn knelt down as Etain cried. She was here, she told me a lament, and said it was for me, in remembrance to what I would come to do. Then she vanished as if she never was. “
They both held onto each other, and the others came over and asked, “What happened?” Rosenlyn told them, “ Etain is experiencing the lives of those that came before her, those that sacrificed a great deal to clear the way before her. Give us just a few minutes. Go ahead, we’ll be along soon. “
Each person in the party came by and bent over to kiss Etain on the head! They each said, “Peace be with you Etain, we are here for you.” Once they had all gone, Rosenlyn said, “Etain, this is likely to happen a lot now. Those who came before you. There paths can be traced across the breadth and depth of this land.”
Rosenlyn held her and said, “ They were everywhere. We will find their patterns waiting for you.” Rosenlyn paused, then said, “Think of this way. Just how lucky are you, to have so many people who loved you, even without knowing you, and left all these heart felt messages behind for you.”
Etain finally spoke, “Thank you Rosenlyn. Let’s go. The day is slipping away from us, and we have a way to go to get to the Ayleid Ruin by nightfall. “ They stood up and made their way to the back passage into the Jarl’s Hall.
They all gathered in a private side room. Nenya came over to Etain and said, “How are you doing Etain, we’ve all missed you here.” Julian has joined us two. You know he feels really bad about everything.” Etain got up and went to where Julian was sitting. He began to say something but then she leaned towards him and hugged him.
It totally threw him off guard and he said, “Oh my, I’ve never been hugged except by my mother of course.” Etain laughed and said, “ I‘m sorry I yelled at you Julian. I was just still so raw back then with emotion.” Julian said, “Think nothing of it. I didn’t take offense at all. I was just upset that I had told you something that I could tell indirectly brought other emotions to the surface.”
The Jarl then asked, “So you must have come here for a reason, although we do enjoy your company. How can we help you?” Etain said, “We need warm clothing for all of us. I need something I can wrap around my armor and my head so no one can recognize me.” The Jarl asked, “Why warm clothing? There’s many ways to get to Ivarstead that don’t require you to go through cold mountain passes.”
Rosenlyn then said, “Etain has gather a great many more enemies that would like to see her fail, whatever that takes. She needs to take paths that are not well known, go places and directions not expected. So yes, lots of warm clothing, some supplies, and any warm weather gear.”
Etain then said, “Of course we’ll make sure you are compensated for it all.” The Jarl looked at Nenya and she said, “Of course let me get things together. We should have it all gathered in about two hours.” Etain looked at Alea and she said, “Yes that would be fine. Etain then asked, “The empty house where you allowed me to stay before.
Can we…” The Jarl said of course. I’ll tell you what if you’re going to be here. I’ll arrange for a dinner, here in my private quarters. I’ll make sure no one else is here and then you can spend the night and leave at first light.” Rosenlyn replied, “Thank you, your kindness will not be forgotten.”
Nenya returned and said, “I have had the supplies and clothing delivered to the home where you would be staying the night. I also made arrangement for a dinner to be served in privacy here. If I might suggest you can use the guest rooms upstairs. If you would like to get some rest of private time together.
Etain looked at Julian, then asked him, “Can you bring you notebook to one of the guest rooms I need to recite something to you before I forget its words. Etain said, “If you can excuse me! “ The Jarl and others said, “Of course.” She and Julian left found their way all the way up a third-floor guest room. They walked in and sat down, Etain said ready to write Julian?”
Back in the private quarters Nenya asked the others, “What happened to Etain? She looks haunted!” Rosenlyn said, “She is! Etain is beginning to experience the lives of others everywhere. They come and they impart stories, poems, ballads to her of sacrifices made to clear the way for her! Imagine if you had to deal with that and the toll that would take on you.”
The Jarl asked, “So does she physically see them as real people? Rosenlyn said, “ Yes, sometimes. While we were in the graveyard waiting for Hadvar to return. A lady appeared, scared like her, resembled each other too. She was kneeling at a gravesite. She sung a lament and placed a single flower on the grave. Then they knelt together and she told Etain, The Lament was for her, so that she would remember all those who came before, who sacrificed for you, the one who would light the way!”
There was a gasp then, “The Champion of Kyne said, I am not surprised! Etain by her very nature constantly bridges multiple worlds. Primarily, the ones of spirit and physical form but others as well. It flows like a river through her.”
Rosenlyn then said last night we stayed somewhere where there are many ghost related to her there. She dreamt of a trial of sort that The Daughter of Azura had to go through with another. It was very exhausting for her, and she knew somehow it was tied to her too.”
In time Julian came back and said, “She is sleeping now.!” Celestine asked, “Where, someone should be nearby to guard her.” Julian said up on the third-floor guest room studio or whatever it is.” Celestine and Delphine said, “We’re both going to stand outside her room, keep eyes on things.”
Nenya asked, “We’ve all heard the stories, felt the impact of what happened at Bleak Falls Barrow and then the after math back in Riverwood. Can someone fill us in at least on a bit of it? We need to understand more of what she’s had to endure.” Rosenlyn said, “ I can but it will cost you some of your finest ale.”
The day moved into evening. Etain did not reappear until dinner time. When she came back to the private quarters, Nenya said, “Come with me Etain, I have something that should work well for you. We can try it on in my private studio. “ Rosenlyn told Etain, “You look better, rested. “ Etain smiled, “No dreams this time.”
She followed Nenya to her studio. Nenya had something laying on the bed. She said here, “let me show you how this works.” She demonstrated how the cloak and armor worked. Etain hugged Nenya who stood a lot taller than Etain and said, “Thank you where did you get this? It seems like Elven craftsmanship. “
Nenya said, “It is! It was mine when I was much younger given to me by my grandmother who told me at the time. “Someone will come who will reach into your heart and change your life. She will need it. Let her have it as a gift from the past to the future of us all.”
Etain asked, “How would she know that?” Nenya replied, “My grandmother was a sear, she had the old magic, that which the High Elves lost over time.” This is so beautiful, lightweight and warm too.” Nenya said, “It is also protected, it has special weaves in it to protect you from magic attacks.”
Etain said to Nenya, “I can’t thank you enough! I will never forget this gift. I will treasure it all the days of my life. “ Nenya replied, “I serve you how I can Etain. I hope that in this small way, it will help you and me both to begin to light the way forward to better place for us all.”
Etain said, “May I leave it here until we are ready to retired to the house? “ Nenya replied, “ Yes, I will do even better and take it to the home myself. That way you’ll be guaranteed it will be there and ready for the morning. “
They left the room and went to sit down for dinner. The Jarl asked, “No Grace Etain?” Etain reached out to the left and right of her. Then she spoke and unlike the last time as she spoke the words, images and the hearts of all there could feel them swell. Within each person they felt the muse, the meter of the heart’s true word.
“In the quiet moments of swirling thoughts,
We find ourselves lost in battles fought.
With weary steps, we tread the line,
Between duty’s call and the heart’s soft sign.
What compels us to rise with dawn’s first light?
Not the echoes of conflict, nor dreams out of sight.
Oh, how often we chase after shadows and strife,
Forgetting the essence, the beauty of life.
What is worth fighting for, we softly confide,
In the corners of hearts where our true selves abide?
Is it gold that shines bright, or glory that lasts?
Or is it the tender moments that slip through our grasp?
We rage against whispers of envy and fear,
Too consumed by the clutter, we seldom draw near
To the simple reminders of why we are here,
To offer compassion, to lend an ear.
In this vast, restless world where grief takes its hold,
We discover our strength in the stories we’ve told.
For power and wealth might promise allure,
But healing a wound brings a joy pure and sure.
Fight not against those with whom we disagree,
But for those who struggle to simply be free.
Every tear wiped away, every burden made light,
Unfolds in the darkness, a beacon so bright.
In quiet acts, our legacy grows,
Through shared laughter, through kindness that flows.
For a smile is a bridge, a gesture divine,
A thread that connects us, a sign that we’re fine.
So as day turns to dusk, and shadows grow long,
May we leave trails of warmth, our hearts singing songs.
For on this fleeting journey, it’s the love that we share,
That nurtures the world, that shows we still care.
Stand with compassion, embrace every plight,
For in lifting each other, we shine like the light.
Fight for connection, let kindness be your art,
For the battles we choose, weave the fabric of the heart. “
When she was done, there was not a dry eye at the table. Rosenlyn said, “Etain, that was beautiful! How did you do that? I believe each person felt and seen every word that was spoken, every feeling conveyed.”
The Jarl was patting his cheeks with a handkerchief and said, “I have never been so moved as I was in those moments. Thank you Etain!” Hadvar who was sitting on one-side of her and softly ask, “Was that another form of you reshaping the world around us?”
Etain replied, “I think so, but I didn’t know that was going to happen, it just did!” We’ll talk about this later when were just with our group in the house later tonight. Let’s enjoy this meal since everyone seems to be lifted by your words.”
They all released hands and began to eat. The conversations were light and full of laughter. It was as if they had all shared in something that had lifted their hearts free, at least for a little while.
As the evening went on Etain said, “we need to retire. I cannot thank you enough for all of this. We all needed those moments together. Nenya, can you show us the way to the house?” Nenya rose, “Follow me, there is another path that will lead us through untraveled ways to the home. Then I will leave you to get your rest. All the supplies and change of clothing are there. Then Nenya asked, “Etain, I know your journey is long but if ever you are by this way again, you will always be welcomed.”
Etain said, kneel for a moment Nenya, Nenya did so. Then Etain raised a finger and touched it to her lips, she blew upon it and it lit up like a small glowing star, she then place her glowing fingertip on Nenya’s lips and said the following:
“We are bound by something beyond race, belief, or creed. We are one soul together by our hearts decree!”
Nenya, cried then, not something Elves do often. She said, “Thank you Etain!”
Then Etain said softly for everyone else, I said the following:
“We are bound by something beyond race, belief, or creed. We are one soul together by our hearts decree!”
Nenya stood up and walked away back towards her quarters at the Jarl’s house. The rest of them slipped into the back door of the home and began to review the supplies, armor, weapons, and clothes that were left for them.
Etain said, “Okay everyone, do we have what we need? Yes, well then I am going to bed as we need to be out of Falkreath and on our way before first light. Remember, we need to sneak past the Fort in the morning, not engage in combat.
Plus from what I remember, we have an exceedingly long hard climb ahead us tomorrow morning before we reach the opening Alea is leading us too. “