Hassarsha and Alea made their way through the pass with Hassarsha leading the way and Alea silently watching them to learn more about how they sense the land around them, the dangers ahead, and how to determine the path of least resistance.
Hassarsha came and gave Alea a special mask for her to wear to help her to filter the harsh magical dust storms that carried within them the spores of a sort of cancer that if it took hold deep within your lungs would kill you. The lands were characterized by high, jagged volcanic peaks, deep ash-chocked valleys, and steep switchback trails.
To Alea it was a land that held an almost mystic feel about it as they continued their journey marking the trails as they went she saw massive, floating jellyfish-like creatures that drifted peacefully across the skies. Hassarsha told her they were called Netch and were fairly docile creatures unless they or their young were threated.
As they continued their way from west to east and then northward they could see Cliff Racers darting among the jagged cliffs. Alea learned from Hassarsha that they were territorial and could be aggressive predators. Many unprepared travelers met their ends by the sharp talons or cutting edge of their beaks.
They established a camp in some old ruins that once had been a settlement in these lands but had been claimed again after the eruption of the Red Mountain. Many of the inhabitants of these harsh lands moved their living places deep with the mountains to protect them from the extremes of the lands they lived in.
They waited there for the rest of the team to arrive so they could discuss their plans going forward. They could see Ebonheart and the Red Mountain off to the Southeast. It wasn’t too long before Etain, Khamira, and the rest of the group arrived. They quickly finished the setup of the camp and discussed the plans for the journey to Black Reach Tower. Etain asked them, “Can we reach near the tower in a single day? “ Khamira looked to Hassarsha and the response was “ Yes, but it would be a hard march. They would need to find a reasonable campsite before the tower where those within it could not see their campfire from a distance. “
Etain was tired and so she told the group, “ I am going to sleep soon, I would advise others to do the same. I want to get an early start in the morning to make sure we have time to reach our goal and find a decent camping spot so we can relax before the perilous trek that will bring us to within reach of the tower. I expect whatever we plan will go sideways of course so we need to be well rested. Etain looked at Rosenlyn and said, “ Why don’t you stay with me tonight just in case any events happened during the night. “
Rosenlyn replied, “ Good thinking Etain!” Khamira asked, “What type of events would you expect to happen here?” Etain looked to Rosenlyn to explain, “ Etain has a unique ability to sense the memories of past events. So strong is her tonal resonance that those events come to life again. They can impact her in dark and negative ways as even though she has the soul essence of the Elder Blood, her human side is still human and reflects the stress in very messy bloody ways. “
Khamira looked to Fezez, the Alfiq who said to her, “Etain is unlike anything we have every experienced before. I sense she has bleed in a way that almost cost her life multiple times now, when she needed to call upon the power of the Elder Blood. Such is its cost to the human form. “ Khamira said, then perhaps Ferez might help as well just in case he senses anything coming to life of that tonal resonance. Is that okay with both of you?”
Etain and Rosenlyn both said, “ Yes, that would be helpful and thank you again for the assistance. I suspect Etain will need to call upon those powers when we arrive at Black Light Tower. “ Then Rosenlyn said, “Besides it is not just Etain that will help but her sisters and brothers all! Khamira replied, “ I am glad we on your side. You have some very powerful family! I would not want to be on the opposite side of them.”
Rosenlyn laughed, “Yeah, her father and mother recently told a group that if anyone else hurt their daughter, they would turn their cities to ash! I don’t think I would want to be on the receiving side of that!”
With that, they retired but Etain couldn’t sleep and said to Rosenlyn, “You awake?” Rosenlyn rolled over sand said, “Can’t sleep?” Can we practice the exercises, I think it will relax me enough to fall asleep! “ Rosenlyn said, “Come on, let’s find a clear space.”
Khamira and some of the others were still awake by the fire. They saw Etain and Rosenlyn step into a clearing. They watched Etain placed her sword on the ground between them. Khamira whispered to the Fezez to go and get Hassarsha. They all watched these two as they began the exercises. They moved with grace and precision and the three Khajiit were spellbound to see the old practices of their kin being practiced in perfect movement.
When they neared the end, they bowed to each other and then it happened, the ghost of Khajiit Dragonguard from the Second Era began to mirror all the movements Etain and Rosenlyn had done. The Khajiit had tears in their eyes to watch this, and it touched their hearts in ways never before felt. When they were done and the spirits of the old Dragonguard vanished, the three Khajiit came over and said, “Was that a form of tonal resonance?”
Etain replied, “Yes, but that was the good type. I apologize if it offended you.” Khamira came and hugged Etain and Rosenlyn and said, “You do us great honor Etain and Rosenlyn. For use to witness our ancestors perform those ancient dances are the highest honor we could ever received from anyone. Thank you both, we will never forget this night. Go and get some sleep. “ Rosenlyn and Etain retired again and it wasn’t long before Etain was sleeping soundly. Rosenly smiled and softly whispered to her, “Thank you kind warrior, for touching us all each and every day.”
Morning came, and Etain awoke to smell something good being cooked. Rosenlyn rose and said, “What is that wonderful smell, I can’t wait to taste that.” They got up and joined the others at the campfire. Khamira said, “We decided in honor to both of you to fix you some of favorite dishes. It will provide us all with the nourishment we’ll need for our long trek today.” Tea and food was passed to them all and they sat down and enjoyed the meal and tea.
Etain finally said, “I think we need to get going. I must thank you all for this breakfast. It was truly delightful.” Khamira said, “We have a surprise that will help speed our way and provide us time to rest too. “ They watched as Alea and Hassarsha arrived on the back of a Silt Strider. Rosenlyn asked, “What is that? I need me one of them for back in Skyrim.”
Khamira laughed and said, “They do not do well in cold climates such as Skyrim. Also, they are native to this land of rock, ash, and sand but will provide us with a safe and fast ride to our destination today.” Etain asked, “ Where did you find that?” Khamira said, “Hassarsha knew of a trader who ran a service. He wanted transport us, but Alea and Hassarsha convince them that it would be too dangerous, so here we are.”
They packed up the rest of the site and left everything as it had been found. Then they climbed some cliffs to get high enough to jump over onto the seating for the ride ahead. They were all amazed at how fast this creature moved across the land and a couple of hours later they could already see the structures that made up the Black Light area and the ports. The creature being so tall allowed them to find an old, abandoned cave where they set up a camp without worrying about anyone seeing them.
That day when twilight was beginning to come upon these lands, Etain, Rosenlyn, and others from the group climbed out from within the caves and up to a high cliffside that gave them a good view of the area where Black Light Tower and its Ports were.
After looking for a long time, Etain dropped to her knees in a prayer position and began to use these ancient hand symbols and speak the ancient language that predated even that of the Elder Language. The others watched in stunned silence as she worked through this tonal language and symbols with her hands.
Rosenlyn exclaimed, “Etain, you’re not going to…” However, it was too late, and she vanished from sight stunning the Khajiit as they had never witnesses such a thing before. Ferez said to Khamira, “This Etain bridges multiple worlds and multiple times all at the same moment. There has never been any recorded or spoken history in our world of Nirn of such mastery of tonal architecture as she has.”
Khamira reached out and gently touched Rosenlyn asking, “You look concerned for your friend. Does she do this often and what cost does it impart upon her physical form?” Rosenlyn turned with tears running down her eyes and replied, “No, not often. Only once before has she done this. Of course there is an always a price she pays for the use of such power. One cannot evoke such ancient power while still in physical forms such as ours and not be impacted by it.”
Khamira asked, “Will she return from wherever she went?” Then without warning a shimmering essence of Etain began to appear where she had been before she vanished. A few minutes later she was back whole again but shimmering as if touched somehow by this act. Rosenlyn reached out to her and hugged her exclaiming, “Etain, why do you do that. You know how much I worry for you sister.” Etain returned her hug and said, “I apologize sister, I went to speak with my father and the others about what we have seen of the area. Come, we need to speak but back into the caves where none can hear but us.”
When they were back inside and protected from the hearing of the outside world, Etain sat down around the campfire and asked the others to join her. She turned to Rosenlyn, “Can you bring me some tea? I need it to calm the tonal resonance back into its normal state.” Ferez spoke to Khamira who in turn asked Etain, “Ferez said you are learning to control this tonal resonance are you not. He told me he sensed your understanding of it has deepened.”
Etain replied, “Ferez is correct. I am learning to bridge these multiple worlds and timelines better. However, it still costs me physically. Rosenlyn is correct for being concerned and I love my sister for it!” Khamira asked, “What is it your father and the others said to you about our plight?”
Etain turned and looked at each of the company and replied, “None of you are going to like this but they have offered a solution that I believe will work best. However, it is not without its cost to me, and I will need all of you to be prepared to move quickly, recover me physically and get me onboard the ship when it comes. I will likely need attendance from those that can heal once done for the powers I will evoke will reshape the world around us.”
Rosenlyn then asked, “What is it they propose you do?” Etain calmly said to the group. You will need to all climb to a high place like that of which we were at tonight. It will not be safe to be anywhere lower.” Alea then spoke, “ Etain, what is it you plan on doing, I know how much it cost you when you collapsed Bleak Falls Barrow the ancient home of the worship for Alduin. Are we speaking about that type of reshaping?”
Khamira and the other Khajiit were confused, “You mean she collapsed one of the old temples of the Dragon Priest and their followers?” Rosenlyn replied, “Yes, Bleak Falls Barrow no longer exist, there is only dust and debris where once that place stood!” Khamira asked, “What happened to all those souls in there?” Rosenlyn replied this time, “She returned to Aetherius, those that wanted rest and those that would not turn from their dark paths no longer exist.” Ferez spoke to Khamira then, “Ferez asks, she can command that? If so, she truly is something this world of Nirn has never seen before.”
Rosenlyn replied, “Yes, but the last time this happened it almost cost us losing her! Etain, are you sure?” Etain reached over and held her sister Rosenlyn whose tears were running like rivers down her cheeks. Etain then replied, “My father, mother and the others said they would protect me this time as they now know what to expect. Yes, it will still impact me, but it will not have the same effect as the last time.”
Khamira asked, “We have heard that in a placed called Riverwood back in Skyrim, that there is a new tree of life unlike any that has ever existed in Nirn before. It is said it is a holy site where the living incarnation of the Covenant of Kings bleed for all of us.” Etain said, “Yes, Khamira, that is true. “
Hassarsha then asked, “So what is it you will do tomorrow?” I will go to the top of the first tower; there I will evoke the Elder Blood to rise the waters of the oceans all around us. It ill destroy their ships and navy but also collapse the long structure that connects the initial tower with Black Reach Tower. Word has already been taken to the merchant ship to not approach and to spread world for all travel to Black Reach be suspended until that ship is able to approach safely and fetch us all to take us back to the ports at Windhelm back in Skyrim. “
Etain then said, “This will happen quickly, there will be no time for any not aware to respond.” Julian asked, “Do you plan on using the same powers as you did in Falkreath to reach the tower without them knowing?” Etain replied, “Yes, Julian, the exact same ones.” The Khajiit looked confused.
Hadvar replied, “Back during our desperate journey through the lower parts of the keep at Helgen when Alduin came and destroyed that place. Etain demonstrated her use of “The Way” to move so fast that she appeared to vanish from one spot and appear at another instantly. She used it over-and-over during that time to disable but not kill all opposition before I could make a single step forward.”
Ferez then said to Khamira and Hassarsha, “ If she can do that, she is reshaping the world around us in near real-time to fulfill her promise to her father and mother.” Etain replied, “Yes, that is true Ferez. However, now, I need to rest as tomorrow will be yet another reality bending day and my physical form needs it rest.” Rosenlyn, will you lie next to me this night. I need my sister’s presence close to me.”
Rosenlyn replied, “Of course Etain, let’s go and don’t worry, we’ll make sure we all make it the ship after you do what you do.” Etain then stood, and turned to the group, Come, stand in a circle in front of me. I need to do something for all of you, so I don’t worry tomorrow.
They all stood and formed a circle. Etain took her finger and swiped some of the tears from Rosenlyn’s cheeks with her finger. Then she kiss that finger and raised it before them. She blew on it saying, “The light of Alessia be upon you all tomorrow to bring you safely to my side when my work is done. Go and rest now knowing her light now lives within you all.”
They all felt something touch them deep within their very souls. Etain then said, “In the common tongue I said, “The light of Alessia be upon you all tomorrow to bring you safely to my side when my work is done. Go and rest now knowing her light now lives within you all.” She turned and went to sleep. Rosenlyn went with her to prepare for the coming day. All the others went to rest as well.
Morning came quickly and they all spent time eating together and speaking amongst each other. Rosenlyn helped Etain to get ready. She was wearing her robe and hood again that was given to her by Nenya. Her sword as carefully strapped on and she wore her ring, and tiara as well. All was prepared. She said to them, “ Let’s climb up above. I will leave you from there. Things will happen very quickly once I vanished. Wait until you see the waters calm again, at that point. My family will assist the merchant ship on making it the newly formed shoreline so that you and assist me in getting aboard.”
They all climbed to the tops of the high point they were at yesterday. She turned and asked, “ Any last questions?” No one responded so Etain came and hugged each and everyone one of them including the three Khajiit who were pleasantly surprised at her touching embrace. Ferez commented to all, “She lives her creed in the very air she breathes. We are truly blessed to be a witness to it, aren’t we?”
With that said, Etain knelt on one knee, and she simply vanished from the space where she had been. They all watched the area of the first tower and saw a light pop in a second later. Etain, who had surprised the guard there by her sudden arrival, bent to one knee drawing her sword and setting it into the stone of the tower. A bright ward formed around her and then the seas began to rise quickly. So fast was it’s rising that all those below in the ships and campsites surrounding it as well as the dock areas were swallowed up in a blink of the eye.
Etain then spoke, “I come to set the foundations of the new era, beware those who would follow the Dark Courts, I am not only of the Elder Blood but that which proceeds it. Understand what the means this day. Make your decision as to become one with the new age or lost to the darkness of the old one. So, have I spoken for my mother and father, for all my sisters and brothers.”
Her companions watched from afar and a great light split the heavens above and hit the structures that bridge the tower where she knelt and the larger community of Black Light Tower. The structure completely blew apart into pebbles and fell into the foaming surging waters that had risen all around them.
Then the seas returned to their normal state and a great merchant ship simply appeared at a newly formed shoreline below the first tower. They all watched and then saw Etain appear near its docking place. They all moved out quickly and made their way to the where Etain laid curled up in a ball, unconscious, but gently breathing.
Rosenlyn was first to reach her, and she reached out to touch Etain’s spirit. Etain responded, “Sister, I knew you would be first. Thank you! Once the others are here quickly get me on board and ask the captain to set sail for the ports of Windhelm. I should be recovered by the time we arrive. Stay with me though, I need you as always.”
The others arrived quickly, they all helped to get Etain aboard the ship and the captain said, “ All has been prepared for her. Come, follow me. I will have food and drink brought to you all, We did are best to ensure you all have a safe and comfortable voyage. I have to get to topside but please don’t hesitate to reach out to me should you need anything. Once we are out to sea, I will return to check in with all of you.”
The long journey to reach a safe place to make the final journey to the beginning of the 7,000 stairs to High Hrothgar was complete and they now only had to make it into port and then plan out the next path of their journey to reach Ivarstead.
Julian was busy writing notes in his journal about all the events he had witnessed. The others had all fallen back into their routines of protection, healing, and watching over their ward, Etain as she slept and recovered from what had been done.
The captain retuned an hour later and told them they were out of the territory of Morrowind now and in International waters. He told them all should be smooth sailing from here. He looked at Etain as she rested peacefully and said, “Amazing that one who commands such power is humbled by the simple pleasures of us mere humans. Truly we live in the beginning of a new age of enrichment. May we all learn from her sacrifices to become better people ourselves. “ I’ll leave you to your rest. May the blessings of the divines be with us always.”