The merchant ship that had come to recover Etain and the others was approaching the ports of Windhelm. Etain had made steady progress in her recovery. They were preparing a morning meal in the main mess deck that had been cleaned and prepared for a private planning session in honor of Etain and her guests.
Everyone was there and seated around the tables as the staff brought in fresh food consisting of fish, fruit, nuts, cheese, along with some hot teas and wine. The Captain arrived with his first mate and navigator for the planning session. He sat near where Etain and Rosenlyn were sitting.
He began, “This meal has been prepared to honor our guests. I have brought my first mate and my navigator who are trusted advisors so after we eat we can discuss what possible paths you might take to reach your next destination.”
Etain replied, “We are honored by your treatment for me and my friends. My mother has told me you are to be trusted as well as your chosen advisors.” Etain thought a moment, “I will add though that although are general destination is well known to you. We are looking for advice on how to navigate to the start of that climb along less known paths. Anyone else want to add to that, please let them know now.”
Etain waited and looked around the table and said, “If you would Captain we always begin each meal with a blessing told by either me or one of my friends. Although, it would be Hadvar’s turn normally, I ask that Khamira do us the honor if she would for this meal.” Khamira acknowledged that she was humbled to be so honored.
She began,
”In the amber hush of Elsweyr’s first sunrise, a lone cub was whispered into being by the Moon‑Emperor himself, his destiny sealed in the year of 1E 461. Cloaked in the fire‑kissed fur of Merrunz, he grew to become the Golden Beast—his roar echoing across savannahs where the Larsius meets the Strid. With claws that carved deep into stone and a heart that burned for ancient stories, he forged a realm of iron and fire, yet he tended the old archives as a keeper of forgotten verses, lest the Merethic whispers be lost to the sands.”
Khamira paused to allow the first words to be contemplated, “Through twenty years of conquest, his banner draped over Leyawiin, his fortresses rose like obsidian blossoms, Darkpool Mine, Do’Krin Monastery, Desert Wind Adeptorium, each stone humming with both terror and reverence. The beast’s feral fury was mirrored in the fierce masks of the Khajiiti Havoc Dance, and his fierce eyes burned in the hearts of warriors who sought honor in his wake. “
“Yet, beneath the roar, a tender stewardship lingered: vaults of history were hidden, scrolls rescued from the flames of Merrunz’s cultists, so that the chronicles of sixteen kingdoms could still sing their ancient songs.”
Khamira told them, “Great were the legacy of his blessings upon our people and others who honor our way. “When the sands finally stilled and the Beast’s breath faded into myth, his legacy lingered like the scent of incense after a ritual. The martial traditions of Anequina still bear his imprint, and wandering travelers once halted his reanimated legions with a single, compassionate strike.
Khamira paused, “Today, scholars trace the roots of Elsweyr’s story to his vaulted records, and even the desert winds carry whispers of a ruler who, though feared as a conqueror, was also a guardian of memory. In the quiet moments between sunrise and dusk, one can feel his gentle hand guiding the past, ever protective, ever empathetic, toward the horizon where new verses are yet to be written.”
Khamira then said, “May the wisdom and memory of the ancient martial traditions bring us blessings untold in the days ahead as we make our journey towards the seven thousand steps.”
Etain replied, “Thank you Khamira, that was a wonderful story of an important part of history of the Khajiit related to their roots. May it grow wisdom within us all.” Etain then said, “Let’s eat before all this fine food and tea gets cold. We can begin discussions in earnest once we have our nourishment for the morning.”
Once all were done enjoying the morning meal, the tables were cleared and the Captain suggested they move the conversation to the private chambers of his quarters that were reserved for meetings when important discussions with limited exposure need to be had. It was tight fit, but they all were able to fit into the space make themselves comfortable.
The Captain spoke first, “Etain and company, after speaking with my advisors I think we have a route you can use. It is not without its risks and dangers, but Windhelm is geographically located in an area that makes it hard to get anywhere other than going north towards Winterhold.”
Etain then asked, “Okay, Captain what is your proposal?” The Captain looked to his advisors and both of them said, “We both believe you should follow the river west from Windhelm. The terrain is going to be quite varied. However, that should provide you great cover to as it will allow you to choose between different paths that follow the river from either side of it.”
The advisors paused waiting to see if there were any questions. Etain asked, “What is our destination if we follow this path?” The advisors said, “This way will allow you to come up near the Bandit held fort of Valtheim Towers. It can be avoided though by using the high side on the left closest to it. The right-side is hard climb and forces you to go past an old keep full of Necromancers. That way is not advised.”
The speaker paused then continued, “You can come down from the high side and then there is a hidden unknown path that is a switchback that will go up and over the mountains below High Hrothgar. Do not try and reach it from there. The mountains are quite high and there is no reasonable path to it from that location. The path will take you up and then down into the area near Ivarstead where you can navigate your way to be beginning of the pilgrimage to the seven thousand steps. “
Etain looked at her group and said, “Okay team, time for you to provide me with some input as to whether this is a good choice or not?” Khamira spoke first, “We are not familiar with these lands. So, we will look to the others in your team to listen and hear what they advise.” Etain then said, “Thank you Khamira. What about the rest of you?”
Alea spoke first, “I am familiar with this way they propose and even know about the hidden way. Although, I have not taken it before, the Companions have been aware of it for a long time now. I think their plan is a good one considering all the other choices. All of them contain risks but this one is less as long as we choose our ways wisely and stay alert along the way. I would also like to suggest that Hassarsha join me as I can return the favor by teaching him what I know of this land of Skyrim. We can lead ahead as before and set the markers in place for you to follow.”
Etain replied, “Once again you honor us by showing the wisdom that you have had and learn as we travel together.” Etain turned to Khamira then and asked, “Are you okay with this and is Hassarsha agreeable with Alea’s proposal?” Khamira spoke with her group and Hassarsha replied he would be grateful for the chance to travel and learn of this land from Alea.”
Etain then turned to Hadvar and asked, “Since we will be that close to Whiterun, I have a special request of you Hadvar. Can you take the secret paths into Whiterun and speak with the Jarl and the three mages; Collette, Maribelle, and Leoht and advise them of what we will be doing. Ask them to begin the journey there behind us and join you at the campsite to be established up near High Hrothgar.”
Hadvar replied, “Of course I will do as you ask Etain, but I sense you are not telling me your concerns of why you want them to be there up at High Hrothgar.” Etain smiled, “It is good to see that you have learned to listen to that part of me I gave to you Hadvar.”
The others in the company looked at each other not knowing what was meant by that. Rosenlyn spoke then, “Etain has given part of her essence to Hadvar in an act to help bind herself to this world and to him. They have lived the trials of fire and ash together. “
Etain then said, “Thank you Rosenlyn for explaining that to them. To answer your question Hadvar. Even though we travel the hidden ways to the start of the seven thousand steps to High Hrothgar, once we begin to journey our way up to there, our presence will become known by many including my brother Alduin. There is a chance I will need them to help me once he becomes aware although I believe he will be hesitant to move against us at that time due to both his second brother being there as well as the very powerful Greybeards. “
Hadvar replied, “Thank you Etain, I will do as you ask of me, One Heart, One Soul, One Together Evermore!” Etain stood up and walked over to him and kissed him on the forehead then said, “One together evermore!” The Captain then said, “I have a home at the docks that has been prepared for all of you. I suggest once it is dark, and the activity of the docks is almost nonexistent you go to it, get some rest, finish any last-minute discussions and then head out early before the sun rises to reduce the chance of you being noticed.”
Etain stood then and said, “I need to get some rest so if you can all excuse me, I will retire to our quarters to rest until evening. Thank you all for your advice and assistance. It shall be remembered when someday I make my way into the Imperial City and the Ruby Throne.”
Everyone settled in then Rosenlyn woke up Etain, “Etain, time to wake up so we can make our way to the housing provided for us for the evening. Come on sleepy head, we need some time to talk. There are many here with concerns that they did not feel comfortable with voicing amongst so many earlier.”
Etain opened her eyes and said, “Okay sister, I am coming. Give me a moment to clear the cobwebs from my sleepy brain. “Etain sat up then did some stretching and hand movements without voicing anything to stretch her muscles and get her blood circulating.
Once done she stood up and asked Rosenlyn, “Help me get myself together would you?” Rosenlyn replied, “You know sister you sure can be demanding at times for someone who says they don’t want anyone to feel unequal to you. Are you going to help me put my clothing on and make sure I am straightened up afterwards?”
Etain stopped, reached out and hugged Rosenlyn. “You know, if you weren’t my sister, you would make the perfect mate for me. I mean, where else could I find some that is so honest with me when I need it the most.” They both laughed then.
Rosenlyn said, “You know how much I love you Etain. You also know how much we both want children so…” Etain replied, “I know, but it is sad in some ways. Although, I think you would wear me out if we ever, you know.” Rosenlyn and her both laughed some more then Etain helped Rosenlyn get prepared and she said, “Thank you sister!”
They both walked out and Etain went to speak to the Captain. He was up on deck waiting for them. Etain walked over and said to the Captain, “My father and mother want you to know they are grateful for your care and generosity to their daughter and company.”
Etain raised her finger, blew on it. It lit up like a star, and she pressed it to his heart. “The blessings of Saint Alessia are with you now. May you live a long and happy life Captain.” Etain leaned in to hug him then said, “We need to be off. May you voyages at sea always be full of fair weather!”
Etain covered her head with her robe that was given to her, and they made their way from the ship to the housing provided by the Captain. No one saw them leave the ship or enter the house as it was quite late in the evening, the docks were quiet.
Once inside the home they quickly spread out to explore and examine the home to understand it’s layout and then sat down in a common room to discuss where everyone would sleep for the night. Once they had completed those discussions the group sat down to discuss concerns the group may have had that they were unwilling to speak about in mixed company.
Etain started by saying, “I understand that there are concerns about the choices made for our route to Ivarstead. This is your opportunity to voice them. Say what you feel, let us all hear your concerns and then we can discuss whether there are changes that should be made in terms of our route. Is everyone okay with that?”
There was agreement from the group. Alea began by saying, “Overall the route is about as good as it gets. There are very few good choices between Windhelm and Ivarstead. One other one is to travel by small boat down to Riften. However, that route is not without its own risks including the likelihood of discovery due to the many nefarious groups that operate out of Riften.”
Khamira replied next, “I believe with our two scouts going out ahead we will be aware of any real dangers before we get to them. I have faith in both or their abilities individually. Even more so when they are working together.”
Next Hadvar spoke, “I am more familiar with the route we have chosen then then any alternatives we might come up with. Plus, we lose our advantage of being close to Whiterun so I can visit with the mages who have left he guild to be a part of what Etain is working to achieve for all of us. Also, there are many variable paths that can be taken along those routes and if this hidden path exist between the Whiterun area and the area surrounding Ivarstead that is even better for all of us.”
Delphine spoke next, “I concur with both Alea and Hadvar on this. Many of us here are familiar with the areas surrounding Whiterun, Helgen, Riverwood, and other areas as we were raised there and have spent extensive time growing up exploring these places. I believe we have the most knowledge taking the originally proposed route.”
Etain asked Julian, “You haven’t said much on this. How do you feel about it?” Julian responded, “I am not a tracker but an academic so I leave the why we should go this way or that way to those in our company who are most skilled in those areas. However, I will say that academically, logically, they have all made sound arguments for us to stay on the originally proposed route. I propose we listen their wise counsel in these matters and get some rest.”
Rosenlyn then said, “Thank the nine, that’s the best idea I believe I’ve heard tonight. Come on friends. We have a decision don’t you think. Let’s go with it and get some rest so we are ready to leave bright and early.”
Etain replied, “Any disagreements?” She paused and waited but nothing but silence. “Okay, let’s retire and get an early start shall we?” With that the group broke up and went to their sleeping areas while Delphine and Celestine took up a divided guard duty so they both could get some rest through the night.
All slept well through the night and Etain woke up well rested having been given a night without an event of some type. Rosenlyn was waking up too. Etain leaned over, “Come on sleepy head, we need to get up grab a quick bite and be on our way. Today begins the first steps of the journey to the start of the seven thousand steps up to High Hrothgar. “
Rosenlyn replied, “Well good morning sunshine! So nice to see you is a well-rested state for once. If we were not sisters, I might have had to take advantage of your good mood and rustled with you for a bit under the covers.” Etain laughed, “You know sister, we need to be careful with all our banter of someone may overhear us and begin to spread rumors.”
Rosenlyn replied, “Really, shall we put on a show for them then. Who knows, maybe it will reduce some of your anxiety about being in your birthday suit around others. “Etain said, “You know I love you sister. However, we better get up and join the others so we can get everyone on the start of the journey.”
Etain sat up and pulled Rosenlyn up. Etain then said, “Here sister let me help you get ready, I certainly don’t want to offend your sensibilities of fairness, do I?” Rosenlyn leaned over and hugged Etain, “You know, I really am rubbing off on you way too much!” Etain said, “Come on, you’re ready, help me get myself together and let’s go.”
Rosenlyn and Etain joined the rest of the group for a small quick breakfast. Khamira told them, “Both Alea and Hassarsha have already left to begin their journey to mark the way for us and return or wait ahead if they see anything we need the groups decision on.”
Etain replied, “Okay, let’s get our gear together and get this journey started shall we.” Everyone got up grabbed their bags and equipment. They moved to the door, looked around the docks and saw it was still fairly quiet with only a few early workers beginning to set up for the day. Hadvar said, “I think we should stagger our leaving the home with some workers already beginning to show up. That way, it will not draw notice that a large group of people all leaving at the same time might provide.”
Etain spoke, “I agree with Hadvar’s assessment. Let’s quickly break up in teams of three then stagger us leaving by 10 minutes each. Each time look quickly to determine if anyone is spending too much time looking at the house before leaving. Okay, first group gather your stuff and go.”
They continued the process until only Etain, Rosenlyn, and Hadvar were left. Etain said to them, “Wait, I am going to put us into a shadow spell so we can easily make it to the first meet up location across ice covered waters.” Rosenlyn asked, “When did you learn to do that, sister?” Etain replied, “When I was with father in the place beyond time.” Etain then said, “Vokun, Qah, Nahlot”.
The three of them vanished and could walk without making any noise. Hadvar asked, “We can still see each other, but I sense we are hidden from everyone else. It that true Etain?” Etain replied, “Yes, that is true, the three words meant Shadow, Hide, Silent. As in all things Dovah, using three syllables is the most powerful version of the spell.” Etain then said, “Let’s go, as it will only last long enough for us to get to the other side of the river and maybe a little further beyond.”
They moved quickly from their home to the ice-covered parts of the river and bay near the ports of Windhelm. Once across to the other side they moved up into the hills surrounding Windhelm where they could make their way without spells to where the next meeting spot was set. They looked for the signs, found them and continued on until they found the group up near an abandoned statue of Talos that overlooked the Great City of Windhelm.
When they arrived Ferez said, “I sense Etain used the language and magic of the Dovah to hide them in shadow and silence to get here.” Khamira asked Etain, “It that true, Etain? Do the Dovah have words for those abilities?” Rosenlyn replied, “Yes, Etain is learning new forms of the Dovah language that are less known by many of the Dovah except for the most powerful of them.”
They made their way southwest hidden along the rocks that rose along the banks of the Yorgrim River. They had to wade across a low spot in the river at one point due to their not being any clear path along the shoreline they started on. Etain suddenly fell to her knees when they neared the fort of Morvunskar. She heard her father and mother’s voice.
“Teach them, free those who have been enslaved, and give the same choice to Sanguine as you did for the other Dark Court. If they refuse use Sanguine as an example. You cannot secretly march your way across the land of Skyrim and leave behind so much corruption in your wake. It will undo you; it will undo the coming of the new age. We will protect you!”
Everyone around her had weapons out and Rosenlyn was at Etain’s side. “Etain, I felt their presence, what do they want you to do?” Etain reached out and hugged Rosenlyn then said, “I can no longer walk in shadow, the time has come. They told me it will be my undoing; it will destroy us all if I walk across this land without resolving the evil that hides within it.”
Rosenlyn was crying, the others were stunned standing there hearing what Etain had just told her.” Etain, how will you do that without destroying yourself?” Etain looked at her sister and said, “Father and mother said they will protect me, keep me safe.”
Etain stood up then reached out, pulled Rosenlyn up next to her. She then looked at those who had come with her, pledge their lives to her and said to them, “I go to Morvunskar to free the souls of those they have enslaved. I also go to offer them what I have done before. If they refuse, I am to call Sanguine to me and offer him what I did the other Dark Court. If Sanguine refuses, well, they are to become an example for all the others yet to come.”
The cheeks of Etain were stained with the tears that fell from her eyes. This hurt her but she knew in her heart that it must be done, or they would be hunted every step of the way by those who did not want to see this new age come. She asked them all to gather around her and said, “You must stay here, it will be too dangerous. I go to begin to reset the harm that has been done to so many. I love you all, grant me rest when I return, I will need it.”
She turned away then and walked up to the front entry of the old Fort Morvunskar. She removed her hood, drew her sword and raised it high above her head, She called out loud, “Zu’u Los Rek Wo Lost Us Tiid, Zu’u Bo Wah Ofan Hi Hin Praan Bo Ahrk Kos Stin!”
Those who had been enslaved by the Necromancers and Conjurers of the Dark Court all came forward. They came before her and the Necromancers and Conjurers looked at her them in stunned silence. Then a dark cloud appeared and Sanguine came out of it to stand before Etain.
Sanguine said to her, “Who is it that comes to my place, uses the language of the Dovah, then calls those that I, the Daedric Prince of Hedonism, Revelry, Debauchery, and Dark Indulgences have as my guests?” Etain smiled, then said, “You understand our language do you not? What part of I am she who was before time did you not understand Sanguine?”
Sanguine replied, “Ah! You are the one Nocturnal told us about. She claims to not only be the daughter of Akatosh and Saint Alessia but one who existed before even the first spark of creation. You have no power of me or others of the Dark Court. Go before you lose your entertainment and I decide to…”
Sanguine never got the chance to finish those words. Etain raised her great sword high above her and the gems of the covenant flared to life. She drove her sword into the rocks and roots of Nirn before them and all who were enslaved simply vanished to their final resting place.”
Then she rose up and flicked her fingers freezing them all into silence and unable to move including Sanguine. She then spoke to them, “I offer you what I have offered others. Walk free of the Dark Court or you will be placed in a forever dream. I will come again to offer you the same thing. If after three times you refuse, I will leave you in the dream that never ends until the very life seeps away from your body.”
She paused then spoke directly to Sanguine, I offer you the same deal as I did Nocturnal. Return to your realm of Oblivion and do not interfere again in the affairs of the races here in Nirn. If you refuse then unlike Nocturnal your realm will simply end. I will set you lose to live out your life without any power other than the long life you already have. Make your decision.”
Some of the lesser Conjurors and Necromancers came forward to say they would no longer walk the path of the Dark Court. Etain told them, “Go and be free, live out your lives without harming others. I do not ask you to follow me or pledge your service to me. I only ask that you begin to live a life free from your past.”
One of them asked, “What happens if we find ourselves unable to follow that path after trying?” Then you will simply cease to exist. I cannot hope to bring about a new age where we all stand as equals and leave behind those that would undo all that we sacrifice to bring that about. “
The Necromancer replied, “I accept your terms she who existed before the first spark. May your light guide us and give us the strength we need to help bring about this new age you seek.”
Etain then turned to Sanguine, “What is your response Sanguine?” Sanguine replied, “Great is your power but you are asking me to undo that which I am?” Etain replied, “No, I am asking you to find other ways to express it. There are those of my brothers and sisters, the Dovah that have found ways to control their worst urges. Are you incapable or so weak in your power that you are unable to rise to that challenge?”
Sanguine said, “What happens if I change my mind?” Etain replied, “When I come at last upon my place in the Imperial City and are crowned, your whelm of Oblivion will no longer exist. This is not a deal as you would do, this is an unconditional term of the new age. Accept it or not. This is your decision to make Sanguine!”
I will accept your terms, “I sense your father and mother are watching us, I am not so foolish as to test what they would do if I refused.” Etain said go, I will not leave this place standing. All must leave now. I give you one hour, or you will become part of the rubble that will remain.”
Etain sat down upon the ground cross legged with her sword laid upon her lap as she waited. Back at the spot where she left the others, Ferez said to Khamira, “She waits for them to remove themselves from the fort. Then she will destroy it the same as she did with Bleak Falls Barrow. “
Khamira asked, “Is Etain okay, is her health good?” Ferez paused then said, “What Etain does costs her in ways we cannot fathom. But she knows that she must bear this for all of us, to bring about this new age.”
Rosenlyn fell to her knees and cried, “Oh Etain, my sister, please come back to us soon.” Celestine and others came and hugged Rosenlyn. They said to her, “We are here for you Rosenlyn!”
The time had passed. Etain senses the place was now empty. She now stood and called to her mother and father, “Nii Los Dreh!”, “It Is Done!”. A great light struck down from the vault of the sky above and turned what had been Morvunskar to rubble as Etain walked back to where she left the others.”
The others were all forced to hide their eyes from the power that was set lose upon the old fort. When it was done they saw Etain coming towards them out of a cloud of rubble and ash.
She walked up to Rosenlyn and hugged her sobbing gently. “We need to move as many will come from Windhelm to investigate.” Let us move on to the next location, Mara’s Eye Pond.” Celestine and Delphine came and assisted Etain along the path. They spoke to Rosenlyn and said, “Get some rest, we know this drains you too. We can help Etain for a while. She may need you later.”
Rosenlyn replied, “Thank you, that is very kind of you both.” They headed down the road and disappeared into the floating fog, ash, and dust that had formed because of what Etain had done. It was just in time as the first of the guards and curious scavengers had begun to arrive from Windhelm to investigate what had happened near the old fort of the Necromancers.
Meanwhile, Etain and the group made their way up to Mara’s Eye Pond. They setup up camp and Etain, now recovered a little bit spoke to them, “Remember the Ayleid Ruin in Cyrodiil where we stayed?” Several of them replied, “Yes Etain, why do you bring that up now?”
Etain paused a moment, then said because below us is another clan of Vampires. They will sense us in time. I plan on offering them the same deal. They are not Khajiit so will not appreciate the story telling that Julian provided at that time. “
Rosenlyn asked, “I know how important to you and father and mother this is but how many places and times do you plan on stopping at before we reach the town of Ivarstead?” Etain thought a moment then replied to Rosenlyn, “Not too many more, just those we pass along the way. Also, I still plan to take the secluded path up and over the mountains into the area surrounding Ivarstead. I will need rest soon and that will provide the quiet solitude I need.”
Celestine and Delphine asked, “Why the change of heart from your parents?” Etain thought a moment and then reached out to hold Rosenlyn’s hand. She did not pull away as she sensed Etain needed the grounding of touching her human self.
Etain said, “I think they know that we cannot hope to achieve these lofty goals to bring about a transformation of hearts without confronting the illness that has affected these lands for a long time now.”
Hadvar asked, “I sense that they also know that the time that we lose every time we need to look for alternative hidden paths keep us from our goal to help you reach the support needed to head back to Cyrodiil and eventually, the Imperial City.”
Etain smiled and replied, “Your instincts prove true, Hadvar. Plus, when you think about it they are correct in this.” By taking this more open path, we will establish our right to return to Cyrodiil once we are ready. It should in fact provide a confidence that I and you have taken the path required to ascend to those final stages.”
Etain said, “They come, be ready as I do not know the hearts of this clan.” Etain flicked her fingers and the campfires were instantly put out. Only the bright light from the moons lit the area around them.”
After a while, one who appeared to be the master of this clan approached them. They asked, “Who is it that comes with warm blood ready to feed on for my clan and sits so bravely upon our doorstep?”
Etain replied, “Come, sit with me and hear my offer. Through it you will come to understand the answer to your questions.” They came and sat on a nearby log and sniffed the air. “Elder Blood! I had heard the whispers of one who had come to bring about a new age. One whose spiritual essence and blood proceeds all other things, even the creation of Nirn itself.”
Etain smiled, “Your network provides you with truth, so you must also know why I come to sit with you!” “I have heard that you offer us a way back to a world of both light and shadow, that you will not demand us to follow you, or kneel down in servitude. I also hear that if we refuse we will enter the lands of the forever dream. “
Etain said, “You are correct! Knowing that, what would you ask of me to understand the choices left to you and your clan?” “I am called Jihaad; I am Breton or at least that was my birth right before this happened to me and to us. Long have we been followers of Molag Bal. He will not be happy if we turn from his path. Tell me, do you not fear that?”
Etain grinned slightly and said, “Twice now I have met with two from the Dark Courts.” Jihaad replied, “I have heard of your meeting with Nocturnal, but who was the second?” Etain replied, “Did you not feel the destruction of the place called Fort Morvunskar? Do you not see the bright light that shines from its rubble over there?” That was you who did that? So, the second was Sanguine?”
Etain replied, “Yes, he took my offer to stand down be neutral. Sanguine said he sensed my father Akatosh and mother Saint Alessia watching our conversation and decided to take the wiser route vs. having them demonstrate their power on him. “Jihaad replied, “I see, but Molag Bal is much more powerful then Sanguine is he not?”
Etain looked to Rosenlyn as a nod for her to reply to Jihaad. “My sister Etain existed before the first spark of creation. How do you think Malog Bal would fair against the power that predates his existence.” Jihaad replied, “I see, and you are. I am Rosenlyn daughter of Azura, sister to Etain and of the blood of the Septims. You are surrounded here by Acolytes of the Nine and one of the Champions. We all have pledged our service to Etain.”
Jihaad replied, “Let me go and speak with my clan in privacy below. I will return soon although I cannot guarantee they will accept your offer. “Etain nodded then said, you have one hour, if no one comes back I will know your heart.”
There were about fifteen minutes left when Jihaad returned. He asked Etain, “If they accept your terms can they stay below?” Jihaad thought a moment, “They are unsure of your claims but have all said if you can do what you claim they will agree. I have come to show them my trust in what you say. Since it is almost daybreak, either I will survive to enjoy the sun of the day again or be destroyed.”
Etain stood up and then said, “Stin Niin Do Fin Gron Daar Gron Niin Wah Vokun!” A great a wave of mystic starlight spread across the area and deep within the realm below them. When the sun rose, Jihaad stood there and felt the warmth of it deep within his bones. It had been a very long age since he remembered how that felt.”
Jihaad asked Etain, “What words were those of the Dovah that you invoked if I may ask?” Etain said, “In the common tongue, ‘Free them of the bonds that bind them to shadow!” Jihaad began to bow to her on one knee.
Etain said, “No, Jihaad, you and your people are free now. You are now free to live as you want. Remember what I have done for you this day. I have come not to enslave but to free you all to stand as equals with me in the coming age.” Etain grabbed his arms and he rose and then leaned in to hug her. Jihaad said, “I will never forget what you have done this day for me and those of my family. Go in peace Etain, may you someday find your own happiness.”
Rosenlyn came and kiss her sister on the cheek then said, “Etain, your love for this world is beyond anything I have ever seen in any age before. Thank you brave warrior!” Etain said, “Come we travel the quiet paths now to camp near the Stormcloak camp that lies close to the hidden path to Ivarstead. Once there, it will be time for Hadvar to leave us temporarily to speak with the mages and Jarl. We will wait for you Hadvar at the foot of the way up to High Hrothgar. Let us go, as I grow tired and want to enjoy a night of peace under the starlit skies.”
They made their way across the wilderness avoiding any other areas where Etain might have to engage with them to insure no one would be causing them issues from the rear as they continue their journey to Ivarstead. It was about four hours, and they made their way to a place secluded enough to set up a camp. It was high enough to see anything or anyone coming towards them.
Etain went and spoke with Hadvar, “Stay on the hidden paths Hadvar and make your way in through the same entry we took the last time we were there. Once inside gather the Jarl and the three mages together. Make sure the Jarl knows I want to limit those who might know about our movements and location. Tell the mages to join you and the others at the base camp we intend to set up at the entry to High Hrothgar Monastery. We will contact them somehow to let them know they can come and join you. Any questions?”
Hadvar asked, “Can we talk privately for a moment?” Etain told the others, “Hadvar and I are going to take a stroll.” She said to Hadvar, “Come on let me walk you down to the shoreline along the river’s tributary. We can talk in private there.”
They both walked down to the road that went between the old bandit tower of Valtheim Towers and the road to Whiterun. They crossed over and made their way to the shoreline. The mud crabs that were normally protective over their territories paid them no attention. Etain said, “Okay Hadvar, what’s up?”
Hadvar came and said, “Etain, this will be the first time we will have been separated for an extended period since our fates were thrown together at Helgen. I just wanted you to know I am worried about you. I have come to care for you a great deal. I am sorry, feelings are hard to express sometimes.”
Etain pulled him close, set her arms around him and said, “One heart, one soul, together forever more” She paused a moment, “You remember that right? You know my heart as I know yours Hadvar. I feel a great deal for you too but our journey ahead is still long and full of many dangers.” She leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips then pulled back and said, “Someday maybe Hadvar for now let’s focus on what needs to be done and Hadvar, thank you for caring and wanting to let me know. I need that you know, to know you care.”
Hadvar was surprised at her display of emotion and feelings but understood and said, “Okay Etain, and thank you for caring too! I am heading out, see you near the start of the seven thousand steps in Ivarstead. Please be careful Etain.”
Etain returned alone to camp and found Rosenlyn had set up a tent for them to share. She quietly walked past everyone without saying a word. Knelt down and crawled into it to wrap herself under the blankets and furs. Everyone in the camp knew and felt the loss she felt. Rosenlyn slipped into the tent and laid down next to her. She wrapped her arms around Etain and said, “Love hurts sometimes, doesn’t it!” There was no response other than the quiet weeping of her sister.