Hadvar made his way across the river to the opposite bank and up a hill to come out alongside a home that had been empty, for sale for some time now. It was known as the Tundra Home because of where it was built. On a slight rise that overlooked the open plains of the tundra. Hadvar could see from this home, the far distant mountains rose up from the edge of the plains where they met the rolling waters of the river behind it.
Hadvar then made his way up and to the right to a sewer outlet they had used before that would lead him into the kitchen area near to the where the Jarl held his public meetings and his private conferences with his trusted advisors.
When he arrived in the kitchen, the chef was just returning from serving breakfast to the Jarl and the visiting mages out on the private patio. He said to Hadvar, “They are out on the patio. Breakfast was just served. You look like you could use some.” Hadvar nodded then hooded and cloaked he made his way up the stairs and to the great doors that opened out to the private patio.
Two guards were posted there and swung the pikes down blocking the way through the doors. “This is a private meeting friend, who is it that seeks audience with the Jarl?” Hadvar lowered his hood, and the guards both exclaimed. “You better go in; they are all worried sick for Etain and the rest of you. Especially after word of what had happened near Windhelm arrived.”
They opened the doors and the heads of those seated at the dining tables turned to see a hooded cloaked figure with head looking downward stepping slowly toward them. There was only the Jarl, the three mages, and Irileth at the table. Neither the Jarl’s brother of his steward was present.
As the figure approached and lowered his hood. Several of them exclaimed, “Hadvar, come and sit with us. We were just discussing all the events since Etain and all of you left together. No one knew of where you had gone and it had been a very long time since we had contact with your group.”
Hadvar sat down at an empty seat and plates of food were handed to him along with a steaming hot cup of tea. The Jarl spoke first, “Hadvar, I feel a great sadness from you, what has happened since you left us? But first, eat something, drink some tea and get yourself grounded. We are here for you!”
Hadvar thanked the Jarl and said good morning to Irileth and the mages. Once he had eaten some food and drank some of the tea he looked at them with a hunted look in his eyes. Irileth exclaimed, “By the nine, Hadvar! What have you all been through to leave you so exhausted?”
Hadvar said, “Let me speak of Etain’s message to all of you first and changes that will impact us all.” Hadvar paused and looked out upon the great view from the outdoor patio on the back of Dragonsreach.
He then returned to his gaze back to those at the table and said, “Long has been our journey across Skyrim, into Cyrodiil, to Morrowind, and returning to Skyrim at the ports of Windhelm.”
The Jarl replied, “We had heard of great occurrences happening across all those places you just mentioned and figured that Etain and all of you must have somehow been the cause of the rumors of earth-shattering reality bending occurrences taking place. “
Hadvar replied, “We’ll speak of those briefly, but the more important things are the changes in Etain’s father and mother’s concerns for Etain. Maribelle spoke, “We are here to support Etain and all of you Hadvar. Tell us what we can do to help!”
Hadvar finished the tea and asked for some more. Then he told them, “We were secretly leaving the ports of Windhelm and crossing by the ancient fort of nearby Morvunskar.” The mages gasped and said, “That is a place of great evil, what happened? Is Etain okay?”
Hadvar replied, “She is likely resting now; however, the burden placed on her now is overwhelming her gentle soul.” Leoht, the Psijic mage asked, “What has changed?” Hadvar looked as if he was looking into past events and said, “Etain was brought to her knees across from that place. Her parents spoke to her and told her the time for secrecy was past. That the risk of the path chosen was too dangerous not only for her mission but for her and all of us. “
Hadvar took a few sips of the hot steaming tea, “She walked alone to that place, she freed all those enslaved by the Necromancers and Conjurers that lived there and did that to those lost souls. She gave them the same choice as she had to the old Maniefesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum near the Ayleid Ruin of Fanacas.” “You were there exclaimed Maribelle!”
Hadvar replied, “Yes, they are no longer vampires, she freed them all from their eternal service to the Dark Court. They now live amongst the sun and the moon. As you may know they were all Khajiit who lived there. “Just then a loud pop was heard and Sotha Sil arrived and asked if he could join them.
The Jarl replied, “Of course please do.” Sotha Sil told them, “I have just returned from my meetings with her father and mother. They glossed over everything with the big picture stuff, but I need to understand the details in order to better advise how I and others might help Etain.”
Leoht asked, “What about Sanguine, I can’t imagine the Daedric Prince would simply stand by while Etain made deals with his followers. I mean that is kind of his signature approach to the races in Nirn.”
Hadvar said, “You must understand then that Etain is not offering deals, she is offering a path, no deals, they are simply terms of an agreement where she would not obliterate their realms of Oblivion.”
Maribelle said, “What, she can do that?” The Jarl replied, “It is the same thing she did to Nocturnal when she pulled her from Oblivion to our patio to kneel before her. I sense something has changed though as she said she would not do that until she reached her ascension to the Ruby Throne in Cyrodiil.”
Hadvar replied, “Sanguine came, she offered the terms. However, this time she said she would remove the pocket planes of Oblivion where he lived if he did not accept the terms. There was no wiggle room given to Sanguine. Etain’s parents gave her none to give at all. Sanguine would be an example to all the Dark Court if he refused.”
Hadvar took a moment to compose himself, “All accepted her terms, Morvunskar is nothing more than rubble and dust now. But that is not all. We then ventured to Mara’s Eye, the place where the vampires lived deep below.”
Hadvar paused in thought, “Once again, Etain made the offer, all of them are no longer vampires, she has returned them to the light of day and moonlight of night. She is now camped near a secret path that will take her and the rest of them into the area surrounding Ivarstead. They will wait for me to return at the foot of the way up the seven thousand stairs to High Hrothgar.”
The mages said, “Let us come with you then, Etain said yes, she wants you there but not until we have reached the campsite to be established outside the Monastery of High Hrothgar. She is going in alone at first to clear the way, especially for Delphine.”
Sotha Sil said, “Of course, the Blades and the Greybeards would be at great odds with each other.” Sotha Sil asked Hadvar, “What of Delphine has she now pledged herself to Etain vs. their oath of old?” Hadvar broke down then and began sobbing uncontrollably. Collette and Maribelle came over to comfort him.
He then told them, “It has been nonstop for Etain and our group, Alduin placed a curse on all of us that Etain and the Champion had to lift except for Delphine. He had special plans for her. It took Rosenlyn and Azura to lift that curse from Delphine.” He tried to compose himself, “Etain now lives the resonance of all those who sacrificed themselves to clear the way for her. “
Hadvar tears were dripping freely now upon the table, “She lives it now in such a way that all of us experience what she sees, what she feels. “The rest of them listened to all of this in stunned silence. She has reestablished the way at Cloud Ruler Temple for the Blades. She asked her father Akatosh to help her reestablished the Blades as the guardians of the new Alessian line.”
Hadvar looked almost ready to collapse from having to retell the story of what had happened to them since they were last here, in Whiterun. “We almost lost her in Bruma, the resonance was just too much, and her blood flowed out of her, all over her mother’s old room. We had to rush her to the Chapel of Akatosh in Bruma to save her.”
Hadvar caught his breath, then said, “She has suffered over-and-over for all of us and it takes a deep toll on her spirit. She also destroyed most of what had been Black Reach. The shoreline has completely changed now. So much, so many burdens for such a gentle soul to absorb. “
All were silent at the table after hearing all of this. Sotha Sil spoke, “Hadvar go and get some rest. I will help by returning you tomorrow morning to the foot of High Hrothgar seven thousand steps. I would like to hug my young ward. Yes, I have pledged myself to her father and mother to help guide and protect their daughter.”
Sotha Sil then suggested, “Let Maribelle and Collette take care of you tonight Hadvar. Get some rest. I sense there is much more than all of this that has not been spoke of yet. We’ll earn more as we go.” Irileth rose and said, “Come Hadvar, let me help you to the private quarters. The mages are staying there now as well.” Hadvar simply said, “Thank you!”
When they left Sotha Sil said to Leoht and the Jarl. Hadvar is feeling the loss of not having Etain nearby. This the first time they have been separated since being thrown together since their fates were burned together in Helgen. I sense that he and Etain have grown closer now.”
Sotha Sil asked Leoht, “Do me a favor and return briefly to Artaeum and brief the others that we need more resources here to assist Etain and her team. Return here when you are done and we can discuss next steps with the others.”
The Jarl then said, “I need to confer with Elisif and Dengier about what has happened. Is there any possibility of you being able to bring them here to shorten the time for us to meet to determine how to best support our thane. Sotha Sil said, “Of course let me go and bring them and their stewards to you here.”
By that evening the Jarls and their stewards were all meeting on the outside patio of Dragonsreach. Dengier let both Elisif and Balgruuf know what he knew of Etain and some of what he had experienced and heard concerning Etain’s tonal resonance abilities coming to life within her. Elisif said, “We need to get the support of the other holds. Of course, Windhelm is out of the question but the other ones, we should be able get them to align. They could not be unaware of all the incredible things that are occurring across Nirn now.”
Dengier said, “Each of us know some of the other Jarls. I would like to suggest we each reach out to those they know. We need to try and convene a meeting here between us all.” Jarl Balgruuf said, “I agree but I also think that events are going to accelerate once Etain reaches High Hrothgar in speaks with the Greybeards.”
Elisif replied, “I agree with your assessments. Let’s see if we can get some help from the mages or Psijic Order to assist with getting everyone here. Just then several popping sounds were heard and more Psijic Mages appeared on the outdoor patio of Dragonsreach. They came and spoke with the Jarls. We have come to help. Leoht came and spoke with the order and there will be more sent to assist Etain and her group. “
Jarl Balgruuf stood and said, “Please sit down with us, we could use your assistance in a matter of great importance to Etain’s efforts.” They all sat down and Elisif spoke to them explaining their plan to bring together all the support across Skyrim for a meeting here, They wanted to know if they could help them to transport each of them to the other holds and to convince them to come back with us to Whiterun.
They said, “We concur, that could be of great use for Etain to know that most of the holds support her and will lend aid when needed. Each of us will take you to where you want to go. Shall we leave?” Jarl Balgruuf said, I need to let Irileth, my House Carl know or she will be quite angry with me. She is with Hadvar helping to keep watch over him as he recovers.”
One of the Psijic Mages said, “Isn’t he the one that escaped Helgen with her in the beginning?” Elisif replied, “Yes, but so much has occurred to them all since they left us. He was falling apart emotionally from all the strain of so many reality shattering events occurring so fast to them all.”
The Mage replied, “We will want to spend time with him to gain more insight once he recovers.” Elisif said, “You’ll all get to hear it as we do too. For now, I suggest we start pulling in the other Jarls and their stewards to help support Etain.”
Each of the Psijic Mages separated and disappeared along with their assigned Jarl and Steward to begin gathering up the Jarls and their Stewards from the other holds. It was evening when they all were gathered together. The guest of honor arrived. Hadvar sat down so that he could inform them of the current status of everything involving Etain.
The conversations were hard for Hadvar as he described in detail all the events that had taken place to Etain and the group with her. The Jarls, their Stewards, the Mages were left speechless after hearing of the journey of Etain and the others with her.
Hadvar spoke and asked Sotha Sil, “When can we leave for Ivarstead? I am sure we can find a remote location somewhere in the hills overlooking the approach to Ivarstead, so we know when they arrive.” Sotha Sil asked, any more discussion that requires Hadvar, I believe we need to get him back to Etain and the others.”
Everyone there said, “We have heard what we needed to know. We thank you Hadvar for sharing what must have been a very difficult journey for you all. Know we are here to support Etain and all of you however we may. Just ask and we will respond.” The Mages said send word once you are ready for us to arrive. In the meantime, we will work with the Jarls and their Stewards to gather supplies and determine what else can be done.”
Then the Jarl of Markarth stood and said to Sotha and Hadvar, “Please inform Etain that all the Jarls with the exception of Windhelm have named her thane and will support her in whatever she determines she needs from us” Hadvar and Sotha replied, “Etain will never forget your kindness. She will remember who her friends were when she someday arrives in Cyrodiil and the Imperial City. “
Sotha Sil looked at Hadvar, then asked, “Ready!” Hadvar nodded yes, and they both vanished in a flash and then reappeared above the old barrow that looked down on Ivarstead. The trees were in full autumn color and the wildflower and prairie grasses tall and blowing in the gentle breeze.
Hadvar sat down and watched both entries into the town. Sotha Sil said to Hadvar, “There are those here waiting for her from another Dragonborn. One who used to serve the Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora. He betrayed him and proceeded Etain’s mother, Saint Alessia by about a thousand years. He lived during the Merethic Era, the time of the dragons and was the first mortal to have that of a dragon’s soul.”
Hadvar spoke to Sotha Sil, “He will be surprised then to learn that Etain proceeds even the dragons and that of the first Era. I would not want to be him when Etain confronts him. Although, I think she will offer him a chance to change. However, I can’t imagine someone who would be brazen enough to betray a Daedric Prince to have enough emotional intelligence to make the right decision.”
Sotha Sil replied, “Hadvar, you are bright considering your background as one who was loyal to the Imperial Military. If it was not for the fact you and Etain are already bound in blood and fate, I would offer you a place in Artaeum.” Hadvar said, “I have spent a great deal of time in the libraries of all the great cities. My mother was a scholar and although not well known, her knowledge of this place and its histories were without end. “
Sotha Sil replied, “I knew your mother, she was a brilliant light in a dark time, and you are right, her knowledge lived within every part of who she was. She loved you Hadvar. You do her great honor by remembering her so.”
Hadvar simply said, “Thank you Sotha Sil, “I did not know you knew her, but it makes sense that one who admires the pursuit of knowledge would know of her.” Hadvar then said, well nothing to do now but wait for Etain and company to come. I expect they will be coming from the that entry as they take the hidden path outside of Whiterun that goes up and over the mountain”
Back at the camp, morning had come and Etain was up early watching the rising sun. Rosenlyn, Delphine, Celestine and The Champion of Kyne came to her. Rosenlyn asked, “Can we join you?” Etain never replied but patted the cold ground next to her to let them know it was okay to sit with her.”
They all watched the sun rise up over the mountain tops and shine its rays across the land. The colors of the day began to wake up all around them. From the browns, oranges, and reds of the Autumn prairie grasses to the various tones of grey, browns and black of the mountain rocks.
They all sat there in silence with her appreciating the beauty of this world. Etain spoke finally, “This is why we keep going, to save these moments for everyone to enjoy. “Rosenlyn asked, “Etain, what’s wrong? I sense something is troubling you. Can you share it with us?”
Etain said, “My mother came and spoke with me last night in my dreams. There is trouble waiting for me in Ivarstead.” Delphine asked, “What trouble is there and how can we help?” Etain replied, “Let me tell you a story about the Merethic Era, the Age Of The Dragons. Long ago during that time there was the first human to become a Dragonborn. His name was Miraak.”
Etain thought a moment then continued, “He played a major role in the story of the island of Solstheim. Eventually, he became a follower of Hermaeus Mora, the Daedric Prince of forbidden knowledge. He has heard the whispers in the currents of the winds. He has sent some of his Acolytes to stop me, to bring him my head.”
Delphine spoke first, “The Blades are aware of him but as the stories are told he betrayed Hermaeus Mora and was trapped in the planes of Oblivion related to Hermaeus Mora.” Etain replied, “That is all true, but he has grown in power and plans to come to try and restore the cult of the Dragons but all under his rule. He wants to send this beautiful world back into darkness. In time, I will have to travel there to confront him.”
Rosenlyn asked, “That is the far away future though is it not?” Etain replied, “Yes, sister it is and he does not understand yet who I am. He thinks me to be just another Dragonborn like others in a long line. So, he tries to eliminate potential threats before breaking free of Oblivion.”
Etain leaned over to let her head rest on Rosenlyn’s shoulder. “I will have to decide what to do with them once we arrive. I cannot allow our entanglement to harm any of the town’s people or guard.” She paused a moment then said, “On a happier note. Sotha Sil and Hadvar wait for us there already. So, let’s get this camp put away, return the land to what it was before our coming and begin our journey to Ivarstead. “
Celestine asked this time, “I would like to suggest you send one of us in to deliver a message that you wait for them outside of town. That way they will be compelled to come, and you can do whatever you decide to do with them once the arrive.” Etain replied, that is a good suggestion Celestine. I will send both you and Delphine in as I have been told there are two of them.”
Etain then said, “I will need some time to my own thoughts as we travel this silent path into Ivarstead. Please allow me the time to think through all of this as well as the journey ahead up to High Hrothgar.”
They all rose and began to break down the camp. She informed the others of what to expect. Alea and Hassarsha had rejoined them so there was no need to worry about doing something to protect her. She told them all, “No one can raise a hand against them. This is my burden to determine their fates.”
They finished packing up the campsite, cleaned everything up and began the trek up the long trail that went left to right, then right to left up the mountain. They reached the top by midday.
Etain said, “Let’s break to get something light to eat, hydrate, and recover our strength before descending into the area surrounding Ivarstead. It is a wild area and there are likely to be many wild animals, bandits, and possibly other creatures as we make our way into Ivarstead so stay alert once we come down from the mountain.”
After breaking for a meal and recovery, they packed up what little they had unpacked and began their way down the trail until they came to a fork in the trail where one way led down more towards the forest of Falkreath. The other up towards Ivarstead. Once they could see Ivarstead in the distance up a long hill she told them that Sotha Sil and Hadvar were camped up high on the ridge behind the old barrow.
Etain told them, “I want to visit with both of them first. Then I will send Celestine and Delphine in to deliver the message for the Acolytes to cross the bridge to meet me. That is where I will confront them.” There is a family of Trolls living near the river. Let’s make our way up and over to where Sotha and Hadvar wait for us.”
It took them another forty-five minutes to make the way up behind the barrow and to greet both Sotha Sil and Hadvar. They greeted the group and Etain walked over and asked Sotha to bend down so she could hug him and thank him again. Sotha Sil told Etain afterwards, “I have spent some time with your father and mother. Both are well and miss their daughter a great deal but are so proud of you and what you’ve accomplished so far.”
Etain said, “Thank you Sotha, my mother came and told me about the two Acolytes waiting for me.” Sotha asked, “How are you going to handle them” I will send in Celestine and Delphine to deliver a message that they can find me over there on the other side of the bridge where no harm can be done to the residents of Ivarstead or the guard here.”
Hadvar came and asked, “Are you going alone?” “Yes Hadvar, but once I am done with this unpleasant affair I want you to join me so we can talk for a while. Is that okay?” Hadvar replied, “I missed you a great deal when we were separated Etain.” Etain replied, “I missed you too!”
She turned to Celestine and Delphine and said, “Go and find these two, they should stand out because of some unique armor and masks they wear to hide their identity. Deliver the message but do not confront them. Deliver it then return to this place. I am heading across the river now to wait for them on the other side. “
The company watched Etain as she made her way across to the river to the way across the bridge and the forested hardwoods dressed in Autumn surrounding the lands of Ivarstead. Celestine and Delphine made their way into Ivarstead, found some Stormcloak soldiers patrolling the area and asked them about strangely dressed characters that had recently arrived.
They pointed down to the logging Mill and said they were last seen down there. They speak to no one but just roam around the town listening, observing. Celestine and Delphine found them on the edge of town just watching the road. They approached them and Celestine spoke to them, “I have a message for you from the one you seek.”
They turned and said, “A Knight of Standar and a Blade. We thought the Thalmor had eliminated all of you. This imposter keeps strange company.” Delphine then said, “We are only here to let you know she waits for you on the other side of the river near the beginning of the woods. She will be alone!”
They walked their way through the town then leaving both Celestine and Delphine to return to the others above the old barrow. The two Acolytes made their way across the long bridge, up past the empty home of Autumn’s Rest and then saw Etain sitting there cross legged with a large blade across her lap with it edge licked with flames and ancient runes.”
They came to her and the leader asked, “Are you the one they call Dragonborn?” Etain replied, “Who asks and why should that matter to you?” The leader spoke again, “We have been sent to deliver your head back to the true Dragonborn who will someday return and claim all of Nirn as his own.”
Etain smiled and then asked, “Do you know who I am?” The other Acolyte spoke, “It does not matter to us, you are a deceiver, an imposter and we will deliver your head to the one true Dragonborn. “Etain then stood up and said, “I will offer you this one chance to return to your master and let him know that one comes who proceeds the first spark of creation. “
The leader replied, “That’s impossible no one could proceed the first!” Then let me introduce you to who and what I am. I am Etain Saorlaith, Oralith. She who is the daughter of Akatosh, the first, whose mother is Saint Alessia. I existed before the first spark of creation, before Nirn, before the Dragons. I come to bring about a new era.”
Etain paused then said, “You can of course doubt that but understand I am the Covenant Reborn. She raised her sword high above her head and along with her sword, her tiara and ring came to life and the blood flowed into her sword as it lit up the skies. “She commanded, “What is your choice?”
They both responded, “We will destroy you imposter!” She drove her sword into the earth and vines formed from the roots of Nirn and wrapped themselves around both the Acolytes of Miraak. They were both transformed into thorny trees as their armor dropped to the ground. Etain then said, “I gave you a choice. Let this so-called first guess at what happened to his Acolytes.”
Those on the hilltop saw the great light that struck the sky, The whole town of Ivarstead stared at this and thought to themselves, “What calamity is coming to our town now?” She sat back down waiting. Rosenlyn said, “Hadvar, she waits for you.” Hadvar began to journey to the bridge and across to where Etain sat. She said come and they both walked towards Autumn’s Rest and took a seat on the bench outside the empty home.
Etain turned to Hadvar and leaned in to kiss him again on the lips. She then said, “That is so you remember how much I feel for you Hadvar. However, the journey ahead is so long, and I don’t know what the end looks like. I just wanted you to know how much I have grown to care for you. What happens when we reach the end, we’ll have to see.”
Hadvar said, “Thank you Etain and I too care so much for you. One heart, one soul, forever more?” Etain said, “Yes, forever more!” They sat there and listened to the soft breezes of Autumn and the rustling of leaves along the ground.
Hadvar then asked, “The two Acolytes?” Etain said, they refused my offer and now decorate the landscape. See the two new thorny trees standing over there. That is them. Well at least it was. “
Hadvar said let’s return to the others they will be worried about you. I suggest we wait until morning before beginning the long climb to High Hrothgar.” Etain said, “I agree, lets return to camp and begin planning for tomorrow.