The Call of the Wind, Children of Kyne, Volume I Options

[Kane]

I just finished up the long volume II of this series, so I thought I'd start posting them both here. This entry is one of my first real stabs at writing out a tale and one of only a couple I ever finished. The dialogue is a little stilted and the chapters are short (needed more practice) so it isn't a long read. If you are interested in reading it, I hope you enjoy! (PS, I'm too lazy to proofread this one and I wrote in 2018, so if there are any spelling or grammar errors, I apologize in advance!)



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Prologue

The morning dew lay gleaming on the lush, green undergrowth of Cyrodiil’s Great Forest as the morning sun shined through the branches of its lofty trees. Deep in the heart of the woodlands, sat a small clearing and at its center lie a large rock, covered in silky green moss. Here upon this stone, sat an impressively large brown hawk - it looked far out of place among the other birds of the province, but it was not without purpose. Sitting as still as the unmoving stone beneath it, a wanderer could have mistaken it for a small statue to some long forgotten god.
Nestling its head into her wing feathers, she waited impassively for her prey. Soon thereafter, a crashing could be heard in the forests nearby. Quite suddenly, a pale, sickly looking Colovian emerged from the dense brush and scampered right through the clearing without so much as a glance at the large hawk.

Craning her neck, she listened for the pursuer she was expecting.

And sure enough, the gentle footsteps of a practiced stalker could be heard approaching the clearing, following the rampant destruction of the woodland left in the wake of the panicked, clumsy runner. The hawk lifted her head and waited for this new, but nonetheless expected visitor.

Ah, I see this predator is much too clever to wander into a forest clearing. The professional that he is knows to avoid such a thing, as it is ripe for ambush. Perhaps a little encouragement is needed…

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The mercenary did not like what he saw ahead. Peering through the bramble, he intensely surveyed the clearing, looking for any sign of an ambush. The vampire he pursued had thus far been crashing through the forest like an ogre, but that may have been a ruse. Vampires, he had always thought, were usually much cleverer than this oaf was.

Hesitating outside the clearing was wasting time, but his instincts were kicked into overdrive as he approached it. Long ago he learned to trust those instincts, and many times they had been the difference between life and death. So there he sat, eyes darting around the forest opening, searching intently for signs of danger.

Quite suddenly, the once calm morning changed as a brisk northern wind began to flow through the woods, rustling the treetops and bringing a slight chill to the air. Our mercenary barely noticed the change in clime, until he heard the whispers on the wind. Startled, he relaxed his eyes, and instead strained his ears to the wind, where he swore a voice had whispered to him. The breeze fluttered once more, and this time he was positive…his name was carried gently on the wind.

Kirin...approach my child. Follow your instincts…and my voice…

Standing up nervously, he shouldered his composite bow, and walked boldly into the clearing. To his utter surprise, the hawk he’d mistaken for a statue hewn above the boulder stretched its impressive wings, and spoke to him with an undoubtedly feminine voice.

“It is time for you to return home, my child. Skyrim awaits you, and your destiny has come. Left behind will be your days of mercenary work and feeble pleasures. They matter not now, and only what you accomplish next will be of any consequence.”

This was unexpected, and temporarily froze Kirin, as a million thoughts raced through his mind. He settled on only one, though.

“And if I refuse?”

“It will matter not. The aspect of destiny is inescapable, and utterly final. Try as you might, it will simply catch up to you later, at a time when you may have less choice in its subtleties. Heed my words, and I promise you will not regret the choice to follow them.”

Kirin pondered on her words once more, and quickly realized what he was dealing with. One should not refuse the finality of the divines… He removed his helmet, and knelt on the grass before the large northern hawk.

“Lady Kyne, I see the wisdom in your words, and I pledge myself and my service to you.”

“Very well, young Kirin. Your time in Cyrodiil is at an end. Return to your fellow brothers and sisters of Skyrim, and your true journey shall begin in earnest.”

She then spread her wings once more, and took to the skies above Tamriel, flying ever northwards.skies above Tamriel, flying ever northwards.

This post has been edited by Kane: Dec 10 2024, 03:08 PM

[Kane]

Calm Winds and Low Tides

Kirn and Lydia slept soundly and well into the morning before waking up to eat and recount his trip to Sovngarde. Even Arngeir joined them to hear the tale firsthand. It took a decent amount of time to recount, during which Kirin never seemed to stop eating or drinking. All the while never letting go of Lydia’s hand.

It was the Greybeard who broke the silence that followed the harrowing recap.

"I can see it in your eyes. You've seen the land of the Gods and returned. But I have to wonder…is Alduin truly defeated?"

“We may only hope. I did not absorb his soul when he passed on, so I cannot say for certain if he is truly gone forever.”

"At last. It is over. Perhaps it was all worth it in the end. You've shown yourself mighty, both in Voice and deed. In order to defeat Alduin, you've gained mastery of dreadful weapons. Now it is up to you to decide what to do with your power and skill. Will you be a hero whose name is remembered in song throughout the ages? Or will your name be a curse to future generations? Or will you merely fade from history, unremembered? Let the Way of the Voice be your guide, and the path of wisdom will be clear to you. Breath and focus, Dragonborn. Your future lies before you."

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Elysium Estate was a welcome reprieve when Kirin and Lydia finally made it home. The first thing they did was soak for several hours in the indoor spa to wash away the grime and relax Kirin’s tired muscles. Afterwards they cooked up a delicious meal to enjoy before heading outside to relax in the calm evening weather.

They laid out in the grass on a large fur blanket chatting amicably and care free for the first time in months. As an evening sun gave way to the dark of night, the sky remained clear and cloudless while they watched stars in complete content.

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Over breakfast the next morning, Kirin and Lydia began to discuss the parting promise he made before hopping onto Odahviing’s neck and flying off to Skuldafn. And the advent of their child.

“So, when will we be headed to Riften, love?” asked Lydia. “You did promise you know.”

“Of course I did, and we may go at a moment’s notice, Lyds. Alduin is no more and our life is ours to live as we please now.”

“Tomorrow, then. We will leave at first light for the Temple of Mara.”

A soft breeze fluttered through the open window just before a light knock on the front door could be heard. Kirin stood up from his chair at the table and headed for the door knowing in his heart exactly who it would be. Pulling it open, he graciously welcomed the Goddess into Elysium and accept her loving embrace.

“I am proud of you, my child. You have fulfilled your destiny admirably while remaining true to yourself, Lydia, and to me. I will forever watch over you and guide you when you seek it.”

Kyne then beckoned Lydia to her and wrapped her in her arms as well.

“Lydia my dear, you too I shall always watch over your child too will be under my protection. Your place at Kirin’s side was instrumental in his deeds of valor and will forever be remembered as the Last Dragonborn’s loyal companion. And soon to be wife I take it?”

“Yes, Mother Kyne. We mean to make the journey to Riften tomorrow and will likely be wed the day after.”

Kyne smiled radiantly at the two of them as joyful tears filled her eyes.

“Then you will find the day to be idyllic. The weather is my realm and I shall see to it that there be not a cloud in the sky nor a single drop of rain. Ah �" and I must pay visit to my sister to discuss the ceremony. I will take my leave for now.”

“Thank you for visiting us, Mother,” said Kirin. “I was surprised to not have seen you sooner.”

“I knew of your success before you even returned to Tamriel, my dear. I also knew that you would need plenty of rest. Now then �" I will see you in two days.”
She embraced both Kirin and Lydia one more time before exiting the estate and resuming her hawk avatar.

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It was a pleasant carriage ride from Whiterun down through to Riften and not a single man or creature troubled them along the way. The skies remained free and clear as if the entire world were celebrating the relief of fear that had permeated the spirit of Nirin for nearly a year.

Even the crime-ridden home of Mara’s temple had departed from its usual feeling of seediness and buzzed in a peaceful manner. Spirits were raised and countless folk who were not wholly oblivious to the dragon crisis praised the Dragonborn as they walked through the streets. Guards bowed their heads in respect and even the notorious Thieves Guild acknowledged the great victory that had been won.

Inside the temple, they arranged everything for the following day with Maramal. The priest was delighted to perform the ceremony and eager to wed the Hero of Skyrim and patron to Mara. Once the details were ironed out, Kirn and Lydia headed to the Bee and Barb for a quiet night of relaxtion before the big day.

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Dawn broke over Skyrim in spectacular fashion as the bright orange rays of Magnus beamed down through the cloudless atmosphere. Breakfast had been arranged with Keerava the night before and they were not surprised in the least to find Kyne waiting for them at their pre-set table. But she had clothed herself in common attire of the age, rather than the ethereal dress that was normally worn.

“Come now and eat, we have a busy day ahead of ourselves.”

Kirin’s sat down to eat, but his ears perked up at the sound of a raucous din coming from outside in the town square.

“The whole town sounds as if it’s up in arms �" what in blazes is going on out there?”

“You didn’t really think it would be kept secret, did you?” asked Kyne. “News of the Dragonborn’s wedding spread across the province like a wildfire. I expect there to be a rather large party awaiting you after the ceremony.”

Kirin sighed.

“So much for a quick and quiet affair. Tell me Mother, when does this all begin?”

“Well, it looks like Lydia here is done eating, so I think now would be a good time. Come on, my dear �" let’s get you ready!”


This post has been edited by Kane: Dec 13 2024, 01:40 PM