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> Ekali of the Frozen Heights, Book one
Grits
post Mar 1 2015, 03:02 PM
Post #161


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I like the changes you made to the game’s story. It makes great sense for a Thane of Whiterun to attend the party openly and then slip away. goodjob.gif


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Saquira
post Jul 24 2015, 03:17 PM
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From: West of the College of Winterhold



Author's Note: This chapter has been in the works for way too long, and funnily enough it was the loss of the parts I'd already written that prompted the ideas that meant that I actually managed to finish it.

And the changes to canon continue! You can't actually disguise yourself in-game. Also, the texts that are written in italics in this chapter are actual in-game notes/books, so I can't take credit for writing that.

In my version of the Elder Scrolls Universe elven armour, and any other armour that was made by mages or used by the Thalmor, is enchanted to fit on whoever puts it on. I'm going to include the Blades armour into that category later on, though Ekali won't wear it. And of course that means that that's not true for all armour.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali met up with Malborn in Solitude to give him the supplies she'd require, then went through the plan with Delphine before heading to the Embassy by carriage. Once there, Malborn only just saved her from an awkward conversation with the First Ambassador, and then she had to create a distraction to be able to enter into the back area of the embassy unseen.

Chapter 7.2
-Into the Embassy-

21st – 22nd Heartfire


Ekali didn't waste any time once Malborn had let her through into the rear of the embassy. It didn't take long before she could hear two voices in the room just to her left, two soldiers who were discussing recent troop movements and the appearance of the dragons. She waited until they finished talking, and then when they'd continued on their respective rounds she went after the female altmer who'd walked right into the corridor in front of the khajiit without spotting her.

She slit the taller womans' throat before she had time to think further about it and quickly took a hold around the elfs' waist to lower her gently onto the floor as her blood spilled out onto the cold stone. Moving quickly, as she knew it was only a matter of time before her absence at the party was discovered, she checked one of the closed doors in the corridor and carefully opened it to see a dark, cramped space with shelves that were stocked full of cleaning equipment. Then she carefully hoisted the tall elf onto her shoulder and carried her into the small room before depositing the corpse on the floor.

A grimace passed across Ekali's lips as she began to strip the quickly cooling corpse, but she kept quiet as she used some of the supplies to clean off the worst of the blood and then switched her leathers for the elven armour. She was thankful for the fact that it was Thalmor armour when she'd fastened it properly and the armour changed to fit on her body. Lastly, the khajiit pulled on the other woman's helmet, discarded her own weapons on the floor and sheathed the elven short-sword that the elf had been carrying at her own waist.

When Ekali entered into the larger room that the soldiers had been talking in, the soldier standing by the door, a male bosmer wearing elven armour and carrying an elven bow and quiver on his back, merely nodded at her before letting his eyes continue to scan the room. His eyes passed over her again a moment later and his brows furrowed, but before he had time to draw a weapon or call out she'd already reached him and plunged her newly acquired short-word through his throat. Once again she was careful to not let the body make too much noise as it fell, instead stooping down so that he could fall forward onto her shoulder. She carried him out of the room and into the same storage in which she'd dumped the woman's body, then quickly headed for the door he'd been guarding. Considering the slight draft she could feel coming from it Ekali guessed that it was most likely the closest door that opened up into the courtyard, and as she pushed it open she found that her theory was correct.

Ekali took care not to walk too quickly as she walked outside. Neither did she look around, only briefly noting the wizards and soldiers she could see in her periphery as she took the shortest path to the building on the other side of the courtyard. The only light in the courtyard was provided by the snow reflecting the light of the moon, and from the glimpse of blue she saw in one of the soldier's eyes as she passed him she guessed that they were probably using night-eye spells to see in the dark.

The walk was quick, and before long the female khajiit pulled open the door and stepped into the warm interior of the solar.

The entrance hall was rather large, with several benches and tables placed around the room. A soldier stood only a short distance from the door, but he only looked her over briefly as she entered, and opposite from the main door stairs went both to the second floor and to the cellar. There were two rooms on the left side of the entrance hall and a counter on the right, and in the one room on the left of the door two people were arguing. Through the doorway she could see that it was a nord in commoners clothing speaking to one of the Thalmor's wizards. The room next to the one in which they were standing in also looked like it was someone's office, and it didn't seem as though their argument would be finished any time soon.

She headed towards the stairs so that she walked right past the soldier, then turned off to the left and headed into the room with the desk. Walking in behind it placed her outside the view of all the Thalmor agents, and she slowly opened the desk drawers in search of some papers that might provide her with a clue. However she only found papers on troop movements and economic calculations, so she silently closed the drawers again and crouched down next to the chest that had been placed next to the back wall.

It was locked, but the lock didn't seem very complicated so she drew out some of the lock-picks she'd stashed under her armour and worked the chest open. Inside she found a key, a small note labelled; Dragon Investigation: Current Status and two dossiers on Delphine and Ulfric Stormcloak. She read through the note quickly, which revealed that the Thalmor didn't seem to have any idea of why the dragons were returning and that they held a prisoner in the dungeons that should be able to enlighten them on the subject.

First Emissary Elenwen,

We anticipate a breakthrough in our efforts to uncover the party or power behind the dragon resurrection phenomenon. An informant has identified a possible lead, whom we have brought back to the Embassy for a full interrogation. The subject is obstinate, but by all indications is holding back the information we seek. I have authorized Intermediate Manual Uncoiling – I do not expect more will be necessary, unless you feel time presses.

I know you prefer to be present for the final questioning; I will inform you immediately when the subject is fully receptive. Two days should tell the tale.

In the meantime, if you wish to audit our technique, your expertise is welcome, as always. I have placed the prisoner in the cell closest to your office stairs, for your convenience.

-Rulindil, 3rd Em.


Ekali had just finished reading and tucked the note away under her armour when she heard footsteps walking by outside in the entrance hall. Then a moment later she heard the outer door open and close as the second person headed towards the stairs.

There were some stairs in the room she was in as well, and Ekali didn't waste any time before going down them and attempting to open the door at the bottom. Though the door was locked that problem was quickly solved by the key she'd found in the chest, and Ekali went through slowly to make sure that she wasn't spotted or heard.

She entered onto the upper level of the cellar to the sound of pained groans and a smooth male voice trying to get someone to talk. It sounded familiar, and Ekali guessed that it was the wizard who she'd glimpsed in the entrance hall previously. Looking over the railing onto the lower level affirmed that belief, and it also alerted her to the soldier that was standing below the stairs.

When Ekali turned to walk down the stairs she didn't make any effort to muffle her steps, instead relying on the armour to get her close enough to the soldier to kill him quickly. He looked up as soon as she entered his line of sign, nodding to her briefly in greeting. Ekali answered with a nod of her own before her eyes drifted to the wizard who was standing in front of a prisoner in one of the cells. He didn't make any motion to get up and check what she wanted, so Ekali focused on the soldier instead.

She was hardly two feet away from the soldier when he noticed the fact that she was holding her short-sword half hidden behind her back, and though he opened his mouth to call out a warning the khajiit stuck her sword through his abdomen before he had time to utter a sound. However the groan of pain and following clatter as the soldier fell to the floor unimpeded was more than enough to alert the wizard, and he spun around with narrowed eyes as he raised his hands to cast a spell. Ekali threw herself to the side and the bolt of lightning missed her by inches. Because of the close quarters it didn't take long for her to get close to him, and he was forced to raise his dagger to parry her strike, unable to focus enough to fire off another spell.

He was skilled with the dagger, but he had neither shield nor armour, and soon enough Ekali got in a blow on his side and twisted it. As his hands went to the wound and the dagger fell to the floor with a clatter she didn't waste any time, taking hold around the back of his head to slit his throat easier before allowing him to crumple to the floor.

“What's going on..?” the pained question brought her attention to the prisoner who'd been shackled to the wall and she quickly wiped off the blade of the short-sword before returning it to the sheath at her waist.

“What did you tell the Thalmor?” She used a lock-pick to unlock his shackles as she spoke, and he turned his head up to look at her in confusion.

“That I've seen a guy in the Ratways of Riften that fits the description of the man they're looking for. Esbern, I believe they said his name was.” She nodded, and when he was finally free from the wall he rubbed his wrists tenderly before looking back at her again.

“Do you know how to get out of here?” she asked, though her attention was divided when she heard a door open and close up above.

“Yeah, there's a trap door further in that they've been using to dump bodies in,” he answered, and Ekali nodded before leaving the cell.

“Listen up, spy. You're trapped here and we have your accomplice. Surrender immediately or you'll both die,” a female voice said from the upper level, and Ekali's face tightened as she saw that another soldier was holding onto Malborns' arms just behind her.

“Nevermind, I'm dead already,” the bosmer spat out.

“Silence, traitor. Move slowly,” the female soldier told him as Ekali headed towards the stairs to get up to them, drawing her blade quickly. As she moved, Malborn broke free of the soldier holding him and drew a knife from within his clothing before attacking the man. The male soldier brought his sword up to fight him as the female headed towards the stairs, and Ekali took the last few steps at a run to get on more even ground.

The following fight was quick in the close quarters, and Ekali finished it by plunging her sword into the other woman's stomach. Then she turned her attention to the male soldier and Malborn who were still fighting each other, and got up behind the altmer before sticking her sword into his back. That provided Malborn the opportunity to cut his throat, and the bosmer didn't hesitate before doing so.

“Now the Thalmor will be hunting me for the rest of my life. I hope it was worth it,” Malborn uttered once they'd both caught their breaths and Ekali had searched the soldiers to find the key that would help them get out of there.

“So do I. Let's go,” she said before heading down the stairs with Malborn following after her. When they'd almost reached the cells Ekali spotted a table and a chest next to them and deviated from her course to look through the chest. It contained some writing utensils and a small notebook labelled Thalmor Dossier: Esbern which, though she only skimmed through before tucking it into one of the hidden pockets inside her armour, seemed to contain quite a bit of interesting information.

Thalmor Dossier: Esbern


Status: Fugitive (Capture Only), Highest Priority, Emissary Level Approval

Description: Male, Nord, late 70s

Background: Esbern was one of the Blades loremasters prior to the First War Against the Empire. He was not a field agent, but is now believed to have been behind some of the most damaging operations carried out by the Blades during the pre-war years, including the Falinesti Incident and the breach of the Blue River Prison. His file had remained dormant for many years, an inexcusable error on the part of my predecessor (who has been recalled to Alinor for punishment and reeducation), in the erroneous belief that he was unlikely to pose a threat due to his advanced age and lack of field experience. A salutary reminder to all operational levels that no Blades agent should be considered low priority for any reason. All are to be found and justice exacted upon them.

Operational Notes: As we are still in the dark as to the cause and meaning of the return of the dragons, I have made capturing Esbern our top priority, as he is known to be one of the experts in the dragonlore of the Blades. Regrettably, we have yet to match their expertise on the subject of dragons, which was derived from their Akaviri origins and is still far superior to our own (which remains largely theoretical). The archives of Cloud Ruler Temple, which is believed to have been the primary repository of the oldest Blades lore, were largely destroyed during the siege, and although great effort has been made to reconstruct what was lost, it now appears that most of the records related to dragons were either removed or destroyed prior to our attack. Thus Esbern remains our best opportunity to learn how and why the dragons have returned. It cannot be ruled out that the Blades themselves are somehow connected to the dragons' return.

We have recently obtained solid information that Esbern is still alive and hiding somewhere in Riften. Interrogation of a possible eyewitness is on-going. We must proceed carefully to avoid Esbern becoming alerted to his danger. If he is indeed in Riften, he must not be given an opportunity to flee.


“I saw guards dragging bodies over here. Might be a way out,” the former prisoner stated when she finally came up next to him and Malborn.

“Let's hope you're right,” she uttered quietly before using the key she'd found to unlock it. Then she let Malborn and the prisoner go down before her so she could watch their back and lock the trapdoor behind her.

* * *

There was still a couple of hours left until dawn when Ekali approached the camp-fire that Lydia had lit underneath the great statue. The horses stirred in the dark when the unknown presence approached them, waking Lydia from her light slumber. The housecarl started to get onto her feet, and then she noticed Ekali who was still wearing the elven armour but had taken off the helmet, and stayed in her spot. Gladio looked back briefly from his spot outside the reach of the fire, and then laid down to rest again once he'd noted that she wasn't harmed.

“Did you find what you were looking for?” Lydia asked as the khajiit came up next to the fire, and she nodded.

“Yes. It wasn't what I expected, but I know what to do next,” she said as she seated herself on the second bedroll and met Lydia's gaze with her own.

“Then sleep a few hours. The sun will rise soon, and we need to get going to escape the patrols that the Thalmor will most likely be sending after us, but we won't get very far if you don't rest first.” Ekali opened her mouth to protest, but the nord swiftly interrupted her. “Sleep, I'll stand guard.” Finally the khajiit gave in and took off her plundered armour, settling down to sleep with only her underclothes and the bedroll to keep her warm.

This post has been edited by Saquira: Jul 17 2016, 07:05 PM


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Grits
post Jul 24 2015, 04:00 PM
Post #163


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I’m happy to see Ekali’s adventures continue. She did a marvelous job at the embassy. My characters always make a huge mess. laugh.gif


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Saquira
post Jul 24 2015, 09:46 PM
Post #164


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From: West of the College of Winterhold



Yeah, I know what you mean biggrin.gif I've never managed to sneak by any of the soldiers myself, I always end up having to kill everyone. Not that Ekali's out of the woods yet tongue.gif She still has to get back to Riverwood alive.


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McBadgere
post Aug 2 2015, 09:51 AM
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Y'ssss!!!...

Another fic I've missed...

Absolutely loved the writing of this whole thing...

I'd missed three parts, and it was properly brilliant to go through them all one after another...

I also love the way you've adapted the Canon to fit what you want...Which I've always advocated anyways...That the game should be the start of it, the recognizable basis on which to build your own thing off, while still retaining the things that everyone can grab on to as they go through the subtly changed sections...

And the whole Dragon-Soul-Realm thing that you have (apologies for forgetting the name...It's ma thing...Sorry...) and the use of the language...All through the little - and other fairly hefty biggrin.gif - things...Brilliant!!...

An excellent story that I very much enjoy...Glad to see you're keeping on with it... smile.gif ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Aug 2 2015, 09:52 AM
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Saquira
post Jan 13 2016, 05:06 PM
Post #166


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From: West of the College of Winterhold



Author's Note: This chapter has been a very long time coming, and has basically been half finished since I posted the last one. However it really didn't want to cooperate with me. All because I wanted Ekali to know who's who of all the nobles in Skyrim.

So, Ekali gets a horse! She wasn't actually supposed to have a specific mount before, but then this happened and I kind of really liked the animal that I invented, so he's staying. This chapter also ended up being way longer than it was supposed too, but there was no good place to cut it in half.

I've actually been writing quite a lot lately, though most of it won't be published anywhere for a good while yet. I do have some stuff that isn't Elder Scrolls posted on both my blog (link in my signature) and on AO3 if anyone has any interest in reading that stuff. And I posted a short scene from a story I'm calling Misfits of Tamriel in "the Man with the Green eyes" quite a while ago, a story for which I've actually finished the first couple of chapters. I'm really happy with it, more happy than I am with EotFH actually, but I don't know if I'm going to post it now/soon, or if I'm going to wait until I've got the rest of the first part/book written. Tell me if that'd be anything you'd be interested in reading, and if you'd be willing to have to wait months for the next chapter once what I've already written has been published.

Oh, and in-game when you escape from the Embassy there isn't actually anyone hunting for you other than the occasional hit squad, but for them to pop up you really just need to anger people.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali infiltrated the Thalmor Embassy with the aid of the bosmer Malborn so as to find out how much they know about the return of the dragons before heading to meet Lydia.

Chapter 7.3
-Politics in Skyrim 101-

22nd – 27th Heartfire


“Did you pick the biggest horse you could find?” were the first words to leave Ekali's lips as she finally got a good look at the two horses in the daylight. The horse on the left, with a brown colouring and black mane, was Lydia's. She'd called him Piper when she introduced the horses, and he was only slightly shorter than Ekali. The gelding hardly paid any attention to the khajiit, being far too busy looking for snacks in the housecarls' pockets, but from the few horse breeds she was familiar with Ekali had no trouble identifying him as a Skyrim Coldblood.

The horse next to him was slightly harder to identify. The dappled grey stallion watched his new owner with alert eyes, and since his withers only stood slightly shorter than the top of Lydia's head he practically towered over Ekali. Though he looked fairly similar to a Coldblood, he was both taller and had a somewhat slimmer body.

“Do you know how hard it is to find a horse that's accustomed to khajiit in Skyrim? There aren't a lot of you up here, and the ones who actually use horses regularly – the caravans – don't ride them. Besides you didn't actually give me much time to work with,” Lydia answered her, the annoyance clear in her voice as she tightened the straps on the saddlebags lying over Piper's back.

“You're right, I'm sorry,” Ekali answered with a grimace, and Lydia threw her a surprised look at the quick acquiescence. Sensing her Thane's discomfort, she let the matter be when she continued to speak.

“He's a Fjord Drafthorse. Used to freight ice, stone, wood, whatever materials are needed. Few horses share their strength except the Anvil White, and they're not fit for Skyrim's terrain. They're a cross between the altmers' Fleetfoot and the Skyrim Coldblood, bred to carry orcs and nords into battle. An elf up in Hjaalmarch came up with the brilliant idea, only it didn't catch on. Still, they're worth a fair bit. I believe the legion makes use of a few. His former owner called him Fleet.” Having finished with the saddle-bags, Lydia moved on to strapping her bedroll to the back of the saddle.

Ekali offered no further comment as she stepped up to the large stallion and offered him the carrot she held in her hand. He sniffed her suspiciously before cautiously taking the offering from her and Ekali raised her hand to pat his neck. When he'd finished his treat, Fleet turned his head to blow some air at her face, and a small smile slipped over her face as she lowered her hand and returned to helping Lydia pack away their equipment.

* * *

The two women left Gladio and the horses well out of sight before approaching Dragon's Bridge by foot through the few trees that littered the slope down towards the village. Ekali had shed the shiny elven armour, except for the boots, in favour of some simple wool and cotton clothing that Lydia had been thoughtful enough to bring with her. The nord still wore her steel armour, but it was far less eye-catching than the golden elven armour, something that was only proven further when they'd finally found a vantage point from which they could look down at the village and military outpost guarding the bridge.

About half a dozen Thalmor and a dozen Imperial soldiers were moving about in the village, checking every traveller that wished to cross the bridge.

“We'll have to head back along the road and cross the river with the horses so as to avoid their notice if we don't want to fight our way through to Whiterun,” Lydia uttered quietly as her eyes left the village for a moment to look at Ekali. The khajiit's eyes were following the soldiers intently as she sat crouched next to the nord and it took a little while before she answered.

“We're not going to Whiterun. But yes, we'll still have to find another crossing,” Ekali stated as she gestured to Lydia to precede her back to the horses. Lydia raised her eyebrows in question, but did not utter another word out loud until they'd passed out of sight of the Thalmor.

“Where are we going, if not to Whiterun? High Hrothgar?” Ekali didn't look at her companion when the other woman spoke up, choosing instead to keep her attention on their surroundings.

“No, we're going to Riverwood. It's time you find out why I needed to get into the embassy.”

“And the answer to that question is in Riverwood?” Lydia asked with a fair amount of confusion in her eyes and voice.

“No, but it's where we will find out if I found what I was looking for.” The nord cast her a somewhat sceptical look but did not question her Thane further as they retrieved the horses and headed back to the road. The small group reached the river without any incidents, crossing it – and the border to Hjaalmarch – at a spot where the water reached no further up that Lydia's feet when she rode Piper.

Continuing to make their way east and south through the day, the two travellers made sure to keep away from the main roads and taverns as they kept on the lookout for Thalmor and Imperial soldiers. They continued in the same manner throughout the rest of the day and well into the evening. When it became too dark to see well enough between the trees to steer the horses from horseback they dismounted and continued on foot.

It was just before noon of the 24:th, as the khajiit and the nord travelled close to the road leading into Whiterun Hold from Hjaalmarch, when Ekali's keen eyes saw the golden flash of elven armour further back on the road. She hurriedly gestured for Lydia to stop and hide, and together they dismounted and retreated to hide behind a rocky outcropping they'd passed only a little while ago.

“I thought we passed into Whiterun Hold several hours ago?” Ekali whispered to Lydia as the soldiers drew closer to their position and the noise of their march increased. The taller woman didn't look back at her Thane, electing instead to keep an eye on the elves, as she leaned as far out from behind the outcropping that she dared to risk.

“Do you really think that would stop the Thalmor?” Lydia murmured only loud enough for the khajiit to hear her as she fingered the blade at her side.

“No, of course. I just didn't think they'd be so open about it,” Ekali answered as the soldiers passed them by, heading further into Whiterun hold. The two kept silent for a good while yet, staying put until long after the elves had passed out of both seeing and hearing range, before once again leading the horses out into the open and mounting them. The khajiit watched Lydia silently as she checked to make sure her saddle bags were still firmly attached. “You seem strangely al right about running from the Thalmor without any explanation as to why.”

“You are my Thane. I'm sworn to carry your burdens, not question your actions, and I'll do so until you or the Jarl chooses to relieve me of my duty,” Lydia said as they spurred the horses on and continued through the rugged terrain.

“I would still prefer it if you actually wished to be my housecarl, if this wasn't something you did because the Jarl ordered you too.” Lydia let out an audible sigh as she turned partly in her saddle to look back at the other woman.

“When you killed that dragon you saved Whiterun Hold and all the people in it. You were made Thane because you earned it, not because of who your parents were or who your friends are. That makes you more deserving of the title than most of the nobles of Skyrim in my book. Just because your stubbornness annoys me it doesn't mean that I'm not proud to serve you.” By the time Lydia finished she'd turned back to face the road and Ekali was watching her in silent shock. The khajiit only had a few moments to realize that she should say something before the housecarl continued. “My father was a legionnaire. He died in a riot in Markarth, ma got 500 thalms from the legion, and that's the last we heard from them. I swore my loyalty to Jarl Balgruuf because he's a good man, because he keeps his word when he gives it. He hasn't led me wrong yet. And while the Jarl might very well be undecided as to who he supports in the war, I know what I think and I know that he does in some ways share my views.”

“And what are those views?” Ekali asked after a few moments of silence had passed between them.

“That I care for neither side and if the Jarl ever makes a choice I will support his decision. But that doesn't necessarily mean that I'll like it. I can't help but thank the Divines that I weren't born a noble.” Lydia shook her head as a wry smile crossed her lips.

“I can't say I know enough of the nobility in Skyrim to pick a side,” Ekali stated as a smile crossed her lips in response to Lydia's comment. When the nord turned to face her Thane again her eyebrows were raised in amused surprise.

“A Thane of Skyrim knows nothing of the nobility? My, what an embarrassment,” Lydia quipped, turning forward again to watch where they were going. Ekali's mouth dropped slightly open in surprise.

“And here I thought no one in Skyrim had ever heard of humour,” Ekali stated as she spurred Fleet on and he trotted up next to Piper, falling into an even gait beside the other horse. “I'm sorry, but Politics 101 is not a lesson they cover in the library of High Hrothgar.”

“It seems there's a lot you don't know about Skyrim, but I'll be happy to fill in the blanks for you if you wish me to,” Lydia offered with a sideways look and a small smile for Ekali.

“That would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,” Ekali answered in surprise, and the housecarl nodded shortly in confirmation before turning her attention back to the path ahead of them.

“The main governing body, as I'm certain you have gleaned by now, is the Jarls. Each is in charge of a major town and the Hold it is situated in, and their rule is largely autonomous. Though there is a higher post, that of the High King, it is unfilled at the moment. And while Jarl's are born to their title the High King is chosen from amongst the Jarl's, and by them. The High King has the power to overrule the other Jarl's, leads Skyrim in war and is responsible for political relationships with the other provinces. It was the death of the last High King that triggered the civil war. And though the details surrounding the event aren't known, everyone knows that Jarl Ulfric killed High King Torygg using the voice, thus leaving Jarl Elisif a widow and raising the question of who should be the next High King.”

“So the Imperials supported the mourning widow and Jarl Ulfric wants the crown for himself.”

“Yes. I suspect that the Thalmor thinks Elisif to be a vassal they won't have much trouble controlling.”

“You disagree, I take it.”

Lydia shrugged non-committally, keeping her eyes on the lands that stretched out before them. “I believe that Elisif has yet to prove herself, one way or the other. She may support the Imperials at the moment, but one has to take into account that many of her court support them. Falk Firebeard, her steward, has two sons currently serving in the Imperial army. Erikur, one of her thanes, cares only for money, and that is something that the Thalmor does not lack.”

“That accounts for Jarl Elisif's court, but what of the rest?”

“East of Haafingar hold lies Hjaalmarch, ruled by Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone from its capital Morthal. It's a small hold which is mostly covered by swamps and wetlands and holds little strategical value despite its access to the Sea of Ghosts. Jarl Idgrod is aligned with the Imperials, she's an older and very wise woman, and doesn't let racial discrimination sway her thinking. The position of steward is held by her husband, Aslfur. The next hold along the northern coast is the Pale, where the capital is Dawnstar. The Jarl of the Pale is Skald the Elder, a Stormcloak sympathiser. It's mostly tundra and pine forests, but because it's far easier to navigate it's more populated than Hjaalmarch.

“Furthest to the northeast lies Winterhold, and the city with the same name. Jarl Korir rules there, and though it's most known for the College of Winterhold just outside the city, Skyrim's guild of mages, there's an inherent distrust between the Nords of the city and the guild after half the city fell into the water many years ago. He's mostly disregarded by the other jarl's since Winterhold has lost its importance on the grander scale. The east-most hold is Eastmarch, Jarl Ulfric's domain. I don't expect I'll have to tell you much about the city or the hold, but the Jarl's steward is Jorleif and his housecarl Galmar Stone-Fist also holds the position of general over the Stormcloak army.

“The south-east hold is the Rift. Its capital is Riften and it's run by Laila Law-Giver, though it's an ill kept secret that Maven Black-Briar and the criminal underground has run of the city. The only one who doesn't seem to realise this is the jarl herself. She has two sons, Harrald and Saerlund, and Anuriel is the Steward of the Rift. Her housecarl is Unmid Snow-Shod and she supports the Stormcloak cause. In the court only her youngest son, Saerlund, supports the Imperials. Falkreath, the southern hold, is governed by Jarl Siddgeir from the town with the same name. He's an Imperial supporter and took the title from his uncle Dengeir some years ago. There's been some speculation that this was a coup staged by the Imperials, but there's little proof of that theory. He's a lazy man who leaves the actual work of running the hold to his stewardess Nenya.

“The south-west hold, the Reach, is a very mountainous region, and the mines there have a great value for Skyrim's economy. Jarl Igmund runs the hold from Markarth, though in general the Silver-Blood family can do as they wish as they own the biggest and most valuable mines in the hold. The jarl's housecarl is the redguard Faleen, and the position of steward is held by the jarl's uncle, Raerek. The court wizard Calcelmo is well known for his interest in dwemer artefacts and he's leading an excavation into the caves beneath the city. There is, of course, a lot more that could be said about all of them, but that is the simple version and I don't expect that someone unused to politics would be able to learn all of it in one go,” Lydia finally finished as her eyes briefly met those of the khajiit and Ekali nodded thoughtfully.

“I expect you're right. I'll ask you if I find I need to know anything else,” Ekali answered as she watched the housecarl, and Lydia nodded in acceptance of the statement.

* * *

It was late into the night by the time the two riders and the wolf arrived back at Riverwood. Ekali was reluctant to waste any time, and as such she did not protest Lydia's offer to take care of the horses before telling Gladio to stick with the housecarl and making her way into the tavern.

Because of the late hour the main hall was practically empty of people. A couple of drunks where still lingering at one of the tables, though they seemed far closer to unconsciousness than they wanted to admit as they raised their their mugs into the air for a toast and managed to spill most of the contents. Her eyes only passed over them quickly before finding Delphine's fit figure near the back of the room. The breton had raised her head as the door opened, and she motioned for the khajiit to follow her as she got off of the barstool and opened the door to her own room.

As Ekali followed the other woman neither of them uttered a word until they'd entered the hidden chamber and Delphine had closed the closet doors behind them. “You made it out alive, at least. Your gear's safe in my room, as promised. Did you learn anything useful?” the Nord uttered then, gesturing towards the chest holding Ekali's gear as she did so, and the khajiit gave a short nod of thanks as she knelt down by the chest. When she was satisfied that all of her supplies where present, she once again rose to her feet and faced the other woman.

“The Thalmor know nothing about the dragons,” she finally said, and Delphine's brows furrowed as she leaned her hip against the corner of the table in the middle.

“Really? That seems hard to believe. You're sure about that?” she asked as the two of them faced each other, and Ekali nodded decisively before reaching into the pack she'd brought from off her horse to take something out.

“Yes, I'm sure. They're looking for someone named Esbern,” she said as she finally got the documents out of the pack, placing the small collection of thin books on the table between them with the one labelled “Esbern” on top of the pile. Delphine's eyes shone with genuine surprise as she reached out for the thin leather-bound book, eyes widening at the information that she found within.

“Esbern? He's alive? I thought the Thalmor must have got him years ago. That crazy old man...” she trailed off, a smile of fond amusement on her face as her fingers stroked across the worn letters. “Figures the Thalmor would be on his trail, though, if they were trying to find out what's going on with the dragons.” She turned her eyes back to Ekali at that and placed the book back down.

“What would the Thalmor want with Esbern?” The khajiit asked with no small amount of curiosity as her eyes lingered on the volumes for a few moment longer before turning to meet Delphine's eyes.

“You mean aside from wanting to kill every Blade they can lay their hands on? Esbern was one of the Blades archivists, back before the Thalmor smashed us during the Great War. He knew everything about the ancient dragonlore of the Blades. Obsessed with it, really. Nobody paid much attention back then. I guess he wasn't as crazy as we all thought.” The Nord looked thoughtful as the talked, a contemplative hum just barely breaching through her lips when Ekali spoke up again.

“They seem to think he's hiding out in Riften.”

“Riften, eh? Probably down in the Ratway, then. It's where I'd go. You'd better get to Riften. Ask around the Ragged Flagon, in the Ratway. It's at least a good starting point,” Delphine said, nodding slowly to herself before remembering another important piece of information. “Oh, and when you find Esbern... If you think I'm paranoid... you may have some trouble getting him to trust you. Just ask him where he was on the 30th of Frostfall. He'll know what it means.”

This post has been edited by Saquira: Aug 14 2016, 12:45 AM


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Grits
post Jan 18 2016, 10:25 PM
Post #167


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From: The Gold Coast



What a lovely introduction to Fleet!

It was great to hear what Lydia thinks of serving Ekali as her Housecarl. It was the perfect introduction to Lydia’s politics lesson. Now, on to Riften!


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McBadgere
post Jan 26 2016, 02:24 PM
Post #168


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Fantastic!!... biggrin.gif ...

Really loved this update...I have to admit, I could never have told you any of the who's who that you put out there... biggrin.gif ...I may have to refer to this if I ever get around to doing anything again... laugh.gif ...

Fair dues...

I love the way you write Lydia...Brilliant stuff...I'm a fan of her in the game too...My Tank-Cat™ character has her as Steward in the house just outside Whiterun...I do think she gets a bad rap from "Fans" of the game sometimes...

Amazing stuff, glad to see you still giving it large in the writing department...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...
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Saquira
post Jul 17 2016, 07:26 PM
Post #169


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From: West of the College of Winterhold



Grits: Yeah, I really wanted to expand upon Lydias' character and motivations some more. I'm glad you liked Fleet. His creation involved deciding average heights for the horse breeds I created as well as the different races in the game, which I'll probably post at some point.

McBadgere: I'm glad you liked it. I think I've got a fairly good idea of who's who in Skyrim, but I had to spend quite some time in the TES wikia to get all of it right. I think Lydia gets such a bad rep because she's the first housecarl you get so almost everyone has had her as a follower at some point. Character wise I don't think she's better or worse than any of the other housecarls though, and fanfiction gives you a lot of leeway when it comes to character development so I'm taking a lot of characters who barely have any dialogue in game and fleshing them out for my own purposes.

Author's note: From this point forward, all the dragon language except for the lines taken directly from the game will be written with the use of the Dovahzul Print Dictionary 3rd Edition: https://www.thuum.org/assets/Dovahzul%20Pri...d%20Edition.pdf

I’m no longer placing the scenes that play out in dezhahnu in separate chapters, and dovahzul translations are now written in italics to further put them apart from the rest of the text.

Also, Book one is almost completely planned out at this point. It's going to be 16 chapters + epilogue when it's finished, and I know roughly what happens in every chapter. I'm aiming for four parts in chapter 8.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali infiltrated the Thalmor Embassy to find information about the return of the dragons, saved two lives and then fled into the night to meet up with her housecarl. Then they had to avoid the main roads when returning to Riverwood so as to avoid the notice of the Thalmor, and Lydia told Ekali about the political situation in Skyrim.

Chapter 8.1
-Departure-

28th – 29th Hearthfire


The sun had only just broken free of the confines of the horizon when Ekali made her way out of the inn. As she stepped out onto the road the khajiit turned right straight away, following the tail of the wolf as he turned the corner of the wooden building at a leisurely pace. Around her the large village was slowly waking up to greet the day, as the song of birds and the rushing of the river intermingled with the sounds of barking dogs, playing children and a blacksmith hard at work at his forge.

The noise grew somewhat more muted as she rounded the corner between the inn and the building next door, and the small stable and the low stone wall that surrounded the village met her gaze. The stable belonging to the inn consisted of little more than a grass-filled enclosure, a couple of sheltered boxes to tie up horses in and a water and feeding through. Fleet was grazing peacefully, only keeping an eye on Gladio as the wolf examined the enclosure carefully. Lydia was cleaning her mare's dappled coat with calm, firm strokes using a grooming brush, and though she looked up when Ekali came around the corner the Nord didn't stop her care of the mount.

Ekali made no attempts at dancing around the subject when she finally reached her housecarl's side, and the other woman cast her a look to show that she was listening to whatever her Thane had to say. The housecarl had pulled her hair back from her face, tied it up into a ponytail with an old leather cord and instead of her armour she was clad in some linen and wool clothing.

“I'm headed to Riften as soon as I'm packed and ready, but I thought we should have that conversation first,” the khajiit stated as she leaned up against the stable wall behind Lydia, far enough away that the mare wouldn't be bothered by her presence.

“About why you broke into the embassy?” Lydia enquired as the khajiit fell silent for a few brief moments.

“Yes. It's to do with the dragons that have been appearing and attacking people. I've been working with one of the few remaining Blades to find out what is going on.”

“I thought all the remaining Blades died in the Great War?” Lydia asked with raised eyebrows as she finished brushing down Piper's coat and turned to face Ekali. The khajiit raised her eyes to meet the nord's gaze before answering.

“You're not the only one to have made that assumption,” she said with a quirk of her lips before quickly continuing onto the subject she'd come to speak about. “We thought originally that it was dragons who'd come out of hiding and migrated from the north who were attacking people. But though that may be true for some of the beasts, most of them are being returned to life. We've been to the old burial mounds, and one by one they're being emptied.” Lydia looked up sharply at that, mouth dropping open in shock a few moments before she once again spoke up.

“You're certain of that. But how..?” the nord questioned, and Ekalis' answering grimace did nothing to ease her mind.

“That's what I was trying to find out at the embassy. We thought the Thalmor might have something to do with it, but it appears that they know no more than we do. They did however have information about another Blade who might be able to provide those answers, so I'm heading off to find him. Hopefully before the Thalmor can do the same.” Ekali watched her housecarl carefully when she finally finished, somewhat reluctant to face the possible argument that would very likely arise from her blatant exclusion of the other woman in her plans.

“And what are my orders?” Lydia asked instead, and Ekali blinked briefly in surprise before schooling her features.

“I want you to stay here with the horses and keep an eye on things in the village. Delphine, the Blade who resides here, has a good cover but I'd still be more comfortable if she had backup closely available while I'm stirring up the hornets nest,” she answered, with a nod to the inn to indicate Delphine's place of residency.

“Very well, my Thane. I'll stay here and await your return.” Lydia nodded decisively, and Ekali found herself watching in surprise as the other woman turned away from her to continue caring for the horses.

“Well, I'll see you once I return, then. If all goes well, it shouldn't take more than a fortnight at most.”

* * *

Ekali realized, as she awakened to the cold winds of Dezhahnu, that she was unlikely to ever grow used to the unsettling place or the knowledge that the vast landscape that was home to so many beings was a part of her mind. Her thoughts flew for a few moments to Pelagius the Mad and what Mirmulnir had said about the source of his madness. She tried to shake the thought, but a shiver still coursed through her body as she turned her attention to the skies.

The mist was not as thick as she'd grown accustomed too, which meant in turn that she could see the silhouettes of the dragons, now four in number, who'd taken up residence in her mind.

The khajiit spun around quickly when the sound of beating wings reached her ears, approaching her from behind and circling slightly to her right.

Feynahkrii's dark brown scales shimmered slightly in the strange light as he came in for a graceful landing a short distance from the khajiit. The earth shook lightly upon his impact with the frost-clad ground, but not nearly as much as one might expect from a creature of his size.

Ekali backed away to a more comfortable distance as she watched him and his head came around to watch her in turn. There was a slight tilt upwards at the corner of his mouth, and that in tandem with the look in his eyes and the way he held his body was enough to make her realize that he was silently laughing at her.

“You're assembling quite a collection of souls, briinah.[sister]” When his voice reached her ears there was quite correctly the rumble of laughter accompanying them, and her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched the large creature.

“Drem yol lok, zeymah. [Greetings, brother.] What do you want now?” she questioned as they watched each other, and more laughter rumbled up through his throat.

“Drem yol lok, kiir. [Greeting, child.] How goes your search for the truth?”

“Nii shur. [It goes.] It would be faster, I imagine, if you were to answer my questions.”

“Ah, but what would be the fun in that? No, briinah, you'll have to find your answers yourself.” He bared his teeth in something that might be thought to resemble a smile, and Ekali responded by narrowing her eyes further as her ears tilted back to practically lay against her head. He nodded once at that, then took a few steps back and leapt into the air as he spread his wings above them. He only just got into the air from his standing position, and Ekali was forced to duck so as to avoid being hit in the head by his claws before he managed to gain altitude.

As she straightened up from her crouch, the khajiit turned to watch the dragon flying off, not taking her eyes of of him until only the barest hint of his silhouette was discernible through the mist.

Ekali was not certain what dragon would wish to speak to her next until the great beast came gliding in through the mist, came to a running stop as it landed, and stopped before her.

“Ful nii los. Ont einzuk aan nahl dovahkiin paagol ko Keizaal. Zu'u drei ni korah Dunahzin fod tinvaakrek do hi. Lost zu’u maht nahlaas, zu’u zent rek fund kos peh meyareistig. Rek kend kos, orin nu, fah dii briinah drey ni med zey rinik pogaas. [So it is true. Once again a living dragonborn walks in Skyrim. I did not believe Dunahzin when she spoke of you. Were I still alive, I expect she would be quite smug(self-certain). She must be, even now, for my sister did not like me very much.]” Inquisitive eyes watched her closely at they faced each other, and Ekali backed up a step to put a more comfortable distance between the two of them. The large creature hardly seemed to notice, or perhaps he simply did not care like Feynahkrii would have done.

“Zu’u drey qiidaht vahr hi drey ni tinvaak fod zu drey yin hi. Vrah, zu’u Dovahkiin. Osos do un taar peyl zey Golgronfron, osos for zey briinah. [I did wonder(query) why you did not speak when I did confront you. Indeed, I am Dovahkiin. Some of our kin call me Golgronfron, some name me sister.]” She spoke rather slowly, not yet used to forming words in dovahzul.

“Zu'u mindok. Hi aal ni mindok pogaas do mii, dovahkiin, nuz faal dovahhe dein niist miin nau hi.[I know. You may not know much of us, dragonborn, but the dragons keep their eyes on you.]” There was a glint in his eyes as he spoke, and had he been humanoid there would have been a small smile on his face.

“Fen nii hesven zey tol zu’u lost faal ahmiin do aan ulan reyliik? [Should it flatter me that I have the attention of a whole race?]”

“Aalkos. Nuz mu ney mindok tol faal dovahhe los ni faal nunon joriin wo lingraav hi. Faal fahliille ahrk jul ney dein niist miin nau faal gein wo vis krii dovahhe. Ol fah zey, zu’u los Wuthkarongein. Peh osos tiid lost saark naal ruzun aan dovahkiin bahlaan do tol for laat drey paagol voth faal nahl, ahrk nii fent ofan zey lot kirnd wah mindok waan hi los vrah bahlaan. [Maybe. But we both know that the dragons are not the only people who watch you. The elves and humans both keep their eyes on the one who can slay dragons. As for me, I am Wuthkarongein. Quite some time have gone by since a dragonborn worthy of that name last did walk with the living, and it shall give me great pleasure to know if you are indeed worthy.]” The large creature moved his neck in a motion that could have been an imitation of a shrug, but Ekali thought no more of the motion in favour of questioning the dragon.

“Ahrk naal fos malz fund hi miknuur zey wah kos bahlaan? [And by what measure would you judge me to be worthy?]” she questioned hesitantly, and the dragon took a few steps back before answering.

“Naal hin sodde ahrk fos nust shaan ko vorey joriin. Waan hi vis mindoraan ahrk kron faal grinne tol naal un edil mu nis filok, aalkos hi fent ko tiid lask faal fir do faal dovahhe. Nii jah ni hiitir membrah hi vis rim tirahk rahnd, ahrk waan anahlrii fund miik wah frey hi ko naal vergrav naal fend kos giwahdil ganog. [By your deeds and what they inspire in others(other people). If you can understand and conquer the bonds that by our nature we cannot escape, maybe you shall in time earn the respect of the dragons. It will not matter unless you can gain safe passage, and if someone would offer to aid you in that endeavour that should be evidence enough.]”

“Tirahk rahnd? [Safe passage?]” The khajiit watched the large reptile with furrowed brows, impatience causing her lips to purse as the dragon let out a low chuckle.

“Hi jah koraav, uv hi jah dir. Hjane strah, faal puvagaan drehni hiitir ahst nutiid. [You will see, or you will die. Either way, the specifics don't matter at present.]” He backed off before Ekali had the opportunity to ask anything further, and then leapt into the sky away from the dragonborn. She watched him go for a few moments, then let out a small sigh and turned her eyes in the other direction.


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