Ekali of the Frozen Heights, Book one Options

[King Coin]

Yikes, I hated that captain, but it would still be difficult to kill her and the soldier given Ekali's situation and past. My character trusted Hadvar as a person, not necessarily the legion.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Jan 24 2012, 11:21 PM

[Saquira]

Thank you guys, hehe, no update today either. I'm changing my posting time to once a week, and no specific day this time. I did however post some pictures of Ekali over in my Skyrim pictures thread, so you can check that out now Still here? Ehm...

[King Coin]

chirp.

[Saquira]

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Having been betrayed by the Empire, Ekali was shipped of to Skyrim to face her execution. An unplanned stop in Helgen led to her freedom when a dragon attacked just as she was about to get her head chopped of, and when left with little time to decide she followed a Stormcloak out of the town which meant that she had to kill Imperials. Next, we find out exactly what's up with Saerdur Lawgiver.

Chapter 2.5 A visit from Vaermina

The darkness was seeping cold, the torch she held barely lit up a three feet circle around her. Noticing the white mist she made when she breathed, she looked around. Her tail was moving slowly, closer to her body than usual and she heard a shuffle in the distance before the dark was penetrated by the sound of a collapsing roof and someone's scream. Crouching down to avoid being taken of her feet, the khajiit waited for the shaking to subside before she stood again.

The floor was sticky when she continued down the corridor, and upon reaching the blockage she knew would be there, the white khajiit turned left to a door by the side. It came open on it's own volition, and though nothing but darkness was visible, she stepped through.

The darkness broke up just as the the sword swung at her, and she brought her broadsword up in a parry. The imperial sidestepped and swung again, but she felled him with a quick strike to the knees, and then brought the point of the blade down into his chest. With his dying gasp, the man’s features changed, and she started at the sight of Janus. A woman yelled out from the corner, and the room lit up completely to show the khajiit her surroundings.

Bypassing the entrails on the walls, and the rotting flesh around her feet, the khajiit's eyes landed on the Dunmer across from her, and though she called out no sound was heard when Neven's cold eyes fell upon her and his blade went through her abdomen.

Ekali sat up with a start, looking around once before breaking into silent tears. The night was cool, the sky lit up by the light from the warrior's stone she'd touched the day before. A bright aurora covered the sky, and Ralof was sitting against a tree-trunk on the other side of the camp. He was looking at her with a wondering expression.

“What?” she asked when she'd composed herself, making an effort to get the salt away from her fur.

“Just trying to figure you out. Whatever for did you have to attack that bear?” he asked, and Ekali shrugged, turning her head to stare into the fire between them. She'd stretched the bear pelt out next to them after cleaning it, and the remains of the doe they'd hunted down was concealed in a sack. She'd stopped him from throwing them away by saying they'd be good to use in some potions.

“Good bowman-ship anyway, wouldn't have expected it from someone who...” he stopped briefly before switching the subject, and the khajiit seemed to ignore the slip-up. “What happened to make the Empire want to execute you anyway?”

“False accusation of murdering the son of Riften's Jarl, Saerdur Lawgiver, a couple of weeks ago,” she said, voice almost devoid of emotion.

“Obviously. Saerdur ain't dead. The Jarl put him in house arrest until he can control his tongue, he's been slandering the name of Ulfric Stormclak, saying the Empire is the one we should trust. Complete mammoth tripe of course, they'll do nothing but raise our temples to the ground and give the Thalmor access to anyone they consider a heathen.” When he turned his eyes to Ekali again, she was looking at him with anger evident in her eyes.

“Why exactly are you fighting the Empire? I heard something about the Thalmor insulting one of your war heroes, but never really got any clear explanations,” she said and watched his expression darken as well.

“Seems nothing but lies comes out of the mouths of the Empire these days. Typical of them to distort the truth. Ysmir, or Tiber Septim as he's also called, was the greatest war hero to ever have lived. When he died he ascended to god-hood, and the Eight divines became the Nine Divines. The Thalmor wish to end our worship of him, and since the Empire are pawns of the Thalmor, we fight them,” Ralof practically snarled, and Ekali nodded in understanding. She could understand that. They sat in silence for a while before he spoke up again. “Do you have any plans? The Stormcloaks could use a fighter such as yourself, should you wish to join us.”

“I don't know. I've never been outside Cyrodiil before, or even considered what I would do if I ended up somewhere else. She spent so much time teaching me to fight, but never said what exactly it was she wanted me to do with it,” Ekali lowered her voice, only speaking to herself, when she uttered the last sentence. Yet Ralof heard it, and raised his eyebrows.

“Who exactly?” he asked. Ekali sighed, looking around them. She took in the stillness and the running water, almost allowing herself to relax before she turned back to him.

“I suppose most would call her my mother, though the only way that is true is because she raised me. I knew her as Dar'Ilthi, and I haven't seen her shadow since I left for the Imperial City.” Ekali looked away from him again, at the running river beneath their camp site.

“Isn't that the leader of the Dark Brotherhood?” Ralof asked, and Ekali's eyes grew wider.

“What!? She's a member of... I knew she was a thief, but that..!?” The two stayed silent for a while afterwards, just staring into space, but then Ralof shook his head.

“We should try to get some sleep. You are welcome to go with me to Riverwood tomorrow, my sister lives there with her husband. You can make up your mind of what to do afterwards,” he said, and Ekali nodded. Both of them lay down on the hard ground again, and after a little while nothing could be heard but the sighing of the wind in the trees as they fell into sleep.

[McBadgere]

Excellent chapter!!...

Don't worry, we can guess the bits that were missed... ...

Nice secne that...Ralof is cool...

These dreams are a bit scary aren't they...Very vividly done...*Applauds*...

At least we know she's innocent...And I loved the chat about the Empire and stuff...

Dark Brotherhood? Blimey...She gets about a bit... ...

Most brilliant, as ever...

Nice one!!... ...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Athynae]

*shiver* yea we hate those dreams, brrrr.

The dialog between Ekali and Ralof was well done using it to give us a lot of information. The dream scene was very well written too, glad I waited til this morning to read it instead of reading it before bed last night...

I am enjoying the story immensely do keep going will you, please? Anxious for more.

[King Coin]

Nasty dream. She's definitely feeling like she betrayed her friends.

I liked getting to know Ekali through Ralof. Dark Brotherhood? I hope she doesn't get involved with them!

[Grits]

I thought the dream was very well done. I like how you’re giving some clues about Ekali’s past. Now I’m wondering the same way she is.

[mALX]

I suppose most would call her my mother, though the only way that is true is because she raised me. I knew her as Dar'Ilthi, and I haven't seen her shadow since I left for the Imperial City.” Ekali looked away from him again, at the running river beneath their camp site.

“Isn't that the leader of the Dark Brotherhood?” Ralof asked, and Ekali's eyes grew wider.

WHOA !! You slipped in a surprise with that one !!! Awesome Write !!!

[Colonel Mustard]

Wow, Ekali was brought up by the head honcho (well, honchess, I guess) of the Brotherhood? Yeesh, that's going to have interesting consequences for the story to come.

[Saquira]

Thank you for the great comments guys! I was afraid the dream wasn't scary enough

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali had a nightmare about killing her friends, and when the morning came she found out from Ralof that Saerdur Lawgiver had only been placed under house arrest. They talked a lot before falling asleep, among other things about why the Stormcloaks are fighting the Empire, and what she should do next. Next, she gets a job.

Chapter 2.6 You don't look like a Faendal.

It was early in the morning when the khajiit and the Nord approached Riverwood. The sun was shining, though there was a slight chill in the air. The pair stayed quiet when they walked, but didn't notice the people whom were looking at them.

The black-furred female leaned leisurely against her companion as she watched the two walk along the road. They'd chosen the place to watch from since it gave them a good view of most of Riverwood, while still concealing them from the watchful eyes of other people. The male khajiit with the copper fur had his arm around her waist, and his chin rested on the top of her head.

Sighing, the female pressed a kiss to the lips of her mate before stepping away. “She's wearing fur. Fur! One little spark and she'll go up in flames!” She said, and the male shrugged.

“So? Will the cub need protection against fire?” the male asked, trying to get a hold of her again. Frowning, the female pushed him away again, throwing a glance at the couple walking into Riverwood.

Screenshot

“Very much so. I must go and fetch her something, will you watch her? Make sure nothing happens?” The female looked at him, something akin to love in her eyes.

“Ma'Zhirr will do anything for you dearest,” the male answered, a sly grin on his face as he took in her lithe body. The female frowned at him, but kissed him one last time before pulling her mask up and mounting the black horse whom had been standing behind them. Ma'Zhirr watched her go before turning towards the town again. He saw the other two talking to some people, and then they entered a house together. Sitting down to watch, the male caught a butterfly that came to close, and started picking its wings apart for entertainment.

* * *

It was loud in the tavern despite the recent dragon sighting, and Ekali would've had trouble finding a spot if not for Ralof. He sat across from her, though she had not held his attention for long. He was talking to some other men at a nearby table. They were wearing commoner clothes both of them, having left the armour at the house.

She was staring into her third mug of mead with a frown on her face, and thus not many bothered her. One of those who did though, was the bard sitting nearby. He'd been singing “The Dragonborn comes” and was walking over to her after taking a few sips from his mug.

“You wouldn’t want to make some money would you?” the bard asked when he came closer, and the female looked up at him.

“What would it involve?” she asked, drinking another mouthful of the familiar drink. The bard smiled in an attempt to appear charming, and sat down next to her. Ralof wasn't paying attention, he'd taken to flirting with one of the serving wenches.

“Oh, just delivering this note to Camilla Valerius and telling her it's from Faendal.” The Nord smiled again, and the khajiit frowned.

“You don't look like a Faendal,” she answered him and took another swig.

“That's because I'm Sven. Faendal is my rival, and the treehugger shouldn’t be allowed to court such a lovely lady. I want him out of the picture.” The bard looked at the khajiit, not noticing the smile on her lips as she'd once again raised her mug.

“Sure, I'll help you,” she said, and the Nord smiled in response. Then he got up and left the table after handing Ekali the note. She took a look at it before leaving some septims on the table and standing up to leave. Then she nodded to Ralof and walked out the door.

A cold wind blew outside when she made her way towards the trader's house. Though it was long after closing hours, chances were the door would still be open to visitors.

Hearing raised voices from within, Ekali raised her hand and knocked on the door. The house grew quiet before footsteps approached the door and someone unlocked it. Camilla Valerius was, upon opening, surprised to see a white-furred khajiit in the opening, but none the less she invited the woman in.

“Thank you, I'm Ekali. Sven asked me to give you this and say it was from Faendal,” she said and held out the paper to Camilla whom looked through it quickly.

“It seems I'd do best not to choose Sven then,” Camilla said and sighed before smiling warmly at Ekali.

“That's all good and well, but to get back to the matter at hand you're not going after those bandits! Not today, tomorrow or even after five years of swordsmanship lessons!” Camilla's brother said with his hands flailing. Giving Ekali an apologetic smile, the Imperial woman turned back to him.

“Then who's going to do it? We can't afford to loose that claw, it's the only heirloom left to us! It's our only insurance if things should go wrong!” Camilla raged at him, and the man's eyes turned to Ekali.

“What about her? She wears armour. What do you say about earning some coin?” he asked Ekali, and Camilla turned to the khajiit again.

“What would I have to do exactly?” the khajiit asked hesitantly.

“Some bandits stole our golden claw. They've taken up refuge in Bleak Falls Barrow, just to the north west of here. We don't know how many there might be, but there might be other creatures there as well. Skeevers of course, and maybe draugr,” Camilla answered, and her brother glared at her when she mentioned draugr.

“The draugr are fairy tales,” he snapped. “No use in scaring her of is there?”

“What are skeevers and draugr?” Ekali asked with a frown before Camilla could answer.

“Skeevers are huge and hostile rats. Draugr are the walking dead. They're rumored to have served the dragons once,” the brother said while looking at the khajiit.

“I'm not unfamiliar with undead. I'll help you.” Ekali looked at the two when the man burst into a smile.

“Splendid, absolutely splendid. I'm Lucan Valerius,” he said before taking her hand and shaking it.

“Good to meet you Lucan. Now, where is this Barrow located?” Ekali asked, looking at both of them.

“I'll show you in the morning. Do you have a place where you're staying?” Camilla asked and Lucan left the women to go upstairs.

“Yes, I do.” With that, they said good bye and the khajiit left to go and get ready for bed. Though she did not regret offering her help, she couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that she'd taken on more than she could handle.

[mALX]

Uh oh, that horse looks familiar !!!

Sitting down to watch, the male caught a butterfly that came to close, and started picking its wings apart for entertainment.

I can picture the whole scene with the couple from the way you have described it, but this sentence was like icing on the cake - really cool little detail !!

Awesome Write !!

[McBadgere]

Nicely done!!...

Loved it...

I do like Riverwood...It's nice...

My first character flattened a dragon there...Quaint... ...

I do like Khajiit...There should be more in Skyrim...

*Robert will not go off on one about bad game writing again*...

Aaamywho...

Excellent!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Saquira]

mALX: It does doesn't it? I loved that little detail myself, being both a cat and a Dark Brotherhood member it seemed really natural for him to do it. Glad i'm not the only one that liked it. Thank you ^^

McBadgere: Thank you. Several of my characters have taken down a dragon in Riverwood, but I like it the most because of the environment. And I absolutely love khajiit, them not existing in a greater number is one of the few things I don't like about Skyrim.

[King Coin]

Oh I like the screens that go with the story.

The contrast between the Female and the Male is neat. He seems like a common thug with his actions and attitude. She's got a plans though.

I like Ekali’s way of handling Sven’s request!

she couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that she'd taken on more than she could handle.
Oh, she has no idea!

[Saquira]

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Meeting Sven at the inn, Ekali gave his note to Camilla Valerius, delivering a message he didn't want her to. This led to employment however, as it turned out that the Valerius siblings had had something stolen from them, a golden claw. Next, Ekali sets out to fetch the claw, and meets a friend on the way.

Chapter 3.1 Into Bleak Falls Barrow

The arrow flew past Ekali's head as she made her way up the slope in the clean snow. She ducked to the side, taking cover behind a rock and looked out and up at the Barrow carefully. Several bandits patrolled outside, and the archer who'd shot at her stood on a small platform that jutted out from the main structure. He hadn't raised the alarm yet, and his friends where too far away to see them.

Pulling out the Imperial bow she'd gotten of one of the soldiers, Ekali stringed it quickly and nocked an arrow that she preceded to aim at the bandit lookout. Another arrow went past her, sticking in the ground a few feet away, and she drew the string back further before releasing the deadly missile.

The bandit went down quietly, falling of the platform into a huge pile of snow beneath. The khajiit made sure no one had noticed his disappearance before leaving the cover of the boulder, and half ran to the steps that would take her to the barrow.

Crouching at the top of the steps, she nocked another arrow and aimed at the closest bandit. This one was walking back and forth across the platform, occasionally leaving the line of sight of his companions. She could see then that all of the bandits wore fur armour just like the one she'd found before they reached Riverwood.

Releasing the arrow, Ekali cursed silently when it clattered on the stone surface just beyond the bandit who turned towards the noise and called out to his companions. Ekali quickly hung the bow over her back, taking a firm grip around the handle of her new great-sword before pulling it out of its sheath. The closest bandit turned and saw her then, and with a snarl he pulled out his rusty axe before rushing at her. Knowing that the small axe would do little against her sword, Ekali placed herself so that she was ready to either deflect it or strike at the bandit depending on the circumstances.

Screenshot

She got little chance to do so however, as a grey blur bounded past her and straight at the bandit. Before the man had a chance to react, the wolf got his jaws around his throat and tore at it. Ekali stood stunned for a moment, merely staring at the animal, but was brought back to the current moment when one of the bandits yelled out.

Leaving her shock for later, the khajiit lowered her sword and went for the next one. A Redguard woman came at her, and Ekali deflected her sword into the hard stone which allowed her to swing at the other woman when she tried to recover. The Redguard took a step back, and clumsily blocked the swing instead of deflecting it. The impact jarred both of them, and so it was that Ekali breathed a sigh of relief when the wolf went past her to attack the man coming up next to the Redguard.

Having recovered more quickly than the other woman, the khajiit brought her sword up again, and though the Redguard tried to block she tripped over the wolf who was fighting the man behind her. Ekali's sword tore through the fur armour and the dark skin with ease, and the Redguard went limp after a few moments of struggling.

Meanwhile, the male wolf skipped out of the way of the man's war hammer with light movements, coming from the side to snap at his knees. The man’s hammer wasn't light enough for him to be able to move at the speed of the animal, and he gave a guttural growl when he felt the sharp teeth rip through his flesh in the space between the iron pieces.

He swung his hammer around as he tumbled down and though the wolf quickly got out of the way, the khajiit had no time to react to what happened around her, and so the weapon connected with her left ankle just when the wolf got a hold around the outlaws throat.

When the wolf let go and looked over at the khajiit, she was bent over in pain, clutching at her broken ankle. He whined, not sure what to do, and Ekali made a soothing sound while still focusing on the wound. So the wolf sat back on his haunches, simply tilting his head slightly when the bright light started swirling around the woman.

She stood up after a while, hesitantly putting weight on her left leg, and let out the breath she'd been holding when only a slight pain spiralled up.

Screenshot

“It's not completely fixed, but it'll have to do at the moment.” Ekali sighed tiredly, and looked over at the wolf for the first time since he showed up. He stood up again, looking over at her in the bright light before coming up slowly to put his muzzle against her side. “Hi there Gladio.” She smiled this time, barely having to crouch to put her arms around him to hold him close. He whimpered and licked her face before resting his head on her shoulder while she put her face in his fur.

They stayed like that for a long time, simply taking comfort from each others presence. Then she pulled back, and Gladio barked happily when she straightened up and picked her sword up from the ground.

Using a legion sign to tell Gladio to follow, she slowly ascended the stone steps to the entrance and pushed the door open.

Screenshot

The dome-like entrance took Ekali's breath away when they stepped in and gazed at the ceiling. Rays of sunlight shone in through the large openings in it, and carving covered the walls. The pillars in the middle obstructed their view, and she stepped to the right of them to see further in.

Stepping back quickly upon seeing the two bandits, she signalled for Gladio to be ready before she took the bow of her back and crouched down where she could see the outlaws. He stood beside her when she rested the bow stave on the floor, nocking an arrow that she aimed at the bandit on the left. He carried a great-axe on his back, and would pose the greatest danger to the wolf when Gladio attacked.

So she took a deep breath, and pulled the arrow back so its feathers grazed her cheek before letting it fly. The man fell forwards, the shaft of the missile buried in his back, and the bandit woman spun on the spot, quickly finding Ekali's white shape. Gladio set of then, just as the outlaw drew her bow, and he pushed her to the floor when he leapt upon her.

Ekali came up to him slowly so as to not make her injury worse, and the wolf turned from the dead bandit to look upon her wonderingly. Smiling, Ekali sat by the fire at which the bandits had been standing, patting the bedroll next to her for Gladio to lie down. As he did so, she closed her eyes and wrapped her hand around her ankle, then a soft light swirled around her as she used her magic to heal it further.

She gazed around the place wearily when she opened her eyes again, before looking back at the wolf.

“You'll stand guard won't you? I need to rest before we continue, and I cannot do so without your help.” She put her hand on his head, and he gently held her hand in his mouth before he nodded. Smiling, Ekali sighed and lay down on the bedroll as Gladio stood, walking over to the passage leading to the rest of the barrow.

Author's note: The mod that now allows Gladio to accompany Ekali was made by Subrosa, and can be found here: http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=9948

[McBadgere]

You needed a mod for the game before he followed her in the story?... ...Fair dues... ...

Excellently done btw!!...

I love this story!!... ...*Applauds*...

Nicely handled with the broken ankle...I always thought that healing wounds was easy, but what about something more complex like bones?...Very well done that...

And the wolf is just so sweet!!... ...

Nice one!!... ...

*Applauds heartily*...

[King Coin]

A Khajiit with a great sword! I'm glad Gladio was near when Ekali started this, that mistake with the hammer would have costed her. She would have had to turn around assuming she survived the fight.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Feb 28 2012, 01:05 AM

[Saquira]

And it's finally done! I've had way to much to think about lately, and then I set out to write a fight with a giant spider. I have no idea of how a giant spider would fight if it existed in the real world, but I do hope this worked out.

McBadgere: Um yeah, I can't really explain that . Thank you

King Coin: If Gladio hadn't been there she'd also have had to handle four bandits on her own. As a forester, having been exposed, I don't think she'd have had much chance. She wouldn't have lived long enough for the mistake with the hammer to have time to happen. She's good for a forester, but not that good. So yeah, there are several positives about Gladio arriving when he did.

Warning! And right, if you have a weak stomach or have a problem with spiders you might not want to read the first part of this chapter. I think you have to be very sensible to not be able to handle it, but you never know.

Previously on Ekali of the Frozen Heights: Ekali arrived at Bleak Falls Barrow, and launched her attack on the group of bandits residing there. Having lost the moment of surprise, she was both happy and shocked to find that the wolf Gladio had come to join her. Breaking her ankle in the ensuing battle, as short as it was, it took a while before she could properly greet her friend. That accomplished, they took out the two bandits in the first area of the barrow before Ekali laid down to rest, knowing that Gladio would stand guard over her.

Chapter 3.2 Otherworldly creatures

The cobwebs stretched from the ground all the way up to the roof in the passageway, and Ekali shivered at the thought of what must have created them. Gladio got stuck with his leg in some of it, and she had to bring out her fletching knife to free him, after which he walked with his tail almost between his legs.

The wolf was whining by the time they heard the panicked calls for help, and the khajiit drew her great-sword before leaning around the next corner. Cobwebs completely covered the archway, and she brought her sword up to slash at them. A growl arose from the wolf as he walked past her when she was finished, treading carefully into the large room. Ekali followed close behind him, sword ready as her eyes swept the room.

As the great creature dropped from the ceiling it shook the ground, and Ekali looked over it with fear when her eyes found the beast. Clapping its mandibles together, the giant spider started forward as Gladio growled at it and circled to the right. He bounded forward and closed his jaws around one of the legs of the insect, from which was heard an audible crunch.

He'd given Ekali just enough time to recover from the shock, and when the spider screeched and turned after the canine, the khajiit came up on the other side and slashed with her blade at one of its legs. The sword almost severed the creatures leg, and it screeched again, realising that the khajiit was the greater threat. It tried to scurry out from in between them, but Gladio got his jaws around another of its legs and pulled. Ekali seeing an opening, evaded the creatures flailing leg, and struck out with her blade to pierce the spiders thick skin.

Several stabs later, she wiped the sticky blood of herself and looked Gladio over to make sure he didn't get hurt. Then she looked towards the back of the room, at a dunmer male hanging suspended by cobwebs in a door opening.

“Help! Get me down! I'll share the treasure with you, just let me down!” he called out when he noticed she was looking at him, and Ekali shook her head in disbelief.

“I'm looking for a golden claw, do you have it?” she asked as she raised her sword and cut at the cobweb. It went rather quickly, and instead of answering her question, the dunmer snarled that she'd never get the treasure, and set of running further in.

Ekali sighed and set of at a steady jog, knowing that he probably wouldn't get far. People's final resting places tended to be littered with traps.

:-:-:-:

The creak of the hinges echoed through the hall and brought Ekali to a stop just when she were about to step out of the hall into the space in which alcoves holding corpses where. The dunmer flew across the room, crashing into the wall to the left of her, and the strange angle of his neck told of the fact that he wouldn't get up on his own.

Before dying, he'd closed his eyes, and the man looked almost peaceful where he lay. If it wasn't for the blood dripping onto the ground, and the way his body bent over a large pile of rubble, she might have thought he was sleeping.

Ekali was brought back to reality when a moan sounded from one of the alcoves, and her eyes went wide when she saw three draugr in the process of getting up. Drawing the great-sword from its scabbard, she signalled for Gladio to stay close, and stepped out onto more level ground where she'd have room to fight.

The first draugr came at them with its axe raised, eyes glowing blue as it swung at her. She deflected the slash easily and having put the grotesque feminine shape of balance, drove the sword through the creatures ribcage, producing a sickening crunch.

Stepping to the side so as to not have the newly dead monster in her way, Ekali brought her sword up so that she could block the incoming hit from the second draugr, while Gladio lunged at the third.

Screenshot

Trying to keep the wolf in her peripheral, she blocked the barrage of chops that the creature tried to kill her with. When it stopped momentarily, she ducked down beneath its guard and struck at its legs while avoiding the reach of the draugr. A thud outside of her view, followed by a sharp clang as metal struck stone, told her that the other one had fallen and soon the wolf was by her side.

Skipping in close to the monstrosity, he took a grip around its leg and pulled it out from under the undead. Ekali took the chance when it had fallen, to bring her sword down into its chest.

Gladio put his head against her leg and she stood up, wiping of the sword on some of the rags that covered one of the draugr. Then she sheathed the blade and walked over to the Dunmer, crouching down next to him. Proceeding to look through his pockets, she found some drakes, a leather-bound journal and an ornament that had to be the golden claw.

She put them away amongst her own things, then arose and turned towards the path she had yet to travel down. A marked stone protruded from the ground, and she could see the spike trap that had killed the Dunmer bandit. She was careful to stay clear of the stone when she walked on, Gladio tight on her heel.

:-:-:-:

Screenshot

Frowning, Ekali tilted her head slightly to the side as she looked at the round door. She wasn't sure of what it was, but she knew that it was the only way forward, and there seemed to be a pattern in its design.

When putting her fingers into the indents in the middle, she recalled the golden claw, and took it out of her bag. It fit into them, but when she tried to push or turn the circular lock, nothing happened. Ekali took the claw away from the wall to look it over, and noticed the three carvings lined up one after the other on the side that would lay against the door. Looking from the claws carvings to those in a line on the door, she immediately saw the problem. The carvings were in the wrong order. But how do I change the order? In frustration, she put her hand against one of them and found herself jumping backwards when a rumble was heard from the stone, and the carving that she'd touched, together with a part of the door, moved to reveal yet another small carving.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she touched all of the carvings again and watched them move. At which point only one of them was the correct one, so she touched the other two as well, before putting the claw back into the indentations in the middle. This time when she pushed on it, the claw turned on its own, and just after she took it back to put it in her pack she heard the sound of stone grinding against stone. Then the whole door sunk down to reveal a large cavern.

Gladio started forward when Ekali was still busy marvelling over the huge space that was hidden just beneath the the surface of the ground. She followed a few steps after him after a while, and then ducked down when a group of bats came flying past them from a hole in the ceiling that they'd approached.

They heard the sound of flowing water, and soon saw the stream, as well as a large wall further in. (Screenshot) She stepped onto the small stone bridge that spanned the stream, and walked slowly up the steps towards the wall and the platform it stood on together with a large coffin and a small counter.

That was when she first heard the sounds. Voices, thousands of voices, whispering at first but growing in volume as she drew nearer to the wall. She was no longer aware of her surroundings when some signs started glowing blue on the wall, and in her mind little else mattered than going closer to it. Then she could see nothing but the glowing word as the voices coalesced into one. Fus.

Her sight came back quicker than it had disappeared, and with it came the realisation that the sharp noise she had heard didn't have anything to do with the wall. It came from the coffin behind her.

This post has been edited by Saquira: May 18 2012, 05:26 PM

[McBadgere]

Excellent!!...

Love the way you render these scenes...So brilliantly done...

The fight with the spider was cool...The wolf providing a distraction was also cool...Bless it...All worried about cobwebs and all... ...

D'you know, I once killed that Arivi cutting him down?...True...And yet it wasn't murder...Odd that...Love the way you had Ekali think about the traps...One of the times I've done this quest, I followed him down only to see him mobbed by several Draugr!!...Very "Walking Dead"... ...Love the vision of him flying accross the room though...Very cool...

A brilliant chapter...Excellently done...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...