Skyrim Real Roleplay Ralos Dragonborn

I led Lydia out of High Hrothgar, 'accidentally' bumping into Delphine on the way down the steps, nearly sending her sprawling into the snow. Amid the Blades' more lurid curses I heard Lydia chuckling so it was worth it. The other leaders seemed to be taking their sweet time returning so I jogged past them. No one had anything nice to say as I jogged past and it made me regret having dealt with the frost troll on my way up. Perhaps they would be nicer to each other if they had to team up to fight the thing.

My thoughts seemed to be answered as I spotted another troll waiting in their usual hang-out. This one was not as ugly but definitely louder and given to fits of rage, so I assumed it was the female mate of the one I dispatched earlier. I wanted to just run by it to leave it for Gang Grumpy behind me but Lydia could not resist using it for target practice. She probably just wanted to break in the steel plate armor I had just given her. So be it. I used my force shout to blast the thing against the wall, being careful how I aimed it this time. Lydia brought out her battleaxe and I laid into it with my sword and shield. Still the thing managed to get up and rake its claws across my shoulders and neck. I bashed it then backed up to heal. Lydia kept it busy and I finished it off with a shout of my fire breath. I had almost forgotten I knew that one.

Lydia sheathed her axe and gave me a nod, "Are you all right? That thing nearly took your head off, not that that might be an improvement."

I rubbed at my neck which still stung a bit. "I'll be fine, my healing spell works pretty good for a non-mage. Here, help me with this troll. I've got an idea."

It took us a moment to find the right place, but once done, we were both proud of the idea. We set off back down the steps, laughing and snickering like teenagers.

By the time we reached the bottom of the steps, I was not feeling as good as I had told Lydia. Despite going downhill, I was nearly exhausted. I had to keep snacking to keep my strength up. Luckily, it was already dark so we decided to hole up at the inn for the night. I ordered some food, but even talking about it made me queasy.

"Are you feeling all right?" the innkeeper asked, "You don't look so good. Kind of like the time that family of skeevers died in our water well. I tell you the whole town was fighting over the last scraps of linen cloth that week."

"I'll be all right, just go easy on the spices, huh? Nothing too fragrant."

Lydia ate her usual mound of food and I pretended to have a sore tooth and settled for mashing up my potatoes and swigging two bottles of mead. I remember telling her I was going to bed, but if I made it there myself, I could not tell you.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Morndas, 6th of Frostfall

I awoke but in a haze of sleep. Lydia was standing over me and shaking me, telling me to rouse myself.

"You had your chance, Housecarl," I mumbled, "Now you'll have to work for it."

I was still half asleep when I landed harshly on the floor. Although it hurt, all I wanted to do was go back to sleep. Suddenly I felt myself being lifted by my arms and deposited in a chair. A slap across my face only partially woke me.

"As much as I enjoyed that, Ralos," Lydia said, "I'd rather not have to do it again. Now wake up."

I struggled to wake up. I rubbed at my stinging cheek. "I'm exhausted," I muttered, "It feels like skooma withdrawal but without the headache and the skanky whore to pay off the next morning. Oh wait, you're here."

Another slap shook my head and nearly loosed a tooth. I put my hands up, "I'm joking, I'm joking."

Lydia straightened, "My first thought was brain rot, but that would be impossible to detect with you. I'd say you caught Bone Break Fever from that troll. No surprise, I doubt it's the first time you've caught something from a female."

"Probably not the last either, I might add," I said, "I'm all out of my cure disease potions. You got any?"

"No, and there's no store in this backwater town. You'll have to wait until we get to Whiterun. Think you can make it over the mountain pass?"

"I'll give it a try, since they don't have a carriage here either. Just give me a minute."

"How about another friendly slap?"

"I'll pass..."

Slap!

I hold my other cheek, "I said I'll pass."

"That wasn't the friendly slap. Your jokes could use some work. I'll be outside when you're ready."
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

I meet Lydia outside but take a detour to the stream by Narfi's home. I stuck my head in the freezing water for a minute, making sure Lydia doesn't try to hold me under. The water helped a little, but not as much as the slaps. I'm not about to tell her that, however. I shook the water out of my hair and took the lead back to the pass.

The troll was still gone from the overhang but after we cross the stream using the rocks, a new menace appears. Three glowing balls started flying around us, hissing angrily. At first I thought they were ice wraiths but I've never encountered them away from the snow. I mean to avoid them but they seemed intent on a confrontation by blocking my way then ramming into me.

"You're an expert on balls, Lydia," I said, "What are these things?"

"These are wisps, Dragonborn," she said, "And you've just earned yourself another slap. I think you're starting to like it. But these are not the real problem."

She was right as they were defeated much easier than ice wraiths. It only took a few swipes of my elven sword to destroy them. I took out two while Lydia hacked the other one to death. All of a sudden, spikes of ice came flying through the trees at her.

"There's the real problem," Lydia said, running towards a spectral woman in the trees.

It could only be a wispmother. I'd never seen one before but that was all it could be. I loosed my bow while I let myself heal. I saw Lydia unleash her draemora lord, Kynval on the being.

Between the two of them hacking at her and my bow landing precise dwarven arrows, the wispmother soon took flight, forcing us to chase after her. From out of nowhere, two other wispmothers appeared, but these were dimmer than the first and seemed more intent on getting between than attacking. Lydia and Kynval attacked these shades while I continued my assault on the original, though my arm was tiring quickly. The wispmother took flight again but even as I was about to try to pursue her, Lydia got her bow out and took the specter out with one final shot.

Kynval vanished as I caught up to Lydia.

"That was unexpected," I said, putting my bow away.

Lydia gave me another slap, this time still wearing her steel gaunlet. "Kind of like that?"

"All right, that definitely loosened a tooth."

"Perhaps I'm a tooth expert, too? I suggest you get moving if you expect any help getting through this pass."

Reluctantly I followed close, feeling I would need help before long. I found the tooth and gave it a wiggle. Yup, definitely loose. Best I keep my mouth closed for now, for my teeth's sake.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

The march through the mountain pass was arduous but the brisk wind kept me alert enough to where I did not need to lean on Lydia at all. We came out of the woods and the cold wind of the mountains turned into a hot sun once the shade of the woods was gone. I needed to cool off and refresh myself so we went past the Ritual stone to the river below. The icy water felt great but even better I spotted what looked like a shrine not far up the hill on the other side. I did not want to go into Whiterun looking dead to the world. I do have a reputation among the ladies for being healthy and virile. I told Lydia to follow me to the shrine within the shallow cave.

"A shrine to Talos?" Lydia said, "I didn't even know this was here."

"I don't care who it's for, it'll still heal me, right?"

"It should. You don't need to be..."

Suddenly the ground shook as we jogged up the hill and for a split second I thought perhaps I had insulted a deity. Then we heard the roar of a dragon and next a wave of icy frost engulfed the two of us. I did not want to be trapped within the cave so I darted to the right, though my actions were slowed even more by the attack. I turned in time to see a blood dragon take flight and begin a tight attack pattern to continue the unprovoked assault.

I reached for my bow as did Lydia and we began firing our arrows at the moving beast.

"What are you doing?" Lydia called out as the dragon flew by, spewing ice and cold in her path. "Use the new shout you just got, the Dragonrend!"

I blame my forgetfulness on my weakened condition. That should have been the first thing I thought of. I harnessed my bow and recalled the words, but the dragon had flown off up around the hill. I should have taken the moment to cure myself at the shrine but I did not think of it. Instead I used my healing magic as I ran to the top of the hill to bring the dragon down to earth so we could deal with it on our terms.

By the time I reached the top, I was completely healed but my stamina was depleted. I leaned over and put my hands on my knees to catch my breath. Lydia stopped beside me and tapped me on the shoulder.

"I don't think this would be the best time to take a breather," then she pointed straight ahead of us.

I looked where she was pointing and gulped in some more air, wondering if what I was seeing was real. "You've got to be kidding."
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

In the distance was a stone keep with crumbling, dilapidated watchtowers in front. In the open courtyard were two mages and a flame atronoch fighting the dragon I was after. At least, that's what I thought, until a second dragon dropped down directly in front of me. I started to shout the dragonrend but was forced to stop when a gout of ice from the dragon smacked into me. I dove for cover behind a nearby rock.

"Now would be a good time for Kynval to make an appearance!" I shouted at Lydia.

Whether or not she heard me, I didn't know, but when the dragon tried to fly off I leapt from behind the rock and used Dragonrend on it. It impacted on the blood dragon's underbelly and a purple aura enveloped it. The participants of the other battle clearly took notice, especially the dragon, and stopped fighting for a moment to look. My dragon struggled but was forced to the ground.

I heard Kynval cry out with glee, "Are you prepared for your death?" He and Lydia attacked the downed dragon with fervor. It's reptilian head snapped side to side trying to grab hold of one of them, but they proved too nimble. I healed myself with one hand while I charged the dragon's flank, whistling my sword from its scabbard. I managed one hit before it tried taking flight again. I readied my shout but once again I was forced to silence myself as ice filled my mouth and eyes. The other dragon had come to its brethren's rescue. Before I could recover, both had flown off.

"A challenger!" Kynval yelled.

My eyes cleared enough for me to see him run off to meet the mages that were now closing in on us. I secured my shield and looked to the sky to see where the dragons had circled to. A ball of fire crashed into me, setting my armor on fire, and I thought the mages had destroyed the dremora lord. Then I saw Kynval and Lydia trying to reach a mage. A second fireball hurtled towards me and I was able to dodge it. This time I saw it was from the flame atronoch. I quickly switched to my Drawven bow of Ice and we exchanged volleys, each of us scoring a hit.

The dragons reappeared together, this time landing side by side nearer Lydia and the mage. Kynval must have been destroyed and sent back. I ran to put the atronoch between the dragons and myself to give it a new target to focus on. I began healing the damage from the atronoch while I switched back to my sword. One of the dragons lurched forward and grabbed the mage in its jaws, shaking him violently before tossing back towards the keep.

Lydia summoned Kynval again just as I shouted Dragonrend at the pair of dragons. Only one was affected, taking the brunt of the shout. The other took off, glowing red from a blow from Kynval's sword. I noticed it went after the atronoch and remaining mage, however. I wished him luck. The three of us set on the grounded dragon and managed to slay it before it could leave again. As it burst into flames, I swallowed two potions to aid my failing stamina and two for my health to heal the cuts I received from the dragon's wing claws. The dragon's soul filled me with the taste of blood. I barely had time to savor it before the second dragon, obviously enraged at the loss of its kin, landed nearly on top of me, his slavering jaws closing inches from my face.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

steelers_fan36 posted...

Just caught up, great stuff! Please keep going!

Will do! It's amazing how much I can write with no headache and lots of sleep. Thanks for reading.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

I bashed the dragon with my spiked shield and its head reared back. I noticed bits of black cloth stuck to its teeth and I hoped the mage it had mangled was sweeter than I supposed. I used the staggering of the shield to maneuver out of the way of the dragon's jaws and ducked in behind its torn wing. I shouted Dragonrend again to keep it where we could get it and started swinging as quickly as possible at its leg and flank. I could hear Lydia grunting with the effort of her power strikes from her axe. Kynval was still there shouting challenges and curses. In a matter of moments, the shout faded but the dragon was too weak to fly from a myriad cuts and missing parts. I landed one final stab under its scales and into its ribcage and the dragon lifted his head to the sky. It fell dead, almost toppling onto Lydia. This dragon's soul was heavy with the taste of magicka, probably from the mage it had chewed. Its body turned to bones, lying close to its kin.

"It was a good fight," Kynval said then dissipated into thin air.

"Your summon has a knack for understatement," I said as I sat down on the ground. I heard no more sounds of fighting so I assumed the mages and their atronoch were dead. Even if they weren't, my adrenaline had run its course and I was out of stamina potions. If they wanted to fight, they would have to come to me.

Lydia was pleased, smiling broadly, "I'd say that was an excellent test of your new skills with the single-handed blade. I think this place is called Fellglow Keep. Rife with mages."

"They all suck, and I'd rather one dragon at a time, or at least when I'm not feeling completely drained. Wake me in an hour."

I laid down where I was but Lydia booted me in the leg.

"Get up, Lazybones. We're almost to Whiterun. You can heal at the Hall of the Dead then sleep in your own bed if you want. Here, I'll even help you up."

I half expected her to simply roll me down the hill, but instead she helped me rise then let me lean on her shoulder. Together we shuffled towards the neighboring farms on the way to the road.

"Does this mean you actually care?" I asked Lydia.

"Does this mean you need me?" she countered.

"Touche. We'll just keep walking together."
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Tirdas, 7th of Frostfall

Touching the shrine of Arkay had restored my stamina but I still felt too tired to do anything else except eat that night. I had gone to bed early and was surprised how late it was when I finally awoke.

I lumbered downstairs in Breezehome to find Lydia cooking up a meal over the fire pit.

Lydia noticed me and covered the simmering pot. "I was wondering if you would sleep all day. I was about to check to make sure you were still breathing."

"My entire body aches," I said as I took a seat by the fire. "I can see how Bone Break Fever gets its name. I feel like all my bones are trying to heal at once."

"It'll pass soon as you walk around. While you were sleeping I gathered the stuff we collected and sold them around town."

"Get much?"

"We made a cozy little profit, my Thane."

"Cozy?" I said, "Sounding a little too housewifey there, Lydia. Don't go getting any ideas. Us dragons have to keep our wings moving, if you know what I mean."

"Please, no one knows that better than me. I also know you need more help than I could provide. So don't get full of yourself either, Ralos. Now, are you eating or what? The Jarl wants to see you."

"Balgruuf's back? What kind of mood was he in?"

"I don't know, I talked to a messenger. The boy seemed a bit frightened, though. I suggest you eat so we can go before he sends the Guards after you."

I wanted to laugh, thinking of our little trick. I was sure Balgruuf would take it lightly. Well, I was sort of sure. I had better hurry.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

We made our way to Dragonsreach which is where we were headed next anyway. Instead of Irileth stopping us, the Jarl himself came towards us as we approached his throne.

"You've got a lot of nerve showing up here after what you pulled," Balgruuf said.

I knew just what to say to diffuse the situation. "Huh?"

"Don't 'Huh?' me. I nearly wet myself when I hit that trip wire and that damn troll fell on me. Ugh, I can still smell it on my armor. I should have you whipped and dragged through town by your..."

"Nuts," Lydia said, "I told him he was nuts to do that to you, my Jarl." She stood next to Balgruuf.

"What?" I said, "You helped me prop it up."

"It is one thing to prank a Jarl, but then to blame it on your Housecarl," Balgruuf shook his head. "Perhaps I should rethink this whole Thane thing. In fact, get out of my castle! You are no longer permitted in Dragonsreach! Take your Destiny and shove it where the chaurus don't bite!"

My mouth fell open. How could Lydia turn on me like this? What in blazes was she doing?

Unable to contain themselves any longer, Lydia and Balgruuf burst out into laughter, clapping each other on the back and pointing at me. Soon everyone was laughing.

"Did you see his face?" Balgruuf said, tears in his eyes. "Like a cow about to meet the Butcher's hammer. Priceless!" He mocked an exaggerated expression of shock.

"I'm sorry, Ralos," Lydia said, "I ran into the Jarl this morning and he convinced me to do this."

"What?" Balgruuf said, "This was your idea, woman."

Lydia shrugged, "There's enough blame to go around." She turned to me. "No hard feelings?"

I seethed yet I smiled, knowing I'd been duped. "You're so going to get it."

"You say that to all the women."

"That's beside the point," I conceded. "You should be ashamed, picking on a recently ill person."

"And yet...nothing."

"Come along, Dragonborn," Balgruuf said, "Let's get on with this dragon trapping. I'm eager to see if it will actually work."

"I see how it is," I said to Lydia. "The gloves are off now, girlie."

I turned away with Balgruuf, partly so Lydia would not see me smiling.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

*sidebar for bump*

Lydia found Ralos sitting at the Jarl's dining table. He was looking disappointed and pissed-off at the same time.

"Are you coming, Ralos? Wait, scratch that. Are you through waiting yet?"

"Just a little longer, woman. Don't you have some linens to wrap?"

"But it may never arrive. Let's go and just check back some other time."

"But the Jarl said my package of delicious live crabs was on the way."

Lydia sighed, tired of hearing this. "He never said it was on the way. In fact it may never arrive at all."

"But Nazeem got his package of delicious live crabs."

"Nazeem has his face in the Jarl's backside, too. Its some sort of sick agreement they have. You don't want to be like Nazeem, do you?"

"Well, no. But we both paid good money for the vanilla cream and we should both get delicious live crabs at the same time. It's not fair."

"That's true. Are you done?"

"I guess. What should we do until then , though?"

"We could run through Helgen again."

"Bah, I feel like I've done that at least thirty times now. I could do it in my sleep."

"Well, I learned a spell called telekinesis. I could teach it to you."

"What can we do with it?"

"We could throw cabbages at Nazeem's head without him knowing."

"Sweet. How about rotten tomatoes?"

"Whatever you want, it's your birthday."

*check back, hopefully tomorrow, for the continuing saga of Ralos and Lydia - As the Nord Turns*
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Balgruuf summoned a few guards to follow us to the great porch. One guard, a mere whelp with more brass than brains ran ahead of us.

"Is it true?" the guard asked, "Are you really going to call a dragon?"

"We're not going to the porch for lemonade and moonsugar cookies, boy," I said. "If you want to see how a real man deals with a dragon, you can join us, just stay out of the way and do as your told."

The boy lost some of his enthusiasm and mumbled to himself as we went through the door, "Man, were they right about him. What a pri.."

I missed the last word, but I assumed he meant 'prince'. That boy's got a bright future ahead of him. I can see him going places.

Balgruuf, the boy-guard, and I ran towards the open area of the porch. I noticed Lydia slipped through the door as well before it closed. There were guards standing on either side of the room up on some balcony. For the first time I noticed the trap hanging from the ceiling. It looked like a simple wooden stockade. I had my doubts about whether or not it would hold a dragon.

"Go ahead and call this dragon of yours," Balgruuf said, a tinge of fear quavering in his voice. "We're ready."

"His name's Odahviing," I said defensively.

"Whatever, Dragonborn. Just call him so we can trap this beast."

I felt my anger rising and had to control myself from sending the Jarl into the sky with a shout. Lydia was looking at me strangely and I knew it was obvious on my face. I'm not sure why I was feeling insulted by Balgruuf's casual hatred of the dragon. Perhaps because of the Blades' threats against Parthurnaax. He would not have hurt them, but they wanted him dead. Perhaps this Odahviing is just another pawn of Alduin. At least this time I don't want to kill the dragon. Perhaps I've been seeing this whole thing wrong...

This was no time to derail my destiny. I have to defeat Alduin first, no matter how I may resolve this conflict of feelings.

"You do have a plan to lure the dragon, yeah?" said Balgruuf.

"I'm getting to it," I said, "Don't get your balls in a gruuf."

I stepped out onto the porch and recalled the shout I needed. "Toor...Shul!"

The echoes of the shout dissipated. The boy walked up to me.

"Tool shed? I could have done that. Tool...Shed!"

He and Balgruuf got a good laugh out of that. Lydia merely shook her head. Then the boy picked his head up and stepped closer to the edge. "What was that?"

A dragon roared from behind the castle then flew in front of us. It pinwheeled suddenly then dove for the porch.

The boy-guard threw his hands up. "I was only kiddiiiiiiiii." His voice trailed away as the dragon picked him off the porch and flung him out into the open air. I was right about him going places.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Odahviing circled back around and made another pass towards the balcony. This time however, we were ready with our bows. They seemed to make little impact on his hide as he came to a stop and hovered for a moment. I was not about to let him torch the place though, so I immediately struck him with the Dragonrend shout. His head lurched back and only a spittle of flames struck the floor. He flew off even though shrouded in the aura of the shout. Seconds later he realized his doom and came to a landing on the balcony.

"You will pay for that, Dovahkiin," the old dragon said.

"Correction, dragon, you're the one paying - with your blood. And I've got your change right here."

I charged in with my sword and shield while Lydia and Balgruuf did the same from all different angles. To his credit, Odahviing put up a good fight but between our attacks and me keeping him grounded with my shout, he eventually started to weaken. Since I did not want to kill him, I slid over to Balgruuf and told him to follow my lead.

I pretended to be grievously injured. "We are routed!" I cried out. "Fall back!"

Balgruuf, annoyed at not being able to finish off the dragon, complied after one more swipe of his bloodied sword. Lydia looked shocked and ran to my side as well.

"Where are you hurt?" she said as she reached my side. "I could try healing you."

"Now is not the time profess your love for me," I said.

Lydia looked startled and at a loss for words.

"It's a ruse, housecarl, now fall back."

Lydia, her face flushed, grabbed my arm and helped me limp further back into the porch.

"You will not escape me, whelp!" Odahviing said and began crawling towards me, his jaws salivating with the anticipated grinding of my bones. His triumphant smile turned to shock as the wooden harness snapped around his neck. He tried to free himself, but the device held him in place.

I stopped and pulled free from Lydia. "Thank you, housecarl. You're quite the actress. Your concern for me almost seemed genuine."

Lydia stammered for a moment then said, "I better go check on Balgruuf while you deal with the dragon."

I wondered after Lydia. Battles don't usually seem to faze her as much as this one did. Perhaps, like Balgruuf, she is torn by having to not kill a dragon this time. It could not be helped. Hopefully, it would not be in vain. I approached Odahviing.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

As I stood in front of the fuming dragon I put my hands in front of me with my thumbs together and looked through them like a picture frame, moving them around with Odahviing in the middle.

"What are you doing, Dovahkiin?" the dragon finally asked.

"Oh, just getting an idea of what your head would look like mounted on the wall. I'd have to make the outhouse a lot bigger, though."

"I will not justify that with a response. You went to a great deal of trouble to put me in this humiliating position, caught like a bear in a trap. You must want to know where Alduin is, or you would have killed me, hmmm?"

"The thought crossed my mind," I said, "He owes me some septims and won't pay up."

"There are those who wish to be rid of Alduin, though are hesitant to make it known. I came myself to your call to see for myself how your thuum measures up to his."

I smiled and placed my hands on my hips, "No doubt you've seen enough to make the only correct decision. What am I saying? Of course you have."

Odahviing's eyes looked around, "You seem to have made the decision for me. But if I tell you what you want to know, will you release me?"

"I will consider it, if I find the tone of your response agreeable. Proceed."

"Fine. Alduin is hiding is Sovengarde, feeding on the souls of the dead. He uses the portal in Skuldafn. I do not need to tell you, he has marshaled his forces there, just in case. Now, will you let me go?"

"I will let you go if you agree to serve me."

Odahviing chuckled, smoke leaking from his snout. "No, not until Alduin is truly defeated will any of us stick our necks out that far. But, there is more you need to know."

"Holding out on me already? Tsk, tsk."

"I merely forgot you are not familiar with Skuldafn. You will find it is quite inaccessible to someone of your ilk, unless of course you are hiding wings beneath that ridiculous armor."

"Ridiculous armor? You know, I think that trap would look nice on you as a collar. I could put little bells on it so we would know when you were sneaking around."

"All right, it is not ridiculous. It is very stylish and masculine looking. Now what if I were to agree to fly you there? Would you release me?"

"I think I could agree to that, if you promise not to aid Alduin until this is settled."

"That much I can do. Now, if you please, the gawkers are starting to appear."
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Suddenly Farengar appeared behind me. "Magnificent. What a grand opportunity."

"Not now Farengar," I said, "Real men are talking here."

"Mr. Dragon," the mage said, ignoring me, "I wonder if you might indulge me in a few experiments? I'll only need a few samples from you, some scales and perhaps some blood. It will only hurt a little bit."

"The nerve of the humans," Odahviing said, "Totally out of the... mage? What are you doing back there?"

"I see an open wound by your tail. I'm just going to dig out a few scales. Just hold still."

"All right. Here, you may sample this as well."

Odahviing grimaced then passed a toxic cloud of gas directly at Farengar.

The mage began coughing and hacking at the rancid smell. The air was wavy all around him.

"Now for an old childhood trick," the dragon said then turned slightly and sent a spark of fire at the cloud of gas.

The stank cloud burst into flames. Farengar screamed and ran for the door, flames trailing behind from his flaming robes. Odahviing began laughing, as did everyone else present. Balgruuf actually fell over onto the floor in gales of laughter.

"Odahviing, my brethren," I said, "You've just made a friend for life."
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

SparkBurst posted...

I don't normally post around here, but I felt the need to say something. I just finished marathoning the adventures of Ralos and Lydia and it was very entertaining! The personality you gave Lydia and the way she interacts with Ralos is just great. Keep up the good work! I'm anxious to see whats next.

The archived Ralos, too? Wow, so far it's about 126,000 words. Thanks for the support, I really appreciate it.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Odahviing chuckled, "I'm glad you are Dovah enough to enjoy our sophisticated humor. Now, the trap, please."

"You got it, buddy."

I ran up to the balcony to where the release lever was. A guard stopped me as I got there.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" he said.

"Are you sure you want to try to stop me? I think my new friend down there looks pretty hungry."

"Let him be, guardsman," Balgruuf said from below, still wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. "The Dragonborn knows what he's doing, I hope."

The guard stepped back hesitantly.

"That's what I thought. You probably would've given Odahviing the White Runs anyway. A dragon's stomach is more sensitive than you think." I threw the lever and the trap sprang open.

I reached the porch and Odahviing was still stretching his long neck. "We had a deal, Dovahkiin," he said, "And I, like all dragons, am a dragon of my word. Just let me know when you are ready and we will be off. I warn you, though, you will be changed by the experience. Once your wings go flap, you never go back. You will envy us even more than you already do."

I smirked, "I can already Shout, breath fire, and light my own farts. If all you got on me is flying, I think I can handle it. Lydia, on the other hand, may have a lot to get over."

"Lydia?" Odahviing said. "The human warrior over there? She can not go with you."

"What? What are you, some kind of weak-backed wuss? You can easily take both of us. I demand that you do."

"Demand as you wish, Dovahkiin, but her fate will be sealed. Where you have to go, there is no return. If you wish her to meet her fate now and go to Sovengard, that is your choice. I did not think you to be so selfish as to feel you may do whatever you wish with another's life."

I had no response to that.

"It is something I would expect of Alduin," the old dragon added.

My first response was anger and I clenched my fists to argue the point, but he was right. I could not do this to Lydia, but I also knew she would not listen if I told her the truth. She would demand to go and I would not be able to stop her.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Lydia saw me speaking with Odahviing and started towards us. I moved to cut her off. "I'll explain it to her," I told the old dragon.

I met her half way. "I heard you need the dragon to fly us to meet Alduin," Lydia said. "It's probably best, then, I wait to eat."

"Yeah, about that," I said, lowering my voice, "Odahviing here is pretty old and doesn't have the stamina to go all the way."

"So you two have something in common."

"Ha. Funny. At least, he says, not with the both us. So I'm going to have to go alone."

"Out of the question," she said, her eyes wide. "What would you do without me?"

"It's true the drone of your voice does help me sleep, and the sounds of you eating have helped me lose weight by taking away my appetite, but there is nothing to be done about it this time. I have to go after Alduin now before he knows about Odahviing."

"But what about your shoulder? Your training is incomplete with just a sword and shield."

"I think I've got the hang of it, thanks to you. I have to go, I'm sorry."

Lydia bit her lip, obviously wanting to say more. "Not as sorry as you'll be if I have to come and rescue you."

"And what will happen, woman, if I return triumphant?"

Lydia leaned forward and whispered in my ear. I managed to keep my knees from buckling, but I couldn't stop the grin. "In that case, maybe I'll..."

I whispered something in her ear. When I pulled away, her face was flushed red but she was grinning as well.

She slapped me across the face. "You're such a pig."

I laughed and quickly jumped on top of Odahviing's back, settling in near the base of his neck. "Try not to dream of me too much, Lydia. I don't want you worn out before I even return."

To her credit, Lydia managed to not shed a tear. Instead she reached behind her and threw me her Sanguine Staff. "At least take this from me," she said. "And I want it back."

I caught the staff and stowed it away. I turned Odahviing towards the open air then turned to Lydia one last time. "You want it all right."

She stepped closer. "I love you."

I kicked Odahviing to get him moving. "I know."

The old dragon beat his wings twice and we were off into morning air.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.