Skyrim Real Roleplay - Ralos Ravenclaw

The path up to Paarthurnax is ill defined at best, which would not be bad except one wrong step and you're crag paint. Arngeir warned of danger so we are ready when the ice wraiths appear. They do not pose as much of a problem now, especially with Lydia wielding a staff of flames. We get to a pair of tall stones that resemble an arch and I feel like this could be the spot. One more shout and the area opens up to reveal another dragon wall. I start towards it until suddenly a shadow appears at my feet. As it grows, I look up to see a huge dragon descend upon us. I get out my bow but instead of attacking, it starts to talk.

"Welcome, Dovakhin," the dragon says, "I am Paarthurnax. What brings you to my home?"

"You're a dragon?" I ask.

"Your dragon blood has heightened your perceptions. I had thought to fool you."

Lydia laughs and puts away her bow.

"Why not keep your mouth busy with an apple or something," I tell her then turn back to the dragon. "Sorry, I thought you were another greybeard."

"I tried to grow a beard but it caught fire every time coughed. Now, fellow Dov, why have you come?"

"I need a way to stop Alduin from destroying anymore of Tamriel. I need to learn the words of power for Dragonrend."

Paarthurnax's voice rumbles and I realize he is chuckling. "My boy, Dragonrend was meant to injure and incapacitate a dragon and you want me to speak it? I see you carry a sword. Would you train someone to use it by stabbing yourself? I thought not. But first before we go any further, there are formalities that must be observed for Dov's first meeting."

Paarthurnax turns to the wall and unleashes a blast of fire at it. "The word calls you. Learn it, Dov. A gift from me so we may speak in our blood tongue."

I approach the wall and read the glowing symbols, learning a word for 'Fire Breath'. Paarthurnax grants me his understanding of it then tells me to show my prowess with our words. I am cautious but I use my new shout and bathe his face in fire.

"Yes!" he says with glee, "It has been a long time since I have spoken to a Dov."

"I'm glad you are enjoying our little chat," I say, "But as you alluded to, you know of what I seek, but you can not teach it to me. How may I learn it?"

"You seek to kill Alduin? He has always been troublesome. You can learn it from the creators of the shout. If you can obtain an Elder Scroll, you may return here and use it to view the past, back when Alduin was last sent reeling through time."

"By Elder Scroll I'm assuming you mean something specific, not just an old paper. Where can I find it?"

"That, I do not know. I have not left my home here in some time."

"I may know some people that could help. If they can, I'll return. Are you sure you can help?"

"I have no reason to lie, Dov. Alduin has gone too far and threatens more than those he would rule. He threatens all that exists in this plane. I have grown comfortable here. I will help."

I leave the dragon's roost and collect Lydia by the stones.

"So what did he say?" she asks. "I didn't hear much shouting going on."

"We share the same dragon blood. He's the strong silent type, like me."

"Is he as modest too?"

"No, I surpass him in modesty. But he did give me a clue. I must speak with Arngeir again."
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Back at High Hrothgar, Arngeir was still standing outside in the courtyard. He is somehow surprised I made it back. I tell him exactly what Paarthurnax said.

"The Greybeards do not meddle in such blasphemy as the Elder Scrolls. They were not meant for men to use."

"Look, if you don't know where one is, just say so," I tell him. "I'll just go ask the Blades."

"The Blades? Uh...wait...now that I think on it, I may know where you can look. No need to bother with them. The College of Winterhold may have someone who knows the location of such an artifact."

"The Mages' College? I'd rather shove a chaurus up my..."

"Don't tell me you still fear mages?" Lydia says.

"I never feared wizards, housecarl," I say, "I never trusted them and you know why. I still don't."

"Even though you now use magic yourself?"

"I only use mine out of necessity."

"Necessity dictates you eliminate Alduin. The sooner you do that, the sooner you can disband the college and rein in the use of magic in Tamriel."

"I never thought of it like that. Fine, I'll try the college. Tomorrow, though, it's already too late. We'll sleep here tonight and start fresh in the morning. Hey, Arngeir, you and your boys are going to have to keep your rowdiness down."

"We'll do our best, Dragonborn."

"It was a joke, Arnie. You guys get any quieter and we'll start hearing the snow fall on the ground."

"My name is Arngeir."

"Whatever," I nudge Lydia. "You ready? Say good night, Lydia."

She shrugs, "Good night, Lydia."

"Was that supposed to be a joke?" I ask.

Arngeir breaks out laughing, "I get it! 'Good night, Lydia'. Excellent!"

Lydia smirks.

"You're all against me," I say and head off to find a bed.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Middas, 17th of Heartfire

The next morning after a bland Greybeards breakfast, Lydia and I tramp back down the snowy steps to Iverstead. I happen to pass by Klimmek and suggest he throw in some spices with the Greybeards next supplies. He said he tried once but it gave them all the winds. You could smell it for miles. I told him that was much more information than I needed. Before he left, however I asked him if he knew how far Winterhold was.

"If you like the climb up those steps, you're going to love the trek to the College. Nothing but snow and mountains and bears."

"Oh, my," Lydia says.

"Oh, my, is right," I agree. My mood is a little raw. Lydia had once again declined a free massage. My frustration was getting a bit...pent up. "Is there a carriage here anywhere, Klimmek?"

"Not here, my friend. The closest would be in Riften. It's not nearby but it is a warmer walk."

"That's good enough for me."

I once again head towards the City of Thieves. I don't even mind fighting off the occasional wolf or bear. It's warmer, I've got my sweet new armor, and I feel I'm closing in on ridding Skyrim of Alduin, leaving the door open for me to take over and set things right. I am in a good mood. That is, until I meet her.

We are near Riften, skirting around a fort by going through the woods when suddenly an arrow embeds itself in a tree mere inches from my face. I yell out to Lydia then dive for cover, my sword finding its way into my hands by instinct now. Lydia has her bow ready and is peeking around a tree for cover.

"Sorry, sorry," a female voice calls out. "My mistake, travelers."

I ease up as a woman steps into view followed closely by a Khajiit. She's wearing some odd animal hide armor, probably wolf. It doesn't look at strong as mine but it does blend into the environment well. Even as I watch the Redguard approach, I can barely hear her or the Khajiit walking through the sticks and leaves of the forest. They put their weapons away.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

"I apologize for the arrow, friend," she says, "For a moment I mistook you for a black bear."

Lydia approaches, "That's not surprising. It's just the smell. You get used to it. My name is Lydia."

"I am Shavina. This is my companion, Kharjo." She looks at me. "And you are?"

"Ralos Ravenclaw, Thane of Whiterun. It is a good thing your aim was off or you could have injured me. Perhaps you should try a smaller bow, more suited for a woman."

Did the Khajiit actually growl at me?

"My aim was not off. I moved it at the last second when I realized my mistake. And it wouldn't have injured you, it would have killed you. Pardon me, Lydia, but that bow in your pack. It looks familiar. May I see it?"

Lydia reaches back and hands her the weapon. "We found it recently on our last trip here. It was hidden down in the Ratway."

Shavina nods, "Just as I thought it would be. My neighbor, Dravin, had his bow stolen recently. I will return it to him for you if you want."

I reach for the bow but the Khajiit's hand locks onto my wrist just before.

"Watch your hands, human," he says, "If you mean to keep them."

"I was reaching for the bow. We found it so we'll return it. If you don't mind."

Kharjo released me and Shavina gave the bow back.

"You don't trust many people, do you, Ralos of Whiterun?" asks the Redguard. "You'll fit right in at Riften. Just stay out of trouble and if you are here for skooma, be warned that the supply is about to dry up."

"He's through with skooma," Lydia says, "with my help."

Shavina looks impressed at my housecarl. "I always suspected that behind every great person is an equally great companion." She casts a glance back at the Khajiit, who smiles in return.

"So where is your man, Shavina?" I ask, moving closer to her. "I notice you're wearing a necklace of Mara. Perhaps you just haven't met the right man...until now." I reach out to touch the necklace which conveniently rests on her chest. "Do you mind?"

A moment later I'm lying on the forest floor with my face buried in a pile of dry leaves and dirt. My arm is twisted in some unnatural way behind my back. I'm wondering, where the Nines is Lydia?

"I do mind," Shavina hisses by my ear. "I mind a great deal, in fact. And if you think this hurts, I'm saving you the pain of dealing with my friend. I don't think Riften is the place for you, Ralos."

I try to speak but only dirt and leaves come out.

Lydia speaks up, "Actually we're not staying...we're just getting a carriage...to take to Winterhold."

Why is her voice breaking up? Is she laughing?

Shavina the Rude, as I've taken to thinking of her, finally lets me up and she actually hands me a bottle of ale to wash my mouth out with as I cough and spit out the forest floor.

"Be sure you do," she says, "I would hate to mistake you for a big smelly bear again. Nice meeting you, Lydia."

"You, too, Shavina. Good-bye Kharjo. I love your fur."

"Good-bye, Lydia," the Khajiit says, "May your travels find warm sands."

The two leave as silently as they had approached.

"Love your fur," I say mockingly to Lydia. I leave her and head for Riften.

"Where are you going?" she calls out, "Wait, you've still got leaves on your back."
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

CrazyBritBoy posted...

Loved the part with Shavina!

I couldn't pass up the chance since Shavina was last posted as being near Riften.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

fallenangel2100 posted...

Awsum work man enjoyin this immensly btw when are you gunna do an update for the merridia quest to get the dawnbreaker sword cuz once I got that sword my nord never changed from it

I've been trying to think of a good reason for Ralos to do it. It's kind of a do-gooder quest and Ralos isn't exactly a good Samaritan. When it benefits him, he'll do it. Or it might take some catastrophic loss for him to seek out justice. Hmmm... But I won't do anything to Lydia on purpose so, we'll see.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

fallenangel2100 posted...

Tru_To_The_Game posted...

fallenangel2100 posted...

Awsum work man enjoyin this immensly btw when are you gunna do an update for the merridia quest to get the dawnbreaker sword cuz once I got that sword my nord never changed from it

I've been trying to think of a good reason for Ralos to do it. It's kind of a do-gooder quest and Ralos isn't exactly a good Samaritan. When it benefits him, he'll do it. Or it might take some catastrophic loss for him to seek out justice. Hmmm... But I won't do anything to Lydia on purpose so, we'll see.

I have a simple way to help ralos could get a letter from the graybeard bout a new wordand have go to dungeon with undead enemies maybe even the deadmans respite where he fights the hard deathlord boss olaf oneeye and earns 2nd fire breath word and he could complain that there has to be an easier way to kill these powerful dragrs after his sword proves almost useless agaisnt it and merridia apeals to his greedy nature telling him of her powerful sword that undead despise and even the living fear its light

He could be all "a sword that even the undead would hate? Now THAT sounds like somthing worthy of my greatness"

*spoilers*

That does sound like him. He could definitely use it when he goes alone to Alduin's secret aerie and all those draugr are there.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Turdas, 18th of Heartfire

As it turns out the driver of the carriage was in no condition to drive anywhere. Apparently a caravan that was leaving as I entered Riften had dropped off a good supply of Alto wine and Honningbrew Mead. I was still in a foul mood and started drinking with the first person I ran into. I had not known it was the carriage driver until we were both too inebriated to even hitch up the horses. Lydia must have found me at some point that night and put me to bed. It was the least she could do.

Turdas arrives too early and too brightly for me and the driver as our heads and stomachs were not up for the trip. The bad part about the trip was the constant reminders of the night before that the two of us leave in puddles alongside the bumpy road. That and Lydia eating all those damn stinky cheese sandwiches and smiling. The good part was that the driver did not feel like talking and I was able to sleep a good part of the way. By the time we reach Winterhold, it is nighttime and I'm feeling more like myself.

We have dinner at the inn. Lydia keeps asking me about Shavina and Kharjo and if I thought they should be allowed to be married because there was obviously something between them. I made some clever remark about why should the Thalmor have a monopoly on torture, everyone should be allowed to get married. I don't think she got my joke and we finish our meal in silence.

Afterwards, it is dark but not too late so we head towards the College. We pass by a couple arguing. It turns out they are siblings and Ranmir stalks away to get drunk, leaving his sister Birna to tend the shop. He does not get too far before a dragon suddenly roars overhead and strikes down at the people on the road, including Lydia and myself, with a column of icy breath. Guards come out from everywhere with their bows to join us. I notice a few people running from the College with their hands glowing. They must be mages but I'm surprised they are actually running towards the fight.

The dragon circles and lands on top of the Jarl's longhouse. Everyone starts shooting their bows except for Ranmir who only has a dagger in his hand.

"Birna," he yells back, "Get inside the shop! It is too dangerous out here!"

Ranmir is still blue and shivering from the first attack. He seems to be trying to distract the dragon from his sister's location but he does it too well. The dragon aims another blast towards the running man then flies off to circle again. When the frost clears I see Ranmir lying still, partially frozen to a rock in the road.

"Ranmir!" cries his sister. Someone from the College grabs her and pulls her into her shop just as the blood dragon passes again. Lydia and I take shelter beneath the shop's walkway then loose arrows in its wake.

It takes some time, possibly the dark makes it difficult for the guards to aim, but between the arrows and the fireballs from the mages, the dragon finally is forced to land. Several of us rush it and hack it into submission. It's soul tastes bitter, leaving a foul tang behind. It must have been one nasty b!tch of a dragon.

After the attack and the death of the brave citizen, I don't feel up to meeting any mages tonight, despite their help with the dragon. I check into the Frozen Hearth for the night. Everyone inside is stunned by the man's death. He must have been not just a regular, but well liked. Some of the guards had seen me absorb the dragon's soul and I overheard one remark loudly how all this talk of a Dragonborn and still the dragons are free to kill wherever. I get another bad taste in my mouth. I buy a round of drinks for everyone then go to bed.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Fredas, 19th of Heartfire

The next morning after a breakfast of pheasant and grilled leeks we head for the College. Down the road I notice the skeleton of the dragon remains though it has been picked over. The skull has been dragged away but I can not see it anywhere. Ranmir's body is also gone and residents are busy repairing the roof of the Jarl's longhouse. There's no sign of Birna but a black bow is tied on a post outside the shop. I don't know why his death is bothering me so. Perhaps because it was a dragon that killed him or maybe because I actually knew his name, unlike the nameless, faceless guards I've seen killed like at the watchtower. I try to put it out of my head. I need all my attention to keep an eye on a whole building full of mages.

I go up the ramp towards the College but I'm stopped at the top by an Altmer mage in a blue robe that radiates an aura of Destruction.

"Cross the bridge at your own peril," she says haughtily. "The gates will not open for the likes of you."

My rage already rises to the top but I use my tremendous force of willpower to calm myself. "Didn't I see you help fight that dragon last night?"

"I did. My name is Faralda. It is the third dragon to attack this area, though this one was particularly nasty. We are researching into why they have returned but so far, little is known."

"May I enter the college? I may be able to shed some light on that."

"Perhaps. What is it you expect to find within?"

"I have vital information about these dragons but I'm hoping someone within may be able to help me sort it out."

Faralda scoffs. "Of course we can help. But not just anyone is allowed inside. Those wishing to enter must show some degree of skill with magic. A small test, if you will."

"I think it's obvious I have what you need," I say, using my most charming, under-garment shedding smile.

She sneers as if catching a bad smell. "You have an odd perception of the obvious because I don't think anything of the sort."
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

I straighten to my full height, "What about the Dragonborn?"

"Do you truly have the voice?" she asks, suddenly leery. "Show me, and you may enter."

"Show you, eh, well I...oh, you mean a shout. Fine. Ready?" I unleash my newest word of power and set her hair on fire.

She bounces off the wall and pats her head until the flame dies. Her attitude suddenly warms. I've noticed some women react strangely to men of power. "It is true. I think there is much we can learn from each other. You may enter."

I brush up close to her, "I may hold you to that."

Faralda smiles, not unpleasantly, "I trust your concubine here will not overly mind."

"Concubine!" Lydia shouts, "I'll have you know I'm his housecarl as Thane of Whiterun, you high-eared, snobby b!tch."

Faralda's hands suddenly flame to life, "What your mouth, lowbrow Nord, before I find out if the horkers below enjoy eating roasted slut."

"Now, now, ladies," I interject, "There's plenty of Thane to go around. You won't even have to take turns. But that will have to wait until later, this is no time for a squabble. Misunderstandings happen all the time. That's why we are at a College. To learn things, about life and about each other."

Lydia settles a bit, looking at me strangely, "What are you saying?"

"Did that work?" I ask. "Did I sound worldly? I'm practicing. I'm sure there's some brainy wenches inside that would love experiencing a practiced tongue."

"What a pig," Faralda says, extinguishing her flames. "You have my apology, housecarl, and my sympathy."

"Thank you, Faralda. At least you found out now." She turns to me. "Can we go now?"

"Sure, now that you've ruined it." I lead the way towards the school.

"Seek out Mirabelle," Faralda calls out. "She can deal with you."
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

I follow the ramp up to the College. At one point, part of the ramp has nearly crumbled away leaving only a narrow walking lane to negotiate. You would think this would be an easy fix for these all-powerful wizards. I lower my expectations even more. I find what must be the entrance to the College. A huge statue of a mage is fixed in the center of the walkway. I grab the arm of the first person I see. She has a crazed look in her eye and a voice to match.

"You believe Restoration is a valid form of magic, don't you?" she asks.

"Mirabelle?"

"Don't you?"

"Yes, okay, it's valid. Do you know where Mirabelle is?"

The mage points to a woman near the main doors. She's standing next to a Thalmor wizard. What the Nines is a Thalmor doing here?

The crazed mage continues, "As I was saying...What the..."

Lydia grabs the mage by her collar and pushes her on her way. "Is that a Thalmor over there?"

"It sure is," I say. "We'll be cautious. They may still be looking for me, but word may not have reached him here."

"Unless he's here looking for you."

I loosen my sword but leave it sheathed. "They bleed like everyone else. Let's go."

I ease closer to Mirabelle. They are just finishing up their conversation but it appears it has nothing to do with me or the Dragonborn. The Thalmor is only getting on her nerves and she's reminding him he is an observer, nothing more. He stomps away like a petulant child and I get the woman's attention.

"New recruits, huh?" she says. "Well, we could always use new students. If you follow me, I'll take you on a tour of the College..."

"Actually, I'm here looking for information," I say to her before she can walk off. "I am the Dragonborn and I need help locating an artifact. It has to do with all these dragons and how I can help stop these attacks."

"Dragonborn? I suppose Faralda knows what she's doing to have let you in." Mirabelle looks skeptical, but continues, looking at Lydia. "And who is this?"

"This is Lydia, my conc..." I hear a dagger exposed to the air. "Eh, my companion, traveling companion, that is. A Dragonborn can't rightly be expected to do everything for himself, can he?"

"I suppose not," Mirabelle says, "Normally I would take you to Savros Aren, our Arch-mage, but he is busy right now with an experiment of some delicacy. Speak with our librarian, Urag, in the Arcaneum. Perhaps he can help you in the meantime. It is through this door and to the right."

I thank her and we find the Arcaneum with no trouble. The hard part is finding the librarian. The only one here is an Orc sitting by the desk pretending to read. How cute, sort of. Perhaps he will know where I can find Urag.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

Holy crap. Just checked my Ipad..Ralos is now over 80,000 words. Guess that makes it a novel.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

I step up to the Orc. "Excuse me, Orc. Do you know where I can find the librarian? You know, the one in charge of all these books? Books? Named Urag?"

"I am Urag, Nord, and this is my Arcaneum," he says gruffly. "You could say this is my own little world here. Disturb anything here and I'll have you torn apart by angry atronochs."

What's his problem? Someone must have offended him. Great, now I have to deal with him. "No need to worry about that, my friendly Orc. I was told to come and ask you about anything you might have on Elder Scrolls."

"Elder Scrolls? Did Ancano send you? He's been asking for the oddest things. Psijic Order. Magnus. Now Elder Scrolls? Tell him I don't have time to look for those, if I even had any."

Lydia takes a seat nearby, sensing this is going nowhere. I feel the same, so I change tactics.

"Really? I don't know who this Ancano is, but he sounds like an ass."

"Most Thalmor are," he agrees.

Ah. "Well, friend, I was told that your Arcaneum was exceptional. That is why I made a special trip here. But if you can not help the Dragonborn, I guess I will have to look elsewhere. Come along, Lydia."

Urag stands up quickly. "The Dragonborn? You? That changes things a bit, doesn't it? Wait here, I'll get what I have for you."

"That was clever, Ralos," Lydia says, "Who told you to do that?"

"What do you mean? I thought of it."

"It was Mirabelle, wasn't it?"

"No, I did it."

"Fine, don't tell me. Here he comes."

"Here's what I have, but don't get your hopes up. Some of the authors were a little...unstable."

I start reading some of the texts. One in particular stands out so I ask Urag about it.

"That? It was written by a scholar named Septimus Signus. He's the expert on the Elder Scrolls.

"Is he here?"

"He's a crazy one, to be sure. He headed North one day in search of some Dwemer artifact. Haven't seen him since. Some say he's alive. I wouldn't put it past him. He's crazed but too smart to just freeze to death."

"Do you know where he went?" I ask. "I need to speak with him."

"I'll mark on your map the last place he was rumored to be, but don't hold me to it."

I thank him and leave before he has a chance to talk more. He sure is chatty, for an Orc.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.

As soon as I leave the Arcaneum I run into a Khajiit garbed in one of their novice robes. He looks at my armor and sword and hesitates before talking.

"My name is J'zargo," he says, as if that should mean something, "You are new, yes? Have you mastered the Expert level destruction spells yet?"

"You mean like this?" I turn aside and shout, "FUS RO DAH!"

The Khajiit's eyes are big circles inside his hood. "That, that is no spell I am familiar with."

"Really? Funny, that's the first one I ever learned. Come along, Lydia."

I leave, but not before I hear the Khajiit trying to imitate the words of power. Silly kitty.

I purposefully avoid any other mages. I sense something brewing in the cold halls and I do not want to get ensnared in its web. These mages will use anyone they can to further their ambitions. I have enough to do as it is. I have a new lead and a lot of ground to cover if I am to find a small mark on an entire coastline. At the end of the ramp, I pass Faralda and tell her I have to leave.

"When will you return to us, Dragonborn? There were some things I was looking forward to instructing you in."

"I don't see myself returning any time soon. Magic isn't something I want to know more of."

"Who said anything about magic?" She smiles.

"I swear it's like a sickness," Lydia mutters as she turns herself North.

"I may have to pass this way on my way back, Altmer," I say, "Keep a warm place ready for me."

I leave yet another desperate, yearning heart in order to fulfill my destiny.
---
If you have to cheat, you're admitting to yourself you're not good enough.