[IC] Skyrim: The secret of Thu'um

[Geoffrey Silt]

Ji'Sien walked, as a bit more chitter came about, nothing out of the ordinary, but the dunmar seemed to think less of it, as they had been walking a ways ahead for a while, maybe they just liked being infront. He yawned, they were going to set up camp earlier then usual is what he thought. The sun was setting, but Ji wasn't, sure a simple yawn could escape but he was the night owl, and his fur would keep him warm through the night, "I can stay watch, I usually stay up till far late, and if an ice troll or something finds us on the mountain... he said, the others starting the fire, and the so called "leader" of the group the Dunmar who leaded the march. He thought for a good long moment and spoke once more, "I don't think we should have a leader. I mean, we should put things to votes... If we have one person forcing everyone else to do something, somebody will be less then happy."

He sat next to the Breton, Surani, they had apperantly read a bit, sadly he was not usually reading, as he never had the money for it. She seemed to be writing in a diary as well, he looked around at the group thinking. 'Well I guess I have to make friends, less I risk being eaten when the food supply runs low.' Looking over at the Breton he said, "So what did you do before dragons came about?" he said his eyes tlazing over the people sitting at the small camp, was an odd thought bubbling in his head, he actually joined some group to take on dragons. Beasts he could never think of facing, and yet despite the constant knowing of 'I am going to die' the feeling of being able to fight for the lives of others made him feel a bit more like. 'I am going to die a hero!' But nonetheless dying was apart of, and he wasn't a fan of dying so early. Peprhaps he could try spellcasting, or learn how to truly fight, shield and spear. Or possibly the smaller things like reading, they were all thoughts, he likely would die before ever fullfilling them but it was a hope.

[Red Wizard]

Ulemi watched the Nord as he left her to her thoughts. She did not know much about him, and he knew less of her, so she would forgive him this rudeness. There were many kinds of leadership. Having led a company of mercenaries for nearly thirty years, she knew. When the Khajiit brought up the question of leadership a moment later, the Dunmer realized she would have to speak about this.

- I am not your leader, she began, nor would I presume to tell any of you what to do, or why. I did not force you to seek me out or follow me up this mountain. You came of your own accord, because of your own reasons. What you do from here, stay or leave, is equally your choice. I can only tell you what I will do. I will ascend this mountain, learn the Thu'um from the monks at its peak...

She raised her eyes and met the gaze of all the people in front of her before continuing.

...and start killing dragons.

She did away with her things inside her tent and made herself comfortable.

- I shall rest now. Wake me when you feel it is my turn to sit watch.

[Ostarion]

Tarak shivered. He had been hiding behind a nearby bush for quite some time, watching the group trek up the mountain and set camp. He was somewhat difficult to see, being short. How he was able to reach Ivarstead and follow the group without being seen was something of wonder - but that didn't matter to Tarak. He simply required a group to travel with. For now, he would simply wait, he could see that some of the group members were on watch, and making noise or using magic could result in him being noticed. For now, he would simply cast Candlelight, the ball of light was dim and flickered, as Tarak had very little practice in the Alteration school. Despite this, there was just enough light to see anything before it got to a moderate distance to him.

Luckily, Tarak had managed to buy a loaf of bread from Ivarstead's inn prior to following the group. As long as he wasn't greedy, it would last for quite a while. However, they never sold anything drinkable other than Mead and Wine - both of which he hated. If he was lucky, he might be able to steal water from the group if they couldn't co-ordinate the watch properly. Assuming they had any supplies at all.

He would probably repay anything he took. Probably.

[Mr_pink]

Maemion sat writing in his notes while the others talked. He added more detail about everyone and about the mountain, also making notes about what little he knew of everyone's combat capabilities. He was eventually finished and closed his leather bound notes book before slipping it into his satchel. He looked towards the rest of the group with a sort of neutral expression. He wasn't particularly happy that they had stopped, he was still pretty energetic and could have kept on walking. When the talk of a leader arose, Maemion stepped in.
"Leaders just cause biased decisions in my opinion, we should probably just have a vote whenever a decision needs to be made." He looked around the camp, he wasn't particularly sure about how much food the rest had brought with them, but he had brought just enough for himself. He began to think up a plan and reminisce about the skills his father taught him during childhood.

He stood up and walked around the camp for a bit, looking around the mountain. There wasn't much greenery littering the mountain and Maemion expected only a few mountain goats or wolves would pattern its borders. He scratched his chin before scoping a bit further out. He returned soon after and sat down near the fire. He took his hood down to reveal his horns in a bit more light.
"I'm up for staying up to keep watch, I don't really need all that much sleep if I'm honest and I usually stay up late reading anyway." He looked to a few of the others.
"I could go hunting too if someone stayed up with me, I'm not exactly sure how much food you guys brought, but I only brought enough for myself."

[Blackwolf]

Jorn looked about sitting by the fire "That is fine then, The companions haven't had a leader since Ysgramor, and it has worked fine for us" he stated as he looked up at the night sky before looking around. Everyone always seemed to want first watch, seeing as you usually got the most sleep that way but he let out a laugh "So it seems none of us are keen on sleeping so soon" he said as he looked over to the dunmer. "at least some of us like to stay pretty" he said as she seemed to already be off to bed. "Well, i'm in a mind to stay rather pretty my self, i'll take a later watch" he spoke with a large grin on his face as chances are he would only sleep for a few hours anyway as he got up from the fire and walking off. He tossed his bed roll down and removed his armor laying them at one end. He wore a simple tan shirt and brown pants under that as laid his head down on his armor. closing his eyes.

[Nortrom]

Timoster had kept to himself so far. He didn't feel like talking at that moment as he was excessively tired. The last week was a nightmare for him. The Stormcloaks forced him to relocate to his old house in Winterhold in which he stayed only for a couple of days before traveling to Ivarstead.

"You can keep watch if you want, Maemion. I could use some sleep right now. And don't worry about the food I brought enough for the whole group!"

He pointed to a large, leather bag, which was filled with items. His statement wasn't very far from the truth. Timoster had enough food and potions to sustain the entire group for the next day or two and was eager to share them with others. Before leaving Winterhold, he spent all of his recent earnings for food, potions and a brand new sword to replace the old one. He was determined to find and fight dragons, even if that meant to take the initiative and support his group to the fullest. The sword wasn't enchanted yet and he wasn't used to it but that shouldn't be a problem. He was the healer, after all.

[Rune_Alchemist]

When Ji'sien decided to sit next to her, she gave a small smile. Surani was glad to at least have someone else to talk to and something to take her mind off the Orc. She was sure she was just being silly about the whole thing, but she couldn't really bring herself not to feel uneasy about him. However, now wasn't the time to be pondering that.

"Oh, I traveled. Ventured into dungeons no ones been in in centuries, slayed trolls, killed vampires, fought a werewolf once. I've seen most of Tamriel, though I haven't had the chance to see Valenwood or the Summerset Isles, yet. If I get out of this alive, its what I plan to do next." She replied to the young Khajiit. "You know, I was sixteen when I left Wayrest. All I had with me then was a somewhat above average skill in Destruction and Conjuration. Now, I'm going to be a Dragon hunter." She added with a chuckle. She couldn't help but to find her situation more than a little amusing. She never thought when she left she'd ever being doing this. Hunting Dragons! They were supposed to be extinct. She couldn't wait until she got to see one up close! It would be so exciting! If she didn't get her head bitten off that is.

In the middle of their conversation though, a few others started talking as well. A few got the Dunmer to talk, which was a relief. She would try talking with her later herself, if she got the chance. For now, she would let her sleep. The others then started talking about taking first watch. Maemion offered to stay up with the first watch, and to hunt, had someone else decided to stay up with him. She, herself wasn't going to be sleeping anytime soon, so she decided that she might as well offer to join him. " I wouldn't mind taking first watch either. I'm used to late nights anyways." She said, before returning her attention to Ji'sien.

"Anyways, what about you? What's a kid like yourself hunting Dragons for?" She asked him.

[Geoffrey Silt]

Ji'sien, listened in amazement, hearing that she had slain trolls, vampires and even werewolves! She had ventured all over Tamriel, likely to more places he could count, starting even younger then he had. Conjuration and Destruction sure was powerful magic he thought until finally he heard the others speak. He had put his two cents in the conversation, he had started it to his knowledge, but then he was asked a question by the woman he was speaking with.

Well, you see. I've lived in a shack all my life. I took care of my parents, having to from time to time steal from taverns in nearby towns. I never struck in the same place twice, as to not ruin their business, but I had to go all over, to inns, taverns, shops and all sorts of places. Of course, we lived in a shack, far from any guards or townsfolk so if we were attacked it was more or less 'Over'. Sadly a dragon seemed to be passing, and managed to spot my dad while he was chopping logs. He, in an attempt to lure it away, was killed. It came back and killed my mom, and I had to hide in a cellar as my home was destroyed. All I had was, what I have now." He said with a sigh. "And as soon as I got away I signed up for this, I have nothing to lose, I mean, I still want to live life and what not, but I have nothing to lose now. I find that my time is better spent fighting a fight the Dragonborn couldn't finish, rather then steal from people my whole life." he finished, having said a mouthful. It wasn't much really, his parents died, now he fought dragons, that happened to often to count, but the people would just become criminals. He looked over, seeing that the groups Healer had brought a ton of food and potions, and a weapon too! They had to have saved up for this moment, as it was quite a lot of stuff and likely a lot to carry he thought.

[Galatea_Dreamer]

Bjornwulf nodded at his fellow Nord. "I'm Bjornwulf. I'm not not a fighter at first choice, but I'll give it my best. " He slowed down and brought up the rear. It was kind of amazing. Even for a Nord in Skyrim, this mountain was still damn cold. The farther up the mountain they traveled, the colder it got. he started to worry about some of their companions. It seemed that not everyone was as prepared for the cold. Unfortunately, he didn't have much to spare to help them if they needed it. He continued wondering as they made their way up the mountain. This was an interesting little group. The talkers were just about even with those that didn't. He wasn't sure how well most of the group would react to the others. He hoped that it wouldn't be a hindrance to their quest. It was something else that would just get in the way.

When they reached their chosen campsite, the group seemed to go set up their spot and retreat to their hobbies or conversations. The effort was being made at least. He overheard the conversation over leadership. He glanced in the direction of Ulemi, Ji'sien, and Jorn. He walked over to them for a moment. "Sorry. I overheard you talking and I have to say: while I agree with the communal effort, in the end we still need a leader." He smiled and went to set up his sleeping area. He made it a decent distance from the rest of the group. He needs the space. He pulled what little metal he had to work with. He made a separate, smaller fire. He wondered if he would be called on to stand guard.

Bjorn sighed and set a bundle of metal strips into his fire. He poked and turned them until they were good and hot. Red-hot! He took one out of the fire and swung his smithing hammer. The sound of the hammer against hot metal instantly calmed him. This was the only way he could truly relax and think. Once he smarted working, all of his fears and doubts faded away. His mind started wandering as he worked. This whole bit about the dragons was not something that would just go away. They'd need a plan eventually. The Greybeards were a great start but where would they go after that? And what if the Greybeards refused them? Would that be it? Could they find another way? Bjorn paused and shook his head. He wiped the sweat off his brow. This was too heavy. He was swinging too hard. He tried to let his mind drift off in a different direction. The rest of the group were all so different. Even though some of them were the same race, they all had different strengths and weakness. He wondered what would come out of this quest. Soon, he worked himself tired and went to lay down for the night.

[Saarebas]

Tandagh let out a small sigh that sounded more like a grunt that anything as he listened to the others talk around the campfire. He honestly had no interest in their little conversations, that was up until the topic of a leader was brought up. Though he didn't speak on the matter he knew the possibility of a leader was something he should keep an ear on. But as the topic changed to keeping watch Tandagh let his mind wander else where. He knew that he wouldn't be sleeping that night so whoever volunteered for the watch would be accompanied by the large Orc.

[Red Wizard]

At first the night looked like it was going to be uneventful. Then, suddenly, the skies erupted in such a rumbling thunder that the very mountain shook with its vibrations. Ulemi awoke instantly along with the others who had been sleeping and looked around her in bewilderment. She was about to get up and out of her tent when the ground shook once more to the sound of thunder, almost causing her to trip. Once she’d gotten out she approached the nearest person who’d been on watch to ask what the hell was going on, but she never got that far. The sky directly above them was suddenly red, ablaze with fire. Looking up Ulemi saw first one, then two, then several more colossal shadows circling the mountain. Dragons. Not a dragon, but several. There were several dragons directly above them. But why? Why would there be…

Then the thought stuck her. They’d come for the Greybeards, just as she and her companions had. Although, she thought, the dragons probably had other intentions for their visit.

She tried to shout for the rest of the group to get up and get moving, but the dragons and the Greybeards began battling just then. The collective power of their voices stole the sound away from Ulemis lips and pushed the air out of her lungs. A second hit wave struck and knocked her down completely. She got hold of her shield and covered herself with it as blast after blast seemed to shake the entirety of the world. It was incredible. Terrifying, but incredible. Such was the power of the voices of dragons that the only thing she could do was to cover before it. They had to get up there, had to help the Greybeards somehow, but there was simply nothing she could do. She was stuck here with the rest of her companions, wriggling like maggots in the dirt while those godlike beings above them battled on. Ulemi was mortally scared, but excited at the same time. This was the first time she’d tasted the bite of the Thu’um. And she liked it. The excitement died quickly, however, as the continuing thunder brought a small avalanche down on their heads. Ulemi tried with all her might to get up, to roll away, to even move an inch, but to no avail. The snow rushed over them, causing the dunmer to bang her head into a nearby rock, and she fainted.

Darkness.

Throbbing. Shivering. Pain. A small beam of light in the blackness. Ulemi opened her eyes and found herself buried under the snow. At first there was panic, but it soon settled when she realized she wasn’t that deep under. After only a little while she was free, and so she stood up. The camp had been completely obliterated, buried under the snow. Most of them seemed to be alright, although Ulemis head throbbed with pain. She touched her forehead and quickly found the wound. That would definitely leave a scar. There was blood all over her face, but at least she wasn’t bleeding anymore.

Turning her gaze upwards, her heart sank. The blue, cloudless sky above was pierced by a big pillar of thick black smoke. There were no dragons left, at least. She turned to the others.

We have to move, she said. Gather what you can and move! We have to get up there!

[Nortrom]

Just hours after falling asleep, Timoster woke up to the shouts of dragons. Everyone else stood up as well, wondering what exactly was happening above. Ulemi turned towards the group but before she could say anything the voices intensified, to the point where the entire mountain seemed to be caught up in a voice-stealing curse. Timoster tried to talk but couldn't say anything either. He tried to run but could barely stand up, just like everyone else. Even the bulky Orc couldn't do much about it. Timoster hadn't felt so powerless before.

Moments later an avalanche hit them, destroying the camp and burying everyone under the snow. Timoster hit the ground hard but wasn't notably injured. He was lucky, as such a fall could potentially kill him. He stood up slowly and so did everyone else. It took some time until he could find his balance. By the time everyone was on their feet again the battle was over. Following Ulemi's orders, Timoster picked up his bag and equipment from the ruined camp.

[Rune_Alchemist]

"Oh...well, I apologize if I made you remember some unpleasant things then." Surani replied to Ji'Sien. She didn't particularly care about his past as a thief. As far as she was concerned, it was a valid way of life. She herself didn't have much room to condemn another for what they have done or did."At least you know what happened to both of yours. My mom left years ago when I was a kid. I haven't seen her since. She's the main reason I wanted to leave Wayrest in the first place, though. I suppose if she hadn't left I wouldn't be here now." She said with a friendly smile. "My dad's a bit less interesting though. He just sells enchanted armor and weapons for a living. Sometimes I wonder why my mom even married the guy." She chuckled as she took out her journal and a quill again. "Not that my dad isn't a great guy, he practically raised me himself, but why would an adventuress marry some merchant who has never left Wayrest? It just seems a bit funny to me."

With that, her conversation was done and she went back to writing in her journal, careful to not let any of the loose papers stuffed between the pages fall out, as her companions went to bed one after the other, only accompanied by the ones who had decided to stay up for the first watch. She herself continued to just write. One would think thoughts would be easy to sum up, after all, it had been a rather uneventful day, but Surani didn't neglect even a small detail when she wrote. As such, she was absorbed in her journal for most of the first watch.

Until the mountain began to rumble and the sky was set ablaze with the fires of several dragons. Surani, looked up at the sky in a mix of amazement and fear. It was her first time seeing a dragon, and it was as every bit amazing as she thought it would be. Terrifying, yet so beautiful and mysterious, and she wanted to know everything she could about them. Then, the fighting started. The Greybeards launched an attack against the dragons, using the power of the voice, the Thu'um to fight the beasts. So this was the power of the voice. Surani, was utterly amazed, even as she was knocked off her feet by one of the blasts. She managed to get back to her feet just as the avalanche washed over her, burying her in its cold embrace.

Surani slowly came too, first noticing how cold it was, and for the first few seconds trying to recall what happened. Right. There were dragons, the Greybeards, the Thu'um, then the avalanche. Right. The Avalanche. That's why it was so cold. Thankfully, she could deal with a little cold. She launched a fireball into the sky, melting the immediate snow around her, and allowing her to dig herself out of the pile of snow she was buried in. She puled herself to her hands and knees, and took a look about the camp. It had been buried under a pile of snow, and anything that wasn't, had been utterly destroyed. At least her companions seemed to have been alright.

She stood, making sure she had no immediate injuries. Other than a throbbing in her side from a rib being broken or cracked, she felt fine. She caught Ulemi's gaze, and followed it upwards, seeing the pillar of black smoke rising into the air. If that was what was left of the Greybeards temple, then the dragons had just taken away their only chance at learning the Thu'um. Unless there was some other way to learn it, and she doubted that was likely or people would be doing it all the time. She shouldn't be so pessimistic, but she couldn't help but to feel like things weren't going to turn out like they wanted them too. At least Ulemi seemed undaunted by what happened.

Acknowledging the Dunmer's words, she nodded and first checked her equipment. Her staff was still in its place, and her sword was still strapped to her side. Her journal was safely tucked away in her robes. So, she hadn't lost anything overly important then. "Well, lets get going then."

[Geoffrey Silt]

Ji nodded before finally deciding somebody else would get the watch, after having listened to the Breton speak. A nice sleep, and then sudden cracks of sound, shouting, everything happening at once! Ji awoke quickly. He looked through his stuff, having lost a lock pick he looked around, hearing the loudest shouts he had ever heard. The Dunmar shouted and screamed only enhancing the noise. And then an avalanche washing over the small group.

Ji awoke again, his bag gripped in his arms, this time it was worse the Dunmar was once again shouting, and Ji was once again freezing cold and his ears throbbed in pain. He hadn't a wonder why he wasn't deafened by the shouts. Dragons seen and the colors of shouts seemed to trickle through the sky. He looked through his stuff once again before looking to the dunmar and nodding.

He saw that some hadn't yet awoken, but he he had seent that the one he conversed with was alright, looking to his left and right he took his bow in one hand and took a breath. He quickly ran past the group as fast as he could up the mountain. He couldn't risk being to late, and chatting would only slow him down. He bolted up the mountainside, as fast as he could. They weren't far from the Greybeards as the sounds seemed to be near fueling him to continue his trek. He slowly began to tire, but he wasn't stopping till he reached the top and helped the Greybeards.

[Mr_pink]

Maemion stared at the night sky as time went by. He forgot how boring being a watchman was. He and Surani chatted for a small bit at the start, but she seemed to be absorbed with her diary for the moment. He had already finished his writing for the night and frankly, couldn't be bothered writing anymore until the morning. He looked back down to the fire in front of him. The flames danced and licked the air with their usual grace. The fire was going strong and didn't seem to be dying out any time soon.

He felt his eye's flutter and eventually close before he was lost in his dreams. His dreams were the same every night. They were either some sort of muffled flashback or nightmares of his one true fear. The fear itself wasn't actually something to be really all that afraid of, it just happened to be something he was terrified of. It was always just of some sort of king staring at him blankly. But there was always something off about the king, he always had some aura of darkness around him, like he was going to do something evil, but he had yet to actually do it. The worst part about it was that Maemion had to just sit there, staring at the king. When he was a young boy he'd often have sleepless nights because of the nightmares.

He was lucky to be pulled out of the nightmare sooner than regularly this time. Well, lucky in the sense that he didn't have to look at the king, but unlucky in the sense that several dragons were circling overhead while fighting the very people that the party was headed to meet. His eyes shot open and he leaped from his seat. His head scoured around the area, searching every nook and cranny for something to fight them with. His bow and arrow couldn't hit the dragons no matter how good he was and he doubted they'd have any real effect this far away anyway. Soon enough he didn't have the choice of attack as snow was covering him head to toe and he was no longer conscious.

He could hear talking and shouting. His eyes shot open and his back straightened as quickly as possible. He hadn't lost anything par a few arrows so he was pretty much ready to go. He stood up and stretched his back.
"We should get going as soon as possible, the Greybeards probably saw our camp before it was covered with snow and are probably expecting us."

[Blackwolf]

As Jorn expected his sleep was short, waking he sat up and started to don his armor. Though the Beast blood gave him great power, it also meant very little sleep. But it didn't seem to affect him as much as he never seemed to need that much anyways. So he put his armor back on, slipped his sword on his back and started to roll up his bed. Rolling it up he stood moving up and looking over, most of the camp had seemed to go to bed as he looked around, looking at his fellows. He spotted the orc still up, "seems sleep is rare among adventures" he said smiling as he looked around. It was a good night at least as he sat down on a rock and looked out over the side of the mountain. "It seems you and me have quite the work load...being the only true fighters as far as I can tell" He said smiling, the other nord looked like he could handle himself in a fight, but he smelled of Sulfur and charcoal. A blacksmith, the others it was quite obvious the weren't fighters, The only real question was Ulemi though he knew Irileth a little and knew that even with out her magic she was a skilled warrior. So with her it would remain to be seen.

As he sat there suddenly the sky erupted "What in Oblivion" He said looking up, seeing the dragons poor out as he grinned. The thu'um's being shot out as he looked up with eagerness. Though he also looked around the camp "Every body up!' his voice shouted out as he laughed. This is what Jorn lived for, this was his life. To live by the sword was to die by the sword, and he would have it no other way. Only he did not plan on joining the great hunt yet, he had yet to even find the Hercinie's white stag. No he had much to live for. He roared out with excitement, only in that moment he did forget himself, lucky the sound of the battle up a head drowned out that un-human roar of his as his eyes glinted with silver. The beast was just as excited as him as he turned to lead the charge up the mountain. Though the mountain itself seemed to have other plans. Snow came washing down as he turned his head just in time "oh for the love of..."he was cut off by that wall of snow smashing into him and knocking him down and piling up over top of him as the world went black.

His eyes opened up as he looked around. He spit as it rolled up his face and to the left, well at least he knew which way was up as he started to squirm and wiggle about. Soon his hand bursting out of the snow as he started to pull himself out, looking around as others seemed to be doing it as well. "Looks like the rising of Draugr" He said puling him self out all the way and standing up brushing snow off of himself. "well, that was a bit of fun wasn't it" he said as he looked around as all seemed to of calmed down. He saw the others slowly rising from the snow as well as he looked to the Dunmer, she was right, he thought as he looked as the Khajit seemed to run off. "well I suppose that dragoons might of scared off the ice wolves, ice trolls, ice saber cats..." he paused for a moment...how come they called everything deadly "Ice" He shrugged that off though as he soon chased after that Khajit "I'll make sure he doesn't get killed" Said the wolf chasing after the cat...

[Saarebas]

Tandagh was still wide awake with the others who decided to stand the first watch. To be honest he wasn't up because he cared for the safety of the others or was worried about being attacked while he rested or even for the fact he didn't need to sleep. He was up because he simply couldn't rest, every time he would close his eyes he would be plagued by the visions of the chard body of his creator and the old feeling of rage would wash over his body and eat away at him. Tandagh hated the blind rage and not having anyway of quenching it. The thing he could think of was going after the damned dragon's, but he knew how foolish and pointless it would be to attack a creator that could end his unlife with a simple word. The Orc was dragged out of his thoughts when the Nord that called himself Jorn approached him. He let out a low grunt as the man spoke. "One needs more than just blade and blood to win battles. And we both know that blood can only take you so far don't we?" Tandagh said in a low tone.

But before the Nord could respond to Tandagh the sky started to yell over the camp's head. When Tandagh looked above he was greeted with the image that was burned into his mind, large black wings soaring over head. But only this time it was not only one set but a whole group of them. Tandagh was overwhelmed at the mere sight of the dragons, with both hatred and fear. He had imagined countless times what he would do when he encountered a dragon but all he could do was find the sense to take a knee to keep from falling over as the ground below his feet shook. He had just managed to draw his two axes when every thing went dark.

It took Tandagh a few moments to realize that the cold and darkness was caused by an avalanche that had burred him under the snow. It took another few moments to dig himself from under the mound and regain his barring. His first thought was to go after the dragons with his burned body being a quick second. It was when the Dunmar spoke up about going to check on the Greybeards that he felt a bit more of purpose. Tandagh let out a low grunt before he joined the others trudging up the mountain.

[Ostarion]

Having to watch the group in order to not get caught, Tarak had not fallen asleep for a long while. Just as he was finally drifting off to sleep, he was made alert by the shouts of dragons who circled the mountain. Tarak had read about dragons at one point, but had underestimated their capabilities until now. He watched in awe as the dragons engaged in battle with the Greybeards. He thought about trying to get closer, but dismissed the idea when he realised he would die almost immediately. Tarak was trying to make sense of what was being shouted, before he was covered with snow from the avalanche.

Being farther back than the group he was following, Tarak was covered in less snow; he was able to dig his way out with the use of a Bound Weapon and an extremely basic flames spell. This did not prevent him from yelling "Freedom!" - temporarily forgetting he was meant to be quiet.

[Blackwolf]

As jorn chased after the Khajit he growled running up the mountain and passing the Khajit "Keep up" he said smiling as he rounded the corner and was suddenly frozen. His eyes wide "by the nine" he said at the sight. High Horthgar was a smoldering ruin. The walls torn apart as fire still burned sending large columns of black smoke high into the air. As he watched a part of the large temple sank down, soon sliding and falling down the side of the mountain as his eyes were wide with shock. This was the most sacred of places for the nords, the throat of the world. He had dreamed of seeing it ever since he was a child, to make the great pilgrimage up the seven thousand step, and now here he stood. Watching it fall apart, "We have to check for survivors" he said snapping back to reality soon running forward.

Not caring he rushed into the burning ruins shouting "Greybeards! Hello!" he shouted "is anyone alive" he inhaled the air, but all he could smell was burning flesh and suit as he growled in humanly. "No, this can't be..." He turned to the Khajit, "Look over there," he said pointing to the left as he ran to the right. He could hear the anguished groans of some one, looking over seeing one of the Grey beards still alive he rushed up as a pillar laid atop of him, coughing as he looked down. "I have to get you out" he said looking grabbing that pillar. He started to lift, that heavy stone not budging as he cried out soon turning to a loud in human roar, his eyes opened as they were pure silver, he could feel the pain in his chest as he heart grew bigger inside his chest as the change was coming on him. The bones in his face started to crack, reforming as he didn't care about the pain. Soon though that pillar was lifting up, higher and higher before he tossed it back. The change stopped as he pushed it back and he grabbed the old man, pulling him and lifting him up rushed out the front. "I found a survivor" he shouted rushing out before that building collapsed and he laid the old dyeing man in the snow "no...by the nine no..."

[Red Wizard]

Ulemi and the others that had followed finally caught up with the forerunners at the peak of the mountain. The Dunmer stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the burning remains of the temple. This wasn't right, couldn't be. She was supposed to learn of the Thu'um here, from the monks. She was supposed to defeat the dragons and bring pride to her people. How was she supposed to do that if the monks were all dead? Why hadn't the lord Azura stopped this? Surely she could've at least done something, anything to prevent this disaster. But she hadn't. Ulemi could feel her shoulders slumping. Without the Greybeards there was no hope. Fighting the dragons with steel alone wouldn't be enough. It was ove-

But what was that? Some sort of creature - no, the Nord, just the Nord - emerged from the inferno with someone in his arms. It could only be one of the monks, or at least one of their disciples. It would have to do. Ulemi ran towards the two of them as fast as she could.

---

Meanwhile, the old man on the ground in front of Jorn had opened his eyes. He tried to say something, groaned in pain, then collected himself and tried again. I am Arngeir, of the Greybeards, he said. I know not who you are, but I do know of your purpose. Unfortunetly, I will not live long enough to give you what you seek. Despair not, however, for there is still hope. Find the Paleface. Isri Paleface. She... she will know... what to do... find...

---

The old mans breath gave up just as Ulemi arrived. She simply stared at the two men in front of her, he red eyes wide open and ablaze with the reflection of the flaming temple. Did he speak? she demanded, What did he say?