AStoryForOne
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Chapter 28
🕑 Added 2021-11-27 19:22:27 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Don't really like this chapter that much, i'm pretty sure i was practially sleeping when i wrote it. Will probably be heavily edited and reuploaded after I post a better version on Webnovel, the general gist should stay the same though.
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“Thank you all for coming, I know this isn’t the most celebratory of circumstances.”
The building was almost like a mead hall if I were being honest, but banquets and celebrations were a major part of their culture. There were some massive tables that sat on a lower level, overlooked by a throne.
I looked up towards the man sitting on the throne, one Jarl Balgruuf. The ‘leadership’ of Skyrim was not something unheard of, if only called things by different names than I was used to. Essentially there was one ‘high king’ and the respective Jarls who all oversaw their own territory and swore loyalty to the King.
I was easy to forget that there was a civil war going on right now. Apparently, Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak had killed the previous king but claimed it was an honorable duel. One thing led to another, now one side is supporting Ulfric and the other is against him with the backup of the ‘Empire’ another power that sits above even the High King.
Frankly, it was all a mess. Atleast Balgruuf had the common sense not to jump to either side and was remaining neutral.
The Jarl stood up from his throne. “We honor the dead and the living, both of whom had made it possible to have survived to this point.” He held a drink up and everyone else followed suit, I also raised my own drink as everyone took a sip. “Let us not mourn too long for the dead, let us instead look forward to seeing them once again in Sovngarde! Now, eat your fill, drink until you can no longer and relish in hard fought victory.”
There were many cheers and just as many who quietly slumped in their seats. I sat next to Thorum as we shared a look and down our drinks together. The ‘celebration’ wasn’t just something to keep up morale, it was more so a send off to their fallen comrades. To trade stories and remember those who no longer will fight beside you.
“To surviving.” I said quietly.
“Aye, I’ll drink another to that.” Thorum nodded.
I withdrew another healing potion from my ring and down it, giving Thorum another as well. Taking too many too quickly diluted their effects astronomically. It was better to keep a solid schedule of one every hour or so for sustained injuries.
I kept an eye on the Jarl and he looked around the room with a content look on his face, possible gauging the reactions of everyone here.
The Companions were in….not high spirits but they weren’t dwelling on everything. There were a few missing limbs but they didn’t look at all diminished.
“Friends, as we start the feast, let us honor the warriors who truly stood out in battle.” The Jarl’s voice was loud and authoritative but without any of the arrogance that one would usually associate with someone in his positions, I suppose you could call it Charismatic.
“Thorum, of the Companions.” He waved Thorum over until my friend stood infront of the crowded tables and infront of the throne. “To have a Dragonborn appear in such a dire time, truly we are blessed by the divines.”
That actually got a lot of cheers, there had been many whispers of Thorum decapitating the dragon.
“Tell me, Thorum are the stories true, you beheaded that mighty beast?” Jarl asked as his voice carried throughout the entire room.
I saw several eyes glance at me but I didn’t make any noise or commotion. I didn’t really share these people’s idea of ‘glory’ and ‘honor’. I was fine being regulated to the background.
“Those tales are untrue.” Thorum grunted earning some surprised looks and a few nods. “I did cut the head off the dragon, but it was no more the killing of a wounded beast on its last breaths. The glory goes to my friend Wilhelm.” Thorum looked over to me a smile on his face.
I wanted to facepalm, but I knew that he only did this with pure intentions. That was the kind of man Thorum was.
“Ah yes, the Mage.” Jarl eyed me. “Come, recant to us the battle.” He ushered me over and I could only down my drink before standing up.
“Jarl.” I lightly bowed my head to pay respects. He looked pleased as he gestured to me.
“I have heard many fantastical stories so far, I’m curious which are true. Even my Court-Wizard had been investigating these rumors.” As if on cue a man in a mage’s attire walked over and he was carrying a very familiar staff.
“I was curious to where my staff got off to after the battle.” I made sure to explicitly confirm my ownership. I would rather not have to remove any heads to retrieve my property.
I had left it there to continue to watch over the wounded. I didn’t exactly fear it being stolen, but someone ‘trying’ to steal it would be quite annoying to deal with.
“Indeed.” The Court-Wizard spoke up. “A curious artifact, I had run only the simplest of tests, yet the output of any spell was extraordinarily greater than the staff I use normally.”
I held back my eye twitching in annoyance, who did he think he was ‘experimenting’ with something that belonged to me? “I appreciate you returning it to me.” I said as bluntly as possible
His hand tightened around the shaft, I could tell right now he had no desire to truly give it back. “I feel this staff will be very beneficial to my research against the dragons, I would not be against buying it off you.”
“Not for sale.” I frowned.
“Surely—”
“Farengar, enough.” The Jarl spoke up. “There is a time and place for such business.”
I could almost hear him clench his teeth in frustration. I think he was about to try and sneak away with it while I was busy dealing with the Jarl, cute. I reached out with Telekinesis and yanked it out of his hand. “Thank you for returning it to me.” I gave the most innocent smile possible.
The Jarl just raised an eyebrow but didn’t speak up, he seemed smart enough to realize what was going on and Farengar was fuming, opting to mumble something under this breath and step back.
Well, the Jarl seemed like an honorable man.
“Mage, I would have your name.” He requested.
“Wilhelm Henry Schweinorg, though most people call me Will.”
“Will then.” He smiled, accepting the introduction. “I’ve heard tales of a red armor that allowed you to fly and even trade blows with a dragon.”
“I do have something like that, unfortunately I can’t bring it out as it takes a large toll on my body.” I waved to myself, clearing wrapped in bandages in several parts.
“I wouldn’t ask such a thing.” The Jarl waved me off. “Though I am curious about the origins.”
Was he wanting more if they were man made? “It is a weapon with a dragon soul sealed inside, I could temporarily borrow the dragon’s power.”
“A dragon you say? No wonder you were able to match the dragon if you were using the power of another.” He said in awe and there were various whispers around.
“Aye a dragon, that does make more sense.” Thorum spoke up and gently pat me on the shoulder.
“I’ve never heard of such a thing.” Farengar grumbled but I don’t think anyone cared to acknowledge him.
“Well, if you want a recount of the battle, I only showed up near the end why don’t you have Thorum start, and I’ll pick up where I arrived?”
***
Thorum…I don’t think he was really in the mood to celebrate, but he laughed and joked with everyone as he retold the battle. I guess it was important to honor his comrades even against his own desires.
I nodded along and interjected at a few points here or there but never full explained what I did. I was kind of put on the spot to give some context, but it didn’t mean I had to reveal my entire hand and no one seemed to call me out on my 'non-human' nature. I guess actions speak much louder than words here.
“Fascinating.” The Jarl exclaimed. “You both had done a great service to Whiterun, how should I reward you both?”
Oh, a reward, I hadn’t even thought of that.
“I wouldn’t mind some land outside the city.” I spoke up after a moment. A place to set up a house and maybe even a workshop for the future. I planned on leaving this world soon, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t coming back. There was no way I was leaving my friend and girlfriend forever.
“That is doable, I can bring you a parchment that shows the available land later.” He nodded and even looked a bit grateful at my request. I think the gold was a bit tight for him right now, so I didn’t ask anything that would be a drain on his resources, earning me a bit of goodwill in addition to actually wanting the land.
“And you, Dragonborn?” The Jarl asked.
“I’m not sure I deserve a reward, Jarl. I merely finished off the dragon while Will did most of the work.”
“None of that.” I smacked his shoulder.
Jarl snorted in laughter. “Aye, Thorum, your humble nature does you well, but you proved invaluable in the fight, It would bring me dishonor to not award you anything.” He tapped his chin. “How about I name you Thane of Whiterun?”
There was an abrupt murmuring and whispering going on.
Thane, I think I remember something like that. Almost like a ‘knighted’ position, no real influence but sort of an honorary title that acknowledges great services to the city.
Well played, Jarl. It would tie him to you without forcing him under your thumb.
“I would be honored, Jarl.” Thorum tilted his head down in acceptance.
“Wonderful!” The Jarl exclaimed to the excitement of the crowd. There were many congratulations being shouted towards Thorum. I could already see the greed in some of their eyes, they would try to get close to the ‘dragonborn’ and new Thane.
From the looks of some of the Companions, I felt like I didn’t need to worry about him though. They probably delt with these kinds of politics before.
“Now, what are the plans for both of you, now?” The Jarl asked.
Ah, there it is. He’s probably wanting to make sure his city is still defended or knows that he can call upon us.
Thorum looked at me a bit unsure of himself before answering. “I…want to head to the Greybeards.” He declared.
“Ah, yes, I believe everyone in Skyrim heard their call earlier.” Jarl nodded and I don’t think he could argue with him on that. “What about you, Will?’
“I was going to seek out my….Grandfather for training.” I kept my expression even, not giving him an open to try and weasel me into staying here.
“You’re going to leave?” It was Thorum who spoke up. “You told me you aren’t from skyrim.”
“Yeah, my Grandfather lives far way.” I sighed, I believe he should be around or some iteration of him on the timeline if I can calculate everything correctly. “I don’t’ like how weak I felt during the fight so I need to get stronger.”
“I see.” Thorum looked a bit dejected but I think he understood.
“Don’t look so down.” I slapped his shoulder. “I’ll take you up the mountain and check out these Greybeards with you before I leave.” I gave him a smile.
“Aye, what about your….erm… woman?”
“Yeah, going to have to deal with that at some point.” I grunted, I did not enjoy seeing Meridia upset, not angry, but genuinely upset that I was in danger again. “Would rather fight another dragon again.”
“Smart man, fear your woman over a dragon.” Jarl laughed, seemingly accepted that we would both be gone, some small laughter over the crowd.
“I’ll be back in….a month at the latest.” I reassured Thorum who nodded.
“Well, this is all settled.” The Jarl clapped his hands. “Everyone, drink, be merry, and make sure you don’t leave my keep sober!”
***
I managed to disappear a bit into the festivites. I thought I saw the Court-Wizard eyeing me some more and didn't want to be annoyed by him. I also had a few interesting things I noticed about myself.
"Hey Ddraig, did giving up my heart make me stronger, because I noticeably different."
[Yes, but you should also be noticing your devil nature finally kicking in.]
"My devil nature...." My devil nature! I see how could I forget! It seems like the more physical aspects of my body is finally acclimating to being a 'half devil' as opposed to being just a human. Devils are 'magical' creatures as observed by how their wings operate, I never had any 'magic' due to my unique circumstances, I guess everything was suppressed below the surface and now I'm slowly coming into it all. Enhanced physical attributes are basically the tip of the iceberg. Yeah, Devils are much stronger than a standard human, I should see a qualitive increase in strength. I guess having my heart taken by a dragon and using the Balance Breaker may have accelerated everything.
I think my devil magic may have had an influence on me as well, and I hadn't even noticed until now. When I combined my Onymodo Arts along with my Runes, they were combined with much more ease than I had anticipated. Perhaps thats where the 'imagination' part of the devil's demonic power came into play. It will help synchronize all my spells and magical abilities that come from different sources.
I would need to do some extensive study on this for later. What a wonderful windfall this is, I can't believe I overlooked something so obvious, though I can attribute that to my current circumstances.
My thoughts drifted towards my bloodline power, My 'power of destruction' as they called it. It was still but a tiny seed, unable to be actualized, but it existed. I could only sigh with a promise to look more into it at a later date.
