บท 17: The "Party"

Moonlight filtered through the high windows of the ancient hall, casting pale shadows on the merrymakers below. Victor Bran, Nord mage and erstwhile data analyst from New York City, sat at the long wooden table, laughter bubbling through his veins as he raised a tankard to his lips. The scent of mead and roasted meat filled the air, mingling with the fragrant notes of pine that always lingered in Skyrim.

"Another round!" called Aela the Huntress, her voice ringing out like the clash of steel. The Companions and their guests heartily agreed, reveling in the camaraderie that came so easily amid the rough-hewn timbers of Dragonsreach. Victor felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the fire roaring in the hearth, his analytical mind momentarily set aside in favor of simple pleasures.

"Victor, you must try this venison," urged Sarah Shadow-Walker, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. He was about to comply when the doors of the hall suddenly slammed open, admitting a frantic city guard who stumbled over the threshold, gasping for breath.

"Your... your Grace! Dragon... attacking the west tower!" the man stammered as Balgruuf the Greater rose from his seat, concern etched into the lines of his face.

"Are you certain?" he demanded, his voice firm but tempered by doubt. "It is dark; could you have been mistaken?"

"No, my Lord," the guard replied, trembling slightly under the weight of the jarl's gaze. "We saw its silhouette against the moon, heard its infernal roar..."

Victor's analytical instincts snapped into focus, his mind already whirring like a finely-tuned engine. He placed his tankard on the table, the clink of metal against wood cutting through the sudden silence.

"Allow me to handle this, Balgruuf," he said, his voice steady despite the lingering haze of alcohol. Sarah's hand shot out to grip his arm, a worried frown creasing her brow.

"Victor, you're in no condition to face a dragon!" she admonished, eyes searching his for any hint of reason. He shook his head, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips.

"Trust me, I won't be alone. Aela, Vilkas, Farkas - you'll help me, won't you?" he asked, already knowing their answer. Aela was busily strapping quivers of arrows to her back, while the others reached for their weapons with grim determination. Kodlak Whitemane, Harbinger of the Companions, had already moved to the jarl's side, displaying his characteristic acumen.

"Balgruuf, do you require support from the Companions?" he inquired, his words measured and wise. The jarl hesitated, weighing his options as Victor watched, his thoughts racing ahead to the impending battle.

"Very well," Balgruuf agreed, his voice heavy with the knowledge that lives hung in the balance. "But take care, my friends. These are dangerous times."

Victor nodded solemnly, his mind already dissecting the problem before him like a skilled surgeon. With every step toward the west tower, he felt the weight of responsibility settle upon his shoulders, a burden he would bear willingly for the sake of his newfound friends and allies. And as they strode into the night, he knew that power, sacrifice, and hidden motives lay just beyond the horizon, waiting to be uncovered by those brave enough to seek them out.

The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows on the walls of Dragonsreach as Victor and his companions prepared for the battle ahead. The scent of pine and fresh snow drifted through the open doors, a stark contrast to the warmth and camaraderie that had filled the hall just moments before. Balgruuf's brow furrowed with concern as he regarded his brother, weighing the risks involved in sending him out to face a dragon, especially in his current state.

"Victor," the jarl said, his tone somber, "I cannot stop you from undertaking this task, but I will do what I can to ensure your safety." Turning to his court wizard Farengar, he commanded, "Fetch some recovery potions for my brother and his comrades."

"Of course, Jarl Balgruuf," Farengar replied, hastening off to retrieve the requested items.

Inwardly, Victor acknowledged the jarl's concern but remained resolute in his decision. He sifted through his inventory and withdrew two enchanted swords, their blades gleaming with an otherworldly light. With a swift motion, he threw the weapons to Ireleth and Lydia, who would be joining them in their quest.

"Take these," he intoned, his voice steady despite the turmoil brewing within him. "They are far superior to the ones you currently wield."

Ireleth and Lydia exchanged glances, their eyes lingering on the formidable armaments now in their possession. They nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation and the trust Victor was placing in them.

"Thank you, Victor," Lydia murmured, her grip tightening around the hilt of her new sword. "We won't let you down."

As Farengar returned with the potions, Victor donned his dragon priest mask and robes, their intricate patterns speaking to his growing mastery of the arcane arts. The intimidating visage he now presented caused a ripple of unease to pass through the gathered assembly. Yet, the Companions simply smiled, their confidence in Victor unwavering.

"Are we ready, then?" Victor asked, his voice muffled by the mask. Around him, the others nodded, their expressions resolute and determined.

"May the gods watch over you all," Balgruuf intoned, his eyes never leaving Victor's masked face.

Victor stood amidst the panicking crowd, the thrum of excitement reverberating through the hall. With a determined gleam in his eye, he leaped onto a sturdy wooden table. The room fell silent as he extended his hands, focusing his telekinetic powers. The table beneath him began to lift, floating effortlessly above the stunned partygoers.

"Follow me!" Victor shouted, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. The doors at the far end of the hall swung open with a loud creak, revealing the night sky beyond.

The guests watched in awe as Victor guided the floating table through the open doors. Sarah was the first to join him, leaping gracefully onto the table without hesitation. The others, though hesitant, followed suit, their expressions a mix of fear and exhilaration.

As the makeshift vessel soared upward, the people below cast their gazes skyward, transfixed by the spectacle. Whispers cascaded through the crowd like ripples on a still pond. Some murmured prayers to the Divines, others uttered oaths of wonder, but all were united in their astonishment.

"By Shor's beard," exclaimed a grizzled Nord, ale splashing from his tankard as he pointed, "the man commands the very air!"

Through the imposing doors they passed, the cold bite of Skyrim's night air greeting them like the caress of a long-lost lover. The stars twinkled overhead, indifferent sentinels to the mortal drama unfolding beneath them.

Victor's masked face, illuminated by the otherworldly glow of his magic, bore a stoic mask, yet behind it churned a tempest of thoughts – calculations of risk, strategies for survival, and the unyielding pursuit of knowledge. As they ascended into the heavens, borne aloft by powers both wondrous and terrifying, the group left behind the world of men, venturing into the realm of legend.

As the table ascended into the cool night air, Victor could see the apprehension in his companions' eyes. Sarah, however, remained composed, her years of training evident in her calm demeanor. The other members of the team—Aela, Vilkas, Farkas, Ireleth, and Lydia—held on tightly, their expressions a mixture of awe and trepidation.

"This is incredible," whispered Lydia, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge of the table.

"Stay close," Victor instructed, his focus unwavering. As they soared higher, he could see the approaching silhouette of the dragon, its massive wings casting a shadow over the landscape.

Before they landed, Victor summoned the Shardblade of Aetherium. The blade split into several glowing segments, forming a protective light shield around the group. "Prepare yourselves," he commanded, his voice steady. "Sarah, you take the high ground. Aela, cover our flank. Vilkas and Farkas, engage head-on. Ireleth and Lydia, support from the rear with ranged attacks."

The group disembarked from the floating table, their feet touching the ground with a sense of urgency. They found themselves in the shadow of a towering inferno, the remnants of a once-mighty watchtower now engulfed in flames. The dragon circled above, its roars echoing through the night.

"Let's move!" Victor shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. The group spread out, each member falling into their assigned roles with practiced ease.

The dragon roared, its eyes blazing with fury as it descended upon them. Victor directed a surge of Chain Lightning at the beast, the electricity arcing across its body. He raised his hands, creating a shield that deflected the dragon's retaliatory strikes. The dragon's claws scraped against the shield, sparks flying as it tried to break through.

Sarah, perched atop a nearby ledge, took aim with her bow. Her arrows flew with deadly precision, striking the dragon's vulnerable spots and forcing it to the ground. "Aim for the joints in its wings!" she shouted, her voice steady despite the danger.

Aela, with her keen senses and swift reflexes, darted around the battlefield, her bowstring taut. She loosed arrows with pinpoint accuracy, each shot finding its mark. "Keep it distracted!" she called to Vilkas and Farkas.

Vilkas and Farkas, the formidable Companions, charged at the dragon with their swords drawn. Their blades clashed against its scales, sparks flying with each strike. The dragon roared in anger, its tail sweeping out in a powerful arc and knocking them back. They quickly regained their footing, determined to keep the beast at bay.

Ireleth and Lydia provided support from the rear, their bows singing as they fired arrows into the fray. Ireleth's arrows were imbued with lightning, crackling as they struck the dragon's hide. Lydia, with her steady aim, targeted the dragon's eyes, trying to blind it and limit its movements.

The dragon retaliated with a powerful swipe of its tail, knocking Victor off his feet. He quickly recovered, using his magic to heal his wounds and rejoin the fight. The dragon unleashed a torrent of fiery breath, forcing the group to dodge and take cover behind crumbling walls and debris.

"Now's our chance!" Victor shouted, seizing an opportunity as the dragon paused. He activated the power of Zephyr's Edge, sending a shockwave that momentarily stunned the dragon. "Attack with everything you've got!"

Sarah didn't hesitate. She unleashed a barrage of Explosive Arrows, each one imbued with magical energy. The arrows pierced through the dragon's defenses, causing it to stagger. She drew her bowstring back, releasing another volley that struck the dragon's vulnerable underbelly.

Aela, seeing an opening, drew her dagger and charged forward. She leaped onto the dragon's back, plunging her blade into its scales. The dragon thrashed in pain, trying to shake her off, but she held on, driving the dagger deeper.

Vilkas and Farkas coordinated their attacks, their swords flashing in the firelight. They struck at the dragon's legs, trying to cripple its movements. The dragon roared in fury, its eyes glowing with a fierce intensity.

Ireleth and Lydia continued their assault from a distance, their arrows finding their mark with unerring accuracy. "We need to bring it down!" Lydia shouted, her voice filled with determination.

Together, they struck, a symphony of steel and sorcery that played out in the waning light. Blades found their marks; spells unleashed their devastation. And at the crescendo of their concerted assault, Victor thrust forward, driving the ethereal spear deep into the dragon's heart.

The creature's cry was a sound that would haunt the valleys and vales of Skyrim for ages to come—a death knell that reverberated against the annals of time. It writhed in agony, its titanic form buckling until it collapsed onto its knees, the life fading from its once indomitable eyes.

Victor approached the vanquished dragon, each step measured and resolute. With a final, decisive motion, he severed the ties that bound the monster's spirit to the mortal coil. The dragon's reign of terror was ended by his hand.

The dragon's colossal form yielded to gravity, crashing onto the cold earth with a finality that echoed through the frost-covered pines surrounding the clearing. Sarah, her heart hammering in her chest like the drums of an ancient ritual, advanced toward the fallen leviathan. The air around her was thick with the tang of ozone and the acrid scent of scorched scales—a testament to the ferocity of their assault.

As the dragon's lifeless body collapsed to the ground, Sarah stepped forward, her eyes locking onto the creature's fading form. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the surge of the dragon's soul being absorbed into her being. Her body glowed with a radiant light, and her eyes opened, now filled with newfound power.

Vilkas, breathing heavily from the battle, looked at her with a mixture of awe and curiosity. "Sarah," he began, his voice tinged with the weight of ancient lore, "the legends say that the Dragonborn can wield the power of the dragons. Can you shout?"

Sarah nodded, a determined look on her face. She stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over her injured and exhausted comrades. She took a deep breath and unleashed the full power of Aether's Harmony: "Krah Diin Viing!"

A wave of energy burst forth from her, enveloping everyone present. The ethereal light washed over them, its soothing warmth healing wounds, mending broken bones, and restoring vitality. The half-dead and crippled guard Lydia had been tending to suddenly found himself whole, his lost fingers regenerating before everyone's eyes. The transformation left the onlookers in shock and awe.

The guard, now fully healed, dropped to his knees before Sarah, his voice filled with reverence. "Thank you, my lady. You have saved my life," he said, his gratitude pouring out in waves as he bowed deeply, worshiping her as one would a deity.

Victor, observing the scene, decided to use his Mystic's Gaze on the guard. To his delight, he discovered that the guard not only had his physical wounds healed but had also received a significant boost to his overall health and stamina. He quickly scanned the rest of the group, including himself, and found that everyone had been similarly enhanced. The only downside was that the full shout could only be used once a day.

"Sarah," Victor called out, a broad smile on his face. "Your shout did more than heal us. It's given us all a pretty decent buff. We're stronger and healthier now."

Sarah smiled back, her confidence bolstered by the knowledge that her newfound power could make such a difference. Victor turned his attention back to the dragon's skeleton. With a touch, he sent it into his inventory, causing the massive bones to vanish instantly. The onlookers gasped in astonishment.

Victor's gaze then shifted to some flaming rocks nearby. An idea sparked in his mind. He stored one of the rocks in his inventory and then made it appear two meters above him, launching it into the distance with a flick of his hand. The rock flew through the air, its flames undiminished, and exploded on impact.

"It works!" Victor exclaimed, his excitement evident. "I can use my powers like a medieval catapult. This opens up so many possibilities."

He turned around, noticing the wide-eyed stares of everyone present. Making things disappear and reappear out of thin air was still a strange and wondrous sight, especially with multiple flaming rocks involved. The crowd was mesmerized, their disbelief palpable.

"We have much to learn about our abilities," Victor said, addressing the group. "But for now, let's focus on our victory and what it means for us going forward."

The group, their spirits buoyed by the victory and newfound powers, began the journey back to Dragonsreach. The first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the landscape. As they walked, they realized the battle with the dragon had taken several hours. The adrenaline that had kept them going was now giving way to exhaustion.

As they approached the outskirts of Whiterun, they encountered a full regiment of soldiers marching towards them. The soldiers, reinforcements sent from Dragonsreach, halted in surprise at the sight of the victorious group.

"Ireleth," a soldier called out, recognizing the Dunmer warrior at the forefront. "We came as soon as we could. What is the situation?"

Ireleth stepped forward, her authoritative demeanor intact despite the weariness in her eyes. "The dragon has been defeated," she declared. "However, there may be more threats. Coordinate the soldiers and secure the area. Ensure no further danger befalls the town."

The soldiers nodded, their respect for Ireleth evident. She stayed behind to oversee their deployment, her sharp commands ringing through the morning air.

Victor, Sarah, Aela, Vilkas, Farkas, and Lydia continued towards Whiterun, their steps heavy with fatigue. As they entered the town, the familiar voice of Heimskr greeted them, his fervent preaching echoing through the streets.

"Talos the Mighty! Talos the Unerring! Talos the Unassailable! To you we give praise!" Heimskr's voice rang out, seemingly tireless.

Aela groaned, rubbing her temples. "I don't have the energy for Heimskr's ramblings right now," she muttered.

Vilkas chuckled wearily. "I doubt any of us do. Let's head to Jorrvaskr. We need rest."

Farkas nodded in agreement, his usual stoic expression softened by the exhaustion etched on his face. "Yes, let's. We've earned it."

As they reached the town center, the companions split off towards Jorrvaskr, each of them too tired to think properly even with the extra buff from Sarah's shout. Victor watched them go, feeling a mix of pride and concern for his friends.

"Get some rest," Victor called after them. "We'll regroup later and discuss our next steps."

The others nodded, their tired faces breaking into small smiles. Without another word, they turned and trudged toward Jorrvaskr, eager for the respite they would find within its sturdy walls.

Victor was about to leave as well when a glint of gold caught his eye. Turning towards it, he found a small amulet half-buried in the grass. He reached down and carefully picked it up, brushing off the powdery brown dirt stuck to it.

The amulet featured a dragon coiled around a gemstone that shimmered with an inner light. Victor felt an odd sensation as he held it—a sense of weight beyond its physical mass, a tingling surge of energy pulsating from within.

Curiosity piqued, he activated his Mystic's Gaze ability, peering into the amulet's enchantment. What he saw shocked him to his core. The amulet contained an ancient blessing of Akatosh—the god of time and chief deity in the pantheon of Divines.

"How did this get here? And why does it radiate such immense power?" Victor murmured to himself. He carefully stored the amulet in his inventory for further analysis and safekeeping.

His mind filled with questions, Victor turned and headed towards Dragonsreach his brother was still waiting for him after all. As he walked Sarah and Aela just up ahead, the towers of the grand fortress came into view, jutting into the sky like stone sentinels. Dragonsreach was always an imposing sight with its stone walls and towering spires, and in the light of dawn, it looked even more majestic.

He passed a few early risers on his way, their eyes widening as they recognized him. The news of his return and magical prowess had already started to spread among the townsfolk. He nodded politely to them, acknowledging their awestruck looks with a humble smile.

As he neared the entrance, he glimpsed Balgruuf standing at the top of the steps, his arms crossed over his chest as he studied Victor's approach. The Jarl's face was etched with worry and relief as he watched him ascend the stairs.

"Victor," Balgruuf greeted him, his voice filled with gratitude. "You've returned. Safe."

Victor nodded, pausing to catch his breath. "We all did," he replied, inclining his head towards the rest of Whiterun visible in the distance where the rest of the group had dispersed. "The dragon is dead."

"I see," Balgruuf replied, clasping Victor's shoulder firmly—a weighty gesture of camaraderie. "Tales of your heroism will echo through the halls of Whiterun. Your bravery... it's what this city needed."

Victor gave a weary smile, the reality of their victory finally sinking in. "We did it together, Balgruuf. The Companions, your Housecarl—Ireleth,Sarah and Lydia" he added with a nod of respect in the direction where the Dunmer woman was last seen. "Without them, Whiterun could be smoldering ruins by now."

The Jarl nodded solemnly, acknowledging the group's collective effort. "Aye, that they did. And for that, they have my gratitude," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his office along with his genuine admiration. "But you, Victor... you stepped into a unfamiliar situation and fraught with danger, yet you stood firm. Skyrim is lucky to have you."

Victor was momentarily taken aback by his brother's words but recovered quickly, allowing himself a moment of pride before pushing it aside. "I'm not sure about luck," he replied evenly, his gaze steady on Balgruuf. "But I'm here now, and I intend to do whatever I can to help."

A noble sentiment echoed in silence as Victor's words hung in the cold morning air. The two men locked gazes for a moment, pride was evident in Balgruuf's eye.

Victor nodded. "We have much to discuss, important matters that need your attention, but right now, I can barely stand."

Balgruuf's concern deepened. "Of course. Rest now, we'll talk when you're ready. Your health is more important."

Victor gave a grateful nod. "Thank you, Balgruuf. We'll both get some rest, and then we can go over everything."

Balgruuf patted his shoulder and stepped aside, allowing Victor and Sarah to enter Dragonsreach. As they walked through the grand hall, Victor's exhaustion began to take over. His movements became sluggish, and his eyes struggled to stay open.

"I need to find a bed before I collapse," Victor muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Sarah watched him with a mix of amusement and concern. "There must be a side room you used to sleep in, right?"

Victor nodded, his mind foggy with fatigue. "Yeah, it's just down the hall. I've used it in situations like this before."

They reached the room, and Victor stumbled inside, his body on the verge of giving out. As he approached the bed, his equipment shifted seamlessly into comfortable sleepwear, a result of his powers automatically responding to his needs. He barely registered the change as he collapsed onto the bed.

Just before hitting the mattress, Victor's body relaxed completely, and he fell into a deep sleep. Sarah, watching from the doorway, smiled softly. She noticed that the bed was large enough for the both of them and, feeling the exhaustion tugging at her as well, decided to join him. She quietly made her way to the other side of the bed and slipped under the covers.

The room was filled with a peaceful silence, broken only by the soft sounds of their breathing. As Sarah settled in, she felt a sense of safety and comfort. Despite the chaos and danger they had faced, this moment of quiet reprieve was a reminder of the strength and unity they shared.

Victor and Sarah, side by side, drifted into a much-needed sleep, their minds and bodies finally able to rest and recover from the trials they had endured. The sun continued to rise outside, casting a warm glow over Dragonsreach, symbolizing a new day and new hope for the challenges yet to come.

AN: A dragon fight eh, also I am as tired as Victor right now so I'm going to clock out as well, C is in the next chapter with an exchange for the group of Draugr, what do you think he should get, I already have a plan but maybe I can be convinced.

Ps. As always I would like it very much if you see any mistakes or inconsistencies you would let me know as that would help me create a much better story. Thank you very much.