#she actually belongs to miraak

[bforblitz]

Mango the Emotional Support Guar from the Eyeball Fic

[illumiera]

WIP Actually-on-a-Wednesday-this-time

thank you so much for the tag, @miraakulous-cloud-district! 💖 I thought I'd wrangle myself into doing WIP Wednesday actually on the day (very unlike me, I assure you) and share an excerpt from the in-progress seventh chapter of i fear no fate (for you are my fate) ft. Miraak having a real Moment™...

Miraak is—He’s—There’s so much to see, so much to notice after centuries upon centuries of what might as well have been a living death, and the very soul of him sighs as he takes a tentative step over the threshold and at last sets foot on green grass and spring-cool soil. With every eager inhale, he soaks in the scent of ripe, ready fruits he cannot yet name and flowers he knows only through black-and-white illustrations and the perfume that clings to the sweet, soft spot at the base of Elentari’s throat. And yet all of that hard-won breath rushes right out of him in the next instant, when the heavens shift above them and begin to dance, alive and alight with twirling gossamer ribbons of pink and violet and emerald and ice-blue and, like a crack through which sunglow streams, a thin cord of the purest gold. Kyne is watching. He had given up on gods in Apocrypha. No, it wasn’t quite like that, not by choice: he’d given up on them because he’d been certain that they’d given up on him. After all, hadn’t Bormahii done nothing but watch in silence as a tide of ink swallowed up the broken body of his firstborn, who did not go quietly but went clawing at the fractured earth and blood-soaked snow, calling out for Vahlok as if two shattered-apart men could ever hope to stand against what waited below? Hadn’t they all stood by as Mora prised the memories from his mind so that he’d forget the low-voiced hymns to Sister Hawk he’d sung into the answering wind; forget the nights he’d crept, unmasked with unearthed lute in hand, to the fragrant, starlit meeting-places of the Moth; forget how the singing and the dancing and the play of his fingers over the strings had felt like a reclamation, a calling-back of a tiny, tucked-away part of him that would never bow or bend or break? And then there had come—and come again—Elentari, Light-bringer, Laat Dovahkiin, with a Voice that had vanquished him and the World-Eater both. Elentari with the bloody hands, the healer’s hands, that had clung so tightly to his as she and what might well have been one of Mara’s chosen wolves guided him back to where he belonged. And now there are the lights. Proof that Kyne sees him. Proof that she welcomes him, perhaps even that she forgives him, her lost son returned. It is not a conscious decision, the way he sinks to his knees in the grass. Rather, it is—it is instinctive, he thinks, like drawing in air. Beside him, Elentari starts, no doubt assuming he’s lost his balance, but then she must see it, how his chin tips up and tears spill down his cheeks. “Kaan,” he whispers to the skies, to the stirring breeze, to the shadow of a hawk soaring above him. “Monah. Zu’u lor hi vodeinaan zey.” ("Kaan. Monah. Zu'u lor hi vodeinaan zey" - "Kyne. Mother. I thought you [had] forsaken me.")

now, I tag... @nocturance, @bougainvillea-and-saltwater, @kiir-do-faal-rahhe, @shitty-drawer, and @bostoniangirl21! 😼

[savior-of-humanity]

Ouougrghhh yeah um. Sorry for being basically dead here lately 😭 I've basically had zero energy for writing on tumblr lately + my energy has basically been reserved for niche discord rp servers (Godzilla/Evangelion crossovers my beloved) and video games. I might also drop most, if not all, of my threads/owed replies in the inbox but idk if or when I'm gonna do that. If yall ever wanna reach out to me for w/e reason, your always welcome to hit up my DMs on here or discord!!! You can find me @ sharklordsatan on discord

Anyways. I'm gonna drop some Hot New Lore™ under the read-more for my argonian character (Swift-With-Arrows) since I decided I didn't really like how ""plain"" her backstory was

SURPRISE BITCH YOU ALSO GET SOME ART OF HER TOO!!!! Okay anyways. For context, originally Swift's backstory was pretty generic - she grew up in Black Marsh, before setting out to explore the world (definitely visiting at least Cyrodiil + Morrowind) at around 19 - 20 before she'd end up in Skyrim.

Now, the current iteration of her backstory goes something like this;

Somewhere on Solstheim, there's a remnant of the old Dragon Cult. They once were part of the cult for Miraak, but became disillusioned with him (given that he was, y'know, stuck in Apocrypha) and fucked off to return to their dragon-worshipping ways.

However, they would latch on to the idea of a Dragonborn being subservient to the will of their dragon overlords, much like how Miraak himself had once been. So obviously they set off to go actually find a Dragonborn - which. Isn't an easy thing to pull off, given their rarity. I don't know how long it would take them (let alone how they do it - maybe something involving Daedra?) but eventually, finally, they find what they're looking for. A child, born of dragon blood, deep within the swamps of Black Marsh.

I also don't have many solid ideas on how she ends up in the custody of the cult in the first place, but either way, she's ultimately taken back to Solstheim and raised by the cult directly.

Her being taken from her homeland is a tragedy in of itself - it means that she's ultimately denied her birth-right to be raised by her people. To learn their culture, to live with her family, and ultimately to develop her connection with the Hist. Her being separated from Black Marsh at such a young age means that she is estranged from the Hist, further alienating her from her fellow Argonians.

It doesn't help that the cult actively indoctrinates her on her future role as Dragonborn; to them, she is to act as the ultimate servant to their dragon gods. The embodiment of their will, the perfect tool, the perfect slave - belonging to no-one but Alduin himself. It's not a great environment to grow up in, as you can imagine - especially as they at some point forcibly tattoo their given name for her, Dovriizaak, along her spine in Dovahzul.

Eventually, though, she escapes their clutches - fleeing into Morrowind, where she proceeds to head west so that she can get as far from Solstheim as possible. For a good while, she goes without any name whatsoever; the thought of being called her cult-given name (or her fated name as the priests called it), let alone the memory of the cult at all, was enough to make her sick to her stomach. Eventually, though, she would decide to give herself a name; Swift-With-Arrows. (Fun fact; this is the name the Hist would've given her had she still grown up in Black Marsh. So you could probably say that despite the circumstances of her childhood, she still has a connection.)

Finally, she crosses the border into Skyrim - only to be caught up in the middle of an Imperial ambush, leading into the events of the storyline. She never figured that she actually was Dragonborn despite the cult treating her as such, so to not only have Alduin himself come down from the sky and try to kill her at Helgen, and then later face Mirmulnir at the Whiterun tower and absorb his soul...

Yeah. She doesn't take it well.

[hircines-hunter]

Writing Patterns/First 10 Lines Game

Rules: list the first line of your last 10 (posted) fics and see if there’s a pattern! (If you don't have 10, do as many as you have!)

Tagged by @vivifriend ! I love this a lot. But I added the first paragraph. It just gives more context and is more interesting. I’m bad at seeing patterns but if you see anything let me know lol.

There’s also a really long collection/series where the latest part just spoils a lot so, I just added the first line from the very first part!

Also, quite possibly obsessed with making LDBs. 😊

Going to tag @madamefluffnstuff @wildhexe @bostoniangirl21 and anyone else (no rush or pressure)

1. Roar of a Wolfborn - Skyrim ; LDB x Farkas

Sifkni’s feet carried her far from her home. Far from everything she’d known. Everything she loved. It didn’t matter anymore. Her heart dropped. What was she going to do now? Everyone was gone.

2. Sivaas - Skyrim ; Werewolf OC x Brynjolf

The dark skinned Bosmer wandered the market stalls in the middle of Riften’s town circle. She perused the wares at each stall, wondering where each of the items were originally procured from. Sure, she could ask where they got the items from but there was no fun in that. She brushed her orange hair behind her ear.

3. Encounters - Elder Scrolls Online ; OC x Zeira

It was a typical sunny and hot day in Abah’s Landing. Aurelia Proxima, an Imperial noble currently residing in the desert, sat in her study. She, however, was not studying. She enjoyed watching the streets below and the study had the best vantage point.

4. The Amazing Adventures and Tales of the Dovahkiin, Elja Iron-Breaker - Skyrim ; LDB x Isran

This journal belongs to Elja Iron-Breaker. If found, please burn the journal.

5. Blessings of the Moons - Skyrim ; OC x OC

Finnki wandered around the entrance of a cave that she cleared of bandits. She made sure she had finished her job before she returned home to Whiterun. The area seemed clear. No traces of living bandits. It would give peace of mind to travelers in the area. She didn’t want any stragglers to stumble about and catch her off guards. It truly seemed peaceful once more.

6. Vestige Liselle Encounters Another Prince ft. Dragons (and Mudcrabs / Just a Ruin (and mudcrab) Advocate - Elder Scrolls Online ; Vestige x Abnur Tharn

I’ve been away from home for so long. I’ve been trekking throughout Hammerfell. The climate is so vastly different from home, but it has its charms and the clothing there is actually comfortable. Breathable.

7. Shadows Preserve Us - Skyrim ; OC x Mercer Frey

Ragna leaned against the damp wood wall of the local tavern, The Bee and the Barb, flipping a coin in her hand. She kept an eye on the busy market. Some of the patrons stood out. She needed to look for someone to help. Help find a rat.

8. Frostfalls of Solstheim - Skyrim ; LDB x Miraak

Do you ever feel like something isn’t right? You do all you can to live and survive. You have a place to live and a family whether they’re blood or not. They’re still family.

But something is calling you.

You need to find ‘home’.

9. Mists of Sovngarde - LDB x Kodlak

Kaetilvi, Dragonborn, Thane of Whiterun, sat on the stairs to the Skyforge next to Jorrvaskr. The Nord woman had a long day of fighting a dragon and once she set foot in the city, to the mead hall it was to drink. And drink she did. She swayed in her seat as she hummed a song, occasionally a string of slurred lyrics would come out.

10. Saga of a Talos worshiping Shield-maiden - Blades ; OC x Henrik

I need to keep certain things about myself discreet lest this fall into the wrong hands. Especially after the war. Especially the mockery of ‘peace’ the Aldmeri Dominion is parading around. Praising. Hunting. Torturing

[bougainvillea-and-saltwater]

anger, shaved ice, sun, seedling, milky way, baby bottle, red heart for darling Jia!

I'm sorry for only giving the names, I am literally so bad at searching for emojis :))))

Thank you so much for asking, dearest! 🥰 (If someone's interested in the ask game is this one!)

💢 ANGER - what are some habits they have that will take some getting used to?

I think the thing Jia does, and it may get annoying for others, is some obsessive-compulsive rituals that she has, concerning her personal belongings (poor Lydia and Gregor, who live with her in Heljarchen Hall, are doomed to get along with those). For example, she needs her books positioned on her bookshelves strictly by height; she needs her ingredients placed in specific jars and satchels depending on their properties, not to mention her enchanting tower in which she keeps her soul gems on her shelves in a distinct ranking from left to right (from petty to grand soul gems). She is rather hot-tempered and impatient in general, but when someone messes with how she sets her things down and her OCD, she gets genuinely anxious and nervous about it. 

🍧 SHAVED ICE - do they still have any objects from their childhood? what significance does it have to them? what would their reaction be if they lost it?

Jia's most prized possession from her childhood is a woolen blanket that has a growing crescent as a golden and silver-stitched embroidery. This blanket was sewn by Jia's mother when she was pregnant with Jia, and its needlework is not at all random. The crescent is Miraak's and Jia's symbol, in which the sun is Jia while the moon is Miraak, and joined together, the growing crescent embodies the First and Last's union on Nirn. She carries this blanket all her life, and she doesn't give it to anyone as it's the only thing she has from her mother, so I can't even imagine how it would be if she'd lose it... 

🌱 SEEDLING - what is their most vivid memory from childhood?

I think the most vivid memory from her childhood is her training lessons with the twins and Aela, and later their hunting together (I will describe both of them in detail in the fic). Little Jia was not into the Nordic way of fighting; she preferred studying, cooking, and plucking alchemy ingredients, mixing them all in her cauldron, and practicing alchemy (I would even say that she inherited more of her father's interests than her mother's). So, Vilkas, Farkas, and Aela, as passionate Nordic warriors, practically forced her to train with them - and despite this being a complete nuisance for Jia, she ended up loving their sparring classes - Aela trained her with the bow and shield and was a very stern teacher with Jia's errors, while Vilkas and especially Farkas were way softer with her, and they trained her with the sword!  🌌 MILKY WAY - what was the inspiration behind your oc? what was the first thing you decided about them?

Oooh, good question, let me think... Well, Jia was born in my mind at the end of the previous February when I began playing Skyrim again, making a new LDB. And as I thoroughly customized my new character, I somehow made her look both like Nord and Imperial, so I went along with her mixed-blooded origins and started to slowly build her background. The name 'Jia' was inspired by a character in the series 'Euphoria' I used to watch back then, which had the name 'Gia', and it's actually quite close to my own name, hehe. The first first first things I decided about Jia were that she will be Miraak's soulmate and that she will have golden eyes.

🍼 BABY BOTTLE - what are their thoughts on children?

AH, EXCELLENT QUESTION! Jia loves children!!! She adores them with all her heart - their innocence, their jolliness, their inquisitiveness, everything about children makes her beam whole. She would definitely adopt if she was not a Dragonborn, but she has this constant fear that her perilous lifestyle full of enemies and dangers, will put her life or the child's at risk, and she doesn't want to do more harm than good to their soul. She does want to build her own family, and she does want to be a mother though... We shall see if she manages to achieve it someday! 🥰

❤️ RED HEART - their love language(s)?

Unfortunately, Jia isn't very good at expressing her feelings with words (you could say that she suffers from alexithymia), so her love language is mostly practical, offering small or bigger gifts to her close ones. BUT, in some circumstances, when the emotion overwhelms her, and she feels intimate enough, her love is shown through hugs (she is a huge hugger with the ones she holds dear, despite being quite wary of physical contact), and caresses, and she can be truly tender and loving to the person she gives affection to, whether this is Miraak or a friend or a family member!

[bellonathesaxon]

Skyrim Dragonborn story and asks that @grimweaver tagged me that @lucien-lachance made for a long time ago. I’ll tag @styx-winterborn

      STORY:

   Bellona Jade Heartlily is the daughter of Lionent Nishra and Kristoph Heartlily. Lionent was a Bosmer mercenary back in the day and Kristoph is a member of the Heartlily clan also known as the Heroic Bloodline. Prior to the events of Skyrim she was a mage and professor for the College of Whispers in Cyrodiil. She traveled to Skyrim in 4E199 to teach Ayleidoon for the students at the College of Winterhold. Eventually in 4E200 she became the Archmage and when out in the Reach she was attacked by a mercenary who was hired to get the Staff of Magnus she was thrown off and into a waterfall. She was found by a Forsworn tribe and her memory was erased by potions and she was brainwashed into thinking she was a tribe member. In 4E 201 after regaining her memory she joined the Companions and eventually her partner Vilkas became the Harbinger. For a job she was hired by the Jarl to retrieve the Dragonstone and you know what happens next. DRAGON! She actually ran away and got the Wabbajack before she returned after seeing a family die due to a dragon. After all this she fights Miraak and then Vilkas and her get married.

      Due to her unique bloodline she’s essentially “blessed” and will always be destined for greatness. She’s also Bosmer/Nord and has the abilties both races have.

       ASKS:

1.) Favorite Tavern: Bee n’ Barb for the atmosphere or the Winking Skeever since it reminds her of Skingrad.

2.) Favorite Drink: Blackberry wine or any type of hot tea.

3.) Travel Companion: Breylna or Vilkas.

4.) Wealthy or Not: She is wealthy but doesn’t like it because of how people react to her. She belongs to the fourth wealthiest family in Cyrodiil.

5.) Worships the Daedra or Aedra: She worships Akatosh and Hircine. Nods her head to Meridia since she “blessed” her family.

6.) Biggest Fear: Being used again or losing loved ones.

7.) Racists who poke fun at her being mixed. Rich snobs. Pickpockets.

8.) Do they like being Dragonborn: NO! 

9.) Favorite Faction: Companions and College of Winterhold.

10.) Object of Sentimental Value: Her orange College of Whispers capelet. Her journal from her childhood. Her old hunting bow.

11.) Hobbies: Reading, swimming, going on walks, exploration.

12.) Favorite City: Solitude or Whiterun.

[tripiispooks]

In any rpg's type game I play I always try to make this one character.

This one character that is:

Probably belongs in Devil Wears Prada

Can't hear you over my designer [usually weapons]

Will walk into a place and say it smells like bitch in here

Her resting face usually says it for her

Yes, her, it's always a she

Dares people to vibe check her

'Like go ahead, do it, I dare you,'

Has a mean laugh

I mean it could be someone told her a terrible joke or pun and she laughs and its sounds so mean like she just watched someone trip or something, but it's just a joke a friend told her

Will vibe check higher ups/people "more powerful" than her

Rich and a bitch, but not spoiled

Her family got rich, and she, through hard work, and values it

Cant stress enough how rich she is

Like she should be a snob and such, but she will spoil her friends rotten

Her friends are her family and she would do anything for them

Debt? What debt??? Its been paid hun

Too expensive? 100k??? that's lunch money

But anyone else...not her problem

Is a weird combination of the mom friend and the rich wine aunt

She's ride or die for her makeshift family

But she is professional above all else

All I can think of is the line that the sniper says from TF2, 'professionals have standards'

And Thomas E. Ricks' quote 'Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet'

Think CEO woman with heels that can kill just as much as her words

Judgy side eye

Will look at her companions discretely like they're the camera in the Office

Will come unhinged when it come to dogs

Itty bitty baby pupper needs to be protected at all costs, even if said cost is her reputation because she needs to pet the dog and/or save its life, can she adopt it? Shes going to sure try

That dog will be living the life of luxury

Two games where I have one:

In SWTOR (which I have been on a huge kick):

Always a sith warrior

Because its irony (my si is a chaotic bastard that will throw down at a moment's notice, gives my sw a headache)

And perfect fit for destroying Baras in front of the dark council

Always a pure blood

That is tol and slightly beefy and only wears all black

This one has really bad respiratory issues where she has to wear a half mask at all times, sure she could get a surgery done, but...aesthetic...

Because Malavai quinn deserves to have a boss that actually benefits the empire

That isn't crazy

That isn't some power hungry sith

Sure shes power hungry, but shes a professional above all else

Should she be and Imperial???

If she didn't have the force she would have already been a general or super high rank

Or even a chiss imp

I think Thrawn would like working with her

Best friends with vette

Married to Quinn

Knew Baras would force him to betray her and was already 2 steps ahead and won Quinn over and had the whole betrayal turned a set up for Baras

Vette annoying Quinn? Oh, that's just her spying and snooping for the SW

What do you mean you found a listening device? Didn't you know SW bugged her own ship after she got rid off all the listening devices and trackers that Baras rigged

Would vibe check the emperor if given the chance if she feels the need to

Has an akk dog, yes its name is Vengeance and yes its nickname is smooshy

Skyrim:

Head of the thieves guild

And dark brotherhood

And archmage

Owns everyhouse and the three homesteads

But prefers the severin manor

Always imperial with dark hair and brown eyes

No qualms with stealing right in front of people

Or killing

'Take me to jail? Haha, here's the bounty money' drops a bag of coins and leaves laughing

Shes the dragonborn that took out Alduin, miraak, harkon, literally every person that posed a problem, not threat, just problem

Who's gonna check her? Akatosh?? She'd check him

Was a vampire but found it tedious and got cured

Hates the thalmor and kills them at every opportunity

Laughs at the Stormcloaks because Ulfric is a thalmor agent, has proof, and thinks its laughable that they want to take on the aldmeri on their own

Best friends with Serana and they talk trash on everyone

Two rich bitches

Was ready to check both Serana's parents

If she could adopt Serana she would

Also besties with Teldryn

He says she the sanest of his clients but that's a fat load of lies, it's more to convince him, also she pays way more

married Ghorbash the Ironhand (seriously in love with him because she took him on as a follower and they have the same love of travelling and the stuff he said made her swoon)

They adopted Hroar and the girl from windelhm

Herr family primarily stays at the homestead south of whiterun with the lake near by, she likes it because of Riverwood and the lake, plus whiterun the most stable hold to live near despite the homestead being part of a different hold

Send help to Tamriel when her, Serana, and Teldryn are in the same room

The amount of shade flying at everyone is lethal

Ghorbash loves to watch, though gets caught off guard by some comments

Meeko protection squad, her kids adopted him so he's safe and loved

Might draw stuff about these two ladies

[skyrim-crossing]

Obsidian Dovahkiin’s backstory

This is the backstory of my Elder Scrolls OC, Obsidian Dovahkiin. Azirina belongs to @ask-demon-princess-astarte and Aranaga and Korillia belong to @warlockin-asimplealtmer

Obsidian was born on 2nd Rains Hand 4E 24 in an Ashlander tribe on Vvardenfell. Her parents, along with her tribe, had recently returned from mainland Morrowind before she was born, due to the devastation caused by Red mountain. The tribe was devoted to their religion, but they mainly worshipped Boethiah. Her mother Reyla was a priestess and her father Madsu was a hunter. As a child, Obsidian's name was Aerie, taking her current name later on in life.

As a child, she was obsessed with all things Daedric and magical. She would spend many days practising her magic if she wasn't helping her parents. Her hair is purple due to her being able to use illusion magic for long periods in time. In actuality, her hair was white, but her eyes have always been purple. When she was around 114  a Daedric cultist made contact with her tribe as she had a felt a  strong magical presence. When the cultist found that it was coming from Obsidian, she made an offer for her to teach Obsidian further magic and introduce her to the prince she served. Obsidian accepted and spent many weeks practising more magic. Obsidian was able to pick up conjuration instantly and finally met the prince the cultist served: Hermaeus Mora. From then on, she incorporated him into her worship and tried to get her tribe to do the same. Naturally, they refused and wanted her to continue her life as usual. However, her father had recently begun to serve Molag Bal, as well as Hermaeus Mora, and promised to stay with Obsidian. After many weeks of arguing with her mother and tribe, she decided to leave to join the other cultists who made their home in northern Elswyer. The cultists of both Princes made a truce a few years before that point so they could travel together. She didn't feel like worshipping Molag was right, but she ignored the cultist's actions for the most part. However, after a few years, she couldn't handle what she had seen the cults do to people, so she escaped to Cyrodil to start again.

In Cyrodil, she joined the Vigilant of Stendarr, as she knew how Daedric Cults worked. She was extremely ashamed of her past, and she felt like that was the only way to receive forgiveness. She spent the next 30 years with the Vigilants until a group began to form and eventually break off from the others. These people studied all things Daedra, rendering them Daedrologists. As she had extensive knowledge into the daedra, she knew that this would be more beneficial in the long run. They made their base in Bruma and worked under the guise of Vigilants still. Here was where she truly began to love daedra, despite her previous negative encounters with them. However, some people didn't fall for it and placed a Dark Brotherhood contract on them. Only 5 of the original 40 were able to escape, one being Obsidian. In her desperate escape, she illegally crossed the border to Skyrim and was captured by Imperials. She tried proving she was a citizen of the Empire, but they refused to listen.

From here, she was taken to Helgen to be executed. While a dragon razed the city, she was able to flee thanks to the help of Hadvar. After a few years of being in Skyrim, she had become the Dragonborn and slew nearly all threats to Skyrim. The civil war was still in full swing, but she made a vow to stay out of politics. During her adventures, she found all of her old Daedrologist friends and found love with Serana and a Dremora called Hefdet. Hefdet was an unbound dremora she summoned while at the College of Winterhold, further practising her magic (mainly restoration). When she had proven her strength, he admired and respected her greatly so began to assist in her adventures. Obsidian and Serana had already been together for a few months after they stopped her father. When Obsidian began to fall for Hefdet too, they chose to all be in a relationship mutually. Obsidian became a hero of Skyrim and Morrowind too. She had met again with her mother, asking for her forgiveness (which she gave).

After she killed Miraak, who was the last threat she disposed of, nothing posed as a problem anymore so she decided to work on her Daedrology and family life. She had also made amends with Hermaeus Mora, serving him once again. Alongside her partners, she built a home in Morthal and focussed on getting her studies finished. While she was walking to Solitude to gather more decorations for her house one day, she found an injured Khajiit who would later be her best friend. This Khajiit called Azirina was involved with the cult she had left long ago. Obsidian couldn't believe it and was determined to help her. Sadly, Azirina didn't get away so easily like Obsidian and was being tracked down by Molag himself. She did her best to help, but she ended up being taken to Coldharbour.

Obsidian was distraught and tried going there to bring her back, summoning her like she was a Daedra etc. Nothing worked. She had built up such a connection that she would stop at nothing to save her. Hefdet and Serana both tried to reason with Molag, but he refused to give her back. In her anger, she asked Mora what she could do. One of her possible options was to try and kill him. When she told him that she would most likely end up dying, Mora wanted to show her how she could achieve this. By doing so, he sent her soul back in time to the 2nd Era. Disorientated and confused, she believed she was still in the 4th Era so didn't think much of it at first.

Being herself, she travelled around the beautiful province helping people. Thanks to the townsfolk of Shimmerine, she soon learned she was in the 2nd Era. Tne guards of Shimmerine tried to test her on her knowledge and etiquette of Altmer society which she managed to pass. She began to work at an Inn not too far from Shimmerine while she figured out what to do. One day, she met an Altmer named Valsirenn who met her with a proposition to save Summerset. Obsidian accepted instantly and Valsirenn revealed her affiliation to the Psijic Order. Valsirenn travelled with her to Artaeum after a few weeks of silence on her part.

When she began helping them, Valsirenn introduced her to Aranaga, the hero names the Vestige. She was to work with him bring an end to the threats of Summerset. Despite not truly being over the loss of Hefdet and Serana, over time she found herself falling for him as they worked together. It wasn't that long after that until she found herself marrying him on Artaeum, surrounded by all of her new friends.  She knew she would never forget her former partners, but she knew they would want her to be happy.

She lived an extremely happy life with him and his two children, Elenwen and Esterdel and gave him another son called Reyln. She couldn't have asked for anything more. She had a wonderful husband, children and an amazing manor in Alinor. She became best friends with his cousin Korillia and found herself going on adventures with her as well. More threats arose outside of Summerset which she dealt with alongside Aranaga. For as long as they appeared, they tackled them together.

Hermaeus Mora made contact with her one day, while she was sat at home. He asked her if she had learned enough to defeat Molag and wanted to go back to which she declined. Obsidian felt guilty, but she hoped that her old friend could wait. She knew she could probably go back and help but that chapter of her life was not yet complete.

[evil-is-relative]

OC Interview--Ysmir

Rules:

Choose an OC. 

Answer them as that OC. 

Tag 5 people to do the same!

Tagged by: @lothrilzul

Tagging:  @partyatsanguines, @qethnehzul, @alysername, @aliceliveson, @alaricathecat

1. What is your name?

Ysmir. I’m told it’s a man’s name, but I think “dragon of the North” transcends such things, don’t you?

2. Do you know why are you named that?

The Greybeards Named me. Where I grew up, earning a Name meant you were worth something, so I adopted it wholeheartedly. 

3. Are you single or taken?

I have two lovers, but I don’t consider myself “taken.” I don’t belong to anyone but myself.

4. Have any abilities or powers?

...I’m a Dragonborn. I kill dragons and absorb their power, which is mostly yelling at things, to be truthful.

5. Stop being a Mary Sue.

I’m afraid I’ve no idea what that means but your tone implies I should set you on fire.

6. What’s your eye color?

Violet. Yes, I know it’s unusual. I would have preferred blue or brown, to be honest.

7. How about your hair color?

Red. Apparently both my hair and eye color come from the Dunmer side of my family, and so look unusual on a human. Again, I would have preferred something less noticeable.

8. Have any family members?

Oh, yes! I have seven children, and I consider my housecarl, Lydia, and my friend Inigo to be family as well. As for my birth family...I have a sister still alive somewhere, I hope.

9. Oh? How about pets?

We have a little farm with chickens and a cow, Shags. I have a few horses, though I just lost my favorite, Jughead, to magical anomalies. My daughter Lucia has an Ice Wolf she calls Precious, and my son Blaise just brought home a pregnant husky from Fort Dawnguard. Isran is still insisting I pay for her.

10. That’s cool, I guess. Now tell me something you don’t like?

Being asked a plethora of random questions by a total stranger. You?

11. Do you have any activities/hobbies that you like to do?

I enjoy alchemy. I also get restless when I haven’t fought anything in a while, so I suppose I must enjoy that, too.

12. Have you ever hurt anyone in any way before?

...My destiny was literally killing things. Dragons in particular, but this country has a lot of bandits.

13. Ever… killed anyone before?

You don’t listen very well, do you?

14. What kind of animal are you?

Excuse me?

15. Name your worst habits?

Probably rushing into a situation without thinking things through. Everyone says I’m reckless.

16. Do you look up to anyone at all?

*grins* I’m pretty short in a land full of Nords. On a more serious note, I look up to Paarthurnax. He keeps working for a redemption I think he’s long earned, and doesn’t give up on it. I look up to a few people from my past, as well, but I don’t talk about them much.

17. Are you gay, straight or bisexual?

What on Nirn does that mean? *looks at list of definitions, raising eyebrows* You people have a lot of ways of describing things. I suppose I’d be a “heterosexual polyromantic.” I do not wish to place all my affections and needs on one person, just as I wouldn’t want them to put all their affections and needs on me if I wasn’t equipped to meet them.

18. Do you go to school?

I went to the College of Winterhold for a time, but left after I attained my mastery in Destruction and Conjuration.

19. Ever want to marry and have kids one day?

I have children already, thank you, and I’d rather avoid the concept of marriage altogether. 

20. Do you have any fangirls/fanboys?

I’ve met a few people who fawned on the idea of meeting a Dragonborn. I think I disappointed many of them by not being Nord enough. Otherwise, it’s mostly people trying to use me somehow.

21. What are you most afraid of?

Do you always ask strangers these questions? I’d very much like for my children to not have to deal with the Thalmor.

22. What do you usually wear?

*gestures to self* Mage robes. Light armor if I expect to face something especially challenging. 

23. What’s one food that tempts you?

Sweetrolls. Don’t they have that effect on everyone, though?

24. Am I annoying to you?

Very much.

25. Well, it’s still not over!

Joy.

26. What class are you (low/middle/high)?

I entered Skyrim in rags, but I’d be considered high class now. I’m a Thane in several Holds and own property in each of them. I don’t believe in flaunting it, though.

27. How many friends do you have?

Quite a few. Lydia, Serana, Inigo, and Aela are probably my closest ones, though. Farkas and Vilkas as well, though things are a bit awkward with Vilkas yet. I’m not sure he’ll ever forgive me for loving Miraak.

28. What are your thoughts on pie?

...It’s very efficient? Are we talking dessert pies, hand pies, meat pies? They’re sort of a staple of the diet here in Skyrim. Some I loath, some I’d eat several days a week. It really depends. 

29. Favorite drink?

I enjoy Colovian Brandy, but it’s difficult to come by.

30. What’s your favorite place?

I don’t really have one. The idea of a favorite place invokes a sense of peace and comfort, but I can find that in many places in many moments. I suppose, then, my favorite place would be wherever my family is.

31. Are you interested in anyone?

Currently, I’m with Miraak and Farkas.

32. That was a stupid question…

A bit, yes.

33. Would you rather swim in a lake or the ocean?

Are either of them actually warm?

34. What’s your type?

Of what?

35. Any fetishes?

I have been informed I have a “size kink.” I live in a land, however, where the average man is at least a head taller than me, so I don’t know what people expect me to do. Go court Rieklings?

36. Camping or outdoors?

Camping is outdoors. Are you on skooma?

[airiat]

for the detail OC questions! 28, 38, and 45, for either or both your girls!

Helloooo! Thank you so much for asking these questions!! They all deal with themes I focus on pretty heavily in LMNIT, so much so that Fjoara has even answered these questions before in her own words! Therefore, I’m only going to answer for her, and also because I lowkey haven’t developed Morvera very much yet. I’m so, so sorry it took this long to answer–I ended up basically writing a whole essay on this because you picked the absolute perfect questions to ask lol. Thank you so much, again! This was so helpful for my fic and super enjoyable to do.

Fjoara Ebonhand:

~ What is their biggest fear? What in general scares them? How do they act when they’re scared? 

~ How do other people see them? Is it similar to how they see themselves?

~ What do they admire in others? What talents do they wish they had?

28. What is their biggest fear? What in general scares them? How do they act when they’re scared?

The driving force behind most of her actions is actually her overwhelming sense of fear, the biggest being what she’s tasked to do as Dragonborn (first dealing with Miraak, then defeating Alduin), and if she’ll be capable of carrying it out. When we look at the LDB from an in-game perspective we view them as fearless and able to do anything, but I would imagine the emotional implications of being chosen to literally save the world would cause an immense amount of inner turmoil, and this is a theme I explore consistently as it evolves within her. The catalyst for this all is her complete lack of confidence in her abilities in combat. She compares herself to the traditional brutish Nord warrior when she herself will never be like that. However, I think LMNIT will see her gain this missing confidence when she successfully deals with the situation on Solstheim, even if her approach is somewhat unconventional.

Later on, though—and you can already see hints of this—her fear becomes more directed inwards instead of outwards. As in, she’s afraid of her own power and its potential for causing devastation. Another element of in-game Skyrim is the idea that the LDB is very much a murderer, even a serial killer, but Fjoara is very strongly against using violence as anything but self-defense, preferring instead to be diplomatic or tactical. In fact, her carrying of Dawnbreaker, a sword most powerful against the undead rather than living people, is somewhat symbolic of this. She sees the thu’um as a weapon rather than a powerful tool capable of bringing peace, believing that the two are mutually exclusive. Of this she has said, “I have never wished to harm others, but the gods have given me a weapon that can speak an end to life with more ease than the sharpest sword, and with more devastation than the most powerful army. Yet, if I were to cast this weapon aside in favor of peace, I would bring upon an even greater destruction to all of Tamriel. Both my calling and the fear within me are inescapable. How am I to cope with being torn between these two parts of myself?” Once she learns Bend Will, however, I believe it will become a whole different story. That’s one for another time, though.

As for how Fjoara’s fear manifests tangibly, she would meet the criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder as well as Panic Disorder. When confronted with something particularly intense, like when she went to Apocrypha for the first time, she’ll most likely have an anxiety attack. If it’s something less severe, she’ll just shut down for a little while and become almost catatonic, though you can coax her out of it. Otherwise, she’s just a super high-strung and nervous person all the time no matter what the circumstances are, and will occasionally have panic attacks if the stress is too bad. She presents pretty classically, it’s just the things she deals with in her life are obviously quite unique.

On a less serious note, she’s really not a fan of frostbite spiders.

45. How do other people see them? Is it similar to how they see themselves?

Fjoara has held two statuses in her life that predispose a certain attitude to her: daughter of the High King who is next in line to the throne and, of course, Dragonborn. Both of these titles command a great deal of respect and an innate sense of admiration, but that then means an inaccurate image of herself is being projected onto her. This has been a huge source of contention for her. Before she knew she was Dragonborn and was only just nobility, she always felt like people were only ever nice to her because of that. This is what she’s said on this topic: “Back home in Solitude, I had become so accustomed to the delicate and inauthentic manner in which I was treated by my father’s court, and even by those whom I considered my friends. The luxuries and privileges afforded to me by my father being High King of Skyrim were beyond the common people’s most outrageous fantasies, but there was always a part of me who would have discarded it all for the chance at a real connection with someone. To be loved and respected for who I am, not because of who my father is, and certainly not because I’m now destined to become some sort of hero.” On top of this, she doesn’t really have a good sense of self because she has never really received genuine feedback about herself from anyone other than her family, who also have their own ulterior motives. As it is mentioned above, Fjoara at the very least knows what she wants out of her relationships, but she feels barred from receiving that because of her social status. This is why she takes advantage of an out that was given to her by way of being Dragonborn.

After she absorbs her first dragon soul (but before she knew that meant she was Dragonborn) and runs away from home, Fjoara makes a concerted effort to hide herself and from herself, which is why she “traveled to The Rift, the farthest possible hold from Haafingar.” In doing so, she also decides to distance herself from her noble identity by changing her last name and lying about where she came from. She also inadvertently gains more anonymity when she decides to join the Thieves Guild just by the very nature of the work she does with them. Besides, who would ever suspect that the King’s daughter would stoop so low as to become a filthy criminal?

Fjoara gets on really well with the Guild, and it becomes her greatest source of pride because it was purely her own skills and efforts that got her membership–not because of nepotism or birthright. I won’t go into the story of how she joined, but it’s actually pretty funny. Let’s just say Brynjolf never saw it coming. While there, she also develops a strong, somewhat romantic relationship with Brynjolf and eventually, she does tell him who she is. He had a positive reaction to it and promised to keep her secret, which he does honor. This was really the first time that she feels truly appreciated by someone else; even though he knows of her nobility, he doesn’t treat her any differently because of it.

Yet, Fjoara never really finds her identity in the Thieves Guild despite her sense of belonging and the second family she creates there. I believe that this sense of disconnection will be something she’ll struggle with for her entire life. It will be a challenge for her to truly name an identity for herself when she will have to fulfill so many vastly different roles, from the mundane domesticity of wife and mother to the last of an ancient prophesied hero to the familial burdens of nobility, and so on.

Despite all of this, however, people do actually really like Fjoara no matter what lens they are seeing her through. She is very personable, eloquent, and charming, and genuinely takes an interest in helping people, even if she can unintentionally come off a little fake sometimes. The Skaal respect her, the Guild admires her talent, Frea will become her first real friend, and Teldryn will fall so much in love with her. And that’s just the beginning.

38. What do they admire in others? What talents do they wish they had?

I get to talk about Teldryn in this part! The very nature of their relationship is a mutual, but unspoken feeling of admiration for the other. A sense of “I can’t believe you would choose to be with me because I believe you to be far more superior than me.” For Teldryn, he obviously admires the fact that she’s Dragonborn–that much is inescapable–but not for the reason one would expect. As he is a Dunmer, I feel as if the meaning he assigns to her being this hero carries much less of a cultural significance as it would if he were a Nord. Instead, it’s out of pure wonder at how powerful she is, her resilience against the tribulations she will have to go through at the hands of it, and the amount of cool stuff she gets to experience. The very first admission of his admiration for her was: “There is a growing need within me to provide for her and ensure her safety, though I know she is capable of doing these things for herself. I truly have nothing to offer that she doesn’t already possess. Her wealth appears limitless, guidance and accommodation are given readily just because of who she is, and her abilities in combat dwarf my own—a spellsword, like me, but in combination with that fucking voice of hers, she’s a lethal weapon.” As of right now in my fic, Fjoara doesn’t yet know enough about Teldryn to think any more of him than just that she is attracted to him, so I say this about Teldryn’s feelings for her to help illustrate the idea of her own eventual admiration.

The things that Fjoara values in another person are a bit misguided right now. As I said earlier, she struggles with her identity, and part of this is a disassociation from what she feels it means to be a “daughter of Skyrim,” a true Nord. Inadequacy is something that plagues her and this is highlighted when she says, “For a Nord, there is no greater shame than that which is found in cowardice, but it would be impossible for me to ease my mind of all fear. I still cannot comprehend why I was chosen for this duty when there are thousands of other more capable warriors than I. If I had been allowed to retain my normal life so that I could have someday utilized my skills to be High Queen of Skyrim, then I would have still held on to my honor. But now I am unsure what of it still remains, if any at all.” Therefore, what she admires most are the strong, militant warriors who know their way around a battleaxe. Another reason why she carries Dawnbreaker is to create the illusion that she actually is as such, but in truth, she is certainly no swordsman. Instead, Fjoara is actually a really talented mage. She studied at the College of Winterhold for less than a year, but she was able to get a firm grasp on Destruction and has dipped a little into Restoration, Illusion, and Alteration. Because of the attitude Nords harbor against mages, however, Fjoara doesn’t value this skill as much as she should. On another note, the “skills” she mentions in the quote are her inclinations towards diplomacy, leadership, and oration. As in, if one were to look at her skill tree, her speech skill would be way up there. Fjoara honestly would have made a really good High Queen, but that’s not the path set out for her anymore, and she hasn’t quite realized yet that she can still put these talents to good use as Dragonborn.

To rein in my tangent a bit, as with Teldryn, Fjoara also admires resilience in the face of hardship. She admires the fearlessness both he and Frea displays. She admires Frea’s selflessness and dedication to protecting her village. She admires people who have been through more in life than her and respects the wisdom she can glean from them. She admires Teldryn’s persistent good-humor in spite of adversity in the present and the traumas of his past. She admires Brynjolf’s cunning personality, even if it isn’t always to the best end. She also admires anyone who is artistically or musically gifted because she can’t do either for shit.

[winterdrake]

A New Man

(Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Fanfiction) 

The Dragonborn finds her former foe still alive in Solstheim, without any memory of who he once was.

Part 2 of 7

The Dragonborn rose early, having gotten a night of restful sleep despite the thoughts and emotions swirling inside her head from everything the day before. It still so seemed surreal. Miraak was back, without any physical taint of Hermaeus Mora and no memory of who he was. Part of her believed this was some sort of trick. How could something like this even happen? Could this be some sort of trick? But why ?

The warrior knew she had to be careful. However this strange situation happened, Miraak needed to be watched. If he was telling the truth, he was still a risk as he could one day remember his past and become the tyrant he was. The man could also be lying, but the Dragonborn could not see the point of pretending to be a mercenary for months. It also hadn’t seemed like Miraak recognized her from their conversation the night before. But for all she knew, her enemy was a convincing actor.

Last night the Dragonborn asked Miraak about himself. She told him she wanted to know his strengths and weaknesses, if his previous employers thought he could improve on anything, how he handled himself in dire situations, how would he react if she she gave him a command he didn’t like. Then, the woman tried to casually ask him about what he remembered, if anything. Did he remember anything about himself? Had any memory resurfaced since he woke up? The woman watched his face closely when he answered these questions, seeking some sort of tell that would indicate that he was lying.

Miraak answered everything and without any hesitation or flinch. He explained that he was proficient in short swords, daggers, bows, staffs and magic. He disliked heavier weapons and wasn’t as comfortable using warhammers, greatswords, axes or maces. He was more inclined to use destruction spells over any others but was good in all schools of magic. In battle he preferred to defeat or weaken the enemy with his magic first and then use his shortsword second, normally only if the enemy came too close. The man was told he was a quick learner and was able to keep calm during pressure by his previous employers. He followed orders but if he thought something could be done more efficiently another way, that did not put his employer or their quest at risk, then he would disobey. He preferred not to murder or steal but if there was a good reason for it, then he wouldn’t be opposed to undertaking the task. As for his memories, the man said nothing had come back to him, not even a hint of a memory. Miraak sighed as he said this last bit, looking disappointed.

Thinking over his responses, the Dragonborn requested he meet with her early the next morning. She explained that she wanted him to come with her to the newly discovered Dwemer ruin outside town. He nodded and said he would be ready. She left abruptly and went back to her manor, taking a roundabout route and keeping an eye out for anyone following her. She was a tad paranoid right then.

Miraak would be here soon, the female warrior knew as she waited in the chilly air. She growled in frustration as she felt a surge of anger towards the tall man. Miraak was the reason she was standing here, unnerved, so early near the entrance gate of Raven Rock. It was odd, her waiting for her enemy to arrive so he could accompany her. The Dragonborn had come to Solstheim for a Dwemer ruin, not to keep watch over an enemy. She sighed, letting her anger dissipate. It would do no good to become frustrated. The woman just needed to figure out what to do with Miraak, hopefully their adventure today would give her an idea.

One thing did bother the Dragonborn. If Miraak well and truly lost his memory, what did that mean for him and her? The warrior wondered if she should allow him to stay on Solstheim or just kill him to leave the world a safer place. Killing him would be wrong though, the woman felt. She didn't know is she could do it if it came down to that. How could she kill a man that did not remember any of his wrongdoings? The current Miraak was different that the arrogant, power hungry, First Dragonborn she knew. Even from their one conversation the night before, the woman could almost call her enemy a new man.

**********

“Good morning.” Miraak greeted the female warrior as he approached. He was dressed in a set of black armor, with a short sword sheathed at one hip and a staff on the other. He carried a bag slung over one shoulder.

“Morning.” The Dragonborn returned, trying not to let her wariness show. She was dressed in her own set of shining silver armor. Her long sword was sheathed at her own side with her bow, quiver and a bag slung across her back. Normally, the Dragonborn would use her longsword to fight but this time she decided she would use her bow. If Miraak liked to use his magic as his primary means of battling then he would likely stay behind her, out of the range of his enemies. She did not want to turn her back on him, not knowing if he would turn on her. It was because of this that the warrior would now use her bow and magic before her longsword.

The Dragonborn also decided she would also not use her Shouts unless there was dire need. If Miraak had in fact lost his memory, it seemed reasonable to assume as seeing something relating to his Dragonborn identity might trigger his memories coming back. Being the First Dragonborn had been a big deal for Miraak.

“Are you ready to go?” She asked, forcing herself to stay polite. She was on edge with him nearby. Once they were alone, would he attempt to kill her? If he did, the warrior swore to herself that she would be ready. She defeated him once, the Dragonborn knew she could do it again.

“Yes. Lead on.” Miraak replied and together they headed outside, into the wilds of Solstheim.

**********

The two Dragonborn, if Miraak still retained his abilities, were able to walk over the ash laden ground to the ruin within an hour. Thankfully, it wasn’t far outside Raven Rock. The trip had been awkward, the Last Dragonborn hadn’t known what to say and Miraak stayed quiet. She kept glancing over at him to make sure he wasn’t trying anything suspicious. The man did nothing out of the ordinary but caught her looking a few times. He said nothing and she didn’t turn away or flinch from his questioning gaze.

Arriving at the ruin, the two companions found no one outside. The door was still partially covered in rubble but they were still able to get inside. Then, they began to explore.

“If we find anything interesting or valuable, I have first right to it. Otherwise, feel free to take anything else like coins, gems, ingredients, potions and such that you find for yourself.”

“Understood.” Miraak responded. Normally, followers took nothing from their employer’s adventures. It looked like this woman would be more generous than those that had hired him previously.

In the second room of the ruin, the two found the remains of a tent. Everything was strewn about and the bedding and tent had been torn to pieces. Something had attacked whoever the tent had belonged to. There was no sign of a body or any blood so it looked like the owner of the tent had made it to safety. At least that’s what the female Dragonborn hoped.

The two salvaged what they could from the remains. As the Dragonborn took a healing potion that was still unbroken, she watched Miraak pick up a small pouch of coins and a book. He looked up from the book to find his employer watching him again.

“I haven’t read this one yet.” The man said as he placed the book in his bag. He turned away to look through a broken crate before she could respond. The woman found herself thinking that he would have probably liked the small library of books she had at home in Skyrim. She would never willingly let him near it however.

**********

In the third room, they encountered their first enemy. A Dwarven Spider dropped from the ceiling, still functioning after all the years spent buried inside the ruin. It noticed the two intruders as soon as they entered and attacked. The Dragonborn quickly launched two arrows at the Spider, both hitting it directly. The metal beast stopped for a few seconds, stunned and then jumped at her. Before it could reach her, Miraak shot a fireball at it. The magic blew the Spider away where it hit the wall and fell to pieces.

“Thank you.” The Dragonborn acknowledged. She hid the surprise she felt at Miraak helping her.

“You’re welcome.” Miraak returned and then stared at the downed enemy. “I wonder how these machines stayed active this long. Just what could we be capable of if our civilization was able to reach the Dwemer’s level of technological advancement.”

“Maybe it's a good thing we haven’t? It doesn’t seem like it worked out so well for them.”

“We would not make the same mistakes, I hope.”

“We probably would. There are many Men and Mer out there, thirsty for power and knowledge, willing to ruin things for the rest of us.” The Last Dragonborn did not look at Miraak when she said this. “Come on. We’re not finished with this place yet.”

**********

The ruin turned out to not be all that spectacular. It was quite small, with only three floors. There was nothing of great importance or value inside but the Dragonborn learned a few things and got a few nice trinkets out of the journey.

It really did seem like Miraak remembered nothing of his former life. There were no attempts on the woman's life. There was also no recognition that she could sense from him. Miraak had actually helped her in battle, preventing her from getting hurt a few times. The woman did the same for him but that was just her nature. She didn’t feel like it was the same for him.

The Dragonborn learned that Miraak was a good fighter. The barmaid was right. However, the First Dragonborn had been a superior fighter when she battled him in Apocrypha. It looked like he had forgotten, lost a lot of his skill or was maybe left weakened after his defeat in Hermaeus Mora's realm.

The former Dragon Priest was also clever and helpful. He was able to figure out a lever puzzle leading to the final room far quicker than she. It had been a bit disheartening and she breifly felt a bit of jealous irritation at this.

Miraak didn’t speak often as they made their way deeper into the ruin. He commented a few times on the Dwemer’s ingenuity or inquired about how they should proceed but that was all. The Dragonborn was grateful for this. His presence still made her nervous and making small talk seemed out of the question.

The Dragonborn ended up watching the male warrior every moment she could. She noticed that he would watch her too. She wondered what he was thinking at her blatant staring. He was likely suspicious but the man stayed silent about it.

In the end, both Dragonborn survived their trip and departed the ruin with their bags full of treasures. The female warrior ended up with a new enchanted greatsword, various soul gems and regular gems, along with coins and other items. Miraak picked up some of everything that piqued his curiosity. He was very interested in the Dwemer constructs. Some of the thins the man collected were several pieces of scrap metal, an ebony dagger, a cog, soul gems and three Centurion Dynamo Cores.

Thankfully there had been no Centurions in this Dwemer ruin and the cores had been found scattered on the floor in the final room. The Dragonborn didn’t object when Miraak asked if he could take them. The warrior had plenty of them herself. She watched Miraak gaze at the spinning constructs and wondered once more about her house back in Skyrim, with almost thirty of the cores decorating the inside.

**********

The Dragonborn and Miraak parted ways back inside the gates of Raven Rock. She thanked the man for his help and he smiled and returned the thanks.  He looked happy with how their trip had gone.

“Just let me know when you need me again. I’ll be retiring back in my room.” Miraak informed her before he left for the Retching Netch.

“I will.” The female warrior responded. She watched Miraak walk away and then turned towards her home. It was nearing evening and she needed to store her new acquisitions. On the way back, the woman once more took a different, winding path home. She kept an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. She was still paranoid, she knew, but she felt it was justified in this situation. Likely someone would tell Miraak that she was a Dragonborn and where she lived, if he did not know that already, but those pieces of information would not come from her.

That night, as the Last Dragonborn slipped into bed, she thought about the day’s events. Miraak hadn’t done anything this time. He had been a loyal follower. But one day's trip did not mean that Miraak was tellling the truth. Closing her eyes, the warrior decided she would be ‘vacationing’ in Solstheim for a little while longer. She still had another thirteen days paid of Miraak’s time.

Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/5732653/WinterDrake

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/WinterDrake/pseuds/WinterDrake

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/WinterDrake

[tentacle-explosion]

Ok have I ever talked at length about how much I love the World Eater Beater mod, and how it’s key to Arya’s canon of how defeating Alduin went?

Because she’s only 19 when she finds out she has a destiny, and (at least emotionally, but experience- and strength-wise as well) not ready to face a literal god in combat, so when the Dragonborn DLC came out, it was a perfect opportunity to have her enlist a much more experienced dovahkiin’s help. But I also didn’t want to fall into a plot where Miraak is really responsible for defeating Alduin, because it’s not his story. He gave up his chance at being the hero of the story when he chickened out “chose a different path” back in his own era. So? Turning the final battle against Alduin into a time-traveling, multi-stage ordeal that separates them for most of it is perfect.

(Spoilers for the mod under the read more, although altered to fit Arya’s canon:)

First, from the mod description, to set up the premise of all this:

A complete overhaul of Alduin's final fight, with new locations, attacks, enemies, and horrifying amounts of death. Now, Alduin is divided into five stages:

- Stage 1: Similar to vanilla, except Alduin's melee attacks break holes in reality, there's a lot more meteors raining down on you, and his shouts split into smaller shouts (and so on).

- Stage 2: Alduin grows enormous, blasts away the other Dragonborns, and devours you. Now in his stomach, dodge stomach worms, half-digested enemies, and acid as you trudge through the previous kalpas he's eaten. To succeed, hit the glowing red bits scattered around the map.

- Stage 3: Alduin spits you out onto a now-eaten Sovngarde. Leap from broken island to broke island, as you shout incoming comets back into Alduin's face, and dodge his ice, fire, and force shouts that modify the very landscape you fight on.

- Stage 4: Beaten back, jump on Alduin and ride him as he re-enters the atmosphere, whacking away sensitive glowing parts as they appear, all while watching your footing and the incoming debris.

- Stage 5: Reality re-assembles itself, and Alduin is mad. With extra damage, but low health, finish off the World Eater once and for all!

So thanks to Arya’s impulsive decision to sell her soul to Mora in return for Miraak’s life, he does reluctantly agree to train her. Y’all know that already. And he does a damn good job, she was already badass before (but on a “exceptional human” level, not “exceptional demigod” level), but when he’s done with her (~5-6 months later), she’s finally living up to her potential. Still, Alduin is a god, and in my opinion, either/both of the Dragonborn should have a tough time against him. (You know, unlike how the battle goes in the vanilla game, which is a cakewalk if you’re over level 10.) So they’re both nervous - visibly, in her case, and only noticeable by his enhanced crankiness in his - and rightly so, because shortly after they reach Alduin in Sovngarde and attack, he just straight up swallows Arya whole.

Things don’t go well without her, since she’s truly key (per the prophecy), and Miraak goes down fighting. Alduin triumphs, but in the process they utterly fuck up Sovngarde.

Meanwhile, Arya survived, and she finds that Alduin’s full of the remains of old kalpas. She fights her way through a bunch of weird shit she can’t even begin to explain since it doesn’t belong in her world, and eventually Alduin coughs her up. She finds herself in the ruins of Sovngarde and is horrified to find that the old Nord heroes and Miraak are all dead. She doesn’t give up though - instead she kicks Alduin’s ass so badly that he realizes his death is inevitable and the only chance he has is to try to go back to before he managed to hit her berserk button.

So Alduin uses his timey dragon powers to go back to just as he was swallowing Arya, and as far as anyone other than the two of them know, he just immediately coughs her up and the battle continues. But Alduin and Arya both remember what followed, and they’re both weakened from their fight, but Arya’s in much better shape because she didn’t also expend a ton of energy manipulating time. Alduin dies, the people rejoice, etc. The end.

It’s cheesy as hell, but it’s also waaaaay more climactic than the actual end of the vanilla game, and it allows Miraak to play a big role in the war against Alduin without taking Arya’s spotlight and destiny away from her. <3

[bougainvillea-and-saltwater]

Hope these aren't too many! From the oc ask game for Jia 🥰

💢 A bar fight breaks out around them. Do they ignore it and focus on their drink? Join in?

🍨 Free access to an all you can eat buffet, what food are they going for? Do they have a strategy?

🩰 Being asked to dance by a friend/crush/stranger

Ah, thank you so much for the asks, love! 🥰 I'm answering with a big delay because my Master's is kicking my ass with Freud's walking stick at the moment. So, the ask is this one here, if anyone's interested!

💢: So, in a bar fight (or, in Skyrim's case, in a tavern fight), Jia would most likely mind her own business, focusing on her ale instead; she likes a lot meddling where she does not belong, like the nosey little creature she is, but that doesn't include drunken brawls. The only reason she will get involved in a tavern fight, is when the situation gets dangerously out of hand and someone's life is at risk, so in this case, I believe she can use a Shout or two to disarm and calm the spirits down.

🍨: Jia loves food in general, but boi, she has a very sweet tooth! I think she would definitely run toward the desserts of the buffet, devouring all kinds of pastries, tarts, and cakes. I'm having this silly mental image in my head right now, where Jia has a mouthful of sweets but tries to act as if nothing happens, completely cool and collected, and then comes Miraak gives her a good look and doesn't know whether to laugh himself to death or being horrified by the amount of food she has managed to shove in her mouth! 😂 In the events of TPATD Jia is quite thin, but at the end of the fic, I imagine her to be rather chubby because why not? She loves eating, after all! 🥰

🩰: Ah, what a lovely question! I do plan to include a dancing scene in the story, actually (this would be so fun and stupid to write and read - I'll incorporate traditional Greek dances into the Nordic/Atmoran culture of Skyrim, LOL😂), so I would say that Jia, despite her general prudishness, is quite a dancer! She would definitely dance with her crush/husband, and with her family/friends when she's in the mood (after an ale or two), but I don't think she would accept dancing with a total stranger, due to her general mistrust and vigilance.