No Rest for the Wicked

"Dragons," Lydia whispered.

The snow was near blinding at the Throat of the World. I should have been shivering but I felt warm despite being buried in snow. I had no real idea how we'd got there. I didn't think we'd simply fallen from Sovngarde to Nirn. Instead, I think we may have been transported by the Gods themselves to ensure our safe return home. I slowly got to my feet as I first noticed Paarthurnax, situated as usual on top of his word wall. I then gazed across the rocks and mountain around us, finally noticing numerous dragons sitting around us while others were circling in the sky above us. While I wouldn't say they looked friendly, they certainly didn't appear ready to attack us. Instead, they appeared to be… singing.

"What are they saying?" Lydia asked.

I interpreted for Lydia.

"Alduin has fallen.

The Mighty Overlord is Vanquished.

Alduin has fallen.

The Dragonborn is his Dragonslayer.

Alduin has fallen.

His Shout is silence.

Alduin has fallen.

We no longer follow him."

Paarthurnax jerked his head, beckoning me towards him. He bowed his head for a moment as I simply took a seat in the snow before him. "So, it is done. Alduin dilon. The Eldest is no more, he who came before all others, and has always been."

"You sound regretful. It had to be done."

"Alduin was once the crown of our father Akatosh's creation. But… You did what was necessary, Dovahkiin. Alduin had flown far from the path of right action in his pahlok. The arrogance of his power. But I cannot celebrate his fall. He was my brother once. This world will never be the same."

"It was my destiny and his, Paarthurnax. I hope you understand."

"Indeed, you saw more clearly than I. Certainly more clearly than Alduin. Perhaps now you have some insight into the forces that shape the currents of Time."

"And for some reason I really don't understand, I now understand your language."

"Perhaps you learned something from Alduin himself?"

I shrugged. "I have no idea. I know I did not absorb his soul, though."

"Perhaps you did not need it to see the world as a dovah. You have won a mighty victory, one that will echo through all the ages of this world for those who have eyes to see. Savour your triumph, Dovahkiin. This is not the last of what you will write upon the currents of Time."

I nodded. "You sound just like my father and Tsun. No matter what, you and your brethren are free to live in peace. The only caveat is that man is left to live in peace as well. Teach them the Way of the Voice, Paarthurnax. Then perhaps, one day, man and dovah can live in peace, side by side."

"You sound hopeful, Dovahkiin."

"We are of the same blood, are we not?"

"We are."

"Then we must work together, Dragonborn to dragon blood, man to dovah, to ensure the rest can understand. Appeal to your brethren as I appeal to mine. There is no reason why more of us should die. You are immortal beings, placed on this world by Akatosh himself. We may be mere mortals, but we too were placed here by the Gods. Who is to say the outcome should not be peace between us?"

"Many of the dovahhe are now scattered across Keizaal. Without Alduin's lordship, they may bow the rightness of my Thu'um. But, willing or not, they will hear it! Fare thee well, Dovahkiin!"

I then watched as Paarthurnax took off without a number of the dragons sitting around us following him into the sky. He then circled around once then twice high above before he disappeared into the distance, at least half a dozen other dragons following in his wake. I figured those were dragons already committed to the Way of the Voice that he would show the others.

My eyes on the sky, it was only when Odahviing landed that I actually felt his presence, hearing him snort, whether from derision or humour I wasn't quite sure. "I wish the old one luck in his… quest. But I doubt many will wish to exchange Alduin's lordship for the tyranny of Paarthurnax's Way of the Voice."

"And you, Odahviing?"

He bowed his head briefly. "You've proven your mastery twice over. Thuri, Dovahkiin. I gladly acknowledge the power of your Thu'um. I will spread the word of your power and also the words you shared with Paarthurnax. Zu'u Odahviing. Call me when you have need, and I will come if I can. I don't doubt there are others who may choose to follow you now, Dovahkiin."

Odahviing lifted off and left Lydia and I alone on the Throat of the World. Once we were alone, I wasn't surprised by the question. "Did you mean everything you just said?"

"What, about peace?" Lydia nodded. "Absolutely. Why not?"

"How peaceful are dragons?"

I shrugged. "I really don't know. Paarthurnax is likely an exception. I had to battle Odahviing to earn his respect. I may have to earn the respect of others by going into battle against them. I don't particularly want to but I may have no choice. But, considering I've eliminated Alduin, I think there may be those dragons out there who will respect my Thu'um regardless and therefore also respect my words. Of course, there will be other dragons who will hark back to the old days, when men submitted to dragons. Those dragons will be dealt with no matter what, even if it means I cannot follow The Way myself."

"So what do we do now?"

"Go home. But we'll stop in at High Hrothgar. I'll have to tell the Greybeards what happened. They will be interested, at least."

The skies were clear around the Throat of the World, allowing us safe passage back to High Hrothgar, though the journey was still not easy, the snow deep on the ground and it was still cold. We had no coats so we were both chilled to the bone by the time we wandered into High Hrothgar as the sun set over Skyrim. We found the four Greybeards in the conference room, enjoying their dinner. Arngeir turned and got to his feet as we walked through the entrance. He bowed slightly as I approached.

"I can see it in your eyes. You've seen the land of the gods and returned. Does this mean it is done? Alduin truly defeated?"

"It is, Master. Alduin has been slayed, with help from the three warriors old who now reside in Sovngarde. It was… everything I had dreamed it would be."

Arngeir sighed. "At last, it is over. Perhaps it was all worth it in the end."

"I have but one question, Master."

"Ask and I will attempt an answer."

"When Alduin was slain, I did not absorb his soul as I have done with all other dragons. Is he truly dead?"

Arngeir could only shrug. "Perhaps? Perhaps not? Dragons are not like mortal creatures, and Alduin was unique even among dragon kind. It's possible he may be permitted to return at the end of time to fulfil his destiny as the World-Eater." I was ready to sigh and retort, Arngeir simply holding up a hand. "But that is for the gods to decide, Dragonborn. You have done your part."

"I know I have other things to do now, the things that affect only man, but I have spoken with Paarthurnax. He will attempt to turn other dragons to the Way of the Voice."

"I can only wish him well."

"Odahviing, another dragon with which I have conversed, has suggested, albeit subtly, that other dragons may actually submit to me, now that I have defeated Alduin and proven the mastery of my own Thu'um."

"As long as you strive to follow the path, Dragonborn, then it is possible there can be peace between all of us."

"That's all any of us want."

"Stay with us tonight, Dragonborn. I'm unsure when you will have opportunity to visit us again."

Lydia and I joined them for dinner and, while we didn't converse with anyone but Arngeir, there was peace in the air of High Hrothgar. Even the other three Greybeards appeared pleased by my victory. But there was no doubting their pleasure that I would strive to follow the Way of the Voice, as best I could, despite what other travails may pursue me in the coming days, weeks and months.

I slept well that evening, falling asleep while reading one of the many books within the monastery, waking up well after sunrise to find Lydia and the Greybeard already breaking their fast. I joined them, much to the mirth of Lydia, who hid her smirk by biting into a chunk of bread. I ignored her, simply glad we were still around to enjoy laughter, conversation and all the other pleasures life was sure to the bring in the future.

We departed High Hrothgar after breakfast, having to journey down the mountain on foot. But the gods must have been pleased as we walked down in nothing but sunshine, barely any wind to annoy us either. It was still hard going at times, simply due to the deep snow, but we managed to make Ivarstead by early afternoon. As both of us were eager to return home, we skipped lunch and continued on, hoping to make Darkwater Crossing by nightfall.

There was no inn at Darkwater Crossing, only a few private residences and a mine, in which a few still appeared to be hard at work, the striking of pickaxes against stone echoing from far within. I spoke to the mine's owner who offered a couple of bedrolls and a tent, which was good enough for me while Lydia found no reason to complain either. We sat around the fire as night descended, enjoying the peace and quiet, well, relative peace and quiet, as there were numerous sounds from the lake nearby. Nothing that signalled danger, the usual sounds of nature usually missed while on horseback.

The gates leading into Whiterun had never appeared more welcoming as we approached them the next day. Surprisingly, they were closed, the two guards to the side each doing the same thing I had noticed others were doing. They crossed an arm across their chest and bowed their heads.

"Welcome home, Dragonborn," they both stated, before they opened the gates.

The sight revealed was starling. I know I looked at Lydia, mouth agape, as she returned a look as surprised as my own face probably showed. We slowly walked forward into the crowd. There was no applause, though it wasn't solemn silence. It was the same thing. Arm crossed, across the chest. The echo of 'Dragonborn' filtering up and down the lines of crowd as I slowly walked past.

"News travels fast," I whispered to Lydia as we walked up through the market, noticing the crowd was following us upon glancing behind.

As we wandered up the steps past the Gildergreen, all the Companions were at the bottom of the stairs leading towards Jorrvaskr. They greeted me in the same way as the others before I embraced those of the Circle as fellow warriors. We shared effusive platitudes as they asked briefly of my battle with Alduin. I tried not to describe too much of Sovngarde to the twins, simply stating it would be worth waiting for and that Kodlak was waiting for all of us. Aela did appear interested though I knew her mind was still set, though if she knew of the plan Kodlak was forming with Ysgramor, perhaps she might change her mind. But her mind was not mine to change.

I looked around, noticing the crowd forming around us again having followed up from the lower reaches of town. Lydia jerked her head towards Dragonsreach, suggesting we should keep moving. People parted as we walked towards them, flooding around us again as we started to climb the steps towards the large hall. The two guards did the same as all the others before they opened the doors, allowing us in, though I noticed they then stepped forward to hold back most of the crowd, allowing my fellow Companions to at least pass through too.

By his throne stood Jarl Balgruuf, flanked by Irileth, Hrongar and Proventus, while further to the sides were all the other members who lived in Dragonsreach. I was stunned to a stop as the entire line crossed an arm across their chest and bowed. "Dragonborn," they stated as one.

Balgruuf then stepped forward and we clasped hands as warriors. "It is good to see you again, Ragnar. It has been some time since you left."

I know I raised an eyebrow at that before glancing back towards Lydia, who shrugged. "What do you mean?"

"You don't know?" I shook my head. Balgruuf gestured towards the table and we all took a seat around it. "It's been at least seven sunrises since you departed on top of that dragon. We had no idea if you were successful or not until word was passed by the guards that you were returning home."

"Seven sunrises? I had no idea we were gone that long."

"It is rumoured time passes far slower in Sovngarde. You are now the perfect example."

"I guess."

"So, Alduin?"

I nodded. "Is dead. He was defeated by myself, Lydia, three warriors of yesteryear who sent him forward in time, and also my father."

"Your father?" Irileth asked, now sat beside the Jarl.

"I know he died outside the Imperial City during the war with the Thalmor. He was waiting for me in Sovngarde. We fought side by side as we ensured Skyrim and all of Tamriel was now safe."

"And the warriors of old?" Hrongar asked.

"Three heroes from the Dragon War. They were responsible for ending Alduin's reign at the time, their use of the Scroll sending him into the future. They had no idea when or where they were sending him, but it ensured us thousands of years of peace."

"And now?" the Jarl asked.

I shrugged. "The dragon crisis is over. But we all know what may lay on the horizon."

The jarl nodded. "I will need to send official word to Solitude and Windhelm sooner rather than later. There is a chance they'll hear about it unofficially but it would be impossible keeping your victory a secret."

"Nor should it be. But with the crisis over, it is probable that the war will resume."

"That it may, Dragonborn, that it may. But that is for later. What do you plan on doing now?"

"Resting, at least for a day. Then… Well, I actually don't know."

"You must return here tomorrow. We must celebrate your triumph."

I just wanted to return to my normal life though I knew, realistically, that was never going to happen. Plus, I'd never want to offend the jarl. "Of course."

"Good."

*****

"My thane," I heard a feminine voice state. Or, to me at least, shouted.

I groaned. "Go away!" I stated, my voice muffled by the pillow on which my head was planted.

"You have a letter."

My head was absolutely pounding and I had to swallow to keep whatever was in my stomach at bay. It had been another long night at the inn. I don't know how many nights it had been in a row since that first one.

The celebration the jarl organised, within such a short space of time, boggled my mind. The entire Hold of Whiterun was in attendance, even those from Riverwood and Rorikstead invited to attend. I think if it had been possible, he would have even invited the Greybeards. The entire city was spruced up in celebration of my victory over Alduin. It was a true festival, with numerous food and mead stalls with dozens of long tables and benches surrounding the Gildergreen. The doors to Dragonsreach were left open and the population mingled with the jarl, town guards only preventing people from climbing the stairs to the jarls private quarters.

I think I must have spoken to at least every person once during the celebration, which went longer than the one night I had anticipated. I think most people had had enough after three nights. I certainly had, having staggered into bed well after midnight each time, my hand sore from having it shaken time and again, my back probably red from having it slapped as I regaled crowds of near worshippers, hanging on my every word, with stories of my fights against dragons.

I don't know how many days have now passed since that first night of celebration. All I know is that I've done practically nothing since. To be honest, I think I deserved a little rest and respite, considering I'd barely stopped fighting since my escape from Helgen. And I just knew that the peace established would soon be shattered by some other crisis looming over the horizon. So I was going to relax while I had the chance.

I flipped over onto my back and opened one eye, feeling the room spin. I groaned again, Lydia simply laughing at my self-inflicted state, placing the letter gently on my stomach before I heard her walk out of my room. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes, forcing them to stay open as the room spun.

I then leaned over the edge of the bed, found the bucket, and threw up.

At least I felt better afterward!

There was a tankard of clean water placed on the small chest of drawers next to my bed, drinking the lot down in almost one gulp, before I lay back, still feeling worse for wear. Once I felt my stomach was settled to a point that I wasn't about to pass out or throw up, I read the letter.

*

Dragonborn,

Word has reached Riften, and even here at Fort Dawnguard, of your victory over Alduin and the end of the dragon crisis. While you no doubt have all our thanks in regards to you preventing the end of days, there are still other issues that require resolving. It just so happens that there is an issue you may help us with.

A friend of yours, or at least that's what she claims, is currently here at the fort. I will leave it at that until you arrive here. Please don't delay as this is an urgent matter that requires resolving immediately.

Yours

Isran

*

"Friend of mine? Female?" I wracked my mind for who he could be talking about. "Mjoll? I mean, she could have been tempted by it. But the tone isn't right…" Then I wondered some more and my stomach dropped. "'Serana?' But that would be madness? Why would she travel to a fort full of vampire hunters?"

I knew the chances of me leaving this day was practically zero. Somehow I managed to swing my legs over the side of the bed. Then I held my head in my hands for at least a few minutes, waiting for the room to stop spinning and my stomach to settle down, unsure if I needed to purge my system again. I groaned again as I finally got to my feet and stretched, circling my neck a few times and rotating my shoulders, working out all the creaks. I made sure my yawn was finished before I descended the stairs, Lydia turning around in her chair near the fire and bursting into laughter at my appearance.

"Well, I have to say that you've looked worse in the past few days." Then she audibly sniffed. "You definitely need a wash, my thane."

"Later."

"How's the head?"

"Been better."

"And the stomach?"

"A little emptier." She laughed at me again. I didn't mind as it was my own fault, despite the fact I hadn't spent a coin on any food or drink since I'd walked through the gates having defeated Alduin. "Shame they haven't invented things to take away a headache."

"Bad?"

"I don't want to walk outside into the sunshine. I think that would kill me."

"So what did the latter say?"

"It was from Isran. He's asked if I can head to the fort. Apparently they have a visitor who knows me."

"When do you want to go?"

"I'll go tomorrow. Maybe the day after… You don't have to come, by the way. In fact, considering the dragon crisis is now over and I have no real idea what I'm going to do, in my drunken conversations with some people, there were one or two suggestions that I do vaguely remember."

I looked at Lydia, assessing her interest. "Go on," she stated, albeit cautiously.

"They suggested I started up some sort of shop, primarily to keep myself funded. Now that I think about it, it's probably something we should have done a long time ago. Anyway, I have no idea what we could buy or sell, but I was wondering if we could put our heads together and think of something that would make us both money."

"But you'd like me to run it?"

I didn't blame her for sounding a little bit disappointed. "Just to start off with. And this is in no way me saying that you won't still join me on adventures across Skyrim. But we do need coin to keep rolling in and I can't keep using the fact I'm Dragonborn, Saviour of Skyrim, to get free things from people. It… well, it wouldn't feel right."

"Why don't you invest in a store instead of running your own?" she suggested.

"What do you mean?"

"Stores are always looking for people to put money forward. That allows them to purchase more stock and therefore increase their profit, and yours, all being well, that is."

I scratched my chin. I didn't understand economics. "Why don't I just leave all of this for you to sort out? I'll give you coin, you find a business to invest in."

"Where?"

"Wherever you think is best. Here in Whiterun would be fine though I've been to Solitude and seen all the businesses there. You're welcome to travel across Skyrim and find us good deals."

"How much coin do you have?"

I simply smiled. "Enough. I'll keep what I think I'll need to keep me going for the time being. You're okay too?" She nodded. "Very well. The rest is yours to do what you think is best. Just don't lose it all."

"Okay. So what are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"Definitely no drinking." I noticed the look Lydia gave me. "Okay, well, not a lot of drinking. It's not my fault! I have many bad influences surrounding me."

Lydia simply smirked. "Such as?"

"The twins. Jon. Ulfberth and Adrianne. Amren. Hrongar. Even Uthgerd has shared a tankard or two with me. Of course, we had to fight for it. She can swing a mean punch."

"Ah, I was wondering about that…"

She'd trailed off but was still smirking. "What?"

"You seriously don't realise?" I shook my head. "I think you have another one who fancies you, my thane. Shall I add her to the list?"

I groaned again. "I know you're not being serious about the list." Then I paused a moment. "Are you?"

"I can keep one if you wish. But, no, I simply mean you have an army of admirers now. Being Dragonborn and our Saviour does appear to have its perks." I just gave her a look and sighed. "Would you like something to eat?"

"Yes, please. While you're doing that, I'll grab some water and have a quick scrub. I'm sure I've smelt worse though."

Lydia grabbed her nose. "No, my thane, you haven't."

Though I didn't have to, I figured I should let the jarl know of my plans. After a good wash and dressing in some new clothes I had purchased, I wandered up the Dragonsreach to find the jarl on his throne, looking very worse for wear. As I said, it has been quite the celebration and had gone on far longer than I think anyone had anticipated. Irileth was standing guard as usual alongside him, our eyes meeting and she grimaced, shaking her head. I laughed lightly, earning a rueful grin in return.

"It's a good thing I like you, Thane Ragnar," she stated before she tried to groan silently. She failed.

"I think my housecarl is starting to feel it too," the Jarl added.

"You don't look much better yourself, my jarl."

He groaned. "I know. I would say I'm getting too old for this, but that would just be weakness on my part." He shuffled in his seat. "So what brings you to Dragonsreach today?"

"Thought I should let you that I'm heading to Fort Dawnguard tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then definitely the day after."

"Why is that, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I don't mind. If you remember, I have joined the Dawnguard, though I told their commander that I wouldn't be particularly available until the dragon crisis is over. A letter arrived for me today, requesting I return to the fort as soon as possible. With Solitude and Windhelm now aware the dragon crisis is now over, I can't just sit on my hands, waiting to see what either do next."

"No-one would expect you too."

I nodded. "So I'll head to Fort Dawnguard as requested. I don't know how long I'll be gone."

"If anything major happens, I'll send couriers to find you."

I stayed away from the inn that night, instead spending a quiet night by the fire. Lydia disappeared for most of the night, returning after I had already gone to bed, only seeing her the next morning at breakfast, for once looking worse than I did. After a quick breakfast, I bade Lydia farewell and wandered out of the city gates for the first time in over a week.

I breathed in deeply, appreciating the crisp morning air, the sun trying to glow through the clearing mist as I trotted along the path towards the crossroads and over the bridge. I wanted to make decent speed, so once I was comfortable in the saddle, certain parts of my body taking a while to adapt having not sat on a horse in a while, but once I and my horse were ready, I let her loose and we cantered along, only stopping when my horse was starting to feel the pace.

We made an excellent team, we always did, my horse and I. Once I'd left her stabled outside the gates of Riften sometime during the afternoon, I followed the road towards the cavern that I remembered from last time I had visited. I noticed a few more recruits practising the closer I approached the fort, Celann in his usual position, standing guard and watching over the rest.

"Isran's been expecting you," he stated as I climbed the stairs.

"What did he want me for?"

"You'll find out once you're inside. Sorry, not my place to say."

What I would find inside left me gobsmacked. And on the verge of killing the man I'd been requested to meet.