Prologue-Visions in a Haunted Host
Tamriel, Province of Skyrim
Lakeview Manor, Falkreath Hold
The Last Dragonborn flew upwards from his bed, hands reaching for his sword. As his sweat-blurred vision focused, he relaxed and let his sword hand rest.
"A nightmare." he moaned. "Gods damn it, another one…"
Deciding that he could wait to sleep again, he dressed himself and headed for the balcony near his bedroom. Stepping into the cool, yet pleasant air of Falkreath, he sighed with relief. The night had not yet faded, but the dawn was coming.
The Dragonborn, or Matheson Hawksblood, stood there for a while, merely thinking and reflecting on his deeds in the province of Skyrim.
Not only had he slain Alduin, the World-Eater, but he had ended the Vampire Lord Harkon, and the First Dragonborn, Miraak.
He had become Harbinger of the Companions, Guild Master of the Thieves Guild, and Archmage of the College of Winterhold. Officially, he had long retired and given those roles to Farkas and Vilkas, Brynjolf, and Tolfdir, but he was still referred to as the leader of each of them.
He had also joined the Dark Brotherhood, although he had recently severed ties with them as well as the Blades for his own reasons. Finally, through a long and arduous session atop High Hrothgar, he had negotiated an end to the Civil War. The treaty was long and complex, but both sides had made sacrifices.
Ulfric Stormcloak had agreed to give up his claim on the High King's throne, in exchange for ending the rebellion and exoneration for his killing of High King Torygg. The Stormcloaks would disband, and Ulfric would remain Jarl of Windhelm.
General Tullius had agreed to remove Imperial Troops from Skyrim and let it be free, but the Stormcloaks had to allow Elisif to become High Queen. The Thalmor could have been trouble, but they had strangely agreed to the terms and withdrawn their troops. Talos worship was permitted, but only in formerly Stormcloak holds. The Imperial holds were still...slow to adapt. Banditry was a thing of the past, due to combined patrols of Stormcloaks and Imperials along the roads.
Elisif had been named High Queen by the Moot, held after the Treaty session. She now ruled from Solitude, with Ulfric as a personal advisor. That particular notion had been insisted upon by the Jarl of Windhelm. The Dragonborn had been hailed as the Great Peacemaker, and it was added to his list of titles.
Skyrim, the province once plagued by war and strife, was now at peace.
Bu now, the Dragonborn preferred quiet. He had retired to Falkreath, and rarely came out of his home for reasons still unknown, even to him. His many friends were scattered to the winds, and his Housecarls lived in the different homes he owned. Serana, his only real female friend, lived with the Dawnguard, and was helping them eliminate the few remaining vampire lairs in the province.
However, Matheson was still quite busy. He was still an advisor to many holds and organizations, and his voice was more influential than ever.
But as of three weeks ago, nightmarish visions plagued his dreams. They were nearly unintelligible, but the Dragonborn could remember three distinct things.
One, a town surrounding some kind of crystal tree burned to the ground.
Two, a shattered moon in the sky.
And three, a dim sun fading away from sight.
The Dragonborn had no idea what caused them, and neither did any of the help he consulted. Neither the College of Winterhold nor the Greybeards of High Hrothgar could fathom, and Matheson's health was breaking.
As he watched the sun rise over Falkreath, it clicked into his mind, a possible solution.
Paarthurnax.
The Dragonborn cursed his own stupidity. The Leader of the Greybeards would know what plagued him, if anyone could. The dragon had seen Matheson through countless trials, and if anyone knew what to do…
It would be him. The Dragonborn headed inside and down to an armor stand, which bore his adventuring gear.
A set of Nordic armor, forged with ebony lining for defense.
A set of worn Greybeard's robes for warmth and as a status sign.
A Nordic Helmet with the visage of a Hawk.
A battle-scarred Nordic Shield.
A Nordic Bow, and ebony arrows.
And finally, a worn Skyforge Steel sword, with a inscription along the blade, in the dragon tongue. It was honed to perfection, and the Dragonborn knew its name well.
Endeavor.
As the Dragonborn armored himself and prepared his backpack with necessary supplies, he locked the door to Lakeview and began his journey.
====
Once he reached a clearing, he bellowed using the Voice.
"ODAHVIING!"
The Thu'um resonated into the sky, and it wasn't long before a crimson-red Dragon appeared, and bowed low before the Dragonborn.
"Odahviing." Matheson said.
"Dovahkiin." the Dragon replied. "Where do you wish to go?"
"Take me to Paarthurnax." Matheson said, mounting up. "With speed."
"As you wish."
Odahviing soared into the sky, giving the Dragonborn a spectacular view of the morning sun.
====
As the snow crunched beneath his feet, the Dragonborn ascended to High Hrothgar's peak, the summit of The Throat of the World.
And Paarthurnax was waiting for him.
"Greetings, Matheson." the Elder Dragon said. "What brings you to me?"
The Dragonborn sat in the snow, and crossed his legs.
"I've been having visions, my friend." Matheson said. "Night terrors. Images I cannot unsee."
"Krosis." Paarthurnax said. "I know of what you see."
"What is it?" Matheson asked.
"A plea for help." Paarthurnax said. "Someone, in their peril, has reached out to you through the realms, and you have heard their cry."
"But where?" the Dragonborn asked. "I do not recognize the land I saw."
"Because you have not been there." Paarthurnax said. "There is an ancient realm, long forgotten, spoken of by the First Dragons. It lies across a divide no mortal can cross."
"That's where I'm going?" Matheson asked.
"Yes, and you will not go alone." the Greybeard leader said with a solemn tone. "Two dovah must accompany you, for their help is needed to cross the divide."
"Odahviing?" Matheson turned to the Crimson dragon, who nodded.
"Mul Fen Krif, Dovahkiin." Odahviing said. "I shall fly with you."
"And I know another. Durnehviir." Matheson said. "Know of him?"
"Yes, Curse-Never-Dying." Paarthurnax said. "I applaud your mind, Dovahkiin. However, you must go with the Dragons alone. No mortal may cross the divide."
"I understand." Matheson said. "I'll leave immediately."
"Then to Equus shall you go." Paarthurnax said. "May fortune be with you...old friend."
As Matheson summoned the ancient Dragon Durnehviir from the Soul Cairn, the scarred dovah bowed before him.
"Qahnaarin." Durnehviir said. "I shall be honored to fly with you."
"Then take me to this great divide." Matheson said. He mounted Odahviing, and the three flew towards the north, towards the Great Divide.
"How much longer?" Matheson asked as they flew over the Sea of Ghosts.
"We are near the Divide, Dovahkiin." Odahviing said. "A great wave will part, and the divide will be made clear."
"If we are worthy." Durnehviir added. Soon, a massive cloud bank at the horizon parted in a burst of light, leaving a sight that stunned the Dragonborn.
A glittering city upon a mountainside, made of white marble and gold.
"We have crossed over." Odahviing said. "Prepare for landfall."
"Here goes nothing…" Matheson murmured as they approached the city.
Equestria
Canterlot Palace
As Celestia, ruler of Equestria and Princess of the Sun, awoke from her slumber, she cast her magic and raised the great star. As light streamed through the windows, she placed her crown on her head and walked out towards the Day Court room.
She entered and sat down, and Court began.
"Sinker Lure, Princess Celestia." a Guard said as a Fisherpony approached. As he was about to speak, two large shadows crossed over the skyline.
"What was that?" Celestia asked.
"We'll check it out, Princess." two Guards replied. As they headed outside, Celestia sighed inwardly.
"How could today get any more interesting?" she asked herself.
"Princess, there are two dragons and a strange being outside, asking to speak to whoever rules this land."
Celestia stepped down from her throne and headed outside, and she raised her eyebrows. Two massive, feral-looking dragons, one red and one mottled gray, were standing next to the strangest being Celestia had ever seen.
It was bipedal, well-shaped, and muscular. It wore armor that was ornately carved and shaped for battle. Over the armor was a worn black robe, woven with silver. Sheathed on its hip was a sword, and a shield on its back. As it approached, it bowed.
"I presume you are Jarl around here?" he asked.
"Jarl?" Celestia replied. "What does that mean?"
"Forgive me." he said. "A Jarl is a local ruler from my homeland. I don't wish to be rude."
"Forgiven." Celestia said, approaching. "I am Princess Celestia, Ruler of Equestria, Alicorn of the Sun."
"I am Matheson Hawksblood." the being replied. "The Last Dragonborn, Savior of Skyrim, slayer of Alduin, among many other titles."
Celestia was, suffice to say, impressed.
"And the dragons?" she asked.
"I am Durnehviir." the gray one said. "Curse-Never-Dying."
"And I am Odahviing." the red one added. "Snow-Winged-Hunter. We stand in service to the Dovahkiin, or Dragonborn in your tongue."
"I see. What brings you to Equestria?" Celestia inquired. Matheson removed his helmet, revealing a man with once brown hair, flecked now with gray. He spoke now with a grave tone.
"I seek aid for the visions that plague my dreams."
Author's Note
Yep, the Dragonborn has arrived in Equestria.
Chapter 1-The City on the Mountain and the Princess of Magic
"Very well, Matheson." Celestia said. "Follow me to my study."
Matheson nodded, bid the two Dragons to remain there, and followed the Alicorn into the Castle. As they entered the Day Court Chamber, several ponies who had witnessed his arrival whispered among themselves.
"Are they bothering you by speaking behind your back?" Celestia asked.
"No." Matheson said. "I have heard many things great and small, good and malicious said towards me when I am out of earshot. Words of man and mortal are only wind, they have power only if you let them move you."
"Good advice." Celestia said as they entered her study, which appeared typical of the Solar Princess. A large, oaken desk sat in the middle, surrounded by books, texts, and a rogue's gallery of many other things the Dragonborn did not recognize. As they sat down, Celestia inquired what visions he had seen.
"A burning town, and a ruined crystal tree." the Dragonborn said. "The sun was split into pieces, and the moon was broken. These are what I have seen, Princess."
"That is troubling." Celestia said. "I am the Princess of the Sun, and my Sister is the Moon. The town you saw is Ponyville, where my former student and Princess of Magic Twilight Sparkle lives. Why it would be burning, I do not know."
"I see." Matheson said. "Princess, allow me a question."
"Go ahead."
"I would like to speak to this Twilight Sparkle, if that is possible?" Matheson said. "If she lives in the town I have seen, she may have some clue of what would befall it."
"Very well." Celestia said. "I will accompany you, however. The sight of a strange being, and two dragons entering Ponyville would scare a great many."
"Fair, though I am a Nord of Skyrim, not merely a being." Matheson said. "There are other races, the Imperials, Bretons, Redguards, the various Elves, the Khajiit, and the Argonians, all of them inhabit Tamriel."
"I would like to learn about them and this land called Skyrim, however at a later time." Celestia said. "I will show you to Ponyville."
As they returned to the courtyard, Celestia summoned a Chariot for herself and a team of Solar Guards to act as an escort.
"Durnehviir," the Dragonborn said, mounting up. "Follow Celestia."
"By your command, Qahnaarin." the ancient Dragon replied. As they flew off, the Dragonborn tightened his hold on the mottled scales of his mount.
====
As the combined group landed in Ponyville Plaza, the inhabitants stared and gaped at the size of the two Dragons that had just landed in their town.
"Would any of you know where Princess Twilight is?" Celestia asked.
"She should be in her castle, Princess." a townspony said. "What about the dragons, and that thing?"
"They are my guests." Celestia said. "And Matheson Hawksblood, the biped, has come to Equestria to seek aid. I expect him to be treated respectfully."
The townsponies nodded, though they were clearly still nervous.
"Let them be." Matheson said to Durnehviir, who sent feral glares at whoever whispered at them. "They are not a threat."
"They speak about you." Durnehviir replied. "In a way I find offensive."
"I will stay my hand nonetheless." Matheson said. "I expect you to keep your anger in check, old friend."
"As you wish." Durnehviir obliged. As they approached the Crystal Tree that Matheson recognized from his vision, Celestia knocked on the door and a lavender Alicorn answered.
"Oh, Celestia!" she said. "Welcome!"
"Thank you, Twilight." Celestia said. "Though there is one other you must welcome."
As Matheson came forward, Twilight raised her eyebrows.
"Matheson Hawksblood." the Dragonborn said. "I come for aid."
"Well, let's see what I can do." Twilight said, standing to the side. "Come on in."
Bidding Durnehviir and Odahviing to stay put, Matheson entered the ornate castle and sat down at a large table. As Twilight jumped into a rather spacious-looking library, Celestia sat next to him.
"I reckon there are more books in there than the entire College of Winterhold." Matheson said. "And the College itself has one of the most endowed libraries in the whole of Tamriel."
"Have you been there?" Celestia asked.
"I have, as I used to be the College's Arch-Mage." Matheson said. "I am not only a skilled warrior with blade and shield, but I have also studied Restoration and Destruction magic."
"Restoration? Destruction?" Celestia asked.
"Restoration magic is based around healing wounds and repelling the undead spawn." Matheson said. "Destruction magic relies on use of flame, frost, and lightning to harm and destroy. I am proficient in Alteration, Illusion, and Conjuration, but I have my favorites."
"You'll have to show me sometime." Twilight said, coming back in with a large stack of books. "Our magic is quite different, but yours is fascinating!:
"My thanks." Matheson said. "Are we set?"
"Yes, go right ahead!" Twilight said, writing down MATHESON'S WORLD on a sheet of paper.
Matheson smiled, and spoke.
"We began with Ysgramor, the leader of the Five Hundred Companions, and the one who claimed Skyrim for the Nords…"
====
"However, the peace would not last." Matheson said. "During the Oblivion Crisis in Cyrodiil, Emperor Tiber Septim and the Hero of Kvatch defeated the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon, using the power of Akatosh. Soon after, the Nords took to worshipping Septim, now called Talos, as one of the Eight Divines. That set off the chain of events that would lead to my journeys in Skyrim."
"Why?" Celestia asked.
"The High Elf army, or Thalmor, found it obscene that a mere man could become a god." Matheson said. "Thus, the Great War began between the Imperials and the Elves, one the Imperials lost. The White-Gold Concordat forbid the worship of Talos, and in Skyrim their Thalmor enforcers could arrest anyone who worshipped him."
"That's insane!" Twilight cried.
"To many, that was the case." Matheson said. "A young Jarl of Windhelm, Ulfric Stormcloak, would agree with you. He and his supporters waited to rise at the proper time. When a group called the Forsworn attacked the city of Markarth, Ulfric saw his chance."
"These men under Ulfric would eliminate the Forsworn, in exchange Talos worship would be permitted." Matheson said. "Ulfric used an ancient Nord art known as the Voice to shout the Forsworn from Markarth's battlements."
"The Voice?" Celestia asked.
"I will explain later." Matheson said. "However, the Elves interfered once they found out. They threatened war again if Ulfric was not silenced. The Empire did so, but let Ulfric go soon after. Later, Ulfric would travel to the Capital of Skyrim, Solitude, to challenge the High King, Torygg to a duel."
"Who won?" Celestia asked.
"Ulfric." Matheson said. "He used the Voice to shout King Torygg apart, blasting him into bits."
Celestia and Twilight paled.
"Then, he made his escape and founded the Stormcloak rebellion." Matheson said. "Thus began the Civil War that plagued Skyrim for many years. The Imperials under Torygg's widow, Elisif, and General Tullius, against Ulfric and his Housecarl, Galmar Stone-Fist. Both sides had their causes to fight for, too many to list."
"Families were torn apart, cities swore their allegiance to either side, Skyrim was truly not the same." Matheson said.
"And this, is where my story begins."
This made Twilight nod eagerly.
"I cannot remember my life before I came to Skyrim, my homeland." the Dragonborn said. "But I do remember waking up bound on a cart. A horse thief was with me, and a Stormcloak soldier named Ralof. And next to me, gagged, was Ulfric Stormcloak himself. They had been ambushed by Imperial troops, and the horse thief and I were caught in the middle. We were heading to the town of Helgen, to be executed.'
"There, as we assembled, the horse thief attempted to flee, and was killed by the Imperial archers. A Stormcloak soldier was beheaded, then a booming noise was heard throughout the valley."
"I was called to the block. The sound came again. Then, I was set to be beheaded." Matheson said. "Then, there were cries of disbelief as a black, winged beast descended from the clouds."
"The Bane of Kings, the Firstborn of Akatosh...that beast was the dragon Alduin." Matheson said. "He attacked the town, and in the chaos, Ulfric and many other Stormcloaks escaped. I, Ralof, and an Imperial named Hadvar joined forces to make our getaway. My bonds were cut, and we journeyed together to the town of Riverwood."
"There, I would reconcile their families, and I volunteered to journey to Whiterun, to alert their Jarl of the threat. I did so, and took my first free steps in Skyrim. Before I left, I recovered a Dragonstone from a crypt full of Draugr and Bandits."
"Draugr?" Celestia asked.
"Undead." Matheson said. "They are the bodies of the dead Nordic warriors long past, reanimated by some foul force. They retain their knowledge of battle, and some can even use the Voice. However, I met with Whiterun's Jarl and Court Wizard, and soon a dragon was sighted west of the City."
"Alduin?" Twilight asked.
"No, my battle with Alduin was far ahead. It was Mirmulnir, a servant of his." Matheson said. "I and a force of Whiterun Guards slew him, and I absorbed his soul, turning the once-mighty dragon to bones. That was when I learned I was Dragonborn, able to slay Dragons and take their souls. I alone could stop Alduin." Matheson said. "Thus, my journey truly began. I undertook many quests and battled many foes to reach Alduin. I ventured to the Nordic Afterlife, Sovngarde, and in a great battle that shook the heavens, I ended Alduin. I could not absorb his soul, but I believe he is dead." Matheson said. "I have many other tales to tell, but they are so many I believe it would take ten volumes to speak them all."
Twilight finished writing, and gasped in wonder.
"Wow." she said. "And how old are you?"
"Forty-seven." Matheson said. "For many years, I lived in quiet at my home in Falkreath. My various friends and allies taking over positions I once held. as of three weeks ago, I began to have visions, night terrors."
Matheson repeated what he told Celestia to Twilight, who flinched.
"I came here to find relief from them, and purge whatever evil causes them." Matheson sighed. "Where does that leave us?"
"I will see." Celestia said. "That was quite the story, Dragonborn."
"Indeed." Twilight added. "You'll have to tell me more sometime."
"Later." Matheson said. "Now, I must speak with my companions…"
Then, there was a cry of anger.
"SPIKE, YOU LITTLE RUNT, GET OUT HERE!"
Matheson saw a small dragon come out and run to Twilight.
"It's…" the dragon called Spike said.
"Garble." Twilight said. "A troublemaking Dragon."
"Dragon?" Matheson asked. "Let me deal with this."
As Matheson exited, a group of seven adolescent dragons were standing in front of the castle in fury. One, as red as Odahviing, strode forward.
"Who are you?" he scoffed.
"One you do not want to anger." Matheson said. "What is your quarrel with young Spike?"
"He's a runt who's gonna get what he deserves!" Garble said. He was going to walk past Matheson, only for a blade of Nordic Steel to touch his throat, stopping him.
"I don't think so." Matheson said, readying Endeavor. "Whatever it is, settle it with me."
"What do you know, grandpa?" Garble roared. Durnehviir and Odahviing bristled at that comment, and were about to intervene when Matheson smiled.
"I know a great many things. Slaying dragons is one of them." he said. "Fight me."
"I'll tear you apart!" Garble retorted. "Eat this!"
Garble spat a stream of fire towards the Dragonborn, who simply raised his shield and defended himself.
"You have shown your flame, let me show mine." Matheson said, readying his blade. He took in a breath, and spoke in a shout so powerful, the ground quaked.
"YOR...TOR SHUUL!"
Author's Note
Holy...this one took a while.
Totally worth it. If I got the canon wrong in Matheson's explanation, it'll be cleared up later. I promise.
Next time-Garble gets his ass handed to him, and the Dragonborn shows his power. Also, a new enemy takes notice of the Dovahkiin's presence...
