The Wolf Queen Awakens

Chapter 4

High Hrothgar wasn't much warmer inside than out but at least she was out of the wind. Quiet and dark it was, peaceful after the long trek up the mountain. She'd heard it was far removed from the cares of the world, and it seemed it. Up here, she could almost forget about Torygg and the war and Ulfric. Almost.

"Hello?" she called out. "Anyone here?"

Movement and then four of them emerged, four Nords in furred robes assembling in the hallway, three of them standing quietly in the background while the fourth made his way over.

"So, a Dragonborn comes at this turning of the age." The Greybeard looked her over and Elisif couldn't tell if he approved or not. "I am Master Arngeir. I speak for the Greybeards. Tell me, why have you come here?"

A question with many different answers and it was hard to pick one, but Elisif did her best. "Because I think I'm Dragonborn," she sighed. "And I need help." Because I'm scared of the power, scared of myself, scared I'm turning into Ulfric...

Arngeir nodded, actually seeming sympathetic – pleased, at any rate. "Well, that is what we are here to do, guide and guard the Dragonborn on her way. If, that is, you really are Dragonborn. Come, let us taste of your voice. Do not fear harming us, we are all trained to withstand the power of the Thu'um."

"What... you mean, Shouting?" Elisif asked, exchanging nervous looks with Ria and Jordis. Aedra, no, the Shouts seemed to make it worse somehow. Arngeir nodded, waiting expectantly, as were the other three. All waiting for her to prove she was Dragonborn. All waiting for her to Shout. In order to win the Greybeards' help, she'd have to do the very thing that made her more dragon-like. Not like she had a choice, did she? Steeling herself, she took a deep breath.

"FUS!"

Arngeir staggered back, the Greybeard behind him staggered back, vases and pots went flying and the room seemed to shake. Elisif felt the voice in her head howl in delight, a savage joy that her voice was so strong even the Greybeards had trouble withstanding it. All shall fall before me and I shall be Queen!

Elisif caught her breath as the delight faded. Dear gods, what was she turning into?? She'd never wanted this sort of power before. Now here she was craving it?

"Dragonborn," said Arngeir, marvelling as he recovered his balance. "It is you. Welcome."

"Thank you," Elisif whispered. "I'm Dragonborn. Now what?"

Arngeir smiled, reaching out a hand and leading her forward. "Now, Dragonborn, it's time for you to learn."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Elisif wasn't sure how long she'd been at the monastery. Hours? Days? Hard to tell. Her training had gone well, right up until she'd put the new Thu'um they'd taught her together with one of the ones she already knew and realised she was learning the same thing Ulfric had killed her husband with. At that point, she'd broken down in tears and wept that she couldn't do it, she couldn't be Dragonborn, she couldn't turn into a monster, she couldn't. Arngeir had looked a bit confused and asked what was wrong, and she'd ended up confessing everything. That she was the rightful High Queen but only because Ulfric had used the Thu'um to murder her husband, the High King before her. At the mention of Ulfric's name, Arngeir's face had grown grim but he'd nodded in sympathy and led her away to talk in private.

"I'm sorry," Elisif whispered, wiping the tears away. "You must think I'm pathetic."

"Not at all, my dear, you've clearly not had the best time with the Voice," Arngeir said, his voice soothing. "If your first introduction to it was to see it misused, and against your own husband... no wonder. Here, sit, have some mead, you look like you need it."