Daughter Of Alduin | A Skyrim inspired novel

Chapter 8 | The Greybeards

Shea and her team were resting on the mountain. Shea, already awake early, stood at the edge, looking at the breathtaking view. She held the gem in her hand, inspecting it in the sunlight. Odahviing, still hurt, lay nearby, needing a few days to recover. Shea checked on the dragon, applying some herbs she had gathered to his wounds. Nivan and Valen were still sleeping.

Walking around nervously, Shea tried fitting the gem onto her sword, but it wouldn't work. Odahviing watched her and spoke softly, "You will need to forge the gem into the sword. Simply slamming it with your bare hands won't suffice." Feeling a bit distressed, Shea sat down next to Odahviing. "I'm not ready to fight strong dragons yet," she admitted. "I haven't even mastered my own powers. How can I take on other big beasts?"

Odahviing felt pity for Shea. "The only way to train is to either go back to Paarthurnax or visit the Greybeards," he advised gently.

Shea looked at him, uncertainty in her eyes. "Paarthurnax taught me some basics, but I don't feel ready. The Greybeards... they're legends. Do you really think they can help me?"

Odahviing nodded slowly. "The Greybeards have dedicated their lives to mastering the Voice. They can help you understand and control your powers. Paarthurnax has his wisdom, but the Greybeards' collective knowledge is unparalleled."

Shea sighed, looking at the gem in her hand again. "I want to protect my friends, to be strong enough to face whatever comes. But every step forward feels like I'm not ready for the next."

Odahviing's gaze softened. "Strength comes from understanding and experience. You have the heart of a Dragonborn, but you need the training to match it. Seek out the Greybeards. Learn from them. And when you return, you will be ready."

Just then, Nivan stirred awake, stretching and yawning. "Morning already?" she asked groggily, noticing Shea's troubled expression. "What's on your mind, Shea?"

Shea shared Odahviing's suggestion with her. Nivan nodded thoughtfully. "If it will help you become stronger, then it's worth it. We've come this far together, and we'll face whatever comes next together too."

Valen, now awake as well, joined the conversation. "I've heard stories of the Greybeards' wisdom. If they can help you, we should go."

Shea looked at her friends, their unwavering support giving her the resolve she needed. "Alright. We'll go to the Greybeards. We'll get stronger together."

With their path set, Shea felt a renewed sense of purpose. They would seek out the Greybeards, learn what they needed, and return ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As they prepared to leave, Shea looked at Odahviing, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you for your guidance."

Odahviing nodded. "May your journey be safe and your strength grow. I will be here when you return."

With that, Shea and her team set off towards High Hrothgar.

Shea and her friends first traveled back to Whiterun to gather more supplies. They stayed another night at Valen's father's place, enjoying hot baths and a warm meal. The next morning, they set off towards the mountain of High Hrothgar.

After a few hours of walking, Shea felt exhausted, and her friends were equally worn out. Valen, panting, joked, "Right now, I'd rather be on a dragon's back than walk myself."

Suddenly, Shea collapsed on the ground. Nivan, worried, rushed to her side and threw water on her face to wake her up. Shea's eyes fluttered open, but she looked utterly drained.

"I'm so tired of everything," she whispered weakly, her body clearly unable to handle the strain anymore.

Nivan gently lifted Shea's head. "We need to rest, Shea. Pushing ourselves this hard won't help anyone."