Journal Entry ~ Morndas, 23rd of Mid Year
Ancient Nord Wall, The Rift - Autumnwatch Tower
Much time has passed since I first recorded my thoughts. I can only hope my efforts to recall all that has transpired since will do justice to these events.
I left Dawnstar on the 11th of Mid Year after securing provisions from the inn and trading with a Khajiit caravan that had just made camp outside the city. Very little distance was made before I was set upon by a frost troll and a trio of bandits. Using my strategic skills against them, I quickly dispatched the threat and forged onward. I managed to secure a fascinating book – Black Arts on Trial - in a cairn just east of Morthal.
I found Morthal an unusual place with much darkness hanging over it like a mist. As I wandered around, I happened upon a burned down structure and entered through where the door would have been. One could sense the strong yet non-threatening presence of spirits here; the presence manifested itself as a child, a young girl who wanted nothing more than to play hide and seek. She seemed frightened of some dark being and I needed to release this innocent from her bonds to Mundus. I have decided to “play a game” with the child and will seek her out after dark as she wished.
Imagine my surprise when I not only found the specter of this little girl in a coffin but also discovered an abomination – a vampire. This she-devil preyed on this child in life and gave her no peace in death. Thus, I eliminated the monster and freed the child. She is now at peace. The jarl must know of this.
Jarl Idgrod listened but needs evidence before accusing anyone of wrongdoing and has tasked me with finding proof. Evidence of the person who caused the fire that took the lives of Hroggar’s wife and child must be discovered in order to bring closure to the townspeople. While I will not relate every detail here, suffice it to say a woman named Alva, a vampire, was part of a sinister plot to enslave the people of Morthal as cattle for a Master Vampire named Movarth. All this information was detailed in Alva’s journal and all have been turned to ash.
As a safeguard, I met with Lami, a Nord apothecary, and proprietor of the Thaumaturgist's Hut in Morthal. She traded a cure disease potion for some rare ingredients I had collected. On the way out, I encountered a young boy, Joric is his name, who runs along the shores. It seems he is the son of the jarl. His older sister, Idgrod the Younger, explained the boy shares his mother’s gift of “the sight” and has requested I take a letter to the priestess Danica in Whiterun informing her of his current status to which I agreed. Having been considered “different” as a child, I understand how critical it is for Joric to feel safe and understood.
A light rain fell as I left Morthal in the early morning hour however the trip was fairly uneventful, only the usual wolves and the occasional bear. I arrived in Whiterun late afternoon of the 12th of Mid Year, just in time to see three warriors take down a giant who had been wreaking havoc on a farm. I do not know what attracted this giant this close to the town. One of the warriors, a redhead, tried to engage me in conversation. Her demeanor spoke of self-assurance but I did not surmise she was their leader. As they left, I followed the warriors at a safe distance to the city’s gates and discovered they belonged to the Companions, a legendary band of Nord warriors. This is worthy of my attention. Perhaps the Companions will provide the training I need to hone my skills and prove my worth.
After some discussion with the gate guards, I was allowed entrance and met with Danica Pure-Spring and handed her Idgrod’s letter. She was thankful but seemed distracted by a dying tree in the center of Whiterun. I retrieved a blade called Nettlebane from a hagraven in Orphan Rock who nearly ended me with her fire blasts and eventually a recovered a sapling granted to me by the Gildergreen herself in Eldergleam sanctuary.
I have not forgotten the task of locating this collection of books from the notice board so I have decided this must come before aligning with Companions. I do not believe I am avoiding a meeting with their Harbinger and I do not doubt my prowess as a warrior; I simply believe I must complete an assignment even if locating rare books seems trivial. I know the value of books and the knowledge they contain.
Am I doubting my worth?
As a safeguard, I met with Lami, a Nord apothecary, and proprietor of the Thaumaturgist's Hut in Morthal. She traded a cure disease potion for some rare ingredients I had collected. On the way out, I encountered a young boy, Joric is his name, who runs along the shores. It seems he is the son of the jarl. His older sister, Idgrod the Younger, explained the boy shares his mother’s gift of “the sight” and has requested I take a letter to the priestess Danica in Whiterun informing her of his current status to which I agreed. Having been considered “different” as a child, I understand how critical it is for Joric to feel safe and understood.
A light rain fell as I left Morthal in the early morning hour however the trip was fairly uneventful, only the usual wolves and the occasional bear. I arrived in Whiterun late afternoon of the 12th of Mid Year, just in time to see three warriors take down a giant who had been wreaking havoc on a farm. I do not know what attracted this giant this close to the town. One of the warriors, a redhead, tried to engage me in conversation. Her demeanor spoke of self-assurance but I did not surmise she was their leader. As they left, I followed the warriors at a safe distance to the city’s gates and discovered they belonged to the Companions, a legendary band of Nord warriors. This is worthy of my attention. Perhaps the Companions will provide the training I need to hone my skills and prove my worth.
After some discussion with the gate guards, I was allowed entrance and met with Danica Pure-Spring and handed her Idgrod’s letter. She was thankful but seemed distracted by a dying tree in the center of Whiterun. I retrieved a blade called Nettlebane from a hagraven in Orphan Rock who nearly ended me with her fire blasts and eventually a recovered a sapling granted to me by the Gildergreen herself in Eldergleam sanctuary.
I have not forgotten the task of locating this collection of books from the notice board so I have decided this must come before aligning with Companions. I do not believe I am avoiding a meeting with their Harbinger and I do not doubt my prowess as a warrior; I simply believe I must complete an assignment even if locating rare books seems trivial. I know the value of books and the knowledge they contain.
Am I doubting my worth?
I did, however, meet Eorlund Gray-Mane under whose tutelage I crafted my first set of steel swords at the Skyforge no less! As I grip the handles, they seem right for me like an extension of myself. I know no other way to describe this feeling. I would like to think my family would be proud of this accomplishment. I know my mentors at the School of Julianos would acknowledge this significant step. I miss Sentinel. I find making social connections difficult in Skyrim. I am not like these people and struggle to understand them and fit in.
Leaving Whiterun, I headed southwest toward my first destination. Passing through the small village of Riverwood, I decided to rest there and trade some goods. The innkeeper, Orgnar, allowed me to use his alchemy table and suggested trying blisterwort and wheat to make a health potion. This was the only recipe that seemed to work and I quickly depleted my alchemical ingredients. I do have enough left to brew tea at least.
I cleared a barrow for the proprietor of the Riverwood Trader and recovered a stolen item. It seems bandits stole a golden claw from his shop. I investigated this Bleak Falls Barrow and found a Hall of Stories! Magnificent! And this claw opened an ancient Nord gate.
After dispatching a Draugr Overlord, I discovered an ancient Nord wall with strange writing. Some of the writing glowed and the chamber vibrated with the hum of voices. I think the voices were chanting. Somehow I absorbed a mystical power from this wall. A word. What I found strange is that I understood what this word meant but do not know why or what it’s significance is to my journey. Perhaps there is none at all but I will seek knowledge on this during my travels. I hear both the College of Winterhold and the Bard’s College in Solitude have extensive libraries.
Leaving Whiterun, I headed southwest toward my first destination. Passing through the small village of Riverwood, I decided to rest there and trade some goods. The innkeeper, Orgnar, allowed me to use his alchemy table and suggested trying blisterwort and wheat to make a health potion. This was the only recipe that seemed to work and I quickly depleted my alchemical ingredients. I do have enough left to brew tea at least.
I cleared a barrow for the proprietor of the Riverwood Trader and recovered a stolen item. It seems bandits stole a golden claw from his shop. I investigated this Bleak Falls Barrow and found a Hall of Stories! Magnificent! And this claw opened an ancient Nord gate.
After dispatching a Draugr Overlord, I discovered an ancient Nord wall with strange writing. Some of the writing glowed and the chamber vibrated with the hum of voices. I think the voices were chanting. Somehow I absorbed a mystical power from this wall. A word. What I found strange is that I understood what this word meant but do not know why or what it’s significance is to my journey. Perhaps there is none at all but I will seek knowledge on this during my travels. I hear both the College of Winterhold and the Bard’s College in Solitude have extensive libraries.
That evening I attended a festival in Riverwood. Imagine me, at a festival with drinking and merriment! Much drinking, singing, and dancing was done but not by me. I will never understand the desire to drink wine, ale, and mead until one’s senses are dull and reason has flown away making one’s behavior bawdy and crass. This is beneath me, this sort of revelry.
To my surprise, not only was an Imperial captain in attendance but a Stormcloak captain as well. I will note they were civil to each other while casting aspersions to others on the side. I am told they were once fast friends. I find this sad knowing that war can divide friends, families, and towns.
Passed through Helgen on my way to procure the first of the books. A great battle took place there. The place is in ruin and overrun with bandits. Not anymore, however. After leaving Helgen, I discovered another Nord wall in a place called Autumnwatch Tower after clearing the place of more bandits. Once again, I absorbed the wall’s knowledge. One day I will find a way to describe the sensation when this happens.
I must add a new ritual to my twice-daily meditations - twice-daily journaling. I will endeavor to keep better notes; I barely recollect all that transpires. I sense my destiny evolving in a way I did not foresee. Now more than ever, the significance of my path must be documented if I wish to inspire faith and belief in the Ansei as more than a myth.
To my surprise, not only was an Imperial captain in attendance but a Stormcloak captain as well. I will note they were civil to each other while casting aspersions to others on the side. I am told they were once fast friends. I find this sad knowing that war can divide friends, families, and towns.
Passed through Helgen on my way to procure the first of the books. A great battle took place there. The place is in ruin and overrun with bandits. Not anymore, however. After leaving Helgen, I discovered another Nord wall in a place called Autumnwatch Tower after clearing the place of more bandits. Once again, I absorbed the wall’s knowledge. One day I will find a way to describe the sensation when this happens.
I must add a new ritual to my twice-daily meditations - twice-daily journaling. I will endeavor to keep better notes; I barely recollect all that transpires. I sense my destiny evolving in a way I did not foresee. Now more than ever, the significance of my path must be documented if I wish to inspire faith and belief in the Ansei as more than a myth.
