The Search For Answers

We had arrived at Riverwood without a hitch. It all seemed too quiet. I felt the wind blow to the east continuously, as if it was running away from something. Even the wind knew where to go. We pushed on towards Riverwood anyway, even if the signs are telling us otherwise. This was the first time in a very long while I've read signs as obvious as this.

Esbern and Delphine greeted each other like old friends do, once we arrived at the Sleeping Giant Inn. Delphine immediately suggested we all go downstairs to talk. I guess it's why Delphine wanted Esbern here. He seems to be a wise old geezer. He must know something we don't. Kiya isn't too enthusiastic about all this; she followed us reluctantly. The Blades seek to destroy the dragons, and if Kiya can find a way to stop that without letting the world get destroyed in turn, I'll gladly follow her.

They didn't have paper?

Esbern suggested that we go find this long-lost Alduin's Wall. I do not know how he came by this knowledge while caged in the ratways, but if this will help us defeat the God-Dragon, so be it. The old man said it was to be found in the Sky Haven Temple, near Karthspire, to the west. The west, where winds dare not enter. I heard Kiya sigh. She must have read the signs like I have. I did not think her a superstitious person like the Redguard are, but her time with the folks of Skyrim and me might have influenced her. We know what's coming, at the very least.

Delphine told us to travel with her, but we declined. Kiya and I will meet you there, I explained. The female Blade frowned at me, and bid Kiya safe travels. I frowned as well as she turned her back. I hoped only the old man gets there alive. 

Kiya and I spent the night together in a secluded place. We were about to face the evil unknown, and even if we delayed for a while, we had to share our warmth for maybe the last time. I had selfishly asked the gods for more nights like this, but the fate of the world is in our hands. I shuddered at the thought of this. I had a bad feeling.

A few days later, several paces away from the Karthspire, we saw the most horrifying thing we had ever seen.

Cool. I wish I could do that.

Alduin, the God-Dragon, the World Eater, was in the process of resurrecting a dragon from its tomb. I had heard of this, but I did not believe it; I had thought the dragons must have come from other parts of Tamriel. Kiya and I stood there, frozen in disbelief. Esbern and Delphine reached us in time to witness this monstrosity perform such vile act. 

By the time we came to our senses, Alduin had gone, and in his place was Nahagliiv. I looked behind me and nodded at Kiya. Always the hesitant Dragonborn. If circumstances left Kiya alone in the face of Alduin, I would not want to know what will happen then. I charged at the resurrected dragon.

I won't even remember your name!

Within moments, the dragon had been buried again on the ground. It did not fly, and I know it must be heartbreaking for Kiya to witness this moment: A dragon, once free and flew wherever it pleased, killed in combat and fell to the ground, resurrected to fly for a master, only to fall again to the ground, breaking down into the bones it once was. I could imagine her anger at Alduin. She has enough reasons to kill him on her own now, I realize.

The sun was already up when we reach Karthspire. The horde of Forsworn gave color to the otherwise dull color of the ruins as they fell to the ground, blood spilling. Screams were heard all over the place. Dragons and wolves alike would have heard the commotion a mile away. It was the only way inside the Temple.

Early morning bloodshed.

A puzzling path of stone greeted us when we entered the cave. Luckily, the old man still had a keen mind, and we made it through to the other side.

I could just jump to that entrance, but the old man can't, so I have to help him.

Sky Haven Temple... it certainly looked like a place the Blades would use as a hideout--cold and dull. Esbern lit the brazier, but the light from the sky above gave it all the light it needed. It was dark, damp, and unused for centuries. A large chest lay on the center of the cavernous structure. It seemed like a trap to those foolish enough to try and open it. Esbern went ahead and inspected the skull door, and said that we would need the blood of a dragon in order to open it. 

No wonder the Blades dwindled in numbers.

I stepped on top of the seal, and sliced my finger open to let the blood drip onto it. It shone bright, as if invigorated by the presence of a dragon, although why the Blades chose this mechanism for their hideout, I do not know. The skull door opened.

What if they run out of Dragon blood?

The door revealed the wall Esbern was talking about--Alduin's Wall. It was majestic. I had hoped for a word wall, where Kiya and I would be able to learn a shout from, but no. This was just--just--a wall with historical records. Damn the gods! Damn the Blades! All this running after some wall, all for some information! I fumed as Esbern told us the history of the damned humans who fought the dragons. I did not care for such things. However, it did tell us of a Shout they used to defeat the dragons--Dragonrend, they called it. 

All this to go back and ask the Greybeards?? GRAAAHHH!

Esbern felt helpless right now. We had to ask the Greybeards what they know about it, they said, grudgingly. All for more information. I do not even know what they'll be able to tell us, but I am sure that we are wasting time traveling back and forth for uncertainties and pieces of the puzzle. But we had no choice. Kiya and I made our way outside the temple, leaving Esbern and Delphine behind to let them revel at the lost Blades' hideout. The nerve of these dragonslayers, even finding the time to enjoy themselves! 

It took us several days to reach High Hrothgar. The Greybeards welcomed us quietly, and went about their own ways immediately. Arngeir greeted us once we found him. He seemed almost shocked that we had gained information from the Blades, and berated us for letting them corrupt our minds. I would have none of it.

Well, it's fortunate I don't get intemperate with you.

He told us of Dragonrend, the Shout that defeated the dragons, and ultimately, Alduin. He did not know of it, however, for the knowledge of it did not get passed on to them. Their leader, however, knew of it. Leader? I thought to myself. We had not met this Paarthurnax they speak of. Who is this man? How does he know of this Shout? Is he a Dragonborn, as well?

Oh, he will. He will.

Arngeir showed us the way to Paarthurnax's location further up the mountains, at the very peak. The Greybeards taught us a shout to dispel the raging weather that would otherwise hinder our movement, and maybe even kill us if we were not careful. Kiya thanked them for their help; I turned and Shouted at the winds even before she finished speaking.

Trolls lurked in almost every corner of the path to the peak of the mountain, and the winds are the harshest in Skyrim. We had almost reached the summit when I smelled something wrong. I could see a Wall from where I stood, and I could smell the stench of... a dragon! I could not find any human smell apart from ours in this place. Why is a dragon here, on top of the mountains, very near High Hrothgar? I had unsheathed my weapon when Kiya grabbed my shoulders, and whispered in my ear to stay where I was. If she wanted to prove something, this would be the right time, I suppose. I looked on as she walked towards the Wall, and the dragon came into view from above the clouds.

More like a plateau, not a mountain.

Behind Closed Doors

First there was only Delphine, now there's Esbern. I haven't been too enthusiastic about undertaking any of these Blade-related quests because of my continued distrust of the Breton woman. I grew even less enthusiastic when Kousei had to leave me with Delphine for a week or two so he could attend to crashing a Thalmor party in Solitude. Oh gods, I wanted so much to shoot an arrow through her head to silence her prattle once and for all! As if to simply annoy her, I intentionally neglected to take the potion to hide my wings the whole time. Let her deal with a dragon she wouldn't dare kill.

To add to my frustration, all of Kousei's efforts only gave us more questions than answers. He could have been killed because of Delphine's foolish (and certainly now-debunked) idea that the Thalmor were behind the dragons' return. Although it annoyed me to think that we had to find this Esbern on her orders, it was a relief to return to my domain in Riften. And with my Snow Wolf, no less.

Dude, we've been standing here for 10 minutes now. Make up your mind!

Kousei wasn't too happy with having to use my guild's secret passageway to get into the Ratway, but he had to agree that it would save us the hassle of fighting through the other less-than-savory characters that call the cisterns their home. I can see his lips pursed with obvious repressed fury to be suddenly surrounded by thieves. Although I know my second-in-command Brynjolf will be more than eager to help us, I would have to rely on my underlings in the Ragged Flagon this time. Kousei and my guild's headquarters don't exactly make a perfect match.

I knew there was something fishy about the "misc. expenses" in the Guild ledger. 

I had to fight back a chuckle when I saw Dirge quietly scuttling to the shadows when he saw Kousei. I should have known he had a run-in with my love back when he was still chasing me all over Skyrim. They sought to protect their Guildmaster, and I have no doubt that they would help me now. I questioned Vekel the barman if we had anyone named 'Esbern' in our custody. He stopped his sweeping for a moment to think, and he told me of an old geezer in the Warrens that they've been keeping alive out of charity. Vekel seems to think he's slightly unhinged, but we'll see.

Get ready for a game of hide and seek!

Prior to entering the Warrens, Vekel warned us that we are not alone in searching for Esbern. Although my fellow thieves would turn away the Thalmor when they could, they couldn't guarantee that the Ratway Warrens were free of them. True enough, Kousei and I beheld some all-too-familiar figures the moment we entered the depths of Riften's underbelly.

I bet you're wishing I was wearing something else, hmm?

Despite being the Thieves Guildmaster, I have to confess that I hardly ventured into this part of the Ratway. It was quite easy to get disoriented in the catacombs, although we used this to our advantage when taking down the several Thalmor who had gotten there before us. As we neared our destination, it got all too clear that Esbern wasn't the only one who wanted to use this place to disappear from society. His 'cell-mates' had their own ways of being quirky, to put things lightly. As the Queen of Thieves, I was apparently running a slightly-insane asylum without me knowing it.

Dragonborn. Dog. Dragonborn. No, no, no.

Esbern himself was shut behind the most fortified door of the lot. That spoke much by itself, I thought. Kousei was in favor of Shouting the door down when our target continued to be tight-lipped about his identity, but I convinced him to let me try talking the old loon out. Oh, the sacrifices you're willing to take in the name of Skyrim's greater good.

Sorry, but the subtitles have already blown your cover.

That window can still let in spells and arrows, you know.

It wasn't easy, but I eventually got myself an audience with the old Blade. Although I tried to convince him that Kousei was a trusted companion, Esbern insisted that he was to speak to me alone, and promptly shut Kousei out of his hideaway. I seethed inside. What do all these Blades have against my beloved? Making a real effort to hide my anger, I told Esbern about Delphine needing his help regarding the dragon problem. The response I got was no less than dramatic. He began to rant about having tried to warn the rest of the Blades about the signs, how they foretold the return of the black dragon Alduin. They had ignored his warnings, and now the dragons were here again. Now it was too late, for only a Dragonborn could stop the World-Eater.

Esbern describing Alduin the Binge-Eater.

Esbern was silent a moment to catch his breath. At that moment, I made the decision to tell him about my ability to Shout and absorb dragon souls -- abilities of the Dragonborn. And furthermore, that the Redguard he had locked out of his room had the same powers as I. To say that his jaw fell to the floor was an understatement. It took a while for him to gather his thoughts (and even later, to gather his things), but he finally agreed to be escorted back to Riverwood and be reunited with Delphine. As I waited for him to get ready, I thought about how I still personally doubted my worthiness and willingness to be the Dovahkiin of legend. I may have revealed my identity to Esbern with conviction, but still I felt that heavy weight in my heart. Does the Dragonborn function only as a dragonslayer? The Blades ought to be thankful that Kousei doesn't possess my conflicted views. They should be gravitating towards him, not me.

You want me to Fus Ro Dah you as a demonstration, old man?

Getting out of the Warrens may seem like a breeze compared to entering them, but the Thalmor had called some backup. I stopped my companions prior to exiting the madmen's refuge, noting that the air of the Ratway was different. Kousei, with his werewolf-imbued senses, affirmed my observations, and whispered that he smelled the High Elves nearby. I managed to seriously wound one with an arrow from the shadows, but he was not alone. Soon they were upon us (or rather, we were upon them). Kousei and I had to make sure Esbern was unscathed and arrow-free throughout the battle, but thankfully, he didn't get in the way as much as we thought he would. 

Wizard versus Beastmaster in action.

We returned to the Headquarters where we could take the shortcut back to the surface. On the way, I came across a face I hadn't seen in a long while -- Etienne Rarnis. He greeted me with the courtesy a thief would bestow on a Nightingale and Guildmaster, but he flinched a little when he saw Kousei. Etienne grudgingly gave him thanks for freeing him from the Thalmor Embassy, while at the same time murmuring that he wasn't too happy with how Kousei treated him. I had to reassure my underling that he wasn't always like that. For all I know, Kousei let him off the hook for my sake.

You made it back to Riften!

I heard Kousei let out a heavy sigh when we got out of the Ratway. I paused and turned to him. He had taken the potion prior to going into my domain. But now I saw that its effects had gone, and he had his wings again. Why could the Blades not see who you are? I silently wondered, raising my hand to caress the scars on his cheek. In the lamplight, I saw his fierce expression soften, and he likewise raised a hand to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear. I know we would have kissed then, if not for Esbern giving a fake cough behind us.

"Just make sure your bed's not creaky tonight, you hear?"

Nocturnal curse you, I told that wretched old man in my mind. I glanced at Kousei, and I know he was likewise praying for Hircine to rend Esbern to pieces at that moment. Recruiting this silly geezer had better be worth it. The Greybeards have little love for the likes of him, and now I find myself sharing that dislike more and more. If only Riverwood wasn't that far from here. If it was not for the sake of my adopted land, I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of aiding these shortsighted dragon hunters in hopes of finding out the truth behind Alduin, the dragon who attacked Helgen... the dragon who saved me.

Behind Enemy Lines

I will never know why spies want to get into all that trouble sneaking around and stealing things from the unaware. Succeeding in their line of work requires a lot of patience and light feet--I have neither, which is why I was surprised when Delphine sent me to gather Thalmor intelligence. Well, not really, as Kiya's face is all over Skyrim right now, and the mere glance of her war paint will cause guards to alert the whole town. I, on the other hand, am virtually unknown to the Thalmor. They were not present when the Civil war ended, a testament to their scum. I'd rather behead those filthy long-eared arseholes than sneak up from behind them and steal their things. 

Of course, Delphine told me it is of the utmost importance that I not be caught. Hence, I have to forgo my weapons and armor for some robes and other fancy garb. I was to attend a party for the... privileged, I should say. The people who make life a living hell for the poor. I had to control my temper, lest I be caught. In my mind, though, I know I can take them all down, the rich and the Thalmor. 

I left Kiya with Delphine at Riverwood while I went to Solitude to meet with this Malborn, the one who's going to smuggle me into the party. My gear, at least. I had an invitation prepared, and I was to get inside, not get caught, sneak out while everyone's busy, and rummage through Thalmor documents in order to find out their involvement with Alduin and the dragon problem. Sounds simple enough. 

YOU don't look like much. Jerk.

I reached Solitude a full week later. Malborn looked like he knows what needs to be done, although he doesn't think I'm the right man for the job. He's right--I am bulky, and maybe a few people would recognize me. I only hope that the people there did not care much for the war that I might be nobody to them. Malborn took this illumination of me after I've surrendered my gear to him and changed into everyday rich clothes:

Ah, that subtitle.

I felt a deja vu as I entered the Thalmor Embassy. It was not in good terms when I left this... prison. I left no one alive then, and it seems as though the High Elves do not remember who I am. That is good. Elenwen, the Thalmor Ambassador to Skyrim, approached me and welcomed me to the party. She doesn't believe she had seen me before during this annual party, but she is nonetheless sure that I am of importance. I am, indeed, but not one on your side. I kept my rage in check, as I smiled at people who passed me by. 

I'm sure you'll welcome those whose names are on your list, even ones you don't know personally.

Malborn was manning the wine. He told me to create a distraction so I can get away from the party unseen. I nodded, and proceeded to find a way. I started talking to the guests. The first guest I talked to was Erikur. I believe I have heard his name before, but I was unsure. His face is familiar too. As he opened his mouth, I realized he was the obnoxious Thane to Elisif of Solitude. If this bumbling fool is here, she must also be. I must talk to her. 

As do I.

Maven Black-Briar was here, too. I should have known. I talked to her, hoping she wouldn't recognize me. She believes the Thalmor are powerful, and so she attaches herself to them. She also believes I was not there to mingle with the most powerful men and women of Skyrim--I had to stop talking to her and get out of her way if I was to continue with my mission. Tss. Thieves.

Not that kind of relationship.

Elisif found me amongst the crowd. She approached me as I extracted myself from the presence of the biggest thief in Skyrim. She told me she was grateful that we had spared her life, and that she knows of my... involvement with her friend, Kiya. She had heard that a manhunt on Kiya was ongoing, and remarked, "Isn't it difficult when the one you love is on the other side?" I knew she meant that another way, but I obliged with a nod. I kept her talking to me. I knew I could talk her into creating my distraction--she was the least distrusting of all the patrons in this gathering, and I know of her weakness for scenes and plays.

I wonder why anyone in the party would want to start a childish prank.

As she shouted at one of the guests for apparently "not knowing her name", I backed into the shadows. It felt different to move around without making a sound and with nobody looking at me suspiciously. I managed to get to the kitchen door, and Malborn led me inside to retrieve my gear. 

I only had a few minutes before they came looking for the bartender, so I had to find the documents in a hurry. Unfortunately for the Thalmor guards, they heard the loud thuds my footsteps created, and showed up one by one. I had to take them out. Beheading your enemies won't let them utter a word, let alone a scream:

Once you pop...

It was easy to dispatch of the guards. The harder part was to find the documents. Delphine and Malborn certainly did not know their whereabouts. Luckily, I found this prisoner named Etienne who seemed to know where they are. A pretty observant Nord, given that he was being flogged day by day for Talos-knows-what reasons. I told him I will release him if he told me where the documents are found. He agreed somewhat halfheartedly, as if the mess he's in is worse than the fate he'll suffer if I was not to spare him.

...you can't stop.

Etienne seemed to know a lot of the ins and outs of the Thalmor Embassy, even though he looked as thought he had been tied up there for almost a week now. He knew of a passage underground, and told me to follow him out. The light of the outside as I exited the chasm blinded me for a short while; I opened my eyes to find Etienne gone. I wondered who he was, and how he was going to survive the harsh cold. I realized I had to find my way to Riverwood at once, having gathered important information from the Thalmor Embassy itself. 

I arrived at Riverwood a week later. Along the way, I had read the documents I stole, and reported them to Kiya and Delphine. It seems the Thalmor were looking for one other Blades member named Esbern, to which Delphine responded with surprise that he was still alive. He was said to be holed up in the Ratway, Kiya's domain. We have to get there, and fast. Kiya knows the way. I missed her badly during the two weeks I was away, but Esbern's life was more important. We will have our time together, once we have saved all of Skyrim.

So you'll send us looking for him, eh?

The Hunter and the Hunted

 I am now able to sleep soundly now that the blood of the beast has been thoroughly purged from me. However, I admit that my temporary werewolf senses were quite a boon during the quest. Tracking the White Stag, for one, became child's play thanks to our combined scent-tracking instincts. In Kousei's eyes, that was our first true hunt together.

When I set eyes on the Stag, I was struck by how... harmless it looked. I found it easy to shoot down ordinary elks and deer without much hesitation, preferring to give the animals a swift death rather than play with them before they died. But there's something about that pale creature that made me hesitate to draw my weapons, even if it meant having the cursed ring removed from my grasp forever.

The Stag has a "Kill Me" sign. How convenient!

Kousei, however, encouraged me to stop romanticizing the animal, and to slay it so we can get the task over with. I inwardly sighed, but I drew my bow and carefully shot an arrow at it. I had aimed straight at the beast's head to assure a quick kill, but as a testament to its otherworldy nature, it managed to survive the hit and instead galloped away. My love and I took to chasing it higher up the mountains, resolving to hunt it down even as the weather gave way to snow. Finally, we cornered the Stag against some rocks, and I quickly drove one of my swords into its heart when I got the chance.

Perfect. I've set my sights on venison stew tonight.

No sooner was this done when an ephemeral stag appeared on the spot where I killed the beast. Its ghostly eyes pierced through me with a hunter's gaze -- quite unlike the docile deer that was its visage. Then, it spoke. Or rather, Hircine himself addressed me.

I wonder what else you've seen through those elk eyes of yours.

The Daedric Lord of the Hunt commended my efforts for hunting down his Stag, offhandedly remarking that his wolf had his senses set in the right place when he chose such a fine mate. It took me a while to understand that Hircine was referring to Kousei. Of course, how could I have forgotten that Kousei was as devoted to Hircine as I was to Nocturnal? Nonetheless, I went straight to the point and asked the Father of Manbeasts if he will remove the curse on the ring. Hircine gave a little chuckle, and in the typical manner of a cunning Daedric Lord, told me he might consider it if I seek out Sinding and skin him. Even though I was quick to say no to that demand, Hircine replied in a bored fashion that he had plenty of others to carry out the task even if I won't.

"There is no retribution in the hunt," Hircine told me when I inquired about the purpose of the kill. "It is not vengeance I seek, but the blood course of the living hunt."

In a way, I understood this. He hunts for the sake of hunting, the way Nocturnal is mysterious for the sake of being mysterious.

Hircine offering Essential Hunting Skills 101.

Hircine disappeared after reiterating his terms, leaving us with only the lifeless corpse of the White Stag. I sighed and began to grimly disembowel the carcass, wondering if it will yield anything of use. It was nothing but an ordinary deer on the inside, although I did retrieve an odd-looking root that looked eerily like the canis variant. When I showed it to Kousei, he frowned and told me to never even taste it. If he wasn't mistaken, it was a rare ingredient that could only be found in an island of his native Hammerfell. He had only seen it in alchemy books, but if the Jarrin Root was anything like it was described in texts, it would kill me if I took a tiniest bite out of it. I stared at the deadly root, realizing that it was part of Hircine's dark humor. If I couldn't live with being a werewolf at random, I could always just kill myself. Such was the will of the Daedric Lord of the Hunt.

A particularly jarring root.

Snow was still falling when we set out for Bloated Man's Grotto, where Hircine told us Sinding was hiding. It wasn't the best of conditions to go travelling in, but I knew I couldn't run away from this no matter how hard I tried. Kousei and I were silent as we trekked up the mountain bordering Lake Ilinalta, but I knew he recognized my inner turmoil. He held my hand several times during the journey, giving a gentle squeeze as he did so. I gave him a slight smile in return. I needed whatever reassurance he could give.

Let the hunting games begin.

The skies inside of Bloated Man's Grotto were remarkably clear. Everything was bathed in a shade of red, all thanks to the red moon -- Hircine's Bloodmoon, I later learned -- hovering high above the pines. True to what Hircine said, there were already several hunters who have set up camp inside. They have not yet killed Sinding, however. Kousei and I had to get to him first.

That's one big bloody moon.

As we were traversing the Grotto's winding paths (and killing several hostile bears in the process), I heard Kousei call my name softly. I stopped from where I was in the middle of crossing a stream to turn to him. He then said that Sinding was nearby, and reluctantly asked me what I intended to do. I looked him in the eye -- those amber eyes of a werewolf -- and saw that he was as torn as I. He felt sympathy for Sinding, but neither was he willing to let me continue suffer the random transformations.

"You know Hircine better than I do, beloved," I said. "Would you think it wise to do as he asks?"

Kousei pondered on this for a moment before replying, "I really do not know, my dear Nightingale. He cares for little but the actual thrill of the hunt. But whatever you choose, you know I am with you."

Say, we show Hircine what 'wild' really means, handsome?

Sinding in his werewolf form lurked nearby. He recognized Kousei, and was confused for a moment when he saw me approach. Then, he saw the ring on my finger, and he knew. With a look of resignation, he told us that he wouldn't hold it against us if we chose to follow Hircine's commands. Kousei wasn't exaggerating when he told me of Sinding's remorse, then. In that spur of the moment, I declared that I would spare his life. My love is a werewolf, and I've tasted how it felt to bear the beast blood. And I felt it right then and there -- not the preludes of another random werewolf transformation, but the innate urge to hunt.

You can talk while in werewolf form!

Hunted becomes the hunter.

Suffice to say, I quite lost much of my inhibitions in battle that night. My claws were my twin blades, and my teeth my spells. As I look at the illuminations Kousei took of me during my vicious rampage, I find it hard to believe the person decapitating the heads of the hunters -- now the hunted -- was me. This was another true hunt. And eerily, the vicious dragon side of my soul rejoiced. Be the hunter. Be the dragon, if not the wolf.

Off with your head!

Barbecuing the kill on the spot.

We met with Sinding again once all the hunters were dead. He gave us his thanks, telling us that we'll always be welcome in this place, which he's now made his home. The cursed ring was still on my finger, but I felt no regret. I knew I did what my instincts told me to do, and not what Hircine commanded.

How many werewolves are in this illumination?

The old familiar aspect of Hircine greeted us when we stepped out of the Grotto. Oddly enough, I did not feel afraid when I saw the ghostly stag. I coldly whispered that I did not kill Sinding as he wished. Contrary to our expectations, Hircine lauded me for providing such a satisfying display of a ferocious hunter. Finally freed of the curse, the silver wolf-ring loosened its grip on my finger. Prior to disappearing, Hircine lamented that it's such a waste I would prefer to be a little bird in the shadows instead of a fearsome wolf. He told me to keep the ring, saying that it might come useful should a snow-white werewolf convince me to join their ranks.

"Oh, I know of your existing contract with the Empress of Murk in this world and beyond," Hircine said, apparently reading my thoughts. "But I'm pretty sure I can convince Nocturnal to lend you to me every once in a while, my shadow wolf."

I had to give a little snort once Hircine was gone. It was well and good that it's over. The recent events have been tiring, and I would prefer to take a good long sleep in the arms of my beloved rather than ponder such questions for now. With luck, Lady Nocturnal will grant me dreamless slumber to calm my mind once more.

Woah woah Hircine, that nose is getting waaaay too close.

A Taste of Beast Blood

Kousei and I had chosen to spend the remainder of our time in my Falkreath property while we wait for Delphine to show up in Riverwood. It's a miracle Lakeview Manor was still unspoiled, and loyal Rayya continued to serve me despite my status as a fugitive. Thank the Divines the Stormcloaks hadn't considered searching for me here.

Checking out the property.

Nonetheless, a day or two after settling in my home, a Daedric Lord came knocking on our door in a most unexpected manner. My love had gone to the Falkreath city area to buy some bread as well as some meat, for no game animal had wandered into the Manor's vicinity lately. I didn't immediately notice anything unusual when he returned. I took the packages from him and was arranging them on the hearth when he suddenly ran for the door. Alarmed, I ran after him. But barely had I closed the door behind me when he motioned for me to stay back. And before the question formed on my lips, I beheld Kousei's transformation into a snow-white werewolf before my horrified eyes.

Run, Forrest, ruuuuun!

His wolf instincts temporarily took over, and he lunged at me. I instinctively parried the blow with my bow, although the force knocked me to the ground. At that moment, the snow wolf that was my beloved seemed to regain a little of his senses. Regret and dismay were plain in his amber eyes when he backed off and ran past me to Talos-knows-where. I quickly gathered the equipment he left behind, donned my cloak and hood, then ran off after him. I don't know how long I chased him. All I knew was that we were both exhausted by the time I covered him in blankets later that night.

Or tenth summer. Depends how you see it, really.

Kousei managed to explain matters to me when the effects of his transformation wore off. He patiently answered my questions. How was it that he uncontrollably turned into a werewolf when the full moon was still a few weeks away? Apparently, Kousei didn't just obtain bread and meat from Falkreath -- there was also a ring cursed by the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, Hircine.

Who, what told you?

He told me about a man named Sinding, who was recently imprisoned in the Falkreath Jail for savagely murdering a local farmer's young daughter. Kousei emphasized that there was more to Sinding than what the people thought of him, and that his admittance of the crime doesn't mean he wasn't regretful of it. As he was speaking, I noticed that he was twisting a ring on his finger. I didn't think I have seen it before -- plain silver, with a wolf head on it. The sight of it made me narrow my eyes in suspicion.

What if he skins us instead for killing his favorite beast?

"Sinding was unable to control himself," Kousei explained, still twisting the ring. I couldn't take it anymore. I gently got a hold of his hand and attempted to get the wretched thing off, but it refused to budge an inch.

Unable to control himself, I thought. Just like Kousei a while ago.

"This Sinding was a werewolf too, wasn't he?" I remarked wearily, after a few fruitless minutes of trying to wrench it off my love. "And he gave you this ring that carried his curse."

The perks of being a werewolf.

Kousei confirmed my suspicions. He then explained that the ring was the fabled Ring of Hircine, an artifact that could grant a werewolf unlimited transformations. However, Sinding had displeased the Lord of the Hunt by stealing the ring, and as such the artifact's enchantment became uncontrollable. It could not be removed unless another person willingly chose to bear its burden, and only by killing a legendary beast can we hope to beg Hircine for forgiveness.

I hate to admit it, but that looks quite pretty.

Neither of us were able to sleep well that night, due to fretting over the cursed ring. Kousei was afraid that he would suddenly transform and hurt me while at it, and I was constantly bothered by the Daedric artifact in our midst. I admit I do consort with Daedra, even maintaining a degree of rapport with Nocturnal, Azura, Sheogorath, and Sanguine. However, a part of me isn't quite at ease with the Lord of Werewolves, despite Kousei being one. We were taking a little walk in the nearby woods the next morning when I came upon a decision. I told Kousei I would take the ring.

Deliberating to give a ring and pop a question?

Kousei looked at me incredulously, and gave me a flat "No" at once. He wouldn't consider putting me into such danger, he said. We could track down the beast Sinding was talking about and things would be resolved without me having to ever put on the cursed ring. However, I touched his hand and calmly, steadily explained that I needed to understand. Besides, being a werewolf already, he wouldn't have to worry about contracting lycanthropy should I transform. It wouldn't be the same if he kept the ring. We argued for about half an hour before he gave in to my insistence. Kousei reluctantly told me to hold out my hand. The ring slipped easily from his finger and on to my extended palm, before it quickly went and displaced the current ring I had on.

My, my. Aren't you adorable?

We were discussing our plans to go after the stag when a dragon's shadow darkened the sun. Kousei and I drew our weapons as the dragon came into view. It was a Wyvern, an unusual dragon we have never seen before. It looked like a green-scaled version of Voslaarum and Naaslaarum of the Forgotten Vale, but we can tell it was in ways more deadly. It was spitting a sickly green substance that smelled strongly of acid. Kousei and I were already considered masters in our respective weapons of choice, but our blows seemed to only dent the beast's hide. The dragons were indeed getting stronger.

I'm a Werewolf. But I'm also a Nightingale. Has your mind exploded yet?

It was a long and harrowing battle, but victory was near. I only had to shoot one more arrow, and it would be over. At that moment, I felt my body changing. The bow and arrow fell from my grasp when the skin of my fingers split into dark-furred claws. I wanted to cry out in pain as my body gave forth grotesque convulsions, but it was a howl that left my now-elongated maw. Kousei swiftly put himself between my newly-transformed self and the Wyvern, and one well-aimed strike at the dragon turned it into bones once more.

I didn't know why I had to run from Kousei. All I was aware of was this hunger for blood gnawing at my insides, and at the same time, a desperate urge to resist it. My newly-sprouted fangs, hungry for some flesh to latch on to, nearly broke themselves as I bit on logs and rock instead in an attempt to curb the bloodlust. I must have looked quite pitiful as I curled up, whimpering, near a waterfall as I waited for the effects to fade. My senses had become unbearably acute. I wanted to keep out the eerily amplified sound of fish splashing down the stream, the cries of deer being slaughtered by a bear in the distance, and the rustling of trees in the wind. I stuck my nose on the damp earth to deaden the onslaught of scents, and the complex blend of moss, loam, and waterlogged pine needles calmed me a little. But it was not enough. This was not me. I was a beast, one that most citizens fear.

I snarled when I felt something quietly nudge me, but the hairs fell back down when I saw it was the snout of a pale wolf. Kousei gently nuzzled my face and licked me where my cheek would have been. I was quick to press my own body against his. He was still holding me when I awoke a few hours later, fully human again. It's not easy wearing the ring, but I do not regret that decision. Now, if we could only find Hircine's beast, everything would be all right again.