So sorry for the long whate, stuff kept happening involving school and family. But I do have 2 exciting news. I am opening an etsy shop selling baby crotched hats and todler stuff. Even better news, I'M GETTING MARRIED! But not till next year. BUT IT"S STILL SO EXCITIITNG! But enouth about my life, you guys are hear to read the next chaper. So hear you go, enjoy!
25. Let's Get Ready To Rumble!
Today was the day, Stoick and his fellow Vikings that volunteered were ready to set sail for Skyrim. Everybody was at the docks wishing all the volunteers good luck and saying goodbye.
"Now you sure you packed everything honey?" Astrid's mother Gerta asked her daughter worried.
"Yes mum, I tripled checked them" Astrid replied slightly annoyed.
"What about your axe, you sure it's properly sharpened" her father Agni also asked just as worried as her mother.
"Yes Dad" she replied again, once again annoyed. "Will you guys stop worrying about me, It's not like I'm going out there alone"
"That's what worried me," Agni said glaring at a certain Jorganson with his Monstrous Nightmare.
"Don't worry, he's all talk and no action" Astrid reassured her parents.
"Yes we know you can handle yourself, dear, We're just worried about you is all, it's kinda our job" Gerta replied. "I'm still surprised that Jorganson kid is still after you after three years. You'd think he'd get the message after getting beaten up by you"
"That's because all the men in the Jorgensen's have no brain" Astrid half-joked.
"That's for sure, Spitelout still handing me marriage contracts every few weeks. Even after I burned them in front of him, he too doesn't get it" Agnar then mentioned.
"He's still doing that?" Astrid asked slightly surprised. He was an adult for Thor sake, you'd think he stops this after her parents say no to the marriage.
"Guess it runs in the family" Gerta guessed as she noticed the two Jorgenson's at the docks having a conversation, most likely about trying to win over her daughter.
"You remember to kick that Jorgenson's but if he tries anything" Agni then reminded his daughter with a smirk on his face.
"Don't worry dad, that idiot won't know what hit'em" the blond shield maiden proclaimed proudly.
The two Hofferson laughed upon their daughter's remark and then hugged their little Shield Maiden feeling so proud of the strong warrior she became.
"Now remember Snotlout, when you meet this Dragonborn you let him know not to mess with your woman," Spitelout told his son.
"Don't worry Dad, that Dragonborn won't know hit'em" Snotlout then proclaimed excitedly, imagining all sorts of wonderfully awful things he's planning on doing to the Dragonborn. "Snotlout! Snotlout! Oi oi oi!"
"You didn't forget to pack underpants didn't you?" Fishlegs mother asked her son.
"Mum!" Fishlegs complained, embarrassed.
"Now no head budding you two Okay? Don't want you two have a concussion like last time" The twins father warned.
"We promise" the twins responded in unison while crossing their fingers behind their backs.
"Alright, gently now, however, " Gobber said, instructing Meatlug and Stormfly to be careful with the supplies. "Well… I gotta say, this is much easier" the one leg and one arm Viking commented, liking how the dragons were making it easier to load all the cargo and supplies onto the ships.
"Is everything ready Gobber?" asked a familiar chief as he walked right up to his friend.
"Yep, all the cargos aboard and every Viking is here and accounted for" Gobber reported.
"Good, we leave in two minutes" Stoick replied before turning to the volunteers.
"I thank you all for volunteering for this important mission despite what has happened in the last few days. I understand many of you are uncomfortable with the dragons tagging along with us, but they are our best chance of ever finding the Dragonborn since they know who he is" Stoick began."And since the Dragonborn is practically their leader they'll do whatever he says. And with his help will be able to destroy those Akitoshbarns!"
All the Vikings cheered after the chef spoke, he could tell they were ready to take on those ancestral dragons (though a little uneasy for the dragon allies). One by one all the volunteers bid farewell to their friends, family and loved ones and boarded the ship.
"Way to boost their spirits Chief" Gobber then complemented, however,
Stoick didn't respond, he just stared out towards the open Ocean. Thinking not only of their mission but of his missing son. The Chief would not stop thinking of him for three days straight about him.
Gobber could tell he really want's his son back so badly. And he doesn't blame him, Hiccup was like a son to him as well. He really missed having him around his shop ether helping him around the shop or drawing up his ideas.
"Don't worry Stoick, will find him, but in the meanwhile we kind of need you hear, we need a chief to lead us" the blacksmith said to his friend.
Stoick turned to his friend realising he's right. This was not a good time to be thinking about his son. Right now they need to find the dragonborn.
Meanwhile in Skyrim/Riverwood
Everybody was up and about going about their day despite how overcrowded the village is. Many of the guards (once they regained their mobility) returned to Whiterun to see if those Speed Stingers and that assassins were still lurking around. Though they returned with good news that they were both gone, the citizens of Whiterun did not want to return until those lizards were dealt with.
As for the others that were victims of the Speed Stingers venom, they to regained their mobility, though there were those that were half recovered and still can't quite move yet. But Rune reassured everyone that they'll regain their full mobility eventually.
Speaking of Rune, he and the Jarl along with everybody else were in the basement of the inn again planning on what to do about the assassin that's after Rune, along with his army of Speed Stingers.
"And you're sure they'll return?" the Jarl asked the 18 year old Thane.
"Most likely yes, but not till sundown since they're nocturnal" the lad explained.
"So we got till then to find those dragons and that assassin as well?" Lurog then asked.
"Yep, pretty much" Rune confirmed. "Hopefully that'll give us enough time to prepare before sundown "
"So what are we waiting for, let's hunt them down!" Eran said eager to find the Dark Brotherhood assassin.
"Good luck trying to find them hiding Malacath knows wear in Skyrim" Lurog then said sarcastically."
"Actually, that's not a bad idea" Rune then replied liking the idea. Everyone looked at him as though he was mad or something.
"Uhhh... incase you forgot, Skyrim is a big country" Lurog reminded Rune.
"He's right" Malukah then said agreeing with her Orc comrade.
"Not if we have a Tracker class dragon with us" Rune then said.
"Tracker class?" everybody in the room asked in unison.
"Well… back where I'm from every dragon is grouped into a class based on here characteristics and abilities" Rune explained. "For example, Sharpfeathers and Timberjacks both fall into the sharp class category for their abilities to have certain parts of their bodies that are sharp enough to slice through flesh along with vanity and pride as a personality trait, while Boneknapper fall under the Mystory class for their bizarre armor."
"Oh!" everyone (minus Valka) said in unison/amazement.
"And I take it these Tracker dragons can track anything?" the Jarl then asked getting the whole picture.
"Pretty much, yes" Rune nodded. "These particular dragons can track down anything for miles away be it by land or air, there perfect for hunting.
Hearing that made Aela smile, she was really liking these types of dragons. "But do you know where to find one?" Balgruuf then asked.
"I... have no idea to be honest" Rune replied slightly embarrassed.
"Actually, there are a couple of dragons I know that fit in the tracker class category up on High Hrothgar" Valka then spoke up.
"Can you bring one of them to help us ma'am." the Jarl then asked Valka.
"I'll see if any of them are willing to help" Valka replied.
"Well, looks like we have a plan now" the Jarl then began. "I suggest we all prepare while we wait for the dragon, you're all dismissed."
While waiting for Valka's return with a tracker class dragon, the gang took this time to feed their dragons. The gang were surprised when Dawn showed up with a dragon of his own (Torch). The Breton explained how he met the Typhoomerang and Rune's hand in training it as well. As Rune's history with this particular dragon (all the while leaving out the part about the Khajiit thief and the dragon cult).
Toothless meanwhile kept his eye on Torch as if he was saying "I'm watching you"
"How come Toothless won't stop glaring at Torch?" Mal asked upon noticing the Night Furies death glare at the Typhoomerang.
"Yeah, he looks like my mother with that stare" Eran added feeling a little uncomfortable with the dragon's stare.
"Toothless is always jealous whenever I spend more time with any other dragons" Rune explained. "When I was taking care of Torch, Toothless tried to get rid of him. It gotten so bad that I had to put Toothless in a timeout"
"Wow, he's pretty clingy" Lurog commented.
"You don't know the half of it" Rune added.
"And after getting his own rider, Toothless still thinks he's after you?" Eran then asked.
"It looks like it" Rune replied.
"And he's like this around all the dragons?" Mal then asked.
"Only the ones I become too friendly with, which is hard since all the dragons want to be around me" Rune answered.
"Well you did liberated them from that tirant queen of theirs." Lurog then began. "If I were one of the dragons, I'd probably follow where ever my new king went."
"I'm not their king Lurog" Rune then protested.
"Hate to break it to you, you kind of are" the Orc bagan. "You challenged that queens authority and defeated it in combat and became their new leader in the process. That's a king in my book"
"You know, Dragon King is not a bad nickname" Eran commented.
"Oh no, don't you dare call me that, isn't Dragonborn enough?" Rune asked, not liking the nickname at all.
"Stop being an awesome dragon liberator guy and you got yourself a deal" Eran replied with a smirk.
"Face it, you're stuck with the nickname Dragon King" Iszarra added.
Rune sighed in defeat. He then spotted the Imperial girl Lucia hiding behind a nearby tree. Before his mother left she asked Rune if he could look after her until she got back. But all she did was hide behind that tree, most likely scared of the dragons after the Speed Stingers incident last night.
"Yo, Dragon King are you listening?" Eran yelled out, snapping Rune out of his thoughts.
"Say Rune, you alright, you looked a million miles away?" Dawn asked a little concerned.
"Sorry I was thinking about that girl, Lucia" Rune quickly apologised.
"You mean the beggar orphan hiding behind that tree?" Eran asked, pointing to the Imperial girl.
"Wasn't she tagging along with your mother all morning?" asked Malukah upon remembering.
"Yeah, mom asked me to look after her while she's gone" Rune explained.
"How come she still hiding? I don't remember her being shy" Eran then asked.
"Probably because of last night with the Speed Stingers" Lurog guessed.
"Poor thing, I can't imagine how she's feeling right now" Lydia responded, pitying the girl.
"Well I say we fix that" Rune then decided.
"You sure it's a good idea?" Mal asked a little concerned for the little girl.
"Don't worry, I'll take it slow" Rune answered, reassuring his elf friend that it would be alright.
"Eran!" someone then called out. The gang turned to see Eran's elder brother Soren a few yards away from them, calling out to him.
"What does your brother want?" Lurog then asked.
"Don't know, you guys go ahead without me, I won't be long" Eran then said before he left the group.
"What's up bro? he then asked his brother.
"What are you thinking!?" Soren asked alarmed.
"What are you talking about?" Eran asked confused.
"You mean to tell me you don't noticed those dragon right there!" Soren said pointing towards the dragons that were around Erans companions.
"Yeah, I know, don't worry, there cool" the Nord warrior simply replied.
"Cool? How can you be calm around those... monsters? Don't you know what they had done to ancestors?" Soren then asked, thinking his brother has gone mad.
"Yeah I know, but that was thousands of years ago, things are different now." Eran explained. "I understand if this is uncomfortable for you, trust me I was in your shoes. They're actually really cool once you understand them"
"But how do you know they won't turn on you?" Soren then asked again, only this time slightly nervous.
"Well... why don't you ask Rune over there, he's been around them for three years." Eran replied, turning his attention towards the Dragonborn who was helping Lucia overcome her fear of dragons.
He Instructed the girl to hold out her hand out towards Toothless and turn her head away. Nervously she did and the Night Fury pressed his nose against her small hands.
The imperial girl peeked and saw the dragon purring happily agents her hands, causing her to smile in awe.
Soren watched a little bit awed at how the dragon was gentle and content. He'd half expected the dragon to be ferocious, but instead it looked... cute.
"See bro, there not the monsters we thought they were." Eran then said smiling a little upon seeing Toothless now flat on his back with Lucia rubbing his belly while she giggled.
"Okay... I'll admit, this is fascinating, but are you sure they won't attack?" Soren then asked.
"Well, my pal Rune's been living among them for three years and knows how to tame them and he's still alive, I say they're safe to be around" Eran replied happily. That's when Soren noticed Bladewing coming right up to the two.
"Uh... Eran" Soren said nervously as the Timberjack moved in closer.
"Hey there Bladewing, how ya doing buddy" Eran replied happily as he began scratching his dragon's back causing the TimberJack to purr happily.
Soren however was hiding behind a nearby scared out of his mind.
"Come on bro, Blady hear is cool aren't you buddy!" Eran said trying to get his brother to come over all the while scratching Bladewing's chin.
"Uh... no thanks, I'll just say right here" Soren said nervously while shaking behind the tree he was hiding behind.
"Come on bro, he like's it when anyone scratches his back," Eran said reassuring his brother that it was okay.
"No, I'm fine right here" Soren continued.
"Ugh... this is embarrassing you know" the Nord warrior complain.
"What would Grandma and Grandpa say if they see this" But then an idea came into his head. "Wait right here bud." he then whispered into Bladewing's ear before walking over towards his brother.
"Eran, what are you doing?" Soran asked nervously as his younger brother approached him with a sinister smile on his face.
"You brought this upon yourself bro" he simply said before grabbing his brother and flinging him over his shoulders.
"Hey what are you doing, let me down this instant!" Soren complained as he struggled to get out of his brothers strong grip.
"I will, once you become friends with Bladewing" Eren said as he walked back towards his dragon.
"Oh no! Divines please no!" Soren panicked as they stopped tight in front of the Timberjack.
"Alright, let's try this again" Eran said before putting his brother down, right in front of his dragon. "Bladewing, this is my elder brother Soren, Soren, this is Bladewing"
"Uh... hi!" Soren squeaked, scared out of his mind.
The dragon began sniffing the elder brother out of curiosity, which really made Soren uncomfortable and attempted to get away. But Eran with his strong grip kept the Mage in place.
"Relax bro, Bladdy's just checking you out" he then said trying to comfort his brother.
"Your enjoying this aren't you?" Soren then said glaring at his younger brother.
"Maybe a little" he confessed while smirking.
That's when Bladewing began licking Soren's face.
"You see, he likes you" Eran grinned happily.
"Yeah I see, he's a big dog in disguise, now tell your dragon to stop licking me!" Soren yelled erratically.
Eran just simply laughed at this. The others meanwhile were either laughing at the hilarious situation or were confused to what's going on, Rune was on the latter.
"Uh... what's Eran doing?" he then asked Malukah.
"Probably trying to get his brother to overcome his fear of dragons or something" Mal replied.
"I hate to see what happens if he forces Soren to go flying" Rune then commented/joked.
"And knowing Eran he would" Lurog then added, causing everyone to laugh.
The little laugh fest however was interrupted by sound of a roar echoing across the sky. The gang looked and saw a familiar Stormcutter flying across the sky with a familiar woman riding on top of the beast.
Rune smiled upon seeing the two but it faded away when noticed it was only them.
The minute the dragon landed Lucia run right up to her the moment she hopped off of the dragon. "Valka! Valka! your back" she called out joyfully as she jumped into her arms and began hugging her "I told you I would my dear" Valka said as she to hugged her back.
The hug didn't last long sadly as Rune walked right up to his mother. "Is something wrong mom, did you find a tracker dragon to help us?"
"I'm afraid not my son, there isn't any sort of dragon in your book that's at High Hrothgar" Valka responded sadly as she handed Rune his book he lent to her.
"Seriously, no Tracker Dragon?" Lurog complained.
"Clam down, we'll find another way to track down the assassin" Mal said attempting to calm her comrade down.
"Do you have any idea how to find the assassin before it get's dark" the Orc then asked getting pissed off.
"Settle down big guy, it's not like it's the end of the world or something, we still have some time." Iszarra said attempting to lighten the mood.
"Hey maybe one will come by or something" Eran then added.
Everybody turned to the Nord with annoyed expressions on their face.
"What? Did I say something?" he asked confused. He then got his answer when Soren knocked him in the back of his head. "Hey!" the Nord warrior complained.
"Eran, there's a million to one chance of that ever happening" Soren responded annoyed.
"But there's tons of dragons flying around lately. We're bound to encounter at least one of those trackers" Eran then said.
"Yeah, and if we're lucky, one of them will randomly rampage through town and will happily help us out" Lurog then said sarcastically.
At that moment the dragons all started growling. "What's going on with them?" Soren asked a little nervous. He got his answer when a loud roar echoed throughout the sky, coming from the village.
Immediately all the dragons ran/flew towards the sound.
"Do you suppose something's wrong?" Iszarra asked concerned.
"Only one way to find out" Valka said as she darted towards the village with the others right behind her.
In the village…
The gang arrived finding the village a wreck. Tones of barrows and carts were knocked over with lots of crops littering the streets, and the villagers were all quite startled.
"What happened here? It looks like a bear rampaged through town" Lurong commented on the mess.
"Not exactly a bear" some one said. The gang turned to see Jarl Balgruuf approaching them.
"Jarl Balgruuf, what happened here?" Rune asked alerted but mostly confused.
"A huge dragon rampaged through town and stole a bunch of the food" the Jarl explained.
"Was anyone hurt?" Valka asked concerned.
"Only a few bruises from what my guards told me" the Jarl replied again.
"What did this dragon looked like?" Rune then asked.
"Big, really strong, stronger than 10 men put together. And surprisingly really fast despite it's massive mussels. And It unless I mistaken it almost resembled a beetle in a way." the Jarl explained.
"A beatle dragon? That's ridiculous" Lurog replied in disbelief.
"Wait a minute, hold on!" Rune suddenly said as he got out his book of dragons and turned through the pages for a few seconds and then stopped.
"Did it happened to look like this?" he asked as he showed the Jarl a picture of a dragon.
"Yes, exactly like that." Balgruuf replied, confirming it.
"Yes! This is perfect!" Rune called out happily.
The others were really confused to the Dragonborns sudden excitement. "Good? How in Stenddar's name is another rampaging dragon good?" Soren asked confused and thinking Rune's lost it.
"Because, that particularly dragon is a Rumblehorn. A Tracker class dragon" Rune explained.
"Seriously?" Soren asked/complained. "The Divines sure have a way funny way of helping us!" the Mage then shouted to the sky.
"I'm sure they have a revision my boy. Never underestimate what they can do. Sometimes the only reward for having faith is when it's tested" Valka then told the Nord Mage.
"Personally I've learned to just roll with whatever they throw at ya" Lurog then whispered into his ear.
"Okay gang, gear up and head out before that Rumblehorn gets away" Rune then ordered his comrades.
"I'm not sure it is such a good idea to go after it, that thing is really strong, as you can see." Irileth then said, pointing to the dragons handy work. "Also that assassin could show up at anytime."
"If I'm right the coward won't show his face until his Speed Stingers wake up after the sun goes down. They're extremely sound sleepers which makes them easier to capture. Our only shot at finding that Assassin is finding that Rumblehorn and bringing it back" Rune then said.
"I'll order the guards to keep watch till we get back just in case." the Jarl then ordered his housecarls, who was surprised by this.
"You're not seriously going to do this, are you my Jarl?" the Dark Elf asked.
"Thane Rune is right, the gods won't give us another chance" The Jarl then pointed out.
Realising he was right, Irileth gave in. "Very well my Jarl, but I'm sticking right beside you in case that dragon attacks"
"You guys aren't serious about this are you?" Soren asked in disbelief.
"Do you have a better idea?" Lurog then asked, glaring at the Nord mage.
The Orc's death glare gave Soren the willies.
"Don't worry bro, I'll be right by your side" Eran then said as he slapped his brothers back, hard.
"That's what I was afraid of!" Soren complained. The last thing he needed was his younger brother watching him like a Hawk.
5 minutes later, outside of Riverwood far east…
With the dragon's help, Rune, Valka, Balgruuf, Irileth, Malukah, Eran, Lydia, and Soren followed the two dragons Toothless and Sparrowhawk through the woods hoping to find that Rumblehorn. The others (Lurog, Iszarra, Bladewing and Skullhead) Stayed behind in case that assassin decides to come back.
"Uh... do we really need this Rumble whatever, I mean we have enough guards, plus I got my magic" Soren mumbled nervously.
Rune who noted this asked Eran. "Is your brother always like this?"
"Yeah, since he was 7 my big bro's always been a scaredy cat. Weather it's skeevers or the dragons in Grandma's stories." Eran explained. "He's practically afraid of almost everything."
"No I'm not!" Soren yelled in defence, upon hearing those two.
"Bro... there's a spider on your shoulder" Eran then said, pointing to his brother's shoulder.
"Ahhhh! Whear! Get it off me, get it off me!" the mage panicked as he frantically began brushing himself off. But it in reality there was nothing there.
"See" Eran then said to Rune.
"I see, but don't you think that was a little mean?" Rune then asked.
"Calm down, you don't have a spider on you, you whelp!" Irileth said growing irritated as she tried to calm down Soren.
"Yeah maybe, but it's so much fun" Eran replied smirking a little.
Brothers, what are you gonna do with them.
Soren became really mad upon realising his brother tricked him, once again. "Will you stop doing that to me!" he yelled pissed off.
"I will, when you stop acting like such a big baby." Eran replied. "I am not a big baby" Soren protested.
"Uh bro, there's a snake beside you" Eran then pointed out.
"I'm not going to fall for that again" Soren replied, not buying it at all. "Uh actually there is a snake right there" Malukah then said, and sure enough there was indeed a snake right next to Soren.
"Ahhhhh! Get it away from me!" Soren panicked as he jumped into Mal's arms.
"Uhh... Soren... your kind of heavy!" Mal complained, trying to keep her balance.
Out of nowhere, Irileth killed the snake with her boot. "There, it's dead! Now let's get going!" the dark elf said not sure she could take the mage's blubbering much longer be cutting out his vocal cords.
"Don't worry, the snake is gone now" Mal then said, trying to get the Mage off of her.
"Noway, what if it's ghost comes back!" Soren said, refusing to calm down.
"Come on bro" Eran then said as he grabbed his brother from Mal and began carrying him as the gang continued following the dragons.
The gang soon arrived at a cave with a bunch of barrels with some food all around.
"You think it's hear?" Irileth then asked Rune. The dark elf then got her answer when Toothless and Sparrowhawk began growling.
Before anyone could say a word, out of the cave emerged the Rumblehorn in all its mighty glory.
Resembling a rhino and a scarab beetle this dragon had heavy armored scales which covered half it's body with firm armor like plates layered on the back of it's neck and lower jaw along with a battleaxe like shaped muzzle, elongated horns resembling those of ceratopsian dinosaurs, but lacking a beak, massive wings on it's back and a and a tail with a club-like hammer on the tip, ready to strike it's enemy down.
The mere sight of this dragon would make any warrior shutter in fear. And unfortunately it had caused Soren to hid behind his younger brother in fear.
"Seriously bro, seriously!" Eran complained.
The dragon meanwhile was scanning the woods for the intruders that he sensed and soon spotted them hiding among the trees. The dragon began roaring at them and opening its wings trying to bluff them.
"What's it doing?" Eran asked confused.
"Bluffing, it's trying to scare us off" Rune explained.
"No worries I'm on it" Soren yelled as he tried to run away, but Mal stopped him. "Sorry Soren, but you volunteered for this" mal apologise as the high elf dragged Soren back"
"But no one told me it was so big and scary" Soren complained as Mal dragged him back.
"Honestly, why did you have to bring that coward along again?" Irileth questioned the Nord warrior.
"I wish I knew Irileth, I wish I knew" Malukah complained.
"It'll be alright, all we have to do is show it that we are friends and he won't harm us" Rune explained.
"Okay, but don't let that thing near me." Soren said, hiding behind his brother again.
The dragon meanwhile was staring at the group of humans and elves that had appeared to his cave, and they didn't seem to be intimidated by his bluff (except that one that tried to run away but that elf dragged him back). But he still continued hoping they'd eventually leave.
"So how do we approach this dragon, my Thane?" Lydia then asked.
"With caution, Rumblehorn's are very powerful and can be dangerous when provoked" Rune advised as he removed all his weapons.
"Are you mad boy?" Irileth asked, thinking Rune's insane for tossing his weapon aside.
"No, these dragons are not like the ones that kill everything, these only attack when they feel threaten." Rune explained.
"Let the lad do what he must Irileth, he knows more about these dragons then we do" Balgruuf then ordered his housecarl.
"As you wish my Jarl" Irileth said, standing down.
"You need any assistance my Thane?" Lydia then asked Rune.
"No, stay here and keep an eye out for anything" Rune then ordered.
"As you command my Thane" Lydia then said.
"Be careful." Valka then told her son as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry mom, I've done this before." Rune said as he to placed his hand on her shoulder. After that little moment, Rune made his way to the Rumblehorn with caution.
The dragon began growling at Rune as if he was saying "Back off"
"Hey it's okay, I'm not going to harm you." Rune gently said as he held out his hand, showing he was not a threat. But the Rumblehorn did not back down and he still continued to growl at the Dragonborn. "Hey no need to act like that, I'm a fiend" Rune said in a calm tone, trying to calm the dragon. But it didn't work, Rune had to back of a little.
The others reached for their weapons should they need to fight.
"What is making you so tents?" Rune asked the dragon. He got his answer upon looking what's behind the Rumblehorn, Rumblehorn hatchlings, and they weren't looking so also noticed the babies from behind the tree. "You see them to?" Rune asked upon returning to the team.
"Yes, and it doesn't look good" Valka replied.
"What's not good?" Balgruuf then asked, wondering what's going on.
"That Rumblehorn has sick hatchlings, which is probably why it stole the food, and dragons with hatchlings can be very dangerous towards anything that comes near them" Valka explained.
"Oh well, we tried" Soren said as he attempted to make a break for it. Unfortunately Eran caught him before he had a chance.
"Nice try bro"
"Why are you so cruel?" Soren complained.
"What do we do now?" Mal then asked
"We need to figure out a way to get the dragon to trust us to help him" Valka explained.
"Good luck, Rumblehorns are really stubborn dragons" Rune then added.
"What if there was someone like this dragon that can easily relate to talk to him"
"Eran then suggested.
"That might work" Rune replied, liking the idea. Until he noticed a problem with it.
"But wear in Skyrim can we find someone who's a single parent with children who's willing to tame a Rumblehorn?"
"What about me?" Jarl Balgruuf then volunteered.
"No my Jarl, I cannot allow you to put your life at risk." Irileth stated.
"We have no choice Irileth, we need this dragon to help us find that assassin" Balgruuf then explained to his Houscaler.
"Don't worry Irileth, I'll walk him through it, he'll be fine" Rune then added, reassuring the dark elf that Balgruuf will be alright.
Irileth didn't like the idea one bit. But Thane Rune was right, they needed all the help they could get if they were to take down that assassin.
"Alright, but if that dragon so much as scratches him, he'll meet the end of my blade" she then said agreeing, but still keeping an eye on that dragon.
"That won't be necessary if all goes well." Rune added Confident that it would work.
"You sure this will work?" Soren whispered to Mal's ear.
"Only one way to find out" Mal simple replied as they watched Rune instructing the Jarl in how to approach a wild dragon.
Balgruuf personally found the whole experience unusual yet unnerving. Unusual because he was to approach this great beast and unnerving that he had to disarm his weapons in order to approach it without appearing as a threat. But Thane Rune had been living among these beast for years and was alive and kicking and got three members of the companions to tame a few as well. So he decided to trust the lad.
The Jarl began slowly approached the Rumblehorn who was still bluffing in an attempt to scar him off.
"There's no need for that Rumblehorn, I'm not here to harm you, nor your progeny." Balgruuf said while holding his hands in the air, showing the dragon he's unarmed. The dragon however still continued growling at the Jarl. "Your very protective of your children, that can't be easy doing alone" Balgruuf then began.
"I can tell, it hasn't been easy for me either, especially with my job as the Jarl" he continued for about a good few minutes about the struggles of raising his children all by himself and ruling as the Jarl at the same time. The Rumblehorn simply stood there and listened.
The Jarl's tale caused the dragon to drop his guard a little. Hearing this human talk about his hard life as a single parent made him remember his life raising his hatchlings alone ever since his mate died.
The others meanwhile watched intensely behind the trees as the dragon slowly approached the Jarl.
"What's the dragon doing Rune?" Irileth asked alerted to the dragon approaching the Jarl slowly.
"He's probably curious, don't worry this is common when approaching a dragon" Rune explained to the dark elf.
"Uh... guys?" Soren asked nervously, but nobody was listening.
"You sure the dragon's not going to eat him." Irileth then asked.
"Don't worry, he won't," Rune replied while carefully watching the Jarl attempting to win the Rumblehorn trust. But then the dragon suddenly felt threatened and began growling. "Rune, what's happening what should I do?" the Jarl asked nervously.
"Just remain calm and back away a little" Rune then instructed.
"Uh...Rune" Soren then said attempting to get Runes attention.
"What is it?" he asked the Nord.
"Your dragons are all growling ferociously." Soren muttered nervously. And he was right, both Toothless and Sparrowhawk also began growling only it was towards the trees for some reason.
"Hey, what's the matter with you bud?" Rune asked confused.
"I... think there's something else out there." Valka said a little nervous after noticing the signs.
"Uh...my Thane!" Lydia called out alerted, pointing towards the woods And out of the woods came at least a dozen Frostbite Spiders.
"Frostbite Spiders, are you kidding me" Eran complained as his brother shrieked in a girlish manner.
Everybody nearly jumped and pulled out their weapons upon seeing the giant spiders.
"I had heard this area has had an infestation of Frostbite Spiders" Irileth then said, remembering what she heard a few days ago.
"Why are they here?" Malukah asked scared, she really hated the large arachnid.
"Probably for some easy dinner, like sick Dragon hatchlings for example." Valka guessed while staring at the three Rumblehorn babies.
"Well there's no way I'm going to let that happen" Rune then said as he got out his sword.
"Uh... you sure this is a good idea?" Soren asked nervously. "There's practically a herd of them"
"Better than sitting around and watch these guys pick off the hatchlings one by one" Eran then added as he got his sword and shield. And he wasn't alone, Malukah, Valka, Lydia, even Irileth got their weapons ready as the Frostbite Spiders drew closer.
"You guys are crazy!" Soren screeched, scared out of his mind and thinking they're all mad.
"We can't in good conscience let those vile things take the hatchlings" Valka replied.
"Don't forget we have a few dragons on our side" Mal then added.
"My Jarl, you should find cover" Irileth then suggested to Balgruuf.
"No Irileth, hand over my sword" Balgruuf then ordered.
"My Jarl, there is a swarm of them" Irileth protested.
"Exactly why you need all the help you can get to protect the hatchlings" the Jarl pointed out.
"Irileth has somewhat of a point my Jarl, how about you and Irileth say right by the dragons incase some of them get past us" Rune then suggested.
"Alright lad, be careful" Balgruuf agreed as his houscaler brought him his greatsword.
"Don't worry, will help protect your babies." the Jarl then promised the Rumblehorn right behind him.
The Rumblehorn stared at the human for a moment slightly surprised that he would help him protect his hatchlings. This was definitely something he never thought any human being would do.
The others began fighting of the spiders while at the same time trying hard not to get bitten by them or get hit by their venom.
Malukah shot as many arrows at the giant arachnids but it was very difficult since they tend to spew out there venom from afar, so she had to stick to her firebolts and ice spikes every few arrows or so to try and scare them off. "Man these guys are annoying" the high elf cursed.
But luckily she had help from her dragon thanks to Sparrowhawks poisoned quill tipped feathers, which slowed them down making it easier to take them out. "Good job girl" Mal complemented.
The Feather Sharp simple growled with pride.
Valka meanwhile was knocking the spiders here and there with her dragon staff while her son Rune sliced through them one by one with his Gronkal sword in hand With his houscaler right next to him helping fending them off. It amazed Valka that something a Gronckle barfed up could become this deadly, she kinda felt a little jealous that she never thought of it in the first place, but still she was proud of her son.
Irileth was going solo (just 5 yards away from the Jarl) and began stabbing and slicing any Frostbite Spider that are to come close to the Jarl. One was about to sneak up from right behind and bite her with it's venomous fangs, but was saved in the nick of time by Toothless's plasma blast. "Thanks" the dark elf said upon noticing the charged spider behind her.
The Night Fury simply grunted as if he was saying "Your welcome."
The nord brothers meanwhile had tag teamed talking out a few of the spiders after them.
Eran was doing good with two axes in his hand and was slicing them one by one.
Soren however... was shooting fire balls at anything that moves.
"Ouch! Hey, watch it!" Eran yelled as one of the fire balls hit him in the rear end.
"Hey! What's going on?" Rune yelled as he ducked his head.
"Watch where you came those!" Irileth complained as one nearly hit her in the back, but she dodged it in the nick of time.
"Bro calm down!" Eran yelled as he grabbed his brother.
"Let go of me! I gotta kill those spiders" Soren called out panicking.
"Not if you're going to kill us in the process" Eran yelled again as he held on fast to his elder brother.
But that didn't stop the mage from firing more of his fire balls all around. He only stopped when he noticed a fire he started in the clearing and everybody there looking very irritated.
"Uh... whoops" the mage said nervously as Eran glared at him, not amused at what he just did.
"We have more coming in from the left" Balgruuf called out as more spiders descended from the woods.
"Seriously more?" Rune complained.
"But what about the fire?" Mal then pointed out.
"Well... it can't get any worse" Soren then said cracking, a nervous smile.
That's when a loud roar echoed and emerging from the right side of the woods was a large, very burned, and very angry bear.
"You and your big mouth" Eran said glaring at his brother for jinxing it.
"What do we do now my thane?" Lydia then asked Rune. Thinking quickly, Rune gave out his orders.
"Mal you and Soren try and take out that fire"
"Alright" Mal replied as she whipped out her frost spell.
"Go on bro, you started this mess" Eran said as he dropped his brother to the ground.
"Alright, alright!" Soren complained as he got up and rubbed his sore bottom.
"Irileth, can you help the Jarl protect the hatchlings?" he then instructed the dark elf.
"No need to ask" she replied as she quickly ran right to the Jarl's side.
"Mom, you, Lydia, and Eran help me take down the bear."
"Alright son" Valka responded as she reads her staff.
"As you command my Thane" Lydia also said as she ready her sword.
"Why do I feel like this is a mess I usually make" Eran as he to readying his axes. While Mal and Soren were putting out fire Rune, Valka and Eran were taking care of the bear and
Balgruuf and Irileth were busy keeping the Frostbite Spiders away from the Rumblehorn hatchlings.
The Rumblehorn mean height (while fighting) was still in awe of the humans and 2 elves and how they came to his aid in protecting his hatchlings. Particularly the human who rambling on his single parent life. He can almost relate to him strangely.
"There's no end to them my Jarl!" complained a little as she stabbed one of the spiders right in the head.
"Keep going, we can't let those spiders get to the hatchlings" Balgruuf said as he just finished killing off another spider.
"My Jarl, look out" the dark elf cried out as one of the spiders attempted to pounce onto the Jarl. Only to be killed by the Rumblehorn who skewered the spider with it's shovel like horn.
Then the dragon turned his attention towards the other spiders and with it's flames he burned the spiders to death and those that managed to escape the dragon's fury ran away in fear back to the woods.
Balgruuf and Irileth were astonished by how the dragon actually added them in battle.
As for the bear Rune and his team managed to kill the beast with some bruises, scrapes and one deep gash in Runes side from when the bear clawed at him.
"Son, you're hurt!" Valka shrieked worried.
"Don't worry mom, I got a healing potion I'll be fine" the Dragonborn reassured his mother and he grabbed one of the potions from his small satchel around his belt and chugged it down. The wound then began healing slowly to them them ko point that only the scars were left. "See, all better" Rune reassured his mother.
Valka however was still shaken seeing her son like that.
Malukah and Soren meanwhile had just finished putting out the fire that Soren started. "Next time be aware of your environment while you battle Soren" Mal then scolded the Mage,
"Yeah...sorry" he then apologized, embarrassed by this.
Once the danger was gone, the Rumblehorn then turned his attention to the Jarl who was still standing there in complete awe. Slowly the dragon began walking right up to Balgruuf.
Allearted, Irileth attempted to stop the dragon only to be stopped by Rune. "No, wait."
"But if it attacks the Jarl-" the dark elf houscaler asked kinda panicking.
"I don't think so." he simply responded, curious to see where this goes.
Balgruuf stood completely still as the dragon moved closer to him till he was about an inch away from the Jarl. "Uh... Thane Rune, what should I do?" the Jarl asked the Dragonborn nervously.
"Just hold out your hand towards him and turn your head away" Rune then instructed. "Trust me on this one"
Though still nervous the Jarl did as instructed and stretched forth his hand and turned his head away.
The Rumblehorn at first sniffed the Jarl's hand before placing his nose on the Jarl's hand.
Balgruuf then looked and saw the dragon's snout pressed firmly against palm and began growling softly.
"What's that dragon doing now?" Irileth then asked Rune.
"Giving the Jarl his trust" the Dragonborn responded with a smile on his face. They had done it, they now had a tracker dragon on their side.
"So... that's it?" Balgruuf asked in the dark of what to do next.
"Well you've earned his trust so will now he'll follow you wherever you go." Rune then explained. "But right now we got to get the hatchlings out of here before any more of those Frostbite Spiders come"
"Uh... you sure it's a good idea?" Soren then asked nervously.
"Don't worry bro, Rune just gave us the all go, so I don't think it's going to attack us" the Nord complained to his cowardly brother.
"Alright, but I'm still hiding behind you" the cowardly Nord said right behind his younger brother.
The poor Nord warrior sighed embarised by all this. "Maybe this was a mistake" he complained. No matter what he does, his brother will still be cowardly and scared.
Meanwhile elsewhere…
"She took my lizards?" the Argonian assassin asked in disbelief.
"It's as I said Argonian, your boss came and picked up for you." An Imperial cult follower woman explained.
"Are you saying you never sent her?"
"No no no no no no, she found out." the lizard panicked.
"Found out what exactly?" the Imperial asked confused.
"It's nothing, did she happen to say where she was going?" the Argonian then asked.
"No, but she did give me this and told me to give this to you" the cult member then remembered as she handed the Argonian a piece of folded paper.
The lizard man then grabbed the paper and began reading it "Come to Redoran's Retreat, we need to talk."
The Lizard then turned his attention back to the cult member. "Thank you for healing my lizards. This is for your troubles" the Dark Brotherhood assassin said before giving her a small bag of gold coins and left in a hurry. As quickly as his legs could carry him, the Argonian made his way through the thick woods for good five minutes till he arrived at the entrance to the cave that the letter told him to go. He entered with caution and arrived in a chamber with a bunch of cages with all his lizards sleeping in them like a baby, like they always do in the day time.
"Hello Walks-In-Shadows" a chilling voice greeted, causing the the Argonian to shiver all over his scales.
Emerging from the shadows emerged another Dark Brotherhood assassin, only this one was a woman with piercing blue eyes staring right at the Argonian. "I believe you've been hiding something from the family"
This does not look good for our DB assassin, next time we get to the ultamit showdown of ultamit destiny! If you have any queastions for me or my charichtures ask on How to Become Dragonborn Q and A. Till then have fun!