Ambling through one of the snow capped mountain ranges that border Skyrim, I was feeling the cold seeping through my fur lined armor. I was looking for a shelter, like hollow or rock crevice, where I could just hunker down for awhile to warm up. I finally found a reasonable shelter from at least the biting wind among several, tightly grouped, pine trees.
I was sitting there gazing out over the beautiful land sloping down and away from me; the snow eventually blending into the golden hues of the winter's dying growth of grasses, then farther down-slope the greens, reds and purples where the grass and flowers still felt the warmth of the sun. My eyes were following the mincing steps of a buck as he grazed, lifting his head once in awhile to sniff the air and listen for any sounds of danger nearby. He bore a magnificent, heavy rack of antlers. Beautiful creature.
Suddenly his head snapped up at the same time that I heard a mighty roaring coming with the wind from up-mountain! A bear? No, totally different sound. I jumped up, moving out of the shelter of the pines and saw a huge, flying creature as it soared through the air down the mountain slope. It was a dragon, of course. I watched as it fixed it's attention on the buck. No, I breathed out quietly, don't kill it. I had my bow, and a few arrows with me, and a sword. If I had to I would intervene, maybe I could distract it. I piked up some large rocks, and started throwing them as the dragon cruised by me only a few yards away. The buck was startled enough to go bounding away down into the meadow, just as the dragon let go with a fiery blast from it's open mouth!
I was thankful that the buck got away but now the dragon's attention was focused on me!! It could be angry or hungry! It wheeled majestically and came my way; I ran for the trees. I neither wanted to feel the brunt of it's anger, or be its lunch! I watched from the shelter of the pines. To me dragons's are a thing of beauty, same as the buck, or any other wild animal. Some could be dangerous no doubt and sometimes you would have to kill them, in self defense or to protect others, but I'd never kill such beauty for sport! I realized I was whispering...'please, please just go on your way.'
This particular dragon was a dusty gray with a slight golden cast to it's scales, blending to a red around it's eyes and down the front of it's throat. It's tail was tipped as with three spears. A deadly weapon if it swung and connected with you! The sun was shining on it just right, in a way that made it gleam even more golden. I gloried in it's beauty but worried about it's intent!!
It swept past the pines, knowing where I was hiding, and blew out another fiery blast directed at the very spot in which I was hiding. Ouch! It caught me a good one, and I felt the burning fire! I dropped to the ground and rolled, slapping at any exposed flesh. Hot! Hot! I watched as he circled around, ready for another run at me. I ran for some rocks and scrambled deep among them.
He knew where I was. His next pass was as accurate as the previous one, and the fiery blast caught me again. I wasn't going to last long at this rate, and he wasn't going away. I didn't want to kill it, but I didn't want to be cooked, either!! Hating what I was having to do, I nevertheless drew my bow and nocked an arrow, aiming at it's throat. The arrow zinged on it's way and hit it's mark. The dragon wheeled away, probably more stunned by my nerve, than hurt. He came in for the kill again. I had changed position and he hadn't corrected for that, and my arrow caught him in the chest, directly in the heart.
When a dragon is mortally wounded they raise their necks high, as if gasping for the last bit of air they can catch, and then collapsing onto the ground with a resounding crash, dirt spraying up around them...then the silence....the quiet...even the birds have stilled. I slowly walked toward him, making sure that he wasn't moving.
As I drew close to him, I did not feel a triumph of conquering; I did not feel pride. I felt sorrow and sadness. I reached out an touched him, trying to feel a connection with his departing spirit. I dropped my head and grieved; a tear falling free.
Did he have a mate back at his cairn, watching for his return? Did he have young, waiting...waiting...
I grieved....would you?
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
A Bear Encounter
On day in Skyrim I just wanted to wander the countryside and enjoy being outside. The weather was beautiful, it was spring in some of the lower edges of the mountains north of Riften, and the flowers were blooming and the butterflies flitting. I had been crawling through a cave for hours and needed some fresh air and sunshine. I was tired of killing things and bandits!
As I was nearing some large piles of rocks which had tumbled down the mountain side, I started hearing distant growlings, and animal mutterings. Not wanting to encounter anything I would have to battle I dropped into sneak and crept forward cautiously. As I got closer to the rocks, some as large as a house, I stopped to listen. Soon the growlings turned into some intermittent roars, and seemed much closer.
I backed away and duck behind another boulder and waited. But sensing, that what sounded like a bear, wasn't going to go away, I inched forward and took a quick peek. There, several yards away, was a magnificent golden bear! These creatures can be quite breath-taking, they are so big and beautiful. Well, and frightening, if encountered face to face! I watched to see what he was trying to intimidate and saw a mage trying to attack him with ice-spikes. I didn't know, from this distance if this was a good mage or an evil one, so I really didn't know who I wanted to win, at this point. But since this was the bears territory, and all he was doing was trying to warn the mage away, I was leaning on the side of the bear.
The bear gave the mage every chance in the world to leave his territory. I noticed they were quite close to a cave opening which was no doubt his habitat. Finally the bear had been threatened enough and was losing his temper. He made a run at the mage, who ducked behind a rock. The bear kept going and rounded the rock and attacked. By that time the mage was running out of magic and had no defenses left. The bears jaws clamped down on the mage and soon it was all over.
I then notice the two tiny cubs which had emerged from the cave entrance. The bear waddled back to the cubs as the mother was peeking her head out of the entrance. This golden bear would have made a beautiful winter cloak, I thought, but no, he has a family who needs him and he has done me no harm...and, he rid the world of another, no doubt, evil mage.
The bear was aware I was near and looked over at me as if to say...are you next? But we seemed to lock eyes, boldly, and there seemed to be an understanding pass between us. He turned away, as I crept on passed, relishing the wonder and beauty of nature and of it's animals. They have families, just like we do. They need to hunt and provide, just like we do.
I went on my way, continuing my wanderings and enjoying life, beauty, and the world....
.....I love Skyrim!! How about you??
Monday, February 18, 2019
Following A Treasure Map
Dear Traveler,
I always come across the most interesting things! This time, because of a treasure map!
I don't remember if this map was given to me, or if I found it, but it was fun following it and finding the treasure. I was at Riverwood and the map was showing a picture of a huge log across the river somewhere,from the logging mill.
I was trying to decide if I wanted to swim over, or walk down to the bridge to cross over. I was excited and wanted to get there as soon as possible so I swam over. I shook myself as dry as possible and started wandering around, looking for the right log.
A fox scampered by, which startled me, and since I didn't need any archery practice, I let him run free. They are too cute to kill anyway, unless you absolutely need a fox pelt. I did keep my eye out for a deer, though, because I had my taste set for deer meat for dinner that evening. There were some pretty pink and blue spiky flowers growing all around which made a lovely setting. I wanted to pick some to take home and put in a vase on the table in front of the fireplace, but decided I was taking too much time. The sun was getting lower and it soon would be dark. I knew I would be walking back by way of the bridge. I might be loaded down with deer meat, and treasure, and who knew what might be lurking in the river in the dark!
Finally I saw this huge log, with green moss and mushrooms growing on it. The largest end looked like it had come out of the ground, roots and all. It had been there for a long time, I could tell. I walked around the the large end, which was hollow from rot, and so large I could walk inside it for a little ways if I stooped down, like I was sneaking. Just within my reach was a chest!!
I opened it and began rummaging through it, excited for what I would find. There was some coins, and a few potions. The two things I especially like to find when I'm out and about. There was a few ingredients, which are always good to have more of. I don't remember what else was in there, but it was such fun to follow an actual treasure map and really find a treasure!!
I put the things in a pouch, and wandered up the hillside a little ways, hoping to find some deer that might be coming down to the river for their evening drink. Sure enough there was a family strolling down, nibbling at the grasses as they made their way down to the water. There was a large male with a large rack! Then a female and two babies. I stood entranced. They were so majestic and pretty. And they were a family!! My appetite for deer meat for dinner suddenly left me. How could I kill that majestic looking beast, a father protecting and providing for his family?! And the female...well, she was a mother, and her babies needed her. The babies...well, they were just too cute!!
Oh well, I'm sure I'll have something in the cupboard to eat. I know I have vegetable soup!
I always come across the most interesting things! This time, because of a treasure map!
I don't remember if this map was given to me, or if I found it, but it was fun following it and finding the treasure. I was at Riverwood and the map was showing a picture of a huge log across the river somewhere,from the logging mill.
I was trying to decide if I wanted to swim over, or walk down to the bridge to cross over. I was excited and wanted to get there as soon as possible so I swam over. I shook myself as dry as possible and started wandering around, looking for the right log.
A fox scampered by, which startled me, and since I didn't need any archery practice, I let him run free. They are too cute to kill anyway, unless you absolutely need a fox pelt. I did keep my eye out for a deer, though, because I had my taste set for deer meat for dinner that evening. There were some pretty pink and blue spiky flowers growing all around which made a lovely setting. I wanted to pick some to take home and put in a vase on the table in front of the fireplace, but decided I was taking too much time. The sun was getting lower and it soon would be dark. I knew I would be walking back by way of the bridge. I might be loaded down with deer meat, and treasure, and who knew what might be lurking in the river in the dark!
Finally I saw this huge log, with green moss and mushrooms growing on it. The largest end looked like it had come out of the ground, roots and all. It had been there for a long time, I could tell. I walked around the the large end, which was hollow from rot, and so large I could walk inside it for a little ways if I stooped down, like I was sneaking. Just within my reach was a chest!!
I opened it and began rummaging through it, excited for what I would find. There was some coins, and a few potions. The two things I especially like to find when I'm out and about. There was a few ingredients, which are always good to have more of. I don't remember what else was in there, but it was such fun to follow an actual treasure map and really find a treasure!!
I put the things in a pouch, and wandered up the hillside a little ways, hoping to find some deer that might be coming down to the river for their evening drink. Sure enough there was a family strolling down, nibbling at the grasses as they made their way down to the water. There was a large male with a large rack! Then a female and two babies. I stood entranced. They were so majestic and pretty. And they were a family!! My appetite for deer meat for dinner suddenly left me. How could I kill that majestic looking beast, a father protecting and providing for his family?! And the female...well, she was a mother, and her babies needed her. The babies...well, they were just too cute!!
Oh well, I'm sure I'll have something in the cupboard to eat. I know I have vegetable soup!
Friday, February 8, 2019
Introduction To My Life In Skyrim
Hello fellow Skyrim Travelers!
When I discovered Skyrim I walked out of one dimension containing the world of Earth, and into an alternate dimension containing the world of Nirn.
On Nirn is the Land Mass and Islands of Tamriel, and nestled on the northern part is my beloved home of Skyrim. And, if you, dear reader, don't know the answer to "What is Nirn, Tamriel, and Skyrim?" then this isn't a blog for you.
This blog is NOT about the game, it's mechanics, or it's character builds. It is NOT going to be about how-to's, play-through's, or how to play through quests. Nothing like that. Don't be dropping me comments about your game (about your life there, yes!) Don't be telling me how to get this or that or how to play or where to go. I'm NOT playing a game here.
I AM going to be talking about my LIFE in Skyrim; about the country and what I do and see and my interactions with it and it's people. You might consider it a DIARY, left behind by some long passed traveler; you can find many diaries scattered about this land, in homes, hidden in caves, etc. I'm going to let you read my diary as I write it.
When I wander through my home land of Skyrim I can feel the magic in the air all around me. I can stand in one spot and see Valleys and Meadows, Farms and Mills, Cities, Villages, and high snow covered Mountain Ranges. I can see Winding Roads being traveled by Guards, Soldiers, Bandits and Citizens. I can also see an abundance of Wild Life roaming across this vast terrain. I will be telling you many things as I encounter all of this, and much more.
It's hard traveling between the two alternate universes. One, I wish I never had to leave, but the other calls me back for the responsibilities and obligations that I have within the realm of reality.
Ahhh...but the magic of Skyrim never fails to tug at me, calling me back, and I often leave things on Earth undone to answer the call and rush back to my beloved. As soon as my feet touch down on Skyrim, my heart sings, I take a deep breath of the magic, and the wonder begins once more.
Fellow Traveler, is the magic there for you? Will you answer the siren call?
When I discovered Skyrim I walked out of one dimension containing the world of Earth, and into an alternate dimension containing the world of Nirn.
On Nirn is the Land Mass and Islands of Tamriel, and nestled on the northern part is my beloved home of Skyrim. And, if you, dear reader, don't know the answer to "What is Nirn, Tamriel, and Skyrim?" then this isn't a blog for you.
This blog is NOT about the game, it's mechanics, or it's character builds. It is NOT going to be about how-to's, play-through's, or how to play through quests. Nothing like that. Don't be dropping me comments about your game (about your life there, yes!) Don't be telling me how to get this or that or how to play or where to go. I'm NOT playing a game here.
I AM going to be talking about my LIFE in Skyrim; about the country and what I do and see and my interactions with it and it's people. You might consider it a DIARY, left behind by some long passed traveler; you can find many diaries scattered about this land, in homes, hidden in caves, etc. I'm going to let you read my diary as I write it.
When I wander through my home land of Skyrim I can feel the magic in the air all around me. I can stand in one spot and see Valleys and Meadows, Farms and Mills, Cities, Villages, and high snow covered Mountain Ranges. I can see Winding Roads being traveled by Guards, Soldiers, Bandits and Citizens. I can also see an abundance of Wild Life roaming across this vast terrain. I will be telling you many things as I encounter all of this, and much more.
It's hard traveling between the two alternate universes. One, I wish I never had to leave, but the other calls me back for the responsibilities and obligations that I have within the realm of reality.
Ahhh...but the magic of Skyrim never fails to tug at me, calling me back, and I often leave things on Earth undone to answer the call and rush back to my beloved. As soon as my feet touch down on Skyrim, my heart sings, I take a deep breath of the magic, and the wonder begins once more.
Fellow Traveler, is the magic there for you? Will you answer the siren call?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)