countdown to the end.

[dovahfahdon]

[ It has been only two passings of the sun since Alain and Odahviing's battle at Skuldafn. Two days since Alain has destroyed the remnants of Nahkriin, the last Dragon Priest, and two days since he set eyes on the portal gracing that temple's peak.

That portal to Sovngarde, to the dead; to Alduin.

Alain has not lived this long to die foolishly. Cruelly injured in the slew of battles, Alain sealed the temple, and made his way back to his house-- Odahviing questioning the Dragonborn's next moves before the red dragon flew off.

His moves? As they ever were, since Niall convinced him of his choice of fate. He would slay Alduin, he would rend the World-Eater, and then he would-- ]

"You're a fool, Alain Ebon."

[ The vampire next to him states flatly as she presses a poltrice into his side. Alain hisses, resigns himself to silence. ]

"You have the backing of many who would follow you, and yet you take these kind of moves on your own? Are you my mother now? If you get stuck in the land of the dead, I won't come after you."

...I don't expect you to.

[ It's a quick reply, and holds more than he meant. Because it's not to her that he's speaking suddenly.

Ignorant of much of the world, Serana might be, but she is nothing close to naive. The vampire rolls her eyes, and finishes dressing his wound.

Alain stills. He wonders at his choices. ]

Comments

[dovahfahdon]

[ And here the Dragonborn would stare, with a gaze more akin to other creatures. ]

Zu'u hin fron.

[ I'm your kin. ]

[nehnahlmey]

[In his tongue, in the intent behind the gaze, Nehnahlmey understands. He falls to stillness.]

Hin vahzah sos.

[Your true blood.]

[dovahfahdon]

[ Alain's hand moves against Niall's skin; the man gives a murmur of agreement before leaning forward to press his head to Niall's. ]

[nehnahlmey]

[The contact breaks him.]

If you come back, if I wait for you, there will be nothing missing.

[dovahfahdon]

[ There is a sound like amusement, it is likely nothing of the sort. ]

I will come back, and you will wait for me.

[ He raises his head to stare into eight eyes. ]

There is nothing else.

[nehnahlmey]

[It is enough. Enough for a dragon to gain faith.

He releases a whimper before falling to silence.]

[dovahfahdon]

[ The sound echoes inside of him, his soul responding in turn, but it's allowed. For vows were given, in their way, and Alain needs only to hold to them.

He lowers his head back to the dragon, and holds faith like silence in the air. ]