The Dragonborn

Part 66

Jack sighed heavily. He wanted his answers now. He hated playing this waiting game. Paarthurnax lowered his head back down to be more at Jack's eye level. Jack shifted in place trying to hide his disappointment, but Paarthurnax clearly read him like an open book. Turning his head slightly to stare at him with his dazzling ice blue eyes, Paarthurnax told him in a sweet knowledgeable voice. "Dovahkiin... Time waits for no one. The answers you seek will greet you through the natural course of time". Jack nodded, trying to at least be nice. His big concern was whether having those answers now would help him change things faster. Having to learn everything in pieces... It was draining. Paarthurnax grinned, adding in lightly. "To the Jul you may be fully grown, but to the Dov... You are still but a hatchling. Drem Dovahkiin. Everything in its time". 

Jack straightened up to his full height, asking confidently. "Alright then. What do I do with the Elder Scroll when I find it"? Paarthurnax lifted his head a bit to observe the landscape around them, answering in kind. "Return it here, to the Tiid-Ahraan. Then... Kelle Vomindok. Nothing is certain with such things... But I believe the scrolls bond with the Tiid-Ahraan will allow you... A seeing. A vision of the moment of its creation. Then you will feel - know Dragonrend in the power of its first expression. You will see them... Wuth fadonne... My friends - Hakon, Gormlaith, and Felldir". Jack repeated the names softly to himself, trying to see if he recalled them. He knew nothing of them. Looking up, he asked Paarthurnax warmly. "Who are they"? Paarthurnax's eyes soften with sudden sorrow, before he turned to look at the stone dragon word wall, replying in a disheartened voice. "The first mortals that I taught the Thu'um - The first tongues. The leaders of the rebellion against Alduin. They were mighty, in their day. Even to attempt to defeat Alduin... Sahrot hunne. The Nords have had many heroes since, but none greater".

Mark lightly tugged on Jack's sleeve, gesturing that they should leave. Jack understood, but hated to leave Paarthurnax looking so... depressed. Paarthurnax suddenly exhaled deeply through his nose, then tore his eyes away from the past. Jack moved closer to place a hand on Paarthurnax's long tail that was curled partially around himself, before he could speak any heartfelt words, Paarthurnax told him with a smirk. "Thank you, Dovahkiin. I have enjoyed our shared words after... being without for so long. However, I must get back to my meditation. I await your return". Jack started to move back as Paarthurnax shifted to settle himself back down as if he was simply going to sleep. Curling up into a cozy looking ball, Paarthurnax added out to him hopefully. "Dovahkiin... Would you be open to an old Dovahs teachings"?

Jack smiled, answering honestly. "Sure. I'd love that". Paarthurnax's eyes widened with unspoken surprise and glee. Turning his large head to look him over with a grateful expression, he told Jack in a collected voice. "If you wish to make your Thu'um stronger. Meditate on each word of power to a Shout. Understand its meaning and feel the power of it at a whisper. The stronger your understanding of the words... The more power you can put into them". Jack placed a hand on Paarthurnax's nose, telling him honestly. "Thank you, my friend. I'll be back as soon as I can". Paarthurnax let out a deep throaty chuckle, answering warmly. "I look forward to it, Dovahkiin. I expect to feel your Thu'um to be even stronger, when next we meet". Jack gave Paarthurnax his best smile, allowing Mark to pull him away. Paarthurnax watched them go, stating out before they vanished from sight. "May the wind always be strong beneath your wings, Dovahkiin".

Climbing back down to High Hrothgar, Mark told Jack in disbelief. "That was something. I can't believe how friendly he was...". Jack chuckled, brushing a hand down Mark's bare arm, saying. "I can't believe how old he is. Didn't you hear? He taught mankind the ways of the voice. He was alive during the rebellion. He must know so much". Mark slowed down a bit, putting a hand to Jack's chest as he told him more seriously. "And has lost so much. We should still be careful". Jack patted Mark's hand in agreement. It was always good to be cautious. It didn't make him any less excited to talk to a dragon though. When they reached the bridge, Mark took his hand and walked him across. Jack was still mentally distracted by his encounter, telling Mark as they crossed. "Do you think he misses teaching people about the voice"? Mark shrugged, answering over his shoulder. "He teaches the Greybeards".