Chapter 97 The Dragonborn and Her Great Mountain
Inside a secluded chamber of Skuldafn Temple, Alex slowly opened his eyes. His breath came uneven for a moment, as if he had just been dragged back from another world. The remnants of his battle with Mora still clung to his mind, heavy and unsettling. Sleep refused to return.
He lay there in silence, unmoving, listening to the faint crackle of the fire burning in the hearth. The dancing flames cast shifting shadows across the ancient stone walls, their orange glow reflecting faintly in Alex's eyes. Every so often, his gaze drifted to the figure beside him.
Astrid slept peacefully, her breathing steady and soft. A loose strand of her hair rested against her cheek, rising and falling gently with each breath. For a brief moment, Alex's tense expression softened. His fingers twitched slightly, resisting the urge to reach out and brush her hair aside.
He clenched his hand instead, pressing it against the cold stone beneath him.
In his mind, his voice echoed quietly, firm and resolute.
(If I want to protect my family… then I have to become stronger. After I defeat Alduin, I can't afford to stop. I'll grind my skills again no matter how long it takes.)
His eyes narrowed with determination as the firelight flickered, the warmth of the flame standing in stark contrast to the heavy resolve forming in his chest.
Alex reached slowly toward his side and drew out his dagger. The cold weight of the blade rested in his palm, its edge catching the faint glow of the firelight. For a moment, his grip tightened then loosened.
Astrid's words surfaced in his mind, clear and gentle, yet firm.
She didn't want to see him hurt himself.
She didn't want to watch him bleed, only to heal and repeat it again.
Alex's jaw tensed.
He glanced over his shoulder. Astrid was still asleep, her back turned slightly toward him, her breathing calm and unbroken. After a brief hesitation, Alex quietly shifted his position and turned his back fully to her, placing his body between her and the firelight.
She won't see it, he told himself.
He inhaled slowly.
Then-
Stab.
The dagger pierced his palm. A sharp, biting pain shot up his arm, and his breath hitched.
Before the pain could spread-
Heal.
A soft green light bloomed around his hand, warmth washing over torn flesh as the wound closed instantly.
He didn't pause.
Stab.
A muffled grunt escaped his throat.
Heal.
The glow flared again, weaker this time but steady.
Over and over, the same brutal rhythm continued. His shoulders trembled slightly with each strike, his breathing growing heavier as sweat formed along his brow.
Restoration 50 → 51 → 52 → 53 → 54 → 55
"Ghhk… heal…" Alex muttered, teeth clenched, forcing the spell through the pain.
"Ghhk… heal… I need the Avoid Death perk."
His fingers shook, but he tightened his grip on the dagger.
"If my blood reaches a critical level… I can recover 250 health points per day," he whispered hoarsely. "That's enough… as life insurance."
Stab…
His vision blurred for a split second.
Heal…
The warmth dragged him back.
Stab… Heal… Stab… Heal…
Restoration 55 → 56 → 57 → 58 → 59 → 60
Suddenly, a faint groan broke the silence behind him.
"Hrrrngh…"
Alex froze.
The green glow from his healing spell had stretched too far, brushing faintly across Astrid's closed eyes. She shifted slightly in her sleep, brows knitting together in mild discomfort.
Alex's eyes widened.
"Whoops…" he whispered, guilt flashing across his face. "I should've practiced outside."
He quickly suppressed the glow, sheathed his dagger, and rose as quietly as possible. Careful not to disturb her further, he slipped out of the room, the door closing behind him with barely a sound.
Only then did he allow himself to exhale and continue his grinding elsewhere.
One hour later
Restoration 64
Main Level 42 → 43
Perk Point 4 → 5
"The higher the level, the harder it is to grind," Alex muttered. "I should check my Restoration perks first."
Regeneration: Healing spells cure 50% more Respite: Healing spells also restore stamina Apprentice Restoration: Cast Apprentice Restoration spells for half magicka Recovery (1/2): Magicka regenerates 25% faster
Perk Point 5 → 1
"As for my stats… I'll increase my health later."
Alex let out a quiet breath and stretched his body, his arms lifting over his head as his joints popped softly after hours of tension. Rolling his shoulders, he turned and made his way back into Astrid's room.
He paused just inside the doorway.
Astrid was still asleep, curled slightly on her side, her expression calm and unguarded. The tension in Alex's chest loosened, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Heh… she's still asleep," he murmured under his breath. "I'll make breakfast first."
With a familiar motion, Alex reached into his system inventory. Ingredients materialized one by one in his hands fresh meat, bread, a few simple seasonings. He knelt by the fireplace and set to work, the quiet crackle of fire filling the room as he cooked.
Before long, the warm, savory aroma began to spread.
Astrid's nose twitched.
Her brows furrowed slightly, and she shifted in her sleep before slowly opening her eyes.
"Hmm… smells good…" she murmured softly.
She rubbed at her eyes with the back of her hand and lifted her head just enough to see Alex by the fire, focused on cooking. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, still hazy with sleep.
Alex noticed and turned his head, smiling when he saw her awake. Reaching back into his system inventory, he pulled out a small bottle of clean water and walked over to her side.
He knelt and gently placed it into her hands.
"Here," he said softly. "Wash your face first. Then we'll eat, okay?"
Astrid looked up at him, her eyes half-lidded, lips curving into a sleepy smile.
"Okaaay…" she replied, her voice still thick with drowsiness.
After washing her face, they sat together and ate inside the ancient halls of Skuldafn Temple. The cold stone walls and lurking dangers outside faded into the background. Surrounded by ruin and death, they shared a quiet meal
And as long as they were together, even this forbidden place felt like home.
After they finished eating, a quiet silence settled between them. The crackling of the fire was the only sound left in the room.
Alex broke it.
He lowered his gaze, fingers unconsciously curling against his knee as his voice softened.
"Hermaeus Mora… approached me again," he said slowly. "In my dream."
Astrid stiffened.
Her shoulders tensed, and she turned toward him sharply, closing the distance between them in a single step.
"What?!" Her eyes widened. "A-are you okay?"
Alex lifted his head and met her gaze, giving a small, reassuring nod.
"I'm fine," he answered. "Thanks to my strength."
He exhaled, his jaw tightening slightly as he continued.
"But he offered me power. And he warned me to be careful of the Thalmor… because we've already been marked."
Astrid listened carefully, her brows drawn together as she processed his words. She nodded slowly, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"So… he warned you about the Thalmor," she said, choosing her words carefully, "and offered you his power."
Her eyes searched his face.
"You weren't tempted… right?"
Alex looked away.
His shoulders sagged just a little, as if the weight he'd been holding finally showed. His fingers clenched into a fist before relaxing again.
"I almost was, he offer me immortality" he admitted quietly. "I was scared. Scared that I wouldn't be able to protect you… Lucia… our family in the future."
He swallowed.
"But in the end…" He shook his head slightly. "I rejected his offer."
For a moment, Astrid simply stared at him then her expression softened. The tension in her shoulders eased, and a gentle smile appeared on her lips.
She stepped closer.
"I'm glad," she said softly. "I'm glad you think about us."
Her voice carried warmth and quiet reassurance, and in that moment, Alex felt the heavy pressure in his chest loosen just a bit.
Astrid shifted closer and leaned against Alex's shoulder, her weight light but comforting. He felt the warmth of her body through the fabric of her armor, the steady rhythm of her breathing slowly syncing with his own. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
"I know you're strong," she said quietly, her voice low and sincere. "And I know you're always searching for a way any way to protect us."
Her fingers curled gently into the cloth of his sleeve as she continued.
"But dealing with a Daedric Prince is the wrong path," she said, shaking her head slightly. "And immortality…" She paused, her voice softening. "Do you really think that's a gift?"
She lifted her head just enough to look at him.
"To me, it's a curse," Astrid continued. "Watching me… watching Lucia… and someday watching your entire family leave you, one by one, while you remain behind."
The words settled heavily in Alex's chest.
He didn't speak. Instead, his gaze lowered as her meaning sank in.
(She's right, he thought. Living forever doesn't promise happiness. Maybe… being mortal is a gift after all.)
Astrid moved then.
She raised her hand and gently cupped his face, her thumb brushing softly along his cheek. With a tender pull, she guided his face toward hers until their eyes met, close enough that he could see the concern and trust reflected in her gaze.
"You have to promise me," she said quietly, almost pleading. "Promise you won't accept his offer again. Okay?"
Alex's breath caught.
A warm ache bloomed in his chest, spreading outward as he lifted his own hand and placed it over hers, holding it firmly against his cheek. He leaned into her touch without realizing it, his smile small but genuine.
"I promise," he said softly. "And besides… it's not just me who's strong."
His eyes softened as he looked at her.
"You're strong too."
Suddenly, Alex stood up, as if struck by a sudden burst of inspiration. He puffed out his chest, straightened his posture, and swept one arm dramatically through the air, nearly knocking over a piece of old stone debris.
"Behold!" he proclaimed in an overly heroic tone.
He pointed toward Astrid with exaggerated flair.
"Astrid the Dragonborn! Slayer of dragons with her bare hands!" He clenched his fist and swung it through the air, mimicking a powerful punch. "The fearsome, unstoppable, and " he leaned closer, lowering his voice theatrically, " ridiculously sexy barbarian woman whose heart I have conquered!"
He placed a hand over his chest and struck a proud pose.
"So many men envy me!" Alex laughed loudly. "For I am the man who conquered a great mountain! Hahaha!"
Astrid stared at him for half a second then burst out laughing.
She covered her mouth with her hand, shoulders shaking as she leaned forward.
"What are you even saying?" she said between laughs. "You idiot!"
She reached out and smacked his arm lightly, more playful than scolding.
Alex only grinned wider, clearly encouraged.
"Oh? So you admit it," he teased, wagging a finger at her. "You didn't deny being a great mountain."
Astrid laughed even harder, rolling her eyes.
"Shut up," she said, still smiling, her cheeks faintly flushed.
Despite the teasing, there was no hint of irritation in her eyes only warmth. The way she looked at him, the way her laughter lingered, made it clear she wasn't offended in the slightest.
If anything, moments like this only pulled them closer together. Between jokes, shared laughter, and gentle teasing, their bond grew stronger natural, unforced, and filled with quiet affection.
In the shadow of ancient ruins and looming danger, their laughter rang out softly, a small but powerful reminder of what they were fighting for.
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