Pre-game Journal Entry excerpts

• Posted by Nyx Bean September 16, 2014 - 1,281 views

  These are a few of Liina's diary entries from before the start of TES V. Along with her profile (posted in Roleplaying) they are in preparation for in-game journal entries. Using the Take Notes mod, I will type in a journal entry every night in-game, or at the next viable opportunity, and people will be able to read along my playthrough.

  Not everything included in the journals will be vanilla as I have a few quest-adding mods. I will also be taking poetic licence at times to allow for better flow. There are going to be spoilers, obviously, so watch out for that. If you have any questions about which mods I am using or anything like that, feel free to ask.

  I will try to post six or so entries at a time in the one post. That way I will not flood the blog area. In-game journals will be longer than these. I was posting my old playthrough's journals here on the site a while ago. That playthrough was never finished due to various reasons. It was never meant to be my canon run anyway. This one is.

  So without further ado...

  8th Last Seed, 4E201

  This morning I woke up early due to that recurring dream. It's never been as vivid. I saw every bristle of the man's stubble, smelled the acrid smoke in the air, and heard the desperate screams for help as if I stood fully awake before some darkened battlefield. I actually took hold of the man's hand this time and let him lead me off into the madness. Then I awoke to find myself sweaty and shaking. The dream doesn't frighten me, even though it probably should. No, it excites me. It heralds my destiny. I'm sure of it. 

  My day was uneventful. I spent most of it trying out various new twists to old alchemical recipes. I think my healing potion is starting to taste a little less rancid, but I don't think its strength has improved by much.

  9th Last Seed, 4E201

  I can't believe it! The vagabond from my vision arrived at some point during the night and was sitting down to breakfast with his friends when I came downstairs this morning. I have been dreaming of this man for months and there's no doubting that it is him. His name is Robin. He and his comrades are planning to travel into Skyrim but they are keeping quiet as to the reasons why. Father thinks that maybe they plan to head to Windhelm and fight for the freedom of Skyrim. He's been giving them extra helpings of food at breakfast and dinner.

  I stopped talking to Mother and Father about my dream-visions quite some time ago because they wouldn't take me seriously. They have no idea that Robin has been in my dreams and that my destiny must lie somewhere in Skyrim. I wonder what I should tell them? The group will be leaving here in a couple of days. I'll have to think of something by then.

  10th Last Seed, 4E201

  Today I spoke to Mother and Father about my intentions. I simply told them about the dream. It took some time but I was finally able to get them to come to peace with my decision, even if they don't have the same faith as I do in the significance of it. Mother said that she could no longer keep me tied to her apron string, that I am a woman now who can make her own decisions. Though she is not happy with my choice, I'm glad she at least partially respects it. I promised to write to them as regularly as I can. 

  Of course now Father is adamant that I practice my blades with him and, since Robin and his pals seem to be drinking themselves into a stupor, I think I'll have time for that in the morning.

  11th Last Seed, 4E201

  The adventurers were badly hungover from last night; they were given some of the moonshine Father's been saving. Once the worst of it had eased off, I spoke to Robin about my intention to join them as they cross the border. I think the fool has taken a shine to me. He started hinting towards some sort of danger and promised me that he'd see me safely on my way to wherever in Skyrim I want. 

  Speaking of which, I'm not entirely sure where I should go. I suppose the first place I visit should be the Hall of Stendarr. I want to see the place in which Grandfather once lived before he settled down. Of course, it goes without saying that I should watch what I say there--the Vigilants know no distinction between the evil and more benign Daedra. Still, they do good work, protecting the common person from monsters and treachery. It will be interesting to converse with them and probably a handy place to learn about what is happening in Skyrim beside the civil war.

  Tonight I will look over the maps Mother dug out and pack some of my things. Robin says that his friends have convinced him to stay in our hospitality for one last day, but we will leave early morning on the 13th.

  12th Last Seed, 4E201

  I've been extremely busy practicing my skills and getting ready for tomorrow. First Father had me practicing blades in the yard, then Mother insisted on going over my spells. I spent quite a while looking over the maps we have; I've decided to stop in Whiterun before heading up to the Hall. 

  I'm not the only one getting ready. Although they seem like a bunch of clowns, Robin's crew have actually been preparing for the crossing. Gathering of supplies, sharpening of weapons, steeling of wits. Not one of them has touched a drop of ale tonight. 

  It's about time that I went to my bed, though I'm not sure I'll get much sleeping done.

  13th Last Seed, 4E201

  Mother and Father saw us off this morning. It was difficult, Mother couldn't help her eyes from tearing up and Father couldn't work out what to say. We simply embraced one another and waved once I was riding out with the group. 

  The vagabonds are a good bunch and my mood improved greatly as the day went on. Robin has let me in on their secret (Father was right) and has asked me to join up with them for good. I told him that I have other plans but that I may make my way to Windhelm after that. He'll keep on trying to convince me otherwise but at least he is polite and has not tried to be more insistent in his fancy. Agnes, the only other woman in our group, has been keeping her eye on me. She said if any of the men allow their hands to wander then she'll cut them off. Quite a terrifying sight is Agnes, but she's compassionate under her gruff exterior. We've been discussing all sorts, Restoration being one of the most prevalent fields due to Agnes being a healer. 

  We are camping in one of the old camps which are dotted along this trail. We had a hearty meal made from the extra meat and cheese which my parents supplied. Many a toast has been made to them.

  I'm tired and somewhat emotional. We should cross over into Skyrim tomorrow afternoon. It's been agreed that we will rest early and spend one last night in Cyrodiil. While they might not admit it, I think most of the men are dragging their heels. It's one thing to talk about rebelling, another to actually do it. 

  ...Just had to explain to Robin that he shouldn't worry about my diary. If anybody tries to read it apart from me, the words will appear scrambled and confused. I let him flick through and he seemed satisfied. Seems that my charmed ink holds up well. 

  14th Last Seed, 4E201

  Up here high on the trail you can look across both Cyrodiil and Skyrim. As agreed we are camping before heading over the border. It has given me time to think of what lies ahead. I have been running on excitement for the past few days but now I am realising what a huge choice I have made in this. 

  I'm a clumsy girl from Bruma with stars in her eyes. I believe with all my heart that the dreams have been visions sent by Azura or another higher power. Subconsciously I focused on learning magic which would aid me in an adventure, the school of Destruction and the school of Restoration, and I was more eager to learn daggers from Father than I might of been had I not been secretly preparing myself.

  What it is that I am supposed to do in Skyrim, I have no idea. In lieu of a plan I will follow what seems to be the correct path. It might not seem logical to others but I know that my dreams will steer me in the right direction. I also have my runes and cards, as well as the knowledge to read the very basics of what the stars are telling me. I must trust in myself first and foremost though; I can't allow outside influences to rule over the core of me.

  That's Robin calling me to dinner. Tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of my life.