"Hey Schweinorg." Rin leisurely had her hands behind her head as we walked down a cobblestone road. "How exactly does the Thu'um work? I read some books on it at the College, but they never really explained anything."
"Tolfdir originally told me something like – A dragon speaks and the world listens." I replied.
"Tolfdir, that old mage at the College?"
"Yeah, did you meet him? I haven't seen him in a while, not since he was hurt." I really do need to make time and check up on everyone.
"Yup, he was nice, helped me and Saber get settled." Rin smiled.
"Indeed, Tolfdir was very kind to us and was very open with any questions we had." Artoria nodded at Rin's words. "Even with how busy everyone has been, he was always willing to help."
"That sounds exactly like him." I ran a hand through my hair, looking up at the sky. "To further answer your question, the Thu'um bends the world according to the 'words' spoken. In fact, you can equate them to Caster's High Speed Divine Words if that helps."
I glanced over to Thorum and Serana who were walking right next to us. They seemed to be listening, but otherwise didn't engage. I wasn't particularly hesitant to talk about vague things like this without giving any details away.
"So, it's not like magic where you force your own will upon the world, but the shout forces the world to perform certain actions." Rin muttered. "Honestly, sounds a lot like a Marble Phantasm."
"Eh, it's a bit different." I took a moment to think my words through. "A Marble Phantasm can only force 'natural' phenomena to occur regardless of the likelihood. The Thu'um 'bends' the world as I said, forcing outcomes that otherwise could not be possible. For instance, Alduin is apparently turning back time and reviving dragons, something that is not a natural occurrence in the greater world."
"I get it, just kind of hard to wrap my mind around." Rin sighed. "How hard is it to learn?"
"I'm cheating and even still having trouble." I said honestly. "Thorum over there is basically fluent." I jabbed my thumb over to my friend.
"My friend, Jealousy is not a good look on you." He gave a cheeky smile, earning a snicker from Rin.
I just face palmed. "Shouldn't have told that story." Basically, throwing my cheeky words I said to Rin right back at me.
Rin broke out in a laughing fit. "Thorum, you're the best." She threw him a thumbs up.
"Artoria, I'm being bullied." I complained.
"There, there." She pat my shoulder. "Rin, please spare him, he is very sensitive."
"I can feel my fragile ego just shattering every time someone opens their mouth." I deadpanned. "Going back on topic, I found the best way to learn the Thu'um was through experiencing it. Don't know if that would work for you due to my….unique circumstances, but if you wanted to give it a try…." I trailed off."
"You know what? Hit me with something, lets see what happens." Rin opened her arms up.
"Rin, that is not a wise idea." Thorum stepped in. "Most shouts I've learned, and thus helped Wilhelm to learn, are dangerous to use on others."
"I got an idea." I interjected, walking to the side and finding a good size stick. "Here hold this like a weapon." I handed it to Rin who seemed confused.
"Oh, that is a good idea." Thorum praised.
"Alright, Rin, you ready?"
"Hit me, Schweinorg." She held the stick up like a sword.
I took a deep breath. "Zun Haal Viik" I shouted. The stick in her hard was dislodged, landing on the ground.
"Okay, that was creepy." Rin clenched her hand a few times. "Like….I was holding it then some force decided I wasn't."
"Yup. The world declared that you were no longer holding it so reality bent to make it happen." I explained.
"That's so broken….I want it."
"Well, it's possible to learn, who knows, you might have talent in it." I shrugged.
"Will, I am glad to see you progressing with your Thu'um, but you used it incorrectly." Thorum spoke up.
"Did I? It worked, didn't it?" I questioned him.
"Yes, well….." He rubbed his chin. "I apologize, I am not skilled at putting this kind of stuff into words."
"It's fine." I reassured him. "Just speak your mind."
"It was like….you were trying to scoop water out of a well with your hands instead of a bucket."
"Oh, are you saying I was inefficient in my application?"
"Yes." He nodded at my interpretation.
"I'm curious now, how about you show me the 'right way' to do it, big guy?" Rin asked.
"If you wish." Thorum nodded happily.
Rin picked her stick up again. Serana was content to keep quiet, looking on curiously and even Artoria was quite keen to see this in action.
"Zun Haal ViiK" Thorum shouted, and I felt the difference immediately.
The stick in Rin's hand didn't just drop to the ground, it went flying off into the distance and even made her stutter back slightly. "Holy shit." She said absentmindedly.
"Yeah, It goes to show how better Thorum is at this branch of 'magic' than I am." I admitted. Thorum was truly skilled at the Thu'um, I don't think I could ever match him.
"Don't sell yourself short." Thorum slapped my shoulder. "My friend, you have only been learning a short time and do not have the same benefits that I do."
"He's right, You know." Serana spoke up for the first time in awhile. "It doesn't seem like you've been learning it for long, yet all the people I've heard about using the Thu'um in the past were old men. Yet, here you are using it fully, if not as well as a dragon in the body of a man."
I turned to look at Serana. She was hard to get a good read on, I honestly had no idea what she was thinking. Her world seemed to turn upside down, she quickly started 'flirting' with Thorum – if it could be called that – possibly because he was the easiest target. Maybe it was just a defense reaction on her part, surrounded by 'strong' people right as she was unsealed, she took an opening that was given to her.
No part of me 'expected' her to return any kind of 'affection' that Thorum seemed to relay, but I also wasn't particular enthused by the idea of her just leading him on because she felt threatened. Was it possible she wasn't playing it up and perhaps had some kind of good impression of him? Maybe he was simply her type and struck all the right cords for her. Adding in the fact that her father is dead, something she apparently wanted for awhile, it could have just all fallen into place.
Regardless, I didn't really think it my place to shove my nose into. If it got bad, then I would obviously do my job as Thorum's friend, but his relationships – or attempted – were his business, and I would try my best to support him.
"I appreciate the kind words" I gave her a small smile. "I know I'm just complaining when I have it better than a lot of other people." I waived it off. "But you should see this guy in action. It's like I'm a toddler in comparison." I wrapped my arm around his shoulder. "Trading shouts with a genuine dragon like it was nothing, it makes you wonder who had been doing it longer between them."
"You have mentioned dragons returning in force, have you fought many dragons?" Serana looked at Thorum.
"Aye, our first bout was the hardest, I had yet known I was a Dragonborn. If it were not for my friend, I fear I would have lost my life."
"Oh, none of that." I hit his shoulder. "You're the one who cut off its head in the end." I laughed. I knew he was going to argue, so I kept going. "This big guy had killed half a dozen dragons already, and look at him, not a single scratch to show for it."
Well, she certainly did look.
Maybe she was just thirsty…..is more ways than one?
Who knows, I'm not good at this stuff. I'd rather just be extremely blunt about it and forgo any ambiguity.
Regardless, I got your back.
Rin and Artoria looked amused by the whole thing. I didn't know their opinions on Serana either, we've barely known her for a couple hours at this point, but it was progress I suppose.
Well, Thorum started going into stories of his battles at Serana's insistence, and I stepped back to allow them their moment.
We had a long walk back since I didn't want to show off my portals, I would see what happens later.
***
"Finally, my feet are killing me." Rin whined as Whiterun finally came into focus, the stables just up the road from us.
Yeah, it felt like we had been walking forever at this point, almost an entire day if I were to guess, and we were moving very briskly.
"Aye, it's always a good feeling to arrive home after an adventure." Thorum happily added. "A cold cup of mead would do me well."
"I swear, you all drink that stuff more than water."
"Haha, you'll have no arguments from me." Thorum laughed.
"What're your plans, Serana?" I asked the vampire. I was curious what she had decided to do after having time to think about it without a perceived threat hanging over her head.
"Thorum offered to show me around." She glanced at him. "I…..am in no rush, for the first time in a very long time, I don't feel I have to do anything, so I'll catch up on the time I missed, see what's changed."
"Well, a little advice if you are going to be staying long." I guess I would keep an open mind here. "I would introduce yourself to the Jarl, don't' try to hide that you're a vampire, that's just going to end badly for everyone. He might even be appreciative if you share some knowledge about dragons or other things from your experience."
She gave me a contemplative look. "I will take your words under consideration."
I shrugged. "Thorum." I clasped his shoulders. "As always, It's great hanging out with you."
Thorum looked at me for a moment then wrapped me up in a big hug. "My friend, our time spent is never boring, I wait until you call on me again."
That big goofy smile of his, it was hard to not smile along with it.
"I can see why Schweinorg likes you so much." Rin seemed to genuinely like him which was good. "I'll be up at the College most of the time if you need anything, and I'll see about coming here to visit sometimes."
"I look forward to it. If I have any questions regarding magic, I know who to ask."
And he knew the right buttons to push, if accidentally, to get people to like him even more. Rin showing even more pride like that, to be considered someone to seek 'help' from.
"I may see you out as well, Thorum. These shouts are something that have caught my interest." Artoria spoke up. "I have similar…..advantages that Wilhelm has, I wonder if I can have some sort of success in it."
"I would be honored to share what I know, Artoria." Thorum smiled brightly.
We said our goodbyes as Thorum and Serana walked through the gate, greeted by the enthusiastic guards. Us three began walking away, getting a good distance before I opened a portal and deposited us into the house.
***
"Thank god." Rin collapsed onto the couch. "I was going to die if I had to walk any more, and that's even with this amulet."
"Can I hear your thoughts on Serana?" I asked, setting the Elder Scroll down from my back onto the table.
"Worried about your friend?" Rin chuckled.
"Yeah, I can't help it." I scratched my cheek.
"Eh, she came off as kind of fake, but she could have just been nervous." Rin shrugged. "Thorum was crushing haaard though."
"Indeed, I had thought he might follow in your footsteps with Meridia." Artoria joked.
"I would kill to see that." Rin threw her head back onto the couch. "Ugh, I need a warm shower. Probably going to bed after, I'll see you both in the morning." Rin slugged herself up the stairs and disappeared.
"Well then." I just shook my head, I couldn't exactly blame her, I felt similar. "You tired as well?"
"I would not mind resting." Artoria gave a small smile. "….even more so if you were to join me."
"Oh my, Artoria Pendragon, are you trying to tempt me into your bed?!"
Her face became a little red, she turned around, starting to walk up the stairs until she briefly stopped hand on her dress as she started balling it up. Inch by inch, her dress moved up as much of her under clothing was dematerialized, her metal grieves only further emphasizing her beautiful legs, until she finally pulled the hem up over her rear, revealing a cute pair of pink panties stretched around her round cheeks.
"J-jinn advised me on matters…..do you wish to accompany to bed?" Was this her attempt at seducing me? Did she want some more lewd time?
I have to admit, her being in her combat attire was definitely doing it for me, even if it wasn't already. I had wanted to get a start on my Lightning Form….but I suddenly felt like I could put that off until tomorrow.
"Tempting a devil like that, you sure are bold." I quickly chased after, following her into the bedroom.
***
If you want to read 6 chapters ahead or support me, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone