What's Your Sin?

Pride, Wrath, Sloth, Envy, Lust, Gluttony, Greed.

Wrath: Wrath can be summarized as strong vengeful hatred or resentment. The warnings of wrath in Christianity arise from the consequences of vengeance in human relations. We can become consumed by rage and revenge to the point of acting irrationally and immorally. This is the wickedness of wrath and why it is included as a deadly sin.

Like a dog, he'd followed Delphine's incessant orders where he deemed it fit, but this was just overstepping. He wasn't a dog, he was Dragonborn. He'd listened to Delphine talk down about the Greybeards and while her words stung, the Greybeards didn't care what Delphine thought of them and he knew it. He had days to think on what Delphine ordered him to do - kill Paarthurnax.

She was barking mad if she thought he'd actually follow her for this. He'd consulted with both Paarthurnax and Master Arngeir, and his stance was solid. Paarthurnax would be spared, whether Delphine liked it or not. It wasn't like she and Esbern could do it, themselves. As long as the winds kept at the Throat of the World, his mentor - no, his brother, was safe.

He'd protect Paarthurnax with his life, though he was sure Paarthurnax would rather see the young Dragonborn alive. Paarthurnax was at least a thousand years old, he was sure. But his age didn't matter to the Dovahkiin, Paarthurnax was his own flesh and blood, as far as he was concerned.

As he stood at the entrance of Sky Haven Temple, he exhaled through his nostrils as if it'd relieve some of the tension. At the top of the staircase, he pushed the door open and made himself known in the main chamber of the temple. Alduin's Wall was illuminated by the two fire bowls standing at each end, while Delphine and Esbern stood below at the long table, poring over literature the old Blades left behind.

"We have nothing to discuss until Paarthurnax is dead," Delphine reminded him. She didn't even turn to face him. "Make your choice, Dragonborn. You're either with us or against us."

"Are things really so black and white with you, Delphine? I'm here because I've decided to spare him."

Her book snapped shut and she finally pivoted to acknowledge him. "That's not your decision to make. Paarthurnax is evil. He needs to answer for his crimes."

"You're pushing your limits, Delphine, and my patience," he warned. "I've gone along with you in your crazy schemes and your meddling up until now, but you are miscalculating your authority over me."

"Meddling... How dare you! You wouldn't even be here if it weren't for me and my 'meddling'!" she shot back, setting her book on the table. Strands of hair were loose from the low ponytail she wore, framing her face. She wasn't that old, but her years hadn't been kind to her. Though her eyes were dull, they still had some fire in them. But what was a candle flame to the endless inferno burning inside him?

"Don't flatter yourself, Delphine. The Greybeards, or even Paarthurnax, could have told me about Sky Haven Temple. I have more friends than you think, and they would have been happy to accompany me here."

"Dragonborn, that's quite enough..." Esbern warned him. Ysmir had almost forgotten the old man was standing there, watching him and Delphine size each other up. He was worried this confrontation would turn bloody, and perhaps it would. It remained to be seen.

"I'm not afraid of you or Delphine," he commented to the archivist before turning his attention back to Delphine. "Would you have questioned the authority of Reman Cyrodiil or Tiber Septim, the way you're questioning me?"

"Those were different times and they were proven leaders. Nobody had reason to question them."

"And I suppose you're a proven leader, too, Delphine? Seems I have a lot of reason to question you," he retorted, stepping closer to her. "From what I understand, it's the Blades that serve the Dragonborn, not the other way around. You named yourself "Grandmaster" because that was the only position available, but do you really have what it takes to be a leader? You can't even think in shades of grey. Everything either is, or isn't."

"Nice try, Dragonborn, but this isn't changing anything. That dragon has to die."

"If I don't do it, are you going to be the one to try? You can't even get to the summit." His smile was growing wider. "Bruniikke. Savages. That's what you've made of your beloved faction. It's a pity. I've read great things about the Blades of old, but you're just as bad as the Thalmor."

"How dare you even suggest such a thing?" Delphine snarled. Her hand went to the hilt of her sword, but he remained calm, his hands clasped in front of him.

"The Greybeards were right about you, as well. I come here to discuss my terms peacefully, and you're ready to slice my throat where I stand."

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't put you down right now!" she countered, her hand tightening on the hilt of her blade. She was about ready to take a swipe at him, but those dark brown eyes of his settled on her. They were like obsidian, even in regular light.

"DREH NI FUS DII BAH!" The Temple's walls began to tremble as the mountain shook around them. "Zu'u los fin Dovahkiin! If you know what's good for you, you will stand down."

She stumbled back away from him, watching as the settled dust scattered around them. "By the gods... your Voice!"

"I am Ysmir, Dragon of the North, and the Lastborn of Akatosh. You are Delphine, Grandmaster of one Blade archivist, and a tavern-owning barmaid of Riverwood," he reminded her.

He took a step towards Alduin's Wall, his eyes scanning over the intricate stone carvings. "This entire wall... Not all of it is about me, but it all leads to the legacy I'm to leave behind. The Thalmor will be the least of your worries if you continue to order me around. I am done acting as your puppet, and I am done listening to you. You will cease speaking ill of the Greybeards, and Paarthurnax will be spared. By my blood's authority, you will honor this."

"Very well, Dragonborn," Delphine sighed. "Your words will be honored."

"I'm so glad we could come to a peaceful agreement. The Nine Divines would be pleased to see such a wise decision made."