SSE 38: A Sapling for Kynareth

I also decided to fulfil a quest from the priestess Danica Pure-Spring at the temple of Kynareth at Whiterun. The Gildergreen is a tree in the centre of the temple that had once been a destination of pilgrimage. The tree is unique - it is a cutting from the fabled Eldergleam. In recent years, the Gildergreen had died, though Danica thinks a bit of sap from the Eldergleam will revive it.

But before that, we will need a particularly vile blade called the Netterbane - the Eldergleam is a tree of immense spiritual power, and will not yield sap to normal weapons. Netterbane  is a dagger made from a piece of the Eldergleam , and may have the power to hurt its mother...

I question the wisdom of this, but if Danica thinks that this is the best way to collect the sap, I'll give it a shot. Netterbane is in the possession of the Hargravens at Orphan Rock - they're understandably unwilling to part with their prized blade, so a confrontation was unavoidable. Orphan Rock is surprisingly defendable with only a bridge leading onto the mini outcrop and wide approaches vulnerable to the witches' lightning spells.

I return singed but with the blade in hand - Danica confirms that it is indeed the real deal, and told me to head for the Eldergleam to collect the sap. A supplicant called Maurice Jondrelle overheard that I'm headed to the Eldergleam and asked to accompany me.

The Eldergleam's glade is hidden amongst the hot springs south of Windhelm. The going is tough - for the warm waters attract all manner of beasts and unsavoury types. The exposed sky also makes us tempting targets for dragons. Keeping Maurice alive, in particular, is a chore.

We eventually reached the glades - a veritable paradise of flowers and plantlife. At the core with its roots reaching all corners of the glade sits the Eldergleam. Maurice is horrified when I drew out Nettlebane. When I explained the task Danica had set, he suggested a better way - he would pray to the Eldergleam for a new sapling for the temple. It seemed a more fitting solution to revive the tree in Whiterun, so I acceded to his plans. 

I returned to Danica with the sapling in tow. While that was not what she expected, Danica nonetheless accepted it and planted the sapling in the temple. The Gildergleam will return, but it will take time.

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