Chapter 1: Expedition Gone Wrong
3E 432, 5th of Last Seed
It's been two months since I've embarked on my expedition to Akavir. A month of finding the right ships, amount of supplies, and people willing to sail with me. And now a month at sea, our boat creaked as waves clashed against its hulls and sleep hard come by as we passed through a storm every now and then. The crew has been nervous throughout the whole trip, seasickness aside some threatened mutiny but I was quickly able to persuade them down. Still, quite a few jumped and drowned than to stay any longer. I feel as though they'll sail back to Tamriel as soon as we land in Akavir, stranding me in unknown lands. I wouldn't blame them.
After what just happened, I can't stay in Morrowind nor Tamriel for the matter. Killing Almalexia has broken something inside me, my past life creeping into my memories. She was my wife in the past and we fought together with the other Tribunal as friends. True, she did betray me but some part of me could not but feel sorrow. And now that sorrow has crept into me just as it was in Nerevar before dying. I just need to get away from it all at least for a while. Nothing interesting in Tamriel but no one's not heard anything in Akavir. New cultures, new people, and cities scream to me lots of adventuring.
But from I've heard and read, it might be the only place that could threaten me. I made sure to absolutely pack everything I needed, all my money, gems, potions, knives, a couple of ebony daggers and my twin blades, Trueflame and Hopesfire. I also made sure to procure myself a new set of glass armor, the spikes protruding removed, enchantments to make me stronger and silent, and it's been completely reworked to fit me and only me. And for missions that require absolute stealth, I managed to find a discreet smith to improve the Dark Brotherhood armor. While it is ironic to wear the armor of an assassin that tried to kill you, I can't help but appreciate its look and effectiveness in stealth. I couldn't count how many times someone saw me up close yet did not notice me. Let's hope its enough for Akavir.
End Journal
Vatryn heard a knock to his cabin as he ended his entry.
"Come in," he said. A sailor walked in with his ragged trousers and shirt missing.
"Sorry to intrude, but we saw something that you need to see." the man said. Vatryn was intrigued and followed him out on to the deck.
Vatryn's eyes widened and could only look in awe. A large island, so big that even distance couldn't shrink it. Stone obelisks dotted the island yet in a way that they surrounded the main structure. As they sailed closer, huge stairs came into view as they zigzagged along a steep cliff towards a temple of some kind. It looked quite strange with its rooftops curved out from the building and multiple floors with several windows all around. It looked very old yet there were no signs of crumbling or wear on the roofs. Either it was made to last or something was keeping it that way.
"Vatryn, there you are." Vatryn turned to see the captain walking up, "So, I see you've caught a glimpse of our destination or at least a stop. Now I know this is your expedition but a lot of the sailors and some of your mercenaries are really tired at sea. So do you say we rest or keep on going?"
Vatryn took a moment to look at the temple before speaking. "Let's rest up here for now. The temple looks unsafe but as long as we stick to the beach, I think we'll be fine. Think we all deserve a bit of rest on some solid ground."
"Of course. All right everyone, prepare to disembark." the captain went off barking orders. Vatryn stared back to the island, a slight on his back bothered him.
The ship anchored near the island and planked as several of the expedition brought down supplies and tents. Some even ran to the ground and kissed it as if embracing a newly born child. Vatryn, however, donned his glass armor and his two swords and backpack in his hands as he walked over to a spot a bit farther from the group.
"Uh, Master Vatryn, why are wearing your armor?" one of the expedition members asked.
"Just a precaution. Never know what we might encounter here and it's never safe to be sorry."
"You think there are monsters here?" she asked.
"No, not monsters. Excuse me." Vatryn walked past and into the middle of the encampment.
"Could I grab everyone's attention for a moment?" his voice shouted and all eyes turned. "I want to thank everyone for their patience and fortitude to get us this far. This is the expedition of a lifetime, the chance to explore new lands and discover new opportunities. And when this is done, we'll share with Tamriel about experiences here, with riches and glory to come." The expedition cheered with a hurrah and clapped their hands.
"Of course, I am sure you are also wondering why I am fully dressed in armor. It's just a precaution but just in case, I'd like you all to be on your guard especially those I paid to help us. Also, I'm sure as you can see, please do not go into the temple for any research, treasure hunting, or even to just see what's inside. It's giving off strange magicka and more than likely houses something very dangerous. We'll rest here a couple of days and move on. Thank you."
The group continued on with their tasks and Vatryn returned back to setting up his tent. A light dinner and a few drinks later, the Dunmer was resting on a small cot. His brown hair still tied behind him as he slept with his armor on. Rain poured over the camp as the patter of water fell against the tent. The rain then stopped. Normally that was a good sign but something stirred in Vatryn. His eyes shot open and a piece of wood shredded through his tent, exposing him to torrent rain and blurring winds. He quickly rolled off and saw the camp blown away from pieces of wood. He looked to where his ship once was, the top half shattered by the winds as wood and sails strike the expedition. People screamed as they were assaulted, many pinned under pieces of ships and others profusely bleed from their limbs being torn off.
"Run!"
"Get inside! It's our only way to live!"
"Fuck" Vatryn responded quick, grabbing his swords and backpack. Rain poured over the sharp wood now flying everywhere as he did his best to save others. He cast a shield over the group as they ran up the stairs, many abandoning others to save themselves. Rain tripped many on the way up, a domino effect fell as people stumbled over others breaking their necks and dying on impact.
"Hold on! Don't run too fast! You're tripping each over!" Vatryn's commands went unheeded for all they could do was panic. A large rock from out the sea then slammed into the stairs, rubble flying over people and trapping those below. Vatryn's shield waned against the crumbling rocks and his eyes immediately met large chunks of wood flying towards him. He jumped high into the air, casting levitation as he made his way up towards the entrance. He stumbled across the floor as two men quickly close the doors behind and barring it as much as possible.
"What the hell was that?" one of the survivors questioned.
"A storm you fucking idiot! What else?" another shot back.
"This was a mistake. Never should have left Cyrodil."
"Alright calm down now." Vatryn yelled, "We all made it inside. We're fine."
"Fine! We're not fine, we're fucked. That storm destroyed our only way out of here and we lost all our supplies. We've got no food, no water, and no one is coming to save us." a sailor spoke.
"First, relax. You need to keep a clear head in these kinds of situations. Look, I managed to bring some water and food with me. We can ration those for now. We'll wait out the storm and try to salvage whatever might be left, make a new plan." Vatryn explained. Some of the members calmed a bit but the rest still shook with fear.
"What, so are we supposed to sit out the storm?" a mercenary asked.
"Yes," Vatryn answered, "for now, let's start a fire. The rest of you should go upstairs, look for anything we can use as kindling. I'll stay here and take count of our inventory." The group simply stared at the Dunmer and he raised his hands. "Well go on then. It won't do us any good to stand around."
The group walked off towards the stairs as Vatryn counted all the provisions from his backpack.
"This has really turned to shit." he thought. Several minutes later, members of the group returned with old dusty books, rotten wood, and scrolls of paper. They made a pile and Vatryn set up a makeshift fire for them to warm their bones.
"Where's Otivo?" the group shot up from the fire and looked around for the missing member.
"Wasn't he with you?"
"No, I thought he was with you. Otivo!"
"Hey, I see something over there." the expedition turned to see a light, very faint around a corner.
"Wait, I don't remember there being a corner over there."
"Master Vatryn, did you see it?"
Vatryn shook his head. "No, I didn't. Everyone, follow me. And stick close." Vatryn slung on his backpack and crept to the corner. The rest of the expedition followed single file, weapons drawn for whatever they might encounter.
Around the corner, Vatryn saw an open doorway, the faint light much brighter and illuminating a set of stairs. The groups descended the stairs to a large hallway. Stone statues of strange creatures lined the hall and many symbols all over. At the end of the hall, the light had formed into a small ball. Many shielded their eyes from the brightness as they walked closer before the light burst into particles. Pieces of it landed around the room, braziers instantly lit with green fire and the eyes of the statues glowed red as if they came to life. Where the light once stood, the group could see a figure, a red hood covered its face and only the top half could be seen. They all stood there, staring at the figure and scared to even move further. Vatryn stepped before it.
"Hi, there. We're sorry for the intrusion but we didn't realize someone still lived. But one of my crew has disappeared and we were wondering if you've seen them." The figure did not react but simply spoke.
"Szabadság. Nem tartozol ide."
"Um, I'm sorry but I do not speak your la-n-gu-age. Fr-iend, we look for." The figure, however, grew angry and yelled.
"Mondtam szabadságot! Most meghalsz, mint ő!" The figure brought hands from out the hood and directed it towards the floor. A skeleton plopped in front of the group, jumping them back as the figure moved toward the group. It lifted its hood, unveiling scaly smooth skin, fangs baring from out its mouth and the lights showed the lower half of a snake.
"It's a Tsaesci!"
"I'm getting out of here!"
"Hold on, its just one here. We can take it!" one of the mercenaries yelled.
The Tsaesci raised its hands towards the ceiling, lightning shot out and traveled throughout the room. Vatryn was quick to cast absorption and shield but the others were instantly electrocuted, their bodies burned as their skin and clothes disintegrated. The entire expedition turned to ash as their bodies hit the ground. Vatryn unsheathed Hopesfire and Trueflame, casting a fireball. The fireball dissipated before a magic field, revealing an orange glow surrounding the snake. The Tsaesci hissed and fired back streaks of lightning, hundreds of bolts flying towards him. Vatryn reflected the spells back with his arms, dodging and jumping behind each statue.
"Elpusztul!" The snake clasped its hands and the statues around the room shook violently. The figures' eyes grew bright and stone cracked go reveal the fleshy forms of the creatures.
Vatryn jumped back as the creatures tried biting and clawing at him, using his agility to slice each creature, fire and shock burning their flesh. A tiny flying one flew straight at him, jaws open, and he ducks under throwing three knives at it. The creature pins to the wall and turns to black goo. A lightning bolt strikes Vatryn in the chest, the Tsaesci finding every opportunity to fire. Vatryn grabbed one of his daggers and flung it towards the snake, bouncing off the shield.
"Gotta get rid of that shield" A creature slammed down onto Vatryn as he rolled out of his. He willed another spell absorption and he thrust his blades into the beast, it roared in pained as he drained its stamina. Lightning flew around him as another beast swiped at Vatryn, he quickly pulled his swords and sliced at its leg while it killed its ally. The Tsaesci became annoyed and shot his hands to the ground, lightning broke out and electrocuting everything before it. Vatryn flipped over a beast as it fried, throwing a fireball at the snake while pointing a finger behind it, a purple mark etched in the floor. The Tsaesci slithered back, cupping his hands and shot a stream of lighting from one hand. Vatryn locked his blades together, absorbing the lightning as he skidded back. The lightning formed around Hopesfire and Vatryn whipped it back at the Tsaesci. As it fired, he locked his fists and jabbed forward white energy. The snake looked stunned and put up its hands to block the spells, only for its shield to vanish from thin air. The Tsaesci pulled the lightning apart but no longer saw Vatryn.
Vatryn teleported behind the snake as he sliced at its back, hissing in pain as the swords scorched it. He thrust the swords into his body, twisting it deep as fire and lightning radiated inside it. The Tsaesci quickly used its tail to constrict him, picking him up and slamming him into the floor. Vatryn uses Truflame to cut into its tail, it's fire slicing through and the snake fired multiple bolts of lightning into him, launching him into the wall. The wounded snake slammed its open palms to the ground and two stone obelisks rose from the ground. The obelisks flanked the sides of Vatryn as he stumbled to get up when a sharp pain bucked him over. The snake's eyes lit up as a stone projectile flew at lightning speeds, penetrating through Vatryn's chest. A hole straight through his abdomen formed as he tried to hold it. The stone obelisks glow white as strange waves flew out from them. Vatryn could feel his body stiffen and locked his fist to dispel, but nothing happened as a symbol from underneath him glowed white as well. He looked up to see the Tsaesci, struggling to finish the spell and blood spilling out of it like a geyser. Vatryn could not move at all and not even his magic could pour out. He screamed at the top of his lungs, pushing through the spell and with all his might, threw Hopesfire at the Tsaesci. The Tsaesci could not react in time as the blade pierced through its head, lightning flowed over its body. Yet the Tsaesci gave one last smile as it closed its fist, a bright flash came to be with a sphere formed around Vatryn. He stood there exactly as he threw Hopesfire, his blood stopped from falling in mid-air, a statue frozen in stasis. The Tsaesci collapsed and as it died, the storm outside stopped and the castle revealed its true form of collapsed roofs and broken windows. Quiet descended on the island.
No one in Tamriel knew what became of the Nerevarine and his expedition. New events rolled in as the Oblivion Crisis began, the continent invaded by Daedra. Years passed on as Tamriel dealt with the aftermath of so many deaths and the fall of a dynasty. Provinces seceded, internal strife rocked within, and a hundred years after, war broke. Even then, new troubles arose as dragons returned, threatening to consume the world and all mortal kind. A hero rose from the conflict, then united Tamriel back to peace, and began looking elsewhere for conquests. And throughout all those years, a hero faded away, lost to obscurity as a Dunmer who died in Akavir. But that was not to be the case.
300 years have passed, the Akaviri castle has crumbled into ruins. None of its walls still stand, everything having faded away from skeletons to stone, lost to the ocean. Yet there he was, the hero of Morrowind, still young as the day he left, frozen forever in time. Hopesfire, no longer in a body but ash, started to vibrate. The ash on the blade began shifting around, up and down as if the earth shook. And in a flash of light, an orange portal appeared, right where Vatryn stood and he vanished. The portal closed, as quickly as it came, the stone obelisks fading away to dust.
A portal opened in a cave, spitting out the Dunmer as he fell hard onto the ground. His vision was blinded as he choked profusely. His breaths came sporadically and his abdomen bled. His eyes could barely see but white and he looked down to see blood pouring out his wound. He tried healing the clot but no magic came out of his hand, he felt his magicka empty as a bottle. He held tight over his wound and could barely stand up, his legs too weak to even move. His eyes then saw the silhouette of his sword and crawled towards it. Using it as a crutch, he stood up for his eyes to flutter open and he could see nothing but darkness. A corner of his eye than blinked, light shined into him from far at the end of the cave. Leaning against the cave wall, he sheathed his sword and followed along the wall to keep his balance. As he reached the light, he looked out to see a forest, nothing but green leaves and broken sticks. A rock tripped him over, rolling down into the forest. The bruised man could barely get on his knees and looked around, his silver eyes could see nothing to help him. Some rustle of leaves startled him as he looked left, some humanoids walked over to him. But as he blinked, more and more of them popped from behind trees or out from nowhere. Soon he was surrounded by them yet his strength waned to him as he collapsed near the floor. Turning his head, he could only see squirrels zipping over him and spoke.
"H-help me."
So what do you think?
Notes: Used Hungarian language for Tsaesci speech