Chapter 1
The new Madgod walked the streets of Bliss, taking in the city of New Sheoth and reflecting on the strange journey that led to him taking up the mantle of Daedric Prince of Madness.
Formally a prisoner, now the Hero of Kvatch, the Champion of Cyrodil, the Divine Crusader...
Grand Champion of the Arena, Listener of the Dark Brotherhood, Arch-Mage of the Mage's Guild, Guildmaster of the Fighter's and Thieves' guild...
He wore many titles but was burdened by little responsibility, still spending much time adventuring, as he always did. He spent many of his days traversing the landscape of Cyrodil, aiding how he could wherever he went, until he heard rumours of a door in Niben Bay. His curiosity got the better of him and led him to seek out this door. He faced down the madmen that guarded it, hearing a voice guiding him, requesting a 'Champion' between nonsensical ramblings. It seemed like so long ago...
And now the Champion of Cyrodil had stopped the Greymarch, saved the Shivering Isles and freed Jyggylag from his curse, allowing him to return to the planes of Oblivion freely. The once mortal Champion had become Sheogorath, Daedric Prince of Madness, and could shape his world how he pleased.
The newly-crowned Daedra passed by many Golden Saints and townfolk, all of whom addressed him as 'Lord Sheogorath'. He had not grown used to the title, and the realisation that they referred to him in their courteous greetings still took time to set in. He looked up to the clouds and watched as dusk slowly began to approach. He continued his stroll down the streets of New Sheoth, arriving at what appeared to a store.
Books of Bliss.
The Prince of Madness cocked an eyebrow and chuckled. It had been weeks since he was able to relax with a good book. Perhaps he could lighten his purse a little. He placed a hand on the door, checking to see if it was locked. He was pleased to find it opened without a hassle. He entered the store, taking in his surroundings. The walls of the shop were mounted with shelving that held neatly organised pieces of literature from different ages of civilisation. A wooden counter sat near the back of the shop, with piles of books strewn across it. A young altmer woman stood behind it, grinning at the presence of Sheogorath.
"Oh my, Lord Sheogorath," She exclaimed, smiling seductively, "I've not had the pleasure. Welcome to Books of Bliss. I am Sontaire, owner of this fine establishment."
"The pleasure is mine, Sontaire," The Madgod replied.
"Oh, I'm sure it will be." The woman leaned forward, licking her lips, her eyes studying the man in front of her.
Sheogorath raised his eyebrows at the woman's... boldness. He had heard rumours regarding this woman but had not seen her in person. Gossip about her nocturnal activities swept through New Sheoth like a plague, delivering men to her doorstep night after night. It's been said that Sontaire had not slept alone for years, but of all the men she had slept with since settling in New Sheoth, she had never had the honour of bedding a god. She aimed to change that.
He would be lying if he said he did not find her to be an attractive maiden. The light green regalia she wore perfectly complimented her figure, displaying her sizeable breasts. Her long, rustic blonde hair fell to her shoulders, framing her face. Her skin was a light shade of gold that a mere mortal would no doubt find irresistible, though he was no longer a mere mortal. He still pondered the idea of allowing her to continue her flirtatious advance, perhaps she could relieve him of the stress gathered from his time in Shivering Isles.
"Well, Sontaire," He said deeply, "I did come here looking for a nice book to take home, but perhaps you could help me relax just as well."
Sontaire's eyes lit up gleefully. Could it be?
"Well, my Lord, I'd be happy to help you find a book..." She leaned in to the Madgod, closing the distance between them and began to whisper into his ear, "Or perhaps I could give you a bed for the night?"
The Saviour of the Shivering Isles chuckled deeply. It appears as though the rumours and backstreet gossip he heard were not without truth, this woman was turning out to be quite the seducer.
"Lead the way, Miss Sontaire," He said, sticking his hand out to her, "I look forward to seeing what you can do."
