Eriah was sitting on the shore of Solstheim. Tel Mithryn, the home and laboratory of the Telvanni wizard Neloth, was nearby. She had decided to meditate at the shore before continuing on her way to Raven Rock, hoping the Northern Maiden would be docked there so she could leave the island. If not, she planned on staying in her temporary home, Severin Manor, for the time being and probably pass the time by forging some new armor. Her Blades Armor had taken a beating in her fight with Miraak and she decided it was time to turn the armor into a decoration in Hjerim once she got the house. She was now confident enough in her skill as a blacksmith to try her hand at Daedric Armor. She had mined enough ebony (after getting to the bottom of a mystery and allowing the town to reopen Raven Rock Mine) to do the job and she hoped her Dunmer friend, Milore, had Daedric Hearts in stock. Eriah had come into possession of Severin Manor when she helped Second Councilor Adril Arano stop a plot by the Severin Family to assassinate First Councilor Lleril Morvayn. It had taken a bit of detective work and tangoing with the Morag Tong before the threat was neutralized. Councilor Morvayn was so grateful, he gave Eriah the manor as a thank-you gift. It came equipped with its own forge which had been a boon for her.
Her adventures on this small island holding of Morrowind had been amazing at best and bittersweet at worst. In order to make her way to Apocrypha, Eriah had been forced to cooperate with the Daedric Prince of Knowledge and Fate, Hermaeus Mora in order to receive the Black Book that would take her to Miraak. The final battle not only sealed the First's fate but it also cemented Eriah's all-abiding hatred for Mora, who played them both like harps for his own amusement. After defeating her foe, Eriah took every last reminder of his existence, short of his very bones, back to Solstheim with her. Robes, weapons...his mask. It all came back with her. She had conflicting feelings regarding the man. He had to be stopped because the whole island suffered under his influence so she rightfully saw him as the enemy. To say nothing of what could've happened if he managed to break free of Apocrypha. However, the fact he was Dragonborn like she was had thrown a wrench in things. She regretted much while on the island. The death of the Skaal shaman, Storn, weighed most heavily on her mind. Aside from those, most of her feelings were a maelstrom she couldn't pin down and she was left feeling empty.
As for why she chose Tel Mithryn's stretch of shore to meditate on, it was easy. She had helped Neloth retrieve the first of Hermaeus Mora's Black Books in Nchardak, a Dwemer ruin, and did various favors for him afterwards while trying to figure out options to avoid being Mora's puppet. She also befriended his bedraggled apprentice, Talvas Fathryon, while doing so. Talvas was a good soul and she really wanted to smack Neloth for being a poor excuse of a master. However, given the Dunmer's great wisdom and aid in her own quest, Eriah had developed a grudging respect for the wizard and figured Talvas would eventually learn more magic from him. Tel Mithryn was something of a second home for her on Solsthiem, after Raven Rock, and it exuded an aura of peace and tranquility once she moved past Neloth's overbearing ego that permeated the place. After reaching Tel Mithryn and deciding to meditate, Eriah removed all her armor pieces and was left in the clothes she wore under the armor. She had Miraak's mask on the ground in front of her where she sat cross-legged with her eyes closed. Normally, she'd meditate in front of a statue of Talos but given his lack of statuary on Solsthiem, she settled for the soothing sound of the waves.
"Oh, Eriah. I didn't know you were here." came the voice of Talvas. Eriah just took a deep breath as she heard him sit down next to her before she opened her eyes to look out over the sea. "I just got back. Decided to sit a while before continuing to Raven Rock." she replied, picking up the mask in front of her. Talvas looked down at it, his red eyes soon finding their way back to her profile. "So...it's done then? You did what you came here to do?" he asked. "Yes, indeed. Solstheim is safe and Miraak will never threaten the island again. I indirectly saved Skyrim as well. Who knows what he would've done if he managed to escape." she answered. She ran her fingers over the mask in her hands before sighing again. "You don't seem overly pleased." the Dunmer observed. Eriah shrugged before setting the mask aside and shifting so her knees were to her chest. "I know you see me simply as a Nord, Talvas. But I'm more than that. I'm Dragonborn. My soul and blood are that of a dragon. That puts me in a whole other class altogether. Miraak...was the same. He, too, was a dragon soul wrapped in the body of a mortal man. It wasn't until I was made aware of his existence that I realized just how alone I am." she said.
Talvas met her gaze and felt his face warm up a bit. Naturally, Master Neloth easily figured out that his apprentice was rather...fond of the Dragonborn. Whether it was out of respect or fear of Eriah's Voice, he never spoke about it when she was around but when she wasn't, he grilled Talvas over it relentlessly. He was always saying that it was rather foolish for his apprentice to harbor such feelings. Talvas didn't care. He was crushing hard. Had been since he saw her power in action and truly saw how strong a woman could be. He said nothing because he knew it wouldn't amount to anything. He knew she was thinking of someone else but by the Nine how he wished he could find out the name of that man and do something about it. Talvas sighed before reaching around her shoulders and pulling her to him. Eriah squeaked a little as he did. "You're not alone, you know. Miraak may have been the same as you but he's nothing like you. Unlike him, you have friends...people who care about you." he said. "And a man right here who loves you, if only you'd see that." his mind continued.
Eriah just blinked a little before settling a bit. This wouldn't be the first time a man had his arm wrapped around her. Her best friend, Ralof, often did it when she needed some support after many battles in the ongoing civil war at home. It was a huge comfort to know she had friends to watch her back. Talvas had never been this familiar with her before and she figured it was because she was having a bit of a survivor's crisis at the moment. She cursed Hermaeus Mora even more for this. If he hadn't interfered, she could've washed her hands of the First Dragonborn and gotten on with her life despite knowing what she did. But because the Daedric Prince used her as a pawn to distract his traitorous servant, Mora denied her the right to put an end to Miraak. He left Eriah with loose ends she could never tie up now. She was almost sure that the cultists tracking her down in Windhelm had been his handiwork, given that Miraak genuinely seemed surprised when the Black Book from Nchardak pulled her into Apocrypha the first time. The finer details were murky so that was really the best conclusion she could come up with.
Still, despite her intense hate for the first of her kind, Eriah was not immune to the loneliness and sorrow she felt upon being returned to Solstheim when it was all over. It had many different sources. Despite her overwhelming success, it came after many unforgivable failures. She didn't know how Frea could ever forgive her for Storn's death, knowing that Mora had backed her into a corner and Eriah essentially had no choice in the matter. Yet, the new Skaal shaman had done just that. She was at peace knowing her father's death wasn't for nothing and Storn himself had been fully prepared to help her so long as Miraak was stopped. Eriah's self-loathing wasn't appeased so easily and her dragon soul, the side of her that hated being dominated, stirred up a maelstrom of intense rage. The Dragonborn honestly had no idea how to talk about it. She didn't know if anyone else could possibly understand what she was feeling, much less help her come to terms with the things she simply could not control. This was one of those times where she felt completely isolated and worthless.
"It never should've gone the way it did." she muttered, catching Talvas's attention. He looked down at her to see her hugging the mask to her chest. It seemed a subconscious act on her part. "What other choice did you have, though?" the Dunmer asked, shifting so he could face her a bit better. "That's what makes it worse. Mora played me like a piece on a damn chess board. Being denied a choice never sat well with me, even before learning I was Dragonborn. This is why my parents never tried arranging a marriage for me. Choice is too important to me. Mora took my freedom away and I watched Storn die so I could get the final Word of the Bend Will Shout so I could have a shot at defeating Miraak. That is unforgivable. There had to have been another way." she said. Talvas placed his hand under her chin to make her meet his red eyes. "If there had been, I know you would've found it. However, in the game of life, we often have decisions made for us." he said. Eriah blinked. He made logical sense but the downside to her compassionate heart was a penchant for regrets. She could truthfully say she hated Miraak for what he had done and planned to do but this one truth remained. "It still feels like I lost someone important." she said. "Perhaps you did. Why else would you bring back that accursed mask back with you? Things will work out, Eriah. Just remember you're a Nord first and a dragon second. If you can carve those words into your heart, you'll never feel alone." Talvas said.
The Dragonborn was quiet for a bit before sighing a bit and standing up, taking hold of Miraak's mask as she did. "I'd better go. I have to see if the Northern Maiden is here and I'll be leaving the island for Skyrim." she said. Talvas stood up with her. "I'll walk with you." he said. She gave him a small smile and the two set off. After a bit, the Dunmer conjurer looked at his companion. She was off in her own little world and his heart twisted with envy when he saw her was a bit red. "Who is the man who occupies your thoughts? I want to know but as much as I'm afraid of losing you to him...I don't want to lose your friendship either. Gods save me." he thought. "You sure Neloth's not going to care that you left without telling him?" Eriah suddenly asked. "Er...I don't think he'll notice. But if he does, I can handle anything he throws at me." he replied. "Pretty confident for a sorcerer's apprentice. I don't want you getting in trouble on my account." the Dragonborn said. She had him there. Talvas had talent but Neloth usually didn't teach him anything unless pestered to death. "I'll be fine. I promise." he said. Eriah just pat him on the shoulder before silence fell.
Several hours later, the two reached Raven Rock. To Eriah's disappointment and Talvas's private joy, the Northern Maiden wasn't there. Speaking to Adril revealed it wouldn't be back for another three days. The Dragonborn had preferred to be off-island that day but seeing as she was stuck, she decided to go through with her plan to forge some Daedric Armor. "You can head back to Tel Mithryn, Talvas. No need to stay on my account." she said as she headed for the shop stalls to pull together some things she needed to start forging in the Manor. "I want to stay and keep you company. Master Neloth can manage without me." he insisted. Shrugging, Eriah led the way to Milore's stand. "Hi, Milore." she said to the Dunmer alchemist. "Welcome back, Eriah. What can I do for you?" she asked. "I was wondering if you had any Daedric Hearts in stock. I'm planning on forging some new armor and those hearts are a key ingredient I need to make it work." the Dragonborn said. "You're in luck, then. When the Northern Maiden was in town a couple days ago, she had a shipment of hearts for me. How many do you need?" Milore asked. "I need at least five." Eriah replied. The alchemist rummaged around in a chest and pulled out a bag. "Five's all I got so you're lucky. Good fortune to you in forging that armor." she said, handing the bag over. Eriah forked over the appropriate number of septims and headed for the Manor.
Talvas made to follow her but Milore caught his arm. "When are you going to man up and tell the girl you love her already?" she asked bluntly. The conjurer balked a little but managed to find his tongue again. "How did you know?" he asked. Milore gave him a knowing smile. "You're as subtle about it as an arrow to the face. It's a wonder she hasn't noticed, given how perceptive she is." she replied. Talvas looked down at his boots. "She's in love with someone else. I don't want to put her on the spot with how I'm feeling." he said. Milore shook her hooded head. "How you go about it is your business. But whatever you decide, I can only hope you don't regret it." she said. She waved him off and he caught up with Eriah who had waited. "What did Milore want?" she asked. "Nothing...nothing at all." Talvas replied, trying to keep his voice light. He was rewarded with a cocked eyebrow and a suspicious look but the Dragonborn just shrugged and continued on her way. The Dunmer man mentally smacked himself hard. Milore had a point. Eriah was a perceptive woman and if someone like Milore noticed how he felt, why didn't the Dragonborn notice and confront him on it?
Once they were in the Manor, Eriah went to the master bedroom and pulled her Blades Armor off and set it on a mannequin. Talvas watched as she paused for a moment before opening her bag and pulling out some strange robes along with the mask she had. "I think...for now, I'll enshrine him here." she said before setting to work on getting the robes onto another mannequin. She finished it off by setting the mask on it. "Perfect." she said before grabbing the bag of hearts. Talvas caught her by the arm as she went by. "Are you sure you want to see those out in full view? He hurt you so much during your stay here on Solstheim." he said. Eriah met his red eyes. "That's going to stay with me whether or not I brought his effects back with me. Miraak may have been one of my greatest foes but that doesn't mean I don't respect the man for his power and ambition for wanting to break from Hermaeus Mora. I'd do the same if I ever got into his position." she replied. Talvas couldn't argue with that and let her go. She went to the forge while he decided to give her some space. He went to the guest bedroom and stretched out on the bed. It didn't take long for the sounds of the forge being fired and a hammer hitting metal to fill the Manor.