Chapter 4: Some Like It Hot

1st of First Seed, 4E 207

"It's just a bridge. We can cross it and then we'll have all the pieces."

"This seems too easy."

"I want to argue with you, but I see your point."

Aleaksi and Miraak stood at one end of the ancient Dwemer structure otherwise known as Deep Folk Crossing. On the other side was a short path that led to a stone pedestal with a dwarven helmet, a glass sword and the last piece of Atherum. The better part of three weeks had gone by as they visited each location listed in Katria's journal. Finally, they could see the end in sight. Could it be as simple as grabbing the shard and continuing? It had seemed that way at Mzulft until they were attacked by bandits.

She looked around the area convinced something else would pop up; no bears, bandits or Forsworn were to be seen – nevertheless, she kept her sword drawn. Miraak stayed behind to keep overwatch. Should anything appear unexpectedly, he would blast it with chain lightening.

The bridge itself, while ancient, was sturdy. Built into the side of the mountain, it offered a dynamic view of the landscape with a small outcropping to watch the waterfall below. The sun was beginning to set adding a pink haze to the atmosphere; they would need to make camp soon.

Once on the other side, Aleaksi picked up the shard and examined it. At that moment, Katria appeared.

"Huh beat me to it this time. That's the last one isn't it?"

"Yes, I would say so."

"Then its almost time! I'll meet you at the forge." And with that she disappeared.

"She's so…excited" Miraak said after crossing the bridge.

"Yes, well, this is her life's work finally coming to fruition. Not to mention, she'll probably be able to move on to whatever afterlife she follows – Sovngarde or something like that."

"'Something like that'? She was a Nord – of course she went to Sovngarde. Are you not religious?"

"I wouldn't say I'm not religious – I know of the Aedra and Daedra but I'm not the 'go to church' type. Not anymore at least. I had enough of that when I lived in Kvatch. I learned a very long time ago if you step out of line around the Sermonizers, you'll pay for it. My knuckles still hurt when I think about it. So no, no more religion for me despite the 'gift' I've been bestowed. Besides, I see it more along the lines of…why would the Divines care about individuals? Can you honestly picture Arkay pacing around wherever he's at thinking 'Yes, today I shall make something unfortunate happen for Jorgen'? That's insane. The divines don't care about the individual – they care about what happens to the entirety of Nirn, Oblivion and whatever else might be out there. After all, if it disappeared, what would they play with? They would be painfully bored and board gods, are dangerous gods."

Miraak sat down as the conversation continued. "You're beginning to sound nihilistic again."

She waved that off "I wouldn't call it that – my outlook isn't that bleak and I'm not saying 'nothing matters' but I consider it rather presumptuous of us to assume they would be paying that much attention. I mean for me and you, it's a bit different but for everyone else…being devout seems like such a waste. It's also very dismissive. I'm sure you understand – after all you were a Dragon Priest or was the Dragon Cult structured differently?"

"There are a lot of similarities even today, but we didn't have that silly notion of celibacy." He mused "If I recall, Dukaan had three wives and two concubines."

"And how many wives did you have?"

"None. I have no interest in marriage."

"Good thing I didn't propose. How many concubines?"

"Well, I was a high priest, I'll let you guess" He grinned. "I would say my fall from glory didn't come from an existential crisis or psychological break. Perhaps, if it did, I would have been forgiven. I guess you could say nothing snaps you out of pious devotion quite like the realization that you can kill your gods. This was witnessed by Ahzidal who later presented me with a Black Book. From there, I was promised power, and power I was given. Later I would pay for accepting Mora's deal but we both know how that ended."

"I like to think we're best friends forever now."

"I tolerate you but I'm sure Mora will no doubt want something from both of us eventually."

"Why from me? I didn't-"

"You accepted the final word for Bend Will and then went back into Apocrypha to fight me, then we escaped."

"Yes, but he got the secrets of the Skaal for that. So, I should be off the hook."

"You've also been using the Black Books. I've told you before, all Daedric interactions come at a price no matter how small. Everything is accounted for when the bill comes due. Mora didn't pull me away from the final battle with Valhok out of concern for my wellbeing, he was looking after his investments."

"If that's the case, why did he try to pit us against each other in the beginning? Why not have two champions?"

"It was a way of determining his new campion – two of us would be problematic and far too powerful to control. His plan Of course didn't work. Mainly because I'm intelligent and practical…and you're…you."

"Thanks. Don't forget to add 'humble' to that list" She said dryly. "So, when do you think he'll come for us? Our dramatic escape was a bit of a giant 'fuck you' so I can imagine he's going to make this unpleasant."

"Most likely it will be sooner rather than later and when we're vulnerable."

"So, while one of us is in the bathroom."

"Exactly."

As the sun sank below the horizon, a small fire was built and preparations for dinner began. Bread, cheese and venison were the standard until they returned home. If they ran out of meat, they would fish until something was caught or trade for supplies when they happened upon the next town.

"Tomorrow we'll go to the Ruins of Bthalft – this should be the location of the forge according to the journal. After that, we'll be done. We've got more than enough things to comb through and sell."

"I don't know why you continue to peddle that dungeon crap. It was worthless when it was new and it's still worthless today."

"Not necessarily" she said while taking out the helmet and sword they found "I can fix this and sell it. Dwarven metal is easy to work with and" She turned it over a few times. "if we find the right collector, they'll pay double. Either way, we're not losing septims. As for the sword, it will be worth quite a bit more. Glass is light, sturdy and considered fashionable."

He watched the fire light glint off the helmet "What is Dwarven armor worth today?"

"For just the helmet? In its current state, not much. Maybe fifty septims as it's a bit rough. After I refine it, that should up the price." She looked at him and smiled. "You know…if you want to enchant it…that would greatly increase the value."

He knew that smile and as much as he hated to admit it, it made bits of him tingle; for now, he would write this reaction off as nothing. Besides, this was the face of a woman who wanted something and should not be trusted. After all, it was the same one she wore when she brought him the Atherium book that started this unpleasant expedition.

He stared at her but didn't say anything.

"I'm sure enchanting this wouldn't be hard – especially for someone as knowledgeable and handsome-"

"I know what I look like and I know what you're after. Your false adulation is unnecessary and irksome. But If I were to enchant the helmet, I want half of what it sells for."

"What?! No. C'mon – I already have the soul gems and the table. I just need your expertise, your guidance-."

"What did I just say? Now you are requesting a service and I am stating my cost of said service. My 'expertise' did not come from sitting around doing nothing – it is a honed skill and I know my value. Therefore, I want half. That is fair."

"Alright fine." She grumbled a few things then went back to eating the bread.

The moons had not risen yet, but the forest was becoming more active. They would be left alone due to the fire and location but sleeping under the stars had its advantages. The auroras would start soon bathing everything in an eerie glow. The nightlight effect ensured the more aggressive nocturnal creatures would stay in the shadows – most of them anyway.

Despite the fact that Miraak had been free of Apocrypha for almost two years, he was still entranced by the night sky. On the rare occasions that it was completely clear, he would stay up until the early hours of the morning observing the stars and taking notes. Unfortunately, tonight would not be one of those nights; he was exhausted, and she was determined to carry on their previous conversation.

"What are your views on religion exactly? Well, I guess modern religion I should say." Aleaksi poked. "You more or less know mine."

"Its…complicated." Miraak started.

"I bet. Your god considers you a traitor. Kinda hard to come back from that – especially since you were technically created to destroy him."

He glared at her. "I'm aware of that. What I'm saying is the religion I am most familiar with evolved into what is taught today. We didn't have 'The Nine' or 'Eight', we had animal totems with dragons at the center. The Atmoran religion itself was well organized but archaic by today's standards. From what I've read, little has changed fundamentally besides the names, buildings and overall influence. Of course, the Deadra were still present but they had different names as well."

"How so? And what are Atmorans?"

"That comparison is a bit more complicated to explain but the short version is there were eight animal totems and there were eight divines until Talos decided he wanted to join the assembly. I'll let you put the pieces together. As for the Atmorians, they are the people from Atmora which seems rather obvious. More importantly, they are the ancestors of modern-day Nords and a large part of why humans are in Tamrial. Do you not know our history?"

"I…skipped that class. I openly admit I was a terrible student; things have somewhat changed." She said with a shrug.

"Considering you have the attention span of a gnat, I am impressed with anyone who managed to wrangle you into a classroom for any length of time. A true feat of heroism."

"You're too kind, really you are. So, what are you - Nord or Atmoran?"

"Atmorans are Nords – they've also been referred to as Nedes. One turned into the other with most of the linage coming from Ysgramor's Five Hundred Companions. The population burst most likely would have happened sooner but Saarthal was annihilated by the Snow Elves. Does the book Night of Tears sound familiar?"

"Ah yes I do remember that, and I remember the Companions mentioning something about being descended from Ysgramor. They were pretty damn proud of it too, but the werewolf thing was a bit of a turn-off along with their general disdain for anything magic related."

Miraak rolled his eyes "Yes, I remember. I am willing to overlook their ignorance as Skyrim does not embrace the use of magic but removing Azhidal's contributions from their 'proud history' is beyond insulting."

"Yes, and gods forbid you correct them on it." She shook her head "Anyway…so, you're actually from Atmora which explains the accent. How did you end up in Solstihm?"

"I travelled there not long after I was inducted into the Dragon Cult; my affinity for priesthood was apparent. I was told I would achieve greatness with this posting but when I arrived on the island, I was shocked. It was a small, backwater disappointment that looked drastically different than its present state. Less ash and more wilderness but still just as unruly. Gods how I hated it."

"Oh c'mon, it can't have been that terrible. I mean I didn't have that bad of a trip-"

"Stop acting like you enjoyed your time there. I know you didn't because you complained constantly. 'Miraak I wanna go home.' 'Miraak I don't wanna fight ash spawn.' 'Miraak stop killing villagers." He mocked.

"I don't sound like that - I am much more subtle with my bitching."

"Ha! Yes, and I'm loved by all. Oh, the lies we tell ourselves. Now if this conversation is concluded, I suggest we sleep."

She muttered a few things to herself then rolled over in her cot. As she settled in, the auroras continued to dance as did the questions in her mind despite her annoyance. Atmora. why hadn't she heard of it before? Why hadn't her Nordic mother mentioned it or her grandmother?

She rolled back over; Miraak had turned away from her and pulled his blankets over his face. Perhaps one more question wouldn't hurt.

"Are you asleep?"

Her question was met with an exasperated sigh.

"What."

"Where is Atmora?"

"To the north, past the Sea of Ghosts."

"Can we go there?"

"There's nothing to see. It's a frozen wasteland that makes Skyrim look like the Alik'r desert."

"Still it sounds…intriguing."

"Go to sleep."

The next day, they rose early and continued toward the last destination. After a brief stop in Iverstead to trade and restock, they carried on. It was mid-day by the time they reached the Ruins of Bthalft.

At one time considered the hub of Dwemer research and progress, thousands of years had turned it into little more than a few standing stones and pedestals. Bandits had set up residence but were not a threat. As the two approached, a single arrow was shot before a blast of lightening took out the assailant. The rest of the group fled before there was further retaliation. Whether they would be back wasn't obvious but for the time being, Aleaksi and Miraak would be left alone.

At the center of the ruins was a globe with an intricate design. Below it was a space for a key of some sort. Pulling out the atherum shards, Aleaksi examined each one carefully before piecing them together. As the completed disc was placed, the ground began to tremor. They both stepped off the stone platform as it began rising revealing a hidden lever for a Dwemer lift.

"Gods this must be it. I swear if we don't find anything, I will scream." She muttered.

They entered the lift, pulled the lever and began their decent.

Upon entering the ancient structure, a torch sprang to life illuminating their path. As they continued forward, this pattern continued until they entered a massive cavern connected by small stone bridges. At each rest point, they stopped and examined the various contents left behind.

"No one has been here for thousands of years…this is incredible!" she said as she placed pieces of armor and metal in her pack.

Once they reached the entrance to the forge, Katria appeared and directed their attention to more tonal locks.

"Do they need to be shot in a particular order?"

The ghost shrugged "I would assume no but then again, this is as far as I've ever been."

Once the locks were activated, the gates swung open revealing a spacious room suspended above an active lava pit. Steam hung stagnate clinging to every surface making the air feel oppressive; colossal gypsum crystals had formed on the walls; they glowed faintly adding to the surreal ambiance. It was equal parts impressive and ominous, serene yet overwhelming.

Taking off her helmet, Aleaksi wiped the sweat from her brow and looked around. At the center, a grate provided a glimpse of the lava below; a large concentration of steam was being fed by valves positioned on opposite ends of the room. At the far end of the grate was the Atherium Forge heated by a steady follow of lava.

"We need a way of getting to the other side without being boiled. I'll get this valve, you get the other. With any luck, it may improve the humidity in this room."

Miraak nodded in agreement. With both valves closed the steam disappeared but a new threat appeared; swarms of dwarven spiders began pouring into the room from various openings.

"Son of a bitch! They're relentless!" Aleaksi screeched as the hoard doubled in size. Putting her helmet back on, she drew her sword and attacked. Dwarven spiders on their own posed no real threat but in large quantities, they could easily take down their prey.

A sudden crack of thunder accompanied by a whirlwind of spiders indicated Miraak had used the cyclone shout to thin the numbers. Those that were left began scuttling back toward the shadows in retreat.

"That wasn't fun but…if it's the worst of it, I'm okay with that."

"I highly doubt that is the only defense put in place. These appear to be Forge Guardians."

At that moment, several dwarven spheres emerged with blades drawn.

"Yep. Spoke too soon." She said to herself.

The spheres proved to be more formidable but not impossible; with Katria's assistance, they we're able to funnel the majority of animunculi through the stairs where they were individually picked off.

Once the last sphere was destroyed, steam began emitting from the floor again. Luckily, they were clear of it.

"I'll handle this, you get the other one" Aleaksi sighed.

As the steam stopped, the room stilled; no spiders or spheres emerged but something felt off. Aleaksi jumped down from the stairs and started across the grate in the center of the room. As they approached, there was a low rumble. Miraak grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

The lava pool that lapped the edge of the room suddenly began to bubble rapidly and cave in on itself. As it did, a massive centurion emerged splashing molten rock as it crawled forth onto the bank. Glowing white hot, it stomped toward them intent on destruction. It moved with uncharacteristic speed taking a swipe at Aleaksi. The axe blade at the end of its arm met empty air as she was pulled back again; a burst of flames instead of steam erupted from its face a moment later.

"Switch to frost spells – if you know any." Miraak shouted as he drew his sword.

"I know frost spells, I think. well, a frost spell." She muttered to herself. "I at least know a shout."

Katria circled the centurion letting loose a stream of arrows; nevertheless, it stayed fixated on the other two. Miraak cast a frost rune in its direct path follow by burst of Blizzard. The machine staggered but found its footing.

Fo Krah Diin!

It stumbled again as his shout hit but retaliated with another burst of flames melting the surrounding ice. Aleaksi ran forward, sword drawn, and took a swipe at the knee joint. The hiss of steam escaping indicated a major line had been cut. The centurion staggered but regained its balanced and turned its full attention toward her. With a swipe of its hammered arm, it caught her in the chest and sent her flying into a wall with a loud bang; she didn't get up.

Miraak shook his head, cast another ruin in front of the automaton and charged forward when it exploded. While it was distracted, he cut the other knee joint sending it crashing forward. With both legs useless, it attempted to crawled in a short-lived bid for destruction. With deft movement, he jumped on its back driving his sword through the metal plating connecting its head severing the flow of life force. A final cloud of steam burst and its movements stilled.

The sound of groaning drew his attention back to the crumpled heap of armor on the ground. He casually walked toward Aleaksi then prodded her with the toe of his boot; this was answered with an annoyed grunt.

"Unfortunately, you are not dead."

"Thanks. Kinda wish I was." She winced.

Miraak crouched down and removed his helmet and gauntlets. The damage to the armor was extensive but it had done its job in protecting her. It did not appear salvageable but that was her call to make. He poked a few more places on her to determine what level of restoration spell would be needed. She was coherent which was a good sign.

"Where does it hurt?"

"Everywhere."

"Don't be dramatic."

"It's mainly…ugh. My head…and my shoulder feels strange."

He pushed her into a sitting position and noticed the massive dent to the shoulder region of the armor. He pulled off her helmet and was met with a glassy expression indicating a mild concussion. He studied her a moment longer before placing both hands on the side of her head and casting Heal Other. Golden light enveloped her briefly as the major symptoms of the concussion disappeared; her shoulder however would take something stronger but for now, was functional.

"Since when do you know restoration spells." She asked.

"This? Heal Other is an adapt level spell that most learn within their first few years of studying Restoration. It's not as basic as Healing Hands and it is convenient – especially for situations such as this. Do you object to my use of it?"

"I suppose not."

"Good. Now get up."

Aleaksi was wobbly but able to get on her feet. She held onto the wall for a moment longer before looking back at the centurion. Miraak's sword was still protruding from its head.

"Wish I could have seen that."

"You were busy getting in its way."

She glared at him but didn't respond.

They joined Katria in front of the massive forge. "I... I almost can't believe it. We did it! We actually did it! There's only one thing left to do. We have to prove this actually works. That this is the real Aetherium Forge."

"Well, I could make something…might take a few hours…but, we don't really have materials – or at least I don't." Aleaksi shrugged and winced a little.

"There isn't any Aetherium here, is there? Damn it!" Katria started pacing then stopped. "Wait! ...Yes, yes there is. The shards we collected... they're pure Aetherium, remember? It's not much, but it'll do. With them, and the materials in this room, we should have everything we need."

Miraak looked around and spotted the chest.

"I'll bet its filled with just enough materials to make a circlet, a staff or a shield. How…convenient."

"If that's the case, I'm making the circlet."

"Another trinket to add to your collection of jewelry you don't wear."

"Don't judge me, but yes, you are correct."

With the materials obtained, Aleaksi set to work creating the Atherium Crown. While the Forge itself was ancient, it made shaping the metal almost effortless. Her should still hurt but she ignored it for now; the issue would be addressed once they were home.

"Skyforge steel be damned – I'm coming here to do my smithing." She muttered as it cooled.

After the process was complete, she held the circlet out for Katria to examine.

"Gods, it's absolutely beautiful!" she smiled "And with that... it's done. No one could possibly deny what we've found now."

"So, uh, what's going to happen next?"

"For me? I've done what I set out to do. But you... take that out into the world. And if anyone asks, tell them what we discovered. Together. And now... I think I can rest. Farewell, my friends, wherever your travels take you."

She took a bow and faded away.

Aleaksi stood for a moment reflecting on the interaction; Miraak began stuffing everything that wasn't nailed down into their bags. The quest was finally over, and they had better be leaving soon.

"You know, I think I'm going to miss her. She was pleasant to work with and a damn good shot."

"Yes yes, very pleasant." Miraak waved her off "Now I've got everything packed. Are we going home finally?"

Aleaksi tucked away her helmet and put on the crown.

"Yes. I think that sounds nice."

A/N: Good god that this one took forever to get out – mainly due to school, work and general life things. I miss having time to just sit down and write, but alas that's not what pays the bills.
Now, for the next chapter we may see a little more backstory – kind of like an intermission between quests. When it comes to Miraak, my headcanon is this: he's a bad mofo but he's not unreasonable. After all, he's had a few thousand years to chill out and reflect on what went wrong with his rebellion. Basically, I see him going from hot-headed cocky rabble-rouser to cooly arrogant tactician.
He'd be terrifying to play chess with.
As always, I appreciate any reviews and thank you for reading.