Frostcrag Spire:

The cold mountain wind howled softly through the peaks of the Jerall mountains as a gentle snow began to fall around the area. Mycroft and Nathiira ascended the smooth slope steadily as the wizard's tower came into view. Mycroft stopped short and admired the rotating rings and the unusual architecture of structure before him, "Fascinating…" he remarked in awe, "You live here, milady?"

Nathiira nodded as they climbed the series of steps to the main door. "I inherited this Spire. It is remote enough that I can conduct my research and studies without disturbing others. It is quiet, peaceful, and hardly anyone ventures this high into the mountains." Nathiira turned the archaic key causing a set of gears and tumblers to turn and groan under the weight of the heavy steel door as it slid open to the side.

The two elves made their way inside as the faint blue glow of arcane energy lit the entry way and as arcane torchlight danced against the vastness of the tower's inner base. Mycroft gazed dizzily overhead, in awe of the sheer height of the ceiling.

"Set those armor pieces Joren collected over there by the altar." Nathiira said as she pointed toward the raised dais towards the back of the tower. Mycroft groaned as he set down the heavy load of demonic metal next to the Alter of Enchanting as a low hum resonated in the chamber. He looked about to see that Nathiira was no longer with him. He hopped down from the rise as he called out for her. Again, the room resounded with the same, unearthly hum as he turned to see Nathiira walking towards a nearby bookcase along the wall, perusing through the various tomes and volumes. Plucking a book from one of the sets, she turned to see Mycroft who had a seriously confused, gawking expression.

"How did… Where did you..." he mumbled.

"Oh!" she piped up in embarrassment. "I am so sorry. This place has a unique addition, not commonly found in most places." Nathiira stepped over onto a blue and purple glowing pedestal. "Come over here. I will show you." Mycroft eyed her hesitantly as approached the strange circle step on the floor as he stood next to her, flecks of light floating upward around them. "It is a teleport pad. It will take you to the next floor and back again."

"I see… how does it work?"

"It is actually quite simple." Nathiira gently took his hand in hers, "You simple say the activation word. Se-lundra…" A flash of light enveloped them as the area around them shifted from a vast open chamber to a quaint, well lit room. "And it takes you to the second level." She finished without missing a beat.

Mycroft retracted his hands quickly as his eyes darted about the room in a mildly fearful state. "Milady… Would you be so kind and warn me before you attempt such a feat again."

Nathiira blushed, "Forgive me. I rarely have visitors and forget that many have not experienced such a device."

"Yes, well, it is definitely quicker than a flight of stairs, to be sure."

Nathiira stepped off the pad and laid her book down on the Alchemy table as she scanned through the ingredients she had stacked on the table and began brewing a mixture. Mycroft casually paced around the Alchemical garden, examining the various floras about the room in pure wonderment.

"I am curious, milady." Mycroft asked from as he examined the various plant life, "With all of this at your disposal, why are you only an Apprentice of the Mage's Guild.

Nathiira eyed the mixtures in the alembic carefully, "I studied under my own initiative, yet the Guild has more resources available." she answered in a focused state as she poured the contents of the apparatus in to several bottles and set them aside, turning back towards Mycroft who was leaning against the entryway. "They recognize my skill and ability, yet all members must follow their edicts and progress through the ranks accordingly. I have only recently joined."

"I can see where that sort of levels the playing field and eliminates thoughts to birthright and privilege to a chosen few; despite the fact that ones who have talent are hampered in the beginning."

"I do not mind it. I actually find it to be rather self-gratifying in earning my ranking through what I have accomplished."

"Well said, milady. So what have been concocting over there?"

Nathiira turned and gathered up the potion bottles she created, "A few potions that will help restore health and stamina. The rest of us do not have the luxury afforded, like Joren's hammer provides."

"So true, milady, so true… It would seem we will have need of them, at the rate we are going." Mycroft commented as Nathiira opened the cabinet nearby and removed a red silk robe and matching hood. "I was also ill prepared before and I need to better equip myself." She half grinned modestly, "Would you turn around, please." Mycroft raised curious eyebrow before it donned on him what she meant and bowed in a courteous spin, but afforded himself a peek in the passing moments.

XxXxXxX

Oblivion Gate: North of Ayelid ruins of Rielle

She clung to the Sigil stone tightly with one hand, covering the searing wound at her side with the other, as the Gate collapsed behind her. She scanned the immediate vicinity as the darkness of the midnight hour loomed overhead and a Clannfear and a Legion Forrester lay dead nearby. She walked up on the deceased soldier and immediately went into a stalking position as she saw the steel dagger protruding through his neck, realizing he had been killed by another. Her eyes cautiously skimmed through the shadows as she took note of a dark robed form leaning against the rubble of the closed Oblivion gate.

"Hello, Syndel. My, my… It is amazing how you have blossomed into fine young woman! It has been some time since we last saw each other." The vaguely familiar male voice of a Breton called out to her.

"Do you require something… Speaker?" she choked through the wincing pain as she rose to her feet.

"Just a simple question; tell me, where is your father hiding these days?"

Syndel eyed him harshly, realizing it was Bellamont. "He is not hiding."

"Is he now?" Bellamont wily scoffed, "His actions speak otherwise."

"What do you mean?"

Bellamont threw back his head, sighed, then looked down, shaking his head disappointingly, "It is not surprising that Lucien has kept you in the dark on his little scheme. Then again, perhaps you are simply unaware of what has been transpiring, as of late." he shrugged as he made his way to the dead forester and retrieved his dagger. "No matter… It appears that your father has appointed a new Silencer."

"His previous one perished."

"Yes, yes they did. A sad state of affairs to be sure. Strange that he did not appoint you to that status. Don't you think?" He commented intrigued as she casually paced around Syndel.

"It would be a conflict of interest."

"Oh, come now. Who are you fooling? From what I hear you have become quite capable and certainly qualified, in service to the Dark Brotherhood. Do you not find yourself the least bit curious that he chose to help foster a new prospect, over yourself, when you have certainly been groomed for the role?"

Syndel's eyes tracked his movement, "It is my father's decision. It is not my place to question it." She replied firmly.

"Then let me ask you this… you have no doubt in your mind that your father's judgment could not be… clouted, perhaps? After all, his new Silencer is a woman and she is rather… beautiful. I dare say, she even reminds me of your late mother. Sithis, rest her soul."

"What are you implying?"

Bellamont stopped in front of her, looking at her reserved eyes with a bemused smirk. "I, myself, am not the only one that shares this concern. I am only saying that your father's most recent actions and reclusiveness have raised some…. suspicions."

"Why are you telling me this?" She implied steadfastly.

"It was thought that you could shed some light on your father's strange conduct. Though, I have my doubts that even YOU know what truly goes on with him. His motives are uncertain and his overall conduct in his affairs is quite… unbecoming of a Speaker for the Dark Brotherhood, as of late." Bellamont gestured to her with open hands. "The Black Hand is concerned and I am here, merely asking that you consider the fact that Lucien Lachance, your father, is not in right mind."

"My father faithfully serves the Night Mother and Sithis, without question." She hissed, "As do I."

"Yes, your father's faithfulness to the Dark Brotherhood has been beyond reproach for many years now, however even the most devout can be deceived or manipulated. Consider this, have you not wondered why your father holds himself up in that aged Fort, never actively engaging with his fellow members, lest his fellow Black Hand members. He recruited and initiated many of the late members of the Cheydinhal Sanctuary into our unique… family and now they have been sacrificed to Sithis to purge an assumed traitor within the Brotherhood, yet the traitor still runs amuck."

"Are saying my father is the traitor?"

"I do not cast judgment on my fellow Speaker. I am only enlightening you to what others have concluded. It is thought that your father's new Silencer, is perhaps an assassin within assassins. Or even you perhaps?"

"I am no traitor!" she barked at him in stirring rage. "Nor, is my father! I serve the Dark Brotherhood, the Night Mother and Sithis, as my father and mother have before me!" She seethed as she gritted teeth. "I will not allow you or anyone else to say otherwise."

Bellamont held up his hands in defense, "Calm yourself, Syndel. I only ask that you consider the possibilities. You cannot deny that you do not question these things yourself; although, much could be resolved if this new Silencer were to be… removed."

Syndel's eyes shifted to a gravely perplexed expression, "You are suggesting that I eliminate my father's Silencer? To do so would go against the five tenants."

"Which is the greater of the faults before you?" Bellamont posed as he rolled his wrist as if he was dealing out cards, "Would you kill a fellow member or allow the Brotherhood to be betrayed? You would be breaking a tenant to absolve the violation of another. Sithis will understand this… humble transgression." Bellamont extended his hand as he posed a question, "So, what say you?"

"I will not."

Bellamont cocked his head curiously, "A pity… it seems your loyalty to your father outweighs your faithfulness to the Dark Brotherhood." He sighed, "So be it. You have made your choice." He walked past her and turned back a few steps off. "I leave you with this word of warning, though; if your father is found to be the traitor…" he paused briefly as his form began to morph with the natural surroundings. "You shall share in his fate."

Syndel looked down in a mixed array of confusion as she fell to her knees, weighing his words carefully. She had been honest with herself when she said she had never questioned her father before and now she found herself wondering. He had warned her that others would use her to get to him, yet was it for good reason or for ill. Either way, she knew she had no choice, but to stay away; for whatever Bellamont meant or intended by all of this, it would not doubt hinder her father in some way. She quietly looked to the stars, closed her eyes, and silently prayed to the Night Mother for guidance.

XxXxXxX

Imperial City: Elven Gardens: Luther Broad's Boarding House

It was late afternoon the next day before he arrived within the Imperial city. After making contact with Baurus, Joren was forced to help dispatch the tailing shadow on Baurus. After learning of the information Baurus had gathered, he headed for the Arcane University. He passed through the gates and approached the rise of the smaller southeastern tower when a flash of violet and blue hued light illuminated before him. He shielded his eyes and dared to look as was shocked to see Mycroft and Nathiira standing before him, eyeing them inquisitively.

"Ah, Joren! There you are. I am surprised to find you here."

"Likewise. I did not expect to see you for another day."

"Ah, about that, it appears that, Lady Nathiira here has a few… rather interesting means of travel at her disposal."

"Apparently." Joren replied in amusement.

"If you are here, then it only means you discovered something." Nathiira commented vaguely.

"You are correct, milady." Joren handed over a book to her. "Apparently, this book is tied to a Daedric cult, known as the Mythic Dawn. They are the ones we are looking for. I was told that there was one amongst the Mage's guild, Tar-Meena, who be able to assist with this. I was going to get this going in your absence; however, since you are here, milady, I leave it to you."

"Of course." Nathiira nodded as they walked into the Tower of the University.

XxXxXxX

Imperial City: Market District

As evening settled, Mycroft exited the First Edition as Phintias closed up shop for the night. He looked to Joren, who casually posted up at the corner of the intersection, as Mycroft shook his head disappointingly.

"I take it things did not go well." Joren smirked.

"Some people, I tell you… Well, according to Mr. Phintias over there, he assured me that there is indeed a third and fourth edition. He currently holds a copy of the third edition for another, whereas, the fourth is all but impossible to find."

"Could you not convince him to part with it?"

"Well, he started off by saying his word was his bond. I tried to reason with the man, yet after much bantering, he offered to let it go for one hundred gold. ONE HUNDRED! Of all the underhanded, leveraging, highway robbery schemes, I tell you!"

"So you have the book, then?"

"Of course not!" Mycroft exclaimed, placing his hands adamantly on his hips as Joren eyed him curiously."What did you expect, Joren? What little profit I have managed to loo… er… pilf… I mean…" Mycroft stammered as an Imperial Watch passed by. "Collect! Yes, collected… barely scratches the surface. And at last I checked, your pockets are not that deep either, are they?"

Joren snorted as he eyed the store. "We need that book. Perhaps the one he is holding it for might be more open to part with it."

"Oh, please Joren, do not be so daft. I fully intend to get the book from Phintias. You see I-"

Joren threw up his hand, stopping him short. "I do not want to know about it. I am certain I already know where you plan to go with this." Joren turned and began to walk away.

"And why not?" Mycroft posed the question to him intently.

Joren looked over his shoulder briefly, "Because… The less I know… the less I have to lie to the guards about." Mycroft raised and objecting finger, but quickly retracted it as he snorted to himself in humored agreement.

XxXxXxX

Imperial City: Arcane University: Library

It was early morning and sun began to pierce warmly through the narrow windows of the library. Nathiira stretched out her stiffened joints, having spent the entire evening scouring through the first two volumes of the Commentaries. As much as she knew what the Mythic Dawn had so ill conceived, she was quite amazed and fascinated by the words of Mankar Camoran. It had, so far, enlightened her to new theories on magic as she was finding herself anxiously awaiting the remaining tomes to see what new discoveries there were to be had through his words.

She heard the door open as Mycroft entered the room with a sly grin as he approached her extending ht leather bound book. "One copy of Mankar Camoran's Commentaries of the Mysterium Xarxes, book three; for your perusal, milady."

"Thank you." Nathiira replied as she laid the tome out before her and began reading the text intently."Amazing…" she said softly to herself.

Mycroft skirted around behind her as he leaned on her seat back and half-heartedly skimmed the text over her shoulder, gently puling her back and over her opposing shoulder to see more clearly as she flipped through the text. "What is, milady?"

"These thoughts of Mankar Camoran. They are quite in depth and remarkable. The man has a brilliant mind in the realms of the arcane and the Daedric mythos. His words just draw you in." she noted semi-enthralled.

Mycroft leaned back and gently began to massage her shoulders in the intent of distracting her train of thought as she responded by closing her eyes, letting out slight moan of pleasure. "Let us not forget, milady, This Camoran founded this Mythic Dawn group and they are currently the enemy; our foe to be more precise."

"You are right… I guess I made it sound like as if I am some sort of adoring fan." She sighed, "I admire the wisdom he puts forth. However, I guess I need a break."

"Quite… you are certainly tense. You need to get some rest and look at this with fresh eyes. I n the meantime, I need to meet with a man who might shed light on some things regarding this missing fourth book." Nathiira nodded as Mycroft walked herto the dormitory and

XxXxXxX

Imperial City: Elven Gardens: Luther Broad's Boarding House

It was nearly noon as Baurus and Joren sat at the bar, nursing their drinks casually as many gathered within the boarding house for a quick lunch.

"So, do you think he can pull it off? Baurus roughly questioned.

Joren shrugged after taking a deep drink, "If I were a beating man, my money would be on him. I doubt he will fail outright."

The door to the boarding house opened as Mycroft entered cheerfully as he made his way towards them. "Well, there you are. The third book is being reviewed and as an added bonus…" Mycroft withdrew a small note from his pocket as he handed it over to Baurus. "I have an open invitation to meet with a representative of the Mythic Dawn."

Joren raised an intrigued eyebrow, "How did you manage that?"

"Well, needless to say, I spoke with this amateur scholar named Gwinas; a relatively haughty and disciplined fellow to be sure, however he was avidly displeased that Phintias had… misplaced his order and I happen to strike up a conversation with him. After a bit of debate, it appears that Gwinas caught the attention of said cultists and they offered to meet with him to discuss his future. I somewhat enlightened him to the goings-on of the cult, as of late, and he was more than inclined to have no part in being involved with them and so he offered to help by giving me his invite."

"It seems you finally put that silver tongue to good use." Joren jeered as Mycroft gave a mock bow.

Baurus handed back the note to Joren, "It would seem they are waiting for him. If we don't move on this we may lose our chance. By the description, I know where they are meeting."

"Shall we?" Mycroft grinned and he motioned towards the door in a gracious manner.

XxXxXxX

Imperial City: Sunken Sewers

Baurus, Joren, and Mycroft lurked through the maze of tunnels and spillways underneath the city. Rats, mud crabs, and few goblins harassed them along the way for disturbing the squatting hovels within as they made their path. As they came upon a rusted steel door and a set of stairs, Baurus turned to them with a serious and firm look upon his face. "Beyond this door is where they are meeting." Baurus noted in a low tone. "I should be the one to meet with them. There is a rise just above the area where you can cover me from the shadows."

"They said to come alone, which only means they are not."

Mycroft looked to Joren and scanned his armored body with amused reservation, "Well, I guess I shall be the one to provide support, should things go afoul." Mycroft snapped quick glance of reassurance towards Baurus, "Not to say you will foul it up, good sir. It is simply in the fact that, our walking wall of metal here is going to stick out like sore thumb." Mycroft grinned at Joren, "No offense."

"Not arguing. I can remain here as reserve anchor."

"Okay…" Baurus replied in concurrent, "Let's go."

Baurus entered the room, taking seat at the lone table and chair that sat near a gated partition with a single candle barely piercing the darkness of the room. Mycroft slinked up to the rise where a bridge crossed over the area, giving him full view of the scene. He quietly leaned against the wall; the veiled shadows enveloping him like a blanket. He peered down as the lower gate creaked open and a high elf dressed in the red and black colors of the cult entered and began a rather cold introduction s he began his recruitment speech.

Mycroft watched the pair of dark forms gather behind the gate across the bridge as he shifted further into the archway. The recruiter called for his brothers to join him as they lit torches and proceeded towards Mycroft direction. Sweat began to rise on his brow as he held his breath as the two new arrivals peered into the short passageway he was occupying and continued down the stairs to their associate.

Cautiously he slid down the wall to see the exchange as the spokesman became alerted as he recognized Baurus. With that the three mystics cast the bound arms and armors upon themselves Baurus rolled out of his chair and readied to defend himself. Mycroft drew his untested Daedric blade and leapt down upon the third cultist, his blade plunging through his back as he used his target to break his fall. His partner turned quickly at Mycroft with his mace connected with his head. Mycroft was knocked back, off balance, as he shuffled to his feet while the rusted door slammed open.

Joren charged inward sending a sweeping bash to the torso of the second robed form. The hammered cultist was knocked off his feet and laid prone as Mycroft stumbled over and impaled his blade upon the stricken cultist as his he let out a blood curdling scream and his armor faded.

The recruiter and Baurus squared off as they exchanged blows between their blades. Baurus held back as Joren flanked the elf and he gauged the situation. "You fools! You cannot stop the Lord of Destruction!" He exclaimed, "You will be crushed under the might of Mehrunes Dagon!" Joren eyed Baurus to which he, in turn, nodded and the two struck the High Elf down with a simultaneous attack.

Baurus sheathed his blade and scoured the body of the recruiter and found the fourth book inside his robe. Joren slung his hammer as he reached down, grabbing Mycroft, bringing him to his feet as he dizzily checked his blooded blade. "I think I like this weapon…" he groggily chimed as Joren wrapped Mycroft's arm over his shoulder to help carry him in his dazed state.

Baurus stepped over the dead body and tucked the book inside Mycroft cuirass and looked to Joren. "I'll take care of things down here. Hopefully, that book will give us more details as to where the rest of these Daedra worshippers are at."

Joren nodded, "I will get this book to our mage and see if she cannot decipher something from it."

"Good. Once I'm finished here I'll make my way to Cloud Ruler Temple. I am have failed to protect the previous Emperor but I am not about to fail our new lord." Joren nodded once more as he dragged the barely coherent rogue through back though the sewers.