After a long and exhausting Argument: I convinced the Vampire chick that I should continue the adventure alone, to avoid any more unnecessary graves. Whiterun has seen better days; but I have faith in Jarl Balgruff that the people will pull through and rebuild. This whole turn of events has been a wakeup call for me; that I cannot just joke my way through every situation.

I left on my own terms; having done all I felt was required. She strode off toward her destiny; and me to mine. The strange Doppelganger was up to far more than just unrest and destruction- I was sure. But where and when would he strike next? I sat on the wall near a small village; pondering and stipulating.

But there would be no point to sit and think- without a map I had no bearings. Certainly I had a few leads to follow. With the province in such unrest; a demon such as he would have no problem orchestrating a disaster. I passed the village sign. Rorikstead; therefore west of Whiterun. Word of the destruction had not reached here yet.

I confidently ambled inside the local bar, a small hall detailed with a centre fire pit. The barman looked bored; leaning lazily over the counter.

"Afternoon; traveller…?" The barman sat up; surprised at my presence. "Could it be…?" He trailed off, breaking into a yawn. I sat on the stool; raising an eyebrow in intrigue.
"You were here before right young man?" He asked, and blinked in shock as I shook my head. "Really, but you're the same dark mage that wistfully looked to the east the other day…. Asked the farmers about dwemer ruins?" Again I responded with a blank stare.

The barman looked uneasier still- pouring both of us a cold one to cut through the mood.
"Not me- but there is some mysterious fella wandering round who does look near exactly like me. I guess you'd call them a 'Deadra'." Upon that last word the barman nearly choked on his ale, coughing and spluttering all over the floor and nearby barrels.
"I-Impossible! I thought after The oblivion crisis, no deadra would even dare walk upon Nirn with such audacity!" He exclaimed, then coughed and thumped his chest lightly in an attempt to retain his composure.

I took a nonchalant sip of my own drink- slipping a large tip of coin under the cloth of the seat. I can be a nice guy sometimes after all.
"Dwemer ruins? What's so special about them?" I asked, prompting a light shrug from the other.
"Not much I can tell you, save that the dwemer-or dwarves-vanished a long time ago, leaving only their underground cities and technology behind. If you want answers, head to the far northeast. Someone at the college of Winterhold knows all too much about them. A-a word of warning though…the mages there are nothing short of fucking insane. Several have had their minds warped by deadra in the past. And if your acquaintance has sought them out as you say-then expect a bloodbath." He warned solemnly.

Vexen's POV
The Archmage has been most helpful in my studies. I am not normally one to break conduct; but this establishment is a wealth of information. Furthermore- I have located my little 'problem' with the help of divination magics- a most curious science of the arcane.
There also exists a series of artefacts known as the 'elder scrolls' – wraps of papyrus that hold untold power. Most that behold them degenerate into madness- but I know my mind is far stronger than these pathetic 'mortals'. I will use the elder scroll to gain true understanding of these 'rifts' and use them to…..well that in itself is its own problem. I possess no purpose other than a thirst for understanding. I could try to rebuild my heart- but I feel there are better end goals.

Perhaps I will try to reel this world in; end this infighting war. There IS an opening for a high king after all. Imagine- finally I would have the respect I deserve! I would be the leader to more than just brainwashed clones. Xehanort would have to accept me amongst his 'XIII darkness's then'!

So; I have the goal and the research; but where to get an elder scroll? I mused about the college, stopping by the archmage's quarters upon hearing snippets of a conversation.
"The City of Blackreach hm? That is where I will find what I desire? Splendid."
"I-indeed. You will only find it through the tower of Mzark; however. I must advise you to e-exercise caution, for such ruins are renowned for their security systems…"
Such a bizarre back-and-forth. I have not yet heard the arch mage so…nervous. |I kept an ear to the door, intently eavesdropping.
"perfect, all the item will be there?"
"Undoubtedly. The legends are not w-"
"good. You are no longer of any use to me. Goodbye."
A sudden shriek rang out; reverberating throughout the college. I barged my way in; but it was too late. A single heart hung in the air above the Arch mages broken body; the handiwork unmistakably familiar. The race was on.

Jexaks POV
I silently drank and mulled over all that had befallen me so far. "by the way- drinks on the house….thanks for entertaining me a little youngster." The bartender warmly smiled. I returned his expression; glad that my unusual capers were good for something at least.

I did not dwell much longer; for there was much to do; and oh so little time.

-?-
: the white knight moves forwards, inter centre square. The white bishop, moves to the right. Unbeknownst to him, his counterpart moves to counter this play, taking out the rook. While the other black bishop moves separately alongside other pawns, the white king is still protected….for now.