Chapter 25 - Sightless Pit

They left shortly after breakfast, heading south out of Winterhold. The easiest and fastest route to their destination was south to Azura's shrine, which she thought Andreius would appreciate, then west to the Sightless Pit.

About a mile out of Winterhold, Sorcalin called them to a halt. "We're far enough from town for me to show you my ... ah ... special combat ability."

Serana grinned. "I figured it out as soon as we met, since I used to be a shape-shifter myself. Go ahead; you'll find no hostility from us, since Yssha says you're a friend."

""I thought you were a vampire," Sorcalin said cautiously.

"Yeah, but Vampire Lord variety," Serana responded. "You know, the ugly body and useless-looking but very effective wings type. Compared to that, a werewolf is ... normal-looking. By my standards, anyway." She grinned. "The team kept my secret. We'll keep yours."

Sorcalin found that odd, but also oddly reassuring. "Very well." He slid his hand into his robes, nudging the Ring of Hircine onto his finger, then called on his inner wolf.

The Ring made the transformation easier and faster, though it still wasn't instantaneous or painless ... but at least he'd been able to design and cast a spell that sent his clothing away when he transformed, and brought it back when he returned to his original shape. He felt bones shift and reform, a muzzle grow, mass adding to his body, coarse fur covering him ... then he rose in the glory of his wolf, taller than any of the others, or even himself in his Altmer form.

But these were friends of his friend and other-self, so not to be killed. He began sniffing them, committing the scents to memory in his "ally" category. The Khajiit was already in that category, since he'd known her from her youngest cubhood.

Once Sorcalin had memorized the new scents, he changed back. "All right. there shouldn't be any problems, but it'd still be a good idea to stay clear, if you can, if I have to change."

"Hopefully you won't have to," Marcurio said. "You're quite an impressive were!"

"He is, isn't he?" Yssha said with an admiring smile. "For a long time, I thought that was the norm. I am glad we will never have to fight him; a normal werewolf is bad enough."

Marcurio had noticed Sorcalin's ring, and nodded. "Hircine's Ring makes him special, all right."

"You know what it is?" Sorcalin asked.

Marcurio grinned. "I study history for the fun of it, so yes, I can identify most of the greater artifacts, and have a pretty good idea of what they can do."

"Oh? Andreius is a bit of a historian himself; you might enjoy chatting sometime."

"So what's our route?" Andreius asked.

"South as far as the first pass, then west to Sightless Pit looks like the shortest way," Yssha said. "There is what I am told is a beautiful shrine to Azura a bit south of the pass, if you wish to visit." Azura was the second of the two Daedric Princes she had no particular dislike of, so she wouldn't mind a visit to the shrine. Hircine ... well, she'd say nothing against him out of respect for Sorcalin, but like most Daedric Princes, he made her uncomfortable at best.

"I'll pass on the shrine until we've accomplished your mission," Andreius replied. "Let's go."

It was a beautiful day, clear and cold, the snow firm underfoot, and Yssha was surprised to find she was enjoying the walk. She and Sorcalin were on point, Marcurio and Andreius behind them talking history, and Nevan and Serana on tail.

"So," Sorcalin said after a few minutes. "What's it like, being a dragon?"

He sounded honestly interested, so Yssha replied soberly, rather than trying to tease him. "Truly? It feels normal, most of the time, since I was born this way. You talk of your wolf spirit like a separate being, but the dragon soul I was born with is me." She paused. "But the ones I have absorbed since are separate, yes. Almost all are 'asleep' most of the time, but three of them remain, with my permission, 'awake' and aware."

"And how do they feel about inhabiting the body of a Khajiit?"

I will answer, thuri, if you permit, Mirmulnir sent. When she agreed, he spoke through her. "I am Mirmulnir, one of the waking three." Using her shoulders, he shrugged. "Except for one regrettable lack, it is ... not unpleasant. Her mind is comfortable, and her Thu'um stronger than mine ever was. Three of my scales are part of her everyday armor, and some of my bones have been forged into her thrones."

Sorcalin nodded. "So you're content, except for one thing. What's that?"

"Wings," Mirmulnir replied promptly. "To fly, she must borrow another's wings, and for a dovah accustomed to soaring Kynareth's Breath unhindered, that is ... humbling. Embarrassing."

Sorcalin nodded soberly. "I can understand that. So you wish she could fly on her own."

"We do," Mirmulnir said. "But Bormahu has given us the great gift of our thur's immortality. Asking for more would be an act of ingratitude."

With that he retreated, and Yssha was fully herself again. "Does that answer your question?"

"Very well, thanks." Sorcalin smiled. "Though I'm not sure I'd be that happy to be part of someone who'd killed me."

"Nor would I," Yssha agreed. "Fortunately, neither of us will have that problem. And I am extremely happy that it is only dovah souls I absorb. I would truly hate to be burdened with those of the other types I must kill. Though I do make it a point to keep empty soul gems on hand as a safety precaution!"

Sorcalin chuckled. "Probably smart," he agreed, then pointed ahead of them. "Snow bear - you want it, or shall I?"

"You and Andreius have not seen me Shout yet, so I will take it, if it attacks." That happened as soon as it spotted them, and began its charge. "Fus ... Ro Dah!"

The bear was thrown back, but this one wasn't smart enough to run, unlike some, so she Shouted again. "Yol ... Toor Shul!" This time, it died in her flames.

"That was ... impressive," Andreius said, joining them. "I'm surprised you even bother with physical weapons, with that kind of power."

Yssha chuckled. "Shouts are powerful, true, but most are area effects. Even the Fire and Frost Breath Shouts are difficult to focus tightly enough to strike only an individual, if he is not alone. If I want to target an individual or trap a soul, my mace is better. Or Dragonbane, against a dragon."

"Trap a - oh. You can't cast a spell and Shout at the same time."

Yssha nodded. "That is correct. Which is also why I carry healing potions, even though I have gotten fairly skilled at the Healing spells."

"I get it," Andreius said with a grin. "Dragonbane's your sword?"

"Yes." Yssha touched its hilt. "But since the only dov not sworn to me now are Paarthurnax's Way of the Voice acolytes, I am planning to retire it. My mace is more effective against other foes, with my crossbow for ranged attacks."

"I hope you're better with that than with a conventional bow," Andreius said dubiously.

Nevan laughed. "Wait'll we run into something else and show 'em, thuri!"

"If Sorcalin gives me the chance," she said.

The Altmer gave her a skeptical look, but nodded."I'll promise, if you get it ready now. And if you miss, I take action."

"Fair enough," Yssha agreed. She unslung and cocked it, carrying a bolt ready to load, and they continued on their way. Behind her, Andreius and Nevan were discussing her marksmanship, and Andreius proposed a ten-septim wager on her accuracy. Maybe an hour later, they turned off the road and began climbing the pass. Another hour, and they were passing the rear of Azura's Shrine, with the Daedric Prince raising her arms into the air, one hand holding a star, the other a crescent moon.

Shortly after that, Yssha heard a roar, and shouldered her crossbow, loading it. This was a frost troll, charging as usual. She waited until it was in easy range, about a hundred and twenty feet, said, "Left eye," and pulled the trigger.

The troll pawed at its face, then staggered and fell. Sorcalin led the way to it while she re-slung her crossbow, following him.

Sorcalin looked impressed when she approached, but it was Andreius he spoke to. "Looks like you owe Nevan ten septims, partner."

"And an apology for doubting him," Andreius said, handing over the coins. "Last time I saw her shoot, she'd have missed something the size of a troll at that distance, never mind a called eye shot."

"With a conventional bow, I still would," Yssha admitted. "The skill does not carry over."

"Well, neither of us will question your ability with a crossbow again."

They reached Sightless Pit about an hour before noon, and found out why it was Pit rather than Cave - the entrance was like a well, rather than a standard cave entrance. "We won't be coming back out this way," Sorcalin observed. "Who's first?"

"I am," Yssha said. "I need to restore the Falmer, and the Shout I was given for that purpose renders them unconscious while they return to Snow Elf form. So as long as I see them first, we will combat only their livestock, the chaurus. Not that those are not dangerous enough."

She thought for a moment. "Judging from the entrance, quarters underground may be somewhat cramped, so Nevan next, then Sorcalin. That puts our strongest hand-to-hand fighters immediately behind me, if needed. Then the rest of you."

She dropped down, casting Candlelight as soon as she landed. It was a frozen cavern, larger than she'd expected, and dimly lit by glowing mushrooms, so there would be no need to refresh Candlelight. She moved out cautiously, hearing the rest land behind her. Being a Falmer den meant traps, so she remained alert for pressure plates, tripwires, and other triggers. Almost as soon as she passed the first one, she saw a Falmer ahead, and Shouted. "Sot ... Gein Daal!"

The Falmer collapsed, and she felt a touch on her shoulder. "How long before it changes?" Sorcalin asked.

"A few minutes, perhaps four or five," Yssha replied. "Would you like to wait and watch?"

"Very much," the Altmer replied, with Andreius joining in.

"All right - the rest of us have seen it several times, so we will keep watch for chaurus and frostbite spiders."

There were no interruptions, then she heard an unfamiliar voice, and turned to see Sorcalin helping the newly restored Odmer stand, pointing to her, so she joined them.

He bowed to her, still somewhat disoriented, but his voice firm. "Dovahkiin Ysmir Yssha - so the visions were true. You will return all my brothers and sisters?"

This was something new. Always before, she'd had to restore large groups before encountering one of their clergy. "Yes, I will, and gladly. I introduce my friends Sorcalin and Andreius - my team is on the lookout for possible problems."

"And I am Corellon, senior priest of our temple." The Odmer smiled. "Auri-El told me of your coming, and that we were to prepare ourselves for Restoration. Also that I was to see no harm came to you, so at my most recent visions of your arrival, our chaurus were penned. I regret I could do nothing about the spiders, though."

"A name, and a temple?" Yssha was having trouble believing her ears. "Both are new for the Betrayed, in my experience."

"A temple, yes. Auri-El chose to preserve this one, as it is full of records of the Times Before, which is where I found a name. Come, I will escort you and yours the rest of the way."

This was totally new, but Yssha followed Corellon through the Pit, Restoring groups of Betrayed as the group encountered them. The temple was huge, with a library taking up most of the southern wing, and a central statue of Auri-El in the same ancient style she'd seen in the Chantry. She stopped there long enough to pay her respects to Akatosh, then continued following Corellon until he led them to an exit.

"We thank you for your assistance," she told him as they prepared to leave. "This has been the easiest and most pleasant Restoration mission my team and I have had."

"Any others will be similar," Corellon said. "You do Auri-El's will in this, so it is in His interest to make it ... how do I say this? Less hazardous for you, since you face enough other hazards."

On the way back toward Winterhold, they encountered a group of vampires, but before Yssha and the team could respond, Sorcalin growled, "These are mine," and began to transform. Except for defensive measures just in case, Yssha signalled her team to stand down, and they simply watched.

Sorcalin's wolf took over, and he was ... awesome, was the best word Yssha could think of. He was messy, tearing vampire after vampire to shreds and then feeding on them. But then, some of her Shouts had equally bloody effects, she thought, flashing back to Ulfric Stormcloak smashed flat on the stone floor of the Palace of Kings. No, she had no grounds for feeling in any way superior.

When he was done and came loping back toward the group, she reminded herself how long she'd known he was a werewolf, though she'd not seen him in action before, and smiled.

He transformed, straightened his robes, and stared at her, almost in a challenge. She stared back, feeling Lokmoroyol grin, and his eyes dropped after a few seconds. "Well done," she said. "My dragons honor your ferocity."

"And I honor theirs," Sorcalin said in a near growl, then the odd glitter left his eyes. "Thanks for leaving them to me. I haven't hunted in a day or so. I'm sorry for the mess, though - my wolf isn't exactly a dainty eater."

Yssha chuckled. "Neither are dragons - we are accustomed to such messes. No apologies are necessary, though it was kind of you. Shall we continue, then?"

When they neared Azura's shrine this time, a disembodied voice spoke. "Your day's companions appeal to me, my Champion. You have my encouragement to be open with them."

Marcurio swore under his breath, then turned to Andreius. "So my guess was right. Nerevarine."

"Talking history with you was irresistible, even though I'm afraid I gave away more than I intended. Yes, but please keep it confidential, as Ysshaya has."

Yssha looked at Andreius in awe. "I ... I ... the way you talked to Grams sometimes, I thought perhaps ... but really?"

"Really, youngster." Andreius hugged her. "You're not scared of me now, are you?"

Yssha returned the hug. "No. More ... " She frowned, uncertain of what her reaction really was. Grams was Champion of Cyrodiil. Uncle Andreius was the Nerevarine. She herself was the Dragonborn. Uncle Sorcalin was ... well, Hircine's.

She sank to her knees, in the meditation posture the Greybeards had taught her, and let her mind go blank as she sought guidance. All is well, my child, a familiar presence assured her. Hircine's Chosen has a vital role to play at the climax of your final tempering, and it will be good for you to have a human companion through the ages, along with your dov.

Thank you, Bormah. She knew better than to ask about her final tempering, but once it was over, she fully intended to ask the reason for it. In the meantime, all she could do was wait, and dread whatever it was to be.

As she rose, there was a merciful distraction. In the distance, off to the northwest, she heard a Call. "Zu'u Los Bo!", and she chuckled.

"I've heard that before, several times," Andreius said, helping her to her feet. "What is it?"

Yssha shaded her eyes, looking northwest, then pointed. "See that speck?"

"Yes."

"That is a female dragon, announcing that she is flying." Yssha chuckled again. "Those other specks approaching her are males who wish to sky-dance with her. If you are unfamiliar with the term, that is what they call recreational mating."

"Oh." Andreius gave her a curious look. "So there's a big fight in the offing?"

"Oh, no, no - status is well established by now, so at most a bit of jostling for precedence among those closely ranked. She will see that all goes smoothly."

They watched briefly. From this distance, no details were visible, but Andreius said, "I see why they call it sky-dancing."

Yssha nodded. "Dragons on the wing are as graceful as they are clumsy on the ground."

There were no further distractions on the trip back to Winterhold, so Yssha took the opportunity to invite them to Skyhold when they had the time. Then Sorcalin went back to the College, Andreius returned to the Frozen Hearth, and Yssha reported to Jarl Kraldar.

Author's Note: Updates will very probably be slow between now and the New Year, due to family obligations. Expect to be back on regular schedule the second week of January.