Winter of Intent: An Elder Scrolls Tale

Greg J Miller

~O~

Chapter 26

Fredas the 9th of Evening Star 4E71 Morning

Edwyn Northwind awoke and opened his eyes partly. He had little idea of what time it might be, only that he was feeling as though he'd had a good night's rest. Recalling exactly where he was, he was just slightly surprised that nothing had interrupted his sleep. As his vision came into proper focus, he could see some light coming from the direction of the guest suite's sitting room. Turning his head, he also noted the dim light cast from the bathroom area. Those things indicated that Yurma was most likely already up and about. Since she'd apparently not made any obvious effort to wake him, he assumed it must still be relatively early. He also assumed that further supported his notion that nothing had caused any alarm or concern during the hours of darkness.

Sliding out from beneath the covers, Edwyn stood and peered over the screen separating his sleeping area from the sitting room. As expected, he observed that Yurma was sitting on a sofa with a book in her hands. That served as confirmation that all seemed well.

As he padded his way toward the bathroom, he noticed that it seemed to be another cool morning. Due to the flame burning below the small boiler, it was just a little warmer inside that bathroom. Even so, it remained cool enough to encourage him not to dally too much as he went about his business.

He'd just about become adjusted to the temperature as he was shaving. Of course, it didn't pay to try to be too hasty with the razor. Even so, he was in more of a mood to settle upon 'near enough', rather than aiming for the cleanest shave possible.

After swilling mouthwash potion and checking that his teeth seemed cleaned, he noted that there wasn't too much of it left. In passing, he thought that he should have perhaps brought more with him. That led to the thought that he likely wouldn't have remembered to bring any at all, if Francine hadn't prompted him.

Finishing with the bathroom, Edwyn dressed for the day and joined his bodyguard in the sitting room area. He noticed that she was already dressed in her armour. He presumed that choice was only prompted by the chill on the air. She was evidently still not moved to go setting a fire burning in the small brazier. Morning greetings were briefly exchanged.

"So, it seems that it was a quiet evening." Edwyn's words were mostly statement, but also served as invitation.

Yurma shrugged mildly. "Yeah, pretty much. Some guards going by now and then, but nothing like the ruckus of other nights."

"So, hopefully… there'll be no more trouble. At least, until we're on our way back home."

"Don't hurt to hope, but as far as I'm concerned… it ain't over, til it's over."

Reacting to her pragmatic pessimism, Edwyn shook his head mildly as he poured some water into a glass. "Well, it's not too long now. After this morning's summit session, all of that business should be done with. If nothing troubles us before we depart tomorrow…" His words trailed off, since the meaning was clear enough. He took a long sip of water.

After a moment, Edwyn wondered aloud whether Kingsley and Lafont had also been sent Penitus Oculatus documents to sign.

Yurma didn't claim to know to either way, but suggested that he probably shouldn't say anything about it. She also suggested that he should put those signed documents away out of sight until they were returned to Consul Carvain.

Another brief and relatively inconsequential conversation passed regarding the nature of those Penitus Oculatus secrecy agreements. Despite Edwyn's cautious curiosity, Yurma felt that it had all been sufficiently discussed the previous evening.

It was not too long before a castle staff attendant had arrived at their door with one of the morning meal carts making its way down their corridor. Once Edwyn had gained some idea of the time and acquired suitable repasts for his bodyguard and himself, the door of the guest suite was again locked. Edwyn waited for Yurma to check over the food and tea and they then settled down to eat.

Avoiding any other topics of past or current concern, conversation remained light and sporadic. Edwyn hadn't been interested in speaking of anything that might be discussed during the final session of the summit. He expected that it would likely be painfully tedious. He had instead openly wondered what the weather might be like outside, but was quick to mention that he still held no intention to leave the castle until they were ready to depart Daggerfall the next day. Yurma was only hoping that the weather would be fairly mild, especially during the voyage back to Wayrest.

It wasn't so very long before things were tidied up after the morning meal and Lafont and Dantien had once again arrived at their door. Only a short delay passed before Edwyn was ready to leave with them.

Moments later, they were all arriving at the door to Kingsley's guest quarters. Though Hans was ready, a short delay passed as they waited for Kingsley.

Lafont took the opportunity to advise of the arrangements made for the departure on Loredas and to hand out documents of passage. They needed to be down at the Harbour Town docks by eleven to board the Stormhaven Breeze, scheduled to set sail just after midday. Since the vessel was sailing directly for Wayrest, she anticipated that they'd likely make port sometime on Sundas evening.

It represented agreeable news for those heading back to Wayrest. As far as Hans and Dantien were concerned, it only meant that their current contracts would be concluded by noon of the next day. Hans was already speaking of his plans to visit a specific tavern in town Loredas evening. Dantien seemed less enthusiastic, suggesting that his wife would most likely be expecting him home, if his work were done.

Since neither Lafont or Kingsley made any mention of it, or anything similar, Edwyn said nothing of the Penitus Oculatus papers that had been delivered for signing.

Before too long, the group was departing Kingsley's quarters and headed back along the now familiar path toward the central part of Castle Daggerfall.

Along the way to the Grand Hall, the various posted guards and checkpoints appeared much the same as previous days. Whether any specific lurking threat remained or otherwise could not be easily determined. Edwyn didn't actually know if the true threats were still at large, or if Attius and the castle guards had already dealt with them. Without speaking of it, he suspected that the ongoing heavy guard presence might really be more for show than necessity. Even so, he wasn't completely ready to believe that every possibility of danger had passed.

Noticing only a couple local Daggerfall delegates near the main entryway as they passed by, the group soon arrived at the anteroom outside the Grand Hall, where the three Wayrest delegates would be parting company with their respective bodyguards.

Though he hadn't thought that they were particularly early, Edwyn thought that there seemed fewer bodyguards along the bench seats than on previous mornings. In particular, he'd easily noticed that Sir Dalric was not yet present and standing by himself apart from others.

After presenting their papers to the guards at the main doors, they proceeded into the Grand Hall. Just like each day before, an enthusiastic attendant intercepted them to direct them to where they already knew that they needed to go.

Observing Consul Carvain speaking with Trade Minister Vicci near the dais by the Cherim tapestry on the wall, Edwyn excused himself to head off in that direction. He remained casual as he exchanged greetings with both men. Without making much of it, Edwyn handed over the signed documents that had been retied into a bundle.

Evidently understanding, Carvain nodded mildly. "Ah yes, those papers that I requested. Thank you for your promptness."

Whether Vicci knew what it was about was not evident. He didn't appear at all interested. He seemed more interested in a subdued conversation between Crown Prince Gothryd and his sister. Though neither could be heard from where they were standing, their expressions indicated some tension between them.

Without becoming entangled in further conversation, Edwyn politely excused himself and headed for where his compatriots had taken their seats in the fifth row back from the front.

As Edwyn neared his seat, he could hear Kingsley grumbling to Lafont about something listed on the morning schedule. Lafont's response suggested that it was just more fluff and wouldn't be anything.

Edwyn was wondering what they were talking about, but Kingsley seemed to have already set it aside as he looked to Edwyn.

"What was that about?" Kingsley glanced toward the Consul and the Minister.

"Ah… nothing of consequence. Just some papers the Consul wanted to see." Edwyn interpreted the banker's ignorance as possible confirmation that neither Kingsley nor Lafont had been asked to sign similar documents.

Kingsley didn't seem inclined to pry any further, assuming that it was likely none of his business. Holding up the schedule again, he released a huffy sigh. "This looks near to pointless, by my estimate. I can see why the room does not appear quite so crowded this morning."

Kingsley's comment prompted Edwyn to look around again as he was taking his seat.

Lafont expressed her agreement. "Yeah, it's starting to look like not everyone is planning to be here this morning. A couple of the Daggerfall delegates are missing and it looks like that Sentinel Minister has sent his aide to sit in for him. Lord Flyte's not here yet either."

"Does seem to be fewer people." Edwyn responded in a distracted manner to Lafont's words. He could see that both the Countess Menevia and the Duke of Alcaire were present in the second row, but there was no sign of Lord Flyte and it had to be very near to ten by then.

Another staff attendant soon came by, taking orders for midday meals if required. Edwyn hadn't needed to consider his intent to take advantage of provided meals. However, he noted that Kingsley had looked to Lafont before deciding to go ahead and place orders. Her responding nod seemed to be an influencing factor.

Kingsley volunteered enlightenment. "Lafont and I are intending to go down to the town during the afternoon. Business to attend. Transfer of funds to Daggerfall's Fighter Guild and the like. Of course, you're welcome to join us."

Edwyn smiled, but shook his head slightly. "Thank you for the invitation, but I plan to keep to my guest suite until it's time to head off tomorrow."

"Looks like Carvain's about to start up." Lafont directed attention toward the fore of the room.

As the Consul was trying to call the room to order for the final morning session, Edwyn noticed that were still a few vacant seats. It didn't seem quite so surprising for some to be missing, like the local Mages College representative for one. However, certain others were far more notable for their absence. He was perhaps most surprised that Lord Flyte was nowhere to be seen. Given what else he knew, he wasn't quite sure what to think of it.

By the time that noon was approaching, perhaps like many others, Edwyn was feeling glad that things were finally drawing to a close. The topics of the morning had seemed barely worth addressing and much of it proved just as tedious as anticipated. It seemed likely that most delegates were ready to quickly vote upon whichever resolutions were raised, merely to have the matters put behind them. Since none of those things represented anything of changing consequence, it hardly mattered either way.

For the closure of summit, Consul Carvain stepped back, offering the podium to Trade Minister Vicci, then Crown Prince Gothryd. The closing remarks of each remained mercifully brief. Though they actually tried to make it sound otherwise, it seemed evident that even Vicci and Gothryd had also had just about enough of the whole thing and were glad to have arrived at the end.

With the trade summit concluded, many of the delegates moved toward making their way out of the Grand Hall. Just a few lingered here and there to speak with others. As soon as the opportunity emerged for easy exit, Kingsley, Northwind and Lafont also headed for the main doors and rejoined their respective bodyguards in the anteroom.

Conversation remained light and sporadic as they made their way back across the castle to the southern wing. An invitation was again extended for Edwyn to join Kingsley and Lafont when they headed down to the town centre during the afternoon. He chose to again politely decline, intending to have a quiet afternoon and evening ahead of the following day's journey. Passing farewells were exchanged as the group broke apart into its familiar components at each door.

After a short time back in the guest suite, Yurma raised her observation that Sir Dalric had not appeared at all that morning. Edwyn confirmed that Lord Flyte had not made an appearance in the Grand Hall either. He did add that he'd observed that a few others had not attended the final session, but Lord Flyte's absence seemed more conspicuous. Of course, Yurma suggested that it was most likely something to do with the Penitus Oculatus. Edwyn found it easy enough to agree, but he took no pleasure from the notion.

That brief conversation had been interrupted by a knock at their door. The arrival of the delivery of midday meals came as no surprise. Once all of that was attended and Yurma had checked over the food and drink, they settled down at the table.

Toward the end of the meal, Yurma prompted Edwyn with regard to the ending of the trade summit. He demonstrated a diminished enthusiasm for speaking of that final session, suggesting that it had been largely of little value. He suggested that it almost seemed as though it only proceeded in order to provide opportunity for the Consul, the Trade Minister and the Crown Prince to congratulate one another at the conclusion. Yet each of them still managed to appear perhaps more weary than satisfied by Edwyn's estimate.

Trying not to sound too pessimistic, Edwyn diverged to speak of some other things discussed during the summit that he thought represented more substance.

Finishing her meal, Yurma shook her head. "I'm getting the idea that nothing much changed… except for maybe some talk about trying to deal with pirates in some areas… and what you told me about the idea of some farm trade with the Orc region of Wayrest."

"Well, I suppose it's perfectly fair to suggest that not much really has changed. At least, not in any meaningful fashion. One could easily say that there remains some… some measure of resistance to change. At least, to any sort of swift or disruptive change."

Yurma shook her head again. "So… what's the point of it all then?"

Edwyn sighed. "Well, I suppose that it really is more about just maintaining strong trade relations. Providing the appearance of intent of cooperation. Old rivalries remain not far beneath the surface. Even so, the appearance of cooperation at least feeds the notion that the many centres of this part of the Empire are still working in favour of the greater whole."

Yurma's expression clearly indicated her scepticism.

Edwyn continued. "Emperor Attrebus would know well enough of the history of past troubles across this greater western region… on both sides of the bay. I'm certain that he wants the remaining Provinces of the Empire… and each of the regional powers… well, for everyone to remain peaceful and cooperative… at least as much as such a thing is possible. I'd imagine that he views a state of peace… through reliance upon trade… to be the best way to achieve that outcome… in the interests of the Empire."

Yurma shrugged. "Yeah, I s'pose. You'd think that the Aldmeri Dominion would be enough to make everybody pull together. After Black Marsh breaking away and Elsweyr pretty much falling apart, you'd think that the Summerset Isles and Valenwood doing things the way they do… you'd think that would be enough of a warning."

"Well, I can't argue with that at all."

Yurma seemed about to add something else, but another knock at the door interrupted that thought. Edwyn remained seated as she attended the door. A younger male Breton servant had arrived to check on the usual things in the guest suite. He only needed to top up the drinking water, as well as the oil in a couple of the lamps. Since he was right there, and Yurma had already tidied the aftermath of their meals onto the trays, he also collected that for return to the kitchens.

As soon as the Breton lad was done, Yurma followed him to the door and held it open as he returned various items to his cart. Once he was gone, she locked the door behind him and stepped back half a step.

Before she had fully turned about to look toward Edwyn, she observed the air to one side of the door rippling and shimmering like a heat mirage over hot stone during the height of summer. The visual distortion quickly resolved to reveal a tall figure in a dark cloak.

Yurma's postured stiffened. She'd appeared ready to spring into action, but found herself unable to move.

"No call for concern. It is only myself." Agent Darkwater pulled back his hood. He appeared to study the Orcish woman for a prolonged moment, then made a small gesture with his hand.

Yurma then found that she'd been released from the unseen force holding her immobile. She scowled, but otherwise remained quiet.

Though he'd not been immobilised like his bodyguard, Edwyn hadn't shifted from his seat. He appeared outwardly nervous. "Why… why are you here? Is there… is there some sort of urgent trouble?"

The tall Altmer raised his eyebrows slightly. "No, not as such. Not as far as anything that should cause you further concern." He paused just briefly. "Though I expect that Attius may not approve, I find myself moved to speak to you, before taking my leave of this place."

"Speak to me… or us? Why?" Rising from his seat, Edwyn glanced to Yurma with uncertainty.

Yurma remained silent, standing off to one side and observing Darkwater with obvious suspicion.

Looking to Edwyn, Agent Darkwater responded. "Well in part, I suppose that it arises from passing consideration of a… a convergence of curious coincidence."

Edwyn shook his head. "I don't understand."

"As I mentioned during our previous encounter, I had… dealings… with your sister, some years past. When she still served with Cyrodiil's Fighters Guild… under the direction of your uncle." He looked to Yurma as he spoke the last past.

Yurma glared back. She remained highly suspicious of the Altmer, doubting his identity, motivations and loyalties. "Who are you really? You somehow connected with the Aldmeri Dominion or something?"

Darkwater returned a curious expression. "That would be extraordinarily clever, given my ongoing service to the Emperor's agents. So no, I have no connection with the Aldmeri Dominion. I choose to align myself with the interests of the Empire… or moreover the continuing interests of its citizens."

"But you ain't a regular Altmer, are you?"

"If I were 'a regular Altmer', I might hardly be quite so effective in my service."

Observing the tension in his bodyguard's posture, Edwyn remained quiet. With one hand upon the back of his chair, he hadn't strayed from where he'd been sitting, keeping the small table between himself and Darkwater.

Keeping her gaze focussed upon the tall Altmer, Yurma spoke again. "Reckon that Attius brought you here for a reason. Ain't just cos you're some sorta mage… but also cos you're some sorta vampire hunter."

Darkwater inclined his head slightly. "As you say."

"But that ain't all of it."

"No, not the whole of it."

Yurma continued to glare.

So far, Darkwater seemingly offered no outward reaction to the hostile demeanour of the Orcish Guild Fighter.

Edwyn decided to speak up. "My bodyguard… she thought that you might be… might possibly be… well…" He remained reluctant to complete the words.

Evidently, Darkwater understood exactly. "The assumption is correct."

"You… you… you ARE a vampire?" Edwyn took half a step backward.

Darkwater returned a silent nod.

"Knew I wasn't imagining things." Yurma maintained an outwardly tense posture, but seemed to be avoiding making any provocative movement.

Darkwater appeared unmoved. "Well yes, while that is true, I hold no affinity at all for those of my kind. In fact, I have chosen to make an active effort to keep those others from plaguing the mortal citizens of the Empire."

Edwyn took little ease from the words. "But, you're a vampire?"

Darkwater inclined his head slightly. "A vampire Ancient… of a mostly forgotten bloodline. The last of my specific line, if I'm not mistaken."

With hardened stare, Yurma spoke again. "You become a vampire on purpose?"

The question prompted Darkwater to affect a mildly surprised expression. "Oh, no. It was certainly not at all of my own choosing. Long before your time, I was taken from my home and my family and made a vampire. Pressed into service… to fight in the struggles between rival vampire clans. All of that is long passed, along with most of those I stood both with and against."

His strange accent prompted her next question. "But you ain't from around here?"

"Well no. Not to begin with. I was originally born on the Summerset Isle, a long time past. However, I have not been back to my homeland since… well, not since before the uprising of the current regime. Those Thalmor houses." His tone carried a measure of distaste.

Edwyn affected a thoughtful expression. "So… so, you do not approve… of the Aldmeri Dominion?"

"Well, no… not as such. In truth, not at all. The passage of time has… has greatly informed my perspective." Darkwater paused before continuing. "As you might imagine, I was brought up to believe that the Altmer were superior to all others upon the world. That included any other races derived from the Aldmer ancestors. Of course, all varieties of humans were to be viewed as inherently inferior. I was told that Khajiit and Argonians were mere beasts and that the Orsimer were but barbarians, little more than beasts." He paused again, glancing toward Yurma. "Though perhaps some may choose to live as such, I have come to believe that Orcs are as far from the beasts as any of us are from the gods. From my observation, with perhaps the exception of the Khajiit and Argonians, it seems clear to me that the differences between most of our races are not nearly so great as some might like to believe." He shifted his gaze toward Edwyn. "The mere fact that men and mer can produce offspring certainly stands as clear evidence. That alone demonstrates that the Divines were certainly far more clever than mortals of any stripe."

Yurma shook her head. "I still don't get why you're here… right now. All that noise, night before last, was that all about… about the vampires in the castle?"

Darkwater inclined his head. "It was. Each of them have been dealt with."

"The other… the vampires?" Edwyn sought confirmation.

"Yes. The group of vampires involved in the activity of seeking to disrupt the proceedings within the castle… no longer pose any threat." With a momentary pause, he shook his head very slightly. "The guards participating in driving the hunt were perhaps somewhat overzealous. Fortunately, I was able to intercept and subdue one of the vampires before the guards managed to destroy him. Information gained, enabled me to locate those others below."

Edwyn frowned. "Below?"

"Yes, I'd already determined how they had been gaining entry to the castle. A long forgotten point of access to the sewer system, via an old storage room back in the rear of the castle. However, I did need more information to be certain of the precise whereabouts of those of the larger group. After acquiring pertinent details, I was able to track those others down below, along with another lurking in the city. Each of them have been since eliminated."

Yurma remained sceptical. "All of them?"

"Well, all of those currently within Daggerfall."

"The vampires?" Edwyn prompted him.

"Along with a couple of ruffians enthralled to their service. All of those vampires belonged to a particular offshoot of the Lyrezi bloodline. Another line consisting of only former Altmer of pure heritage. I had thought the Ancient responsible for that particular line long gone. However, I may have been misinformed."

Edwyn shook his head. "But… but what about Lord Flyte and Sir Dalric?"

The Ancient vampire inclined his head again. "As I suggested previously, Dalric was compromised. He has been enthralled to one of those Lyrezi vampires for some time, but remains mortal. Even so, I could not say that he would ever regain his full capacity for independent will. I even suspect that he may have become a willing participant, at some earlier point. I expect that Attius will need to properly deal with him."

Presuming he understood what was meant, Edwyn winced. "And Lord Flyte?"

"Well, that remains to be determined. Lord Flyte was seemingly a less willing participant. In fact, it seems that he remained defiant to attempts of lasting enthrallment. That was why Dalric was tasked to watch over him and ensure that he did not stray far from the charm keeping him bound."

"Charm?" Edwyn sounded curious.

Darkwater tapped the ornate metal clasp that he wore upon his cloak. "Flyte was kept in check by the enchanted item he wore. As I understand it, it kept his mind somewhat clouded and compliant… at least as far as his loyalties were concerned… and it also maintained some measure of limited communication with the vampire serving as his keeper."

Edwyn's concern came through in his tone. "What will happen to him?"

"Attius intends to see to it that healers aid in his proper recovery. It would not do for the Lord of Anticlere to lose his position. Not if it can be at all avoided."

"So, Lord Flyte is… is likely to recover?"

"I should think that it remains hopeful."

Edwyn narrowed his eyes. "But you… you and Attius knew about much of that for several days, didn't you?"

"Well, yes… for the most part… since I firstly attempted to examine him and his bodyguard. Proper examination was not possible. Not without directly alerting those vampires to my presence. Since those two appeared a primary source of information being exchanged with those disruptors, it remained prudent to ensure that misinformation was passed on before removing Flyte and Dalric from active circulation."

Edwyn shook his head again.

Yurma interjected. "All that horse-shit about Camlorn."

The Ancient tilted his head to one side. "That is more the province of Attius and his associates. As I understand matters, the lie is more of a tactical exaggeration. There truly is some rumour of someone associated with Camlorn's nobility expressing dissatisfaction with Gothryd's position in Daggerfall, as well as that of his younger brother's role as the new leader of Camlorn. Added to that, reports do indicate the presence of rogue vampires in the vicinity of Camlorn, though nothing of dire significance."

"But them vampires you put down were from somewhere else, I reckon."

"As you say."

"From the Aldmeri Dominion?" Yurma pressed for confirmation.

Darkwater appeared to hesitate briefly. "Not directly. I understand that the vampires were persuaded by certain individuals… individuals associated with those influenced by agents of the Aldmeri Dominion."

Yurma shook her head, clearly not following.

Darkwater glanced between Edwyn and Yurma, seemingly considering his next words. "It is my understanding… that someone of the Direnni clan of Balfiera has become compromised via those Lyrezi vampires… of that specific clan. Added to that, agents of the Thalmor regime have further persuaded certain individuals of the Direnni of the value of siding with their interests."

Edwyn affected a wide-eyed expression. "The Direnni? Should we be concerned about that? Wayrest still does some trade with Balfiera. Should we be…?"

The Ancient shook his head slightly. "I would suggest that you do nothing other than what you would normally do. Threats lurking amongst the Direnni will be dealt with."

Edwyn was shaking his head. "But the Direnni wines…"

Darkwater cut him off. "I recommend that you continue trade as normal and say nothing. I imagine that it would certainly be preferable to lure them away from any further involvement with the Aldmeri Dominion via ongoing commerce. Once any conspirators are removed, that should become even less of a concern."

Yurma spoke up again. "Why are telling us all this?"

Darkwater shrugged just slightly. "As I understand, Attius has had you agree to one of his… declarations of secrecy. Added to that, I have seen inside both your minds. I hold certainty of your typically honourable natures."

Edwyn opened and closed his mouth a couple of times before responding. "But… but surely you didn't need to tell us anything."

"No, I did not… and you have not been told everything. However, I did want to speak to you."

Edwyn silently shook his head, indicating his lack of understanding.

The Ancient appeared to take a moment to compose himself. "In some fashion, it would seem that the unseen threads of fate wind through everything and everyone upon the world… in ways that none might easily predict or oftentimes recognise." He paused, shifting his stance slightly. "Without betraying specific detail of course, I would appreciate it you find a way to inform your older sister of certain things. Let her know that the words and actions of herself and her comrades many years ago… indirectly served to alter the path of an 'ancient acquaintance'. Again without contentious detail, let her know that he now serves the Empire and its citizens, striving to diminish the threat that others might suffer a similar fate."

Edwyn nodded slowly. "I think… I think I understand what you mean."

Darkwater inclined his head in acceptance.

Frowning, Yurma shook her head. "That's it?"

The Ancient turned toward her. "I have nothing to ask of you directly. I would anticipate that you might discuss certain concerns with your uncle. However, I would also expect that you would remain somewhat vague with specific details. I claim no insight with regard to the future, but I expect that things that have transpired here will undoubtedly serve to affect and shape your own future. Though of course, I wouldn't presume to predict precisely how."

Yurma responded only with a grunt and a curt nod.

Darkwater adjusted his posture again. He looked toward the door, then turned back to look to Edwyn and Yurma in turn. "I have said my piece… and perhaps more. I should take my leave."

Edwyn returned a silent nod.

Yurma took a step back toward the door with her key in hand.

"A moment. I do not wish to be seen." Darkwater looked toward the wall as though as he could see through it into the corridor on the other side. After a moment of prolonged silence, he nodded. "As you will."

Yurma shook her head mildly as she unlocked the door. As she moved to pull the door open, the Ancient vampire pulled up his hood, then stood still. A magical shimmering effect appeared to wash over his form. Then he quickly faded from view, as cloaking magic rendered him invisible to the eye. Yurma held the door long enough to allow for him pass, then closed it and locked it again.

~O~