Valleri sat on a stony bench outside of Aicantar's work space outside the ruin. She sighed dejectedly and leaned forward. The Imperial woman forced herself to stare at the ground. Vilkas was standing close by and if she made any sort of eye contact with him, she was going to lose it.

Cyrenial kept close to her and Vilkas, pacing up and down. She groaned, "Cyrenial, why in Oblivion are you still here?"

He laughed nervously for a moment before a smug grin spread across his face. "I learned a lot during this trip, but secrets can be revealed at any time. It's worth staying."

Valleri paused for a moment, regarding the Altmer with confusion. She shook her head, "What in the world did you learn in there?"

"That you're attempting to find the necklace that unlocks Sedor."

Valleri's stomach dropped. "What about Alastaros? I thought you were looking for him." The Imperial dropped her head in her hands as thoughts began to race again. "That's not what you wanted at all. Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

Cyrenial stroked the top of her head lightly as she heard him chuckle. "I may have lied to you before, but you lied also. Alastaros isn't the only thing missing." His hand didn't move from her head and Valleri felt sick. "You made my job much easier, Valleri."
Vilkas must have heard what the Altmer said and turned around, scowl on his face. He smacked the lithe, golden hand away from Valleri's head and growled,

"Get the fuck away from her."

There was no change in Cyrenial's demeanor as he took a step back. "Do you think she belongs to you, bear? Or is it the other way around; do you belong to her?" He tilted his head, "Maybe you're both mistaken. In any case, that's all I'll say on the matter."

All went silent for a moment and Valleri could feel herself calm down as Cyrenial left her side. Kneeling down, he tried to make eye contact with the woman and placed a hand on her knee, "You all right?"

Valleri could do nothing but glare at him, "No, I'm not. Please don't touch me, Vilkas."

She watched as a tinge of sadness washed over his face before Vilkas stood up. Regret filled her as he kept his distance, but she was still mad at him. She had every right to be mad at him.

Valleri could see both Calcelmo and Aicantar coming down from the other side of the keep, both of them wearing the same expectant expression. The younger Altmer gave her a small smile and a wave. Valleri didn't move to greet him, further sinking into the sick feeling crawling over her.

"You're back then?" Calcelmo said as he looked over the exhausted group. He clicked his tongue with disappointment, "My team didn't make it, I see?"

Valleri glowered up at him wordlessly before the old Altmer looked to Vilkas for answers. The Nord shrugged, "I'm not sure why you would have expected otherwise. All killed by Falmer." He paused and tilted his head, "Well, except that one, but still."

Calcelmo rubbed his temples with frustration, staring at the ground. "This just means we'll have to start over." He turned to Aicantar. "Get another team ready. We want to be in Nchuand-Zel with in a week."

"Uh, about that," Valleri paused, "There was a mishap. You won't be able to go into Nchuand-Zel for at least a few months."

Calcelmo paused and his expression turned bitter. She glanced over to Vilkas, who only looked away. Vilkas bit his lip before explaining, "Nchuand-Zel was a Falmer hive, they were everywhere. A man named Staubin left instructions to reactivate the Dwemer contraptions."

There was silence as each person let Vilkas' news sink in. Calcelmo breathed in sharply as he looked back to Vilkas, "You just ruined five years of work, boy. I hope it was worth it." The old Altmer shook his head as he turned away from the group. "I'm done here."

Valleri stood up from the stone bench, shooting Vilkas quick glare, "What the fuck? What happened to our deal?"

Calcelmo looked over his shoulder, cold eyes boring right through Valleri. He gestured over to his nephew, "Have Aicantar help you for now. I have a new problem to deal with apparently."

He walked off quickly and Valleri didn't bother to stop him. Aicantar took his place quickly as he called both Cyrenial and Vilkas closer. He gave a nervous smile before speaking in a hurried fashion, "I was able to convince my uncle that your two different documents will be translated not depending on the outcome of your little adventure."

"The deal hasn't been compromised?" Valleri questioned, eyes narrowed as she waited for an answer.

Aicantar gave her a soft pat on the back, "Yep, you're getting your translation. I actually started while you three were gone." He gave Cyrenial a concerned look, "I never saw what you wanted translated to be honest."

Shrugging, Cyrenial picked at his nails. "It was a scrap of Dwemer literature. I don't recall exactly."

"Dwemer?" Aicantar paused as Valleri and Vilkas stared at the Thalmor. "If it were Dwemer, Uncle would have gone straight to it without question."

Cyrenial breathed out sharply, aware he was caught in a lie, "it was a mix of both, Falmer and Dwemer. Complicated stuff."

"Is that so?" Aicantar goaded. "Well, I guess I can take you three upstairs then."

Vilkas exchanged a confused glance with Valleri before turning back to Aicantar. "What's upstairs?"

The Altmer was practically beaming with excitement, "The labs!" He cleared his throat, making sure he didn't seem overly excited the second time, "The labs where we conduct most of our studies." He looked over to Valleri, gesturing wildly with a free hand, "You'd appreciate it, Valleri."

Valleri couldn't help but crack a grin. She chuckled and shook her head, "You're taking us now?"

"I don't see why not," Aicantar shrugged he turned towards the others. Vilkas couldn't have been more disinterested while Cyrenial continued to clean his nails. Valleri sighed with exasperation while Aicantar continued. "All of my new notes on the Falmeri translation are up there and there's a side project I've been working on I think you may be interested in."

Unexpectedly, Cyrenial began to walk away from the work station. Aicantar furrowed his eyebrows, "Oh, I can show you where it is, Cyrenial."

The Thalmor spun on his heel to face the trio. "I have no interest in your lab."

"What?" Aicantar paused, smile gone from his face, "What about your literature?"

"I've learned all that I needed here." A smirk grew on his scarred face and Valleri could feel goosebumps raise on the back of her neck. "I should really thank Valleri for her help, though. Without her, I really wouldn't have made such a breakthrough."

Valleri didn't say anything as she watched him go. She was glad to see him leave, but this meeting left her more apprehensive than ever.

…

The door opened with a click and Valleri almost couldn't believe her eyes. The museum as Aicantar called it was a large, open room packed to the brim with old relics. Two or three lazy guards plodded around the exhibits as slow as they could muster. By now, they'd most likely seen everything Calcelmo kept in here.

"Your uncle has an impressive collection here," Valleri said, eyes darting around at the lifeless Dwemer automatons perched in threatening positions near the corners of the rooms.

"This isn't even half of it," Aicantar laughed, "Most of the priceless artifacts are in rooms further along the way. We keep them under heavier security just in case any fools get into their thick skulls they'd like to be thieves."

Vilkas absent mindedly traced a line in some dust on a nearby spider, "Must be an expensive venture. Who pays for it?"

"We get our money from private investors mostly. The jarl pays for some, but he's getting stingier with the war and all."

The trio stopped in the middle of the room, surrounded by various weapons racks and glass cases. Books were lain haphazardly on the tables, pages flipped open and dog eared to oblivion. "And these third-party investors?" Vilkas continued.

"Oh," Aicantar paused, rubbing the back of his head. "I don't really know. You'd have to ask Calcelmo." He turned back to Valleri, still confused by Vilkas' question. "Are you two ready to go up to the tower?"

Valleri gave a quick nod of her head before Aicantar looked back at the Nord for an answer. Vilkas didn't say anything for a moment before looking back at them, "I'm gonna stay here actually, if that's all right."

"Why though?" Aicantar questioned, disappointment written all over his face.

Vilkas shrugged, "Not that interested. Besides, I've never seen the museum. I could probably entertain myself here for a few hours at least."

"That's shame, but if you're sure," Aicantar said, "Valleri, the labs are up there. I need to go grab the key real quick."

Valleri and Vilkas stood together awkwardly as Valleri watched the Altmer disappear behind some shelves. Vilkas took her hand unexpectedly. The Imperial gave him a confused glance. "Val, we need to talk about what happened," Vilkas muttered.

"Now's not the time, Vilkas."

She watched the Nord's expression melt into concern and Valleri almost felt guilty. He didn't break eye contact with her, "Are you angry with me?"

Slumping her shoulders, Valleri pulled her hand back. From the corner of her eye, she could see Aicantar move towards the door behind them. "This isn't a good time." Giving him a quick wave, Valleri turned to follow the Altmer, "We can talk later."

Valleri made no attempt to look back as she followed Aicantar into the labs. Instead, she focused on the little details; books and spare Dwemer automaton parts were stashed in small crevices and table tops. The smell of oil was thick in the air and Valleri was scared she would choke on it.

"There's something I want to show you before I take you up. I've been keeping this a secret for the most part, but you'll appreciate him," the Altmer rambled. He held a door open and ushered Valleri into a cramped side room.

After pulling a short staff from the wall, Aicantar activated it. Valleri watched the red crystal at the end light up with anticipation only to be disappointed when nothing happened. Aicantar caught the look on her face and laughed, "Give him a moment."

"What?" Valleri asked before she heard the metallic clicking outside the door. A look of surprise grew on her face when the Imperial saw the Dwemer spider skittering into the room. It came right up to Aicantar and began to scratch at the bottom of his robes. She looked between him and the spider, eyes as wide as dinner plates.

"Neat, right?" Aicantar asked as he knelt down to pat the automaton. He looked back up to the shocked Valleri, "I was able to build him from the spare parts we had in the museum."

"And the staff?"

"It's a control rod, tells him where to go and who's a friend," the Altmer said, coming back to eye level. "I was able to fine tune the rod to take Smitty outside the labs now."

A smile cracked on Valleri's face, "Smitty?"

"Yeah that's what I've been calling him. It didn't seem right to leave him nameless."

Valleri hummed in response. "Would it be possible to see this Falmer translation stuff you mentioned?"

Aicantar gave her a surprised glance, "Oh, yeah. We can go now."

"Sorry about this," Valleri said, smile fading.

Aicantar gave her a reassuring nod, "No, I understand. You're eager to get this over with." He held the door open for Smitty and Valleri before leading them to the back rooms. The Imperial almost laughed when she watched a guard recoil in fear when he saw the spider as she waited for Aicantar to unlock the next door. The door exited to an exterior balcony and Valleri could finally feel the fresh air against her skin.

Looking out over the city, Valleri breathed out sharply, "Vilkas would have liked this. But it was his choice not to come."

Aicantar didn't say anything for a moment as he leaned on the wall next to her, "You're mad at Vilkas right?"

"What gave that away?" Valleri chided, "I'm livid actually."

"What happened?"

Valleri breathed out, "I asked him not to reactivate Nchuand-Zel, but he did. I'm nervous he'll pull a similar move when we find the necklace. What if Vilkas decides it isn't worth it? What I am supposed to do?"

"Wasn't he right, though? No one got hurt and Markarth isn't over run with Falmer," the Altmer said, gesturing with his hand. Valleri shot him a sharp glare, making him recoil. Aicantar didn't say anything for a short while as they watched the city.

"He's going on the expedition to recover the necklace eventually?"

"Yeah."

"What happened to not wanting to lose people?" Aicantar questioned.

Valleri gave him a conflicted glance before breathing out sharply, "I trust Vilkas; I trust him with my life. And that fear of losing him? If Vilkas ends up dying, I don't think I can live myself."

Giving his friend a swift pat on the arm, Aicantar started back towards the door wordlessly. Not wanting to get left behind, Valleri followed the Altmer into the last room at the top of the tower. The chamber was much cooler and darker than the labs below. Valleri almost couldn't see Aicantar climb a final flight of stairs. Instead she was forced to listen to the sound of Smitty's metallic clicking.

"Well, this is it," Aicantar muttered as he opened the final door, revealing a brilliantly lit work room. Tables were littered with charcoal, quills, and ink bottles while books and scrolls were stacked precariously all around Valleri.

Aicantar walked to the head of the room and pulled a sheet off a large object with a flourish. "And this is what helped us crack the Falmer language."

He beckoned Valleri over with a wave. The Imperial knelt down to get a better look, rubbing her hand over the carved words. Valleri could see two different scripts on the stone, but nothing familiar. "What is it exactly?"

"We found it a while back. There's both Falmer and Dwemer script on there. And since we already know Dwemer," Aicantar trailed off.

"You got a free shot at the Falmer alphabet. That's," Valleri paused, looking for the words, "That's amazing!"

"Well, it was before Lex stole two years' worth of notes and a tracing of the stone."

"Again, I don't think I can apologize enough." Valleri stood up for a moment, "What does that mean for my journal?"

Aicantar crossed his arms with a disgruntled huff, "Calcelmo had me start over when Lex ran off, so it's going to take a while." He paused, tilting his head, "And it may not be the most accurate translation. Not sure if that's what you're used to or not, so I'd figure I'd warn you now."

"That's fine, just as long as you can figure out where they are. That's all we need to know."

Laughing, Aicantar crossed his arms, "Don't worry, Valleri. Out of anyone here, I'm the most qualified to get your location. All you have to do is look for some crusty language about the deep ones and you've got it."

Valleri gave the Altmer a stern glance, "Most of it is probably Lex's rambling."

Both of them looked down at the floor sorrowfully and only Smitty's clicking became audible. Aicantar began to tear up as he rubbed his arm across his eyes. Valleri put a gentle hand on his back, subbing slow circles as she did so. "I miss him too, Aicantar," she paused, "I miss him too."

…

Valleri was surprised when she didn't see Vilkas standing in the same place she'd left him. The blocked-up feeling in her chest resurfaced as the Imperial caught up to one of the guards milling about the room. The bored look melted off the man's face when she asked where her friend was.

"Oh right, him. He said he was with the Companions; Hans over there was lapping it right up," the guard murmured.

Valleri nodded her head, "Yeah, where is he?"

"Said something about going back to the inn," the guard shrugged, "He wasn't particularly excited about waiting for you and Master Aicantar. Can't say I blame 'im."

Valleri's stomach dropped when she turned to leave the museum. Suddenly, she turned back and addressed the guard again, "Can you tell me where the Temple of Dibella is?"

The guard sighed with exasperation. He rubbed the bridged of his nose. "It's at the top of the hill in the center of town, ma'am."

After offering a quick thanks, Valleri made a swift exit out of Understone Keep, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. She looked up to the tall hill, noticing the façade of a building and the braziers still lit up. The climb up was precarious enough. Valleri wasn't exactly sure how she was going to get back down without tripping. The inside of the temple, despite the familiar iconography of her goddess, was still built in the usual Markarth style. It felt foreign to the Imperial.

Valleri looked around the room before being approached by one of the priestesses. "Are you here to make an offering?"

The Imperial met the priestess's eyes with an uncertain smirk. "No, I'd like to leave a candle though, if I can borrow one."

Clicking her tongue, the priestess nearly laughed, "I'm sorry, but a blessing like that is reserved for acolytes if you can't make the proper donation."

"I am an acolyte though," Valleri retorted, "I was trained in Anvil before leaving the chapel. I have a small shrine in Whiterun."

Shaking her head, the priestess went to a small side cupboard, "If you insist, I don't care enough to say no. Was there a specific blessing you were looking for?"

Shaking her head, Valleri looked back at the priestess across the room. Shrugging, Valleri tried to laugh, "Not even sure. I'm looking for a friend and thought maybe the Lady could help."

"Looking for? How so?"

Valleri paused dipping her hand in the pool of water next to her. "It's complicated. I dunno. I said somethings and I'm still so mad and I have to apologize," Valleri rambled. Before she knew it, Valleri said too much.

The priestess took her time riffling through the cabinet before she stood back up. Turning to face the Imperial, she held out a candle; runes carved into the waxy exterior. "A pink candle will help you find the words. They're there, you just have to say them."

Valleri took the candle with smirk before placing it on a small altar and lighting the wick. She watched the flame burn for a moment, "Here's hoping it works." Saying a small prayer, Valleri gave the priestess a small wave goodbye and Valleri left the temple.

Valleri stopped on the stairs when she saw Vilkas leaning on the stony wall outside. He looked over to her with an uncertain expression. Approaching her, he addressed her quietly, "Are you good?"

Glancing to the side, Valleri breathed out, trying not look directly at Vilkas. Finally, Valleri hugged him tight around the shoulders, burying her head in the crook of his neck. Vilkas didn't move for a moment. Soon enough, he grabbed hold of waist and gave her a gentle hug.

Valleri breathed him in once more, "I'm sorry; I shouldn't have been so hurt Nchuand-Zel." She paused, waiting to see if Vilkas would say anything. When he didn't, she continued, "I didn't think that Calcelmo would have helped us. You shouldn't be blamed for doing what was the right course of action. I get so caught up on this stupid goose chase I forget that others get involved for absolutely no reason. Vilkas, I wouldn't even be here if not for you. I'm sorry."

She pulled back from her hug and waited for Vilkas to react. The Nord smiled widely and rubbed the bottom of half of his face. Shaking his head, "I know it's not supposed to be funny, but the last time I saw you this honest was when you were telling me how much hated Skyrim when I first met you, Val."

"Vilkas."

"I didn't mean to make light of your apology. You're not angry then?"

"A little bit, but no," Valleri muttered, looking away sheepishly. "It's been a long trip, lets go home."

Vilkas nodded wordlessly before taking her hand. Together, they descended down the hill without any mishaps. No one said a thing, but Valleri didn't feel the need to speak. Things were good again.