The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The Story of Octavian

A God's Lament

I dug through the shattered cavern for any sign of Janus' remains. There was nothing but a charred silhouette on the wall where he had been vaporized. I felt a pulse in me, briefly, like a second heartbeat, but it passed.

"First things first," Jongard said, "I'll take the Stone back. I've never seen anything like what you are. Maybe Martin might be able to figure it out?"

It made sense, but I couldn't bring myself to speak. I was too furious, and I knew the next thing I said would be vicious, and that Jongard didn't deserve it. In my head, I blamed everything. M'Razzar, the Dark Brotherhood for helping him, Jongard for not being there to help, Janus for showing himself, and myself for not being strong enough, Jauffre for sending us there.

But in my heart I knew only M'Razzar and myself deserved it. Myself for finding the Stone, and M'Razzar for wanting it.

As we walked back, stopping for nothing, I began to think.

"Why does the Dark Brotherhood want the Stone? What is it really? What the hell am I?"

We finally arrived back at the Temple. It was noon when I walked in through the gates, so everyone training in the courtyard saw me walk through. As I passed everyone stopped and stared. People began muttering, then, just before it became a dull roar, I closed the Temple's door behind me.

I looked at my reflection in one of the swords that adorned the hall. I looked almost unrecognizable. My eyes were silver, my hair had changed from auburn to a dark blondish color. My skin was a pale gold.

Martin entered the hall after a moment.

"What do you have to say about this?" Jongard asked.

"This isn't natural. He's undergone a minor apotheosis."

"'Minor' apotheosis? What the hell does that mean?" I asked.

"It means your transformation isn't complete. After a while you may become a full-blown god, but as for right now it's a no-go. You might still be able to die, but all the characteristic vampire weaknesses are gone. It might take a lot, but you're still not invulnerable."

"What about the blood?"

"You still have to feed, but not as much, and the effects of skipping a meal won't be as drastic."

"And what about the stone?"

"The one on your hand? It's also unnatural. It's a Soulgem that's programmed to take on a soul too big for it, then when it's connected to a human body, it systematically leaks and recharges. It's recharge process has been super-accelerated by your vampirism."

"I want to hold an honorary funeral for Janus."

"What?"

"He's not here. Notice that? He's dead."

"By the Nine. I'm sorry."

"Don't feel sorry for me. Feel sorry for the bastard I'm gonna kill."

"What do you mean?"

"Hearing okay? I'm gonna slice that son of a bitch to pieces and feed his cock to the dogs."

"Is this how a god laments?" he asked, hesitantly.

"Yes." I replied as I began to pulse softly again.