Cearbhail:
Gods, this was long. I didn't want it to be this long, but... here we are.
=^^= Try to Enjoy...
[Sosia Ernard]
"This is amazing." I said as I ran my hand over the top of the Aedra's corpse. I could feel the connection to Aetherius inside this creature's head, and it hasn't given into any form of decay yet. Ever since the Cult of Worms incident, I've been working on knowing more about dead bodies and how to manipulate them into undead thralls. I'm trying to find a way to keep this kind of crap from repeating ever again. So far I've learned… burning the body until it's ash renders it incapable of being used for necromancy. Except for Dunmer, who specialize in ash creatures.
So, I was examining the aura of the deceased Aedra, who… by all accounts, should not have an aura, at least not one this powerful anymore. It was like the body wasn't even dead. "Hmm…" I looked over to Azura, the Daedric Prince of Dawn and Dusk. She was wrapped in a lovely dress made up of stars that actually glowed like the night sky. I could even see shooting stars passing by a moon on her dress. I wish I had a dress like that. I might ask her for one once this is all over. I quickly stopped looking at her dress to look her in the eyes. "Is this how the Daedra are? Even when dead… your body still emanates an aura?"
Azura walked over to the body, running her hand over top of it. "It's radiating magicka…" She looked over to Boethiah. "It's still absorbing magicka from this world."
Boethiah sighed as she pulled out a Daedric naginata. "It's trying to heal itself. It's not dead then." She rushed the corpse, slashing with her weapon. As her weapon fell on top of the Aedra's neck, her blade shattered upon landing on it, leaving the neck unscathed. That very scene caused Boethiah to stumble back. "My most unholy blade… sundered to the touch of the Aedra." She reached for the shattered blade, running her hand across it. "This will take years to mend… 200 or so before it can be used again." She scoffed as she made the naginata vanish. "This is unacceptable. That was my strongest weapon. I've slain many Daedra with it."
"That's the problem." Azura stated. "It's made from Daedric magick… not Aedric." She looked at me and then to the Aedra. "In the beginning, there were two forces that we know of. One was called Anu… the other… Padomay. Those were static gods, ones without form or conscious thought. But, they somehow became the architects for the creation of Sithis and the All-Maker." Azura sighed. "And those two were conscious energy, clashing against each other constantly. And through their conflict, the first Aedra were created, the Aedra Lords that now exist. And the other lesser Aedra were created from this energy discharge too, though lacking actual grandeur of godly strength. It was the same with us Daedra too. But… we were created solely from Sithis's energy discharge. We are only borne of his energy… while the Aedra are born from Sithis… and the All-Maker. Our energy cannot harm Aedric energy because they have our energy… as well as the All-Maker's. It would be like slapping air with air. Or water with water. It just makes the water bigger. You probably helped the Aedra before you by giving him some of your energy. And…" Azura looked me in the eye. "The Aedra can absorb us… completely, or… disrupt us anyway. We watched and learned from Akatosh attacking Mehrunes Dagon. Dagon did nothing to harm Akatosh, and yet… with his combined energy… was able to disrupt and absorb most of Dagon's form. Dagon is a shell of what he used to be, still recovering whatever Daedric energy he can get from his plane of Oblivion. And now… there is something on this world that can destroy us, completely. Mortal… Aedra. There is nothing more dangerous to us than a Daedra looking to take our land from us."
Well, that was a history lesson I already knew, but… honesty, did not connect any dots to. It's good, having a Daedra tell me their side of this story, and to explain how their creation meshes with Aedra. So… that means…
"Everything you Daedra can offer is pointless in this war." I said with the shake of my head.
Boethiah scoffed at the idea. "Cannon fodder, messengers, scouts, and… if you learn how to disrupt their energy… I think we can land physical attacks too. Make them mortal, drag them to the ground, and our numbers will obliterate them. My men are trained for physical combat, these… prissy flybys are only good at skyline bombing."
Azura looked back down at the Aedra. "I want to see something. You mind casting any magick on it?"
I shrugged as I readied a Shock spell. I slammed it against the Aedra, and it just… fizzled out. "Yup… just like always."
Azura's eyes were glowing the entire time I did this. "Your energy matches our own." She tapped her chin. "Wait… Lorkhan, a Daedric creation, worked together with the Aedra to create elves and humanity. You were cursed with Daedric existence." She looked me in the eye. "You use Aedric magick while being trapped in what is essentially a Daedric trap of a mortal body. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that your energy is far more complex than their own. Your magick… is Aedric, it won't affect them too harshly, but…" She placed a hand on my shoulder. "You should try… using the other form of magick. The one only mortals possess."
The only form of magick mortals possess? "Okay… I think I need some form of tangible explanation here." I'm a little confused right now.
Boethiah rolled her eyes. "You mean to say you haven't realized your species has its own forms of magick? There's Daedric magick, Aedric magick, so… Oblivious Magick and Aetherius Magick forms are integrated into your bodies, but Lorkhan gave you something extra… something… that can defeat both Aedra and Daedra. He wanted you mortals to be able to defend this plane of Oblivion for him to use at his own leisure. Some of your mortals have discovered it, and use it themselves. The men of Skyrim Shout from their core, Khajiits have red eyes…" She glared at Azura.
Azura shrugged. "I think it looks pretty, and it's effective." She looked over to me to clarify. "I helped Lorkhan develop the Khajiits… and Sheogorath helped… I guess." She face-palmed. "I hate him so much for what he did to my lovely cats."
Wait… Azura knows Lorkhan? She was there for the creation of mortality? I have so many questions right now, and I wish I could spend all afternoon picking her mind for how she was able to even do that… but…
I looked down at the corpse of the Aedra. There were more pressing issues to handle first. "Okay, I think I understand." She was talking about the Soulic energy, the one that comes from inside us, and we don't take in from anywhere in nature. Like soul-weaving, the art Battlemages use to enchant their arms and armor. "Soulic manipulation is that… third option."
I looked down at the Aedra. I didn't know any Soulic magick though. I looked around the room for anything, and I found a knife. I placed the knife against the Aedra and I cut with it. The knife passed through the skin like you'd expect from a normal body, but… once I pulled out the knife, the skin started closing itself, healing up. Huh… a dead body regenerating. Maybe it really is just healing.
I fed some of the soul-weaving into the blade and enchanted it with the intention of severing its magick. I sliced with the knife again, in the same spot, and then pulled the knife away. The scratch remained, not healing like it did last time. I looked over to Azura. "How's that?"
She looked down at the body, and I did the same, both of us using our third eyes to scan the body. I could see the woven energy inside the body still whirling around but… in the spot I cut… there was this void. It was like the Aedric energy couldn't or wouldn't go near it.
"I think you did well." Azura mused. "You can't really harm it with Aetherius magick, and it shrugs off any and all Daedric magick, but… mortal magick, this… Soulic magick you present… it's doing the job. The Aethereal magick knows not what to do with it. It's effective. We need a live test."
"We already have one." I said, pointing down at the corpse. It already had severed limbs from where Spymaster Arabhi scratched it. "A Sengar went and killed this one. Did she not?" I looked over to Azura.
"And yet… it's healing." She replied. "It's not perfect but…"
"What if we obliterated it now that we've disrupted it." Boethiah asked. "Destroy the body with that… holy oil weapon your daughter spoke of. Now that it's defenseless, we can turn it back to ash. With no body, it can't regenerate."
Now… that's a plan. I like that. "Okay… so, we unleash Soulicly bound weapons, bring the Aedra down, and then… we melt them to ash with oil-based fire bombs. I like it." This was it! We're finally getting somewhere. We're learning a lot from this one body. Time to test it out. "Boethiah, have some Daedra bring us some oil. I bet Sanguine has some."
Boethiah bellowed a laugh. "I bet he has a full barrel of alcohol just waiting for us. The strongest will burn even these creatures to ash." She turned on her heel. "I'll be off then."
Boethiah turned to leave the warded basement, and as she walked up the stairs, she came flying fight back down again, crashing onto her back.
"Die! You Daedra scum!" I heard someone scream from the stairwell, and it made me jump in surprise.
I readied my spells as a heavy boot thumped into the room, a scimitar aimed at Boethiah's neck. She didn't look worried, but rather excited at the thought, that a Redguard with a scimitar was standing over top of her. In fact… she looked… too excited.
"Well, we meet at last." Boethiah said with a smirk growing on her lips. "The fabled Master of the Fighters Guild: Roland Lylvieve. The Unkillable Bastard who has slain hundreds of enemies. You, sire… are a legend among my people." I could tell from her tone that she was going for the 'I'm hardcore too, let's fuck' vibe. "I am Boethiah, the Master of Deceit, Treachery, blood sport, and sometimes… bed sheets." She grinned. "I can mold my body to fit any desire, any…" Her eyes shined. "thing you need."
Roland looked down at her, and then glanced up at me. "Sosia? I thought I heard your voice. Are these beasts threatening you? Shall I send them back to Oblivion."
"You can send me to your oblivion." Boethiah said lustfully.
I ignored her, and so did Azura. I smiled as I rushed over to Roland. "You're awake!" I wrapped him up in a tight hug, tears streaming down my cheeks. I was so relieved that I wasn't alone anymore. I'm not the only one here to fight this war. "I'm so glad you're finally awake!" I was full-on crying into his shoulder now.
Roland, still aiming his scimitar at Boethiah, started hugging me back, patting me with his free hand. "Um… okay, Sosia. What's going on?"
I looked him in the eye as I backed away. "The Aedra, Roland. They invaded your town. You were… hit. Crushed by the falling roof."
He rubbed the top of his head. "Yeah… I can believe it. It feels like I took a hard smack."
"I'll give you a hard smack…" Boethiah replied.
Roland glanced down at her for a second before looking up at me. "Why is a Daedra flirting with me?"
I shrugged. "I kind of… employed their services to help us defeat the Aedra invading our country."
Roland started rubbing his eyes. "Okay… let me get this straight. You, the leader of the Mages Guild, and one of very high moral standards… are working with demons to fight angels and gods?"
I nodded. "It's a little more like… religious nutcase angels heaven-bent on destroying all impure mortals for the sake of 'cleansing this planet of all evil' are killing everyone, and we need some extra help, so I'm turning to our strongest enemy because in this case… the enemy of my enemy is actually kind of my friend, but in a dangerous 'I have to watch my back at all times' way. So, I enlisted the few Daedra that are actually… not too harmful."
He sighed. "Okay, which ones."
I motioned over to Azura. "Azura, goddess of Dawn and Dusk."
He looked over at her. "The one that forced the Nerevarine to kill half of Morrowind to take it back from the Empire?"
Azura smirked at that, showing her teeth in a sweet smile. "Um… sort of? It's more like this. I created the Chimer, and they were perfect elves in my eyes. And they teamed up with the Dwemer to become living gods! Not only did the leaders of the Chimer disobey me and become gods, but… they also betrayed the Dwemer, and locked them away in Aetherius! So… in my eyes, I was letting the false-gods of the Tribunal get what was coming to them, and so I turned them ash gray, to reflect their new proclaimed false lifestyle. I'm in the right!" She crossed her eyes and looked away. "Besides, the Nerevarine is having fun in Akavir. She served her purpose, and now… she gets to enjoy the benefits of being blessed by me."
"So… what I don't get…" I rubbed my chin. "is why after the Nerevarine got rid of the Tribunal why you didn't… change the Dunmer back into Chimer."
Azura kept her arms cross, but she turned around, showing me her back. "Because… I think it looks cuter than golden skin. We already have golden skinned elves, and they're pricks."
Boethiah laughed heartily at this. "And wimps. They're not worth the color of their skin, much less the dirt on their boots." Boethiah pounded her chest. "The Dunmer are a strong and hearty elves, they've grown in their punishment, shown their valor, and have collected themselves into becoming a race proud of heralding our influence onto the world. Their strife has become the thing of legends of a cursed race rising beyond what anyone expected."
Roland glanced down at her. "And the Orcs?"
Her smirk vanished. "You call what they do rising above their curse? They drowned in it." She smirked. "I do like their combat ethic though. They would make good warriors to have in battle, but see if one Orc can handle any Redoran Ash Hopper. I bet you nine out of ten times, they fail to even land a single blow on the hopper. Now… any Ashlander or Dunmer worth their ash will see that hopper and make it a snack for dinner that night. Any Orc would become the hopper's dinner."
I don't even know what a hopper is so… I feel left out of this conversation. "Okay, so…" I looked at the two Daedra. "We have some information we need to test out, and a body to burn." I nodded to Boethiah. "Sanguine has what we need, yes?"
Boethiah nodded, sticking her hand out for Roland to take. "Well, are you just going to sit there, or are you going to take my hand and lift me up onto my feet?"
Roland arched his eyebrows, but that was all he did. "You're a proclaimed warrior, are you not? Would you even accept my lowly help in the first place?"
If a Daedra could blush, Boethiah was doing it right now. "From a mortal of your caliber… yes." She pushed herself back onto her feet without moving an inch of her body, just pushing off the ground like she was floating. "One day, I would like to test the limits of your potential. I would smash you over and over again. That curved sword of yours seems like it would hit all the right spots."
Roland sighed. "You're making my Redguard Adrenaline boiling. The urge to fight you is strong, and my head is pumping as it's trying to activate my Adrenaline. In front of me is perhaps one of the strongest fighters this realm has to offer me… and yet… I know fighting you would surely lead to my death."
Boethiah placed a hand on Roland's chest. "A little death hasn't hurt anyone before."
Roland looked at me, his eyes shining as his pupils contracted. "Sosia… give me an hour."
I felt my face burning as I turned to leave. "Okay, I'm out of here." Jeez, Roland! Again? I need to leave anyway. I'll just go back to Cloud Ruler Temple and report what I've learned, and then… head down to see the completion of my son's training. I do have to reunite with Nisha too. I looked over to Azura, trying my best to ignore the grunting and thrashing directly behind me. "Azura, please, take over this for me. Handle the burning of the body…"
"Yes! Burn me!" Roland screamed behind me as he picked up Boethiah and slammed her onto a table. She was digging flaming hands into his arms.
"And then please spread the word to the other Daedra, and pass along the message to everyone you can. I'll be sure to tell the Mages Guild what I've learned, and…"
I felt a boot smack me on the leg. Oh no… they're stripping.
"I'll be up at Cloud Ruler temple seeing the completion of my son's training, and to reunite with my daughter. You know how to contact me if you need information, or wish to give me information, and tell me whenever Roland is done and ready to rendezvous with me."
I heard pants slipping down.
"Okay, I'm done, bye." I rushed for the exit.
Azura was laughing as she watched me retreat. "Take care, Arch Mage."
I waved over my shoulder as I power-walked up the stairs.
…
[Nisha]
Man, dinner was good. I guess having to live up on this mountain did not diminish the Blades' ability to have decent food. Boiled potatoes with cheese and bacon on them was the best, and the grilled fish I ate was probably the best one I've had in a while. The water was fresh too, which they collect themselves from the rainclouds during all spring through fall. They have barrels of water underneath the castle, kept in some kind of enchanted barrels that keep the water from being contaminated or poisoned, or… well… anything that could affect the taste of pure water.
So, after dinner was done, I was told that I should call Vatu, but… from how I understand it, Vatu will call me once he's able. He must still be busy, or else he would have called by now. So, until he actually calls me, or until Mom shows up… I guess I'll just go to my room and relax. My second night here. Wow.
"Okay, I'll clean this up." One of the Blades said to the other Blades at the table. "Don't forget, Henrietta, Bernie, we're on cleanup and wash duty tonight."
Both of those Blades nodded for confirmation and they all stood up and started clearing off the table.
"I guess I'll go feed the prisoners." Henrietta said as she collected the food off the table.
"I'll go." I said as I raised my hand.
Everyone looked at me, and then… a few of them laughed.
My eyes deadpanned as I got ridiculed. Henrietta walked over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Nisha… you're a child. And these are criminals. They'll kill you if they get the chance, or… they'll use you to help them escape."
I crossed my arms. "I think I can handle a few criminals. If I'm going to be a Blade one day, I should…" Think of something! "know how… criminals think." Yeah! That's… something, I sure.
Henrietta rolled her eyes. "Yeah… sure." She looked over at Jurard. "Can I take our brave Blade here with me to go feed the prisoners?"
Jurard sighed, but nodded. "If you don't, she'll just sneak down when we're not watching. I know she will." She rubbed her eyes exhaustedly. "If she's like any child… she'll just get in trouble without someone watching her."
I felt like holding her responsible for that very comment, but… then I thought of what happened in Black Marsh… and how Nexa had to get hurt protecting me. It wasn't my fault but… bad people wanted to hurt me. And prisoners are basically bad people that could want to hurt me. Huh… I think I'm started to see a trend here.
I looked up at Henrietta. "Don't worry, I'll stay close."
She sighed as she readied the leftovers for the prisoners. "Okay, I'll watch over her."
I waited as Henrietta started gathering the leftovers, and I thought I'd help out by collecting a bunch of the fish up. I started running up to the plate of fish, reaching out to grab it.
"I'd prefer you don't help." Henrietta stated as I reached for the first plate of fish. When I looked over my shoulder, she was readying the cart we'd be taking down to the prisoners. She saw me looking at her, and she forced a smile. "Not because you're a child or incompetent, but…" She looked at my arms. "You're shedding."
I looked at the fur just now falling off my arm, decorating the table.
Oh..
Okay.
I'm actually okay with this for once. It's not entirely racist.
I stepped away from the plate of fish, smiling at her. "Okay, I'll keep my fluff to myself." Um… that sounded suspiciously… raunchy? Am I even using that word correctly? Nexa tried to teach me how to talk raunchy… so… am I doing it right?
Henrietta nodded as she grabbed onto the cart. "Okay, just… follow me. And keep yourself at least a full arm's length away from each cell at all times. The cells have magicka-blocking runes scribed into the cells so… they can't cast magic spells. They may try to startle you, so… don't give them the satisfaction. They want to see you scared, they want to trick you into falling into their little game."
Little game? I wonder what she means by that. But, I nodded anyway. "Yup. So, no emotional response to anything they do or say?"
She nodded. "Yup." And with that, she started leading the way through the stone dining hall. I waved goodbye to Jurard as I followed behind Henrietta.
We left the main dining area and started heading down a hallway that was angled downward slightly. The wall was lit by barred small windows, as well as torches on the other side of the wall. I don't know how often the torches are replaced, but… they looked pretty old and barely clinging to life. The air was colder than I would have liked, and there was a slight breeze blowing down from outside.
"I always like the crisp air up here." Henrietta said after taking a deep breath. "The clean mountain air is great for meditation and exercise." She looked over to me. "You grew up in the city, right?"
I nodded.
She turned back around. "I couldn't stand living in Anvil. Even with the beach and the salty air, it was just…" She shrugged. "noisy. Drunk sailors every day flirting with me, spilling beer on me." She shook her head. "The Fighters in the Fighters Guild were nice though. Seemed like every pirate ship was haunted. It was just… too much for me. There was a woman that had rats living in her basement, and her neighbor kept trying to kill them. One day cougars invaded the town and we had to kill them. I had enough of people. This is nice. This is better." She looked over to me, smiling. "Some people can't stand the quiet mountain life but… I find it refreshing as a Nord."
She left the comment stand as we reached the door. "Okay, Nisha. Remember what I said. Don't give them anything." She turned to me and winked.
She turned around and opened the door. We were welcomed immediately to the screaming prisoners.
"Who they got this time? I can't see!"
"It's the Nord woman."
"Hey, pretty thang. Bring that ass over here."
"Hey look, a tiny cat. Can I pet you?"
"Dude… she's a little girl! You can't touch her, unless she's skinned and turned into a blanket! I'm freezing! Get over here, let me skin you!"
Well, that was more than I ever hoped to get, and I just walked into the room. I was insulted racially, and then someone invited me to their cell to pelt me. Gods… so… this is what bad people are like. Most of the prisoners were leaning against the bars, most had their eyes locked on me as I walked into the room.
"She's a cutie." One of the Bosmer said as I walked past him. "Hey! Turn those eyes over to me! I haven't seen someone like you in years!"
Jeez… that's just…
My tail flicked, and that was exactly what he was looking for. "Ooh, we have a flicker! See that? That's what Khajiits do when they're upset."
Everyone started banging on their bars, barking at me as I walked beside Henrietta. And Henrietta, silent and stoic, walked up to the first prison cage. "Good evening, Prisoner 001. I have your meal. Tonight it's grilled salmon and loaded potatoes."
The Bosmer glared at her and then directed his gaze down at me. "I want her to feed me."
I looked up at her, and she gave me a warning shake of her head. She looked back up at Prisoner 001 and said, "That would be against our policy here. Guards do not feed the prisoners, they just offer them food. Please step back."
He didn't leave the bars as he glared at her. "Just give me my meal."
She sighed as she picked up a plate and prepared a meal. She placed it on the small flat surface with the just big enough opening for someone to grab it, and then stepped away. The Bosmer picked up the plate and then stepped back. He took a bit of the salmon and then spat it directly in my face.
I screamed as I stepped back. The fish oil got in my eyes, and that burned. I heard the prisoners roar with laughter and barking as I stumbled away.
"So, what is she anyway? Someone's kid? Blade apprentice?" The Bosmer asked.
"That is none of your concern." Henrietta replied. "Enjoy your food. You lost the privilege for the next two days."
That dropped the laughter to the point where no one was laughing.
"Your actions will be reported to Spymaster Arabhi. If you live tomorrow, I will be surprised."
"Oh yeah? And why would she care?" The Bosmer replied.
"Because she's her granddaughter." Another Bosmer replied. The one right behind me.
You could feel the air chill, and the looks on their faces cracked at hearing who I am. I turned to look at the Bosmer. "And… you are?" I asked.
He was sitting on his bed, pressed up against the wall. He was holding a small toothpick that looked like it had been chewed on a lot the past few days. The Bosmer with dark green hair leaned forward, offering a small smile to me. "Let's just say… I'm informed."
"Prisoner 030, I advise you to hold your tongue, or lose it tonight." Henrietta said as she walked over to his cell.
The Bosmer raised his hands, signaling his compliance. "I mean nothing by it. I'm just saying… if you mess with the girl, you're bound to meet the Spymaster in the worst of ways." He looked at me, nodding. "Hello, my name is Huir. If I were you… I wouldn't be down here."
I looked over to Henrietta. I looked down at my ruined shirt, which was now stained by that prisoner's bloody spittle. He must have bit his tongue and then spat it at me too. Gods… I have Bosmer blood in my eye. No wonder why it burned. "Please tell me that guy is clean."
"He is." Huir replied. "Isn't that right, Billy?"
He scoffed as he sat down on his bedding. "Yeah, I'm clean."
I looked back over to Huir. "So… you know things. What kind of things?"
Henrietta rolled her eyes. "You talk to Prisoner 030; I'll go feed the other prisoners." She took her cart and started walking away.
I looked over to Huir. "Okay so.. what kind of things do you know?"
He sat up on his chair. "That would be a long story, little Khajiit. Let's start with the basics though. I'm in here; you're out there. You're a child, and yet… you have the same look in your eyes that I've seen in veterans of war. You've seen death, a lot of it apparently. Your fur looks ruffled, like you've seen hardship, and a defensive stance that tells me that you push people away, or that you know how to expect the worst from others. Your fur patterns tell me that you're related to the revered Spymaster of the Blades. And you're down here… because you're looking for something, or someone. You wanted to see if we're as bad as you're told we are. You're adventurous by nature, most Khajiit are. Your robes are…" He looked me up and down. "is that swamp oil? You were in Black Marsh?" He looked at my boots. "That's Black Marsh's soil. What kind of Khajiit are you? You're a kid, but… you seemed too…" He rubbed his chin in thought. "like me. A veteran adventurer, and you look haunted by your choices."
Well…
…
That was fun.
I smiled as I turned to leave. "Huir… I'm just a child. I'm not some mythical heroine."
He chuckled as he sat back. "You can't lie to me, little one. I've been around too long for that line to work." He pointed to himself. "I was a kid too, you know. And I know… sometimes, life has more plans for you than growing up in a stable household. So, what was it? Oh wait… let me guess. You had a family, but… I'm guessing Mehrunes Dagon happened, and that whole gate situation destroyed your home, and then… you were an orphan. You traveled the world with someone, or by yourself, though unlikely, but… who really knows. You had to make a living by delving into ruins and retrieving lost things, stole from bandits, and had to eat rotten trash for food."
I turned around to face him.
He smiled even bigger. "There's that twinkle I was looking for. I'm hitting the right nerve. So, you survived the Oblivion Crisis and had to live on your own. But… something had to change. Your fur is too…" He looked me over. "soft. Like you've been living peacefully for a while. The robes you're wearing are mage robes so… a mageling, huh? Not a bad gig for a child. But when did you go to Black Marsh, I wonder? The dirt looks recent. Within the past few days? You smell like the swamps, that's for sure."
"You've been there?" I asked.
He nodded. "Oh, have I been there." He leaned back. "I spent a good long time there. I was famous for killing bandits and rogue Shadowscales. The Glass Arrow, I was called. That's not important though. This is what's important." He leaned forward. "Look, kid… I've been there. I was in those same boots. You're lost and looking for yourself. That's why you came down here, even if you don't know it yet. You're at that age where you'll start questioning what you want out of life, and where you should specialize. Just remember these words. Never, under and circumstances… surrender your values. No matter what you do. If you're assassin, a baker, a bard, an archer, or a mime. Never surrender your values. Never let the world tell you who you are, or what you can become. You do this… and you'll do right by yourself. Don't end up like me… living in this cage. I surrendered my values… and look at me now." He spread his arms out, welcoming me to see his skeletal form. "One mistake was all it took for me. Don't make that same mistake."
I found myself nodding. "Um… yeah, sure."
Henrietta walked up to me. "Okay, the prisoners have been fed." She looked at Huir. "Your turn, Prisoner 030."
Huir nodded. "Just leave it on the plate holder. I'll get it once you've left."
Henrietta nodded. She placed the plate on the tray and looked at me. "Let's go get you cleaned up. I'm sure your mom will be here soon to pick you up."
"May I ask one thing?" Huir stood up.
Henrietta drew her sword just a bit. "Shut your tongue, Mythic Dawn dog. You should have died in the Battle of Bruma, you shit-faced trash."
Huir shrugged and sat back down. "Okay then."
Henrietta looked over at me. "Don't listen to whatever he told you. He's a traitor and a cultist. He killed many of my brothers and sisters during the Oblivion Crisis as an agent of the Mythic Dawn."
I looked back at Huir. He didn't look upset by what she called him, and he was radiating some kind of aura of calmness. He nodded to me as I followed Henrietta back out of the room.
"Man, Billy's going to die." I heard a prisoner snicker as we closed the door behind us.
I looked up at Henrietta. "Thanks for… you know."
She smirked. "I get it. You have to see evil to understand it. Right?"
I shrugged. I'm not entirely sure why I did this. What was I expecting? Not a Bosmer spitting blood in my face… that's for sure.
"I'm going to take a bath." I said as I started walking away.
"Be sure to-"
I waved. "Brush and shower and then brush again to remove all my dead fur, yeah, yeah… I know." Why was I born as the only race that needed to shower and brush themselves before being able to enjoy a bath?
…
[Vatu]
"That was great, everyone." Erandur clapped his hands, applauding us as he walked in front of our formation. "We managed to run all across all of Cyrodiil in record time, and managed to climb one of the tallest mountains in Cyrodiil, all before complete nightfall. Now that we're here at Dive Rock, we'll be setting up our tents. Everyone get a good rest, tomorrow we're supposed to meet up with BI Battle-Born. He'll be giving us our briefing on what we're doing for our final test." He nodded to us. "That is all. You are dismissed."
I was happy to break out of the formation. My tail was sore. While we were climbing up, Primrose slipped on a rock. She fell and grabbed onto my tail to save herself. And she clung like that for a second or two until the people underneath us blasted her with Feather, to make her lighter. I helped pull her up to a stable ledge where she could let go of my tail and start climbing again. My tail felt like it was going to rip off when she yanked on it, but… it's still there, unbroken so… yay. It'll probably be sore for the rest of the week though. It's probably bruised too.
Erandur walked over to me, nodding. "Vatu. I know it's probably much, but… first thing in the morning, would you and Primrose go hunting for some breakfast? Your nose and her ability to call animals to her will be invaluable."
I nodded. "Sure, Erandur. Before sun rise, there'll be a deer ready to be cooked."
That made Erandur smile. "Thanks, Vatu. I'm glad you're here." He nodded to Primrose. "Hey, Primrose, tomorrow can you…"
She nodded. "I heard you. Sure." She looked at me and smiled. "See you in the morning then, Vatu." She turned her attention back to her tent that she was beginning to unpack.
I happily dropped my travel pack. I just need to set up my tent and then I can go to sleep. I'm so glad we're almost done with this. Just one mission left and then… we become war mages. I can't wait.
"We're still going to party tonight, right?" Noria asked as she set up her tent in record time. Must be a Reachman thing.
Everyone groaned. We were tired from the run, and sore from the climb.
"Too tired…" Pra'ja groaned out as she face-planted onto her rolled out mat. "Need sleep."
Erandur sighed. "Not tonight, Noria. We all need rest after the past few days."
She sighed but rolled out her mat. "Let's at least get a fire going."
Erandur nodded. "I'll set it up. Don't worry, we won't freeze tonight."
I guess it was cold. I mean… I'm covered in fur so… I don't really do the whole… getting cold thing, for light weather like this. But, we're on top of a snow-covered mountain and the sun's setting. I'm guessing most of us are cold right now, especially Pra'ja.
I might want to have some fun with this. Just this once.
I walked over to Pra'ja's tent. "Hey…"
She didn't even look up at me, her face was still buried in her bedding. "Hey, Vats. What do you need? I'm too tired to play."
"Do you want me to join you in your tent? Keep you warm?"
I felt like she would have jumped at the suggestion, but she didn't even flinch. "Not tonight. Too tired."
I shrugged. "Okay. It's just a once in a lifetime opportunity. Nexa took advantage of it." Yuck… I feel sick just saying it.
"Don't care." She mumbled. "Just throw a fur blanket on top of me. Wrap me up like a fancy burrito."
I shrugged. "Okay." And I picked up her blanket and threw it on top of her. "You're welcome."
"Thanks, dude." She replied, not once moving.
I laughed as I went back to my tent. As I set it up and rolled out my mat, I looked around the camp. Everyone was basically falling into their tents like Pra'ja. Wow… they're tired. I wonder why I'm not? I shrugged it off as I lied down for sleep. As I closed my eyes, I saw Erandur pass by my tent. "After being up for two days, I'm happy we're finally getting some rest."
"Huh?" I sat up.
He looked down at me, and I could see the circles in his eyes. "When you ran off with Pra'ja… none of us got any sleep past that point. We had to find you, get you out of there, and then set up a camp. We couldn't rest so… yeah." He yawned. "Sleep well, Vatu. You're the early riser tomorrow. And we'll be hungry. It's the least you can do after putting us in this predicament to begin with."
I nodded. "Yeah… I will. Don't worry."
He turned to leave. "Don't forget, you're on probation too. So… you know… whatever that means."
Yeah… I won't forget.
Cearbhail:
I caught up pretty nicely, but... I skipped the whole mountain climbing sequence. Let's hope the next few chapters aren't too condensed either.
