While Lyra was no stranger to the preparations preceding one's journey to a land unknown, readying herself for what might await them in Thedas was a complex undertaking. Decisions had to be made not only regarding what reading material she should gather and what mechanical equipment could be most useful (which in all fairness she would usually ponder over for days and weeks on end prior to any such trip); arrangements had to be made at the college and certain … colleagues of hers deserved to be notified about her impending temporary absence. Looking at her bags overflowing with the majority of her possessions, the arch-mage was finally satisfied and her stress levels abated to give room to that familiar nervous excitement she last felt when embarking on her journey to Skyrim.
It felt like a lifetime had passed since her goal was simply to reach the dwemer built city of Markarth and bury herself in her studies. Her life changed so rapidly, sometimes she had a hard time remembering her life as a scholar before all this began. Recording her thoughts and adventures in a diary proved to be a particularly useful habit, re-reading her own words was a way of reminding herself of all that has passed. Her previous volume, however, was nowhere to be found since the incident.
Well…shit. I hope Vaermina enjoys the blabbering nonsense of a Breton too green to fully appreciate how truly preposterous the events transpiring around her are.
She was not green any longer, however. Things just kept happening with her in the midst of all the action. Whatever the reason behind all this was, these were no coincidental events; this was a pattern . Her and Aedan's visit to the realm of Quagmire may provide some clues to unfolding this complicated sequence… Those vines that remained on this side of the door between the realms should certainly be studied in depth.
Her mind preoccupied, thoughts racing, Lyra did not even realise that her body began to act on its own accord, she was on the move. This was not an unusual thing, the recently elected arch-mage would often find herself deep in thought and suddenly coming to once already in the library in front of some dusty tomes, or while roaming the halls seemingly with a purpose she was by then unable to recall. His colleagues and students new to step out of the way when she was conducting one of these mental exercises of hers, Captain Rylen however, did not… The sudden, painful contact with something solid and quite clanky brought Lyra's thoughts to an abrupt stop.
"Maker's bloody…!" she heard a man exclaim.
"Ah, bloody oblivion …" muttered the woman as she straightened herself to see what blocked her way in such an unexpected, and let's be honest, rude manner. She found the face of a slightly befuddled man with strong features and a tattooed chin looking down at her through piercing blue eyes.
"I remember you! You were in the Hall of the Elements, when we fell out of the ... oh, I didn't even thank you for catching me, did I? So many things on my mind. I would have remembered to do so eventually, I'm sure. Well I think I would have at least. But… what are you doing here?" as she looked around, however, she realised she was in fact in the Hall which if not for the crate of vines did not display any evidence of what transpired here not long ago. "I suppose the better question would be what am I doing here…"
As words were tumbling out of Lyra's mouth in rapid succession, Rylen found himself unable, and unwilling to interrupt the head of the College of Magi. Once she finally stopped to look at her surroundings all he could do was chuckle and smile at the suddenly flustered woman.
"Well then, allow me to respond in order. I am Captain Rylen of the Inquisition. Or just… Rylen. You are very welcome. Your delay in expressing your thanks does not diminish my appreciation of it" he said with a sly grin that caused a smile to tug at the corner of Lyra's lips in return. "I am here to oversee the repairs of the area and the collection of some study samples, which I assume will be of use to you." He could see her eyes light up with excitement and curiosity, which he found to be quite infectious. "As to why you are here, however…" he continued, "I'm afraid I am unable to discern, though your presence is certainly no cause for complaints on my part."
These Thedosians have a way with words… colour me intrigued. Thought the arch mage returning the smile of the tall soldier in front of her. Oh but the samples, he mentioned samples! Get it together Lyra!
"That's right, samples! You have already collected them? I think that is exactly why I came down here, horker's whiskers you do quick work!"
Amused, he couldn't help but notice that word again.
"I will make sure to take some along to the Inquisition headquarters where you will have full access to them and all material you may need for your studies." she looked happy with his answer. "May I ask you... lady arch-mage"
"Lyra, just Lyra" she corrected.
"Lyra" her name tasted pleasant and familiar. "What is a horker ? I have heard this word used around here but I am unsure what it refers to." Not to mention he read this very word in Lyra's journal, though with a slight pang of guild he decided this is a topic best discussed at a later time.
"Oh I forget how new you are to Skyrim!" said the woman with laughter in her voice. "Have you seen those big clumsy looking, yet surprisingly deadly creatures on the ice with tusks the size of your sword?" she saw the recognition in his face and was satisfied. "Well yes, those beauties are horkers!"
"Hah, and I have learned something new yet again. Horker's whiskers … that should go into my extensive collection of curses!"
"Extensive? I hope I get to learn some of the more outrageous ones you have in store" she said grinning widely, which earned yet another chuckle from the man.
"I must say, you are quite… unexpected." Seeing the slightly puzzled look taking over Lyra's face he quickly added "In a good way! I meant it in a good way!"
"Well then, I suppose I have why I came" she smiled. "I better get on with the preparations, I believe we are to leave shortly. Thank you again, Captain Rylen."
"Rylen… just Rylen."
"Thank you Rylen" with a warm smile she left the man with much to reflect on.