4E 195 Second Seed

Valleri's eyes snapped open. She was drenched in sweat and her breathing was shallow and uneven. Any memories of what happened after the gate were gone. Instead, inky, swirling darkness replaced them. Sitting up in the cot, a damp cloth fell from her forehead and landed in her lap. Intrigued, Valleri placed the back of her hand on her forehead. Her skin was still unnaturally warm at the touch.

"I know I shouldn't be surprised, or even disappointed, about what happened."

"You did warn her."

Alastaros and Vilkas' voices weren't as angry as she expected. But the slight disappointment stung.

"We both know warnings are useless. I should have just gone down there when we started today and figured it out with her." Alastaros sighed, "I can't help but feel responsible. Thank you for at least being there."

"She would have gone with or without me."

"Still… What exactly happened?"

"I wasn't paying much attention, but she touched whatever that stone was and when I pulled her away, there was some sort of reaction."

This time, Lexius spoke up, voice thick with aggravation, "Can you maybe elaborate? Like a little at all?"

"He's right, Vilkas. If we don't know exactly what happened, Valleri could suffer for it."

There was a long pause. Valleri imagined Vilkas looking down at the ground with a heavy scowl. "It… It was like whatever was in that stone was attaching itself to Valleri. There was that light explosion then everything went dark. Valleri started speaking in tongues then went out cold."

"She was speaking? What did she say?"

"I dunno," Vilkas exclaimed. "Some sort of elvish. That's as specific as I can be right off the bat."

"Well, think on it if you can. Lexius and I will prepare to head back down and check things out."

"No guarantees."

Valleri's stomach churned as the other three shuffled around the camp. Alastaros and Lexius talked quietly amongst themselves while Vilkas walked towards the tent she was in. Bracing herself, Valleri focused hard on the cloth that laid in her lap. Her hands gripped the edge of her blanket tightly.

"You're awake then?"

Forcing herself to look up, Valleri exchanged a nervous glance with Vilkas. He looked miserable.

"How long has it been since…"

"Since that stupid stunt you pulled?" Vilkas continued. His voice boomed through the tent. Valleri tried to make herself smaller. He must have noticed and his expression softened. Vilkas took a seat at the end of the cot. "Only a few hours. How're you feeling?"

"A bit feverish." Valleri glanced around the tent in an attempt to find something to focus her eyes on. She could barely look her friend in the eye. "What happened down there?"

Vilkas stared at her for a moment, "You don't remember?"

"Nothing past opening the gate."

"Absolutely nothing?"

"Exactly what I said," Valleri grumbled.

"We found some sort of giant stone at the bottom of the ruins. I kept telling you not to mess with it-"

"I touched, didn't I?" Valleri surmised. She breathed out sharply. "Great. Wonderful."

"Alastaros wasn't terribly shocked either. When I pulled you away, you said something in elvish and passed out. You got feverish quickly after that."

"That's when you left?"

"Yeah. I woke up the rest of the camp and well…"

"What a debacle," Valleri groaned, holding her head. "I am really, really sorry."

Vilkas slumped his shoulders with a heavy sigh. "Valleri, I was worried down there. You almost died. If I wasn't there, who knows what would have happened to you."

"Probably nothing horrible. And even then, I wouldn't be too mad if that's how I went," Valleri mumbled through a forced smile.

Immediately, Vilkas gave Valleri's arm a light slap then took her hand in his. He stared intensely at her, making Valleri lean back. "Don't say that, Valleri. Just…. Don't!"

Valleri's expression softened as regret washed over her. As much as she wanted to, Valleri didn't pull her hand away. Instead, she squeezed a little tighter. "Look, I can't make any promises, but I'll try, okay?"

The both of them sat in a heavy silence. Vilkas slowly pulled away but didn't move from the cot. Valleri looked over to the door flap as she saw Alastaros come in. The old Altmer was dressed in a heavy coat and had a handkerchief tied around his neck so he could easily have a facemask if the dust became too heavy.

"You're awake, then?" he muttered halfheartedly. Valleri nodded in response. Alastaros folded his arms and leaned against a tent poll. "What in Oblivion was going through your head down there?"

"I have no idea! I can't remember anything."

"Whatever happened, it wiped your memory too," Alastaros mumbled to himself. He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "What were you thinking before that? Valleri, you're not nearly experienced enough to deal with things like that on your own."

"I wasn't alone though!"

"You understand my point though. Lexius and I are going down to make sure the ruin is secure."

Valleri started getting up from the cot. "Give me a minute or two. I'll come down as well."

"Valleri… just stay here for the time being."

The Imperial quickly put her hand to her forehead and smiled with wide, crazed eyes. "Look, I'm fine, Alastaros! Just a bit shaky is all."

"Valleri!" the Altmer snapped. Valleri nearly jumped. "You haven't listened to a thing I've said! I've asked that you don't mess with things you aren't prepared to handle. Last night is a perfect example."

"How am I supposed to learn if I'm not supposed to go near anything?"

"With caution! Assistance. I don't want my apprentices dying because of a completely unavoidable tragedy."

"Last night-"

"Was a miracle. Valleri, I don't want this yelling match to continue. Rest here until your fever is broken. We can figure out something new for you to do when I get back."

With that, Alastaros left Valleri and Vilkas by themselves. Valleri sat down on the cot, staring blankly in the space ahead of her. She didn't bother to try to stop shaking. Whether it was because of the fever or her argument with Alastaros, she couldn't be sure.

Vilkas was opening his mouth to say something when the Imperial cut him off. "He has a point. Gods," she paused, and looked over to Vilkas, eyes beginning to tear up, "I really fucked up. Really, really fucked up."

Standing, Vilkas made sure to keep his hand on her shoulder. "I'll give you a little bit of space. If you need anything, I'll be around."

Valleri said nothing and watched her friend leave the tent. When the flap settled, she hugged her knees close to her chest. Valleri tried to keep her sobbs quiet.

…

Lexius didn't have to think too hard to see what piqued Valleri's curiosity. Garlas Malatar was only the second Ayleid site Valleri had been to. She already mapped the Anvil ruins by the time Alastaros came around. Running through carelessly was the more natural way of doing things for her.

Lexius probably would have done things similarly if he wasn't terrified of the ruins. Thieving the houses of Imperial City fat cats was tame in comparison to what he was doing now. He could only imagine the temptation the gate represented in Valleri's mind.

He followed Alastaros through the corridors, making sure to stay a few feet behind in case of traps. Both he and the old elf carried lanterns in case anything happened. Lexius' hand kept a tight grip on his knife in case things became desperate.

So far, the ruin was exactly as Vilkas described it. On either side of the walkway they were on was water. Welkynd stones at the bottom made the water glow blue. At the end of the walkway was the gate. Only a bit of it poked up from the ground. It was a miracle Vilkas didn't trip on it when he ran away with Valleri.

Alastaros paused at the gate and surveyed the walls. He folded his arms with curiosity. "She was right. There's no switches or levers."

"How'd she get the gate down then?"

"Vilkas mentioned a passcode."

Lexius narrowed his eyes, "I'm shocked she got it to work. The passcode could have been anything."

"Despite what happened, I have to acknowledge that she does have a way of figuring things like this out. Damn." Alastaros exchanged a serious glance with Lexius, "Remind me to ask her what the passcode was. It'll have to be written up in the accident report."

"This is going to put the whole project on hold, isn't it?" Lexius asked. He didn't know why he bothered. He already knew the answer.

Alsataros tried not to look too defeated. He couldn't bring himself to say anything. He motioned for Lexius to continue. It wasn't long before they came across the final chamber Vilkas told them about. At the far end of the chamber was the raised platform. But it was still and dark. Whatever light they saw was gone. Stealing a glance downwards, Lexius noticed the dust that usually covered every surface had been blown away as though an explosion had gone off. Fresh footsteps ran from the top of the platform back to the exit.

Lexius spoke up again, "Alastaros, what's the point of all of this? We both know the Synod will be crawling all over the place as soon as we get the report in."

"Curiosity maybe," Alastaros mumbled. "Given what Vilkas told us, I want to know if there's anything we can learn about what Valleri was connected to."

"Do you think maybe she's still connected?"

Following the old Altmer, Lexius finally saw what was left of the stone. It was no longer floating or glowing. Instead, Lexius only found shards of the stone on the floor. Tentatively, he picked up one of the smaller shards and held it to his eyes. Inside of the shard were the remnants of something flitting about for a few mere seconds then dissipating. He could only assume the other shards were the same.

Whatever Valleri came into contact with was dying if not dead.

He took another stone up from the floor and handed it back to Alastaros. The Altmer watched the shard with fascination. "Do you know what's causing that?"

"Not at all. I can muster an idea. But that'd be," Alastaros muttered, tossing the shard back onto the ground. He met Lexius' eyes, "Speculation at best."

"Valleri will be fine, right?'

"That will have to be seen. Let's hope so though." Alastaros took a deep breath in, looking around the room. "Do you see anything else in here?"

The Redguard narrowed his eyes and held his lantern to the ground surrounding the stone shards. He knelt down to take a closer look. At first he could hardly see them, but small characters were etched into the ground. They glowed dull blue. "Hey, Alastaros? I think I found something!"

The Altmer rushed to kneel down next to him. His eyes went wide. "Don't mess with it, lad. Is it etched in there?"

"Seems that way," Lexius muttered. He moved some of the shards away and stared at the words with confusion. The characters were familiar, but Lexius could barely begin to read them. "What's it say?"

"Give me a moment, I want to copy it down first." Alastaros wasted no time in writing the words down. "Amraldava Falasil Sedor Aran Al-Eshe Lie," he whispered to himself, voice shaky and unsure. "Amralda refers to a prophecy or a prediction. Aran, of course, is the word for king."

Lexius furrowed his brow. He stood up and put his hands on his hips. "If it's a prophecy, it's probably been done and over with then. Hopefully? I'm assuming so."

Alastaros arched an eyebrow, but said nothing. He took a deep breath in and stood up, "We've probably seen as much as we can. I thought I'd find some answers, but I was wrong."

Lexius' stomach sank as he followed the old Altmer out of the final chamber. He took one last look over his shoulder to the shattered stone. Anyone could have touched it accidentally. It was only a matter of time, right? And with Valleri, it was only a case of the wrong place, the wrong time. Right?

Gulping, Lexius tried to push the thoughts away as he made his way back up to the surface.

…

Valleri was sleeping when Vilkas saw Alastaros and Lexius coming back from the ruin. They were covered in dust and still as perplexed looking as they were in the morning. Alastaros handed his bag off to Lexius before approaching the Nord.

"How is she?"

"Still upset but she's sleeping."

"And her fever?"

"Still going." Vilkas' eyes drifted back to the ruin before going back to Alastaros, "Did you two figure anything out?"

The Altmer tensed. "Yes and no. The stone you told us about is shattered so figuring out what it was will be next to impossible. Did you remember what Valleri said before she passed out?"

"Only a word or two," Vilkas said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"That'll work." Alsataros went back to the work table and retrieved his notebook. Vilkas took the seat opposite of him. Alastaros motioned for Vilkas to start, "Please, go ahead."

"Her voice was heavily accented so I can't be too sure. The only thing I can remember is Sedor, Aran, and what sounded like Al Ashal."

Alastaros studied his notebook for a second, scribbling something down. He didn't look up from his book when he spoke, voice steady and unemotional, "What you probably heard was Al-Esh."

Vilkas frowned, "What in the world does that even mean?"

"Al-Esh is the Ayleidoon equivalent of Alessia."

"As in St. Alessia?" The Nord's scowl deepened. "What does that have to do with Valleri passing out?"

The old Altmer didn't react to the frustration in Vilkas' voice. "Alessia started the slave rebellion that ignited the downfall of the Ayleid culture. She couldn't start the First Empire on nothing with one already there."

Vilkas leaned back and stared at the table, still scowling. After a moment of thought, he addressed Alastaros, "You figured out what Valleri was saying down there, didn't you?"

"You actually confirmed that, yes. We found some etchings on the floor. Your words matched."

"What'd she say?"

"Give me five minutes, Vilkas. You're almost as bad as Lexius," Alastaros grumbled. Vilkas watched him flip through the notebook while Alastaros figured translated the phrase. Had the circumstances been different, Vilkas would have found the process interesting, if not fascinating.

"Falasil Sedor prophesied the King of Alessia's people."

"Huh?"

Alsataros didn't seem to notice the look of vexation on Vilkas' face. Instead he looked down at his notebook with mild amusement. "A new puzzle. Vilkas, who did St. Alessia rule while she was empress?"

Vilkas obviously didn't understand the line of questioning. Still, he did his best to answer. "Cyrodiil?"

"Parts of Cyrodiil. But for our purposes, correct! And, which is our current Empire?'

"Fourth?"

"Again, correct. Our current dynasty is the Mede dynasty. And with some contention, the third Aldmeri Dominion."

"So, whoever this refers to could be anyone. How much time has passed since the rebellion?"

"A little over 4000 years." Alastaros tapped his chin and hummed to himself. "It could be nothing other than a relic of the past. At the very least we know this prophecy refers to anyone who came after Alessia. There's a good chance that this prophecy is done and over with."

Vilkas scoffed, "And what about Valleri?"

"Let's assume for her safety that something happened. I'm not sure what yet, but we'll be prepared. If her fever breaks soon though, she'll probably be okay."

Vilkas tapped the tabletop dismissively for a second. Alastaros' musings weren't exactly reassuring. He turned to see Valleri shuffling out of the tent behind them. Her eyes were squinting in the sun and her hair was stuck in all sorts of directions. It was obvious she'd just woken up.

Taking a deep breath in, she spoke up in a groggy voice, "Did you and Lex find anything?"

Alastaros exchanged a concerned glance with Vilkas. Valleri glowered when the elf didn't answer her. "To some extent, yes," Alastaros said finally. "Are you feeling any better?"

Valleri checked for a fever. Satisfied with her findings, she shot the duo a grin. "Mostly. Just a bit tired. So what's the deal with the stone?"

"Whatever happened, it caused the stone to shatter. It could have been when Vilkas pulled you away so suddenly," Alastaros said, shooting an amused glance towards the Nord sitting across from him. "In any case, there could have been a chance you were possessed."

Both Valleri and Vilkas regarded the Altmer with shock. Putting a hand to her forehead, Valleri clattered into a seat next to Vilkas. When she had enough composure, she looked back to Alastaros. "You're not kidding, are you?"

"I wish I were."

"Can you at least explain your reasoning?" Valleri pushed further.

Alastaros shrugged. He spoke plainly, as though his new revelation was common knowledge, "We've figured out what you spouted out before was a prophecy. It was probably stored in the stone you came into contact with and was channeled through you. After this many millenia, you're probably one of the very few people to read it."

"I was… just some sort of speaker for an Ayleid ghost from the rebellion?" Valleri mumbled, not expecting a response. She already knew the answer. "Vilkas, did you know this?"

The Nord shook his head, "This is the first I'm hearing this."

"For the time being, don't enter the ruins. I want to keep you separated from whatever might still be in there just in case you have any adverse side effects."

The Imperial grimaced. "What in Oblivion will I be doing until we finish the expedition then?"

"I'll have you working topside." Alastaros noticed the complete disappointment on his apprentice's face. There was nothing else for it. "You know that you shouldn't have gone in last night if you didn't want this to happen."

"I know, I know."

"Valleri, safety is one the most-"

"I know!" Valleri snapped. Vilkas nearly jumped back in his seat, but Alastaros almost didn't react. Valleri took a deep breath in, "Sorry. I just…"

"I just want to make sure you understand the gravity of the situation."

There was a long moment of silence. Valleri rubbed her temples before getting up. "This is all a little much right now. I'm gonna go lie down again."

Vilkas and Alastaros said nothing as Valleri disappeared back into the tent. Alastaros left soon afterwards. He looked exhausted. They were all exhausted. Vilkas didn't look away from Valleri's tent. As much as he tried not to, the memory of Valleri laying feverish and unresponsive in his arms kept playing over and over in his head.

The memory left Vilkas feeling sick.

…

Marisol would rather have skipped town than sit at the same table as the tall, darked haired man across from her. His deep set wrinkles deeped by another centimeter since the last she'd seen him. He was dressed in heavy robes despite the increasingly warm weather. The man had barely looked at her, much less said anything beyond their initial greeting. Though considering her visitor was Lord Ferro, she expected nothing less.

The young woman stirred her tea in even circles. She felt the man's eyes land on her hand and the tea cup. It was obvious by now he indeed showed up that morning ready to judge her every movement.

When she was finished stirring her tea, Marisol shot her visitor a bitter smile. "You never explained what this visit was for. Would you be kind enough to elaborate?"

"Merely a progress check, dear," Lord Ferro stated. He leaned back in his seat and eyed his daughter up and down. "Your studies are progressing nicely. How are your duties at the chapel?"

Marisol sighed internally. Hair fell into her eyes. Marisol tried to push it away casually. Even just messing with her hair made her nervous.

This entire exchange could have been a letter and that would have suited Marisol perfectly fine.

Still she answered as plainly as she could. "My duties have not changed. After all of this time, it's become repetitive."

Lord Ferro took a scone and spread jam over the top. Marisol couldn't bring herself to eat. She'd have to find time for food later. Her father spoke through bites, "The High Priestess confirmed that your term of service ends in late Sun's Height."

"With the conclusion of the Dibellan Mysteries," she whispered. This time Marisol's smile was genuine. The festival was held at the end of Sun's Height, celebrating the teachings of Anvil's patron goddess. At the end of the five day festival, acolytes finishing their terms of service took part in their final rites. It was a grand ritual Marisol had been looking forward to since the first festival she attended four years before.

"I don't understand why they can't let you finish up without such a hassle and leave. I have more plans for you, Marisol."

The young woman tried not to look as hurt as she felt. She took another sip of her tea to regain any semblance of composure. "No arguing with priestesses."

"I suppose you're right," Lord Ferro mused quietly to himself. "It would look bad for the family. At least you have sense. If only your mother did."

Marisol's gaze went back to Lord Ferro. He was wearing his usual look of contempt. She spoke with uncertainty, "How is mother?"

"She is… recuperating at the manor house. That's all you need to know." Lord Ferro eyed his daughter suspiciously. "Your brothers are joining me in the capital for their education next month. What exactly does the High Priestess have you doing now?"

Marisol didn't think as she spoke, "I'm going to be working closely with Madam Hayn as a healer."

Lord Ferro stopped what he was doing and stared narrowed eyed at Marisol. "Madam Ulia Hayn?"

The venom in her father's voice made chills run up Marisol's spine. "Yes. Madam is the senior most healer in Anvil."

The man didn't bother to hide his disdain. He slammed his fist on the table. Marisol's teacup nearly toppled over. She just barely caught the cup in time. Lord Ferro snarled at the table, unable to look his daughter in the eye. "Demand that that useless priestess Anya transfer you to another set of duties. Despite your mother's condition, Ulia Hayn is not deserving enough to teach anyone, let alone you."

Marisol barely acknowledged her father's command. He sat fuming in his chair while Marisol tried to find something else to focus on. Almost by a miracle, she heard someone knocking at the door. The servant looked at her sheepishly. "What is it?"

"Lord Ferro, your appointment with Count Umbranox is in half an hour."

Marisol watched Lord Ferro's expression melt into his usual disdain while he rose from his seat. Taking his walking stick, he turned to Marisol for a final time, "I expect to hear of your reappointment soon."

Rising from her seat, the young woman watched him leave. Even after he was gone, Lord Ferro left her feeling ragged. Marisol took a final glimpse at the leftover liquid in her teacup. It no longer looked palatable. Thoughtlessly, Marisol wrapped her shoulders in a shawl before heading out.

Marco begrudgingly pointed the young woman towards the docks. Madam Ulia wasn't hard to find. She stood under the awning of the East Empire Trading Company dockside office. The older woman almost didn't recognize Marisol. Ulia arched an eyebrow, "I didn't expect to see you until service tomorrow." She noticed the harried expression on Marisol's face and grimaced, "Is everything all right, Marisol?"

"My father came for a sudden, unexpected visit."

Ulia breathed in sharply. "I can only imagine he only actually came for the Count."

"An afterthought. Yes," Marisol continued.

"I can hardly believe that this was the reason you came to find me. And I can't imagine this is about your duties for tomorrow."

The Bosmeri woman tried not to squirm. Ulia reagraded her expectantly. "May I ask you a personal question?" Marisol finally sapt out.

"I may not answer."

Marisol glanced at the service counter next to her. Even just a nonverbal answer would do. She spoke uncharacteristically slowly, still unsure of what she was asking, "What exactly transpired between you and my father?"

Saying nothing, Ulia stared at the younger through narrowed eyes. "I assumed you already had the pieces together by now."

"What I know is very biased."

Ulia sighed. Marisol had a good point. But sharing what happened seemed too personal. "Maybe some other time, Marisol. I'm not really feeling like dredging up old memories."

An East Empire employee appeared at the counter, addressing Ulia, "Madam Hayn, we were able to locate your order. We'll bring it out right away."

"Thank you," Ulia muttered to the person manning the counter, no longer paying much attention to Marisol.

"Then what do you know about my mother?"

Turning back to Marisol, Ulia's expression softened. The young woman looked back to her with a determined expression. The older woman relented, "If you're desperate enough, I'll give you what you want."

"Finally, some answers."

The Imperial paid for her order and led Marisol back into town. She spoke as she walked, "Lord Ferro hates airing out his dirty laundry. Unfortunately he has more than any sane person should. I was sold off to him because my brother needed an Elder Council seat and Lord Ferro needed a proper Imperial wife for the public. Your mother was my lady's maid during my time at the Ferro estate."

Marisol stared at the space in front of her, "I knew Lord Ferro had many… lovers, unwilling or not."

"My brother knew that as well," Ulia added. "When I refused to tow the line, Lord Ferro decided he'd have an easier time with the servants and that was that. Your mother… Oh, what was her name again?"

"Parwen."

"Parwen… Yes, that does sound familiar. She was terrified when I left. It's probably safe to assume that she was the mistress of the house after I was gone. At least until Lord Ferro realized he needed sons."

"Where exactly they came from, I've never bothered to figure it out," Marisol admitted. "The oldest is at least his father's son."

Ulia stopped at her front door and turned back to Marisol, "What does Lord Ferro have planned for you once your term of service is over?"

"Probably tuck me quietly somewhere in the Imperial City and marry me off eventually."

"Is… is that what you actually plan on doing?"

Marisol smiled coyly, "As horrible as the initial circumstances were, I live a very comfortable life. I wouldn't be adverse to settling in a larger city if my lifestyle doesn't change much."

"Just remember that someone could become too comfortable, Marisol," Ulia warned, scowling.

The older woman was about to walk into her house when Marisol spoke up for the last time. "Madam Hayn, our lives are very different. And after years of living with my father, I have faith I can take care of myself."

The Bosmeri woman gave Ulia a quick nod before leaving. Marisol felt her stomach churn. She still hadn't eaten. Her conversation with Ulia, while illuminating, left her feeling exhausted. At least Marisol didn't have much planned for the rest of the day.

Still, some company would have been nice.