Here's Chapter Three of The Vestige!
But! Before you proceed, there is something I want to explain to you. This chapter is about the Prophet explaining Alva how the Soulburst happened. If you are someone who has played The Elder Scrolls Online before, and knows of the main story quest 'The Harborage' you will actually already know what will be in this chapter since this one really follows the quest line very closely.
I decided to upload this chapter anyway for the people who don't know about the quest. Even if you do know, it might be interesting to read it anyway because during this chapter you will see how Alva interacts with the Prophet and how she will react to the story about The Five Companions and how her destiny intertwines with theirs.
The Prowler harbors at the docks of Vulkhel Guard. The sun's low on the horizon, taking its time to rise since it's still early in the morning. Alva yawns and rubs drowsily in her eyes. She slept heavenly! After the ordeal in Khenarthi's Roost she was so exhausted, it didn't take long for her to fall asleep in a deep slumber. The High Elf runs up the few steps and heads outside. She smiles, breathing in the fresh ocean breeze—
"There you are." Alva almost jumps out of her skin at the sudden sound of the Prophet's voice. When she turns to look at him, she sees his projection. "Do not panic, only you can see me." He continues. "Come, we need to speak."
"Prophet?" Alva whispers, looking hastily over her shoulder to make sure no one hears her. If it's true that no one but she can see him, it would look rather ridiculous for the crew to see Alva talking to 'air'.
"Listen well." The old man says. "I have located a safe harbor from which we might plan our course of action. You must meet me there."
"Where is this safe harbor?"
"I awoke upon a sandy shore— a stretch of beach outside a bustling city of Elves. Vulkhel Guard. The Harborage is in a seaside cave, outside the city. It is there that you will find me."
"I'll come at once." And with that said Alva bolts out of there. Right when she's about to run down the walkway of the ship, she passes Captain Jimila and waves at her as she continues running. "Thanks for the ride, Captain! I'll see you around!"
"You're welcome! The Prowler will always be ready for you, should you have need of it!" Jimila calls after her.
Alva runs East down the coastline, keeping the Prophet's description in mind, she continues her search for the Harborage. It has been such a long day, and when she departed Khenarthi's Roost she felt exhausted. But now she knows she's about to meet with the Prophet again, adrenaline urges through her veins. This newfound energy leaves her excited and eager to find him. Some ways away from the bustling streets of Vulkhel Guard, Alva finds a wooden door as entrance to a cave near the sea. With a hard push, she manages to open the door and steps inside.
Alva's jaw drops. The Harborage is not what she expected. Well, what can one expect when they hear about a 'seaside cave'? Anyway, Alva proceeds forward. She follows the one path that leads deeper into the cave until she reaches a wide clearing. The area is covered with plants, there's even a full-grown tree which catches beams of sunlight that creeps through the cracks of the ceiling. And there, in the middle of all of it, is the Prophet. He sits down on a chair near a burning campfire. When she comes closer, she notices two tables with books and Alchemy equipment on it.
"I hear familiar footfalls. Come closer, Vestige." The Prophet says suddenly, snapping Alva out of awe.
"Prophet!" Alva says, joining him at the fire.
"Welcome to the Harborage, Vestige. This is as comfortable a home as an old dried-up husk like myself could hope for."
"How did you find it?" The High Elf asks, looking around in wonder.
"Despite my blindness— nay, because of it— my other senses seem to have heightened. This place had the right smell about it."
Alva smiles at that, she takes another quick look around the place before the memory of Coldharbour races through her mind again. "When you first appeared to me in Coldharbour, you spoke of my destiny." She starts suddenly.
"Indeed. But let us not get ahead of ourselves. Without an understanding of where we are bound, every road will get us nowhere. Before we truly understand our destination, we must speak of the past."
"The past?" Alva repeats. "Am I going to get a history lesson?"
"Of a sort. I invite you to enter my mind and walk with me through visions of the past, that you might understand the events that brought us to this time, this moment."
"I— I can do that?"
The Prophet simply nods. "Enter my mind, Vestige, and walk with me through the shadows of past events." And before Alva gets the chance to protest, she feels a sudden pull in her mind and in a blink, she finds herself back in Coldharbour. Her first instinct is to reach for her sword, but the Prophet's voice keeps her from doing that. "Come, follow me. It's time you learn of the events that precipitated our current crisis."
"My part of the story began when I awoke on the steps of the Abbey of the Moth Priest, with no memory of my prior life. The Moth Priest took pity upon me and brought me into their fold. I was weak and near death. It was there I first set eyes upon the Elder Scrolls and devoted my life to their study. The scrolls allowed me to glimpse the very fabric of reality, but each profound insight filled my vision and eventually left me permanently blinded to the light of the world."
Alva follows the Prophet wordlessly, carefully listening to his story. A shiver runs down her spine when her eyes fall upon the Scrolls the Prophet was talking about, leaving her wondering what kind of information it holds. Maybe she will ask him about it later, maybe not— Alva almost bumps into the Prophet because she didn't realize he had stopped walking and she didn't pay attention to where she was going. When she looks up, she realizes the Prophet's gaze rests upon the scene in front of them; another clearing with a large table in the middle of it with chairs around and decorated with candles and food and drinks.
"The prophecies of the Elder Scrolls are fluid, living things. They are not fixed." The Prophet continues. "At many points throughout history, the actions of heroic mortals have rewritten them."
"What has that to do with me?"
"I only know that you are important, Vestige." He replies. Alva doesn't know how to react on that, all her life she was told she was a failure and was good for nothing. She brought shame upon her family and she was never be good enough for anything... "The scrolls revealed to me that your destiny is intertwined with that of the Five Companions."
"How is that possible? Who are the Five Companions?"
"The Five Companions were a band of adventurers who sought out an ancient artifact called the Amulet of Kings. They hoped to use this artifact to persuade Akatosh, the Dragon God, to accept their leader as one of the Dragon Born."
"Who was their leader?"
"Varen Aquilarios— the son of a Colvin duke, who led a rebellion against the Emperor Leovic and took the crown himself. Alas, Varen was not truly Dragonborn, as those who sit upon the Ruby Throne must be, in accordance with tradition." The Prophet pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath. "You have already heard enough babbling from this old, blind fool. It is time you meet the Five Companions yourself, and witness their fate."
"The first companion, Lyris Titanborn, daughter of giants, was the mightiest warrior in the service of the Emperor."
A projection of Lyris appears in front of them, and Alva feels tears gathering in her eyes instantly. "Lyris!" She gasps and rushes forward, she reaches out but her hand moves merely through the projection, leaving her disappointed. The giant stands proudly, with both hands on her hips and her chin held high. When they met in Coldharbour, Lyris was wearing the same prison rags as Alva, but the armor she is wearing right now? By Mara... that prison outfit wasn't doing her justice.
"Next, Abnur Tharn, a powerful sorcerer and Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Elder Council." Another projection appears, this time of an older Imperial, who stands there equally proud. The next few minutes, the Prophet introduces Sai Sahan, a Redguard and leader of the Imperial Dragon Guard. The Imperial Emperor, Varen Aquilarios, who attempted to light the Dragonfire and failed. And then at last, Mannimarco the traitor. The King of Worms. "A powerful necromancer, and your executioner."
A tremble runs down Alva's spine as she watches Mannimarco. She feels herself stepping forward and now standing right in front of him, she takes a better look at him. She remembers him. She remembers it; the moment she was sacrificed. The way he looked at her, almost bored, before he pierced her chest to take away her soul from her...
"These are the Five Companions, who set out from the Imperial City on an epic quest to recover the lost Amulet of Kings."
"How could the Amulet of Kings turn Varen into one of the Dragonborn?"
"Mannimarco convinced Varen that the amulet could be used to perform a ritual that would rekindle the Dragonfires. He claimed this would please Akatosh and entice him to adopt Varen as one of the Dragonborn."
"Why did Varen want to become a Dragonborn in the first place?"
"By tradition, only the Dragonborn can lay claim to the Ruby Throne and rule as the one, true Emperor by divine right. Varen conquered Cyrodiil and took the throne, but unless he became Dragonborn, he feared he'd always be thought of as a pretender." Alva takes a moment to let all this information sink in.
The Elf looks around her. She stands in the middle of a display of a memory, the Companions are busy or talking with each other, but there is no sound. It's rather odd, but at the same time fascinating. Alva looks from Companion to Companion until her eyes fall upon Mannimarco again. Since Alva's considered short for a High Elf, Mannimarco's tall figure looms over her.
"What can you tell me about Mannimarco, Prophet?"
"Mannimarco is a traitor. The great enemy. The most powerful necromancer this world has ever known. His Worm Cult infiltrates and corrupts every corner of Tamriel. It was he who convinced Varen to perform the ritual you are to witness."
Alva nods and moves towards Abnur Tharn, the older Imperial. Standing in front of him, she notices they're about the same height. She remembers the aversion in her parents' voices when they scolded her about her height. But that doesn't matter now. None of it matters now. "Tell me about Abnur Tharn." She asks in an attempt to suppress the memory.
"The Tharns are one of the most influential families in Cyrodiil. Abnur, their patriarch, is the leader of the Elder Council, a powerful battlemage and a shrewd politician. With his counsel, Varen was able to seize the Imperial throne, years before." Alva keeps her eyes trained on the man in front of him. With his hands clasped behind is back he just radiates authority. There is something about the hard look in his eyes which leaves her intrigued.
"You said I was going to witness the ritual? What happened when they performed the ritual?"
"Disaster. War and pestilence. A world brought to its knees. Now watch, and see how one man's arrogance brought about the greatest threat our world has ever known." After that, the Prophet turns and walks away.
Alva casts one last glance at the Companions and follows the Prophet, only to see them walking out of the gate the Prophet is heading to. "There it is." Alva hears suddenly. Her eyes move this way and that, trying to figure out who's talking until she figures out it's Varen Aquilarios himself. "The Dragonfire brazier. Mannimarco, you're certain this will work?"
"It will work, my liege." Mannimarco replies. Alva hears his voice for the first time, and it leaves her stone cold. "The Amulet of Kings will rekindle the Dragonfires, and ensure your rightful place as Emperor. You have my word."
"It better work, Mannimarco." Lyris says, and now Alva's head snaps into her direction. "Or you'll find your neck at the business end of my axe."
"My Lord, I wonder if you'd muzzle your half- giant pet?" Abnur Tharn says. "She really is annoying."
"Enough, both of you!" Sai Sahan says next. "We are here to ensure My Lord's rightful claim to the ruby throne."
Varen approaches the brazier and turns towards the Chancellor. "Abnur, begin the ritual. I have a destiny to fulfill." Abnur Tharn joins the Emperor at the brazier and uses his magic to light the fire. Varen prepares himself. "By the lightning of the Dragonfires, I claim my rightful lineage! By the fires of creation, let me be reborn! By the will of Akatosh, I proclaim myself... Dragonborn!"
Alva's eyes are wide in astonishment as she looks at the scene in front of her. While everyone's attention is upon Varen, Alva notices Mannimarco approaching the brazier as well. And after that, Varen grunts in pain. He's being raised in the air and a black and green cloud glows around him. Mannimarco levitates above the brazier, emanating the same glow as Varen. Seeing this, Lyris Titanborn, Abnur Tharn and Sai Sahan each hold their weapon in hand and watch Mannimarco's every move.
"Varen Aquilarios, you are no heir to Alessia!" The King of Worms exclaims. "You will pay for your sacrilege! The veil between Tamriel and Oblivion tears and splits asunder!" He throws his arms out and an invisible force strikes Lyris and Sai to the ground.
"What's happening?" Abnur asks. "The sky is opening up! This is bad! This is very bad!" After that, he gets struck down as well, and then, at last Varen too.
"This isn't supposed to happen!" Varen grunts. "What's the meaning of this? Mannimarco, what have you done?"
"Gullible fools! The veil between Oblivion and this world has been torn! My master, Molag Bal, is free to claim Tamriel for his own!"
"Akatosh! Forgive me!" Varen pleads. "Have mercy on our souls!" And with that, the scene dissipates.
Alva lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Slowly she turns towards the Prophet who's gaze rests upon the brazier, his look forlorn. "The ritual tore the veil between Nirn and Oblivion, allowing Mannimarco to begin stealing the souls his master needed to power the Dark Anchors and initiate the Planemeld." The Prophet explains. Absentmindedly, Alva reaches for her chest and clings to the fabric where Mannimarco had stabbed his dagger into her.
"What went wrong?" She asks next.
"Akatosh gave Alessia the Amulet of King as a symbol of his covenant with Nirn. So long as the Amulet remained in the care of Alessia's heirs, and the Dragonfires remained lit, Tamriel would be protected from the Daedra."
"But Aquilarios wasn't an heir." Alva remarks.
"Mannimarco tricked Varen into breaking the covenant, and the veil between Oblivion and Nirn was torn. The Elder Scrolls named this event the Soulburst. It gave Molag Bal the opportunity to disconnect the souls of Nirn and their hosts."
"What happened to the other Companions?"
"Varen was lost. In the chaos of the moment, Sai Sahan took the Amulet of Kings and fled. Lyris was captured by Mannimarco and delivered to Coldharbour, the realm of Molag Bal."
"What about Abnur Tharn and Mannimarco?"
"Tharn remains Chancellor of the Elder Council, and his daughter Clivia rules as Empress Regent. But the true power remains in the hands of Mannimarco and his Worm Cult."
"How did you end up in Coldharbour?"
"When I discovered the truth about the Five Companions, I made subtle inquiries. But apparently, not subtle enough. Mannimarco got word of my interest and abducted me. He took me to Coldharbour, where I remained prisoner until you freed me."
"They saw you as a threat?"
"The truth is always a threat to evil men. Mannimarco feared I would reveal his treachery. And if knowledge of Nirn's vulnerability were to become known, it could threaten his master's schemes. Molag Bal does not favor loose ends. Now, walk with me." The Prophet explains how the Soulburst tore the veil between worlds, and gave Molag Bal the opportunity he desired. His Dark Anchors pierce the torn veil, and seek to draw Nirn into the depths of Coldharbour. These terrible engines of destruction have been appearing throughout Tamriel.
"If the Lord of Brutality and Domination is successful, he will merge our world and his own in a terrible Planemeld. Few will survive the ordeal, and those that do will be enslaved for all eternity. And so, it falls to us, Vestige. We must stop Molag Bal and his Dark Anchors, or our world is doomed. And now, history seems to have caught up with us." And with that said, Alva feels another pull in her mind and suddenly she is back in the Harborage.
"And so, it begins." The Prophet continues casually. "The remainder of the story has yet to be written. It is your story, now."
"You've given me a lot to think about."
"And there is so much to do. But know this— you will not walk this path alone."
"So, what's our next move?"
"We must grow in strength and in numbers. You will need more than the company of an old man to alter the course of history. We must assemble our own group of companions. The first, you have already met."
"Lyris Titanborn?"
"Lyris sacrificed her own freedom to allow us to escape. She remains a prisoner in Coldharbour. I must determine her precise location if we are to mount a rescue. That will take time."
"What should I do in the meantime?"
"Mannimarco's agents weave a web of lies and deceit. They put the races of Tamriel against one and another and divert their attention from the real threat. Seek out those agents wherever they can be found and expose their lies."
"I'll do what I can."
"Forgive me. Bringing you into my mind seems to have taken quite a toll on me. I must rest. I will contact you when the time is right. Until then, walk in the light Vestige."
So, there you have it! Thank you for taking your time and hopefully I will see you next time!
Also a thank you reddevil47; I'm glad to hear you like it and are eager to read more!
Thank you GLaDOS-01 for following this story!
And also thank you Princemonkey for also following the story and the favorite!
Seeing this truly made my day! ^_^