Cearbhail:

So... everyone... my finals for this semester are finally over. And now... I graduate in three days. I think I achieved my 3.0 goal and got mostly A's on all my finals, so... that's something. I'm finally free to write as much as I want, until I find a job anyway. Hope you enjoy the new chapter. A lot of stuff is going on that I expect you to figure out. And you should have by now. I'm not hiding anything, it's all out in the open if you think about it.


Dear diary of shadows,

Well, today's been pretty bland, but it had its good moments. I got to talk to Ruby, like really talk you know? She told me about her past, kind of. It was more like we traded stories, and I learned that we're alike in a lot of ways. We both have parent issues and had our moments where we bonded with our fathers. Other than all that, I ended up at the registration desk with Seth. We managed to join the tournament before Ruby or Mirri, since both of them were punished by Mom for acting like children again. I did more physical therapy with Mom while waiting for Dad to return. Other than all that, I don't have much going on. I summoned Kyuu to help me heal but his Heal Beam is only doing so much at this point. Ruby loved him though. She thought he was the cutest little thing ever summoned. He loved the attention too. Well, anyway, I have some stuff to do, I guess. I just wish I had something to do other than physical therapy. I'm getting bored of just sitting here in Raven Rock.

Veselle Tenvanni.

So, since I had nothing to do after completing my physical therapy, I decided to stand outside and watch members of the Cute Girl Squad train. Starah was trying her best to get Thrin ready for the tournament. She was really pushing into him, slashing with her elven sword so quickly and precisely that Thrin had no time to react. He was pretty sloppy, but anyone fighting a sword master like Starah looked pretty sloppy. She just wouldn't stop as she slashed at his armor, hitting every spot she could. "Don't drop your guard!" She slashed at his wrist plates.

Thrin tried to move back but as soon as he pulled his arms back Starah's sword flashed up to his throat, brushing the soft spot where his armor was weakest. It took Thrin a full second before noticing it was there. He tripped on his feet and fell on his knees. "Gods, Starah. You have to be careful with that thing."

Starah pulled her sword back, flashily flipping it up in the air. She reached for the scabbard on her belt, pulling it out just a little. "I am careful with this sword. I train so I never hurt anyone with it, unless I need to." Her sword continued to fly in the air but as it started to fall, it landed right in her scabbard, sheathing perfectly. After her sword was secured, she bent down to take Thrin's hand. "If you want to get past the prelims you're going to have to do better." She took his hand and started pulling him back up. "Now, get a drink and meet me back here in five. We'll do some more."

"Jeez, if you keep this up, I won't have enough strength to compete." Thrin complained as he pulled his helmet off.

"You'll compete." She said with a hint of a laugh. "Or I'll kill you."

I wasn't the only one watching the two guards train. Thiah was watching from nearby the registration table. When she heard Starah threaten Thrin, she let out a loud laugh. "Oh, the joys of forcing your boyfriend to fight."

Starah almost jumped out of her armor at the word 'boyfriend'. She quickly turned to look over at Thiah. "What? No… it's not like that."

Thiah only nodded certain that she was correct. "Oh, I'm sure it's not…" She said sarcastically as she started to walk away.

Seth was sitting next to me the whole time. When he heard what Thiah said, he glanced at me with what could have been dead-panned eyes. "Remind you of anyone?"

I shrugged. "Not really. Thiah's pretty weird."

He nudged me with his shoulder. "I was talking about what she said about Starah. You know… making your boyfriend fight? Now… what was that condition you forced me to agree to before you began dating me?" He tapped his chin. "Oh… right. I had to spar with you once a date… and I recall you didn't hold back much either."

One of us had to go all out… I thought sourly as I looked over at him, forcing a smile. "And you tried so hard to score a point on me." I kissed him on the cheek, winking at him. "And look where it's gotten you. You're a fighter now, like me… only less badass."

"And yet, I'm still fighting in a tournament." He sighed.

"Are you now?" Hearing Dad's voice right behind me made me jump to my feet. And boy did my body scream in pain at me as it did so. I stumbled and fell right back down, Seth reaching out to catch me, failing badly. The two of us ended up on the ground groaning in pain as we rolled off out stomachs.

I turned to look up at Dad. "Dad? You're back?"

He nodded. "I am." I looked around for Talvas or Gwen. I didn't see either of them. Did they go back home or something? I was hoping to at least say hi to them. I hadn't seen Talvas in a long time, it felt like. I tried to push myself on my feet but my body had stiffened up while sitting here. Getting up was not so easy for me. When Dad saw me squirming on the ground, he shook his head. "Still healing then?"

I nodded, trying my best to push myself back on my feet. "Yeah, still healing."

Dad shook his head, pacing around me and Seth. "Too bad, I need you in fighting form. I've learned some things while I was chatting with the shaman in the Skaal village. It turns out that Miraak is actually a Dragonborn, one of the strongest ever known. He made a deal with Hermeaus Mora to learn how to bend dragons and people to his will in exchange for his soul. Now Miraak is a slave of Hermeaus Mora, but it seems Miraak has found out a way to escape from Hermeaus' realm. I've also talked to the Ruby girl. She told me about the stone and its purpose. The fact that Hermeaus Mora is involved does not surprise me. The fact that Miraak is using his bend will powers to control the populace is also not surprising. We should prepare for war. Hermeaus Mora is involved somehow, I just know it. Miraak would not simply be able to do as he pleases without the God of Fate and Knowledge knowing about it. I have a bad feeling about this, Veselle. And if you're not ready… I fear the worst."

"So, you're finally here, Neloth." I heard Thiah call as she walked over to us.

Dad looked over at her. He actually look surprised. "What… why are you here?"

She smiled. "The Warrior's Festival. Why wouldn't I be here?"

Dad almost chuckled at the thought. Did he know her somehow? "Typical. But… for you to be here, when we've had tournaments before without your involvement… there must be something else going on."

"Indeed. And I have a quest I'd like your children to complete." She smirked as she looked over at me. "And this is of the utmost importance to you as well. I think we both can benefit from this venture."

Dad's eyes shot up. "You need help? But… you never need help."

"Like I said… it benefits us all." She smirked. "I would like you to join us too. To help investigate the ruin. My enemy is making his move, and I need to make moves too. And you're one of my next moves."

"Does that mean that…"

She nodded. "It has begun. The three have come back to power and we've reclaimed our thrones. Redoran, Telvanni, and Hlaalu must fight as one to prevent destruction."

"The Hlaalu are traitors." Dad stated.

"Not anymore." She looked over at Mirri. "With the redemption of Mirri Ulen, the House Hlaalu has redeemed itself to the Council of Three. I wish for Mirri to join us as well. I have chosen her."

"Are you sure?" Dad looked over at Mirri too. "Of all people, she should be chosen by…"

"Mirri is the one I want to join us on our quest. Spider wants her too, but She can have her mother." Thiah completed her thought for Dad. "I know who Mirri is, and that's exactly why I want her. Now, gather your team. I want Veselle and Mirri, as well as you. If you decline…"

"No need. I know better than to offend you. I meant no disrespect, but I find it odd that you need help." Dad shook his hands, dismissing the very idea.

Thiah nodded. "It is not that I need help, but wish for you to see what it is you are dealing with. The war has begun, Neloth… and you know me. I revel in wartime. My enemy was dumb enough to make his move. And now… I will counter-attack. I'm not the only one. My allies have already begun their moves. I shall not mention who they are or what they are doing… and our enemy knows we are moving in response to their moves. However, our enemies will not last in this war. Before the hellfires of our wrath, they shall kneel to us in shame and ask for redemption before the end."

I looked up at Dad. "Um, Dad. Who is this? And what war?"

He looked down at me before looking up at Thiah. "What's your name this time?"

"Thiah." She stated with a shrug.

Dad almost chuckled. "Running out of aliases, are we Thiah?"

"Hold your tongue, Neloth, or I'll tell Dawn what you said and she will never speak to you ever again." Thiah turned her head away.

"No, please. Don't do something like that, Thiah." Dad actually sounded worried for a second. Who was Dawn? Who the heck was Thiah? What the heck was even going on? What war? Gods… I'm so lost right now that I didn't know what was going on anymore.

Thiah looked down at me, frowning. "Child, do try to keep up." She looked over at Dad. "Get ready to go. I wish to be at our campsite by sunset." Sunset was in ten minutes. Where were we going?

Dad turned to face us so quickly that his cape practically created a whirlwind of ash as he spun around to face us. "You heard Thiah. No time to pack. We're leaving." He turned to look at Mirri. "Mirri! Get over here! We're going on a quest."

She looked over at him. "Sir… I have training to do."

"You're a battlemage for House Telvanni, correct? I'm calling you into service." Dad screamed at her. "Now, come. We have things to do and no time to waste."

Mirri nodded. "Sure thing, Master Neloth. Do I have time to get armored up?"

He shook his head. "No. We'll go as we are. I do not suspect anything we cannot handle on our own." He looked at me. "Sorry, Veselle, but you must come as well. I know you haven't healed up, but I don't have a say in this."

I looked over at Thiah, who was already marching up to the bulwark leading us out of the town. "Um… ok… but… who is Thiah?"

He looked from me over to her. "If she did not tell you, I shall respect her wishes. Let's just say…she is a friend. She, Dawn, and Spider protected House Telvanni a long time ago, and now… she needs our help." Spider? There was another one? Who the heck was that? As Dad started following Thiah, I struggled to push myself after him. My legs were a little wobbly but I managed to keep up with him as he trudged off. Seth was right behind me, Mirri catching up a second later.

"What's going on?" Mirri asked as she jogged up beside me.

"I have no idea." I looked over at Mirri. "That woman Thiah needs our help for a quest. That's all I know."

Mirri looked from me to the tall woman. "She has a powerful aura."

"She does, doesn't she?" Ruby's voice came from the other side of me, which made me jump. When I snapped my head around, she was walking right beside me. Ruby smiled when I glanced at her. "Oh… I'm coming too."

"What? How?"

She pointed up at the roof of a nearby building. "Oh… you know… I was relaxing on top of that building and I overheard everything. So… I'm coming." She looked at Mirri. "Can't let Mirri have all the fun."

Mirri looked away. "You get in my way and you won't make it to the tournament."

Ruby pouted. "Now, that's no way to treat your mortal enemy. I should know… I'm engaged to mine."

I looked over at Mirri. She was still looking away from us so I looked back at Seth. "Are you sure you want to come with us? It might be dangerous."

Seth nodded. "Veselle, if I didn't go… what kind of guy would that make me? I stay at home while you go off and do something dangerous? What if you never returned? At least this way, we'll be together, no matter what happens."

Ruby sighed. "Wish my fiancé would spend time with me." She mumbled under her breath.

With that, we spent the next few minutes just traveling in silence. Dad finally caught up to Thiah, but neither of them spoke the whole way down. Ever since we got Mom back from her heart stone poisoning, things on the island had grown pretty quiet. The reavers were leaving us alone now that they weren't being paid to create trouble, and Ash Spawn had stopped showing up so often. I think I saw some once in a while, but every time I saw them, they rushed off and hid. If the Red Mountain was up to something, I did not know what it was. I didn't even know if the Red Mountain could be up to something.

The entire walk, it seemed like we were walking back to Tel Mithryn. In fact, I could see the mushroom tower off in the distance. Jeez, we were walking all the way home or something? "The entrance is right down this fissure." Thiah called from the front. She pointed at the giant fissure. "The entrance has finally revealed itself, after thousands of years being covered up." She turned to look back at us. "Before we go in, you must know what we face. Down below in this tomb is a great evil that we must destroy… before it's too late."

"Before what's too late?" Ruby asked from my right side.

Thiah looked over at Ruby, arching her eyebrows. "Oh… you followed us." She nodded approvingly. "I cannot say too much. But we must move before it's too late." She didn't wait any longer before turning to the giant fissure. She hopped right down into the crack in the ground.

Dad didn't wait before looking back at us. "We should listen to her. Follow if you are able." He jumped down the fissure next.

Ruby growled but followed behind Dad. Mirri followed behind her before looking back at me. I looked over at Seth. I reached out for his hand, and he took it. We both walked up to the fissure slowly. I looked down, seeing nothing but pitch black beyond. I couldn't see anyone and I didn't hear them land either. I finally looked over at Seth. "Ready?"

He nodded. "As long as I'm with you… always."

He and I both jumped at the same time into the fissure. I was suddenly engulfed with pitch black. I held onto Seth's hand as tightly as I could as we were suddenly engulfed by wind rushing to meet my face. I honestly forgot that I was still wearing a dress instead of regular training robes, so I had to deal with that too with my other hand. We continued to fall for perhaps 10 or more seconds and my breath caught in my throat. The wind was so strong that I couldn't breathe easily. I held my breath as my heart began to race, focusing on Seth's hand to make sure we didn't get separated. That didn't stop my fear from causing my flames to erupt out of my body like a mini explosion. Seth cried in surprise for a second before fire blew up out of his body as well. Our two fires mingled together as we fell down the seemingly endless chasm. At least our flames were lighting the path for us as we fell. I could see enough to see that we were still falling. Man… this was a long fall.

When I couldn't take the fall any longer, I pulled myself closer to Seth, wrapping my arms about him and hugging him close to me. He hugged me back, and the two of us plunged together down the hole as a giant blue flame. I don't know how long we fell down, but we should have at least gotten close to where we were. I don't know. I had closed my eyes because I was sure that unless we hit water or something like a giant pile of ash… we were dead. So, I just held onto Seth as tightly as I could. I could feel his heart beating faster than my own.

"Veselle…" Dad's chastising voice was right beside me. I snapped my eyes open and looked behind me to see him standing there. He had his arms crossed. "For gods' sake, girl… do you think I'd just let us fall to our deaths? Look down."

I looked below me to see the same spell on the floor as the levitator we used in the tower. I was hovering just above the ground with Seth in my hands. I let my breath out with a sigh of relief. The levitator spell finally let us touch the ground, and I kissed Seth before letting go of him. "Thanks for keeping me company."

He just nodded, happy to have his feet on the ground as well. "Any time, Vess."

Ruby only sighed. "Seeing you two really makes me miss Maleek." She turned to look at Thiah. "Ok, we're all here. What's next?"

Thiah pointed down a narrow pathway to a door that looked like a dragon's head. "Now… the quest begins." She turned to the door and pushed it open. She and Neloth were the first to go through. Ruby and Mirri followed next, and finally it was me and Seth. When we got through the doorway, we weren't in a narrow chasm anymore, but a huge room. Sure, we were on a narrow walkway that led down to what looked like a giant blood arena with a closed gate. A giant fire in the gate, as well as lit fires nearby, kept the room perfectly lit. The room was huge; there was even a giant lake off in the distance.

Thiah paused by some giant pedestal. "A sacrifice will bring you closer to what you seek." Thiah led us down the stairs. "It would seem that we have to sacrifice someone in order to continue. Whoever it is must stand on the metal trap door and let the fires consume them." She paused as she looked down into the cinder pit. There was already a body inside it. "What?" She looked around, looking at two opened entrances, and then looking at the giant bridge made up of ancient magicka circles that looked like giant snowflakes. "They've figured it out. We must hurry."

Thiah broke off into a sprint, as sprint so fast that it looked inhuman. I'd never seen anymore move so quickly before. Dad quickly turned to us. "Don't just stand there! Move!" He took after Thiah, using some sort of Alteration spell to make himself faster.

Ruby growled as she reached for her diamond katana. "Something if off about this." She looked at us. "You three should just stay here. I don't think this is a normal quest after all." She broke off in a flash, passing Dad and catching up to Thiah.

I looked at Mirri and Seth. "Do you guys think we should go?"

Mirri nodded. "I will not let Ruby beat me here."

Seth shook his head. "Vess… something is wrong here. And we're injured. We should just stay here and wait." But, if something was wrong… wouldn't we be needed after all? Trying to summon energy to my hands, all I did was cause some amount of pain to my arms. So, my burnout wasn't gone yet. But… I managed to create a flame while I was holding onto Seth's hand. I looked over at him, wondering why I could only use my magicka while near him now.

I finally shook my head. "I can't use magicka." I looked at Mirri. "Mirri… I have to stay here with Seth. Can you go by yourself?"

She nodded. "Yes, Veselle. I am not scared of this place." I looked around for a second. I felt that strong pressure of energy I always got from the black book. It was strong here. So… Hermeaus Mora was here then?

I looked over at Mirri. "You should be. There is something very wrong in this place."

Mirri bowed her head. "I understand, but I need to catch up with the others. If you feel able to join us, please do your best to catch up." She broke off into a sprint.

With just Seth and me in the room next to a bunch of lit fires to keep us warm, I couldn't help but feel like we were in a pretty romantic place. "So…" I reached for his hand. "Want to make out?"

He scoffed, shaking his head in wonder. "You would." That didn't stop him from kissing me. Oh yeah, definitely the best way to spend our time during this quest.


Cearbhail:

Next chapter will be in Mirri's perspective. Oh and... you better figure it out before I reveal it.