THE BLACK STAR
The Listener
The Priest was in high spirits when we dropped him off. Probably helped that he wasn't eaten and wasn't awake to see the cannibal who was. What a way to go. Only thing is, I feel bad for Mjoll, she's been quieter and more contemplative. I really didn't want to rub it in her face and hand her that ring after she ate that woman in the cave. But when Namira showed herself and demanded it, I had to.
No clue how it will help us but it's not my problem right now. I just have to get Mjoll to calm down. Vorstag took Gabriel out for some more sparring tips with the other guys. So, it's just me and the Lioness…and more Princes in the Silver-Blood Inn.
"That one." I point to my favorite mead on the list, turns out to be the same one Gabriel likes.
"I like it." The Lioness says, "Have you tried any Black-Briar Mead?"
I haven't. Don't really want to. But it's the only thing that's pulled her out of her thoughts and comments on what happened in the cave. "Nope, want some?" I flip the menu over. Sometimes there were good ones on the back.
She laughs, "Never again! It is horrible!"
"Wouldn't expect much different." I mumble as I purse over my options. Honey mead is great but I've had it too much recently, "Ooh, look! Blackberry mead! And not done by the Black-Briars. I'll have one of these." I point to it on the menu when the bartender woman comes by.
"I think I will do the same." Mjoll says when she sees the ingredients. Looks really fruity.
"Be right back." The woman smiles and takes our menu.
"Ah, this is good. It seems Kleppr and Frabbi have gotten on better terms." Mjoll mentions.
Oh, yeah, the two bartenders seemed to be reconciling their marriage well enough. I watch as they bicker over who spilled some mead from the tap while the woman grabs our drinks.
"Here you go, sorry about that Kleppr isn't too great with customer service right now." She grumbles then storms off to berate him some more.
"I must have spoken too soon." Mjoll says quietly. She stares down at her drink.
Awkward. Don't want to make it worse, so I take a few big sips. "Oh, wow this is good! Try it, tastes just like blackberries."
The Lioness gives a polite smile and takes a sip of her own drink. "You are right, this is amazing!"
"Told ya," I smile, "Okay, time to get deep. How do you feel after the cave? I thought I scared you pretty bad with my other form but didn't know what was going on behind the scenes." I raise a brow. Would've been nice to get a heads up on that deal with Clavicus Vile. Now Mjoll is in his debt and who knows when he'll come asking for it.
Her face is carefully blank. "I wasn't going to let that man be eaten, no matter what Eve. Even if I had to fight all of them. I just…didn't know what it would cost."
I take another sip to give time to think over my next words. "It was worth it. She was defiling corpses and surely was going to go into town, lure some poor villager back, and eat them too. It wouldn't have stopped with the Priest."
She sighs, "Yes, Clavicus Vile said the same thing. Those words are comforting but it is still another beast entirely to go through that. When you know it is also wrong, it leaves a mark…" She drinks again.
I don't know what to do so I pat her back and let her stew in the silence. "Eve." I turn my head to see Nocturnal, with all her ravens cloaked over her head and shoulders, standing next to me. "We need to talk about the remaining Artifacts, there's only two more."
"Okay, let me go get the gang." I pat Mjoll again, "I'll be back, I'm done with my drink anyways."
Took a minute to get them in but now everyone piles over by the fire. I sit on the ground with Bryn and the others get the chairs. Nocturnal and Sheogorath are at the helm. He flips his hand to hold two fingers in the air. "Two more! Two more and this madness is nearly over!" Sheogorath hollers, nearly rattling the bar.
But no one over at the bar is looking over at us. For all I know only the seven of us can see the Princes. "Yes, Sheogorath." Nocturnal gives him a knowing smile, "Hermaeus Mora has granted us his Artifact, the Oghma Infinium without having to give him anything for it. So, now we are down to two more Artifacts. We need Azura's Star and Malacath's weapon, Volendrung. This means we need to go to Winterhold then to Riften."
Very far away. And Winterhold is now under the "rule" of the Dark Brotherhood. That won't be a pleasant journey, for the most part. We're ready to hear about the game plan when the Inn door opens.
I peer up and over the bar to see who it is. Make sure it's not a guard. Instead, I find another old friend. Still in her vampire armor and her black hair is still cut close to the chin. Her eyes brush over the bar then the fireside. Before I can think, I leap up and race over to meet her. "Serana!" I plow into her. We go nearly toppling over but the vampire catches us before we fall.
"Eve! I haven't seen you in forever!" She clings to me, "I thought you were dead." She whispers.
Memories of that night come flooding back. How adamant she was to save me from her father, how noble. Then, when my escape plan failed and watching her and Vorstag take to the darkening sky. I had no idea where they'd be going but the dragon got them to a safe place.
Then the memories of afterwards come trickling in like a leaky faucet. The sharp chains binding my wrists. The torturous fire blistering my throat. Cicero, in all his madness, goading me like some sort of dog. The drops of blood oh so close to my face…then the moment they brought her coffin in with the dead Nord…how her new hands stroked my face as if I were her child, but her eyes assessed me as if I were her enemy.
I open my eyes and shut all those memories off before they can go further. Locked up nice and tight where they can't find me. "Where'd you go then?" I ask her.
She smooths down her vampire armor and cloak. "I was watching Castle Volkihar this whole time. Once a week I'd come back to tell Vorstag what I found. And it wasn't much, until now."
More introductions are made between her and the werewolves. Then the Daedric Princes. Serana is more shocked to see them than the fact that I'm teaming up with the furry friends. Vorstag pulls her into a hug as much as he would me. "What have you found? Seen anything unusual?"
"Finally, yes. Something strange. Last night the Night Mother and Cicero returned. She was wearing this beautiful red dress, it looked like she was at a ball of sorts. I can't figure out what that might be though. Then just before I came here, I had another sighting. The Night Mother, Cicero and the vampire girl…what was her name?"
"Babette," I say. The supposedly sweet girl with fangs. Figuratively and literally. I'm brought back into the memories of our first meeting. How mature she is for her looks but that is how she catches her prey. For the thousandth time I wonder if I can save her and Nazir. They weren't bad people, not fully. But if they're securely under the Night Mother's control then they will be a problem.
"Babette, yes. They were all just standing around by the shore. I was too far to get anything from the interaction, it was like they were waiting for something. Then a woman rows up and they talk for a while. She seemed scared but after some time she relaxed, then rowed back out. I tried to follow her and only got as far as the edge of Solitude. Sounds like her carriage driver was taking her to Riverwood."
Riverwood. Not far from Helgen and not far from Whiterun.
"By Talos," Vilkas whispers, "This might be a way for her to get to Whiterun."
Mjoll is paler than usual. "We have to move fast."
"Aye, lass, I think we need to expedite this Artifact hunting. This sounds like a big move from her." Bryn whispers to me.
I watch the Princes. They're deep in a whispered conversation. Nocturnal sighs and turns to us. "Eve, I'll take you and whoever you want to Winterhold. We feel like the werewolves will be able to deal with Malacath. He never asks for too much…" She trails off. Sounds like Clavicus Vile told her all about the deal he struck.
"How's that sound?" I glance over every face at the fireside and find compliance. "Okay," I turn back to Nocturnal, "Werewolves go to the Rift, others come with us."
She smiles, "That will do."
The next argument was over whether Serana should stay and watch the Castle, or if she should come with us. There is a possible chance that if the Night Mother takes another Hold, it would limit any movement on Serana's part. As in, she'd get stuck somewhere here.
"I don't want to take that chance." I say. Mjoll agrees with me. Most people agree with me but Serana herself and Vorstag.
"If the Night Mother does anything then I'd be the first to know." She says.
"And the first to be found out." Vilkas interjects.
"The Night Mother still needs to be watched. We need to keep an eye on her next move." Serana says again.
I look to Nocturnal for guidance on this matter. "What do you think?"
She shrugs, she is the only one sitting on the carriage that is right and ready to go. Gabriel will take us to Winterhold, only because I know how to best protect him, and the werewolves will take their own carriage. "I would say one of my siblings could watch her…but they get tired of these things easily. The Shivering Isles has been trying on them."
I nod. Knew that wasn't a go. "I could stay Eve, if that makes you feel better." Vorstag says.
It would. To know that someone would be here for her. But I needed a good warrior with us. Otherwise, we'd be severely outnumbered. "Serana, sounds like you need to stay. Just keep a close eye on her and watch out for any of the Brotherhood members." I tell her.
Before anything she pulls me into a hug. "I'm just glad you're alive." She says softly.
I hug her back just as fiercely. "Me too. I'm happy you're okay. Just stay safe."
"I will. Hate to say it but I don't miss that Castle one bit."
I could say the same. All the times I spent in there were dealing with Lord Harkon. My time running around with Cicero and all the vampires wasn't the worst thing, no, not by far. But it wasn't ideal. It wasn't the peace of Riften or Solitude.
We pull away from the group almost solemnly at first before excitement begins to brim. The fear that we won't see our companions again is now eclipsed by the fact that we are almost there. We almost have all the Artifacts, not just a smattering anymore. If anything, we'd feel much safer once we have them. We just don't know how we'll use them yet. Worries for another time.
The shrine to Azura is towering and tall along the mountainside. A snow dusted statue of a woman stands gracefully with one hand holding a star and the other holding the crescent moon. I keep Gabriel back with the carriage and Hay. I don't know much about Azura, but she might not be as forgiving as some of the other Princes, as we've found out the hard way with most of them.
"Azura has seen your coming, traveler. It was not curiosity, but fate, that has led you here." A dark elf dressed in mage robes nearly yells to us as we walk up the steps.
"You're not wrong," I huff when we get to the top of the steps. Yep, even though I'm in tip top shape as vampire, these climbs still kick the wind out of me.
She smiles at the three of us. "Azura has given me the gift of foresight. I had a vision of you walking up the steps to this altar long before you were born."
Haven't heard that before. I guess the Night Mother was planning her reincarnation decades before my parents were born. If not longer.
"You have been chosen to be her champion. I know it is unexpected, but do not worry. It will all unfold as she has predicted." She stands a little taller, more prideful. She knows what's up.
"I'm sure." I say. Nocturnal stands behind the strange woman and peers onto her sister's shrine. Looks like she's the only Prince who wants to accompany us on this adventure. "What's Azura need?" I ask. Might as well get this show on the road.
"You must go to a fortress, endangered by water, yet untouched by it. Inside, you will find an elven mage who can turn the brightest star as black as night. It is cryptic, I know, but Azura's signs are never wrong. I believe the fortress may refer to Winterhold. Ask if they know this elven enchanter." The woman looks on us with anticipation.
I suppress a sigh. As much fun as it's been running all around Skyrim for these artifacts, I'll be glad when it's over. "Got it. See you soon." I motion for everyone to follow me back to the carriage.
The ride into Winterhold is short, thankfully. I converse with Nocturnal most of the time. "Who do we talk to?"
"He's in the local Inn, a rogue mage if you would. He doesn't associate with the College of Winterhold anymore." She keeps her eyes on the skies. Right. Need to keep looking for dragons now that we're out in the open of the tundra.
The moment I think that I hear a piercing roar. A looming shadow flies right over our heads. Gabriel pulls over so we can cower. I watch the great beast in the sky. If only we could weaponize him against the Night Mother…
"Do you think they would work with us?" I ask Nocturnal.
She keeps staring at the dragon who is now flying in circles above us. Shit. It looks like he saw us after all.
"I am not sure. However, I would not bet on it."
Another roar rattles the ground and before any of us can react the carriage side is charred with flame from the great dragon's jaws. He hovers then lands right next to the carriage. I pull on the Ebony Blade, no hiding now.
"Stay here." I command the others but as expected, Bryn follows me.
The green flying lizard is huffing and puffing like we just stepped on his sweetroll. One of those very intelligent eyes locks on me. Then before I can really get my Blade out of its sheathe, he smacks me with his tail.
"Oof." I groan when my face scrapes the snow-covered ground. My cheek and abs will be sore for days, I know it.
"Eve! A little help!" Bryn yells out.
Right, even though I've been around my friends for close to two months, I'm still not used to fighting with others. I've been too solitary for too long but that needs to change. I get up then launch myself across the tundra.
I fling one ice spike at him then pull the Ebony Blade out. It cleaves right where the neck is…but it barely makes a mark. The beast's head turns and it's only a moment before he sends a blast of flames hotter than Oblivion at us.
I scream as I'm incinerated, the flames are hotter than I can imagine. Then Bryn tackles me. We go flying down the mountainside, tumbling, and hitting every rock we can on the way down. The dragon roars once more and takes flight. I'm still screaming from the third-degree burns on my face and arms. They're slowly healing…not nearly fast enough. The snow and rocky fall do little to ease the blistering pain.
Bryn covers me with his body. When another roar sounds, he pulls me so we're somewhat covered by one of the large rocks. I have to bite my lip to keep from screaming out with that pain.
Another roar. Another flap of his wings. I hear him land so close to us. Probably ten feet away but I damn well hope he can't smell us.
"And what have I missed? Topsy truvy and dragons hunting you? Whatever has Azura done?" Sheogorath is now crouching around another rock and giving us a sly smile. That is, until he sees my face. "By the love of…did it do that to you?"
I nod and keep biting my lip. Too soon for any kind of movement. I really hope Nocturnal is watching Gabriel and Hay. I have no idea if Daedric Princes can fight off a dragon, they are not the Dragonborn, but they can affect this world. Somewhat.
Bryn and I are clutching each other, holding our breaths. Just one more hit of flames and we would be completely incinerated into black ash. I just know it. Slowly but surely my face is healing. Now I can see with my own two eyes Sheogorath leaping from his cover and doing a jig.
"Big, fat, lizard, wallygag! Take a look at these moves!"
The dragon roars, fire goes blasting our way. "Move a little, will you?" I yell at the Prince. He only stands until the flames disappear. His blackened eyebrows waggle at me. "No faith from you, huh?"
I hear the Prince of Madness slowly make his way down the mountain. Dancing and keeping the dragon at bay. This gives us enough time to get the hell out of here. Bryn shoves me forwards to be the first to climb the mountain. But he's not the one with the paranormal strength, is he?
When he glances back at the dragon, now circling Sheogorath who has not stopped shaking his butt for once, I grab him. He yelps when I throw his massive body. "Grab the rock!" I yell. He does as I say, thank the gods. And one more leap from me then we're out of there.
We're both panting when we get in the carriage. Hay is growling with protectiveness and Gabriel is shaking like a leaf. "Where's Nocturnal?" I ask.
The carriage driver just points. Down the mountain next to Sheogorath stands the Prince of the Night. She just calmly watches the charade until the dragon grows bored. He takes off when he realizes this meal won't fry.
Then his eyes lock on us again. My heart is absolutely beating out of my chest. I clutch the edge of the carriage, try to melt into it so he won't see me. I am not prepared for round two. I'm trying to think of something, anything, that will help us when he sends out a guttural scream. Twelve ravens surround his face to antagonize him.
I cough out a laugh as he's pelted by them. I've felt those claws before and trust me, they hurt. As soon as the dragon disappears in the distance, off to pester someone else, my friends show up.
"That was intense." The Prince of Madness says.
Nocturnal looks over everyone, they are both visible to the whole carriage. "Is everyone alright?"
"Barely." I watch the last of the burns on my hand stitch itself back up. Bryn grasps it and kisses it when the skin is fully healed. He is shaking as much as Gabriel.
"And? What's the general consensus about your first dragon encounter?!" Sheogorath leans on his knees and looks onto everyone with glee.
"Awful." Gabriel says.
"Harder than I thought. Maybe we should let the Night Mother deal with them first." Bryn pulls me closer to him but keeps his eyes on the horizon. His body heat does nothing to warm me now.
Nope, now my mind is going down a dark path. All I remember is the power she wielded over me. How strong she was for such a decomposing corpse. "I sure hope these Artifacts are worth it, because if that dragon is in any way easy for her…" I trail off. We don't really need to verbalize it. Instead we fend off the impending dread by talking about our favorite city, then when that was too painful, our favorite food. We don't get to the Frozen Hearth soon enough.
Winterhold is ghost town. If it was a shell of its former glory beforehand it is all but vacant now. I see maybe two guards if that, but bartender is still in business, and who knows how many people are up in the college. My guess is all the other patrons are buried in a shallow grave.
It was easy to forget that the Dark Brotherhood took this Hold over, but here we are. I wondered how they did it, and what it looked like now. Have some assassins patrolling the streets? One of them on the throne as the Jarl? I get my answer at the Frozen Hearth.
They're less of an organized militia and more like a rowdy gang of bad kids. All of them fill up the tables, only distinguishable by the red and black armor. I pause in the door, blocking Gabriel's way and tell him, "Stay out here. Things might get hairy."
He scoffs, "Girl, I can stay away from a drink now, maybe have a sip of one and be no worse for wear."
I really give him the evil eye, the sign of shut up and listen. "Stay, it's worse than I thought."
He gulps and peeks behind me in what little of the room he can see, then he stumbles down the steps and back to the carriage. "Who plays babysitter this time?" Sheogorath looks from me to Gabriel.
"Whoever you want, just keep him safe." I say. I glance at Bryn and Vorstag, hoping they get the gravity of our situation. If the Dark Brotherhood members decide to turn on us, we might not make it out in one piece.
"Well I for one want to see how this kerfuffle of a mess turns out! I give Jyggalag the honors!" He holds his hands to his mouth to call this guy, "Oh Jyggalag!"
No sooner than he does a purple and black orb shines then a very tall guy in full armor appears. "Wow, really taking the threat seriously with all that armor." I say then give Sheogorath a look.
He smirks, "You don't know how much of my day you've made. This is my sometimes arch nemesis sometimes friend, Jyggalag. Jyggalag meet the prize of the Daedric Princes and our only hope, Eve."
I give a small wave, but the guy just keeps staring at me. "I will go watch the mortal." Then he walks off, his armor clanging the whole way.
"Hm, not very talkative, nice change of pace." I mention.
Sheogorath howls with laugher. "You know he used to be me! I used to be him, and things were quite wrong in the world! How right they are now. But sorry thing lassie, he doesn't have an Artifact to go along with him…so you don't have to go on another quest!"
"Too bad." I sigh, "Let's go, I don't want to keep this College dropout waiting."
I'm right. Once we walk through the door all eyes turn on us. All of the Brotherhood initiates glare from where they sit, all different faces and races all coming together as one in the name of murder. I don't bow my head, I don't avert my eyes, there's no use, they'll know who I am. Instead, I glance over everyone. Yep, this tiny little Inn is filled with more than fifty of them. Not good odds.
"Lass," Bryn moves closer to me, he keeps his voice down, "What should we do if they attack?"
"Run or fight, not many other options." I say, I don't mean to be sarcastic even though it sends Sheogorath into another fit of laughter. It's just the truth, I don't have my electric power anymore so I can't lean on it like I used to.
We find the contact in the back room, away from all the prying eyes. He looks up from a piece of bread and snarls, "My days at the College are long behind me, but I prefer to stay close by."
"Looks like it, kind of risky to live here don't you think?" I take a seat on the bed. Bryn does the same. Vorstag and Sheogorath watch the door.
"It is but they leave me alone for the most part. And Dagur and I have an understanding. He gives me privacy, and I make sure my experiments don't blow up his inn." He takes another chomp of bread.
"Good deal. You might be just the guy we're looking for. We need an elf mage who studies stars." I just go for it. We don't have time for niceties and conversation. I watch the door. It's getting louder in the main room. More alcohol is being given out.
"Who sent you? Was it the College? The Jarl? We agreed there would be no more questions." He sneers. Then, "Wait, I've heard of you. You're a member of the Dark Brotherhood."
I grind my teeth. He's just wasting time. "No. I dropped out over a month ago after everything blew up. Please, we need to figure this out. A priest from Azura sent me."
"You're working with the Daedra? Right. Now tell me the one about the Argonian Maid and the lusty baron." He goes back to eating.
Sheogorath falls into laughter again. I pin him with my gaze. "Care to help? Just a little bit? Then we can antagonize your arch enemy the whole trip home."
He laughs, "That's a good a deal as ever, really giving Clavicus a run for his money."
The mage in front of me leaps from his bed, the bread goes flying and his skin turns ashen. "What. What, what is this?"
Sheogorath saunters forwards and holds out his hands. "All yours baby for two coins and smoke of skooma." He laughs, "I'm joking, I'm not that cheap. I'm yours truly, Daedric Prince of Madness." He gives an exaggerated bow.
The mage is trembling but the commotion outside is getting louder. I glance at the other side of the room. If we have to, we can burst a hole through the wall but I'm not sure what's on the other side. Might be another steep fall.
"As we said, we have little time to waste so might want to get talking." Sheogorath leans on his cane that appears from time to time.
"Alright, calm down." Not sure if he's talking to us or himself. The mage composes himself and sits back in the chair, "What do you know about soul gems?"
"Very little." I say, "Just that it captures a soul, and they go somewhere else." That's putting it lightly.
"Yes, but how often can you use it?"
Hm, hadn't thought about that. "Once, then you need to get a new one."
"Yes, that is causing all the trouble. Soul gems are used in enchanting, but they break afterwards. Except one. Azura's Star. A Daedric artifact that allows any number of souls to pass through it. Some of us wanted to find out how. I was working under Malyn Varen, then. If only we knew what he was really planning."
"What did he do?"
"Malyn wanted to alter the Star. He was dying. Disease. He thought he could store his own soul inside. Become immortal. It drove him mad. Students started dying. Eventually, the College exiled him. He took a few loyal disciples to Ilinata's deep and vanished." He pauses to eat again. "Look, I don't care who asked you to find the Star, but don't take it back to Azura. The Daedra are evil. They're the reason Malyn went insane."
"I can counter that." Sheogorath says, making the mage cringe where he sits.
"Forget it, it's just a precious artifact I would like back. Do as you wish just leave me in the little peace I have." He doesn't look at Sheogorath again just stares down at his food.
"Good enough." I say, "Thanks for the information. It will help us immensely." I look at him. A fraying man cowering in the back of an Inn all because of the monstrous people outside. Come to think of it, everyone who wasn't part of the Brotherhood was smelling like fear.
I circle my hand to round up the group and we head out. Only problem is right when I walk out the door all the assassins are staring again. I meet as many eyes as I can and continue on.
"Traitor."
"Liar."
"Deceiver."
Harsh whispers hissed at me from their tables. I smirk and let them see it. "Stay with the rotting corpse and tell me how good of an outlook on life you have." I can't help it. I shouldn't have done it but there I go. I just assured that we don't leave Winterhold for another two hours.
Nocturnal wraps another bandage around Bryn's forearm. I should be the one doing that, but I've caused enough trouble. "Ah," He moans.
"Sorry, just one more moment then the healing potion should work." Nocturnal tells him.
"We made it out." I try to ease the tension, but it does little. Gabriel is holding the reigns so tightly his hands are completely white. Bryn grimaces, he took the brunt of the injuries considering he was trying to protect me the whole time. It probably didn't help that the assassins were all targeting me specifically.
Vorstag gives me an easy smile across from me. "I for one enjoyed it. I haven't used this blade much, so it was good to finally break it in."
I smile back, "Sorry again guys, I didn't know they'd be so jumpy. But we got them. All of them."
"Most of them." Bryn corrects. Forgot about the ten or so that jumped down the cliffside when the three of us overpowered the rest.
"Well, the Inn is free now. No more Brotherhood members to harass them." I shrug but the mood is still somber.
"They will only gather more, Eve." Nocturnal says softly. She finishes bandaging Bryn and turns her golden gaze to me. "I don't want to say that was smart of you, but I guess it did some good. The truth is they were going to attack you with or without provocation."
I swallow, "I know. I just…can't help it. That organization had me under their thumb for so long."
Vorstag seems to understand. But my other companions fall into an awkward silence. Wish Sheogorath or at least Jyggalag stuck around. But they had to get back to the Shivering Isles due to a "disturbance", whatever that was.
We make our way to this lake situated right above Falkreath. Nocturnal explains the crumbling tower as one that used to be an Imperial outpost. That is, until our guy Malyn Varen conducted experiments that leveled Ilinalta's Deep to a place lower than sea level.
"Girl, I'll stay here. I don't think I can maneuver that thing well." Gabriel peers up at the tower that is still impressive. It peeks out of the water and gives the illusion that it was once a great and tall building.
"Fair enough. Will you stay Nocturnal?" I ask.
"I will come with you, and Barbas will stay watch. Hay is also here." She points. I can't believe I forgot the bear, sometimes he blends into the carriage itself when he's all curled up. Like a comfy pillow. Vorstag lounges next to him and continues to scratch the great bear's ears. Looks like he liked it.
"So, ready?" I ask the group.
"Eve, I need a word with you." Bryn catches my eye.
"Okay." I expect him to start talking but he just jerks his head to the side. Looks like it needs to be private. The rest of the group stays where they are, trying not to interfere.
Eve, Eve! I'm so happy to see you again! It's so boring in Sheogorath's realm. Barbas comes bounding out of the forest. He comes to a dead stop when he reads the room. Uh-oh this seems serious.
"We're just going to have a talk." I motion to Bryn. Not sure what the big deal is.
Oh, okay! I'll go see Hay and the newcomer! He nearly bounces across the way to the carriage with our friends.
A warm hand slips into mine and tugs. Bryn leads me through the forest, once we are far enough away, he turns to me. "Eve. I just…I don't know how to say it. But things need to change."
My heart nearly lodges itself in my throat with those words. I thought we were fine. Those first few weeks when I arrived in Riften were rough at first but turned out to be some of the best of my life. All because of Bryn and my newfound freedom. "What do you mean?"
He sighs and runs a hand through his auburn hair. It lights up when the falling sun touches it, making it a beautiful glimmering mass. I blink when Bryn gives me a sharp look. Forgot I was staring, but that's usually never been a problem considering we were attracted to each other…
"Eve. Listen. I don't know what it is. I don't know if it's the pressure or if you've loosened up but…I don't' know if the group can go on like this."
"What?" I ask again.
"Eve, we were leaving the Inn, we could have just left it all alone to get this star then you said that quick remark that sent everyone after us." His green eyes seem to be pleading. Trying to get me to understand…something.
"So? You heard Nocturnal. They were going to come after us anyways. And we all made it. We are all seasoned warriors Bryn."
He shakes his head. "But not immortal. You and Vorstag have the increased durability with vampirism, I don't. And even then, you can still get killed. Remember all the stakes they carried?"
I do. Every assassin seemed to have one. "Standard protocol for an assassin. I just," I really look at him for once, "Are you wanting to change over?" I've never changed someone before so that would be a first. Not that I would know how.
He sighs, even more frustrated than before. "Haven't you heard a word I've said? It doesn't matter what we are. We can still die especially with the odds they had in their favor. We were in enemy territory and you became reckless. Like I said, I don't know if you stopped caring or if you feel invincible now. All I know is you were a different person back in Solitude, when you came back to Riften you were someone else. Still are, lass." He softly adds.
I nearly gape. "Of course, Bryn! Of course, I was a different person! I didn't have that bitch in my head controlling my life anymore! I wasn't being kept on her whim. I was so stressed. I was wound tighter than a top. If you knew what she put me through." I nearly gasp. And just like that, the memories come flooding back. How she tormented me with her voice in prison. How she guided me, ultimately got me changed into a vampire and nearly got me killed in the Castle. It would have been so easy for her to kill me when I was in those chains…
"Lass, I know. We all do." He keeps his hands to his sides whereas he used to console me. So, I have to wipe the brimming tears away myself.
"What are you saying? What do you want me to do?"
"Be a little more considerate of your company, lass. We can't keep going up against enemies that strong one right after another. It's taxing and they'll use that tactic to wear us down."
I give him a sharp glance, "But that's it. They won't rest, we can't rest."
"But assess the risk. Try and think of what we can handle and literally pick your battles, lass. That's what all great generals have done."
"So what? Now you're a military expert?" I spit, I can't help that I hate the feeling of being questioned. Not when we are so close. "If you don't want to be in danger then go back to the Cistern. You don't have to stay here even though I want you to be."
That erodes his will. His head drops and he pinches the bridge of his nose. "Lass, I want to stay. I want to protect you. I just don't know how. It's like all caution is being thrown to the wind."
I look away, at the trees, the fading sun, anything. Angry tears spring forth, but I hold them back. "I just want her gone. I just want her to leave and never come back. Something. Anything. I don't want her back in my head again or in anyone else's. So, I guess that's your answer. That's why I'm pushing so hard."
"I understand, Eve." He still keeps his hands to his sides, "Why don't you run? Why didn't you when she let you go?"
Now I'm pissed. "Why? Because she'll take over Tamriel! And then the next continent and the whole world Bryn! I can't run from that. I'd be a coward just like she thought I was! Just like she called me, some sort of weakling. I can't be that way. I can't let her see that with me, that she was right."
My lover looks on me with disdain. He crosses his arms. "You don't want to disappoint her."
I freeze. "No. Her opinion doesn't matter." A familiar suffocating feeling begins to return. I felt this once or twice since coming back to Riften. Like something is gone. Something is wrong and it was taken away from me in that Castle. My Mother isn't there for me anymore…
I blink. "Aside from that, have you been to the Void? I never want to go back there, and I don't want anyone else there. The fires of whatever the hell Mehrunes Dagon lords over is far better than that."
He can't say anything more. He doesn't know what that's like. Bryn was never the religious sort. He just nods. "I understand. Let's get this star then go home and regroup."
I let out a sight of relief. Being interrogated like that is taxing. Always playing defense with someone you trusted not to attack you. I numbly turn and head back to the carriage. Bryn tries to wrap his arm around me, but I shake it off. If anything, this encounter has shown me I have a lot of baggage, a lot of emotional issues that won't just resolve themselves over night. I need time but we are short on that.
We have to enter the broken tower from the top. The top of what it used to be. It's now laying on its side so the entrance isn't too hard to get into. Once inside I see a skeleton chained up on a pole for all the lowly adventurers to behold. Nice touch.
The rest of the way down we take turns sniping and swiping at undead opponents. And those that wish they were. Necromancers leap out from the shadows to attack with their powers, but they are no match for my Ebony Blade. Vorstag lets out a howl of triumph when he gives one swipe to a skeleton and watches it crumble before his eyes. "These enemies are easier and easier to dispatch! Imagine if I had a stronger blade."
"We'll get you one." I mention, "When we get back to the Rift, I'm supposed to redistribute the Artifacts between us."
"Interesting. Give me something strong." He laughs and goes for another skeleton.
Bryn just gives me an indecipherable look before stabbing a necromancer that was hidden in the shadows. Cowards. "And you." I point to him with my free hand, "Get your pick of the litter. Well, I think Nocturnal will dictate what we all get but I know you'll get something good, Bryn."
"Hopefully." Is all he says. The mood is sour but I've all but forgotten our encounter. Out of sight out of mind, in my opinion. Looks like Bryn isn't that type though.
"Get back you undead creeps!" Vorstag kicks a skeleton down a long winding staircase. He tumbles into more skeletons and do the job of ending them for us.
When we go through more enemies and finally get into the main room, I pause. I hold up a hand to keep my friends from charging in. I'm not sure what baddy will be around the corner but they're never easy. I peek around and find…a skeleton on a throne and dead bandits. Easy.
"They're dead." I rise from my crouch and enter. No one wakes up, so it is too good to be true. The star is sitting in the lap of the skeleton. A shiny thing, the soul gem is in the center and surrounded by spikes. Almost looks more like a sun. "Got it." I say, "Let's get back to Azura."
We don't go that way. We pass the shrine and go straight to Winterhold. This is all directed by Nocturnal. "Why?" I ask, "Won't Azura be mad at us?"
"Maybe. But a white soul gem is not what we need. We need the black soul gem, that way it can take all souls. We go back to the Frozen Hearth Inn and have no more altercations with the Dark Brotherhood." She eyes me.
"They weren't after you." I shoot back.
"No but they wasted time. I'll keep watch for you." She says.
The Daedric Prince keeps watch outside. Since we wiped out the whole Inn, I figure it's safe to bring everyone else inside, so I do. Bryn, Vorstag, Gabriel and Hay follow me to find the College dropout.
"Stendarr's Mercy. You found it. Azura's Star." He turns from a mug of mead at one of the many vacant tables.
"You guys! Please! Have a free round of drink on me! You deserve it for what you did for us!" The Bartender smiles cheerily. I glance at the others. "We'll stay and take him up on the offer." Bryn gives a soft smile. I nod. The communication between us has been brief. Just a little more time and he should be back to normal. I think.
I follow the mage into the same back room we were in. "Maybe this is my chance to make things right. I can finish Malyn's work, the way we had meant to before this madness. It would mean cutting the Star off from Azura. Only black souls would be able to enter it once we finished."
"Got it. Let's do it." I say immediately.
"Give me a minute to examine the Star. I'll see what we'll need to do." He takes it from my cold hands and begins to turn it around, searching for something.
"These fissures and cracks aren't encouraging. Malyn obviously was growing more desperate once he left the College." He moves to set it down on a nearby table, then he leans in. I stand in silence for a minute. Wonder if he fell asleep.
He shoots up. "He did it. He actually managed to trap his own soul inside the Star, but it's falling apart. It needs more and more souls to sustain itself. The Star is being used to sustain Malyn's soul. I can't fix it while the fragment of him is inside."
I lean against the counter to stare at the star. It's beautiful and very large for a soul gem. Can't believe someone is wreaking havoc in there. "We need to kick him out?"
"Precisely. But it's not as simple as enchanting Malyn away. He's put up barriers. Souls are only allowed in, not out. If we were to…somehow…send a soul inside the Star. One that was ready to overpower Malyn from the inside…"
I see where this is going. I smile. "You want to go in and do the honors?"
He gives me a disgusted look before he reigns himself in. "I would need to command your soul. A special type of soul trap. Placing you inside the Star without fully killing you. Once Malyn has been dealt with, I'll bring you back. I understand if you need some time to prepare. Let me know when you're ready."
Huh, not a 'hey, you sure you want to do this? I might accidentally leave you in there.' I just give him a cheeky smile and go out into the main tavern. Bryn is talking to the bartender, so I tap him on the shoulder.
He turns and his eyes graze me, assessing for any damage. Like the mage could get a spell in before I saw it. "Just to let you know the guy wants to send my soul inside the soul gem to defeat his arch nemesis. Then we're in the clear."
Bryn nearly balks and Vorstag actually spits out his drink. "Are you sure about this?"
"I don't think that's a good idea." Bryn says.
I take a deep breath. "I know what I'm doing. I know what it feels like, and this is the only way we'll get this Artifact. I know it will help us. Plus," I raise a brow, "I have a secret weapon. My soul, I believe, is connected to the Daedric Princes. I just need to see who would want to come along."
They're both considering. Gabriel is the one to make the decision. He raises whatever's in his glass to give me a cheer. "Let the girl go. She's good in a fight and if anything, she's right about that. They won't let anything happen to her. If it's one of you two boneheads, then you're toast."
The men laugh at the almost-insult. Bryn grabs my arm and squeezes it. "Be very careful. If I see anything happening, I'll tell the man to bring your soul back."
I smile, "Don't worry." I then open the front door to see Nocturnal, cloaked and standing in the slowly falling snow, "Hey. I'm going in the soul gem."
She turns her head slightly to peek over her shoulder. "I thought so. Be careful."
"Anyone willing to come with me?"
She knows what I mean, "Give me a moment." The fresh snowflakes take her form. She's gone. I begin to close the door behind me to keep the heat in when she comes back. She gives a slight smile. "Someone wants to accompany you. You'll find them ready to go with your contact."
Got it. I salute her then head inside. Right when I get back into the small room barely fit for five people, I see him. I thought Sheogorath would want to come but he's busy. I thought maybe even Clavicus Vile. He 's usually amused by my antics. Instead I find the last Prince I wanted to see.
Molag Bal's smile is wider than I've seen it before. "Heard you need a little help."
I put my hands on my hips. "If it's more help than I got in the Soul Cairn I'll take it."
"Are you ready?" The mage looks up from the star. I'm guessing he didn't see Molag Bal or else he'd be wetting himself and cowering in the corner.
"Now I am." I say.
"Alright, I'll be keeping you slightly alive on my end. But be careful. If you die inside the Star, your soul will be disrupted. There's nothing anyone can do for you if that happens."
"I guessed as much. I'm ready." I say when I feel the presence of the others behind me. They can't see Molag Bal either. "Careful, lass." Bryn brushes the hair from my shoulder. I keep my eyes on the mage, so I don't lose my cool. Can't lose it now that we've come this far.
"Okay. Stand very still. This might sting. First, I'll need to grab hold of your soul. Now take a deep breath."
I do as I'm told. First, it's the Inn and all my friends then it's darkness. For a moment I fear I accidentally got sent to the Void. There's nothing here. I feel weightless. But instead of Sithis trying to talk shit, I open my eyes to a landscape of glittering blue gems as tall as I am.
Heavy breathing alerts me. I look over to see Molag Bal is right beside me and a good two feet taller than I am. I keep forgetting how intimidating he truly is in the light. "Surprised?" He asks.
"Was worried there for a second I had no soul to give." I muster.
He guffaws until a squeaky voice comes out of nowhere. "Ah, my disciples have sent me a fresh soul. Good. I was getting…hungry." The voice pauses, "Wait. There's something different about you."
"Sure is. I'm here to end your little game." I pull out the Ebony Blade for further emphasis.
"And who are you to challenge me? I have conquered mortality itself. I've spat in the eyes of the Daedric Lords."
Molag Bal bares his monstrously sharp fangs at that. "I'd like to gut him."
"No one's stopping you." I say.
"What was that?" The voice asks, "This is my realm now. I've sacrificed too much to let you take it from me!" A shadow moves and I see the guy clearly up ahead. He's running to cower like the Skeever he is.
"The fucking coward! He's sending Dremora after us." Molag Bal races across the platform we stand on and soon guttural screams are echoing in the Star. I have to cover my ears one time when a long snapping sound followed by an inhuman scream is heard.
Eventually, I pull myself together. I race down the same platform to find bodies of Dremora littering the ground. Up ahead is the coward.
He screams when he sees me. "How did you overpower them?!" He kneels and begins to shake with fear.
I keep the Ebony Blade out and figure, what the hell? "Hey, Molag. This guy wants to know who the boogeyman is I brought."
I see Malyn's eyes widen when Molag Bal appears behind me. All leathery skin barely concealing strong muscles. His inhuman eyes reflect the blue light from the surrounding crystals. The guy screams louder than I've ever heard someone, but Molag makes it a quick death by snapping his neck. "He's too annoying to be fun." He kicks the corpse at his feet.
We stand there in silence. I glance around. Shouldn't I be back at the Inn now?
"You'll be back soon enough." Molag doesn't take his eyes off the dead guy. "I'm giving us time to talk." He then turns his hollow eyes to me. I see he hasn't quite gotten over our last encounter. I back up a step.
"Mehrunes Dagon just burned down a very important part of the Shivering Isles. That's what brought Sheogorath and the infallible knight back. He's suffering. Going insane." He keeps his eyes on me.
Maybe I am being careless with what I say. I should stop that now, but I don't. "What do you expect me to do about it?"
A slow grin creeps across his face. "Practical. Sacrifices are what he needs."
"Why do you care?" I really have to ask this. The Prince of enslavement is brought down to his knees by the thought of his brother going thoroughly mad.
"It could be any of us. It could be all of us if you fail." His voice deepens. I back up a few more steps.
"Alright, tell him to stick around and I'll send enemies his way. Unless he's looking for the pure and innocent?" I clench my teeth to keep them from chattering in his presence. It is scary to be cornered by someone like him.
"Fair trade. In return give me the soul of the Blood Flower." He grins again, practically salivating over the thought of keeping her captive.
"I'll try." I say. I'm not sure what else I'd do with her anyways. Molag Bal doesn't say anything else. The world shifts and I'm standing in that small room again. The mage is ecstatic, Bryn and Vorstag are relieved. Nocturnal, now inside and dry from the snowstorm, smiles when she sees the black star I hold in my hands. I take in a deep breath to calm myself. I just made a deal with the Prince of Enslavement. And easy deal in fact, but I have no idea how I will get the Night Mother's soul to him. And if I don't, I'm not sure what the consequences will be. All I know is just like the other Princes, he always knows where to find me.
Cicero's Journal Entry
19th of Sun's Height, 4E 202
We are getting closer to Riften by the day! So soon will I see Listener's beautiful face! I should thank her again for Mother! Cicero thought along the way, should he bring her flowers? Chocolate? Just a little something for all the trouble she went through to bring our Mother back! Ah, perhaps a still beating heart?! Vampires do tend to like those things.
A/N: Apologies for the late post, I had a busy travel day yesterday. I hope everyone is having a good holiday season!