A/N- Hey, people. I'm gonna stop posting Author's Note's at the top of the screen, and stick with the bottom for A/N's. But still, keep reading :)
Rayne awoke with a start. Fucking nightmares... She thought to herself. She sat up, looked around the room, and gathered her thoughts. The Spirit of Boethiah had been dealt with, but she still had to evade the Dark Brotherhood... But, they hadn't made any moves on her for a while, so she seemed in the blue, for now. The next thing was dealing with the nightmares. She figured she'd ask the priestess when she got back.
When the priestess returned a few minutes later, she set down a stamina potion on the small dresser next to Rayne's bed. Then she sat down in the chair next ot Rayne.
"Can I ask you something?" Rayne asked.
"Sure, what is it?"
"How would one deal with nightmares?" Rayne said.
"Well, first you'd have to contact Vaermina, but that would mean coverting with a Daaedra, and it's likely the Vigilant of Stendarr would be on your tail. Then you'd have to perform an omen, likely evil, for Vaermina, and she'd rid you of your nightmares... Even though she's the Daedric prince of nightmares." The priestess said.
Rayne nodded, then asked her another question.
"Where would one make contact with her?"
"There have been romours of Dawnstar having nightmares, and no one is getting sleep. We sent a priest of Mara, Erandur, to investigate. I'll bet he can give you some insight on the problem." The priestess explained.
"Thank you," Rayne said. "Also, when do I get out of here?"
"Whenever you like, healing process is done. Go on ahead, Forlyn got you new gear. He's waiting in the main gathering room for you."
Rayne got up form her bed, walking into the main gathering area. on one of the benches was a set of Studded armor, with hide boots and bracers, and a brown hooded cloak. Rayne changed in the back room, and lowered her hood. The cloak covered her back all the way to the back of her knees, and her shoulders. She sheathed her steel sword, hunting bow and steel arrows mounted on her back. Then she walked out of the back room and into the main hall, where Forlyn and Teldryn were waiting.
"Where have you been?" Rayne asked with a smile.
"I escorted Ulfric back to Windhelm, he will not go any further on our journey." Teldryn explained. Rayne nodded, and the three exited the temple.
The Riften Stables...
Rayne hopped on one of the three horses waiting for the trio. Teldryn and Forlyn got onto their own horses, and they were off to Dawnstar.
Dawnstar...
The Windpeak in was empty, except for the Dunmer priest, Erandur. Rayne lowered her hood and approaching him, tapping him on the shoulder. He turned around, and Rayne asked if he knew about Vaermina.
"I do, infact. At the NIghtcaller Temple, there is a shrine. We must enter the temple and find out what exactly is going on... But, why do care?"
"I need to convince Vaermina to rid me of my nightmares, in trade for an omen that I must perform. Dinya Balu told me to speak to you." Rayne explained.
"Alright, but I cannot promise anything. Let us make way to the Nightcaller Temple."
Inside the Nightcaller Temple...
Inside were stone benches, covered in moss. Holes on the stone roofing let light in, along with snow, a few skeevers crept around the place. At the front of the room was a book, which was ruined.
"It's a dead end." Rayne said.
"No, it's not. I know the way." Erandur said, Rayne looking over to him. He charged a spell, and cast it at a large stone protrusion in the wall behind the book on the stone podium. The stone dissapeared, and a passage lie ahead. Teldryn, Forly, Rayne, and Erandur entered the passageway, progressign deeper into the temple.
All of the sudden, it was freezing cold, but there was no snow, and the torches lined the walls.
"Huh," Rayne began, "That's wierd."
"What?" Forlyn said.
"It's freezing." Rayne said.
"No, it's pretty warm in here." Forlyn said.
As soon as Erandur heard this, he turned to face Rayne. "What do you hear?" He asked. "Voices? Strange sounds? Anything?"
Rayne began to struggle at speaking. "Y-yeah, but the voice is... Vvvery... Fffaint." Then she screamed, dropping to her knees. THe voice inside her head was more clear.
I know why you are here, Rayne. You seek help. Which I am willing to give. Find my shrine. Quickly... The voice faded, and the pain went away in Rayne's head. She slowly stood up, grunting.
"What happened?" Teldryn, Forlyn, and Erandur asked.
"I think... I think, Vaermina spoke to me. Telepathically." Rayne said, trying to regain her memory. SHe shut her eyes for a moment, then opened them. Before her lay the battlefield, on Solstheim. She saw herself, holding a dying Thrynn in her arms. Rayne tried to move speak, but she couldn't do anything. Only watch. She shut her eyes again, and opened them, returning to reality.
"It's happening." Erandur said.
"What's happening?" Rayne asked.
"It's Vaermina. She's messing with your head. Until we find her shrine, this will keep happening. We must hurry. If we do not get to the shrine in time, Rayne will go have a mental breakdown, and possibly die from all the pressure." With that, the group of four delved deeper into the complex.
They reached an impassable magic barrier as soon as they continued. "Rats. Alright, let me think," Erandur began. " Ah! Follow me to the library." The group went to the library, which was nearby. In there, Erandur ordered the group to look for the book known as the "Dreamstride". The group searched the room, each checking their own spot.
Rayne searched the book shelves at the center, then found it. On a stone pedestal between the shelves, was the book. She grabbed it, then felt a serious pain in her head, coursing through her body. SHe screamed, dropping the book, and herself dropping to the floor. The rest of the group came ot check on her. She was crumpled up on the floor. Helping her up, Forlyn grabbed the book, handing it to Erandur.
"Ah, yes... the subject must search the alchemist laboratory... Vaermina's Torpor... ALright, let's move to the Alchemist Laboratory." Erandur lead the way to the laboratory, which was right next to the library. Rayne searched the shelves, finding empty, half-full, and full bottles of potions they don't need. Then she found it. Hidden behind a bunch of empty bottles was Vaermina's Torpor. She snagged at the bottle.
"I found it!" She hollered out, making sure everyone heard her. Erandur walked over to her.
"Good, good. Now, you are to drink it, allowing you to rid us of the magic wall, and we can delve further into this mess." Erandur said, and the group was off to the magic wall.
At the wall, Rayne drank the potion without hesitation, and her vision changed.
"Rayne," Erandur began, "When you get past the wall, there will be a lever to your right. WHen you pull it, Miasma will be released, lowering the wall, but raising the "dead", so to speak. You have to pull it in order for us to get to the shrine. The potions effect only lasts for so long. Now go." He ushered her through the barrier. He was right. To the right of Rayne was a lever, which would release the Miasma, She approached the lever, gripping the handle, and pulled. The barriers went down, and a light-purple mist filled the air. The bodies next to her rose to a standing position, and she pulled out her sword. The rest of the group charged in, slayed the two enemies, and moved deeper into the temple.
On their way to the shrine, they encountered more enemies, which they handled easily. As they were about to enter the shrine, they were stopped by two men, likely under the effect of the Miasma.
"Erandur! You traitor!" One of them said.
"I am no traitor! I merely saved my life from being consumed by the daedra!" Erandur countered.
"Well, looks like your life is at an end! Let's kill him, Veren." The one known as Thorek said. And with that, the group fought Veren and Thorek.
Forlyn and Teldryn focused on Veren, who was weakening. Thorek was trying to fend off Rayne and Erandur, but failing, as well. When Rayne went in for a swing, Vaermina sent another shot of main through her body. Rayne fell to the ground, her vision swirling. She crumpled up on the ground, consistently screaming in pain... Just as Thorek's battle-axe was coming down to her neck.
Forlyn drove his sword through Veren, watching him fall, and yanked it back out. Then he heard Rayne scream. He looked over to her, seeing her fall to the ground. He made his way to her just as Thorek's battleaxe was falling. He sprinted, then kicked the axe in the opposite direction as it was inches from Rayne's neck. Then he drove his sword into Veren, killing him. He left it there, and turned to Rayne. He helped her up, steadying her.
"Thanks..." She said, looking at him.
"It's nothing." Rayne nodded, and the group walked up the steps that lead to the shrine.
"Alright, Rayne," Erandur said, "Now's your chance to contact her." Erandur stepped back, and Rayne appoached the 'Skull of Corruption", resting her hand on it. Her hand locked itself onto the skull, and she couldn't move it. "Stay calm," Erandur said.
Rayne exhaled, suddenly feeling the chill in her body again.
Hello, Vaermina said in Rayne's head.
Can the others hear us? Rayne asked.
No. I know why you're here. You want me to rid you of your nightmares. About the battle. I can help. But, you must do something for me. Vaermina said.
What is it you want? Rayne asked.
Sacrafice. Vaermina said..
Who? Rayne asked. There was a pause before Vaermina spoke.
Teldryn Sero. She said, releasing Rayne;s hand form the skull. Rayne opened her eyes, turning to face the group. Erandur, Teldryn, and Forlyn stood there, waiting for an answer.
"She want's sacrafice," Rayne said.
"Who?" Erandur asked. Rayne hesitated before looking to Teldryn. Teldryn's posture changed, and he walked up to Rayne.
"If it means you will no longer be in pain, then so be it." He rested a hand on Rayne's shoulder.
"But-" Rayne was cut off by Teldryn.
"I made a promise to you in the Ragged Flaggon. Remember? This has to happen." Teldryn explained. Rayne tried to hold back tears, but couldn't. She broke down crying, pulling Teldryn in for a hug. SHe bawled her eyes out, Teldryn trying to comfort her. "It' s going to be fine, Rayne. I promise."
Teldryn let go of Rayne, and he looked her in the eye. "Trust me." He said.
Rayne paused before speaking. "I trust you." Teldryn nodded, and he walked up to the Skull of Corruption. Rayne watched as he set his hand on it, and it lached to the skull. The next sound that came out of his mouth was terrifying. Then he dropped to the floor, dead. Rayne stared at the body, not believing what lie before her. Then she heard the voice again.
In a few seconds, you will fall asleep. No dream will take place. You will wake up five minutes later, and the nightmares will be gone. Right after this, Rayne fell asleep.
Five minutes later...
Rayne awoke in the Windpeak Inn. She sat up, looked around her room, and noticed Forlyn sitting in the chair next to the bed. He looked over at her when she sat up.
"Hey, easy there." He said.
"Where are we?" She asked, tired.
"Were in the Windpeak Inn, in Dawnstar. The priest got us here as soon as he destroyed the Skull of Corruption. Didn't take him long, either. He left to Riften. Now, it's just us."
Rayne couldn't believe it. Two of her friends were lost. If only she hadn't met Thrynn, this wouldn't have happened. She wouldn't be in this mess. But, she was here, and there was nothing she could do about it.
A/N- I know, the mission story line isn't exactly the same, but I had to take some stuff out and put some stuff in so it wouldn't slow down the pace of the story. Thanks for reading :)