Klo tapped his boot on the floor, his arms crossed and his eyebrows tilted in an annoyed fashion. He was growing bored of their tiring babble, and found the mood growing more and more less gregariously. "Dan, I really need to have a word with you about this," he said, holding up again his flimsy piece of yellowed parchment.
Dan turned to Klo'arg. "My apologies, Nord. Please, finish your explanation."
"As I was saying," Klo said, a slight air of relief present in his tone, "Fauvei Unluuhk, having no living relatives, left all his possessions to you, Mr. Curint." He handed him the piece of paper, ardent to let it slip into Dan's hand. "Here is his will."
Dan looked at the will, then back at the Nord. "But how did you learn about this? How did you know him?"
Klo' rg cleared his throat. "He was an old friend of mine. I lived in Morrowind for a short period of time, you see, and due to my old ties with the Imperial government, this was handed to me to sort out." He shrugged. "It was really a shame when he died, wasn't it. I can tell you took more of a toll than anyone, it shows in your eyes, Mr. Curint."
Dan's mind flashed back to when Fauvei died. "Yes," Dan said quietly. Then he resumed his usual voice. "So, what exactly do you mean when you say I've received all his possessions?"
"I mean what I mean," he said warmly, "They're yours to do what you wish." His eyes widened briefly in remembrance, "and here's the key to his house down the street," reached into his pocket again, "and to the home in Narsis."
Dan took the keys to the homes Fauvei had. "Did he have any specific requests of me?
"If he did, they're written on that paper," Klo said solemnly.
Last will and Testament of Fauvei Azra Unnluuhk
-Of Narsis, Deshaan District, Imperial Terriotry of Morrowind
In the absence of my blood family, I turn to the family of foreign blood, which has entered my veins in the recent years. Of these, there is Dan Curint, and forgive me for the lack of legality; I know not his residence.
Dan Curint, a Telvanni, has been dear to me since an ersatz journey across the empire to a tiny port in middle-of-fucking-nowhere, off the coast of High Rock. He who was the wing under my tears when I returned, and he who will, as the Rose Mother tells me, bring my shitshack of a life to its due end.
I can hear the chimes of death in the distance, looking out onto the Azurian Sea, ironic as that is, as the glimmering sails of Akavir come closer in my mind's eye. Thus, to Dan Curint, I leave all my possessions; earthly and supernatural, for only he could handle them. Let him know to take good care of them, and keep the letters by my hearth, which I now sit by, locked up very, very tight until the world ends. Which won't be long I think. I hope. I dream. Sometimes I orgasm at the thought at night.
Love
Fauvei
He placed his hand on Dan's shoulder. "He was a great mer, could've accomplished great things. Out of respect I'll stick around here a while, I'd like to get to know those he called friends," he paused, "those he called brothers."
Dan read the will, with tears beginning to form in his eyes. He wiped them away. What, Dan thought to himself, did he mean by supernatural possessions? Dan made a small smile at Klo'arg. "Thank you," Dan said. "I would be honored to have you here. Excuse me for a second." Dan quickly went over to where Laria was. "Laria, something has showed up." He gave Laria the will for her to read. "I think I should go to his home here, and then travel to Morrowind."
Laria hesitated. She wanted to go with him, be with him when he had to do this... But now they knew where She was, she had to be there too... Brasil spoke softly to her in her mind.
You should go. He will need you.
But what about Solstheim? she asked him.
Let me take care of that.
I don't understand.
Do you still have my gem? I will return to my gem.
But if we go to Morrowind, we might see Fathis. And then you can-
No, Brasil interupted her. I'm sorry, my friend. We will unite again.
Laria felt tears in her eyes. She took the red gem out of her pocket.
"Are you sure?" she asked outloud.
I am.
Laria held it in front of her and Brasil turned to smoke. Slowly he went into the gem. Leaving it hang in the air, Laria turned to Dan. "I will come with you," she said with a sad smile. "Always."
Dan smiled at Laria. "Thank you," he said, hugging her. Perhaps he could learn more about some of the things Fauvei spoke of. Maybe learn about the family he lost. In any case, it would be a good thing to go.
Olquaril stood back from the others. It was obvious they had lost someone important, someone he had not known. It would not be right for him to take place in this. He edged out of the house and went to the tavern. Halfway there, he realized he too had means of teleporting to Morrowind, and made his way back to the home, to tell them he would go on ahead to Solstheim with Evellios and wait for them there.
---
Aldanaril looked at the Lich, and then walked inside to the others again.
He noticed something different about the room. "What has happened?" He asked calmly.
Laria looked at him and smiled."Dan and I are going to Morrowind soon. And it seems that the others are going to Solstheim," she said.
"When they are ready," she added, looking at the cradle.
"Ah, I see. It's been a long time since I visited Morrowind or Solstheim." Aldanaril smiled.
From what Evellios had overheard, it seemed that Largot planned to travel to Solstheim. He entered the building and spoke to Largot. "I can go there now and see what I can learn for you. If you can give me an exact date of you arrival then I'll wait for you there. I'm sure I can find a nice tomb to...research in the meantime.
Largot continued preparing, nodding in acknowledgment. "Very well. Your first orders as a member of my crew are to scout out the land, and discover what you can. Then you are to keep your ears open for any rumors. Anything involving large and threatening beasts may be valuable."
He looked up. "As for an exact date, I can't say. Sea travel is full of potential mishaps, delays, disasters. It may be weeks, but a worst-case scenario, short of failing to show up at all, could be as distant as a year. But I doubt that'll happen."
Leon straightened up. "Solstheim, eh? Hah! Cold and ice and angry Nords who don't like me and..." He thought for a moment, then snarled. "Those beasts."
"Watch how you speak of my homeland, mainlander," Klo'arg said through his teeth to Leon.
Leon made an apologetic face and approached Klo. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult the land, Nord. It's just that my last experience in Solstheim was a touch less than pleasant. I irritated a few too many witches and their pet. Have you, by any chance, ever encountered the beast called Udyfrykte?"
Klo could not hide the chill he felt. His arms began to break out in goosebumps. "I-" he could not place what he was trying to say for a moment, his tongue dithering aimlessly, "-have heard of the beast, and seen what it has wrought upon my people. " He paused, pretending to sneeze and in reality wiping a tear from his cheek. "I suppose then yes, I've encountered it."
Leon nodded to Klo. "Then you know why I'm nervous. Those beasts are forces of destruction that can live undiscovered for centuries. We could trod over their dens and never know it." Leon sharply inhaled, remembering the beast he had nearly died to destroyed. "They aren't natural. Their blood is... different."
Klo's thoughts drifted back to his boyhood on Solstheim. Rather, the boyhood he'd been robbed of.
~ 4! Only 4! These words woke Klo'arg from his deep sleep (albeit, in this time, at the ripe young age of fifteen, he was known by Bræ -Inn, a name conveying great spiritual strength) . He shot up, his blanket slowly slipping off his chest, which was met bare by the cold air of the home. He could tell his father Korst was not at home, at least not at the moment. From outside he heard more screaming, one of which he was certain was his father's. Dust motes twinkled like snowflakes in the light pouring through the window beside his bed.
Outside a bird cawed vexingly, as Bræ stood up, pulling his shorts up his bare legs, which were folded neatly upon his oaken nightstand. He pressed his hand against the glass, feeling the cold eradiate through his fingers and into his skin. He watched attentively as his father quarreled with another Nord. Korst was wearing the same fur robe as he always had, with his hands crossed, drawing it tight around his torso. The other man was a farmer by his attire, scruffy and adorned with the tails of animals, some Bræ could not recognize. What was plain, however, was the farmer's anger. He flung his hands about like a mad man, and Bræ could see his father was trying rather hard to mask his vexation.
4, old man! This year I pulled of four heads of potatoes! What does the All Maker say to that, Korst? he yelled.
Bræ pulled himself away from the window, wiping the made fog from his breath off of the window. Do not consider yourself with this, rather, keep your heart pure and your temper in a mental jar. Keep yourself still until the All Maker makes his retribution to the pious That s just it, Korst, everyone s been pious. Why would we be cursed so? Who's to blame? Korst lied, I haven t a clue, but do not consider yourself with this. Return to your hearth, brother, I think I hear your wife calling for you.
The man gave a low grunt and stormed off, hands clenched in sweaty fists by his side. Korst stormed back inside, slamming the door open. He stomped his way over to the corner where Br stood, still putting a shirt on. When he poked his head through, Korst met him with an enraged face.
You know how sick I m getting of this, Bræ? He yelled in his face. His eyes grew wide with fury. Do you know how sick I am getting of telling these people there s nothing wrong? Bræ muttered under his breath, unable to find the right words. I-I don't know what you what you're trying to say, father. He threw back his hands, and brought them to his temple. Don't know, eh? he asked, as he turned, ripping open the drawer to Bræ's nightstand, nearly ripping it from the thing. His search was fruitless, coming up with nothing but spare paper and flower petals. It's in here somewhere, he whispered to himself.
Bræ was pushed aside as Korst lifted up his mattress.
A HA! he said, as he pulled out a dusty old book, and held it in front of his son's face. What of this, son? How did this get here, I wonder. Father, it's nothing, you really ought to- No, no, let me see, he said lowly, opening the book. With his finger sliding across the title page he read it aloud, slowly, as one does when one sees a new word.
Vivec, said Korst, The 36 Sermons of Vivec, huh? He flipped through the pages, and even Bræ could smell the mustiness of the pages. He read aloud, I am Vehk, your protector and the protector of Red Mountain until the end of days, which are numbered 3333. What the hell? What in the All Maker s name is this, son? Where did you find this? Korst answered for the boy, who wouldn t have answered in the first place, being so laced with incalculable fear. The night you went out hunting. For the first time, none the least. I know, I saw them, the dark-skins who came from the south on some bullshit pilgrimage. You spoke to them, didn t you? He paused, catching his breath.
You have brought this demonic heresy into the Skaal village, you took their teachings of enlightenment and mystical wordplay, and the Greedy Man has cursed our crops for this. He reached out his hand and slapped the boy. He sat dumbstruck on the floor, propping himself up with his left hand. Emotionlessly he stared back up at his father, mild-mannered Korst Wind-Eye of Skaal. Korst Wind-Eye, but a humble and timid shaman who would sooner cut out his eye than put a hand on his fellow man. Korst Wind-Eye, driven mad by his fellow man, nonetheless, the ones he worked to save. Were he not overwhelmed, Bræ might have found it ironic. He extended no hand to pick him from the floor. There wasn't the apology he d been expecting, followed by a fatherly pat on the back and an evening watching the sun set on the sea of ghosts like they always did. All he said was, leave my house, leave my village, lest you damn us all, Klo'arg Kjolriðt.
The name means Cold hearted thinker.
Dan turned to Largot. "Don't worry, I don't expect I will be there that long. Both Laria and I can teleport to Morrowind, and it could be a while before you set out, anyway. We can meet you here, or somewhere in Morrowind. Wherever you wish." Dan put the will in his pocket.
Laria felt better after Dan's hug. She watched Brasil's gem rotate once more in the air, before it fell down. She picked it up.
"I need someone to take care of him. If he agrees, you can use some of his power. But don't forget I will take him back when we meet again," she said and looked at the others.
Not Largot, she thought, He cannot use the power anyway. Not Leon, three spirits in one body is too much... Certainly not the l... Evellios.
Not able to choose, she asked: "Any volunteers?"
Evellios could sense power radiating from the gem. "Who is 'he'?" Asked Evellios, as he took a step closer to the gem.
"If you and Laria don't mind, I would be honored to take care of the gem until you're back, Laria," Aldanaril said proudly.
Laria put the gem in Aldanaril's hand.
"I'm glad it is you," she said and smiled. She noticed that she felt colder, even empty inside.
She turned to Evellios.
"You will find out in Solstheim," she answered him.
And he will decide when that time has come, she thought.
She looked again at Aldanaril.
"You will notice that your Destruction increases. He will also keep you and the others warm on Solstheim. I don't know if he is able to communicate with you when he is inside the gem. But I hope he will not cause any trouble..."
The gem flashed for a moment bright red.
"It certainly feels warmer." Aldanaril bowed to Laria and rose up. "He might and he might not, we don't know until it is proven, my friend." Aldanaril smiled at Laria.
Largot then made the call. "Alright! Anyone who isn't using magic to get across is coming with me on the Fang!
He went in and took Helen's hand. "I'm sorry I have to leave so soon." He said. "I'll be back here as soon as I can. Take care of our daughter."
She smiled. "Do what you need to. But as soon as you get back that's it."
"I will follow you on the Fang, my friend," Aldanaril said, and stepped forward towards Largot.
"I shall begin my journey now." Evellios said. When he turned to leave, he saw Olquaril enter the room.
Olquaril bowed. "I will be accompanying you to Solstheim. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not, I could use the help," Evellios said. "How do you propose we get there?"
"Perhaps I could teleport you," said Dan, stepping over. "Mysticism is my talent."
"Alright, send us to Solstheim." Evellios was already prepared for the journey, waiting calmly to be sent.
"Before that," Marcus said, re-entering the room, "I must speak with one of our new companions here."
He pulled Olquaril outside, out of the others' earshot, and spoke quietly, "Listen, I don't know who you are, but I trust you more than that other fellow. If he... tries anything, see to it that you use this..." Marcus pulled a small finger-lengthed object wrapped in cloth from his bundle and slipped it into Olquaril's hands.
"Be very wary of him. His intentions... don't seem sincere."
Olquaril nodded and slipped the object into his bag, vowing to find out what it was later. He went over to Evellios, and looked at Dan. "I am ready. Can I ask where we'll be popping out at? I would like to be prepared."
"You'll be popping out at what's left of the Raven Rock colony," Dan said. "I did some work for the company there for a while. Or you could arrive at Khuul and take the boat. Your choice."
"What happened at Raven Rock?" Asked Evellios
Klo scoffed. "Same thing that always happens when Imperial stick there nose where it shouldn't be."
"The money ran out." Dan kicked his foot at a rock. "And my friend and I had worked hard to keep it going, too...while I was working in the colony, he was attempting to establish relations with the Skaal."
Too bad, thought Evellios. I was hoping there would be bodies. "I would rather not have to get past the guards at Fort Frostmoth. Send us to Raven Rock."
Klo'arg cold not help himself from laughing. "The Skaal would sooner string a Belladonna plant from their rear out their mouth before they had any worthwhile relations with the East Empire Company," he said, holding back "greedy bastards."
Dan guessed Klo'arg's thoughts. "Yeah, it's a shame it's the rich, greedy ones who get to represent the colonies. I had to work with the fellow in charge, myself." Dan shook his hand. "The man didn't know a thing about how to handle things well. He handled things with gold. Tried to bring the whole colony down to get more money. Too bad the colony failed anyway."
Olquaril turned to Evellios. "Well, it looks like we're heading for Raven Rock." He took a breath and mentally prepared himself. He hated teleportation. "I am ready. Do it quickly please."
"Alright." Dan began to channel the magic, using the flow of Mysticism to generate the magic necessary to teleport the two people. "Have a good time," Dan said jokingly, as he cast the spell, sending the two on to Solstheim, making them suddenly vanish in a flash, and appear in the ghost town that was Raven Rock.
"Alright, love..." Laria said. "If you want to, I can teleport us to Narsis, now you used your magicka to teleport the others... Or we could do it together."
She smiled.
"Anyway, I'm ready," she continued. Laria laid her hand on Dan's shoulder.
Aldanaril sensed that Olquaril could be in danger. "Be careful, young one. And dont worry, you ain't insane. It's just me, Aldanaril.
"So when are we leaving for Solstheim?" Aldanaril asked.
Largot grunted. "The EEC? I can sum them up in two words: Incompetent bastards. Now let's all board, we have quite a distance to cover."
"Aye, my friend. See you all soon," Aldanaril said, and started walking towards the ship.
---
Evellios enjoyed the cold weather. "This is my kind of place." He said quietly to himself. "And you!" He turned to Olquaril."You may have fooled the others, but you can't fool me." Evellios was about to say more, when he sensed the presence of the undead. "There must be some sort of ruin nearby. Lets set up camp there for now." Before waiting for a response, Evellios set off in the direction that the magickal scent was coming from.
Olquaril stepped backwards in shock. Composing himself, he shook his head in amusement and followed after Evellios. "I don't understand you, Lich, but nonetheless, I said I would accompany you, so we'd best stay close. You said you sensed undead? How powerful are they, or can you tell?" He narrowed his eyes in concentration, attempting to spot them. He quickly gave up with all the snow.
"I can sense that they are of low intelligence. Probably nothing more then some bone wolves." Suddenly, three skeletons and two bone wolves appeared out of the snowy fog. They rushed at both Evellios and Olquaril. They were a meter away, when they suddenly froze. How dare you attack a worm eremite! Evellios's voice filled their simple minds with a roaring fury. Show me some respect, or I'll cast your souls into the void! The skeletons knelt on their knee caps. Good, now lead me to your tomb. As the skeletons and bone wolves began to trudge through the snow, Evellios noticed Olquaril's surprised expression. "It's one of the perks of embracing undeath." He said, before following the skeletal group.
Olquaril shrugged, and slowly made his way behind Evellios and his escort.
Evellios and Olquaril reached a cave entrance. "Lets hope that the primitive natives don't find us," Evellios said, as he entered the cave. Skeletons, guard the entrance. Bone wolves, patrol the perimeter. As the undead left the cave, Evellios cast a spell so he and Olquaril could see better.
They eventually reached a large room. In the middle of the room was an alter upon which lay a badly decomposed corpse. "This should make a fine specimen," Evellios said to Olquaril. He grinned and approached the alter. "Nord bodies are useful. I think we are staying here tonight untill the blizzard passes."
"I don't know....these Nords are also very cautious concerning undead. There is sure to be consequences to performing necromancy here." He studied the corpse closely. There was nothing obviously dangerous about it, but it could be a hidden trap of some kind. He backed away, as far from the body as he could get without leaving the cave. "You continue, but I am staying over here, just in case." He sat down, and pulled a mortar and pestle from his bag, along with some herbs. He placed them down, and started mixing potions.
"Ha! The Skaal are a bunch of animals! I doubt there is anything to fear." Evellios took off his cloak, revealing his necromancer robes. He pulled a scalpel from one of his bags. As he began to cut in to the Nord's chest, It suddenly grabbed him by the wrist. Evellios reacted quickly, and fire surged through his arm. The nord shrieked and let go of him. Evellios backed away from the alter. "He's too intelligent for me to control!" He shouted at Olquaril.
Olquaril leapt to his feet, scattering ingredients everywhere. He cast a paralyze spell on the corpse, rendering it still. "Finish it off," he shouted at Evellios, "I'm no good at destruction!" He put shield spells on himself and Evellios as well, should it manage to attack.
Evellios created a large fireball. He focused all of his magickal energy into it so that it became so hot that it hurt his eyes. He threw it at the nord zombie. The fireball engulfed the zombie and when the fire dissapeared, all that remained was a pile of ashes. "Too bad, now all I can do is meditate to pass the time." Evellios sat in a corner of the room and once again, he searched through his memories.
Olquaril smiled, and returned to his place on the floor. He patiently started picking up his scattered possesions.
---
Marcus marched lazily up the stairs, and opened the door to Thesper's room just slightly, peeked in, and spoke.
"Thesper?... Sorry to wake you, but it looks like we have yet another adventure on our hands. We'll be setting sail on The Fang shortly..."
"...Assuming you want to go..." he said, already knowing the answer.
Thesper opened an eye and lifted his head to look at Marcus.
"We're leaving? But it's still daylight! Way too early to go on some adventure..."
Slowly he stepped out of bed and looked around on the floor.
"Now where did I leave my shirt?" he asked outloud. "There you are!" He picked up his black shirt from the ground and pulled it over his head. Then he walked to the door and opened it completely.
"Go on, boy. Before I push you off the stairs..." he joked, and waved his hand.
---
Dan smiled back at Laria. "I need to recharge my magic. You can do it." Dan looked over at Largot. "Be careful in Solstheim. Mateus is an enemy, but she is a dragon. And you've seen just being with Nak'Ditargan what a dragon can do."
"I know to be careful. But don't forget that we have a edge ovewr her: We're together. He can recharge himself by hiding out in me. She has nowhere to hide." Largot said.
Laria looked once more at the gem in Aldanaril's hand, then concentrated on the spell.
"Here we go," she whispered, just before they were send to Narsis.
Dan and Laria were whisped away to Morrowind, landing in Narsis. Dan checked, instinctively, to make sure nothing was gone. "Well, we're here," Dan said.
Laria smiled and looked around. She never had been here before.
"Where did Fauvei live?" she asked. "Any idea which house belonged to him?"
---
Leon came out of the shade, holding a ridiculously thick umbrella. He quickly dashed to the ship and got himself below, trailing smoke. "I hate boats." He muttered as he threw himself down.
"That's very kind of you!" Thesper yelled at Leon, who just disapeared in the distance.
He grabbed his cloak and covered as much as possible. Then he ran to the harbor as fast as possible.
"Hot, hot!" he shrieked on the way, before he finally reached the ship.
Aldanaril noticed both vampires running to the ship, and started laughing while running there as well.
Leon shook himself off. "Damn, did that suck!" He muttered to himself. He then decided that, if what he thought was coming was coming, it was time do do what he knew he would have to. He reached into his magic sack and pulled out a box. Out came his old, weathered, but still usable bronze longsword.
He drew Lightspark from it's sheath, and examined it. Deep within it's core he felt it, the hidden enchantment that had resulted in its frost power. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Lamae asked.
"I think this old blade is at the peak of it's power, at least if I want to be able to use it regularly. I think it's time to kick start the antique again."
"Well, if you were to ask me I'd still be against it. Think of the power you would have if you kept things as they are."
"I know, but too much power and the sword would overload and dissapate. The Akaviri were master enchanters, but even their weapons could only take so much."
With that, Leon squeezed his right hand on Lightspark's hilt. A green spark traveled from the tip of the blade to his hand, from there to his shoulder, and then he seemed to discharge. The green light collected in his hand again, and he placed it on the hilt of the bronze sword. The blade glowed and Leon winced as the power left him and entered it. "I guess we've started, then." He said.
After boarding the ship, Aldanaril was close enough to Leon to notice the strange sword. "I guess you were speaking to Lamae. What's it called? Enchanted weapons usually have names, if I remember correctly, right?" He said, with a calm and friendly tone.
Leon turned to Aldanaril. 'The katana is Lightspark. it's ancient and powerful, forged by Akaviri hands in Akaviri lands." He said, sheathing it. "This," he said, lifting the bronze sword, "hasn't gained it's name yet. It's been a good battle companion over the years before it was lost, and it held up pretty good until I found it again." He slung it over his back. "I guess I'll have to think of one."
Thesper passed Leon and Aldanaril below deck, but ignored them. He noticed the sword and looked at it once before he went on to find a good spot. Then he sat down and closed his eyes.
Leon wasn't just a vampire. Leon was Leon. Thesper stayed quiet and hoped Marcus would come soon.
---
Marcus came below deck and took a seat next to Thesper.
"And so begins the further exploits of the Red Fang..." he said mock-heroically as he grinned to his close friend. He had been greatly worried about Thesper's stability since his episode, but he seemed to have made a full recovery.
Thesper opened his eyes when he noticed Marcus and grinned back.
"I hope your skills are not needed this time, but I'm afraid that's false hope..." he said.
"Get some sleep..." he continued. "You've been out all night. Behaving like a vampire will not get you a girl," he laughed.
Largot called out a last few calls to shore. He saw a few old companions get on, but he was so busy preparing that he couldn't see if that was all. But nobody else was coming, so he just hoped everyone was there. "Alright, full sail to Solsthiem!" He shouted, looking back once more towards the infirmary where his wife and daughter waited for his return.
Saylo returned to his home and gathered his armor and sword before heading back to the docks, where the Red Fang was being loaded up for another voyage across the oceans of Tamriel. "I've had enough sailing for a lifetime, so I'll head for Morrowind on my own, and try to meet up with Dan, Laria and Klo, see you all there!" Saylo said to the group, casting an ALMSIVI intervention spell that transported him from Yokuda to the nearest Tribunal temple, which happened to be in Kragenmoor.
---
By whatever means, by a broken twist of magic, Klo' rg found himself wound with Laria and Dan, appearing beside them ass-first on the cobblestone streets of Narsis. A shrill wind blew a leaf across the road in front of him as he stood up, brushing off his pants. "What the hell?" was all he could articulate.
Laria looked at Klo with big eyes. "What are you doing here?" she asked surprised.
She shivered when she felt the wind. Cold... It had been more than six months since she had felt it... She shook her head to get rid of the empty feeling.
"Well, now you're here, you can tell us where to find the house," she then said.
"Why am I here?" asked Klo, frantic, "I was hoping you could tell me that!" Calming himself down, he pointed a single, shaking finger down the street. "The interesction there, past the leaning tree, Fauvei's house is located there, if I recall correctly."
"Odd, that happened to you, but thanks for pointing the way. I suppose you may as well come with us." Dan began to lead Laria and Klo down the street, the door of the house. He was brooding again on Fauvei's death at his hands, with a distant look to his face.
Laria took Dan's hand as she saw the look in his eyes. She hoped this trip would help him get over it.
She did not speak and followed him to the house.
Dan walked down the street, with Laria holding his hand and Klo close behind. He faked a smile for Laria, but inside his head, he was still wondering about Fauvei's death. When they reached the house, Dan took the key, and opened the house door.
Klo was second to step inside, Laria following behind him. What struck, yet was not totally unsurprising, was the messiness of the place. Papers strewn about haphazardly, candles at their wick's end adorning cabinets and stools, and clothes folding over every chair. The walls were a dull off-white, and a painting of (A Mountain?) hung on the far wall. To their left was a kitchen, a plate of rotting rat meat still sitting on the table. Klo held a finger to his nose, grimacing at the stench.
Dan stepped inside, looking around. "Not in the best shape..." he said. "I'll have to see about an Atronach cleaning this place up." He then looked at the painting of what appeared to be a mountain, before moving to pick up and stack the pieces of paper laying about.
Laria walked through the house, looking around if she could find anything useful. She picked up some clothes from a chair and examined them.
"They need to be washed, but they seem fine..." she said. "We should see if something fits you, Dan. If we are back from Solstheim..."
"Yes, we do have to be prepared if we head there." Dan looked through the cabinets, searching around for clothes. "See anything you could wear if we need it?"
"I don't expect to find any women's clothing..." Laria laughed. "But maybe there is something I could use..." she said as she found a scarf.
"I don't have any warm clothing, since I didn't need them with Brasil. But now he's gone..." She stopped for a moment. "We won't find the others immediately, I guess..."
"He did have a wife you know," Klo said to Laria. "You're likely to find something."
He sat down on a wooden chair, which creaked back at him in stress. After burying his face in his hands, he looked up and said, "He's been dead for a while, not at home longer, but I didn't expect this mess."
Laria frowned.
"I know that," she said, a bit angry. "But that does not mean he kept her clothes after what happened."
She walked to an other room, to look around some more.
Dan reassured Laria. "Don't worry, he's just trying to help." Dan proceeded to look in a cabinet, but only found silverware.
Laria calmed down and continued her search.
"Is there anything special we are looking for, love?" she asked.
"No," Dan said, "just looking around. But do say if you find anything interesting, you two." He continued his search through the chests.
Klo sighed. "Were it not for bullshit magical glitches I'd probably done by now," he whispered to himself, as he rummaged through more drawers. He pulled the boxes out, then in. Frustratedly he persisted, bending over to look underneath Fauvei's bed.
There were ancient signs of a house once inhabited. Under his bed Klo found a box full of adult novels, and chuckled to himself. He would've really gotten along with Fauvei Unnluuhk, and he knew it. It made the scene even more melancholy. Then something caught his eye, for some unexplainable reason. Something shined with mysterious radiance when it was perfectly mundane. A simple scrap of paper, which there were many strewn about this place, screamed at him.
He pulled it forth. It was crumpled, mangled, a bit burnt on the edges. Klo could tell someone, anyone, did not want this paper to ever be read, held, seen ever again. He unfurled it, slowly, cautiously, afraid it would rip. The words were written on it in an unmistakable cursive. The black ink curvaceously soothing upon the yellowing paper. His eyes gazed over the words quickly at first, then slower and more contemplative. He smiled.
"Dan, come," he cried.
Dan, hearing Klo, walked over. "What is it?" Dan asked, looking at the paper.
Klo stuttered for a moment, simply staring at the paper. He finally read it aloud to Dan, tentatively and softly, "Meet me in Gnisis, I love you. Fauvei's baby."
Dan stared blankly. "What?" Dan said, stunned at what he had just heard. "Fauvei's...baby? His child is alive?"
Dan fell back into a dusty chair.
"I didn't know he had a child. This is all news to me," said Klo, sitting down on the bed. It creaked back at him, as if angered at the blasphemous presence of someone else than its owner. He ain't coming back, softy, Klo thought humorously to himself. He looked around the room, eyeing Laria coming near, her hair unfurling behind her shoulders. He cleared his throat, "So, Dan, what do ya reckon. 'Where blows the All-Maerk's snow,' as we would say in the frozen isle. Do we take our chances and go to Gnisis, where a dead baby awaits us, or attempt to rendezvous with your other friends back in Solstheim." The last word tentatively slipped out, showing his obvious anxiety.
Laria returned to Dan and Klo, hearing them talk.
"If you want to, Dan, we can go to Gnisis..." she said as she entered. "We still have time before the others will reach Solstheim. If we use teleport to go to Gnisis, we can try to find out some more..."
Laria felt a little guilty for being so hard on Klo. He had known Fauvei too, so he carried the same sorrow as they did.
"But only if you are ready for it..." she added.
"Yes," Dan said. "We have to get to Gnisis." He looked at them. "Are you guys ready to go now, or do you want to rest for a bit?"
"We have many things on our mind, it is best if we leave right now," Laria answered.
"This time," she said to Klo, "you have to be ready for the trip." She smiled a little.
"Alright," Dan said. "Klo, get anything you need, and then we're going to go."
Klo looked around the ruinous house. Such a packrat, Fauvei had been. There were boxes and crates filled with anything and everything imaginable, he was almost sure of that. Yet he didn't want to take anything. The very idea felt...disgusting to him. "No," he said to Dan, "I'm ready to go. Ready as I'll ever be.
Dan nodded, and then cast a spell, whisking them way towards Gnisis.
---
Saylo arrived in the city, remembering the last time he had been there, and the battle that had followed halfway across Morrowind, a single hour later. Saylo walked calmly towards the mages guild building, which was run down and reeking of burnt saltrice. "Hello?" he called pushing open the wooden door. A small elderly mage greeted him. "Hey, uh, where's the guild guide?" the Ordinator asked praying the old man didn't remember him. "Yer lookin at 'em." he said. "Where ya headed to?"
"Narsis," Saylo responded flatly "15 Septims then," the old man replied. Saylo paid the man and was teleported to the Narsis mages guild, or lack there of. Saylo arrived in the basement of someones home which had been turned into a makeshift guild hall. the Mages Guild's reputation for being run down in the eastern most province was well earned. The Ordinator left the dingy home without a word and saw Dan, Laria and Klo headed down the street, fairly far ahead of him. Saylo made little effort to catch up, which he regretted as he approached the house they entered and was greeted with the final words of a conversation, a flash of light and the scent of magical discharge. "Always gotta make things difficult, don't you?" He said, gesturing to the sky. "On to Gnisis by Ald Ruhn silt strider, then."
---
Evellios lay in his bed surrounded by Yanwey and her father."I know Arkay will protect you, Evellios. You'll get better soon." These reassuring words meant nothing to Evellios. He felt nothing but contempt towards Yanwey's father, a tall, bearded Altmer with a self righteous demeanour. Evellios hid his hatred behind a false smile. "Thank you for your concern," Was all he could muster. "Well, I'm sure you two have much to discuss, so I'll leave you alone." As the door closed behind Yanwey's father, Evellios's grin turned into a frown. She noticed, and said, "I know you don't like him, but he means well." "
He's an ignorant bigot," Evellios replied through gritted teeth, still staring at the door. Yanwey smiled at Evellios, and lay down next to him. She gently hugged him. "I don't care about what he thinks. I'm happy as long as you are with me." Evellios felt his heart leap up into his throat at those final words. He coud feel his death approaching and he wasn't happy at all. But what really made him sad was the idea of leaving Yanwey behind. She noticed tears running down Evellios's face. "I'm sorry if I've upset you." He felt his throat tightening and could not reply. "I'll come back later..." Yanwey got up and left the room.
Evellios knew he was lucky to have Yanwey as his wife.
---
Evellios could sense a familiar presence. His bedroom faded and he was surrounded by darkness. "You should forget about them, Evellios. They betrayed you and banished you from your own home because of their ignorance." Evellios felt a familar kind of happiness he had grown used to. He felt calm in his master's cold presence. "Why did you ask me to follow Largot?" Evellios asked, trying to avoid the subject of his past. "You don't need to know the details just yet. I'm interested in an extremly powerful spirit. Once I have it, I will use it to spread our influence throughout Tamriel. When you find out where the spirit is, contact me again. All mages shall eventually be freed from their delusions..."
---
"The blizzard's probably passed by now," Evellios said to Olquaril. "Which town should we visit?"
He raised his eyes from his apparatus' and stroked his chin in thought. "Well, I don't think there are very many towns here on Solstheim..." He gathered his things and put them back in his bag. "I suppose we could try Fort Frostmoth."
"Fine then," Evellios said, and he went towards the entrance.
Squinting in the blinding light of newly-fallen snow, Olquaril raised his hand and pointed in a general south-east direction. "If this is what remains of Raven Rock, then Fort Frostmoth should be that way. I, however, have never been to Solstheim. I am going off of maps here." He looked over his shoulder at Evellios. "You might want to put on a disguise of some sort. We need to ask around when we get there, get details on these rumors. Largot will want as much information as we can get, I suspect."
Evellios simply put on his cloak, and applied Telvanni bug musk. Vigorously.
Olquaril looked Evellios over and sighed. "Guess that will do. Amazing we fell for it before..." With that said, he shouldered his bag and started in the direction he had pointed earlier. The sound of the crunching snow and whistling wind covered all other noise, and the glare of the snow blinded him. He never saw, nor heard, the Skaal as their ambush closed around him. He knew they were approaching, however.
Before they could strike, he turned and cast invisibility on Evellios, and shield on himself. The Skaal roared and charged anyway. They attacked so fiercely, they broke through his shielding spell. Olquaril tried to cast a reflect spell, but the axes hit first. He grunted as he fell to the ground, unconcious. The ambushers laughed, and picked up their spoils of war, and made their way to the Skaal Village, thinking they had captured another 'Imperial trespasser'. Just as they went out of sight, Olquaril's invisibility spell wore off of Evellios.
---
Olquaril grumbled and rolled, restless. His eyes snapped open. He had finally woken up. Propping himself up on one elbow, he tried to look around him, and found only darkness. He grunted as he tried to rise to his feet. He was rewarded by a curse, and a kick to the ribs. Moaning, he foolishly tried to get up again. This time, the kick went for his head, and Olquaril blacked out again.
---
I'm sure Olquaril will be alright, Evellios thought as he walked past the docks of Fort Frostmoth. "This is an outrage!" He turned to see who had shouted and saw a Dunmer waving a scroll in the face of an Imperial. "That new Arch Mage is evil! Necomancy does not belong in the Mages Guild!" "The Mages Guild is not a chapel," The Imperial responded calmly. Evellios approached the Dunmer. "What are you upset about?" He asked. "I've got to get onboard my ship now. Here, read about it yourself." The Dunmer handed Evellios the scroll.
---
ALMSIVI
The new Arch Mage of the Mages Guid has caused much controversy over his decision that necromancy should be taught as a legitimate subject in the mages guild. The Dunmer of Morrowind have been violently protesting against this decision. "Necromancy is demonic, it's as simple as that!" Says one Tribunal priest.
Most mages find it ironic that after defeating the King of Worms, Mannimarco, the new Arch Mage would want necromancy to be taught in the mages guild. Raminus Polus, a renowned scholer of the mages guild, resigned shortly after the decision was made.
When interviewed by the Black Horse Courier, the Arch Mage had this to say: "The Mages Guild is dedicated to pursuing truth and knowledge. We can not censor our studies because of superstition.
----
Largot let his mind wander at the helm, knowing that for a few days the seas would be clear and he didn't have to fear rocks or iceburgs. He didn't want to be there, on the ship heading for one more adventure. He wanted to be back on Yokuda with his family. he clenched his free hand into a fist, then let it go.
"This is the last one. I need someone to inherit the ship." He said.
Leon leaned back and half-slept. As always happened, his mind clouded over with images, half-formed dreams and thoughts and memories. His mind flashed to Skyrim. The ship's husk. A fearsome beast, black-furred, apish, demonic. He was wounded. He attacked, and it's blue blood ran over the blade. Glowing, an explosion. Magic.
Leon started awake. "Damn nightmares." He muttered. he stumbled out to the deck, which was sufficiently dark. He simply wandered, wondering when they were going to get to Solsthiem.
Aldanaril stood up at the deck, watching out over the sea. He thought back to his conversation with Evellios. "I wonder if Mannimarco once again has escaped Arkay."
Leon made a "hello" gesture to Aldanaril. "I really hate boats." He said, in greeting. "So, it looks like we have a whole new slew of troubles on our hands this time, eh? I guess all we can do for now is wait on this damn plank in the middle of all this water."
Thesper laid still with his eyes closed. He was not sleeping, even now he was tired enough to do so. He calmly listened to the waves crushing against the ship. He was getting used to sea-travels, since he went several times to the mainland. Thesper checked his pocket and saw that he had three flasks left. That should be enough for a few weeks, he thought.
Thesper then noticed it was dark. He left Marcus behind him and went up on deck.
"Goodnight," he said cheerful when he saw the two standing. "Beautiful weather, is it not?" he grinned.
"It's really really shitty," Leon muttered. "I still hate boats." Leon huffed and looked over the edge. "So kid, what do you plan on doing if we manage to find that scaly bitch?"
Thesper smiled for a moment, but the smile dissapeared quickly.
"I don't have the strength or the power to handle her, even now she is weak. We'll need her Brothers to finish her off. I'll do whatever I can to keep their hosts safe. I'm no longer a New-Blood, but I'm still an average vampire."
"It may even take more than that." Leon said. "She doesn't have a host. It may mean she's weaker for lack of an anchor, or it could mean she's far stronger than anything we've ever faced. We really can't tell what it means when a Dragon kills it's host, since this is the first time it happened."
Thesper grunted.
"And we have to be lucky enough that we don't find her before Laria gets back. A Dragon without a host is one thing, a Dragon locked in a gem is nothing more than a rock..."
Leon huffed again. "A whole slew of problems, and any solutions look like they'd be almost as bad."
Leon leaned back, then snapped to full alertness. The temperature had dropped.
Very much and very rapidly.
"We're under attack." He said. He didn't yell it, but he made sure that anyone awake on the ship would know. Suddenly the roar was heard. Now even the people who hadn't been awake knew.
Largot jumped from the helm, sword appearing in hand. Leon drew lightspark and jumped to the top of the mainmast. The streak slicing through the sky was already visible, and was rapidly turning straight towards them.
"Looks like we've been spotted, lads! Man all catapults and ballistae! Use anything flammable we can spare, and yes I mean rum!" Largot shouted. Leon's keen eye spotted two smaller streaks cut from the larger one. Blasts of magic frosts, he'd wager. "Watch it! Put up a barrier!"
Aldanaril was just about to say something, when he heard Leon's shout.
"I'll do my best, friends! Stay on the boat!" Aldanaril raised his hands up in the air and mumbled something fast.
"Shield up!"
Thesper ran around, carrying barrels.
"Come on, hurry!" he said to one of the crewmembers as he gave him one.
"This is not gun powder..." the sailor said.
"Orders are orders!" Thesper said, "Just do it!"
He ran back to get some more.
"Who are we dealing with?" He shouted as he passed Largot.
The two ice chunks slammed onto the deck, and broke into two man-sized, quadrapedal monsters. The slim, agile-looking beasts wailed then began to jump from surface to surface. "For now, those things!" Largot replied.
Leon looked down at the deck, then felt the shield go up just after they landed. "Well, at least we have something to do."
He jumped off the mast and landed next to one of the beasts, then kicked it between Thesper and Largot. "I'll let you deal with that, kid." He said as he prepared to fight the other.
Aldanaril quickly watched around for anything more to do but didn't find any so he keept on channeling the shield spell around the boat. "Be carefull my friend!" He shouted, as the beasts screamed.
"Right... Thanks..." Thesper answered as the beast stood before him. It growled and looked at him for a moment.
"I can do better than that..." Thesper grinned and growled back. Then he jumped and landed on the beast's back, planting his claws into its flesh.
"You're really ugly, you know that?" he shouted in it's ear with a smile.
The beast growled again and grabbed Thesper by his arm. Then it tossed him against the edge of the ship. Thesper gave a yell as he fell with his back against the border.
"You're going to pay for that..." Thesper whispered and stood up, slightly trembling. He jumped back at the beast, this time going for it's throat. He bit and held on to its larynx. The blood ran over Thesper's chin, but he held his grip, trying to break through. A snap was heard and the beast started to stumble backwards. Thesper let go and watched as the beast fell down.
"Disgusting..." he said, and wiped his mouth clean.
The beast gurgled and tried to rage at Thesper, but its life was flowing out with the blood. It stumbled, and crumpled to the floor. With its last strength, it tried feebly to launch a frozen projectile out of the roof of it's mouth, but the object sailed only a few inches before clattering harmlessly to the deck.
Leon jumped over the other beast as it lunged at him, and landed on its back. He was in full armor, but the beast was strong enough to try and buck him off. Quickly growing bored, Leon jumped off and kicked, knocking it sideways. It nearly tumbled off the deck, but it managed to grab onto the railing. It hurled itself up and over back to the deck, snarling at everything that moved. Marduk came from below decks, and threw a spear at the beast. It was caught in the eye, but it used its forepaw to break the shaft. it dove at marduk, who was knocked on his back. it was on top of him, and bit down. he managed to pull out a knife, but needed to hold the creature's jaws open with all his strength, or else his head would be bitten off.
"Help!" He yelled in desperation.
Thesper responded immediately. He had still some trouble with his back from the landing, but did not care.
"You're the big brother, aren't you?" he said to the creature. He jumped at the beast's back, trying to distract it. Thesper bit it's neck and ignored the terrible taste in his mouth from the previous one. But he noticed he could barely get through the flesh. Changing plans, he reached out his hand to Marduk, to ask for the knife. The beast was strong and tried to shake him off.
"I could use some help here!" Thesper yelled, still trying to reach the knife.
Aldanaril heard Thesper's call for aid. Looking around, he cast a spell on the creature. For half a second, it seemed unable to move. Then, it continued with its actions. "These beasts seem almost immune to magick!"
"Fortunately, he is not..." Marcus said, placing his hand on Marduk's shoulder, and casting a large fortify strength spell on him, effectively doubling the Argonian's power for but a few moments.
Marduk lunged out, managing to throw the beast off of himself and tossing the knife to Thesper, meanwhile giving a good kick to the beast's ugly nose, quite vindictively. "Your breath is worse than mine!" He grunted.
Thesper grabbed the knife and stabbed the beast between the shoulders. He quickly jumped off.
"Try some spells now!" he yelled to the others. "Now is the time to finish it!"
Aldanaril quickly stopped channeling the shield spell, and raised his hands to the air and mumbled something. Lightning struck down on the creature. He then put the shield up again.
"Did it seem to work?" He yelled.
The beast staggered. It's eyes began to go white. It launched it's icy spike into the air, straight at Marduk. Marduk jumped left. he managed to get his body out of the way, but his tail, which was fortunately numb after being severed and reattatched, was nailed to the wall.
"Oh, fuck." He said. "That looks bad."
The beast grunted then fell. It struggled to rise twice, then let itself die.
Leon looked at the horizon. The white streak hovered a moment, then flew off. Exactly in the direction they were heading.
Thesper looked at the tail.
"I guess you ran out of luck..." he said.
Then he turned to Marcus.
"Boy, take a look at my back, will you? Nothing serious, I think, but to be sure..."
"It's most likely just a bruise, Thesper, nothing too serious. There's some potions in my bag that'll kill the pain, go drink one of those..." Marcus said dismissively, walking at a hurried pace toward Marduk. Marcus breathed on his hands to warm them, then took firm grip of the ice shard and pulled it free. Marduk fell to the ground with a thud and Marcus took a quick glance at the tail, seeing it bleed only slightly. "It didn't strike any important arteries... Nothing a minor healing spell won't fix..."
"Thanks, Doc." Marduk said, shaking the base of his tail to move the numb end about a little.
Aldanaril was exhausted after the spells he had used in the battle, and said to the others, "I'll go rest for a while, if you dont need me." Aldanaril looked tired and troubled.
---
Laria looked around and saw several guards staring at them as they appeared. She waved and smiled. With a little smile, the guards went back to their duties.
"Where should we look? Should we ask around if anyone knew Fauvei?" Laria then asked Dan.
"Not a bad idea, Laria," Dan said. He walked up to a guard. "Excuse me, but would you happen to know anyone who had a father named Fauvei?"
"Nay," the guard replied, rubbing his chin. "But, you'd do yourself good to have a talk with Serena in the Temple. She gossips enough to make her mouth numb, I'd swear so. She'll know if anyone."
"Very well, let's meet Serena." Dan led Klo and Laria to the Gnisis Temple. He opened the door, and walked inside the Temple. It seemed it wasn't a busy day, as there weren't many people in the Temple. He walked over to a person inside, and asked, "Would you happen to know where Serena is?"
The man nodded, and pointed to the Temple. "Yonder, in the temple. You'll find her in there, most likely in the basement, shifting things about, categorizing and all. Lots to do in there, being a big tourist spot, as you surely know of the mask."
Dan nodded. "Thanks, my friend." Dan led the others down into the Gnisis Temple, slightly quickening his pace as he walked downstairs to the basement. They reached the bottom of the steps, and, looking around, Dan spotted someone picking something up on the ground. Dan walked over to the person, and asked, "Are you Serena?"
The woman turned around, an amiable smile spreading across her face. "I am she, friends. What is it you wanted? Perhaps a blessing? May I escort you down to the mask?" She held out her hand, saying, "I'm sorry, I'm a giddy person. May I get your names, too?"
Klo'ärg shook her hand, raising his lips to a sliver of a smile. "You can call me Klo."
"I am Dan Curint," Dan said with a smile.
"My name is Laria," Laria said and bowed. "We wish to ask you something..."
She looked at Dan. Maybe it was better if he asked...
"Excuse me, Serena, we wanted to know if you have heard of anyone who's father was named Fauvei...do you know of anyone who's father was named such?"
"I'm sorry, that doesn't sound like anyone I know..." said Serena. She put her pointer to her chin and tapped, looking up in contemplation. "Nay, doesn't ring a bell. You wouldn't happen to now her actual na--"
"Vadra," said Klo'ärg. He saw Serena's eyes visibley light up. "You know her?"
"A long standing resident of Gnisis. Though I don't think anyone else knows her, to be honest. A very mysterious woman. I hear she is about 18 years of age, and has taken up residence in the abandoned wizard's tower. Well, ostensibly abandoned, as you now know. It's just up the road, really, you aptly saw it on your way into the temple. Like I said, of the creepy type. Can't imagine what you might want with her. Eh?"
"It's for a friend," Klo said solemnly.
---
Sean's exhaustion seemed to have no end, and his struggles to keep things secure for Engar had gone on for a long time. But he was finally done. A feeling of some small joy rose in his mind. Perhaps he would meet Engar again, and the Nord would remember their short lived rivalry. Perhaps he would never see him again. But it mattered little to had unlocked the door, Engar was free to go.
He just had to open it.
---
Long after his fight in the arena with the beasts of Tamriel, and an hour after his wrestling tournament with the Nords of Sovngarde, it was time for Engar's final challenge. "Shor, I have bested the Nords here, I have fought the strongest beasts in all of Tamriel, and I am ready for your final challenge," Engar shouted to the crowd. He felt fatigued from having not slept in days, and having not eaten well out of nervous fear.
Shor looked at Engar, smiling and said, "Engar Snowfall, your last challenge is..." Shor turned, and pointed to a large hallway, filled with beautiful young women. At the very end of the hallway was a pillar with a tabard of mead. " Engar, you must drink the mead without being distracted by any of those women. They will do everything to try seduce you to come with them. Good a single man has taken this challenge and reached the mead."
Shor smiled. He knew Engar, in his tired state, would openly welcome the embrace of the beautiful women. Engar looked up at Shor, "Piece of cake." Engar ripped off a part of his cloak, and tied it around his eyes. Then put on his helm, and proceeded to the mead. All the women put their arms around him, touching his face and chest gently. They whispered to him many things, attempting to seduce him and lure him away. But Engar continued walking as if they weren't even there.
"I'm here." Engar took off his helm and the blind fold. He picked up the mead, and chugged it down. "Well, Shor, I beat all of your challenges. You going to let me go back now?" Shor stood there, shocked that Engar was able to resist all the women. " How did you resist the temptation of all of these women and make it to the mead without seeing them?!?" He shouted. Engar said to him, "Easy, I couldn't hear them because of my helmet, and I couldn't see them either. So I followed the smell of the mead until it was ridiculously close. Now, you going to keep your end of the deal?"
Shor looked away, displeased, and said, "Yes, I'll keep my end of the deal." The entrance to Sovngarde from the living world was revealed to him. Shor opened the gate for him, and said these parting words. "Engar, when you return to the realm of the living, you will have your possessions returned to you, from your armor to your weapons. Good luck, Engar." He patted Engar on the back as if they were old friends. "I'll see you again, but not for many years to come I hope." Engar replied, " Thank you, Shor, let's just hope I'm not back to soon."
Engar walked through the gate, and it closed behind him. "Engar." a voice echoed. "Who are you? Show yourself." The voice answered "It is I, Arkay. Engar, you have beaten death. You have to trade me a soul as powerful as yours to return to life." Engar had the perfect candidate in mind. " Arkay," Engar said with a smile," I will get you that soul, as long as you give me one thing to help me obtain it." Arkay said , "Agreed, I'll give it to you, if you get me that soul in return. Don't return until you have done so." Engar's smile became every large, as he felt a familiar feeling flow through him. "Oh, Arkay, can you do me one more favor?" "What is it?" He asked. " Can you drop me off near a ship called the Red Fang?"
A large hole opened where Engar was standing. Before he fell, Engar saw far below him about a 1000 or so feet. " Thanks." Engar fell through the hole.
"Here I come, guys. The Prince of Skyrim has returned."