Deep, dark, dank. Unheard, untouched, unseen. It had been nearly eight years since Aderyn had last been down there, and the mere sight of it sent a flutter of memories back into his mind – memories he had forgotten when he last stepped foot back outside of Gweden Farm. Memories he had wanted to never again experience – a past pain so great it drove him out of there just upon witnessing the depressing surroundings of the crypt. He thought he might have healed from it by now, but he only realized, instead of healing from it, he simply stuffed the pain down, afraid to confront the truth of the situation.


The crystalline glimmer, cast from overhead by the shining sun, sparkled upon their faces – reflections of a romantic afternoon off the shores of the Niben Bay. Aderyn and his wife, her darkened skin and radiant red eyes – his sense of comfort in her outshining that of any other intimacy he'd ever known –basking on the shores. Today was the day they'd create a new life.

Swimming in the shimmering lake, passing the time with a perfect afternoon, the two danced about in the water – breathless and yet oxygenated lungs filled with a magical air – Aderyn's magicka supplying them with hours of excitement as he cast water breathing spells over them. Tolmera Velsa, her burning desire, along with Aderyn's, greatly impacted their will to remain lovers until the end of time.

Their perfect afternoon, however, would end in tragedy – a painful event that would, as well, haunt Aderyn until the end of time. His love for her, endless, would be severed in this realm, but in spirit, would never forget her.

The last time they swam out to the middle of the lake, taunting each other to go deeper and deeper down to its lowest depths, was the last time Aderyn had seen her. As Tolmera dared him to finally go down to touch the bottom, she tasked him to claim for her a pearl from one of the many oysters lining the lake's bottom. He did as she asked, wanting nothing less than to please his wife, to witness her smile brought about by his humble acts of love.

Swimming to the depths, scouring the bottoms, he found for her, after several minutes of searching, a flawless pearl – milky white and of the highest in quality he had ever perceived. His discovery, however, intruded by a flash of white light beaming from the surface. Hastily he swam to its surface, concerned for the safety of his wife. Though, as he reached the top Tolmera was nowhere to be found – mysteriously vanishing with the blinding flash.

For six months Aderyn visited the lakes, searching the waters for her body, denying that she could just have "disappeared" as everyone claimed. A dull hope, still feeling her presence whenever he visited the lake, as if her spirit was somehow linked with that same spot, lingered about in his. Always refusing to let go, he'd visit that spot for yet another six months, after erecting a tombstone for her back at Gweden Farm, empty.


Aldrina, her golden skin still shining even in the depths of the crypt, finally lay to rest next to her only daughter, Eldea, Aderyn's mother. Between his mother's and wife's, a reserved spot between two of the most important women in his life – the one from whom he received birth, and the other whom he would have created life through – Aderyn prayed a blessing upon all three souls that they rest in peace. Remaining in the crypt far after the tomb had been sealed around his grandmother's body – hardening to protect her remains from intruders – he wept as he said one last fair well, releasing the last of his sorrow.

As he walked back outside, Gweden Farm behind him, and the city of Anvil before, he would keep the house sealed up, a magical barrier placed by him to preserve the remains of his parents, grandparents, and many more of his lineage through his mother's side. And now heading forward, the past behind him and the future before, he returned to Anvil. However, he needed a home, and so rented from Romiskeld and Vigdis until he could find a place of his own.

One fine day, as Aderyn and Romiskeld dined over at the Count's Arms, they discussed the topics of the past week. Particularly of the stories spread around about Thormoor's birthmark.

"Some say the birthmark, the birth sign the Ritual, is an ill omen." Romiskeld chuckled over the ridiculous rumors spreading around. "I haven't had a more prosperous time since the birth of my boy!" A wide grin, beaming with enthusiasm, spread from cheek to cheek on the Nord's face. His sailors, prospering in their trades and bringing in high amounts of revenue from their voyages, had even never seemed happier. They praised Romiskeld, his son of good fortune they claimed.

"Even so, Romiskeld" Aderyn's lips not quite as cheerful as his, "you must remain cautious. The few people born with that sign, a rare sign indeed, have had nothing but bad luck. At first the times seem prosperous, but then the tides turn, storms arise, and ill-times shower them."

Romiskeld much disliked the attitude Aderyn displayed, beginning to raise his voice. "What are you saying, Aderyn?" The mer shrugged, his blue eyes locked with that of Romiskeld's wrathful emerald greens. "Our child will be a curse to us? Is that what you're saying?"

"Of course not! But you must trust me." Aderyn dropped in tone, motioning for the Nord to do the same as well. "I was too born with this sign. At birth the sign brightly marked my skin, quickly fading as I advanced in age. But now, only misfortune has seemed to befall me – I, the last of the Aneureyns."

"It's all just a bunch of hocus pocus!" The Nord growled. "You shouldn't believe such lies! Our son will not become a curse, and don't you speak such things into existence."

A shrill shriek disrupted their argument and Vigdis burst in through the front door a moment later, white as a ghost, distraught by a terrible situation befallen them. "Thormoor is missing! He's been kidnapped!"

Romiskeld spun around, a furious glare threatening Aderyn for speaking about such things – cursing them with wicked tales. Aderyn stood up, silently apologizing, but not remorseful for his words – they were not the cause of the event. He did, however, feel somewhat ashamed for causing the anger to rise in Romiskeld, and would help in whatever way he could to find their missing child. A terrible and terrifying quest now lay before him – he, however, would have to work quickly – time was of the essence, and not a moment could be idly spent.