"Where is that blasted mer?" Romiskeld impatiently paced back and forth, Vigdis sat in a chair set off to one side of their bedroom, her arms cradling Thormoor's blanket. Aderyn was supposed to immediately bring news, any news, should he find any. The day grew old and the sun waned off in the west – ominous shades of red reflecting from of the Abecean Sea. Some kind of news must have turned up by now.
Their house, a small shanty amidst the many other well endowed homes, lay not far from the chapel. Romiskeld increasingly grew angrier with Aderyn, but knew his anger should not be enticed. He vowed to visit the chapel when Aderyn returned with any kind of news on their son's location, promising himself he would apologize to the mer – his lifelong friend. Though, steadily the hours passed by and still no sign of the mer came. A subtle fear, slowly growing within his heart, birthed thoughts of a worst case scenario – both were dead. Trying to shake the thoughts from mind, Romiskeld kept himself busy tending to his wife, wishing to keep strong for both their sakes, and reassuring her that all would be fine.
Gradually, voices could be heard gathering in the streets. The voices began to rise in volume and number. Romiskeld, curious to see what was going on, walked to the window bordering their bed. People gathered around the cursed manor.
"What's going on?" Romiskeld made his way outside, asking one of the town guards amassed within the group.
"That mixed mer," his voice shook as he continued, "went in there."
Romiskeld's heart sank, remembering the tales of old that house contained. Could Thormoor be in there?
The guard continued again. "Some say he went in there to deal with that old demon. Lagirus, or something like that."
"Lorgren Benirus?" The guard nodded. Romiskeld returned his gaze to the mansion, recalling his childhood experiences with Aderyn and Azzan.
Many minutes went by and still the people remained. Their concern for Aderyn, the mixed mer as they called him, grew from a simple worry to downright fear of being consumed and the soul of Lorgren returning to take revenge upon Anvil. Though, no sign brought about his return.
Suddenly, the front door creaked open. All of the surrounding people gasped, but their fears relinquished when the familiar face of a dark skinned, blue eyed Elf protruded from the house, a small bundle delicately embraced in his arms.
Cheering erupted from the crowd and Romiskeld rushed to Aderyn, tears streaming down his cheeks to embrace his friend and reclaim his child. Though, the birthmark of Thormoor was missing. Pushing aside the concern for it, simply relieved to see his son, Romiskeld held the baby tight to his breast, weeping tears of joy.
"Thank you, Aderyn. I'm sorry for my anger towards you earlier." Aderyn placed his hand on Romiskeld's shoulder, conveying all was fine between them and the thank you was well received.
--
Two weeks had gone by, and Benirus manor, graciously offered to him by Countess Umbranox – the esteemed reigning widow of Anvil – and renamed to Aneureyn Manor, began to look more alive. Talk of his great deeds spread throughout all of Anvil – Aderyn the Lich Slayer. People greeted him whenever he passed by, thanking him for ridding Anvil of the cursed being haunting that corner of town. Parties were even held in his name for the first week, and people bought or brought him furnishings to liven the place.
Carahil even thanked him; her unfinished task now completed merited him an invitation to join the Mages Guild. It's not every day someone is simply able to overthrow a lich sorcerer. Grateful for the offer, but not quite interested as of right now, Aderyn declined. Even so, the offer remained should he ever come seeking it. Thanking her once more, Aderyn left, wishing to see his dear friends Romiskeld, Vigids and Thormoor, just wanting to be away from all of the adoration – it wasn't for him.
The mere sight of the mer sent the family into fits of laughter, thanking him for saving their son.
"Please, you two know me better than this." He cast away their gratitude, just wanting to fit in with the family.
"You're somewhat of a local hero, you know that Aderyn?" The mer just rolled his eyes, nodding his head, somewhat annoyed at hearing it for the umpteenth time. "Well, you're always a part of this family. And as such, it's your night to wash the dishes."
"What? How dare you treat the town hero like this!" Aderyn giggled, knowing this morning's breakfast prepared by Vigdis more than sated his hunger, and indeed left quite a pile of dishes to clean up.
Later that night, Aderyn shared with the two about his investigation, spawning a want to talk with Varulae sometime within the week. He had many questions for her, mostly concerning talk of her skill in magic. He hadn't seen anyone with her particular style in quite some time. After he went into the Serpent's Wake, she soon followed. Her display in the various classes of magicka intrigued him, reminding him of studies back on Summerset Isles.
--
The third of Hearthfire, a rather superstitious day for many, was nothing more than meaningless garble to the people of Anvil, the darkened day of Tales and Tallows. Though, the same could not be said for all. Wilhelm the Worm, while cheery on every other day, particularly kept quiet. In as few words as possible, he informed everyone that they should do so as well.
"This accursed day will drive evil spirits into your soul! Beware!" His words faded as everyone cast him aside, labeling him as the town coon.
Aderyn, while not believing such superstitious things, leaning more towards the factual pieces behind them really, grew quite fond of the beggar. He even invited him over a few times to share stories and meals. Today, however, the beggar seemed exceedingly gracious to be invited in – thankful to be near the town's only demon slayer.
"He wasn't a demon, Wilhelm" Aderyn chuckled as the credulous Nord wouldn't be swayed one way or the other. His beady eyes, quite unnatural for a Nord, darted around the room. "What is it, Wilhelm?"
The beggar's attention snapped back to Aderyn. "What? Oh, nothing. Er… can I ask a favor of you?"
"Sure. Anything." Aderyn nodded.
"Would you mind if I slept here? At least till this day is over really." His voice cracked a few times, the agitation of the haunting holiday too much for him to bear.
"Yeah, I think I can deal with that." The Nord rose up from his chair and tried to give Aderyn a grateful hug. However, Aderyn veered him away, leading him first to the shower room in the basement.
For nearly an hour, Aderyn let Wilhelm bathe in the warm refreshing waters, and brought him a change of clothes borrowed from Romiskeld. While not particularly fond of the beggar, Romiskeld admired Aderyn's commitment to Stendarr and his teachings of mercy.
--
"Wilhelm," a soft whisper wafted up from the basement, soothing and inviting to the Nord's ears. He hadn't slept most of the night, too afraid of his surroundings to even barely open his mouth for fear of a spirit creeping inside of him. But this voice beckoned him to follow, pleasant and friendly.
Cautiously, he descended down towards the basement, the voice leading him along, past the shower room and further into the bowels.
Wilhelm," the voice called out stronger. A pulsating light came from behind a hidden wall, Wilhelm's hands finding the needed magical stone to reveal the secret entrance. The light, almost drifting from out of nowhere, called to him again.
Entranced, he probed around the room, searching for where the light came from. His hands felt something… something unfamiliar to him. He toppled over, unconscious.
