Shadows over the past
Preview from the last chapter: "So, why are we here?"
"To have a chat. I hope they can enlighten my suspicions."
Who is he talking about? This place is abandoned. No one's here.
I went after him, catching up. "Who is they?"
He halted and with solemn expression looked at me. "Elenwen and Ancano."
xxXXxx
How? That crystal is indestructible as soon as it vaporizes on contact with something. Not even an Ancient Nordic Pickaxe could break it down. "I doubt they would tell us voluntarily even if we did set them free from the crystal. You know as much as I do that it's not gonna happen. They are sealed in permanently."
We walked a bit and reached the ruins – underneath the two were buried, still intact and encased in my crystal. "We have to clear the rubble for this to work. Lend me a hand, will you?" Ondolemar began picking up the rubble and I shook head, clearly not knowing what he was getting at, but willing to go along. For now.
After a short time, we had uncovered Elenwen, Ancano and other Thalmor, all frozen as their last attempt failed. The horror on their faces would always be visible for all who dared to step into Labyrinthian and brave enough to see the ruins of Tribune.
Ondolemar stared for a moment at his former associates, then turned to me, face expression mixed with sincerity...no, was it worry?
I approached him, cupping his face and he sighed, caressing my cheek in return. "I don't want to, but we have no other alternative here. They were the only ones who might have known anything... sadly, they are... in that state. We'll have to pry the truth about the king of Alinor and leader of Thalmor from them."
I raised a brow, curious how we shall accomplish such feat. "We'll travel back in time and ask them nicely. Meaning, I will ask. Before we joined forces... but you were also there, so you can come along with me. I don't dare go back in time alone... so... that leaves us only one option... and they will be present, too... shit. We will be present, too. Listen. We can't be seen by our past selves. It could change everything that has transpired. Under no circumstances, they cannot see us nor know we were there."
By now, the gears fell into their place. He was talking about Elenwen's party. All were present – me, him, Elenwen... Hold on. "I didn't see Ancano anywhere when I was at the party."
"He came after you fled. That bastard gave me a lecture about being deceived so easily and Elenwen suspended my ass for a month." He said, matter – of – factly.
"Oh." Was all I could say.
"You are going to help me get my Thalmor robes. When your past self goes to do your business... you approach my past self and make him go with you somewhere. If he doesn't comply, use your Thu'um to make him leave, just don't alert anyone else. I'll take hide in the bushes by the entrance. Lure my past self outside. And you'll have to knock me out, I am afraid. It will hurt me twice as much, but it can't be avoided. I suspect I will be knocked out, too, so once you're of the range of the guards, only then do so. Drag my unconscious past self to the bushes and wake me up. I'll exchange clothes and go in with you as if we were out for a private talk. You will stay outside and make sure my past self stays out of trouble and knocked out. Slip my past self some of this, he'll take a nap." Ondolemar gave me a little pouch with a substance I didn't dare ask what it was. I hid it in with me, awaiting the climax of this stunt we will pull. " I'll go and talk to Elenwen. We have only an hour before Ancano arrives and the investigation begins."
I raised an arm and he nodded, so I spoke up: "So, how exactly are we going to travel back in time? I get the whole plan, but unless your new abilities allow you to go back in time, then I see no –-" He fished out a freaking Sigil Stone and I remembered Divayth gave him something, maybe the stone? I got one from a dremora, but I left it at Mage's College, since I found no use for it. "Whoa, how did you get one? I had to beat up a dremora three times until he crumbled down under his defeat and stole a Sigil Stone for me from Mehrunes Dagon's plane of Oblivion. Did Divayth give you this one?"
"Yes, he did. He foresaw that we would travel in time."
The ancient dunmer sure knows his arcane stuff. He is a capable sorcerer.
I clapped hands together. "Okay, now tell me why we had to clear the rubble?"
"Because there can no hindrances when we want to make it work."
"Aaand them being imprisoned in crystal isn't a hindrance?" I asked and he chuckled. "Well... we will see if this will work once we get there."
"Whoa, whoa! You need your Thalmor robes to not blow your cover, but I have to be dressed in party clothes, not... Telvanni robes. It will raise suspicion for sure."
He scratched his beard and the amber in his eyes darkened. "Then, we are going shopping. Where did you buy your party clothes?"
"Er... Delphine of The Blades brought them for me... but I remember how they looked like and I think I'll get a resembling set at Radiant Raiment in Solitude. The ladies there sell all kinds of fancy clothing."
He stashed away the Sigil Stone for now and held onto my hand. "Stand still." I anticipated the transport and shut eyes, in hope the funny feeling as my stomach turned would be lost. Alas, upon reappearing near the gates of Solitude by the road, I had to stop myself from throwing up.
My lover soothed me by rubbing circles on my back as I breathed in and out, very slowly. It helped, somewhat. I stood up straight, grateful that he's not the same as we first met and actually attentive to me. And so sweet...
"Thank you. I feel... somewhat better. Strange, when we transported to Labyrinthian, I didn't feel anything."
He shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe you'll get used to it."
I wiped sweat from my forehead. "Ugh... Damn it. When we buy the clothes, let's go to barracks, I'll leave the Telvanni robes with Hadvar. I don't fancy a transportation, unless it's necessary."
"I can see why... fine. We'll visit briefly our friend and go back to our plan once you've changed clothes."
I nodded, holding a hand on mouth, so I don't hurl on my lover. The feeling still lingered, sadly. "Can you walk?" He asked and his tone was dripping with concern. I suppressed it and let him guide me up the road, to the Solitude gates.
By the gates, my stomach... calmed down and the danger of angering my altmer mage was averted. He was being unusually sweet, opening the gates for me and gently hooking his hand under my arm and leading me.
Our trek was very short. The Radiant Raiment will close soon, judging by the setting sun. I picked up the pace and he unhooked from my arm. "Are you gonna be okay walking on your own?"
I waved and smiled. "I am fine now. Let's go before they close. We cannot lose another day waiting for them to open."
We hurried and burst in. The altmer woman glared at us. When she saw Ondolemar, however, her posture and expression changed in instance. "Gentlemen, welcome to Radiant Raiment, the best shop for clothes, affordable and durable for any occasion. Might I help you?" She approached, stepping close and looking up at Ondolemar with puppy eyes.
Now hold on. He's mine, bitch. Back off! … Calm down. She poses no danger.
My elven mage laughed, pulling me close to himself. "My lover needs some clothing fit for a party, official celebration. Do you carry such items?"
Her face fell and I had the satisfaction of smirking upon seeing her sullen expression. "Yes, please come this way and I will show you our stock." She said coldly and led us to mannequins with clothes on.
I laid my eyes on each set and when I was about to give up - I saw the exact same robes Delphine brought me that day, even the hat was the same. I pointed excitedly at the set so the altmer woman could get it for me. "There. It's perfect."
She looked at me with disdain and got the clothes, along with boots and hat for me, folding the clothes. She went to the counter and I paid her 85 gold pieces. Ondolemar grabbed the clothes and I took the boots and hat. "Goodbye." I said and we left the store.
With our hands full, we headed straight for the barracks, where hopefully we'll find Hadvar.
XxXXxx
Inside the barracks...
It has been a while since we've last met anyone from our friends. I wonder how Hadvar is these days?
As expected, his men didn't want to let us in, so I had to use my persuasive skills. "Please summon your captain. I am sure he will be delighted to see us."
The guards looked at us, then themselves. "I highly doubt that. Who are you?"
Another man I knew came into our field of vision. I think his name was Aldis... he's a captain, too. "Don't you recognize the man? He's is Legate Glorfindel. Close associate of General Tulius, dimwits!"
The guards paled and apologized for their rudeness. "Nah, it's okay. I am here in civil after all. So, can we go inside now? I really have to meet up with him."
Their gazes fell upon the clothes, boots and hat we were carrying, but didn't comment otherwise, stepping aside. "Go ahead... but who is your companion? Is he also a friend of captain's?"
"He sure is. Don't worry. Just let us through already."
"Ah... very well."
There were no more objections, so we went straight in, to the lowest level where I presumed we'd find him.
Our intuition didn't fail us, he was sitting on a bed, looking at the walls absent – mindedly. When he saw us enter, however, he drew hid sword. "Who's that? I won't be fooled twice!"
But when he saw us, distressed and recognized us, he sheathed his blade and sat down, relieved. "Oh, it's just you guys... You're here!"
I dropped the boots and hat on the ground, muffling his voice. "Shhh!"
Once he calmed down, I let go and he stared at us, perturbed. "Whenever you two appear, shit is about to get down. So, what world threatening disaster is it this time?"
We looked at each other. I didn't want to involve him any further. He helped me enough and we'll face danger far greater than even before. "It's under the wraps. I just need to change attire and I'll come for it later... or not. We'll see. Just stash it away somewhere and hide."
Hadvar didn't get it, but didn't ask questions. He rose up. "I can see something is wrong, but if you don't want to, I won't ask further. There is small room in the back where we bathe. It's empty now. Go and change." He showed me to the room. Ondolemar handed me the clothes, plus the hat and boots I dropped.
Once inside, I closed the door – I knew they wouldn't peek, it was just force of habit. I pulled the Telvanni robes over my head and soon, the shiny pendant with insignia, the fancy Telvanni boots were off my feet, I let out a sigh. I can just cover up Wraithguard with the sleeves of the robe and it shouldn't be visible. Looking down on my body, I noticed that I have thinned down. No wonder. The stress me and my lover are under...
No time to ponder over trivialities.
I got dressed in authentic party clothes, put on boots and with sly smirk put on the finishing touch on top of my head. Folding the Telvanni robes, I undid the belt with my weapons and pouches containing potions and that... mixture Ondolemar gave me. I fastened the weapons on back, the straps so the weapons would hold in place, the belt around my waist. Okay! I am good to go. I picked up the robes and boots. I was about to open the door, when their quiet conversation piqued my interest and I listened in.
" - he is mine."
"Oh? So have you already claimed him?"
What... are they talking about?
I put my ear to the door. Something funny was going on here.
"I have his heart and soul and soon, his body. I love him entirely and he loves me. You know nothing about him, do you? Besides that he's Dragonborn, you know nothing." Ondolemar's bashful words were aimed at Hadvar, were they not? But why?
"Before he met you, he was easy – going and I loved that about him. You changed him. He's grim and jests less. Your influence, I take it."
Wait. Hadvar accused Ondolemar? And he loved my idiotic behavior? Does this mean -
A loud bang. Probably a hand met with a table. "I told you. Fin is mine. And I am his lover. You stand no chance of winning him over."
"Wanna bet?"
My head began to spin. Hadvar had feelings for me?! When? How? He never showed anything!
"No need. I trust him completely."
Ondolemar's words conjured a warm smile on my lips and I decided it's time I stepped in before this goes out of hand. The door creaked and their eyes fell upon me, frozen. Perhaps they have forgotten that I was in the next room. They were caught up in such a passionate dispute...
"I heard it all. Hadvar. I am sorry... I love Ondolemar and I cannot return your feelings. I am sorry!" I bowed, clenching jaw.
Steps.
I looked up and Hadvar took the clothes and boots from me, went to a huge chest and put in on top and locked the chest with a small key.
"So it's like that, huh... I should have seized my opportunity when I had the chance."
"I am sorry..."
"Don't apologize."
The silence was getting more and more under my skin. The atmosphere between us three changed so quickly...
"You should go and tend to your business. I hope you're successful."
I raised a hand, but quickly lowered it. These half – assed niceties of mine must stop if Hadvar is to heal from this wound and move on, give up.
I went to the door and left, not looking back at the quiet altmer and the back of my very first friend in Skyrim. Poor Hadvar...
XxXXxx
I turned on my heel and went to the door as well, when the Nord's voice reached my ears. "Take care of him."
"Of course."
And I left, shutting the door behind me.
I felt bad for Hadvar, but we had to move on with our plan.
Fin was not far, standing idle in the middle of street. I approached him and he had a sad face. "Cheer up. He'll forgive us eventually. Give him some time."
He nodded, looking more alive. I didn't think teleporting in the middle of busy street would be considered wise. "Come, we must get out of here."
Despite putting up a cheerful mask, I knew he wasn't feeling too cheery right now. I was shaken up too, when I learned of Fin's feelings for me and decided to ignore him, to handle him poorly so he'd give up. And yet, he conquered a dominion – my heart. Being with him opened my eyes and made me realize something important.
It wasn't a coincidence Goldanna fell in love with the dunmer. And it surely wasn't a coincidence I love Fin. We were fated to meet.
" - okay?" Fin's voice brought me back to present. I smiled at him. "Everything is fine. Shall we?" I prompted and he nodded. Fin walked in front of me and I followed, keeping an eye out for anything out of ordinary on the way.
We wandered off the road, near the East Empire docks, where we stood atop the rocks surrounding the harbor. It has gotten quite dark. The night sky is wearing Masser as its pendant, illuminating the murky waters.
No more procrastinating. I reached inside the pockets and grabbed the Sigil Stone. It was ever changing swirl of black and dark purple mass formed into a ball. "Touch the stone." Fin put his hand on the bottom, touching it firmly.
Now I need to concentrate. "This works only two times. It shatters upon the second use. Divayth informed me we can't go further in time, one space and one location and then return back before one hour."
I saw the shadows of fear that crawled on his face. "What happens if we don't make it back under the time limit?"
I thought he should know what the risks are before we go. He was my partner in this whole endeavor, lover and best companion I ever had to guard my back. "We disrupt our timeline, possibly. We could get stuck. And we can't exist in the past for too long, we risk... disappearing like we never existed."
To my amazement, he grabbed boldly into the stone. "It's worth any risk. We have to learn the truth. I am sick of being so blind to all around us. We have to uncover if the Ge'els guy is truly on our side and not against us. He might be setting us up for his trap."
"That is why we're doing this. I won't risk your life, nor mine. I feel for your homeland, you know I do."
Fin simply put his free hand on my chest and we shared a gaze of mutual acknowledgement and determination. The incantation required all of my magicka as I concentrated on the words, thinking of them.
A green light shone from the heavens on us and I could feel how time twisted around us, surroundings blurred out and we were in total darkness for a moment. I thought I failed the incantation, but then we appeared before a snowy road, the sun was going on its journey. It was morning.
Fin let go, looking around in amazement, then turned to me. "Did it work?"
Someone was approaching. I took his hand and we jumped into the bushes. The dunmer lost his footing and landed on top of me and I plopped hand over his mouth.
By the sound of it, a coach was crossing the road. Once the wheels and the clanking of horseshoes sounded further into the distance, Fin stood up, helping me back on my feet. We risked a peek and I was looking at other Fin, sitting on the coach in the passenger's seat.
Fin's eyes widened and I forced him to get back into the shade. We succeeded. We are back in time. The party is already ongoing and my past self is inside the Thalmor Embassy. By my calculations, we shall make it in time. Fin didn't waste much time as I recall, went straight to do his business after I distracted the crowd and he slipped away.
"Divines preserve us... we're really here." He was still in shock after seeing his past self. I don't blame him for being in awe.
But we have to get a move on. "Come, let's follow the coach from a distance."
We had the same idea, Fin already on the move.
I can only hope that we have enough time.
XxXXxx
The Embassy wasn't so far and we tailed the coach from agreeable distance so that the other Fin wouldn't take notice of us.
Crawling the last bits of road, we saw the building where it all began – for us. And where we'll put our doubts to rest.
The other Fin jumped from the coach and the Nord that was navigating also dismounted, heading towards us. As fast as we could, we hid ourselves. Turns out the Nord went to the forested area and he was in a hurry.
Fin watched until the Nord vanished competely and I kept my eye on his past self, who was blatantly ignoring another guest who chatted him up. He showed his invitation and the guards accepted it, permitting him entry.
He and the guest that bothered him went inside and we observed from our hiding spot, binding time. Fin relieved himself of his weapons – he couldn't get inside armed to teeth, left it by my feet. When what seemed like an eternity and in truth was only ten minutes passed, I sensed it's high time we entered the fray.
I nudged Fin in the shoulder and got his attention. What? He mouthed and I pointed at the guards. Distract them from their post, behind the coach, I mouthed back. He nodded.
"Zul Mey Gut!" His Shout translated into common tongue to "Hey, melon nose!"
The Thalmor posted by the entrance immediately moved towards the noise and behind the coach, unhappy about the insult.
Idiots totally fell for the trap. They stood with their backs turned on us, searching for the blasphemer who ridiculed them. "See? Whoever it was turned tail."
However, Fin wasn't done yet. The Nord from the coach was taking his sweet time for...whatever he was doing, so no one will see us.
"Brainwash them." I whispered.
Fin stood up, the Thalmor heard the rustle and turned to see him. It was too late for them. Their fate was sealed. "Gol Hah Dov!" Their expressions turned from angered to indifferent. "Now, give them some of that stuff. They will take a nap."
The dunmer did as I said and the guards toppled on one another, snoozing behind the coach. I couldn't stop smirking. So far, so good.
"Now go inside and bring my other self here. I'll be on the lookout for the Nord who's probably crapping a horker." Fin chuckled and he faced the tall building. He took a deep breath and entered.
XxXXxx
Inside, strangely, no one was paying me any attention at all. I entered warily, lurking for my past self, but he was nowhere in sight – so, the distraction already happened.
Malborn wasn't behind the bar – he musn't see me either, who would pass the ring and letter on to Glover Mallory? That means I have to be quick. Think, Glorfindel. Where would someone be if wanted some peace and quiet... Then I spotted him. He sat in the dark corner, just like the first time, sipping and displaying that superior scowl I saw less and less nowadays.
Elenwen was engaged in group discussion and no one was looking at me as I passed by the stiff guards, the serving Bosmer girl.
Dammit. This Ondolemar doesn't love me yet. How should I convince him to come with me outside without arousing suspicion? I can't change anything, lest I change the present and future. My eyes fell upon the bard who played the lute. I approached her, giving off my best smile "Hello. Can I ask you to play more loudly?"
She looked at me with distraught. "Why?"
Dammit. Think of something. Quick!
"I want to ask someone for a dance, but I need a more loud music in background to be playing."
She shrugged. "Sure thing. I was hired to play all night. Shall I sing, too?" I smiled softly. "Yes, that would certainly ease my nerves." And my Shout will go unnoticed. I have learned to modify the strength of my Thu'um, the intonation and loudness. I haven't had much time to practice it properly, but with Paarthurnax's soul, I can whisper and it will have the desired effect. Probably.
The bard started singing and playing the lute so loudly, the guests spoke in turn with more vigor and zeal, volume increasing. Most loud was Elenwen. Excellent.
I went to stand close to the dark corner, where the other Ondolemar's scowl reached level of utter annoyance. I saw him stand up. Now's my chance! I took in some air, hoping for the best as I whispered: "Gol Hah Dov." The Thu'um went unnoticed and flew at the other Ondolemar who stared blankly, the goblet was slipping from his fingers. Quickly, I was by him, setting the goblet on a table and led him to the entrance.
We were in luck, for the discussion about politics reached Maven's ears and she forced her way into the not so friendly discussion as many jarls didn't agree on this or that...
The other Ondolemar let himself be led out. I opened the door and we were out in the open.
I let out a silent sigh. First phase, done. Urging the other one to run, we made our way past the coach, the sleeping Thalmor guards and... I had to knock him out.
I stood close to the expressionless Ondolemar and with all I got, I punched him hard in the gut. He groaned from pain and fell on the snowy ground. If that worked, then I got two knocked out Ondolemars right now...
No time. We are on a tight schedule. I hardly picked him up bridal style (uuf, he's heavy for someone so lean) and dragged my feet to the hiding spot.
The altmer dressed in traditional dunmer clothing was out cold. He's out cold, too...
Gently, I put down the other Ondolemar and knelt down beside the one that loves me, thinking of ways how to wake him up. I decided for force. I gave his face a good few smacks and he caught my hands, widely awake. "Ouch. You don't hold back."
He let go and I chuckled as he saw his past self, laid on his side. "Okay, now it's your turn to watch for the Nord. If you see him coming, lay him to sleep... that reminds me, did you give him that mixture?" He asked and I shook head, putting hand into the pouch. I gave it to his past self and he joined the dreamland together with the Thalmor guards.
Ondolemar got up on his feet, staring down his past self. "Okay, now to change clothes..." He looked at me and I understood, turning away. I heard rustling of clothes and of the snow beneath us. It was quick. I wanted to peek, but he was done.
"I'm going inside. Keep watch over my body and for that Nord."
My throat felt suddenly dry as I watched him make his way to the Embassy.
A prayer to all the gods willing to listen to my plea, don't let us be discovered, I pleaded, hands joined.
XxXXxx
It felt strange, wrong even being dressed clad in the Thalmor robes I once so coveted. By my estimation, we don't have much time – at most twenty minutes. We've wasted too much of it.
The stale wind and the loud music were the first things that triggered my senses. "Ah, there you are! I have been looking for you. Where did you go?" The woman herself was walking towards me, her arrogance was radiating throughout the whole room as all of the guests and Thalmor stopped to stare at us.
"I went outside to catch some air. It's nothing."
Her fake smile was replaced by a smirk. "Commander, please, do join me. We have a matter to discuss."
That is my chance! I shall strike up the conversation. Slowly, and not too bluntly.
Elenwen was conversing with the serving girl, giving her out orders. All guests were engaged in quiet conversations of their own and the loud music was backing it all, making it impossible to be overheard.
I grabbed onto a full goblet and brought it to my lips, pretending to be drinking and the foul woman's smile widened. I am not drinking anything. Maybe she had all drinks poisoned or... something.
She sat down on the bench in the dark corner where Fin found me sitting that fateful day. The sly woman had slightly flushed cheeks. Was she drunk? There was a probability...
If so, I may have gained an advantage. She'll spill the truth nilly – willy.
She palpated the bench and mischievously winked with one eye. "Come and sit."
...That tone. She was drunk. And possibly going delirious from the alcohol overdose. I can capitalize on her hazy state of mind.
Who said my Thalmor training couldn't be used on other Thalmor?
I sat down, dangerously close to the flushed woman, who drank like there was no tomorrow. "Sooo... anyone interesting who caught your eye, Commander?" She drew out the words, slurred them.
"Maybe. But my mind is focused today only on our matters. It occurs to me that our king sat down on the throne approximately 125 years ago, right? After the queen was overthrown by him and she had no heirs. If memory serves, he was one of Thalmor?"
Elenwen giggled. "Commander, he still is the leader of all Thalmor, but yes, he was the leader of the most looked up unit, the best of us all, Hammers of Justice. In fact, he created that legendary unit."
Is that so? The time of ascension to the throne is the same, but... "Elenwen, you know his name?"
"Oh, Commander, aren't you a little impatient? Only the privileged, like myself can meet with him personally."
"I am just curious. Where is the hurt in knowing my king's name a few years earlier?"
Her head bobbed to the side and I had to keep her awake. She was drifting off from the booze. Not yet, woman. I need his name.
"You really want to know?"
"Yes. I wouldn't ask otherwise."
"It's our, Aldmeri Dominion's secret. You see... our king..." She hiccuped as I leaned closer, because she was whispering. "He's... -hiccup- not of this –hiccup- world..." She took a sip to calm her bad case of hiccups. It seemed to work.
So it's true. Ge'els didn't lie to us... maybe. Still, I am not moving unless I hear that name.
Elenwen continued. "His name... the king of our beautiful country, Alinor is... Eredin... I don't know more."
Now I stood corrected. Ge'els didn't lie to us. At least not in that matter. If he's truly on our side remains to be seen. I wanted to get up and excuse myself, but Elenwen got strange... she was shaking. "He looks... like us, but still different. The eyes are most haunting. He killed the previous Ambassador in front of me and named me the new Ambassador, with his blood splattered over my face and clothes. That mer was someone I loved... Our king showed me there is no room for romance nor compassion if I want to keep being alive."
So she had a sad background, too. So, Eredin killed someone she loved and named her the Ambassador to Skyrim. Still, it doesn't change what she did later on. To Goldanna, to me and Fin.
"I am sorry for your loss, Ambassador. But it helped you become who are today. A powerful officer acknowledged by all, in Skyrim and back home."
She wasn't paying attention. She fell asleep and I set her against the wall.
Time to head back. I've heard enough.
I put her goblet on the bench beside her, standing up.
Walking outside was easier than walk around the Markarth market, I strode out and no one dared to stop me, my hopefully scornful glare stopped anyone from approaching me. Opening the grand door, I was out and shut it behind.
Immediately, I looked around. The Thalmor guards still weren't at their posts, the Nord was still absent and... my other self was most probably still out and Fin was hiding.
I called out to him and he rose up, relief washed over his face as he ran to hug me. "Are you okay?" He asked, scanning my face.
"I'll tell you later, once we're back in Morrowind. First, I need to swap clothes again, you gather your arms and we're out of here."
"I agree. We should teleport back as soon as possible if we don't want to get stuck here."
Taking his words to heart, I ran to the hiding spot, where my past self was snoring, albeit silently. Fin caught up and got his equipment and straps back on while I exchanged clothes again. We were done almost simultaneously.
"I have everything."
"And I finished changing."
He closed the distance between us as I fished out the Sigil Stone. He clapped hands over the bottom of it as I thought about the spell, summoning my magicka.
The same green light enveloped us and time compression changed the scenery from Thalmor Embassy to nothingness, void of sound and light. Then, the darkness began swirling, molding as we were progressing back into our time. Fin shut his eyes and I didn't want to see it, either. The Sigil Stone broke into tiny pieces and dissipated into the cold air of Skyrim.
A bright light that shone upon us, warming my body through the clothing.
I assumed we were back, so I opened my eyes and I met Fin's eyes.
We were in Labyrinthian, my former associates trapped in their prison. We're back.
"We have made it."
"I was worried for a moment, but I am so grateful and relieved to be back. With you." Fin's softly spoken words awoke my own, not so different feelings.
I leaned down and kissed him, fondly. He was positively shining, that bright smile was worth it. I put my hands around his waist, possessively. "Come, sit down with me. We had a hectic day."
Fin chuckled. We'll take a rest and then, back to Morrowind we go.
Elenwen's short drunken story wasn't for nothing, it taught me that even she was once a normal girl, who dreamed of love, family and all that. Until that bastard Eredin showed up.
One thing's not sure yet. If Ge'els can be really trusted.
For now, I will cherish every moment I have with my lover until the great battle, free of all the worries we had. Just sitting down on a ledge overlooking the Labyrinthian and huddled close, watching the falling snow. I enjoyed his warmth, company and his occasional still bad flirting attempts which I laughed off. Gods know this may be the last peaceful moment I can get from now on.
War is coming. We're going into the darkness, but not blindly. And we will fight and prevail.
TO BE CONTINUED_
