DRAGON CRISIS
Destiny Unraveled
VI
11th of Sun's Dawn, 4E 203
Hjaalmarch was one of the smallest Holds in Skyrim. Situated on the edges of Drajmyr Marsh - more commonly known as Karth Delta - this wetland was overgrown in twisted trees and spiky grass. Dry land was hard to come by, making the entire terrain difficult to navigate. Not to mention, the area was infested with various species of poisonous fauna and the deadliest predator known to Men and Mer - vampires. Morthal, the capital city of Hjalmaarch, was a gloomy and creepy place. Ever shrouded in deep fog and lit by torches whose light flickered like ghosts, the city was foreboding to the travelers. Most folks steered clear of the marsh, which made people of Hjaalmarch normally reclusive and wary of strangers. The isolation, unfavorable terrain, and economic withdrawal had made Hjaalmarch the poorest hold in the province.
As they made their way through the small town, Ziiah and Kaani were tense and alert for any sign of danger. The proximity of the marsh water and the unnerving rattling sound in the distance made them uncomfortable.
"I think I'm getting used to this," Kaani suddenly said.
"What?" Ziiah asked.
"This," Kaani said, twirling her index finger in circles. "Going to weird places, searching for some old trinkets, meeting down-right insane people."
"At least it isn't boring," Ziiah smirked.
Kaani rolled her eyes. "You could at least take us somewhere nice."
Ziiah chuckled. "Come on, look at this view!"
The 'view', as Ziiah put it, was grey and murky. If one would put their finger in front of their nose, they wouldn't be able to see it. The thick fog hid everything in sight, including the cobblestone path. Kaani tripped several times and Ziiah, of course, laughed each time she did so.
"What are we looking for again?" Kaani asked, changing the subject.
"A drinking horn," Ziiah dead-panned.
Kaani was silent for a moment. "A drinking horn? What on Nirn would the Greybeards want with a drinking horn?"
Ziiah hummed, seemingly in thought. "Perhaps it's magical? Maybe it's bottomless?"
Kaani gave her a blank look. "Your capacity for insanity is bottomless."
Ziiah laughed but in retrospect, she realized, it was more of an observation than a joke.
About twenty meters from where Kaani and Ziiah were trotting, sitting at the local inn were Veilheim and Nyx. Inebriated, the two foolish gentlemen were having fun watching an Orc bard sing away into the night, each note more dreadful and offkey than the previous one. Granted, intoxicated as they were, the two eventually stopped noticing the horrible tune of the bard's singing and even joined in, albeit offkey as well. After a while, though, they realized - finally - that they should probably hit the hay. Sipping the last of their drinks, the two stood up from their table, heading toward their rooms. Then, feeling the familiar pull in their lower stomachs, they turned toward the inn door and headed outside to take a leak. Nyx was stable on his feet but Veilheim missed a step and fell uncomfortably down the stairs. His companion burst into drunken laughter, hiccuping. Meanwhile, Veilheim struggled to get back on his feet, laughing as well.
"You're so sssstupid," Nyx said, spitting as he did so.
"Youuu is stupid," Veilheim retorted, hiccuping.
Giggling, the two wobbled around before standing face-to-wall. They fumbled with their breeches, seeing double as they unfastened their belts and laces. Free of the restraints, they finally relieved themselves. Being done first, Nyx walked away while putting his belt on. As he reached the stairs of the inn, Nyx looked ahead and noticed two figures standing on the main road. Quirking his head to the side, he walked toward them, stumbling along the way. Veilheim noticed his friend's strange behavior and curious, he followed him.
At the main road, Ziiah and Kaani were immersed in their conversation.
"It's late," Kaani said. "We should stay the night and continue in the morning."
Ziiah sighed, looking into the marsh. "The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can leave."
Kaani gave her a stern look. "I'm not fond of vampires and engaging them in combat is too dangerous at this time."
"Too tough for a College alumnus?" Ziiah teased while crossing her arms.
Kaani quirked a brow at her friend. "Are you trying to pick at my vanity?"
Ziiah shrugged it off. "Maybe."
Kaani rolled her eyes.
Ziiah chuckled. "Come on. It's almost dawn; the vampires are asleep."
Kaani then glanced at the horizon, realizing that the night sky was breaking apart, revealing faded streaks of pink and orange light. Had it been any other normal day, Kaani would've found the morning beautiful. Alas, they were in a marsh, crawling with all manners of creatures that wanted to tear them apart. As such, it was an abnormal morning.
"If only that were true," Kaani said absent-mindedly.
Ziiah smiled but said nothing else.
"Heeey, you two!"
The two turned around sharply, alarmed at the sudden call. Their eyes fell upon a man, Imperial by all standards, who looked unsteady on his feet. He was handsome, at least to Ziiah. Tall and fit, he filled out his strange icy armor which Ziiah recognized immediately. Behind him, strutting as fast as he could, was another familiar Nord who wore - again familiar - armor with bear motifs. Ziiah looked at Kaani who was still shocked by the sudden disturbance caused by the two intruders.
"Escuse me but can you tell mey," the Imperial drawled, "what are you here doing?"
Ziiah tried to hold in the laughter while Kaani was less than amused.
"Nyx, don't bothe' the ladies," the Nord called from behind his friend, slipping and almost falling before catching his balance.
"I don't bothe' them, I am askin' them," Nyx said to his friend before turning back to Ziiah and Kaani. "They'rrre alone in this m-marsh and they are feeee-males."
Kaani quirked a brow. Misogyny, she thought. Wonderful.
Ziiah laughed. "With all respect gentlemen, but I think at this point, the two of you are the vulnerable ones."
The men gave her a knowing look, glaring as they did so. Ziiah smirked, knowing it will bother the two even further.
"Lassy," said the Nord, "what my friend here failed to e-ek-esplain is that we want to walk youuu two too-to the inn… over there."
The Nord finished his sentence by pointing to the inn behind them. Kaani rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time that morning and when she glanced at the horizon, she noticed that it was already dawn. So much for rest, she thought.
"It's fine, we're heading out anyway," Kaani said. "You should go inside, though. I predict a terrible hangover for you two."
"We are fine," Nyx said before turning to his friend, "right Veilheim?"
"Rrr-igh'," Veilheim answered, unconvincingly.
Ziiah faced Kaani, saying softly, "I will feel really bad if we leave them like this alone."
Kaani glared at her. "You're joking, right?"
"Please?" Ziiah asked. "They're cute if you look past the…"
"Odor?" Kaani finished for her.
Ziiah smiled crookedly and blushed slightly as she did so. "That's one way of putting it."
Kaani sighed before looking back at the men staring at them as if they were invisible. She was certain they saw them double in their current state. Grumbling, the Khajiit summoned an ice spell before urging Ziiah to do the same. Concentrating, Ziiah focused her magic on the palm of her hand, and a bright, pale-blue light sparked in her palm, crackling like thawing ice.
"What're you doin' with that magicky ligh'?" asked Veilheim, eyeing both of them suspiciously.
"Sobering you up, so to speak," Ziiah said and carefully manipulated the cool mist as it wrapped around his head.
Kaani was already taking care of Nyx, helping him sit down as she treated him. Nyx sighed, almost moaning as the cool air alleviated the heavy pressure in his head. He felt lighter and more focused, but he knew the feeling would pass the moment Kaani dispelled the chilly mist.
"This is kind o' nice," Veilheim murmured, completely submitted to Ziiah's magical touch.
Ziiah smiled but said nothing as she focused on treating the Nord. After a while, the women dispelled their chilly mist and the men slightly groaned in discomfort. The alcohol was still in their bloodstream so they were technically still drunk, but at least they felt sober. Some more than others, Ziiah thought as she realized that her patient's still somewhat drunken state.
"I apologize for my behavior," Nyx said as he nursed his headache. "It was uncalled for."
Ziiah glanced at Kaani, offering adorable puppy eyes. The Khajiit sighed as she excused the Imperial for his previous mistreatment.
"Just don't make a habit of it," Kaani added to which Nyx nodded in response.
"Where are you headed this late, if I may ask?" Nyx asked before glancing at the horizon. "Perhaps early, I should say."
"Ustengrav," Ziiah answered. "We're searching for a relic of sorts."
"Treasure hunters?" Nyx asked.
"If only," Kaani scoffed.
Ziiah chuckled. "No, it's a personal matter."
"Isn't it always?" Nyx said, smirking.
"Stop flirting," Veilheim suddenly piped in, giving his friend a mean eye.
"I'm not flirting, dumbass," Nyx said before slapping Veilheim on his shoulder. "Come on, sober up."
Ziiah and Kaani watched as the men rose to their feet, a bit more securely this time. As they dusted off their armor, they looked at them far longer than appropriate. After a short while, Kaani cleared her throat but they didn't stop.
"You can go," Ziiah said honestly, "if you want."
Nyx frowned. "Go where?"
"Back," Kaani said, pointing to the inn. "Inside, you know?"
"We're not going inside," Veilheim said with a goofy smile. "We're coming with you."
Kaani laughed. "You can't be serious!"
"We're quite serious," Nyx said evenly though Ziiah noticed him slightly rolling his eyes, whether because he was annoyed or because the alcohol was reaching his head. "You do realize what Ustengrav is?"
Ziiah glanced at Kaani before responding, "It's an old Nordic ruin."
"Old, scary, and full of draugr," Veilheim added. "Oh, there have also been mages spotted digging around the place."
Kaani frowned. "What kind of mages?"
"Necromancers," Nyx responded. "We can't let you go alone in good conscience."
"I think we'll be fine, but thanks anyway," Kaani said as she urged Ziiah to walk along.
Nyx sighed. "While I'm certain, lady Master sorceress, that you're capable, we're talking about a small horde of necromancers."
Kaani stopped in her tracks. Horde? she thought as she felt her stomach turn. She looked over her shoulder at Nyx who had his arms crossed and a frown adorning his cerulean eyes.
"People talk and where there's smoke, there's fire," he continued. "A group of necromancers has been asking about the ruin a few days back before being driven out of town."
"And you're certain they've found the ruin?" Kaani asked.
"It's not far," Veilheim said, slightly soberer. "Hour or two walk northeast from here."
Ziiah bit her lower lip. This complicates the matters, she thought. Draugr are slow and dim-witted, they pose little danger but a necromancer? A bunch of necromancers? Turning away any help is ridiculous. Meanwhile, Kaani was still stubborn, refusing to accept the stranger's help.
"If we let you come with us," Kaani said, "you will do exactly what we tell you. Once we're done with our business in the ruin, we separate."
Nyx shrugged. "Fine by me. Veilheim?"
"Sure, why not?" the Nord replied. "Do we have an accord, then?"
Ziiah smirked. "Agreed."
The three smiled at each other, except Kaani who was still uncertain of the arrangement. Nevertheless, the group made their way out of town, heading down the northern road, unaware that they were being tailed by Tarhrin and Loro.
Elvaynu sat on the edge of the peer, watching the sunrise. She was alone at the docks and mesmerized by the beauty of Skyrim, the land encased in ice and snow, and yet filled with the warmth of its people's hearts. She sighed as if there was a massive rock on her shoulders. Breathing was hard for her and with what she was about to do next, it was no wonder. Gripping the dagger in her hand, she waited for the Penitus Oculatus Commander, a man named Maro. The mere thought of the man infuriated her but Elvaynu calmed herself. Slow and steady, she reminded herself as she tried to control her breathing. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the man descending the large staircase that lead to the docks. His posture was stiff. Elvaynu smirked. He's expecting us, she thought. Smart. Once he was at the bottom of the stairs, Elvaynu rose to her feet and started to walk toward the man while having the hood of her leather armor hanging low over her face. The moment Maro was within her grasp, Elvaynu pulled out her dagger, and with unimaginable speed and precision, she pierced his side and then twisted the blade. Shocked, Maro glared at his aggressor. The red eyes stared back at him and Maro choked on his blood.
"You," he groaned. "You're dead. It can't be…"
"But it can, Commander," Elvaynu said, her voice dripping with vengeful venom.
"You shall pay," Commander Maro snarled and reached for his sword.
Elvaynu gave him no chance to defend himself. She pulled out her dagger and with all of her strength, she pushed the blade into his skull from underneath his jaw. The Commander was momentarily still and when she retrieved her weapon, the man fell into the sea.
"Hail Sithis," she spat before sheathing her blade.
Suddenly, she heard a pair of footsteps approaching her. Alarmed, Elvyanu looked over her shoulder only to find her Dark Sister looking at her with saddened eyes.
"Time to come home, Sister," the girl said, her fiery eyes glowing from the shadows of her hood.
Elvaynu smiled. "Babette, my dear. You're growing careless."
"I should be saying that to you," Babette said. "Exposing yourself, killing the Commander in broad daylight - "
"It's sunrise," Elvaynu said, walking past the Breton girl. "Come, Babette. You'll get sunburn."
"Are we hiding secrets now, Nares?" Babette asked as the Dunmer woman climbed up the stairs. "Secrets almost killed us or have you forgotten?"
Elvaynu glared at her from under her hood. "I haven't forgotten but our work is hardly done."
"Meaning?"
Elvaynu smirked. "I made a promise to a certain old man and I intend to see it fulfilled."
Without another word spoken, Elvaynu made her way up the stairs with confused Babette following close by.
The Flagon was hectic that morning. Everyone was rushing and running around like flies without heads. It was impossible to keep track of anything in that mess and Brynjolf was perhaps unnerved most of all because he had to deal with all of the chaos alone. Gripping the only letter he received from his daughter, the redhead tried to figure out whether to ask her to come back home. Though retirement was his idea, he began to second-guess his choices. Even Karliah, stoic and poised, had trouble getting a grip on the ongoing situation. There were missing goods and dead thieves in the alleyways across Skyrim; the Guild was getting cut off by multiple organizations and influential people. Several of their elite members had gone missing; among them was Etienne, one of Ziiah's closest friends. On top of it all, the man whom they were keeping quiet about had brought on Thalmor into the Warrens. What the fuck is going on here? he thought frustratingly, clenching his fist so hard it almost bled.
"Brynjolf!"
Snapping out of his thoughts, the redhead looked ahead and realized that Karliah had been standing in front of him for a while. Her violet orbs stared piercingly into his emerald eyes as if they were searching for something.
"Karliah," he said, not a question but not a statement either.
"Pull yourself together, man," she said as calmly as she could. "I can't have you losing your mind in midst of all this."
Brynjolf shook his head before pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'm here so what is it?"
Karliah frowned. "Did you write to Ziiah?"
"Not yet," he said, already knowing what Karliah's reaction would be. "Before you start barking at me, you should remember that the Guild's business is no longer Ziiah's business."
"I'm pretty sure your daughter would want to know if her family was in danger," Karliah said slowly. "We already lost so many of our comrades. Etienne may very well be dead as we speak."
"Enough, Karliah," Brynjolf said sharply. "You think I'm cold-hearted? I dread that the day would come when I'd see another one of our men slaughtered with no explanation or warning."
"Then do something about it," Karliah said with a pained tone in her voice.
"I already did, woman," Brynjolf sighed. "We're on our own with this one."
"Maven also keeps her involvement low-key," Karliah said solemnly. "She did, however, emphasize that unless we solve this matter, she will withdraw her assets at once."
Brynjolf sighed in frustration. "Fuck…"
Karliah took hold of his elbow, causing him to look at her. "We need Ziiah, Brynjolf. She's our only hope."
"What can she do?" Brynjolf asked.
Karliah smiled but the smile never reached her eyes. "Everything."
