This chapter jumps back to when Lucretia started her training with Arcadia (reference chapter 4) up to a few days after the almost vampire attack (chapter 6). Date timeframe is the 20th of Morning Star to the 10th of Sun's Dawn
Chapter 8
Least to say Arcadia was surprised the day Danica showed up in her shop with a request for her to have a hand in teaching the new healer-in-training. Arcadia wasn't enthusiastic about it but it was one way of repaying her owed favor back to Danica without it costing her much and she was pretty much being given a free set of hands to put to work.
A day later, a petite Imperial woman showed up in her shop with a letter from Danica asking for her assistance in teaching the woman about making potions as a secondary skill to learning how to heal. Starting out, Cassia was overly hesitant to do anything; it was irksome to always have someone within her space hovering with the eagerness of a child, so it was easy enough to take her into the valley with the set goal of acquiring mountain flowers, they were the most abundant flower nearest the city and incredibly useful. She tried not to feel guilty about leaving the woman on her own as harvesting ingredients is a huge skill to being an alchemist and that it gave Arcadia more time to figure out a plan on teaching someone with absolutely no experience, she has never shared her skills before so this will be a learning process for both of them.
This routine continued for a few days. Arcadia would take Cassia out with simple instructions and the woman would harvest the local flora and fungi from dawn through to the early afternoon then when she returned to the shop, Arcadia would go over each plant with a more in-depth description of their function while Cassia wrote down her notes and made poor attempts at drawing the plants' likeness. After a few more hours she sends the woman out to finish her day however she liked though she suspected that she had a quick supper before returning to Danica for more instruction. They typically alternated every few days so that Cassia could keep up with the teaching and studies Arcadia and Danica demanded of her.
Finally at the third week of training Cassia, Arcadia took the time to review her journal to ensure her notes are accurate and to correct any mistakes so they could then move on to brewing potions. While the drawings that go along with each description were something a child would do, the notes themselves were concise and well written.
Whiterun's local flora and fauna
Local Flora:
1. Blue Mountain Flower:
Abundant in the rocky slopes surrounding Whiterun, the vibrant blue petals of the mountain flower contrast with the rugged terrain, offering a sight of serenity. Known for its soothing and healing properties, the mountain flower possesses remarkable potential in concocting potions for restoration and fortification; too much though can be detrimental to damaging one's magicka regeneration.
Known effects:
Restores health,
fortifies health,
fortifies conjuration,
damage magicka regeneration
2. Snowberries:
Flourishing in colder climates, the snowberries can be found along the edges of rivers and streams. The bright red berries, while visually appealing, contain potent magical properties that can be harnessed for enchanting purposes. They are particularly useful in creating elixirs of elemental resistance. *Side note: perhaps I should ask Arcadia to help me focus on making Resist Frost potions for when I return to Windhelm?*
Known effects:
Resist fire,
Resist frost,
Fortify enchanting,
Resist shock
*Pair with Purple Mountain flowers for a Resist Frost potion
3. Hanging Moss:
Found growing on the city's walls and the trees in the forested areas around Whiterun, hanging moss is an intriguing flora. Its delicate appearance hides a wealth of alchemical potential, containing properties that fortify one's health and ability to strengthen a person's ability to wield one-handed weapons, the other side of the benefits lie the negative attributes if one wishes to make a poison to damage effectiveness of someone's magicka and its ability to regenerate.
Known effects:
Fortify health,
Fortify one-handed
Damage magicka
Damage magicka regeneration
4. Purple Mountain Flower:
Growing at higher elevations, the purple mountain flower is known for its distinct hue and enchanting fragrance. Alchemists can employ its properties to create potent elixirs that fortify a person's ability to maintain a quiet presence without becoming invisible and bolster the body against the physical limitations one might exhibit through overworking. Too much of this flower can damage one's magicka. It also has the ability to ward off chills.
Known effects:
Restore stamina,
Fortify sneak,
Lingering damage magicka,
Resist frost
*Pair with Snowberries for a Resist Frost potion
Local Fungi: (As studied in Arcadia's shop: Arcadia's Cauldron, Whiterun)
1. Bleeding Crown:
Amidst the forest undergrowth and within caves, the bleeding crown is a rare fungus with crimson-hued caps resembling droplets of blood. When properly harvested and combined with other ingredients, it can yield powerful potions that bolster one's ability to block damage, as with a shield, as well as increasing resistance to all magicka attacks **note: this does not make one resistant to taking damage.** Bleeding crown could also be used for weakening someone's resistance to fire damage and making them more susceptible to even the simplest of poisons. Can be found in White River Watch, a cave east of Whiterun–across the river.
Known effects:
Weakness to fire,
Resist magic
Fortify block
Weakness to poison
2. White Cap:
Scattered throughout Whiterun's meadows, the white cap–as its very name states–boasts a pristine white cap atop its stalk. While it might seem harmless, it's a key component in creating potions that restores magicka and fortifies the ability to wield heavy armor (I don't understand how that is possible but it is what it is). If a potion is brewed incorrectly, this fungus also can be used to create a poison that will ravage a mage's magicka instead of restoring it. Can be found in White River Watch, a cave east of Whiterun–across the river.
Known effects:
Weakness to frost
Fortify heavy armor
Restore magicka
Ravage magicka
3. Namira's Rot:
Found in dark, damp areas such as caves, the namira's rot is an ominous-looking fungus with a distinctive black hue. Although it might not seem particularly appealing, it is a critical ingredient for concocting poisons that cripple someone's magicka and weaken their resolve. According to Arcadia, it can be found in a cave West of Whiterun; on the western side of the mountains.
Known effects:
Damage magicka,
Fortify lockpicking
Fear
Regenerate health
Arcadia hums with consideration. "Not bad at all, you're doing well to keep your notes simple as you begin. I have a book you can read: Herbalist's Guide to Skyrim by Agneta Falia, it will provide you with additional information. Read it in your spare time then return it to me when you're done." She collects a book from her private room and hands it to Cassia. "As you come across unique plants you are unfamiliar with, I would recommend making notes about it but visit a local alchemist first to ensure you are not playing with anything deadly; there are plenty of plants that share similarities and pose the risk of a deadly mix up."
"Are there other books I should also read to help me?" Lucretia asks, basking in the approval her Alchemy mentor was showing her.
"Of course, though some may be a little harder to find. I will write you a list, but know that some are only available back home in Cyrodiil."
Arcadia scratches out a list of helpful books in a scrap piece of paper, books and journals that she could think of from the top of her head. The list is longer than the scrap of paper so she turns it over to finish writing out her recommendations.
Fundamentals of Alchemy by Alyandon Mathierry
The Alchemist Formulary by Anonymous (local book in Morrowind)
Alchemy For My Apprentice by You Know Who
A Game at Dinner by Anonymous
Song of the Alchemists by Marobar Sul
Special Flora of Tamriel by Hardin the Herbalist
Mannimarco, King of Worms by Horicles
De Rerum Dirennis by Vorian Direnni
The Nirnoot Missive (Revised Ed.)* by Sinderion/ Sharmirin Raythorne - Imperial Scribe
Practical Alchemy in Skyrim by Anonymous
"Now remember," Arcadia hands the list to Lucretia, "some of these are simply good reads and should not be taken to heart and mind without further study of plants as well as other reagents. That is to say, if you can even get your hands on any of these books or journals."
"Thank you, Arcadia." Lucretia meant it; without Arcadia and Danica agreeing to take interest in her and providing her with training, she wasn't sure what more she could have done. "Ria told me to refrain from heading out of the city for a few more days while this vampire mess is still being handled. I hope you don't mind my increased time hovering about the alchemy station, though I will start reading the book later this evening after I finish helping Ahlam and Jensen with cleaning the Temple."
Arcadia sets about wiping down the counter, she hums in consideration. "Best to listen to them, I wouldn't want you to be caught by one of those monsters when the sun dips down. You were fortunate a few days ago, whatever noises you heard could well have been one of those vampires. Just be glad something else caught it before it caught you."
Lucretia frowns, her eyebrows creasing together in a mix of annoyance, mostly at herself, and worry, for anyone else who was less fortunate than she. "But I don't know if that is what happened or not. It could have been the other way around, something-or someone-else could have been caught by it. Assuming that it was a vampire I heard. I never saw it."
Arcadia sighs, stepping around the counter to stand in front of Cassia and places both hands firmly on her shoulders and gives a gentle squeeze. She merely wants to put the younger woman's mind to ease. "I know the situation with the vampires is less than ideal but you can't keep thinking back on it. You'll only worry yourself to death. Right now," Arcadia takes Cassia's hands within her own, "think of those you have instead been able to help–here, making potions and those within the Temple. Danica thinks quietly highly of you and so do I. You have your reasons for being here, your secrets even, but just know that you have proven yourself capable and smart, you simply need a push in the right direction. I can at least say that I am happy to have had you as a student, especially since I've never taught anyone before, I worry that anyone who comes after you may not meet my expectations."
Lucretia meets Arcadia's smile with one of her own, albeit more bashfully. "Thank you, that is kind of you to say."
Arcadia's chest blossoms with warmth, she wonders if this is what it might feel like to look upon a younger sibling or child. "I mean it. Now hurry along, I know you're hungry and looking forward to meeting with that Companion again to talk."
"We really do only talk!" Lucretia's face burns, a conversation they had a couple times now and one Arcadia finds comical enough to bring up to tease the younger woman.
"Of course." She chuckles as she directs Cassia towards the door. "If you're having issues getting him then we have a problem on our hands. Perhaps we can figure out how to brew a love potion?"
Lucretia sputters in further embarrassment as Arcadia pushes her out into the marketplace with a merry 'Good luck!' and promptly closes the door on her. Lucretia ignores the few glances that were thrown her way during that scene except for a small smile that is sent her way by Carlotta, who has been in a fairer mood since Vilkas's intervention with Mikael, Lucretia readily returns her own. Though she doesn't stop to speak with the other woman this time, now that she remembers she is to meet with him soon she is much too eager to delay. He was a very intelligent man, one who she was able to speak at length with when it comes to ideas she has or to discuss books and histories. There have been a couple times when they disagreed but he never argued with her, he gave his opinion–same as she–and provided her with counter arguments that even made her question what she believed to be true at that time. It was invigorating! Only a few months ago and she never would have dreamed to be here eagerly debating an array of topics with a Nord man in the middle of Skyrim, much less speaking to anyone at all. If only she could tell him who she is and why she was here, maybe he would understand, maybe he and Farkas and Ria would help her, protect her even.
Lucretia squashes those insidious thoughts, there would be no good for her to speak the truth now. Not when she knows her husband is undoubtedly still searching for her, the only way he would let her go was if one of them were already dead. Though she imagines out of spite he would have a necromancer turn her into a zombie. What a hateful little man…
As usual upon opening the door to the Bannered Mare, the warm air washes over her chilled body in waves and soothes her all the way down to her bones. She is greeted by Hulda's welcome and Saadia's stern eye, and Vilkas as he stands from the bar, he already has a tankard of what she assumes is mead, and he smirks at her. He gestures to the open table further in towards the back. "Took you long enough, Cassia."
"I'm not late, you're just early. I just left Arcadia's shop." Lucretia huffs and sits down. Barely a moment passes and Saadia was already bringing them food.
At Lucretia's questioning look Vilkas supplies, "I figured you wouldn't mind if I ordered for you, it would save us more time to talk. Especially since you will need to return to the Temple before it gets too late."
Her lips turn upward and she chuckles, thinking of the last time they met for supper and spoke at length to the point it was well past the time she should have returned to the Temple and she dashed out with barely a goodnight thrown in his direction. It was incredibly rude of her but he thought it was amusing.
Vilkas distracts himself from her smile by setting a rectangular bundle wrapped in cloth on the table. "I have a few books for you. Nothing fancy of course but I thought you would like them nonetheless."
"That was thoughtful, thank you." Lucretia takes the bundle and unwraps the cloth, she glances over the titles: 'An Explorer's Guide to Skyrim, The Arcturian Heresy, and Annals of the Dragonguard,' all of which she was unfamiliar with yet highly eager to read simply for having the access to read whatever she wants now.
"I can return-" Vilkas cuts her off before she could finish.
"Keep them. They're yours." He doesn't look at her as he turns his face down to his food, focusing now on eating and drinking. Lucretia feels a flutter in her stomach, a turning of embarrassment has her shyly mumbling her thanks again and eats to fill the quiet between them. After their food is done and Saadia collects their plates, they have no choice but to speak again.
Lucretia is the first to break their silence. "Since you travel more and are more likely to come across other books, would you be able to keep your eyes out for a few in particular for me?"
Vilkas doesn't even think about it before agreeing. "Sure. Just tell me what you want and I will find it for you."
"Please don't feel like you need to go out of your way though!"
Vilkas smirks, his silvery eyes dancing over her face taking in Cassia's flustered features. He doesn't understand how his brother was not interested in this woman. Vilkas could also imagine his heart matching pace with hers as he listens to its rapid pitter-patter much like that of a hare's, she always seems nervous but when she is around him it worsens–and he likes it. Farkas likened her scent to campfire smoke but the more time Vilkas spends with her, it changes; it's smoky but he could almost say it has a spicy tang to it, it reminds him of the sweet and spicy peppers Saadia has made and served a year or so ago.
"I don't mind. I wouldn't be going out of my way if it's for you."
Lucretia hesitates. "If you're sure?"
"I'm sure. Give me a list." Vilkas gestures with his hand, correctly assuming she already had a list on her.
"I will need to make a copy, this is the only one I have. Can I give it to you in the morning?"
"Of course."
They return to a conversation from their previous discussion, discussing the end of the 3rd Era and the Oblivion Crisis. The evening continues uneventfully and Lucretia bids her goodnight and returns to the Temple for her evening shift.
AN: I really hate the formatting on here - it is just so clunky and agitating to the point where I gloss over the corrections when uploading here. I also cross-post to AO3 and typically upload there first, you can find me and the story under the same names!
Anyways! Thank you for sticking around and making it this far.
Hope this didn't confuse anyone. I literally just finished writing this chapter last night and did not go back through to make sure I didn't misspell anything so if you see a mistake, please let me know! Also does it bother/confuse anyone when I jump between referring to Lucretia as Cassia? I am trying to make it so when its being read from her view she thinks of herself as still just "Lucretia" but when reading from another's POV, they think of her as "Cassia." If this is a problem, let me know and I can simply go with her real name and only use Cassia when the fake name is being addressed.
*This book title is misspelled in the game.
I am think ancho chiles for some spicy yumminess :)