He'd seen many things throughout his life. As a sailor chartering his vessel across the open seas between one kingdom and the next he'd seen time and time again the sheer power and wrath nature could unleash at a moment's notice, the ferocity and horrifying nature of the creatures of Grimm... and as a young man, he'd witnessed the death and destruction both the Faunus and his fellow man were capable of inflicting on one another during the Faunus war.
And right now, as he stood out on the deck of his ship looking out over Kuo kuana, no matter how much he tried the old sailor couldn't stop those memories rushing to the forefront of his mind. The fires that had only a few short hours ago raged and looked to be consuming the cities industrial district was finally being brought under control with the sounds of battle and death having long since faded into the night prompting a few brave- or maybe foolish- souls to step out of their homes to check on the damage, almost immediately all eyes had been drawn to the plume of smoke rising from their chiefs manor.
"Captain" The old sailor blinked tearing his eyes away from the scene and to the approaching form of his first mate.
"Looks like things have finally started to quiet down," He said turning his gaze back towards the city. "Any word from the higherups on the situation."
"Towers still down for repairs and I doubt they can afford to send a messenger right now." Mattie replied coming to a stop beside her captain her dark brown eyes followed his gaze out towards the city, a small frown settling across her face "Who could have done this?" she muttered to herself.
"A bunch of fools that's who." Her captain replied a rare bite to his tone, followed by a long sigh "How are the crew fairing?" he asked
"Morals doing alright, for the most part. Although the fighting's got everyone on edge, it's the same with a few of the passengers." Mattie replied, as one might expect the news their vessel was stuck in port and their passengers confined to their quarters with seemingly no explanation as to why hadn't been received well, with their reactions leaning towards a mix of outrage and disappointment... it only got worse when that bomb went off.
They'd spent the last hour hunkered down below deck as what sounded like a small war raged on in the distance before everything suddenly went quiet. Leaning over the railing beside her captain she stared down at the dark waves below deep in thought. "Something doesn't feel right about this, it's too quiet." If the fighting was over, if the attack had failed, they should have heard from the Menagerie guard by now.
"Mattie" Her captain reached out and gripped her shoulder tightly "Get back inside, now." blinking owlishly she looked up back towards the city following his gaze down to the darkened docks, she spotted three hooded figures moving across the courtyard towards them, the small lamps that lit their way doing little to help them identify the newcomers as they seemed to make a beeline for the ship. Her eyes widened as she stood up ramrod straight a small feeling of panic growing inside her, she hated when she was right.
"Captain wha-" She tried to ask
"Inside. Now." He shot back at her, with a fierceness in his tone that left no room for argument "Seal all the cabin doors once your back on the bridge and try and get in contact with the authorities again, and stay there until I say otherwise, I'll handle this."
Swallowing thickly, she looked back towards the approaching group before nodding back to her captain "Aye sir" Backing away from the railing and out of the sight of the new arrivals she rushed back towards the stairwell leading to the upper levels, racing up the steps she practically ripped open one of the doors leading into the bridge.
She cursed as the automated lighting flicked on and made for the nearest terminal, flicking through the different displays on the terminal she pulled up the ship's automated security and began sealing the outer doors on each deck, a small map of the decks popped up on the display, typing away at the controls the cabin and crew quarter sections marked by green quickly shifted to red, indicating they were now sealed off from the upper decks.
Mattie let out a small sigh, with the passengers and the rest of their crew safe she stepped back from the controls and moved for the ship's communications, with the tower still down for repairs long range signals weren't going to work 'Short range transmissions might be worth a try?' If she was lucky she might at least be able to get in contact with a passing patrol. As she typed away at the console Mattie glanced up and out the window down to the scene unfolding below.
/
"Who's out there!" The old sailor called out into the darkness, the figures seemed to pause for the moment, the leader of the small group gesturing back towards the others before breaking away from them and began approaching them though at a far slower, almost relaxed pace if his eyes weren't playing tricks on him. "Come into the light where I can see you!" He called out once more his grip on the railing tightened.
If they were the ones responsible for the attack he had a feeling he'd be dead already, still them snooping around in the dark didn't do much for his confidence, for all he knew it could be some kind of trick to lull them into a false sense of security, either way, whether they were friend or foe he just had to keep them busy until help arrived.
His brow furrowed as the league figure finally stepped under one of the lamps and into view, his old eyes landed on a familiar young man clad in leather armor he'd spoken to earlier that same day. "Huntsmen!" He called out in both greeting and some small relief at the sight of them. "You gave us quite the scare, lad" he chuckled
A small smirk settled across the master thief's features in response. "Believe me it wasn't our intention in the slightest." The master thief sighed "It's... it's just been a long night."
"Aye, that I'll agree." The old sailor hummed in agreement with the Nightingales, he certainly wouldn't be looking back on today all that fondly in the years to come, he was almost certain all the panic and action he and his crew had been subjected to over the last few hours had robbed a few years off some of their lives... and with a group of Huntsmen paying them a visit it was starting to become obvious it wasn't over just yet.
A lead weight quickly began forming in his gut "Not that I'm saying I'm not glad to see you, but should I assume we might be expecting visitors anytime soon?" If a Huntsmen and his team were here, then there was a good chance those marauders were in the area too. He watched the lad look back over his shoulder to his companions, after a moment he turned back to address him.
"It's better if we speak somewhere private." Brynjolf pressed "We don't have a lot of time."
The old sailor narrowed his eyes at Brynjolf, suspicion welling up inside him, he studied the younger man for a moment his old eyes gliding over the lad and the two behind him, the three of them looked tense, nervous even. He watched as one of the two robed men behind their leader slipped towards the other, standing between him and their ship protectively.
"Mgnnn" The captain growled, tapping a gloved finger against the railing. While he couldn't feel any real malic coming from the group, it was obvious by their arrival alone that something was amiss and if that gut feeling of his was correct, ignoring the lad's request and turning them away might be what saved him and his crew, it was the smart thing to do in any case, given what was going on around them.
That still didn't stop a small part of himself asking, what if he was wrong?
"I'll lower the gangway." The captain replied stepping away from the railing and making his way towards the stairs leading to the lower deck, glancing up at the bridge as he passed under its shadow he spotted Mattie peeking out through one of the windows, wide and confused eyes watching him go. Stepping closer to the hull and just out of the trio's line of sight, he gestured for her to calm down before patting his right pocket, Mattie sent a small nod in response before disappearing from view.
If it was just him being paranoid after the last few hours, then there'd be no harm in hearing the three of them out. Nevertheless, his hand slipped into his coat pocket, hand closing around the grip of a revolver his finger resting on the trigger.
He wasn't as bold or foolish enough to step out into what might have been a warzone without some form of protection, and if those lads were going to try anything, he'd be certain to use it. Arriving at the control box for the gangway, unlocking and opening the lid it took a few short moments to extend the walkway down to the waiting party below, sweat rolling down his brow as the three began their accent.
The Faunus of the group - judging by the tail- stayed between the other two his hood drawn, head bowed, and hands linked beneath his sleeves. Brynjolf offered him a small smile his hand drifting toward his satchel as he stepped onto the deck "Okay, that's fair enough." The captain spoke up, stepping back from the group he drew his revolver from its hiding place.
"Whoa..." Brynjolf replied bringing his hands up in a gesture of peace, J'zargo and Cicero coming to a halt behind him "Easy there, we're not here to start a fight."
"I really hope so." The ageing sailor replied, "I'm willing to hear you out but I'm going to need some assurance you're not here to cause any problems." Pointing down to the deck with his free hand he added "So I'm going to need you to put your weapons on the floor and then we can talk."
Cicero's hand slid back towards the sheath hidden beneath his robe. If he was quick enough he could plant his blade in the old fool's throat before he had a chance to fire. A swift elbow from J'zargo stopped him in his tracks, -something he felt he might pay for later- but the last thing they needed was another bloodbath." There is no need for this I assure you" J'zargo stepped forward the captains gaze shifting to the Kahjiit mage. The best lies were those laced with truth and while their initial plan of action may have -If slightly- fallen-through there was still a way for them to salvage the situation.
Drawing back his hood J'zargo watched the captain's eyes widened, the ageing sailor immediately taken aback by the Khajiit's appearance, despite the people of this land possessing features similar to some of the various beast folk that walked Nirn, he was certain his own was still far beyond what anyone in this land might consider the norm and enough to put him on the back foot.
The way the captain recoiled at the sight of him all but confirmed his suspicions "What in the seven..." He muttered to himself "...What are you?"
"A weary travel." J'zargo replied calmly, he gestured back towards his companions "We are not the enemy you believe us to be, but fellow victims of this travesty." Catching on Brynjolf slowly turned to bring his back and the satchel into clear view of the captain, allowing J'zargo to pull a series of papers from the pack before holding them out towards the captain.
Taking the papers in hand he stepped back keeping his weapon on hand as he read through its contents. A tense moment of silence enveloped the group, as the old sailor's eyes moved along the lines of text. "I see" he muttered to himself hastily stuffing his revolver back into his jacket pocket before holding his free out towards the Kahjiit "I... apologize for the less than warm welcome, I have a responsibility to the people on board and had to be sure you weren't a threat."
Forcing down his own shame, J'zargo stepped forwards placing a comforting hand on the man's shoulder "You stood in defense of the people aboard this vessel, there is no need to seek forgiveness." The Kahjiit mage quickly assured him "I understand tonight has taken its toll on you and those aboard, but I must ask for your aid in this matter."
The captain glanced down at the documents once more and slowly nodded. "Come on, we talk more when we're out of the open." The captain added gesturing for the trio to follow.
J'zargo glanced back to his companions Brynjolf nodding back to the Kahjiit in clear gratitude, Cicero rolled his eyes releasing a small huff off to the side. J'zargo scoffed turning his attention back to the ageing sailor leading them down the deck, the mad fool could whine as much as he pleased for all he cared, they were on the cusp of freedom and he wasn't about to let him pull it out from under them a second time.
"How soon can we depart?" J'zargo inquired.
"With these." The captain chuckled waving the documents back towards them. "Immediately, just have to brief the crew and get us prepped before we can set off." A small smile settled across the ageing sailor's features, as they ascended the stairwell to the bridge "People been antsy about leaving since this whole thing started, so you three showing up just made our day."
Glancing to his left he spotted Mattie watching the three behind him wearily from the other side of the glass, her dark brown eyes widening at the sight of the Khajiit mage standing alongside her captain, stopping at the door he held up the documents to his first mate. He watched Mattie's shoulders slump as she heaves a sigh of relief.
Swiping away from the comms display Mattie began typing away at her console, the electronic door lock disengaged a moment later granting them entry. Stepping onto the bridge the residence of Nirn paused for a moment taking in the almost alien layout of the vessel's bridge, the terminals occupying both walls and the center of the room, while bearing some small resemblance to the Dwemer constructs and automatons, seemed far more refined and sleeker compared to what they'd seen skittering about inside the various ruins that dotted Skyrim.
"An impressive vessel." Cicero noted in a rather even tone, stepping into the center of the bridge he ran his hand across the edge of the main console seemingly inspecting the design before turning back to his companions "It should suit our needs nicely." J'zargo eye twitched, wringing his hands together the Kahjiit mage struggled to resist the sudden urge to incinerate the man across from him.
If the mad fool had been capable of such interactions - even if it were only and act - could he not have shown such restrain early that night, perhaps then they wouldn't even be in this mess!
"Captain?" Mattie asked, looking to the ageing sailor for answers.
"It seems we've been drafted." He replied, holding the documents out towards his first mate with his free hand, taking the papers in hand she began to read, her eyes flicking back between the papers and their new arrivals as she went. "I had most of the crew and passengers moved down to the hold, while we waited this out." Taking Mattie's place at the main console the captain began typing away at the display unsealing the passenger cabins and crew quarters, the section marked on the display shifting back to green, tapping on one of the vacant cabins he added. "It's gonna take a little while for us to be ready to set off."
"It is no issue" J'zargo was quick to assure him "May we." The Kahjiit mage gestured towards the door leading into the vessel.
The captain hummed in response, they all seemed more than eager to fall into a bed and sleep this horrid night off and as much as he'd love to do the same, there was still work to be done. "Mattie" The ageing sailor addressed his first mate snapping the young woman out of her own thoughts and back at attention "Get our guests settled in one of the empty cabins, I can handle things up here for the moment." He said swiping through the display in
"Aye, sir." Mattie replied snapping a sharp salute to her captain, setting the document aside she gestured for their new arrivals to follow "Follow me." Nodding back to his companions Cicero to follow behind the young woman into the ship, the mad jester holding the door open for them flashing the two a sadistic grin.
"Quickly now, sir." J'zargo narrowed his eyes but managed to maintain his composure, he and Brynjolf made his way for the door nodding to the old ageing sailor as they passed "Best be out of the way and leave our good captain to his work." The mad jester added and closed the door behind them
"The cabins are two decks down." Mattie began, the young sailor trying her hardest not to stare at a certain member of the trio as they passed through the ship, the last thing she wanted to do was give them the wrong idea especially with someone of their status, still, she'd never seen a Faunus like him in her life. "I doubt there anything like your used to, but you should be comfortable throughout the voyage."
"There is no need to concern yourself with the state of our board." The Kahjiit mage assured her "J'zargo is gratefully for the hospitality you and your captain have shown us." J'zargo walked in step with Mattie as they descended the stairwell the Kahjiit mage acting as a small barrier between her and their most unstable companion, how long the mad jester intended to keep up the ruse he did not know, though he would not allow a repeat of the events from earlier that night. And judging by the small scowl adorning the master thief's face.
Brynjolf remaining at Cicero's side the back of the assassin's robe clasped tightly in hand "Is that truly necessary, little bird?" Cicero whispered to the Nightingale as they went.
"Yes." Brynjolf hissed back, after his previous antics he wasn't about to let the fool out of his sight, especially not in such a confined space as this ship. Cicero shrugged off the Nightingales glare, after all, all was going as dear mother had planned and soon, yes, so, so soon they would find the listener and his task would be complete and his dear, sweet mother would be so pleased!
He shuddered a small smile stretching across his features, the little bird had nothing to fear from him, nor those aboard this vessel after all they had been chosen by mother to ferry them to the listener, he would do nothing that might endanger the noble task laid upon them. "As you wish, little bird." Cicero replied humming a gentle melody as they went.
Pausing in front of one of the doors halfway down the stairwell Mattie swiped her scroll across the panel to its left disengaging the lock the sliding to the side a second later, stepping through the staff entrance and into the passenger section, she glanced back over her shoulder towards the trio. "It's not too far now, your room should be just down the hall-"
A sudden buzz from her right caused Mattie to pause, her eyes shifting to the intercom beside the entrance, a second buzz sounding off a few seconds later, had there been anyone else on hand she might have ignored it and focused on seeing the Trio to their room, though given the circumstances "Sorry I have to-" Mattie began to apologize.
"Down the hall correct?" J'zargo asked gesturing down the hallway to his right.
"8D" Mattie replied drawing her scroll from her back pocket, pulling up the room number she remotely disengaged the rooms lock at the very least they wouldn't be standing around waiting while she checked in with whoever was on the other end of the intercom. "It should be unlocked so you can let yourselves in once you arrive, again I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
"Think nothing of it." The Kahjiit replied patting her on the shoulder as he passed, Brynjolf slipping between Mattie and Cicero once she'd turned her back on them, making no chances the master thief practically led the mad jester by the scuff of his neck down the hall behind J'zargo, the Kahjiit mage eyes glancing to the brass numbers that marked the hardwood doors.
'4D'
'5D'
'6D'
'7D'
"8D" J'zargo muttered as they arrived outside the cabin, twisting the brass doorknob J'zargo pushed open the hardwood door and stepped into the cabin, there was little time to take in the appearance of the room as Cicero was hastily shoved in behind him Brynjolf closing the door behind them. "Well." Cicero brushed down his robes before shooting a mocking glare towards the Nightingale "The service is certainly lacking."
"Shut. Up." Brynjolf growled, stomping past the assassin the nightingale collapsed down into a chair across the room, pulling his waterskin free of his belt he took several long gulps before tossing it down on the dresser beside him. "You have said and done more than enough for one night." With the threat to their lives having passed, exhaustion was quick to take hold throughout the group.
Cicero rolled his eyes in response "Oh calm yourself little bird, it is because of him that we have found ourselves here today." Taking a seat on one of the beds the mad jester leaned back into the soft mattress, his usual maniac grin quickly returning "Though dear Cicero is curious, now that we are free of this dreaded place how shall we begin our search for the listener?"
J'zargo hummed and leaned back against the wall, the fool raised a valid point, Mikael- despite the various tales of his exploits that had spread across Tamriel like wildfire -was not one to flaunt his abilities without reason, while here he had likely taken steps to ensure both his otherworldly status and identity as Dragonborn remained a well-guarded secret.
Still, he was all but certain his old friend had managed -whether intentionally or not- to stir up some trouble during his time here, though whether it was anything noteworthy, enough so that the locals had caught wind was still up in the air right now.
"The passengers and crew may aid us in that endeavor, we likely have some time ahead of us until the next port, enough to make a start on our search." There was still a chance, small as it may have been that someone aboard this vessel might recognize his description and be able to point them in the right direction, though they may have to fudge a few of the details if they were to keep up this little charade of theirs a little longer. "Though it may be for the best, we do not allude to them that we are searching for him."
"Let's give it a few days first." Brynjolf replied, at least long enough for the tension among the crew and passengers to die down, the documents and a few honied words had gotten them board and a way off the island, though that could change if they started acting out of character. "When we do start stick with some idle chatter" The master thief instructed, while there were no doubts towards J'zargo's skills in the mystic art, his nonexistent criminal background likely left him lacking in certain areas.
"Start off with a few passing remarks here and there to get the ball rolling, but be sure to keep it simple and make sure it sticks with the conversation, you're less likely to drum up any suspicion that way." His crash course on the art of conversation delivered, Brynjolf pulled his hood over his eyes and settled back into his chair.
"In the meantime, I'm gonna get some shuteye." Pausing for a moment, he then pointed over to Cicero "If he tries anything, fry him."
J'zargo stifled a small chuckle "It shall be my pleasure." he muttered, the mad jester himself just huffed dismissing them with a wave of the hand, they could scorn him all they liked, but at the end of the day, he was the one to bring such fortune down on them. Kicking off his boots Cicero made himself comfortable, with his task well in hand he could afford to let the first few days of their journey slip by while they rested and recovered from their ordeal, dear mother gave no protest so neither would he.
Nevertheless, his mind wandered back to the listener, their ladies chosen had been isolated on this world for so long, alone and without the aid of his allies and deer followers such as himself.
Like them, the Listener had likely faced numerous trials following his arrival be they from the beasts that roamed this world or its inhabitants themselves while on his journey. Would the listener rejoice at their arrival praising deer sweet Cicero's loyalty to him and their Mother, or would he scorn them for the selfish act of seeking to return him to Nirn after his sudden departure?
Whatever the case may be his feelings mattered not, dear sweet mother had presented him with a task and so it would be done. The listener would be found no matter the danger they might face, no matter the distance between him and his objective, he would see mothers will come to fruition or may the Dread Father claim him here and now.
/
Far below Beacon Academy, within the depth of the Emerald forest, a lone Ursa lumbered through the thick foliage in search of its prey. Slowing its pace the creature of Grimm took a moment to sniff the air around it, confirming the scent it had been tracking was still fresh, it's dark red eyes scanned the clearing ahead, illuminated by the glow of the morning sun that peaked out over the horizon, the human's scent lingering around the edge of the clearing but went no further, guided by the sudden spike in frustration broadcasted across the clearing following its arrival, the Grimm stepped into the clearing.
The Ursa sniffed at the air once more the human's scent was more prominent here and yet there was no one in sight. A frustrated growl rumbled in its throat, the sound died seconds later replaced by a strangled roar of agony as the Grimm's throat was slashed open, the Grimm stumbled to the side swiping its massive pause to the side in a final desperate attempt at retribution before toppling over onto its side and began disintegrating into a cloud of black particle
Mikael sighed and sheathed his ebony blade, he didn't have time for this, they had maybe an hour or so until the faculty took notice of their absence and the fewer people who found out about their little expedition into the forest the better.
Adjusting the pack over his shoulder her turned on his heels and marched back off into the dense brush, his form once more vanished from sight as he passed the treeline, despite Nocturnal's blessing and his own natural abilities even he couldn't truly hide from the creatures of Grimm, their ability to sense negative emotions and his current frustration making him stand out like a beacon for the bastards.
Still, it at least gave him the drop on any Grimm that might have been drawn to him while he was out here, as well as keeping prying eyes away. Mikael glanced up into one of the passing trees towards where he was certain one fo the cameras from initiation was located, the last thing he needed right now was Ozpin catching him on camera while he worked.
Don't get him wrong had things been different he might have considered including the Headmasters brotherhood in this task, they worked to defend their world from those who would throw it into disarray, a noble goal to be certain and had he been a few years younger and as naive as he'd been when he first started out on this path he probably would have ended up joining them in the end.
Now, however, even if he had told them the truth about Mora and his reasons behind this excursion into the Emerald forest, he didn't trust them enough not to turn on him or if they were to work together, have the Headmaster or Ironwood send one of their agents to investigate the sites he and Serana had visited that morning and possibly undo all their work.
The possibility alone was reason enough to play things close to the chest, with the stakes as high as they were, the last thing they needed was for a single mistake to doom them and Miss Rose.
Though he would have certainly appreciated the additional manpower if nothing else.
Pushing those thoughts aside the Nightingale pressed on, the dense foliage ahead of him began to thin out with Beacon Tower coming into view through an opening in the canopy above, breaking through the tree line Mikael stared out over the ruins, a series of desolate stone towers and bridges stretched out of and across a seemingly bottomless ravine, that stemmed from the remains of a temple resting at the base of the cliffs.
From what information he'd managed to scrounge up from the academies library and resident historian, there was little to go on regarding its origins, the temple itself pre-dated the construction of Beacon making it at least a few hundred years old, with the few expeditions inside the structure having identified it once held some religious purpose.
Although identifying which it belonged to among the vast majority of pantheons that had sprouted up in Remnants history had been a matter of debate among members of the archaeological community for some years now. Bartholomew himself had made his own investigations into the structure history more than once during his tenure at Beacon but had found little that might identify which or what its greater purpose might have been. Leaving any further knowledge lost to either the passage of time or the Grimm themselves.
The scholar in him couldn't help but draw similarities between the structure and a few of the Dwemer ruins that dotted Skyrim, while nowhere near as advanced as one of the ancient Mer's cities, like them it certainly had been built to last.
While most of the towers had collapsed or crumbled away either due to passage of time or with the creatures of Grimm having taken up residents inside, the main structure across the bridge and that itself seemed remarkably well intact.
Well, that saved him some time at least.
Crossing the open field, he paused under the crumbling archways that stretched out over the Bridgehead, the bridge itself wasn't too dissimilar to deathtrap of a path so many of the mages of Winterhold used in their trips to and from the College, with several large chunks of the cobblestone walls and pathway having crumbled away and fallen into the seemingly endless depth below.
Glancing off to the side Mikael's eyes rested on a piece debris half-buried in the forest floor, clenching his fist an amber glow enveloped the rubble, raising his fist the debris followed pulling itself from the earth and rising a few feet into the air beside him, turning his gaze back towards the bridge Mikael flicked his wrist forward sending the stone sailing through the air, the debris skipped and bounced across the bridge breaking off several smaller chunks as it went before finally rolling to a stop.
After a few moments of silence, Mikael let out a small breath, satisfied with the result of his test he stepped onto the crumbling bridge and began making his way across, his eyes darted between the ravine below and the stone tower at the center of an intersection ahead.
A familiar feeling washed over him causing the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Pausing for a moment he craned his head back, looking up at the ruins ahead he knew something out there was watching him, although what or perhaps who was still a mystery at the moment. The Grimm seemed like the most probable answer but if that were the case, why hadn't they descended on him already.
"Laas Yah Nir!" As the words of power passed his lips, his vision was immediately consumed by darkness before coming back into focus revealing at least several bright red auras fluxing and moving within the towers upper levels, with the same number occupying the base. His hand gripped the hilt of his ebony sword as he passed under its shadow, the first word of power for the Whirlwind Sprint already on his lips and ready to be unleashed in a moment's notice.
He could hear them shuffling about inside as he passed, they knew he was here and yet unlike their brethren back in the emerald forest they didn't rush him as he expected, they lingered within the darkened tower watching his every move. 'Interesting' Mikael slowly peeled his hand back from the hilt of his weapon, an arrogant man might have claimed it was fear that held them at bay, that his battle and subsequent slaying of the Hydra had engrained some form of terror into the usually unflinching monsters that stalked this Forrest.
Doubtful, incredibly so.
Nevertheless, if the Grimm were content with letting him work in peace he wouldn't waste the chance to do so, still. Pausing just a little ahead of the intersection, he glanced back towards the tower an amber flame sprouted to life in his hand, waving his arm back in an arc, a trio of small flames sparked to life behind him and began to spread out and spiral across the ancient stonework, carving a series of flame runes into the pathway a few meters behind him.
On their own, they wouldn't do much against the sheer number of Grimm inside the tower, but the resulting explosion combined with the degraded stonework would likely bring down this whole section of the bridge, as well as alert him of the danger to come.
Arriving at what he could only assume was a plaza of some kind, evident by the remains of what might have been a fountain wreathed in vines with a small sapling growing out from the cracks in the stone, beyond that at the top of a set of stone lay his objective, much like the plaza shrubs and overgrowth swarmed every level of the ancient structure.
A gentle buzzing from his side drew Mikael's attention, drawing the device from his belt a familiar face and name appeared on the screen. Tapping the icon below he accepted the call, the sound of running water echoing out from the device as a familiar hooded figure came into view, amber eyes narrowed in uncertainty. "Sera-"
"Hello, is it working?" His sisters called out, he watched her face scrunch up in confusion, the screen dipped down taking Serana's face out of view and giving him a generous view at the opening in her corset. Mikael averted his eyes granting her some much-needed privacy. "I know this damn thing dinged so it definitely did something... Mikael!?" She called out again, the screen flashed up towards the sky showing off Beacons cliffside and the waterfall at Serenas back. "Hmm, maybe these will do something?"
"Serana?" He tried once more.
What he could only call a startled squeak slipped past Serana's lips, the screen stilled before tilting back down once more bringing her face back into view "So you can hear me?"
"Yes." Mikael replied, a small smirk spreading across his lips "Are you alright, it sounded like you had quite the fright just a moment ago."
"I'm fine." Serena replied in a clear and even tone, although the slight narrowing and glint in her eyes did well at conveying her true feelings regarding his mirthful tone. "This little contraption "someone" gave me is just starting to become more trouble than its worth." The screen shook once more "It might have helped if they'd shown me how to use it properly before he and I came out here."
"You're a quick study." Mikael replied, eyeing the ruins around him as he crossed the plaza. "I assumed you'd figure it out in your own time."
"True" Serana relented with a small chuckle, her voice taking on a serious tone with her next words. "I've finished with the runes on my end, how are things going on yours?" She asked
"I'm at the last spot now." Mikael answered
"Are you sure this is going to work?" Serana inquired, it wasn't like this hadn't been done before, while a few of the Nordic crypts they'd taken the time to delve into back in Skyrim had defenses, but never to this degree. Although the amount of thought her brother had put into this and the long night the two of them had spent in Beacons foundry creating the necessary runestones for this, gave her some small hope that their effort wouldn't be in vain. "I know it's possible to create a barrier this large, but the chance of it backfiring on us in some way is even higher."
"Even so, the risk is well worth it." And should such an event come to pass, he was prepared to deal with the repercussions. "Better it's in place and ready if we need it, then not at all." He'd been stewing over this idea ever since the Night Miss Rose had been abducted, whether or not his Lady had interfered on their behalf or the Demon of Knowledge sat scheming within Apocrypha, he wasn't foolish enough to take the chance Mora would give up in his endeavor so easily.
Thankfully despite any bad blood that might have come up between them, it seemed Miss Rose and her team had taken his warning to heart, over the break leading up to the second semester neither Ruby nor any of her teammates had attempted to depart from Beacon anything less than a full team. Still, there was always more that could be done, speaking of which.
Arriving at the top of the stairs at the foot of the temple Mikael stared through the stone pillars that lined the entrance ahead and into the darkness within the temple. "I'm going to start making my way back to Beacon, the staff will be starting their morning rounds soon and it's probably best one of us is seen on campus. If anyone asks I'll say I was out gathering a few extra herbs for Miranda's class this morning."
Miranda Peach, one of the academies more reclusive professors and the closest thing to an alchemist on this world. It was almost comical in a strange way, she'd spent the first few centuries of her un-life learning all she could from her mother's tutelage and the countless tombs in her families library to become the master alchemist she was today, and she'd be serving as an assistant to a woman perhaps a hundredth her age and experience. "I'll admit I was a little against the idea when Ozpin first suggested it but now, I'm... kind of excited."
"It was either that or somewhere in upper administration, though I doubt you'd wish to be buried in all that paperwork." The almost sickly groan that came from his scroll made the smirk beneath his cowl grow, as unrivalled as her skills in Alchemy may have been, her passion for bookkeeping was, shall we say. underwhelming.
"True." Serana chortled, a small smirk spreading across the vampire's features "I think I'd rather stake myself, then spend my days going through one report after another." Her smile dipped if only slightly "Back to the matter at hand, you better stay on guard while you're out there, if something goes wrong I'm not going to be there to pull your ass out of the fire."
Mikael snorted "Getting a little full of yourself now aren't we?"
The vampire rolled her eyes "I think we both know you'd be a lot worse for wear if you didn't have me around and who knows, maybe when you get back you can finally introduce me to that little friend of yours." Serana eyes glinted, her little talk with Qrow coming to mind, she'd learned a lot that day, things she doubted the black reaper would have dared speak of had he been himself at the time, the experience had been enlightening as well as left her with a few burning questions, questions she was certain Mikael would like the answers to as well.
"I'll speak with Amber once I get back, I imagine she'll share your curiosity."
"Do you trust her?" Serana asked a seriousness to her tone, his reply was almost immediate.
"Yes."
Although it hadn't always been that way.
Terrible as it was to admit when they'd first met he'd seen her as little more than a means to an end. A guide to help him navigate this strange new world he'd found himself in, while he ventured forth on the path to finding that which Mora seemed to crave so dearly. At least until that night back in the tavern, the night she had shared her story with him, the night she had laid her greatest and perhaps most dangerous secret bear before him.
That night she'd decided to place not only her trust but her life in his hands, he a stranger she had barely known for perhaps less than three days, he who'd chosen to pull her from death's door on a whim. He who'd found a kindred spirit in the young woman he'd come to know as Amber Autumn, the same young woman he'd shared much of his own past and the secret of his identity with that night, a young woman who'd stood by him during the many trials that had plagued them since his arrival.
He wasn't blind to how close they'd grown to one another during that time, nor the pang of desire he felt, that their friendship might become more, although... that was easier said than done.
If things had been different, had the threat of Mora's return not been hanging over their heads every day, he might have... Mikael sighed, now... now wasn't the time. "Once I've finished here, I'll make my way back to the academy we'll reconvene in my classroom tonight around nine we can discuss thing further then."
"All of us?" Serana inquired
"All of us."
Satisfied with his response, Serana nodded back to him "I'll see you there." The call ended a moment later. Stashing his scroll back into one of the pouches on his belt Mikael continued up the stairs to the ruins entrance. Arriving at the top Mikael stared up at the line of what might have once been shining marble columns that lined the entrance hall of the structure, the light of the morning sun at his back bathing the interior in an amber glow.
Passing between them the Nightingale's eyes were immediately drawn to the state inside, despite the overgrowth that engulfed the ruins outer courtyard, its interior remained remarkably unaffected by Kynareths attempts at reclaiming the structure, with the flora that stretched across the cobblestone pathway leading inside suddenly coming to a halt just past the pillars, leaving it bare for all to see.
The hall was empty for the most part, any statutes or valuables that might have once adorned the ancient structure- those that survived the march of time at least -had likely been carted off by raiders or researchers in the centuries past. The wall to his left was coated in a great expanse of dust and chipped masonry, the right held much the same. At the very center of the hall atop a raised section of the floor was a stone altar, the waving patterns and stylized symbols etched into its surface alluding to its past significance, perhaps it had once served as a mean to unify two souls in matrimony or as a place to grieve and remember the dearly departed.
Beyond the altar lay a great stone door carved into the cliff face, the surrounding walls were covered in numerous faded paintings and engravings, that stretched up from the floor and towards the ceiling above, a masterpiece and a source of pride for this temple at one point. As such, he would tread carefully from here on out.
While its purpose and the followers of its faith may have been lost to the corridors time, he would still treat it with the same respect as he did any of the other temples back in Skyrim while he worked. Approaching the doorway, Mikael ran his hand across the surface of the colossal double doors, a warm draft slipping between the cracks alluding to the passage that lay beyond.
Sadly, he wasn't here to go delving into another crypt in search of treasure or the mysteries locked within. Although he made a mental note to return to this site again in the future, a fresh pair of eyes could often serve as an unexpected boon to even the most experienced of scholars and who knows perhaps on that day, this ruins past would become clear for all to see.
Stepping away from the door Mikael turned his attention back towards the altar, Mikael pulled a large octagonal stone from inside his satchel, to the untrained eye it was plain in appearance, however to a mage one could easily sense the magical energy that hummed within the stone, a dull ethereal glow pulsing across the lines of the intricate runes carved into its surface.
Kneeling down in front of the altar Mikael bowed his head, both in respect to the structure and as an apology, both to the beings that once been revered here and those that had constructed this place in their name. Enveloping his hand in green cubes Mikael pressed the stone to the altar, its surface rippled outwards as the stone slowly sunk into the place.
Retracting his hand Mikael watched the light from the runes spreading outwards across the stonework in whisps of blue light that flowed down the sides of the altar like a small stream and congregated into eight lines forming the outline of a circle, the lines arced and spiralled inwards across the platform forming a series of intricate patterns and runes, before suddenly igniting into a blue flame.
Stepping back from the platform, Mikael walked the edge of the newly formed runic array, his eyes studied its layout carefully, searching for any errors in its size or imperfections in the interior runes that needed correcting.
Nothing all that obvious thankfully, still, better safe than sorry. Clenching his fist, a dark violet orb formed in the palm of his hand, thrusting his arm to his side the orb struck the temple floor and expanded into a dark purple void, an animalistic snarl echoing from within.
The void dipped inwards breaking apart into violet particles revealing the creature within, standing at ruffly two-feet-tall the creature was humanoid in appearance with dark grey spotted skin, its mouth and eyes disproportionate to its large head topped with knife tipped ears, its body seemingly emaciated, and frail was covered in a mix of scales and dark brown fur.
The Scamp tilted its head back and gazed up at it new surroundings, a second later its lips peeled back revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth and hissed at the surrounding structure in what he could only assume was disgust. "Ahem." Mikael grunted catching the lesser Daedra's attention, he gestured back to the stone doorway "See if you can open that door." He commanded; the Scamp stared back up at him for a few seconds before glancing towards the double doors.
Giving a small huff, the Daedra slowly turned and scampered off across the hall towards the door, just as it passed the altar the air between it and the door rippled, a static charge passed through the air accompanied by an agonized screech. The Scamp was sent skidding back across the stone floor its body breaking apart into a cloud of particles as it went, its purpose in this realm served and its soul banished back into oblivion.
"Perfect" Mikael muttered a relieved sigh leaving the Dragonborn.
Since the First Era, the Mages Guild had utilized runestones both in the art of arcane enchanting and in the creation of the magical wards used to protect many sacred sites across Tamriel or as they had become more commonly known for, sealing away the hordes of undead that occupied some of the more ancient tombs across Tamriel.
Creating the necessary runes had been a painstaking task, one he was glad Serana had been there to assist him in, had the task been left to him alone he doubted he would have had the time necessary to craft the stones in such a short time as they had, let alone been able to place them around the academy before someone, or rather something caught wind of his nightly activities and attempted to intervene.
In no way was it a permanent solution, but so long as the runestones they'd placed around Beacons borders remained intact and supplied with a steady flow of Magicka to keep them powered, the barrier would remain whole. The result of such labour would bar any of the lesser Daedra Mora had at his disposal from setting foot inside or being summoned onto the academy grounds without suffering a similar fate to the Scamp.
Mora himself on the other hand?.
Well, there was little he could do about a Daedric prince manifesting into the mortal world, especially one that lacked the same barriers that Nirn possessed. Still, at least the students wouldn't have to worry about an army of Daedra suddenly appearing one day and laying waste to the school, now all he had to do was figure out how to stop him from reaching Miss Rose while she was outside its walls... he could already feel the backlash from the many sleepless nights to come.
After typing out a quick update about his progress to Serana, Mikael turned and made his way back towards the exit, he needed to prepare the arena for combat class later that morning and make preparations for tonight's introductions... he sighed. 'So much to do and yet so little ti-'
Stepping past the threshold of the pillars Mikael's world dipped forward the ground falling out from under him, a startled gasp leaving the Nightingale as he dropped into a seemingly endless void.
/
A feeling of weightlessness washed over his body as he descended through the darkness before the world rushed back at him at breakneck speed, thrust into the open air the ground below fastly approaching. "Feim!" He shouted, rolling as he landed Mikael stumbled up into a crouch his ebony blade drawn free of its sheath and at the ready, his eyes darting around his new surroundings.
At that moment he'd expected to find himself back in the endless halls of Apocrypha with its ever-watchful ruler bearing down on him from all sides. Instead, he found himself sat under the branches of a towering willow tree at the center of a forest clearing, although unlike his previous surroundings the world around him seemed to be thrust into a state of perpetual darkness.
To his left was a small spring surrounded by fluorescent white flowers, the springs still water reflecting the light of the full moon back through the branches of the willow and into the darkened sky above. At the edge of the treeline ahead of him was the beginning of a small trail leading off into the forest. A solitary lantern hung from an outstretched branch to its right swaying in the night air, its eldritch blue flame cut through the darkness lighting the path ahead.
"What in the seven hells..." Mikael trailed off.
"...Is it him?" A voice whispered from the darkness.
Rolling to the side, Mikael whirled around towards the source of the voice, yet there was no one in sight.
"Indeed" A second voice spoke up from his right.
"Yes, yes." Another rattled on to his left. "Inform our lady her champion has arrived." The canopy above his shook and a single raven took flight, passing by overhead it dipped down gliding along the Forrest trail behind him and out of sight, a silence falling over the forest barring the raven's distant call.
'Champion?' Mikael question, the title did little to narrow down the list of reasons why he had been brought here, though at the very least he could be certain it was one of the Daedra he'd had dealings with, in the past.
Sanguine perhaps, the realm certainly resembled the pocket of Oblivion where he'd first come face to face with the Lord, or perhaps now Lady of debauchery some years prior. Oddly enough that actually made sense in some strange way, his realm of influence did revolve around the darker aspects of human nature, so taking on a form that would both accent and invoke such desires wouldn't be too unimaginable.
"Where am I?" He called out into the forest "Why was I brought here?"
"He seems confused." The first voice spoke up a hint of annoyance in its tone. "Does he not recognize our ladies glorious realm?"
"Calm brother, only our ladies departed chosen may gaze upon this land and know its wonders, come brothers let us great her lost child." Once more the fluttering of wings greeted him three ravens glided down from the upper branches of the will trees before taking roost on one of the lower branches stretching out above the spring.
"Put up your sword Nightingale, you are among friends here." Spreading their wings wide the raven bowed to him as one. "We, your fallen brothers and sisters welcome you to the Evergloam."
"W-what?" Mikael stared up at the trio of ravens stunned, not only by the site of the talking avian but the revelation they brought him and the significance regarding the realm in which he now stood, the Evergloam, the ever-mysterious realm of his Lady, Nocturnal and if her word was to be believed...the final resting place of all Nightingale.
"You needn't be troubled brother." Seemingly sensing his discomfort, the raven to the left spoke in a much softer tone. "Though you now walk the realm of the fallen, know that your count of days is not yet done, even now you still draw breath, your heart still thuds in your chest, life still flows through your veins." The raven's words earned a small sigh of relief from the Nightingale. Foolish as it was he almost assumed he'd been attacked and killed as he'd left the temple, and with the Twilight Sepulcher out of reach his soul had instead manifested within the Evergloam.
Taking a breath Mikael slowly sheathed his sword "Then I'd ask that you speak candidly, why have I been summoned here?"
"Do you not recall our ladies words?" The raven to the right asked its dark violet eyes narrowing at him "She has stood by and watched as event unfold throughout the strange world you have walked upon; she has listened to the plans and schemes whispered by those who seek the comfort of darkness. Now, the time has come that she might call upon you."
Mikael nodded slowly; he recalled his conversation the night before Beacon initiation. Nocturnal had warned him that she might call upon and now it seemed such a time had come. "Then what is it she asks of me?" Mikael inquired.
"Forgive us but we are just as ignorant to her desires as you are." The raven to the left replied somewhat dejectedly. "The details behind this matter are reserved for your ear alone. We are but the humble servants she has sent to greet you upon arrival, our lady did not wish for there to be any misunderstandings while she is otherwise... occupied."
'Occupied?' Mikael wondered to himself the more he listened the greater his concerns grew. Unfurling a wing the raven gestured to the trail ahead of them.
"Her ladyship lies ahead." The raven to the right added. "It would be best not to keep her waiting."
Looking back over his shoulder towards the path, Mikael slowly nodded to himself before turning back to the ravens. "I thank you for your aid and shall see our ladies will is done." Mikael bowed his head to his fallen brethren in thanks. "Walk with shadows."
"Walk with shadows." The three replied in unison, their work done his brethren spread their wings and took flight, climbing high into the dark sky above their small bodies soon disappeared from sight, the gentle fluttered of their wings echoing into the night. "Right then." Mikael muttered to himself, while he would not question his lady will, he wished her timing could have been better or at the very least that they had been able to commune on Remnant, rather than pulling him away from the academy during such a critical time as this.
Which in itself begged the question, why couldn't she? Mora had little issue abducting miss Rose and Nocturnal had been able to manifest -if not fully- upon their world in the past, perhaps when Serana and the others had used the elder scrolls to reach Remnant they had somehow affected the Daedric Princes ability to manifest within that plane if so, such a thing could prove to be a boon just as much as a hindrance in the coming days.
Strolling towards the trail he paused at the entrance, glancing up at the lantern. Mikael reached out, unhooking it from the branch the Nightingale glanced down at the dark black liquid -that he was going to assume was oil- inside, before fixing the lantern to his belt and continuing on his way, whatever the reasons behind his summoning were, he'd have his answers soon enough.
And thus, yet another shitty year has passed us all by, even with the outbreak and everything still going on I got a feeling 2021 will be a hell of a lot better than last year, although don't hold me to that I've been wrong about these things before. Anywho, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter of shadows rising feal free to leave a review any constructive criticism you might have is always welcome.