As Lucien and Serana descended into the shadowy depths of the Dwemer ruins of Mzulft, a profound sense of nostalgia enveloped them. The cool, musty air of the underground labyrinth was thick with memories of their past journey alongside Cura and the others. They recalled the weight of their footsteps echoing off the ancient stone walls, a haunting melody that once guided them in their quest for the Staff of Magnus during their days at the College of Winterhold. The dimly lit corridors, now familiar, seemed to continu their relentless whispers of secrets of a bygone era, each stone and gear infused with the essence of the Dwemer's long-lost civilization.
The bodies of the Synod researchers were gone now, removed by the survivors of the excavation team, no doubt, but the bloodstains remained. Bloodstains that neither time nor air would remove from these walls and floors.
"It feels like we've stepped into a time capsule, honestly." Lucien chuckled. "It looks exactly as it did when we left it."
Serana nodded in agreement. "It does. How much would you wager that when we leave, it will continue to look the same?"
"I don't wager as a rule, but I think sixty septims would suffice for a good bet on that front." Lucien placed a hand on the stone wall. Some of the machine dust came off when he removed his hand, leaving a print on the wall. "Er - that doesn't count." he said gingerly.
Serana chuckled. "You're lucky I'm not a member of the Thieves Guild."
"If you were, my money would be lost to the ages." Lucien shuddered sarcastically, throwing up his hands.
The allies walked on, their memories flooding back as they navigated the familiar steam grates beneath the moist expanse. For some, Mzulft was merely another Dwemer Ruin, but for them, it was the site of a significant adventure they had shared in the past.
The ruins, untouched by time, stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Dwemer. Lucien's eyes traced the intricate metalwork and complex machinery, his mind wandering back to the days when he, Serana, Inigo, and Cura had first navigated these halls. The clatter of their armor and the soft glow of their torches had been the only disruption to the silence that reigned supreme in this subterranean domain. Now, as they ventured forth, the silence was a comforting companion, a reminder of the camaraderie and purpose that had once bound them so tightly.
Author's Note: the original Mzulft excursion was back in Chapter 82
Serana, with her keen vampiric senses, could almost hear the faint laughter and spirited debates that had filled the air as they deciphered innocuous riddles and overcame obstacles in their playful exuberance. She could see Cura using her Whirlwind Sprint Shout and her shield to propel herself and Inigo over the slope and its pressure plates even now. It was one of the funniest things she had ever seen, and even now the memory's echo brought a smile to her face.
The scent of oil and metal brought her back to those moments of triumph and discovery, the shared glances of achievement when they had unraveled the mysteries of the arcane. The echoes of their past adventures seemed to dance in the shadows, as if the spirits of the Dwemer themselves bore witness to the enduring bonds formed within these walls.
The floor was littered with the destroyed remnants of the Dwarven constructs, as it was when they first came, though they could claim responsibility for at least a few of them.
"You said that the two of you came here once before, right? You really did a number on this place." came the voice of the sudden apparition of Katria, startling Lucien once again.
"Don't pop up like that!" Lucien shouted.
"Sorry." Katria giggled with a hand over her mouth as she watched Lucien readjust his frazzled robes.
The purpose of their current journey, to find an Aetherium Shard in the Dwarven storeroom, was a solemn duty that tugged at their hearts. It was a quest that spoke of the relentless passage of time and the ever-present hunger for knowledge that drove them. The necessity they found amidst the Daedric Chaos looming overhead constantly. Yet, amidst the solemnity, there was a warmth in their hearts, a gentle flame kindled by the recollection of a time when they had stood shoulder to shoulder with a legend, facing the unknown with bravery and an unquenchable thirst for the secrets of the world.
As they moved deeper into the ruins, the layers of dust and cobwebs seemed to part before them, as if the very stones recognized their return. The storeroom, once a place of wonder and revelation, now held the key to their current quest. The search for the Aetherium Shard was not just a mission; it was a pilgrimage to the relics of their shared history, a journey that bridged the gap between past and present.
The trio bypassed the Falmer nests below by discretely flying overhead; they did not wish to fight them - they wished only to take what they came for and be done with it. There may be a chance that the Falmer may recognize them as the allies of Auri-El's Herald, but they were not willing to take that chance. Serana held onto Lucien and Katria silently hovered overhead.
The Falmer seemed to sense something was amiss, but none could bring themselves to look upwards and see the group. Not that they could from that distance, regardless.
The storeroom loomed ahead, its doors as imposing as they had been all those years ago. Lucien and Serana exchanged a glance, a silent communication that needed no words. With each step, they were not just traversing the physical distance; they were walking through the annals of their own lives, each memory a precious gem more valuable than the treasures that lay hidden within the Dwemer's vaults.
The Aetherium Shard, radiant and enigmatic, awaited them, its azure glow a beacon in the gloom. Even between the many discarded gears, its brilliance shone through like strands of cerulean. As Lucien reached out to claim it, his hand trembled with the weight of remembrance. This was more than a mere fragment of a lost technology; it was a symbol of their enduring journey, a piece of a puzzle that had started long ago and continued to unfold before them.
As the trio stood before the Aetherium Shard, its azure light casting ethereal shadows on the storeroom walls, Lucien broke the silence with a contemplative tone. "This Shard, it's not just a key to ancient technology," he mused, his gaze locked on the pulsating crystal. "It's a testament to the Dwemer's understanding of time and its intricacies." Truly, he wondered, only the Gods themselves would truly know what the cerulean countenance of the metal scrap truly heralded.
Serana, her eyes reflecting the Shard's glow, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the Divine nature of Aetherium is what sets it apart from the other Dwemer Techologies we've seen. It's as if the Dwemer harnessed the very essence of time, binding it to their will," she replied, her voice a mix of wonder and reverence. "it's honestly quite impressive."
Katria's blue spectral form flickered slightly as she joined the conversation. "Aetherium was their crowning achievement, not bound by the decay of ages. It exists outside the normal flow, almost... timeless," she added, her voice echoing the depth of her ancient knowledge.
Lucien, with a thoughtful furrow creasing his brow, turned to his companions in the dim light of the storeroom, the Aetherium Shard casting its ethereal glow upon their faces. "You know," he began, his voice echoing softly off the ancient walls, "this Aetherium reminds me of the Skyshards noted in the Second Era. Both are fragments of something greater, pieces of the heavens that have fallen to Nirn."
Serana, intrigued by the comparison, leaned in closer. "Skyshards, you say? Those were said to be shards of Aetherial magicka, carrying the essence of Nirn, linked to Lorkhan or Anu," she responded, recalling the lore she had read during her many excursions to the Arcaneum.
Katria's ghostly form shimmered as she interjected, "True, Skyshards were believed to fall to Nirn through the stars, only during specific lunar alignments. They were rare, meteoric glass, almost divine in their origin."
"The Skyshards were scattered across Tamriel, each fragment granting knowledge and power to those who found them. Collecting them was a journey of enlightenment, a path to greater understanding, it was said." Serana mused, her voice a whisper in the quiet of the storeroom.
Katria added, "Whereas Aetherium... it's more enigmatic, more... timeless. It doesn't grant immediate knowledge or power but holds the potential for incredible Dwemer inventions. It's a testament to their ingenuity, their ambition to reach beyond the limits of mortality."
"And yet, both Aetherium and Skyshards share a common thread - they are gifts from the heavens, fragments of Aetherius, the realm of the eternals. They challenge our understanding of the world, of time, and of our very existence." Lucien hypothesized, his gaze still fixed on the Shard. "It's otherworldly, a piece of the cosmos that the Dwemer managed to harness. Both hold the mysteries of the universe within them, yet they are so different in their nature and purpose." He picked up a small, discarded gear from the ground, turning it over in his hand. "Just like this gear, part of a greater machine, Aetherium was a cog in the Dwemer's grand design. But where has it led them? What does it mean for us now?" he pondered aloud.
"Their disappearance remains one of Tamriel's greatest enigmas," Serana said thoughtfully. "But perhaps in studying Aetherium, we'll all get closer to understanding their fate. Could it be that they achieved a state beyond our comprehension, beyond time itself?"
Katria's laugh, a hollow sound, resonated through the chamber. "Or perhaps they flew too close to the sun. We may never know, but the pursuit of that knowledge is a worthy endeavour." she remarked, her tone tinged with a ghostly wisdom.
Lucien placed the gear back on the stone floor, his expression solemn. "Then let us not squander this opportunity. The Aetherium Shard may offer us a glimpse into the eternal, a chance to grasp what the Dwemer could not," he declared, his resolve firm.
Serana stepped closer to the Shard, her hand hesitating just above its surface. "To hold eternity in your hand, to feel the pulse of an ageless heart... it's overwhelming," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the Shard.
Katria moved to stand beside her, her ghostly hand mirroring Serana's. "And yet, it is our burden and our privilege. We're carrying the legacy of those who came before, and in turn, we'll lay the foundations for those who will follow us." she stated, her ethereal eyes locked on the future they were building. Her voice, filled with a longing that transcended death, echoed, "We can look at the Aetherium shards and the Skyshards both as reminders of our fleeting presence in this world, and yet, they inspire us to leave a lasting mark, just as the Dwemer did."
Lucien nodded silently as his gaze was lost in the endless power of the Aetherium. It was as if all of creation itself were trapped within its cerulean sheen.
The Aetherium Shard, pulsing with the light of a thousand years, was both a key to the past and a gateway to the future, a symbol of the unending quest for understanding that defined the very essence of existence.
In the quietude of the storeroom, with the Shard in hand, Lucien and Serana allowed themselves a moment of reflection. The trials they had faced, the laughter and tears they had shared, all seemed to converge in this singular point in time. The nostalgia that had accompanied them on their descent was now a bittersweet tapestry, woven from the threads of their experiences, both joyous and painful.
Their mission complete, Lucien, Katria, and Serana turned to leave the ruins of Mzulft, the Shard secure in their possession. But as they retraced their steps through the corridors and chambers, they knew that they were not leaving their past behind. Instead, they carried it with them, a part of their very souls, a guiding light that would illuminate their path forward, no matter where it might lead.
As they traversed the labyrinthine corridors, Lucien's discourse on the Forge grew more fervent. He speculated on the methods the Dwemer might have used to mine Aetherium, the celestial alignments they may have observed, and the enchantments they could have imbued in their creations. His voice echoed in the cavernous halls, a testament to his unbridled zeal.
Serana and Katria listened, their own excitement kindled by Lucien's infectious passion. They exchanged glances, recognizing the depth of his dedication, the pure joy he derived from the pursuit of knowledge. It was a reminder of the power of history and the lure of the unknown that drew them all onward.
In the end, nostalgia was not just a longing for the past; it was a recognition of the journey that had shaped them, a journey that continued to define their destiny. And as they emerged from the depths of Mzulft, the sky above them vast and unending, Lucien and Serana knew that their story was far from over. Lucien turned to Katria. "And now, we can look for the Aetherium Forge itself."
Katria unfolded his map on the grass and began to approximate its location, cross-referencing her notes with it.
"I'm curious, Katria... why the Aetherium? Why Dwemer Technology?" Serana inquired as she watched the specter work upon the map.
Katria's spectral form took on a solemn air as she addressed Lucien and Serana. "Throughout my life, and even now in death, my goal has remained the same - to harness the Dwemer's advancements for the betterment of Skyrim." she began, her voice echoing with a passion that not even death could quell. "Their technology holds the potential to revolutionize our way of life, to bring about an era of prosperity and ease the burdens of our people," Katria continued, her ethereal gaze sweeping over the ancient machinery that lay dormant around them. "Imagine, if you will, farms that yield bountiful harvests with half the labor, mills and forges powered by mechanisms that require no toil from weary hands."
"I've thought of the same thing." Lucien admitted.
Serana could see it as well. She sat in the grass and crossed her legs. "The applications could be endless. You've seen what Dwemer technology could do - it gave Cura her arm back, in a way. Not even most Healing Spells could accomplish that."
Katria's form shimmered with conviction. "Exactly. And it is not just the physical improvements we stand to gain. Consider the educational opportunities, the sharing of knowledge that such technology could facilitate. The very fabric of society could be uplifted."
"The Dwemer may have vanished, but their legacy need not be one of mere curiosity and ancient ruins," Lucien mused, his eyes alight with the potential that lay before them. "It could be a living heritage, one that breathes new life into our cities and towns."
"I like that we agree on this." Katria smiled, "I'm glad I found you two; you are the enlightened sort our world needs. That has always been my dream. To see Skyrim not just survive, but thrive. To take the brilliance of the Dwemer and make it our own, to build a future that honours their memory and our potential."
"I'd like to think that even Cura would agree, were she here." Lucien admitted.
Serana nodded. "Of course she would - Cura would be all for it. She was fascinated with History, for one thing, and the idea of using Dwemer Technology to help people in need would be right up her alley."
"The road ahead will be fraught with challenges," Lucien acknowledged, his voice steady. "There will be those who fear change, who cling to the old ways. But progress has always required courage and vision."
"And cooperation," Serana added. "We must work together, share our discoveries, and approach this endeavour with open minds and hearts." In truth, Serana had always been fascinated by the Dwemer, herself. This was an opportunity of many lifetimes, and she would not see it squandered.
Katria's laughter, light and haunting, filled the space. "Then let us be the ones to lead the way. Let us be the bridge between the past and the future, carrying the torch of discovery into a new dawn."
The trio stood united in their purpose, the Aetherium Shards before them not just the relics of a bygone era, but a symbol of the promise that lay ahead. In their hands, the wisdom of the ancients could forge a brighter tomorrow, a Skyrim where the marvels of the Dwemer brought not just power, but progress and peace.
Katria circled a location in the Rift. "There, approximately." She tapped the circled location with her finger a few times. "The Aetherium forge should be there. I have the feeling that the Shards we found will play a part in opening it. How, I don't know. I guess we'll have to find out ourselves."
Lucien nodded, "Will do." He placed the four shards into his satchel.
Lucien's anticipation was palpable, a tangible force that seemed to resonate with the very stones of Mzulft as he contemplated the prospect of uncovering the legendary Aetherium Forge. His eyes sparkled with the fervor of a scholar on the cusp of a monumental discovery, the kind that could redefine the understanding of Dwemer technology and its capabilities. The mere idea of the Forge, a mythic construct said to be capable of crafting artifacts of immense power, set his heart racing with possibilities.
He spoke animatedly with Serana and Katria, his words tumbling out in a torrent of enthusiasm. "Think of it," he would say, "a forge not bound by the limitations of our world, a place where the Dwemer's mastery over the arcane could be witnessed firsthand." His hands gestured wildly, painting pictures in the air of the wonders they might find.
The Aetherium Forge was more than just a destination to Lucien; it was the culmination of a journey that had begun with whispered tales and ancient texts. It represented the pinnacle of achievement for any who revered the Dwemer and their works. To stand within the Forge would be to walk in the footsteps of those enigmatic artisans, to feel the heat of their fires and the weight of their hammers.
In some way, perhaps this would trump Dumzbthar by comparison.
Lucien's mind buzzed with questions about the Forge's secrets. How had the Dwemer actually harnessed the power of Aetherium? How does one simply use technology to extract divine energy and work it into a malleable form? That was the part that stumped the Imperial Scholar the most. It was a nagging thing; the impossibility of it all. It was absurd, the mere notion that the Divine could be molded, contained in a physical form. What marvels had they created within that sacred space? His scholarly curiosity was a flame that burned brighter with each thought of the Forge, illuminating the path forward with the glow of discovery.
"Katria - I can definitely see why you devoted your life to this endeavour." Lucien said. "I promise you, that once we find it, your name will go down in History. Mark my words, your Journals will be published in the Arcane University, alongside mine."
"Thank you, Lucien. That means a lot more to me than you know." the specter smiled at his offer.
Lucien nodded, "Let's get moving. There is much to be done!"
"Right behind you." Serana smirked.
Lucien had come a long way from the timid little scholar she'd first met at Dead Man's Drink with Cura a couple of years ago. She was quite impressed by the fact he was now taking charge of matters: that he allowed himself to open up to others easier. He had grown a lot, and she was happy to know him for this long.