Chapter XXVII: Time Flies
(Reyvin's pov)
I take a seat in the common room of the dormitory and after a short moment of silence my colleagues start bombarding me with questions about what happened, I quickly get annoyed at them as they keep shouting over each other, making me unable to even hear what they were asking.
*Cough* I try and get their attention but no one reacts and they keep going.
Deciding to not waste any more of my time I cast a blinding flash making all of them recoil and blessedly shut up.
'Tossing a flashbang into a crowd really does wonders' I muse.
Before they can restart whatever foolishness they were afflicted with I speak "Alright then, can you speak like normal civilized people now?"
I receive a couple of glares and after a moment I hear Marwyn speak with some caution in his voice "We heard many different versions of what happened, how about you go ahead and explain to us for what reason you went and killed a man in his own home."
I let out a humorless chuckle and sarcastically say "Ah yes, went and killed a man in his own home... Of course, why don't you immediately phrase it like I am the one in the wrong?"
He winces a bit probably just realizing that he didn't sound nearly as conciliatory as he wanted, he goes to say something again, but is interrupted by Bor's accusatory voice "Does it really matter? Reyvin here thinks that he can just kill or attack whoever offends him, and I do wonder why Edrasa is following him around when he, you know murdered her father just today?"
I roll my eyes "And why, pray tell do I need to explain myself to you? I am sitting here instead of a jail cell which means that for all intents and purposes, I am an innocent mer that you are trying to frame with a crime Bor." I say playfully and add in a threatening tone "But do go on, I promise not to break your face this time."
He cringes at the reminder of the previous beatdown I gave him for ratting me out to the Archmage, but before I can continue avoiding the point Marwyn cuts in again in a surprisingly firm tone "Of course we will reserve our opinions for now, but you have to tell us what actually happened Reyvin"
I sigh "Fine, even if it really isn't your business I will explain" I get a couple of glares but ignore them completely.
And then I go on to retell what has been happening the last couple of days, naturally phrasing things in a way that makes me sound like I was completely in the right, which for the record is what I genuinely do believe.
When I get to the part where I 'knocked Edrasa out so she can't warn her father' she gives me a scathing look, almost as if she wants me to advertise I literally tortured information out of her, I give her a look that promised pain if she blabbed in return and she gets the message if her shivering is anything to go by.
I go on to retell how I pretended to still be under Dyrren's control and how I quickly and mercifully killed the old mage, not at all torturing him for as long as possible and sending his soul to the Soul Cairn.
Naturally, without my new ability to lie as easily as I breathe, I would have been called out on my bullshit, but Mephala's favor made sure I wouldn't be caught on the little details.
Everyone still seems to think that I went overboard in killing him but when I lay out the part where he just straight up assassinated the Jarl and was eating his servants he lost any bit of sympathy they may have held for him, and a couple of my colleagues even started glaring at Edrasa but I quickly dispelled that misunderstanding by explaining she had no hand in it.
When I am finished with my little story most of them seem satisfied and no longer willing to shout at me, but before I can excuse myself and go to go and buy those drinks I promised the guardsmen I hear Morrigan ask "I have seen things being moved from the tower to your place, almost as if you were claiming spoils... how exactly did you manage that?"
I shrug "Dumb Telvanni customs" as if that explained everything.
Morrigan turns a curious eye towards Edrasa who sighs and forces out in a defeated tone "Yes, my house does have a lot of rules that can be considered 'dumb' by outsiders."
Out of curiosity, I decided to try and sense Edrasa's own motivations, and what I get almost makes me laugh, she is hoping I will just ignore her enough that she may ride my coattails into some kind of position of wealth and power, seriously this girl is so spoiled it is pathetic.
I shake my head "If you are all done with your impromptu trial, I am off to the inn to get drunk with the guards, see you!" and leave the dorms, not noticing the now guilty looks on some of their faces.
(General pov)
After the 'Dyrren incident' as it was now being called things settled back into a pleasant and relaxed rhythm for Reyvin.
He spent a lot of his time perfecting his spider workers, and even managed to rent out a bunch of the newly made ones to the college, as they started the excavation of the cave-in that was discovered during the Falmer expedition.
His enchanting business was booming, and after he finished his first order for Xelzaz, the Dremora merchant, he suddenly got a whole bunch of new orders from him, which enabled him to get all manner of different rare materials and ingredients, but most importantly money.
He was still saving up for his full set of enchanted jewelry, planning to get them done just before he finished his first year of the college and got more freedom to move around.
His time in Winterhold was altogether pleasant, but he was starting to feel the monotony seep into everything he was doing, and planned on leaving to travel around and explore for some time.
When he showed Morrigan his new collection of alchemy ingredients and books he 'rightfully liberated' she kept pestering him to give her some, which he did after he made her teach him alchemy instead of the eternally-high professor. He even started experimenting with his magic cigar idea, but all he got was a burnt throat and a laughing bird noises mocking his weakness.
Some time later, Reyvin's life turned from relaxed studying into torturous monotony, there were no great bandit groups to hunt or Falmer raids to punish, before he even realized almost half a year had passed, and the opening day for his business was coming ever closer.
Chapter XXVIII: Letters and Rituals
As the months passed and while his inn and home were nearing completion, Reyvin wasn't sitting idle. He wrote letters to different distributors for drinks, including a Hlaalu remnant business for some Morrowind products, and bought all the necessary furniture and amenities one might need to run a prestigious inn.
One day he got the idea to hire a bard or some singers, so after some thought he decided he might as well employ some more of his own people. He sent a letter to Ambaris Rendar, the owner of the corner club in the grey quarter and presumably the most connected one among the residents of that part of Windhelm, inquiring about potential Dunmer musicians, and was pleasantly surprised when the mer answered rather quickly.
Most of the letter was made up of thanks for his previous deeds in the grey quarter, informing him that the kids they saved were safe and happy, and some news about the happenings in Windhelm. Unfortunately, the pressure on the Dunmer living in the city was getting more and more unbearable with the Nords getting more and more disgruntled by what they viewed as elves invading their ancient hold, and the younger Dunmer seeking ways to leave the suffocating place.
The latter part of the letter contained the answer to his actual question, naming a duo of rather renowned Dunmeri singers that were getting constantly harassed and were looking for another place to apply their trade. Ambaris also pleaded in his letter for Reyvin to hire a couple more people wanting desperately to leave Windhelm which the young Dagoth had no issues with.
After sending back his response, Reyvin hired a group of four local adventures known for being dependable and trustworthy and sent them to escort his new employees.
They arrived about a month before the grand opening and were quickly organized, most were given jobs in the inn or bathhouse, but three of the new arrivals caught Reyvin's eye.
They were a group of three young mer who seemed genuinely grateful to him for getting them out of the 'hellhole' as they called it, so after a bit of deliberation he decided he would train them as household guards which they quickly and gratefully accepted. He would wait until he secured their full loyalty to invite them to join his house as retainers.
They wouldn't be all that useful immediately, but teach them some basic spells and give them some lightly enchanted armor and weapons and boom, actually useful soldiers.
While his properties were being built, Reyvin continued progressing in his other endeavors, rarely if ever taking a break.
Realizing that he needed a way to protect his new 'territory' he started pestering Tolfdir about static wards, which the old Nord happily taught him about.
Thankfully they were not too difficult to understand now that he finally got the entire arcane alphabet down. Static wards were basically permanently running rituals, powered by either soul gems or repeated recharging done by the owner, they could be powered by ambient Magicka but making those was extremely complex so Reyvin had to be satisfied with the more basic and expensive version.
He spent months building the best reasonably possible runic matrix to install into his property once the construction was done, it would be made of a magic dampening field that would weaken the spells of any non-registered people inside the radius and a detection field whose function was rather self-explanatory. This unfortunately meant he had to change some of the building plans but the changes weren't major enough to make him delay his plans all that much.
His study of static wards also helped with his understanding of rituals, they were basically the same thing except rituals were finished rather quickly when compared to the wards.
Naturally the components for rituals were far more expensive and harder to find, while the theory behind them was more esoteric and mystical than anything else Reyvin ever studied, using a bunch of symbolism, metaphors and plain old mantras.
His attempt to git gud at ritualism wasn't at all helped by the constant attempts by Shalazar to convert him to the mystic's way, much to his chagrin he did actually have to accept them at least partially if he was ever going to be anything more than an amateur.
After the whole assassination debacle, the guards kept pestering him to rejoin their morning training, which he did whenever he could. He kept surprising everyone with his newfound strength and speed, and started telling taller and weirder tales on how he became so strong all of a sudden, only to have his fun ruined by Hjolmir, who explained how rituals worked to everyone.
Reyvin was then constantly annoyed by requests to make someone bigger or stronger, or of course to help someone be more 'enduring' because why wouldn't your first thought be 'how can I last longer in bed'.
After getting tired from all the requests he simply named his price for the ritual and his help in guiding it, as unlike him the guards wouldn't be able to do it themselves.
The price he asked made most of the requests stop, as it was easily in the four digits mark. There were still some persistent ones that insisted on it and still had money left over from the expedition, so that earned him a very pretty penny, and made some guards' wives very happy.
Over the months he finally managed to use the thu'um without ripping his own throat to pieces, the YOL shout became something he integrated into his usual fighting style, even if it was still exhausting as all hell.
He thought about trying to add the second word, but immediately got the feeling that that was a very bad idea, so instead of committing suicide by yelling, he refocused on other shouts, namely the more iconic combo of unrelenting force and whirlwind sprint.
Understanding FUS was very simple, almost as simple as fire was with all of his affinities. He managed to shout the word after a couple of weeks of meditation and discovered that while the shout itself was weaker than the fire breath it was also far less tiring to use.
When it came to whirlwind sprint, that one was far more problematic. The first two shouts were comprised of very simple to understand words, namely fire and force. Whirlwind sprint on the other hand was far less obvious, a whirlwind could be associated with many more things than say force, so even after months of trying Reyvin was unable to use the shout.
His more traditional magic training was going along well, becoming better at casting spells and more skilled in actually applying them. Those thoughts would have to wait however, as one day in the late summer he was finally informed by Julia that all of the buildings were finally finished and fully furnished, it was time for the grand opening.
Chapter XXIX: The Grand Opening
Things in Reyvin's suddenly large household became very hectic during the couple of days before the grand opening, deliveries were coming in daily and Reyvin kept checking and rechecking them constantly, he surprised even himself with how focused he was on making the inn successful.
Invitations were sent out, with the college staff, his fellow students, the guard, and the Jarl's household getting special treatment in the form of free drinks. All of the currently visiting crews and the dock workers were invited as well, hoping to attract further patronage in the case of the former and get them to recommend the place in the latter's case.
Naturally, the staff had to be organized into the best possible positions for them, the previously mind-broken slaves of Dyrren were given cleaning duty and Reyvin had Colette look them over in hopes she could be able to at least get them to start recovering, thankfully she was but it would take time before they were even considered truly sentient again.
One of the biggest concerns for the young Dunmer was who to leave the running and financing part of the business to, as he sure as hell wasn't going to spend his days doing accounting!
Thankfully the same servant that spoke for everyone else when Reyvin offered them the job had some experience in it as he was the one running the staff shop previously, after some mundane and magical observation Reyvin was at least sure the mer wouldn't fuck him over unprovoked so he offered him the job.
The rest were given jobs in the kitchens, bathhouses, or the main tavern section. Reyvin also commissioned some uniforms for everyone, which while costly would raise the prestige of the place even further.
Finally, after what were some very stressful days for the new workers, the long-awaited day arrived.
(Reyvin's pov)
I was currently standing in front of the entrance, both giddy and stressed out with my expectations for today.
I turn towards my new property, very satisfied with how it looked. The building itself was made in the Nordic style with large bluish-grey stone blocks, the roof was on the other hand made to be more in the style of Morrowind with short spikes going out of the edges. The entire thing looked like it belonged, but was just enough out of place to draw attention.
The finishing touch was a sign containing a circle made up of six hawks chasing each other surrounding the words 'Sea Ghost's Respite' with a small wooden statuette of Scorch on top of it.
The inn was made up of three floors, with the ground floor containing the tavern and worker's quarters, and the two other ones being meant for guests, there were even a couple of luxury rooms at the top intended for ship captains and visiting dignitaries.
The bathhouse was built in the same style, and connected to the main building through a small hall, it was positioned on the cliff face with large windows built to give everyone inside the full view of the sea of ghosts.
I gave myself a pat on the back for that idea, as the view was both beautiful and relaxing to look at.
My home was located closer to the college bridge, it was unfortunately still being finished but at least the main construction was done, it was surrounded by both the other buildings and a large spiked fence, it was also a lot smaller than the two others, but what would I need a massive manor for?
My musing is interrupted by the first guests arriving, as expected it was the guardsmen, noticeably not joined by Thorgrim as the old Nord was still pissy with me due to the whole research notes disagreement even if he did decide to help me with Dyrren.
They all greet me cheerfully and I tell them to go in and take their seats, most of them do but Thorfinn remains outside "So Reyvin, finally done with your little project, eh?"
I smirk "I dare say it is everything but little, my little friend."
He growls at me for reminding him of his height and then chuckles "Aye, the moment you elves get some money you immediately have to use it to compensate for your lacking abilities"
I snort and say as fast as possible "Dumb n'wah still living in a wooden house says what"
He, almost on instinct says "Wha-" and then goes red-faced, making me cackle like a madman, he kicks me in the shin but I barely feel it and look at him with mock pity.
He growls "You are such a child, I swear to Shor"
I scratch my chin pretending to be deep in thought and ask "Ah but Thorfinn if I am a child, what does that make you?" reminding him he is younger than me.
He gets angry again, I think I can almost see smoke coming out of his ears but he calms himself rather quickly and sighs "You know what, I am going to get a drink, enjoy freezing your ass out here"
He goes inside walking proudly almost as if he had won in some kind of contest, completely forgetting that I am fully capable of warming myself with magic.
More time passes as I greet the arriving guests, unsurprisingly almost everyone I invited came today, there really isn't a lot going on inside of a small medieval city so a new and luxurious inn being opened is considered quite the event, even most of my teachers from the college decided to come, well with the exception of Phineas but what would a dead man do at an inn anyways?
My ponderings on the foolishness of lichdom is interrupted by Savos once again popping into existence in front of me, this time I simply raise an eyebrow at him "While I agree that magic is fun and all, can't you walk for once in your life?"
He shrugs his shoulders playfully "Oh Reyvin I know you are jealous, but just keep at it and one day you too shall be able to annoy young apprentices with your magical tricks!"
My left eye starts rapidly twitching and I give him a smile that promises pain "Of course Archmage, how foolish of me. Do go in, you were the last to arrive."
He returns a playful smile, looking very satisfied, and goes in.
I shake my head and follow him.
As I enter the building I am hit with a wall of noise and heat, there are many tables surrounding the central section which is shared by a large fireplace and the bar, everyone seems to be having a good time and one of the singers I hired is currently reciting the ballad about our recent expedition.
I notice my college friends inside and go to join them, they seem to currently be having some kind of heated debate about something. I quietly sit next to Marwyn, startling him quite a bit if his almost jump is anything to go by and ask "So what are they on about?"
Marwyn calms down and gives me a light glare "First, fuck you Reyvin" I snort "Second, the seem to be debating on their plans for after we are finished with the first year at the college."
I raise an eyebrow "Oh, and what do you plan on doing?"
He sighs "I really don't have much to do outside of the college, so I will probably continue doing enchantment while staying there"
I hum for a bit and ask "You could always work for me, while you aren't on my level with enchanting, no offense"
"Some taken" He interrupts jokingly.
I snort "As I was saying, I need someone to do the lower level enchantments while I focus on the more complex orders."
He thinks for a bit "Sure, as long as you don't plan on robbing me I could do that"
I nod "Of course, you'd still get most of the profit and I'd take a cut for using my connections"
Marwyn nods "Sure, we'll deal with the details later, I want to relax now"
After our little deal we go on to listen in on what the rest are planning, Morrigan, to no one's surprise is going to remain in Winterhold and focus on alchemy, Edrasa will focus on just getting better at magic since she can afford it, Tiberius will be returning to his father to join the legion as is his family tradition and the twins will go back to Dawnstar.
They turn to me, waiting to hear my plans. I shrug "I will probably be traveling out of the hold for some time, I need a change of pace"
Most of them seem surprised, and Morrigan asks me "Oh, and where do you plan on going?"
I shake my head "I have absolutely no idea, I will check with the Archmage if any holds are looking for some magical assistance or something." Everyone seems to understand and we go on to talk about our studies for some time.
After about an hour of spending time with my colleagues I go toward the bar, pick up a glass and then use a knife to lightly hit it to draw everyone's attention.
The musicians stop their song and everyone turns to me "Friends, colleagues and Thorfinn" I hear a muffled "Hey fuck you Reyvin!" from the back and everyone laughs.
"I thank you from the depths of my soul for taking the time to share this joyous occasion with me, since I arrived in the city of Winterhold I have been treated with respect and kindness, making me consider this cold and harsh place my new home. So after getting lucky with a bit of righteous spoils" I smirk and the guards cheer "I decided to give back to this place by building something permanent meant to enrich both myself and this beautiful city"
I spread my arms "I welcome you all to Sea Ghost's Respite and hope to be seeing you as often as possible from now on, now to the real reason we are all here!" I grab a bottle of sujamma "Drink!" and down the entire thing in seconds
I am almost deafened by cheers as everyone joins the toast.
The musicians start singing and the night blurs as the little gathering turns into a full blown party.
Chapter XXX: Honoring the Sixth House
I groan slightly as I open my eyes, after looking around for a bit it appears I somehow ended up in one of the luxury rooms. I prepare to get up but stop when I notice a weight on my chest under the covers.
'please don't be a dude, please don't be a dude, please don't be a dude..'
I lift the cover and am met with the sight of gold skin and orange-brown hair.
I blink a couple of times 'This is... better? I think...'
My nightly companion stirs and slowly opens her eyes, meeting my own.
I stare at her for a bit and slowly ask "So... how exactly did this happen?"
Faralda of all godsdamned people gives me one of her signature chilling smiles "Why Reyvin, you already forgot your declarations of eternal love to me?" and then makes a small pout.
I roll my eyes and chuckle "I know I was drunk, but I sure as hell was not that drunk"
Suddenly I receive an electric shock on my leg and spasm slightly "Ok, ok, point taken."
Faralda lets out a tired laugh "Don't worry my dear student, we merely got drunk and decided to have some 'fun'"
"Riiight..." I drawl out, and then a terrifying thought assaults my mind "Please tell me it was a safe day for you" I ask in a very concerned voice voice.
She laughs and gives me a teasing look "Have no fear, even if you were rather careless last night there won't be any little Dagoths running around"
I let out a relieved sigh, I am not ready to deal with children again, or for the next five decades thank you very much!
We both lie down in silence and just when I am about to drift off to sleep again I hear a knock on the door, from the other side I hear one of my employees speak "Master Reyvin, it is well past morning, you told us to wake you if you slept in"
I groan and yell back "Thank you, ill be up in a minute" I turn to Faralda "Well, I guess it's time to get going, you need anything?"
She shakes her head "No, you can go on." and adds with a pout "I will stay for a bit longer, I am quite worn out and I refuse to get up this early."
I chuckle and get up, summoning my robes because actually dressing normally is for peasants. "Well, with that nice ego boost to start my morning I am off, see you later then." I wave behind as I leave the room.
(A/n: Before anyone asks she is absolutely not the 'main waifu', this doesn't however mean that the mc is celibate)
I walk down the stairs into the common room and the eyes of all those present turn to me. Bor gets up from his chair, still groggy from last night, and asks me dramatically "You are alive?!"
I narrow my eyes "And what is that supposed to mean?"
I hear quiet chuckles around me and Bor smirks "Well you did basically challenge the Master of destruction to a drinking competition and halfway through just throw her over your shoulder and carried her upstairs"
I blink slowly and let out a whistle "God damn, now I am disappointed I don't remember most of last night"
He approaches me and shakes my shoulders "Seriously man how are you alive?"
I smirk "Well I guess she was too tired to kill me after we were done"
Bor looks at me with a hint of worship in his eyes and the rest of those present and awake start laughing.
I spend the rest of the morning drinking and asking around for impressions of the place, thankfully a lot of people really liked it and planned on coming here from now on, most of that was probably empty words but hey if at least some did become long term patrons I was satisfied.
Things went back to the usual monotony after that day. My inn was turning a good profit with most of the visiting captains and the like preferring to sleep in the luxury suites instead the usual Nordic taverns, this also earned me some nice connections, and when they heard about my enchanting skill that also netted me some commissions as well.
The bathhouse was doing surprisingly well among the more wealthy parts of the city's population, and it was still becoming more and more popular due to the majestic view it provided the customers while they relaxed.
A month after the grand opening of the inn, my new home was finally finished, and I had it furnished to be as comfortable as possible, money at this point was no great issue for me as I was easily earning thousands every month.
The small manor was built in a similar style as the inn, and was just as tall with three floors and a basement for my ancestral shrine. The third floor contained most of my treasure and equipment, I used a bit of inspiration from the Telvanni and made it accessible only through levitation and filled it to the brim with magical traps.
The rest of the house was what you might expect from a wealthy nobleman's home, lavish furniture, a large well stocked kitchen, opulently decorated dining room and so on.
Finally the shrine itself, I wasn't really sure it's main function would work, as traditionally one had to place the ashes of their ancestors in it to call them forth, but I was hoping that wasn't a necessary component.
The door leading into the shrine was covered in traps and equipped with the best possible magical lock I could buy from Xelzaz. The reason for my paranoia was the fact that I had fully made the place a sixth house shrine, no not the Dagoth ur-era shrine but the ancient sixth house as my father in this life taught me.
There were wind chimes placed on all sides, positioned in such a manner to produce a calming melody in reaction to even the slightest of movements from the air, at the center of the wall opposite the door hung a house Dagoth beetle banner, colored in black and purple.
I even placed a small idol to Mephala in the corner, since she is already favoring me there is no reason to be a little bitch about it. Though this did made her call me cute in the most unsettling voice I could imagine, immediately making me regret my decision.
I prepared the ritual to summon the ancestors, only really expecting two to appear, my father and grandfather. The ritual itself consisted of making ceremonial offerings of food and wine, or the local equivalent so it wasn't all that hard to prepare, the annoying thing was the time it took.
So after two whole hours of Dagoth damned chanting finally I got some kind of reaction, the smoke from the burnt offerings stopped flowing upwards and coalesced into a single ghostly form, I immediately recognized the form of my father in this life and gave the required traditional bow.
Dagoth Vyren had the look of a stoic and grizzled old mer, covered head to toe in battle scars and wearing imperial battlemage attire, he looked at me for a long moment before speaking in a deep rumbling tone "So, you finally remembered your father Reyvin?"
I raise an eyebrow "Oh, and was I supposed to dig a shrine for you before your body even had the time to cool off?"
He chuckles "No, I am just surprised it took you over a year to do it."
I give a wry smile "Weeeel, that may be because I am no longer in Cyrodiil"
Vyren narrows his eyes "Explain"
And so I spend the next hour explaining my adventures up to this point, oddly enough this too was a Dunmer tradition, where the new generations would literally give reports to their dead relatives.
After I finish my explanation with how I finally got to making the house, my father nods in satisfaction "Good, I am proud you found your own way, even if I would have preferred you joined the legion this is also a good path"
I roll my eyes at this "Oh yeah, let the nerd kid join the dumb ass legionaries, like that would end well." He stares at me and I stare back for a bit before we both burst into chuckles.
After we grow quiet I decide to ask "I do have a question" he signals me to go on with his hand "How exactly did you get yourself killed?"
He sighs "I was investigating some suspicious activities by Thalmor agents around Sancre Tor, the only thing I got was that the commander was a High Justiciar Finarfin but that was as far as I got before getting killed"
I narrow my eyes "I've recently encountered the same name" He looks at me worried for a moment and I explain the letter I found in the Dwemer ruin.
"Be very careful with this, right now you might not have drawn too much attention from them because you were part of a group, but if you start targeting them they will find out and hunt you down" he warns
I nod "Of course I am not an idiot"
My father snorts "Says the kid who straight up stabbed a Telvanni Master and had a talk with Mephala in the same day"
I cough into my hand to hide my instinctual embarrassment that one can only feel in front of their parent "Yes, that may have been... a bit hasty"
He looks at me with a raised eyebrow as if to say 'a bit?'
Forcefully changing the topic I ask "So, I was expecting to see grandfather here as well, any reason he might have chosen not to appear?"
Vyren shakes his head "About a century after his death I tried summoning him time and time again in an attempt to make amends, but he is either unwilling or unable to be summoned."
I raise an eyebrow "Think his spirit might be stuck in the Red Mountain still?"
He nods "Possibly, though I wouldn't recommend checking it out until you are very powerful and capable of surviving the current state of Vvardenfell"
"True... Ill keep that in mind. On a more interesting note, think you can show me some destruction tricks, now that I don't completely suck at it?"
My father hums and says faux-arrogantly "Hmmm, I guess I can be convinced to give up a secret of two to the lowly apprentice in front of me"
I roll my eyes and he starts showing me how to better cast some spells. After proving to him that I am far better than he hoped he even tells me how to better strengthen the third eye while doing Magika exercises.
This goes on for almost the entire day until late in the evening he is forced to leave to avoid going insane, we give each other a somber goodbye and I promise to summon him again in a year.
Chapter XXXI: Personal Progress and Greater Regalia
After my conversation with my dead father, and isn't that an interesting sentence... time seemed to blur. I continued with my studies and work accruing more wealth and power.
My training with the guard continued and I started learning some advanced forms of spear and saber fighting, not enough to push me to the level of a great warrior but I was constantly improving, making even Hjolmir praise me in front of everyone.
My alchemy skills progressed at a good pace, I studied the creation of the usual restorative potions and also focused on a potion that empowers destruction magic. From the tomes I liberated from Dyrren, I learned how to make a potent regeneration potion which was even if rather expensive a great find.
After my Magicka finally settled I continued with my usual exercises, now always including scorch in them and using the method provided by my father to progress at a faster pace. Unfortunately, the Archmage was unable to get the heart stones he promised me but still gave his word he would find a supply for me, as compensation I made him help me with some spells I was having a hard time with.
Speaking of my avian friend, he continued to grow in size, no longer being able to fit on my shoulder. He even got the ability to use a flame cloak spell equivalent without blowing himself up, and even more amazingly he was now able to cast weak healing spells by touch.
The time I spent practicing the thu'um paid off with me now being able to use whirlwind sprint. When I asked Thorfinn to help me practice a speed spell one day he agreed with a smile on his face, probably hoping to trip me or something, when I shouted WULD and basically teleported in front of him almost killing him with the sheer force of my weight backed up by ridiculous speed he was no longer as amused.
Speaking of Thorfinn I managed to convince him and Hjolmir to have him at least partially enroll in the college, as I really didn't have the time to teach him more magic and he showed quite a bit of talent for destruction and alteration. He grumbled a lot but after weeks of pestering he agreed to 'give it a try'.
While I am on the topic of teaching people magic, my three household guards were progressing at a respectable pace, all three were already able to cast flames and were at least adequate when it came to using the blade. I had them armored and armed in steel and even enchanted their equipment, further ensuring their loyalty.
There was even a situation in the inn where a rather drunk Nord captain kept pestering one of the still healing ex-slaves for a 'good time' even while the girl still looked dead inside, my guardsmen managed to kick him and his sizeable crew out without my intervention which I gave them a nice bonus for.
My magic training was going swimmingly, I was getting better at using spells from every school, and even if I didn't expand my repertoire all that much I could with confidence say that I was easily among the most powerful mages anywhere close to my biological age.
Tolfdir taught me how to manipulate the earth to an extent, that was going to be very helpful against large numbers.
Phineas finally agreed to teach me the oblivion storage spell, the space it could hold was dictated by one's Magicka reserve. At my level, it would let me hold quite a bit of supply but no infinite hoarding for me, unfortunately. This spell also pushed me into the adept level of conjuration.
I also managed to learn how to use the red lightning, better known by its more arrogant name 'the art of true destruction'. The spells were generally modifications of the usual fire or lightning spells taking only slightly more Magicka to cast if your control was good enough and the results were beautiful, I even managed to disintegrate an enchanted practice dummy in the Hall of Refinement, which I was forced to pay for, it was not cheap but I didn't care one bit! Blowing those damn things to shreds was one of the most satisfying things I did recently, even the system agreed evidently as the moment I destroyed it I reached the level of expert in destruction!
Speaking of destruction, I was still getting my ass beat during my lessons but Faralda's usual torture sessions were sometimes replaced with a lot more pleasurable encounters. From time to time I could notice Morrigan and even Edrasa of all people giving Faralda jealous looks but I didn't care all that much about that, they were far, far too young for me.
Tomorrow marked the last day of Hearthfire and we would be having a graduation ceremony so before I got to finally expanding my regalia I decided to check my progress.
[Name: Reyvin][House: Dagoth]
[Age: 17][Race: Dunmer][Birthsign: Mage]
[Str: 15][Dex: 16][Vit: 19][Mind: 23][Mag: 280]
[Mage]
[Destruction-expert]
Pyromancy: Sticky Flames, Firebolt Spear, Fireball
Electromancy: Chain Sparks, Lightning Beam, Chain Lightning
+fire/lightning combinations
Cryomancy: Debilitating Frostbite, Ice Spear, Ice storm.
[Restoration-adept: Quickened high-heal, Sun-beam, Sun-bolt, Rejuvenate, Detoxify, Greater ward]
[Alteration-adept: Iron-skin, Giant's might, Blinding flash (mage-light), Greater telekinesis, Wind cloak, Earth control, Metal transformation]
[Illusion-apprentice: Calm, Enrage, Muffle, Fear (Gaze)]
[Conjuration-adept: Bound weapon (Glass, flaming), Familiar bond (Scorch), Regalia of Dagoth, Oblivion storage]
[Mysticism-adept: Soul manipulation, Levitation (Stable, quickened), Mark and recall(2), Resist element]
[Enchantment-expert: Greater rune-carving, Greater soul-imbuing, insightful identification]
[Alchemy-adept: Standard potions, Moabain regeneration potion, Standard poisons]
[Apprentice tongue: Fire breath (YOL), Unrelenting force (FUS), Whirlwind sprint (WULD)]
[Warrior]
[Swords-adept]
[Spears-adept]
[Thief]
[Stealth-apprentice]
[Traits:]
[Fireblood: Born under the flames of the red mountain you are blessed with 50% resistance and 20% damage and control toward fire]
[Blood of Dagoth: You descend from a mad religious extremist, who non the less achieved a degree of godhood, providing you with a prolonged lifespan and the third eye trait]
[Awakened third eye: Your blessed perception has been further improved through your efforts, now granting you the ability to predict the movement of others alongside your magic sight.]
[Blessing of Kyne: you heal faster, the winds accept you as their own]
[Minor blessing of the warrior: You seem to learn how to fight in melee a bit faster]
[Minor Dunmer paragon: Dunmer will tend to have a slightly good impression of you, your Dunmer servants will be more loyal]
[Mephala's blessing: You are able to sense the motivations of others and have an easier time hiding your own.]
[Ashen bond: Through your bond with Scorch you attain greater control over flames and restoration, you also seem to heal just a bit quicker]
[Night vision: You see in the dark as well as a saber cat]
Letting out a whistle at my blindingly fast progress I enter the enchanting chamber of my home that I've been preparing for this very occasion. On the table in front of me is a set of ten rings accompanied by a necklace, every single one made of ebony with purple amethyst-filled runes covering them.
Next to the ring sits the staff Dyrren sent me, now heavily modified with runes also filled in with amethyst and a wide ebony blade attached to its tip over a double crossguard.
I start with the now inert and drained staff and pull out the black gem containing Dyrren's soul, I decided to use it on this one for a bit of poetic, if morbid, justice.
The enchantment process takes me hours upon hours, after being done with the staff I go on to enchant the rings and necklace. I've spent the last months preparing each and every one of them as best as I could, the number of septims I spent on grand soul gems and ground amethyst was easily in the five digits, but the bling demanded it!
I am forced to take breaks between each enchantment as the process is exhausting even at my level, especially since I made the damn things as complex as possible and had to make them not interfere with each other.
Finally, as the light of the next dawn cracks through my darkened windows I am finished with my grueling task, each piece of jewelry and the blade staff bound to my very soul now connected with my robes, they won't leave me even in death.
I excitedly inspect the greatest creation that was ever touched by my hands:
[Greater Regalia of Dagoth:
Mastercrafted combat robes made for the last heir of House Dagoth. Being capable of self-cleaning and granting the wearer: 200% Magicka regeneration, absorption of up to 50 Magicka worth of spells per second, and a 30% boost to any enhancement spell he casts on himself.
A set of five rings for the right hand interconnected with each other all working in tandem to double the bearer's Magicka reserve. Works up to 500 Magicka at which point it caps out. 'Creatively' named the Hand of Magnus
A ring of the serpent: grants total resistance to all but the vilest concoctions.
The first ring of the Phoenix: Makes restoration magic easier to cast (30%).
The second ring of the Phoenix: Makes restoration magic more potent (30%).
The first ring of the Dragon: Makes destruction magic easier to cast (30%).
The second ring of the Dragon: Makes destruction magic more potent (30%).
Amulet of Dagoth: Grants magic resistance (20%)
Dyrren's lament: An ebony blade staff that deals fire damage with each strike and makes all spells easier to cast (10%)]
If someone asked me if this was worth the equivalent of a small town in cash I spent on it I would slap them for even daring to ask the question! Never in my life have I been satisfied with something I made with my own hands.
As I exit my daze of happiness I realize that it is already almost noon "Fuck!" I yell as I summon my newly expanded regalia and rush toward the college for the ceremony.
Chapter XXXII: Graduation
As I run up the college bridge I am stopped in my tracks by a very annoyed-looking Morrigan.
"Oh look who decided to get up finally." She drawls out upon seeing me.
"I am not late am I?" I ask while taking deep breaths, say what you will about having high vitality but sprinting while dead tired will leave one breathless no matter the situation.
She lets out a relieved sigh "No, you came in just in time, what were you even doing that made you of all people sleep in? You are usually the one pestering everyone else about being on time."
I shrug "Ehh I was finally getting my set of enchanted jewelry done and it took a bit longer than intended... and by that I mean it took me almost an entire day of mind-numbing work"
Morrigan looks at me unimpressed "And what pray tell, made you wait for the last possible day to do it?"
"It was symbolic!" I grin.
She rolls her eyes and turns toward the college "Whatever, let's go the ceremony is about to begin"
I catch up to her and mutter "Thanks for going to get me in any case." and add with a teasing voice "I am so glad you care!"
She huffs and keeps walking without another word.
We all take our seats in the Hall of Elements, the atmosphere is a combination of excited and somber, the somber part mostly coming from some of the Masters who are probably getting reminded about the soul crushing realization of how fast time passes right about now.
My colleagues start whispering among each other and I drift off into a half asleep state, after a bit I finally start relaxing and my eyes finally start resting from the absolute torture I subjected them to last night.
Just before I am about to fall fully asleep I hear a loud BOOM right next to me, making me cast defensive spells and jump on the table on instinct.
Lets just say Faralda's training was very thorough.
I blink myself fully awake and notice the Archmage holding the tip of my blade staff between his fingers, looking at me with his usual amused gaze "Oh, how nice of you to come well rested and fully prepared for this important occasion Reyvin!"
I unsummon my staff and sit back down while grumbling "One day Aren, one fucking day!"
My colleagues start snickering at me and Savos gives me a playful smirk and mutters back "Oh, do bring it on Dagoth, I would love to see what you can cook up." before walking to the center of the podium.
The Archmage claps his hands, making a far louder sound than one would think, and speaks "Welcome once again students, I am glad that all of you I met last year are still here with us."
The fact that he has to say that is very telling when it comes to apprentice mage mortality rates.
He continues with a smile "You have all gone through many challenges to be here, some through intellectual and others through more... practical, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that for a while now, you all went beyond being mere apprentices and stepped into the ranks of true magi!" He spreads his arms dramatically. "We have all gathered today to honor your efforts and grant you all your well deserved new titles."
He pulls out a scroll of paper and reads it for a bit before turning back to us.
He nods at Marwyn and speaks "Marwyn of Daggerfall, after evaluating your effort and accomplishments, the college grants you the title of Mystic, bear it with pride." and then levitates some documents to him.
He goes on to name everyone else, with the twins being named Battle Mages, Morrigan named an Alchemist, Edrasa a Healer and Tiberius a Conjurer.
Finally he turns to me "Reyvin Flame-tongue of house Dagoth" I hear gasps around me coming from those who were unaware. My eye twitches and Savos gives me a very infuriating smile "You have caused the college a lot of trouble with your little assassination stunt"
Ah so this is how he gets his revenge for getting out of line, cool cool... If I didn't actually like the man I would totally planning on stabbing him right about now, and he probably knows it.
He must have noticed something in my expression because his smile grows wider "On the other hand you have also brought the local population quite a bit closer to us, so I will graciously ignore your stabbyness in favor of your good deeds and grant you the title of Expert Enchanter, bear it with pride"
I glare at him and pick up the documents he sends me, immediately tossing them into my oblivion storage. Not a second later I am swamped with questions from my colleagues, with Morrigan and Edrasa all but pulling out popcorn in enjoyment of my torment.
After finally answering all of the inane questions and making everyone swear not to reveal my secrets willy-nilly I relax into my chair while pretending not to see the far too amused expressions of my teachers.
Savos chooses this exact moment to speak again "Now that you are done with the puni- *Cough*, distraction"
I am so kicking his ass once I am strong enough.
"It is time for you all to finally choose what you will be doing from now on. When you joined us, I said that this college prides itself at the freedom of its members and this statement still holds true, you will now be able to take jobs more freely and even leave for however long you like."
"Since not one of you failed to reach the level of an adept, and big congratulations on that!" He seems genuinely proud at this, and continues in a cheerful tone "You no longer have to pay tuition to stay here, seeing as you are no longer mere students."
Just as some of my colleagues let out relieved sighs and I even hear Marwyn let out a celebratory 'whoop', Savos continues with a shit eating grin "You now have to pay rent!"
I am surrounded by groaning and the sound of faces hitting tables, seeing the situation I start chuckling at their misery, dumb peasants still need to pay rent... real mer pay land taxes!
The teachers laugh and I even hear the dead man cackle from the edge of the room.
Savos wipes a tear from his eye and calls for our attention again with a fake cough "All jokes aside, you are now granted more freedom with the only caveat being that the college will take a percentage off any earnings you make while doing business in the college's name."
He turns to me with an exasperated look just as I am about to raise a hand "No Dagoth, you own your own business and don't have to pay us."
I shrug, not at all embarrassed. If I didn't ask then I would have remembered it like a year later and he would laugh at me for it.
We spend about an hour longer going through the usual administrative work one has to deal with when getting any kind of title or recognition but blessedly it is finished quickly and efficiently.
After that is done the Masters take their time to congratulate us, Sergius calls me his best student ever, and Faralda whispers an invitation for later.
Savos calls an end to the meeting and the rest start leaving the room. I stay and wait a bit before approaching the Archmage, he notices me and gives me a curious look "Ah, I did hear something about you looking to leave Winterhold for a bit, already tired of your new home Reyvin?"
I glare at him "First of all, fuck you!" he laughs at me "Secondly, yes I am looking for a change of pace, something which will have me spend some time in another hold, preferably in the west of Skyrim, and for the love of all the gods make it a place where things are actually happening." I ask almost begging, the monotony was really getting to me.
Savos gives me a knowing look "Oh I know that feeling, staying in one place can get rather dull I agree." He pulls out a scroll "Luckily for you I heard of your wish to go out from a little bird, so as the great Archmage that I am I already prepared your task."
Smug asshole.
He senses my annoyance and his smirk grows just a bit "You are to go to Solitude and provide assistance to the court wizard with all the recent tensions there... something about uppity reachmen? I think."
I raise an eyebrow "I was quite certain that the Reachmen got decimated by Ulfric in the Markarth incident, how did they gather enough strength to even be a nuisance so quickly?"
Savos shrugs and gives me an uncaring look "I have no clue, this is your job to find out. Besides your main job is still being an assistant to the court mage."
I stare at him with annoyance "You already know don't you?"
He smiles and says nothing, making me even more annoyed with him.
I grumble a 'well I am off to prepare' and turn to leave, but hear from behind me "Oh and Reyvin, nice rings you got there."
I chuckle "Yeah, thanks for the sample old man" And leave to prepare for my trip feeling actual excitement for the first time in months.