1,944A.N. Hey again, thanks for being patient and understanding.
Actual chapter this time. Sorry about the omake thing. From what I saw no one really enjoyed it, so I'll probably delete it and not do any more.
This chapter is shorter than normal. It was originally longer, but it ended at a cliff hanger. I hate writing cliff hangers almost as much as you guys hate reading them, so I shortened the chapter.
Anyway, thanks again for the support. It's honestly the only reason I'm still able to write this thing. I lost motivation more than a few times, but you guys plus the discord kept me going. So thanks.
No idea when the next chapter is going to come out. Classes have started back up, and life is still kinda crazy. I'll put the chapter out as soon as it's done.
Enjoy.
I finish sharpening the sword in my hand, and place it back on the rack.
And with that, I'm done.
I stand up and make my way to the exit, so I can begin wandering the halls.
It's been a couple days, and to be honest, I have done a lot of nothing. I went through the other armories restoring stuff, but I did it at an extremely slow pace so I could relax.
Svar's been up with the dragons, and Serana and her mother have been poking at Morokei's soul, so all three of them have been more productive than I have.
Well, I have been productive. All the armories are now fully restored, and I used my new necromancy abilities to outfit the undead so I didn't have to interrupt the mad science going on near the portal.
It took a little trial and error, but controlling the undead that had already been told to listen to me was pretty simple. So I guess I did do something productive.
Besides, I've earned a break. The last time I was really able to rest was before we started on the portal. I took a nap after it was done, but we went in right after that. Now that Valerica and Durnehviir are out we'll have plenty of time to do whatever it is we decide to do.
That's actually a pretty important question. What's next?
We don't really have a reliable way to track down Alduin, so that fight'll have to be postponed until Vizier is back or we find another method to track hi… her. Still weird. Anyway, I'd rather fight her when we've all had a chance to grow in strength a little bit. She was a pushover in the game, but in the lore she's a literal god. Little 'g', but god all the same. Going after her without being close to the equivalent ourselves is not a good idea.
I don't want to tangle with Harkon right now either. The man is practically neutralized at this point. There is no way in hell he'll ever get the scrolls he needs, and without them he won't know how to proceed. There'll be nothing to point him to the bow, and no Daughter of Coldharbour for that snow elf prick to take advantage of. Unless Harkon finds us, he's not a problem anymore.
Miraak? Not even sure the guy's active yet, so it's probably best if we play that one by ear.
Honestly the most pressing concern is probably Potema. I don't know how much of a threat she poses, nor do I know how large her army is. Hell, I don't even know if she's still in Morthal. We've been pretty hands off of everything that wasn't us, so she could have taken over the entire province and we might not have noticed. We've been too focused on portal construction to give much of a shit.
She's the main opponent we should focus on right now. Between Durnheviir, Serana, and Valerica we've got some pretty solid counters to her armies, but I don't know how powerful she is. She's probably got Movarth with her too, and I'm not sure of his strength either. He was meh in the game, but again, everything is scaled up here. I'm not willing to run the risk of underestimating him or her.
I take a deep breath, and shake my head.
I'm stressing myself out too much. We don't need to fight Potema unless she finds us, which is pretty damn unlikely to happen. Her scouts returned unharmed, and we haven't exactly advertised our presence. We'll be fine.
I'm on my way up to the top of the mountain, when a loud wailing screech sounds from the other direction.
That can't be good.
I activate Godspeed, and run towards the source of the cry. I move through the halls until I come to the portal room, and am met with the sight of a freed Morokei floating above the portal.
Oh shit.
I hastily cast a ward over myself at the same time I rush forward with Yamato.
Strangely, the dragon priest doesn't move as I get closer.
Not willing to waste the opportunity, I quickly bring Yamato up, and slash through the floating priest.
The dragon priest floats there, unmoving, and takes the cut. His body bisects, before it slowly starts to knit itself back together.
What the hell?
"Your Dusk is most certainly quick to respond to what he perceives to be a threat." A calm voice says from over my shoulder.
I leapt back from Morokei, and threw a quick glance towards the voice.
Valerica is standing there rather casually with her hands grasped in front of her. She's studying my ward curiously.
"In hindsight we should have informed the other inhabitants of the mountain we were finished." Serana says as she walks over from the other side of the room. She walks over to me, and gives me an apologetic look. "I am sorry Dusk. The priest is under our control. We should have warned you we were finished, but in my excitement it slipped my mind."
I look between her and Morokei, before dropping my ward and putting Yamato back in my inventory. "Give me a heads up next time ya? Surprise dragon priests tend to make me kill first and ask questions never."
Serana nods. "I will."
Hesitating only a moment, I walk towards Morokei, and begin looking him over. "So how does this work exactly?"
Serana's face lights up in a mad scientist sort of way as she joins me next to the lich. "Where before he was only trapped within the Soul Stone, he is now fully bound to it. His will has been stripped away, leaving only his power. It is ours to direct however we see fit."
I raise an eyebrow at her. "You tore his free will away?"
"Such things are simple with enough knowledge and power." Valerica says as she joins us. "I trust this is not an issue?"
I snort as I turn to her. "If he weren't an asshole? Maybe, but this guy is a dragon priest. You don't become one of those by aiding your fellow man."
Valerica nods in what seems to be approval.
I turn back to face the floating lich. "So he's bound to the stone right?"
Serana nods.
"Does that mean anyone holding the stone can control him?" I continue. "I'd prefer not to have this guy used against us. Fighting him once was bad enough."
Valerica shakes her head. "Normally, that would be the case. With access to the Soul Cairn however, we were able to alter the effect. Suffice to say Serana and I are the only ones who are able to control him."
Only Serana and her huh? So long as Serana's got a hold on his leash, I'm willing to let that slide. Still don't completely trust Valerica though.
I look back at the still form in front of me.
Gotta say, it's a little unnerving seeing him just float there.
"Is there a way to put him back in the stone, or will he be out of it from now on?"
Serana reaches into her robe, and withdraws the stone. She pushes magic into it and Morokei's form slowly begins to fade away.
Guess that answers that question.
"So now that we've got a pet dragon priest, do you have any plans for him?" I ask Serana.
She replaces the stone within her robe and shakes her head. "We do not have anything planned beyond using him in battles. We do not need him as a powersource since we have access to the Soul Cairn, and any other use would be a waste of his considerable power."
I chuckle as something occurs to me.
Valerica looks at me inquisitively. "What do you find funny?" She asks politely.
I turn to her with a grin. "I was just thinking about the sheer amount of power we have staying in this temple. We have a dragon necromancer, another dragon who's one of the stronger of his kind, the last Dragonborn, two Daughters of Coldharbour, a few dozen undead, a soul bound dragon priest, and me. It's getting a little ridiculous is all."
A bark from the entrance to the room draws my attention.
I laugh. "And a ghost dog. Can't forget about you."
Mr. Rogers pants happily, and trots into the room.
Wait a second…
Mr. Rogers
Best Doggo
Level- 32
Race- Spirit
HP- 895
Thoughts about you- You aren't petting him right now. This travesty must not stand.
I laugh out loud at the thoughts, and begin scratching him behind the ears as soon as he gets close enough.
Serana tilts her head at me. "Did you just use your information spell on him?"
I nod, and keep petting my dog.
Serana hums. "Do you mind if I ask why?"
"Not at all." I say, and pull out the gem I got as a quest reward once we were out of the Soul Cairn.
Serana catches it when I toss it to her, and begins to inspect it. Valerica leans over her shoulder to get a look at it as well.
Serana's eyebrows narrow as she inspects the object. "I have never seen anything like this. I would assume you retrieved it with your ability?"
I nod, and begin to rub Mr. Roger's tummy.
"What is it?" Valerica asks. "I feel a power coming from it, but it feels far away."
"Makes sense." I say as I stand up. "It's called a Gem of Empowering. It's a one time use item that'll increase the power of whoever it's used on. I don't know how much of an increase it is, but I do know you can't be too strong or it won't work on you."
Valerica frowns. "Then I assume this will not work on any of us?"
"Well…" I turn to Mr. Rogers who is sitting down with his tongue lolling out of his mouth.
Serana breaks out into a grin. "That is a fabulous idea."
"What's a fabulous idea?"
The room's inhabitants turn towards the door and see Svar entering with Ascalon drawn. She looks at us in confusion, before saying. "Did none of you hear the screeching wail earlier?"
I turn to look at Serana, and Svar follows my gaze.
"That was our fault." Serana says. "We completed our work on Morokei, and we did not think to warn you before calling up its power."
Svar raises an eyebrow. "You summoned an undead lich that nearly killed us without thinking a warning would be nice?"
Serana actually looks a little sheepish after that.
Valerica steps forward. "It was my fault. It has been quite some time since I was a guest, and have forgotten my manners. It won't happen again."
Svar sheathes Ascalon and walks into the room. "Just let us know next time."
Valerica and Serana nod.
"So," Svar continues. "what's a fabulous idea?"
Serana holds out the gem to her, and Svar takes it.
"I got that from my ability." I say as she looks it over. "It'll make something stronger, but it won't work on anyone too strong."
Svar's eyes leave the stone, and move to Mr. Rogers. "You were going to use it on your dog? That actually is a pretty good idea. He's been with us in pretty much every major fight we've had, so making him stronger would definitely help."
"That and he's a good boy." I say as I pat him on the head.
Mr. Rogers barks in response.
Svar tosses the gem back to me. "Were you going to do it now?"
I shrug. "No reason not to."
I kneel down next to Mr. Rogers, and hold the gem out.
I'm not quite sure how to use this thing, but it shouldn't be too hard to figure it out.
I place the gem against his head. Nothing happens, so I push a small amount of magic into it. The gem starts to glow bright blue, and I let go of it. It sticks to Mr. Rogers's head, and continues to get brighter. A few seconds later, the gem shatters.
Mr. Rogers shivers slightly, and his spectral form begins to glow brighter.
"I'm guessing that means it worked?" Svar says.
I think so. How's he lookin?
Mr. Rogers
Best Doggo
Level- 160
Race- Spirit
HP- 3,465
Thoughts about you- He's wondering why you just gave him your lightning.
Dang. That's a pretty big jump. He's five times stronger if my math is right.
Hm, what does, 'Gave him my lightning' mean?
I lean forward to inspect him a little closer, and he seems to grin at me.
Mr. Rogers brings his head back and begins to howl. As he does, his form lights up even brighter, and blue energy begins to weave around his form.
I have a lightning dog. I have a freaking lightning dog!
I begin laughing as Mr. Rogers stands up and begins running around the room much faster than he could move before.
Svar turns to me with a smile on her face. "He's definitely your familiar."
I stand back up and just watch as Mr. Rogers runs around the room.
"It will be interesting to see what he is now capable of." Serana thinks aloud.
"We can test that later." Svar says as she turns to me. "Did you get anything else when you pulled that stone?"
I nod. "I got a more advanced version of a lantern, a plague ridden boot, and two things that are actually cool."
I slowly pull out the two better things I got from the gacha.
Svar's eyes instantly go to the lightsaber, but Serana and Valerica are both much more interested in the small vial in my other hand.
"Is that like that thing you gave me when we got here?" She asks.
I grin at her. "Yes and no. That was a model of the real thing, and this is the real thing."
The two vampiresses redirect their attention to the small metal cylinder at my words.
"Would you be willing to share the capabilities of that item?" Valerica asks.
In answer, I simply push a small button on said item.
The bright violet blade lights up the space. Funny enough, the blade is almost the same color as the portal to the Soul Cairn not fifteen feet away from me. The two light sources play off each other in a rather interesting way as they illuminate the room with shifting light.
Serana walks forwards and inspects the blade. "It is made of energy. Not unlike a bound weapon. What makes this weapon so special?"
I turn from her and walk over to the wall. I motion at it, and over my shoulder, ask, "Is this particularly important?"
I get two head shakes, and a shrug from Svar.
Not needing any more prompting, I gently slide the saber's blade point first into the stone. There is almost no resistance as the plasma melts anything it touches.
Svar is positively beaming as she sees the damage. "It's like Yamato!" She exclaims.
I pull the saber from the wall, and make a so-so gesture with my other hand. "Kind of, but not really. Yamato can cut through things because of its nature. This blade is called a lightsaber in its home universe. It's essentially just controlled fire. Ok, that's a dramatic oversimplification. It would be more accurate to say that this is a controlled beam of fire directly from the sun, because it really is that hot. Yamato cuts things with almost no resistance, this burns things until there's nothing left to resist."
Serana becomes thoughtful at that. "Is there anything that can resist its heat?"
I nod. "In the universe it's from, there's quite a few things that can stop it. I'm willing to bet that most stronger dragons would be resistant enough to heat to block it, but that's guesswork. The best way to stop it here would be to use lightning."
"Lightning?" Valerica asks intrigued.
"If you want to know the science later, I'd be willing to tell you, but for now just know it'll work. We still haven't gone over the second item after all."
I extinguish the blade and go to put the lightsaber away, but Svar stops me.
"Can I have it?" She asks intently.
I pause as I take a moment to study her. Her eyes are hyper focused on the lightsaber's hilt, and she has an air of desire and anticipation about her.
Her dragon side's kicking in isn't it? I guess it makes sense. I did give her a toy version of one of these, and now she's seeing the real thing. Makes sense she'd want it, and honestly I can't really think of a reason not to let her have it. I have Yamato, which is more than I could ever really want. I guess I have that duel wielding perk now, but a lightsaber in one hand and Yamato in the other just feels like overkill.
After thinking it over for a second, I walk over to her and motion down to it. "Push this if you want to turn it on or off, and do not cut yourself with it. I know you know how to handle a sword, but this thing is Yamato levels of dangerous." I hold it out to her.
She takes it with a smile and says, "I know, thanks for looking out for me." She puts the hilt into a satchel at her side.
Remembering a project I worked on while I was restoring armor, I reach into my inventory and pull out a belt.
"Here." I say as I toss it over to Svar.
She looks it over and raises an eyebrow at me. "A belt?"
I nod. "Take the saber back out."
She does so, and I hold my hand out for it. She gives it over, allowing me to clip it to the metal catch on the belt.
"There." I say. "Now you can wear it at your hip."
Svar smiles. "Cool." She rearranges her gear a bit, and is soon wearing two belts at diagonal angles. One holding Ascalon, and one holding the saber. The two belts hang around either of her hips, and meet a little beneath her belly button to form an 'X'.
Dang. She looks pretty badass. How's she keeping the belts from shifting around though? It's probably a hint of alteration magic.
"Thanks Dusk." Svar says with a grin.
I return the expression. "Don't mention it."
"I do not mean to cut in," Valerica says, drawing my attention. "but that vial you are holding is giving off a very strange energy. It is holy, but not. Powerful, yet simple. Would you mind explaining what it is?"
I look back down and remember the small white bottle in my hand. I look at it for a little longer, and smile. "It's the captured light of a star." I say. "If I remember things right, the liquid inside the vial was once in a small pool. The pool was in a forest in another world, and from there it was able to absorb the light from the star. That's what gives it its power."
"What is its power?" Serana asks.
I shrug. "I'm honestly not too sure. Again, my knowledge isn't perfect. I know what some people used it for, but I'm not sure I can recreate those feats. Even if I could, they wouldn't be all that useful to us. There is probably a way for us to use it that'll give us some benefit though. It's just a matter of finding it."
"Got any ideas on how to use it?" Svar asks. Now looking at the small vial.
I shrug. "Not really, but we've got plenty of time to figure something out. Besides, we're more than capable of looking after ourselves without it."
Valerica nods, and turns to Serana. "Our work is done, and I feel the need for rest. It has been a very long time since I was able to sleep without the Ideal Masters looming over me, and I would like to take advantage of this new situation."
"There are plenty of living quarters in this temple." Serana says back. "Just pick a room and arrange it as you see fit. Well, a room that is not ours."
The corner of Valerica's lip pulls up. "You need not worry daughter, I know better than to disturb my host's quarters." She turns to Svar and I, and nods her head to the both of us. "I thank you again for both freeing me, and granting me a place to stay. I will see you when I awake." She turns and leaves without another word.
The rest of us watch as she leaves.
Valerica is equal parts badass and weird. That woman just went from blood starved vampire, to reunited with a daughter she hadn't seen for centuries, to summoning Gaunter O'Dimm, to sealing an ancient dragon priest, to 'I'm tired', all in the span of a few days. Her mental fortitude has got to be top tier if she can just take all that bullshit in stride.
"So," Svar says once Valerica's gone. "food?"
Serana and I agree, and the three of us make our way to the mess hall. Svar takes out some dried meat while Serana and I each take a glass of blood.
I can't help but grin as I sit down at the table. This will never not feel classy as all hell.
We sit in silence for a while, just enjoying being able to relax. In the end, it's Serana who breaks the silence.
"Thank you again." She says in a soft tone. "You both risked much to help me and my mother. I will not soon forget that."
Svar waves her off. "You don't have to thank us. We've got your back just like you've got ours. We're a team now."
I nod in agreement. "We're with you Serana, and I'm glad you have your mom back."
Serana smiles at us, but the expression fades as she looks down to my hand. "I just wish you had not needed to sacrifice so much."
Svar follows her gaze, and the mood sours as we all look at O'Dimm's brand.
"What are we going to do about that?" Svar asks. "You know the guy better than we do, so tell us how to help you."
I let out a sigh. "Honestly? There isn't anything we can do right now. I only know of one other deal he's made that was similar to what he did with me. He gave that guy a specific timeline, and now that I think about it, he gave me one too."
"When?" Serana and Svar ask at the same time.
I shake my head. "Don't worry. If I interpreted things correctly, then we've got plenty of time."
"What did he say?" Svar asks.
"He said something about using Yamato more creatively, and that he would be disappointed if I couldn't transport myself."
"What does that mean?" Serana asks.
I grab my chin as I think. "This is me guessing, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I think he wants me to use Yamato to somehow go to where he is."
Svar tilts her head. "Where is he?"
"My best guess is he's back in his own world just having a gay old time, but he could theoretically be anywhere I guess."
Serana's eyebrows scrunch together. "Can Yamato be used to transport us to his world?"
I smile at her wording. 'Us', not 'you'. Glad to know they've got my back.
"I'm not sure." I say in answer to her question. "It was able to transport someone from hell to Earth then back again, so theoretically yes? Again, I'm just guessing here."
"If that is truly the case, then we need to study Yamato further in order to ascertain all of its properties. The sooner you are free of that entity the better." Serana says, and Svar nods in agreement.
"We'll deal with it when we deal with it." I say. "Between Alduin, Harkon, Miraak, Potema, and now Gaunter, we've got a lot on our plate right now. We'll take care of each problem as it arises. Besides, I'm willing to bet jumping worlds is going to be a little more involved than swinging Yamato around a little bit."
And if it isn't more involved than that, we'll need to stay way the fuck away from Bolas. If Yamato really works like that, the power hungry planeswalking dragon will be on us the moment he learns about the sword. Here's to hoping he doesn't exist in this weird multiverse I've found myself in!
"Harkon is not as pressing a concern as the others." Serana says. "We have effectively stopped his plans."
Svar looks at her. "Ya, but I kinda figured you still wanted some payback."
My thoughts exactly.
Serana nods. "I do, but both he and I are immortal. There will be plenty of time to kill him later." Her eyes light up again as she turns back to Svar. "Speaking of immortality, I may have a few ideas for how to make yourself immortal without having to be turned."
Svar smiles at her. "Thanks, but Paarthurnax and I are working on it."
What?
I raise an eyebrow at her. "You're 'working on it'? Are you using the thu'um to do something?"
"We're still in the early stages, but we are making progress. If we make any major progress I'll tell you about it."
Serana and I share a look, but we both accept Svar's words and let the topic drop.
Svar lets out a long yawn. "I think your mom was onto something when she went to take a nap, Serana. I'm tired."
"Then get some rest." I say. "We've got plenty of time now, so you can afford to take the rest of the day off."
Svar nods her head. "Good. Let's go." She stands up and walks from the room. Motioning for Serana and I to follow her.
Serana finishes her glass, and stands. "Best to not keep her waiting." She too leaves the room.
Eh, I guess I could use a nap.
I stand and follow after them.
We all make it back to our room, and lay down after taking our armor off.
We exchange goodnights, and begin to drift off.
I've missed sleep.
Interlude: Alduin
Her brother had been here. No, her brother has lived here.
Very interesting.
Why had he waited so long at the location of her banishment? Was he awaiting her, or perhaps he was simply standing vigil over the tower itself?
The reason matters not in the end. He is no longer here, and therefore Alduin is able to claim it as her own. It will make an excellent location from which to expand her conquest into the rest of Tamriel.
The mortals who reside here may need to be killed, but that is no pressing matter. Their defeat will not take overmuch effort, and in the end they are but another distraction from her path.
It is her destiny to devour the entirety of the world, but she lacks the strength to do so at present. She must grow stronger. The best way to accomplish this goal is to spread outside of Skyrim. All of Nirn's peoples once bent the knee to the mighty dovah, but they have forgotten their place. It is time to remind them.
Alduin reared back, and lifted her head to the sky.
"ZU'U BEL HI!" Alduin bellowed.
The shout could be heard for miles all around the mountain, and for those who knew to listen, it could be heard from anywhere.
Alduin did not need to wait long, as the first of her followers announced her presence with a mighty roar.
Soon, more ancient voices joined in, and several red, gold, green, white, black, blue, and grey shapes began circling the air around Snow Throat.
It was time.
The world would remember their fear of the dovah.
A.N.
Obviously this is a shorter Interlude, and there's only one. I've been getting a lot of feedback that the interludes are a waste of time. Do you guys enjoy them, or should I only post stuff from Dusk and Co.'s POV?
That's all I've got really.
Thanks for reading, stay safe, and have a good one!
