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R.I.P. neildarkstar. Haven will miss you dearly.
| Akasha - Queen Of Darkness; What have I done wrong? Am I at fault? | |
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| Topic Started: Jul 13 2016, 03:18 PM (130 Views) | |
| Maxus Corvin | Jul 13 2016, 03:18 PM Post #1 |
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Going to stagger posting these a bit, along with more than one per post, since I'd rather not make a dozen posts for all of Akasha's entries. I will probably be making a few changes, either corrections for later details, or to fit a bit better with things pointed in Kana's thread. Mods: Spoiler: click to toggle Entry 1 Spoiler: click to toggle Entry 2 Spoiler: click to toggle Entry 3 Spoiler: click to toggle
Edited by Maxus Corvin, Sep 23 2016, 11:33 PM.
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| Serethil | Jul 13 2016, 05:40 PM Post #2 |
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Et'Ada
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Glad to have her reposted here! You know, it's WAY easier here to go back to read from the beginning than it was on the other forum, with bits posted across a number of threads.... |
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| Andra Hawksdaughter | Jul 13 2016, 06:06 PM Post #3 |
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Jarl
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I'm with you on this Sere! This is so much better, easier... |
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| Maxus Corvin | Jul 13 2016, 06:21 PM Post #4 |
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Indeed, I went back to read it on Bethesda's forums early this morning, and the only thing that made it easy was the posted links to the next thread. Also found a few issues as I said above, like giving a name to the "sick" girl way before I really settled on Llaala. Fixed that(It's in 5). Entry 4 Spoiler: click to toggle Entry 5 Spoiler: click to toggle Entry 6 Spoiler: click to toggle
Edited by Maxus Corvin, Jul 13 2016, 06:26 PM.
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| Maxus Corvin | Jul 15 2016, 11:28 PM Post #5 |
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Entry 7 Spoiler: click to toggle Entry 8 Spoiler: click to toggle Entry 9 Spoiler: click to toggle Entry 10 Spoiler: click to toggle
Edited by Maxus Corvin, Jul 15 2016, 11:35 PM.
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| Serethil | Jul 15 2016, 11:45 PM Post #6 |
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Et'Ada
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I am REALLY enjoying the reread - more especially since I don't have to dig around for the posts over there! I just love the ability to have every story here in one specific thread. |
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| Maxus Corvin | Jul 16 2016, 10:56 AM Post #7 |
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Entry 11 “My name is Serana. Good to meet you.” She wanted me to take her home. To a castle, northwest of Solitude. I shuddered. Even the thought of that brought to mind all the books. Did I really know what I was getting myself into? Was I really about to walk into an encounter with the Volkihar? If I was, what exactly would occur? Passed of as a diseased wretch? Or perhaps, given the one I was in the company of, it would be something else. A book I had read long ago described something ancient. Fragments of Creation, the Elder Scrolls. Not mere information, no these were much more than that. What, I did not know, but they were rare. Something that most, would only hear of in passing. But here I was, staring at this pale skinned-beauty, who had one of them on her back. Why was she sealed up with it? To protect it? Was it to protect both the scroll, and her? All questions I would beg to answer, only I never asked them to Serana. For I thought that, at this point, it was not my place to do so. Former queen or not, that title is...and I hate to say it, all but a memory for me. A part of my past, not my present. “Now tell me, who is this stranger you have brought into our hall?” This man, no this Vampire was, Lord Harkon. Serana's father. As he explained, I was once again in the presence of Vampires. But they were not just, Vampires. They were of a different sort. As I soon learned, Vampire Lords. Kana, I love and hate you. For she knew. Far more prophetic that any other, even if her visions were not about her own power, but mine. The books. The information, all of it helping me with out even having the slightest knowledge of where the future would go for her, for me, for anyone. Yet, here I stood. I was made an offer. For bringing Serana and the Elder Scroll to him, Harkon had a suitable gift in mind. Even before he said it, I knew. “I offer you my blood. Take it, and you will walk as a Lion among sheep, and you will never fear death again.” I smiled. “I accept.” ~ “You are absolutely heartless. Although I honestly think that is to be expected. Why should you care?” The man sighed, running his hand through his silvery hair. “If you were at fault, I do not know. Perhaps it was one of the others. But what I know for sure is one thing – it was NOT me. All I did was give the Sky-child a push to save it, nothing more. Or did I? Eh, I hope I did. Another me, maybe? She could have acted otherwise, but she could not ignore the peril, once she saw the diamond in the desert, both the city, and it's queen.” The creature before him said nothing. He sighed, looking around. “I would have expected a hellish wasteland, not a cold one. Though perhaps that was mortal perception, along with the want for things to be a certain way. At least my realm has more color than this.” Again, nothing. “What, are you focused on speaking with some mortal at an altar somewhere? Would you really be so rude as to care more about that, than taking at least some time to speak with one of your peers? Or is it just that you are still bitter?If so, then you will need to get over that one, mate.” He waved a hand over his eyes, and they suddenly matched, both of them red. “Would you prefer this? Or perhaps blue? Maybe I should prance around looking like a chiropteran or something?” Shrugging, he turned around, stamping a cane upon the ground, causing him to disappear from the cold harbour. “Definitely not fun at parties.” Sitting upon his throne, he sighed. “Work to complete this prophecy. Only you will not make so great a sacrifice as may be required. Soon the sun shall eclipse, and the world shall wait to see if it brings darkness eternal, or if perhaps, it will make way for the bright of day once again.” ~ “You honestly believe that, do you not? That I am seriously supposed to be intimidated by...you?” I picked the large man up by the neck. “You know who you work for, do you not? Their time has come. So has yours.” My expectation of Redwater Den, was not this. Even with Geran's mention of the placing falling into less that reputable hands, I had not exactly expected a skooma den. But there was obviously more to it. I had seen skooma before. Never tried it, but I understood that it had varied effects. But this one, seemed different still. First of all, it was red. Hence it being called “Redwater Skooma”, but surely it was not just a brand sold here? Of course not. When I finally reached the lower levels, it began looking more like a Nordic ruin. Here I heard talk of a Spring, the same one I heard Geran mention. The talk was seemingly that the spring was not a pool of water, but blood. That did little to satisfy Vampires, but had addictive qualities if drank by humans – even more so if mixed into Skooma. Or so a journal inscribed with the name 'Venarus Vulpin', a Vampire. The journal also made mention of the Bloodstone Chalice, along with a drawing of it. The blood from the spring would only be potent enough for Vampires, if the blood is first siphoned into the Chalice, and as per Geran's instructions, the blood of a powerful Vampire is also added. That part puzzled me, but the obvious thought would be my own, if something else did not present itself. His journal also made mention of the Spring's history. Previously being a spring sacred to Arkay, headed by the Priest Lengeir. The woman he was in love with was bitten by a Vampire, and later turned him as well. Rather than what I expected, the two apparently went on a rampage through the Spring, killing many of the other Priests, even as they cowered in prayer for the protection of Arkay, which they did not likely receive. Venarus description of the history was vague, as it seemed these sorts of details were unimportant to him. Kana would hate this man. “You searched for this, did you not?” I held the chalice up before Venarus, smiling. “Pity it was within hands much more powerful than your own. So shall it remain.” I broke his neck, dropping him to the ground – then sending a fire spell in his direction. As I walked away, I was still smiling. He was screaming the usual, but it was different. This was a Vampire, full of fear. Crying out what I had heard from humans before, 'WHAT ARE YOU?'. I had little answer in this case, since it seemed too obvious for me to say it. And too late for him to need the explanation. When I entered the next room, the Spring was in full view. Given what I knew of it, if it was still water, it would be something that many would fight over. But it seemed that even Vampires had no need for this, since again, it does little beyond increase our power, and even a slight taste was satisfying, but seemingly brief. Filling it was simple, even if I was expecting more to it. The blood did seem to look different in the Chalice itself, though if the effects of drinking it would be different, I would test that idea later. I also noted that, the Chalice seemed loathe to lose it's contents as well, since even a slight tip would not even so much as begin to pour the blood. I even tried turning it completely over, and again, nothing spilled. I stood, stretching. This form was not difficult to sustain, and seemingly had no limitations to it. I looked toward the other side of the room, and my face stretched into a scowl when I saw to Vampires enter the room, both of them familiar – I had seen them in the Keep, and I could tell that their intentions were going to be eventually hostile. Salonia smiled. “It's really too bad, you know. The little accident you had here, completely unexpected.” Stalf followed suit. “Yeah, too bad. Harkon's new favorite, dead so soon after joining the family.” I snarled, but then smiled. “You are really doing this?” I could tell something was off about them. Their next words confirmed this. “We're just lucky that I was here to return the Chalice to Vingalmo, so he could make sure Harkon gets it back.” She crossed her arms. He looked at her with one that I was expecting – one of betrayal. “Wait, what? That's not what we agreed. We take it back together.” She laughed. “Idiot. You didn't really think I'd let you walk out of here either, did you? Vingalmo wants you both dead.” He shrugged. “Well, that's fine. Orthjolf told me to finish off anyone who got in the way.” Now I started laughing. Why? In two seconds they proved their weakness. For they both drew weapons and began to attack me. I do not know if this is a sign that their blood was not powerful enough to access the Vampire Lord form, but either way, they did not choose to use it. I was able to attack from a distance, draining power from them to replenish my own. Stalf died first, and I managed to grab Salonia by the neck, and lift her from the ground. “I honestly do not care what Harkon wants. But for now, I will loyally serve his interests. Which now includes...” I flexed my other hand, then ran my claws through her stomach. Licking the blood from them, I smiled, snarling. “...You will do just fine.” I held the chalice over her bleeding wounds, watching as the blood almost seemed to glow. A movement of my hand broke her neck, and I threw her corpse to the ground. “Perhaps Harkon will be pleased. I've eliminated two fools from his court, and weakened others. Who knows if this will help me, in the end.” |
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| Serethil | Jul 16 2016, 06:28 PM Post #8 |
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Et'Ada
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Right up her alley! Very well written, Max. |
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| Andra Hawksdaughter | Jul 16 2016, 06:56 PM Post #9 |
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Jarl
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Ooh, vicious! I like it, LOL I like that she is loyal, as long as it follows her own agenda.... |
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| Maxus Corvin | Aug 5 2016, 12:16 AM Post #10 |
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Entry 12 “What exactly, do you mean?” “I'm...curious. While it is true that, I am not suggesting the offer is made lightly, nor am I meaning to view her as an experiment only – she is a valued soldier, and I would not forget that. As per usual, she would be given a choice.” I had to frown. “I do not think she would accept such an offer. More than that, I am not sure she even has any need of it.” Kana shook her head. “Perhaps not, really. But what I wonder, is what Vampirism could do for her. Her injury almost means that she can never serve you as a soldier again. Her life may be comfortable due to her service, but it has been changed in such a way that, some would say is irreversible. I don't even know if our most skilled healers can help her. Base wounds and diseases can be seen to, but...losing a limb? If it is possible, I cannot say.” “So you believe it would be a favor to her. Something that would allow her to continue with the life that she would be otherwise unable to?” I nodded. “Either way, I will still-” She stopped me. “No, I will...do it. With her permission, of course. She is a friend, and while I know that you would treat her with care, I would like to be more involved in this.” I had to smirk. “I see. Is this some admission of interest, or just a matter of research? I'll admit myself, she is quite beautiful.” I saw her face go red as she sighed. “I don't want to say this, but...I just, care. I will not pretend to know if she feels the same way, maybe I just think it isn't the time to ask. I thought, maybe, if I do something for her first...something to change her life...” I stood, slowly walking towards Kana. Once I reached her, I softly pulled the soft white hair from her face, smiling. “Starting with the truth does help. But I see your point. If you do tell her, anyone rushing you to do so, is doing you an incredible disservice. If she accepts, and it does indeed work, then once you are ready, tell her.” “You don't...” I laughed. “There is no reason in this world that I could possibly think less of you, Kana. I would list off the many flaws in existence that would bare mention, but you know them all. Too much do people rely on dislike, hatred, fear, and despair. While useful, they are punishing to all in the long term. You bringing a bit of hope to her life, is not something I could ever, see as a problem. No matter if that is offering her a chance to regain what she lost, or to spend eternity with you.” ~ “Your guess, is as good as mine. Which is to say, not very. I have no idea what this is.” I sighed, picking up the blade. The hilt was of Dwemer make, no question. But the blade. A beautiful blue, slightly glowing, and warm to the touch. In a few tests, the blade was akin to metal taken from the flames of a forge – it was white hot, and able to cut whatever it sliced through. Only touching it yielded no injuries, not even if touched on the edge. It was then that Kana yelled. “WHAT?” “Um, something wrong?” She focused on the book she was staring at, then sighed as she placed it before me. “Pure Aetherium. A material that is nearly impossible to work with, and even rarer to find.” The book did describe the same information. The various depictions, to what looked like mundane fixtures in Dwarven ruins, to various implements. All of it seemed to suggest that the Dwarves had a method to forge the material, but no one knew how. The question was how the blade came to be in the hands of Myra's attacker. Perhaps something that is not likely to get an answer. “Would you have anything else on this?” She shook her head. “Many have tried and failed to understand this. You have seen the book, so you know the details. The method to forge this material has been lost, and all those that attempt to find it, fail. I doubt you want to pursue this, but it is bothering me. Mainly because of the obvious problem – which we may both have to simply put out of our minds. Although, I do recommend something.” “What is it?” She picked up the blade, giving it a few swings before she presented the hilt to me. “Place this where no one will find it. That treasure room of yours, where everything may be hidden from the world, perhaps forever. Anyone who gets their hands on this, it will be akin to a fool getting his or her hands on a Daedric artifact – it will not end well for anyone.” “So you are saying that....how do you know I am not full of greed in the same way?” Kana laughed. “You have a Kingdom. You do not have an Empire. You would not wish to kill innocent people because they have something you want – should you, there would be greater purpose behind your acquisition, than simple want. Others, as you well know, are not akin to you. They want something, and they will do whatever it takes to get it.” ~ “So this is, a key?” While it seemed obvious, that fact could have been true, but not a definite thing. Mostly since, even if you have what can be described simply as a 'Key”, that does not mean it is – unless you see the lock it pairs with. Which while this pedestal could be just that, it did not seem so from first glance. Though that is obviously not the reason that no one else had ever brought the key here. They were all in places that some would think are often traveled, but even though travelers may pass by them, some are likely wary of Dwemer ruins, and others, like the one I found outside a ruin in the Eastern side of, well, Eastmarch, are not so lucky. In the same place, while the main section of the ruin was locked with a door that seemed sealed shut, a small tower southwest of the complex was accessible, and inside was indeed another shard. That made three, alongside the one I found where Katria had explored, and another I found sitting outside, on a Dwemer made bridge that spanned a river – with a waterfall almost directly beneath it. Thanks to Katria's journal, I tracked down the location of the last, which was another Dwemer ruin to the east of Windhelm. This one took longer than the others, since I had to fight through a number of bandits that had made the place home, along with the Automatons that I had expected. This left only the location of the Forge, which like the Shards, Katria's journal had a possible location of that too. It was in the southern part of the Rift, near a camp of soldiers. The banner I saw was familiar, the symbol of the Septim Empire. Some of the talk I had heard bits of, suggested that line had ended two centuries ago. Not that I really care. When I placed the key in the circular slot, I felt a rumble. Katria shouted at me to move, and when I did, I turned back, only to be faced with a wall, that eventually rose high enough, to reveal an elevator – like the one I used near Windhelm. Only this one went down, with no obvious ruin in sight that it connected to. Perhaps too deep? What we found first was not the forge. It seemed a path built to possibly deter would be explorers, or just built for the Dwemer to revel in their dominance of the underground. This would have seemed like a path going to a grand palace, but no, this one did indeed lead to what might be the forge, a room with steam ushered from vents in the floor, and beneath that, molten lava. I cannot say I was expecting this to be easy. Turning of the steam was, but then the place seemed to come to life. Various Automatons, which were not as easy to deal with, given the numbers. Even once they were defeated, there was a much larger one, that seemed completely bent on protecting the forge. Though this isn't to say the rest had any other goal. Once that was done, the Forge itself loomed, like it was waiting. It is a slight surprise that the Dwemer did not make it impossible for any but themselves to use, but perhaps that would have been too much for even them. Or just an idea that they did not persue in this case, even with how much they wanted to protect it otherwise. The most obvious thing to do, was make something. The only problem, or so it seemed, was the lack of material. The Forge was made to specifically work with Aetherium, and there was seemingly none around. Or just none that I saw. Other than, as Katria pointed out as I realized, the key itself. I placed it within a similar lock as above, and this time the results were something I could not have expected in millions of years. A blue, transparent shape appeared above the key, similar in size to an open book, and completely flat. On this, was images of a shield, a staff, and a crown, all of them slowly spinning. Once I touched this, the images moved, each almost looking as if breathed into reality, only they were not. Still flashing blue, as if they were waiting for something. I had to laugh. It was obvious – why would this not be the method that the Dwarves would use? I reached to touch the crown. The moment I did, the other two disappeared, and the crown centered itself just above the blue...screen, I guess? Which then vanished, leaving the crown floating there. I had no idea what to expect next, and certainly not seeing the key begin to melt, changing from the glowing blue, to looking white hot, and draining somewhere. I nearly fell backwards as I watched a number of mechanical arms reach from the various pipes, touching the illusion of the crown. They moved fast enough to be nearly blinding, but I could see them. Melted dwarven metal poured out of three of them, forming the base shape of the crown. Another two slid over each part that was finished, looking like they were polishing the metal. Once these were done, five more of them appeared, each of them spitting out the white hot, melted down Aetherium, forming the five gems held within the crown. A burst of energy came from the crown, as the arms retreated. It was still floating, and I hesitated to pick it up. Though once I did, I noticed that it was not even hot. It was cool to the touch instead, as if it had been soaking in water for hours already. I shrugged, and perhaps in a moment of thinking that this was a prelude to regaining what I lost, even if this was impossible, I placed it on my head. I turned to Katria, who seemed just as surprised as I was. But she seemed happy about it, even so. “And with that, it's done. No one could possibly deny what we've found now.” She sighed. “For me, I've done what I set out to do. But you...take that out into the world – and if anyone asks, tell them what we discovered. Together.” She smiled. “Now, I think....I can rest. Farewell my friend, where-ever your travels take you.” When I left, the ride seemed, well, longer than before. I know what it is like to be alone. But then, even knowing that, gaining even a temporary companionship, then losing it, is much worse. I wondered if the rest of my time will be like this. Even if I have a castle full of what might only be allies for a short time? Even as I thought that Harkon almost needed someone like myself, the idea of how long, was not terrifying, given my experiences, but rather, annoying. Never once did I use one of my subjects for my own gain, especially when the cost was their life. I get the feeling he would. Just the same as Vingalmo and Orthijolf. Just send your pawns to deal with problems, even if you may know that they are going to fail. I'll say it now – I do not regret my actions in the spring. I just question if it goes deeper than that. “I honestly do not care. If it comes to it, I will slaughter the inhabitants of that keep, and either take it for myself, or find another place to call home in Skyrim. I would hope in that case, Serana would not act as the rest – though I do not think she will.” I shrugged. Looking up at the sky, I marveled at the sight of the aurora, a calming green. I could take my time going back to the castle, but I would rather not. Harkon mentioned traveling as bats for a short distance in my Vampire Lord form. I wonder if he knew how to use this ability otherwise? Then again, how long has it been since he may have needed it? “To the sky, my friends.” Edited by Maxus Corvin, Aug 5 2016, 07:24 PM.
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| Serethil | Aug 5 2016, 02:33 PM Post #11 |
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Et'Ada
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Oh, very interesting, Max! Great read - I loved the description of the forging process! |
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| Andra Hawksdaughter | Aug 5 2016, 06:20 PM Post #12 |
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Jarl
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That was great !! :) |
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| Maxus Corvin | Aug 18 2016, 12:14 AM Post #13 |
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Really wish I thought of this new character sooner. Might do a few edits to include him, I'm not sure. Eh, he isn't named in the writing yet, but he has one. Entry 13 “You've caused too many problems, boy. My employer will see to your punishment.” The boy cowered under his hooded cloak, his eyes full of fear. He watched a small group of men come closer and closer, even as they had no weapons to speak of, more silent intimidation that was somehow more disgusting. The only thing he could think to do was to curl himself into a ball and simply hope that something would save him. Lucky boy. “Surely there is something more worth your time.” I smiled, watching these men turn to face me. “Oh, this is. The usual jobs are less interesting than this, although I thought I was being made a fool of when I was told. But, why do you care, anyway? Just go back to your stroll, you fop.” I smiled. “You need to learn respect, and who better than from...me?” The man's puzzled look did not surprise me, but the one I could barely see on his face, when I moved, grabbing him fast enough to turn him around and show him to his allies, with his hands tied with only one of mine holding them together. I snarled, laughing. “I am going to whisper my name in to your ear. If you can, tell it to your friends once I do. Speaking my name into his ear, his eyes went wide. It only took him five seconds to yell out. “IT'S AKASHA.” Every single one the others ran. He could not, but began to bargain. “I've heard the rumors....look, I'll leave the kid alone, I'll even refuse the money....just....” Keeping my smile, I lifted him up by his neck. “You are lucky...I've already had my fill tonight. Feasting on those worse than you. So go. Find something better to do, than being muscle for some irate shopkeeper.” I dropped him, and waited for the dust to settle after he tried and failed twice to get up. Once he did run off, I noticed the boy staring at me. He wasn't puzzled, but he looked like he finally found something he had been looking a long time for. I approached him, and the moment I did, he stood, grabbing my hand – with a wide smile on his face. “What do you...” I knelt down as I asked, and could not finish before he touched my face with his hands, and spoke. “Mama!” ~ “Akasha, what is going on?” I sighed, looking at Jouri as she entered. “I honestly do not know. I've already sent for Kana, and I hope she can figure this out.” She looked down at the boy, a smile forming on her face. “He is cute. You know, he looks like...” Kana entered, obviously not happy with being woken up so early. “You really have...” She spotted the boy, her look going puzzled. “I have several thoughts at this point, but I will let you explain before I say anything else of note. So please, tell me why you've brought this boy here?” “I found him in the city. After dealing with a few thugs, I tried to speak to him and he...” I related the rest to her, and she laughed. “Let me put this in perspective for you. THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. Not only is he clearly...around say, twelve, you have not spoken of having any children before you were turned by Jouri – and while still possible, you obviously have no interest in doing so. So unless there is another explanation, like him being mistaken...” “I know. I'm just as confused as you seem to be.” I sighed. How exactly should I deal with this? Kana crossed her arms, seemingly lost in thought, while Jouri knelt to look at the boy. She kept her smile, obviously taking a liking to him. I just tried to think why he would call me that, and I could not understand. Kana was right in every way, and certainly I would know about him by now, and I did not until an hour ago. So what is going on?” Jouri pulled his hood down, and when she did, all three of us gained a look of shock. “Why does he have...” Kana started laughing again as she stared at the boy's fine white hair, which went down to his shoulders.”Oh, this is too funny.” I closed my eyes. It suddenly dawning on me. My mother had two daughters. No sons. Both my parents had long ago enforced changes to allow their children to rule over the city, no matter what gender we were. Although my father never lived to see us past our tenth year, my mother did. She kept care over us, and the city, it's people, for another nine years, before she wanted to pass her title to one of us. The choice was made simple, when my sister refused. My mother did not question her choice, rather simply asking me if I thought I was ready. I told her no. Even so, she hugged me, saying that I knew the people. I knew what I would have to do to protect them. She knew that I was ready. Within days, before the people, I was crowned, given praise by the people. My sister was present that day, and many questioned her as to why she did not care that she was being overshadowed. She explained several times that she wanted to choose for herself. Wanted to make a life for herself, and not have to live up to something. Some questioned that, even with this want, she would still have to answer to her legacy. Though she ignored this, having made her choice. A few years later, the city was in mourning for the death of their former queen. I was visually, not a child having to bury my mother. That day, the only rain was in my eyes. At heart a child weeping for a loss. In body a Queen, handling the affairs of my mother with honor. A week after the funeral, a number of slimy fools began to question my legitimacy. Trying to make a claim for themselves. But they had no wish to dishonor my mother. No, they questioned my blood. What did they want? My sister. The one who did not want the crown, did not want to be Queen. She absolutely refused, even going so far as to leave the palace. I took steps to silence them peacefully, to prove I could honor my mother's legacy. I succeeded at this within three years, making the city a paradise that it had never been before. Then I met Jouri, and many past events faded from my memories, but they were not forgotten. I never heard from my sister again, and now... “If you are done contemplating, perhaps I could mention what is going on?” Kana interjected. “I get the feeling that I know, but please do, Kana.” Jouri stood. “Akasha had a sister. A twin, sister. My guess would be, as Akasha may have already realized...it is her sister's child.” ~ “I see you have returned. Lord Harkon will be pleased. You met Stalf and Salonia, I assume? Lord Harkon and I suspected that they would follow you there.” I set the filled Chalice back on the small pedestal it previously sat on, and nodded. “Yes – and I killed them both.” Garan smiled. “As well you should have. Welcome to the politics of Lord Harkon's Court. Vingalmo and Orthjolf both long for our lord's throne, but cannot make overt moves against him. By ensuring the Chalice reaches our Lord, you have increased his power over them, and at the same time, deprived them of their little, pets.” “Take what you've learned to heart, and be careful who you trust. Now, I believe Lord Harkon wishes to speak with you.” As I walked away, I had one thought. One singular individual that I would deign to trust in a Castle of Vampires. Perhaps Garan would be trustworthy, since he did not seem to have the same, aspirations as Vingalmo and Orthjolf seem to. Some of the others are similar, in that they serve in roles that they are content with. But over all of them, if needed, I would place trust in only one person. Certainly not Harkon, but Serana. Mostly since I know she was sealed away for a reason. What it was, and who did it, I could only guess, even if the detail is already there. I would rather be sure, before I believe in that possibility. I have understood for quite some time, that you cannot always tell those around you everything. Certainly not something I did not expect from Harkon. Which was proven true, when he finally began to explain more details about the Elder Scrolls, and why they had them. I knew the greatest enemy of Vampires was the Sun. However, through what I had learned from Kana and the various books she was able to obtain, the purer the source of the blood, the stronger one is. I had even noticed that sunlight was not the hindrance it once was, since being given Harkon's blood. Pity I did not have Kana around at the moment to figure out why. Granted, it was still somewhat taxing, but it was not as it was. I had to make several changes to my palace to avoid sunlight entering my throne room, my bedroom, and various other places in my palace. But even so, I could still bear sunlight then. Perhaps an effect of Jouri being made a Vampire from a pure bloodline, but I cannot be sure of that. Even so, Harkon mentioned a Prophecy which tells of a time that Vampires will have power over the Sun, and no longer fear it's tyranny. To do this, he needed to find out what was written in the Scroll that was sealed away with Serana. I knew the next part before he even said it. He needed a Moth Priest to read the scroll, which I knew was not all that common. “I have ordered the Court to assemble. I have a task for us all to carry out, and that includes you.” I simply nodded as he stood, leaving his room, and I followed him to the balcony overlooking them main hall. I stood in the shadows, just out of sight of the hall. Listening just as intently as apparently needed. “Scions of the Night! Hear my words! The Prophesied time is upon us....” He explained that he had spread false rumors of an Elder Scroll in Skyrim, in order to lure a Moth Priest to the province. His task was simple – we were to look for signs of a Moth Priest, and if one was found, bring him to the Castle. It sounded far fetched, but then again, so did so many other things I have experienced. “Any idea where you are going to find a Moth Priest? Skyrim is a big place.” Serana asked me this after Harkon was out of earshot. “Not in the slightest. Though I imagine something will present itself. Any ideas though?” “The College is where I'd think to go for any magical or historical thing. The wizards probably know all kinds of things that people shouldn't know about.” I had heard of the College. Comparable to what apparently can be considered the former Mages Guild of Cyrodiil, it has been around since the Second Era. Though some time ago, an event in Winterhold caused most of the hold's capital to fall into the sea, known to most as the “Great Collapse”. Gossip suggests that people, or at least some, believe those in the College are at fault for the event, since the College survived it intact. Having not seen it, I do not know if that is correct. “Surely an idea. But I thought I'd start with...say Solitude. Being so close, anyway.” “Sure...now that I think about it, I'm going to come along with you. I've been really wanting to get out and explore a bit.” I laughed, nodding. “In many ways, you and me both.” Edited by Maxus Corvin, Aug 18 2016, 11:03 AM.
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| Areial | Aug 18 2016, 09:07 AM Post #14 |
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Et'Ada
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Maxus, beautifully written ... |
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| Serethil | Aug 18 2016, 09:21 AM Post #15 |
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Et'Ada
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Wow. Wonderful read, Max! |
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| Andra Hawksdaughter | Aug 18 2016, 08:58 PM Post #16 |
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Jarl
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Wonderful Max! The child though....I want to know the child...and what happens! |
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