The war room of Cloud Ruler Temple buzzed with urgency as Lyra, Martin, Arnovia, Awalion, and I, along with some Blades, convened around the central table. Tension crackled in the air as we prepared to discuss our next move in the quest to retrieve the Amulet of Kings.
Lyra's demeanor, though resolute, betrayed a hint of unease as she wasted no time in laying out our plan. "We have the Star of Azura," she declared, her voice brimming with conviction. "With it, Prince Martin will open a portal to the plane of the Mythic Dawn."
Martin nodded solemnly, his expression grave. "But we must act swiftly," he added, urgency coloring his tone. "Mehrunes Dagon's forces grow stronger with each passing day. We must light the Dragonfires in the Imperial City."
Arnovia listened intently, her mind already turning over strategies. Beside her, Awalion and I exchanged knowing glances. It was clear that a small team would be sent, as risking the prince's safety was out of the question.
As we deliberated on who would be part of the expedition, a member of the Blades entered the room with urgent news.
"The leader of the Mage Guild has died, and there are reports of Necromancers gathering to the east of the Imperial City," she announced, her voice grave as she read from a letter. "Our sources indicate that they are congregating in a cave, and many mages have gone missing or been found dead."
The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on us as we absorbed the news. It seemed that much had happened during our journey to Cloud Ruler Temple which took a month, and the threats to Tamriel continued to multiply.
Looking towards Awalion, I exchanged a nod with her, silently acknowledging the need to address the Necromancer threat. It was clear that we would be splitting up to face the challenges ahead.
"We must send a group to eliminate that danger," Prince Martin declared, his voice firm with resolve. "But who?"
Raising my hand as Prince Martin looked over towards me, I had made sure to have my illusion magic on before we made it to the temple, so to him I appeared human. Which caused him to look over towards Lyra in confusion.
"Yes?" Prince Martin prompted, his brow furrowing with curiosity.
I met his gaze with a steady resolve. "I and Awalion would like to offer ourselves to deal with the Necromancers," I stated firmly, my voice echoing with determination.
Prince Martin's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of concern crossing his features. He glanced towards Lyra, seeking her guidance in the matter.
Arnovia's reaction was immediate and vehement. "Absolutely not!" she interjected, her tone sharp with concern. "It's far too dangerous. And why are you not even included me!"
Looking towards Her as I cupped her cheeks. "You just found your sister and I wouldn't want to keep you two apart. Besides our first stop will be the mages and fighters guild, we won't be going in alone." I tried to reassure her.
Lyra's expression softened with understanding as she met Prince Martin's gaze. "I'll have to trust your advice prince Martin," she explained, her voice calm and steady. "While Arnovie is against the idea, I believe it could be beneficial. As long as Arnovie remains with me and we stick together, I see no reason why Ellehish and Awalion shouldn't investigate the Necromancer threat. WhilebShe and I head to the mystic dawns afterlife plane."
Arnovia's eyes flashed with protest, her voice laced with urgency. "But it's too dangerous," she argued, her concern evident as some tears began to from in her eyes. "You two could die..."
I could sense Arnovia's apprehension, her fierce loyalty and love for me, made my heart flutter. But I also knew that this was an opportunity we couldn't afford to pass up. With a reassuring smile, I planted a few kisses on her lips.
"We'll be fine, Arnovia," I reassured her, my voice gentle but firm. "We'll keep each other safe, just like we always do."
Arnovia hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Lyra and me, and then to Awalion before finally relenting with a resigned sigh. "Fine," she conceded, her voice tinged with reluctant acceptance. "But you'd better watch each backs, and you both better come back alive."
With Arnovia's reluctant acceptance and Lyra's approval, our course of action was set. As we prepared to face the challenges ahead, the gravity of our mission weighed heavily on our minds.
Prince Martin nodded, his expression a mix of concern and understanding "Very well," he conceded, his voice firm with resolve. "But be cautious, both of you. The dangers you face will be considerable."
I nodded in acknowledgment, gratitude swelling within me for his understanding. With a final glance towards Arnovia, I offered her a reassuring smile, silently promising to return safely.
As preparations for our departure began, a flurry of activity engulfed Cloud Ruler Temple. Blades bustled about, gathering supplies and coordinating logistics, while Lyra and Arnovia made arrangements for their own mission. They even gave me and Awalion packs with supplies, ranging from potions to rations.
Arnovia's gaze never left mine as she moved about the war room, her expression a mix of concern, anger, and longing. I could sense her reluctance to see me leave. Her sister had been talking to her and patted her on the shoulder before moving away to do something.
With a heavy heart, I approached Arnovia, taking her hands in mine. "I promise, we'll return safely," I vowed, my voice soft but resolute. "And when we do, we'll celebrate our victory together." I winked at her causing her to blush a bit.
And while her eyes glistened with unshed tears, she nodded, a faint smile playing at her lips while her cheeks were a ting of red. "You'd better," she whispered, her voice tinged with affection.
With a final embrace, I reluctantly tore myself away from Arnovia's side, turning to join Awalion as we prepared to depart. "It's cute how your trying to protect her," Alawion whispered to me. Shaking my head I couldn't help but smile.
As Lyra and Arnovia finalized their preparations for their mission to confront the Mythic Dawn, Awalion and I were provided with sturdy horses to hasten our journey to the Imperial City. The anticipation hung heavy in the air as we mounted our steeds, the leather of the reins cool against our hands, and the scent of hay and sweat filling our nostrils.
With a shared glance, Awalion I set off, the rhythmic thud of our horses' hooves echoing against the backdrop of the open road. The landscape unfolded before us in a mesmerizing tapestry of rolling hills and lush forests, the vibrant hues of autumn painting the countryside in shades of gold and amber.
The wind whipped through our hair as we rode, tugging at our cloaks and carrying the distant sounds of nature's symphony. The sunlight danced through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow upon the forest floor. Birds chirped merrily overhead, their songs blending harmoniously with the gentle rustle of leaves. Thankfully throughout the nights we had to spend outside nothing happened.
Occasionally, we passed by quaint villages and bustling market towns, their inhabitants going about their daily lives with an air of quiet. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering stew wafted from open windows, enticing our senses and stirring memories of simpler times.
As the day wore on, the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The shadows grew longer, stretching across the fields like fingers reaching towards the sky. The air grew cooler, carrying with it the promise of the approaching evening. And so we rested at a inn for the night before setting out once more.
Despite the weariness creeping into our bones, we pressed onwards, our determination unwavering. With each passing mile, the Imperial City drew nearer, its towering spires visible on the distant horizon. The anticipation of our impending arrival spurred us onward, driving us forward with renewed vigor.
As dusk fell, we finally reached the outskirts of the Imperial City, the towering walls looming before us like silent sentinels guarding the realm. The city gates stood open, welcoming us with outstretched arms, and we urged our horses onwards, eager to reach our destination.
"Quite the journey we've embarked upon," I remarked, breaking the silence as we rode side by side.Awalion nodded, her eyes fixed on the horizon ahead. "Indeed," she replied, her voice soft but resolute. "I'd say it has still been a fun one, wouldn't you agree? Besides we are helping protect this world."
I couldn't help but admire her steadfast resolve, and that hint of playfulnesswas lovely too. "You're right," I agreed as we reached the gate of the Imperial City and entered.
The bustling streets of the Imperial City greeted us with a cacophony of sights and sounds, the hustle and bustle of city life enveloping us in its embrace. Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls, while street performers entertained passersby with music and dance.
The scent of exotic spices and savory street food filled the air, mingling with the aroma of horse dung and wood smoke. Lanterns flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets and casting long shadows against the ancient stone buildings.
With a shared nod, Awalion and I pressed onwards, our first stop, the mages guild!
As we rode through the bustling streets of the Imperial City, the vibrant energy of the metropolis enveloped us, its sights and sounds a stark contrast to the serene countryside we had left behind. The grandeur of the city's architecture loomed overhead, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens like silent sentinels guarding the realm.
The cobblestone streets bustled with activity as merchants peddled their wares from colorful stalls, their voices blending into a symphony of commerce. Street performers entertained passersby with music and dance, their lively tunes adding to the vibrant tapestry of city life.
Awalion and I navigated the crowded thoroughfares with ease, our horses weaving gracefully through the throngs of people and carts. The scent of exotic spices and savory street food filled the air, mingling with the aroma of horse dung and wood smoke.
As we made our way towards the Mages Guild, the grandeur of the ancient institution came into view, its imposing facade adorned with intricate carvings and arcane symbols. Lanterns flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the entrance as we dismounted from our horses and tethered them nearby.
Entering the guildhall, we were greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the mage's sanctum. Apprentices hurried about, their robes billowing behind them as they went about their studies and experiments. The air was thick with the scent of musty tomes and alchemical reagents, filling the space with an atmosphere of scholarly pursuit.
Approaching the front desk, we were greeted by a young mage who regarded us with a curious expression. "Welcome back, Ellehish, Awalion," she said, her voice warm with familiarity. "I take it you heard the news?"
I nodded and asked "We're here to speak with the acting guildmaster," I replied, my voice steady as I met the mage's gaze. "It's a matter of utmost importance regarding the Necromancer threat."
The mage nodded understandingly, gesturing for us to follow her. "Of course, follow me," she said, leading us deeper into the guildhall towards the guildmaster's chambers.
As we approached the guildmaster's chambers, the atmosphere grew solemn, anticipation mingling with apprehension. The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing a spacious room adorned with rich tapestries and ancient artifacts.
Seated behind a large desk was the new guildmaster, a figure shrouded in mystery and authority. He was a High Elf, his features striking and regal, with sharp cheekbones and piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold a depth of knowledge and wisdom. His silver hair cascaded in elegant waves down his back, and he wore elaborate robes adorned with intricate sigils and symbols of magical prowess. Crap, let's hope he wasn't a member of the Thalmor.
As we entered the guildmaster's chambers, his piercing gaze met ours with an air of recognition. His eyes lingered on us for a moment, as if peering through the veils of illusion and deception. With a flick of his hand, he muttered an incantation, and the illusion magic surrounding me dissipated, revealing my true form.
The guildmaster's expression remained impassive as he observed me, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the sight of my pointed elven ears and ethereal features. There was a flicker of surprise in his gaze, followed by a subtle nod of acknowledgment.
"Ellehish, Awalion," he greeted us, his voice tinged with a hint of formality. "It has been some time since our paths last crossed."
I inclined my head respectfully, a sense of nervousness washing over me as the illusion magic fell away. "Indeed, Guildmaster," I replied, my voice steady despite the lingering traces of uncertainty. "We've come to offer our assistance in dealing with the Necromancer threat."
The guildmaster's gaze softened slightly, his demeanor shifting from stern authority to genuine warmth. "Your dedication to the guild is commendable," he remarked, a hint of pride evident in his voice. "I'm grateful to have such mages among our ranks."