By the time we finished with our testing and sent the mildly annoyed Krein on his way, the sun had the time to rise again. I left the rest of the archmages with a tome tucked underneath my arm and a fat study session on my schedule.
The spell Tolfdir made with Savos' help was an utter monstrosity of complexity, partly by design as well as we didn't want just anyone to get access to a spell which could theoretically harm those it had no rights to.
Also we liked hoarding power but you won't hear any one of us say it out loud.
''The only open magical institution in the world' my ass' Scorch mocks.
'Ah yes.' I think at him like he is an idiot 'Because even back in the old place people gave out precise instructions on how to create nuclear bombs to all who asked.'
Completely ignoring my sarcasm Scorch shrugs 'And why shouldn't they?'
My eyes narrow, incidentally startling a passing apprentice who seemed to suddenly master teleportation with how quickly he made himself sparse 'Are you serious right now?'
'Think about it pops! Big boom!' He chirps like that explained everything.
Because to his pyromaniac ass it probably did.
Shaking my head in exasperation I use my soul to whack him, earning an outraged squeak and an oath to destroy my whole family line in much less pleasant terms, before continuing on my way to the Respite, apparently Karsus had some kind of message for me that was of particular importance.
I do wonder what they wanted...
---
(Minthara's POV)
"-and that is why I think we should at least explore the temple, if not fully restore it." Delphine finishes explaining her request to visit eastern Markarth so that we could seek an ancient Blades temple.
Apparently Esbern, with the aid of Farengar Secret-Fire, had found rumors of a place called Sky Haven Temple constructed in ancient times, supposedly holding some very convenient information about Alduin's return.
Lydia, on the other hand, had other thoughts as she frowned "Don't we already know all that we need? Why waste time exploring an old temple when we could be preparing for when the attacks start in earnest?"
A small part of me was tempted to agree but things were not that simple and Delphine seemed to agree, her eyes carrying a hint of disappointment at the question "While I don't doubt Lord Dagoth's capabilities, getting additional information should still be considered." She pauses, thinking something over, before adding "There is also the potential of finding better ways to fight the dragons and even some artifacts made for the purpose."
'Ah, sweet treasure!' I forcefully keep the greedy grin down.
Marco scoffs, his arms folded "As if we need a reason to explore a temple hidden for thousands of years that isn't filled to the brim with the walking dead, think of the adventure, people!"
I can't help but smirk at that, at least he had his priorities straight "I don't mind us taking the time to seek this Sky Haven, the name itself is a bit of a hint." I look to Junia "What do we know of the area?"
The operative had already pulled out a map by the time Delphine had finished speaking and just finished marking a few spots and crossreferencing them from a booklet of reports she carried with her at all times "The area is mostly free of civilization with a few reported Forsworn sightings, I would recommend caution in our approach and potentially bringing some extra forces as well, we never know if a Hagraven made its nest on the entrance."
I frown "Going by our luck I wouldn't be surprised if there was an entire coven."
"So are we going?" Marco asks excitedly.
"Not going would just be lazy." I confirm "We can go and check it out after we are done with Ustengrav."
Junia clears her throat "And what about the extra forces, my lady?"
'Damn, can she not take a hint?' I hold back a grumble "I don't want us drawing too much attention, and all of us are quite powerful in our own rights, a couple of Hagravens shouldn't be an issue."
She hesitates briefly before offering a small bow "By your order."
I almost blanch as I see Marco clap her on the back "Relax Junes! All of us are strong, we will be just fine!"
The Imperial's neck makes a disturbing creaking noise as she turns her head to the elf with a chilly smile on her face, she says nothing and just keeps staring at him... and of course instead of reacting like a normal person to someone like her staring him with death in her eyes, Marco shivers in excitement.
I deadpan at this and turn to Lydia and Delphine with a sigh "Well, we won't be getting much out of them for a while, can you two see to our supplies while see Reyvin about transportation?"
Lydia nods happily while Delphine is too busy staring at her 'replacement' with disappointment.
'Good enough' I shrug and leave them to their own devices.
---
The masked guard in front of Reyvin's private booth stares at me for a moment, the magic around the eyeholes in his mask moving subtly, before he lightly taps his chest in a salute and moves to the side.
Only recently did I find that gorging myself on the shards of a divine being had subtler effects than mere power, the fact I even could sense the magic in the mask was indication enough but it went further than that.
As the days passed and I integrated more and more of the dragons' knowledge I found myself feeling the subtler aspects of everything around me and it was starting to feel disorienting. At least the pressure from the souls was lessening...
Any further musings were interrupted as I opened the door and the sound of highly amused and mildly offended laughter reached my ears, I entered the booth only to stop as I realized that it wasn't just Reyvin present within, but another person I was unfamiliar with.
A Nord woman with skin as white as porcelain, straight black hair, blood red eyes, and a face worthy of song dressed in an odd mix of dress and armor made of leather and silk, was sitting on the other side of the table and laughing along with Reyvin as he held an elaborately written scroll. This unknown woman was looking at him with genuine mirth and was relaxed as if she were in the presence of a close friend.
Just who was she, and why were my damned fingers twitching?
(Reyvin's POV)
I finish laughing my ass of at the... flattering offer in the letter from Cyrodiil and wipe a tear from my eye, letting out one last snort I shake my head "The sheer fucking audacity." Both Serana and I let out another huff at that and I turn to our guest "Ah, and the overlady joins us at last."
Before she can respond I point my hand at Serana "Serana Volkihar, Vampire Lord of Skyrim" I point back to Minthara "Minthara Septim, Dragonborn heir to the Empire."
Serana raises an eyebrow at that and reassesses the demigod "Charmed." She says after the briefest pause.
Minthara slowly palms her face "Reyvin, what did I tell you about revealing my secret to anyone and everyone?"
"Not to." I answer with a smirk and wink "But this isn't just anyone."
Serana chuckles "From all the stories I've heard so far, I'd thought you have gotten used to Reyvin's..." She gives me an apologetic look "Peculiarities."
"Oh please, it takes talent to get used to me." I chuckle.
Minthara hides her growing irritation with a polite mask "A pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Volkihar."
"Please, just Serana is fine." The vampire smiles and gestures for her to take a seat.
Obviously uncomfortable with the unfamiliar ground, Minthara wisely decides to move things on "So, what was all that laughter about?"
"Oh, that?" I tap the scroll/letter with a huff "A bunch of vampires from Cyrodiil essentially tried to buy my non-interference as they... populated the province with their own."
She blinks "They outright asked that?"
"Not even the Vampirum Order is arrogant enough to do that." I scoff "It was a bunch of half statements and platitudes sent through the Count of Bravil, supposedly he desires to buy the land where Castle Volkihar is situated. I was able to quickly connect the actual meaning and decided to invite Serana here to help me compose a sufficiently insulting reply."
Serana giggles lightly at that "I am still not sure we should send that... thing you wrote."
"What thing?" Minthara asks with a mix of curiosity and dread.
Serana just slides her the scroll containing my proposed answer.
"Dear Ancient Elder Aloncius and co." She starts to read in a quiet mutter and her brows scrunch at the term. She keeps reading and the further she goes the more her eyes narrow. By the time he finishes reading the small novel of insults and threats I had written her left eye was twitching while she was trying and failing to give me a tired glare.
"Reyvin..." She palms her face in exasperation "Please do not start a war with the very dangerous ancient clan that is in control of half the noble houses in Cyrodiil, I really don't want to deal with all that right now. And did you really have to sign the whole thing as Blessed of Auri-El?"
"Why yes I did." I smirk "Can't have them misunderstanding the threat of staking their asses and leaving them in the sun."
"Yes... that bit was quite vivid." She blanches.
"But fine!" I raise my hands in surrender "I won't declare war on the big bad scary vampires, happy?"
She nods a couple of times before stilling completely. Ever so slowly she turns to Serana "He wrote all that just to fuck with me, didn't he?"
Serana looks at her with genuine pity and slowly nods, perfectly hiding the amusement she was radiating.
In what must have been a moment of enlightenment I feel the scroll in Minthara's hand transmuting to iron in the matter of a second before she sends it flying straight at my face.
Not being a masochist I immediately ducked and let the deadly projectile pass me and bounce off the enchanted wall behind me "Oi!" I point at the enraged dragon person "Those walls are expensive!"
I am forced to stop speaking as she lunges at me in an attempt to strangle me, too busy to flip the laughing Serana and deadpanning guard who had entered due to the commotion the bird "Stop moving and let me kill you you fucking child!"
The fact her words actually made me slow down due to the sheer metaphysical weight of her voice just made me laugh all that much harder.
---
Satisfied with our response, Serana left back for her castle some twenty minutes later. She apologized for not being able to stay longer as she had to organize her clan due to the sudden change in timeframe the Cyrodiilics imposed on us by their overture.
Minthara was sitting across me, nursing a steaming cup of coffee as she was still grumbling due to not being able to catch me "So, if not to insult the other vampires, what was the real reason you called her here?" She asks.
"Oh, that?" I ask disinterestedly "Just wanted to help her with planning a counter if the Vampirum tried pressing once we rejected them, best be prepared for shit like this. If we let them get even a single foothold those annoyances are going to be a bother for decades and I don't want to deal with all that."
I chuckle "Her mother would have probably wanted us to retaliate for the mere implication, but that is one of the reasons Serana rules in the first place." I add flippantly.
She takes a slow sip of her drink before asking "This Serana... you trust her enough to leave a vampire in power?"
"I already told you most of what I've been through with her." I shrug "If she betrayed me or went against me I'd be the worst judge of character alive."
All she says to that is a noncommittal "Right."
"In any case." I pointedly shift the topic "What did you need?"
She seems to relax at this "Everyone is ready to move to Silruhn Fell, but I wanted to ask if you could drop me off in Solitude in tomorrow." She winces slightly "I haven't really visited my siblings in a long time."
"Sure." I accept easily "I have some business in Riften so I will pick you back up when I am done with that."
"Thanks." She smiles.
We descend into a pleasant silence after that, enjoying our drinks for a while before an idea strikes me "I have a most dreadful idea on my mind." I say conspiratorially as I scan one of the upper class rooms.
Minthara hesitatingly asks "...yees?"
"Wanna annoy the shit out of Junia and her pet?" I ask with a grin.
"Yes." Her eyes glint as she answers without hesitation, before she blanches in disgust "Also, never refer to him like that again, that was vile."
Ignoring her I start transmuting a piece of wood into an iron bucket "Ready some ice." I say with pure evil shining in my eyes.
-----------------
The interest is piling, where are my stones?!
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