Love on an Adventure

[ladys_night]

LOVE ON AN ADVENTURE meme Lucky you. For a while, you get to eschew a normal life and see life past your door; you're going on a quest! It could be for personal reasons, for fun, for profit, or to save the world as you know it. In all likelihood, it's the latter, given the natural order of things, but hopefully it's not. Whatever the case may be, you won't be going it alone, however. Whether it's just you and a partner or a true fellowship, you've got people to back you up. You may not all start out as the best of friends, that's true - still, the fires of potential life or death scenarios or the threat of losing your booty draw you closer together, and a friendship forms. With one member of your party, more than friendship grows between you. But wait, you have to defeat the dark lord, find the oldest wand, fight evil by moonlight, create a giant robot, or any other number of tasks. There's no time for this sort of nonsense! Actually, you may push them away because of the mission or due to past wounds that tie into said mission. Maybe, though, you can steal moments to get closer, let a romance blossom...or more. HOW to PLAY Comment with your character, preferences, and any other info - ie, keep it PG, etc. Even though I used a fantasy picture, don't feel constrained! In Harry Potter, they have to find a wand, in Supernatural, the Colt, in Avatar, they have to fight the Fire Lord, etc. Feel free to AU your character or include information about them. Reply to others.

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[drehnifusbahi]

"All I know for certain is that they worship someone called Miraak, who they consider the true Dragonborn. And someone sent them to Skyrim to kill me." He reaches into one of the many compartments of his pack and withdraws the note he took off the leader's corpse, offering it up for the other man's inspection.

The message simply reads: Board the vessel Northern Maiden docked at Raven Rock. Take it to Windhelm, then begin your search. Kill the False Dragonborn known as Vanyel before he reaches Solstheim.

Return with word of your success, and Miraak shall be most pleased.

"The Earth Stone?" He repeats. "I'm beginning to think it may. Councilor Arano mentioned it too, when I was asking around about Miraak."

[moonandstar]

He reads the message in implacable silence. He glances up at Vanyel, not moving his head.

"And this 'False Dragonborn' is you, I take it."

Not one, but two shards of Aka, appearing at the same time, near the same mundic anchor point he sought to investigate. That much coincidence can't possibly exist in one place. Not in his experience.

"I suppose the Earth Stone is all you have to go on at the moment. I happen to be headed that way myself."

[drehnifusbahi]

"This is the first I've been called 'false,' but... yes."

He meets that gaze head-on, without flinching. He has nothing to hide.

The news that the other man is also looking for this 'Earth Stone' is met with a curious tilt of the head from him. "Would you mind terribly if I accompanied you, then? You seem to know the lay of the land far better than me."

We'll pretend for the sake of this thread that the Earth Stone ISN'T in a slightly different place.

[moonandstar]

"Well, you're the first Dragonborn of any kind I've met," Garyn says. "Hasn't been a disappointment so far."

This must be the one responsible for that Alduin business. It's certainly an accomplishment when even people on the moon take notice of you.

"I'll be glad to lead you there. Just follow along the south coast."

Works for me!

[drehnifusbahi]

He is indeed the one responsible for the Alduin business, much to the chagrin of certain factions who were expecting the hero of Nordic legend to be, well... a Nord.

"Ah... thank you, I suppose," is the only response he can muster to that compliment of sorts.

Then he falls into step behind Garyn as they make their way toward the Earth Stone.

[moonandstar]

Prophecy seldom turns out quite the way the people expect. He knows that much.

But Solstheim, it seems, he doesn't know as well as he thinks. It's a good thing the stone is as near to the sea as it is. This isn't the frosty island he remembers. This is ashland, swept as far as the eye can see. And the distant column of belching smoke from the southeast reminds him of why this is so.

It was necessary, he thinks. It was worth it. There was nothing I could have done for them here.

Maybe, if he keeps reminding himself, he'll actually believe it. At the very least, the thought of it can keep him until the Earth Stone comes into view. From here, he can hear the faint clinking sound of tools against rock.

[drehnifusbahi]

He begins to get the feeling something is badly wrong when none of the workers gathered around the stone even seem to realize they're there. There's also that chant, which becomes more audible the closer they get.

"Here in his shrine, that they have forgotten. Here do we toil, that we might remember. By night we reclaim, what by day was stolen. Far from ourselves, he grows ever near to us..." And so on.

"Three guesses who 'he' is," he says to Garyn before he can quite stop himself.

He moves closer, to the stones and the shrine they appear to be building, when a new voice cuts in.

"You there... You don't seem to be in quite the same state as the others here. Very interesting. May I ask what it is you're doing here?" The voice belongs to a Dunmer mage who's walked up to the site from the opposite direction.

[ooc: Couldn't figure a way to namedrop him in the actual tag, but it's Neloth Telvanni. So if he'd recognize Garyn or Garyn would recognize him...]

[moonandstar]

"No bet," he mutters.

The structure has been built up and around it - as though it means to swallow and subsume it. Clearly its magic has been corrupted by this Miraak, whoever he is. And whatever his purpose is. As for the workers...he's seen this song and dance before.

I am a Sleeper, one amongst thousands...

He's about to say something when he hears the sound of the mer's voice and turns his head. He's not certain where he recalls it - until he sees his face.

S'wit. A godsdamned idiot. That's what he is. He ought to have anticipated that something like this might happen. It's hardly unusual for a Dunmer, particularly a Dunmer wizard, to still be alive after a few centuries. He can only hope Master Neloth doesn't recognize him in return.

Admittedly, Neloth is an apathetic, self-absorbed, antisocial prick even by Telvanni standards, so it's not an unreasonable hope.

"I...would think it's the same thing you're here for, serjo," he says. "We're here to have a look at the Earth Stone. And to see what it might have to do with someone called Miraak."

[OOC: In Morrowind, he's entirely dismissive of the Nerevarine when he wants to be named Hortator, and pretty much only says yes to make him go away. I think he might get a vague sense of deja vu but not much more.

Though I do have a fun little tease I'd like to work in if it arises organically. We can split his dialogue if you like.]

[drehnifusbahi]

Luckily for him, Neloth has been far more interested in studying the shrine and the workers from the start, only looking over the pair long enough to determine that they aren't hypnotized.

He does glance at Garynn again when he speaks, but his expression quickly grows clouded and thoughtful. "Miraak... Miraak... It sounds familiar, and yet I can't quite place... Oh. Wait, I recall. But that makes very little sense. Miraak's been dead for thousands of years."

So had Harkon, Vanyel thinks but doesn't say. So had any number of the dragons Alduin revived. But he keeps a civil tongue, and simply says. Then I suppose the question becomes whether we're dealing with the original, somehow revived... or whether it's someone else borrowing the name."

The comment wasn't directed at Neloth per se, but Neloth answers almost immediately all the same. "I'm afraid I can't give you any answers. But there are ruins of an ancient temple of Miraak's toward the center of the island. If I were you, I'd look there."

"I suppose that will be our next port of call, then. Thank you."

But Neloth has already turned away from him, back to studying the shrine in progress.

[ooc: Ahhh, got it. And I don't mind at all splitting dialogue, for him or any other NPCs they run across.]

Let me know if this is too long.

[moonandstar]

But Garyn has not yet moved. Much as he would rather keep this conversation as short as possible, they do need to know specifics.

"Pardon, serjo," he says. "Where, exactly in the center is this temple? This is a rather large island."

He doesn't remember there being anything of the sort on Solstheim the last time he was here. A ruined temple isn't the sort of detail that any mer is likely to forget, even after hundreds of years.

The old wizard turns with a start. "Ah. What? Oh. You again. As I recall, it's built up around another one of these...primitive obelisks. I believe the natives call it the 'Tree Stone,' or something similarly rustic."

Garyn nods. "I know where that is. Thank you."

Neloth narrows his eyes. "Haven't I seen you somewhere before?"

Garyn shakes his head, keeping a stone-faced facade. "I...think I would remember meeting someone so distinguished, serjo."

The Telvanni harrumphs. "You certainly would. No matter. Hardly worth my attention compared to this. Most interesting thing to happen on this benighted island since...well, since I arrived. But before that...hmmph! Even I can't recall."

Garyn glances away toward the northeastern road. "Well, we wouldn't dream of keeping you from your work. Good bye."

Once more, the wizard seems to have ended the conversation of his own accord before the other person has started talking. This suits Garyn fine. He takes the first steps along the northeastern road.

"Nerevar Redoran."

Garyn's stride, his breath, and his heart stop.

"...Beg your pardon?"

"Nerevar Redoran," Neloth repeats, still not looking at either of them. "The Nerevarine. He paid a visit here a couple of centuries ago, before I arrived. Had an altercation with Hircine, or so the gossiping locals say. That was the last truly interesting thing not to involve myself on this island. You're both too young to remember, of course. Or do anything for me besides leaving."

It's all good, as long as I don't have to match it ^.^

[drehnifusbahi]

Given what they know so far, it seems reasonable tp presume that this Tree Stone is in similar shape to the Earth Stone, and though he knows little about the standings stones that's a disquieting thought.

He moves to follow Garyn, and then comes that odd little moment. The name sounds familiar, but only vaguely. The tales of the Nerevarine that survived the chaotic aftermath of the Oblivion Crisis and the Thalmor invasion did so by word of mouth, and he'd be very surprised if those tales were accurate. So he's admittedly curious, but that will keep until after Miraak is dealt with.

"Then we'll leave you to your studies. Thank you again," but he may as well not have said anything; Neloth was either ignoring them, or too lost in his examination of the shrine and the hypnotized workers to pay them any mind.

[moonandstar]

Garyn manages to avoid running away from the site. But he does walk at a very brisk pace. Once they've put a comfortable amount of distance between themselves and the Earth Stone, he finally slows to pull up beside Vanyel.

"I've visited these stones before," he says. "They're very important to the Skaal people who live on the northern half of the island. If there aren't any answers in the Temple, I can guide you to their village, assuming it's still in the same place."

He turns to look at him directly.

"I'm assuming you don't object my accompanying you until this business is seen through."

[drehnifusbahi]

He notices, though he doesn't say anything about it for the moment. It's filed away, along with Garyn's reaction to Neloth's presence and the name Nerevar Redoran.

It seems a good, sensible plan, and he nods.

"No, I have no objections." Not least because Garyn's knowledge of the land and the people is already proving invaluable.

He isn't sure, precisely, how long it would take him to even find the standing stones if he had to go it alone.

[moonandstar]

"Good," he says.

He extends a hand.

"Call me Garyn."

[drehnifusbahi]

"It's a pleasure, Garyn," he replies, shaking that outstretched hand. "Call me Vanyel."

Then he starts walking again - the sooner they reach Miraak's temple, the better.

[ooc: What do you think? Skip over the hike there and pick up as they approach the temple?]

[moonandstar]

They pass through Raven Rock - a Redoran town now. He supposes it makes sense. Thankfully no one seems to recognize him there, and their passage through is swift.

The dust and ash have formed dunes and hills that weren't present on Solstheim before. But the sun is still in the same place. So, too, is Brodir Grove, which they skirt carefully around.

There's no mistaking the Temple when they arrive - an enormous edifice that seems less to be built to around it and more like it's swallowed it entirely. The chanting worker drones would be enough to erase any remaining doubt.

[drehnifusbahi]

His attention is caught by the dragon bones littering the grounds - signs of Miraak's prowess in battle, perhaps. Or a sign of his power over dragons.

The only real difference with these chanting workers is that, while the ones at the Earth Stone were a mixed group of guards and citizens, probably from Raven Rock... these are all dressed in hide or iron armor, much like the Nords he's more familiar with.

There's also a blonde young woman who isn't hypnotized, trying in vain to awaken her... friends? from their chanting and their labor.

[moonandstar]

The woman is hovering over one of the laborers, as closely as she dares as she makes her futile exhortations.

"Oslaf, please! We must leave this place!"

Garyn descends the steps in front of her. "I don't think he can hear you, I'm afraid."

She turns to face them, narrowing her eyes. "And I suppose you would know? What brings you to this place? Why are you here?"

Garyn gestures to the temple around them. "I should think that's obvious. The same reason as you."

Her stance and expression shift, as if to acknowledge that this is a fair response. "I am Frea of the Skaal. I am here to either save my people, or avenge them."

"From whatever curse is corrupting these Stones and this land," Garyn says. "Does your shaman know what could have caused this?"

Frea raises an eyebrow, almost smiling for a moment. It's not often an outsider knows even that much of the ways of the Skaal.

"My father Storn is our shaman," she says. "He says Miraak has returned to Solstheim, but that is impossible."

[drehnifusbahi]

"I wouldn't say 'impossible.' He did arrange to have me killed - evidently from beyond the grave."

Both Frea's eyebrows go up, the only sign she gives of being at all surprised by that statement. "Then you have as much reason as I to see what lies beneath us. Let us go," and she looks at both of them as she says that. "There is nothing more I can do here; the Tree Stone and my friends are beyond my help for now. We need to find a way into the temple below."

Vanyel nods his agreement and steps away to start looking for some sign of entrance, but he doesn't go far. Not yet. "What do you know about Miraak?"

"His story is as old as Solstheim itself," she replies. "He served the dragons before their fall from power, as most did. A priest in their order. But unlike most, he turned against them. The stories say he tried to claim Solstheim for himself, and the dragons destroyed him for it-"

There might or might not have been more to the story; they don't get to find out. Frea is interrupted by a sudden shout of "Found them!"

A pair of cultists descend on the trio, wearing masks and robes similar -though simpler and of lower quality- to what the apparition from earlier wore. One is slinging fire spells, the other frost.

Vanyel quickly casts a Steadfast Ward, and retaliates with a lightning spell the first chance he gets.

[moonandstar]

Garyn focuses on one of the rings on his left hand, summoning a bound Daedric tower shield. After waiting for Vanyel's spell, he charges them, advancing with sword drawn behind his shield.

He is upon them far sooner than any reasonable person would estimate.

[drehnifusbahi]

The lightning injures one, who stumbles to the side - right into what ends up being Garyn's path. The other gets a mild shock at best, but it distracts him and leaves him unable to retaliate in time as Frea runs up on him with both war axes at the ready. Both cultists continue fling spells, even at close range.

Once again, in the corner of his mind not taken up by battle, he notes Garyn's unusual speed.

[moonandstar]

The shield slams into the cultist first - there's an audible crack as his skull fractures. Garyn swings his sword. His head tumbles and disappears around the edge of a twisting ramp.

Garyn nods in its direction. "I'd say the way forward looks clear."

[drehnifusbahi]

Frea makes quick work of the other -one quick flash of the two war axes and he's also missing his head- and she heads toward the ramp with a brief prayer of thanks to the All-Maker, with Vanyel trailing behind.

The door at the end of the ramp leads into a long, roughly-cut hallway, dotted with open doorways. Vanyel casts another spell, and a path of blue light appears before them. "That's the route we'll want to follow," he says.

[moonandstar]

"Hmm. Wish I knew that one."

Alas, he had to make do without even a compass or fast travel.

He follows the path ahead, walking abreast of Frea and Vanyel. The passage is dimly lit, and smells of dust and burnt flesh.

Garyn glances through the side portal to the right. There is a small chamber, with iron-barred cages hanging from the ceiling atop a still-lit brazier. In the cages lie what were once men. Or perhaps women. There's not enough left to tell.

"They've been busy down here," Garyn says, audibly disgusted. "About time we put a stop to that."

[drehnifusbahi]

Vanyel had ducked into one of the other side rooms, rustling around for usable supplies (since the cultists had apparently set up housekeeping in the temple, it seems reasonable to presume they'd have some).

He turns up a few healing and stamina potions, but not much else of use.

But when Garyn speaks, he comes to peer into the room the Dunmer found - and bows his head. It's not the first such scene he's stumbled across, but he doubts he'll ever get used to it.

"Agreed," he says, as Frea says a quiet prayer for the dead.