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Viintaas made her way through Silumm’s corridors, attempting to avoid any encounters with Altmeri Dominion soldiers or werewolves. The werewolves were difficult; it wasn't just noise she had to worry about but her scent. Viintaas had a feeling she had fought and killed every werewolf she encountered through the hall. There might be more in the areas she hasn’t explored but she finally found the books the Altmer asked her to get.
She should have paid more attention. Floating books was not something she expected to find, a way to get them down was likely explained, she just couldn’t remember. Viintaas couldn’t even be bothered to try to remember the name of the woman who asked her to do this. But this was something she was doing to pass her time until the Prophet called her, she didn’t mind the waiting.
The books took a long time to get close enough for her to grab all three of them. When she opened them only part of a page was legible while the rest of the pages suffered from wear and tear. One was completely blank, whatever was here is completely gone. Placing the books inside her bag she turned around to leave an apparition of an old Nord man appeared in front of her.
"Well done!” The spirit exclaimed. “I am Shalidor, young one.” The Nord crossed his arms. Looking at her as he was debating if she was the right person he needed for some job to be done. “And I think you'll do nicely....Return that book to Valaste. Tell her fire will show her the words...."
Viintaas stared at the spot where Shalidor stood and let out an exasperated sigh placing her hand on her face. She had a feeling that this simple little book retrieval mission she was doing to pass the time was going to be more than just a quick run.
Making her way towards the entrance she must have taken a different turn, walking into an empty room with no soldiers nor werewolves, odd she knew she hadn't been here before. Viintaas gaze was focused on the familiar blue light of a skyshard.
Viintaas stepped closer to it reaching her hand touching the skyshard placing a hand on it, warmth spread through her body, the only time she felt any sort of warmth, as if she was alive. Their power was the reason she was back in Nirn in the first place. The more she found the longer the warmth lasted. Maybe one day she’ll get her mortality back. She would need her soul back for that.
She felt the warmth leaving her; it always began fading from her abdomen near her ribs, that’s where that bastard Sturla stabbed her, she vaguely remembers watching him leave through her blurry eyes leaving her in agony.
Why did she trust him in the first place? Because he fooled her. A friend he called her, Viintaas scoffed at the thought. She was lonely, vulnerable back then. Stupid, stupid to trust people so easily.
Stupid enough to cry for her father and brother into the wilds of Glenumbra…Stormhaven…She didn’t know where her original body was. If there was one thing Viintaas knew, she wanted to get even. Might whatever deal Sturla made with Molag Bal keep him in this plane for Viintaas to take her revenge. She will find him, and she will leave nothing but a pile of ash where he stands.
Stepping out of Silumm the sun was beginning to rise, she really took her time in there Masser and Secunda were still high in the sky when she went in.
**************
Walking into the mages guild, Viintaas noticed Valaste looking over some books, moving them around and organizing them.
"Were you successful? Do you have the tomes?" Valaste questioned putting a book away.
“I have them right here.” Viintaas opened her bag, placing each book on a nearby table. “An old man in robes appeared to me. He said his name was…..Shalidor?”
"Shalidor!” Valaste’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Labyrinthian's father, the Spellmirror's forger. Are you speaking truly? ” her gaze left the breton picking up one of the books looking through it as if it would have the answers. “… this book's pages are blank. Why is it glowing?"
“Shalidor appeared right after I picked up that book.” Viintaas replied, motioning at the glowing book, magicka radiating from it. “He said fire would show you the words.”
"The spellwrights of the First Era used a special ink that would remain invisible until immersed in arcane fire. Perhaps that's what he meant?” Valaste shut the book. Handing it to Viintaas. “We have a brazier nearby burning with such a fire. Let's see what the flames reveal. Give it a try"
Viintaas hesitantly took the book, Valaste sounded confident about the Arcane fire not burning her or the book. Viintaas on the other hand had her own reservations about this, but she was a little curious of what was inside this book.
“Can you tell me more about Shalidor?” Viintaas was curious, she might as well ask while she has the book hovering above the flames.
“Shalidor was the most famous arch-mage of the First Era. His dedication to spellcraft and his commitment to research were unmatched by any before or since. Most mages revere him, though he does have his critics.” Valaste explained crossing her arms, she sounded like she admires Shalidor’s accomplishment.
“Why would he be criticized?” Viintaas looked back, it sounded like he accomplished a lot. She turned her attention back to the book, and she could see a small amount of magicka sparking on it. Maybe she needed to get it closer to the fire.
"Shalidor felt that one should earn the right to be called ‘mage.’ He created many trials to test the spellcasting mettle of men and mer. His loudest detractors were those who failed those tests."
Viintaas nodded, lowering the book a bit closer to the fire, as she kept listening to Valaste going on and on. Watching as letters formed around the book, being absorbed into it. Opening the book the letters forming sentences on the once blank pages became visible the letters were scrambled. Or maybe in a language she didn't know. “I can’t understand anything written here.” Viintaas narrowed her eyes, “They must be very complex spells.”
Valaste took the book flipping through the pages. “Complex indeed. Much of this is beyond my understanding, but … here. This one is an attunement spell.” She pointed to a page, sighing in relief.
“We can summon Arch-Mage Shalidor himself! We'll need some ritual orbs …."The Altmer put the book down. Running towards a nearby chest looking through it. Taking out three attuning orbs she took another look at the book. Double checking her work.
Viintaas took a quick look at the book, the attunement spell was surprisingly the only spell capable of being read. Was Shalidor the one making this specific spell legible for them to use it?
Following its directions Valaste placed them in the middle of the room. She urged Viintaas to walk into the middle. “The orbs focus your Magicka, attune your life energies, and draw him to this place.The ritual will apparently also link your mind with his.”
“What does that mean?”
"It means that the arch-mage will be able to guide you, and speak to you whenever he chooses. Are you ready to begin?"
“Geh* let’s begin” Viintaas nodded. Viintass closed her eyes following Valaste’s directions she channeled her magicka into the orbs, she felt magicka that wasn’t hers radiating from the orbs. It must be Shalidor’s magicka the connection Valaste mentioned was forming. Opening her eyes she could clearly see the man standing in front of her.
"I knew it. I was right in choosing you." Shalidor congratulated the young girl.
“What do you need me for?” Viintaas asked, crossing her arms she wanted an explanation, and Shalidor was going to give it or she was walking away.
"What I hope to accomplish is difficult.”Shalidor began “Perhaps impossible. It will require great strength of spirit! I sense this strength in you. That is what drew us together in the ruins. A storm rages towards us, Adept. War has come to Tamriel, and the Mages of this great guild must have quarter. I intend to offer them a safe haven. A sanctuary where they may study in peace."
“Shalidor, is that why you have returned?”
"To protect my legacy. While this Guild was … after my time, I accomplished much in Tamriel. I founded schools of magic, oversaw the construction of the Great Maze, and bore my Spellmirror into battle." Shalidor admitted looking around the guild hall. Motioning towards its members.
“And you think the war could undo that?” Viintaas raised an eyebrow, resting her hands on her hips.
"I know it.” Shalidor declared confidently. “I laid powerful enchantments on my final resting place. When my legacy is threatened, I'm drawn back from Aetherius. My presence here is proof enough: the Three Banners war is a threat to every Mage in Tamriel."
Viintaas crossed her arms. The threat to Tamriel is Molag Bal, maybe it was him and not the war that Shalidor perceived? She looked around the room. Everyone around was busy with their own work and studies, talking among themselves. She better not regret her decision. “I’ll help you, Shalidor. How do we create this sanctuary?”
"I created that sanctuary, centuries ago! It was stolen from me by an agent of chaos, and magically transported to the Shivering Isles. To recover the island we must locate four hidden tomes. This is the task of which I speak."
“Where can we find these tomes?” Now Viintaas understood why Shalidor called it impossible. Daedric Princes are difficult to deal with. Sheogorath could make anyone go mad. Even obsessed with mundane things. If she was going to deal with this she would have to keep her wits.
"They're being held in a place known as … Cheesemonger's Hollow. It is a realm of the Mad God, Sheogorath. Stand by my side, and I will open a portal." Shalidor began casting the portal spell, the blue glow of magicka swirling as the other side could be seen through the blue tint of the portal. "Be careful. Sheogorath is not to be taken lightly. I lost the sanctuary because of his nimble tongue and mad stare." He warned her.
Viintaas nodded, walking through the portal she found herself inside a dedric ruin, in the distance she saw a breton man Sheogorath’s chamberlain Haskill standing between three bookcases and a table placed in between two staircases leading to a door above them. The man was writing on parchment as if he was taking inventory.
<Oh how quaint. A mortal.> Haskill didn’t even bother to look up, was he expecting her? <Well, what is it? Here for some noble purpose, no doubt.> He continued shaking his head, not amused at her presence as if she was interrupting his job. Apathy must come with the long service of the prince of madness. Sheogorath was likely a demanding prince.
<I'm here for Arch-Mage Shalidor. I've been sent to retrieve some books?> Viintaas cautiously looked around, this seemed too easy. She should expect anything coming from a servant of Sheogorath.
<Spellbooks? How pedestrian.> He scoffed putting the paper and quill down <As it happens, I'm feeling particularly charitable at present. I'll allow you to enter. After.>
<After what?> Viintaas crossed her arms narrowing her eyes, she knew there would be a catch. What kind of complicated over the top action was he going to ask?
<After a test of your resolve. This isn't a lending library. If you want the spellbooks, you'll have to earn them.> He waved his hand. <A portal has been opened. Close it, and I'll grant you passage.>
Viintaas raised an eyebrow, that's it? She turned around and a few scamps came out of the portal, currently standing there in a semi circle. She wondered if they were waiting for her to make the first move. Viintaas held her staff making her way closer towards the daedra.
<Close the portal, if you can. Though you may want to deal with those scamps first.>
<Obviously> Viinttas sarcastically retorted, rolling her eyes. Getting closer to the scamps, once she was close enough they began charging at her. Scamps are weak daedra taking them down is an easy task but like anything if enough come out it could become a problem.
After the scamps were dealt with a dark seducer walked out of the portal, charging straight at her. Viintaas blocked the attack with her staff, she felt the push of the blade against the wood of her staff before she could cast her shield spell.
Viintaas needed to create a small amount of distance; she tried pushing back but she didn’t have the physical strength to hold the dedra and push herself back. Viintaas focused her magicka casting lighting to hit the seducer stunning her giving Viintaas the opportunity to push herself back a safe distance. Summoning her own daedra, a winged twilight to charge the seducer.
While the twilight distracted the seducer with a flick of the wrist, Viintaas's hands were surrounded by ruby red shards, firing them towards the seducer hitting the daedra’s chest, as the daedra disappeared so did the portal.
<That was unexpectedly competent.> Haskill sounded slightly surprised. <You'd make an adequate house servant. I don't suppose you'd consider it? The pay is meager, but the fringe benefits are appalling.>
<No, thanks. I've only come for the books.> Viintaas looked at her nails, she wasn’t interested in anything other than helping Shalidor, at the moment.
<Pity. The tomes you seek are beyond the door at the top of the stairs. Once you're outside, follow the path.> Haskill opened one of the desk drawers picking up a key.
<Thank you, Haskill>
<Just doing the Master's will.> He sighed, closing the drawer, walking around the desk. <I will open the door for you. Oh, and mind the scamps. The little imps adore fresh flesh. Such children.> He continued walking up the stairs. Viintaas followed him, her staff still at the ready, her summon flying behind her.
Haskill opened the door holding it open. <Right this way.> He motioned to the other side like a doorman. <And please, try not to make a mess of things.> Haskill really took his job seriously. There was no sign of annoyance this time. <Happy adventuring.> He added closing the door, a hint of a smile in his voice.
Viintaas looked around the valley; it looked like a mix of a barren wasteland and a lush forest, on both sides along a long road. Before venturing further; she summoned a little scamp. The path looked easy to follow. It was just one long path. She made her way further down fighting the daedra she encountered. Don’t make a mess, she scoffed thinking back of what Haskill told her as azure plasm dripped down her arm looking down at the dark seducers and golden saints on the ground. A mix of gold and grey liquid pooling on the ground coming out of their perspective daedra.
She stepped around them, not wanting to get anything on her boots; the last thing she needed was accidentally leaving footprints in the guild hall. Viintaas could see the end of the path, there was what looked like a large pavilion. A clannfear was asleep at the top of the steps behind it four books floating on pedestals behind it. She’ll sneak around it and get the books before the clannfear wakes up.
<Look, pup, someone to play with you!> A gruff voice echoed through excitedly. Waking up the Clannfear, so much for sneaking around it.
The clannfear got up staring at her growling. It started charging and jumped from the top, before it could land, Viintaas rolled out of the way commanding her summons to charge at the clannfear. The three daedra fought among themselves. Their scuffle didn’t last long as the clannfear stomped on the scamp. While it swatted the twilight away with its tail.
The clannfear charged at Viintaas biting her arm azure plasm dripping on the ground.
<Puppy doesn't like you, does he?> The voice taunted in amusement.
Viintaas ignored it, aiming the staff with her free hand to its head catching the daedra on fire, it cried in pain as it let go of her arm. It turned around swinging its tail hitting her in the chest pushing her back, the sharp claws of its tail cutting into her stomach.
Viintaas spit up more plasm, her hand on her stomach as more plasm dripped. Steadying herself she swung her staff shooting a powerful force of magicka at the clannfear taking it down.
Viintaas fell to her knees, taking a deep breath. Her wounds are already healing, if only her clothes would fix themselves too. Now she had a big gash on her top. Maybe it was finally time for her to get a new outfit, she’s been running wound with the same clothes she got from Kaleen for weeks. She’ll have to worry about that later. Now it was time to get the books.
Stepping closer, the books were now resting on pedestals. After picking up ‘How the Kwama Lost His Shoes’ the rest disappeared. Viintaas’ eyes widened. Did she pick the wrong one? Would she have to go through this again?
<Well, well, well. What do we have here?> A voice came from behind her. Turning around, startled Viintaas was face to face with Sheogorath himself.
<Puppy-killer! Come to steal me books?> Sheogorath pointed accusingly at her. <Wha ...? Who? Where? What? When? Sometimes why! Speak up! Honesty is the best policy, as far as you know.>
<I'm here to recover four tomes for Shalidor.> Viintaas replied sternly. He was talking nonsense which was to be expected.
<Shalidor! That pompous Nord and I go way back!> Sheogorath chuckled reminiscing. <I know what he wants, indeed I do. His island. He wants to steal it back. Oh, how I love a challenge.> Sheogorath rubbed his hands together grinning, he was planning something.
<Right. I'll just take them with me, then.> Viintaas narrowed her eyes taking a few steps back, holding the book close to her chest. She didn’t like where this was going.
<Where's the sport in that? Tell you what. I'll give you one book in exchange for your heart or lungs. Your choice.> He pointed towards her. <No, wait. I have a better idea!> Sheogoath waved his right hand while the left one touched his forehead. <Let's have a contest. A contest, wrapped in a mystery, with an enigma glaze! Oh, what fun we'll have!> He was so excited he couldn’t help jumping in place like a little child.
<What kind of contest?> Viintaas dreaded asking but she had to know what she was going to get deeper into.
<A few tasks, the odd deathtrap. Nothing so difficult, as, say, reassembling the Staff of Chaos or rebuilding the Numidium.> Sheogorath shrugged, disappearing into a kaleidoscope of butterflies, and reappearing next to Viintaas resting his elbow on her shoulder pointing at the book in her hands. <Take the first book. Puppy-killer. And I'll give you an additional book for each test you pass. Are you game?>
<I suppose... it's a deal> Viintaas agreed deathtraps she can handle, fighting daedra she can handle. So far, proceeding with caution for whatever else Sheogorath has in store would be the smart option. Who knows when he could change his mind.
<Excellent! Cheese and cabbage for everyone!> Sheogorath raised his hands in celebration. <But wait! We should inform Shally-dorable of our deal. With any luck, he'll die of embarrassment all over again!> Sheogorath laughed hysterically. <I can't wait to see the look on his face! If it's precious enough, I might hang it on the wall.>
"What's the meaning of this? Sheogorath!" Shalidor shouted through gritted teeth, as soon as he arrived at Cheesemonger’s Hollow his hands shaking.
"You remembered! Ah, Shalidor. You never write. You never visit." Sheogorath pouted, putting his hands on his hips. "Just now, I made a deal with your lackey here. How long have you wanted those books? Eternity?"
"Your "deals" are hardly fair. What farce have you contrived this time?" Shalidor retorted.
"Think of it as an adventure! And don't worry. I've got a surprise for you too." Sheogorath didn’t even care about Shalidor’s anger. He was bragging. "I put a tiny curse on these books.” His voice was a higher pitch when he said ‘tiny’ while raising his raised hand putting his index finger and thumb together leaving small space between them. “Just a small one! Long story short, Shal: You can never read these books." Sheogorath laughed again much louder this time.
"Curse you, Mad God!" Enraged, Shalidor attacked Sheogorath with a spell.
Sheogorath easily blocked it. "Boring!” Sheogorath yawned, as the spell vanished. “Be more imaginative, Shal. Like, ‘Curse you, Mad God! May you become cheese eternally gnawed by skeevers!’ Unfortunately, I have no more time for constructive criticism. Do stay in touch!" Sheogorath took a bow before he disappeared.
"Curse the Mad God. I don't know what game he's playing with you. But I do know the stakes."
“Mu lost gein” Viintaas held the book towards Shalidor. They both knew this wasn’t going to be easy, Shalidor himself said it might be impossible. But it seems Sheogorath is giving them a fighting chance.
"That's true, though without my help, it will take Valaste considerably longer to translate it.
I'd like you to return and let her know the bad news." Shalidor began preparing to open a portal back to the mages guild.
“Zu'u fun ek" Viintaas nodded, slumping her shoulders. Walking through the portal.
As she walked into the guild hall Viintaas was approached by Valaste. She really wanted to know how everything went. "You radiate an aura of power. Does this mean you have the books?" She eagerly asked.
Nunon gein” Viintaas nervously rubbed the back of her neck. Holding the book towards Valaste.
“What?” Valaste tilted her head in confusion; she had no idea what the young girl in front of her said.
Viintaas' eyes widened in realization, has she been speaking in dovahzul the entire time? “Kro- Sorry” Viintaas caught herself shaking her head. “I was only able to get one. Sheogorath is going to make us pass tests to earn the others.”
"Tests. Well, that's a start. I suppose.” Valaste crossed her arms, closing her eyes. “What of Shalidor? He was drawn away from here in a burst of light."
“Sheogorath summoned him.” Viintaas explained handing the book to Valaste.
"Not good. Not good. I'll start translating this right away, but I hope Shalidor returns to help." Valaste opened the book skimming through the pages before she began any work with it.
“Sheogorath cursed the tome. Shalidor can't read it.”
"Xarxes' backside! Then this is going to take a while.” Valaste closed the book, walking towards a desk, taking out parchment quills, arranging them neatly, before running to a large bookcase. “Check in at a guild hall from time to time. I'll leave word for you when I've finished." She grabbed a couple of books and took them back to the desk sitting down.
“I will,” Viintaas nodded. “What do you need me to do?”
"In the meantime, keep an eye out during your travels. There are many lost tomes scattered throughout Tamriel. Who knows? Any one of these books may help us restore Shalidor's lost island haven." Valaste answered, beginning her work focused on the book in front of her.
With a nod Viintaas walked out of the mages guild. Running from the guild’s entrance avoiding the people who were out; she just needed to run one quick errand before she headed into the wilds of Glenumbra.