The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 176
Chapter 176
2nd Era 582
The door opened under my hand and I saw Gwendis. She was in a robe (no shocker, now knowing what I did - that the Tsaesci loaned robes to everyone - and it also made me the only one who'd brought her own nightwear) of gold and crimson swirls. "Oh, hey," she said, apparently surprised to see me there, but thankfully not the surprise from having been just awakened by a knocking and also not the surprise when you see someone you didn't want to see. "What's up? We were just getting ready for breakfast."
At least she wasn't hostile (of both varieties: passively and actively), considering how figuratively green she was yesterday from my interactions with her mentor. "I was hoping to come in, if that was possible?" I asked, …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 175
Chapter 175
2nd Era 582
I was in front of Cloud Ruler Temple, in Cyrodiil. I knew the look of it well enough; I'd been around there plenty of times. It also was in pristine condition, not the embattled condition it was in the current time (Fifth Era; decades after the Aldmeri Dominion sacked it in the Great War). The surrounding countryside was also in high Spring, so it had a fresh, bountiful look. The sun was shining down brightly and the leaves were glowing in its rays.
I glanced around, wondering why I was here and what was going on, when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned quickly around and saw... Chevalier. My heart stuttered at the sight of him. He had on a traditional Tsaesci robe, this one gold with rich red banded cuffs and wrapa…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 174
Chapter 174
2nd Era 582
I was back in the forests surrounding Lillandril again, but at the same time, I... wasn't. It was like I was there but at the same time I wasn't, too. It was hard to describe the sensation. But I heard the unmistakable rustle of something large charging through the brush, and I saw the Welwa that Talcarion had chased when I first met him all that time ago as it burst through the leaves and kept running, past where in real life I had fallen because of a vine around my ankle, but in the dream here it didn't stop because I was not there barring its way. Instead, it kept running full tilt forward, shortly followed by Tal in his old patchwork armor, racing through the bushes and following as fast as he could, swords out an…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 173
Chapter 173
2nd Era 582
After my training with Tal (which lasted maybe an hour, perhaps a little more), he stood there and I asked, "Hey Tal, can I ask something of you?"
"What is it?" he asked back, holding the dowels (two for him and one for me).
"Would you like to stay with me in my room tonight? It'll be a little like old times, though of course a little different, too." I'd shared Breezehome - my old home in Whiterun - with him when we came back from Summerset together. He lived in Lydia's old room, which was about four paces from mine. Small house, but it was everything that I needed at the time. I still owned it, too. Maybe a less-hectic day in the future and I could go back and visit it again.
He inclined his head as he said, "I would,…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 172
Chapter 172
2nd Era 582
Verandis's eyes widened and his lips parted as he gasped as my gift flowed into him, like a dam burst and the waters flowing free with held back force. Like I thought would happen, an intense brightness grew as the gift I wanted to give him and the gift he wanted to be given to him was placed in his life force; it filled the air with immense light and also a piercing hum, growing in volume as seconds went by. I had to shut my eyes because it was so bright; I could not look to see if he was doing the same, or even if Talcarion was looking away, either. It was so intense of a glow, even through my tightly shut eyelids was a bright red luminance from the brilliance beyond them. I kept my hand on his chest before power gre…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 171
Chapter 171
2nd Era 582
We had talked of light subject matters and drank tea for a few minutes, before Adusa yawned. And it wasn't just a little one, either: it was like those cat yawns where the entire set of teeth, the whole tongue and the throat were visible. She covered her mouth afterwards with a tiny yelp with large green eyes and a surprised expression. "Oh, many pardons. Khajiit didn't know it would be that big." She covered her head with her other hand. "Adusa shall excuse herself now, if it pleases this one to do so?" she asked me, a green eye peeking between her fingers.
I smiled and then nodded, and she got up and left... yawning again. I heard her mutter, "Oh, embarrassing," before she walked out of earshot. Gwendis left soon af…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 170
Chapter 170
2nd Era 582
I woke up some time later. It was still dark in my room, with light filtering in from a sliver of space under my door. Verandis was still in the chair at the foot of the bed, but with his head back against the (unfortunately not-so-forgiving) headrest, his fingers interlaced over his lap, his eyes closed. I did not try to get out of my bed this time, but I silently slid forward until I was at the foot of the bed, and parallel to him. He opened his eyes at this moment, smiling a little when he saw me in the gloom. "Did you rest well? How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay. No more headache, thank God. How're you?"
"I was worried about you. I think my dreams reflected that." he replied, adjusting in the chair.
"What sort of drea…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 169
Chapter 169
2nd Era 582
We finally reached the Word Wall! It only took forever! And a ton of trouble! We all stopped in the clearing before we got to the Word Wall itself. Orgnum's tail idly "slithered" in the air as we stood there. I asked aloud, "Can anyone feel any illusions or anything? Something meant to show what someone else wants instead of what's really there? The Word Wall's real, I know that much. I just don't want to walk right into another trap meant for me."
Vanus stepped forward, as did Verandis. If Orgnum was gonna do some spell sleuthing, he did not rear up on his legs or anything, he just looked off towards the Word Wall itself. Both Altmer mages extended one of their hands, which glowed brightly: gold for Vanus and a sky b…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 168
Chapter 168
2nd Era 582
We were all standing there - and me in the warded area made by Vanus - when there was an explosion of bright light up the mountain pass where Orgnum, Vanus and Darien had gone. The earth shook and shadows billowed forth from where the explosion occurred, like storm clouds were forming and shooting up into the sky, but it wasn't rain clouds: it was just shadowy shapes. Everyone's eyes were locked on to what was happening and horrible shrieks began to fill the air, like people were being torn limb from limb and tortured and were in horrible agony. I glanced at Verandis and he looked as startled and horrified as I did. If I hadn't been in a ward that turned rocks to dust, he might have wanted to touch my hand or arm just …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 167
Chapter 167
2nd Era 582
As soon as I was back at the mouth of the pass, the dulled feeling quickly faded. Verandis had turned to mist and teleported back down the moutainside... bringing me with him. For that to happen, I must have turned incorporeal, too. I'd passed through a wall before when Fenn carried me through one in the depths of Bthar-Zel, but not actual, true teleportation. I'd pleaded with him to help me with the growing drugged feeling the Darkness was creating, and he'd taken me away from the place entirely.
I shifted back to my regular appearance as he kneeled in front of me, before taking my face in his hands and observing me closely. He didn't say anything; just watching me. I cupped his face in my hands, so now we were holdin…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 166
Chapter 166
2nd Era 582
I was the last to arrive; everyone got there before I did. I flew down carefully and put Tal down on his feet before I landed and stood myself, rustling my wings before folding them in. Their brilliant, rainbow moonstone sheen overlaying the bright white plumes nearly shimmered in the sunlight. Darien, likewise, also rustled his wings before settling them, though he had been standing there with everyone else, waiting for me. He also did not shift back. Vanus asked, "How long have you been able to fly?"
I glanced at Darien, who had his Full Flirt Face on full display. "Wipe that look off your face," I told him, before asking aloud, "How long has it been? Months, at least. After Maarselok, definitely."
"Time has a way of p…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 165
((Editor's Note: This chapter you'll get to see how I met Talcarion. It goes straight from me landing at Summerset, then to where I meet him, because I felt it would be "wasted time" going forward with tales of Feladril's betrayal, who'd been told about in previous chapters, and it seemed better to write about my adventures with Tal than that damn bard. So all flashbacks going forward will be of me and Tal getting to know each other in Summerset. Enjoy!))
Chapter 165
2nd Era 582
I got up and everyone else did, too. I dusted myself off and tried to act as non-challant as possible. I mean, what else could one act like after having gotten blessed in front of everyone? "Well, anyone feel like leaving this place?"
Adusa stared at me with huge eyes…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 164
Chapter 164
2nd Era 582
We found ourselves in a giant, natural cavern, after passing through the short hallway after the puzzle door. The ceiling soared to at least 80 feet, if not a little more. A hundred, looked more like it. Large, natural holes in the rock ceiling let in rays of sunlight, and a few lower holes maybe 50 to 60 feet up let in streams, which fell with a roar of water and mist until it hit the ground, where it was directed to a central waterway, which matched the look of the flowing water in the puzzle room with the shooting targets. I guess that meant we were about 60 feet below ground. Ferns and grasses in multitude grew here, because of the rich soil, water, and sunlight which came through. When this place was in the grip …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 163
Chapter 163
2nd Era 582
This whole thing with Grundwulf upset me. That, and the fact that he hated my friends, because most of them were Elves. Why was that his business, at all? It was a typical Nord view, and one of the reasons that the newly-reborn Snow Elves had to stay (for the most part) in the Forgotten Vale, for their protection. It was a viewpoint that had been engrained in Nordic (and Atmoran, beforehand) culture for thousands of years. Changing it in two year's time simply was not possible, and Verandis was right: if you force peace onto the land, it is not true peace. And the fact that Grundwulf had seen my friends every day for the past few months - seeing what kind of people they were, eating and sleeping with them in my ship -…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 162
Chapter 162
2nd Era 582
I leaned my face against my knees, pulled up to my chest and hugged tightly as I sat in a corner a few bends of the hallway through this old temple from where we'd been. The tears had mostly stopped, and I could hear his footsteps echo as he walked up the hallways toward me, calling my name. I did not raise my head as he found me and kneeled in front of me, slightly off to the side. I felt as if I wore nothing, even though I was fully clothed. Usually happened when you "bared" yourself in another way. Hard to say which kind of baring was more... revealing. The physical one, or the emotional variety? Of course he knew I loved him - I told him before, and I knew he felt it in me - but not like this. I told the truth, af…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 161
Chapter 161
2nd Era 582
Orgnum - who had been silent up to this point - suddenly called out: "Halt!"
Everyone instantly froze. There had been quiet chatter between Gwendis, Darien and Adusa behind me, but they were silenced by Orgnum's call, as well. I chanced to look around as Verandis grabbed my arm, as if in anticipation of whatever made Orgnum suddenly vocal. "There's a trap nearby, isn't there?" I asked. We'd been exploring slowly, everyone taking the remarkably well preserved temple in. It was not really ornamented, though. There were the head statues (like we'd seen outside) and the stylized braziers on both the ground and hung from the ceilings (with - what else? - Dragon heads and necks forming the support of both types of lighting)…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 160
Chapter 160
2nd Era 582
Just as Orgnum (who was carrying everyone else else with a form of telekinesis) reached the top of the flight of stairs (seriously, what was it with Nordic temples and lots of steps!), I was settled gently on my feet by Verandis, who was in his mist form, a purplish red cloud around me. He "swirled" gently around me once more (only word I could think of to describe how his mist surrounded me and moved) before condensing back into his normal shape, standing next to me. I could tell Gwendis was full of envy, though she tried to hide it. "Thanks. I should have taken that help earlier. Then we would have ascended the set of godforsaken steps faster."
Verandis smiled and Darien remarked, "Well, I told you we could have, but …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 159
Chapter 159
2nd Era 582
We were chatting amiably about a variety of different subjects (mostly how Atmora was very similar in climate and the appearance of the land to that of Skyrim itself) when we came upon a large city, complete with a temple in the center, in traditional Nordic Barrow structure. The houses and other buildings had other traditional Nordic architecture, of course, but houses and stores and forts and whatnot always looked different than what the old temples and barrows did. I chuckled. "Now I want to forget the whole city to see if there's Draugr in that temple... or a Word Wall."
"'Word Wall'? So that was what you were talking about yesterday. Khajiit wondered what a Word Wall was."
"A Word Wall is where Words of Power - or…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 158
Chapter 158
2nd Era 582
I sat on one side of the bar, and my friends sat on the other side. I assumed everyone else aboard the ship ate eariler, because they didn't join me in my meal. Not that they could all fit in the kitchen area, anyway. But it was one that should be in everyone's stomachs a while yet and provide proper energy for exploring, not "air food": a private term for food that was light (like puffed corn, rice, or back home, cheese curls), filled you quickly but also disgested quickly, because of those "airlike" qualities. Even Gwendis was sitting here and eating, though I highly suspected it was due to the fact that she wanted to hang out with Verandis as much as she could, before we left her and everyone else in three days. Sh…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 157
Chapter 157
2nd Era 582
Verandis was in his robes (not sleeping robes, like he was tonight) and was standing before some gothic-style windows, looking out, with his hands clasped behind his back. I recognized the windows from his castle in Rivenspire, the three times I'd been there (originally to bring him back, after banishing the Dark Heart, and after that whole episode with Tzirzhalir). The bright sunlight coming through them accented his tall, regal figure and showed off how lean he was. He seemed lost in thought as I came up behind him. He turned his head over his shoulder with a small smile as I opened my mouth to say something, and saw that his skin and eyes were what they were like when he was a vampire: pale, human colored skin (not…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 156
Chapter 156
2nd Era 582
I was having a fitfull sleep, with weird, short dreams when there was just a... blackness. All colors faded and entered this sort of... warp, where there was only the blackest black I'd ever seen. Apprehension instantly filled me as I stood in this blackest of places with nothing around but the blackness and I prepared myself as best as I could for anything that might appear from it. Because I could feel it: something was here, with me. I knew that in this dreamscape, there would be no place I could run to (if I could, that was) that there wouldn't be this oppressive atmosphere and feeling like something was there, watching you. I stood there, waiting for what I knew would appear at some point, when it finally did: Sithi…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 155
Chapter 155
2nd Era 582
I entered my rooms and took a long, shakey breath, the first time in months I had not shared them with Chevalier. I let it out slowly as there was a knock on the door. I opened it myself, seeing Darien and Tal there. I pointed to Tal and said, "You, come in, and you--" I pointed to a very flirty-looking Darien "--stay out here."
He instantly protested. "Hey! I missed you and all you got to say to me is 'stay out here'?"
I glared at him and retorted, "You'll stay where I want you to stay if I tell you to stay somewhere. At least stay put until I'm done talking with Tal." before I added, "And no 'doordropping', either, like you did last time when I told you to stay put." He'd leaned on the door to the room where Verandis, …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 154
Chapter 154
2nd Era 582
I stood there silently a few moments before mentioning, "Adusa is kind of like a mother figure. She certainly acts that way with you and Gwendis." I glanced up at him, standing there with his hands clasped behind his back.
Verandis smiled warmly. "Yes. Adusa has been my oldest and most trusted ally." He gazed down the stone stairwell she had disappeared down. "Before I made the deal with Molag Bal to save Rivenspire, I gave House Ravenwatch to her, so she could continue to help vampires who sought to live peacefully with mortals."
My eyebrows would have flown off my forehead if they weren't anchored down. "What? Why didn't you tell me?" Sure, it made sense that he couldn't oversee his House whilst in Coldharbour so som…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 153
Chapter 153
2nd Era 582
I was in a two-story stone building, which was explained to me as the harbor warden's office. Adusa was already there, peering into shelves that were taller than her. "This one wonders," she began, as Verandis and I entered, "Why did the Atmorans have no books? Adusa knows she should have found at least one book here, but she has found none."
"Atmorans had no writing system until Ysgramor made one - using Elven principles as a basis - after he'd come to Tamriel. They used Dragon Script in temples and on Word Walls, but the populace as a whole did not have written works. Everything was passed down or around by word of mouth." I answered, glancing around. It was remarkably well preserved. It looked like the owner walked…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 152
Chapter 152
2nd Era 582
I took a much needed bath, after my excursions into Dust Bunny territory (the floor of the house in that village) and the dirt and sand during the binding of Verandis' soul to mine. I was still upset that it happened, Anu's Will or not. I dressed in deep lavender linen leggings (enchanted like all my other pants to be stretchy like leggings back home) with peach floral swirls batik dyed in a broad stripe down the front and back. A mid-thigh long sleeved cotton shirt in sage and gathered about the cuffs and waist with peach embroidery (also enchanted for stretchiness... I liked clothes you could move in) of stylised water lilies finished it. I pulled back my washed hair in a ponytail and stepped out of my rooms on the …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 151
Chapter 151
2nd Era 582
I felt myself lying on my back, me apparently back in my normal form. My mind was in a haze, floating quietly and without much thought. My eyes were closed, and my fingers were brushing someone else's as I layed here on the sand and gravel. They took a deep breath and let it out with a moaned grunt as they attempted to move. I opened my eyes and saw whiteness in the sky, with heavenly shimmers floating down. Anu. My world descended back on me like a jolt of electricity and I bolted upright, sitting there. Verandis next to me sat up with a series of quiet grunts of exertion, like his body was sore.
"My Champion," Anu said, His voice deep and calming.
"Anu," I moaned. "What have I done?" I could feel Verandis in me, like I…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 150
Chapter 150
2nd Era 582
The bed shook as I cried into it, clutching the blanket and the mattress underneath it. Chevalier was gone. He was not dead, but he was hundreds of years into the future and as soon as he'd been sent there, I felt our telepathy just... cut off. Like it never existed. I felt empty and alone.
Arms encircled me and I turned to the owner of them. Verandis. I could feel Orgnum still on the other side of the bed, but he was mostly blocked from my vision by the bed itself, as I had sunk even lower in my distress. He kneeled on the floor with me, holding me as I cried. "I didn't know this would happen," I whispered, holding him. He felt good; familiar. Someone I knew and loved and was acting like... something snuggly and comfo…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 149
Chapter 149
2nd Era 582
We were sitting and quietly conversing when Darien called out to me: "Hey, how many do you want to come with me? Because everyone wants to come back with me to that little village there."
I sat straighter in response. "Darien, you better not tell me that you're bringing everyone back with you!"
Verandis glanced over and watched me talk with Darien, though he likely didn't know I was talking with him, only that I was suddenly sitting straighter in my chair and I had a new expression on my face. "I know you wouldn't, but they're being pretty insistent on coming with me. All three or four or five thousand of them."
I pinched the bridge of my nose, sighing. Verandis asked quietly, "What is it?"
I glanced up and over at him, whose…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 148
Chapter 148
2nd Era 582
Verandis sent Gwendis along with Darien, even though she'd protested that she couldn't fly.
"Child," he'd said, in that austere yet affectionate tone he used when he wanted Gwendis to do something and she didn't want to, "He might need help reaching the shore. We don't know if there are any animals that are on this island that have survived the winter and thousands of years."
She rolled her eyes. "Fine. I mean, yeah, okay. I don't know how I'll keep up with him as he flies, but... Yeah." and exited the door with him.
When they were gone, I told J'ava and Tal to sit down, and brought in more chairs for that purpose from what I had assumed was the kitchen. They protested, of course. I countered: "I mean it! You ran for... …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 147
Chapter 147
2nd Era 582
Everyone was crowded around the Stone room opening in the mountain face, gazing out.
"Wow," Gwendis remarked, close to J'ava, who stood also looking out. How much he'd explored when he was here last, only he knew that. "This totally reminds me when we were at the old Doomcrag and you changed it. Not quite the same, but... you know."
I smiled at her memory. "Close, you're right. Only this one wasn't made right here and now. The Doomcrag wasn't cold, either. I wonder how everyone's faring there with the new Tower. Hard to believe that was a half year ago."
I could hear the disbelief in her voice. "Seriously? That was six months ago?"
I chuckled and Verandis replied, "It was indeed, child."
"Everyone," Adusa asked, making us…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 146
((Editor's Note: I'm gonna post all older chapters everyday until we get to where I am now, which is Chapter 179. Hope you enjoy!))
Chapter 146
2nd Era 582
After using the Clear Skies Shout a few more times, we finally - as being led by J'ava'Dal - reached an opening in the rock, far below the glowing cap itself. It yawned before us like the mouth of a beast: wide open and definitely cavernous. It was utterly dark inside. It was calm after my latest Shout, but it wouldn't last much longer. "Can you see in the dark, J'ava?" I asked, peering into the gloom.
He shook his head. "No, Ordained Receptacle," he replied, glacier blue eyes gazing at me expectantly. Like he was waiting a long time for me to finally be here. "Kamali people cannot see in …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 145
Chapter 145
2nd Era 582
Gwendis and Adusa formed from two blooms of mist (purplish-red for Adusa, as she was a former vampire like Verandis; red for Gwendis, who was still a vampire) onto the deck shortly after this, Gwendis asking Verandis, "Hey, you just up and disappeared! What--"
He beckoned her and Adusa over, saying, his voice quiet with elation, "We've finally made it, child. Look."
The former and current vampire came and stood on the other side of Chevalier. "Atmora! Adusa never thought she'd see it, and that we'd be on these boats forever." Adusa-Daro remarked, her bright orange, black-striped tail jittering like when a cat was excited. She stretched like... well, a cat: she yawned and stretched her arms to the sky, and her body seem…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 144
Chapter 144
2nd Era 582
I was up on deck after my training with Talcarion some hours previously, leaning on the railing and discussing deep philosophical matters with Verandis. It was one of my favorite subjects, because philosophies here, in this realm, were quite different than those of back home, though of course there were some similarities to the philosophies in my home world. Darien was below deck sleeping, as was most of my personal guard. Only Tal was present, and of course Chevalier, who stood some paces distant, against the cabin that lead down below deck (I'm sure there was a boat term for that). Currently we were discussing the concept of immortality, if it was better (or not) than mortality. Due to him having been a vampire for …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 143
Chapter 143
2nd Era 582
After the little gathering where everyone found out my universe probably didn't have Elves (gasp!) and we were filing out (Orgnum had left some time after that revelation, saying he'd left his ship without a word and needed to head back "because I wouldn't want them to worry"... and with a wink), I caught Tal, a light brushing of my fingers over his arm. "What is it, My Lady?" he asked, his face not betraying any emotion. He wore no expression most of the time; as per his upbringing at the Stendarr temple, he was a taciturn person. Most people who worshipped Stendarr were like that; the Vigilants of Stendarr were like that to a tee. I knew he didn't really worship Stendarr, but, well... he grew up in the temple, so my…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 142
Chapter 142
2nd Era 582
I had no cider for Orgnum, but I had various teas from the cargo hold, so I brewed up some black and mint tea for us. I invited Verandis to join us; he'd only been around one of our little get together's (that was after the Ebonheart Pact attacked us just beyond Morrowind and Orgnum had showed his true form), and I wanted him to be able to be as much a friend to the demigod as I was beginning to be. Tal was also present, as were a few other Tsaesci and, of course, Chevalier, all in the kitchen... where I'd been pissed off at Darien not too long ago. Man, my days still were too damn full, even in the smack dab middle of effing nowhere...
Chevalier kept asking me if I was alright after the ward explosion. "My Lady," he bega…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 141
Chapter 141
2nd Era 582
I dressed quickly, pulling on a simpler dress (dark blue with bands of emerald, satiny ribbon bunching the sleeves into a Renaissance look, and a matching green lacy belt tied in a bow), because that took less time to put on than pants and a shirt. Then I hurriedly followed Verandis (who had been waiting outside my chambers) up and out onto the deck.
I hovered mid-air before the ward, Darien next to me, also in his Divine form. Orgnum, Chevalier and Verandis remained on the ship some ways behind me, though I could feel them watching me. Darien was there to amplify my power in case it was needed. I glanced over. "You ready for this?"
Darien winked, earning a shaking of my head from me. "I'm always ready for you."
I rolle…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 140
Chapter 140
2nd Era 582
Darien's idea of "good memories" to replace the memories I had with my PJs (of Bjarne) was a mock swordfight, only with wooden dowels instead of actual blades. I'd seen similar staves back in my own world for fighting, and seen occasionally the Tsaesci mock-fight each other (for training) aboard this ship with the same kind of dowels. Darien tossed me one and I caught it, saying, "A mock sword fight? That's your idea of a good memory?"
He winked, warming up his wrist. "Well, you don't drink, so a drinking game wouldn't be your idea of a good time, like it would me." I scowled at him and he laughed before he continued: "Besides, you've told me a few times that you've swung swords before, but I haven't seen you fight wi…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 139
Chapter 139
2nd Era 582
I found Darien where I knew I'd find him: near the door to my chambers, sitting on a chair in a corner. Grundwulf and Tal were standing before my door, on each side, and Grundwulf was eyeing the half-Breton. "Darien?" I asked, standing some distance but still before him. Chevalier was behind me, but Verandis had left, after I'd told him I was fine.
He instantly raised his head out of his hands and looked at me, hope and sadness equal in his eyes. He said nothing, which was surprising, considering how he usually was. So I said, "We need to talk. Will you join me?" while gesturing towards the door.
His eyelids flickered. "Okay."
I dressed in the pajamas I'd worn about a year ago now to this place... clothes people here had…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 138
Chapter 138
2nd Era 582
We'd been at sea for weeks, now. Probably closer to four months. Thankfully, we'd left Tamriel behind with no more incidents, which I was grateful for. But now there was nothing to look at, beyond sea, sea, and more open ocean. I didn't know how sailors did it, with nothing as far as the eye can see? Even in the forest, there was something different everywhere, but not here. Perhaps that was why they carved on ivory or wood: something to pass the infinite time. Even though the open, endless sea left me feeling... exposed, I definitely noticed the change in temperature. It was getting colder. That was only a good thing, which meant we were finally getting tangibly closer to our goal.
I lost my control and wept into the …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 137
Chapter 137
2nd Era 582
We were once more in his... lounge? Smoking room? Parlor? I didn't know the right name for it. Perhaps it was "parlor": it was a place for where you went after dinner (or any meal) for some drinks and conversation. Or maybe that was the drawing room or library that you did that in? Did you actually draw in a "drawing room"?
As Chevalier and Darien were about to enter (coming in after Orgnum and me), the demigod barred them with a raised hand. Chevalier's eyes instantly hardened and he spoke in his dangerous, flat tone: "Unless we are here as allies, there is no reason for you to bar me from being at my Lady's side."
Orgnum smiled a little and spoke in that impossibly-deep voice of his. "I am an ally, Tsaesci. I simply wi…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 136
Chapter 136
2nd Era 582
As we flew over, Chevalier asked me, "My Lady, when we were in the Imperial City, why were there still daedra circling over the White Gold? Since you've touched it before, shouldn't that have been impossible? They shouldn't have been able to be there, because of Anu's control."
He must have been pondering over this the entire time since we'd been there. "Think of the White Gold as a house: you own it, but others might be able to enter its domain, though it is not theirs. They will never be able to own it, because it is yours. Same with the Imperial Palace; daedra could exist in the city and in around the Palace, but they could not own the White Gold, because Anu already has it. When I killed Clivia Tharn and whatever …
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 135
Chapter 135
2nd Era 582
I was standing below Dragonhold Island, along with my personal guards, but I myself was absent. This was Darien's memory of when I'd nearly died trying to prevent that build-up of energy Kaalgrontiid had accumulated from destroying Elsweyr, or even the world. The island far overhead glowed with a vivid neon green: the glow of powered Aeonstone. It rumbled and shook like it was in an earthquake only it could feel. I remembered that moment from my perspective perfectly. However, now I was seeing and feeling it from Darien's, because I wanted to know what he felt during that time. Anu's white brilliance and sparkling shimmers and glitter rained down and a white column of energy connected Dragonhold to Him, far overhead t…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 134
Chapter 134
2nd Era 582
I met Orgnum out on the deck. A gentle breeze blew his hair. He smiled as soon as he saw me. He inclined his head and said, "My Lady,"
"Orgnum." I greeted him back, before I asked, "What brings you here? I hope you didn't come to blow my mind with more revelations."
He laughed, like rumbles of thunder. "No, nothing like that." His smile was pleasant. "I wish to have dinner with you once again. Will you honor me with your presence in my quarters?"
"If I have lunch with you, naturally we're going to talk because silent dinners are awkward and naturally the talk you will have will be lore shaking."
Orgnum laughed more. "Yes, that is true. I have been around a long time, and so I have much to say." He inclined his head. I re…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 133
Chapter 133
2nd Era 582
Gwendis was let in to my study by Vashu (she must have been searching the ship for me, which made it even more puzzling why she was searching for me so) and he bowed and closed the door behind him. Her eyes popped and brows rose at the sight of Chevalier. "Woah. I'd heard you could look different, but I didn't expect this!" She gestured behind her to the door with her thumb and asked, "Can everyone else change into this... shape?"
I glanced up at Chevalier and he glanced at me before he answered: "Yes. All Tsaesci can change skins to look human, or snake, or a melded form of both. You have seen this, I am sure."
"I have, but I haven't seen any with... wings."
"They can't," I explained, her head shifting to me. "Chevalie…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 132
Chapter 132
2nd Era 582
Ada'Soom Dir-Kamal, the supposed "King among Demons", "Demon of Demons" and "Windhelm Ravager" (as some Tamrielic titles called him), had actually been a stalwart, but kind hearted man. Strong minded, too, to have led his people across the vast sea in search of the Ordained Receptacle, fought his way through eastern Skyrim and part of Morrowind, looking for me. Then he died at "Vivec's Antlers", a location in Morrowind, by a flood conjured by Vivec, the combined armies of Morrowind, Skyrim and Black Marsh, and The Underking (an elusive figure I knew little about, only that he was a Nord once before he became... something else), summoned forth by Amalexia, one of the three so-called "living gods" of Morrowind, and bitc…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 131
Chapter 131
2nd Era 582
I had to be careful of my footing; the floors were slick with ice in J'ava's ship. I would have wagered they'd be slick and slippery in the other Kamal vessels, too. My breath also made clouds of mist, as did Darien and Chevalier, us being the only ones aboard who weren't so intimate with the cold itself. J'ava and his subjects had no such appearance, however, of walking a certain way to keep their footing on the slippery floor. They could probably walk on an ice rink with perfect stability.
"What's an ice rink?" Darien asked to my thought, as the Kamali prince showed us around. Aside from the danger of slipping and cracking my head on the floor, it was a beautiful place. The decoration on the inside was similar to tha…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 130
Chapter 130
2nd Era 582
The dream of Darien sacrificing himself to save Dawnbreaker (something that had not happened, obviously) still lingered with me for the next few days. I kept him close by because that dream - nightmare, really - knawed at me like swarms of mosquitoes in the heat of summer. What bothered me nearly as much - if not as much - was that I knew this would keep happening, with others I'd saved. If I'd saved someone from a certain fate, Padomay would be sure to use it against me in a devastating dream to break down my barriers I'd put up against him. He would try anything and everything to get me to come to his side. I had to stay strong against these... incursions into my mind. Luckily for me, I had no desire, at all, to join Pad…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 129
Chapter 129
2nd Era 582
Once again, night fell, and I prepared for bed. Orgnum had left for his own vessel hours before, but left behind the keg of cider on my request. I mentioned to Chevalier (who put on the same crimson raw silk robe as before) that I hoped there wouldn't be any more surprise attacks in the night.
"They would not likely risk another battle at sea, My Lady," he replied, bringing me down on his lap again. This began to be a cherished nightly thing: he would let me sit on his lap, and we would either talk about the day or simply sit there with each other before we went to sleep. "With no trace of the fleet they sent forth, they will at least take more time to craft a more worthy strategy for battle."
I smiled into his hair. "…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 128
Chapter 128
2nd Era 582
I continued this world-bending conversation with Orgnum, who sat in my cabin in an absconded Tsaesci ship like it was a regular ocurrence. According to Altmer lore about him, he was a "deathless wizard" who supposedly grew younger-looking by the century. That... well... probably wasn't true (considering what he has just done), but him being a "middling" god between the Eleven and the Magna-ge was lore-shattering enough for me for one day. Seeing him in his true form was also shocking, if only because of how big he could get... and I was pretty sure that wasn't even the extent of his true size.
The topic now was of the races of this time, with the changes of the War of the Ehlnofey that they brought about. I asked, "Wel…
The Outsider Chronicles: The Claiming: Chapter 127
Chapter 127
2nd Era 582
For the next few days, as we sailed around the bottom part of Argonia (also known as Black Marsh), things were quiet, and I was able to get quite a few of the cloaks done. I forgot how many I'd actually done; I lost count at around 583. All aboard the ship I was staying on got one, and the others were stored in the same crates I'd found all the luxury fabric in until they could be handed out. I would keep doing them, however, until the fabric ran out. I'd had Darien go and get all the spare fabric in the other vessels and bring it back to me, which increased the available material significantly.
I sat at my desk, my head in my hands as I thought. A surprise attack. Just what I hadn't been hoping for. The Dunmer had cloa…