Tamrielic Adventures: Vol. 2

[Aarah]

Eolwyn

Eolywn's hand moved to the handle of her sword, as the purple mist entered the room.

Upon his face reveal, her heart quickened and muscles tensed. Although inside she knew that the arrival of the evasive fugitive came with the possibility of death, her outward persona remained firm and unshaken.

Eolwyn raised her head slightly and breathed in, hiding her fear with bravado.

"Nandrnil." She addressed him.
Her mind intended to say something else, but she found herself unable to choose exactly what she wanted to say.

Their previous encounters has always been the other way round; the Altmer the mouse and she the cat. This role reversal left no time to plan an attack or ambush her prey, as had occurred at the cave. Her mind swirled with actions that could result in an outcome in their favour.

[Unionhack]

Laennec Manor

"Eolwyn." Nandrnil replied bluntly. His face showed no snark, no victorious sneer nor smug visage. No, his expression was one of professionalism... perhaps regret? "I see you've made new friends." said the Altmer, scanning the members of the group he didn't quite recognize. In particular, Ravel caught his attention, given their remark.

Nandrnil nodded to the young mage. "Yes, we are acquainted. It was an unfortunate circumstance that brought us together. My crimes of decades past have defined my life, as they always will, and my encounter with the party you now travel with is no different. It is... unfortunate, but I fear I've too much to gain to look upon your death with regret."

Upon speaking the word 'regret', Nandrnil paused and looked directly into Niralie's eyes. Though the shade that stood before them was a ghostly purple throughout, in her mind Niralie could only see the piercing, burning amber that she had struggled to forget.

Before, Nandrnil's eyes smoldered, like a dying hearth. The eyes she felt burned like dragonfire.

"Things have changed, as fortunes tend to. Before you were a bystander, irrelevant to the struggles I faced at the time. Your death would have served no purpose regarding my freedom. As I said, however, things have changed. While you fought valiantly against the evils that would have burned Windhelm to ashes, I sought knowledge..." he spoke, brandishing the flesh-bound tome in his free hand and holding it aloft. "...and such knowledge carried with it great disappointment. There is little that we mortals can do to shape the fabric of Mundus, however great an injustice the world has done to us. Little... but not none."

Nandrnil returned the tome to his belt and clacked the base of his staff against the stone floor. Though it was but an image of the necromancer that stood before them, the sound echoed throughout the study. "The Hollow Council holds the power, the will to reshape the world. This is of great interest to me, and it is why they sought my aid. For aiding them in whatever aim they pursue, I will be able to undo my greatest sin. I will be able to see Anriel and Taliel once again."

Another clack. "Perhaps your demise can be reversed in the world that the Council creates. The power of the Elder Scrolls cannot be described nor predicted... but there is hope. However, I cannot throw away my one chance to preserve your lives. No, I am afraid that to meet Sanguine's terms and fulfill the purpose of the Hollow Council, you must die."

Nandrnil tapped his staff a third time against the stone, and the final clack was by far the loudest. Books tumbled off of shelves, delicate plates and glasses shattered throughout the manor, and old dust flew into the air. For a moment after the imminent pandemonium, there was silence... only to be filled with the dreaded moaning of what was surely the undead, mustering outside of the manor.

The Necromancer's shade stood in its place, as if to await a final rebuttal before bidding the Seekers of the Threads farewell.

[BetaB17]

Nora the Fox

Nora spotted the ghastly shade, her hand on guard upon her shortsword, and with a quick dash, a shield raised to not only guard her and her friends, but so too the Grandmaster himself. Ever the sort, but the gravity of the situation took longer to reach her senses

"Nandrnil?" Her looked back worrying, as if she misheard. This be necromancer that was once mentioned, nothing could have hinted at just how a menace he seemed. She gritted her teeth

"Ye who hath lost the'ir way and consort with foe n' dead, to damn yer purpose and terms.." her fist tightened from behind her shield, sanguine's ring burned upon her grasp as her spirit roared.

"Nothin' good comes from undoin' the ways they be, so it is why we grow.. so it is life.. an so I see ye have turned away.. therefore.." her thoughts echoed across her mind, the shade's gloom washing over her so ""..I'll send ye and whatever yer great sin be straight to te Aether itself.. where your ruin shall end"

She pulled free her shortsword, it's silver edge, angled towards the lunar glow , "Friends! And strangers alike! Te hell with dyin I say. Let us teach this necromancer what it means te be alive, an see to dawn is met"

In a show of confidence, ever the strong shoulder for comrades that may falter, the skaal smirked with a sharpness that made her blade look dull "As fer you, Nandrnil Far-Too-Fallen! All that you shall gain t'night will be peace upon yer own demise an so yer ruin shall end. Consort to Hollows, so I swear, Aetherius awaits."

[Alarra]

Niralie - Laennec Manor

Niralie shivered as the necromancer addressed her, feeling as if his burning eyes were pinning her to the spot.

Her heart sank at his response. Even though part of him seemed regretful, it appeared that he did not care how many innocent people he would have to kill in order to achieve his goals; pleading wouldn’t help. The room exploded in noise around the group, and Niralie flinched. Tears of fear and hopelessness began to well up in her eyes, and she wiped them away, ashamed to be so weak in front of the others.

She was distracted from her self-pity by Nora’s bold speech, and worried for the Nord’s safety as she challenged Nandrnil. She’s so brave, even though she can’t hope to match his magic, Niralie thought. If she can be, in spite of that... maybe I can try to be too. The words of Valentia’s letter came back to her: “You're a braver person than you think you are...” A feeling of resolution and duty rose in her as she remembered those words and observed Nora’s fearlessness. Niralie knew that with her own magic, she would stand the best chance of protecting her friends; for their sakes, she would try.

She thought back on what the necromancer had said to them. One of his comments stood out to her: he had mentioned the names of people he would see again - people he must have lost. Niralie let go of the door frame and took a few steps forward.

“Losing loved ones is a painful thing to live through,” she said to Nandrnil. “But as you said, the Scrolls are unpredictable. There’s no guarantee that it will have the outcome that you want - or that the Hollow Council aren’t just promising it in order to use you.” Her voice still shook, but steadied a bit as she went on. She took a deep breath to summon her courage, and looked back into his eyes. “What is certain is that to get there, you’re killing innocent people at best and passing that pain on to others, and at worst you’re risking the destruction of all of Nirn. We cannot let that happen.”

[Kerr]

Ravel Rallen

Ravel patted their robes, checking their club was still there. "Ah." the young mage muttered as they pulled it out, somewhat awkwardly, like when you need keys which are in a pocket under a coinpurse. Ravel took a deep breath, readying themselves for the fight to come before walked up to Nora. "Heading down or will barricade the stairs? Desks, chairs, slow them down at least."

[Aarah]

Eolwyn

Eolwyn listened to the others’ words. True to character, Nora’s bold and battle-ready, Niralie’s heartfelt and sorrowful.

“Is that what she would want, Nandrnil?” The Bosmer looked upon the Shade with fixed eyes.

“Do you not see how your actions this very minute are a recreation of that night?”
“You seek to bring them back; have them them with you once again. Is that not what you were doing that night? How did that end? This time will be no different. Except this time the whole of Nirn is at stake.”
She paused.

“After all this time, your actions are still fuelled by your sadness and guilt. Anriel would be ashamed of you.”
Eolwyn nodded.
“And yes, I do dare to tell you how she would feel. You are not the only one here who remembers her.”

[Baloth-Kul]

Grelok - Laennec Manor

Grelok stood silent, taking in all that was unfolding. He hadn't known this Nandrnil personally, but it was now all too clear what a menace he was. The approaching moans of undead gave Grelok a cold sweat, but he stirred himself to action regardless.

The Orc picked up an armful of books and began hurling them into the windows. "Mages, archers, take them out from up here! Everyone else, let's head downstairs." He looked at Eno Hlaalu pointedly, as if urging the Morag Tong to action.

[BetaB17]

Nora the Fox

As her comrades spoke up, and one by one they held their ground, their voices alone could not end her worries over this. As her eyes drifted away, her sword slumped in her hand

"Grandmaster Eno.." she said in confidence between the two, her shield still guarding the two of them. "I know it be not yer battle.. n' aye cann't make ye so, but I ask of you. Have yer assassins aid us as we speak.." she turned her head, to look at him eye to eye "..and keep yourself whe're tis be safest.. for if we shall fail.. someone must ensure the'se *Threads* fall not into *their* hands"

Her voice was solemn between them, lacking all bravado. She took a few steps forward, and crossed her sword arm over her chest to touch upon her mother's amulet. A quiet, gentle prayer was made over Dorian's father. "All-Maker.. watch over he well.." It may not be the same as their god Arkay, nor her words as great as a shaman, but faith so she had plenty to spare

---

Stepping a back and towards her friends, she looked upon each her friends, a heavy heart for what she always feared, and a gaze far too longer upon one indeed.

"Oye now! Dont ye be daring off te run to danger. I aint havin it again, to damn'd I'll see another undead brush yer like, serpent o'r not!" Nora said, aiding Grelok to quickly clear the windows. She paused midway to look him upon the eye, even at the moment of sure danger. A forced but cheeky smile, like one shared between brethrens of arm "Not' without me te swipe em off yer back n bear your guard" She swallowed back her dread, always the need to show her strength.

As she readied to head their defense, she stopped to approach Niralie by the doorway, her tall n broad shoulders slumped for a bit "Aye,we got this, how else can we fail?." Her voice encouraging and soft, even now of all times. "Teldril gave this to me in token of best wishes..." she opened a hand between them, presenting the ringed Thread in her posession "...an' now I hand it to you, as our light even at darkest times" she reached over to clasp the ring into the mage's palm, holding her hand with both her own "..te be our saving grace" letting go of her hand, and the ring with it, she smiled as if she just passed a symbolic torch, before placing her hands upon her shoulder and softly kissing her upon the forehead like the friend she treasured her so "Be strong, as I know ye be"

[Unionhack]

Laennec Manor

The Fated Awakening of the Witch

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YouTube Link

Nandrnil's face remained cold and of firm countenance throughout the protests of the party; all until Eolwyn's rebuttal, which elicited a slight frown.

"Dearest Eolwyn, you knew her well, but not as well as you think. Indeed you know very little of what is most pivotal in my greatest shame; in that it was a shared burden, a weight borne on two pairs of shoulders. We had the world in our hands, and so cruelly was it taken... and cruelty begets righteous cruelty."

A deep exhale followed from the shade. "But I know as well as you do that this conversation is meaningless. Our minds are set, our courses chartered, and their can be no remorse. I only saw it fitting that you see the face of your death, as all those of honor deserve. Rogues of the Morag Tong, may your order endure this loss. Seekers of the Threads of the Webspinner; let us meet on the field of battle, and we shall see whose vision of Nirn is the truth. I shall await you in the Imperial City, should the stars favor you this night."

The vision of Nandrnil vanished into thin air, like a hallway candlelight being eclipsed by a closing door.

To Nora, Eno Hlaalu chuckled. "Not our battle? Oh, you are mistaken. Even if the Threads were not sacred artifacts to the Morag Tong, you forget that we are not immune to the emnity of the vengeful undead. You have our blades, and we will discuss everything further... when we survive."

Eno stepped forward and extended a hand out in a commanding fashion. "Fan out! We know the entrances and exits; barricade each as you can, and take defensive positions! I want two bodies each at the doors. Go now, and may Mephala guide our hands."

Dorian, stoic in demeanor, held his sword aloft and began pacing as he spoke to the party. "There are four points we must be wary of. The front door, the side servant's entrances, and the most concerning of the four; the back door, leading into the pavilion. It is the quickest way to the family crypt, and it is the closest exit from the manor to the Temple of Arkay. Should they come from anywhere, it would be there. The gate will not hold them for long." he spoke. "The windows on the ground floor are a concern as well... but I believe we will be safer inside than out. More cover."

[Alarra]

Niralie - Laennec Manor

Niralie blankly took in the exchange between Nandrnil and Eolwyn. She hadn’t realized they’d had some sort of history together, but so much had already happened that night that she didn’t really process the new revelation.

She looked at Nora as the young Nord approached, and listened to her silently, unsure of what to say in response. She looked down at the ring that Nora had placed in her hands, and felt both hope and the weight of the responsibility that the Thread represented. At last she put it on, and responded to Nora with a grateful embrace. “Thank you, my friend.”

Once she let go, she looked back toward where Nandrnil had been. He was gone, but Niralie could now hear the moans of the undead. She swallowed, suddenly feeling very sick, and took a few steps toward Grelok and Eno Hlaalu, who seemed to be the ones coming up with a battle plan. “What should I do?” she asked them, adding to Eno, “I specialize in Restoration and Destruction.” She held her hand out to show the pair the ring. “I have the Thread for Restoration, which could help save our lives in this fight. I could heal, cause sun damage against the undead, and cast protective spells to try to keep them at bay... provided that his spells aren’t too strong for even my skill with the help of the Thread.”

[Unionhack]

[url=hhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01-O9IZdF6g]TAMRIELIC ADVENTURES: VOL. 2 - EPILOGUE[/url]

Hidden:

First of all, I'd like to apologize to everyone who has stuck through this for the past 5 years for not bringing it to its best conclusion. While this is a hobby first and foremost, I still feel that I came short of doing my best to run this whole adventure efficiently and with the right amount of effort.

The last few years have been the most transformative of my life; I started and finished college during the duration of my DM'ing of TA2, and a lot of stuff came up that grabbed my attention. I learned new skills, I found my favorite hobby, I had a lot of firsts, and I met the love of my life the whole time throughout. I had a lot of distractions, but to say I didn't have the free time to dedicate to this would be a lie.

Second, I'd just like to thank you all. Mostly for sticking it out, because I know this dragged on forever. What on earth was I thinking, making a fetch quest for near 40 little baubles all throughout Tamriel as a whole? Regardless, it was cute, it was fun, and it let me do a lot of cool things. It helped me express myself creatively, and it helped me develop into the DM I am today. I still use storytelling techniques I learned while doing TA2 in actual D&D campaigns today. I thank you all for being constants in my life, never asking too much, and never saying I wasn't good enough.

Lastly, a big thank you to Mars. I know this turned out very differently from how you originally thought it all out, but I hope you enjoyed nonetheless. I really hope we made you proud.

Under the pale shine of the necromancer's moon, a horde of shambling corpses descended upon the shadow of Laennec Manor. With the help of the Morag Tong, the party was able to hold out against the assault. It was the arrival of Nandrnil, however, that shifted the balance of the battle against our heroes. Wielding the legendary Oghma Infinium, Nandrnil rained death upon the defenders and crushed even the faintest signs of hope.

Understanding the fatality of their situation and realizing that the Hollow Council was likely on the move while they were stuck in Farrun, Dorian Laennec made a desperate move befitting their grim reality. With the help of powerful sorcerers within the Morag Tong and the scrolls within his father's study, Dorian created a teleportation circle that transported himself and the rest of the party to the Imperial City, where the final threads were held. The Morag Tong stayed and fought Nandrnil to the last, buying what precious little time they could for the Seekers.

The arrival of agents of the Grey Vigil was enough to turn Nandrnil away and save the life of Grandmaster Eno Hlaalu, but the damage was already done. With the Vigil distracted by their efforts to save the party chosen by the Elder Scrolls, the Imperial City was left unprotected from the open invasion of Hollow Council forces.

With the help of the three adventurers Khazi-Daro, Nammu, and Sees-in-Shade, all of whom were in the Imperial City resting after a harrowing ordeal up north, the Seekers of the Threads scrambled through the fighting to the Arcane University. While the Imperial Guard fought against what they perceived to be a threat to the Emperor, the true prize laid within the university's Orrery.

With the Sanguine bowl reunited with the final threads within the Orrery (the last remainders having been claimed by the Council), the Daedric Lord Sanguine appeared just as Nandrnil arrived at the Orrery himself. Sanguine, taking tally of the claimed threads, declared the Grey Vigil to be the winner of the wager; however, in the light of his own drive for entertainment, Sanguine relinquished the Elder Scroll within the Orrery to whichever party destroyed the other. Indeed, the contest was nothing but a ruse, and Sanguine had always intended to leave the pursuers to fight over the scroll after the threads had been gathered.

As Sanguine left to scatter the Threads of the Webspinner across Vvardenfell in preparation for the oncoming prophecy of the Nerevarine, Nandrnil clashed against the party one last time beneath the starlit globe of the Orrery. Ghosts of fallen warriors and other fierce combatants came to his aid; Nora fought against the shade of the mighty orc Maurzol, Niralie clashed with the bound spirit of Sinyail Aldaris, Eolwyn matched prowess against the hardy nord Per, Grelok turned his daggers on the ghost of Aenar Storm-Blade and Ravel matched spells with the departed form of the young Breton Katien.

Nandrnil took advantage of the upper hand he had gained in the battle to grasp the Elder Scroll. He opened it and attempted to tame the power within to usurp the Hollow Council's goals for his own ends and reunite with his family at the expense of so many, but he was interrupted by Dorian desperately laying his hands upon the Scroll himself. The battle of wills shook the foundations of the already damaged Orrery. Ultimately, Dorian's love for his unborn child overpowered that of Nandrnil's longing for spirits already departed, a longing which had been weakened by Eolwyn's earlier insistence. Dorian poured his soul into forcing Nandrnil away from the Scroll, and then initiated a Dragon Break on the very spot.

As Dorian's mortal form disintegrated, history began to correct itself at a fundamental level. The great dragon of time, Akatosh himself, laid hands upon the events of the past centuries, and corrected the course of destiny as dictated by Dorian's final wishes. The Grey Vigil and the Hollow Council ceased to exist and indeed never existed at all; the clandestine battle between the secret societies was rendered unto nothingness, with the only memory existing within the minds of those who had pursued the Threads of the Webspinner.

When the magic of time died down, history stood anew; the conflict had been over the Threads themselves and the pursuit of an Elder Scroll thereafter. There was never any Grey Vigil, nor a Hollow Council; just a group of adventurers racing against a deranged Necromancer desperate to right his greatest sin with the powers of creation. The adventurers knew the truth, however, and the paradoxical memory of history erased would remain with them forever.

As the heroes departed from the Orrery, they were greeted by Emperor Uriel Septim himself, who offered his thanks. His speech marked the true end of their Tamrielic Adventures...

"My dear friends, I ask that you rejoice in your victory on this day. What you have done for the people of Cyrodiil, and indeed all of Tamriel, shall never be forgotten. It is the very nature of the Elder Scrolls to dictate that which is written in the stars, eternally unchanging; and yet it is the actions of heroes such as yourselves that preserves the threads of fate, to carry them to their proper destination and free them from the uncaring grasp of evil.

"Mourn what you have lost. Rejoice over the time to come. Live out your lives knowing that you are forever welcome in the Imperial City. You are now free of prophecy, unbound by fate, and gone from the cosmic whims of the Elder Scrolls. It is a life some would call disappointing compared to that of a grand hero forever fighting against their destiny... but it is indeed one I am envious of. The chance to be free from the call of predetermination is not one many get to take.

"Go now with my blessings. May the stars guide your paths, wherever in Nirn they may take you."

Five Years Later

Within the study of Laennec Manor, the lady of the house scribbled another line in the tome she had been working on for nigh six months. She felt the strain in her glowing eyes, the ache in her wrist, and the call of sleep at the back of her mind. With a pass of her hand, a soft magical light forced the newly penned ink to dry, allowing her to close the tome and proceed to the nearby bookshelf.

As she returned the tome to its place on the shelf designated for working titles, her eyes passed by the shelf above; finished tales yet to be widely distributed or published. With a sigh of nostalgia, she settled on her old favorite; the book with the gold-lettered title TAMRIELIC ADVENTURES adorning the spine. She plucked it from its resting place on the shelf and held it close to her heart. Perhaps it was time for it to rest on her nightstand for a few nights, so that she could relive the memories...

"Mama?" came a soft whisper from the study's entrance, as the door left ajar creaked open ever so gently. A young boy, hardly four years of age, stepped into the study, clutching the form of a stuffed owl.

Valentia smiled as Edwin meandered over to her. He looked so much like Dorian that she could almost hear his self-satisfied mocking from behind Edwin's soft blue eyes. "It's far too late for you to be awake, darling. What's the matter?" she asked, though her words were betrayed by her love of spending time with the lad, regardless of the hour.

Edwin clutched the stuffed owl closer and tactfully waddled over his mother, tugging on the hem of her tunic with his free hand. "I can't sleep. You didn't read me a story." he pleaded.

Valentia cursed herself; she often got lost in her writings, but rarely at the expense of Edwin's care. "You're right. Come with me, love; let's go find a story off of your bookshelf and..." she began, but her speaking trailed off as her hand absent-mindedly brushed the cover of the book in her hands.

The lad tilted his head and tightened his grasp on Valentia. "Can we read Kolb and the Dragon again? I promise I'll make it through this time!"

The thought entertained Valentia, but she shook her head. It was time for something more meaningful. "I have a better idea. Why don't we start reading one of mama's books tonight? I think you're getting old enough to hear about... some dear old friends of mine."

Edwin's sleep-worn eyes shot open at the premise of another milestone of growing up. He was never allowed to read the books his mother had penned, mostly on account of his age. Without a further word, Edwin released the grasp on his mother, held his owl tight, and raced back his bedroom in anticipation of the story to come.

With the tome in hand, Valentia smiled down upon it once more. Tamrielic Adventures emblazoned the cover as well, which brought a single, lonely tear to its author's eye. What a silly name for all of that. she thought. She proceeded to exit the study, and passed her eyes on a silver sword resting on a display near the door.

He will know. And he will remember.

With her silent promise to Dorian and her friends, Valentia Rumare brought over the book to her beloved son and cracked open the very first page...

[Unionhack]

Character Epilogues

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I will be putting all of the NPC epilogues here as I work on them. In the meantime, please add your own for your own characters! If you wish to use a particular NPC in your ending, let me know and I'll adjust accordingly to your desires.

Valentia Rumare

Valentia kept up-to-date on the activities of the party throughout the last days of their pursuit of the Threads, and continued her training with the Thieves Guild up until the birth of her son, whom was delivered by Grelok's mother. After Edwin's birth, Valentia decided to confront her sorrow over Dorian's passing by returning to Laennec Manor. She found it abandoned and heard tell of it being squabbled over by distant relatives of the Laennecs, seeking to take over in the absence of a proper heir.

She instead decided to claim it as her own, using Edwin's birthright as the last heir of the Laennec family. None could argue, and thus as her son's regent Valentia became the de-facto ruler of Farrun. With this lofty position, Valentia opened the way for Thieves Guild activities in the area, acting as a sort of fixer for independent agents as they operated in the vicinity. Those who doubted her sincerity as regent were quickly taken care of by way of public scandal, finding themselves suddenly confronted by a forgotten [&@%!] or jilted affair...

As regent, Valentia was a fairly distant ruler who stayed out of the traditional High Rock style of politics. She retained her true love of writing, researching, and cataloging scholarly articles and pieces, and maintained her focus on dwemer history and architecture. Her duties as a historian and a mother always took priority over her duties as a regent and a thief, though her connections and her proven competence kept both of these positions from being compromised.

Four years after the final battle in the Orrery, Valentia struck up a friendship with Aurieth, who was a vampire and agent of the Thieves Guild. Valentia found fascination with the idea of superseding the limits of mortality in regards to her scholarly work, and accepted the gift of vampirism at the age of 23. As a vampire of the porphyric hemophilia strain, Valentia's true nature was easy to disguise as long as she remained well-fed; an easy task given her training as a thief and an ample supply of convicts under her rule as regent. Though some questioned her aversion to sunlight, it was easy to pass off as a habit of the studious and book-obsessed young woman who rarely left her study.

Eventually Edwin grew old enough to take over the rule of Farrun himself. Proud of her beloved son for growing into veritable sage-ruler, Valentia stepped into the background and kept to the shadows, as was her specialty, and acted as Edwin's spymaster for a time. Many were the enemies of the wise lord of Farrun, but none would touch Valentia's beloved baby boy as long as she drew breath. Any that opposed him violently found themselves at the end of a knife or a sharp set of teeth. Of course, few wished to cross a lord that was well-acquainted with the notorious Thieves Guild.

All the while, Valentia continued to pursue her life's true calling of historical research and archaeology. She was at one point even offered to become a Nightingale by guildmaster Ak'rassa, a nightingale himself, but she refused to keep her commitments light. Often delegating her role as spymaster to trusted agents, Valentia traveled to every inch of Tamriel and chronicled what she could find to be academically interesting. She took her time of course; after all, she had all the time in the world. She became noted as an incredibly prolific author, famous not only for her archaeological accounts and investigations into the Dwemer, but also for her historical accounts and works of fiction.

When Edwin finally passed of old age, Valentia finally stepped away from her established family in Farrun and departed from the Thieves Guild to be a shadow upon the mist, never staying in one place for very long. Books are still written and published in her name, baffling literary experts and leading them to believe her name to be a pseudonym. She kept in touch with friends throughout the decades and visited as if nothing had ever changed, departing just as quickly to delve into the next dwemer ruin left untouched for centuries.

Adventurers in the land of Skyrim in the late fourth era often told tales of a shadow lurking in the abandoned dwemer ruins of the land, fearing for their lives as they ran. They knew little of the truth; as they ran away from the feminine shade lurking in the corners, they failed to see the destroyed automatons slain by Valentia, to whom many a treasure hunter and budding archaeologist owed their lives.

Sanguine, Daedric Lord of Debauchery

With his curiosity sated, Sanguine never bothered the Seekers of the Threads ever again. The exception was a single gift; a mundane silver ring, devoid of all magical power or daedric energy, delivered to the bedside of Valentia Rumare. The plain ring bore only two inscriptions; the names Aeris and Dorian.

Vayniah Linvail

With the unmaking of the Grey Vigil by way of Dragon Break, Vayniah was rendered unemployed and unsure why she was even hunting the Threads in the first place. However, a writ arrived at an inn that she was staying at one day, a writ that gave her executive authority to enforce the maritime law of the Empire in exchange for healthy pay and a ship of her own.

After rousing a crew and attaining her frigate, the Underqueen took to the sea underneath the banner of the new Captain Linvail. Unlike her father, Vayniah was known as a scourge to pirates everywhere, and during her career the waters of Tamriel were safer than they had ever been in recorded history.

Jarl Ragnir Ember-Heart

Ragnir's first move as jarl of Windhelm was to subdue the animosity towards elves felt in the city. Though no lover of the mer himself, Ragnir knew that a united Windhelm would stand stronger both socially and economically. This made a great deal of traditional Nords quite angry, but none dared challenge the mighty Ragnir over the issue.

Once Windhelm stood strong to his satisfaction, Ragnir answered the call to a moot and challenged the reigning High King of Skyrim to personal combat, winning the contest by the skin of his teeth. As High King of Skyrim, Ragnir strengthened ties with the Empire (perhaps due to his nostalgia from serving the Legion), adopted progressive policies, and fostered the martial orders of the land such as the Companions. On the side, he gave the Thieves' Guild a wide berth to do their business, given their role in his crowning as Jarl.

The Ballad of the Ember-Heart continued to be sang by bards in every corner of Skyrim for centuries to come, memorializing the High King who backed up his strong heart with the strength of his arm. It is rumored that the Last Dragonborn was one of his descendants, though the possibility of this claim is shaky at best.

Runthor Star-Song

The captain of the guard resented Jarl Ragnir's pro-elven stance and felt it betrayed the nordic spirit Windhelm was known for. Runthor departed from Windhelm after Ragnir's ascension to the office of High King, and became a notorious pirate near the coasts of Solitude. His reign of terror was ended when the Underqueen, under the command of Captain Vayniah Linvail, decimated his ship with a broadside that offered no option of mercy.

Ak'rassa

Having done the will of Nocturnal by sowing chaos in the chase for the threads, Guildmaster Ak'rassa the Nightingale continued to expand the influence of the Skyrim Thieves Guild. The departure of Valentia and the establishment of another Thieves Guild in Farrun was seen as a brief threat, but after alliances were established, Ak'rassa found himself quite satisfied with the expansion of his power base. He would go on to offer the honor of Nightingale to both Valentia and Grelok, although at least the former refused.

Madajha the Locksmith

With her son retaining the title of guildmaster in light of High King Ragnir's tolerance of the Thieves Guild, Madajha was able to retire with peace of mind. She passed away not five years later, leaving the Thieves Guild in mourning for some time.

Raylis Ther

Raylis was seen lost in the shipwreck near Vvardenfell. However, rumors of the activities of a masked vigilante called the Scarlet Judge acting out of Vvardenfell struck a familiar chord with those that knew the man. In rare occasions where the Scarlet Judge removed his helm, he was rumored to speak of a long-lost sister that he hoped to find one day.

Sethesi Releth

Sethesi washed ashore after the wreck and returned back to Suran, which was still in the process of rebuilding after the kagouti stampede. She eventually took over Desele's and renamed it after herself, and operated it for decades to come. Sethesi's became noted for its discounts provided to up-and-coming adventurers in the area.

Llela and Llevana

Through some miracle, the two lovers survived the shipwreck thanks to their rescue by a passing fishing boat. After taking time to rest, they departed to places unknown, hoping to keep the memory of their original party alive through their own Tamrielic Adventures.

Felix the Steward

With the dissolution of the Grey Vigil by the Dragon Break, Felix resumed the identity of a skilled but otherwise perfectly normal steward to Ragnir. Upon the jarl's ascension to the throne of High King, Felix assisted his heir in her duties as well.

Elethir

Though the death of his daughter Lithia weighed heavily upon his heart, Elethir could not bring himself to leave Windhelm, and thus continued to operate the Exile's Rest. His role in helping the adventurers recover after their ordeal brought fame to his small hole-in-the-wall, giving him ample wealth to live off until his retirement. The Exile's Rest was eventually sold and adopted several names, the latest of which being the New Gnisis Cornerclub.

Ra'zhar

The Dragon Break completely reversed Ra'zhar's very existence, causing some of the Seekers to question if his existence was indeed real at all. It was likely that his life was tied so integrally with the Grey Vigil that he was whisked away when the Vigil ceased to exist.

Centuries later, a duo of Khajiit brothers named Ra'zhar and Ra'ziir made a reputation for themselves as capable mercenaries around the border of Skyrim.

[BetaB17]

Nammu
The Finale

There the old priest stood, the aftermath as sure as dawn. Tossed into a conflict he wished no part in, nor wishing to stay any longer to see its ending. And yet there he was, upon the bridge between the very heart of the Empire and the greatest collection of arcana. As a trail of smoke casted from his lips, he slowly slipped back into obscurity

Epilogue

Many, many years later..

The noxious puff escaped his smoke pipe as he surveyed his work, a small village newly claimed by moss and vines that seemed to cling to stone alike and sprout from empty clothes. Slowly Shambles lurked about, inspecting every crook before lighting a torch to the lost homes. As the smoke slowly started to rise to the sky, the old pestilent priest watched in solemn thought. Far off into the landscape he could still see the tower that sat in the center of his very world

And so it was, as time and time again, he tilled his own fate

[Hissien]

The Finale

The night air was crisp on Teldril's undead flesh. Even he could feel the chill tonight but the stars of the firmament were clear; it was now or in the next hundred years to perform his great works. It hadn't been easy finding the perfect place on Lake Ilinalta but there on a small island with pure clean water, the ley lines were just right. With a deep breath to steady his hand he unfurled the cloth bundle he had carried all the way over the centuries:

A small spore, an ebony trowel with daedric runes, a large soul gem and a small wooden horse that had begun to rot with age. He dug a small pit in the center of the island and placed the spore within.

Burying the soul gem upside-down over the spore he sealed the cavity.

"Just one more thing to let go..." Teldril whispered sighing at the small horse in his hand. He placed the small trinket on the pile and smiled.

Fifteen years later..

Haelga sat on the back of the cart waiting for something; any indication that they were close to Tel-Arryn. The Telvanni stronghold was a bit of an unusual thing for Skyrim but the increased trade and resources had done much to aid Falkreath hold and relations seemed amicable for the most part. Still; it was [&@%!] cold out today. Haelga knew she should've worn the furs instead but Fenrald insisted that poise and etiquette were more important than comfort.

Impractical old fool... She muttered but smiled in spite of herself. He was right, and she did look great. She wore a green dress with gold embroidery in the patterns of vines and flowers with a shawl of vivid red. She smelled faintly of lilacs and lilies of the valley, as well as soot, incense and more than a healthy amount of dust from the road.

Around a fork in the road she saw it finally and with a gasp the breath was taken from her:

Sitting on a medium sized island close to the shore was a massive sprawling complex of mushroom spires, huts and walls. Each of the houses were impressive in their own right with carvings fashioned directly from the mushroom trees themselves. Intricate stories, figures from Dunmeri mythology dotted the walls as she was led into the main square. She had arrived.

"Here goes nothing..." She said with a sigh. Led towards the central mushroom tower as the evening gloom settled over the small village; she heard a snap and the shattering of glass. A familiar dunmer stood in the doorway like he'd seen a ghost.

"Been awhile, teacher. It's good to see yo-". Her words cut off as Teldril's arms wrapped around his apprentice's shoulders. She stood shocked for a second, and slowly put a hand on his back.

[Kerr]

Ravel Rallen


Once the battle had closed Ravel ruffled through Nandrnil's possessions, they took the tome he had carried and ran their hand a single time across the binding. Grinning ear to ear, they shoved the book into their bag. Defeating a powerful necromancer, meeting the Emperor and claiming the Oghma Infinium all in one day? It took a lot out of Ravel. When they finally retired to their chambers that night they were about ready to collapse and rest until until midday.

But, well, the tome was still in their bag, untouched. They'd be traveling back to Morrowind soon, presenting the Oghma Infinium to Master Neloth. Ravel knew how he was, Xarxes's metaphysical writings were the most valued in the arcane community. There was no chance Ravel would get to read them once Neloth had them in his grasp. What student of the Telvanni would Ravel be if they didn't take the opportunity to read and take notes?

Ravel awoke around midday, resting their head on their desk. The young student wasn't entire sure when they fell asleep but not only had they failed to take written notes, the book itself had vanished. But inspite of that and their sure to be imminent dismissal by Master Neloth, Ravel felt strangely content. They might not have recalled much of actually reading the Oghma Infinium, but their time with the book had left Ravel with a newfound understanding of the complexities of the arcane arts.

--
Months Later

Arms crossed Ravel made a noise that was somewhere between and an 'ugh' and a 'nah.'

"There must be some Master you could study under. What about Therana?" Balen asked.

"She fills her tower with rotten eggs! I may as well apprentice in the Corprusarium."

"Well, if you don't want to go back to your studies you could always-"

"Father, I'm not marrying Casseth!"

"But you two are so-"

"No! Besides, your his family's pantrymaster. You'd be working for me. Do you really want that?"

Balen smiled. "There's worse fates child." The two sat in silence for a while, watching as a stew cooked over the fire. It had been so long since they'd shared a meal, Ravel had no clue what the future would bring but for now was happy to enjoy the present.

[BetaB17]

Nora & Grelok
The Finale

:

A hard fought victory, and at last it was at an end. She felt her knees go weak from under her as she fekl upon the battle scarred floor, a deep.. long breath was all she could muster. She looked desperately around to see if all her friends were well, all except one, and for that, under her sweat stricken hair, tears slowly fell from her cheeks

The whole aftermath seemed like a blur to her, like she was missing something. She found it hard to stay strong, because all she wanted that moment was to not lose another friend. However least she knew, another had disappeared

While the dust of the battle was still fresh, and before Imperial greetings could be given, and with all accounted for(mostly), an orcish thief managed to slip by, and escape all the would be attention and glory, after all, more pressing matters needed attended

This brought the young Skaal no end to grief, a pang of harm weighed upon her, but duty bound so, she stayed, to courtesy of the Emperor himself, even as it pained her so like a hint of betrayal

The following weeks...

:

Back at Riften, back at home, life was slowly knitted itself back together. With his family more than safe, and sorrowful words passed along, Grelok after many laughs at his expense, did well to try and reestablish himself as a thief, with more than a smug sense no pickpocket could hope to match

That was until a lone lass appeared within the Cistern with a note in hand and a determination none would dare. As word spread around, and the Guild Master saw no reason to deny this course, an unexpecting Grelok was recalled home mid assignment, and there she was, with each parents besides waiting in the blacksmith's house. And so, Nora had caught up to him once more, and a fist ready to split a lip

Weeks before, Grelok hadn't left wholly without farewells, though. Nora would find a note in her pocket that hadn't been there previously.

I'm sorry. I'm not one for goodbyes, and don't want to be knighted or anything at the end of this--I'm enough of a joke of a thief as it is, being famous in Windhelm, and having a bloody golden arm. I can't stick around. There's no changing who and what I am, and that's a thief.' A hastily scribbled addendum was at the bottom of the note. 'And someone has to tell Valentia.'

The story goes on...

:

It's been years since, but as old wounds heal new beginnings are made. Nora and Grelok found themselves continuing new adventures, picking up where they left off and growing closer all the more.

Due to her service to the Emperor, Nora had been knighted and as a protector to Skyrim and her people. Unusual though it was, she also held seat within the Guild as an Enforcer, keeping tabs on those from the inside and often bickering with the Master over ethics and justice. Still, her influence was a boon, and helped to steer some to better ways. So much so she even acquired land west of Riften to settle, and the means for second chances to denizens beneath the Cistern

Grelok meanwhile climbed further up the ranks within the Guild, becoming one of Ak'rassa more trusted of members. Had it not been his dance with fate with one Prince this life, surely he would have joined the rank of Nightingale if not. Though sadly, his fame was not something he could so easily dodge. Thankfully his status as a rogue was less at risk, nor did having an Imperial decreed Knight always at his side hurt little with his ability to smooth talk disasters away. If anything, it certainly helped improve relations on the Guild's behalf across other domains.

As the years passed and bonds were tended, the two not only found themselves wed, as not that he had much chance at refusing... but so too a family three little ones to go. An eldest daughter and two sons, with each forging their own paths of trade, adventure, or scholarly pursuits.

And with their children grown and left the nest, and age making their own journey slow.. they found themselves just enjoying what time they still could have, watching the days knowing the future they helped saved

Hand over hand, loved and always, their story came to a blissful end

[Alarra]

Niralie - After the battle

Niralie stood in the gathering dusk of the Talos Plaza district. Emotion choked her as she gazed up at the building in front of her; she had believed that she would not live to ever see this place again. Home.

She approached the door slowly and hesitated a moment once she reached it. What would she say? How could she explain everything that she had endured?

She didn’t know if she could find the words, but the longing to see the people inside overwhelmed her, and she knocked. Several moments passed, and a grandmotherly Breton face peeked around the door. “Hello?” Her face showed surprise, and then welcome. “Oh, dear Niralie! You’ve returned!” The short, graying woman pushed the door open wide and threw her arms around the young Altmer. Niralie returned the hug affectionately. Helane had served as her nanny when she was a child, and had stayed on to become their housekeeper and a beloved friend that was considered family.

Helane ushered Niralie inside to where her parents already stood waiting, having evidently been disturbed from their reading by the fireplace due to the commotion. Andarion and Varilonwe rushed forward at the sight of their daughter, and Niralie finally broke down as she embraced them. She didn’t know how long they stood there like that, with her sobbing in her parents’ arms, or when she’d be able to speak of her adventures, but for the first time in a long time she felt safe, and knew that healing could begin.

Five years later

Moving onward hadn’t come easily for Niralie. At first she could do little more than stay in her bed under the concerned watch of her family and the healers they’d tried to send, but there was little they could do when she was hurt not in body, but in spirit. But time heals all wounds, and this held true for Niralie. In particular, it was Valentia’s letter announcing Edwin’s birth that reminded Niralie that life went on: as much as they had all lost, they still had things to hope for, and the future in front of them.

She gradually returned to her studies at the Arcane University, tutoring less experienced mages and improving her own skills. Eventually she gained the courage to leave the Imperial City again and would occasionally travel to the other Mages Guild locations across Cyrodii: running errands for the guild, doing some teaching there, and serving as healer for anyone who needed it. She was rewarded for her service to the guild with a promotion to the Magician rank. Although these “travels” usually just consisted of using the guildhalls’ teleportation abilities, Niralie began to consider using the roads again instead; she had begun to miss the feeling of seeing new places - and seeing old friends. Smiling at the memories, she closed the book that she’d been reading, and looked at the sunset sky above. Her Tamrielic adventures would begin again soon.

[Aarah]

Eolwyn

The battle won, Eolwyn was surprised by how many of her allies had survived. Surprised, but whole-heartedly relieved that her young companions had got through the most intense battle of all of their lives. She looked round at them all, a maelstrom of emotions swirling within. Pride at their accomplishments, amazement of their feat, sadness from what they had lost, relief, relief that it was all over. It was yet to sink in, such a long journey it had been. Both mental and physical tiredness felt like it could now be given attention; before, there was no time to indulge such things, but now, the brain and body knew that the quest was finally complete.


Eolwyn was no stranger to parting from new friends and acquaintances, but this time, it wasn't the same. A person could not part as easily from a group that had endured so much together. Though admittedly it was not as difficult to depart from those within the party that hadn't made it as far into her heart, she left them with a farewell full of respect and appreciation.
Others, it was less simple.
Niralie, the gentle elf. Met long ago in the cold caves of Skyrim. Though it was never within her nature, it did not stop the young mage from stepping up and engaging in tasks and trials far beyond her years and experience. She faced fear and challenge with bravery and determination, and never did she falter in her mission.
Grelok, the wiley Orc. Met mid-mission in Windhelm. The cheeky thief had always amused and entertained the Bosmer, and perhaps if she had been a century younger, she may have pursued the sparkle he put in her eye. Ever a loyal friend, and always willing to turn a blind-eye to his...unfavourable line of work, there was no doubt that Grelok would make a fine partner for someone someday.
Nora, the faithful Skaal. Met after the battle in Windhelm. Scrappy and feisty, Eolwyn deeply respected her sense of unfaltering loyalty to her friends. Though so young, she never hesitated to be a strong shield for her companions, even at risk to herself.

In parting ways, Eolwyn vowed to keep in touch with those that wished to. She would not let bonds be lost again. If she had learnt anything from Nandrnil, it was that you can never get back that which you lose, and she made a vow to stay in the lives of those that she cared about. This was a vow that she would share with her daughter, Elvana.

Elvana had received her mother's letter that was sent from Willowdale earlier in the year. Upon arriving in Silvenar, Eolwyn hoped that she would receive a welcome reception from her daughter. They had always had an estranged relationship. Ever the adventurer, Eolwyn had missed a lot of her child growing up, her work being a regretful priority. As she reached her teen years, Elvana became frosty towards her bounty hunter mother, resentful of her lack of presence in her childhood: leaving her to hunt down people instead of staying at home with her and her father.
Though holding a deep love for her offspring, Eolwyn could not give up her other love: ensuring justice and restoring peace. She could not abide being in one place forever, and so, she and Elvana had eventually drifted apart completely.

The day Eolwyn returned was an emotional one. She had poured a lot of her thoughts and feelings into her letter. Mostly those of regret, longing, disappointment. At the time, her future was an unknown one, one that she presumed would end in her never seeing her child again. Those feeling were re-iterated in their reunion, and old wounds slowly began to be mended.
Her vow, she would uphold, endeavouring to stay active in her daughter's life.
Eolwyn met her soon to be son-in-law and learnt all about Elvana's plans for the future. She felt like a mother again.

The Bosmer continued her vow by visiting some old friends and family, some of which were no longer around. In all this, she realised how mush she'd neglected the people she cared about. In travelling so much, it had become easier to push them to one side, focusing on her work. She still cared for them, there was no doubt, but thinking fondly of them had replaced physically seeing them. People could remain healthy and happy in your head. There was never any bad news about loved ones in your mind.
Eolwyn realised that there was another reason her thoughts had been focused too much on work. Nandrnil.
Her quest to bring him to justice had been an obsession. Never had another of her bounties been personal, but this one had. So long had he spent in trying to return his family to him, and what had she been doing? Neglecting hers.
But no more.

Going on, Eolwyn remained ever the adventurer, travelling the lands and bringing wrong-uns to justice. Though he still felt like the one that got away, Nandrnil was pushed from her mind. That path would not be travelled again. He had been broken by the Dragon Break; his goal had failed. Hopefully, he was hiding in some cave, keeping to himself, but, a part of her also hoped his pain had been healed, maybe he was now a content fisherman...or something. Though the latter was unlikely, Eolwyn would spend no more time thinking of him.

As the years went on, Eolwyn kept her vow - regularly visiting her friends, daughter and family; attending birthdays, seeing the grandchildren, being there for all of them as much as she could.
Though she could still not settle down in one place (it wasn't in her spirit), there came a time where the old Bosmer was not as young as she once was. A knee injury and subsequent wrist malady meant that Eolwyn's days of chasing down criminals was over. By this time in life, she had the funds to travel recreationally with her daughter, grandchildren and now, even great-grandchildren.

Even in old age, Eolwyn never forgot her life stories, the greatest of which was still that of when she helped save the world.

[BetaB17]

A Story Comes to a Close: Nandrnil

Destiny can ebb and it can flow, unseen forces at work as they swirl around the petty. Nandrnil looked up, as reality itself reshaped. Nandrnil looked up, to see all his hope abandoned. Nandrnil looked up... to see another soul like his slowly disappear, doing what he felt was for a greater good

And so her clung to the dust upon the ground, the scraps of all he could muster, and grieved upon all that he is

It's been centuries since that day, since that humbling defeat. He still remembered.. he still remembered them all. But so too was the past, and so they ever shall be. His days now spent in repent. His life, spared by both hero and emperors since. A long and lonely existence was deemed his demise, a demise long since spent within a shallow tower far off the coast of Tamriel. Cold waves battered at the stone weathered coast. Not a soul in sight, with only the gardens he now tends to and his ever immortal guards to keep his company.

He had time, plenty, and while this was not the life he would have wished, it was at least one he was at peace with

The shaped and swirls of the world still haunted him so, more so than the natts still pestering his blossoms. He could still see it, glimpses of a truth nobody else could see, and he hated it so, like a reminder of the chains that binded him more than the ones here in this tower. He could still hear them, the voices of those that wished to still exist. And the plucking of threads as fate continued to take shape The Ogma was a cruel gift... knowledge, was a cruel gift

But then, as if one day, like a page turning in the breeze, he saw something new take shape. Landing with his cell, a dark and sickly ink slowly appeared before taking the shape of.. a Black Book. And on it's cover it read Of Umbrage & Radiance

...And so, a new turn story begins