20demayo Chapter 101: Chapter XLII: Aftermath
Chapter 101: Chapter XLII: Aftermath
Chapter 101: Chapter XLII: Aftermath
(Reyvin's pov)
As Meridia tries to bribe Sybille into killing me I find myself stuck in a bit of a bind, on the one hand, I don't believe for a second she would kill me for a creature that had already betrayed us, and on the other I am barely keeping myself from laughing out loud at how petty Meridia turned out to be.
Like a child who didn't get the toy she wanted and decided to throw a tantrum.
And the entire time, that supernatural fury still courses through my soul, the very idea of a 'false' deity making demands of me... for some reason, I cannot stand it.
As a shaky Sybille turns my way I simply turn to her with a mocking smile and point at the Daedra, implying that only an idiot would listen to her little tantrum.
It seems as if my companion agrees and she too denounces the treacherous Daedra. And to think that Mephala has been more true to her word than the self-proclaimed lady of life... Maybe that was Mephala's goal all along? To make sure I remain in her clutches?
As Meridia seethes in anger and curses us, her flames trying to snuff us out, I cannot help but feel satisfied, happy that I dared defy a god, the fury I felt at being looked down upon slowly turning into a victorious ecstasy.
As Meridia's wrath reaches its boiling point, the covenant of Akatosh snaps into action and I return to the safety of the mortal world.
Sybille seems dazed so I take a moment to look over the system prompts I felt in the back of my head.
[Quest complete]
A heavy black tome falls into my right hand, feeling like it was only half-present in my arms. [The tome of shadows Volume I: An ancient tome written by a renowned Aldmeri Archmage, contains an entirely new subschool of conjuration that deals with traversing the shadows and binding them to your service. This tome is but the first step.]
This could be very powerful, but what really catches my attention is the other prompt.
[Trait awakened: The Wrath of Dagoth: the second part of your blasphemous divine inheritance, whenever a deity, creature of a higher power, or something of a similar nature that you consider to be false attempts to command you against your wishes, or is merely present and a known enemy, you will be assailed by supernatural wrath, on the flip side you now have an easier time resisting their influences and seeing through their manipulations.] Instead of revulsion at the idea that I might not be in full control at all times, I feel surprisingly satisfied with the notion of being able to defy those who would consider me their playthings... In fact, the notion is so pleasant to my mind that I slowly break out into a deranged cackle, the mix of pain and satisfaction I was feeling overwhelming my self-control
for a moment.
And it is exactly at this point that Sybille collects herself and pointedly glares at me.
I calm down and wipe the blood from my face "What?"
She taps her foot on the ground and glares at me "You just cost me a lot, young man." She tries to look angry, but there is no heat behind her words.
I roll my eyes and start walking to the exit "You know damn well that she wasn't going to honor her end of the bargain, the moment you let her power in she would have remade you in her image as a compliant little puppet."
She huffs "I know, I still don't like it."
I shrug "We don't need Meridia to help you out."
"We?" she asks with a mix of amusement and genuine surprise.
I turn to her with a mischievous smile "We already came this far, helping you will be my honest pleasure. Besides I am feeling just a mite bit spiteful and want to show her that we don't even need her for anything."
She swats my shoulder and sighs "It sounded so nice and romantic for a moment there and you just had to ruin it."
I puff out my chest proudly "I am true to my vices, and spiting annoying Daedra just became one of them!"
We step into the previous chamber and find all of those that followed us inside on their asses or on their backs. Ingvar Firebeard's eyes snap to me and he asks "Is it done? Has she been killed for good?"
I nod and smile proudly "Potema Septim will never again walk these lands."
A weak cheer spreads among those still conscious, barely half of them if my hearing is right. I look at Ingvar "Are there any wounded that need treatment?"
He looks at the ground and shakes his head "No, if you got wounded you got dragged down. Those still alive never even got hit."
I face the Thanes "You two doing alright?"
Bryling's face brightens and she nods as excitedly as her exhausted self can "Many have fallen today, but such a worthy death is precisely what a warrior should strive for."
Erikur is not as enthusiastic, as he appears to be nursing what looks to be a string bruise on his finger, likely from drawing his crossbow. "Worthy death" he scoffs "I would much rather live a worthy life."
Instead of getting offended Bryling gives him a 'cheerful' smile "Why not both?"
He seems ready to get into an argument, but realizes just how tired he is and merely rolls his
eyes.
"Is everyone ready to leave this damned place?" I ask after we take a breather.
Ingvar looks at all the fallen draugr and guardsmen "We need to deal with the bodies..." Before I can reply Sybille interjects in an 'I am completely done with today' tone "I have been trudging through caves and guts for the entirety of this accursed day boy, and if I am not back at the tower taking a calming bath within the next hour I might just decide to take it out on someone!"
Ingvar flinches, but much like his father stands defiant in the face of furious women "And what do we do about our fallen comrades?"
Erikur of all people intercedes "Just send some servants under armed guard tomorrow to deal with everything, I am sure that our comrades would prefer it if we didn't all die of exhaustion while dragging them up."
Bryling seems conflicted but is far too tired to disagree with Erikur.
Her smile doesn't leave her face "Your little servant, Davos was it? I will offer to him my
blessing with the caveat of him remaining loyal to you, what do you think?"
I give her a cautious stare "I want that in 'writing"" I say with airquotes.
She pouts "Too bad I didn't catch you while you were on your little power high like dear
Meridia did, very well"
My eye twitches and I feel her offer in the back of my head.
[The Daedric prince Mephala offers to bless your follower Davos, under the caveat that he be
loyal to you. This blessing shall persist as long as the blessing granted to Reyvin Dagoth
does.] Reasonable. I nod and mentally affirm my acceptance.
Mephala gets up and gives me one last smile "While I would love to invite you along, I see you
have your hands full this time, do enjoy your evening."
====
My vision swims and I find myself looking into the eyes of a worried Sybille.
"What was going on just now?" she asks slowly.
I just know Mephala is trolling me right now, I sigh "I was talking to my other extraplanar
friend."
Sybille narrows her eyes "And which one is that?"
"Don't worry about it" "Reyvin." She gives me a firm stare.
*Sigh* God dammit Mephala. *One long curated explanation later*
"So you are telling me..." Sybille stares at me with a mix of bewilderment and exasperation
"That this entire time you already had a Daedric patron and that she herself directed you to
Meridia?"
I nod.
She sighs "And let us not forget it is Mephala of all Daedra!"
I shrug "To be fair, Dunmer do look at her differently and she does the same in return."
Sybille plops her head down onto my chest "That doesn't make it any better." "Well excuse me for taking all the help I can get." I huff.
She raises her head again and stares into my eyes "At least tell me you aren't bound to her."
I smile and pat her head, making her swat my hand away, and say "Don't worry, we have a
rather loose deal which I can back out of at any moment."
"I can back out at any moment" She quotes me dryly "You sound like a naive thieves
guildsman."
She is right... And like any wise man I chose to change the topic "While this is comfortable I
think we should move to the bed, I don't want to wake up cramped."
She lets out a childish whine but then spreads her arms "Carry me!"
"You are like a cat I swear." I say with a chuckle and pick her up.
Grant me stones so I might throw them at the Daedra!
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