20demayo Chapter 87: Chapter XXVIII: Research
Chapter 87: Chapter XXVIII: Research
Chapter 87: Chapter XXVIII: Research
I found the Daedric section of the library without much issue, really it was impossible to miss as there was a rather imposing glowing sign spelling out in no uncertain terms that everyone touching the books contained within does so on their own responsibility, with the usual
warnings of what dealing with Daedra results in.
The books containing information on Meridia were bound in mesmerizingly glowing silver and gold, I quickly found the two I needed and got to work.
The first book was a rather small one and was simply named 'The Kilkreath Temple'.
It explained that the Grand Temple of Meridia was built long before Reman Cyrodiil took the ruby throne, upon Mount Kilkreath north-west of Solitude. Most sources agree that the temple was constructed as a covenant between the Daedric Prince and the leader of an ancient order of vampire hunters going by the Dawnguard, the goal of said covenant is widely agreed to be the containment of the ancient Volkihar clan and its influence to a small island north of Haafingar.
So the Volkihar are known even in literature? Makes one wonder why they weren't long exterminated if so...
The book goes on to state that it is believed that the temple is enchanted by its patron to send a weak but constant wave of solar energies toward the vampiric fortress in an attempt to contain the chosen of Molag Bal.
I had to hold back a facepalm upon reading this, it was wildly inefficient, but unfortunately that was usually how these 'divine' contests went.
The temple was known throughout history as a center of healing and welcoming benevolence in Skyrim and was usually left alone by the reigning High King. It is unknown precisely why the temple fell into abandonment and disrepair, but the most accepted theory is that it was some kind of plot by the vampires to loosen the chains binding them to the island.
Not too much to use here unfortunately, but the solar aura does give me some ideas. I will have to get to the temple first to try anything, unfortunately.
I close the first book and carefully return it to its shelf. The second one is far larger and is named 'The Lady of Infinite Energies'. It is split into two sections, one talks of all recorded meetings with the Prince of Life, and the other speaks of the Prince herself.
Meridia is known to be one of the more morally good Daedra, usually associated with life and the sun as she is believed to be a fallen Magna-ge, basically a fallen star spirit. The reason she is considered to be a 'good Daedra', if such a thing even exists, is her hatred of the undead and willingness to reward those that lay the abominations to rest.
There is unfortunately a flip side to this as she is also known to be ridiculously self-righteous and prideful. Known among her enemies as the Lady of Greed and other less than flattering names, she is known to treat her servants as property and takes any form of defiance very badly. Her servants are also known to be granted a form of immortality, only at the minor cost of all their agency and free will, said servants can also be created willingly or not.
Thankfully the recorded meetings section informed me that as long as I was respectful and didn't do anything idiotic like advertising just how nice I would fit into her collection of slaves I would be able to get away with 'borrowing' her power to bash some undead... hopefully.
That will take some planning and just a bit of liquid courage, but I didn't accept a second life to cower in my tower, this fantastical kind of situation is what I live for!
Suddenly I feel the slightest shifting of the air to my right, and quickly close the book and position myself.
Not a moment later Savos appears, probably hoping I forgot about his shenanigans during my time away. Unfortunately for him instead of a frightened young mer, he is met with my half- lidded stare.
"Really Archmage?" I ask dryly.
He ignores my tone and takes a seat while casting a sound-isolating illusion spell around us, even he fears Urag, and for good reason.
my seat.
"I will be visiting the court tomorrow" He hums "Seeing the state of those fools is always refreshing and helps me to remind myself that some lives are worth far less than others."
"Less than yours?" I ask jokingly.
For the briefest of moments, I notice the mask fall off from Savos and glimpse the proud and powerful being behind, but he hides it near instantly and pretends to be appalled "As if I would ever consider something as sacred as the life of another to be below my own... You
wound me."
"Uh huh" I say dumbly and he snorts "I guess I will be seeing you at court tomorrow, now time to make myself throw up via mark and recall again!"
As I am leaving I hear him mumble with my elven hearing "Did he forget the outer stabilizing circle?" He then cackles quietly "Oh no, I removed those to watch apprentices suffer kekeke"
I stumble and hear Savos laughing his ass off, I turn around with a lightning spell ready in my hand only to see no one in front of me and feel a hand grab my shoulder.
Slowly I turn my head to the side and see a grinning Urag holding me with an iron grip. I give him the most innocent smile I can muster but that just makes his own grin widen, the next thing I know I am being launched outside of the library and smashing into a wall.
"Good luck brat" I hear the orc snort.
Yeah, fuck you too Urag.
I see the Orc glaring at me while his mouth twists into a sadistic grin... "I said that out loud
didn't I?" I ask carefully.
He nods slowly.
"Just" I slump "Just make it quick."
He did not make it quick.
Would you kindly rock and stone?
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