#sen dres

Part 4 here

———

Vivec: head held high but posture relaxed and heart heavy as he’s paraded through the streets of Mournhold to the jeers and shrieks of the crowd gathering to mock him before his execution. His body and mind too tired to run, knowing no matter how far he’ll go he’s condemned regardless. In life his name holds no worth, and in death he’ll ascend to cold harbour as consort to the beast he’d promised himself to long ago. Too weakened to fully ascend to his own plain, too wrapped up in mortal affairs to have ever created one as his fellow tribunes once did. Stranded, hopeless and helpless to the whims of the very people he’d once served, and in doing so, condemned them from his actions as a pawn to mephalas whims.*

Dunmer woman: TRAITOR!!! *hurls a rotten yam at him as others fling rocks, rotten fruit and shit, their anger only growing as he barely shows any reaction and simply continues walking through the plaza until he reaches the gates to the temple where his fate awaits*

Dunmer man: OI! WHORE!!! *throws a half filled bottle striking him hard across the back of his head*

Vivec: *composure cracking like the shattering glass of the bottle against his skull as his eyes flash white and he staggers forward falling to his hands and knees* ngh- *moves to push himself back up*

*CRACK!*

Vivec: *unable to stop the pained scream from escaping his throat as the rough leather of a whip cracks hard against his back, immediately drawing blood* GAAAHHNNnn! *falls forward onto the ash covered stone as another lash strikes him, then another, and another, unable to fight, unable to retaliate, knowing it’d be futile in the end*

Sen Dres: *grinning darkly as he brings the whip down on him again* MOVE! Face your conviction with grace or crawl to the block like a dog!

Archmagister Vilinu Sadras: *trying to grab the whip from him not agreeing with this public display in the slightest* Grandmaster dres please see reason in your act-

Sen Dres: *snaps his gaze to him as his hand reaches for and grabs Vivec’s now short and choppy silver hair* Do you wish to join him?! And mark your entire house as traitors to the temple?! Because I will gladly take your head with his!

Archmaster Redoran: *now beginning to doubt his decision in partaking in this as well but holding his stance firm* Stand down archmagister sadras. *watches as sen dres pulls vivec up by his hair, the living god obeying his every pull with the little dignity he has left* He must die.

Archmagister Vilinu Sadras: *gritting his teeth knowing he’d be risking his houses place in the grand council by denying their wants* no. No I will not go against the hortators orders! *pushes past the guards and runs to the temple to fetch nerevar*

Sen Dres: *huffs* no matter. He’ll be gone by the time he arrives. His word holds no weight without our houses approval. *grips Vivec’s hair tighter threatening to rip it out as he leans over his shoulder* it is a shame to be throwing away a pretty thing like you-

Vivec: *jaw clenching as he turns his gaze back to him* I’d rather relive my marriage to Molag Bal than even for a moment humour the idea of you bedding me.

Sen Dres: *grin turning to a deep scowl as he throws vivec back to the ground and kicks him hard in the abdomen* Youd be lucky for me to even consider bedding you whore! *kicks him again as he gestures to the guards to drag him the rest of the way to the block where his executioner awaits, not with an Axe. But with muatra*

Vivec: *coughs and tries to curl in on himself as the councillors boot makes impact with him, the cheers of the crowd doing nothing to drown out the pain as they all desperately try to push their way into the gates to witness his death* id- *cough* be lucky if you’d have killed me at the gate- *grunts as the guards grab him by his arms and lift him just enough to drag him to the block and hold him against it, making sure all will see his exposed chest as his own spear rips his heart from his body*

Sen Dres: *stands before him and the crowd, smirking down at him with cruel eyes as he revels in the rush of over powering a god* any last words before the end? My ‘lord’?

Vivec: *ear twitching hearing footfalls from the temple steps behind him* last words?… *smiles* I’ll save them for later.

Sen Dres: what-

???: ENOUGH!!!!

Everyone: *falls deathly silent as nerevar steps into view, his golden armour glinting in the morning sun and his handsome face masked with unbridled rage as he rips his cape from himself and kicks one of the guards away from Vivec’s restrained form sending him tumbling down the platform* Unhand him this instant! *snarls at the other guards making them let go and back away, his anger alone being enough to put the fear of the gods into them, and his own ordinators doing the rest as they swarm the temple courtyard and begin pushing the crowds back* Vehk?… *kneels down slowly to the half dunmers side, his gaze softening as he takes in his exposed, filth covered form* Vivec?… *gently lays his cape over him to give him back some shred of modesty*

Vivec: *smile gone from his face, unable to meet his gaze as the immense guilt he’d carried for hundreds of years swells within him* …

Sen Dres: *knowing he’s truely in for it if he doesn’t attempt to save face* Your grace you need not waste your time on this disgusting fiend. He disrespects you even n- *falls back in shock as nerevars armoured hand strikes him hard and violently across the face* h-Hortator- I-

Nerevar: *glaring down at him with malice in his eyes as he reaches for his lance* You dare speak to me after what you’ve done?… you undermined my explicit orders. You conspired against my back with the archmaster- *gestures to archmaster redoran*

Archmaster Redoran: Y-your grace we were only acting in the best interest of our people! You decided to invite him here without the approval of our houses and-

???: The Hortator only needs your agreement in matters involving your houses and their place within the council.

Everyone: *looks back to see Archmagister Vilinu Sadras helping another, dunmer down the staircase. A dunmer older, and far more powerful than all of them, Divayth Fyr*

Divayth Fyr: *sighs as he finally reaches them, tapping his cane impatiently as he stands between them and nerevar with the aid of the younger councillor* and last I checked. All five houses must agree, if their decisions are to override that of our king. *glances at them, then down at vivec as the god barely clings to consciousness, or present reality as his guilt ridden heart sets his mind adrift in his memories* Vilinu. Will you take lord Vivec inside and have his restraints removed so he can be cleaned? Nerevar and I have a few choice words to be explained to the councillors. I believe they need to be refreshed on how, demotion to a lower rank, works.

Sen Dres: d-demotion? I- n-no-no! Please my lords! I’ve forgotten my place!! *crawls to them on his knees, grovelling at nerevars feet, the courtyard now silent beyond his loud pleas*

Nerevar: *kicks him away slightly before looking back at vivec and seeing not the god he’d become, but his mind recalling a scrawny young ruffian he’d taken in during his life as a caravan guard* … *looks back at the Vilinu* Archmagister if you could have him placed in comfortable accomodation too until I can see to him I’d appreciate it. He looks like he needs a rest.

Archmagister Vilinu Sadras: *nods nervously, knowing he’ll get a talking to for letting the other councillors bully him and for not coming to him sooner, but just glad to be avoiding greater punishment* y-yes my lords. *bows before hurrying to Vivec’s side and moving to lift him* my lord I’ve been asked to assist-

Sen Dres: *rubbing his face where nerevar kicked him, desperately trying to reach for him once more* m-my lord please! Mercy! Forgive me I only had our people’s best interest in mind- *looks past his legs to Vivec, his desperation leaping to stupidity yet again* l-lord Vivec! Please! Tell him I only meant well! Please forgive me!! *staggers forward on his knees to beg the god, whom he’d only just moments prior was ready to condemn to death, for mercy*

Part 3 here

———

“My heart… I tried… he took it… my heart.”

Nerevar: Voryn?… *blinks open his eyes to find himself in the ever familiar heat of the heart chamber beneath red mountain where his destiny was made, the air hot and searing, steaming the very moisture from his eyes and skin as he finds his foothold in what he knows is a dream* Voryn is that you?… *looks around with a tired gaze, having relived this so many times before in his endless, restless nights, before finally resting his eyes upon the horror before him*

Mephala: *strung up by her own thread, her body split open and her heart now replaced with that of the heart of creation, just as Boethia and Azura had forewarned* I’m too late- *staggers back as steam bellows from the pipes connected to the heart as it pulses weakly from her exposed rib cage, making her scream and writhe in agony*

Mephala: *speaking with a voice not her own, one deep and familiar in the crevices of Nerevars mind, voryns voice* my heart… he took my heart… I tried to stop him. I tried to- *freezes in place, her gaze snapping to nerevar as her face twists and contorts to that of a handsome dunmer man, with three, red eyes* Nerevar…

*BANG! BANG! BANG!*

Nerevar: *jolts awake, shooting upright in his bed as sweat glistens across his golden skin* VORYN!! *gasps for breath as he clutches the sheets, grounding himself as he realises he’s safe in his bed* I don’t… I don’t understand- *jumps as the doors swing open and a guard staggers in dropping to their knees as they beg for forgiveness for disturbing his rest*

Guard: Forgive me for waking you your highness. I tried to stop the temple councillors. We tried to recite your orders but they said that justice for the good daedra and their people must be brought.

Nerevar: I- justice?

Guard: they’re preparing the execution of Vivec. Your men are approaching the city as we speak.

Nerevar: … *fumbles out of his sheets and swiftly grabs his armour* ancestors no we have to stop them!!

*meanwhile*

Vivec: *bound and kneeling amongst his captors as the silt strider bringing him to his fate sways slowly with each step, his body stripped bare and only covered with a rough sheet and the magic suppressing irons around his wrists and ankles, and his eyes heavy and fluttering closed with exhaustion, forbidden to rest, forbidden to be comfortable, and forbidden to hold a shred of dignity* …

Temple guard: *suddenly shoves him hard knocking him forward onto the hollowed ‘floor’ of the striders carapace* Oi, N’wah! I warned you about closing your eyes.

Ordinator: … *gently sits vivec upright once more, fixing the sheet over his exposed body* Back off from him. We were told to avoid excessive force until nerevar himself declared otherwise.

Vivec: nerevars word will not reach you in time to decide… my fate is sealed beyond those gates.

Ordinator: what-

Temple Guard: *raises their hand to strike the bound god* What did I tell you about tal-

Ordinator: *grabs their hand* shut up… *turns his gaze over the edge of the striders carapace as the noise of a crowd finally reaches his ears* what the?… *steps to the head of the hollow to see the entire city gathering at the gates with torches and weapons drawn as the stable hands hurry to push the raised platforms to the beasts side*

Vivec: *glances up at the ordinator* I’m ready to greet my end… *slowly rises to his feet with an exhausted, pained grunt, and a slight wobble to his step. Looking like he’s ready to pass out at any moment. His candles wick burned out at both ends, and the end of his rope unravelling in his grasp*

Ordinator: I- no wait!! Sit back down what’s happening?! Nerevar never mentioned this.

Ordinator 2: he said to retrieve him for interrogation not execution!

Ordinator 3: can you even kill a god- Hey wait unhand him!! *draws his weapon as temple guards suddenly ascend the steps to the striders platform and apprehend the living god with ease*

Vivec: *glances back at them for a moment, his pace halting like an immovable force, the shackles in truth doing nothing to halt him of his abilities* my words will not reach nerevars ears in time before it’s too late… please… tell him… I’m sorry.

Ordinator 3: *eyes locking with the gold and red of the dunmeri peoples embodiment of the present. And feeling his heart ache and hang heavy in his chest as Vivec’s words ring of truth in his mind. Bringing tears to his eyes from the tongue of the warrior poet, unable to speak or barely hold his weapon aloft as the temple guards lead him away* I- I will.

Vivec: *allows the guards to pull him away and down the steps once more, their hands rough and their grip tight, leaving visible bruising on his skin that once would have never of shown at the height of his power, now laying bare for the world to see as they finally set foot on the ashen soil before Mournhold and its people, and the sheet removed, leaving him exposed and helpless before their judgment* … *slowly raises his head, his gaze landing on several figures approaching him and the guards holding him as the crowd falls silent with hushed whispers overshadowed by the breeze, the high councillors of House Dres, House Redoran, and house Sadras* … *effortlessly pulls his arms free from the guards grip and kneels down into a graceful bow amongst the ash. A submissive gesture of respect made somehow insulting as he shows a poise befitting a god before them* if my death has been ordered, I go to it willingly. I will not delay the inevita- *coughs as a boot suddenly greets his face with a swift kick, knocking him onto his side and earning a mix of shocked gasps and cheers for violence from the crowd*

Sen Dres: *the new head of house Dres and holder of their seat within the temple of Mournhold, a young, and arrogant councillor with more vitriol and spite than reason and thought* You dare prostate yourself at our feet and pretend still to be more than a whore who stole power from your betters?!

Archmagister Vilinu Sadras: g-grandmaster dres please we should wait for the hortators decision on this mat-

Archmaster Redoran: Silence! Nerevars kindness allowed him to live once before, and look at where it lead him. Lead our people! And now he wishes to afford it again! He kneels before us a traitor to the temple and all of morrowind. He must die.

Vivec: *winces as the guards pull him up from the dirt by his shackles, his blood turning the ash to ebony where it fell from his nose and lip* I, *raises his head, his very gaze though tired and gentle, freezing them in place out of fear for what he may still be capable of* Am ready. To receive my judgement.

Part 7 here

———

Vivienne: *staring up at Tel Mithryn, not moving, just staring, as if paralysed with indecision and fear* …

Taliesin: we don’t have to go in if you don’t want-

Vivienne: we do though… he may know what’s causing these ash spawn attacks or have knowledge on miraak… just… nobody mention my name or my spear or Vivec… please.

Sero: Still not going to tell me why you’re all so afraid of anybody seeing your face?

Kaidan: Aye. And it’s going to stay that way until we know we can trust you.

Sero: Fine, fine, as far as I’m concerned so long as I’m getting paid I’m-

Vivienne: *suddenly removes his dragon priest mask showing him his face* …

Sero: …Beautiful- I sorry I said that out loud lord viv-

Vivienne: I’m not a lord. And my name is vivienne. Not Vivec. I’m not a god. I don’t pretend to be a god. But there are a lot of people who’d believe otherwise and wish me harm. So please… keep me secret…

Sero: *nods and clears his throat* y-yes. Absolutely of course. Your secret is safe with me. *looks up nervously to see Kaidan glaring at him like a furious Sabre cat* I promise-

Vivienne: *puts his mask back on* thank you… *turns and walks up to the door, knocking only for it to open by an unseen hand* oh? I… hello??

???: *from above* yes yes enter I haven’t got all day.

Kaidan: *looks up then at the ground* well how the fock do we- *eyes wide watching vivienne suddenly float up and land on the top platform* … *steps on it nervously and gets shot up into the tower by his foot* FOCK- *smacks into the roof and lands on the floor narrowly avoiding falling back down the shoot* ughh-

Taliesin: *floats up followed by the others and helps him to his feet* are you okay?

Kaidan: *seeing stars, smiles as he sees taliesins face* prettyyyyy~

Taliesin: oop and you’ve got a concussion-

Neloth: *suddenly turns around and stares at the group before him* oh brilliant. A group of barbarians come into my home and don’t even have the decency to wipe their feet. Alright what do you want?

Vivienne: *steps forward* we’re sorry for the intrusion but you’re the only person on this island who may actually be of use in our query. We’re looking for black books and any information on-

Neloth: *holds up his hand, looking at him perplexed, ears shifting about listening to his voice and trying to place where he’s heard him before* I know you… *steps closer making vivienne back up as panic starts setting in*

Vivienne: I-I assure you you don’t. Can you help us or n-

Neloth: *backed him up against the exit up the tower, grabbing his mask and pulling it off to reveal the familiar and yet different face he once knew as Vivec* Well then. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised to see you’re still kicking around. I hope you weren’t expecting a more ‘grand’ welcome lord vi-

Vivienne: Vivienne. Not vivec, I’m… im not vivec…

Neloth: Vivienne… hm… Well then. *steps back and walks across the room* Make yourself comfortable, it seems we have a lot to discuss after all.

*a few hours later*

Vivienne: *practically naked floating in a lotus position feeling very awkward* so he just- greeted people like this?…

Neloth: Oh yes. He was insufferably vain. He took great pleasure in the theatrics of being a god, but actually helping his people? No no let’s just make a giant rock float over the city as a threat to make us love him. Wonderful. Pfft, and rather than facing the consequences of his actions he went ahead and gave up his existence to be reborn as you.

Vivienne: *visibly wracked with guilt* …I’m sorry…

Neloth: For what? So you look like him and have some of his powers and memories but that doesn’t mean you’re him. *inspects the bruising on his lower back* what on nirn?

Vivienne: I… found out about his relationship with Molag Bal the hard way… quite literally… the hard way. *shudders before blushing as Kaidan suddenly holds him*

Kaidan: *body language tense and growing increasingly protective of his partner* can he put his clothes back on now? You’ve seen enough now tell us what we want to know.

Neloth: *sighs* fine fine, if it’ll keep you from destroying my tower further. *gestures to the dent in the ceiling where Kaidan smacked into it* I have one black book here but to answer your- hm?… *pauses spotting the mark of Molag Bal on Vivienne’s hand* …oh dear…

Vivienne: oh dear wh- oh.. y-yeah that… that turned up after I… *clears his throat* d-destroyed azuras shrine.

Neloth: YOU DID WHAT?!

Vivienne: it was an accident!!

Kaidan: boethias was an accident too-

Neloth: *rubs his face in shock* oh gods no.

*that evening*

Vivienne: *seated by the fire outside of Tel Mithryn keeping watch with Sero, not enough space for all of them to sleep inside* …ow… *looks at his hand to see the ward Neloth placed around the mark glowing ever so slightly* …

Sero: Aching again is it?

Vivienne: yes… I… think he’s trying to break the ward… he… visits me in the moments when I grow tired and whispers in my mind… and when I dream he’s… *sighs* don’t tell Kaidan or Taliesin… I don’t want them to worry… I’ve hurt them enough already with my existence… if I burden them further they might… just find someone else…

Sero: *looks at him then over at Kaidan & Taliesin, both seemingly asleep, embracing each other in the tent* you really think that?…

Vivienne: I love them… I adore everything about them and I’d give up my life to save theirs… but I’m not loveable… I’ve accepted that… I’m just something to be used. A fun little thing to enjoy for a brief moment before being forgotten again… it was the same in morrowind, it’s the same in skyrim and it’ll be no different here… the only difference is… they’re-… really damn convincing at tricking me into thinking maybe I can be theirs forever…

Sero: Do you truely think it’s a cruel trick and not them being honest?

Vivienne: they’re beautiful and I’m the reincarnation of a bastard false god who just got used like an old sock by the prince of rape and before then I was fucked by hundreds of men and women day in and day out as they wished, I sleep with people just so I can survive and get what I need, I can’t even be seen in public with them without putting them in danger and everywhere I go my mistakes from the past keep turning up to hurt everyone I care about all over again… *hugs his knees to his chest* why would they want me?… I’m disgusting…

*meanwhile just a few feet away*

Taliesin: *trying not to openly sob into Kaidans chest and give away that they’re actually awake* he thinks we hate him.

Kaidan: *stroking his hair gently being careful not to mess up his bedtime braid* …when we’re done with this miraak crap… we’re proposing to him…

Taliesin: what if he says no?…

Kaidan: then we take every chance we can to let him know we adore him… *sniffles and holds him tight* to let him know we love him…

Vivienne: *suddenly crawls into the tent as inigo & Lucien take over watch duty* tali, Kai… *nudges the both of them thinking they’re asleep before squeezing in between them*

Kaidan: *shifts and gently embraces him as if he’d woken from the movement* come here love…

Taliesin: *embraces him as well and kisses his hair, trying to hold himself together* … *locks eyes with Kaidan* …we love you… you know?…

*Meanwhile*

Nerevar: *standing on the deck of the ship headed to skyrim, staring up at the stars* …

Voryn: *dressed in a comfy, silky robe, ready for bed and waiting for his moon and star* no answer?…

Nerevar: Azura is silent, and now so is Boethia… and whenever I try to feel for Mephalas presence I get no response… just a strange sense of peace…

Voryn: perhaps that is her answer to you… maybe, she was able to connect with vivec…

Nerevar: maybe… *sighs* and rubs his tired face* I still cannot help but feel ill… what if something terrible has already happened?…

Voryn: then we will deal with it when we reach that point… but for now. *gently pulls him close kissing his brow* come to bed… it’ll be a few more days before we reach solstheim to restock. And longer then before we reach skyrim…

???: Ah, sorry to interrupt your little randevu my lords. I was not expecting you to be awake at this hour.

Voryn: *looks away from nerevar and rests all 3 glowing eyes on the figure before him, an elf as arrogant as he is handsome, dark grey skin, red eyes, and long thick dark red hair in a high ponytail, the high councillor and future grandmaster of house dres who insisted on joining them for this journey under the story of ‘agricultural inspection’, Sen Dres.* What do you want now S’wit?

Nerevar: Ryn.

Voryn: *huffs but goes quiet. Utterly despising the younger dunmer given his families former attitude towards house indoril but not wanting to upset his neht further.*

Nerevar: *quirks a brow at him before looking at the other dunmer* what did you need Sen?

Sen Dres: *smiles innocently* I must admit I came up here in case I was to be sea sick. At this point I think I’ll prefer sleeping on the floor of the cabin, if the hammock rocks me any further I think it’ll send me flying out of it.

Voryn: *under his breath* or off the ship-

Nerevar: *nudges him a little before smiling warmly at the younger elf* yes it takes some getting used to but we’re set for calmer waters tonight and we’ll be docking in solstheim in a few days.

Sen Dres: *nods* that’s a relief. It’ll be nice having solid ground beneath my feet again.

Nerevar: *nods and looks at voryn before looking back at him* speaking of hammocks though, I think we’re going to retire for the evening. *bows his head* goodnight lord Dres.

Sen Dres: *smiles and bows deeply to the Hortator* goodnight lord indoril. *nods at voryn* high councillor. *walks past them to the head of the ship with a playful grin knowing how to find voryn up*

Voryn: *glares at him as he walks by before taking nerevars arm and walking him back to their cabin* I’m telling you neht it was a mistake bringing him. With his family history he is definitely up to something.

Nerevar: He is not his father and I’ve heard good things about him Ryn… besides, if I said no I’d be accused of holding bias against their house… *sighs* and Divayth is too busy to come defend me for a last minute council.

Voryn: Please just let me turn him into a pile of ash it’ll solve everyone’s problems.

Nerevar: Ryn… *strokes his cheek* enough… I’m too tired to deal with this tonight…

Voryn: … *gently pulls him in close, kissing his hair* forgive me my moon and star… you know I only speak so because I worry…

Nerevar: *smiles* I know my dreamer… let’s go to bed now, Kay?..

Voryn: *smiles and lifts him up* Bed or, Bed~?

Nerevar: … *wiggles his eyebrows*

Voryn: *chuckles* tired my ass.

*meanwhile*

Part 8 here

———

Nerevar: *holding Vivec upright as the two walk through the temple to the communion chamber of the good daedra* you should be resting Vehk-

Vivec: *leaning against him as exhaustion overwhelms him once more, mixing with the effects voryns blood had left in his body* I can’t- I need to confirm what I saw. I saw them, all three- they’re trapped, I need to know, I have to kn- *gasps as nerevar scoops him up with ease, holding him bridal style* n-neht-

Nerevar: you’re in no state to walk, I’ll carry you…

Vivec: I… th-thank you. *sighs and leans into his touch. His feelings of unworthiness and guilt giving way to familiarity in his comfort* I… I have to be sure… maybe the dream was a lie. Maybe there’s still hope.

Nerevar: I hope so, but… if lady Azura called for you then… maybe she’ll answer you… my prayers to her were left unanswered.

Vivec: *stomach twisting into knots* that’s not a good sign… *looks up at the giant doors as the guards open them for the them. Some casting perplexed glances their way, confused as to why nerevar and vivec are so close knowing all that’s happened, the others either unbothered or simply informed of the earlier events of that day*

Nerevar: *steps into the chamber and feels dread creep further into his soul as he feels no presence from any of the good daedra* it’s quiet… *looks around the room as the doors close leaving them in total darkness* the torches didn’t light?…

Vivec: *holds out one of his hands casting a small fireball, half expecting to see voryns face appear from the shadows but seeing nothing beyond Nerevar and his gentle eyes reflecting his magics light* I don’t think… they’re here anymore… *tosses the flame into one of the large bowls of oil, igniting it and letting its flame travel around to the others, illuminating the dark space* maybe their reach can’t go beyond the mountain-

Nerevar: n-no don’t say that, we have to try, maybe they’re just fighting to free Mephala if what we saw was true. They’d- they’d never abandon us. *sets him down before azuras statue*

Vivec: *ears slowly shifting, picking up the doubt in Nerevars words and tone, wondering if he too felt the want to succumb to voryns requests and offers, wondering if it was enough to bring the Hortator into questioning the faith that lead him to walk as himself once more after all he’d suffered through* just… be prepared… if they are bound to him, he could reach us just as easily…

Nerevar: I’m aware… *sighs and walks to azuras altar, placing incense and dried flowers as an offering before joining vivec on the floor, kneeling quietly as he opens his mind and closes his eyes* Azura, lady of twilight, I’ve done as you asked. I brought vivec to y-

“Too late… it’s too late…”

Vivec: Boethia?… Azura? No- it’s not- neht? Nerevar-?! *opens his eyes to find himself no longer in the temple or beside nerevar* n-neht?

Nerevar: lady Azura?… *opens his eyes to find himself no longer beside Vivec, but instead, voryn*

“They belong to me now.”

Voryn: *smiles at him fondly, his lips moving to the words but speaking with azuras voice*

“To the heart of creation we are bound as we long wished to be, Boethia worshipped the scarab, lorkhan, the true creator, she wished to become him. Mephala, admired his lies and deceit as he spun his perfect world with the threads of time. And Azura wished to be loved by all of his creation. We are happy. This is no punishment. This is a blessing.”

Nerevar: *frozen in place as he stares at voryn, his mind cracking like glass as he struggles to discern reality from illusion, unable to fathom his closest friend would be back like this, that he could do this* n-no I-I don’t- no Mephala she- I- h-how did you trick them? How could you do this to them?! This is no blessing this is madness voryn!!!

Voryn: *grins looking up from him to the statues*

Nerevar: *looks up and barely contains his horrified scream as he sees the stone replaced with the princes themselves, their bodies ripped open and their rib cages formed around the heart of creation, bound by vines of roses, bloodied silken webs, and the still coiling and twisting bodies of snakes. All of them groaning, all of them powerless, all of them slowly turning to ebony as their power seeps further out of them and into the heart of creation, the heart of the scarab, voryns, heart* wh-what have you done?

Voryn: *smiles as he suddenly looms over him, his slender hands sliding around the hortators neck and cupping his jaw to tilt his head back and meet his hypnotising gaze* I did what was necessary. They tricked poor, naive Vivec into killing us. They didn’t answer my prayers for salvation as the heart corrupted me and drove me insane. They allowed me to become dagoth ur, and they rebirthed you time, And time again, just to force you to do their bidding for them. *gently strokes his face and runs his other hand through his mowhawk* like this, they can harm you no more. And at last, they can finally serve their people as they serve me. Vehk spoke the truth, for when he and the tribunal ruled, our people were loved and cared for, their needs were met, their prayers were answered. Together we can do the same nerevar, we ca- AAAAAGHHH!!!

Nerevar: *stares in utter shock as the head of a familiar, leathery spear punctures through voryns chest where his heart should be, and behind him holding it, vivec* V-Vehk!

Vivec: *eyes glowing white having seen through the illusion of the house of shadow, scowling as he grabs voryn by his hair pulling him back further onto the spear* GET YOUR HANDS OFF HIM!!!

Voryn: *grits his teeth into an irritated, but eerily satisfied grin* so this is what nerevar felt when you betrayed him. *smirks as his third eye glows a vibrant, hypnotising red* you’ve always been so annoyingly clever Vehk… why can’t you see reason this one time when it could change the lives of our kin forever?… don’t you want them to be happy? Don’t you want to atone for all you’ve d-Ghhgh *looks down again as vivec let’s go of his hair and stands there, looking in front of voryn in shock* n-nerevar?…

Nerevar: *face inches from voryns as he drives his lance through him* this isnt right, this isn’t the real you, you’re not him, you’re not my voryn.

*deathly silence*

Voryn: … *slowly withers away into a swirling, shadowy mist as tears fall from his eyes, and all light within the chamber turns a bone chilling red* I tried being reasonable.

*BOOM!!!*

Vivec: *staggers back, hitting the ground hard as the heart held aloft by the good daedras bodies pulses like a deafening drum* w-we have to get out of here! *grabs nerevars arm*

Voryn: I tried being kind.

*BOOM!!!*

Nerevar: *stands and pulls vivec to his feet before lifting him into his arms as the ground beneath them begins to split open revealing a burning, glowing heat from beneath as magma bubbles up from between the cracks* the door?! Where’s it gone?!

Voryn: all I wanted was what was best for you!! Why won’t you let me help you?!

*BOOM!*

Azura: *suddenly turns her gaze down to nerevar and vivec as a final tear wells in her eyes, one final parting blessing*

Voryn: *too lost in his rage to notice the good daedra* If you won’t come Willingly. ILL BRING YOU TO ME MYSELF!!!

*BOOM!!!*

Azura: good luck, my Hortator. *smiles as the tear falls from her face and swallows nerevar and vivec into its embrace as her entire form tenses, and becomes solid ebony*

*a few seconds later*

Temple guard: they’ve been in there a while.

Temple guard 2: well the Hortator seemed worried, maybe the good daedra have a task for him.

Temple guard: maybe they’re killing vivec after all.

Temple guard 2: or sleeping with him…

Temple guard: …

Both of them: *open the doors a crack to have a peek, only for the both of them to get taken out as a flood of perfumed water gushes out of the chamber*

Vivec: *coughs as he crawls out seconds later, nerevar crawling out beside him* …no… no… What have I done?… it’s too late, it’s too late…

Nerevar: *coughs up another mouthful of water and slowly opens his eyes to see his reflection in the ripples against the marbled floor, his face giving way between each one to voryns smiling grin and glowing eyes* … n-no… *chokes out a sob and falls to the floor as a sense of hopeless dread and heartbreak consumes him*

*Several hours later*

Vivec: *staring out the window of nerevars room, knowing the sun will be up soon but now too afraid to sleep despite the lingering exhaustion luring him back further and further into the pillows of the hortators bed* …I took it when I saw the mask… in your office earlier…

Nerevar: *holding muatra, trying to inspect it for any clues of voryns presence* I figured… I’m not mad if that’s what you’re wondering… I’m… im glad you took it. Gods only know what voryn would have done to us if I’d of let him take hold of my mind.

Vivec: thank you for bringing your lance… I could feel him pulling at the corners of my mind…

Nerevar: … *sighs and sets it down before sitting on the bed and rubbing his eyes* is it wrong… that I… I wanted to give in?…

Vivec: *glances at him from across the bed* …I was hoping you’d have an answer to that same question… I wanted to. So… so badly…

Nerevar: *looks back at him with tired, but gentle and understanding eyes* …

Vivec: he… he had me believing I could fix my mistakes… that I could heal everyone who needed it. That I could rid the temple of corruption that… *sighs* that I could make you happy…

Nerevar: … *crawls across the bed and sits beside him, fixing one of the newly laid bandages across his still fresh wounds as he takes his hand* he promised me the same… *sighs* we… we’ll figure this out together… I promise you, Vehk… We’ll rid the temple of corruption, we’ll fix everything on our own, we just… we just have to find a way to deal with him and save the good daedra first…

Vivec: *staring at his hand in his before slowly looking up and meeting his gaze* I thought I’d know everything when becoming a god… but… I still don’t know how you can always be so hopeful… I always envied that of you.

Nerevar: *smiles fondly at him* you don’t know? Impossible, you taught me yourself.

Vivec: I did?… hm… *looks down with an amused smile pulling at the corner of his lips* perhaps you’ll need to remind me of what I’ve forgotten then…

Nerevar: … *gently lifts his chin to meet his gaze once more* …

Vivec: … *leans forward a little, testing the waters, before smiling and falling into his arms as nerevar gladly let’s him move closer* neht…

Nerevar: *lays back into the pillows holding him close, running his hand through his short, cloud like hair* shhhh, stay with me tonight, Vehk…

*meanwhile outside*

‘Temple Guard’: *holding a tray of tea, peering into the room before stepping back and nodding to the other guards* Ah, it seems sleep took them before I arrived. I’ll return when they wake.

Ordinators: *both nod and hold their positions as normal*

‘Temple Guard’: *turns and leaves, walking not to the kitchens, but to the accomodations for house dres, dropping his disguise as he enters and bows on his hands and knees* my lord.

Sen Dres: *moaning and whining as his personal healers tend to the hundreds of open wounds across his back and legs, smirking between blissed and pained cries knowing he’s making them uncomfortable by getting off from the pain* Ahmnnn? *lifts his head looking at his spy* well, did you find anything?

Dres Spy: *staying on his hands and knees just to avoid looking at the display before him* y-yes my lord… the good daedra are in peril from what I heard, but-

Sen Dres: *interest already peeked* but?

Dres Spy: the Hortator and vivec… they discussed overthrowing the temples system, to ‘rid it of corruption.’ As they- they-

Sen Dres: as they what? Speak up!

Dres Spy: a-as they shared each others company in Nerevars bed.

Part 5 here

———

Nerevar: *quietly walking to his office, holding the severed braid sen dres had cut from Vivec’s hair, it’s length twice that of his body and lined with heavy cast iron rings at equal intervals, all of them equating to the date of the foul murder* you think he grew it as a form of penance?

Divayth Fyr: *following after him with the help of one of his clone daughters* the weight alone is enough to assume so. I’d say he started growing it out the day he disappeared, the first band marks a little over a years worth of growth. What day do you think it was he placed it?

Nerevar: …The day it happened… *looks at the heavy mass of silver and white hair* why?… why didn’t he say anything to me then?… when I came to him as the nerevarine?… when I walked with a different face to my own?

Divayth Fyr: hm. A number of reasons perhaps. While I’m sure he knew it was you perhaps he wasn’t certain. He’d already faced trial for his supposed confession to your murder and that hindered his popularity amongst the people despite the good he’d done, healing all with no want of payment despite the temples constant disapproval of him doing so, escorting refugees himself as red mountain first began spewing the vitriol of dagoth Ur, and bringing them all back to life from the ash before the corprus could take hold. If that trial was enough to shake the peoples view of him, imagine what confessing his guilt to you would have done had you of been someone else and he’d merely mistaken you for the nerevarine? It’d put not only himself but almalexia and sotha sil in harms way. But maybe… He wanted you to hate him, to make you wish to get rid of him. If what the good daedra says is true and Mephala did lie to him… perhaps the guilt has broken him more than we may have first suspected.

Nerevar: *recalling his dream and mephalas desecrated body speaking with voryns voice* I- I think maybe we were wrong about-

Archmagister Vilinu Sadras: *suddenly staggers into nerevars office looking flustered beyond words, the poor councillor clearly in far over his head* Lord nerevar! I- I don’t know what to do he wouldn’t listen! Please forgive me!!

Nerevar: I- Vilinu what’s happened?

Divayth Fyr: speak up boy you look like you’re ready to cry.

Archmagister Vilinu Sadras: I had a room and a bath prepared as you asked but he disappeared from my sight once his bonds were released! I found him down in the cells! He says it’s where he belongs but he’s bleeding between his legs and his back still and it’s filthy in there and he’s barely holding himself upright and he’s not-

Nerevar: *sets the braid down and gently grabs the younger mer by his shoulders* breathe.

Archmagister Vilinu Sadras: *inhales deeply and aggressively* and he-

Nerevar: shhh. Thank you for taking care of him, he’s always been inherently stubborn once his mind has been made up. *looks over at Divayth as his daughter helps him sit down with tea* could you-

Divayth: *already pouring a cup for the younger councillor* yes yes go tend to what you must I’ll calm him down or watch him if he passes out.

Nerevar: *sighs and ushers him over to a seat* thank you. *turns to leave*

Bayte Fyr: Oh lord nerevar- *holds up muatra* where shall I put this?

Nerevar: oh… put it in my safe for now. To ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. *walks out*

*a few minutes later*

Nerevar: *hurries down into the empty cells of the temple prison, immediately knowing where to go as guards stand idle outside the iron bars of the only occupied cage, some of them trying to softly persuade vivec to come out or to let them help him, while others beg him to eat the food they’ve provided or to let them clean his wounds, while all of them try convince him that nerevar doesn’t wish for this* Vehk? *falls silent seeing the living god curled up in a ball amongst the mouldy hay in the corner of his cell* oh vivec… *looks to the guards* you’re dismissed, thank you, I’ll take it from here… *opens the iron door and steps into the damp chamber* vive-

Vivec: *voice tired and soft, not facing him, not moving at all beyond shallow breathes and the shivering of his body* why?… why must you insist on treating me with kindness?… after all I’ve done?

Nerevar: *looks at him then down at his feet to the bucket of hot clean water a guard had left to clean him with since he refused the finer accomodations* … *picks it up and walks to him, setting it down as he kneels by his side* Because Mephala lied to you.

Vivec: *eyes snapping open wide as he sits up in shock and immediately cries out in pain, hugging his abdomen as blood gushes between his legs. Sen Dres having clearly damaged something in his assault* I- I can- ex-

Nerevar: *quickly holds him close and ignores the bucket completely as he lifts him up, deciding it’d be best to deny Vivec’s wants for the sake of his health* Vehk- hold on we’ll get you help.

Vivec: *tries to find the words to protest, only managing out a fragile cry as nerevars hands find the open wounds on his back, his body no longer able to resist extreme pain, too tired, too weak, and too close to mortal* n-no- I don’t- des-

Nerevar: I wasn’t asking Vehk. *Carries him from the cell and out of the empty jail, the mouldy hay and stone where his blood had fallen, petrifying into ebony*

*a few hours later*

Vivec: *cleaned and his wounds dressed, holding still in a comfy chair in his new room as nerevar cleans up his choppy hair until it sits as soft cloud like curls around his face and now bare, hole ridden ears*

Nerevar: *gently clipping at his hair with sheers, feeling a fond nostalgia fill his heart as he recalls doing this once before when he’d first taken vivec into his home as a nameless ruffian* still not talking to me?…

Vivec: what is there to say?… I was told you want to interrogate me but you’ve asked no questions… I’m in no place to speak freely as your prisoner.

Nerevar: …Prisoner?… is that what you think? After I removed you from the cells and brought you here?

Vivec: you took me from my home. From the people I care for. From those too poor to afford food or healing from the temple… healing I once promised they’d never have to pay for… yet they still went behind my back and charged for the power I’d gifted them for all to use. *lets out a tired sigh as he turns his gaze back to his bruised arms*… and now they’ll starve without me… more people I’ve failed… another promise broken even though I’m not here willingly…

Nerevar: *heart heavy seeing the true pain once hidden behind the gods confident form, now exposed and fragile for all to see* I’m sorry… I… I’ll see to it they’re cared for.

Vivec: and for how long?…

Nerevar: what? *lowers the sheers hearing hostility in his tone*

Vivec: how long will they be cared for?… it took my capture for you to only now do something. When the temples allowed them to suffer since the day you struck the heart, why now would you have one yourself to care for them?

Nerevar: *letting his ego grip onto the insult for a brief moment* As if you had one when you dropped that boulder on your city.

Vivec: I had limited power. Neht… my only options were throw it and cause catastrophe no matter where it landed and spend the last of my power doing so… or keep it aloft and continue to give my people hope… at least then I could try to heal those who came to me before the corprus took hold… I never had a moment of peace. My only thoughts were to care for them…

Nerevar: *feeling immense guilt for speaking to him so sharply, knowing deep down despite Vehk s his reputation as a liar and storyteller. Vivec now spoke the truth to him* I… I’m sorry… *sighs and runs his fingers through his hair before continuing to clip at it, trying to find a way to answer his first question without admitting his own negligence despite his absence in Akavir as he walked as the nerevarine* I… I ran away. After the mountain erupted. And when I finally returned. Too much had changed and too many people needed my help that I’m still trying to help… but it isn’t easy… the council is in disarray and trying to fight them and the temple for fund allocation has been difficult… I’ll ensure though it’s spent on the vulnerable-

Vivec: my artefact. I want it back.

Nerevar: what?

Vivec: my mask. My real mask. I want it back. Out of the temples hands so I can heal those who need me.

Nerevar: but- it was stolen along with-

Vivec: not the fake on display. The real one.

Nerevar: real- one?

Vivec: it’s located within the pillar near its shrine.

Nerevar: *brain short circuiting as he realises Vivec knows a lot more about the temples secret arrangements than he ever could now* huh… yes, I’ll, I’ll get it for you. Anything else? Any other demands?

Vivec: …Be merciful with the councillors who apprehended me.

Nerevar: HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?! Absolutely not look at what they did to you?! They made a mockery of not only you but my authority in front of the whole of my city! They-

Nerevar: *gently reaches back taking one of his hands in his, his blue skin making nerevars gold glimmer like the sun* they were doing what they thought was best… they were right to think of me as a danger… look at what I did to you as an example?…

Nerevar: … *sets the sheers down and leans over him as he squeezes his hand in his before sliding his other down the half chimers torso, stoping just above his abdomen and smoothing out the soft silk of the robe covering it* The archmaster of redoran I can forgive… but Dres. He will need to face repercussions for what he did… does it still hurt?

Vivec: *blushing a little at the others touch, catching himself by surprise in doing so having thought himself numb to the intimacy of others long ago… but then again he’d been hidden away from the caress of another for some 200 years* it aches. But my bodies mending what your healers couldn’t…

Nerevar: *fixes his robe a little and places the heated bag of ash rice back over his abdomen* …and your back?

Vivec: the stinging has stopped… while I feel pain once again… my body can still mend it… it could probably still heal me if they cut my head off instead of using my spear like they’d planned.

Nerevar: would… it have worked? It certainly left me with a-…

Vivec: … Slow and… painful death. I know… *sighs looking back down at his lap* no. It wouldn’t have completely. At most it’d allow me to leave my body and ascend as seht did when almalexia killed him. But if I’d of wanted I could cling onto my mortal coil. And knowing where I’m headed in death… I think I would. They’d of had no choice but to have you fulfil your name and devour my heart to rid me entirely.

Nerevar: *grimaces at the thought of eating his heart knowing now the truth and kindness within it* id of placed it back within you and mended you myself… but… what do you mean? Where would your soul go?

Vivec: *shudders hearing the rattling of black anchors in his mind as he smiles back at him* it doesn’t matter now… do we have an agreement?… you tend to the meek. Bring me my mask. And be merciful to my executioners.

Nerevar: …I can only agree to two of those… I can only afford so much mercy.

Vivec: … *stands slowly and winces in pain as he strips the robe from his body, walking around the chair and cautiously taking hold of nerevar in his shaking arms* then let me pay his penance for hi-

Nerevar: *picks him up with ease and carries him to the bed, laying him down amongst the pillows and blankets carefully but firmly in his actions*

Vivec: *sighs closing his eyes. Expecting nerevar to use him to his whims per his request. Only to open them in confusion as nerevar suddenly starts dressing him back into his robe* I- neht?! What are you?! No this isn’t-

Nerevar: I’m not taking advantage of you so that s’wit can get away with his cruelty unpunished! *ties his robe and tucks him in, feeling that odd and fond nostalgia return remembering how much of a brat vivec could be if he didn’t get his way no matter how good his intentions were*

Vivec: *whines and reaches for him with annoyance clear in his voice* then no deal! I’m a prisoner then!

Nerevar: *grins responding with a playful teasing lilt knowing he’s gotten under his skin in the best way possible* then I’m your warden and I say it is a deal and I’ll bring you your mask after your attackers are punished~

Vivec: NEHT!!!!

*meanwhile outside*

Sen Dres: *teeth gritting against the cloth in his mouth and nails digging into the post he’s tied to as the guards lash repeatedly at his back before other members of his house and house redoran as a warning*

Archmaster redoran: *forced to kneel before the temple until nerevar is satisfied he’s suffered enough. Already starting to suffer heatstroke from morrowinds blazing sun*

Divayth Fyr: you were smart to side with nerevar over your fellow councilmen. *sips his tea* he might be kind and professional in his day to day dealings… but he meets all transgressions against him. With ruthless, but equal cruelty.