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  1. PART 1 - Harsh Realities (This is the beginning.) PART 2 - The Blackreach Experiments PART 3 - Tears of the Past If you enjoy it, let me know and I'll work on some more. Feedback really helps motivation.
  2. Blackreach Experiments: Tears of the Past Part 1: Biding Time (Note: This story pics up after The Blackreach Experiments. The end of this lines up with the middle of Harsh Realities) (This is a 4 part series, the other 2 parts are coming soon.) **** Several years have passed since Kiva took her position working as apprentice mage in Solitude. Her new life has been very prosperous. **** Kiva had her feet propped up by the fire. “Everyone in this city treats me so well because they think I’m a sweet little child who lost her parents. Hehe, if only they knew.” “The odd thing is, I feel 17. I don’t thousands of years old. At least most of my time in the Cairn is a blur. She walked over to the small house on her dresser where her pets resided. Looking in the window, she could see them having sex…again. It was certainly entertaining to watch but that’s all they ever seemed to do. That got her thinking, “I should find someone for me.” She ran through a mental list of all the available men in the city. Strangely enough, she couldn’t recall a single teenager and most of the men were too gruff. “Well, I’ll just shelve that idea for now.” Early the next morning, at the Blue Palace, Kiva was working on a new alchemy recipe. It was designed to turn a vampire’s magicka against them. It wouldn’t kill them but it would weaken them significantly. While she was working, Sybille, the court wizard, walked in. “What are you working on now Kiva?” She sounded annoyed. Kiva turned around and was smiling. “Oh this? It’s a new potion. It increases magical power tenfold and even lets you detect undead! Isn’t that great Sybille?” Sybille snatched the bottle out of her hand. “It can’t possibly be that good. No child, no matter how good, can out do me, no matter how gifted. I’ll have to test this.” Kiva shrugged her shoulders in defeat. “Fine but it’ll work, you’ll see.” “Sure, sure. I need you to get some reagents for me. You should be able to find what you need outside of the city. The list is on the desk.” Kiva grabbed the list and headed home to change into more appropriate clothing. “Bah, field work. Well, at least I don’t have to listen to Sybille all day.” She spent the afternoon gathering the reagents Sybille needed but she still needed a few of her own. The nirnroot, and nightshade were easy enough to find but the ones she needed could be a bit trickier. “This has been a good day so far. I just need to wait a few more hours so Sybille will get impatient and test that potion.” Kiva was heading toward Solitude when she saw a homeless man homeless man wandering around. She ran up and said, “Excuse me, can you help me? I need an adult?” The argonian smiled, at least she thought he was smiling. “Certainly, I’m strong enough to help. Are there septims in it for me?” “Oh sure, hold on, I have it in here.” Kiva grabbed her dagger and stabbed the man. Then she got to work before he died. The argonian watched as Kiva, a mere child, pulled out the knife and stood there in disbelief as she stabbed him. With a charged soul gem in one hand and an argonian heart in the other, she had all of her special reagents. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shocked argonian,” she thought as she cleaned up and headed back to the city. No sooner did she enter the palace when a guard ran up and informed her that Sybille had been found unconscious in the palace, near the alchemy table. Kiva laughed inwardly. “Oh, that’s terrible! What happened?” She feigned sympathy so well the guard didn’t catch it. He simply replied, “It looks like she tried a new potion she made.” Kiva changed into a spare dress before she went to Sybille’s room. When she entered, she found Elisif there as well. The Jarl was glad to see Kiva. “Is there anything you can do for her?” Kiva looked Sybille over, feigned a few tests, and said, “It looks pretty severe. She might not make it through the night but I can lessen any pain she’s feeling.” “Thank you dear, please hurry and use whatever you need.” With that, the Jarl left the room. Kiva made a strong healing potion, after all, going through the motions was important. She went into Sybille’s room, and shut the door behind her. She looked down at Sybille. “Stupid bitch. I knew you’d try that potion. Now I can kill you just like I could any human. I don’t belong in anyone’s shadow, especially not some half breed vampire.” Kiva grabbed a pillow from the bed and held it over Sybille’s face until she stopped shaking. The potion’s effects kept her from fighting back. Sybille twitched and moaned. The potion even suppressed her vampiric abilities, allowing Kiva to kill her easily. Then, she put on a very sad face and faked some tears. She went to the Jarl and informed her of Sybille’s passing. “I’m sorry, there was nothing I could do. By the time I got there with the potion, she was already dead.” Blackreach Experiments - Tears of the Past – Chapter 2: Settling Up In the two years following Sybille’s death, Kiva was moved into the position of Court Wizard. Several mages tried for the position but they all met with mysterious deaths or suddenly changed their minds. Finding a dead mage in the streets was starting to be as common as tripping over a stone. She solidified her position by being one step ahead of her rivals. Her dark brotherhood contacts saw that no other mages were able to vie for her position. **** Down in Blackreach, in Celes’s lab **** The magical effect holding Celes and Arissa in stasis broke. Arissa found herself on her hands and knees coughing. She felt very different than she did when she went into the chamber. She quickly saw why. The dragonskin curse had consumed her entire body. She let out a scream and began sobbing. Behind her, she heard Celes’s tube deactivate. Arissa was shocked. Celes entire body was now mechanical! She was on her hands and knees coughing but her voice had a strange mechanical sound to it. Arissa remembered how she looked, “Celes, don’t panic but I changed.” Celes glanced at her own hands but was more shocked by Arissa’s extreme transformation. “How, what happened to us?” Celes leaned against the tube and tried to make sense of it all. After several minutes, she got up but was rocked by a splitting headache. “Oh gods my head, it’s like I can hear every gear in me moving.” Arissa gave her some sympathy. “It’s okay, take your time but when you feel up to it, see what happened to us. The headache passed after a few minutes and Celes went to the control panel. Arissa couldn’t make heads or tails of what Celes was doing , it just seemed like random button presses. Celes spoke to herself, "Hmm...lets see...and if....then....oh no...." “Celes turned toward Arissa and with a grim tone said, “It looks like the magic that keep us asleep fueled your curse and powered my transformation. The automaton core in my lab fixed me by turning me entirely mechanical. It only stopped because the soul gems powering the lab ran out of charge. “You mean…the transformations aren’t done?” Arissa was devastated. She dropped to her knees, shaking. Celes knelt down and tried to comfort her. “Well, mine is but yours.... It’s okay, it would take an extremely strong magical charge for your transformation to get any worse. They sat and talked each other out of panicking over their altered bodies. They decided to find out who hired the assassin to kill Celes, then to see if a cure could be found for Arissa. The decided Belthor in Whiterun would be the best and they hatched a plan to sneak into the city. Together they left Blackreach and headed for Whiterun. First stop was Belthor’s shop to see if he knew of any good leads. As they entered the shop, Belthor started to give his standard line, “Take a good look and…what in the nine Divines are you too?!” Arissa growled, “Like we haven’t heard that 100 times since the gate.” Celes chimed in, “Belethor, it’s me Celes. We were cursed, that’s the short version. We need to know who hired the assassin to kill me. And no...we didn't actually come through the gate, so keep our presence quit if you would. “Well, usually I charge for that kind of information, but…..give me the long version and I’ll tell you what I know.” They gave him the whole story. both of theirs. “Alright, the girl’s name that hired the assassin is Kiva. She’s the court wizard of Solitude but you didn’t hear that from me. She's amassed a lot of power for someone so young. Be careful.” They set out for Solitude, avoiding most of the roads. They lucked out and saw her in the marsh, gathering reagents. She turned around as soon as they got close. “Alright, who’s following me!” she yelled. Arissa and Celes stepped into view. “Oh what a nice freak show. Is there a carnival in town? It’s so hard to keep up with these things.” “How dare you! You sent an assassin to kill me and Mani and now have the nerve to make jokes at my expense!” “Oh. You must be Celes. Looks like your dear automatons tried to fix you. Anyway, I hate to break it to you but the assassin was there to collect Mani, you were just in the way.” “Oh that’s it! I’m going to make you pay!” Celes built up all the power she could muster and it lit the area around her as if it were daytime. “Time to settle up!” “Oh this should be fun,” Kiva snickered. Chapter 3: Something In the Water “Time to settle up!” Arissa yelled. “Oh this should be fun,” Kiva snickered. Magic and fire suddenly roared around Kiva! It absorbed the power of Celes shock attack. The sudden waves of heat caused Arissa to stumble backward. Kiva combined her power along with what she absorbed from Celes and sent the full force of it at Arissa. Arissa was caught completely off guard. The spell was so strong it lifted her off of her feet and threw her across the marsh. She landed in the distance. Her body was singed and smoking. She could feel the magic affect the dragonskin curse. It was if she could feel the scales snaking their way across her body. Kiva turned her attention to Celes but she was no longer there. “Oh no, you’re not running away now!” Kiva unleashed a blast of dark energy. It was a trick she learned while in the Soul Cairn. Celes screamed out as she was hit with a blast of near invisible force. It sent her flying through the air. She landed hard and felt something break. When she looked up, Kiva was standing over her with an ethereal sword. “No, please! Mercy” Celes screamed. Kiva smiled at her and raised the sword into the air. “Please! I’ll do anything you want! Hurgh!” Kiva stabbed her in the chest with the blade. A puddle of green fluid formed under Celes. Kiva ran back to solitude and brought a carriage back to transport Celes body to her lab. She loaded Celes into the back and stabbed her through her joints to prevent her from moving. With each stab, she could hear Celes groaning. Arissa woke up next to the water. She knew before she glanced at her reflection in the water that she was now completely a dragon. The curse had taken hold fully. She let out a scream of rage and sadness. It was late when Kiva arrived back at the Palace. A couple of guards took Celes body to the lab then went back to their duties. Kiva sat down in the High King’s throne. “Whew, busy day. Wouldn’t you say so?” Falk Firebeard, Elisif’s steward, crawled over to Kiva. “Yes My Lady, it is has been very busy.” “Faulk dear, did you do what I told you?” “Yes My Lady. I poured the barrels into the cities water like you said and I sent a courier to the Dragonborn.” “Good job. Now go. Get out of my sight.” Kiva smiled and reflected on events earlier in the day. “It really required so little magic to bend him. The city was about as easy to sway. Several massive spell laced potions to make everyone adore her and the Dragonborn was all it took.” Earlier in the month, she used her magic to manipulate the cook. Now he was dropping a special ingredient into the Jarl’s food with every meal. “She’s far too trusting,” Kiva thought. And the guards only required a small amount of magical prodding to start spreading rumors about Elisif being unfit to rule. Kiva headed home. As she left the palace, she could hear the Jarl screaming from the night terrors and waking nightmares she had planted in her mind. The next morning, she began her work on Celes. The first thing she did was remove the ornamental coverings from her body. Then she started taking her apart. Her body was completely inactive but she realized her mind was still there. She used a weak shock spell and Celes started begging weakly. “Please, put me back together… I beg you.” “Oh,” Kiva said, “Do you really want me to put you back together?” “Yes, please.” “Hmm, no I think not. Let’s see how much of you I can take apart before I find out how you work.” Celes ran out of power before she could say anything else. It didn’t take her long to find the soul gem containing Celes’s soul and figure out how the suit was enchanted to move. It gave her a great idea. She summoned the tailor and the blacksmith. They used parts of Celes’s body to make an outfit. As far as they knew, it was just a dwemer automaton. Kiva was admiring her new outfit with a look of disappointment. “It’s nice but not as formal as I’d hoped. Endarie, do you have something a bit more... appropriate? Endaire went behind the counter and pulled out a beautiful red and blue dress. “Here, try this on. I think you’ll like it.” Kiva made a few mock poses before responding. “I love it! Just what I need for tonight.” She paid Endarie and started to leave for the palace. “Kiva, what do you want me to to do with the left over parts?” “Just toss them out. They’re junk.” When she arrived, the Dragonborn was already speaking to Faulk. “I had a crowd of people demand that I marry Elisif and become High King. They crowded me as I entered the city. Faulk, what is going on?" “Elisif lost her mind awhile ago. Kiva and I have been running things for the last month. Elisif claims Lord Sheogorath comes into her bedroom at night but most of what she says in unintelligible, something about fishsticks and cheese. She’s also having night terrors. The screams have caused most of us to sleep away from the palace. “Dragonborn, no, titles be damned! Asmund, will you marry Elisif? The people will stand behind you and you’ll be keeping the realm together. Please consider it. It’ll be good to have you around.” Kiva approached and Asmund caught the look she gave him. After some thought, the he agreed. The wedding was thrown together. Normally it would be a regal affair, guests would be invited, preparations made but this was a special situation. Due to Elisif's mental state, the wedding was held at night, with as few guests as possible. That night, Kiva helped Asmund get settled in while Elisif crawled on the ground behind him. “It’s strange,” he said. Kiva looked at him quizzically. “For years people just called me Dragonborn. Now everyone is actually using my name again. It’s kind of refreshing.” Kiva stepped behind a curtain and came back out in lingerie. Asmund was shocked “Are you serious? Right here? In front of Elisif?” He pointed to his now wife who was sitting on the floor babbling. “Sure, you can have her every night or you can have me. Either way, you’re still High King and I don’t think she minds.” she said seductively. It was not a hard decision. He had no real love for Elisif and Kiva seemed to want him badly. It was a choice of sane versus insane. They went for most of the night while Elisif crawled around before she eventually passed out on the cold hard stone. Later the next day, a snow dragon flew in close to Solitude, scooped up Celes’s parts, and flew away before the guards could respond. The dragon was headed away from Skyrim as she spoke. “Celes, it’s Arissa, I don’t know if you can hear me but we’re leaving this place.” She swore she heard a sound come from Celes and it sounded happy. Several months later, the Jarls held the Moot and confirmed Asmund as High King. He had spent years defending Skyrim and had been key in defeating Alduin. The vote passed with no objections. Shortly after the moot, Elisif was found dead. She had apparently died in her sleep. A service was held but very few people attended. She had lost the respect of the people due to her mad ramblings and insanity. As far as people were concerned, the real rulers were High King Asmund, formerly the Dragonborn and Kiva. Tears of the Past – Chapter 4: Epilogue **** It had been almost four months since Asmund became High King. He married Kiva recently and the two of them were living in Proudspire Manor. They preferred it over the palace rooms. **** Asmund had come to understand Kiva. They were enjoying dinner when he said, “I know you killed Syblille and drove Elisif mad.” Kiva jumped up and almost choked on her food. “I don’t know what you’re talking about! I never…” “You contacted the Dark Brotherhood for the mage deaths and you manipulated the city with magic.” Kiva’s mind was racing. Why was he so calm!? Why just blurt that out?! “How could you possibly know any of that!?” “Dear, sit down.” he said calmly. “I just want to clear the air.” Kiva sat down and listened to her husband. He knew more than he should and she was worried. “You and I both have something in common. We like power. I didn’t marry you for your pretty smile. The Greybeards told me something after I killed Alduin. They said that I could use my power for good and be remembered or use it for evil and have my name become a curse.” Kiva asked, “So you chose good I’m assuming?” Asmund walked around to Kiva. “Well, good is such a broad term. You can do several bad things to get a good result. Killing a murderer while he sleeps is bad but the result is good.” “What are you saying dear?” “I’ve known about you since the first time you contacted the Dark Brotherhood. I’m their listener and also their leader. I have been the whole time. I used the Brotherhood to gain power. You manipulated hundreds to get where you are today. I admire that.” “Thank you dear.” Kiva was almost blushing even though she was shocked. All of the new information was rolling around in her head. It all made sense but the fact he had kept all of that from her... she was impressed. He walked with her and changed into more formal clothing. “Let’s go my love, we have a kingdom to rule.” The End
  3. The Blackreach Experiments – Chapter 1 - 14 (Complete) (Chapter 1 - 3 takes place before Harsh Realities) Celes watched the newcomer. She didn't trust her, but then again, she didn't trust anyone. Was she working with the corrupt mages or just some idiot blundering around. When she was younger, she was fascinated with Dwemer technology. Through years of study and exploration she discovered the Shrine of Mahty. Inside the shrine were several Dwarven backpacks that allowed her to fly. The shrine was impressive. It housed a giant steam centurion that sported several upgrades and improvements. "This would a terror if unleashed on the world," she said aloud. "It would indeed, child." said a voice that appeared to come from in front of her. "Are....you talking?" she asked the statue. "Yes, I am an Oracle. That is to say, Dwemer technology intended to safeguard their legacy. I am in need of one to seal away their more dangerous devices and ensure they can never be unleashed upon the world. Are you one such?" Celes thought about it and eventually agreed. That's how she ended up here, flying over Riverwood with a Dwemer backpack. It was fun at first, but after years it had become commonplace. Celes had come to Whiterun to investigate rumors involving the court wizard. As soon as she entered the room, it was obvious the rumors were true. Farengar ran over, "I know who you are and this has nothing to do with Dwem.." Celes promptly shoved her hand is his face. "I'm not an idiot! There's dwemer tech all over the place. Lets try this again. You tell me what you're doing and I won't tell Solitude that you're trying to summon a daedra." "Okay fine. Can you move you hand?" "Nope hand stays, talk." Faregar sighed. He told Celes about Arissa, her disappearance, and the energy the mages across Skyrim were harnessing. "That thing, there on the wall isn't the source then. It's like a vent for magical energy. Farengar, you idiot. How could you expect to control that!?" Farenghar started to answer but Celes cut him off. "No never mind. After that whole incident with Ireleth and that "decrorative" dwemer egg...*shudder* Anyway, lets see if I can't figure out what happened to that missing girl." "This is interesting. She wasn't ashed. Looks like she may have been teleported somewhere." "Child, the answers you seek lie within," said a distant voice. Celes stepped into the field and found herself in a strange clearing. Where there should be trees, there were giant crystals. The crystals were warm to the touch and seemed to pulse with energy. "Greeting child. I am the Avatar of Frost. The one you seek was here. She is aiding me in correcting the magical imbalance caused by the mages of Skyrim. She seeks the source of their power. "A talking dragon statue? Well, I know a talking Dwemer head so I guess this isn't that crazy." "Fill me in. Where did our girl go and while you're at it, who is she?" The Avatar told what it knew of the girl, Arissa and of the mages. "Okay, well looks like we're on the same side. Now just to find her." Celes took off toward the nearest city to find her new ally. The Blackreach Experiments - Part 3 - The End of Days "Stand your ground men! Give them time to evactuate!" yelled Jarl Mani Gustanvinson at his troops. The dragons had ravaged Skyrim. The main cities were cinders. Jarl Gustavinson was trying to get survivors to some nearby caves when the dragons fell upon them. The surviving guards fought valiantly. But not everyone survived. From overhead, Alduin's voice boomed, "It is useless to resist mortals. All shall bow before the Dovah! Let none of these pathetic wretches survive my brothers! "Everyone! Head for the caves! Alduin is here!" yelled the Jarl. The survivors ran as fast as they could while the guards tried to distract the dragons. "Hurry child! Get to the cave near Helgen! Jarl Gustavinson charged toward the closet dragon, "For Skyrim!" He climbed up the dragon's back with rugged grace and delivered a death blow. But no matter how many dragons fell, more flew in to take their place. A powerful blast threw the Jarl against the stone. He pulled himself under a roof to catch his breath. "Damn dragons!" A pair of brave guards yelled to the Jarl, "Go sir! Hurry! We'll hold them off!" He had no choice, he had to join the others. He saluted them with respect. He knew he'd never see them again. The surivors assembled in Blackreach. There was no place large enough for a dragon to enter, at least for now, so they would be safe for a time. He feared for his wife, Celine. She had traveled to riften to evacuate the orphanage and anyone she could find but that had been weeks ago. He wanted to believe she was alive. **Sometime before, in Riften** "Oh gods! So many dead." Celine crawled toward the sewers but the smoke was filling the air all around her. The orphanage and civilians had been evacuated but the dragons hit as she and the last survivors were fleeing. **Back in Blackreach** Several days passed with no more survivors arriving. Mani had gathered every mage he could to help hold Blackreach City. The massive wards they cast were like nothing he had ever seen! He even heard some appealing directly to Azura. Several guards approached the Jarl to give him their reports. The news was grim. A dragon was spotted outside the gates and it was accompanied by serveral dragon priests. He learned that Riften had been completely destroyed and his wife was no where to be found. The good news was that the wards were holding and some mages had recently discovered a set of aetherium armor and weapons. Smaller dragons had begun to infiltrate Blackreach but the wards held. One of the mages called the Jarl over to a strange device. "Jarl, I think we've done it! This Dwemer device should let you use the elder scroll to send yourself backward in time. We know the Dragonborn was killed during some kind of accident. If you can find him before that, then this future may be averted." "Sounds like a plan. When will it be ready?" "It's ready now," she replied. The Jarl stepped onto the device and began reading the scroll. There was a blinding flash of light and suddenly, he was standing in blackreach, surrounded by Falmer and their servants.... The Blackreach Experiments - Part 4 - Lost in Fog Celine, slowly came to her senses. She could feel warmth around her, but also the cold wet ground. "By the Nine, my head." She peered up and noticed a man towering over her. "Are you the one who pulled me in here?" she asked. "Yes, I am. You would have died with the others had I not," he said coldly. "How many made it out?" She was hopeful that at least a handful of people escaped. "None. You are it. I have nightingales searching Skyrim but as far as we can tell, everthing from here to Cryodil is in ruins. The dragons have won." Celine went on her knees. "I think I'm going to be sick! This can't be how it ends!" The Nightingale propped her against himself and helped her over to the water's edge. "End? No, this is the beginning of something new." But Nocturnal won't sit by and do nothing. She has given us means to affect a change. When you feel slightly better, I'll discuss it with you, but time is short." Hours passed. The sounds of destruction above had since ceased. The flames still seemed to roar as loudly as ever though. Celine approached the Nightingale. "I know you are aware of who I am. You think I can make that change that Nocturnal needs otherwise you wouldn't have pulled me in here. Am I right?" The Nightingale simply answered, "yes." "Why can't you do it? What is stopping you?"she inquired. "It's simple really. I'm dead. I died in service to Nocturnal. She called me back into service and sent me here." "Oh! I'm sorry...I didn't realize...how did you...I mean, when did...?" She couldn't quite get the right words out. "I was the leader of the Thieves Guild. I died practicing my craft. There's not much to tell. I'm going to assume you agree to take part in Nocturnal's plan." Celine lowered her head, "I have lost everything to these damn dragons. Skyrim, no, all of Tamriel is lost if we don't act." Even the Nightingale, though deceased, showed signs of sadness. "I'm going," Celine stated. "Good, then head into the treasure room. The portal is active. With luck it will take you to a time before the Dragonborn's death." "And without?" Celine asked. "If something goes wrong, you will trapped somewhere between worlds." Celine stood before the portal. The air felt... wrong. It didn't feel like any magic she had ever seen. "Well, it's not like I have anything left to lose." She stepped though and felt her world dissolve around her. She remembered falling. Dizziness, loneliness, despair. It was if hope did not exist. She was weaker than she had ever felt. Someone or something threw her at the feet of a lich or some kind of dark ominous figure. Under his hollow gaze she could not move. He commanded her to look up. Her body obeyed without her consent. It's voice was like an echo and tipped with malice. "You have entered the Soul Cairn. I know not of the method you entered, but you will not leave. You will wander the Cairn until you surrender to it. Celine was then tossed into the darkness. She wandered for days but it seemed as if she was going in circles. She finally came upon a person in the distance. As she got closer, she realized it was a ghost of a woman! "Um, excuse me!" Celine shouted. "Excuse me! How do we leave? Is there an exit?" The ghost turned to her, "Exit...leave...I don't understand. Where is... I was betrayed. Thalmor stabbed me in the back. The Dragonborn...there was a.... He needed help... a plot. I... it's slipping again..." The ghost wandered off muttering to herself, "My name is Delphine. I am a Blade." Over and over until she disappeared. A sense of resolve came over Celine. She decided she would not let despair take her. She would escape and do anything she could to avert her future. She spent the next weeks observing the strange creatures of the Cairn. She watched the inhabitants for any sign of an entrance, exit, or gathering place. She found it odd that she was neither hungry nor tired, but what was truly distressing was she had a growing desire to return to the dark being she met when she first entered this place. She found out what she could about the creature from some of the more sane inhabitants. He was called a Keeper. It's job was a bit unclear but it held a large amount of power here. She spent a large part of her day learning about it. Eventually, she lost her way and found herself standing before him. "I'm here master" Her voice trembled. In her mind, she was screaming to run away but all her body could do was stand there. She could hear him inside of her mind, telling her to obey. The Keeper spoke, his voice cold and rigid. "It took you longer than most. Most mortals come here sooner. Tell me why you came back." "I'm here to serve you master. Tell me what to do." But in her mind she was screaming, "No! Run! Get away! Don't listen!" She felt hopelessness. If she couldn't even control her own body, how would she escape. "Master, please give me a task, let me serve." "Oh, you will," he said with more than a hint of malice. "You are connected to powerful energies. I will draw them out of you and leave you a dried husk. It is ironic that it was the same energies I corrupted when you entered here that now seal your fate. In what felt like the blink of an eye, Celine was atop a great tower. The pleasant voice of the Keeper faded and something stabbed at her from behind. It was if something were trying to rip her soul from her body. "Gods help me! It burns!" she screamed. She heard the cold, vicious, monsterous voice of the Keeper say, "Oh it will burn and you would turn to ash, your soul would wander these lands with the rest. Mwhahaha! If not for my 'mercy.' " "What was that?!" she thought. She prayed it was a nightmare. She wasn't sure how long she was trapped but something knocked against her. She had a brief glimpse of red eyes and fangs barred at her. She woke in a pile of bones, feeling numb all over. There was no sign of her...attacker? Savior? "What happened to me?" That's when she saw it. "STAIRS!" She let out a nervous laugh, "haha..I'm free..stairs...hahaha!" She was almost maddened the site of even possible freedom. She began climbing. About halfway up, she had to rest, the climb was hard, harder than it should be. As she ascended to the peak of the stairs, a light enveloped her and pulled her in. She found herself in a large room, some kind of castle. It was old, dusty, and probably had not been used in a long time. "Where am I now." She gathered her energy and set off to explore her surroundings. The Blackreach Experiments - Part 5 - No Way Out Celine cautiously explored her surroundings. It was obvious that this place had not been used in a while. “I wonder if I’m actually in the past or this is just a ruin in my time?” As she made her way through the abandoned castle, she could hear foot steps. They sounded to heavy for a man or an animal. She peered into the next room. “By the gods!” she thought, “What are those?!” It took her a minute to realize what the monsters were and even longer for them to wander off. She eventually made her way to a long hallway. She rounded a turn, and a skeleton stepped out from the doorway! For some reason though, it did not even notice her. She was able to walk right past it. The hallway emptied into a large dining area with more skeletons. Her heart stopped. She was unarmed and wouldn’t be able to take them all but like before, they just sat there. It was as if the undead did not even notice her. Celine was feeling exhausted and knew she needed somewhere safe to rest. She saw the nearby room had a lock on the door so it seemed like the most logical place. “I think I’m going to be sick. This place isn’t as empty as I thought. This blood is fresh and these bones look…juicy. I’ve never seen bones wet like that before…” The horror of the situation was setting in. Something here was eating humans. *Grrrrrrrr* The sound came from down the hall. It was low and guttural, possibly a guard dog. “Damn my luck!” She took off running and she could hear the animals getting closer. She had to hide but where! She jumped into the nearby water. She could see what looked like a demon dog walking around. It seemed to lose her scent and eventually wandered back the way she had come from. This room as well as many others led to a large courtyard. It gave her some much needed time to rest and process everything that had happened to her since she stepped into that doorway. Celine felt her eyes close. She thought she could hear people talking but they sounded distant. The voices changed and distorted until they became the voice of the Keeper. He seemed to be right in front of her, staring at her. “Ah pet, there you are. Did you think you could escape me so easily?” Celine knew she should be afraid of it. It was a cold malicious monster and.... “*master*” The word just slipped out. Celine recoiled, “No! I won’t ever serve you! I’m *your pet*” The words were flowing from her lips in a cold, melodic tone, as if someone else were saying them. The keeper laughed, “When you wake, come to this place.” A map burned itself into her mind. “There you will open the path for me to enter your world.” “Yes Master,” she purred. She felt something jabbing her in the side but the smell is what roused her. She sat up and looked around. “Great, I’ve traded one nightmare for another.” She tried talking to the people in the cell with her but they were mentally absent. “Well I’m on my own, again.” It didn’t take long for her to realize the only thing keeping the prisoners in was that they did not have a desire to leave. She squeezed herself between the bars and snuck out of the castle. The main floor was surprisingly devoid of life. It looked like a battle had taken place, very recently on the main levels. Vampires and knights lay strewn about the passageways, main hall, and even the bridge. She looked around for anything to use to escape this place. Then she saw a green light off to her left. “What is this?” It couldn’t help her to escape but it was worth checking out. “Oh thank the Divines! A boat!” It took every ounce of her strength to push the boat of the shore. Once in the boat, she felt her body going numb. “I will make it to the shore,” she told herself. Her body, however, had other plans. Her eyelids became heavy and her vision blurred. She heard a soft *THUD* and wondered what it was. The boat was caught in the current, slowly drifting away as the moon came up full. “Welcome back. my pet.” The Blackreach Experiments - Part 6 - Where is the Dragonborn? (Note to reader: Arissa was a main character in Harsh Realities. She came to Skyrim via a strange airship. She was mentioned but never shown. Celes was another main character in Harsh Realities. She was tasked with securing dangerous Dwemer artifacts and took it upon herself to investigate the mages of Skyrim. Her mastery of Dwemer tech gave her a level of authority/respect with the mages and Jarl's.) The boat came to a stop against an outcropping of rocks. The thud of wood hitting stone was loud enough to get Arissa’s attention. Arissa noticed a young noble woman alone and unconscious in the boat. “Now what are you doing all the way out here?” Celine was mumbling in her sleep, “Master…..love….” Arissa could barely make out the words. After carrying the young woman inside, Arissa waited by her bed for her to wake up. Hours passed and she was about to nod off when the young woman shot up and screamed, “KEEPER!” “AH WHAT!” Arissa yelled as she jumped back. The two shared names and Celine told Arissa all about the dreams of the Keeper and her run in with it in the strange place she had been. “Hmm,” Arissa said, “That doesn’t sound like any place I know of but I’m only now delving into the magic here. I’m not from here originally. Where I came from, magic was a trick, like slight of hand. I’ve become very familiar with the different magics here but there is always more to learn. Celine stood up, “So, do you know where to find the dragonborn?” “Ugh! Don’t get me started on him…. I’ve been trying to track him down for what feels like ages. What do need with him anyway?” “Well, I heard that something will happen to him. It’s a prophecy. I have to try to save him, no matter how small the chances are.” “Fine..I’ll take you too where he might be…” Celine felt badly for asking but if this woman could lead her to the Dragonborn then maybe the disaster in her time cold be averted. “Hey, sorry for the inconvenience Arissa.” “No no, it’s fine. Really. I was heading that way anyway. It’s about a day’s travel to Solitude, then we’ll get a carriage and make our way to Ivarstead. The two women made their way there but Arissa was insistent that they hurry to High Hrothgar and meet with the Graybeards. They waited outside, yelled, even banged on the doors but no one ever came. Suddenly, Arissa yelled, “Hey, you old gas bags! Open the damn door! The lady’s freezing her tits off out here!” Celine banged on the door one last time, yelling, “Please, it’s about the dragonborn! Open the door!” “Maybe they’re not home. We should head to the inn and get some rest. We’ll ask around in the morning.” I’m starting to think you didn’t want that door to open, but whatever, let’s go. I’m about to drop.” As soon as they reached the inn, Celine paid for a room and fell fast asleep. “Now that I’ve got her off my back…” Arissa approached the innkeeper and asked about the dragonborn. “Oh yeah, he came through here not to long ago on the way to Dragon Bridge,” he said. “Great, now I have this crazy idea. You take this gold and when that woman wakes up, you tell her the Dragonborn went to Markarth.” The innkeeper looked confused, “Why would I do that?” “Because if you don’t, I’ll come back here and split you in two.” The innkeeper managed to keep his composure, “Okay okay. No need for violence. I’ll tell her.” “Good, and tell her I went on ahead.” Arissa was smiling as she walked out of the inn. Arissa paused outside of the inn. “I need to make sure that little twit doesn’t follow me.” She aimed a spell at the door and ice erupted from her hands. A terrified villager slowly crept away. “There. That should hold her.” Arissa walked into the street and muttered a spell in an odd language. Spears of ice shot from the ground around her as she launched into the air. And in the blink of an eye, she was gone. **Several hours later** Celes was flying toward Ivarstead at full speed. She had heard that Arissa had been seen entering the city. She met with Celine and they traded stories and names. Celine told her about Arissa not letting her rest then freezing the inn door shut. Celes told her a little bit about herself and what she knew of Arissa’s transformation. Celine took a deep breath, “…but what was really odd is I don’t think she really wanted the Greybeards to let us in. She insulted them and then we came straight back here. And while we were on the path, she fell behind but I could swear she was talking to someone.” “Wait, you leave that for last? Are you stupid?” Celine was talken aback,” Well no sense being that rude about it.” “Sorry,” Celes said, “I’ve been spending a long time tracking her. She was altered by unknown magics and I want to make sure she’s okay. She also may help me find the source of it. Listen, I don’t have anymore time to stand around. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.” Celine could hear the strange dwemer pack fire up as soon as Celes shut the door. “If Arissa really is heading to Markarth, maybe I can catch up to her.” Celes was lost in though when she felt something strike her from behind. “What?! This high up?!” ***On the ground *** “Take that bitch!” Arissa watched Celes fall of the sky. She was losing altitude rapidly. She tried to aim for a nearby river. “Shit!! I can’t pull up!” Celes fell into an old dwemer shaft sticking out of the river. Arissa watched the shaft for about an hour and Celes never came back out. She turned to an unseen figure, “It’s done master.” ***Deep within Blackreach*** Mani wadded through dead Falmer, all killed by his steel. "By the Nine I will make it to the surface." He could see the lift and the way seemed clear… Blackreach Experiments - Part 7 - Reforged Deep under Skyrim, stood a long abandoned Dwemer facility. The place was old even before the Dwemer had disappeared. Celes body dumped into the old chamber from the waterfall and came to rest against a board. She had been carried through several miles of underground waterfalls and passageways before finally coming to a stop. She crawled out of the water, every inch she moved was a struggle and she ached all over. “By the nine I am freezing! It can’t be just the room. It must be that spell that hit me.” She managed to pull part of her gear out of the water. It was the only piece that survived the long journey down. “Damnit! It’s completely broken. I won’t be able to fix this.” In truth, she didn’t know how to do more than routine maintenance on it. She made her way through the chamber slowly. Her body was getting colder by the minute and every muscle was on fire. She came to a doorway. It was obvious that someone had been here to make the tunnel but it must have been a very long time ago. Celes made her way up a set of stairs and what she saw floored her. Behind the barrier was a very large, strange machine. She pressed a button and found herself on the other side, inside the room. She made her way to the center of the room. Her strength nearly gone and the magical cold setting in. Around the room, centurions moved about but paid her no attention at all. She felt her head droop and eyes close. She jolted alert and noticed a small shimmering portal. “Had that been there before?” She gathered all the energy she could and crawled to it. She pulled herself to her feet and marveled at the energies before her. She knew she would die here, but of all places to die, this wouldn’t be so bad. Then a voice came from the energy. “Child, the world is out of balance. The magic used to maim you is unnatural. Even now it is slowly killing you. You have a choice. You can die here or step into the light and be reforged.” “Reforged?” Celes limped over to the bottom of the stairs. “What do you mean?” There was no reply. She readied herself for pain. “I’m not going out like this.” She crawled up the stairs. Her strength was failing. She couldn’t feel her body any longer. The cold had crept in completely and her vision was fading. Somehow, she managed to pull herself into the light. The energies tugged and ripped at her. She felt herself slide into darkness. Somehow, this light reminded her about a time as a kid, playing in a field with her parents. “If this is what it’s like to die, then it’s not so bad. She closed her eyes to let death take her but it never did. She started to hear strange sounds, almost like voices. They were coming from all around her. The voices were that of the constructs. She could somehow hear the Dwemer technology communicating with each other. She felt the life coming back to her body. The deathly chill of the ice magic was gone. She stood up and looked in awe at her own body. “So this is what reformed meant? I could get used to this.” The everywhere voice spoke again. “Child, you have survived reformation. It is time you learn of this place and your role here before you go back out into the world.” “So, you’re the one who saved me. I owe it to…. whatever you are to learn what I can. Where do we start?” ****** Somewhere between this world and the next ****** Arissa stepped through the portal arch and found herself in the home of her Master. “It is done master. Celes fell to her death and I am one step closer to your goal. They’ll never see it coming.” The Blackreach Experiments Part 8 - My Love “I traveled to Dawnstar after hearing about a mage that had experience with nightmares. For the past month I have been having dreams about the keeper. I’m scared. I think I’m going crazy... because I’m starting to like it.” “I got here too late and had to get a room at the inn. I’m hoping for one night of no nightmares. Please gods, no more. I can’t take it.” “Mani? When…when did I get home? When did you?” Mani, looked into her eyes. “We’ve been here for awhile dear. Now that everything has calmed down, we can try for a child again. Do you still want to?” “Yes, of course dear,” Celine replied. “Then just relax.” Mani moved his hand lower and could feel how excited she was. “Oooh, you know I like that,” Celine said sweetly. “Then you’ll like this,” Mani teased. They made love for what felt like hours. Mani was thrusting deep inside of her. She could feel that he was about to cum. “Baby, don’t stop!” Her eyes rolled back in her head as he came inside of her. “Such a good pet,” said a cold spectral voice. She could feel his cum pumping deep inside of her. “Now bow before your Master.” “Oh gods…please help me…” Celine begged. The Keeper withdrew from her and stood over her. She felt his essence creeping inside of her. “They will not help you pet. I am your only salvation.” Now come closer. This monster had violated her, it had corrupted her, it had….blessed her. She started to rise to her feet. She rested her body against her Master and she swore he was smiling. “Master, thank you for caring for me. I can still feel you in me, can I please you again?” “Later pet, but now, wake up and finish your task.” Celine got out of bed and started to leave. The local mage stopped her, “Excuse me, I heard you needed help, Something about nightmares.” Celine looked at him with cold distant eyes. “No, I’m fine now. I understand everything.” And with that, she left. She made a quick stop by Whiterun. She needed a pure soul for the coming ritual. She found a young homeless girl. She listened to the girl’s sob story and told her that she would adopt her if she proved herself. She made her way to the place imprinted in her mind. She knocked out the girl and found a strange book that somehow she could read. She placed the unconscious body of the girl in front of her and began reciting the spell. Parts of the Soul Cairn started to appear in front of her and a mist enveloped the girl. The Keeper’s voice suddenly started to echo through the area. “YES! Pull me back into Nirn! The keeper’s body faded into place over the girl. Slowly, it sank into her and possessed her body. Celine watched with morbid curiosity as the girl’s body got taller. Her skin turned black and strange symbols burned into her body. “Excellent,” the Keeper said in a cold, young feminine voice. “You have done well pet. I am back in Nirn and no longer bound to the Cairn, The Ideal Masters, or that horrid form.” “Master,” Celine paused, “You used to be from here? I don’t understand.” “Come here pet and I’ll explain some things about myself.” Celine walked over and the Keeper started to talk. “I used to be a dragon priest, one of the few female dragon priests, until I was tricked by the Ideal Masters. They trapped me in that infernal body. I have no more allegiance to the Cairn, the dragons, or anything but myself.” “Master, what of the girl whose body you inhabit?” The Keeper laughed. “Does she feel close? Could you swear she was nearby?” Celine thought for a moment. “Well…yes. She does seem near.” The Keeper motioned her closer. “That is because her soul now inhabits the same special soul gem as your soul.” Celine was trying to understand her Master, but she was confused. “Pet, the time you came from, you were one of the last humans left alive in all of Skyrim. The ideal masters sent a servant disguised as a nightingale to trick you into the Cairn. But the living cannot enter that place, so when you tried, your soul was ripped from your body and into this gem. The gem seemed to appear out of thin air and hovered between them. “So when I tell you that you are mine, I mean fully. I hold your soul. As long as I do, you cannot truly die." You will be my pet until the end of time. The soul gem then disappeared. "How does that make you feel, pet?” “It makes me happy Master. I know my place is with you and I will do anything for you.” “Excellent, now it’s time to make a name for ourselves. Let’s go pet.” The two walked off toward Riften leaving this slice of the Cairn still rooted in Tamriel. The Blackreach Experiments Part 9 - Accusations After meeting with Alduin, Arissa arrived at the Bannered Mare. “Just waiting for the Dragonborn to show up will be so boring. There is just nothing to do in this city. It’s a trade capital, shouldn’t it be busier,” she grumbled to herself. She overheard Hulda tell Saadia that a man in strange armor was picked up by the companions. He had fought his way out of Blackreach and collapsed on the surface. “Hmm,” she thought, “this could be interesting.” She snuck up to his room to get a peak at the stranger. “Wow,” he’s not bad at all.” she thought. The man stirred in his sleep. “Celine…I’m sorry I couldn’t save you….” he mumbled. “Well that’s no good. I need some entertainment…unless…” Arissa readied a spell she had recently learned. If it worked, whenever he looked at her, he would see the person he loves most. She charged the spell and struck him with it. Sometime later, Mani woke from his sleep. “Oh right... this is this the Bannered Mare? It must be. He walked to the indoor balcony connected to his room and looked out at the inn. Then he saw her! His wife, Celine, sitting in the corner enjoying a drink. He blinked and realized it wasn’t her but a blue skinned woman. Apparently she had caught him staring at her because she had gotten up and was coming toward the balcony. “Got a good look?” she asked. Mani looked down, ready to apologize but suddenly the woman looked like his wife again. “Well, I’m waiting,” she said. “Uh ummm sorry dear. I mean, not dear…. for a second you looked like my wife.” “Well, someone is very forward. I’m really picky with my men but if you like what you see, then we can talk later.” She gave him a fiendish smile. “No, I really didn’t.. I mean, you… agrh. Forget it. Mani went down to speak to the woman. He explained that his he and his wife, Celine had been separated and he didn’t know if she was alive or dead. Arissa feigned sympathy the entire conversation. Mani straigtened in his chair “But the reason I am in Skyrim is to find the Dragonborn. All I know is there is a plot to kill him. I suspect the Thalmor so I need to find him and warn him.” Arissa sat up straight and immediately wondered, “How did he know of Alduin’s plan to kill the dragonborn?” She knew she’d have to learn more. “Sure, I’ll help you find him. I’ve been curious what he is like.” She was of course lying but Mani had no clue. She stood up, “Well, lets go.” Mani quickly looked because he heard that in his wife’s voice. And it was his wife staring at him. But then it was just an impatient Arrisa again. “Yes, let’s go,” he said. “I heard he may be travelling between here and Riften. I was going to wait but now that I have company, we can catch up to him.” Arissa patted Mani on the rear as she walked past. The two made their way to Riften via carriage. It was an uneventful journey. By the time they arrived, Mani was exhausted. He booked a room and left Arissa to her own devices. Meanwhile downstairs, Arissa spend the next half hour talking to the innkeeper about various things. “But anyway,” Arissa said, “I would love to meet the dragonborn. I mean, if he’s as amazing as they say what with fighting for the Stormcloaks, helping orphans, and being a champion of the people.” Keerava leaned on the bar, “If you wanted to meet him, he just left. He shouldn’t be far. I’ll let your friend know you left.” “Thank you,” Arissa said. Keerava went about refilling drinks and didn’t see Arissa’s change in mood. “That bastard will NOT get away. I will not be deprived of my reward!” she fumed to herself. Arissa was getting more and more furious as she left Riften. It was like she was tapping into power she didn’t know she had. Even her footsteps started leaving ice and frost on the ground. She knew the direction he was heading and she was reacting on pure instinct. She ran to the cliff edge and threw as much magic behind her as she could. It was enough to propel her off the cliff. She sailed gracefully through the air with her target in sight. She used magic to cushion her blow. By now she was radiating with newly discovered power. She was standing only feet from the dragonborn. “I’m going to enjoy killing you, What are going to do? Shout at me?” “You’re not even worth the effort!” He moved with speed and agility that belied his stature. Arissa was caught totally off guard. She readied her weapon but it only dinged his helmet. “By the gods, he can move fast!” she thought. The battle spilled into a road, where it caught the attention of a Stormcloak patrol. The dragonborn was taking the full force of her spell and still closing on her! The Stormcloaks were almost upon them but she didn’t care. She let them share in the icy blast. The dragonborn dropped to his knees. He was gravely wounded. Arissa turned her attention to the soldiers but there were too many. Far too many. She felled soldier after solider until one slashed her in the back. She shrieked out in pain. She killed him with an ice spike but another guard got a well placed cut across her mid section. She collapsed. The dragonborn came up behind her with the last of his stamina and stabbed her through the back. “Die you monster!” The sword grew cold as well did the surrounding air. As he pulled the sword out, a surviving archer got in a few last shots. She collapsed. Ready for death to take her, she whispered, “I just…wanted to go home.” Then a blinding light enveloped her and she was gone. The dragonborn collapsed with the other bodies and the surviving archer ran to the closest city for help. ***Back in Riften *** Mani woke to his room full of guards. “What’s…” was all he had time to say. The commanding officer spoke, “By order of the Jarl, you are under arrest for crimes against the city of Riften and the Stormcloak army. Now get up scum!” He tried to reason with them but to no avail. Apparently Arissa had killed several guards in an attempt to kill the Dragonborn. “This can’t be happening,” he kept telling himself but when he got downstairs, he realized it was far worse than he thought. He was stripped of all his gear and marched out of the city in chains. His only hope would be to speak to the Jarl of Windhelm and explain this was not his doing. *** In Windhelm, several hours later *** The priestesses had done all they could for the Dragonborn. He was given his own room at the inn but he had still not woken up. Outside, the guards were discussing his situation. “So they say he fought some kind of devil.” The other turned to his comrade, “Hopefully the Jarl will do something about the guy that helped her. We had a chance against these damned dragons, but now…” The first guard tried to cheer up his friend, “Listen, when the Jarl returns from the summit, we’ll at least have a cease fire, Ulfric will think of something. Trust me.” *** Down in the Windhelm dungeon *** Mani had been locked into a cell. “Please! I’m innocent! I wanted to help the Dragonborn not kill him!” But there was no one to listen to his pleas. *** In a tranquil glade in Sovngarde **** A magical explosion, followed by the cries of a woman in extreme pain shattered the silence. Arissa lay before Alduin. “Rise mortal. You can not die here. Even know you are healed.” Arissa got to her knees. She was still in terrible pain but thankfully not dying. Realizing Alduin was staring at her with anger, she began pleading, “Please Master, I’m sorry I failed you. I can’t beat him he’s just too strong. Please, just help me to get home and find someone else I beg of you.” Alduin let out aa deep laugh. “Hahaha! I lied little one. That strange ship you came in was destroyed and I have no idea how to send you back.” But I won’t let you leave empty handed. He glared at her and magic engulfed her. She screamed in pain and the magic subsided. “What…what have you done to me?!” Her tears were flowing down her face, she tried to wipe them but her hands had become claws. “Why?! Why would you do this?” She held her head in her hands, too ashamed to even look at herself now. Alduin spoke to her again, “Once you leave this place, you will not be able to return. You will be feared and hunted across all of Tamriel. Not accepted by Man, Mer, or Dragon. That is your reward for failure. Mwhahaha.” Alduin flew off into the sky and vanished, leaving Arissa alone with her tears. The Blackreach Experiments Part 10 - Second Chances ***About 1 week after Celine summoned the Keeper into Nirn. **** They had taken the long way to Riften and were only now getting close. They decide to make camp for the night. The Keeper waved her hands and the tent set itself up. “Master, I have some questions. There is so much I don’t understand.” “That’s okay pet, you’re not meant to understand much. But what is your question?” The conversation didn’t really bother the Keeper, she had been human once too and to talk to someone, even it was someone in a magical thrall, was still nice on occasion. “Do you have a name? Something other than Master or Keeper?” The Keeper laughed, “Yes pet, I do have a name, although I haven’t used it a very long time. It’s Solmyrkva.” “Celine fumbled with the name, “Solmykiva…Solykvya…” “The keeper held up a hand. “Why not Kiva for short? But when we’re alone, it’s Mistress. Master seems odd.” Celine shook her head in agreement. “Okay, Kiva when we’re out and Mistress when we’re alone. Got it.” She was smiling ear to ear, overjoyed that her Mistress was happy with her. Kiva continued looking at Celine. “Pet, you said you had some questions? Is there another?” “Oh yes! I had forgotten.” Celine shifted nervously. “Well, you are all black and void-like. Why doesn’t anyone freak out when they see you?” Kiva stood up and went to the mouth of the tent. “Well, when I was a dragon priest, I was tricked by the ideal masters. My body was destroyed, and …this is too complicated for you. Basically, things in the Cairn can’t normally exist in Nirn and the ritual that bound me to Nirn caused me to look like this. However, normal humans just see me as a young girl. “This is normal humans see me.” Celine had a headache from trying to grasp it all. She also looked a bit sad. Kiva noticed her mood, “Pet, what’s wrong?” “I’m having trouble understanding. I used to be smart…I remember that.” Kiva consoled her, “You’re as smart as I need you to be.” Celine smiled, “Thank you Mistress.” Then she laid her head down and went to sleep. “Sleep well little pet. I have so many more plans for you but you have too many questions.” She called up a spell and blue fire filled her hand. She placed then placed her hand on Celine’s head. Celine let out a small sign. “Hopefully this is the last time I have to reduce your intellect.” Kiva stepped out of the tent and placed a protective shield over it. “There. No one will be able to see or enter the tent.” Then she went to a nearby village to ask about current events and plan her next move. Celine and Kiva resumed their trip to Riften. They arrived at the gate around noon. One of the guards stopped them. “Halt, before you enter the city, you have to pay the ta….” He squinted a bit before saying, “A kid and her mother. I can’t. Just forget the tax and go on in.” As they entered the city, a woman named Mjoll told them to be careful, that this wasn’t a good place for two young women alone. Kiva brushed her off and they walked around Riften for a long while. When night started to comem they headed to the inn. Kiva ordered some food and drink and the two enjoyed a nice meal. She noticed a couple of men kept looking over at Celine. “Looks like you have a couple of admirers pet,” she whispered. Celine blushed a bit but kept eating. “Oh, that gives me an idea,” Kiva said. She got up from the table and spoke to the two men. Celine was thoroughly confused. Then Kiva spoke to the innkeeper. She handed a small amount of coin and the innkeeper pointed upstairs. Kiva led Celine to a bedroom. “Okay pet, this room is yours. I’ll be right downstairs. When you’re finished, I’ll join you. “Finished?” Celine asked. “Yes, pet. You’re about to have some company. Several hours later, the two men came downstairs and left the inn. Kiva joined a very tired and worn out Celine. “Good job pet. Now we’re 500 gold richer.” Celine tried to get up but passed out. Kiva was about to lay down until she noticed the condition of Celine and the bed. She locked the door with a spell and rented the adjoining room instead. The next morning after a hot bath and breakfast. Kiva took Celine to a quiet spot by the lake. “I have some bad news,” she said. “Your husband Mani was found guilty of murder. Apparently, someone he was traveling with went on a killing rampage and Jarl Ulfric is blaming him since they can’t find the actual person.” Celine had been playing with the bones on Kiva’s armor the entire time. She hadn’t even processed the fact that Mani was in Skyrim as being noteworthy. “Mistress, I still love him, and I don’t want him to die, but I don’t want him to take me away from you either.” “Well, there is nothing I can do to get him out, but I could give you some time alone with him. Didn’t you tell me once that you wanted to have a child with him?” Celine nodded her head. “Well pet, I think you should. We’re heading to Windhelm. Lets go. The Blackreach Experiments Part 11 - Trouble Brewing Celine and Kiva arrived in Kynesgrove around late night. People were still frightened about a dragon that flew off from an area north of the city. Oddly enough, it didn’t bother to attack the town. It did fly off with a larger dragon though. Celine was full of questions about the dragon, which all came off as childish. The innkeeper everything she could. Kiva rented a room from the innkeeper and dragged Celine with her. As they got ready for bed, Kiva told Celine, “Listen, you can’t keep walking around in those fancy clothes. First off, they’re starting to smell, second people will assume you have high status and may ask you questions. You need to avoid that.” “Yes Mistress. What did you have in mind?” Celine asked. “Yes pet. Take this priest’s robe. You’ll need it.” Kiva spent the day asking about shift changes, guard positions, and how often priests were allowed into the prison. Since she looked like a child to all normal folk, she just seemed like an over inquisitive child. ****Later that night**** Celine made her way to the dungeons. Thanks to the Kiva’s instructions, she was able to walk in, under the guise of being a priest come to pray for the condemned. Celine turned to the guard, “Would you mind leaving me alone? It is fitting that his last words be between the gods and himself.” “Yes priestess, take all the time you need. The other guards are betting on a…I mean, have a rousing devotional going. I’ll be in the guardhouse if you need me.” With that, the guard departed and Celine made her way to the cells. She used a special spell that Kiva had imbued on her amulet. It would send her into the cell and back out again. She passed between the bars into Mani’s cell with just the thought. Mani realized someone was in his cell and quickly rolled over. “Celine! How did you get here?! Are you okay?” “I’m fine dear, I heard what happened and I came here to see you.” Celine said. “Dear, what is wrong with your eyes?” Mani had noticed how odd they looked. “Nothing dearest. Now, you wanted to have a child with me. Now is your chance.” Celine undressed and quickly removed Mani’s clothing. He was taken back by his wife’s sudden bluntness. “Dear, this isn’t like you. Besides now isn’t the best time to have a child.” “This is the last chance I will get to have a child by you darling.” “Says who.” Mani retorted. “Mistress. She told me your execution is pending. She made sure I got here before it happened.” Mani noticed how blank eyes looked, like there wasn’t very much going on behind them. “Who is this mistress anyway? Besides you need to protect the Dragonborn to make sure the future doesn’t turn out like it did.” The entire time, Celine had been orally pleasing him. She knew what he liked and was doing all of it. She stopped for a second to say, “Mistress Kiva worries about my future now. She is all I need. I am safe my love.” Then she got back to work. Mani felt defeated seeing his wife like this and gave in to her demand for sex. He was simply too aroused to say no, besides this was probably a dream. The sex seemed like the best they’d ever had. Celine was like an animal and it seemed to be rubbing off on Mani. All he could think about was burying his cock inside of her and unloading it. As soon as he came he heard a muffled scream from Celine, then he felt exhaustion come over him. His vision started to blur and he passed out. Celine dressed herself and clutched the amulet. She vanished from the cell, leaving Mani exhausted and naked on the cell floor. She reappeared right where Mistress said she would. ****Back at the inn **** “Did it go well?” Kiva asked. “Yes Mistress, it was amazing.” Celine still had a smile on her face.” Well, good job pet. Now we just have to wait and see if it took. ****About a week later, in Riften**** Kiva had managed to work out a deal with the Jarl of Riften to purchase the Honeyside house. She told them Celine was her mother, that she had been injured protecting her, and they desperately needed a place to stay. Kiva displayed some of her magical talent and told the Jarl some of the spells she could do. She even displayed knowledge of alchemy and enchanting to the court mage. Between the sob story and the display of magical talent/knowledge, the Jarl granted them the right to live in the city. As they were leaving the Jarl’s hut, she heard Jarl Lawgiver say, “I’ve never seen a child with so much talent. She’ll be someone important one day.” The two women settled into their new home for their first night’s sleep. Celine drifted off first. Kiva walked up to her with a spell charged in her hand. “Pet, you’ve been too helpful to turn into mindless cattle. I’ll leave a bit of you in there.” She laid her hand on Celine’s head. Her body shuddered for a moment, but she stayed fast asleep. The Blackreach Experiments Part 12 - Sources of Power ****Several months later, the civil war had ended with the help of the Dragonborn, the Empire had been victorious, and General Tullius had come to assign a new Jarl, Maven Blackbriar. **** On this morning, like most others, Celine and Kiva sat down to breakfast together. To everyone in Riften, Kiva was a thirteen year old girl taking care of her mentally impaired mother. Only Celine could see her for what she was and she didn’t care. She loved her Mistress. Kiva had taken a job as apprentice court mage. She made enough to pay for everything they would need. Due to Celine’s pregnancy, there were several ladies in the city that came to check up on Celine while Kiva was working. The ladies would often take Celine to the orphanage to see the children. Constance didn’t mind looking after her and since Grelod died mysteriously, it was a much nicer place. Kiva arrived at the Jarl's court. Imperial soldiers were everywhere. “Excuse me, I need to get past,” she said as she pushed through the crowd of soldiers. General Tullius looked down at her, “This is no place for children, you need to go home.” “But I work here, I’m the apprentice court mage,” she stated. General Tullius looked at her dubiously. “Really, I’ll show you where I work. There are some things in there you need to see,” she made a face as she spoke and the General decided to follow her. In her lab, she pulled out some scraps of paper and scrolls. “You can’t let Maven know I showed you these. They show many of her dealings with the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood. If they know about this, they’ll kill me.” The General reached out for them. Kiva stared him in the face, “Promise me this is our secret, okay?” He nodded, “Of course.” As he was reading over them, his face changed from shock to outrage. The papers linked Maven to murders and robberies all across Skyrim. General Tullius stormed out the room, sword in hand, shouting for the guards. Kiva waited inside the lab until Tullius left. “Hehe, one problem down. ” A few hours later, Maven was in chains, being escorted out of Riften. Jarl Lawgiver was allowed to keep her position and the city guard was able to stay as well. Only a small detachment of Imperial soldiers remained. Kiva had most of her plans in place. She would regain a human body soon but she had to plan carefully. She had contracted out to the Dark Brotherhood to kill Wylandriah, the current court mage, Celine was almost ready, and with the Blackbriars out of the way, she had an abandoned house for the ritual. No one was even on to her. "This child's body is the perfect disguise," she chuckled. ****Several months earlier, deep inside Blackreach**** Celes had been learning all she could from the strange Dwemer machines. She finally understood a portion of this place's purpose and of the experiments the mages had been running. The power the mages were using came from an old soul engine. There were only two soul engines that she could find and her best guess was they were powered by dragon souls. One engine was with her and it was powering her lab. When she went to investigate the other engine, she found Alduin! He was feeding it energy. After he left, she did some snooping around. The engines were identical, but this one had something extra. A conduit leading out! Back in her lab, she traced the flow of energy to the various holds of Skyrim. In her mind, she connected the dots. “It was an elaborate diversion! Alduin distracted the mages so they wouldn’t be researching the dragons….” She sent some automatons to dismantle the device. With it out of the picture, the mages would run out of the strange magical energies to study. The distraction would end and the mages would turn their attention back to the dragons. A few days later, while uncovering an old lab, she found a set of aetherium armor, it wasn’t fully powered but that wasn’t hard. She started the process of charging it. It had apparently been built or modified by similar Dwemer ruins. One of the things she learned from the Great Machine was how to control Dwemer constructs. She had placed several small mechanical spiders near the major cities. Most people didn’t even seem to mind them being around. She caught the gossip from a group of guards near Windhelm. They spoke about a man, wearing strange armor that sounded just like her aetherium armor. “He’ll be executed at the end of the week. They’re making a big deal of it. The only thing that would save him is if that blue skinned woman would make a return, but I don’t see that happening,” “Blue skinned woman? They must mean Arissa. She’s the only blue skinned woman I’ve seen. Hmm, and this stranger, I can’t let him die before I know how he got that armor.” Celes grabbed some gear and headed toward the hidden exit shaft. ****Windhelm, the day of the execution**** Celes arrived in town and headed straight for the palace. She ran up to the guards closet to the prison. “Please you have to help me! There’s this blue skinned woman slaughtering Kynesgrove! She’s insane!” In very short time, half the city guard was rushing to Kynesgrove. Celes had very little time. She easily made her way to Mani’s cell. “You’re Mani? The one they’re going to kill?” “Yes, I’m…” Celes cut him off, “Okay good. Be quiet, follow directions and you’ll live.” He nodded in agreement. The two made their way out of the dungeon. As soon as they got out, she called a group of constructs to attack the main gate as a diversion. The gate clear and even better, a blizzard was rolling in. They climbed down the bridge under the cover of the blizzard. The two snuck away from the city and headed back to Celes lab. Back in Blackreach, Mani told Celes about his mission, his wife, how he got set up, and his plan to get revenge on Arissa. “Well, a time travelling Jarl, that’s new,” she said mockingly. But as she thought about it. She recalled the legend of how Elder Scrolls can move through time..... “Hmmm.... I found some plans for a device that may do it. I haven’t researched them yet. As for your wife, I met her and she seemed fine, but that was a while ago. The armor is an interesting story. I just charged it.” Celes handed him the set of Aetherium Armor, fully charged. His story, while outlandish, made a strange kind of sense. “This looks like my armor I came here with,” Mani said. “Well, I think it is You just haven't fdound it yet.” Celes said. “You see, I was going to move my research on the device and the armor up to a lab in Blackreach. I think in the future, you found my research.” During the conversation, Celes changed back to her mechanical form. Mani stared at her, “I have to ask. Are you a dwemer machine or human?” “Well, I’m a bit of both now.” She explained her encounter with the device and her transformation. After a few hours of discussion, Mani asked about the Dragonborn. “Well, I bet he’ll be doing quite well against the dragons. You see, I activated all Dwemer automatons and gave them one target, the dragons. They won’t move too far from the Dwemer ruins but they have a very large area covered. The dragons will be hard pressed to fight Imperial soldiers, the Dragonborn, automatons, and centurions. I’ve also managed to activate some larger ones that are now patrolling near the cities. “Celes, why, when…” she interrupted him. “The why is because Alduin tricked us all with the energy he was sending to the mages and now that I know that, I can do something. The when, was right before I saved you. I can communicate with Dwemer constructs if you were wondering." “Thank you,” Mani said. “You’re welcome,” Celes replied. Now, let’s see if we can find that wife of yours.” Celes looked at something that could best be described as a scroll with constantly shifting text. After a few hours, She had some results. She led Mani to a connecting room. They entered a large chamber. “This is the Reformation Chamber. Don’t worry, I’m not going to alter you. This is also our exit. Up there.” Stand here, but get ready, the spell is a bit jolting the first time.” Celes slowly lifted off the ground in front of him. Mani stepped onto the spot and his feet lifted off the ground. “By Talos! I’m flying!” Mani yelled excitedly. He felt his body being lifted and then gaining speed toward the surface. They suddenly picked up speed and soared toward the opening, up toward the surface. An excited scream from Mani echoed in the chamber as they ascended. The Blackreach Experiments Part 13 - Sacrifices **** A few months after General Tullius departed Riften **** Celine had recently gone missing and Jarl Lawgiver had come to speak to Kiva. “Please, Jarl Laila Lawgiver, if you find anything out about my mother let me know. I don’t want to lose her too.” Laila looked down at Kiva with pity. “Kiva dear, we’ll do everything we can to find her. And don’t worry, even without your mother, you can still live here. Plenty of people around here will look after you. “Thank you Laila. It means a lot.” Kiva said through sobs. Laila was almost in tears herself. “Come here child.” Laila stretched out her arms to hug Kiva. “I have some good news. General Tullius was extremely impressed with the documents you gave him and so was I. He wants you to come live in Solitude and work in the palace. I’ll have Mjoll escort you there if you decide to, but know you are always welcome here." “What about my mom?” Kiva asked. Laila looked into her eyes, “I’m sure we’ll find her by then but if not, you’ll be fine. Solitude will be better for you I think. It will help you get your mind off of things. Anyway, you’ve been through a lot. Think it over.” Kiva nodded her head. Laila excused herself and left quietly. Kiva, now alone sat in front of the fire. “Hehe, that went better than expected. Soon I can complete the ritual.” She was almost giddy with excitement. Everything in the city was going normally since Maven was arrested. No one had heard a word about her other than she had been shipped off to Cyrodil to answer for her crimes. With the rebellion over, many Stormcloaks laid down arms. Imperial and Dawnguard ranks in Skyrim swelled. The biggest news was now the war against the dragons. No one knew why the Dwemer constructs turned on the dragons but they had pushed them all the way back to Skuldafn and most fled Skyrim completely. **** Around the same time, inside the Bannered Mare **** “I’m sorry Mani, but with the war, it’s been almost impossible to get to the eastern side of Skyrim.” “I know, but the battle is moving to Skuldafn so we should be able to make it to Riften starting tomorrow. They both agreed to leave early in the morning and went to their separate rooms. **** North of Riften **** A legion of soldiers were preparing for the journey to Skuldafn. The dragonborn was as ready as he was going to be and the Empire was not about to let him go alone. Patrolling nearby was a Dwemer automaton. They did such a good job patrolling that no dragons dared attack the armies gathering. Several mages had gotten together and built an airship from parts found in Solstheim. It would ferry the troops to Skuldafn and after victory, it would be used to keep a constant garrison there. In the distance, the soldiers could see their ride approaching. The Dragonborn was on board as well, having recently learned the dragonrend shout from a meeting with a moth priest. After the solders boarded the airship, it ascended toward Skuldafn. **** At a quiet spot by Lake Ilinalta **** Arissa was pondering the direction her life had taken. She came here because of a shipwreck. This wasn't even her world as far as she knew. She’d killed to get back home and now she was this…monstrosity. She couldn’t go to anyone for help without them attacking and she couldn’t even try for revenge. To add insult to injury, her magical armor vanished along with her ice powers when Alduin discarded her. The dragon skin was still slowly creeping up her body. “When will the changes stop,” she sobbed quietly. **** Skuldafn **** The soldiers were just now arriving and already the battles were fierce and bloody. The airship was heading back to gather more troops and soon reinforcements would pour in. Dozens were dying but they were cutting a bloody swath to the top of the ruins. At the top they discovered an active portal to Sovengarde. The Dragonborn was the first to leap into the portal. "FOR SKYRIM!" For being the land of the dead, it was far more peaceful than he imagined. He made his way down a path until he came to a bridge of bone and a guardian. After defeating the guardian he was granted access to Shor’s Hall. The inside was splendid and filled with the spirits of great heroes. He emerged with three heroes of legend. At the end of the bridge were a host of soldiers that made it through the portal. Together, they battled Alduin. The fighting was fierce. The spirits in Shor’s Hall would have much company today. After a long battle, Alduin was defeated. His scales exploded from his body, burst by the eruption of power that laid within. The guardian was extremely displeased that so many mortals had made their way into Sovengarde. “Mortals should not be here, never in such number. However, you have vanquished a great evil today. I will send all of you back to Nirn but the portal will be sealed.” **** On the Ilinalta lakeside **** Arissa could feel a huge burden lifted from her. Somehow, she knew that Alduin was defeated. She felt like she could finally relax. **** At the abandoned Black Briar Estate **** The sounds of childbirth echoed throughout the building. Kiva had cast a muffle spell around the estate so no one outside would hear anything. Celine’s labor lasted a few hours. Once the delivery was complete, Kiva wrapped the baby in a cloth and laid it on the floor. She placed her hands on the child to stop her from crying. Kiva stood over the child, dagger in hand. She started reciting a spell in a daedric tongue. “MOLAG BAL LORD OF DOMINATION ACCEPT THIS SACRIFICE. A PURE SOUL OF AN INFANT TAKEN FROM ONE WHO TRUSTS ME ABOVE ALL ELSE LET ME REGAIN MY HUMAN FORM AND WEAR THIS ILLUSION NO LONGER.” She heard a deep voice all around her. “Very well, we have an accord.” Kiva thrust the dagger into the child. The crying stopped. She pulled the bloody dagger out and stabbed herself to complete the ritual. She awoke on the floor, next a pile of ash that had been the child. Kiva walked over to Celine who was still on the table, exhausted. “Mistress…my baby?” “There is no child, pet. Don’t concern yourself with that now. Rest.” Celine didn’t have much choice, her body was too weak to do anything. She closed her eyes. She was sad, but she couldn’t figure out why.” Blue fire engulfed Kiva’s hand. “Thanks to you pet, I know have an immortal body. But what to do with you? You have been far too useful a pet to discard. I’m going to keep you around.” “Now. Forget your pain, your sadness, your friends and enemies, your knowledge, your desires, your hopes and fears. Retain only what you need to be my pet.” Sometime later, Celine woke up at home. “Good morning Pet.” Kiva said. “How did we get back home Mistress?” “Well, we’re not at home. This is a replica of our old house. I have a new job in Solitude but don’t worry. I’ll take you with me, in fact we’re here now. Step outside and you’ll see.” Kiva walked to the door and seemed to teleport out. When Celine opened the door, she found herself in a massive bedroom. “I must be the size of a child’s doll.” “A little smaller actually.” Kiva’s voice was loud and had an odd echo to it. Kiva was kneeling next to the house. “This is your new life Pet. Everything you need is in the house. You can’t leave the table though.” Celine just nodded her head dumbly. Kiva sat down and asked. “Is there anything you want me to bring you Pet?” Celine thought for a second. “I want Mani….I miss him. He’ll be happy here with us right?” “Yes Pet, he will. I’ll see if I can locate him.” Now, you have a good day Pet. I have to report to the castle to start my new job. Kiva waved good bye to her Pet. As she was walking toward the castle she thought, “I always love getting new things. Maybe I’ll get her a collar with a little bell. I bet I can find some cute doll clothes in town…” she continued that line of thought all the way to the castle. The Blackreach Experiments Part 14 - Dwindling Fire Celes and Mani arrived at Riften. Only Celes entered since it probably wasn’t safe for Mani. “Okay, from what I learned, Celine was living here with her daughter but I didn’t think you had kids,” Celes said. “We don’t.” Mani was confused. “Something isn’t right. Last time I saw her, she was talking about a mistress and her eyes were glazed over.” “Hmm, she could be in some sort of thrall. They mentioned her daughter got a job in Solitude. Let’s head there next.” Mani agreed with Celes and they both set off toward Riften. **** About a day later, in Riverwood **** Celes and Mani decided to get some supplies before heading to Solitude. Mani was staring off toward the distance, “I’ve always loved this town. It’s so peaceful and relaxing.” “Me too. It’s one of the few places I can be in my mechanical form without people freaking out. You know, I think that…HURMPH.” Mani turned around and saw an assassin’s blade impaling Celes. Before he could react, the assassin tossed her into the water. He turned his attention to Mani and said some kind of spell. He couldn’t breath and his vision started to fade, then his world went dark. Mani woke in a strange house. He rolled over and saw his wife! “Celine! How did I get here? What are you wearing? Where are we? She crawled to Mani, “Darling, I’ve missed you. We’re in a replica of the house I lived in while Mistress and I stayed in Riften. Isn’t it nice?” “Dear, we need to leave. We can’t stay here.” “Sure we’ll leave but first, a present.” Celine handed Mani a necklace and insisted that he take off his shirt and put it on. He removed his shirt and put on the amulet to satisy his wife then he looked at her impatiently, “Now lets go. We need…to…what was I saying?” “I don’t know dear, you were not making much sense. Let me show you around the house.” “Yes dear, let’s have a look around.” **** Lake Ilunalta **** Arissa was flying over the lake when she noticed Celes washed up against the shore. She flew down and pulled Celes somewhere secluded. If she was careful, she could blame Alduin for her actions and maybe find some redemption. After all, without his influence, she would never have done such horrid things. Celes looked up weakly, “Are you going ….to kill me?” Arissa replied, “I’m sorry for attacking you. Alduin corrupted me but I’m free of him now. I’ll get you somewhere safe.” Arissa laid Celes down gently. Celes looked into Arissa’s eyes and weakly said, “I need…. There is a place… Blackreach lab… so tired.” **** Sometime later **** Arissa found a lab in Blackreach. Hopefully it was the right one. It had two large glass tubes and lots of machinery. Celes eyes opened briefly and mumbled. “Inside…tube…sleep. Thank you.” She motioned to some buttons and pressed a few then Arissa placed her in the tube and she seemed to float and then stop. It was like time had paused for her. Arissa guessed it was some kind of stasis or restoration spell, maybe both. She climbed into the other tube and joined Celes in her long slumber. **** A few months later**** Kiva had been using the Pelagius Wing for magical experiments. It was the perfect place to practice without being seen. Although, oddly enough, she always felt watched even though all the rooms were empty. “Was someone just here? Nah, it’s just my imagination,” Kiva thought. She turned her attention back to her spells. “I’ll rule this place before anyone has a chance to stop me. I have all this time in the world.”
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