Chapter 25
Shattered crystals and old tomes floated slowly around the place. The perilous bridge, made of black glass went across the bottomless chasm. The bridge had a gap in the middle. The ruins of broken towers were in the distance. Ciel’nn knew they were somewhere in Oblivion and he stared at the grinning, glimmering yellow eyed but relaxed Daedra across the bridge. He didn’t knew this one — it wasn’t Marquis to be sure, or he’d be already dead.
The sounds of time distortion was heard near by and time seemed to be stopped. Ciel’nn narrowed his eyes when the Daedra spoke to him, “You’re running out of time, mortal.” He looked at the bridge warily and hesitated. Why should he trust this Daedra? Ciel’nn crossed his arms on his chest, showing defiance.
The ground shook abruptly…
Ciel’nn limped slowly towards the gates of Falkreath. His leg still ached, but it was better, though he’d preferred a healer. Each step caused him a pain spike. He thought briefly where the Nord might had gone. Bet, he’s gone home. Good riddance! I don’t need him. It was a lie, but he didn’t admit it. He had been alone before and traveling while being wounded was slow, though. What’s the rush anyway? He puffed out his cheeks as he approached the guards.
“There he is!” The female guard gasped and rushed over to the Dunmer. She didn’t have a helm on her head. “Are you hurt? Let me help you!” she said as she took Ciel’nn’s half weight on her as she had seen he had trouble with walking. “There was a young man looking for you last night.”
“Thank you, sera. He was?” Ciel’nn let out a groan. The Nord was there after all and he didn’t know what to think about it. “I need to see Runil.” He took a deep breath.
“Why did he leave you behind? Such a handsome elf. I’d let him hear his honor if I were you.” The guard replied. “Alright, I’ll take you to Runil. My name is Ginlan Green-cleave.”
Ciel’nn wasn’t sure if the guard woman tried to flirt with him, but he let out a chuckle. Nord women were strong indeed, as he was told once. This guard was strong— she almost carried him. “Ciel’nn. I left him behind. An argument.” He explained as they approached the graveyard and Runil’s house.
“An argument, huh?” Ginlan said while she held the Dunmer and knocked the priest’s door with her other hand. “I hope you’ll be alright, Ciel’nn.” She smiled at him.
Ciel’nn gave her a return smile even as he knew he wouldn’t alright for a long time. He heard the door opening and Runil looked at them thoughtfully.
“You must be Ciel’nn. Come in. Ginlan, would you be so kind to get the healer here. Thank you.” Runil said and helped the Dunmer into a chair while Ginlan marched to find a healer. “A young man came here, asking for you last night. Mind telling me what’s going on?” he asked in a calm tone. His eyes were peaceful and understanding.
Ciel’nn bit his lip. This was going to be tougher than he had though. “We had an argument. I ran away… he doesn’t understand what I’m going through.” He said in a low tone, casting his eyes down. “But, that’s not the reason why I’m here. You see— “
A Nord woman stormed into Runil’s house. “I am healer Rissan. Let me help you.” She said, closing the door. Rissan stepped in front of Ciel’nn as Runil gave her space to work. “This looks nasty. Thankfully it’s a normal cut wound. I can heal it.” She explained, removing the bandage. “Try to relax. This will take some time.”
Ciel’nn nodded and took a deep breath. He needed to think what to tell Runil and how. His leg started to feel better— Rissan must be as good as Danica at Whiterun. He paused his thoughts for a moment and waited to see if he felt strange, but there was nothing ominous, at least not yet. That was a good sign and the Dunmer relaxed more.
The door opened again and the young warrior stepped in. He saw the Dunmer sitting there, being healed. For a second he wanted to say something, but he kept his mouth shut. Ciel’nn was giving him the hurt face, and he saw the Dunmer crossing his arms on his chest before looking away. Rangalen had been worried but he had mixed feelings about the situation. “Could you close the door, boy?” Runil asked him, and he did so— after going out first.
Ciel’nn grumbled something in dunmeric and looked at Rissan, who had finished her work. “Thank you, sera.” Ciel’nn smiled briefly. “Now, try not to get injured for a while, alright?” he heard her saying to him, before tapping his shoulder and leaving the house.
“Could you ask the boy back in, Rissan?” Runil asked before Rissan managed to leave. He wanted to solve the tense atmosphere around these two younglings.
“Of course, Runil. I’ll send him right in.” Rissan replied and closed the door after her.
Once Rangalen had come back, they sat in separate chairs. Ciel’nn didn’t look at him while the young warrior himself kept his eyes somewhere where he didn’t see the mer. It was already awkward as it was. He hoped he didn’t need to talk at all.
Runil had taken only short time to prepare to talk to them. These two boys were like children to him, they needed his guidance — Arkay’s guidance to be precise, and that Runil was going to give them. He looked at each of them in turn, and shook his head. “Alright, children, start from the beginning. Arkay has time for all.”
Ciel’nn tried to explain what happened in the barrow and how he had been scared. In turn, Rangalen started blaming him for a murder and cold blooded torture which caused the Dunmer look even more crushed. “That was unforgivable! I want an explanation! Now.” the young warrior shot at the Dunmer, then he went on how he couldn’t accept that kind of behavior.
Runil listened to them and sighed. He frowned at Rangalen’s attitude while he felt concern for the Dunmer. “Listen now, children. Life’s too short to have a long term argument. Ciel’nn here, has went through an quite ordeal and would appreciate your support. You do things when you want to protect someone you care for. No one is a saint, Rangalen. Take me for an example; I have done things I regret. Horrible things.”
Ciel’nn had been quiet after the Nord’s outburst and truly felt he was alone. Maybe it was true; Nords cared only for themselves. “I can’t give you an explanation. Not yet!” he managed to say and waited what Rangalen might say this time. He expected another outburst. At least Runil didn’t judge him. He just couldn’t tell the Nord what he had been through, not yet. It was even difficult to try. If only he’d stop blaming it on him.
“Oh, yeah? But he’s a Dunmer! They can do horrible things, too. I’ve read a few books. He should— “ the young warrior burst again.
“By Azura! What should I do, Rang!” Ciel’nn shouted, feeling his blood taking the heat. Stupid Nord! “You don’t tell a Dunmer what to do!” he hissed in a low tone.
“Enough, children!” Runil boomed, standing up. “I’d suggest you remain calm as you came to me asking help. If you can put that argument behind you and solve it later by yourself, then shall we get down the matter?” He looked sternly at the young warrior, who finally ought to be quiet. Runil noticed the Dunmer calming down and taking a deep breath. That’s good. “Now tell me about your problem, Ciel’nn.” he said as he sat back down on his own chair.
The Dunmer told him about the taint that Danica had found out. He also told how it had had an effect on her. When Ciel’nn mentioned The Dremora Lord hunting him, too — it made Runil frown deeper and sadness reflected from his eyes. He noticed the young warrior had gone silent and serious. Good. This wasn’t a trifling matter for the immature children. I may be old, but I should be able to help. The young mer was quiet and looked at him expectedly. “Come, sit in front of the shrine, Ciel’nn. I’ll do what I can.”
Runil was calm as the grave when he began to reach for Ciel’nn and beyond him. He was devoted to help this Dunmer as he raised his arms up and he began to chant for Arkay. The old mer closed his eyes. “I seek your guidance to help this mer. Arkay, heed my plead and aid us on this journey.” He kept chanting while Ciel’nn breathed heavily, being anxious — what if the priest experiences the same as Danica?
It was dark everywhere and in the middle of it appeared a wisp of light — Arkay’s wisp of light. It floated in its place for a moment and began to shift and emitted light on its path. For a while the darkness seemed to be endless until it became clear and turned into a red and daedric atmosphere. It had a strong feeling to it, like chains attached to something and those didn’t break even if how hard you tried to pull them. The wisp of light pushed onward even if it felt it being pressed down before it saw the giant empowered daedric runes in front of it. The light it was emitting became stronger and brighter.
“Arkay’s embrace will not be shunned!” Ciel’nn heard the priest shouting in anger. He felt more anxious and his heart was racing like crazy and he glanced at Rangalen, who was pale as snow. The young warrior glanced back at him, being scared to Oblivion. I wish I’d knew what was happening. Ciel’nn turned back to Runil, who now had a twisted face and he was saying something the Dunmer couldn’t understand.
The giant daedric runes were hard to break as the wisp of light slammed itself on them. The glow on the runes resisted the light with all their given power. For a long time, it looked like its efforts were futile and in vain. Slowly the runes began to crack and melt until they shattered as the wisp of light slammed into them as if it was Arkay’s hammer breaking them into a dozen tiny flames before vaporizing into nothingness. Immediately a loud, furious scream mixed with a growl came from a distance — it echoed around the entire realm —where ever it was.
The priest of Arkay screamed as he stood as if he was in agony and fell on the floor, shaking and whimpering. Ciel’nn jolted up from his seat in fear that something had taken hold of Runil. He wanted to check on the priest but was frozen in his place. His leg still hurt, but at least he could stand now. “Rang… can… can you check on him?” Ciel’nn whispered, looking to the young warrior.
“I… I’ll try…” Rangalen mumbled, nearly shaking. He stepped close to the Priest and knelt down next to him, expecting something horrible to happen. “Runil…?” he asked, his voice was shaky. Thank the gods, he’s still breathing! He frowned when the priest grabbed his arm.
“Rangalen,” Runil breathed, “you take good care of your friend. You’re treading a dangerous path now, because…,” he paused for a breath, “…I have angered someone by helping Ciel’nn. I may have broken the runes, but Ciel’nn must find someone else to battle for what’s coming.” A single tear rolled out of his eye. “Tell him… that I’m sorry. For everything…Arkay watch over you, children…” Runil gave a weak smile before his eyes closed for the last time.
“Runil…?” Rangalen asked in disbelief as he shook the priest gently. “Troll’s blood, he’s dead…” he whispered. How in Oblivion can I explain all this to Ciel’nn? I don’t understand a word of what Runil had said. Rest in Arkay’s embrace, priest. I’ll do my best. He stood and turned to the Dunmer, who was waiting anxiously. “Ciel’nn, … Runil… is dead.”
Hearing the priest was gone, Ciel’nn stared at the Nord. At first he couldn’t think of anything that would make sense. His anxiousness shifted into something else. “What?” he choked. He couldn’t believe it, but he guess it wouldn’t be a surprise with the Daedra hunting him and all. “He wanted me to tell you something,” he heard the Nord saying. Ciel’nn watched Rangalen walking towards him with a serious expression. Where’s the anger you just had?
Placing his hand on the Dunmer’s shoulder, Rangalen looked into his friend’s eyes. “While he was able to speak, he mentioned some runes that he broke and that he angered someone.” He paused for a brief moment and frowned at Ciel’nn’s expression. “We need to find someone else who can help you to battle the angered one. Runil’s sorry for what he may have caused.”
What runes? Angered someone? Need someone else to battle this one? If they were able to kill a Priest of Arkay without entering Oblivion, then… Then… “He’s sorry?! Do you know what this means, Rang!” Ciel’nn exclaimed. “It means the powers of Oblivion can swoop down at any time and I’m going to die while no one can do ANYTHING about it!” He raised his fist and slammed it against Rangalen’s shoulder and hissed at the minor pain. “I’m going to die…” Ciel’nn slammed his head at the Nord’s chest. Ow! I don’t have a clue who this angered one is. “I can’t do this on my own, and you hate me.”
Seeing the Dunmer was going to lose it again, Rangalen wrapped his arms around his friend. He was still upset, but heck Runil had meant him to take care of Ciel’nn and put his disagreement behind him. It wouldn’t happen so soon since it was still fresh as a morning dew. “Shh, I don’t hate you. I just can’t forgive you yet. I need to know what you have been through. I promise, I’ll stay with you to the bitter end if it goes that far.” He whispered as he soothed the Dunmer’s back.
To the bitter end, huh? “Can we be… you know, together?” Ciel’nn asked while he tried to calm down. He knew it was a bit sudden to ask, but he needed to know.
The young warrior almost froze, but chuckled then, “Ciel’nn, I don’t swing that way or the other. Being friends with you is more than enough.”
Thwack!
“Was that…?” the young warrior wondered, frowning, alerted by the sound and let go of Ciel’nn.
“An arrow.” Ciel’nn replied, raising his head. “Are we alright now? I mean, I don’t mind.” Of course, he was surprised but it was worth to try — the Nord was handsome and all in Ciel’nn’s opinion. He’d accepted the friendship none the less. He barely had any friends left.
Rangalen nodded with a hint of a smile. “For now. We need to see what’s going on and tell Kust about Runil’s passing. Can you walk?”
Ciel’nn nodded back, “I think so, but not sure about fighting. I’m not staying here though!”
“All men to arms! We’re under attack!”
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No time to take a breath when there's a knock at the door....