บท 87: Chapter XXVIII: Research
I found the Daedric section of the library without much issue, really it was impossible to miss as there was a rather imposing glowing sign spelling out in no uncertain terms that everyone touching the books contained within does so on their own responsibility, with the usual warnings of what dealing with Daedra results in.
The books containing information on Meridia were bound in mesmerizingly glowing silver and gold, I quickly found the two I needed and got to work.
The first book was a rather small one and was simply named 'The Kilkreath Temple'.
It explained that the Grand Temple of Meridia was built long before Reman Cyrodiil took the ruby throne, upon Mount Kilkreath north-west of Solitude. Most sources agree that the temple was constructed as a covenant between the Daedric Prince and the leader of an ancient order of vampire hunters going by the Dawnguard, the goal of said covenant is widely agreed to be the containment of the ancient Volkihar clan and its influence to a small island north of Haafingar.
So the Volkihar are known even in literature? Makes one wonder why they weren't long exterminated if so...
The book goes on to state that it is believed that the temple is enchanted by its patron to send a weak but constant wave of solar energies toward the vampiric fortress in an attempt to contain the chosen of Molag Bal.
I had to hold back a facepalm upon reading this, it was wildly inefficient, but unfortunately that was usually how these 'divine' contests went.
The temple was known throughout history as a center of healing and welcoming benevolence in Skyrim and was usually left alone by the reigning High King. It is unknown precisely why the temple fell into abandonment and disrepair, but the most accepted theory is that it was some kind of plot by the vampires to loosen the chains binding them to the island.
Not too much to use here unfortunately, but the solar aura does give me some ideas. I will have to get to the temple first to try anything, unfortunately.
I close the first book and carefully return it to its shelf. The second one is far larger and is named 'The Lady of Infinite Energies'. It is split into two sections, one talks of all recorded meetings with the Prince of Life, and the other speaks of the Prince herself.
Meridia is known to be one of the more morally good Daedra, usually associated with life and the sun as she is believed to be a fallen Magna-ge, basically a fallen star spirit. The reason she is considered to be a 'good Daedra', if such a thing even exists, is her hatred of the undead and willingness to reward those that lay the abominations to rest.
There is unfortunately a flip side to this as she is also known to be ridiculously self-righteous and prideful. Known among her enemies as the Lady of Greed and other less than flattering names, she is known to treat her servants as property and takes any form of defiance very badly. Her servants are also known to be granted a form of immortality, only at the minor cost of all their agency and free will, said servants can also be created willingly or not.
Thankfully the recorded meetings section informed me that as long as I was respectful and didn't do anything idiotic like advertising just how nice I would fit into her collection of slaves I would be able to get away with 'borrowing' her power to bash some undead... hopefully.
That will take some planning and just a bit of liquid courage, but I didn't accept a second life to cower in my tower, this fantastical kind of situation is what I live for!
Suddenly I feel the slightest shifting of the air to my right, and quickly close the book and position myself.
Not a moment later Savos appears, probably hoping I forgot about his shenanigans during my time away. Unfortunately for him instead of a frightened young mer, he is met with my half-lidded stare.
"Really Archmage?" I ask dryly.
He ignores my tone and takes a seat while casting a sound-isolating illusion spell around us, even he fears Urag, and for good reason.
Aren sighs dramatically "You grew up too quickly, you are no fun anymore."
I raise an eyebrow "I'd hope I arrived here all grown up, but you learn something new every day I guess."
"Eh, semantics" He waves me off.
I return the book on Meridia to its shelf and ask "Anything you needed from me Archmage?"
"So formal Reyvin." I stare and he waves me off again "Fine, I heard you came back in and upon hearing what you were doing got curious, that is all."
"Riiight totally doesn't have anything to do with whatever you are planning in the background." I drawl.
His smile is so innocent I think I should inform the guard just in case "I have not the tiniest idea what you are on about Reyvin. Why would I, the sole Archmage in Skyrim be interested in keeping the province safe and prosperous?"
I roll my eyes "I get that much, just not why you have to be all mysterious about it."
"Timing" He says succinctly.
"Huh" I blink "That actually makes quite a bit of sense..."
Now it is his turn to blink "It does? I was not aware you were versed in potential timeline observation."
I shrug "I don't need to be to understand what you are implying, but do remember I took some of Shalazar's lessons to heart."
He nods to himself "Excellent! That means I won't have to deal with a grouchy kid with too much power in his hands getting pissy with me because I don't give him all the information."
"How lucky for you" I drawl "But if I do find you kept something important from me and that results in me losing something I wouldn't want to, know that I will be far worse than merely grouchy."
He raises his hands in mock surrender "I wouldn't dare oh great and terrifying Lord of Dagoth."
"Naturally" I say with a raised nose and we both chuckle, after some silence I ask "For real now, what made the great Savos Aren leave his playground today?"
Savos smirks "I have been hiding away in my tower for far too long now, and I will be honest, whatever awaits in those caves is far above what you alone will be able to deal with." The smirk turns predatory "So Reyvin, the two of us will be going on one very enthusiastic walk once you get what you need from Meridia."
"Oh?" Seeing the Archmage in action? I would be an idiot to not be interested "Well, I guess that seeing what someone can do with too much time on their hands should be interesting." Is what I actually say.
Savos laughs and clutches his heart "Ah, to be underestimated so!"
I shrug "I guess you will just have to prove me wrong then."
I notice that it is already very late in the evening, reading through the large tomes wasn't a quick process after all "So, when should I tell them you will be coming?" I ask as I get up from my seat.
"I will be visiting the court tomorrow" He hums "Seeing the state of those fools is always refreshing and helps me to remind myself that some lives are worth far less than others."
"Less than yours?" I ask jokingly.
For the briefest of moments, I notice the mask fall off from Savos and glimpse the proud and powerful being behind, but he hides it near instantly and pretends to be appalled "As if I would ever consider something as sacred as the life of another to be below my own... You wound me."
"Uh huh" I say dumbly and he snorts "I guess I will be seeing you at court tomorrow, now time to make myself throw up via mark and recall again!"
As I am leaving I hear him mumble with my elven hearing "Did he forget the outer stabilizing circle?" He then cackles quietly "Oh no, I removed those to watch apprentices suffer kekeke"
I stumble and hear Savos laughing his ass off, I turn around with a lightning spell ready in my hand only to see no one in front of me and feel a hand grab my shoulder.
Slowly I turn my head to the side and see a grinning Urag holding me with an iron grip. I give him the most innocent smile I can muster but that just makes his own grin widen, the next thing I know I am being launched outside of the library and smashing into a wall.
"Good luck brat" I hear the orc snort.
Yeah, fuck you too Urag.
I see the Orc glaring at me while his mouth twists into a sadistic grin... "I said that out loud didn't I?" I ask carefully.
He nods slowly.
"Just" I slump "Just make it quick."
He did not make it quick.
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