Rastislav
patreon
Arc 8 Chapter CXVI: Apocryphal Aftershocks
🕑 Added 2025-04-14 23:37:31 +0000 UTC(Reyvin's POV)
I burst through the portal to Apocrypha, a fuming Minthara and a freshly nugget-ed vampire (who somehow survived) in my hands. I didn't even bother looking back before I slammed my foot into the edge of the portal and collapsed it, stopping the wave of inky destruction from following us outside.
As I slowly let my fuming wife stand, I was taken by a profound sense deja vu, it took me exactly one nanosecond to decide upon the wisest course of action 'Yup, I am not dealing with that right now.'
Nodding to myself for my endless wisdom I was just about to attempt to put my plan into motion and redirect the conversation when Savos, the traitor, cleared his throat and spoke "Uhm, Reyvin."
All too happy to turn away from my ensuing doom I faced him "What?" My voice coming out as an irritable rasp, even as I tried to control it.
His eyes flickered across me as he once more cleared his throat "You appear to be... flaking."
I looked down and lo and behold I was indeed shedding bits of ash "And so I do." Feeling another tug from my distant mountain phylactery I forced myself to look up, my hand subtly channeling restoration magic throughout my entire body "I will be fine."
He narrowed his eyes, rather obviously not all that reassured, but still slowly nodded "If you say so."
"Oh enough of that, if he says he is fine then he is fine." The grouchy voice of Neloth cut him off as he walked over to me, his posture holding a hint of aggression "What we really should be asking is what happened to make you destroy the portal to Apocrypha?"
Even in my current state, I could practically taste the fury hiding behind the old fart's usual mask of disdain "Awfully nice of you to show your concern for your sovereign's health, Master Neloth." I drawled the title mockingly and he scoffs "But I assure you, Apocrypha is no longer your concern."
Serana and Savos' eyes immediately widened in realization, while the rest of the lot seemed confused and doubtful in equal measure.
Neloth on the other hand only grew more furious.
"Not my concern?" He asks, dumbfounded, his face twisting as his control slipped "Not my bloody concern?!" He repeats in a hiss "I have spent over a century researching those accursed Black Books and now you have the temerity to tell me it is NOT MY CONERN!?"
The air cracked as his magic began saturating the air.
But sadly for the old fool, I was thoroughly done with today even before he decided to be an idiot "I am not dealing with you right now." I said simply and snapped my fingers.
Before he could so much as twitch, Neloth's face was distorted by a massive ebony gauntlet, Junior's punch snapping through his jaw as the force of it slammed the old elf into the floor.
"Finally." Akulakhan states.
"Heal him up if he isn't an idiot when he wakes up" I wave the entire situation away and turn back to the rest of them "Any actually pertinent questions?"
The group of Telvanni wizards all look like they want an entire lecture but they are all preempted by Nerevar who asks "Are we expecting any kind of counterattack?"
Unable to contain a snort I shake my head "No."
"Then you can tell us all you wish to after you've rested." He hides his disappointment well, directing a pointed stare at some of the more eager mages next to him.
"Right" I nod and kick the half-corpse below me "Oi, Serana." Said vampire perks up "This one is one of yours, do with him what you want."
"Thank you?" She blinks, clearly not recognizing the vampire.
'That narrows down his age somewhat.' I conclude and prepare to leave "We will discuss the events of the last few hours once I have dealt with the potential fallout." I pause and face the group of mages "Know that you have all done me a service, think carefully about the rewards you will ask for your work."
And without bothering to elaborate, I turn to the exit.
But sadly, the world ever continues to conspire against me as I feel a familiar hand land on my shoulder with just a bit too much force "And where do you think you are going mister?" The false cheer in Minthara's voice nearly makes me jolt in place.
"To contact my Daedric friends and ensure everything is in order of course" I respond without turning around "Can't be leaving things to chanc-"
"What you can't be doing." She cuts me off coldly "Is playing the tough guy while literally falling apart in front of everyone." Leaning in a bit closer she goes on "What you are going to do now is getting a good rest, and then we are going to have a nice and long conversation about secrets, understood?"
Finally I do turn around, and still at what I find. Below the cold stare and tone she was hiding behind was a veritable maelstrom of anger and worry, directed at anything and everything, and without the shadow of a doubt the product of my own behavior.
Finally done with my healing, I force down the knee-jerk response of just brushing it off, and let out a long exhale while slowly nodding "Fine, you are probably right." Nearly getting ended on multiple occasions had shaken me more than I expected.
She pretends to beam but the light twitch of her fingers as she stops her hands from curling up tells me more than enough about her own current mood.
Seeing how she could use a bit of her own medicine, I tug at her hand still holding my shoulder, using the surprise to grab onto her and immediately teleport us both to the guest rooms in Tel Mithryn.
The moment I so much as sat on the bed and allowed myself the slightest relaxation, I was already out cold.
(General POV)
Savos Aren, legally of no Great House, factually of House Dagoth, couldn't hep but chuckle wryly at the behavior of his grandson, shaking his head in amusement even as the hairs on his skin were still stood ramrod straight and goosebumps still spread across his body.
Everyone with any kind of connection to Oblivion, and many without, had sensed the agonized scream that precluded the trio's exit through the portal, and inevitably the whole of Nirn would know something had happened before the day was out.
He and the rest of the 'taskforce' as Reyvin had named them, had the distinct pleasure of hearing and seeing much, much more than the rest of the world would ever find out.
"So..." Marwyn broke the silence they were left in "Are we all going to pretend they didn't just come back from murdering a Daedric Prince and go on with our days or...?" As if to enunciate his words, the ashes that fell off of Reyvin's body disappear as if they were never there.
Instead of outrage, the words merely caused those unused to Reyvin's modus operandi to grow thoughtful, holding within them just enough doubt not to immediately decry the statement as the lunacy it would usually be.
As they all considered the idea, Savos turned to Vahlok, hoping to gleam something from the ancient man. Sadly, the floating Dragon Priest seemed perfectly content to listen in, showing nothing as he remained utterly still in his dark corner.
"As much as I respect our Hortator and his spouse." Vels Karvanni spoke up carefully "I find the idea he slew Hermaeus Mora of all creatures to be... difficult to believe."
"And why not?" Marwyn asked, seemingly entertained by the idea "Both of them are already godslayers, are they not?"
Karvanni blinked "Well yes but Mora-"
"Is not the devourer of the world." Marwyn rose a skeletal finger "But a creature focused with gathering secrets instead of combat power, bringing him down seems much more plausible than killing Alduin of all things."
The masked helm of Nerevar turns to the lich as the ancient one snorts "Saying that in a room full of mages doesn't have nearly the same effect as you seem to think it does."
"Fair" The undead nods "But, the thought does raise some interesting questions does it not?"
"Even so" An old Telvanni lady wearing robes Savos dearly hoped were not actually made from bronze Argonain leather spoke up "We will not find out the truth by speculating like children." She gives Marwyn a pointed look, letting him know his undeath did not fool her for a second "What we do know is that they entered Apocrypha with the intent of bringing down Miraak, caused all manner of ruckus, and emerged victorious. If they have achieved more than that we will either be told or we will find out when the rest of the world does."
Annoyed at his shitstirring being interrupted, Marwyn went to speak again but the conversation was suddenly interrupted by a scream of pain that drew all of them to the twitching form of Neloth, eyes wide awake and shot with blood, and jaw still very much not attached to the rest of his face.
"Oh" Savos reached for his belt "We forgot to heal him."
Outside of everyone's sight, Akulakhan patted the satchel hanging off his side 'Whoops.' The automaton thought, fooling no one.
----
(Reyvin's POV)
As it had been for months now, my consciousness returns to me in an instant, dreamless sleep transitioning into full lucidity with no delay. Most of my ability to focus was back, even if I felt I could still sleep for a good full day before I was back to full strength.
The reason for my premature awakening? A series of merciless pokes directed at my cheek.
"Really?" I deadpan.
"Couldn't sleep" My assailant mumbles and pokes me harder "If only someone knew why that is." She seemed a fair bit more relaxed than before, even if some tension still remained.
Sighing, I roll to my side and flick the offending finger away before it can poke me in the eye.
For an awkward moment, I considered attempting to justify myself to her but paused as I realized that would just be more avoidance, and avoidance was not what was needed right now.
And so instead, I simply closed my eyes and said "Sorry."
"Sorry?" She prompts, voice still edged with frustration.
Once again, I let out a sigh "Sorry for being a cunt and hiding the fact I could survive even if the fucker killed me, I should have told you in advance."
"At least you know when you are wro-" She pauses and immediately sits up "Hold on a second, what was that about surviving being killed?"
Chuckling to myself, I snap my fingers, teleporting out of the bed and stretching before summoning a steaming cup of coffee and sitting on a nearby armchair.
Seeing me waiting for her to do the same, Minthara pouts "But I am comfy."
"And so was I" I smirk "Until someone decided to interrupt my beauty sleep."
She grumbles, a lot, but inevitably gives in, and soon we are both seated, an expectant look on her face and an mildly reluctant one on mine "So?" She asks.
"Where to begin?" I mutter and immediately see her perking up "Don't you dare, that is my shtick!"
"Don't worry, you can keep your stupid jokes" She leans over and pats my head faux condescendingly before her eyes sharpen "But do start talking before I start taking my revenge."
And so I do.
Extensively.
Almost a full hour later, Minthara slumps back into her seat, a thoughtful look on her face "Ehlnofey, huh?" She gives me a look I couldn't quite identify "Looks like both of us aren't what we used to be anymore."
"A dragon and an earth bone before it earthboned." I quipped "What a pair we make."
She fails to hold back a snort, glaring at me as I chuckled.
"Anyway." I turn a bit more serious "The reason I wasn't so eager to talk about it was that I didn't want to rely on the fact I can't die unless some very specific conditions are met, it was an ace up my sleeve, and one I decided to pull once I realized Mora was more powerful than I expected-" I pause and frown "Or I hoped he would be. I assure you, it wasn't some sick trick of mine."
"Not this time, eh?" She narrows her eyes.
"Harsh." I note and face her fully "But yes, I did not plan on using my 'death' to manipulate you or play with your feelings, it was simply me acting in the moment. The fight with Mora lasted barely ten minutes, and that didn't leave us with much time for maneuvering."
She stares at me searchingly for a long while before slowly nodding "Good" She mutters and repeats more firmly "Good, if you had done that again I..." She shakes her head "I would not have taken it well."
"That's fair." I nod.
And as if a switch had been flipped, she stands up from her seat and moves in front of me, leaning forward and gripping my shoulders in a manner that felt almost desperate "I know you elves are slow with everything." She mutters as I draw her in for a hug "But I am not like that."
"Alright...?" I frown.
"I love you" She says bluntly, staring me dead in the eyes "More than anything. And the thought of you dying is not something I will tolerate."
Blinking I go to respond "I-"
But she places a finger on my lips "Don't force yourself" She chuckles bitterly "I know I moved things to quickly for you so just... Wait until it feels right, ok?"
Her smile looked distinctly fragile at that moment and I knew then and there that if I didn't listen to what she said, her confidence would need some serious recovery "Alright" I nod and draw her closer "Sorry about everything."
She snuggles in and snorts "As if I wasn't already used to it."
"Does this mean I am forgiven?" I ask cheekily and with absolutely 0 hesitation.
She huffs but I see the corner of her mouth twitch "This time." She still practically radiated her frustration but would be more than able to deal with it since she did no wrong herself and was more than used to the rigors of battle and its aftermaths.
Admitting my faults seemed to be just enough for her to not get dramatic over this, and by Dagoth there must be something in those dragon souls because if it were any other woman I would be getting shouted to pieces both literally and metaphorically by now.
Bullet dodged.
"Your benevolence shall be remembered, my dear" I offer an elaborate bow even as I was seated.
All she does in response is look down her nose at me.
Thus saved from a fate worse than death, I focus on something that had been on my mind ever since the battle ended "Since we are already on the topic of ridiculous powers, your voice was quite a bit more potent than usual back there. Hiding secrets of your own?"
"Hardly" She scoffs before offering me a rather cruel grin "Miraak decided to imply some things he really should not have, and paid for it." Her eyes dilate slightly and the air shifts "His soul was delicious."
Seeing my mildly unnerved expression, her eyes return to normal as she tilts her head "What?"
"You do realize there is a difference between seeing you eat a dragon's soul and that of a human, right?" I ask pointedly.
"His soul was draconic but I know that isn't what you are on about" She hums, cups her chin, and nods to herself "Look at it this way, the little shit said that I should free him and we could conquer Tamriel 'together' in that exact sleazy tone."
And like that I was no longer one bit concerned "Shame you didn't black soul gem what was left, I could have used some extra power for my chamber pot."
"A travesty" She nods with utmost seriousness "But sadly Mora interfered before Miraak's punishment could be completed."
A dark chuckle is shared between us.
"How many dragon souls did you get from him anyway?" I ask, knowing she probably didn't let them dissipate.
"Around two dozen" She shrugs like it was a small thing "Most of them were kind of pathetic with their wills broken for so long but they were still useful."
"Around two dozen." I parrot mockingly "And they call me a monster."
"That is Dragon Overlady for you peasant" She sniffs, eyes dancing with mirth.
Curious about the effects I activated a quick observe on her.
[Minthara Septim Dagoth The Dragonbane]
[Str: 300]
[Dex: 265]
[Vit: 320]
[Mind: 150]
[Mag: 1500]
[Div: 2500]
...You know what I am just going to drown my jealously in the fact my wife is utterly overpowered. Yes, that sounds like a perfect coping mechanism, it worked once already! I am definitely not seething and coping at the easy progression, no sir!
Seeing me nodding to myself, Minthara leans in "You are thinking of something stupid again, aren't you?"
"Just pondering on how amazing you are" I twist the truth without the slightest bit of hesitation, nodding smugly.
She preens happily and our conversation trails off to less important topics.
Comments
Hakkira
Thank you kindly for the chapter π
Rastislav
He is already achieving enough progress (his own stats are coming up next chap) and constantly getting his hands on both sources of power and knowledge so any quest rewards would feel superfluous. He needed the system to give him an opening to research dimensional travel and he already has that, anything else he can get his hands on the normal way.
Skid MyCrack
His system never gave him a quest of any kind like I think it did with the world eater or any old challenges, is it because he's mostly completely anything the system can do for him as a inlore excuse, hopefully he gets some kind of power up for all this work like his women did
