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Skyrim Page 3 - "Either you're naked, or I'm drunk. Maybe both."

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Nelacar was surprised that the heavy gates still swung open for him when he got close enough. Apparently they hadn't forgotten him, even if everyone else had. He walked briskly towards the Hall of Attainment, taking in the familiar building as he drew closer to it. He could feel his heart beating uncomfortably in his chest, and shifted nervously, unsure where to begin. He settled for pulling the doors open, only to find himself face-to-face with Savos Aren himself. He had figured something to that effect would happen.

“Nelacar?” the Arch-Mage began, stunned. “What in blazes are you doing here? I thought we made our arrangement perfectly clear--”

“We did, I assure you,” Nelacar interrupted, too impatient to listen to the old man's rant. “I promise you, this is a desperate time for me. I need somebody with knowledge of soul gems. It's urgent.”

“You shouldn't be here,” Savos repeated, shaking his head. “You agreed you'd never walk through those gates again. What is it that's so urgent?”

“A friend of mine has been...” The Altmer trailed off, not sure exactly how to describe Siobhan's condition. “...corrupted. By a soul gem. I fear she'll die, if I can't figure out what has her.” Savos furrowed his brow, just as confused by his explanation as Nelacar himself was.

“I...I see. Well, you may remember Sergius, our enchanter...he should know more than enough about soul gems by now. You might want to speak to Phinis Gestor, as well. He's our new professor in Conjuration. Urag might know something as well; he usually does.” He paused uncomfortably, and for a moment Nelacar thought he saw the hint of an apology in the Dunmer's face. “...Good luck, then.” With that, he vanished outside, leaving Nelacar facing the closed door.

He started at the Arcanaeum, as Savos had suggested. Urag had a few books on soul gems to provide, but hadn't heard anything like the ex-student's tale. Phinis' answer was more or less the same, though Nelacar was a little relieved that the new professor seemed not to know why he had been exiled.

He found Sergius in the main hall, watching the apprentices practice and occasionally yelling some advice across the room. The Imperial looked up in surprise at the sight of the Altmer.

“Nelacar! It's...surprising to see you again,” he greeted him, motioning at the free spot on the bench. Nelacar remembered Sergius fondly from his days at the college, and was more than a little pleased to find that any hostility was long gone. “I couldn't imagine they'd let you return.”

“They haven't,” Nelacar assured him with a hollow laugh. “I'm afraid I need help. One of my projects has gone awry.”

“Another one, hm? And I imagine this is something worse than the incident with Malyn?” The elf winced, but nodded nonetheless, too impatient to let shame get to him now. He launched into his story, causing his old friend to frown.

“And you're sure her illness is due to the Star's influence?” he asked when the tale was retold. Nelacar nodded firmly.

“She was ill from the moment she stepped out again. If anything, her condition is getting worse.”

“I see...Nelacar, I haven't heard anything like this. Your friend's soul is one of very few that have returned from a gem. Whatever I do know, I can't say is enough to find a way to reverse the effect.” Nelacar leaned forward on his knees, gazing silently at the floor.

“I was afraid that would be your answer,” he sighed. As he forced himself to his shaking feet again, Sergius eyed him worriedly.

“I wish there was something else I could say,” he called after him. “But it'd be wrong of me to give you any false hope.”

Nelacar was stopped once more just before he left the Hall. This time, it was a petite, unfamiliar woman who grabbed at his sleeve.

“You there. You're Nelacar, right? Urag told me that you were here...and why,” she began. Nelacar looked down at her, an eyebrow raised.

“Yes, I am Nelacar...I don't believe we've met,” he replied. The woman smiled now, crossing her arms proudly over her chest.

“Sorry. Colette Marence, professor in Restoration. I heard the details of your problem.” She gestured at the door. “I've seen this before. Come with me, and we can talk.”

Thank you so much for updating this again. I like Colette so I'm extra happy now. More, please?

Colette's room was dimly lit, but oddly comforting. Nelacar still sat rigidly in a chair as the professor flipped through a hefty book, talking all the while.

“I spent most of my early years in High Rock,” she explained. “Magic isn't nearly as frowned upon there, and Restoration even less so. I was able to gain quite a bit of knowledge. But there were not as many restrictions in High Rock, either, and mages would often attempt dangerous experiments for the sake of furthering knowledge...I lost many a friend to curiosity.” She shook her head regretfully, then slapped her hands down on the open book. “Here it is. Take a look at this report.” The Altmer took the book gingerly and studied it, surprised at how in-depth it seemed.

“'The Corruption Incident of 4E 173,'” he read out loud. Colette nodded.

“I was there for the whole mess. A poor soul tried to bind herself to a soul gem to see if it would strengthen the gem's potency for enchantments. When she came back, she was...not herself.” Nelacar read along, his focus on the symptoms. They certainly matched what Siobhan was going through. “We were able to figure it out. The gem had maintained a portion of her soul, as she intended...but it was corrupting both her and the gem itself. A friend of hers went through the same binding in order to re-take the portion that remained, but...if you die inside a soul gem, your soul is bound. Both of them died in the process, and the soul gem had to be destroyed through special means to make sure it wouldn't cause any damage.” Nelacar felt the color drain from his face.

“You think...” he began weakly. Colette nodded again, sympathetic this time.

“I think the Black Star has maintained a part of your friend's soul. If it remains trapped, the Star's influence will take over her entire being. The gem itself will be irreparable, her soul will be corrupted and twisted, and her body will die.” She looked up at him, her eyes full of meaning. “However, if a well-armed person were to enter the Star, they could retrieve her soul. It would be no easy process, but it's the only way.” The Altmer handed the book back wordlessly and leaned on his knees, trying to calm himself.

“I understand,” he said weakly. No, there was nobody else who could do this for them. He was the reason Siobhan's soul hung in the balance, and he couldn't risk anybody else for the sake of this experiment. It was his fault, he reminded himself, and his responsibility. “How would the process go?”

“The same soul trap you used on your friend would be used on you. You would enter the Star, find the portion of her soul, and subdue it. Calming her would bring her back to the rest of her soul, at which point the caster could get you back out,” Colette explained. “Phinis Gestor—you met him, earlier—would be the caster in this case. He's very knowledgeable. You'd be in good hands.” Nelacar nodded, forcing himself to meet the Breton's eyes.

“I...I can bring Siobhan and the Star up here, then,” he told her. Colette nodded silently, understanding his intention.

“I'll go inform Arch-Mage Aren and Phinis, then.” They both stood, and she held out her hand for him to shake. “Good luck, Nelacar.”

subdue her soul, eh? I'm very intrigued to see more!

This is so interesting! Can't wait to see the next chapter.

Please don't abandon this story. :(

By the time he managed to get back to the inn, Dagur was waiting at the door, his face pale.

“There you are,” he said hurriedly, motioning for the Altmer to follow. “I was starting to get worried. Your friend Siobhan woke up while you were gone.” When he paused, Nelacar could hear a weak groan from the adjacent room, and his lips tightened.

“Is she alright?”

“I doubt it. She says everything's hurting her, and her face is scalding hot.” The innkeeper shook his head, gesturing at the doorway. “I won't keep you.” Nelacar nodded his thanks and hurried in, only to stop in his tracks at the sight of her.

Siobhan's face was pale as paper, and her chest was heaving with the effort to breathe. Nelacar knelt at her side, resting a cool hand on her forehead and finding that she was indeed burning. The touch prompted the Breton to force her eyes open, and she looked wearily at her caretaker.

“N-Nelacar...” she whispered hoarsely. “Winterhold's n-never been so h-hot...” Nelacar brushed her hair out of her face, fighting back his own fear.

“I know. It's okay. Listen to me,” he murmured. “I went up to the College, to see if anybody know about your condition. There's someone up there who thinks they can help you. I have to go into the Star, like you did, and see if I can reverse what happened to you. We need to go up there. Do you understand?” Siobhan stared at him.

“You're...g-going into the Star...?” she asked, fearful. “It's...why w-would you...” She was overcome by a coughing fit, and her eyes closed again. “P-please...it's dangerous...”

“I don't care,” Nelacar assured her, confused. With all her pain, she was still worried about him? “I have to go in there, Siobhan. I won't let you die.” He clasped one of her limp hands between his own, and leaned down to kiss her fingers. “I'll survive, too. Don't worry about me.” Siobhan shook her head weakly.

“B-be careful...” She reached up with a sudden burst of strength, and Nelacar found himself pulled down so that she could kiss him. Surprised, he went rigid at the feeling, but relaxed at the comfort of her warm lips. His hand moved to stroke the side of her face, his other still holding her hand. It was only when another pained gasp escaped her again that he pulled away, his concern only increasing.

“I'm sorry,” he said quickly, watching her grimace.

“No, it w-wasn't you,” she murmured, rubbing her temples. “I...w-we need to go.” She tried to sit up, only to slump back onto the pillows. “D-damn it all...” Nelacar stood, grabbing the Black Star off of the table and sliding it into his satchel before pulling the blankets back.

“It's alright. I can carry you,” he said, scooping her into his arms. She sighed, resting her head against his chest sleepily.

“I...am so tired...” she whispered. Sure enough, by the time they had made it to the bridge again, she had dozed off, and Nelacar held her closer to keep her from the snow as he made the trek to the College once again. Even in sleep, the pain was obvious in her face, and she squirmed every now and again, likely with the same nightmares. He walked quicker now, his eyes forward as the gates swung open. Just in front of the magicka fountain, Colette and Arch-Mage Aren stood, joined by Phinis Gestor and Mirabelle Ervine.

For a moment, there was tense silence. Four sets of eyes stared at the unconscious Breton, before their owners returned their attention to Nelacar. Under their gaze, the mage braced himself and did his best to steady his voice.

“I'm ready,” he said.

Thank you for updating this again. I love it.

The room was small enough that even the little crowd of mages was enough to make Nelacar feel uncomfortable. Pushing his misgivings aside anyway, he crouched and placed the Breton on the bed and brushed a stray strand of hair out of her face before moving back to his satchel.

“I assume that Colette told you already about the possible consequences?” Phinis asked as Nelacar placed the Black Star on the table beside the bed. Colette glared at him sullenly, obviously distressed by the implication that she wouldn't, but remained silent.

“She did,” the Altmer replied, taking a few steps away from the bed. “I understand what's happening.” Phinis glanced back at the other three mages and shrugged.

“Then I suppose there's nothing to stop us from getting started,” he said decisively. Mirabelle nodded in agreement, though she proceeded to take a few steps and place a hand on Nelacar's shoulder.

“Good luck in there,” she said quietly. “We'll be watching to make sure everything goes to plan.” Nelacar nodded.

“Thank you,” he said, fighting back emotion as he looked at Phinis. “I'm ready when you are.” The master of Conjuration nodded, raised his hands, and filled them with a familiar indigo light. Nelacar turned away, looking back at Siobhan. If this was his last time in this realm...he wanted her to be his last sight.

He winced when the spell hit him, and gripped his chest to try and stifle the pain. Underneath his palm, he saw a slowly expanding purple light, taking him in just as it had taken her in back at the inn...

And then, he was there. The inside of the Star was crystallized and blue, and a faint chiming sound filled his ears. Soon, the noise was accompanied by footsteps, and a figure came from behind a pillar of crystal.

“You?” Siobhan snarled hoarsely, glaring at him. Not Siobhan, he reminded himself as he stepped forward. Just a part of her soul. An angry part, if the suspicion in her eyes was any hint. “Who are you to come in here?”

“I'm here for you, Siobhan,” Nelacar began gently. “I'm taking you home.” The Breton glared at him, her hands crackling with prepared magicka.

“No. No!” she replied loudly. “I defeated Malyn! This is my realm, now!”

“Ah, yes. We did expect something like this to happen,” Colette's voice cut over the ringing and Siobhan's protests. From the look of it, Nelacar was the only one who could hear her. “I know you don't want to do this, but fight her. Do not kill her, but bring her to her knees, so that she can't fight back. When she's weakened, we'll be able to get her out.” Nelacar's lips tightened, and he raised his hands as well, preparing an attack from across the bridge.

Siobhan moved first. She flung herself forward with an enraged scream, shooting a flash of lightning at him as she ran. Nelacar was quick to dodge it, and fired a blast of fire back at her. The two were quick to move, and the air soon filled with the sounds and charred smells of destruction spells.

“You can't beat me!” Siobhan shouted, her eyes flashing dangerously. “I have power now, like you wouldn't believe! From here, I can--” She was interrupted by a lightning spell hitting her square in the chest, propelling her backwards. “Damn you!”

“You won't win, Siobhan,” Nelacar replied coolly, pulling his hand back one more time. “This isn't really you.” With that, he released an ice spike that caught the girl in the thigh. With another pained scream, she collapsed to her knees, gripping the spike with a sob. Nelacar approached her cautiously, watching her cry.

“It'll fade,” he assured her, kneeling at her side and wrapping his arms around her. “It's okay. You're free now, Siobhan. You can leave the Star any time you'd like. Wouldn't you like to go home? You must be so tired, here.” He could feel the Breton bawling silently into his shirt, and held her tighter. “I was so worried about you...” She pulled back suddenly, looking up at him with wide, red eyes. She opened her mouth, as if to speak—but vanished instead in the same purple light. Nelacar sat alone, stunned, until Colette's voice reached him again.

“It's worked, Nelacar. She's back!” The elf heaved a sigh of relief. “Just give us a second here. Phinis is getting ready to bring you back as well...

Nelacar opened his eyes and found himself back in the College. His head was spinning a little, but Mirabelle's hand on his arm quickly steadied him.

“How are you feeling?” the Breton asked, eying him. He nodded slowly.

“I'm fine, I think.” The ringing in his ears was starting to fade, and he was relieved to find that he didn't feel sick. He looked down at the bed now, to find Siobhan still sleeping. “Siobhan--”

“She's back,” Colette assured him, taking a seat on the mattress beside her. “It's hard to tell, I know, but we all saw it. She woke up and started shaking, and the color just went back into her face, and then she just fell asleep again.”

“It was fascinating,” Phinis interjected with a curt nod. Nelacar crossed the room to take a seat beside her, and smoothed her hair back out of her face. At last, her forehead wasn't boiling to the touch.

“She should be fully recovered in a week or so,” Colette declared. “I'll send you off with some healing potions, to keep her from feeling the recovery too harshly. Let me know how she gets on, will you?”

“Of course,” Nelacar replied breathlessly, looking up at the four of them. “Words can't even express how much this means to me. Thank you. All of you.” Savos nodded first, clearing his throat.

“It goes against what I believe in to stand and watch as magic takes somebody's life,” he replied bluntly. “But you're welcome.” A tiny groan escaped Siobhan's lips, and the Arch-Mage took a step back. “I suppose I should leave you alone with her. She'll want to speak with you.” With that, he swept from the room, with Phinis and Mirabelle in tow. Colette waited a moment longer, smiling down at the rescued Breton before nodding at Nelacar and retreating as well.

Siobhan's eyes opened slowly, and she winced at the intruding light. When she saw Nelacar, she relaxed, eying him with relief.

“Nelacar,” she murmured, reaching for his hand. “You're alive. I saw you in there.” She sat up, only to be amazed that her head didn't hurt and her vision didn't spin. “I'm sorry if I hurt you.”

“No, no,” the Altmer said, gripping her small hand with both of his. “How are you feeling?”

“'Better' doesn't even begin to cover it.” She laughed, shaking her head. “I feel fantastic, but that might just be relief that I'm not burning up anymore.” She softened, looking up at Nelacar now. “And I have you to thank.”

“You have a lot of people to thank,” the mage replied, gesturing back at the closed door. “Colette, Arch-Mage Aren, Phinis Gestor, Mirabelle--”

“And I'll get to thanking them,” Siobhan interrupted him, “but they're not here. I'll start with you.” With that, she leaned forward again, catching Nelacar's lips with her own. The kiss felt different this time; the urgency from before was gone, replaced by a comforting, almost soothing familiarity. Nelacar wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, finally at ease with it all. When she pulled away again, he embraced her, resting his chin on top of her head.

“I'm so glad you're alive,” he sighed. Siobhan chuckled, stroking his back.

“As am I. I really can't even begin thanking you enough,” she replied. “But I suppose we should head back to the inn. I need to go home pretty soon.” Nelacar frowned, watching her pull the blankets off and swing her legs free.

“Stay a few more days,” he advised her, only to feel his face warm up. “Until you've got all your strength back. Please.” Siobhan smiled now, and nodded slowly.

“...Fine. A few more days.” She rose shakily from the mattress, only to look impressed with herself. “Wow. I didn't know I still knew how to use these.”

“Well,” Siobhan announced cheerfully, “I think that's everything.” Her knapsack was slumped on the inn's counter, where it had been filled with food and mead for the journey. “Thanks for letting me stay here, Dagur.” The innkeeper shook his head, gesturing at Nelacar.

“Thank him. He's the one paying me to stay here,” he reminded her, chuckling. “Still. It's not like I would've thrown you to the wolves, with the state you were in. So...you're welcome.” Nelacar opened her bag yet again, his lips tight.

“Are you sure you have everything you need? It's a long journey to Whiterun,” he warned her, resting his hand on her arm. The Breton grabbed her pack from him and closed it once more, leveling him with a reproachful look.

“Come on now, Nelacar,” he replied teasingly. “I'm going by carriage. Everything's going to be fine.” She slung the bag over her shoulder and motioned for him to follow her. The two disappeared into his room once more, where she dropped the bag in the nearby chair. “I keep telling you that, you know. Everything is going to be fine,” she repeated. The Altmer looked anxiously at her all the same.

“I know, it's the most likely situation...but you'll have to forgive me for worrying all the same,” he sighed. Siobhan softened, taking a step forward and taking both of his hands in hers.

“I understand. I'll write to you the moment I get home,” she promised him with a reassuring smile. Nelacar rubbed the backs of her hands with his thumbs, moving closer as well.

“And if you should start feeling ill again--”

“--I'll come back if I can make the journey, and write to you if I can't,” the girl finished in her best imitation of his voice. “But I won't. You know that. I might get Rockjoint every now and again, but there are potions for that. My soul is fine, you saw it yourself.” She smiled tentatively up at him. “I don't mean to mock you, Nelacar. I'm not used to being doted on the way you like to.” The Altmer pulled her in now, giving her an affectionate squeeze and resting his face in her hair.

“I suppose I'm used to taking care of you,” he admitted, before pulling away enough to look at her again. “Promise me you'll remember to write.”

“I promise I'll remember to write,” Siobhan replied teasingly, though her eyes were soft. Honestly, how could he expect her to forget. “And I'll be back to see you, soon enough.”

“Good,” Nelacar said, finally releasing her. “Then, I suppose I shouldn't keep you. The carriage is probably waiting--” He was silenced by the girl pushing herself up on her toes and kissing him again, throwing her arms around him as she did. His eyes drifted shut, and he pulled her closer once more, relaxing at the feeling.

“The carriage can wait,” Siobhan said quietly, grinning up at him. “I think I'm up for a little more than just a kiss to say goodbye.” Nelacar instantly felt his heart quicken, but glanced over his shoulder to make sure they weren't being watched before guiding her back towards the bed she had become so familiar with.

“I...I suppose the carriage can wait,” he agreed.

A!A, you tease! What a place to end it.

I love this story. Nelacar needs more love on the meme and you did such a great job writing him. I hope you'll consider writing more about these two in the future if inspiration strikes!

Congratulations on completing such a great story!

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