40 What can I say?

When I woke up I felt refreshed. So I instantly pulled out that spell tome I had forgot to learn and read through it. Sure enough the spell was... Well awful. The spell was Necromantic Ritual, the effect was regain 30 health and magicka every time a friendly conjured or reanimated minion dies for 120 seconds. However I could see its power however. I knew of another spell that would be absolutely amazing to combo this with. I wouldn't even have to fuse the spells.

The spell tome Flaming Familiar. An absolutely powerful spell. Had the base power of a fire ball level as a apprentice level spell. Magicka cost of 57 with almost triple the distance of other conjuration spells. Combine this spell with necromantic ritual? It could be beyond deadly. After all I would only need the apprentice conjuration perk. The cost would be halved and thus cost 27 magicka. Less than the magicka that would be restored.

This was a must, I recall the spell was a quest reward from High Gate Ruins. It was technically in the pale, however in truth it was just on the other side of the Morthal Marsh. I made a mental note to absolutely visit that place. Flaming familiar was a good spell, but I feared it since it can injure the castor. Necromantic ritual gave me a superb reason to pick it up.

I sighed though, I was getting ahead of myself. I exited my room in the Winking Skeever and saw Sorex cleaning some mugs. i called out, "Hey, man."

Sorex looked up and he smirked, "Hey to you too! Just cleaning up, when its quiet like this its the best time to clean up."

I nodded that made sense, Sorex continued though, "Ahtar came in last night looking for you by the way. Said he was willing to pay you for some info if you know about it."

I raised an eyebrow and Sorex laughed continuing. "Angeline, she runs Angeline's Aromatics. It is a perfume and alchemy shop. Her daughter joined the imperial legion. I don't know what it is about, but according to what he told me. Its something serious."

I nodded "I'll speak with him. Did he say where?"

Sorex nodded, "The castle Dour, went to discuss it with Captain Aldis."

I sighed, "Looks like I am going to the Blue Palace and then the Castle Dour again. I feel like I should officially join the legion at some point."

Sorex perked up, "If you are going to the Blue Palace... I don't suppose you can deliver this to Falk Firebeard? It's another bottle of Stros M'Kai Rum, he loves the stuff. Whenever we get a shipment we send him a bottle."

He was grinning ear to ear, I sighed, "Yeah I can deliver it." I took the bottle of rum from Sorex and tucked it away. "You seen Viree by the way?"

Sorex shook his head, "In her room still. I've been meaning to ask what's her deal? She drinks a lot more than your average Breton and is well... not the good kind of drinker."

I understood what he meant, "She has a complicated history. She was sort of imprisoned by her father inside the Solitude Sewers. The man bargained with a daedric prince, wasn't prepared and well. To put it simply she hasn't had any kind of education. Imprisoned for something like 5-10 years? So she drinks her woes away. Truth be told I think she is building up courage to ask me to teach her how to read. She has been watching me when I read some of the books I have."

Sorex made a look of understanding, "Ah, I was just worried. People who drink their anger and sorrows away. Never live long or happy lives. I really do hope its just building up courage."

A silence began and I let out a breath, "Well, I'll be on my way. Tell her I am looking for her."

Sorex nodded and I left. I think I was gonna need to use the faux contract I made with Viree against her soon. Viree was a good fighter, however she lacked practice. I had some ideas on what to do to make my pet follower a better companion. I just needed to pull the right strings.

I not only wanted to improve Viree's abilties. I also wanted more cash. I wanted to buy Proudspire manor, and also pay for the upgrade to the winking skeever. I made that deal with Corpulus, but still had a rough idea on how to actually make all that money. What I really needed was the Khajiit Caravan to come to Solitude. 

I entered the Blue Palace and waved at the guards. Some waved back and I made my way to the throne room. No one was there, but the maid. "Where is Falk Firebeard?"

She looked up, "He is currently in his office. It is right over there. First door on your right."

I didn't know he had an office. However when I entered the room and saw the bed. I almost chuckled. I greeted the man. "Hey, uh... Falk"

He laughed, "Vek, you can refer to me as my title if my name is too awkward."

I couldn't help, but feel some embarrassment. He got me on that one, "Your name is just very rolling. Hard to not want to say your full name."

He let out a smaller chuckle, "You know Erikur once said the same thing to me. So what brings you hear? I heard you just arrived back in the city? Did you managed to investigate that cave?"

I nodded, "First before that, Sorex wanted me to deliver this." I placed the Rum on his desk and his eyes almost glowed with joy. "Ha! I developed a taste for it after a fair weather trip to Hammerfell. it really is some strong rum. I used to drink it with King Torygg."

I let him take a moment of silence before I jumped back in. "Is Jarl Elisif still grieving?"

Falk nodded, "With the war, I fear she won't ever move on. One day though I hope she can find a new love. Ahem, about that cave. Wolf Skull Cave has some history. So I am curious what you found."

I was reminded of the change to the Black Star. I paused for a second before deciding to mostly tell the truth. "A bunch of Necromancers had gathered there to resurrect Potema the Wolf Queen under their control. The lights that were seen were apart of the battle to suppress Potema's Will. We couldn't really risk her resurrection, so I killed the necromancers and banished Potema out of our plane."

All of which was true, mostly. In fact none of what I said was a lie, she was technically banished to a soul gem. I continued, "I would suggest if possible though to take a secondary force and clean up the area. Perhaps even collapse the cave completely. I have no doubt other necromancers will eventually take up shop there. Necromantic energies are all over the place there."

Falk stared in silence and some awe. "That's incredible and terrifying. Are you sure it was Potema?"

I got into a bit of the details, "She attacked our very souls! I was protected by my necklace here." To be precise I think it was Atmora Inheritance in combination of Atmora Native. However that wasn't important, "My companion is still resting from the attacks. I even saw her skeleton there. I think one of the necromancers stole it from the catacombs. I think it has a second entrance we may need to check and lock."

Falk rubbed his chin in thought and nodded. "I'll send notice to check the catacombs. I will also ask Sybille to prepare the destruction of the cave if it is possible. Oh speaking of, you were helping her with research right? Apparently she is done. Though, I will discuss this with the court. Vek, how would you feel about being a thane?"

I was expecting this, "I would be honored, but is that up to you?"

He laughed, "Sort of, I can advise the Jarl to make you one. She could use people like you by her side. Speaking of, people like you... You are a master of speechcraft right? Can't really help, but follow your words. If you could, this is a big ask. If you could convince Elisif to leave the Blue Palace briefly... on a date."

I blinked, "What?"

Falk looked embarrassed, "A lot has happened as of late, and the Jarl fears even leaving her room. I think you can imagine why. I commend her everyday on for sitting through court telling what happened. She is a strong, but weak woman. To put it simply, she needs to relax. So I hope you take her through Solitude during the festival the Bards College is planning."

I sighed, I guess I needed to get that done. I'll visit the Bards College before the Castle Dour. I had the quest, but it was a lot of undead. I could obtain Dawnbreaker, since I found the acquired beacon. However then I would need to travel rather far across Solitude again. Much easier to try and recruit Lurbuk again. Viarmo kind of snatched him from me. I wanted the Orc as a meat shield for the dungeon.

 I nodded, "I'll convince her, but... I would like the keys to Proudspire Manor, full furnishings."

Falk laughed, "Ha! You really do have a way with words don't you." His tone was sarcastic that time, but he agreed. "If you bring her to the festival I can give you the keys telling you did a great service to Solitude already. However you will only get full furnishings if you make Jarl Elisif happy."

I smirked, "Deal, now I have to go see about Sybille. I would like the item I gave her for her research back." The Wabbajack might actually be all I need for the King Olaf Quest, though I would need luck on my side. I waved him goodbye and he started working.

So much to do, I walked over to Syblle's room and found her over the enchanting table. "The Wabbajack?"

She looked up pointed to the table and shooed me away. I guess she was busy, I grabbed the Wabbajack and wander off. Time for the bard's college I guess. I stored the wabbajack in my inventory and moved to the College. 

Entering the College I found Viarmo and Lurbuk quickly. They were in one of the front rooms practicing clearly. "How are you two doing?"

They both looked over and Lurbuk seemingly brightened. "Haha! Nice to see you Vek. I've improved leaps and bounds! Would you like to hear it?"

Viarmo also laughed, "You should really listen. He actually has some talent once he got some more vocabulary."

Lurbuk rubbed the back of his head, "Its all thanks to you teacher!"

Viarmo waved Lurbuk off, "No, you truly took your time to get better."

That's nice, I paused thought for a moment and asked. "How about me and Lurbuk finally get that Verse from King Olaf's Tomb."

Viarmo rubbed his chin, "Certainly not a bad idea. Actually Do you mind if I come too? I am decent with a bow and magic. Every bard needs a bit of survival skills if they ever wish to travel."

Viarmo wanted to come too? I asked, "Do mind me asking, but why do you want to come?"

Viarmo rubbed his chin, "I have a feeling it would make for a good story. We bravely delve into a dangerous dungeon to learn of the forgotten verse of King Olaf. It adds to the action of the verse."

I shrugged, "I certainly don't mind." Actually I planned on leaving Viree behind for this. Potema was able to attack our souls. I was a little worried about her recovery. I'll tell Sorex about it and try to have him limit her alcohol. Specially if she is still sleeping.

i nodded, "We can head out tomorrow, that good? You can meet me at the Winking Skeever and we will travel to the Tomb from there."

Lurbuk and Viarmo nodded, Viarmo added, "Great! I'll start packing."

I gave them a wave and left, "I have to go to the Caslte Dour for some business now. I'll see you tomorrow."

I left the College quickly, I had a feeling I was about to receive yet another quest from Captain Aldis and Ahtar. So I rushed over and found them actually waiting outside staring at Odine. I waved at them and they waved back, Ahtar spoke first. "What is this tree? It's growing leaves, put they are pure white."

i shrugged, "Found it in a bandit camp, I accidently took it with me. The story is a lot more complicated than I'd like to share."

Odine appeared to be resting or something. Perhaps I needed to drink more its sap too. Odine wasn't doing its telepathy so I just ignored it and moved on. "You said you had something to talk about?"

Captian Aldis frowned, "You ever hear the saying no news is good news? Angeline the cities alchemy expert. She has a daughter who joined the legion. At first we thought the girl was killed in action. We were struggling to tell Angeline. However recently we got some more... disconcerting news. We want you to investigate."

Huh? This peaked my interest as a notification popped up.

{Quest: A Canary in a Storm.}

It was a quest unlock., I nodded. "What's this about?"

Ahtar waved, "Follow us?"

We entered the Castle Dour and passed the Jailhouse and I started to wonder where we are going. Ahtar started talking, "We uh, don't normally use this area. Its a torture chamber. The person you are about to meet is a little touchy about certain things. To simplify, this person idolizes Talos, despite what you may believe. Just uh, remember that."

I was feeling confused and we entered a torture chamber with a stormcloak soldier tied up. Next to them was a very tall and slender Altmer woman. I now understood what they meant. She was a elven Talos worshipper that was on the rare side. She looked me up and down, "So you are Vek. Very well, I will explain and I want you to answer."

She continued instantly, "This soldier is obviously a stormcloak. Recent a battle should've taken place, we thought it did. One where the whole of the small battalion on our side was ambushed and attacked. "

I nodded and she continued, "However according to this guy, the legion soldiers that were supposed to be there. Never were, but you see we thought they were due to the discovery of certain valuables and trinkets. Some soldiers bring them along and they are left behind in battlefields to honor the fallen. We found some of those at a the battle line."

I nodded getting a good guess on what was happening. So I asked, "Were there traces of a fight? Scorch marks, blood, any gore?"

She shook her head, "None, None at all. I thought it could be dragons as well if that is what you are implying. According to a very fierce rumor they are resurrecting or something. Except, there were no signs of anything like that. Only a mix of family Trinkets."

I rubbed my chin, "And one of them was Angeline's daughter? Right? How does this connect to that?"

Ahtar frowned, "We found her arm. Which should be more evidence she is dead. However... it was a clean cut. Nothing a normal blade could do."

I paused could it be a player's doing? Could be possible, "Any signs of the occult, strange individuals?"

The Altmer woman moved to a table. "Thought of that. This is where the event happened. We still though it could even be some sick more insane members of the Stormcloaks. However it wasn't long until we found those too. Otherwise none as this individual. We brought them to this chamber, but they spilled everything they knew almost instant. Muttering to themselves as well."

I paused, the quest was named Canary in a storm. Is the Canary Angeline's daughter? or just an unintended individual who kicks off the quest? I paused, "Could it be Falmer?"

I looked at the map and the three of them were confused. "Falmer? What are they?" Ahtar was asking from behind me. Sure enough Frostflow Lighthouse was nearby. Except it was closer to Dawnstar than the Lighthouse. According to Sheogorath a player went there. Could they be involved?

Ahtar had Falmer explained to him by Captain Aldis it seems. As he asked, "So could it be Falmer."

I paused, "Do you have that arm you found? How do you know it was hers and can I see the cut?"

The woman nodded, "Right this way." We left the chamber and we entered a colder room. It seemed to be some preservation chamber. The arm was on a table and the woman explained. "We know its hers due to these tattoos. They were paying respect to her father. As you can imagine its rather rare to have such markings."

I see, I inspected the arm, It was a clean cut. Straight through the metal armor and everything. The meaty fleshy inside was wrapped around the bone with no decay either. What in the world was this? I paused, "C-Can I ask you your name?"

She blinked, "Oh right! I forgot to introduce myself. I am Canary. It's rather silly and not at all Eleven, but it's the name I chose for myself. I once worked for the Thalmor embassy. I-I didn't agree with there methods. Not to mention, I'd like to believe mortals can become gods. That's what the Dwemer strived for, that's what the Thalmor strive for as well. Except they exclude a man who truly became a god, proof and all. I find it ridiculous."

It clicked together. I understood the quest name and the objectives. It wanted me to solve this strange case. No other clues, but I didn't really need many more clues to understand the quest. I sighed, "I think I know what is doing this."

Her eyes shifted and we moved out of the cold chamber and into the Hallway with Captain Aldis and Ahtar. "I don't suppose you three thought if it was the Thalmor?"

They paused looked between each other and sighed. "We came to a similar conclusion. Sorry for testing you."

So they had a guess, it was a solid guess. The catch was why? "Can I ask for why you think its the Thalmor."

Ahtar nodded, "They released a wanted poster for a man named Grey Prince recently. We have know clue who he is, just that he is a Dunmer."

Captain Aldis tacked on, while creating distance. "Angeline's Daughter's arm. Its... too clean. Not unless their is some monstrous mage or Vampire out there. Only the Thalmor have that kind of cruelty."

Canary frowned, "Then there is me. I am actually wanted by the Thalmor. Like I said, we didn't see eye to eye anymore about world views. I have always been an inquisitor, I've had no other line of profession. I know how they operate personally."

I clicked my tongue, the quest updated. Not only for Canary in a storm. The one Sheogorath updated as well. Find Grey Prince before the Thalmor. I asked, "So we think they are still alive? These soldiers?"

The three remained silent, but Aldis spoke up. "I hope so, I don't want to sound narcissistic. However I really don't like giving out the news someone's son or daughter has passed."

I nodded, "So how do we do this?"

Canary responded, "I may have an idea... if you have any business. I'd say handle it now."

I nodded, "I am traveling to a nordic tomb tomorrow to collect King Olaf's Verse for a festival. When are we doing this?"

Aldis responded, "Well, it will be just you and Canary most likely. The Thalmor Embassy will soon be discussing some things with General Tullius. Canary needs to hide, during that time. Me and Ahtar can't really leave the city to help."

I understood, "Where are we going then? I don't need to return to Solitude if we are traveling toward Dawnstar."

Canary nodded, "I'll see about it and send a letter to you in the morning about the plans. Bring any additional companions you may need. I think we might have a serious struggle."

I nodded, I guess I wasn't giving Viree that time off after all. I felt a little bad, but... this was not a quest I was expecting. I left the Castle Dour to prepare, I may need extra supplies.

----oh wow, that was a long chapter.----