Abberon returned to Septimus Signus’ Outpost alone, intending to fulfil his end of the bargain with Septimus. He told Serana that as long as they have all three scrolls Harkon cannot complete the prophecy. Thus, he had some time to tie up loose ends. As he walked down the frozen slope, Septimus looked towards him with growing anticipation. “I have brought the inscribed lexicon.” He handed it out to Septimus.
"Give it, quickly!” Septimus snatched the Lexicon away and began to read it. How he read it is unknown to Abberon, but he did not care. In truth, he too was curious about what was inside the Dwemer Lockbox. Whatever it was that required such a trek into unknown depths must be worth it. If not, or if it turned out to be something of Divine influence, he’d simply cause suffering to Septimus before sealing his soul in a Black Soul Gem.
After a lengthy study of it, Septimus’ face began to glow with the revelation of enlightenment. “Extraordinary. I see it now. The sealing structure interlocks in the tiniest fractals. Dwemer blood can loose the hooks, but none alive remain to bear it.”
Abberon raised an eyebrow. “This is…concerning. Does this mean there is no way to open the lockbox then?” In truth, the journey itself was not fruitless, for he found the Elder Scroll in its depths. But to not know what was inside ate at his curiosity.
Septimus, however, shook a finger in his face, as if to dissuade the thought otherwise “There is a way. Septimus knows.” He began rummaging through a bag full of unknown trinkets. “A panoply of their brethren could gather to form a facsimile. A trick. Something they didn't anticipate, no, not even them. The blood of Altmer, Bosmer, Dunmer, Falmer, and Orsimer. The elves still living provide the key.” He then pulled out a four-pronged device. “Bear you hence this extractor. It will drink the fresh blood of elves. Come when its set is complete."
He inspected the device momentarily before putting it away. He then asked a question he felt should have been asked at a far earlier time. “Tell me something. From what I’ve heard, you’ve vanished from the College for quite some time to pursue this object. So I must ask: Why are you so eager to open it?”
Septimus’ had a grin flash across his face. It was as if he were hoping that the question would be asked at some point. "The box contains the heart. The essence of a god.” He stared at the box whilst pacing, as if preparing to go on a rant. “I have devoted my life to the Elder Scrolls, but their knowledge is a passing awareness when compared to the encompassing mind of divinity.” He put his hands on the lockbox. “The Dwemer were the last to touch it. It was thought to have been destroyed by the Nerevarine, but my lord told me otherwise."
Ah yes, the all-important factor. ”Lord, you say? Tell me then, who is your ‘lord’?” he said with a grin. Perhaps he would shed blood again so soon. Perhaps he would get a chance to exert his anarchy against the gods once more. It had been quite a while since he’d continued his work, dealing with this prophecy and all.
"The Daedric prince of the unknown. Hermaeus Mora. I thought there were no secrets left to know. Until I first spoke to him.” This answer left Abberon in a shock as great as his learning of Molag Bal’s influence in this world. Another Daedric Prince. The revelation that he has been serving yet another hit him like a pile of bricks. “He asks a price - to work his will. A few murders, some dissent spread, a plague or two. For the secrets I can endure. In time, he brought me here. To the box. But he won't reveal how to open it. Maddening."
Abberon’s twisted mind had to keep from allowing his excitement from escaping and making a scene in front of Septimus. “Then…. I shall be on my way then…” He slowly walked towards the exit, his grin widening with each step. Murders? Dissent? These were all easy dealings. Abberon thought to himself that such a price was easy to pay. He wondered if he could serve Hermaeus Mora like Septimus is.
He would not have to wait very long to hear the answer. Before the cave entrance, there was a twisted, grotesque mass of tentacles flowing from a portal of pure darkness. From this mass, eyes flowed out like bubbles from the center. The pressure had returned. The pressure of being within the presence of an almighty being. Abberon could not know who or what this force was, but he must know.
“Come closer. Bask in my presense.” The voice beckoned Abberon, whom could not disobey.
“…W-who…Who are you? …What are you…?”
"I am Hermaeus Mora. I am the guardian of the unseen, and knower of the unknown.” He had a feeling it would be him, but he had to confirm it. This was, indeed, the Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora. “I have been watching you, mortal. Most impressive."
He struggled hard to keep from making a stupid-looking grin in front of the lord of knowledge and fate.“Y-your words give me great joy.” He swallowed, and then continued. “What would you want of me?”
"Your continuing aid to Septimus renders him increasingly obsolete. He has served me well, but his time is nearing its end.” The eyes turned to the Dwemer artifact, and so did Abberon’s turn to Septimus. “Once that infernal lockbox is opened, he will have exhausted his usefulness to me. When that time comes, you shall take his place as my emissary. What say you?"
At that instant, all hesitation or unease fled him, and he unconsciously bent down to one knee. “I am your servant, my lord.” Once again, he would become the champion of a Daedric Prince. To spread their influences to the provinces of Tamriel. Their influence would be wrought by him, for all the world to know that they exist and affect our lives, while the Divines do nothing – can do nothing – to stop them.
“Indeed. Speak with me when the box has been opened, and all shall be revealed.” The mass then dissipated, allowing Abberon to exit the outpost. Upon leaving, he quickly fled to find the blood of mer, excited to be doing the service of yet another Daedric Prince.
Character Profile Here: http://tamrielvault.com/group/role-playing/forum/topics/profile-abberon-the-dark-sovereign
Comments
I hope when I do that it flows as well as your chapter. Nicely written.