There's always a lighthouse

[wheremst]

And just like that, you wake up in the basement of a lighthouse in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. There's a circle of 25 pods in the middle of the room, and two more in a room off to the side, and you can imagine who is in which.

An elevator to the side of the room leads up to the ground floor (or to the first sub-basement, if you want to check out the machine that brought you here), where you can for the first time in weeks look out a window and see the sky. Its a beautiful sunny day, with a strong breeze on the grassy ground of the island where the lighthouse stands. Have you ever been this happy to hear seagulls?

You're free. Whatever comes next, you're free and you won. Take some time to relish your victory, won't you? Reunite with friends you thought you had lost, go forth and just... well, enjoy this.

Comments

[shieldsister]

[The first part gets a nod out of her; that's more or less what she's expecting as well. It's not unusual for Aela to head out to go for a hunt, but she's always clear on where she's going and when, and she never leaves without another shield-sibling to watch her back. So her sudden disappearance has undoubtedly worried them, and she knows Vilkas will handle things even if the Harbinger has other business to attend to. She has faith in them that they'll be fine even without her there; that's why she's been able to be relatively calm this entire time.

It's Lif's last words that get her to turn, studying his expression for any signs that this is a joke or insincere in any way, but... no, it wouldn't be. Lif wouldn't say something like this and not mean it.]

...I would like that. More than I can express, really.

[The hesitation and the intensity in her expression probably make that clear.]

I understand your primary concern is with Hel, but... If there is a way for you to come to Skyrim, then I would like nothing more.

[onefuture]

[Lif turns back to Aela when she speaks up again, turning to see her expression and just...well, his gaze softens a touch. He absolutely wouldn't say such a thing if he didn't mean it, after all.]

...As would I. We have been by one another's sides since arriving; I would very much not like to leave yours unless there is simply no other way.

[In living, and in death, they've always had each other's backs, after all.]

I need to ask one of the ones in charge, just how Hel can be taken care of. Ideally...I want to be the one to put an end to her, for all she's done. And once she is eradicated? She'll never be able to harm anyone again, and all will be free.

[shieldsister]

[Her gaze drops for a moment at that; she can't help but think back to Gallows Rock and Skjor, and—]

If you are to put an end to her, let me come with you. You need someone to watch your back, and I'm not letting a shield-brother walk into danger alone.

[It isn't her place and it isn't her fight, and she knows that. But that doesn't change the fact that this could very well be the last time she sees Lif if things go south.]

[onefuture]

[There's a brief moment of worry in Lif's expression; his eyes go wide as his mind shoots to the worst case scenario, of Hel deciding to use Aela as further leverage, and his mind goes to Sharena--

But...no. Lif has faith in Aela, and he does mean what he said. He doesn't want her to not be by his side.]

...That is a frightening thing to ask, you know. But...I will. You have my word that I will. I will ensure that she never lays a hand upon you; you have my word.

...And I do not wish to lose you, my shield-sister. Promise me that you'll stay close.

[He doesn't want to be the reason she dies. He'd never forgive himself, and losing her would be an incredible blow.]

[shieldsister]

Hah, spoken as though you need to protect me.

[It's light, though. She understands what Lif's saying and why he frames it like that; because in the end, Lif is the sort of person who needs to protect everyone he cares for, and she's one of those lucky people.]

I will. You have my word. You know far more about her than I do, and I will follow your orders. But you don't need to be too worried; I can feel that block has lifted and my power has returned to me. I doubt Hel will expect that.

[+1 follower!! also oh yeah she never told anyone else about being a werewolf, did she... huh, awkward.]

[onefuture]

[Lif chuckles at that; he knows, but that is just how he is as a person. And more than anything, he wants to fight by her side; he'll protect her, but he knows better than anyone that she's strong enough to stand and fight.

He doesn't need to be her shield. He will simply be a blade alongside her, to cut down anyone who tries to take them down.]

Ah, has it? Splendid. We do have something akin to what you've spoken to me about, where I come from, but I certainly think it will be a nice surprise.

...And quite simply, I do want to see you at your very best. I look forward to seeing what you can do.

[shieldsister]

I'd transform right now, but I don't want to startle the others.

[The last thing we need is OH GOD WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT on top of everything else. It's fine, she can wait a little longer.]

I'm looking forward to it as well. After Hel's dead, I intend to bring you to Jorrvaskr. My shield-brothers will want to meet you.

[onefuture]

We can save that for when we get back home.

[...Oh. That leaves Lif's lips so easily that it makes him pause, but he finds himself at ease after saying it. Home. Jorrvaskr seems like it will be a lovely place, after all.]

I cannot wait to meet them. If they're even half as good as you are in a battle, then I'm certain that it will prove exhilarating when we spar.

But more than anything, I am looking forward to seeing the world that you call home. Do show me around some, won't you?

[shieldsister]

[It gets a short, sharp laugh out of her, but she's grinning by the time she gets ahold of herself.]

Skyrim is not an easy place to live, but that has made our people tough and our warriors tougher. You'll enjoy it. Jorrvaskr is in the city of Whiterun, which is a center of trade; it's a safe place, where the only real threat at the moment are the dragons. Perhaps we'll get an opportunity to fight one someday.

[onefuture]

Dragons, hm...I'm not unfamiliar with fighting such things, though my experience is limited to dealing with the likes of Manaketes and Fafnirs. I would certainly not mind the chance to fight one of their like.

[...did he ever mention that, he probably didn't but hey, WE FIGHT DRAGONS A LOT I GUESS--]

Never the less, I am looking forward to it. I doubt I'll have any trouble adapting.

[shieldsister]

Hah, then you're already accustomed to fighting some difficult beasts. You won't have to worry; I can explain anything you may be curious about.

[...okay maybe not anything, it's not like Aela knows anything about magic or even half the lore, but that's fine. Lif doesn't have to worry about more technology bullshit, at least!!]