Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-3293219-20140308235607/@comment-24123288-20140310105241

It had been over a few weeks since Corelas had forcibly received a ring of Boethia for his own. The Altmer had managed to resist its influences for so long now, but his resolve was weakening by the hour. He had asked Veneficus to take him up to Lake Arrius. Not because he was frightened of going up there alone. No. It was more because he was frightened of how he will end up.

“Are you sure you want to go up there Corelas?” Veneficus asked with some concern.

“I’m sure. I need to see them again. To say goodbye properly.”

''Does he mean seeing them in person? Or does he know that they are dead? ''

Veneficus heaved a weary sigh and rubbed his eyes. “Alright. We’ll head out now since it is early.”

Corelas nodded. “Lead the way.”

The two friends left the City of Cheydinhal and spent an hour walking together in silence both worried over the other.

''What are you up to Corelas? ''

''Veneficus, I hope you are up for this… ''

Veneficus stepped out in front and lead Corelas to the lake. The Altmer looked around, confused. He was expecting to see a house. A happy Breton and Dunmer. A family…

“Where…are they..?” Corelas asked, genuinely confused.

“That’s the thing Corelas they…”

Veneficus grabbed the Altmers arm, just below his elbow, and slowly led him around the riverbank until the two gravestones were in view. The final resting place of the most well suited couple Corelas had ever seen and a memorial of one of the bravest Khajiit in existence.

No…Corelas thought in despair. “Don’t tell me…”

“I’m afraid so.” Veneficus replied in a sombre tone. “They died together, and I’m sure they are happy while they wait for everyone else to join them in the afterlife.”

“N-no…” Corelas hung his head, his composure and grip on his senses slipping as he realised everything he sacrificed his sanity for had died mere moments after Vidron did.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Altmer knelt in front of the graves, head bowed as he placed his hand on top of the slab with their names on it.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Nish, Eilonwyn. I failed you both.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You didn’t Corel-“

<p class="MsoNormal">“If only I’d killed Vidron sooner! I could have saved them…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I was told it was Tyranil that killed Eilonwyn. Nish simply…gave up after finding out and left this world with her.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Corelas’s knuckles whitened as his grip on the top of the gravestone grew tighter. “I should have left him to die when I had the chance. Why did I ever help him get back to full health…?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Veneficus placed his old wizened hand on the High Elf’s shoulder. “You weren’t to know…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t want to know!” Corelas snapped, looking down at the ring on his finger. “I want to forget this…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You can’t possibly mean!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes. The ring comes off today.” Corelas confirmed, remaining calm. His eyes however, gave away the torment he was putting himself through.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I…understand.” Veneficus said sadly.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I need your help for it. That’s why I asked you to come with me. I’ll go back to how I was a few weeks ago, barely capable of even walking without help.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are you sure you want to do that?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Corelas remained silent for a few seconds before nodding. “If this is what happened to those two then…”

<p class="MsoNormal">He stood up and tugged at the ring on his finger, surprised at its refusal to come off. The screaming inside his head was unbearable.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t want to remember!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Veneficus stepped back as the Altmer stopped pulling at the ring. He stood a little taller than usual and seemed…bigger in general. The Imperial’s eyes shined with regret as he realised Corelas brought him here to help him take the ring off.