Chapter 270

“Now, we need to discuss failure to deliver.” The Jarl’s Aid – or rather his steward – Proventus Avenicci, was doing a good chunk of the negotiating while the Jarl watched on silently.

They had prepared quite thoroughly in the few hours Yasaka and I had an impromptu date around the city.

“To be blunt, there is no reasonable way to hold each other accountable in the case that either of us just decides to abruptly cease any agreement.” Yasaka interjected.

“Then how – “

“Proventus.” Jarl raised his hand, making the man go quiet. “You are correct, Lady Yasaka. Then what do you suggest?”

I assume they had their own ideas, but wanted to see if there was anything better on the plate.

“Recognize and ratify an official agreement between us, but keep it in the same vein as if we were a normal group of Merchants." Yasaka said simply.

The Jarl tapped his chin. “Aye, that was the resolution we too had agreed upon. While we are unable to….verify any claims thus made beyond what has been provided.” He glanced at the piles of goods at the side. “We also cannot think of any reason to why you would go to such lengths to deceive us. With Wilhelm backing your words, our only perceived enemies would be…..unlikely.”

Hmm, was he thinking about the Thalmor? I suppose it isn’t unlikely that they would be wary of those elves trying to destabilize the region even more than they already had.

“Trust but verify.” Yasaka stated.

“Indeed.” A smile formed on his face. “For now, I accept your request. Proventus.” He called his steward once more.

“Yes, my Jarl.” He took another step forward, taking center stage. “Unlike other Merchants, we will adhere to a strict agreement for prices while also giving certain benefits for a continued supply at the quality and quantity you’ve provided.” The Steward handed a parchment towards Yasaka.

“And since our measurements and such no doubt different, I assume we are measuring based on what I’ve already provided?” Yasaka began reading it over.

“I see no reason to over complicate things.” The Jarl nodded.

And this was going rather smoothly. Not all that weird considering both of them were more than willing to take steps back as they both would benefit highly from the exchange.

“I did take some time to look over some things being sold publicly around town.” Yasaka flipped to another parchment. “Our main two points of trade will be Rice, and Arrows. And since your people have no standard rate for Rice – being that it is a foreign good, it’s hard to put a price on and I’ve only been able to eye a general comparison. But Arrows are a different matter as Iron seems to be in short supply considering the situation.”

“Yes, most arms and armor are not available for common purchase. While we cannot regulate every single arm due to our own cultural reasons, we can still acquire the majority, raising such prices substantially.”

Yup, when the ‘government’ is buying up every scrap, prices are going to skyrocket. The Jarl was being candid, but also expressing the fact that current prices don’t reflect an accurate value due to scarcity that could be seen by just walking around.

“A noted seller’s market for the moment, but I was able to ask around about prices a few months ago as well.” Yasaka smiled. “Shall we begin the price negotiations then?”

The Jarl twitched slightly, probably not looking forward to this part. “As we said, different ways valuing quantities of goods. How would you suggest we define the goods?”

“Let’s price out each sack of Rice, and every set of 500 arrows?” Yasaka offered.

The Jarl tapped his throne, looking deep in thought. “Acceptable.” He nodded. “And what price were you considering?”

“Thirty Septims for each sack of Rice, and 2500 Septims per 500 arrows.” Yasaka shot out immediately.

Well, even if they were doing each other a favor, there was some wiggle room to get a good deal.

The Jarl didn’t outwardly react like it was an obscene amount, but he did frown slightly. “Too much.” He denied. “My people are not familiar with Rice, you expect them to take to it as they do other foodstuffs. I would be more comfortable doing 15 septims per bag.”

“Yet you seem knowledgeable enough about the grain.” Yasaka pointed out.

“Aye my time spent in the legion meant I experienced a great many thing. One of which was different foods across the empire.” The Jarl chuckled. “There were a few dishes I quite enjoyed and I have had my cooks learn a few of them since Wilhelm was kind enough to donate some on his last visit.”

Oh yeah, I did do that.

“I’ll pass on some recipes if you want.” Yasaka didn’t bat an eye at his initial refusal. “You just need to set an example, maybe have Thorum enjoy some meals with the foreign food to convince your people.” She countered with a good point. “I can move down to 30 Septims, but Food is also something I can’t acquire large amounts of until I get a more steady flow of gold.”

“Unfortunately, the budget I am working with is not what it usually is. As many attacks have been made against my territory, food is not the only concern I have for my people. I cannot go beyond 25 septims for a bag.”

Yasaka raised an eyebrow at his sudden jump. “Very well, I’ll settle for that amount.” She looked slightly pleased. “Now, about the Arrows.”

“The arrows, yes.” The Jarl looked at the ones sitting to the side intently. “2500 Septims for 500 is….steep even considering the times.”

“Yes, but they also come enchanted.” Yasaka pointed out. “And I’m sure you’ve tested the quality yourself so far. Tell me, how do they fare against standard Iron armor?”

The Jarl laughed. “Well enough that I’m considering this price. Normal Arrows have been little use against a Dragon, but perhaps these will fare better?” He seemed to be thinking aloud. “But I am more focused on the use against the roaming bands of bandits that have sprung up and are strangelyarmed to such a high degree.”

Was he dropping a hint about something, the glance he sent my way implied so. Or was it more of a warning that things were happening around us?

Warning heard then I suppose.

“2500 Septims, it’s a fair price.” The Jarl didn’t even argue with it. Enchanted goods were at a premium right now and I could guess that arrows were not something people focused on to enchant. “I will have my Steward right up the appropriate documents and consider this batch as the first of hopefully many.”

“I’m pleased we could reach an agreement.” Yasaka smiled warmly. “Even if this arrangement may not last more than a few months.”

“Aye, you are correct. Our current crisis may pass at a moments notice, but our home is still going to be suffering for a period of time.”

“Shall we agree upon terms for when either side wishes to end the agreement? As I said before, neither of us can hold the other accountable, but there’s no reason to make enemies.”

Once the Dragons are finally taken care of, they can focus on rebuilding. A year down the line, would they need something like this? Maybe food and stuff, but Arrows would slowly fall to the wayside.

“I agree with the thought.”

“It seems we’re both in a difficult situation based on current crisis, but I doubt either of us wants to become overly reliant on the other. Perhaps a warning several months beforehand that either side wants to end the trade? It gives times to prepare in advance.”

“A fair offer and One I cannot refute. The times are turbulent so we cannot predict such things in the future.” The Jarl stood up from his seat. “Let us begin drafting the required documents then.”

Hmm, they were really amicable about everything.

***

I let out a yawn, walking down the streets of Whiterun.

Yasaka was still working out the finger details with the Jarl, and I was basically unneeded there. I wasn’t really concerned for her safety or anything like that. I don’t think anyone in that building could harm her, and in knew Meridia was keeping a watchful eye. And she knew how to get home, well, she gave me a good ahead to skip out so it as all good.

No, I headed out once someone came and gave the Jarl a heads up that the Dragonborn had returned.

Not surprising, he probably keeps makes sure to keep up to date on every one of Thorum’s movements. I couldn’t even fault him for it either, Thorum was the best deterrent they had at the moment, both for Dragons and any other people who wanted to cause issues.

I weaved an illusion around myself, just a basic one that would break on even the mildest of hits. But it would serve its purpose.

I caught all the eyes in my walk towards the Jorrvaskr.

I was dressed in a pretentious black hooded robe and matching black leather armor. Pointed ears visible to anyone who looked at me ‘face’.

Raising my foot up, I kicked the door open, grabbing everyone’s attention.

“I’ve come for the Dragonborn!” I shouted.

There was a moment of silence as everyone seemed to process that a supposed Thalmor just kicked their door open and demanded one of their companions.

I couldn’t hold it back and started laughing to myself, the illusion breaking easily.

“You bastard!” Aela was the first to growl.

“My friend!” Thorum started laughing as he came to give me a hug. “You fooled me.”

“Hey, Thorum.” I pat his back in a quick hug.

There were a round of shouts at me, all in good nature as they settled down.

“Milk Drinker, I ought to ring your neck.” Aela was still huffing.

“Oh, come one. Like any Thalmor would have the balls to walk into here like that.” I rolled my eyes.

“Bah, even if that’s true, you’re still an ass!” She snorted, though there was a slight smile on her face

“My friend, what bring you back so soon?” Thorum asked. “Is it time?”

“Yeah, I brought Yasaka around – Kunou’s Mother.” I explained. “She’s setting up a preliminary trade agreement with him, so that should help a little bit around here.”

“That is wonderful news!” Thorum had that big goofy smile spread across his face.

“And I settled things on my end for now, so I had time for the thing we talked about before.” As I said the words, Serena joined Thorum at his side. “If you wanna get started…..?” I offered.

“I have no matters that need my attention.” Thorum nodded.

“Yes, I believe the sooner the better.” The Vampire added.

I wouldn’t fault her for being impatient, it’s her mother we’re going to save. “Right, well we need to do some experiments first and I need to investigate the spot you spoke about.”

“Going to rescue the Vampire’s mum?” Aela asked. She was the only inner circle member still hanging around right now. “I’ll hold down the fort while you’re gone.”

The way she said it, I kinda felt bad as if she was getting ‘left out’.

“I have a favor to ask, while I’m away.”

“Hmm?”

“Yasaka’s still around, and you should know she’s not exactly….a normal sight for everyone here. Think you could watch out, make sure no one gives her a hard time? I’m sure the Guards got word around themselves, but I wanted someone I could personally trust to watch over her.”

“Leave it to me.” She lightly slapped her breast plate. “If we got someone helping us with the crap going on, it’d be poor on us if she got caught up in anything.”

I should figure out something nice to go do for her. She isn’t exactly a…..friend in the same way my others ones are, but she’s been very nice to me and pretty much had my bad since day one.

Maybe I could give Thorum some tips on awaken someone else’s Aura?

I gave her a nod of thanks before opening a portal to Harkin’s old castle. “Shall we?”

***

“How convenient a method of travel.” Serena looked around at the half-ruined keep.

“Aye, my friend. I have not heard of such a method beyond teleportation, but such a thing is outlawed by the empire.”

“Well, it’s a good thing it doesn’t operate under the same principals, thus isn’t affected by that particular law.” I chuckled. I remember being a little hesitant about that myself, but no one’s said a word. Hell, I doubt they would even if I were blatantly teleporting anyways.

“I assume you’ve look around since the destruction then?” I kicked over a stone piece.

“We have.” Serena, squat down, picking up a cracked mirror. “I had to see it for myself once I heard. And I did look through many things to see if I could find a trail that my mother left behind.”

“And you said you found some clues in her old…..workshop?” Was that the word they use?

“Yes, I found her old research and found some things that led me to the conclusions I told you about before.” She turned to look towards a certain part of the castle still standing. “Luckily it was still there.” She chuckled mirthfully, eyeing the wreckage.

“Speaking of magical things, how’s your magic training going, Thorum?” I askes as we followed behind Serena through the maze that was this destroyed structure.

“Higher level spells are still difficult for me.” He rubbed the back of his head. “But I have practice my Restoration Magic as often as I could, helping out locals who had been hurt.”

That’s right, he was having trouble with Restoration.

“I’d love to help you where I can. I also had some thoughts about the Thu’um I wanted to run by you when we had some time. Among some other things I wanted to talk to you about.” I looked to the side to see a very creepy painting of Harkin.

With a flick of my hand, I set it on fire.

“Better than he deserved.” Serena scowled, eyeing it with annoyance.

“What did you want to discuss, my friend?” Thorum asked, decidedly not poking that little beast right now that Serena revealed.

“I never really told you where I came from. You’re my best friend and I wanted you to know everything about me.”

It was time for him to know my secrets. If I couldn’t trust Thorum, then who could I trust in my life?

“I too have not told you my younger years! We can share a drink and tell stories.” Thorum laughed.

As fun as that sounded, it’s obvious he didn’t know what I was going to reveal to him. Even Meridia was…….shocked by the revelations.

I think it was the first time Meridia ever felt small.

And thinking about my cute Goddess, I couldn’t help but rub the Ring on my hand. Even if its effects no longer worked on me, it was a gift from Meridia, thus I would always cherish it.

Maybe if we ever have a child in the future, I can give it to them?

“Here we are.” Serena declared snapping me out of my thoughts. “Though, there isn’t much to…see.” She waived her arms around.

Yeah, what should have been an inner room in the castle, was only about two and a half walls with most of everything broken apart.

“There is not much left but –“ Thorum stopped, looking at me as I put my hand on the ground.

“Something here is strange.”

“My friend, did you discover something?”

I snapped my fingers, causing an explosion of wind to burst out below, knocking away all the dust and grime that accumulated.

“Looks like the remnants of a Spell Circle.” They were faint, but the markings left on the stone had burns into the hard surface. There were very tiny traces of lingering Magical Energy that if you squint, could form a circle of some sort. Though, most of it was destroyed through the passage of time or by my own hand.

“How did I miss that!” Serena groaned.

“Rather easily, I wouldn’t have noticed either if not for my experience in sensing the fluctuations of spatial turbulence. Or rather – the telling signs of spells that involves teleportation.”

This spot had definitely been used to invoke some manner of Teleportation, and it was not a simple one like going from here to Whiterun. No, it was powerful, and clearly tore through the boundaries of Nirn. Either a Daedra was summoned from Oblivion, or someone Teleportation to another Realm that lays within Oblivion and based on what Serena told me, one answer seems more probable.

“Well…” I interlocked my fingers, stretching my arms. “Let’s get started then, shall we?”

“Do you require any aid from us, my friend?” Thorum asked.

“Hmm, can you move some of the rubble away? I want a good look at the area.”

“I can help with that too.” Serena volunteered herself, immediately picking up a stone that was about the size of herself.

Honestly, it’s easy to forget how physically strong she is because she’s a vampire.

“So…” I whispered towards Thorum. “How strong do you think your Dragon-Vampire babies are going to be?” I nudged him with my elbow.

As expected, the mighty Dragonborn turned a bright shade of red and started sputtering.

I slapped his shoulder with a laugh and made my way towards one corner that still had a pillar standing up. I slapped a Talisman on it and started moving to four other points, mimicking my actions.

I held my hand up, invoking a spell. “God of the east sea, Amei. God of the west sea, Shukuryou. God of the south sea, Kyojou. God of the north sea, Gukyou. Gods of the seven sea, fend off the hundred demons and drive back the fire disaster. – Order!” I slammed the last talisman onto the ground, invoking a wide scale magic.

Serena and Thorum stopped in their actions as they watched my magic be invoked. A large pentagram spread out, below and above us.

“Your Magic never ceases to amaze me, my friend.” Thorum looked up in awe.

And….I did feel a little proud when he says things like that.

“What is this?” Serena held her hands out. “It feels nice.”

“I’m cleansing the area of residual….corruption, for lack of a better word.” It would be difficult to explain without going into debt in the logistics and concepts of the whole system of magic. “This place had been seeped in so much necromatic and blood magics for so long, it’s hard to get anything useful out of this residual circle.”

Luckily it didn’t affect vampires, a difference in world view than the Christian cosmology. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to do this through other methods.

“With all the disgusting things that have happened here, I’m not surprised.” Serena groaned. “So there’s a possibility we can’t get anything useful out of this?”

“Who knows, let’s get it cleaned up first. The fact that there’s even something noticeable is a point in our favor. Your mother clearly knew what she was doing for it to be preserved for so long.”

“And how long will this take?” Thorum asked, though he didn’t appear to be impatient in his tone, perhaps a genuine curiosity.

“I have no idea.” I shrugged. “As I said, this place had been seeped in so much – bleh – for so long. How long had Harkon lived here for?”

“Too long.” Serena replied. “Hundreds upon hundreds of years he has done unspeakable things behind these walls.” She stared off into the distance, before returning focus to us. “And…..’Bleh’?” She quirked an amused smile.

“Well, what would you call it, hmm?”

“…..it’s oddly an apt description.”

“Hey Thorum.” I just remembered something I wanted to ask him. “I’ve been working on a method to bring Ddraig out for a little while, I was wondering if you knew any Shouts that could help with that?”

The efforts everyone made the other day had born fruit, but……all we had at the moment was a prototype. A staff created from Dragon Bones and other materials, A core composed of condense Dust to form a jewel-like structure. An obscene amount of Runic Sentences carved into a large portion of the staff itself – Primordial Runes where required – and we bound it all up with Lucretia helping devise a name to bind it together for Ddraig.

Basically acted as one of those Staffs that Rin brought along, but specifically for Ddraig.

Just needed to test it soon. But I needed an opponent worthy of testing it on…..or atleast someone I wanted to flex on.

I think Ddraig would be fine with either.

“A shout to summon Ddraig?” Thorum repeated. “I do not believe I know of such a thing, my friend. Perhaps the Grey Beards would know? I have gotten far better at the Thu’um in recent time, maybe we could create one ourselves?”

“Oh, that’s an idea.” I rubbed my chin. “I hadn’t thought of that, it’s already difficult enough for me to learn shouts that are already established and what they called ‘beginner’.”

The fact that Ddraig was in my soul was helping me cheat in this specific circumstance. Just as I couldn’t have Medea just teacher me her Divine Words, I can’t just learn the Thu’um……normally.

Hell, compare Thorum’s shout to mine and mine would come up short in comparison every single time.

“Regardless – “ I paused looking up at the sky and saw my spell fizzling away. “Put that on the shelf or now, time to get to work.”

I took our Mirage and slammed it right down into what I thought was the center of the old Magic Circle. I pressed my hands against the Eye that was embedded on the hilt, the calculations were done in a blink of an eye, and a large illusionary circle appeared above it as I used my hands to expand it outward.

“Alright, I got a good idea of what your mother did.” I inspected the dimensions and layout of the Magic Circle. While it wasn’t a school of thought I was overly familiar with, it overlapped with a lot of things I could be called an expert in.

“Can you find her?” Serena was already at my side, staring at my illusion intently.

“I can…..trace back the source?” I tilt my head, spinning it around for another look. “We’re a bit lucky you stumbled upon what you did. After I destroyed the castle……well, I don’t think even these traces of the magic would have lasted another few months. The Castle was holding it all together.”

The Castle probably had a lot of magic woven into it, the Circle no doubt was anchored to the foundation itself.

The link If it were to be called that was thin, but present. The thinning of space between two points led me off the world and to a point in Oblivion, not too different than going to Meridia’s realm.

Mirage began to light up as I focused on it and used the residual magics and what remained of the spell circle to facilitate a similar casting.

Slowly, a portal began opening up infront of us, different than the one I usually do.

“Amazing as always, my friend!” Thorum exclaimed with glee. “Let us –“

I yanked him back as he was walking right towards the portal. “Don’t just walk into magical effects that you have no idea about.” I deadpanned.

“Is it not the entrance to this Soul Cairn?’ He looked confused.

“We still need to make sure it’s safe first, I have no idea what’s on the other side and I’m not going to risk your lives because of that. Give me…..two hours to make sure it’s all good to go before we just jump right in.”

I usually threw caution to the wind when because I could shoulder my own actions, but with Thorum involved, I wasn’t going to take unnecessary risks like that.

“Two hours? I can wait two hours.” Serena muttered to herself.

“Alright, let me just do a couple experiments to make sure our Aura holds up and then we can go through.”

***

Omake –  System-chan and the unsuspecting Pyrrha.

Pyrrha Nikos POV

“Whew.” I wiped the sweat off my brow, relaxing as I sat down and took a sip of my bottled water. It had been another good day of training, I was following that woman’s instructions still and I felt myself getting better at a noticeable rate.

I wonder if Wilhelm will be surprised at how strong I get when he comes back. If we fight, could I beat him now?

Even if I can’t I want to alteast fight him once. I’m still upset that we couldn’t have our match. Well….even without a fight, I hope he comes back soon. I wouldn’t mind spending more time with him, it’s fun…..having a friend.

…..I miss him.

                                                          [Ding!]

“What!?” I suddenly shot to my feet hearing a strange sound

                                  [New host found. Synchronizing system.]

                                               [Installing updates]

                                                [Loading settings]

          [Greeting, User! You’ve been chosen to be the next host to System 1.2039]

“What in the brother’s names!?” I looked around but there was no one around me.

                 [Don’t be alarmed, user! I’m speaking to you inside your head.”

“Waah!?”

            [Allow me to explain. I am a system – an entity that helps facilitate its hosts
                  growth through the use of familiar mechanics such as video games.]

“M-my growth? Talking in my head? Is someone playing a prank on me?”

                               [No prank, Pyrrha! I’m here to help you.]

“H-how?”

                                     [Do you want to get stronger?]

“Stronger?” I felt something in my chest at that. “You can help me get stronger?”

                     [I can! I can help you get strong enough to be unrivaled!]

“You can help me get strong enough to beat Wilhelm?” I don’t know why I was asking this, I doubt this….thing even knew who Wilhelm was.

               [You want to defeat Wilhelm Schweinorg? I can help you beat him!]

“Y-you know who he is!?” I didn’t know how to respond to that. What was this thing really?

            [Of course, I can help you get strong enough to beat that big bully.]

“That’s…amazing.” Was this my chance, could I actually match him? “Wait….bully?”

                                                  [But why stop there!]

“Huh?”

                        [Tell me, Pyrrha, how do you feel about Wilhelm, hmm?]

“Wilhelm….well, he’s my friend.”

                 [Friends are nice……ever think about being something more than friends?]

“M-more than friends? Like….a girlfriend?” I barely squeaked out that last word. “I mean, it’s not like he isn’t handsome…and funny….and does things to makes me happy. He’s strong, and I enjoy spending time with him….and he doesn’t care about my fame. He teases me all the time, but he gives me hugs that are nice too…”

                              [It sounds like you have a crush on him.]

“I-it doesn’t matter.” I shook my head. “Besides, he said he has a daughter that means he has a girlfriend or wife already!”

                                   [Are you going to let that stop you?]

“Of course!” I huffed.

                                      [What If I told you, he has a harem.]

“A….a harem?” I said quietly. “Like….he has multiple girls?”

                     [He does indeed. Now, does that…..change your mind.]

“Multiple girls? But……does that mean he would….?” I could feel my face heating up. “I would….have a chance?”

                                  [A chance? Oh, Pyrrha, why stop there?]

“What do you suggest?”

                       [If you get strong enough, how could he deny you?]

“Get strong enough that he has to accept me?” I repeated to myself. “If I beat him, then he would want to be my boyfriend, is that what you’re saying?”

                   [….Sure, let’s go with that. But, you’re thinking too small again!]

“Too small?”

                                   [Why not aim for being his only woman?]

“His only woman?”

            [Imagine it, Pyrrha, Wilhelm fawning over you, and only you for the rest of
           your life. That handsome smile of his, reserved only for you. Waking up in
           the morning, and he’s there, in nothing but an apron, cooking you breakfast.
            At night, he gives you a foot rub after he rocks your world before bed. And
                           every day he brings you flowers and chocolate and –]

“Yes!” I shouted, only realizing I did so after a moment, and feeling my face flush. “I mean….yes, let’s do it!”

                                    [Good, but you have to keep me a secret.]

“Why do you I need to keep you a secret, is there something wrong with you?”

                       [No, no, nothing like that. But…..You don’t want to give away all your
                      cards, do you? And imagine the jealously and attention you would get
                                                   ontop of just being famous.]

“That’s a good point, alright, I won’t tell anyone about you.”

                             [Oh, Pyrrha, this is the start of a beautiful friendship.]

“Friendship?” I felt my eyes light up.

                   [Of course we’re friends! And lets start your super duper secret training.]

“Oh, I like that sound of that. It’s like I’m on a secret mission!”

    [That’s a good way to think of it. In fact, let’s call it – Operation Yandere revenge.]

“Yandere? What’s that?” It was a word I’ve never heard before.

                    [Oh, don’t worry about it. Just remember, you’re the only girl he needs.]

***

Soul Cairn next chapter. Sorry for the late post, but it's about two chapters in length because I wanted to get through this part without making it two chapters. And it seems like people were very taken with System-chan, so she makes another appearance.