Meria

Meria

     The 'seeking' wings its way through the Realms of Reality first, seeking traces of Meria. And faint traces are all that it finds, old and faded, but it latches on to them anyway, using them to assist in tracking her through the possibilities. It sorts through those possibilities from the oldest to the most recent, until it finds the last place in Reality where she was physically present.

     It is in a remote fortress of enchanted ice, on a distant world, in an equally distant Reality. This was at one time the place where Ithaqua held court, a place where he lived and roamed the skies using the icy winds that blew perpetually through the canyons and rivers of freezing air. He would listen for the howling of his minions, the Wendigo, as they called his name from all the other places where his influence had spread to. And would use those howls to travel to wherever they summoned him to.

     Sometimes worshippers would sacrifice to him, and call him to appear before them. Many times depending upon his state of mind, they would come to regret their actions. For the icy winds that would accompany him were cold enough to freeze their bodies solid unless he extended his protection to them, and that he rarely did. Yet when he did so, they would become his servants, changing their blood into ice water, their skin to the blue of arctic ice, their hearts now like icebergs floating in the seas, hiding the danger of their presence from unsuspecting ships until too late.

     And there was one such group of worshippers, who called him in a most strange manner. They had a sacrifice for him, but they chose not to spill her blood to him. Instead, they had acquired a copy of the Necronomicon or was it that the book acquired them. For it revealed to them a rarely read passage concerning Ithaqua, his wants, and desires. They used the passage revealed in the book's pages to call him by combining their own blood, pouring it onto the sacrifice, and then one by one, they cut their own throats until he appeared.

     The Necronomicon used the life force of the suicides of the worshippers to fuel its calling to him. He heard, and intrigued, he answered. Fully half of the worshippers lay dead around the Altar when he appeared. He saw and felt the Necronomicon's presence, looked around and as his eyes beheld the bloody sacrifice laid out for him, his eyes went 'red' in lust.

     He used her as was his wont, slaked his desire with her body, and then asked the remaining worshippers what they wanted from him in return for her. They replied with their wishes to him and he granted them as they had asked. They asked for immortality, and he sent his icy wind among them, freezing their bodies into enchanted ice. Now they would remain so forever, the very stars would die and grow cold, but these bodies would remain as they are now, immortal. 

     The sacrifice he picked up in his arms and carried her back to his remote fortress, where he placed her in a special suite of rooms. Rooms where she would be protected from the icy cold, for she carried within her his seed. And he was anxious to see what she would bring forth from that seed.

     The child came, a girl child that shared her mother's fire red hair, her father's arctic blue skin, and red eyes as she howled her hunger after being thrust into this unpleasantly bright new place. He named her Meria. The 'seeking' carried on, now with a stronger trace to follow.

It followed Meria's track to all the places where Ithaqua took her as he moved his abode and court he named Borea.

     It followed Meria through countless leagues, spaces, dimensions, and dreams. It came closest in the Dreamlands as it examined the dream reflection of Borea as it lay to the north of Kadath. Then it found one last trail to follow, this one strong and recent. Its track led to an unexpected place, a moon of a distant world. The world itself was quite warm and very much not the kind of place Ithaqua would favor. The moon however was very different.

     Possessed of an atmosphere, thin but present, and very, very cold. This moon's revolution around its parent world was slow enough that something else always stayed between it and the sun. Thus it never received heat from the sun. The air did not go liquid and then solid, for it was too close to the parent world for that. The gravitational turbulence of such a slow and close orbit kept the core warm enough to keep the air thin but gaseous. Thus Ithaqua could come and go. Not to mention the already existing fortress he found here. Although he had no inkling that he had found the 'Fortress on the Edge of Balance', named such by its builders because the moon would never fall and collide with its parent. And that was due to the presence of a neutron star that balanced the gravitational pull of the parent world. Thus the moon was held in balance between the two.

     He had the interior of the fortress coated in ice, even as he sent servants to acquire water to be thrown on the walls to freeze. And deep inside in a room almost hidden in a maze of corridors, was a wall of enchanted ice where he kept the still-living body of his daughter Meria embedded within. The enchanted ice keeping her alive and aware. 

     She had long ago wished for death to come and release her from her lonely torment, for she had lost her one true mate and love. Now she desperately continues to cling to hope, hope springing forth from whispers that came to her soon after she was placed here. Whispers that told her all was not yet lost. That one day help would come, and she would be freed and reunited with Titus. And his life and love would once again hold her and keep her safe from her father's darkness.

     The 'seeking' finds her, and Meria feels its presence near her. Not certain what it is, she nevertheless prays it is a sign of the help that will come. It cannot penetrate the enchanted ice, but it knows there are other ways to go around it. It shifts into another adjacent dimension where there is no obstacle to placing itself in the same space occupied by Meria. Then shifting back it materializes inside her body and begins to fulfill its task. As it verifies the state of her being, it speaks to her, telling her what it is here for, and that she should be patient just a little while longer. That it must return to the one who sent it and report on what it found, it then reassured her that the one who sent it would come for her and take her to Titus, waiting for her in the Necropolis beneath Irem, the City of Pillars.

      Sensing her apprehension about Irem, it tells her that Kthanid waits there as well as the one who sent it to find her. When Meria asks who sent it, it replies, she is known as Iriisii Dovahkiin, Harbinger and Battle Mistress to the Gods of Eld, and descendant daughter of Kthanid. Meria remembers enough of her time with the Elder Gods to know Kthanid, who treated her as a daughter, although he had no children at that time, and relaxes knowing true help has come at last.

     The 'seeking' having done as it was tasked, now prepares to return. Ithaqua walks into the room to look at his daughter once again. The 'seeking' bids Meria to not reveal its presence or what it has said, and goes quiescent inside Meria.

     Ithaqua: "Ah, my wayward daughter, once more your father comes to allow you to bask in his gaze. One day you will ask me to release you, and on that day you will be willing to truly be the daughter of Ithaqua. Together we will ride the cold and stinging winds, there are many places to see, and surprises to unfold. I have found one I think will be a fitting introduction for you.

     There is a group of Elvish stock, they call themselves the 'Aen Elle'. The 'Lady of White Frost' seeks to covet their world and hold it in her icy grasp. The Aen Elle fight but are losing the effort and so they look for a new home. The ones they sent out, call themselves the 'Wild Hunt', using magic to open portals for the 'White Frost's' children to be brought through to do the will of these 'elves'. They are currently engaged in subduing one such 'new home'. But what a surprise they will know when they call upon more of the 'White Frost's' children and we arrive to show them the error of their ways.

     For they should have embraced the 'White Frost' and let her have her way with them and their world, for now, it will be our turn. What say you to that, my daughter! Hah! Do I see a twinkle of 'red' dancing behind your eyes? Soon enough you will be ready, and when you are, then I will release you, and we will visit these Aen Elle. Perhaps I will allow you to bring a few back here and you can play with them. At least for as long as they will last, hahahahaha!"

     As her father turns and leaves, she, at last, is able to get her anger under control. She knows he only baits her to get her to release that anger and let it flow through her. Which would open her to his control and influence, something that having Titus close to her allowed her to keep under lock and key in a mental prison cell that he taught her how to build. As she feels the 'seeking' gathering to leave, she asks it to please tell those coming to help to hurry before she cannot hold back her anger and it takes full possession of her.

     The 'seeking' leaves Meria and begins the return journey, at least it will not take as long to return as it does not have to trace back its path. It knows where and how to go to return in the shortest time. As it passes by other Gods of Eld on its return, word of what it carries spreads, and a following begins, for Titus Crowe was known and admired by many for his dedication to the fight against the Great Old Ones. And if there is a chance to help him once more, no one among them will refuse that chance, especially if their Battle Mistress and Harbinger is to be involved.

     Iriisii is still standing by Titus Crowe's head when the 'seeker' finds its way back to her. As it delivers what it found out into her mind, those of the Elder Gods who followed the 'seeker' on its return begin to arrive. Kthanid moves to gather the new arrivals together until Iriisii has a chance to evaluate what the 'seeker' has learned. Soon enough she moves from the 'head', looking for Kthanid, she walks to his side, noting the still-growing number of arrivals who came to assist. She is beginning to think this is serendipity working because it looks like she will need the help.

     Kthanid: "What have you learned?"

     Iriisii: "Meria is still alive and Ithaqua has her imprisoned in enchanted ice, in a new location he has found. I think it may be one of the undiscovered Timeless Fortresses. I have talked to Titus about how we can progress, but I am still not satisfied with how to go through with this."

     Kthanid: "What are you thinking of doing then?"

     Iriisii: "Something similar to what I did for Reaper. But I need guidance on this first. I could make him a new body, but do I leave it completely mortal, a demigod, or a full god. I thought of this because Meria is a demigod at the least, being Ithaqua's daughter by a mortal woman. I thought they should be equal in capability, this is what my sense of balance is telling me."

     Kthanid: "You make a good case for the change. Not just because I know and respect Titus, but I also respect your dedication to balance. And it would not only bring them closer together but solve the thorny issue of how to allow them to be together after this is done. But what of these Aen Elle and what Ithaqua said of them?"

     Iriisii: "That is another issue altogether, I have my doppelganger sitting on the throne of Nilfgard. I have sent a thread to inform her to keep an ear to the ground about rumors or mutterings about the return of the Wild Hunt. If anything is heard she is to get word to me about it. Until then I will stay away for now, but it does concern me if they are hunting Ciri once more. I cannot allow them to get her, the consequences of that do not bear thinking about."

     Kthanid: "There are a couple of the arrivals here that have experience with the Aen Elle, I will see if they will look into the matter, and get back to us if they discover anything. They can also help guard Ciri if needed."

     Iriisii: "Thank you, that would ease my mind greatly. Also tell them if mortal help is needed, contact my doppelganger and have her mobilize the Nilfgardian army. She has my permission to do what she thinks is possible to negate the threat."

     Kthanid: "I will, also I should notify Nodens so he could ready some others of our allies to step in if needed."

     Iriisii: "Good, I know some have been itching for some action, this may at least slow down the Aen Elle and give me a chance to enter the fray later if needed. Now we must plan what we can do to get Meria out of Ithaqua's hands. He has moved from the Dreamlands into the Waking World, but if the place he has found is indeed one of the Timeless Fortresses, I must not only get Meria out but I must evict Ithaqua. It is obvious he has no idea of what he has stumbled onto, and so it is better for all that he does not find out before I can lay claim to it. Once it is in my hands, I can tie it to the other two I have and strengthen its defenses to keep any who attempt to take it in my absence from succeeding."

     Kthanid: "I agree, although I knew nothing of their existence, having seen the benefits of the two you have, I look forward to seeing what they may do with another added to their number. Would you plan on moving it to the other three or what?"

     Iriisii: "I am thinking about that, with a third added, I wonder if they may be able to stay physically separate but joined metaphysically. It would explain why they were kept so widely apart, yet have the capability to be joined. I wonder at the possibilities there, being able to walk through a door from one to the other, each at separate ends of existence. It would greatly help in moving troops from place to place when the Jihad of Truth begins. And with the increase in power and abilities that each added supplies, I think it would even be possible to transport fleets in the same way, if I can provide a more secure link with the Krang into that network."

     Kthanid: "As Nodens would say, I like the way you think, but on to another less savory topic."

     Iriisii: "I wondered when you would bring that up. I have seriously begun to consider something. And I certainly do not like where this thought path is heading."

     Kthanid: "Tell me and let us see where we go the same way and where we differ."

     Iriisii: "I begin to think there is a great deal more to the Necronomicon that we see. I almost think it is going to be a priority in the near future to find Abdul Alhazred, or at least what we can find of him, and see how deep this goes. It almost seems everywhere I look, I see traces where it has left its imprint on events. Not to mention that I have seen it do things a book has no right to be capable of. And I have also seen where a book can be far more than a simple book. This describes the Necronomicon very closely, but just what is it really? That I do not know, although I only have glimmerings, none are good in any way."

     Kthanid: "Your thoughts are closely aligned with my own, and others among our number have come to me with similar thoughts as well. I think we might need to gather a conference to discuss this. If it is as you think, we may need to begin addressing this before we find ourselves being led by our 'noses' around in circles by this thing. Do you think there may be another behind it, using it as a disguise? Indeed I hope that is the case. If not it could be far worse than even I could have imagined."

     Iriisii: "We need everything that can be gathered about that 'book'. I would suggest someone go to the Great Library and begin there. Also, someone should go to Yuggoth on the Rim, and speak to the Keeper there. He may also have knowledge we lack. If there is anywhere else you can think of to look or someone we can ask questions of, I authorize you to see to it without coming directly to me, use your own best judgment, and I will back you in this."

     Kthanid: "Thank you, Harbinger, I will see to it, immediately. Now, what about Ithaqua?"

     Iriisii: "I would rather not get into a direct confrontation with him right now. If there is some way to lure him out to somewhere else or catch him away from the Fortress, then get in quickly, free Meria and take control of the Fortress before he realizes it is done. I am pretty sure he has not accessed the controlling entity as yet, so the two I have can help with the third. They would then be of immense help in building immediate defenses to ward him off when he attempts to return."

     One of the other nearby Elder Gods asks why they were needing to sidestep Ithaqua in this way. 

     Iriisii replies, "I do not want to start a full-scale battle against him in that Fortress and risk its controlling entity picking his side because we attacked Ithaqua while he was inside the Fortress. By doing that the Entity would be led by its programming to join in beside Ithaqua. If we slip in behind him, we can gain control and use it against his return. Freeing Meria allows me to bring Titus Crowe back and possibly create a new body for his mind, heart, and soul to inhabit. I would like to share my flesh and blood with that body to elevate him to equal Celestial status with Meria.

     This helps both of them and us as well. His reputation is well known among you all, and his knowledge is very valuable. I gain a third one of the Timeless Fortresses to add to the two I already have, increasing the power and abilities of all three. We will need every advantage we can make use of to deal with what this ongoing situation is building up to.

     We have multiple enemies, all set on their own goals, however, the end result will be the same, the destruction of our Creation, and possibly Existence itself. I do not think we have uncovered all of the threats we will face going forward, but we will not stop looking. We have made great strides up to now in preparing for future events. In re-establishing the balance of the pillars sitting above us, back into the balanced pattern it once had, I have thrown down the gauntlet to our enemies and given us more time in which to act.

     To stop another corruption of these pillars, I have engaged a shield around them and tied it into the core from which to draw its power from. For now, anyway nothing but the complete destruction of this world will stop it from being a force for 'Balance' once again. And I have taken steps to prevent that from occurring as well."

     A different Elder God asks her what steps has she taken to protect this world.

     Iriisii: "I have brought some Sand Wyrms and transplanted them here. This world is almost completely desert, making it an ideal habitat for them. They are very territorial and will protect this world in general and this place in particular from any who seek to subvert it.

     I know many ask how effective they will be. I have a strong tie to them through my relationship with Shai-Hulu'ud. These Sand Wyrms are perhaps the toughest, I hesitate to say natural, but, there are very few natural enemies that can stand up to them. There are a few large islands in the single ocean this world has, they are where the more non-desert life forms live. I have asked a few dragons to reside on those islands to assist in monitoring for intrusions and helping in defense."

     Those who have listened to what she has said agree with what she has done to safeguard this world and the pillars. They also respect her desire to aid Titus and bring him back in a way that does not violate the Laws of Life and Death. Elevating him to Godhood is very well accepted as recompense for all he did to help them in their fight against the Great Old Ones and their allies. Word spreads and all know an increased sense of respect and admiration for their Harbinger and they feel soon they will see the mettle of their Battle Mistress.

     Rigmor: "How will we get to this new Fortress?"

     Iriisii: "The 'seeking' has given me its location coordinates. The decision is more 'when' to go than 'how'."

     Rigmor: "Then when will we go?"

     Iriisii: "Once my spies tell me Ithaqua 'walks the winds' on his path to check up on his Wendigos and whatever other task he may have set himself, then we will go."

     Rigmor: "Why not just go ahead and storm the place?"

     Iriisii: "A bit too eager to get into trouble, calm yourself, sit. Ithaqua is not one to approach haphazardly. He may be insane, but he can use it to his great advantage. His control of 'frost and ice magic' is second to none. If I am hesitant to go straight up against him, you should be even warier. You know I do not shy away from fighting if I need to. But facing Ithaqua on his home ground straight up is foolhardy.

     We need every advantage we can create if we are to do this right. Besides the object of this is to get Meria out alive, and to claim that Fortress as well. Attack him while he is in it and we will be facing both him and the Fortress. This calls for finesse, not raw power."

     Rigmor: "All right, then tell me what we are going to do!"

     Iriisii: "When we go, we go straight to Meria and get her out of the enchanted ice wall she is imprisoned in. Then I will use the 'Guardian' and the 'Custodian' to tell me how to approach the control center. I will have to lay claim to him and the Fortress together. Once that is done, I will link the three together and then let Ithaqua make an appearance. Facing us and the power of three of the Timeless Fortresses linked together, he will not know what hammer hit him upside his icy head."

     She looks around to the others gathered around listening.

     Iriisii: "If anyone has any comments or ideas about how we can approach this that I have not considered, then sing out. No battle plan survives the first encounter with an enemy, so the more possibilities we plan for the more likely we will succeed with the smallest amount of losses. I do not want to lose anyone or see anyone come to harm. It still happens with the best of plans, and Ithaqua is still very much unknown as to what he may do or how he will react. So if you have ideas, let me hear them."

     They confer among themselves to see what ideas hold up against each other when a voice from the outer periphery sings out.

     Voice: "Have you thought of going into the Fortress by way of the Shadow World?"

     The voices of discussion all go instantly silent, then they turn to Iriisii to see her reaction.

     Iriisii: "Come forward, I won't bite. Tell me more about your idea. I am aware of only a small part of the Shadow World, having visited only once. But I know very little of the extent of what we could do in traversing it that kind of distance, so please tell me more."

     The one who spoke steps forth, his form is like that of a deep, dark smoke, constantly being pulled back in upon itself. At first, she thinks there may be some relation to a Balrog, but she notices no flame in his form, yet he does have strong energy channels that more closely look like threads of lightning.

     Iriisii: "What is your name, or how should I refer to you? I dislike calling out, 'hey you'?"

     He bows to her and replies, "if it pleases you Harbinger, call me Txwyc."

     Iriisii: "Very well, Txwyc, tell me more."

     Txwyc: "I too have visited the Shadow Realm. It is as vast and variable as our own Creation is. And as it shares many of the physical laws that we live under, it also has its differences. Some of which you have made use of."

     Iriisii: "Such as my ability to Shadow Walk?"

     Txwyc: "Yes, Harbinger. You have used it for 'line of sight' travel here on our worlds to quickly and quietly traverse distances. But within the Shadow Realm, it can be used in a similar fashion to travel quite extensive distances, you only need to be able to see in your mind the destination you want to go to and there must be a shadow there for you to emerge from."

     Iriisii: "I see, and for me to bring along a sizable party?"

     Txwyc: "That I am not knowledgeable of, I have only done Shadow Walking on my own."

     Iriisii: "I do not really see a problem, although I would need to ask the Shadow Lords if they would allow me to do so, it is their Realm after all and I have met them before. Perhaps they might be willing to assist if asked?"

     Txwyc: "That I have no knowledge of, never having met them myself."

     Iriisii: "I would not be so certain of that. They are well aware of all that happens in their realm. They would not of necessity reveal themselves to you, but you can be certain they knew of your presence and intentions. If they disapproved of your activities, you would not be able to gain entrance. But I believe it is worth going back and speaking to them about it, it could very well heighten our chances of getting in and doing what I want, with no casualties. I thank you for your suggestion, know that I will act upon it and see what the Lords of Shadow have to say."

     Rigmor: "So you are going back to the Shadow Realms."

     Iriisii: "Yes, and yes."

     Rigmor: "What was the second yes for?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, you can go with me."

     Rigmor pumps her fist in the air, "YES!"

     Iriisii: "I need one more, Txwyc, this was your idea, you come as well."

     Txwyc: "Harbinger, you are certain of this?"

     Rigmor: "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!"

     Txwyc looks at Rigmor with definite uncertainty about what she meant.

     Iriisii: "She means not to question me when I extend the opportunity for you to go with me on a task, for I do not do this very often, although I am trying to do better."

     Txwyc: "I understand, thank you, Harbinger, I will endeavor to be worthy of the honor you have given me."

     Rigmor: "Don't go too far with that, it might make me look bad."

     Again he looks quizically at Iriisii.

     Iriisii: "Do not mind her colloquialisms, she is playing you to see how you respond to her."

     Rigmor: "Damn, you take all the fun out of it!"

     Iriisii: "I can still change my mind and leave you here."

     Rigmor: "Don't you dare do that! It is hard enough to get you to take me anywhere these days. You win, I will tone it down, spoilsport."

     Iriisii: "Come on, get something to eat and drink, then some sleep, even if you do not feel you need it. Staying in the Shadow Realms for an extended time can be very taxing. I need both of you alert for this."

     Rigmor: "How long will we be?"

     Iriisii: "I have no idea, time is especially flexible there. We will have to take it as it comes."

     Later they gather around the sarcophagus of Titus Crowe.

     Iriisii: "Ready to go?"

     Both Rigmor and Txwyc nod their heads.

     Iriisii: "Then let us get this show on the road."

     Iriisii turns to an open area she had cleared for the portal to be created. This one however will be done a bit differently. This time she intends to let the Lords of Shadow know she is coming before opening the portal. She feels it is needed to be polite and circumspect in entering their Realm.

     Iriisii:

              Lords of the Shadows

              I, Iriisii Dovahkiin

              ask a favor to enter

              your Realms, to speak

              with thee of weighty

              matters of concern

              to all who will hear.

              I open my portal

              here beneath Irem,

              if you will hear

              what I have to say

              open my portal to

              a place you choose.

              Let it be as you wish.

     She then makes her portal form and leaves it unopened at the far side. The other Elder Gods are somewhat tense as to if it will be opened on the other side. Little is known of the Lords of the Shadows, just then a voice is heard coming from the portal.

              We, the Lords of the Shadows,

              welcome you, Iriisii Dovahkiin

              come to our Conclave of Shadow

              Let us hear the wisdom from 

              your lips and your voice. We

              find ourselves in need of your

              wise counsel. We gladly open

              your portal, enter, and be welcome.

     The portal completes its opening and stands ready for them to go through.

     Kthanid: "If I had not heard it with my own ears. In all of our history, this is unprecedented, never has it happened before."

     Iriisii looks to him to explain.

     Kthanid: "Never has any of us been allowed to enter the Shadow Realms, much less meet with their High Council of Elders in a Conclave. Even among those outside of us, I believe our history only records one such occurrence. And there is almost no further record of it other than it happened. Congratulations, Harbinger, you have made history this day."

     Iriisii: "In that case, it would not be wise to keep them waiting for us. Wait for us to return, but it might also be wise to ask Nodens to come and wait as well. I am sure that when we go to take the Fortress and Meria from Ithaqua, he would never forgive us if we left him out of it."

     Kthanid laughs, "I can agree with that, you know him well. In that case, I will contact him as soon as you have passed over."

     Iriisii turns and moves toward the portal, Rigmor, and Txwyc in tow behind her. The passage is uneventful and the portal closes as they exit into the Realm of Shadows. The light is very dim, with braziers of red coals spaced around to provide warmth and just enough light to make out shapes here and there. They each cast night eye spells for themselves, and that helps a bit. Iriisii sees a table made from a single bone, large enough for herself, Rigmor, Txwyc, and a dozen of the Shadow Lords to comfortably sit around it. She motions hers to take the three vacant seats. Rigmor takes one to the right of Iriisii, and Twxyc to her left.

     Before sitting, she bows to the Lords, who returns her courtesy. She and hers then seat themselves and she waits patiently for the High Lord to begin.

     High Lord D'noruch: "Again, welcome, Iriisii Dovahkiin, Harbinger, and Battle Mistress to the Gods of Eld. You have with equal measure impressed those who have come to know you, and struck fear in those who have crossed you. You have risen incredibly high in a very short time, but from our time watching you, it is indeed justified. Both from the need of it, and your own efforts to prove yourself worthy of the elevation."

     From the distance off in the deeper shadows comes the sound of the slow clapping of thinly gloved hands. As she looks over to it, Rigmor makes to rise and deal with the intruder, even as Iriisii places a hand on her shoulder bidding her to keep her seat.

     As the figure comes closer to the table, she notes the clothes he is wearing are totally black, with a soft sheen from the fabric reflecting the little light from the braziers. He comes to a place on the side of the table between Iriisii and the High Lord.

     Morpheus: "I too, welcome you to this Conclave, Imperitrex. High Lord, it seems my invitation to this gathering did not find its way to me in time for me to be punctual. I am sure it was nothing but an oversight on someone's part. I almost missed it entirely, but I could not miss this as I and my Realm are also deeply involved in this matter."

     Iriisii looks to the High Lord, who glances back at her and nods his head, giving her permission to continue the conversation with Morpheus if she so desired.

     Iriisii: "My Lord Morpheus, would you take a seat at this table and join the council. I would like to know just what this problem is and how I can be of assistance."

     Morpheus looks for a chair but there is not one to be found.

     Iriisii: "Ah, I thought I saw...ah, there it is", as she creates a chair from the dust and shadows, she places it to the left of Txwyc and bids Morpheus to be seated. Morpheus, realizing he has been outmaneuvered for the moment takes the proffered seat so that the discussion can begin.

     Iriisii turns back to High Lord D'noruch, "please continue High Lord, you have my complete attention."

     High Lord D'noruch: "Thank you, Morpheus addressed you as Imperitrex, we will explain this shortly. We are aware of your need for our assistance and we gladly give it to you, for the threat you address also threatens our realms as well. We would ask if you would consider helping us as well."

     Iriisii: "How may I be of help?"

     High Lord D'noruch: "If this request is too personal for you, we apologize for it. We are aware more so now than before of your relationship with dragons. And that you have a female within your personal group that carries a clutch of eggs. What we ask would not disturb that, but rather we ask you to consider..."

     A flapping of heavy wings is heard approaching and a thump a short distance away. The sounds of claws clicking in contact with the stone floor preceded the figure of a very imposing dark Shadow Dragon making his presence known. "I am TahrodiisKunVokun, I would greet thee, Mother of Dragons."

     Iriisii stands up and moves away from the bone table to a spot where the traditional greeting of dragons to one another will not affect the others. She bows to TahrodiisKunVokun to indicate for him to begin as Elder in age. He unleashes a shout that takes the form of a breath of shadows. As it rolls over her, she can feel its power. Even though not as strong as hers, it is stronger than most others she has endured, on a par with Alduin's own Thu'um.

     It takes a few moments for the shadows to disperse and she returns the greeting with one she feels he may respect more than the usual ones spoken, "KRII LUN AUS". As her greeting washes over him, its effect is immediate. He is staggered and loses balance for a second. Once he recovers, "a worthy greeting from the 'Mother of Dragons'. I 'bend my neck' to you and pray you to find me worthy."

     Iriisii wonders to herself, 'worthy for what I wonder, guess I will find out soon enough.'

     Rigmor looks at Iriisii and quietly whispers, "they are 'beating around the bush' for some reason, not coming out and asking what they want of you. The only reason that comes to mind is they think you will flatly say 'no'. And the dragon is involved in this in some way other than being the one to ask you. They think you will not say 'no' to one of your 'children'. Whatever it is must be very personal to you and there is only one thing that comes to mind in that context."

     Iriisii whispers back, "I agree and believe we think the same thing."

     Rigmor: "As much as I do not like where this is going. I think you should hear them out before saying 'no'. They are taking a huge chance with this so the reason must be equally huge to them. We should see what they intend to offer in return, maybe it would help us enough to be worth the trouble."

     Iriisii: "You are growing in power and it is manifesting in your precognitive abilities."

     Rigmor: "How is that? I am not seeing visions like you sometimes do."

     Iriisii: "Yours show as instincts, like your ability to look at someone and know they will be trouble. What do your instincts say about all of this?"

     Rigmor takes a few moments to listen to what those precognitive instincts are telling her. And then tells Iriisii what she thinks.

     Rigmor: "They want you to take the dragon as a mate and create hybrid dragonlings, similar to the ones you and Brii will have. They think you can use them to help further your plan to use them as Kintyra is to use the Dragonborn that will come back to Nirn. This is the reward so to speak, why they want you to take the dragon as a mate, is to bring the Shadow Realms into your oversight as well as the Dreamlands and the Creations. They see something really bad coming and they are afraid they cannot deal with it on their own. They see this as the only way to safeguard the Shadow Realms."

     Iriisii: "What of Morpheus?"

     Rigmor: "He is difficult to feel, but he is not trouble in and of himself. He is somewhat like I was, trouble follows him as it did me. He believes you will end with oversight of all of the Dreamlands and if he can get on your good side now, there is much less chance to be replaced later. He does care about the Dreamland he 'rules' so to speak, or he would not be here, taking this chance."

     Iriisii: "I see, well, let us get this out into the open and see where it goes."

     Rigmor: "Right behind you."

     Iriisii: "My Lords, if I understand this situation correctly, please tell me if I am wrong. You see trouble on the horizon, trouble that weighs on you heavily. Perhaps it is related to what comes for me, perhaps not, but that is not what concerns you most. What does concern you is that you see no way to deal with it without outside intervention.

     What form that intervention should take is crucial to you. For you truly want to save your Realms from what comes, but do not wish to replace it with trouble in another guise. Thus you come to me, who at least has proven true to be what I profess to be. A mentor, a guide, a shepherd, not another tyrant speaking words of benevolence.

     You wish to bring TahrodiisKunVokun to my attention as a possible dragon mate for me, and if I accept, then to enable closer ties between myself and the Shadow Realms. Ties close enough to give you the right to call upon me when this future trouble rears its head and attacks the Shadow Realms. Am I close to the mark so far?"

     High Lord D'noruch: "We apologize for the manner in which we have acted in this, unfortunately, we know little of the ways of diplomacy with other Realms. And yes, you see clearly what we seek to bring about and why. We asked TahrodiisKunVokun if he would accept our use of him in bargaining to protect all of our Realms and their inhabitants."

     Iriisii turns to TahrodiisKunVokun, "I understand why they act in this manner, but tell me your reasons for accepting the role they would have you play in this."

     TahrodiisKunVokun: "Mother of Dragons, we shadow dragons were once a part of the Realms you now fight to bring back into balance. The reasons we left and settled here happened so long ago that they have been forgotten, yet we never renounced the other Dragon races as our kin. It is our hope that through you, we can be reunited with our brothers and sisters, to once more be a part of a united dragonkind.

     I stand as the one who my people look to for authority, I try as do you, not to force my claw, subjecting them to my will, but rather to look for what is best for all of us. When the Lords of Shadow came to me and told me what they wanted me to do and why. I understood that the threat that brought them to this, was one that should concern us as well. As I spoke to those I know, outside of these Realms about you, their words made me see that this may in fact not be a burden but a gift.

     They spoke of you as one who values truth and respect, who accepts power and command freely given but does not demand it as your right. You are the bright star in the darkness that guides those who have lost their way. I would be honored to join you and help you in facing the powers that have arrayed themselves against you. To bring your light to all who wish to see clearly once more."

     Rigmor gently lays a hand on Iriisii's arm and whispers in her ear.

     Rigmor: "I was prepared to tell you to say 'no' to them, but after hearing this, as much as it may complicate things going forward, you should, no, you need, to say 'yes'. Between the Dreamlands and the Waking World, you have begun to spread your wings over them both. Now the other Realms of Existence see this and wonder if you intend to do the same with them, and what it would mean for them if you did. It will not be easy, but this allows you a way forward that will not make unnecessary enemies. They may not be allies, but they will not be enemies, and sometimes that is all that we can ask for."

     Iriisii: "You would mate yourself to me without reservation? Before you answer, let me speak my mind on this, then if you agree we will consummate this. You understand that as I grow in power, those who stand with me also grow in power. I have one male who is above all other males, and one female who is above all females, and that will not change, although in everything else all of my mates are equal in my eyes. I will listen to your counsel, whether you agree with me or not, but the final decision always rests with me as does the cost of those decisions.

     I do not command loyalty, but I am willing to work for it, and so it goes in return. For those who will come under my wing, to them, I extend the protection of my claws, my shouts, my magic, my flesh, and my blood. This will include your kin, all will have their choice whether to follow us or not. I will not force their choice of which way they go. but they will take responsibility for their choice. What say you, TahrodiisKunVokun?"

     TahrodiisKunVokun: "I place my neck in your teeth, if ever I fail you, take my head and soul."

     Iriisii: "Then let us live in a new beginning."

     Iriisii walks to a more open area, opens herself to the Shadow Realms, and takes in what they wish to give her. Then she uses that as she morphs into a new dragon form augmented by what the Shadow Realms gave her. As she reaches the size she wants, her form becomes smoke and shadow, along with what she knew before. The smoke and shadow roil back inside her as quickly as it is released. Slowly it becomes more and more solid, then streaks like lightning form on her skin. 

     White, blue, red, violet, green, all against the black backdrop of her skin. Horns curl from her skull and take on streaks of crystal mirroring the colors on her skin. Bone spikes grow along her back, wickedly sharp, also embedded with crystal. She is as beautiful as she is deadly. She unfurls her wings, and they look as if made entirely of shadows as streaks of lightning flash across them.

     She grabs the air and pulls herself up, calling out to TahrodiisKunVokun, "if you want me, you will have to earn the right to be with me and become my mate!" And with those words she rockets up into the air, piercing the shadowy clouds, her wings shedding lightning into them. TahrodiisKunVokun raises his head and roars, his desire for her is beyond words now, only the raw power and emotion of his Thu'um is adequate to express what he feels.

     He leaps upward as his wings grab air trying to follow where she leads him, upward, ever upward. As he closes toward her she seems to know where he is, and what he will do, as she evades his every move. Taunting him into near madness for her as she deliberately brushes him with her claws, her wings, and her very breath. Afterward, it has been said by those who witnessed it, that never has a more surreal acrobatic dragon flight ever been seen.

     Seemingly his greatest difficulty is keeping control of himself, for if he succumbed to his maddening desire, he would come tumbling out of the sky to smash into the ground. She spins, corkscrewing into tighter and tighter circles around him. Her scent awakening a primal need within him, to fly faster, farther, higher than she is flying, to get above her, and drop himself around her.

     It is when she runs into an upward spurt of speed, spiraling around and around. her wings closing in around her, that he comes from a cloudbank and wraps himself around her. Then he screams his triumph, daring any other dragon who could hear him to stay far away from them or face his wrath.

     Once the upward momentum is gone they fall back toward the ground, but at this time they are so absorbed into each other, they care not about such trifles. Those watching are wondering when will they part, surely before they hit the ground. Closer and closer they speed downward, Iriisii showing no sign of pulling apart before the ground rushes toward them, TahrodiisKunVokun trusting her not to get him killed.

     They are almost at the point of no return when she shouts at the approaching ground, and the ground itself fades into an ethereal shadow as the pair plunges full speed into that shadow and disappears from view. Where they are now, when will they return, not even the Lords of Shadow know for certain. For there are things and places within the deeps that even they know not the extent of.

     There is a rumbling, then a small shaking of the ground when a small area becomes smokey, and the pair, still wrapped together shoot forth into the air once more, this time they separate and land. TahrodiisKunVokun collapses onto the ground as he lands, wings still unfurled, Iriisii lands and begins morphing back into human form.

     Rigmor: "That is not going to hurt the...?"

     Iriisii: "Eggs? no, it will not, not for a while anyway and they will be passed to complete their growth before it becomes a problem."

     Rigmor looking over at TahrodiisKunVokun, "you sure wore him out, I thought the two of you were going to go splat on the ground. Where did you disappear to anyway?"

     Iriisii: "The Shadowlands had something they wanted us to see and experience, so they guided me in how to do what I did. I have no name for it yet, that will come to me later. As to where we went, there are no words to describe what we saw, felt, and experienced.

     I feel that the young ones will remember this, and well they should for some will be called upon to be the protectors of all that exists here. That which is hidden below is of such glorious imaginings that it must be protected for the day when it reveals itself."

     Rigmor: "I take it that what you saw had something to do with you being called here?"

     Iriisii: "That is hard to say at the least, as far up the ladder as I am now, and I truly do not understand any but a small part of what I saw. But I know that it is a part of why these Realms have been apart from all others for so long. And now that for the land's survival it must now join with the others and still somehow keep its secrets until the proper time."

     Rigmor: "And will when that be, I wonder?"

     Iriisii: "A long time from now still. But we may still be around when it comes out, and I will want you to meet what comes out."

     Rigmor: "I will look forward to that. Now what are you going to do with TahrodiisKunVokun, is he going to stay here or what?"

     Iriisii: "No, he is coming with us. It is a part of why this happened, how do I know", she just shakes her head, "I cannot put a finger on it. Just that it needs to be that way."

     Rigmor: "All right, I believe you. I do not know what the others will say, but we will make it work out."

     Iriisii: "Come, I need to speak with the Lords of Shadow."

     First, they walk over to TahrodiisKunVokun and make sure he is ok. He raises his head as Iriisii walks up to him. She places a kiss on his jaw and whispers something to him. Whatever it is, Rigmor could not hear, but TahrodiisKunVokun definitely responds to it. Staggering to his feet and following her to where the Lords of Shadow wait.

     Iriisii: "I do not know what you intended with this, or even if you truly know what you have set into motion. According to the ritual we have just concluded, TahrodiisKunVokun is now and forever more my dragon mate as is BriiQoDun. He will be going back with me", she raises her hand to forestall any response to that. "I will see to the protection of these Realms, never fear for that, but he must come with me. I will not separate him from his younglings to come.

     When they are ready, some of them will return here to take up duties to assist in the protection of these Realms. And when the time comes to join with the others, they will remain here to protect all that live here. I do not bear any ill will toward you for this, quite the contrary. I am indebted for the experience, and will from time to time return to see how things are progressing. 

     I wish for you to stay in your current positions and responsibilities, for you are now and will continue to be needed. As time passes, there will be more I can share with you as to what part you will play in the future. And it is something to be greatly desired, this I promise to you."

     Rigmor: "What about the reason we first came for?"

     Iriisii: "That has been resolved in our favor. Do not worry about that. There is enough out there to worry over without making more. But these things do seem to keep looking up for us when we need them most. Come, let us return, we have plans to work on.",

     Iriisii gestures with both hands and opens a portal back to the Necropolis under Irem. This time the portal is big enough to accommodate TahrodiisKunVokun. Iriisii and Rigmor walk through and then TahrodiisKunVokun follows them. Once they are all through Iriisii closes the portal. Everyone standing there waiting for their return, stands in awe of TahrodiisKunVokun, never before having seen a Shadow Dragon.

     Rigmor whispers: "You might as well get it over with. Better to say it all while they are entranced with him than later after they begin to wonder why you brought him with you."

     Iriisii: "I want all of you to meet TahrodiisKunVokun, he is a Shadow Dragon, and my second Dragon mate."

     Dettlaff takes a second but then looks at Iriisii, she smiles at him and mouths, 'you are still my first male, never forget that', after which he nods his head, accepts her words at face value and walks over to TahrodiisKunVokun to greet him.

     Rigmor: "One down, three to go."

     Iriisii places a hand on her abdomen.

     Rigmor: "Growing fast I take it?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, I am going to have to morph soon and lay them with Brii. The surroundings and the Soul Hounds can care for them all then, probably should go after Meria after laying the eggs rather than before."

     Rigmor: "Yes, I think that would be a good idea."

     Iriisii calls everyone involved in the planning of the raid to come to the table. Once they are all seated or standing around, she begins.

     Iriisii: "I want to thank everyone for your hard work and diligence in getting all that you have done until now. For now, we must plan what we want to do, as to when that is determined by two things. First is when we can get word that Ithaqua is out 'wind walking', checking on whatever he has going on elsewhere.

     Second, well the second thing is that I am carrying an unknown number of very immature dragon eggs."

     The gasps that run around the table at her admission are quite audible and not surprising to her.

     Iriisii: "I did not plan on this when I went to the Shadow Lands, and yes the father is the new dragon who came back with us. There is a great deal more to this than just the eggs, but that is all I am willing to discuss right at this moment, other than to say that a very important and far-reaching agreement has been forged between us and the Lords of Shadow. There will be more forthcoming on that later.

     But I will have to morph into my dragon form and lay these eggs soon. I am sure you can see that I have no choice in that, but the day the younglings hatch, will mark a turning point and a 'High Crux' moment, together, that could change the very future of existence itself for the better. Therefore it is imperative that all the dragon eggs be guarded as securely as we can manage.

     Now on to the raid. Meria will be our first target. We go to free her from her imprisonment within a wall of 'Enchanted Ice'. There will be Wendigo posted as guards throughout the fortress. They are to be killed without mercy or remorse. I know as do many of you, just what they are, what they had to do to become what they are, and so they have forfeited any mercy or compassion.

     There will be servants as well, any that do not take up arms against us, I want those placed in a single location where we can watch and guard them. Then we will watch the entrances for Ithaqua's return, hopefully, I will have found the Central Control Chamber and gain the Guardian's fealty before Ithaqua knows we are even there.

     Once I have the Guardian on our side, I will link the Fortress to the other two that I have, and fortify it against anything Ithaqua can throw at it. I know it is going to be somewhat of a race to do all of this before Ithaqua feels something is wrong and returns, but I am confident that we can do it. From now until we go, we will assign teams for each of the objectives. And we will run drills using a virtual mockup of the Fortress so that everyone knows where to go, what to do, and when to do it."

     Dettlaff walks up to her seat and holds out a hand to help her up.

     Dettlaff: "You look exhausted, come on and get some sleep."

     Iriisii: "Only if you and Rigmor lay against me, I need the comfort of both of you right now."

     Rigmor gets up and moves to her other side, "come on, the sooner we get you into bed, the sooner you can rest. Nodens and Kthanid can take over for now. Those Dragon Eggs are draining you, building their reserves for when you lay them into a clutch. You need to eat and then sleep, going through the motions is important right now, it will help you stay in control of the process. Now stand up and let us help you."

     Dettlaff and Rigmor wrap an arm around each side of her and help her walk to where a large tent has been erected as quarters for her. They get her comfortable as she eats the contents of a large platter set up for her and then she lays back, quickly dropping off into sleep.

     Dettlaff: "You were there and let her do this?"

     Rigmor: "Believe that this was totally unexpected, by all of us. But I also felt then as she does now, that this could become the start of something of unparalleled importance for what she wants the future to be for everyone. In spite of how this came about, she loves you as much as she loves me. Yes, I know that is a difficult statement to make, but it is the truth. 

     She did not make it easy for TahrodiisKunVokun, in fact, when she mated with Brii, Brii was not nearly as difficult as Iriisii was to catch. She challenged and taunted him the entire time. I think more than once only his unbridled essence as a dragon kept him going. And when he finally did cover her, and they fell, they did not separate when they reached the ground"

     Dettlaff: "WHAT?!"

     Rigmor: "Shhh, you will wake her if you don't tone it down. When they were almost to hit the ground, she shouted at the place they were to hit and it turned the shadow. They then dropped inside, where they went, I have no clue. But when they came out and parted. She returned to human form while TahrodiisKunVokun collapsed. I looked at her and listened to what she said. 

     They saw something down deep beneath the surface of the Shadow Lands. What it was, I have no idea, but it affected her profoundly. She called it a secret whose time of revealing has not yet come. And she felt it to be her duty to see it guarded until that happens. That is one of the things these new dragonlings will do. They will also act as guardians for the Shadow Lands, bringing about her own version of Akatosh's Golden Plan to the Shadow Lands, as well as the Dreamlands and the Waking World. In other words, one day she will bring peace, prosperity, and justice to all of Existence. And I do not have to tell you how many out there will stand in opposition to her on this. For you will be her 'hand' that will do this for 'Vampire Kind', as the Dragons and the Celestial Army will work for all else."

     Dettlaff: "I knew she had big plans but this..."

     Rigmor: "Believe me when I say it did not start out this big, it started out just to restore the Empire and put Kintyra on the Ruby Throne to be the one to do it for Nirn. But this has grown larger with every victory she has won. And even though it sometimes scares me, I will be damned if I will let her down and do not see this through to the end. Are you with me?"