Shadow Contracts (for Ixis Naugus)

[conjuredskies]

Deep in the Parkland woods, twilight holds sway despite the early hour. The crumbling grey walls rise high and forbidding from the outside, but the heavy door stands ajar and swings open noiselessly when pushed – there’s fresh oil on the hinges.

Inside lies a great courtyard surrounded by a columned portico, with narrow doorways leading off into more dark corners. In the center, however, is a wide well with a low stone edge. Off to one side, its hooded summoner waits. Felix has spread a mat over the cracked paving stones, and now sits cross-legged beside his knapsack, picking over a few implements and books, checking the edge of a steel dagger. Aside from his hood, the conjurer has abandoned the legionary uniform for plainer leather armor, worn and mended from long use.

It’s been very quiet for some time. Just the skittering of breeze-blown leaves and birdsong drifting over the walls. Felix is quick to look up at a new presence.

Comments

[ixis]

Not only is the deepening gloam suitable for the summoning about to take place, but it makes travel that much more swift. In due time, a familiar figure steps from the lengthening shadow of a nearby pillar, his staff in hand and cloak pulled around him.

Ixis Naugus approaches the seated figure, looking about the ruins with shrewd and nodding approval. "This shall work splendidly, I feel. Are there any precautions to take? Wards or the like?" While eager to get started, it's always good to be a little careful when preparing to summon something that has the potential to be bigger and grander than you. (Even though Naugus struggles to imagine such a thing. What could be better than him?)

[conjuredskies]

Felix flashes him a smile from under the hood. “No ward could hold her. You can summon and bind a lesser daedra to your will, but when you stand before a Prince, your best protection is not to anger her.”

He gestures to the other side of the mat. There’s plenty of space, and not that much paraphernalia, actually: besides the books and knife, a pair of small soul gems, the dregs of a bowl of grey salts with the scent of ozone. “Before we call on her, you should know something of her nature.”

And whispering together in the darkness is the very best way to pass this knowledge on.

[ixis]

Naugus grunts in acknowledgement of a ward's uselessness, walking nearer now to get a better look at the objects Felix has laid out. The soul gems in particular interest him and he'll pick one up to examine it if allowed.

"Do go on, then. I trust you will do most of the talking when this being arrives? Summoning is not something I would consider my forte. Opening the door, yes. Parlay with the beings beyond it, not so much." Though he is dreadful curious still to see where this door will lead. A large part of the reason he's doing this at all!

[conjuredskies]

“Of course. You need only be concerned with the gate. It’s simply better for all of us that you know the rules of the game." Naugus is welcome to examine the gems: they’re small examples, one containing the soul of a rabbit, the slightly larger one a troll. Felix speaks low and smoothly while he does.

“This eve we’re calling on Nocturnal, Prince of Shadow. Her sphere is night and darkness - shadows both physical and metaphorical. It’s said she’s an aspect of the Void itself, far more ancient than the world I know. Certainly powerful enough to rival our Divines. She’s the patron of thieves, spies and saboteurs – all those who live by secrecy and uncanny luck. I doubt there’s anyone more capable of helping Verity.”

[ixis]

The souls contained in the gem get no real notice, given that he has no sense for such matters. But the gems themselves, that's interesting. Naugus turns them over and taps at them curiously while Felix explains the nature of the being they're about to (hopefully) meet.

The wizard perks up especially at the mention of shadows, giving the younger man a toothy smirk. "Sounds like a prince after my own heart. Perhaps it was her reaching across zones and dimensions to grant me my powers of shadowmelding?

"Do you intend to ask her for a boon or an object of power to help Verity?" He puts down the soul gem at last to gesture at the remaining items. "And which of these counts as the keystone, I wonder? Or are there preparations that must go underway first?"

[conjuredskies]

Felix doesn't think to wonder if Naugus can sense the gems' connection to another realm: either way, they have a subject for some interesting conversations later!

"I thought you'd appreciate the choice." He nods happily, pulling off his left gauntlet so he can fish around in his sleeve. "I have the keystone here- but yes, it's my hope she'll grant us some way to counteract the curse. There's no telling what she may ask in return, of course."

He'd be lying if he claimed that didn't send a tingle of fear up his spine. It's just mingled with a frisson of pleasure: excitement now the plan is in motion. He manages at last to draw the 'key' from his sleeve and offer it to Naugus for inspection: it's a lockpick, slender but - one hopes - stronger than it looks.

"The last hope of a cornered thief. If you can't call on Nocturnal with this, it's because she's choosing not to hear."

[ixis]

Naugus takes the lockpick delicately, perhaps reverently, in the pinch of his claw, bringing it nearer to his face to get a good look at it. Turning it over and examining the slender bit of metal before nodding.

"A portal opened by yours truly must often rely on the object designated as a keystone to come from the zone we head to. But ones infused with intent and meaning can step sideways in marvelous ways. New realms that are parallel to the ones aimed for, deviations and pockets ripe for exploring. This will do well, I feel."

Naugus flips the lockpick up into the air and catches it in his one hand, hopping up to his feet upon doing so. "With your permission, I begin my work!" The mage is already eyeing the courtyard, looking for the best open spot to start the conjuration of an arcane doorway.

[conjuredskies]

Felix hides his relief when Naugus agrees to work with the tool: he just nods. “I know it’s not quite the key you asked for, but it’s as good as we’re likely to get. From what I’ve learned, I think you’ll need Nocturnal’s permission – if not her aid – to open a door to her realm anyway. Daedric planes are… interesting.”

He has to marvel at how dextrous Naugus is with that big claw. “Very well.” He replaces his gauntlet and rises, slipping the dagger into his belt. “I’m ready. Once the portal is open, I’ll do what I can to invoke Nocturnal’s presence.”

[ixis]

Naugus crouches down at what must be a suitable spot to begin the process, sweeping aside loose stone and dead grass to clean the selected earth. A tap here and there with his claw, getting a feel for whatever leylines are present, then he starts.

The construction of the portal is meticulous work, but something the beastly mage does with confidence. Circles are drawn, a large one, another inside it, a trio orbiting the main one. The etching happens deftly with the tip of that curious claw, dragging through the stone floor as if it were sand. Symbols soon follow; a large one in the middle, several more radiating outwards, framing the circles already drawn. Once they're done, Naugus studies them for a moment, like rereading over something he'd written and ensuring its accuracy and flow.

Content with what's been made, the lockpick is set into the center of this all, a few more lines and symbols scratched in, and then he stands and begins drawing once more, again beginning with a large circle. But this time, the crafting happens in the very air itself, crackling ribbons of purple energy trailing behind his finger and claw tip, hanging in the air where he describes them. Runes are drawn in this fashion as well, though they snap and flash in the air before fading out, infusing the work with their magic and fizzling out when their purpose is done.

The whole process takes up a good ten minutes of continuous work. One last invocation and there is a loud CRACK, light spilling from that first circle drawn into the air, the doorway forming and opening within it. Ixis Naugus steps aside, his part done. Now it was up to Felix to coax out whatever being he hoped to locate.

Found my notes and wow this got long.

[conjuredskies]

For most of the process Felix stands aside in the shadows, circling to get a better view of what Naugus is doing. He reaches out just enough to try and sense how Naugus’s power threads the space of the prospective gateway. It's entrancing to watch.

There’s a shift in the air when the portal finally takes shape. The shadows seem to gather close among the cracked columns and beneath the fountain, clinging to the folds of the mages’ clothes, spilling out from beneath the portal’s foot. It’s a strange light that shines from within, leaching color from everything around that gate, so that Naugus’ beard looks black and his robes are bleached to white. The birds have fallen silent in the trees. Only a nightingale sings high and lonely outside the ruin's gate.

Naugus can likely feel more, in that last push to open the door. There’s a momentary sense of immense will: distant, shifting, amused perhaps – before the barrier unfolds. As it does the very leylines shift violently. Some fold back to avoid the gate, others are drawn around and into it. Felix starts at the sharp sense of sudden warping in the world around him.

But now it’s his turn, and he steps forward. He bows to his fellow mage, acknowledgment of a part well played, then turns to the portal and spreads his hands. Could they be seen beneath the hood, his eyes are distant; his mind is reaching out beyond the portal, focused on the invitation he’s extending.

“I call upon Lady Nocturnal, Empress of Shadow, Saint of Suspicion, Mistress of Mystery. Hear my voice and grant us audience!” His voice is clear and sure. No shouting. No elaboration. He simply waits, eyes locked on the gate to the Evergloam.

In answer the shadows surge together before them. The Daedra Lord rises from them in a blaze of purple-white power and a storm of black wings, crows scattering from her presence into the dark. She might appear human beneath the grey cloak and cowl that drape her, though she must be eight feet tall and her bare feet do not touch the ground. In the strange shadow-light her skin seems very pale, her eyes black and unreadable. Felix bows to her respectfully. She hardly seems to notice as she studies the pair.

“Well, well. It’s been quite some time since a mortal mage forged a new gateway to my realm.” Her voice is mellow and quite unimpressed. “I expected you to call upon me, little one,” this to Felix, before her attention turns on Naugus, “but you do not belong to his mortal realm. How intriguing.”

LOVE IT.

[ixis]

The change of shadow and power alike is both intriguing and daunting, Naugus' shifting his weight and posture to observe both. The shadows surging and growing is a comforting adjustment, the element familiar and safe. Something he has a clear, easy affinity and link to. The lurch in leylines, not so much. These things shouldn't move, shouldn't gather or scatter in the presence of a single being. That alone gives the Mobian mage an understanding of how vast this Prince could be.

When she emerges, Naugus takes brief refuge behind his cape, lifting it to shield his face from the flurry of energy and crows alike. Only when the presence is among them does it finally lower. It's one part pride and another part wonder that keeps him from bowing like Felix, instead staying upright and looking the massive dark woman up and down.

When he is addressed, Naugus grins and straightens further still, puffing his chest out proudly. "I am an Ixian mage, the last of my caste, and I have thrown in my lot with this young man to see what wonders his realm can offer. Matters of shadow and matters of power are ones I hold dear, after all."

:D! Switching over to the Prince's journal for a bit!

[courtofmurk]

“And well you should. You’ve sought refuge in my domain often enough, haven’t you?” Nocturnal replies archly. A pair of exceptionally large crows return to her, one settling on each of her outspread arms and cocking their heads in unison.

“Don’t think me displeased,” she goes on smoothly. “I’ve granted the audience you were so eager for. But you didn’t call on me for the sake of reverence or childish curiosity. So, what prize have you come to ask this time?”

“My Lady,” Felix says carefully, “we ask your aid for a friend we hold dearly. She suffers under a powerful curse which forces her to see the falsity of any lie or deception. Illusions are laid bare to her. Even the shadows themselves cannot cloud her perception.”

[ixis]

Ixis Naugus' expression softens slightly at the mention of her domain and his refuge there. "...Were it your work that gave me the power to enter the shadows, I...thank you. It gave me safety and solace in times where my own mind was treacherous and I was the plaything of another. Darkness was my companion and my keeper in those times, accepting me and cradling me in its embrace, giving me passage to where ever it touched. Again, if it was your blessing reaching across realms, you have my gratitude."

While he's not extremely excited to admit something so candid and personal in front of Felix, it is something that needs to be said. It's rare that he feels a twinge of anything resembling gratefulness, so it needs to be expressed now if ever.

With that said, he simply nods along with Felix's explanation of his calling on Nocturnal, letting the boy do the talking. He's the summoner here, after all.

[courtofmurk]

It's difficult to read the Prince of Shadows moreso than any other; Nocturnal gives no confirmation, no certain revelations. But she bestows a smile on Naugus for a moment, a strange hint of gentleness as rare as the gratitude he offers. “Your nature belongs to the shadows. I wonder if even you know how many trail at your heels.”

Felix’s head has turned a little toward Naugus in his surprise at these revelations. He has no time to dwell on them, however, for Nocturnal’s eyes are on him once more. “You hope it will please me to see this cruel curse ended.”

The conjurer doesn’t deny that, rather cocks his head a little and says, “We hope that you know some means to alleviate it, at the least. And that some service can be offered in payment for your aid.”

“This is all you ask? Interesting.” Nocturnal’s tone doesn’t betray if that’s sarcasm, and in a way that may be worse than straining to tell if she’s pleased or not. “But very well. You shall have the chance to earn this mercy.”

[ixis]

The more she speaks, the more Ixis Naugus likes her. Nocturnal is certainly a Daedra that he feels a connection to and nearly finds himself wishing that it really was her grace that had given him the gift of shadowslipping. It would be a fine gift, a better comfort, in what sounds like a very trying time in his life.

"I'm certain whatever task or test you put before us, it will be done with aplomb."

[courtofmurk]

“Show me, then. In the streets of Anvil struts a man who fancies himself my enemy. He has gained possession of an item stolen from me long ago, and uses it to feed his swollen pride. Return it to me, and you shall have your reward.”

Felix’s head snaps up at that. “My Lady, I would gladly satisfy your terms, but for us Anvil is a very long journey from here. I… know that mortal time is not always of consequence for the Daedra, but I fear such a precious artifact will be lost to more thieves long before we reach it.”

Nocturnal tsks. “My, you mages have forgotten your craft. How fortunate that your friend knows his way among my paths. When you are prepared to face your task, step through the gate you so thoughtfully provided me. My servants will show you the way.”

[ixis]

Naugus nods and pats Felix on the back vigourously. "He forgets so easily, doesn't he? And the shadows will serve me well either way, if this means a journey into your world. I assume one like me would stand out, so I will keep to the darkness and work from there. Come! It will be a simple task, dealing with some petty thief."

[courtofmurk]

Felix rather feels like a child being tutted at for a silly question (and in this company, he kind of is). But it's a small price for clearing up the matter of their route, without being made to raise his real concerns in Naugus' hearing. So he bows his head to the Prince.

"Of course. Thank you, my Lady." There is an elegant simplicity to it. Naugus can go unseen, Felix can do any talking...

"Come to me again when the prize is in your hands." Something like amusement plays about her eyes for a moment. But the Prince is already folding her arms across her chest, sinking once more into the shadows. Her languid voice resounds through the courtyard regardless: "Fear not. You'll know when you come across it."

[ixis]

He watches her fade before he turns his attention fully to Felix again, giving him another pat on the back. "A vast lady indeed. Now come! We have a quest to attend to! Direct me and we shall make haste." When's the last time he's been on a quest? Feels like ages! The mobian mage is eager to get started.

[conjuredskies]

Felix grins back at him in return. Now that Nocturnal has departed, his tension has eased. True, there's the task ahead and who knows what kind of challenges lie in store for them- but that's overridden by the high thrill of success. He just spoke with a Greater Daedra. He can still feel her power around him- and she's even granted them passage through her realm of Oblivion!

He's glad that Naugus is similarly enthusiastic. Despite his private uncertainties, the sorcerer handled their encounter very well, and Felix really is glad to have his skills to count on.

"Through the gate, I suppose." He's brisk about fetching his satchel and glancing through the contents. There's a spring in his step and delight in his voice. "I'm as prepared as I'm likely to get- and keen to proceed. I've never been able to find more than rumors about the Evergloam, so I can't say what we'll find in there, but the Prince herself just granted us passage. As trips to Oblivion go we couldn't be much safer."

And then there'll be Cyrodiil. His own homeland. That's a pleasant prospect for entirely different reasons.

[ixis]

Naugus feeds off Felix's own excitement in turn, glad to see his young companion is just as eager to begin and isn't shrinking back from this opportunity. "Let us see if it's anything like the shadows I've come to know and travel. I am indeed intrigued now that this blessing of mine could have come from her all along." It answers a lot of questions, both of a personal nature and philosophical. The wizard has often wondered if gods were able to reach past the boundaries of zones and worlds and do their work there, and this would be a pleasing bit of proof towards the positive.

[conjuredskies]

"It's quite possible. The daedra aren't bound to the mortal realm the way the Divines and other spirits are. That's precisely what makes them daedra. It means that they're free to travel between planes and act more directly than the gods most of my people worship." He does enjoy talking about his pet subject. Though he's also curious about the personal details Naugus has shared so far: Felix wonders if he can draw more from him in the course of conversation.

This is so much better than tending a desk no-one visits.

He tightens the straps on his armor and satchel, then remembers to look for the lockpick-turned-key. He'll want that in hand before they go through.

[ixis]

"Good thinking," Naugus agrees when the lockpick is retrieved. "Always wise to keep the keystone on your person. In the event retreat must be done." How fast can Naugus open a portal under duress? Hopefully they won't have to test that.

Only after Felix has stepped through does the other mage follow, looking about the gloomy landscape with keen interest. One ear is pricked upright, listening, while his eyes scan left and right as well as up. What awaits them in this realm?

[conjuredskies]

Felix nods to that concern: he makes a note to ask Naugus later if there's any sign of Nocturnal influencing the portal, but that's another question and he doesn't want to ask what might seem a second silly question in short order.

He's willing to step through first, into the night of Nocturnal's realm. It's a relief to find find solid stone and grass under his feet. Around them lies a rolling woodland of sparse grass and barren, blackened trees. The only light comes from a diffuse glow in the clouded purple sky, and small beds of glowing blooms around the roots of the trees.

The half-light here seems almost normal, but when Felix kneels down to brush a cautious hand over the unfamiliar flowers, their light drains the color from his gauntlets once more.

"Now this is strange," he mutters, but he sounds quite delighted. "Not what I expected at all."

[ixis]

"I rather like it," he answers, a smile pulling at one corner of his mouth. "Whimsical, but still dark. Dark being at the core of things always suits me fine."

With that said, Ixis Naugus strides ahead with purpose, even if he has absolutely zero idea where they're headed to! Felix can try to direct him, but if he has no clue either, then the Mobian is just going to forge onward and assume he's on the right track. He also avoids any source of light, going in whatever direction has the least of it.

"Are your eyes suitable for this?" he asks, not bothering to look back at Felix. "I recall Overlanders not faring well in poor lighting."

[conjuredskies]

Felix scampers after him hastily - he's not averse to exploration here, but he doesn't want to get separated. He's keeping much closer to the patches of light - unlight? Who knows, but he can see by it. That might be a stony path, ahead, wending off among the trees and hillocks.

"Not especially, no." Which is why another reason to stick close behind Naugus' tail. "I'll summon a light if necessary, though... Nocturnal said we'd have a guide."

"Ah, but you do." Was that figure there before, lurking in the dancing shadows beneath a pole-mounted torch?

[ixis]

"Light would seem offensive in a place like this." And the way Naugus charges ahead full of confidence, he seems to have little issue with making his way through the gloom.

However, the voice piping up gets him to stop in his tracks, tail curling upwards in shock. "Eh? Who goes?"

[conjuredskies]

"My thought exactly." Though Felix is increasingly prepared to compromise on manners the more he hops over tree roots and weaves round suspicious shadows. When Naugus halts he almost skips right into the Mobian's back, and has to sidle around him to study the speaker.

Who appears to be a ghost, as he steps into clearer view: a transparent shade whose outline glimmers softly. He seems to be wearing some kind of sleek armor, and a hooded cloak draped elegantly behind him. His face is covered by a smooth, softly angled mask, but Felix notes the throaty Khajiit purr to his voice when he speaks again.

"Why, I am but a harmless Nightingale; a Sentinel of Nocturnal bid to lead you through her realm." He takes the torch and its white flame down and beckons them. "Come, strangers. I shall guide you."

"Ah," Felix says softly, "so perhaps they are real."

[ixis]

If only the feline face was visible, Naugus would be put immediately at ease with this spectral arrival. As is, he eyes the guide with suspicion, his tail curling closer around his ankles defensively.

"Real? Is the presence of shadowfolk up to debate?" All the same, he follows where the Khajiit leads, staff held tight in hand.

[conjuredskies]

The Sentinel's tail is visible when he turns to lead them through the gloom, curling out from under his cloak. Perhaps that's why he's pure grace and silence as he moves at their head. Hopefully it will help Naugus feel a little better.

"Shadowfolk, I'm not sure of," Felix says quietly, able to follow with a little more decorum now that torch lights their way. "But even scholars think the Nightingales of Nocturnal are just a legend. Thieves who've made some kind of pact to serve her cause. Of course, this would be where they'd end up. A Daedric Prince usually lays claim to the souls of their followers after death..."

[ixis]

Naugus nods and grunts softly in understanding. A mysterious caste of warrior now revealed. Rather exciting, really.

Speaking of exciting, the tail is noticed in a moment's time, Naugus' brows going up and a small smile appears briefly. He also points at it and asks frankly, "Are you Mobian, shadow? Are you from my zone?" All of these little things that are piecing into his origins and history are...curiously heartening. Here's a man who's lived decades unconcerned with his missing past. And now here's an answer for his shadowslipping, a kindred form in a world removed from his.

[conjuredskies]

"I am Khajiit," the Sentinel answers with a backward glance. "Once I hunted the moonlit sands of Elsweyr under the name of Hizan-dar, and I would have known nothing of the name you speak."

"And now?" Felix prompts, watching the feline shade's tail closely. "Do you know his realm?"

A purring chuckle at that. "The shadows of all the realms are home to a Nightingale."

[ixis]

Naugus' eyes widen. "This is...heartening to hear, shade. My world is undone. Worse than displaced or destroyed. Simply erased. Hearing of anyone else who remembers Mobius is kind news indeed."

He glances to Felix now. "This evening is becoming one of personal revelations. I feel I owe you thanks for involving me."

[conjuredskies]

"What the shadows take, they keep." Who knows how many teeth are in the smile behind that mask?

Felix inclines his head at the look he's given, lifting his eyes to peer at Naugus' expression. "And I thank you for accompanying me. I've already learned much more than I expected." He sweeps a hand around at the darkened wood, as if that's all he's been focused on. "I'm truly pleased that our endeavor should prove as valuable to you."

This could be a fine foundation to a working relationship with Naugus; Felix hopes by the end of this quest he'll have thoroughly proven his worth and ensured himself a powerful and willing accomplice for next time.

[ixis]

"I've babbled a great deal about myself since the start of this, haven't I? About Mobius' fate, about the mysterious circumstances of my shadow travel. I trust you'll keep these matters to yourself for the most part?" Because no matter how shady a mage you may be, secrets (personal and trade alike) are always something very serious.

"But then again, secrets are a part of this realm, aren't they? Is this your first time seeing this place? Is there documentation of it back in your home?" He casts an appreciative look around once more at the looming black trees, the starless night.

[conjuredskies]

"You have my word on that. I try to ensure that discretion is one of my virtues." He smiles slightly. "Besides, I know better than to squander secrets without a very good cause." Or, you know, the promise of great profit.

As for Naugus' observations, he nods quite enthusiastically. "I've never even glimpsed this realm before. I doubt many have. The realms of other Princes are much better documented, but the only half-reliable information I could find on this one spoke of endless murk and something about a court."

A wolf howls, not far to their left, the sound swiftly picked up by a whole pack. Felix sidesteps automatically, scanning the trees and trying to look less at the torch. "...Nothing was mentioned about wolves."

"This is one small part of the Evergloam," the Sentinel says. His pace doesn't alter, though he's turning off the stone path and onto a trail marked only by deeper shadows on the ground.

[ixis]

Naugus looks to the sound of the baying as well, ears turning first before his neck ever does. Perhaps not worried just yet, but wondering what it could mean in an place as mysterious as this. Still watching it, he nearly misses the change in direction. He hurries to resume pace next to Felix.

"And what of this Anvil? Where's that?" Might as well clear things up before they get there and ruin whatever stride or stealth they'll have to employ to carry out the task.

[conjuredskies]

"It's a port city in my home province," Felix explains. "It has a reputation for being full of pirates and thieves, but it's hardly lawless. I visited once."

Their guide's path turns left, apparently leading them toward the pack. Felix's hands immediately curl at his side over readied spells. But as they walk the howls fall behind, and though there's a flapping of wings above nothing else appears to break the deepening gloom.

[ixis]

"And how would a singular mortal manage to steal something of any particular value to a Prince? Seems a lofty accomplishment. I almost want to ask him how he had the nerve and the skill." Naugus still operates under a general disrespect for gods and godlike figures. Maybe not smart while he's currently traversing her realm.

The strange incident with the wolves and the near miss with crossing paths gets the wizard to frown in curiosity. Mutters to himself about the place having its 'own rules'.

"How much further to go, shade?"

[conjuredskies]

"There's a downside to patronizing thieves, I suppose. I've heard stories of them deciding to prove their skill by stealing from Nocturnal herself. Foolish, but what would you expect?" Felix has, perhaps, been nursing a few suspicions on this score. "I've only heard one tale where the thief succeeded, and he paid a terrible price for it..."

The Prince's representative seems unconcerned by the irreverent discussion: he actually chuckled at Naugus' desire to meet the sacriligious thief. "Soon, soon. We approach the end of the Crow's Wood, and then our path will be very swift."

He gestures ahead, to where the rivulet of shadow beneath their feet trickles into a deep, pooling blackness that swallows the ground.

[ixis]

"How terrible a price are we speaking on? And how often are their efforts thwarted instead by those such as we, seeking favour and DOING favours?"

Their guide's answer gets Naugus to look away from Felix and their conversation once more. And then he sees the...pool? Pit? He may very well hurry past his companions to get a closer look at it. He's intrigued! Maybe someone should stop him before he starts prodding at it.

[conjuredskies]

"Legend says Nocturnal laid a curse upon the cowl he took. His name and face were swallowed by the shadows, blotted from history forever. He could recite his name for you a thousand times, and you would not remember it; he could stand before his own wife, his own parents, and they would never know him." Felix might shoot a curious glance toward his companion when he finishes quoting: surely the great Ixis Naugus can appreciate the horror of being simply erased.

"But who knows what methods she prefers to employ? Especially when she has her chosen avengers," he adds, looking to the deceased Nightingale.

...And then Naugus hurries right ahead to examine the pitch darkness ahead of them. "Wait- be careful!"

Their guide still seems unconcerned, though he's giving Naugus a look from beneath his mask for running ahead. There's little to fear: Naugus will find that darkness is a mass of deep shadow not unlike the kind he's used to traversing. Should he touch it, it stirs beneath his claws, little wisps rising and tangling with the air.

[ixis]

He will touch it, most certainly, stirring at it with the point of his claw, pulling at it upwards to watch it drift in little trails and rivulets. Naugus seems pleased with it.

"Now this is impressive. Shadow so cloying that it's become it's own essence? What I would give to be able to conjure this at will."

[conjuredskies]

Well, at least they're taking turns to play test subject. And now Felix knows it's safe to scoop up, albeit gingerly. What a strange sensation - it's barely there, yet he can feel the cold of it. "It might behave differently in other planes. What do you suppose you could do with it?"

"This way," their guide reminds them. Their path leads straight down into that lake of shadow, and they can play with it all they like while they're passing through. Felix is a little unsure about walking in, but it proves entirely breathable. The torch doesn't scatter these shadows so much as nudge them aside a little; it would be easy to fall behind and lose the trail

"What is this place?" he asks the Sentinel. He wants to gain all the knowledge of this realm he can on this visit.

"It is the Gloaming Deep, where the Eventide swells and ebbs. Do not be afraid, mortal- but stay close." How the shade must be smirking under there. "We are close to the end, now."

[ixis]

"Imagine having thrown shadows at my beck and call!" Literal throwing shade. Amazing. "Doorways where glaring light would otherwise deny me." He may very well try to scoop up some of it and tuck it into his cloak, an attempt to sneak his hand back to his tower and deposit it in his lab there. Which isn't the wisest thing to do, but who reaches greatness by being a wimp!

Naugus follows readily, continually running his claw through the shadows, delighting in the feel and motion of it. Like a fish to water.

"I'll be sorry to leave this place behind."

[conjuredskies]

Stealing shadows, Naugus? He can try, but he may find they’ve a tendency to dissipate the more he tries to contain them.

“Surely we can arrange to return, as long as the gate holds.” Felix sounds quite hopeful himself, though truth be told the human mage doesn’t seem to be taking as easily to the shadows. With interest, yes, even a visible delight at the mystery and oddity of it all. But he’s keeping very close to Naugus; now and then he fixes his gaze on the ground beneath his feet, not to be disoriented by the shifting shadows or the indistinct forms they seem to conceal and assume.

It doesn’t help that their guide’s path is twisting again, and the hints of landscape around them seem to change far faster than they’re walking almost as if they are being pushed this way and that by an unseen current. It’s a bit hard on the senses for someone unused to walking the shadows.

[ixis]

"Wouldn't THAT be something splendid?" And maybe future attempts to bottle the shadows that live and twist here. He's going to be disappointed when he gets home and realizes nothing remains of his attempt to pocket samples. Maybe he wasn't asking about who dares to steal from Nocturnal from simple curiosity.

Felix's own struggles to keep a sure step in this realm escape Naugus' notice. Part because he's that kind of selfish oblivious and part because he's still so enraptured with their surroundings. The currents pull and buffet at his cloak but he does his best to follow the directions of their guide and resist the invisible urging.

taking this point to split the thread!

[conjuredskies]

It’s hard to say whether Felix would prefer Naugus notice and help, or if he’s happier that the other mage overlook his stumbles. It certainly sets an example for the younger man to try and follow, as he struggles to adapt to the alien environment.

The spectral Sentinel is waiting just ahead now, beckoning them forward, only waiting until they’re close enough to push…

[conjuredskies]

Out they come into the brisk evening air of a shadowed alley, tinged with the taste of salt and smoke. There are grimy cobbles underfoot, and echoing off the stone walls come the cries of gulls and toll of dock bells and the shouts of tavern-bound workers. Felix takes a deep gulp of air, getting his senses straight and glancing around to check they’re alone before he finally laughs in delight.

“I think we’re really here! …Best keep out of sight, though.”

[ixis]

He stops short from emerging from the shadows properly, giving himself only a brief moment to peek out and look around at their surroundings before slipping inside again. All that can be seen of him is his glinting eyes and teeth catching whatever lingering light there is.

"What would your people even make of me, I wonder? Do your best to keep to shadows so I can follow." Another glance around before adding, "And how do we find our target?"

[conjuredskies]

"I'm afraid you do resemble some of the more dangerous daedric beings... or, er, a gargoyle statue. Not that I think that's bad, but appearing unexpectedly..." He shrugs very slightly, still scanning the alley as if he's thinking to himself. "It could be very useful should we need to alarm someone."

The chapel bells start to toll not far off, marking the hour of six and an early evening service. Felix picks the other direction to head in, and not merely because of his company. He's trying his best to remember the layout of the city.

"I want to find a bookshop before they shut for the night," he says quietly. He's strolling quietly, not to run out of shadows before they're done plotting. "We can find a city guide with a map, and probably more useful information besides. Then- well, I've no doubt we can find a nice shadowy tavern to comb for gossip."

He's grinning gleefully at that - how easy will this be, when not only can he ask directly for information, but his hidden accomplice can sit in the very shadows and overhear the most secretive conversations?

[ixis]

As Felix walks, Naugus slithers along from shadow to shadow, keeping close as he can manage, sometimes moving to travel in the younger mage's own shade when the pickings are slim. "A map? I thought you knew the area well enough! Why don't we just roam and find the first unseemly tavern that attracts the sort we're hunting for?" Hunting is a thrilling word in this context. He giggles to himself, the sound not seeming to have a proper source as he slips from one shadow to the next.

"A good idea, that. Someone so bold to steal from this Prince is one who'll be just as bold to brag about the act. And from there...?" How much carnage is Felix willing to either enact or witness?

[conjuredskies]

Oh, that is decidedly eerie. Felix resists the urge to look around, merely glancing aside at the nearest shadows from time to time. He's very glad to know the lurking being within is on his side.

All right, a little smug. This is fun! Just the sort of thing he hoped for, in dealing with Nexus denizens. Part of his love for conjuration comes down to the pleasure of having such unique allies.

"The map's not for them," he says mildly. "It's for afterward. Who knows what details our prey- sorry, informants will give us? And afterwards - I think a thief deserves to be stolen from, don't you? A reminder of who's the master of his trade."

[ixis]

"Oh! Clever. Lead on, then. I've got the ears for eavesdropping, so might as well make the most of it." As much as Felix is excited to have such a bizarre ally, Naugus is equally excited to show off. People who value his talents and powers are people he loves to keep around.

"I've been in the Nexus so long, I've nearly begun to take the anti-violence field for granted." Is that observation just an idle thought or a call to playing rough when the time comes? Another dry snicker makes that kinda hard to say.

[conjuredskies]

Felix pauses for a moment at the mouth of the alley, before he steps out into the bustling street. "Let's not clutter things up with any unnecessary bodies. But if you spy, say, any cutpurses with their sights on me, I'd be obliged if you prevented them from making a scene."

Among other things, it would be inconvenient to misplace the portal key...

With that, it's out into the crowd of people hurrying variously to homes, inns, chapel, or the last chance to visit the shops. It's a mixed crowd of sailors, tradespeople, adventurers and artists belonging to every race in the Empire. There's a slight predominance of humans - mainly Imperials, of course - but also many Argonians, Khajiit and elves. (Very few High Elves, to Felix's eyes, but he understands that.)

Naugus needn't worry about any delays; Felix assumes they'll find a bookshop easily and so they do, a well-appointed little place where the Orcish owner is just lighting the lamps. He's only too happy to supply a customer who already knows what he wants and isn't going to rib him about his choice of trade.

[ixis]

Naugus flits with ease through the hustle and bustle, many forms lending a great deal of shadow for him to scurry through. He may impishly reach his claw to tweak a leg or tail here and there, Felix likely hearing surprised yelps from passerby, followed by that usual wheezing giggle.

Once in the bookstore, Naugus peers from his hiding place at the collection of tomes, peeking at titles, skimming the selection. Should Felix be watching, a hand sneaks out from the darkness to filch a book on the Daedric Princes, a few silver coins soon tossed out to replace it. This is all done behind the Orsimer's back, of course, and conducted in silence.

New conversation topic: Ghostly mudcrabs

[conjuredskies]

Felix tries not to smirk at the mischief he can hear in his wake. The good people of Anvil can surely survive the horror. And maybe some restraint would technically be better, but it does distract everyone's attention from one extra adventurer in the crowd.

He notices Naugus making a surreptitious purchase, too. Outside again, he leans under the lantern beside the shop door, casting a long dark shadow as he flips open the guidebook. The map inside the front pages may be a few years old but nothing significant is likely to have changed since then.

"Come across anything interesting?" he asks curiously.

Saw a ghostcrab the other day, dreadful creatures.

[ixis]

He pops up like a ghastly jack-in-the-box from that shadow, just up to his waist, already thumbing through his sneaky purchase. "Might as well get some material on these Princes of yours, I figured. The fact there are more and equally powerful as the one we're currently running errands for, well! Seems like some knowledge one such as myself can put to good use. May ask you to fact check it, though."

He tucks the book into his belt to surge upwards, creeping onto the wall behind Felix to look over his shoulder, peering at the other mage's purchase.

"And you and your map? Acceptable for the task?"

I try to avoid them. ):

[conjuredskies]

"That would be best - common knowledge about daedra tends to be just common, in my experience. I've had to become rather practiced in hunting out information of real use."

He traces the main streets and the important buildings on the page - customs houses, gate guards, chapel of Dibella... and of course, the Thalmor Consulate and local Hall of the Vigilant.

"Yes, I think this shows the local hazards well enough. We should find ourselves a tavern. One closer to the docks, perhaps."

[ixis]

"Onwards! To the seediest tavern available!" He declares that way too loud for someone who's supposed to be lurking and keeping an eye out. He even points with his one normal hand as if leading the charge. For god's sake, Naugus.

[conjuredskies]

Felix shuffles sideways and drops the hand holding his book in alarm, trying to both cover Naugus and push him back into the shadow. The noise draws more than a few looks with varying levels of interest, nonetheless. Felix is obliged to adopt a silly grin as he stuffs away the map, hissing "Shhh!" through his teeth. Yup, just a silly tourist, probably fresh out of some college or other. Don't mind him!

There is that one poor fellow doing a double-take before he feels his forehead anxiously. Better move on fast.

He hastens into the crowd, but he's caught the attention of a cutpurse; there's a pretty young Imperial woman shadowing him in her own way, and moving closer as he heads for the docks.

[ixis]

Naugus sputters as he's shoved back into the shadows, which he goes back into with minimal resistance. He also wasn't expecting to be pushed around, so. "Rude," is the only response from the darkness before he follows along, keeping himself proper covered now.

The figurative shadow that Felix has gained hasn't escaped his notice, however. Naugus hangs back a few paces, observing the woman, watching as she clearly is tailing his young companion. And getting closer.

That is until a hand and claw dart up from the darkness under her boots, both grabbing hold of her ankles and yanking her into the shadows with him. The sound of it (not including any cry the pickpocket might have managed before vanishing) is like a dark sigh before silence smothers it.

Then he's back to following Felix in his own way.

[conjuredskies]

He'll apologize and shamelessly flatter Naugus to make it up when he has the chance. For now, he's focused on getting them to a tavern.

He thinks he hears a half-squeal from behind him, but with the shouts and laughter and general hubbub it could be anything. A few kids are out and about trying to sell off the last food of the day, and Felix skirts a couple before he spots a likely place within sight of the gate to the docks.

It's actually not that seedy-looking: busy, yes, but the building's newer than the others around it and when Felix steps inside, it's fairly clean and comfortable. The seats have unstained cushions! There are latticed windows and clean pewter! And even so, there's an abundance of view-blocking pillars and closed-off booths and shadowy spots, especially on the upper level where people gather to talk business with a good view of the other patrons.

Felix's stance has shifted inside the door: there's a quiet ease of motion as he heads for the counter. He reaches up to tug his hood down and give the innkeeper a charming smile, but the used armor and confident bearing give observers some pointed clues about his profession. He'll interrogate the bartender and trust Naugus to sift through the whispered gossip, scheming and grumbling about various perceived injustices from the local authorities. The guards are holding up every shipment to Skyrim, the Thalmor consul's trying to dip his fingers in the local smuggling game, bloody Domitianus Lex won't shut up bragging about his thief-catching...

[ixis]

He follows dutifully into the tavern, grinning secretly to himself at the setting, the banter, the smells and sounds. There's something familiar and welcoming about this. The sort of places he used to travel to in Mercia abroad, to speak with other magi, to council with other sneaks. He slithers from the shadows on the floor up onto the wall, the glint of red eyes muted in the flickering candlelight. Naugus peers over shoulders, lurks beneath tables, impishly tips over a cup to splash onto papers that were probably important.

The moment someone mentions thievery, he pauses and lingers, keen ears tilted to catch the gossip. Trophies are much the same; anyone who looks to be bragging about a haul is going to have a hidden observer soaking up the banter.

Enter Left: A gange of scoundreles.

[conjuredskies]

More than a few squeaks, paranoid double-takes and sharp oaths follow in Ixis Naugus' passing. Civilized airs notwithstanding this is the kind of place where nobody wants to be caught jumping at (aha) shadows, so the few victims who think they saw something swiftly pretend otherwise. One could wreak all manner of havoc in a place like this. But in the meantime (while Felix is making his own discoveries) the shadowbound sorcerer may catch a trio of low-voiced individuals mentioning the name of Lex in downright predatory tones.

"...can't we take it?" asks a well-dressed Bosmer man.

"Silencing such a braggart, surely that’s a- what you call it, a public service?” This suggestion comes from a raspy-voiced Argonian woman. "Who would care?"

The male Argonian with them shakes his head. “No, no, think about the risk. He gave it to the Vigilants for safekeeping. Do you know the kind of protection they have in there? And that’s if he even found the thing. Does anyone believe he caught the Grey Fox? Has anyone seen this cursed cowl?”

“For that prize, it’s worth gambling,” the Bosmer says. “Besides - if nobody believes he had it, who’ll believe we took it?”

The woman nods. “Yes, yes. The Vigilants won’t admit anything was ever taken from their Vaults, I expect. If no-one will say a thing has been taken, and none can be sure it was ever there, has there truly been a theft?” The more cautious Argonian beside her sighs, knowing he's going to lose this argument.

[ixis]

Oh look! Shade-Seekers! He's already crept closer to look curiously at the pair of Argonians before realizing their conversation might be of some interest. He listens with rapt interest, only spiriting away again when he's sure he's gotten the gist of it all. An Argonian tail gets a tug before he goes, though.

Felix is going to have to brace himself for the hissing whisper that comes from a shadow close to his ear. "The Vigilants. Who are they?"

[conjuredskies]

Felix has ordered himself a nice local ale and settled into a corner so that he won't draw attention by muttering into the shadows.

Instead he nearly draws it by jumping suddenly and splashing ale down his cuirass. Great.

He grabs a cloth napkin from the next table and answers under the cover of drying himself down. "Militant religious order. They hunt down 'unholy creatures' in the name of the god Stendarr. Vampires, daedra, werewolves..." He sniffs. "I try to avoid them. Why?"

[ixis]

"The Mobian lizards yonder speak of a fox's cowl and a braggart who took something and left it with these Vigilants for safekeeping. Could that be our target? And if so, do we head for the vaults or do we hunt down the man before the trio over there do it first?"

[conjuredskies]

"Ah! It has to be," he murmurs. "I've been hearing a similar story, but the Vigil part is new..." Felix casts a glance toward the trio (currently arguing over who pulled whose tail).

He pulls out the guidebook and opens it to the map, pointing out the Hall of the Vigilant where it faces the Great Chapel. "The man sounds about as stubborn as an ogre- and as smart. Tough to persuade. And we have Ixis Naugus on our side. I say we go straight for the prize."

[ixis]

He giggles at the blatant flattery, the sound seeming to go in circles around Felix's own shadow at his feet. Like he's swimming in excited circles in that darkness like an eager fish.

"Let us be on our way, then! We can speak more on these Vigilants as we go. Do they employ magicks? Weaponry? Wards?" He just expects Felix to know this right off the top of his head, of course. It's HIS world, after all.

[conjuredskies]

Felix sighs at having to move along so soon. He wonders if they could slow the other thieves down, but can’t think of any means on the fly save a quick prayer to Nocturnal. “Suppose most of them would have to be at evening prayers now...”

Time to act responsibly. He finishes off the bit of ale in his mug and stoppers the bottle to take along with him. It might be useful, but mostly it just looks less suspicious than abandoning a good drink. He wedges it in with the guide-book and checks everything’s too padded to clink before he heads out the door again. The crowds have started to thin, and he ducks into the backstreets so he and Naugus can talk in relative peace.

“To answer your question, they'll have all three – healing and protective magic, a fondness for swinging maces… and given how much they like confiscating even slightly daedric artifacts, I have to assume they’ve invested in some formidable wards.” For avoiding their company, he’s certainly made some study of their abilities. Felix hums thoughtfully as they walk. “They’re not exceptionally good mages, though. Not in my opinion.”

[ixis]

"What...sort of magic? Nothing tied to holy or light works, I hope?" Not that he's worried! Why would he ever be worried? He's the amazing Ixis Naugus, what could ever ruffle his feathers or stand as a threat!

[conjuredskies]

"...Hmm. Well, they're devout in their way. They may have blessed amulets or even weapons, or know spells meant to drive away the undead. But their spells aren't meant for offense - they're ordinary shield or regeneration spells. Usually self-directed."

It would be untrue to say he isn't glancing at the shadows, trying to get some sense of how concerned the sorcerer within might be. Because that's... interesting.

[ixis]

Naugus has sunk deeper into the shadows, no hint of his form or even the usual glint of teeth and eyes visible. "Bah. Just as well. All the more reason to remain unseen, right? We slip in, we take the item, we slip back out. Are you familiar with undoing wards? I can break them, certainly, but it might cause a bit of flash and panic in doing so." Breaking things is never quiet business, after all.

Oh, and almost as an afterthought, because he only just remembered it, Naugus adds, "Also, you had what seemed to be a thief sneaking after you a bit ago. She's dealt with, though."

[conjuredskies]

"I've taken down a few before, but I'll need your advice if it comes to that." He likes to think he's quite good at finding the weak and malleable points in wards - but he's much better with summoning and binding set-ups. If the Vigilants are really worried about daedric intrusion, he hopes the principles will be similar...

"But surely it won't matter much if you can simply slip past them through the shadows...?" He has no real idea about the geography of the shadow-realm, or if that's how it works.

"Dealt with?" He probably shouldn't ask. "Ah. Thank you. And I apologize if I was rude earlier. I was just, ah, startled. And worried that someone might take note of your, um, exuberance."

[ixis]

He just grunts in regard to the apology. "I'm sure she's having a great deal of fun wandering the shadows." Wait, is he saying he just snatched the thief and left her there? That's sure what it sounds like. Maybe he'll get back around to escorting her back out when their adventure is through? Maybe.

"And I suppose I can certainly try to slip right past them, but if they're the sort made to keep out things like your Princes and their ilk, I'd prefer to not take chances. And some are just made to alert to magical going-ons that aren't of their persuasion. I'm not keen on caution, but I suppose this might call for it here and there." OR we can just charge in and let things blow up like an action movie! But that's assuming Felix wants to ever step foot in Anvil again.

[conjuredskies]

"Should she be left in there?" he wonders aloud. But that will have to wait until their mission is through, if they've time. The thief has at least a degree of pity and concern from him, but he doubts he wants to couch it in those terms to Naugus.

"All right, so then we need to get in without brute force. The farther we can go without using magic, the better. If we had another artifact they'd want to add to their vaults... hmm. Just how shadowy is your magic?" He pulls one of the soul gems from his satchel. "These gems are used to store magical energies - life energies. Could you taint one to make it seem... corrupted? Dark?"

[ixis]

"She's not my concern and certainly not yours anymore. Job well done, I say." Yeah, he's not worried in the least with that thief anymore. For her sake OR theirs. Enjoy the shadow zone, thief.

At the offering of the soul gem, he takes it and carefully turns it over in hand and claw. "I can certainly try. There's traces of darkness in everything I do." And crystals are always of keen interest to him either way. A concentrated burst of magicks fed from his claw and into the gemstone makes it glow a sickly green before fading to just a shock of light now and again from within its cloudy depths. Naugus then hands it back over to Felix. "And there we have it."

[conjuredskies]

Well, that seems to be that for the thief. At least for now. Felix looks troubled a moment, but he has more immediate concerns than fighting the cause of a woman who thought of him as prey.

Say, the distinctly awful thing in his hand.

“…That’s… even better than I hoped.” Really. It’s almost too good – he feels the urge to hurl the gem away, preferably into a sewer. Instead he clears his mind, trying to think of this as an academic exercise. It’s just a particularly unpleasant specimen. Yes. “Perfect. So now I’m just a distressed apprentice handing in a gruesome discovery from my explorations – some terrible new kind of black soul gem. With any luck they’ll be desperate to get this shut away.”

[ixis]

"And shall I keep to your shadow then? Easiest way to keep together, after all." He seems pleased that the gem is distinctly offensive; he'd put his best effort into making it thus! Just a great deal of foul feelings and energy infused into the unassuming soul gem. Because if there's one thing that Naugus has his finger on the pulse of, it's bad feels.

"And if they think to pull you away and interrogate you on how you came across such an artifact?"

[conjuredskies]

Felix looks amused for a moment, then shivers, assuming the air of a shaken man. “Of course. I was coming along the Gold road when a pair of men came out of the ditch and dragged me off the road. I- I didn’t realize at first, but the way they were talking… I think they were thralls.”

That last is almost whispered, and he swallows. “They pulled me into some Ayleid ruins – I remember a man giving orders, and some kind of altar. When I saw what was there I came to my senses and tried to fight them off – I barely made it out of there. Somewhere along the way I grabbed this… this thing. I knew someone had to know about it, so I came here as fast as I could…”

He trails off, looking anxious- then pauses. “Remind me to get more mud on my clothes first.”

[ixis]

"You're very convincing as a distraught youth." A hand reaches out of the darkness to give Felix a hearty pat on the shoulder. "You remind me a great deal of my apprentice back in Mobius, Geoffrey. Boxing clever, that one.

"And as far as finding these Vaults? They're on the map, correct?"

[conjuredskies]

Felix preens a little at the praise. It's nice to have someone appreciate a little deception. "They'll be under the Hall of the Vigilant. Once we have the cowl, I suppose we can create enough shadows to escape through."

[ixis]

And if there's one thing Naugus appreciates, it's a good liar. "Oh? So we get to use this artifact? And that won't upset Nocturnal? Since it's her property, or so I gathered."

The hidden mage waves a hand, pulling it from the shadows to make sure the gesture is visible, urging Felix to lead the way so they can get to their sneaky task.

[conjuredskies]

"I don't know," he admits, making sure to stop and scuff his boots now and then as he leads onward. Cleaning up is going to be fun later. "Nocturnal said nothing about it, but my main concern is that I have no certainty what it does or how to use it correctly. I meant more that once it's in hand, stealth will become less important than a swift exit."

Of course if they can get all the way out without any alarm sounded, that would be best.

[ixis]

"Well, better to beg forgiveness than ask permission. Or just pretend you don't care either way, there's that as well." That's his go-to anyhow. Minus the pretend part.

Naugus slips his way to the shadows that Felix's own form cast once again, making sure that he's always close and always has a place to hide.

[conjuredskies]

"Well put - but in this case, I'll leave that as a last resort. Just in case the stolen cowl is still cursed."

The last alley comes out almost alongside the Hall of the Vigilant, a relatively large and new building, to go by the unstained stonework. It's neither as new or as ornate as the embassy opposite, though both are placed here for one simple reason: proximity to the great Chapel of Dibella across the open street.

Felix takes a gander at the thin traffic, spares a moment to make sure his hair and armor are suitably disheveled. His leathers were due a really good scrub anyway.

"All right, time to go. If I do get hopelessly trapped in questioning, feel free to give them a more exciting problem. The Vigil deserve all they can get."

[ixis]

While Felix is wrapped up in examining the surroundings, Naugus in particular peeks from the darkness to size up that...church? Temple? It's clearly some building of worship, though of what, who's to say? He wonders briefly back to the times he's antagonized Vanyel. Didn't the man say he followed the teaching of some goddess or another? Wonder if that's her.

There's a thin, rasping chuckle in response to Felix's plan and request. "Gladly! I'll be sure to keep an eye out for an opportunity."

[conjuredskies]

"Shadow hide us," he murmurs, before stepping into the street and into character.

Felix hastens in through the open door of the hall, looking around with palpable anxiety. Despite the attempt at imposing architecture, the interior atrium is quite simple, with bare flagstones and plain wooden benches around the walls. The few people around are all Vigilants in brown robes or pale green robes, some with maces of steel or silver at their belts. He swiftly catches the attention of the senior-most Vigilant, a middle-aged Redguard woman with a scarred face. He starts explaining, but no sooner has he started to take out the tainted soul gem than she spins him by the shoulder and leads him further into the building.

She calls out a couple of her brethren from the doors they pass, and soon they’re all gathered in what looks like a comfortable kind of study. The two subordinates fret and fuss over the gem, trying to work out what’s been done to it (preferably without touching it either physically or mentally). Meanwhile, Felix spins his story about an evil necromancer, making sure to stutter and correct himself in the right places. Apparently it’s a fairly convincing description, because the Vigilant in charge places a hand on his shoulder and soothes him when he falters. Even if she also shoots disturbed looks at the soul gem on the table.

Full marks for Naugus’ handicraft, that’s for sure.

[ixis]

It's hard to stifle further giggles to himself at seeing the frantic display, how easily these so-called Vigilants are sent into a tizzy over a spell he cast. But Naugus somehow manages, instead just silently observing.

Well, that and using his further expertise in magicks most foul to keep things on edge. An unseen glow (thanks to being properly shrouded in the realm of shadows) is emanating from the Mobian's staff, casting a subtle spell that reaches to spread to the entire room. An insidious, subtle aura that only serves to goad negative emotions into deeper severity and keep them there. Keep these fools good and scared, giving them no opportunity to try and gather a more level head in their investigation.

[conjuredskies]

It is fun to watch! Felix has to take care not to roll his eyes as they grow more and more nervous. They’re practically feeding each other as their speculations grow more frantic. Although he realizes even he’s on edge. Perhaps it’s the nervous thrill of deception, but it’s hard not to catch their doubt and disgust. And not hard at all to act distressed for their benefit.

Stendarr’s sake, they’ve nearly convinced themselves that there’s a plot of Molag Bal afoot. He'll have to explain the compliment to Naugus later.

“Tiela,” says one of the junior Vigilants after a while. “I’ve… I’ve never seen daedric magic like this. We need to put this in the vaults- to contain it until Keeper Fruscia returns!”

Tiela hushes him, nodding meaningfully at Felix. “Very well. I’ll go with you. You, young man, should rest. We’ll see that the… crystal is safely taken care of. But the Keeper will have questions for you when she returns.”

Felix nods shakily. “Rest… rest would be so nice. I haven’t slept properly since… Is there somewhere I can lie down for just a while? Please?”

“Of course.” She shows him into the small bedchamber next door, and leaves him to his own devices. Perhaps it’s the growing anxiety she’s working to hide, but she neglects to have him guarded while she goes down to the vault. Felix is soon leaning against the door, listening to the Vigilants’ footsteps recede over the floorboards outside.

[ixis]

Naugus, meanwhile, is going to be certain to consult his brand new book on Daedra to figure out who this Bal guy is. Mental note made.

He follows in Felix's shadow until the escort turns and heads for the Vaults instead. He hisses, "Time is of the essence! Follow as soon as you can!" before his presence slips beneath the door and back out into the hall, sliding his way into the retreating guard's shadow and keeping close. Let's see how far he can get before wards or the like become a concern.

[conjuredskies]

Felix jumps at the hiss from the shadows, managing a nod just after the Ixian mage’s presence disappears. Damn it, Caelus, pull yourself together. You’re on Nocturnal’s business, remember!

The thought of following three Vigilants down an unknown corridor into who-knows-what vaults and reinforcements is one to inspire caution, but he can’t play his part if he isn’t around when Naugus needs him, can he? He waits a couple of minutes, before leaving quietly and trotting after them. Lucky he's wearing his older, quieter boots. But just in case, he stops to cast a muffling spell, to deaden the sound of his footfalls. It seems to work. He has to hope it’ll stick.

Ahead of him, the Vigilants turn a few corners and descend a long flight of steps to a spacious undercroft beneath the Hall, littered with supporting arches. The door is warded quite obviously with runes of elemental destruction and seals designed to make loud noises if the door is breached. No sign of divine protection here – and besides, the senior Vigilant quite unsuspectingly lifts her hands, concentrates to lower the wards, and produces a key to open the vault. Naugus can just slip right in to the main vault, where a motley collection of books and artifacts are arranged within their individual wards.

There’s also a set of much larger and better-warded double doors: heavier runes, heavier locks… and the mark of holy symbols, blessing the doorway against dark and malevolent beings. In the arch above them is a carved emblem: a sword and goblet.

[ixis]

The wards get a moment of curious peering from the hidden wizard, the elemental ones especially, as that's another craft near and dear to him. But business is business, and it seems things are being dismantled momentarily to allow entrance. He follows silently into the main foyer of the vault.

The entire area gets a passing, visual sweep before his eyes land and stay on the big doors. That's probably where his tainted soul gem is headed, isn't it? And he doesn't feel confident about nearing those holy symbols without causing a stir. Or burning the living hell out of himself, either/or. Perhaps it's best to wait here until Felix secrets his way in as well. Naugus settles into a darker corner well and away from that holy warded door to observe in the meantime.

[conjuredskies]

There’s some discussion, right now, about where to put the gem. The younger and more impressionable pair definitely want it to be sealed in the big vault; their elder has just enough sense not to want to tamper with the protections. Somewhat less sensibly (perhaps) she’s reminding them that the Cowl of Nocturnal is being kept in there, and they can’t risk the corruption of exposure to such a dark artifact.

She’d rather just put the gem into the sealed display case where there are already three black soul gems. ‘To wait for purification’, she says. Nearby is a nearly complete set of daedric armor looming black and blood-red on its stand; an ugly black mace on another, a gnarled wooden staff in the center of an unnecessarily large (and smelly) cage. Each is warded with more simple runes (though an ordinary thief, one imagines, could easily be killed by even these precautions).

Felix, in the meantime, has made his way downstairs: he’s lurking outside the door and trying to peek through the crack to see if he can sneak in. He pushes it carefully, but it starts to creak once it’s open a crack, making one of the Vigilants jump and look around nervously. Blast! He retreats a step to try and come up with a new plan, listening in case they actually come investigate.

[ixis]

Naugus knows how to bide his time. For years, decades, if need be. But that doesn't mean he knows how to be patient in the more immediate frame of time. It's not long before he's grown antsy in the dark, especially surrounded by all these curious objects! He wants to examine them! But he feels he might not be able to move as freely as he'd care to in said examination, not with these idiot Vigilants still sitting around, nattering about nothing that matters.

They've confirmed at least verbally that the item they want is under lock and key (and ward) of the largest doors, but that's given little more than a passing thought to the impetuous wizard. He's distracted now by his curiosity and his impatience to sate it. The door they came through gives a creak, making him look towards it as well as one of the guards, and that makes Naugus decide to act.

Was there ever an order to do this without lethal means? That question only gets a moment of consideration before it's cast aside without care. No more lurking, no more hiding; Ixis Naugus surges from the shadows, already casting his magicks mid-leap, reaching towards the Vigilants and snapping his hand back into a tight fist. The air immediately around them and the air from their very lungs is sucked from both, ensuring a nasty sensation of drowning on dry land for the three guards. Asphyxiating. And Naugus, malicious glee in his eyes, appears to have no intention of allowing them breath any time soon or ever again.

Felix makes a token effort to be the lesser evil here

[conjuredskies]

The ugly sound of choking resonates threefold inside the vault; Felix hastens to take a look, and then goes wide-eyed. He sidles carefully through the door, taking in the writhing Vigilants on the floor, the gleeful sorcerer standing above them. His eyes are wide, but it's hard to tell from his expression if he's amused or disturbed or simply... stunned.

He's no fool. Or no hero, perhaps. He circles the scene slowly, nodding to Naugus with an obviously impressed air. He won't kid himself that he has the power to command the elder mage, nor that- what, charging in to stop him? - would help matters.

But he's not sure he's entirely comfortable with the painful death of some vaguely well-meaning idiots, so when they look like they're going unconscious he speaks quietly to Naugus. Respectfully. (Steady voice, don't sound afraid, don't sound ungrateful...) "They'll be more useful if you spare them. I suppose."

[ixis]

Naugus spares Felix a glance aside, one eyebrow raised. "And how's that? We can figure out a way into the warded area on our own. I have faith in you, boy! And they've said our goal is indeed past said wards. What use are they to us now? Or at all?"

He hasn't stopped holding that void of air.

[conjuredskies]

"Oh, in case someone else comes along," Felix says brightly, talking fast. "Injured friends make better distractions than corpses, you know."

He has no idea if this will sway Naugus, but the appeal to self-interest is the only one with any chance of success. Self-interest and pride.

"And- of course, if they're dead they won't be able to bear witness to the feat of magic which overpowered them... so effortlessly. I've seen nothing like it." Look attentive, look relaxed...

[ixis]

He frowns, possibly considering this appeal...then lets his fist unclench. There's a whoomph noise of the air rushing back into the void he'd created. There's another gesture that follows, pinching his fingers together and drawing a line in the air. A portion of the ground near the unconscious soldiers bursts upwards, trailing stone fused into chain links, and closing one clamp after another onto the ankles of the fallen.

"There. I don't need them rushing us from behind with spears at the ready. Now! Let's have a look at that door, shall we?"

[conjuredskies]

Felix doesn’t need to try to act impressed right now. He bows, temporarily wordless, and hastens to examine the door. He lifts his hands to probe the wards, faint light playing over them.

“Hmmm… I can definitely break these elemental wards and the shielding- though perhaps not quietly…” He looks up at the holy symbols marked on the door. “Those protections will harm any daedra I summon to break the locks. Perhaps… hm, wait. They must have some way to deactivate the holy ward, if they put the Cowl inside.”

He spins on his heel, picking out the eldest of the Vigilants and going to search her. “Surely there’s a key…”

[ixis]

Naugus, meanwhile, squints at the wards as well, especially at that holy one. Wards are a wonderful way to keep out...whatever he is, and he's not about to test their strength or set off alarms in attempting passage beyond them.

So he busies himself instead with looking at the other items kept here. That wooden staff in a rather foul-smelling pen, for instance! "What's the policy on taking other things for our own research?" Just asking!

[conjuredskies]

Felix is rummaging through the elder Vigilant’s pockets – no small task given her stony bonds and the sheer number of places a pocket might be hidden in those robes, especially one containing a secret key. One might suspect he’s done this quite a few times before.

“Hm? Well, I expect they’re probably stolen anyway.” He glances around the items in view, shrugs at Naugus before resuming his search. “Why should the Vigil have them?”

He’s pretty sure nothing in here is too powerful (not if the Vigilants could get hold of it). What damage could Naugus do with them that’s worse than refusing him?

That staff might be more interesting than it first appears, though – on close inspection, the wooden appearance might just be dirt and damage, and it actually looks like it might be quite shiny with a little skilled restoration. The gnarled top looks a bit like a carving – some tiny battered figurines, perhaps…?

(( As it happens, I had a particular staff in mind for this. Feel free to have Naugus steal that one, or we can say it’s something else. ;) ))

[ixis]

((THE EVERSCAMPS. I've heard horror stories about these guys. Excellent.))

After hopping into the containment area, Naugus strides over towards that staff, peering at it up and down, making sure there's nothing too obvious about causing harm or setting off alarms. It certainly is a good deal more interesting than it appears at a distance! Though how did it get so dirty in the first place? Why did they let it STAY dirty?

Naugus gives the weapon a tap with the pincer of his claw. And if it doesn't do anything, he's going to snatch it and stuff it into his cloak, stretching back through shadows to his study and depositing it there.

[conjuredskies]

((Hooray! :D))

The staff seems ever so harmless. It's quite safe to pick up. For now.

"Ah!" Felix pulls a talisman from their prisoner's robe, looking at it carefully. It certainly feels akin to the wards on the door- what's Naugus up to? He looks over at the sorcerer, blinking. "The staff?"

Well, no matter. Time to try this key. He goes back to the door, lifting the talisman while he tries to decide how it should interact with the ward: in the event, a touch to the door makes that holy ward chime brightly and fade to a dull mark. Inactive. Felix hisses through his teeth triumphantly.

[ixis]

Naugus waits a few moments, trying to ensure that there are no alarms, no wards, no curses that have been enabled with the attempted theft of this staff.

"Do you know anything about it? The staff, I mean. Why would it even be contained here?"

[conjuredskies]

There’s no explanatory plaque, no name attached to the staff. Just a few wards around the cage – elemental runes that erupt in blasts of fire and frost if Naugus touches them physically. Easy enough for the Ixian mage to deflect, no doubt. Perhaps the more sophisticated protections are reserved for the main vault.

“I don't, no.” Felix glances back. He's working on disentangling the vault wards. “I don’t suppose they had the sense to leave a label with it? Idiots. They must believe it's some daedric artifact, but I doubt they understand it. Knowing them, it might not even be dangerous. You’ve seen how easy it is to make them panic.”

[ixis]

"Is it fear or moral panic? Or a bit of both? Pfah." He gives the fallen Vigilants an extra scoff and look of scorn as he crosses the room back towards Felix.

"I get the distinct feeling that this one has something holy attached to it. I'll gladly meddle with any of the elemental ones, but that one...You're on your own." Proximity already has his skin prickling as if too close to something hot. No thanks.

[conjuredskies]

"Both. It's a long story - and a foolish one, where they're concerned."

He shows Naugus the talisman he found. It’s practically humming with the same aura as the holy ward. “I’m sure this key can deactivate it. I already unsealed the ward for human passage, but I think I might be able to remove it completely. Make sure the threshold is safe for you.”

He looks up at the dulled symbols above the door. “Have you ever broken this kind of… holy magic before? It’s an unusual kind of ward, in my experience.”

But then he's never been troubled by it the way Naugus is.

[ixis]

"Not particularly. They were few and far between back on Mobius, but what there was..." He shudders, "I avoided. Certainly, they could be broken with sheer force, but why bother? I had more important matters to worry about." A good cover as any for having such a profound aversion to a type of magic or energy.

The talisman is given the same look of pained disgust as the ward itself, Naugus flinching back with a hiss. Not so close, kid!

[conjuredskies]

He’s really starting to wonder what this aversion says of Naugus’s nature. But he’s smarter than to tackle the subject here and now; he just withdraws the talisman and keeps it to himself.

“A pity. But it’s always the spell that seemed most trivial, isn’t it?” He raises his hands, feeling out the ward through the talisman. “It doesn’t feel the same as any ward I’ve seen constructed… I wonder…” He looks up at the symbols again, considering his options. He’d rather not go all-out in desecrating something holy to try and break its protection, nor call on a Prince to break it head-on.

He looks around, points out the cage that until recently held the staff. “Could you help me move that over? I want to get up at those symbols directly.”

[ixis]

It really doesn't bode well, does it? Something repulsed by things of a pure and holy nature doesn't sound like the kind of guy that is on the up and up, to say the least. But hey, maybe that's useful knowledge for later.

When the cage is called for, Naugus nods and grunts in affirmation, heading over to grab it in his claw and drag it over. The guy's strong; look at the size of those arms! "THAT I can do."

[conjuredskies]

Oh, now that’s something to see. Felix was about to come over and help, but instead Naugus drags the mass of iron past him – one-handed. Blinking, he makes another note about his fiendish friend: no wrestling matches, they will be traps.

“Thank you,” he says honestly, before he finds the best holds on the cage and clambers up atop it. This close he’s almost able to reach the symbols himself where they’re carved at the top of the door. They really aren’t like the weavings of normal mages… perhaps it’s that simple after all.

He gathers the purple light of a summoning in his hand, gestures, and draws a bound sword, long and transparent. It doesn’t sit entirely easy with the magic on the door; he lifts the blade up to examine it thoughtfully for a minute. That feels interesting…

“All right- I’m going to try something. If it throws me off, er- just try to catch me. Please.”

He takes a breath, steadies his feet on the cage, and takes a swing at the symbols. The instant the blade makes contact he can feel the pressure – magic on magic, bound-in power against disrupting outsider. There’s a whumph and the sword almost bounces back- but there’s a deep slice across the rune, and the ward it’s a part of seems to weaken.

Encouraged, Felix checks his balance and gets to cutting as fast and carefully as he can, until the middle section of symbols are quite obscured and the ward is reduced to remnants of scattered power.

[ixis]

Naugus grumps and harrumphs at being given all these requests like he's a simple thug! Just dumb muscle! But c'mon, that's what you get when you're built like a dump truck and have arms as big around as your own waist.

He watches the attempted destruction with interest, ears perked upright. The fact that Felix's actions left lasting damage and no one was thrown away or nothing exploded? Encouraging! "Is it weakening? It feels like it is." Or maybe that's just wishful thinking.

[conjuredskies]

If it helps, that last one sounded more like a hopeful plea. Felix is just thinking of how much it would hurt to get blasted across a stone vault from a height by some angry god. He’s very glad when that doesn’t happen.

“I think so! My blade seems to have more effect than I expected…” He passes a hand over the runes. “They definitely don’t hold as much power. I’ll destroy all the ones I can reach before you test them.” For good measure he’s scratching out the closest ones a little better. It’s tricky up here to get the right angle and distance for a good cut.

[ixis]

"Test them? You mean walk through and see if they don't burn me to a crisp? Or apply magic to them in some fashion?" Naugus spares a glance back towards those guards he'd been strangling moments before, just to ensure none of them are stirring yet.

"And what are the odds there'll only be more beyond this doorway? My patience wears thin!"

[conjuredskies]

"I was going to leave that to you. Perhaps if you simply come closer you can tell how much they discomfort you." Felix is working as fast as he can on chiseling away the holy protections. "I only found one 'key', so I would assume this is the only set of wards. Truthfully, I think this is the most they're capable of. Even their elemental traps aren't very good."

The guards don't seem to be moving yet. They might need a while to gain the strength, even when they start to regain consciousness.

Felix finishes one side, starts cutting into the other. He's getting more confident as he goes. "Of course, at this point I could summon something else to try ramming through. That way you don't need to trouble yourself, and we can break the other wards at the same time."

[ixis]

"How much do we care about leaving evidence we were here and broke into things? Because that ship has clearly sailed." Downed guards, stolen staffs, chipped wards. "At this point, something ramming down what's left would be a welcome change of pace." Naugus is wandering again, intent on prodding and inspecting other items being held in this vault. The guy has a spectacularly flimsy attention span.

[conjuredskies]

“You have a point. The sooner we can get out of here..." Felix scratches out the last sigil he can reach and jumps down, wincing at the shock of his landing on the flagstones. He’s careful to step away from the doors before he calls on his new ally. He concentrates on reaching out; an orb of purple energy forms in one cupped hand, crackling around a dark vortex. He casts it to the flagstones, and it erupts outward with a metallic snap, swelling to an intangible sphere much larger than he is.

When it fades, it leaves the towering form of a frost atronach: a faceless, walking glacier whose very presence begins to chill the air. Felix bows his head to it politely, even as he’s mentally giving it its orders. The atronach turns and trundles over, shoving the cage aside before it moves back and lines up with the door.

“This is about to get noisy,” Felix says, going over to push the other door closed. And stay out of range of any explosions. The atronach lumbers into a charge, building up a bit of speed and a lot of momentum before it rams the doors with a huge fist. The holy sigils flare weakly, the elemental wards erupt in blasts of frost and fire. Only the flames seem to bother the elemental, eliciting a creaking groan from its icy bones. The wounds swiftly refreeze in its freezing aura though, and it trundles back to make another charge. This time, the doors buckle a bit under its impact, splintering around lock and hinges; the wards seem to be sputtering out entirely. Stoic and silent, the atronach gets ready to try again.

“Once more will see us through, I think,” Felix observes. He’s watching the other door tensely. All this noise is resounding through the vault; even if they are well below ground, surely someone’s going to hear. Or come looking for the trio lying on the floor right now. The noise is making a couple of them stir groggily. “We’ll need to move quickly…”

[ixis]

The beast made of ice gets Naugus to stop whatever he's doing (or put down whatever he'd picked up to examine), ears upright in surprise. And perhaps a bit impressed! "You summoned that? Where does it come from?" Now might not be the time for academically curious questions, Naugus. But that doesn't stop him from asking either way.

When the creature nearly has the door done in, the wizard hurries back over to stand nearer to Felix, trodding right on top of the downed guards as if they were little more than sacks of grain. He, of course, thoroughly ignores any sounds of pain this could cause. "I vote once we've got ahold of this object, we take to the shadows promptly. No faster escape than that, assuming they don't have more holy wards set up to put a stop to us."

[conjuredskies]

“The elemental plane of frost,” Felix answers, giving Naugus a quick grin despite the circumstances. The danger of their situation and the risks they’ve taken only make it feel better to pull off a summoning of significance. And that’s beyond how good it always feels to work his magic, to feel the might of an ancient mind answer his command.

“Agreed. I’ll be ready,” he agrees about the shadows. Disconcerting as they are, they’re easily preferable to waiting around here. Is that distant shouting echoing down the stairwell? He can’t tell over the muffled whimpers from Naugus’ downtrodden foes, the pounding of glacial feet on stone.

The great elemental crashes though the doors, scattering splinters around it. Instantly it’s silhouetted in a flood of brilliant light from beyond. Felix urges it in ahead, but no more wards are triggered; he follows cautiously with his sword flickering in his hand.

The circular chamber beyond is lined with stands for magical lights; others hang from the high ceiling, all burning brilliant white. Even the floor is circled with crystalline lanterns. The shadows have been banished entirely from this room. The only hint of shade lies rather forlornly on a low stone pedestal in the center. From the door it just looks like a scrap of grey cloth, pale and washed-out in the unrelenting light.

[ixis]

"There's an entire plane of ice!? We'll have to speak on this at greater length when we're not in the process of being pursued." With that being said, Naugus hurries right behind Felix and his massive summon, eager to tackle whatever comes next.

But stops short when he sees all the oppressive light and its fantastic ability to do away with any and all shadows. "Vale's bones, it's like they knew what we'd be up to," the wizard mutters, looking about urgently for any sliver of darkness. His search takes precedent even over securing the item they'd come after. He was the one who said his methods would be the method of escape, after all.

[conjuredskies]

"Clever," Felix agrees. "Maybe the only way to keep Nocturnal from reclaiming the cowl herself." His solution to the lights is very simple: he orders the atronach to start crushing them as it goes, treading some underfoot and smashing them off their stands. He doesn't know how much shadow they need, but the more the better.

Felix himself proceeds carefully, glancing around the walls and eyeing the floor for further wards. They seem to have reached the limit of the Vigil's security. Besides, there are definitely voices outside, and the sound of the outer doors being forced open in a hurry.

Time for the conjurer to hurry forward and snatch up the Cowl... and it seems so ordinary, in his hand. Just a garment of grey cloth, thick and well-worn yet light and soft to the touch. Felix stares at it, a sort of tremor in his voice as he calls out.

"I have it!"

[ixis]

Upon hearing the clamour coming their way, Naugus makes a hurried gesture with his hand, sweeping it upwards to rip the earthen floor upwards in front of the door. Giving them a barricade to hopefully allow for their exit.

Rushing back over to Felix, he aims to do it all in one fell swoop, not even breaking stride. Grab the boy in his dash and dive feet first into the nearest shadow. No matter how anemic it may be, it will have to do, assuming he manages to get a good grip on the younger mage.

[conjuredskies]

The growl and rumble of rending earth makes Felix startle and turn. There's a brief glimpse of a gaggle of hooded soldiers trying to skid to a sudden halt behind it. He doesn't have time to process this new magic, because Naugus's hand clamps onto the scruff of his neck and yanks him off his feet...

And the next moment they're both flung through the faint web of shadow cast by the shattering lights. Felix tries to release his atronach's connection as they go. He doesn't want to leave it behind in that vault.

The sudden press of darkness comes as both shock and relief after all that light; Felix gasps a bit, struggles to find his feet before common sense reminds him not to dislodge the sorcerer keeping him safe in here.

[ixis]

Naugus may or may not give Felix a firm shake to remind him to not kick himself loose from his hold. Bad things may occur should contact be broken. No telling what's lurking in this realm, aside from a poor, displaced thief lost somewhere in the murk.

"Is all of you through?" He looks back to make sure there's no errant legs or bits of clothing still left on the side of the light before he sets about to adjusting his hold on Felix. Looking to switch to having his hand around his upper arm instead of by the neck. Sorry, kid, he just grabbed whatever he could. "And you still have the artifact, I hope?" If the boy dropped it and Naugus has to go back out there, that's gonna be messy.

[conjuredskies]

It's all right, Naugus, that's what happens when you turn right when your ally is trying to grab you for a daring getaway.

"Of course," Felix is quick to assure him, lifting the cowl. The fabric is almost invisible here, quick to blend with the other shadows of this realm. The conjurer peers close at it when Naugus's first question sinks in. "Wait, what? 'All of me'?!"

Great, now he has to count his limbs. That's never a good sign on these escapades. Still, everything important seems present and accounted for: a few bits of leather seem to have been left behind but nothing irreplaceable. Felix remembers belatedly to dismiss his bound blade with a sheathing motion.

"...I'm fine, thank you. We... er, can get out of here, can't we?" The vault they just left has Vigilants scrambling in undignified fashion over the barricade, while a couple of others take their maces to one edge. They're practically frothing with righteous rage.

[ixis]

"Of course, of course. Just give me a moment to get our bearings." Naugus at least isn't grabbing at Felix as hard as he might have been before, his grip a good deal more casual now that he's sure he's not in danger of dropping the lad.

As he looks about, perhaps figuring out a route to safety, there's a low keening sound amongst the usual susurrus of this realm. Almost like frightened, despairing wailing...

But before long, Naugus is tugging Felix in a chosen direction. "Didn't you say the cowl could do something about the shadows? Do I have to usher us to safe harbour before we can use it? Or will applying it now return us to the dark mistress we're running errands for?"

[conjuredskies]

The strange wail makes Felix look around with alarm, even as Naugus starts tugging him on their path. "If it does what I think, putting it on will erase the wearer's identity. I don't know what happens if you're already in the shadows... what is that sound? Is something in here with us?"

[ixis]

"Hm? Oh, it's probably just that thief. Pay it no mind." He says that so casually, so uncaring, of someone who sounds to be in a profound amount of anguish. That's what she gets for trying to cut someone Naugus is working with!

"Come. This way. We can find an alley or shed or something of the like to emerge from." He's tugging Felix's arm, hurrying him in a given direction in this bizarre landscape of cold, shifting shapes and darkness. Should Felix look behind him, he might spot a few human-shaped splotches of shadow, cast by the angry guards trying to figure out where the pair spirited away to.

[conjuredskies]

What can he do? Naugus is very much in charge here, and the thief hardly earned herself any good will. Maybe she'll be all right in here. Maybe Nocturnal will let her out in time. Maybe she'll make a deal of her own. Still. The look Stratos would give him...

"She's making an awful racket," he comments, sounding a little disgusted as he peers over his shoulder. "Maybe we should dump her on the Vigil and shut them both up." He tries to make it sound like disdain. Whether Naugus will listen is another matter, but at least he'll have tried.

Assuming Naugus is paying attention. Felix isn't able to discern it, but the shadows are shifting as they travel, as if to lead them down a particular path. Looks like Nocturnal's been waiting.

[ixis]

Naugus only wheezes a thin laugh regarding the potential use of the thief and her general torment. No regard made otherwise, perhaps because he's that callous or because his attention is on navigating this dark terrain.

But the way they shift and turn is something new, something unexpected, the changes happening in ways that he's not accustomed to. "I think our benefactor is calling us home," he comments, picking up his pace now that he has a concrete path to follow.

[conjuredskies]

Well. He tried. The thief's cries are already distant, muffled by the shifting shadows. Felix doubts he could find her by himself. Besides, he's already pushed his luck once with Naugus.

"She is?" He looks into the murk ahead, trying to see what Naugus is following. Is that the path, or a trick of his meager human senses? All doubt should be dispelled by the pale figure that emerges from the darkness ahead. The flick of a tail, the ripple of a cloak: their guiding Sentinel has returned.

"You return swiftly," remarks the shade of Hizan-dar. He sounds amused. Or pleased. "Are you prepared to face the Night Mistress once more?"

Felix draws a slow breath, pushing any lingering doubts or regrets from his mind. "The task she set us is complete. We're ready."

[ixis]

"Always!" Comes the cheery reply from Naugus, flashing a wide and bright smile of too many teeth. "Lead us to your mistress, friend, so we may gather our reward!"

Naugus is as pleased as punch that the task is finished and done so with so minimal issue! AND he got to gather a few fun items to investigate once he's back home. A great adventure indeed!

[courtofmurk]

The Sentinel gestures to the inky shadows ahead, overlapping in such a way that they seem to form a doorway. Felix can barely make it out. He takes a last look at the cowl: its slanted eye holes, the odd worn cloth, the dimly visible markings, before he tucks it into his armor and steps through. It’s much too late to hesitate now.

Oddly enough, the shadow door leads right back through the Nexus gateway, depositing both mages back in the courtyard where they began. Does the geography of the shadows exist entirely at the daedra’s whim? Apparently so. Nocturnal is waiting for them, this time, poised before the well, her crows cocking their heads in unison at the arrivals.

Felix steps as close as he dares before bowing, pulling the cowl out to proffer. “Lady Nocturnal, we have retrieved your cowl from those who stole it.”

“You’ve returned quickly,” she remarks, extending a hand. “Well then, let me see the proof of your success.”

[ixis]

Someone who can actively bend the shadows he knows how to traverse is strange, but also...humbling? Which is a rare feeling for Naugus. Very, very rare. But all the same, he's starting to warm to the idea that this daedra's possibly responsible for him having the gift of shadowslipping at all, especially since the talent arrived unexpectedly and in dire straights indeed. He may have often been tethered by chains then, but he always had the darkness to hide in...

With that said, that's the reason Naugus allows himself to incline his head slightly, lowering it in an brief bow, before the lady. Normally, he would bow to no being or creature unless courtly manners called for it. But this is a genuine show of respect to Nocturnal.

"I believe Felix has your pilfered item."

[courtofmurk]

Felix is only too willing to proffer it for her. Nocturnal spreads the Cowl out for inspection, and a faint hiss seems to emanate from the shadows around them.

“So it is done. The Cowl returns to the shadows. Its thieves are humiliated, and the mortal guardsman who thought to make his name by insulting mine will have scorn in place of the accolades he craved. As for you both…” She sweeps her gaze over the two mages.

“You’ve upheld your end of the bargain, and so you shall have your reward.” Felix leans closer as she speaks, eager to see exactly what she’s doing. At least, whatever mortal eyes can perceive. One hand lifting the Cowl, she lets its shadow fall across a pale hand and her fingers move – choose - sever - drawing forth a sliver of something pale grey and soft looking. “A potent shadow to shield mortal minds from the light.”

She hands it to Felix, who looks, truth be told, a little dazed. In his hands the shadow-sliver is another hood, somewhat paler and thinner looking than the Cowl, almost silken in texture when he unfolds it.

“Thank you, my Lady,” he says, his voice soft with awe.

[ixis]

Naugus watches the lady's actions with his head curiously canted to one side, ears twisted towards her as well. A display deft and singular, someone more used to the shadows than even he is. Someone borne of them, or the creator entirely. Another mote of respect grows for this daedra somewhere in his thoughts.

When Felix is given the item, Naugus looks it over as well, reaching to touch his hand to it if allowed. "I trust you already have plans for this prize," he chuckles.

[courtofmurk]

Felix is happy to let Naugus see – and touch – the cloth in his hands, too gleeful about their success to be wary. The Mobian sorcerer will be able to sense what the young conjurer doesn’t: that the soft grey material is nothing so mundane as silk. It truly is shadow, woven by daedric power into something solid and deceptively strong.

“An artifact with the power to shield mortal minds from truths too great for them?” Felix is trying so hard not to grin like a fool. “Oh, yes. I think this will be a powerful aid to, um, future research.”

“How you choose to wield it does not concern me,” Nocturnal says dismissively. “The terms of our contract have been fulfilled. You may keep your gateway to my realm. But should you choose to step through it in future, remember whose threshold you are crossing.”

Her gaze focuses on Naugus specifically. “Have a care for your shadows, little sorcerer. The secrets they hold cannot simply be left behind.” A courteous warning? A stern one? Without choosing to elaborate, the Daedra folds her arms across her chest and simply vanishes into shadow. Felix wouldn’t be sure she’s gone if the sense of palpable power didn’t recede along with her.

[ixis]

Her words give him considerable pause, looking back to the lady, ears unconsciously sagging lower, a touch of colour draining from his face. Secrets left behind? His shadows? Surely a warning about his past, something he's always been content to leave forgotten. Ever since the Nexus, questions and concerns about it from others have been cropping up with annoying frequency. But this, this is an outright warning from a being he will accept as bigger than he is.

He doesn't entirely come back to himself in time to make any further comments to Felix. Naugus is left watching the place where Nocturnal vanished, still turning her words over in his mind.

[conjuredskies]

Felix watches the Prince's departure with fascination. Part of him can hardly believe what's just happened. What they've done - what he's holding! He shoots Naugus a triumphant grin... which vanishes at the sight of his companion's subdued air.

"...Naugus?" He sidles closer, ever-so-carefully touching the Mobian's shoulder. Maybe it's silly, but he has visions of what that claw could do in a startled reflex. "Are you well?"

[ixis]

"I-..." Words aren't coming back easily. Still lost in concerned thought. Soon, though, Naugus clears his throat and attempts to recover at least a facade of his usual glib and pompous self. But it's slow to happen and clearly an act.

"Ahem. I-...Well done. A job well done. You proved yourself most spectacularly, young Felix. And now I think-...I believe it is time to retire to our respective-...Eh. It-...I must go. I've things to research in the wake of this adventure."

He's certain if Felix can't find his own way out of this realm, the Nightengale can lead him. As is, Naugus himself turns and quickly heads back in the direction for the portal back to the Nexus. Things to consider, notes to write.

[conjuredskies]

"Of course." Nocturnal's vague warning seems to have meant much more to Naugus. Felix bows to the elder mage before he hastens off. "And I remain grateful for your help, sir."

He cocks his head at the retreating figure, and adds almost to himself, "I look forward to catching up with you."

He's going to be trying to recall Nocturnal's exact words for a while.