Looking Back [Fenris]

[Annalynn]

It was snowing and cold outside, but that was normal for Winterhold. Out in the area behind the College, a fur-armored Altmer sat sadly. This was the spot where her former lover met his end. However, because he was so anti-social, none of the other mages ever knew he was gone. None of them ever even knew about him and Annalynn's relationship, as they kept it a secret. Still, she couldn't help but visit this spot every year. Even since that day several years ago.

[Fenris Veren]

Fenris was an oddly jolly Dunmer, who spent half of his days taking part in his student's bizarre experiments. There was nothing more satisfying than helping each one of his students meet their goal as a mage, but he also enjoyed being surrounded by lots of interesting people. Most of all, the fact that he got to work with his best friend and love of his life was the best part. Sovali was everything to Fenris and the two had been together for just about as long as he could remember. Just thinking about her made the dark elf smile.

While taking a break, Fenris decided to go for a stroll. Eventually, the Dunmer found himself behind the College and noticed Annalynn, the Arch-Mage, sitting there all alone. Fenris found it pretty odd, for some reason or another, and decided to go see what she was up to.

"Ah, Miss Annalynn! I wasn't expecting to see you out here, how are you?"

[Annalynn]

The Arch-Mage jumped a little, but gave a half-hearted smile when she saw who it was. "Fenris, dear. You started me. And I am... well, I could be better. Yourself?" The usually happy High Elf sounded as sad as she looked, but it couldn't be helped.

[Fenris Veren]

Fenris chuckled when he accidentally scared poor Annalynn. He did feel a pang of guilt though, Fenris didn't like frightening anybody, especially somebody as nice as her. But the Dunmer smiled back at her when she replied. He was rather curious what she meant, but he didn't want to pry into her personal life or anything... but he was very curious. Fenris put his hands behind his back and strolled closer.

"I'm fantastic, thanks for asking!" replied Fenris with a hearty laugh, but her sad tone distracted him. "I hate to pry, but are you alright? You seem rather... down."

[Annalynn]

A sad chuckle emitted from the Altmer as she looked back out in front of her. "I suppose I cannot hide it forever. I'm sure you see the staff frozen in the ground behind me, don't you?" As she spoke, her tone alone told a story of sadness and loss. To anyone that knew the usually calmly happy woman, listening to such a tone in her voice would be almost painful.

[Fenris Veren]

Fenris had noticed the staff, but he turned back around to look at it again. The dunmer stared at it for a moment, heard the tone of Annalynn's voice, and connected the dots. He wasn't quite sure what he should have said in that situation... Fenris wasn't very good when it came to sad and depressing subjects, but he wasn't just going to stand there like a heartless fool and do nothing.

"W-Well, yes..." Fenris said in almost a whisper, "If you don't wish to talk about it, you certainly don't have to. But is there something I can do to cheer you up? I hate to see you so sad."

[Annalynn]

"Aye, Fenris. Let me tell you. Talking about it will make me feel better. That is, if you don't mind." She said, getting to her feet and looking at him, eyes clouded with thought.

[Fenris Veren]

Fenris nodded his head when she said she wished to talk about it. He wasn't sure what it was, but if listening would help ease her pain and sadness, Fenris was happy to listen. "Of course I don't mind! I am always happy to lend an ear to a friend." he said with a smile, in hopes that it make her even the slightest bit happy.

[Annalynn]

"Thank you dear. Now, that staff belonged to a mage named Kaine. Kaine was very anti-social, so no one ever realized that he was gone... except me. You see, Kaine and I... Well, Kaine and I had something special. He was my boyfriend. We were up on the Arch-Mage's tower, practicing. He got a little to close to the back edge and fell. This is where he landed. Today marks another year he has been gone." She said, looking back out across the water. "However, this year is different. I don't feel as sad, and I can't stop thinking about someone else. It bothers me."

[Fenris Veren]

Fenris listened to the story with watery puppy dog eyes, he was a sensitive guy and wasn't really afraid to show it. He didn't ever recall a student.. or anybody for that matter that was named Kaine. That made him feel especially guilty, normally Fenris took the time to get to know everybody that came to the College of Winterhold... but he apparently either didn't hear about Kaine or just didn't notice him...

"I.... I-I.... Words can not possibly express how sorry I am." Fenris told her apologetically. He felt so terrible for not knowing such a terrible secret before then... but his curiosity was sparked when Annalynn mentioned another person was distracting her. "Well... Sometimes when time passes, the mind tends to wander and your heart might try to find a replacement. It might plague you with guilt... but life tends to work in mysterious ways. Might I ask who this mystery person is?"

[Annalynn]

"I suppose you are right, old friend." She said, her smile brightening up a little. However, when he asked about who she was thinking about, she quickly turned to face him. "First you must tell me, what is your standing with the Thalmor? If you like them and talk to them, I cannot tell you."

[Fenris Veren]

Fenris was surprised when she suddenly brought up the Thalmor. He wasn't entirely sure what they had to do with the particular subject... but the Dunmer was sure that he would soon find out. But he chuckled in response and said, "I believe we both know the answer to that, dear friend. I wouldn't say that I hate them, since hate is such a strong word... but I dislike them to the highest possible degree. Their thought process on how they are the ultimate race is rather absurd, no offense of course. I have always believed that each race, no matter if they are human, mer, or something in between are all equal. But what do the Thalmor have to do with anything?"

[Annalynn]

"I brought up the Thalmor because they will hunt and kill this man if they find out he is alive." She said in a quiet, serious tone. "He is one of the last surviving Blades members. This Bosmer wants to re-build the Blades, but he has to do so in secret, lest he be slaughtered by the unholy group of Mer supremest. I cannot speak his name to you, as we are out in public, just know that I swore to aid him if he needed it. He took care of me a few days ago when the blizzard hit, that night I didn't return until morning. He has been nothing but kind to me and those damn Thalmor aren't going to take such a kind Elf away from Skyrim. I won't let them." Anyone would have been shocked by then. Annalynn NEVER cursed, but apparently even she thought it was necessary.

[Fenris Veren]

Fenris listened to what Annalynn told him carefully and nodded occasionally. He wasn't entirely sure of what to say after she mentioned that the Bosmer was one of the Blades. All Fenris knew was that he would have to tread very carefully with the information. But he would take it to his grave if he had to...

"I understand," Fenris said with a smile, "Your secret is safe with me."

[Annalynn]

"I truly thank you, Fenris. I don't know what I would do without friends like you and your lovely wife." She said with a voice of relief. "The Thalmor have as much right to kill the Blades as I do to the throne of Skyrim. I just... I can't let them kill such an honorable man. However, this may get me killed. If it does, Fenris, I need you to take over for me. Promise me that."