Morokei Dez (Glorious Fate) [Ande]

[Ande]

Ande had known what the voice had said due to his own study of the dragon language, and he seemed surprised that Annalynn had known it as well. Then again she was older than him, and more people that just himself had interest in learning the language of the Dovah.

He maintained a close distance to Annalynn for a short while as they walked, ready to catch her if she collapsed again, "I am guessing it lives here. Perhaps it just wants to know why we are invading its home?" he suggested.

[Annalynn]

"That's a possiblity. I think -" She was cut off by the voice speaking again. This time, she managed to fall into a wall, keeping herself from crumpling to her knees as the magic was once again drained from her body.

"Fahliil, grind hin dez... Hin morokei dez..."

Annalynn closed her eyes as she leaned against the wall, feeling weak once more. "Elf, meet your fate... Your glorious fate..." She repeated in the mortal tongue, voice quiet and hollow. "Ande, I think I may know what... what we are dealing with here."

[Ande]

Ande wrapped his arms around himself as the magic was drained out of him again, feeling as if he'd exhaled as much as possible and something kept pulling breath out of him. His knees shook a little but he maintained a standing position again, breathing heavy and eyes on the ground. This was turning from fun adventure to confusing and possibly fatal adventure,

"Please share your thoughts." he asked, wheezing slightly as he straightened back up and offered a hand to her.

[Annalynn]

She took his hand and used him to steady herself. "Surely, as Dragonborn, you know of the 9 Dragon Priests. There was said to be one that was a highly magical being. One that was sealed inside a ruin built by one of the past Arch-Mages. However, it was all just lies they said, riddled with rumor and conjecture." She explained, looking forward. "I believe that we have just confirmed that it is all true. I am sure we are dealing with Morokei."

[Ande]

Then the draining of their magic would make more sense. Ande heaved a heavy sigh as he looked down the corridor ahead of them, "Do you think we'll be able to make it?" he asked, wondering how much farther they would have to go and how much longer they would have to endure being drained periodically.

[Annalynn]

"Honestly, I'm not sure. I wish to continue, but if you wish to turn back you may." She said, giving him a smile. Then, Morokei spoke again. Annalynn wasn't ready for it, so she once again feel to her knees, gasping as her arcane power drained away.

"Perhaps I will try to use this... mortal language of yours..."

the Arch-Mage made no move to get up, panting softly as her power returned. "I... I can handle this. If you... need to leave... I understand."

[Ande]

This one left Ande almost doubled over, a cold sweat beading on his forehead, "Sure, leave you all alone with the one thing that drains magic," his sarcasm was weak at the moment, but tried anyway, "I am not going to leave, Annalynn. Now come on." he forced himself to stand, swaying a bit before walking back over to her and leaning against the wall for leverage as he offered her a hand.

[Annalynn]

She gave a weak smile, forcing herself to stand on her own. "Thank you, Ande. Let's go." They proceeded further in, managing to go a long time before the voice spoke again. However, when it did, the impact was worse, forcing Annalynn to her knees, then the ground.

"You are young for an Arch-Mage, Altmer..."

Annalynn forced herself back to her feet, a weak scowl crossing her face. "How could he possibly know that." She said with a poor attempt at an irritated tone. It was true though, for an elf, she was relivily young, especially to have held the rank of Arch-Mage for several years now.

[Ande]

Ande had been hovering near the walls now after the last drain, preparing himself for it to get worse. When it did he put a hand on the wall and leaned on it, shutting his eyes as a bout of dizzyness swam around his senses. This was going to be a terrible day, he just knew it.

"You don't suppose he'll tell us if we ask?" he suggested, voice a bit raspy.

[Annalynn]

"I really doubt it. Come on. Let's hurry." She said, hurrying on to stop this magic-draining madness.

Soon, they reached a closed door. Annalynn could feel the magical power of Morokei even through the metal door. "This is it Ande. He is behind this door."

"Yes... Come release me from your predecessor's thralls so that you too can fail."

The Arch-Mage collapsed once again. He was so close and so powerful. It was almost overwhelming.

[Ande]

Ande collapsed against the heavy door, shutting his eyes against the wave of nausea and sliding down to the floor. He hoped with everything he had that he would not face anyone else who had this power, because he'd probably be reduced to a helpless heap of mage if it went on for too long.

He panted, eyes closed and head tilted back against the door, "Right. I think we should wait here for a moment to rest." he suggested.

[Annalynn]

"I would agree, but do you think we really should?" She said, forcing herself up. "He will just continue to drain our magic. Here." She said, handing him a Potion of Health and Potion of Magic before taking some herself. "Luckly, I came prepared, but I only have one for each of us."

[Ande]

Ande accepted the potion gratefully, drinking it before standing and rolling his shoulders. This was going to be tough, and there was no guarantee that they would be getting out of here alive. He cast an Oakflesh spell and conjured two swords, facing the doorway and setting his shoulders in a straight line. Then he nodded to Annalynn, "I'm ready."

[Annalynn]

Annalynn nodded and pushed open the doors. Immediately, she noticed Morokei and the thralls. "Ande... I know those girls. They were apprentices when I was... " She whispered sadly. Then a look of determination crossed her face. "We must kill them though. We can't defeat Morokei with them there."

[Ande]

He stood ready to fight some all-powerful Dragon Priest. But when the door opened, he was greeted with a very different sight. He stared at the enthralled mages, then looked at Annalynn, great hesitation clear in every fiber of his being, "But... Can't we save them? There has to be something we can do." he looked from the mages to the Dragon Priest; he was looking at them. And it creeped Ande out in ways he couldn't fully describe.