Savah La'Marr - A Fall From Grace

Savah cradled the large book in her lap, sitting cross-legged on her bed. Her dark hair, still damp from bathing was tied up in a careful knot as to not drip on the precious pages. Once again, she traced the intricate carvings of the staff portrayed on one of the aged pages. The artist was a skilled one, able to capture each ridge and valley sculpted into the hardened wood, each twist and turn holding a specific meaning.

A sigh escaped her lips, her eyes moving over the scrolled writing under the staff. “.... enhance the wielder’s own powers by tenfold..”. She knew it all by heart, but it still thrilled her each time she read it, pondering in her mind what it would be like to wield such a powerful item. Her mouth twisted into frustration, thinking on her own power. Still blossoming, it was not weak but not remarkable, either. She wondered if she would ever attain the strength and control that her own mother possessed.

Gently folding the book closed, she slid down from the silken sheets, moving across the room to her desk, her feet whispering on the finely woven rugs that lined the floor. Wrapping the book reverently in a leather cloth to protect it against any moisture, she tucked it into her bag to return to the library in the morning. Such books weren’t allowed outside of the library walls, but in return for the several large donations her family had made, the library afforded her special privileges.

Her steps returning to her bed paused in mid-stride, her head tilted to the side, a frown creasing her brow. Something is wro… all thought was lost as she was sent sprawling on the floor. She would later describe it as standing by the sea and having a very large wave crash over you. Struggling to draw in her breath and regain her wits, she scanned the room with wide eyes. Her mind felt very… slippery. She grasped at it, somehow gaining a tenuous hold for a moment.

Drawing her feet under her, Savah stumbled through the expansive house, calling out to her mother. With no response reaching her ears, her pace quickened into a shambling sprint. Panic wrapped its hands around her thoughts, threatening to pry her away from her slight grasp on reality. Turning the corner into the music room, she found what she had been searching for, nearly tripping over her mother’s legs. The lovely elder Atlmer leaned at a skewed angle against the wall where she had been tossed. Her eyes, a once piercing blue, were now thick with red as the blood flowed from burst vessels in the sclera. They held a blank stare, not acknowledging Savah’s presence. A trickle of blood flowed from her ear, staining her white robe.

A scream erupted from Savah, dropping down to her knees at her mother’s side. Stroking the Altmer’s face, Savah spoke softly, urgently, trying to draw her mother back into consciousness. The blank stare never leaving the bloodshot eyes, the mother’s jaw dropped open. Savah froze, her eyes searching her mother’s face hopefully. A small sound came from within the older mer, building in volume until the veins on her neck strained with the shriek coming from her lips. She shrieked and shrieked and shrieked…until Savah’s own shrieks mingled with hers.

“Please,” Savah pleaded in hushed tones to the mer standing with his arms crossed resolutely on the stone porch in front of her home, “give me a little more time. I am certain I will find something to help her. She needs to stay in her own home for her best chance of recovery.” Realizing she was wringing her hands, Savah forced herself to put them at her side. Willing herself not to retch from the stench of wine and meat on the mer’s breath, she continued, “As I have told you before, she has destroyed my father’s collections, and I have spent our funds on searching for a cure. All I am asking for is a little longer. I will keep a better eye on her, you have my word.” She ended weakly, already knowing it was of no use.

The mer’s lips curled into a leer, the gloating clear in his eyes, “Look at the La’Marr family, so proud, once looking down their noses. Now reduced to pleading and begging.” His thick hand reached out to finger a lock of her black hair falling across her shoulder. “You know I have done what I can to keep your family troubles a secret, but your mother is a menace. She must be controlled, for the good of herself and others. I have been able to keep others away - only asking for a small contribution for my efforts...but if your funds are running low, perhaps another arrangement could be made.” He left the insinuation lingering on the air, running his tongue over his teeth.

With a hiss of disgust, Savah flinched away from his touch. She could feel rage welling up inside of her, wanting to throw her composure to the wind. Inhaling deeply, she spoke in low tones, the words coming between clenched teeth. “I would rather wallow in the ditch. I advise you to leave this property immediately, before something regrettable befalls you.” The reaction was satisfactory, his eyes widening before he could stop them. He knew of the powers her mother held, and had no reason to doubt Savah held the same.

He took a few steps down the walk, but spat over his shoulder, “As you wish, Savah. By tomorrow, all of Skywatch will know of the secrets you have been keeping. Enjoy the time in your home while you have it.” He quickened his pace down the path and out of sight.

Waiting until darkness fell, Savah donned her cloak, pulling the hood up over her hair, tugging the edges close around her face. Adjusting the bottle of wine tucked under the fabric, she slipped into the cool evening air. Letting the shadows determine her path, she made her way toward a white stone dwelling. Taking a moment to scan the area for other eyes, she left the safety of the shadows to quickly move to the door of the home, leaving the full bottle of wine where it would be easily found at the threshold. With any luck, he would take it as a meager attempt at a bribe of silence.

Her heart pounding in her ears, she slipped into a hedge several yards away, drawing herself in as small as possible. Adjusting her position slightly to have a clear line of sight, she waited. She was not disappointed.

The mer emerged from the door with heavy steps. His thick, clinging hands used to steady himself on the doorpost gave evidence of his drunken state. Savah held her breath, trying to shrink ever more into nothingness. With shambling steps, he made his way to the end of the porch, relieving himself over the edge, completely oblivious to the bottle at his feet. Fighting her revulsion, Savah remained frozen. Look down, you fool! A loud belch was his only response.

Her heart sank as he shambled his way back to the door. With a last heavy step, his foot caught on something Savah could not see, and the mer fought to keep his balance. Swinging a foot in front to catch himself, he kicked the bottle, knocking it on its side and sending it spinning a short distance away.

It was all that Savah could do to prevent herself from leaping up out of the hedge, her breath stuck in her throat. She could hear his muffled cries of anger and pain as he searched for the item that had offended his foot. At last, he spied the overturned bottle of wine. Snatching it up, his grumbles lessened as he went through the door, closing it soundly behind him. After a few minutes to gather her thoughts as well as make sure the night was silent, Savah made for home on quiet feet.

She knew that even if it all fell into place as she hoped, it would only buy her a little time. And there were so many little pitfalls that could cause it to come crashing down. The powder she had poured into the bottle of wine was the last of a precious supply she had gotten from a local apothecary. Claiming sleeping troubles, she had asked for a strong remedy. The alchemist had provided her with the powder, warning her about the small amount needed to provide relief. She had used it sparingly on her mother, and only on the most troublesome nights when the shrieks threatened to draw unwanted attention or drive Savah into insanity herself.

The effects of an overdose were unknown to her, but she could only hope it would have the same effect as too much tipping of the bottle. Again, she was not disappointed. It took four days for his body to be discovered, but from the whispers she heard among the town, there was only the consensus that he had finally lost the battle within himself. There was no further investigation.

How long do I have? The thought gnawed at her mind as she checked the three locks on her mother’s door. The question would be answered that afternoon, as a letter was delivered.

Honorable La'Marrs,

It has been quite sometime since my last correspondence without an answer in return. I have to assume that the messenger lost my delivery on his way to Skywatch. The books you requested were delivered as promised, and frankly, quicker and in better condition than our negotiated price. It has now been one year since that delivery and I can no longer wait for payment.

I have been making some rounds through Cyrodil clearing up some unfinished business and will be leaving from Anvil to Firsthold in a fortnight. I have a meeting to make there that will probably keep me a couple of days. I will then be leaving for a short time to come to Skywatch for a couple of evenings to handle some accounts with the bank there in town and also to discuss some business with one of your local merchants. I wanted to give you advance notice that I plan on stopping by before I leave town to head back to Firsthold where I expect I will be staying longer than I typically do in one town.

I will look forward to seeing you soon and resolving this small matter.

Respectfully yours,

Jhared Daleroth

Your an excellent writer Savah! A most enjoyable read! Looking forward to more! :)

Thank you, kindly! I need to figure out what happens next! O.O