Absolution: The Death of the Demon

((This is a retelling of how Elsy's Lycanthropy was cured. In an attempt to better stick to lore, I've retconned her previous attempt at a cure, and have made this her cannon. This story takes places in the past, shortly before Alijham and Elsynia were engaged. I'll be writing this in pieces. Please only use this information ICly if Elsy revealed to your character her Lycanthropy and how she was cured.))

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Chapter 1: Poeme in F# Major, Op. 32, No. 1

A small, hooded mer rode towards Silvenar, the horse's hooves displacing water from the puddles from the latest rain that gathered in the road. As usual, the Valen air was thick with moisture. Though Elsynia thought it felt different this evening. It was clammy and filled her lugs, making it almost hard for her to breathe.

The sun had gone down by the time she arrived, and the town was becoming sleepy and quiet. She slowed her horse and the humble Graht-Oak hut at the edge of town came into view. It had been some time since she'd been there, and the hut certainly looked like it'd overgrown a bit and was beginning to fall apart.

She tied up her horse then slowly approached the door, though she did not knock on its frame. She simply stared at it, wondering if she should just turn away now. This was her cross to bare, and to bring another into her misery was unfair. She lingered a few more moments before shaking her head and knocking on the frame. He was her only hope now, and her only chance at redemption.

It took a bit longer than she expected for the hide doorflap to be pulled open. She looked down at the Bosmer that was now standing at the door, looking back at her. He hadn't aged well. He warned her as such. But she didn't realize just how sickly he was, not until she saw how sunken in his eyes were, how worn and tired his flesh had become, and how slow me moved. His frail bones creaked as he gestured her in, still silent. She nodded quietly, her own eyes tired and sad, then followed him in.

"Spinner Uudras," she spoke softly, partly in exhaustion and partly because she was afraid her voice might topple the old mer over. "My apologies to be bothering you with this matter. Thank you for your help, even if this does not turn out the way we hope."

The old mer raised a shaky hand, "Elsynia, I've known you since you were born. Your father was a great man, and after a valiant end to his short tale, and all of the hearts, minds, and souls he'd fed and helped bloom, the least I could do is help his precious flower."

She blinked. She hadn't been called that since he'd passed, and the simple nickname reminded her so much of her innocent childhood - the things she'd promised him, the things he expected of her. But life has other plans sometimes, and things become far more complicated as you bloom and wither. Elsynia nodded to the old Spinner, blinking back a few what-would-have-been tears. "Thank you, nonetheless. I take it you read over my letter? I... tried to be as detailed yet concise as possible, of what I was told and the circumstance."

Uudras nodded in return, slowly. "You are right. There is no other way for you now, than the Rite."

Elsynia's already saddened expression broke into something even worse - hopelessness. "You mean, this Rite is the only way?"

"It is," the Spinner spoke slowly.

"B-but... surely there's something else. I canno- I will not do what it asks. I will not."

"Then this demon of yours is something you will have to live with."

Elsynia closed her eyes and pulled her hood down. "I will not murder anyone. It's not worth it. I'd struggle with the beast a hundred times over before I slaughtered anyone for my own stupid mistake." Her voice rose in cool rage as she spoke, though it was not rage towards the Spinner, it was rage towards herself.

"My child," the Spinner responded with a surprisingly firm voice for such a frail mer. "You will not have to murder anyone. I will give myself willingly."

Elsynia's eyes shot open and a few tears fell. "What?"