The Risen Alchemist, chapter 1

Prologue

Idly tending to his small and rather spartan home, the Alchemist happily gardens the myriad of flora he had planted a season earlier. While not holding an overly large amount of business, he did indeed enjoy a brisk trade in fine quality potions. His robed body seen milling about behind the small waist-high stone wall area beside his quaint cottage. Humming contentedly to himself a tune of firm origin he nods occasionally to the odd traveller, his skilled hands not missing a beat as he harvests vital ingredients.

His day was like any other, outside the town of Vivec, located near the main road with a hand carved sign stating his trade to perhaps attract attention. Sweeping his chestnut hair from his piercingly blue eyes he chances a small break. Setting his harvest basket aside he rests his arms on the stone wall and gazes out at the horizon. Within moments his moment of serenity was kindly intruded upon by a rather weary looking Dunmer leading a rather tired looking pack guar. With a gently friendly and heart-warming smile the Alchemist offers the traveler a rest, knowing he has come far due to the traces of dirt on his clothing and that upon his pack guar.

With gratitude in the Dunmer's eyes he speaks, the voice the thick rasp that seemed very prevalent among almost all Dunmer males "Thank you Cyrodiil. An alchemist? I think I just might have a bit of time to see your wares, after all it is the least I can do for your kindness." The Alchemist smiled warmly and led the traveler inside. Wordlessly showing him various vials and philters, elixirs and draughts. After a small purchase of a few potions that instill renewed vigor the traveler extended his hand out toward the Alchemist, at once it was gripped and shook heartily. Taken aback by the strength the Dunmer spoke again "Quite a firm grip you have, Cyrodiil. Alchemy wasn't your first profession... was it?"

For the first time the Alchemist spoke, his voice deep and rich, very pleasing to the ears. It was a voice that was very charming and held a strong note of confidence and command. "No, no my friend I cannot say that it is. But through it I have found contentment, it brings me a sense of peace I did not possess in my earlier undertaking." To this, the Dunmer felt his curiosity blossom like a flower after a long winter. "Well, would you mind telling me what it is you used to do?"

"It would be my honor to relay to you my tale. To know me, you must first know my past." Motioning to a small orb set upon a small stand beside a small and modest desk the Alchemist spoke again "If you will, simply touch the orb with your fingertips and all will be known." Having a moment of misgiving, the Dunmer looked into the icy blue eyes of his host a moment longer and then finally conceded. Stepping to the orb he laid his fingertips upon it. Though while not physically departing the world, his mind drifted into the memories of the Alchemist. Soaring through a misty haze the Dunmer found himself elsewhere... in another time... where the Alchemists story begins.

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The Beginning

It was in the scant starlit countryside he sits, a vivacious young Altmer beside him, their fingers entwined and their lips greeted together in a deeply loving kiss. After moments of such tender gesture they draw back. The Alchemist's eyes peering deeply into her glittering ones as a gentle smile forms upon his lips and his voice softly speaks out "Oh my dear, I've longed to be with you, the days of our parting have been maddening. I ached to have just one last eve with you before.." unable to finish his statement the Altmer pressed an elegant finger to his lips and spoke in an elegant, sweet tone "Calm your thoughts my dear Tavion. I know it greatly pains you to be aware that I am arranged to be married in the following evening. But please know that my heart will always cherish you." In the moonlight the pair stayed. As dawn slowly crept upon them they tearfully parted ways, the young Altmer's last words to the one called Tavion being "For as long as the sun rises and sets, I will hold the memory of our time together close to my heart." Torn inside, Tavion makes his way to the docks he knows his loves ship will depart from and gently sets two flowers into the water, accompanied by the soft patters of tears that send the calm surface rippling.

Just as oddly as the Dunmer came into the memory, he found himself being hurtled back out of it. Standing idly and looking at the orb, he turned to look at his host "Interesting tale, but it still doesn't explain your muscle or other things about you." With a soothing smile Tavion casually replied back "But, my tale does not end there; you simply viewed perhaps the saddest part of my life in that period of time. Saddest perhaps, but not the most painful. There yet remains far more to be seen." Watching the alchemist turn attention to cleaning what the Dunmer recalled as being an alembic he turns his gaze back to the odd orb. Far too curious to simply leave he presses his fingertips back and finds himself careening through the hazy mist once more...

(c)2005 Scrooluse