4E 201 Last Seed Morndas the 17th

 

I have been sent on a diplomatic mission by the empire to record the chronicle of Countess Merve Asli. The Empire is attempting to keep a record of every noble bloodline that exists within its domain. So we must account for each new arrival. I shall and write about the Countess' lineage so that the imperial library has information about her family.
The Countess however seems to be an unusual case, considering she appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Her family name does check out with an ancient lineage from Hammerfell, but the last known member of that family died more than 3000 years ago.

She invited me to stay for a few days with her as she is also temporarily staying at Karlov Manor. The scenery is breathtaking but I cannot help to feel like there's something eerie about this place.

Upon arrival, I was received by an exotic woman by the name of Sharissa. She claims to be the Countess' maiden as well as acting housekeeper. I mas immediately struck by her curious choice of attire, considering the cold that is usual in these regions.

When I finally had a chance to meet the Countess, she stroke me as a very intriguing woman.

I introduced myself as the Empire's chronicler, hoping she would facilitate my labor, but I soon found myself very frustrated by the fact the Countess has been nothing but elusive about her origins and lineage.

She showed me the emblems and family heirlooms and gave me a tour around the provinces, but she hasn't said a word about who her parents are or whether she has any siblings. I shall remain as her guest for a few more days in hopes to uncover more of this mysterious countess.

Tirdas the 18th
The Countess has decided to host a party. Almost everyone who is someone near the province of Solitude is invited.

She seemed particularily interested in Ambassador Elenwen of the Thalmor Dominion.

When I asked her about why she was so interested in the Ambassador, she just replied to me "I like to know my enemies"

Middas the 19th

I have gone for a walk alone outside the mansion's premises.

Been asking around to the local folk about the countess. Most of the peasants seem to have a high opinion about her, but a few others acted scared to even talk about the mansion.

They say it's best for everyone to keep on their good behavior, for anyone caught in something illegal gets sent to the Countess for judgment. And they are never heard of again.

Middas the 19th (Continued)

I found an old book that contained a history about the Countess' lineage. How it was preserved, must be a matter of magic, but it contained a portrait of one of her ancestors.

The resemblance is uncanny, and I fear the worst. The portrait was of the last surviving member of the Asli family, back in Hammerfell, more than 3000 years ago. She also shared the same name.

I find myself more intrigued by her character, but at the same time, I want to leave this place and never return. It's like she has a way of getting inside my head and I fear like I might be loosing my mind.

Turdas the 20th
I woke up feeling unwell today. I think I have fallen gravely ill. It might be the climate of this place. We Imperials are not used to these extreme colds. I feel tired and drained. The Countess suggested that I stay for a few more days before departing. ~ I miss Aurelia and Mother very much.

Fredas the 21th

After spending the entire day in bed, I woke up when it was near midnight, I went for a walk within the castle's halls, and I saw very strange things.

I dont think I can trust my eyes anymore, since perhaps the things I saw are the product of my own feverish mind. It's either the fever or I'm loosing my mind completely.

I dare not speak of the horrors I witnessed. I am praying to the Divines that it was just a nightmare and none of it was real.

Sundas the 23th

(Story music theme here)

I finally mustered the courage to confront the Countess about that night, and about what I found on the book.

I dont know what happened next but she just smiled at me, and I was overcome by visions.

Visions of a distant past. An existence that was long forgotten. I saw the ancient city of Sentinel before its fall. And I saw a young princess.

She was betrayed by those closest to her,

And her life was left to be taken by the desert.

Holding on to her last breath, the princess fought for her life in that dry hellscape where mercy is something that the desert knows nothing about.

But as as she wandered into the nothing, something ancient called to her.

She found power to take revenge upon those who had wronged her.

And yet... they still found a way to stop her somehow.

 

If this vision is true and not just the product of my own feverish mind, this confirms my worst suspicions. The Countess is indeed a vampire. Most vampires tend to be feral or just wildling necromancers. It is extremely rare to encounter one that behaves with such sophistication in society. Every fiber of my being wants to scream and run and warn the empire about her, but I find myself unable to act. It is with the last shred of my willpower that I write these lines to you Aurelia, and to Mother. Dont come looking for me. If you ever meet the Countess, run. Run and never look back.

Morndas the 24th

Earlier this morning I found the countess servant in my chambers. The Countess herself apologized on her behalf. She said her servant had always been as impulsive as she was loyal. "Your pain will be over soon" she said to me, and I knew my life was forfeit, but I sensed comforting kindness in her words. In another life I would've screamed and kicked, but in that moment I only felt peace.

Tirdas the 25th

Last night I was haunted by one last vision. The Countess' last gift to my dying body.

It was the sight of an adventurer. He, as she did before him, was lost in the desert.

He, as she did, found shelter in a cave, and he, as she did, was called to something.

The poor man was unfortunate enough to stumble upon something he wasn't expecting. And as his life essence replenished hers and made her flesh whole again, She was grateful to him, so she mourned.

She mourned his loss, and thanked him for his sacrifice. He brought her back from the darkness in her time of need.

And now I have been brought back from the darkness as well.

I feel like I see the world with different eyes, everything seems more bright and colorful. I have been awakened. But I fear my soul is also damned.

It has taken me some time to adjust to my new perceptions. The Countess forbid me to leave the premises until I can fully adapt to my new existence, as I am now bound to her.

I will send my writings to the empire but I will just make something up, and I will not tell them about her true origins. I believe nobility has indulged in their own vices for too long. They will not see her coming. She has assured me that neither you nor Mother will never lack anything. You will always have food on the table and a roof over your heads. On the next days we will be leaving for Hammerfell as the Countess has unfinished business there as well.

 

It is with the heaviest of griefs, that I must mention that this is the last time I write to you. Do not look for me, do not try to save me. Just promise me that you will take care of Mother. Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I love you both.

 

Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed, feel free to leave a comment... or not