Tea

Ingun POV

The early morning light filtered softly through the tall windows of Dragonsreach, casting a warm glow across the room where Ingun Black-Briar sat, a delicate porcelain cup of steaming tea cradled in her hands. She took a sip, savoring the herbal blend, her thoughts drifting through the events of the past few days. The room was quiet, save for the occasional crackle of the fireplace, providing a momentary respite from the chaos outside.

As she took another sip, a voice pierced the silence. "Victor has returned earlier than expected, after winning the fight with a dragon."

Ingun's heart skipped a beat at the news. She looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice. From the shadows, a figure emerged—a Khajiit woman dressed in a full black bodysuit, her feline eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and danger.

"Good morning, Ingun," the Khajiit purred, her voice smooth and silky. "I bring you news, but I must request additional payment. Infiltrating the castle of a Jarl is no simple task, and it was indeed a dangerous job."

Ingun's eyes narrowed slightly, though she kept her composure. "Sit," she gestured to the chair opposite her, masking her annoyance. The Khajiit took the seat, her movements graceful and fluid.

"Thank you," the Khajiit said, settling into the chair. "Victor and Sarah shared a room last night." She paused, watching Ingun's reaction. "And it seems they might have shared more than just the space."

Ingun's grip on her cup tightened imperceptibly, but she maintained a calm facade. "Is that so?" she replied evenly, her voice betraying nothing of her inner turmoil.

The Khajiit smirked, clearly enjoying the game. "Yes, but that's not the most interesting part. I've hit the jackpot this time. Victor had a not-so-secret meeting with his brother, Balgruuf. He admitted to killing the Thalmor Ambassador."

Ingun's expression finally shifted, a slow smile spreading across her face. She stood, unable to contain her excitement, and began pacing the room. "This is excellent news," she murmured, almost to herself.

The Khajiit raised an eyebrow. "Your mother was right, you know. You have a problem. Your reaction to Victor possibly triggering another war with the Thalmor is not... normal."

Ingun dismissed the comment with a wave of her hand. "My face is just normal," she said, reaching for the teapot. She poured more tea into her cup and then into a fresh cup for the Khajiit, who watched her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

Ingun handed the cup to the Khajiit and sat back down, sipping her own tea. "Tell me more about what you overheard," she prompted, her voice calm and steady.

The Khajiit began to explain, detailing the conversation between Victor and Balgruuf. As she spoke, she lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip. Almost immediately, a look of shock and horror crossed her face. She gasped, her eyes wide with realization. "You... you poisoned me... why?"

Ingun set her cup down, a crazed smile spreading across her features. "You know too much. I cannot let this information get out. My beloved Victor cannot be placed in any more danger."

The Khajiit tried to move, but her body refused to obey. Even her heartbeat slowed, each thump a struggle. Ingun stood and walked over to her, pulling out a small, gleaming dagger.

"Please..." the Khajiit managed to whisper, her voice weak and pleading.

Ingun leaned in close, her smile widening. "It's nothing personal," she said softly, drawing the blade across the Khajiit's neck. "But some secrets are worth killing for."

As the life drained from the Khajiit's eyes, Ingun stepped back, wiping the blade clean. She watched dispassionately as the body slumped to the floor, the room once again falling into an eerie silence.

Ingun returned to her seat, picking up her tea as if nothing had happened. She sipped calmly, her mind already turning to the next steps. Victor's safety was paramount, and she would do whatever it took to protect him.

The tranquility of Dragonsreach resumed, save for the faint, lingering scent of blood mingling incongruously with the herbal tea's aroma. Ingun settled into her chair, her thoughts more focused than ever. Victor's return and the dangerous secrets he carried called for swift and decisive action.

Her mind whirred through countless possibilities, each branching path fraught with peril and opportunity. She needed to maneuver carefully, ensuring that Victor would remain oblivious to her manipulations while taking advantage of the chaos his actions had already sown.

She thought of Sarah Shadow-Walker, the wretch that had insinuated herself into Victor's life. Sarah was a formidable obstacle, one that Ingun could no longer afford to ignore.

The Thalmor threat might have seemed insurmountable to most, but not to Ingun. To her, it was merely another chess piece to be maneuvered or removed as needed. If Sarah was to become an impediment in her path to claim Victor's affections, then Sarah would also need to be dealt with — swiftly and effectively.

Ingun stood up from her seat and conjured a Scroll with a simple flick of her hand. With the next gesture, the Scroll ignited into flames and the deceased Khajiit rose to its feet and began to clean up the spilled blood and tea. In a swift movement, it leaped out of a window on a high level and vanished without a trace, never to be seen again.

Ingun donning a cloak that fluttered with subtle enchantments inscribed within its fabric, moved through the halls of Dragonsreach with a purposefulness that made the guards step aside without question. Her path led her down into the main hall.

With each step, she recalled the moments she had observed between Victor and Sarah. The way he listened intently when Sarah spoke, how their eyes met with a familiarity that infuriated Ingun. She had underestimated Sarah, thinking her an insignificant rogue; now she realized that some attachments ran deeper than mere camaraderie.

As Ingun descended the grand staircase, her mind calculated the exact measures she needed to take. The castle's stone walls seemed to echo her thoughts, each step she took reverberating with her resolve. She had already taken care of the Khajiit, but Sarah Shadow-Walker would require a more nuanced approach.

Victor was back from his dragon-slaying feats, and she knew where he would be—likely strategizing his next move or delving into ancient tomes for more arcane knowledge. It was the perfect opportunity to plant seeds of doubt. She needed to create a rift between Victor and Sarah, one that would destabilize their newfound alliance.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Ingun turned toward his room and knocked after she heard an answer she went straight in. The scent of aged parchment and leather greeted her as she entered, a place of solace for Victor but now a potential stage for her machinations. She spotted him almost immediately—Victor stood by a towering shelf, engrossed in an open book. His robes shimmered with enchanted glyphs that marked his growing prowess in magic.

"Victor," she began softly, "I heard you've been busy plotting something again. Care to share?" She closed the door behind her and leaned against it with a casual grace that belied her intense focus.

Victor's POV

"Ingun," he began softly, his eyes narrowing slightly. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Without waiting for an answer, Victor subtly activated Mystic's Gaze, a spell that allowed him to peer beneath the surface and reveal hidden truths. As the spell took hold, information about Ingun began to materialize in front of him, like a character sheet from one of his old games.

Name: Ingun Black-Briar

Race: Nord

Class: Alchemist / Assassin

Health: 100%

Magicka: Novice

Stamina: Adept

Skills:

Alchemy: Master

Illusion: Apprentice

Speech: Adept

Stealth: Expert

One-Handed: Adept

Perks:

Master Alchemist: Potions created are 50% more effective.

Poisoner: Poisons applied to weapons last for two additional hits.

Silent Roll: Able to roll silently to avoid detection.

Quiet Casting: Illusion spells cast are silent.

Special Abilities/Spells:

Shadowstep: Can teleport short distances to a location within sight.

Invisibility: Can become invisible for a short period.

Paralysis Poison: A specially brewed poison that can paralyze a target instantly.

Personality Traits:

Calculating: Always planning her next move.

Loyal: Fiercely loyal to those she cares about.

Ruthless: Willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.

Madly in Love: Ingun harbors intense, almost obsessive feelings for Victor, seeing him as both a challenge and a prize.

Current Emotions:

Excitement: Thrilled by the proximity to Victor and the potential to influence his plans.

Jealousy: A deep-seated jealousy towards Sarah, who she perceives as a threat to her relationship with Victor.

Determination: Resolute in her intention to protect Victor and secure her place by his side, at any cost.

Background Summary:

Ingun comes from the powerful Black-Briar family, known for their influence and ruthlessness in Riften. Trained in alchemy from a young age, she developed a fascination with poisons and their uses. Her loyalty to her family and her own ambitions have led her to delve into darker arts and more dangerous alliances. Despite her cold exterior, she harbors deep emotions, particularly a complex affection for Victor, whom she sees as both a challenge and a prize.

The character sheet faded from view, leaving Victor with a clearer understanding of Ingun's capabilities and motivations. He masked his reaction, keeping his expression neutral.

"Ingun," he said, setting the book aside,"What brings you here at this hour? It's not often one sees you away from your alchemical pursuits."

Ingun's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I simply wished to ensure you're well after your... encounters with the dragons. How are you holding up?"

Victor sensed the layers of her words, the hidden motives wrapped within her concern. He had become proficient in reading the subtext, both through his experience as a data analyst and his growing familiarity with Skyrim's intricate politics.

"I'm well enough," he replied cautiously. "I haven't seen you in a long time, sorry I didn't find time to talk to you at the party, a lot has happened since then. What brings you to my quarters? Something must be on your mind."

Ingun's gaze softened, though Victor could sense the steely current beneath her composed exterior. "I wanted to discuss Sarah Shadow-Walker," she said, her tone measured. "I've noticed she has grown quite close to you, and while I appreciate camaraderie in these harsh lands, I have some concerns."

Victor raised an eyebrow, maintaining his calm demeanor. "Concerns? About Sarah?"

"Yes," Ingun replied, stepping closer. "You see, her past is rather... murky. I've heard whispers about her allegiances and actions that might not align with your goals. As someone who cares about your well-being, I thought it prudent to bring this to your attention."

Victor's thoughts raced as he processed her words. He had found Sarah to be a trustworthy ally and a skilled rogue, but Ingun's warning was trying to introduce an element of doubt designed to fracture their alliance.

"Whispers can be misleading," Victor said slowly, choosing his words with care. "Do you have any solid evidence of Sarah's supposed misdeeds?"

Ingun's eyes sparkled with a mix of triumph and frustration. She had hoped her insinuations would plant the seeds of suspicion more swiftly. "I've been gathering intelligence," she admitted.

"Gathering intelligence?" Victor repeated, his voice carrying a note of skepticism. "What have you uncovered?"

Ingun took a step closer, her eyes gleaming with purpose. "There are rumors," she began, "that Sarah has connections to the Thieves Guild. Not only that, but I've also heard she may be involved in dealings with the Dark Brotherhood."

Victor listened intently but kept his expression unreadable. He had learned long ago the value of not showing his hand too soon. "Intriguing," he said finally. "But rumors are just that—rumors. Without concrete proof, they hold little weight."

Ingun's frustration was barely concealed. She moved closer still, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I care about you, Victor. I want to ensure you're not led astray by those who might have their own agendas." Her gaze softened as she placed a delicate hand on his arm.

"Thank you for your concern, Ingun," Victor said finally, gently removing her hand from his arm. "I will take what you've said into consideration,but I must also weigh it against my own experiences. Sarah has proven herself valuable and loyal thus far, but I will remain vigilant."

Ingun's smile was thin, but she nodded in acknowledgment of his words. "Of course, Victor. I trust your judgment. Just remember, in this world, loyalty can be bought and sold as easily as a potion in the marketplace."

With that final, cryptic remark, Ingun turned and slipped out of the room, leaving Victor alone with his thoughts. He watched the door close behind her, feeling the tension ebb only slightly. He knew Ingun's intentions were far from pure concern; her emotional ties to him and her ruthless nature made her both a potential ally and a dangerous adversary.

Victor closed the door behind Ingun and took a deep breath, centering his thoughts. The complexity of the situation required careful consideration and strategic planning. He turned back to his desk, the scattered tomes and scrolls a testament to the endless pursuit of knowledge and power that defined his current existence.

As he pondered his next move, an idea struck him—an Elder Scroll. In his previous life, an Elder Scroll was a mythical artifact of immense power, capable of granting unparalleled rewards. If C could reward him with a summon from another world for "merely" defeating one Dragon, the possibilities with an Elder Scroll were truly endless.

His mind raced through the potential benefits. An Elder Scroll could offer insights into the fabric of reality, immense magical power, or even unique abilities that could turn the tide in their favor. Moreover, it could solidify his position and ensure the safety and strength of his allies, including Sarah.

And then there was Serana. Victor had to admit, Serana was his favorite companion in the game. She was not only powerful but also had a complex and intriguing backstory. Involving her in his plans could provide both strategic advantages and personal satisfaction. The thought of having her as an ally, equipped with the power equivalent to an Elder Scroll, was enticing.

Determined, Victor began to plan his course of action. First, he needed to locate an Elder Scroll. He remembered from his gaming experience that the scrolls were often hidden in ancient and perilous places, guarded by formidable foes and elaborate puzzles. It would be no easy task, but the rewards were worth the risk.

Victor's eyes scanned the room, landing on a map of Skyrim pinned to the wall. He approached it, tracing his finger along the known locations where an Elder Scroll might be found. The Forgotten Vale, Blackreach, and the College of Winterhold were potential leads. Each location had its challenges, but he was ready to face them.

AU: I will edit this chapter tomorrow as I am to tired ATM1

Ps. As always I would like it very much if you see any mistakes or inconsistencies you would let me know as that would help me create a much better story. Thank you very much.