Farewell
June 14, 2025 at 1:09 PM
The damage caused by the recent conflict was minimal, few things beyond some furniture, display cases, and decorative banners were damaged. Repairs on them were easy, but they'd have to wait; there were more pressing matters to take care of. While Ja'vassa helped lead the repairs in Kivotos, Relumara and Mordan were focused on interrogating and punishing the people responsible for the attack on the castle. Many of them were simply imprisoned, while a few unruly agents were executed and had their remains burned to ash. Amongst those merely imprisoned were Vallas, Viralia, and of course, Rianra. They intended to leave the disgraced Council member to the Dragonborn, believing he should have the final say in what they do with him.
Upon returning to the castle, Ja'vassa was quickly ushered into an empty room with nothing more than a table, a few chairs, along with a tea pot and a few cups; the only source of light being the sunlight peering in through the dusty window. Sitting on the opposite side of the room, Rianra avoided meeting his former master's gaze; somewhat awkwardly fiddling with the magical suppression amulet around his neck. "I suppose I should be grateful that my Lord has graced me with his presence." He grunted, a soft, defeated sigh escaping him.
Taking a seat across from him, Ja'vassa shook his head. "Was everything we shared a lie, Rianra? All of the laughs and tears, the struggles we've gone through? Was it all just an act to you? Did these years mean nothing to you?" He asked, his amber-colored eyes practically drilling deep into the elf's soul.
"Of course it wasn't fake. I can't deny that much of our time together has been just an act, but... I enjoyed my time with you and the others. It wasn't easy holding it all together, and I'm surprised you never caught on before our attack..." Rianra admitted, quietly sipping on the steaming cup of tea. "My feelings towards you, my companions, and the rest of the castle couldn't override our plans. The Thalmor sought to destroy their biggest threats; eliminate the Dragonborn and Sjel Blad Castle, and the rest of Tamriel would fall into place, and if everything worked as we had hoped, I'd be named ruler of Fourth Aldmeri Dominion."
Ja'vassa listened intently, shaking his head slightly. "So, your ambitions solely revolved around the aftermath of a battle with Sjel Blad Castle. You may have succeeded if you had brought a larger force, but moving around such a large army without raising suspicion from us, or the Imperials would've been nearly impossible. Still... you waited much too long to act. You've had numerous opportunities to kill me and be rid of me. Why didn't you act on those?" He asked, setting his cup to the side.
"Just as you couldn't kill me back in Kivotos, I could never bring myself to kill you. I wanted nothing more than to accomplish the goals of the Thalmor, but... after everything you've done for me, I... I couldn't bring myself to be the one to kill you. The reason I had invaded Kivotos, the reason I revealed your past to the rest of the castle. I had hoped to turn them against you, let them do what I was too weak to do myself. Despite my ambitions, I couldn't defeat my emotional attachment." Rianra's hands trembled slightly, fighting back the storm brewing within him.
"Your loyalties were fighting a great war within, neither overcame the other and yet you fought on regardless. Even if misplaced, I can respect the ambitions within you. To rise above your current station and chase after something greater." Ja'vassa stood up, walking towards the window. "I'll admit, I sought more than just ruling Sjel Blad for a time. There was a time I dreamed of total conquest myself... to sit upon the Ruby Throne and bring a Dragonborn Emperor back, but I never acted upon them. I'd make for a terrible Emperor, I'm on the road far too often to rule anything bigger than a place like this."
Rianra's eyes widened with surprise, his gaze following the old Khajiit. "This seems to be a recurring theme, doesn't it?" He asked.
Nodding in response, Ja'vassa laughed softly. "Mortals are such simple creatures. We get a shred of power and suddenly, we think we're invincible. Our ambitions quickly grow beyond our capabilities... Sjel Blad Castle is strong, but I doubt we could withstand a full-on assault from the Imperial Legion. As desirable as the throne sounded, for the sake of my loved ones, I stayed away from the path of conquest... and yet, my life always felt empty. All this power, all this wealth, the influence... I had everything one could want and it always felt like something was missing until I arrived in Kivotos." He explained, turning back to his former companion.
"Those students... they reawakened your sense of purpose, didn't they?" Despite the tense air that surrounded them when Ja'vassa first walked in, Rianra genuinely seemed curious about what his old master had to say.
"Aye. No quests to undertake, villains to slay, or family waiting for me to return. Do not misunderstand me, I genuinely love my companions. They mean the world to me, but... it just wasn't enough. Something was always missing, but upon meeting with my students... I felt a reawakened sense of purpose. I found people to protect, to teach, to care for." Ja'vassa confirmed, soon returning to his seat.
"I see... What do you plan on doing with Kivotos, Ja'vassa? It seems like it'd be difficult to tend to your students and to the castle." Rianra tilted his head slightly, pushing his cup to the side.
"I am unsure. I can't continue back and forth between the two worlds, but I can't abandon either of them." Ja'vassa shook his head slightly, turning for the door. "We'll talk more another time, Rianra. I haven't decided what we'll do with you, but that doesn't mean you're free to go."
As he opened the door, he made a motion for the guards standing outside the room to bring Rianra back to his cell. The old elf gave him one more passing glance. "You need to make a decision soon, Ja'vassa. This indecisiveness doesn't suit you."
As they had gone their separate ways, Ja'vassa returned to the foyer to meet with his other Council members. "Rianra has been returned to his cell, I haven't decided on what we'll do with him yet. I'll make my decision soon, but I need to meditate on it. I appreciate all that you've done over these past few days.. from the clean up in Kivotos to defending the castle. I'll see to it you're all properly rewarded."
Serica stood up from her seat, stepping closer to him. "There's a storm brewing inside you, Ja'vassa. These past few weeks haven't been easy for you... punishing Rianra wouldn't be an easy task for any of us. Take all the time you need, it's not like any of us will be going anywhere." She assured him, her tone warm and inviting. "We'll be here when you're ready to move forward."
Ja'vassa merely nodded at her, turning away to leave the room. Disappearing into his private sanctuary, he'd approach an intricately made memorial resting on a small island surrounded by a shallow moat. Kneeling down besides it, he let out a soft sigh. "I... I don't know where to go from here. I can't risk another attack leaking from this place and bringing further harm to my students, but I can't abandon them. What should I do? Where do I go from here?" He asked, staring towards the old stones. "I can't abandon Sjel Blad Castle, especially not after centuries of loyalty. I can't... abandon you, Armani."
Tears sprung up in his eyes, beginning to slowly spill over his cheeks. Over the many long years he's been alive, he had never felt as conflicted as he does now. Every action he had taken, every move he made, every decision he's made. Nothing could've prepared him for this moment; to choose between the Council that had served him loyally for centuries and the students he's grown to adore despite spending such a short amount of time with them. Choosing one over the other felt like a massive insult to the other party, and he could hardly abandon the memorial he had created for his wife, and for the others he's lost over the years.
He sat there, kneeling in front of the old memorial; silently sobbing. He felt lost, more than he had in years. As he remained still, an apparition appeared in front of him; the ghostly aura illuminating the area surrounding the memorial. At first, it was difficult to make out what it was, but once it began speaking, it suddenly became that it was the spirit of Armani reaching out to him.
"It's time for you to let go of the past, Ja'vassa. I understand your attachments to your companions here, but you need to move forward and you'll never do so as long as you remain here in Tamriel." Her voice was distorted, but immediately recognizable as his long, lost partner.
Ja'vassa's eyes widened as he took in the image of his wife's ghostly figure. "...Armani? How can I move forward knowing that I've failed so many times. I failed you, Armani. I know I strayed far from the promise I made you.. failed our children, our families. How could I move forward?" He asked, his gaze falling to the ground beneath him.
Armani reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You didn't fail anyone, Ja'vassa. You did everything you could to keep us safe.. the love you held for us was always earnest and true. It's true you made a few mistakes along the way, and perhaps there is no redemption for it, but... you can start over again on the other side. You can't cling to me, or to those you've lost forever, and you'll never be able to move on if you continue to do so."
Flinching slightly at her touch, Ja'vassa's tears slowly morphed into full sobs. He knew deep down she was right, but still, he wasn't entirely certain if he'd be able to move on from Skyrim. "But... how? How would I be able to move forward? I... I can't abandon you. I've lost you once, I can't lose you a second time." He whimpered, his ears flattening against his head.
"You're not abandoning me, Ja'vassa. It's time for you to stop worrying about everyone else and begin thinking for yourself. You have played your role in Skyrim, this land no longer needs your protection, but there are people on the other side that do need you. We'll meet again another day, my dear, but that day has yet to arrive. Those students need you more than anyone else does." Slowly, her hands moved to cup his cheeks, her fingers tenderly wiping the fallen tears away. "You can't continue to blame yourself for what happened. You can't continue to cling to the past. Regardless of what you've done and regardless of what will happen in the future, my love has always remained. I could never hate you, like you feared."
At the tender touch, Ja'vassa clenched his teeth, forcing his sobs back as he'd slowly regain his composure, taking several deep breaths. Leaning into her ghostly hands, he finally met her warm gaze. "I am sorry, Armani... for everything. You're right. Redemption is beyond me, but... maybe with those students, I could start over. Create a new life, away from all of this." His hands trembled slightly, he couldn't help but feel nervous about potentially abandoning the place he called home for centuries.
"I know it'll be difficult leaving Tamriel behind, but it's for the best. You have served your purpose here, Ja'vassa. Your students need you more than anyone else does." Armani whispered, slowly pulling her hands away from him. "Let go of the guilt you feel inside, you know as well as I do that they'll be able to take care of themselves here."
She was right and he had always known that in the event of his death, Sjel Blad Castle would be fine without him. During his initial, self-imposed exile, the castle not only survived, but thrived in his absence. So long as Serica and Relumara remained in charge, he knew that Sjel Blad would thrive once again without him, perhaps even better than it had with him running the place. "You're right, Armani. They'll be fine. They're strong, wise, and capable leaders. I'd trust them more than anyone to see to it that Sjel Blad continues to survive for the coming centuries." Ja'vassa looked towards her, though his tears had since stopped, his eyes were still misty. "I only wish we had more time together like this."
Armani shook her head. "This was a gift, my darling. We'll have more time in the future, but for now, don't worry about me. Focus on yourself and on your students. Don't let me get in the way of the joy you'll share with them." Slowly, her ghostly figure began to distort and fade away. "Know that my love follows you wherever you go, whether you stay here or return to the other side. I'll always be watching over you, and when you join us, we'll have time to share your stories once more."
As she finished speaking, she faded away completely; leaving him alone in the sanctuary once again. "Armani..." Ja'vassa muttered, taking a moment to dry his face as he'd return to his feet. "I suppose this is goodbye. It's time I said goodbye to a few others as well."
After leaving the old sanctuary, he'd return to the Council Room to find only Serica and Relumara at the table. Though neither said a word, it was clear they were lost in thought. As the echoes of his footsteps hit their ears, they glanced up towards him.
"It looks like there is much on your mind, my Lord. I take it you've come to a decision with Rianra?" Relumara asked, inviting him to sit down with them.
Declining the offered seat, Ja'vassa nodded in response. "I have. I need to speak with you two, privately. Come with me, would you?" He responded, motioning for them to follow him.
Exchanging confused looks amongst them, the two stood up and followed him towards the Milestone. They had plenty of privacy in the Council Room, but considering that Ja'vassa wanted to speak with them away from the castle was a bit unexpected. "Are you bringing us to Kivotos?" Serica asked, watching as he opened up a portal; revealing a ruined balcony overlooking a frozen lake.
"No, we're visiting somewhere else. There's much I need to talk with you two about." Ja'vassa explained, watching as they'd step through the portal. Upon arriving on the other side, the two Council members marvelled at the awe-inspiring scenery that surrounded them. Towering mountains, icy rivers, the ruined temple; the isolated location along with the scenic views from where they stood gave them a sense of peace and serenity that they hadn't experienced in many years.
"What is this place? It feels as if no one's stepped foot here in centuries..." Relumara said breathlessly, staring in wonder at the sights before him.
"The Forgotten Vale, it once served as a place of worship for followers of Auriel, one of the few snow elven settlements untouched by both the ancient Nords and Dwemer. It was where I discovered Auriel's Bow many centuries ago. I'd suspect that you and Serica are the first outsiders since I arrived here with Serana all those years ago." Ja'vassa explained as he stepped towards the balcony. "This place holds great significance for me, but that's not important now." He paused, hesitating to continue any further.
"Why did you bring us here, Lord? We had all the privacy in the Council Room..." Serica reminded him.
Ja'vassa took a deep breath, taking a moment before he'd respond further. "It's time we said goodbye. I've done a lot of thinking recently, and it's time I moved on from Skyrim." He turned to them for a moment. "I intend to sever the connections between Skyrim and Kivotos by destroying the Milestones on the other side, I don't want to risk another attack like the one Rianra led... and after that's all said and done, I'll be staying in Kivotos."
For a brief second, surprise flashed across their features before they quickly relaxed. Sharing another glance between each other, Relumara chuckled softly. "We understand, Ja'vassa, but both knew this day was coming." He admits.
Serica nodded in agreement, a warm smile crossing her face. "Relumara and I had a shared vision of you leaving the castle years ago. It was a blur, but we've silently prepared ourselves for this moment."
The two stepped closer to him, standing on either side of him. Reaching out, they placed their hands on his shoulders. "I know you've got mixed feelings about this, leaving the place you called home for so long, but you shouldn't worry. We'll be able to take care of ourselves, I promise. Those girls on the other side need you more than anyone else does." Serica assured him, giving his shoulder a light squeeze.
"She's right. We both knew this day was approaching the moment you first brought the Abydos students here. In all the centuries I've served you, I'm not sure I've seen a more genuine smile from you than when you were with them. We'll be fine, you don't have to worry about us." Relumara adds, giving him a reassuring smile. "Just promise us that you'll take care of yourself on the other side."
Serica nods in agreement, "And... allow us to treat you to one last feast before we say our final farewells."
Ja'vassa choked back his growing emotions, nodding at them in response. "Of course. One final meal shared with my old apprentices." He sighed softly, turning to face them completely. "Though... give me some time to tie up some loose ends. There are others I must say farewell to before I return to Kivotos." He'd step towards the Milestone once more, reopening the portal to the castle.
"Of course, it'll take some time for us to prepare our meal. Don't rush yourself, take as much time as you need, my Lord." Relumara replies, following him into the portal.
After returning to the castle, Ja'vassa had made his way towards the exit. There were more than a few things he needed to see and more than a few people he needed to speak with. A lengthy journey awaited him, but it was a necessary one for him to undertake.
For the next couple of days, he'd wander all over Skyrim and beyond; visiting the ruins of Helgen, Sadrith Kagran, Blackreach, Castle Volkihar, Solstheim, and finally High Hrothgar. The entirety of the journey took nearly a week and as he arrived at the Throat of the World, he'd take some time for one final meditation session with Paarthurnax and he'd officially release Odahviing from his command, acknowledging the dragon's centuries of loyal service and the aid he's provided over generations of battle. As he'd wander back down the mountain towards Sjel Blad Castle, he fondly reminisced about the good times he's spent in this land. Meeting and befriending Serana, discovering the mask of Konahrik, recovering the Elder Scrolls, creating his great weapons, officially become Archmage of Winterhold, and everything else that had happened since he first stepped foot in Skyrim.
Once he returned to the castle, he was ushered into the mess hall where he'd be given a seat at the table with the rest of the Inner Council; even Rianra was granted a seat despite the general distrust of him. A lavish meal was served alongside cups of some of the rare wines that the castle held for special occasions like this. An hour into the meal, Ja'vassa had stood up, holding his glass of wine high in the air.
"I'm not much for speeches, but I figured a moment like this calls for it. This was no easy decision to make, but I suppose it was inevitable. I want to thank each and every one of you for your loyalty, dedication, and hard work. Had I done this alone, Sjel Blad Castle wouldn't have survived beyond the first decade, but because of all of you, this place has thrived and has become an important landmark known all across the land." Ja'vassa's voice was strong, though it wavered slightly, his tone becoming slightly scratchy as he pushed his tears back once more. "Know that I will always be grateful for all that you have done for me. That even on the other side, I will never forget you or your deeds. From protecting this castle from outside threats to making sure that I was always comfortable and taken care of. This may be goodbye, but know that my love and admiration will always be with you."
Once he finished speaking, he proposed a toast and quickly downed the glass of wine along with those who sat around him. He'd spend the remainder of the evening feasting and talking with his companions, praising them for their loyal service and the skills they've accumulated in the time he'd known them. As their meal came to an end, he and the Inner Council returned to the council room for one final moment between them.
Ja'vassa approached the Milestone, taking a deep breath. "I'm going to destroy this Milestone and the others, though... I'll preserve the one in Clockwork Castle. If a crisis occurs on the other side, I want to be sure my students have somewhere safe to seek refuge. I shall keep the Void Storages intact as well, that way we can remain in touch. Should you need advice, you can reach out to me... whether you continue to support Abydos as had been is up to you." He'd place his hand on the Milestone, creating the portal to his SCHALE office. "Relumara, this is your castle now. From this day forward, you will be Lord of Sjel Blad Castle. What you choose to do with it from here on out is your choice. Rianra's fate will be up to you as well."
It was a large responsibility, but Relumara accepted the role anyway. "Very well. Thank you, Ja'vassa. For everything. We'll be sure to stay in touch with you going forward. This is farewell for now."
The Council bowed towards him out of respect, watching as he'd disappear into the portal. Once the gateway closed, the Milestone slowly faded away, severing most of the connection between Kivotos and Sjel Blad Castle once and for all. While Ja'vassa wanted nothing more than to reunite with Hifumi, and his other students and inform them of his decision, given that it was well into the evening, it was best to wait until the morning. For now, he stood and stared out the window, contemplating his future and where he'd go from here. Kivotos was his home now, whether or not this would be the right decision would be determined another time.
