The Witch of Silatar [Quest]

Text of the Quest:

The Veiled Heritants plan to harm the Wilderking. If I enter Aranias past through Maruins story, I can change her future. Maruin can explain to me how I will change Aranias story.

Spinner Maruin: You certainly took your time about things. Not your fault, I understand, not your fault! We may yet get this right!
Hero: What are you talking about? Where is Aranias?
Spinner Maruin: Insidethe story. You must also enter the story in order to help her.
Hero: All right, I will.
Spinner Maruin: Aranias wants to see the Wilderking. I'm his gatekeeper. To see him, you ask me nicely and then I tell you a story. A story that you take part in.
Hero: So she's inside the story you're telling?
Spinner Maruin: Yes. The story is one from her own past, but she's convinced that she's living through these events for the first time. You'll play the part of the close friend she never had. Someone she can trust, who can change the person Aranias becomes.
Hero: All right, then put me into the story.
Spinner Maruin: Ask nicely.
Hero: May I please join Aranias in the story?
Spinner Maruin: Of course! Now, sit down by the fireplace. Imagine there's a nice, warm fire burning there, and I'll set the scene.

Spinner Maruin: Have a seat by the fire and let me know when you're ready to hear the story. Remember, ask nicely.
Hero: Look into the fire
Spinner Maruin: Imagine the flames are the waves of a vast ocean.
Hero: Watch the flames.
Spinner Maruin: Cold waves on a clear blue ocean off the coast of Summerset.
Hero: Focus on the fire.
Spinner Maruin: Now picture an island. Trees around the island shimmer in the sunlight; each gently cresting ocean wave sparkles. Many stones, roots, and flowers on the island were shaped by magicka. Only two living Altmer possess such power.
Hero: Continue to focus on the fire.
Spinner Maruin: One of those two Altmer stands outside the manor on this island. Her island. Go to her. Become her friend.
Hero: Enterthe story.

Aranias: I'm so glad you could come! My parents will be back tonight, and I was afraid I'd have to face them alone again.
Hero: I don't know what's going on.
Aranias: That's why I asked you to come early. I'm not sure what will happen either. Before they get back, I want to be carefree. We can visit some of our favorite places together.
Hero: Do you remember me?
Aranias: Why wouldn't I? We practically grew up together. You're the only one I can trust these days.
Hero: You don't remember anything about Bramblebreach?
Aranias: Bramblebreach? You know my parents have never let me leave Silatar after they saw what I can do. I've missed so much .... What happened at Bramblebreach?
Hero: It's not important right now. Why'd your parents leave you here?
Aranias: They were afraid, like everyone else. After I raised up the land under the sea and smashed that ship ... even though nobody got hurt they said my magic was too dangerous. You're the only one who isn't afraid of me. You're ... not afraid, right?
Hero: Of course not.
Aranias: You don't know what that means to me. Now, what will we do first? I know. Let's race to the lighthouse, like we did when we were little. Bet you still can't catch me!

Aranias: Not bad. You're pretty fast.
Hero: Did you just bind up my legs with vines?
Aranias: Maybe. You know I've always had a special connection to the land. Sometimes things happen, and I don't even think about it. It just happens.
Hero: It's cheating.
Aranias: I'm sorry. It just happened. Wait. Something's wrong. Can you feel that? The land's in pain, burning hot. Look! The farm's burning!
Hero: Where's the farm?
Aranias: Over the rise. Wait. Too many footsteps, and it's too early for my parents' return. Boots. Boots .... There are invaders on Silatar. We have to stop them!

Aranias: What have they done to my farm? Why would they do this? Animals!
Hero: Where did they come from?
Aranias: Does it matter? I'm tired of this! Everyone wants to hurt me or use me, and it stops now! Where were you when my parents "tested" me? Where were you when I needed you most? You left me! Why are you even here? Do you want something from me too?
Hero: I only want to help you.
Aranias: I'm ... I'm sorry. After my parents left, I felt so alone. I couldn't find you. People kept coming. They'd attack, hound me, want me to show them what I can do. Like I was a circus animal, or some kind of pet! I shouldn't take it out on you.
Hero: I didn't realize how upset you were.
Aranias: No, it's not your fault. Thanks to you, these bastards didn't get very far. They could have destroyed everything! It's getting late. We need to clean up before my parents return. Meet me at the manor later.

Spinner Maruin: ln her tale, Aranias was volatile and she swung between anger, shame, and hope. Feared by her own parents because of her abilities, she faced the bandits alone. This made her bitter and hardened against others. Vulnerable to outside influences.
Hero: What happened?
Spinner Maruin: You will soon see it for yourself. But first, you should view another scene from Aranias' past. She was a bit younger, and excited about her newly-found skills. Are you ready?
Hero: I'm ready.

Spinner Maruin: Gifted with a rare and powerful ability, Aranias tried in vain to win her parents' affection.
Hero: What happened next?
Spinner Maruin: So much "happened next," but I especially draw your attention to two particular events. One scene is atop the lighthouse. The other, in the manor's great hall. They will help you understand more about our troubled Altmer, I hope.
Hero: Is that all I need to do? Understand her?
Spinner Maruin: No. The greatest challenge conies next, and Aranias needs you. Her parents returned after the attack on the farm, and brought with them the people they considered their daughter's only hope. The Veiled Heritance. She should not face this alone.
Hero: Where is she?
Spinner Maruin: Getting changed at the manor. You should do the same after you watch those scenes. You'll find a change of clothes in the guest bedroom off the great hall. Then, go to Aranias in the garden.

Aranias: You look good. How do you feel?
Hero: Fine. How's the party?
Aranias: There are so many people. And look, it's High Kinlady Estre! Why's she here? I bet my parents want me to show off my powers. I thought they were bringing me a teacher or something.
Hero: You sound hesitant.
Aranias: Hesitant? I hate this! And they've got something particular they want to see. Would you do me a favor and find out? Mingle among them. Eavesdrop. Find out what they've planned for me.
Hero: And when you know what's planned ...?
Aranias: I'm not sure yet. They'll probably want another statue raised from the ground. My parents treat that like a party trick, and this is a party after all. But the way they're talking, it sounds more dangerous and I'm a bit worried, to be honest.
Hero: I've often wondered myself how exactly you control the land.
Aranias: You asked me this before, silly. I don't know, but when I think about changing things around me, my thoughts come true. Remember when that merchant ship sank? I'd lifted the ground out of the ocean. I just forgot to lower it again.

Andur: I'm afraid this one is about to die. I didn't realize how frail Bosmer were.
Hero: Wait. Aranias is supposed to demonstrate her power on a Bosmer?
Andur: Not this Goblin-faced meat-eater, his wife. Wait a minute. You're not with the Heritance!
Hero: You're right. I stand with Aranias.

Salalin: They ... they took my wife.
Hero: Where did they take her?
Salalin: They will give her to the witch. The Rock Witch. The land will kill her. They said the land ....
Hero: Not if I can stop them.

Spinner Maruin: Hm. You killed Andur? That's not supposed to happen.
Hero: What do you mean?
Spinner Maruin: Oh, don't worry, it was an entertaining twist, to be sure. But sadly, as real as it may seem, this is just a story. In real life, you were not there to kill Andur.
Hero: Is he more dangerous in real life?
Spinner Maruin: He has had considerable time to grow in power. And his temper has not gotten any longer, if you understand me. It seems the Veiled Heritance have sent him after Aranias, to ensure she kills the Wilderking, or dies if she fails.
Hero: How do you know that?
Spinner Maruin: I met him. He wanted to get into this story, but he wouldn't ask nicely. But there's nothing we can do about that right now. We have a story to finish. Aranias' big moment is about to arrive. You should go to her.
Hero: Where is Aranias?
Spinner Maruin: ln the garden. She's been commanded to kill the wife of this Bosmer. You should hurry to her. She faced this alone last time.

Aranias: This is my test. If I can take the life of this girl, it means that I'm willing to make the necessary sacrifices.
Hero: This is not a necessary sacrifice. This is murder.
Aranias: What about the Bosmer who attacked my island? What were they? Dominion ambassadors? A peace mission?
Hero: Those were bandits. This woman did nothing to you.
Aranias: If I refuse to kill this Bosmer, then what? I'll be alone again. The "Rock Witch of Silatar," a monster for fairy tales.
Hero: You're not alone. I'm here.
Aranias: You're here with me now, but what about later? No. No, that's not it. I must trust myself. Believe I can do what's right. I don't need anyone, you or the Veiled Heritance, to guide me.
Hero: What will you do now?
Aranias: I am stronger than this. I won't murder an innocent to prove I can, no matter who demands it. The Veiled Heritance won't control my destiny, I will. I can do this. And I shall.

Spinner Maruin: You were a fine character. Most enjoyable. And it looks like you made quite an impression on Aranias.
Hero: What just happened? Where did she go?
Spinner Maruin: As one story ends, another reaches its climax. Our little bit of mischief was a success: because of you, Aranias may very well betray her masters to defend the Wilderking.
Hero: Complete Quest.