Beautiful Insanity (A Skyrim/Oblivion Fanfiction) ((ORIGINAL))

Alive

"What the hell?" I muttered. "Sanguine?" The gray-skinned Daedra smiled and leaned on his rose-shaped staff.

"Give her a prize!" the Daedric Prince laughed. "See, it's quite easy to interfere with the speech between a mortal and another Prince." I frowned at Sanguine.

"Why?" I queried. "Why did you speak to me? This doesn't concern you."

"It was quite easy to imitate Jyggalag's voice. It's so humdrum now... As for whether or not it concerns me, I believe you'll be surprised to learn that, in fact, it has everything to do with me, lovie," he purred, holding out his hand. A glowing orb appeared on his fingertips with a strange face inside. I looked up into Sanguine's black eyes.

"What is that?"

"My cousin," he announced. "He's called many names. The Gray One, Bringer of Madness, Jyggalag, Sheogorath... I couldn't have him be vaporized by some mortal-turned-god, could I?" I stepped backwards, absolutely shocked. Shaking my head, I recovered from my stupor and moved towards the Prince.

"That's not possible," I murmured. "I watched him die."

"You underestimate my power of interference, dearie!" he giggled. I raised an eyebrow disbelievingly, staring at the orb.

"I don't believe you," I stated, putting my hands on my hips.

"That's your choice," he cackled, holding it out for me to see.

"If you speak the truth, then let him go!" I demanded, reaching for the ball that kept Jyggalag captive. He immediately pulled it away.

"I can't just let something this valuable go!" he said mockingly, feigning surprise. "Why, this is my dear cousin! He may as well be a brother to me!"

"He's the only way I'll ever get my daughter back," I growled, grabbing at it wildly. Sanguine only seemed amused at my attempts. The horned Daedra leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Let's make a deal," he coaxed. "How about..." he looked at my neck and pursed his lips. "Your necklace?" I absently gripped it, looking at the silver charm. It was the dragon that Brynjolf had given me so long ago. I was hesitant. Who knew whether or not Sanguine would honor his bargain? This particular piece of jewelry was immensely important to me.

"Why?" I queried cautiously. Sanguine shrugged.

"It's such a pretty trinket," he responded. I furrowed my brows, knowing that he was lying. I don't know if I'll get Regina back at all. Perhaps it's just Jyggalag, and there is no way for a Daedric Prince to return from death. But am I willing to risk never seeing my daughter again on speculation? It's my starmetal, my necklace, my charm. 

"Swear on your status as a Prince that you will return Jyggalag to me as soon as I give you my necklace. Should you be lying, I will receive all of your powers and lands," I bartered. Sanguine appeared thoughtful.

"You're growing wiser, little Dragonborn," he chuckled, spinning the orb around on his finger. "But then again, what wise man would strike a deal with a Daedric Prince?"

"Someone... whose desperation clouds reason." He grinned wickedly, tapping his chin.

"I accept your terms, Russet. Then do we have a deal?" Sanguine held out his hand. I hesitantly unclasped my necklace, staring at it mournfully. The emerald eyes almost seemed regretful as I placed it into Sanguine's outstretched palm. His fingers snapped shut on the silver charm, and he shoved the glowing ball into my hands. It was strangely heavy for its size.

I looked down at it, and when I looked up, the Daedric Prince of Debauchery was gone. I'm a moron for once again making a deal with a Prince. I poked at the ball, wondering how to let him out of the glass prison. That's when it dawned on me.

That bastard never said how to get Jyggalag out.