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

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A/N: Are you guys enjoying the story so far? I'd love some comments telling me how I did! I'm feeling really sick, so honestly y'all are lucky I love you :)

...

The spark was gone as soon as it had appeared, leaving me unsure if I'd seen it at all. Sheogorath laid his staff against his legs and grinned.

"Well now, what news do you have to report? What about Xedilian? Since you're standing here, I assume you've succeeded." His smile turned into a scowl. "Or you're terribly confused... or really lacking in good judgement." I found his capricious moods alluring. Stop it, Regina, I told myself. He's a Daedric Prince. Remember what your parents had to go through? Don't mess with Daedric Princes. They're naturally charismatic. Calm down and face him. "Are you listening to me, mortal?"

"Oh, y-yes. Xedilian functions once more."

"I trust you enjoyed the activities?"

"I, uh... of course." I recalled the impressive methods that Xedilian's builders had come up with. "Truly a masterpiece of a building, Lord Sheogorath." Impulsively, I swept into a massive bow and smirked, my heart pounding. "Though it goes by a bit slowly." What was I doing?! Sheogorath's pupils narrowed, and it appeared that he was contemplating my words.

Would I give in and go insane? Or would I leave the Isles safe at home, my sanity intact?

"I suppose everything could improve," he growled. "New chambers, new ways to kill the fools who deny me." I shifted my weight, aware I was walking a fine line. "I'm pleased that I won't have to throw you in there... Yet. But wonderful! Time for a celebration! Cheese for everyone!" Sheogorath paused. "Wait, scratch that. Cheese for no one. That can be just as much of a celebration if you don't like cheese. True? 

"You've run a maze like a good little mouse, but no cheese for you yet. Well, maybe a little." He pressed his smooth fingers against my temple, and I staggered backwards as a new spell was forced into my brain. "I've granted you a new skill-- the ability to summon Haskill, my Chamberlain, to aid you in your travels. He knows a lot. More than he knows. In fact, give it a try. Summon our friend right now. I'll wait." I turned to face Haskill, whose face showed clear annoyance.

I focused on the spell, and Haskill vanished in a cloud of smoke before reappearing by my side.

"Ah, our Lord has granted you the ability to summon me. How wonderful for me. When summoned, I can offer advice on your current endeavor. I imagine it's up to you what to do with my wisdom. " I could almost feel the aggravation burning a hole in my head. "Do try to use your power sparingly. I have duties to which I must attend. Rather more important than shepherding you around, I'm sure." Haskill vanished in purple fog, reappearing at Sheogorath's side.

"Isn't that a hoot?" the Madgod laughed. "I love it, myself. Best part of being a Daedric Prince, really. Go ahead, try it again. He loves it!" I got the distinct feeling that Haskill actually did not love it, but swiftly obeyed.

"Ah, summoned again," Haskill grumbled. "My Lord does so enjoy that, as is His prerogative. I'll assume you're done for now."

"Good!" Sheogorath chuckled. "You'll need all the direction you won't need if you're going to stay here in the Isles!" My heart dropped into my stomach.

"My Lord, I--" don't want to stay... Sheogorath fixed me with a glare, and I amended my words. "--can't stay. I have family elsewhere."

"Well, the portal to Cyrodil's closed, so I suppose you're stuck! We don't have any living situations for you. Stay with Syl, little mouse. Oh, Syl will love you. And potentially kill you."

"My Lord, I implore you to reconsider." I was surprised to hear the barest hint of concern in Haskill's usually monotonous voice. "Hirrus Clutumnus recently took a... leap of faith from the highest point in the city. Now that he... is deceased, I believe his home should be more than sufficient. Lady Syl may simply kill your adventurer." After a moment of silence, Sheogorath started nodding.

"Very well then, Haskill." He turned to me. "So, you'll live in Hummus' house. Well, it's your house now. Unless I change my mind. Or my mind changes me."

"Th-thank you, my Lord." I was being transformed into a blubbering fool, especially the longer I spoke to the Madgod. I shook my head rapidly, trying to shake off the strange forces closing in on my mind.

"You're very welcome, little mouse." I stared at the Prince, trying to commit his face to memory. Perhaps I could try to get used to him and keep my sanity. "Get going and get situated. But if I ever call for you-- come immediately. Or else I'll get bored. I don't like being bored. Wait, when I'm bored, I break things. I break walls. I break necks. I break dance." I stifled a giggle and nodded my head in acceptance. "I guess I do like being bored. But you, you wouldn't like me when I'm bored."

"What would you need me for, if I may be so bold?" I held my breath.

"I dunno. It depends on a lot of things. If I desire your company. If I need to send you out on a dangerous mission to the darkest depths of the Hills of Suicide to find a spoon. If my palace is on fire. You get the point."

"My Lord, if I could have an escort to my new living situation, I'd greatly appreciate it."

"Would you, now? Haskill! Take her to Hubbalub's house. Oh, her house now, I suppose. I keep forgetting. Or stop remembering. One of the two. Maybe both."

"Yes, Sire." The chamberlain walked up the stairs. "Coming, madam?"

"I am." I rolled my shoulders and followed the Breton out the palace door, giving one last glance to Sheogorath. His eyes met mine, and for a moment, almost passing too quickly, he held interest in normal-looking eyes.

...

"Lady Regina, this will be your home from now on." Haskill opened up the door to Hirrus' house and gave me the key. It was cozy, and though a bit unfurnished, it fit my tastes well.

"You mean until I can find out how to open a portal back to my...?" I sat down on a chair.

"Oh, no. You're staying here." My gaze shot up to the man, who held a neutral expression. "Lord Sheogorath does not like His visitors leaving. He says He lets them "enjoy longer vacations for eternity". My Lord has quite the mind. He never does change." There was a twinge on the end of his sentence, and I wondered what it could mean. Without thinking, I blurted out what I'd seen.

"He's not exactly unchanging. When we left, his eyes-- they looked, well, normal. Not that he isn't normal. He isn't, but... " I trailed off uncertainly, hoping that the chamberlain wouldn't take it the wrong way and report to Sheogorath. Haskill looked at me, a single eyebrow raised. From what I knew of Haskill, it was a representation of complete shock.

"His eyes, you say? My..."

"What?"

"It is none of your concern. Make yourself at home, mortal, for that is where you are now." Haskill gave me a stiff bow and vanished, leaving me to ponder his last words endlessly.