Heartless

Chapter 38 - Part 51

A quick rundown on what's going on:
This chapter is set during the night that was depicted last chapter, where Shadow and Brynjolf achieve sleep at last. Currently, Shadow is being smushed into Bryn's chest because he wants to keep her warm. This is a dream/vision.

Shadow

I knew I was dying, I just wasn't going to tell the others. Even now I could feel my breaths slowing and becoming laboured.

You are so young, so much could be ahead of you.

I know.

They need you, you know. They all need you. The world will end without you.

So let it, I don't care.

But you do.

I really don't. Alduin can have it.

And Miraak?

Sure, let Chaos reign, I say.

Even near death your presence is enjoyable.

Right. Mind getting to the point?

I will get to the point when I come to it, Miss Septim. Hold your horses now.

Well I'm dying over here, make it quick.

Ah yes. You see, I'm just a messenger. Clavicus Vile at your service, my lady. I get my orders from Zenithar, who gets them from Talos, who gets them from Mara, who gets them from Dibella, who gets them from Stendarr, who gets them from Kynareth, who gets them from Azura, who gets them from Namira, who gets them from Boethiah, who gets them from Tsun, who gets them from Julianos, who gets them from Arkay, who gets them from Akatosh.

And where does Akatosh get them?

I can't remember, can I? I'm just the messenger.

Right.

Now where was I? Hmm...

You were getting to the point.

Yes! Right. So you have two choices:

1) Die and become a goddess

2) Sacrifice everything and return to age twenty five. Nobody will remember you, and you can start over.

I'll think on it.

So what choice? 1 or 2?