The next morning, Morthal felt different.
The oppressive atmosphere that had clung to the town like a wet blanket was gone. People moved through the streets with slightly straighter backs, even if they didn't fully understand why. A few locals even gave us curious glances as we walked toward the Highmoon Hall.
Meridia walked beside me, still radiating quiet irritation from last night's conversation with Jonna.
"These mortals live in filth and darkness for decades, and when we remove it, they laugh," she muttered. "I should have lit up the entire inn. Perhaps then they would show proper respect."
I kept my voice low. "Easy, Princess. If you start blasting divine light everywhere, we'll have the Vigilants of Stendarr knocking on our door. Let's try doing this the normal way first."
She huffed but stayed close, her arm occasionally brushing against mine.
Highmoon Hall was a large, somewhat gloomy longhouse. Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone sat on her throne-like chair, eyes half-lidded as if she were listening to voices no one else could hear. Her housecarl, a stern Nord named Aslfur, stood protectively beside her.
We approached, and Aslfur stepped forward.
"State your business, outsiders."
I bowed my head slightly. "We're here to report on the sunken barrow north of town. The corruption there has been destroyed. The drowned dead, the false Eye, the source of the missing people — it's all gone."
A heavy silence fell over the hall.
Jarl Idgrod slowly opened her eyes fully and stared at us. Her gaze lingered especially long on Meridia.
"…Interesting," the Jarl said in a distant voice. "The spirits have been unusually quiet since last night. You speak truth. Yet you also speak madness. Champion of Meridia? A Daedric Prince walking among us in the flesh?"
Meridia's golden eyes flashed with pride. "I am exactly who he says I am, mortal. Look upon me and know the truth."
Aslfur's hand moved closer to his axe. "Careful. Daedra worship is not welcomed openly in Skyrim. Especially not in these times."
The Jarl raised a hand, silencing him. She studied us for a long moment, her expression unreadable.
"I do not doubt that something powerful happened in the barrow. The spirits whisper of golden fire and shattered darkness." She leaned forward slightly. "But claiming a Daedric Prince herself walks beside you? That is… difficult to accept. Many charlatans have come to Morthal claiming divine favor."
Meridia's aura flared brightly for a split second, lighting up the entire hall in radiant gold before she suppressed it. Several guards gasped and stepped back.
"Does that feel like a charlatan's trick to you?" she asked coldly.
Idgrod actually smiled — a small, weary smile. "No. It does not. But belief and public declaration are different things. If I announce that a Daedric Prince and her champion cleansed our swamps, the Empire and the Stormcloaks will both take interest. Neither side wants Daedric interference right now."
I stepped forward. "We're not asking for rewards or recognition. We just wanted you to know the threat is gone. Your people can rest easier."
The Jarl nodded slowly. "For that, you have my thanks. I will send men to confirm the barrow is clear. In private, I will acknowledge what you have done." Her eyes shifted to Meridia again. "And I will not insult a being of your power by pretending ignorance."
Meridia gave a satisfied nod, though she was still clearly annoyed at the lack of open reverence.
As we left Highmoon Hall, Meridia walked with more spring in her step.
"At least that one was not completely blind," she said. "Though she still hides behind politics. Mortals and their endless little games."
I smiled. "You were impressive in there. The light show was a nice touch."
She flicked her hair proudly. "Of course it was. I am Meridia."
We spent the rest of the day walking around Morthal. A few people had already noticed that the unnatural lights in the north had vanished. One old woman even hesitantly thanked us for "whatever you did," though she still looked skeptical.
Later that evening, back in our room at the Moorside Inn, Meridia lounged on the bed while I cleaned my armor.
System Notice: Regional Influence in Morthal Increased Hidden Quest Unlocked: "Light in the Swamp" (Ongoing)
"You are growing," Meridia said softly, watching me. "Not just in strength. In presence."
I looked over at her. "Having a certain arrogant princess watching my back helps."
She turned her head away, but I saw the small smile. "Flattery again. You are becoming dangerous, fisherman."
I sat on the bed beside her. "So… what now? Stay in Morthal a bit longer, or move on?"
Meridia shifted closer until her shoulder pressed against mine. "We will stay another day or two. I want to make sure Mora's filth does not return. And…" She paused, voice quieter. "I am not yet ready to return to my realm."
I raised an eyebrow. "Because you're worried about me?"
"Because my champion still needs supervision," she corrected haughtily, though she leaned her head against my shoulder. "Do not twist my words."
I chuckled and put my arm around her. "Wouldn't dream of it, Princess."
For a while, we simply sat together in comfortable silence. Outside, Morthal continued its slow, skeptical recovery. Inside, the bond between a former fisherman and the Daedric Princess of Light grew a little stronger.
The road ahead was still long and dangerous.
But at least we were walking it together.