Dawn
*Erandur nodded to the both, sighing as he proceeded ahead*

"It's time. The Skull must be destroyed. If you'll stand back, I'll perform the ritual granted to me by Lady Mara."

*Speaking to the two, approaching the skull of corruption. Erandur began to call out to Lady Mara, seeking her help in a chant*

"I call upon you, Lady Mara! The Skull hungers. It yearns for memories and leaves nightmares in its wake. Grant me the power to break through this barrier and to send the Skull to the depths of Oblivion!"

*The feeling of discomfort washes over Damien and Mirihil, a distant voice becoming clear. Washing out outside noise as it speaks to them.

"He's deceiving you. When the ritual's complete, the Skull will be free and then Erandur will turn on you. Quickly! Kill him now. Kill him and claim the Skull for your own! Vaermina commands you!"

*Vaermina finally reveals themselves, a soft women's voice echos in their mind as Erandur continues the ritual... Giving them an ultimatum*
Susan
Mirihil screwed her eyes shut as the voice drilled into her mind. She scowled and grunted as she worked up the strength to form a reply befitting the Mistress of Nightmares herself.

*"No."*
Brady
He remains steadfast, ignoring the voice, he mumbles a prayer to Y'ffre as a way to fight against the daedric voice. "Let's hurry this up. I'm starting to hear voices."
Dawn
*Her demands becoming louder, only until they suddenly stopped. Refusing the her demand seemed fruitful, as Erandur finished the chant. The priest able to destroy the staff as the barrier around it disappears and the feeling of the Daedric prince pressure wains. Erandur walked down the steps, but his expression doesn't seem any better*

"Forgive me if I don't appear relieved... This temple has taken its toll on me."
Susan
Mirihil let out a sigh of relief when the staff disappeared, Vaermina seemingly leaving with it. 

"I don't blame you," She answered. "I'm pretty exhausted myself, and this place doesn't have any baggage for me like it does for you."

She took in another deep breath, glancing around a bit before looking again to Erandur. "So, are we done here? Dawnstar's free?"
Brady
"At least of Vaermina's influence." He says, "You did good work, Priest. I'll avoid asking questions about your past, would rather not look the gift horse in the mouth."
Dawn
"Dawnstar should be safe... But I constructed a meager Mara shrine in the antechamber... My intention was to spend the rest of my years here, burying the past and praying for forgiveness."

*He looked about the remnants of what was... Then giving his gaze back to them*

"I wish to offer my services, whenever either of you return to Dawnstar look for me if you need any assistance in your journey.."
Susan
"You don't have to stay here for the rest of your life. You're already well on the road of atonement with what you did here. But... If that's your decision, I won't try and press you."

Suddenly, she let out a heavy sigh and rubbed her eyes. "It's time I got going. Was on the road from Whiterun before all this, and I'm... Tired, to say the least."
Brady
"If you want a break from all this you can come to Solitude. The Storied Envoy is always looking for recruits." He says, "Adventurers, mostly, travelling to the different provinces. Life on board would likely be preferable to... This."
Dawn
*Hearing their suggestions all he did was nod and grow quiet. Giving each a smile of gratitude*

"Anywhere "I don't know what persuaded you to assist me when we met in Dawnstar, but I'm glad you did. But I shall remain here for my sins or the past."

*Erandur bowed once more, heading back to the shrine of Mara he set up leaving them to go do what they intended to do*
Susan
"Understood," She answered, watching Erandur walk off before looking to Damien and extending her hand. "Well, I'm heading out. Maybe our paths will cross again, but if not, it was a pleasure."
Brady
He bows, "If you need anything seek us out. We're always glad to lend a hand." He says, shaking her hand "I wouldn't call this meeting a pleasure, though. Feels wrong to let all these people die without giving them last rites."
Susan
"Very well. While you do that, I'll head back to the town. Tell them that their nightmares should be gone, then order a hot meal and some Honningbrew mead." With that, she gave Damien a nod and made her way out of the temple, greedily drinking in the fresh air once she was finally out.
Brady
He kneels, "I shouldn't take long. Once I'm done with this I'll head into town. You stay safe, and I hope next time we meet it is in a less stressful situation."