Nothing for it but to try.

The way back is easier than the way in - they know where they're going, now, and some of their opposition is already dead. The few skeletons they meet are manageable.

The portal appears to still be open, a swirling bright gash against the sky.

Good. They should move through it quickly.

It feels weird and disorienting again - painful to Lace, or like having an ache in her bones peeled out of her - and then they're back in Valerica's study, undisturbed since they left.

The portal dims and swirls shut behind them.

"Just in time."

"Yeah."

"Figure we should go through her notes more? She might have more on the Elder Scrolls..."

"Gather her notebooks up, and anything else you think looks interesting. We can review in detail somewhere else."

"Okay."

Notebooks are easier now that she knows Valerica's handwriting. The rest - unfortunately limited by their physical ability to carry things (she also needs to reinvent ebooks, apparently), but Lace finds a few slim volumes that look promising to add to the pile.

Elana digs up a few knapsacks to help carry, and some non-journal books that are rare and helpful.

"Good to go, then?"

"I think so," she says, shouldering one of the knapsacks. "We should be able to get out the same way we came in."

"Alright. Likely there'll be more opposition?"

"Doubtful, unless Harkon decided to send reinforcements."

Nod.

And back out.

And into the boat again. Sorry, Lace.

She'll survive.

It would be a shame to die here, after what they just did.

"I'll try not to let the calm sea beat me up, then."

"You can hold onto me if it makes you feel better."

Sigh and dramatic drape. "Please protect me from the vicious water."

"As you wish." She starts rowing them back to shore.

Snuggle!

The trip back to shore is uneventful.

"We should head back to Solitude and start our investigations."

She nods. "Yay, more hiking..."

Scoop.

"You don't have to walk anywhere you don't want to."

Giggle.

"You're very good," she says, as she snuggles into Elana's arms.